bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Grafted Hybrid Nanosheet Array Architecture Enables Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Catalytic Electrodes for Rechargeable Lithium−Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Li Ming , Li Erwei , Yi Jingyu , Xiao Liang , Liu Jinping
Published: December 2023

To fully manifest the high energy densities of lithium−oxygen (Li−O2) batteries, bifunctional catalytic cathodes that efficiently facilitate both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are mandatorily required. However, catalysts with intrinsic bifunctional catalytic activities are limited in practice. In addition, the practical utilization rate of oxygen catalytic cathodes is usually lower due to the deposition of insoluble discharge product Li2O2. To address these issues, this work proposes a grafted hybrid nanosheet array architecture to enable efficient bifunctional oxygen catalytic cathodes for Li−O2 batteries. As a demonstration, Co3O4 nanosheet arrays (MnO2−Co3O4@CC) grafted with MnO2 nanosheets are prepared on carbon cloth by facile electrodeposition followed by calcination in air. The mutually perpendicular Co3O4 and MnO2 nanosheets in the grafted architecture enable both the ORR catalytically active site of MnO2 and the OER catalytically active site of Co3O4 easily accessible during repeated cycling. Thus, the synergistic bifunctional catalysis of hybrid MnO2−Co3O4@CC is effectively realized to deliver a high specific capacity of 8115 mA h g−1 and a low overall overpotential of 0.64 V. This work provides a universal and effective approach for fabricating various efficient catalytic electrodes via the facile integration of different nanomaterials on nanoarray architectures.
Engineering Living Immunotherapeutic Agents for Improved Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gwisai Tinotenda , Günther Sina , Mirkhani Nima , Vizovisek Matej , Menghini Stefano , Jacobs Mira , Christiansen Michael G. , Oberhuber Ines , Poc Pascal , Schuerle Simone
Published: December 2023

Bacteria‐based agents are emerging as promising tools for cancer therapy due to their ability to actively target tumors, trigger localized inflammation, and induce tumor regression. There has been growing interest in using bacteria that are responsive to external cues, such as magnetic fields, to facilitate the formation of robust colonies in tumors and achieve the threshold for clinical efficacy. Several studies have demonstrated the potential of innately magnetically responsive bacteria, known as magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), as steerable agents. However, their immunostimulatory properties, which play a central role in their function as therapeutic agents, have not yet been adequately studied. Here, key aspects of human immune cell response to MTB strainMagnetospirillum magneticumAMB‐1 in physiological environments are characterized. The ability of MTB to maintain magnetic properties, remain viable in whole blood, elicit cytokine production by macrophages, and stimulate uptake of cancer cell material by dendritic cells is examined. This study also investigates the use of MTB–liposome complexes for effective delivery of therapeutic payloads in vitro and explores response to the agent in vivo. Overall, this work establishes the potential of MTB as a versatile, combined delivery platform for immune‐mediated cancer therapy.
Porphyrin‐Based Nanozymes for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Cheng Erli , Li Bowen , Zou Qianli
Published: December 2023

Porphyrins are a class of heterocyclic compounds with a tetrapyrrole conjugated structure, having unique physical, chemical, and optical properties. They have garnered significant interest as building blocks for fabricating nanomaterials due to their attractive features. Porphyrins also serve as the catalytic activity centers for various biological enzymes, making them promising functional molecules for constructing artificial enzymes known as nanozymes. Despite this, the emerging field of porphyrin‐based nanozymes still lacks a comprehensive summary. Here, this study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of porphyrin‐based nanozymes that are engineered with varying methods and materials. In addition, the latest researches are highlighted on their biomedical applications, including cancer treatment, biosensing, antibacterial, and antioxidant applications. The focus lies in the supramolecular mechanisms underlying the nanoengineering approaches and catalytic functions of these nanozymes. The challenges and prospects of constructing porphyrin‐based nanozymes to promote their biomedical applications and the development of next‐generation nanomedicines are also discussed.
Low‐Cost, Compact Quadrupole Mass Filters with Unity Mass Resolution via Ceramic Resin Vat Photopolymerization
Authors: Eckhoff Colin C. , Lubinsky Nicholas K. , Metzler Luke J. , Pedder Randall E. , Velásquez‐García Luis F.
Published: December 2023

This study reports novel, compact, and additively manufactured quadrupole mass filters (QMFs) with adequate filtering performance for practical mass spectrometry applications. The QMFs are monolithically fabricated via vat photopolymerization of glass‐ceramic resin using 57 µm × 57 µm × 100 µm voxels, and selective electroless plating of nickel‐boron. Experimental characterization of QMF prototypes at 1.74 MHz using FC‐43 yields 131 Da peaks with 0.50 Da full width at half maximum (260 resolution), surpassing the resolution of reported miniaturized counterparts under similar conditions, and being on par with commercial, non‐miniaturized, heavier devices. The sensitivity of the 3D‐printed devices is estimated at 0.13 mA Torr−1(comparable to that of optimized, commercial counterparts), while the devices attained up to 250 Da of mass range (limited by the driving electronics). The work is of interest to low‐cost, capable mass spectrometry, 3D‐printed instruments, and in‐space manufacturing of complex instrumentation.
An Interesting Functional Phase Change Material VO2: Response to Multivariate Control and Extensive Applications in Optics and Electronics
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Anqi , Chai Xiaomei , Yang Yi , Lu Min , Bai Xue , Chen Yongyi , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2023

Under physical conditions such as TC = 68 °C, Vanadium dioxide (VO2) undergoes a reversible transformation from a monoclinic phase to a tetragonal rutile phase. This transformation is accompanied by a series of changes in physical properties, including transmittance, conductivity, and refractive index, which make it an excellent functional material. Based on this, VO2 has been extensively researched and applied in the fields of electronics and optics, yielding remarkable results and making it a hot research material. This paper reviews the phase transition mechanisms and optical/electrical properties of VO2, as well as its phase transition hysteresis. From the application perspective, this paper summarizes the modulation content under various external excitations and the element doping effects. Finally, this paper summarizes the classic VO2‐based devices, and points out the development direction and potential of VO2 in optics and electronics. This review provides a systematic summary of VO2, which is useful for its practical applications.
Methane fermentation to methanol (biological gas‐to‐liquid process) usingMethylotuvimicrobium buryatense5GB1C
Authors: Priyadarsini Aradhana , Khaire Kaustubh Chandrakant , Barbora Lepakshi , Maitra Subhrangsu Sundar , Moholkar Vijayanand Suryakant
Published: December 2023

Methanol is a potential alternate liquid transportation fuel for blending with gasoline. Biochemical conversion of methane to methanol is a green process for methanol production. This paper reports biochemical methanol production using type I γ‐proteobacteriaMethylotuvimicrobium buryatense, which has particular importance from the viewpoint of scalable biological gas to liquid processes for industrial application. A statistical design of experiments (at the serum bottle level) was used to optimize fermentation parameters. Enhancement in methanol accumulation was attempted using methanol dehydrogenase inhibitors. This was followed by a validation experiment run in a bioreactor at optimum conditions. At optimum conditions (pH = 7, phosphate concentration = 140 mM, temperature = 25°C) and optical density (600 nm) of 0.3, a methanol titer of 8.54 mM was achieved in 24 h (methane conversion = 20.8%). The addition of a methanol dehydrogenase inhibitor (0.5 mM Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) enhanced the methanol concentration to 10.37 mM. Experiments in a 3.7 L bioreactor using 1.68 bar headspace pressure and optical density (600 nm) of 0.1 yielded 23.7 mM methanol in 24 h (methane conversion = 47.8%). The methanol titers obtained usingM. buryatense5GB1C in 24 h fermentation are significantly higher than several previously reported methanotrophs. These results demonstrate the potential ofM. buryatense5GB1C for the biochemical synthesis of methanol.
New homoleptic imine derivative of lawsone and its metal complexes: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in silico biological investigation
Authors: Sheela Selvaraj Freeda Selva , Kumar Karuppiah Arunsunai , Raman Natarajan
Published: December 2023

In this article, a Schiff base derivative has been prepared using 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone and 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole, and consecutively, four metal complexes (Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)) have been synthesized using this Schiff base derivative as precursor ligand. Characterization of the synthesized compounds are done by employing spectral techniques such as UV–vis, infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). All these methods establish the existence of imine group and the octahedral geometry of the complexes. The synthesized complexes are evaluated for their DNA binding properties that confirm that the binding mode is intercalation. The bioactive ligand and its complexes also exhibit pronounced pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi; fungi, namely, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans and Rhizoctonia bataticola. Moreover, the compounds are examined for their density functional theory (DFT) studies using Gaussian 09 programme. Various reactivity descriptors are calculated based on the highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO‐LUMO) energies. Molecular docking is conducted with two different receptors 1BNA and 1HD2 proteins to get a wide knowledge on the in vitro biological examination and also the interaction of the compounds with different proteins.
Artificial portable plates: A brand new method for assisted colonization of an endangered marine invertebrate, Patella ferruginea
Authors: Pavón‐Paneque Altai , Ostalé‐Valriberas Enrique , Sempere‐Valverde Juan , Sedano Francisco , Espinosa Free , García‐Gómez José Carlos
Published: December 2023

Limpets play an important role in structuring the intertidal fringe, one of the most heavily impacted marine habitats. A large number of limpet species are listed as Endangered or Vulnerable, including Patella ferruginea, one of the most endangered marine invertebrates in the Mediterranean Sea.

Relocation attempts have been made as a conservation tool for reintroductions and population reinforcements for P. ferruginea. Some relocations were mandatory because of port infrastructure repairs in areas where viable populations of this limpet occurred. However, most relocations attempted to date have experienced high mortality rates, leading to the Spanish National Conservation Strategy not recommending this approach for this species.

In this study, 84 individuals of P. ferruginea were relocated, using artificial portable plates (APPs) installed on the ripraps of the Port of Ceuta (Western Mediterranean Sea). These plates were divided into two groups and relocated: (i) as a translocation to a nearby site with similar environmental conditions to the donor area (procedural control); and (ii) as a reinforcement translocation to a relatively distant location (30 km, Algeciras Bay) (experimental procedure). The mortality of the translocated individuals in the procedural control after 10 weeks was similar (6.6%) to that expected for natural populations, whereas the mortality rate for individuals in the reinforcement translocation was higher (26.6%).

The APPs have been proven to be a feasible method for translocation, as they result in relatively low mortality by preventing the stress and damage caused by limpet detachment from substrata. The constraints caused by reinforcement translocation to a new environment seem to be the cause of the increased mortality, as the translocated limpets changed their home scar at a much higher rate than the control limpets did.
An adaptive event‐triggered H∞control framework for nonlinear networked control systems with dual‐channel quantization
Authors: Liu Chongzhi , Tang Xiaojun , Lu Youshui , Wen Guangrui , Zhang Zhifen , Peng Jingbo
Published: December 2023

Networked control system (NCS) is widely used in various fields, but the nonlinear of the controlled plants and the limited network bandwidth bring stability issues, which will affect the performance or even instability of the NCS. To address these aforementioned challenges, this paper proposes a novel nonlinear NCS framework, by considering network‐induced delay, adaptive event‐triggered mechanism, state quantization, control input quantization, and external disturbance based on T‐S fuzzy model. Also, based on this framework, we derive an stability criterion for NCS using linear matrix inequality and propose a collaborative design method for event triggers and controllers. Finally, we verify the superiority and effectiveness of the method by giving two numerical examples.
MOF@Au NPs/aptamer fluorescent probe for the selective and sensitive detection of thiamethoxam
Authors: Yuan Weiwei , Li Shuhuai , Ma Xionghui , Pang Chaohai , Wu Yuwei , Wang Mingyue , Li Bei
Published: December 2023

The luminescence performance of fluorescent reagents plays a crucial role in fluorescence analysis. Therefore, in this study, a novel bi‐ligand Zn‐based metal–organic framework, Au nanoparticle (NP) fluorescent material was synthesized using a hydrothermal method with Zn as the metal source. Simultaneously, a DNA aptamer was introduced as a molecular recognition element to develop a Zn‐based MOF@Au NPs/DNA aptamer fluorescent probe for the ultra‐trace detection of thiamethoxam residues in agricultural products. The probe captured different concentrations of the target molecule, thiamethoxam, through the DNA aptamer, causing a conformational change in the DNA aptamer and bursting the fluorescence of the probe, therefore establishing a fluorometric method for thiamethoxam detection. This method is highly sensitive due to the excellent luminescence properties of the Zn‐based MOF@Au NPs, and the DNA aptamer can specifically recognize thiamethoxam, offering high selectivity. The linear range of the method was 2.5–6000 × 10−11 mol L−1, with a detection limit of 8.33 × 10−12 mol L−1. This method was applied to the determination of actual samples, such as bananas, and the spiked recovery rate was found to be in the range 84.05–109.07%. Overall, the proposed probe has high sensitivity, high selectivity, and easy operation for the detection of thiamethoxam residues in actual samples.
Sustainable finance disclosure regulation insights: Unveiling socially responsible funds performance during COVID‐19 pandemic and Russia–Ukraine war
Authors: Cosma Simona , Cucurachi Paolo , Gentile Vincenzo , Rimo Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

The transition towards a more sustainable financial market demands transparency and trust from investors, objectives also pursued by the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). Specifically, carefully assessing the risk‐adjusted performance of sustainable funds empowers investors to make informed decisions in alignment with their ethical and financial objectives. This article contributes to the debate on the performance of socially responsible investment (SRI) funds in times of crisis by evaluating the risk‐adjusted performance of a sample of SRI and conventional funds, ranked in light of the SFDR, during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. Using a two‐step analysis, the results of the study show that funds with clear sustainability objectives, as defined by Article 9 of the SFDR, were able to outperform conventional funds, but only a few months after the onset of the crisis periods, thus demonstrating poor performance persistence. At the same time, sustainable funds with a focus on financial materiality, as defined by Article 8, were never able to generate significantly different risk‐adjusted performance from conventional funds. Our results show that the lack of performance persistence of Article 9 funds prevents an effective hedging role for investment strategies that consider extra‐financial criteria. They also confirm that the classification criteria introduced by the SFDR still need to be more specific and create more transparency in financial markets.
Organoid co‐culture models of the tumor microenvironment promote precision medicine
Authors: Gu Zhaoru , Wu Quanyou , Shang Bingqing , Zhang Kaitai , Zhang Wen
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the three‐dimensional (3D) culture system has emerged as a promising preclinical model for tumor research owing to its ability to replicate the tissue structure and molecular characteristics of solid tumors in vivo. This system offers several advantages, including high throughput, efficiency, and retention of tumor heterogeneity. Traditional Matrigel‐submerged organoid cultures primarily support the long‐term proliferation of epithelial cells. One solution for the exploration of the tumor microenvironment is a reconstitution approach involving the introduction of exogenous cell types, either in dual, triple or even multiple combinations. Another solution is a holistic approach including patient‐derived tumor fragments, air‐liquid interface, suspension 3D culture, and microfluidic tumor‐on‐chip models. Organoid co‐culture models have also gained popularity for studying the tumor microenvironment, evaluating tumor immunotherapy, identifying predictive biomarkers, screening for effective drugs, and modeling infections. By leveraging these 3D culture systems, it is hoped to advance the clinical application of therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oil from Citrus reticulata Blanco Peels Collected from Agrowastes
Authors: Job Joice Tom , Visakh Naduvilthara U. , Pathrose Berin , Alfarhan Ahmed , Rajagopal Rajakrishnan , Thayyullathil Jobiraj , Thejass P. , Ramesh Varsha , Narayanankutty Arunaksharan
Published: December 2023

Citrus fruits have a thick outer coat which is often discarded due to its low economic value and usually contributes to the waste. So this work focused on exploring the potential pharmacological properties of the discarded citrus peels. In the present study, we extracted the essential oil from peel wastes of Citrus reticulata Blanco (CREO) from the local market. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of essential oil were evaluated. The CREO exhibited a strong antioxidant property with DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, H2O2 radical scavenging, Ferric reducing antioxidant power and for Lipid peroxidation inhibition respectively. Antibacterial properties of CREO was indicated against different pathogenic microbial strains like E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. enterica in terms of disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Further, anticancer properties studied on breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDA‐MB‐231 showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity with IC50 of 56.67±3.12 μg/mL and 76.44±2.53 μg/mL respectively. The GC‐MS analysis of CREO revealed the presence of major compounds like S‐limonene, α‐pinene, α‐myrcene, and cis‐terpinene which might have played a significant role in strong antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer properties. The study thus identified the potential health benefits of Citrus reticulata peel waste.
Bioactivities and Structure‐Activity Relationships of Maslinic Acid Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Yan Rui , Liu Luguang , Huang Xing , Quan Zhe‐Shan , Shen Qing‐Kun , Guo Hong‐Yan
Published: December 2023

Maslinic acid has a variety of biological activities, such as anti‐tumor, hypoglycemic, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐parasitic. In order to enhance the biological activity of maslinic acid, scholars have carried out a lot of structural modifications, and found some more valuable maslinic acid derivatives. In this paper, the structural modification, biological activity, and structure‐activity relationship of maslinic acid were reviewed, providing references for the development of maslinic acid.
Elucidating the attributes of winter wheat grain quality under reduced nitrogen input through near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: von Wrochem Almut , Rekowski Azin , Ziegler Denise , Hitzmann Bernd , Zörb Christian
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives

Research in crop science is usually conducted in studies with a small number of plants and crops. The aim of this project was to investigate whether near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can contribute to the analysis of such small data sets. For this purpose, NIR spectra of a small sample set of whole‐grain wheat flours of two winter wheat cultivars harvested from greenhouse and field experiments with different fertilization management were analyzed.

Findings

Principal component analysis (PCA) facilitated the discrimination of samples based on fertilization, baking volume, and growing conditions for each wheat cultivar. In addition, PCA allowed the differentiation of wheat cultivars in a data set containing both cultivars. Spectra–structure relationships were also established. Accurate calibrations with R2 of .98, .98, and .54 were obtained for fertilization, crude protein concentration, and baking volume, respectively, even for a small data set of 10 samples of wheat cultivar Discus.

Conclusion

The NIR spectra of whole‐grain wheat flour samples provided high‐resolution information on various parameters such as fertilization, baking volume, wheat cultivar, and growing site. This study demonstrates that NIRS is a valuable and efficient tool for the analysis of small data sets in crop science. This illustrates the effectiveness of the elegant NIRS method.

Significance and Novelty

In this study, small data sets of whole‐grain wheat flour from crop science experiments were analyzed by NIRS. Characteristic changes of the NIR spectra based on applied fertilizer amount, crude protein concentration, baking volume, growing site, and wheat cultivar were revealed. The detection of cause‐and‐effect relationships between spectra and chemical properties of samples contributes to a better understanding of NIR spectra of wheat flours in an interpretative way.
Electrochemical Sensing and Photoelectrodegradation of Pentachlorophenol using Co‐, Mn‐ and Zn‐Porphyrins
Authors: Jokazi Mbulelo , Nyokong Tebello
Published: December 2023

In this work, we present Zn, CoII, and MnIII metalated meso‐tetra‐[4‐(methylthio) phenyl] porphyrin ([Zn(TMtPP)], [CoII(TMtPP], and [MnIII(TMtPP)Cl]) as electrocatalysts and photoelectrocatalysts for electrochemical detection and photoelectrocatalytic degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP). The complexes were characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) studies were only conducted for the Zn derivative. The electrochemical detection of PCP was carried out using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. [CoII(TMtPP)] showed better detection limit. For photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation studies of PCP, linear sweep voltammetry and UV‐visible spectra were employed. [Zn(TMtPP)] showed better removal efficiency. The main species responsible for the PEC degradation were found to be superoxide radicals (⋅O2) and electron holes (h+).
Post‐device Dimethylamine Treatment Enables Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liao Jing , Shen Xiaolong , Liu Changjiang , Yang Xumeng , Li Haijin
Published: December 2023

The incorporation of organic ligands via post‐device treatment is an effective strategy to improve the stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although the active area is protected by metal electrode under post‐treatment, the aggression of post‐treatment ligands into active area cannot be avoided thoroughly. Unfortunately, the size of long‐chain amines is too large, and the three‐dimensional (3D) perovskite cannot maintain its 3D perovskite structure once the cation substitution occurs during the post‐treatment. Despite that the low‐dimensional (LD) perovskites are beneficial to stability, long‐chain amines are harmful to carrier transport in PSCs. Here, we introduce dimethylamine (DMA), a slightly oversized cation that can be doped into 3D perovskite structure, for post‐device treatment to improve the efficiency and stability of PSCs. After exposure to DMA gas, the inactive area of Cs/FA/MA mixed cation perovskite device that is not covered by metal electrode is converted into LD perovskite, passivating the defects of 3D perovskite in the active region, suppressing non‐radiation recombination and ion migration. As a result, we achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.29 % with negligible hysteresis and better stability after DMA post‐treatment, which is much higher than that (20.40 %) of the control device.
The Effect of Conformational Freedom vs Restriction on the Rate in Asymmetric Hydrogenation: Iridium‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Enantioselective Monohydrogenation of Dienones
Authors: Zheng Jia , Peters Bram B. C. , Jiang Wei , Suàrez Lluís Artús , Ahlquist Mårten S. G. , Singh Thishana , Andersson Pher G.
Published: December 2023

Transition metal‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation constitutes an efficient strategy for the preparation of chiral molecules. When dienes are subjected to hydrogenation, control over regioselectivity still presents a large challenge and the fully saturated alkane is often yielded. A few successful monohydrogenations of dienes have been reported, but hitherto these are only efficient for dienes comprised of two distinctly different olefins. Herein, the reactivity of a conjugated carbonyl compound as a function of their conformational freedom is studied, based on a combined experimental and theoretical approach. It was found that alkenes in the (s)‐cis conformation experience a large rate acceleration while (s)‐trans restrained alkenes undergo hydrogenation slowly. Ultimately, this reactivity aspect was exploited in a novel method for the monohydrogenation of dienes based on conformational restriction ((s)‐cis vs (s)‐trans). This mode of discrimination conceptually differs from existing monohydrogenations and dienones constructed of two olefins similar in nature could efficiently be hydrogenated to the chiral alkene (up to 99 % ee). The extent of regioselection is even powerful enough to overcome the conventional reactivity order of substituted olefins (di>tri>tetra). This high yielding and atom‐economical protocol provides an interesting opportunity to instal a stereogenic center on a carbocycle, while leaving a synthetically useful alkene untouched.
Cyclic diacyl thioureas enhance activity of corrector Lumacaftor on F508del‐CFTR
Authors: Spallarossa Andrea , Pedemonte Nicoletta , Pesce Emanuela , Millo Enrico , Cichero Elena , Rosano Camillo , Lusardi Matteo , Iervasi Erika , Ponassi Marco
Published: December 2023

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. In the search of novel series of CFTR modulators, a library of mono and diacyl thioureas were prepared by sequential synthesis. When tested alone, the obtained compounds 5 and 6 poorly affected F508del‐CFTR conductance but, in combination with Lumacaftor, selected derivatives showed the ability to increase the activity of the approved modulator. Analogue 6 i displayed the most marked enhancing effect and acylthioureas 6 d and 6 f were also able to improve efficacy of Lumacaftor. All compounds proved to be non‐cytotoxic against different cancer cell lines. Good pharmacokinetic properties were predicted for derivatives 5 and 6, thus supporting the value of these compounds for the development of novel modulators potentially useful for cystic fibrosis.
Arnold diffusion in Hamiltonian systems on infinite lattices
Authors: Giuliani Filippo , Guardia Marcel
Published: December 2023

We consider a system of infinitely many penduli on an ‐dimensional lattice with a weak coupling. For any prescribed path in the lattice, for suitable couplings, we construct orbits for this Hamiltonian system of infinite degrees of freedom which transfer energy between nearby penduli along the path. We allow the weak coupling to be next‐to‐nearest neighbor or long range as long as it is strongly decaying. The transfer of energy is given by an Arnold diffusion mechanism which relies on the original V. I Arnold approach: to construct a sequence of hyperbolic invariant quasi‐periodic tori with transverse heteroclinic orbits. We implement this approach in an infinite dimensional setting, both in the space of bounded ‐sequences and in spaces of decaying ‐sequences. Key steps in the proof are an invariant manifold theory for hyperbolic tori and a Lambda Lemma for infinite dimensional coupled map lattices with decaying interaction.
Surface‐Engineered Nanomaterials for Optical Array Based Sensing
Authors: Behera Pradipta , De Mrinmoy
Published: December 2023

Array based sensing governed by optical methods provides fast and economic way for detection of wide variety of analytes where the ideality of detection processes depends on the sensor element‘s versatile mode of interaction with multiple analytes in an unbiased manner. This can be achieved by either the receptor unit having multiple recognition moiety, or their surface property should possess tuning ability upon fabrication called surface engineering. Nanomaterials have a high surface to volume ratio, making them viable candidates for molecule recognition through surface adsorption phenomena, which makes it ideal to meet the above requirements. Most crucially, by engineering a nanomaterial's surface, one may produce cross‐reactive responses for a variety of analytes while focusing solely on a single nanomaterial. Depending on the nature of receptor elements, in the last decade the array‐based sensing has been considering as multimodal detection platform which operates through various pathway including single channel, multichannel, binding and indicator displacement assay, sequential ON‐OFF sensing, enzyme amplified and nanozyme based sensing etc. In this review we will deliver the working principle for Array‐based sensing by using various nanomaterials like nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanodots and self‐assembled nanomaterials and their surface functionality for suitable molecular recognition.
The context dependency of fish‐habitat associations in separated karst ecoregions
Authors: Swedberg Dusty A. , Mollenhauer Robert , Brewer Shannon K.
Published: December 2023

Fish populations may be isolated via natural conditions in geographically separated ecoregions. Although reconnecting these populations is not a management goal, we need to understand how these populations persist across landscapes to develop meaningful conservation actions, particularly for species occupying sensitive karst ecosystems. Our study objective was to determine the physicochemical factors related to the occurrence of four spring‐associated fishes. Arbuckle Uplift and Ozark Highlands ecoregions, USA. We used a hierarchical approach to identify habitat relationships at multiple spatial scales. We collected detection data using snorkeling and seining. We examined the physicochemical relationships related to the detection and occurrence of four spring‐associated fishes using occupancy modeling in a Bayesian framework. We found physicochemical relationships that differed and were similar between ecoregions for several fishes. For three species, we found different water temperature relationships between ecoregions. Smallmouth bass were ubiquitous in their use of drainage areas in the Ozark Highlands but only associated with the lower network of the Arbuckle Uplift. There were several mirrored relationships between ecoregions, including an interaction between residual pool depth and water temperature, where sites with deeper pools were more likely to be occupied during warmer water temperatures. There were single‐species occurrence relationships with percent vegetation and percent agriculture. Lastly, snorkeling was a more efficient sampling method compared to seining for all fishes. Our results indicate stream temperature mitigation may be possible via the maintenance of key channel morphologies, and we identify shared stressors between ecoregions. Channel mitigation to maintain reaches with deeper pools may be an important strategy for maintaining thermal refugia, particularly when considering climate change. Identifying the mechanistic underpinning of other multiscale ecological relationships would be helpful to discern if some of the different ecoregion relationships represent warning signals or interactions with unmeasured biotic or abiotic factors.
Backpack satellite transmitters reduce survival but not nesting propensity or success of greater sage‐grouse
Authors: Stevens Bryan S. , Conway Courtney J. , Tisdale Cody A. , Denny Kylie N. , Meyers Andrew , Makela Paul
Published: December 2023

Telemetry technology is ubiquitous for studying the behavior and demography of wildlife, including the use of traditional very high frequency (VHF) radio telemetry and more recent methods that record animal locations using global positioning systems (GPS). Satellite‐based GPS telemetry allows researchers to collect high spatial–temporal resolution data remotely but may also come with additional costs. For example, recent studies from the southern Great Basin suggested GPS transmitters attached via backpacks may reduce the survival of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) relative to VHF transmitters attached via collars that have been in use for decades. While some evidence suggests GPS backpacks reduce survival, no studies have examined the effects of GPS backpacks on breeding behavior and success. Therefore, we compared survival, breeding behavior, and nest success of sage‐grouse hens marked with both VHF collars and GPS backpack transmitter over a 7‐year period in central Idaho, USA. GPS backpacks reduced spring–summer survival of sage‐grouse hens relative to hens with VHF collars, where daily mortality probability was 68%–82% higher from March 1 to August 1. Yet satellite GPS backpacks did not consistently affect nest success or the likelihood or timing of nest initiation relative to VHF collars. Daily nest survival varied annually and with timing of nest initiation and nest age, but marginal effects of transmitter type were statistically insignificant and interactions between transmitter type and study year produced no meaningful patterns. Our results corroborate recent studies for the effect of satellite GPS backpacks on sage‐grouse survival, but also suggest that these transmitters do not appear to affect components of fecundity. Our results therefore add important context to recent debate surrounding the effects of GPS backpacks on sage‐grouse, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of different transmitter types for understanding behavior and population dynamics.
Current advances in bacteria‐based cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Guo Caijuan , Liu Jinyan , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2023

As the understanding of the tumor microenvironment has deepened, immunotherapy has become a promising strategy for cancer treatment. In contrast to traditional therapies, immunotherapy is more precise and induces fewer adverse effects. In this field, some bacteria have attracted increased attention because of their natural ability to preferentially colonize and proliferate inside tumor sites and exert antitumor effects. Moreover, bacterial components may activate innate and adaptive immunity to resist tumor progression. However, the application of bacteria‐based cancer immunotherapy is hampered by potential infection‐associated toxicity and unpredictable behavior in vivo. Owing to modern developments in genetic engineering, bacteria can be modified to weaken their toxicity and enhance their ability to eliminate tumor cells or activate the antitumor immune response. This review summarizes the roles of bacteria in the tumor microenvironment, current strategies for bacterial engineering, and the synergistic efficiency of bacteria with other immunotherapies. In addition, the prospects and challenges of the clinical translation of engineered bacteria are summarized.
A fully decoupled linearized and second‐order accurate numerical scheme for two‐phase magnetohydrodynamic flows
Authors: Wang Danxia , Guo Yuan , Liu Fang , Jia Hongen , Zhang Chenhui
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we analyze the numerical approximation of two‐phase magnetohydrodynamic flows. Firstly, an equivalent new system is designed by introducing two scalar auxiliary variables. One of variables is used to linearize the phase field function and the other is used to deal with the highly coupled and nonlinear terms. Secondly, by combining with a novel decoupling technique based on the “zero‐energy‐contribution” feature and the pressure correction method, the linearized second order BDF numerical scheme, which has the advantage of fully decoupled structure, is constructed. Furthermore, we strictly prove the unconditional energy stability and error analysis of the scheme, and give a detailed implementation procedure that only requires to calculate several linear elliptic equations with constant coefficients. Finally, the results of numerical simulations are presented to validate the rates of convergence and energy stability.
A novel coupled Euler–Lagrange method for high resolution shock and discontinuities capturing
Authors: Jin Ziyan , Ning Jianguo , Xu Xiangzhao
Published: December 2023

The accurate capturing of shock waves by numerical methods has long been a focus of attention in engineering owing to singularity problems in discontinuities. In this article, a novel coupled Euler–Lagrange method (CELM) is proposed to capture shock waves and discontinuities with high resolution and high order of mapping accuracy. CELM arranges the Lagrange particles on an Euler grid to track the discontinuous points automatically, and the data pertaining to the grids and particles interact via a weighted mutual mapping method that not only achieves fourth‐order accuracy in a smooth area of the solution but also maintains a steep discontinuous transition in the discontinuous area. In the virtual particle method, virtual particles are derived from the existing real particles; thus, the inflow and outflow of the particles and interpolation accuracy of the boundary are more easily realized. An accuracy test and energy convergence test demonstrated the fourth‐order convergence accuracy and low energy dissipation of the CELM; the method exhibited lower error and better conservation ability than high‐precision schemes such as WENO3 and WENO5. The Sod shock tube problem and Woodward–Colella problem showed higher discontinuity resolution of the CELM and ability to accurately track discontinuity points. Examples of Riemann problems were employed to prove that the CELM exhibits lower dissipation and higher shock resolution than WENO3 and WENO5. The CELM also showed an accurate structure based on particle distribution. Shockwave diffraction tests were conducted to prove that the CELM results showed good agreement with the experimental data and exhibited an accurate expansion wave. The CELM can also accurately simulate the collision of an expansion wave and vortex.
Analysis of milk consumption and dairy products of the Russian population using an online survey
Authors: Novokshanova Alla L’vovna , Matveeva Natalia Olegovna , Nikityuk Dmitry Borisovich
Published: December 2023

Over the past 20–30 years, the consumption of milk and dairy products in Russia has been steadily declining. An online survey was carried out to find out the reasons for this. The questionnaire was created on the Yandex forms platform with automatic counting of answers. The questionnaire contained 34 questions about the inclusion of dairy products in the diet, the reasons for refusing dairy products, the nutritional value of dairy products, etc. Statistical data processing was performed by the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was taken equal to 0.05.
OpenADB: DGFI‐TUM's Open Altimeter Database
Authors: Schwatke Christian , Dettmering Denise , Passaro Marcello , Hart‐Davis Michael , Scherer Daniel , Müller Felix L. , Bosch Wolfgang , Seitz Florian
Published: December 2023

For more than three decades, satellite altimetry has provided valuable measurement data for the monitoring and analysis of ocean and inland water surfaces. Since 1992, there have always been at least two simultaneous missions providing continuous measurement data, starting with TOPEX/Poseidon and ERS‐1 in the early 1990s and continuing with about 10 satellites active today, including ICESat‐2, Sentinel‐6A and SWOT. Most mission data are freely available, but in different formats, processing levels and with respect to different references (e.g. ellipsoid or time), making common multi‐mission applications difficult. In addition, the derivation of ready‐to‐use and high‐quality scientific products requires expertise that not every user is willing to acquire. Over the years, DGFI‐TUM has developed and maintained an Open Altimeter Database (OpenADB) that allows consistent data management and combination. It consists of the internal Multi‐Version Altimetry (MVA) data repository and the OpenADB web portal. OpenADB provides user‐friendly access to derived along‐track products, such as sea surface heights and ocean tides. It also provides general information about the satellite altimetry missions, their observing configurations and about the data provided in the database. All products are freely available on the OpenADB web portal (https://openadb.dgfi.tum.de) after registration.
The application of radiomics machine learning models based on multimodal MRI with different sequence combinations in predicting cervical lymph node metastasis in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Liu Sheng , Zhang Aihua , Xiong Jianjun , Su Xingzhou , Zhou Yuhang , Li Yang , Zhang Zheng , Li Zhenning , Liu Fayu
Published: December 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to explore preliminary the performance of radiomics machine learning models based on multimodal MRI to predict the risk of cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM) for oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) patients.

Methods

A total of 400 patients were enrolled in this study and divided into six groups according to the different combinations of MRI sequences. Group I consisted of patients with T1‐weighted images (T1WI) and FS‐T2WI (fat‐suppressed T2‐weighted images), group II consisted of patients with T1WI, FS‐T2WI, and contrast enhanced MRI (CE‐MRI), group III consisted of patients with T1WI, FS‐T2WI, and T2‐weighted images (T2WI), group IV consisted of patients with T1WI, FS‐T2WI, CE‐MRI, and T2WI, group V consisted of patients with T1WI, FS‐T2WI, T2WI, and apparent diffusion coefficient map (ADC), and group VI consisted of patients with T1WI, FS‐T2WI, CE‐MRI, T2WI, and ADC. Machine learning models were constructed. The performance of the models was compared in each group.

Results

The machine learning model in group IV including T1WI, FS‐T2WI, T2WI, and CE‐MRI presented best prediction performance, with AUCs of 0.881 and 0.868 in the two sets. The models with CE‐MRI performed better than the models without CE‐MRI(I vs. II, III vs. IV, V vs. VI).

Conclusions

The radiomics machine learning models based on CE‐MRI showed great accuracy and stability in predicting the risk of CLNM for OTSCC patients.
Addressing hydrocephalus in Africa: Challenges and way forward
Authors: Kantawala Burhan , Khattab Maha , Elawad Shaima O. , Assker Mohamad , Cherri Batoul , Nazir Abubakar , Wojtara Magda , Uwishema Olivier
Published: December 2023

Hydrocephalus occurs when the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates in the cerebral ventricles. This is due to either obstruction in the CSF flow, decreasing its absorption by the arachnoid villus to the Dural venous sinuses, or increasing production of the CSF. The most disproportionately and severely affected by the disease consequences are African children. This is because of the high incidence of postinfectious hydrocephalus and spinal dysraphism compared with other world children. The health care system in Africa has access to 488 neurosurgeons which represents less than 1% of the global neurosurgeons, thus pediatric hydrocephalus is considered an emerging public health problem in Africa because of the difficulty of the patient's access to proper care. Numerous studies conducted in Africa have revealed a significant imbalance in the distribution of neurosurgical resources across the continent. Specifically, South Africa and North Africa collectively account for 86% of the total practicing neurosurgeons, indicating a pronounced concentration of these specialized medical professionals in these regions. Having an abundance of case studies regarding hydrocephalus is vital to increase our awareness and understanding. Hydrocephalus should gain more priority by current policymakers as an important health concern. This may be achieved by proper resource allocation to ensure better quality means of diagnosis, intervention, and rehabilitation.
Requirements specification, design, and evaluation of dental image exchange and management system with user‐centered approach: A case study in Iran
Authors: Rahimi Bahlol , Karimian Sajjad , Ghaznavi Aisan , Jafari Heydarlou Mohammad
Published: December 2023

Background and Aims

Systems existing in hospital or clinic settings offer services within the physical environment. Examples of such systems include picture archiving and communication systems, which provide remote services for patients. To develop a successful system, methods like software development life cycles (SDLCs) and design techniques, such as prototyping, are needed. This study aimed to specify requirements, design, and evaluation of dental image exchange and management system using a user‐centered approach.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in four phases, each corresponding to different stages of SDLCs. User‐needs data were used to gathered by interviews and observations. A prototype was developed using object‐oriented programming and presented to users for feedback. Finally, focus group was used to finalized the prototype into the desired system.

Results

User needs were identified and prioritized from the outset, with ease of use, security, and mobile apps being their most essential requirements. The prototype underwent several iterations of design and evaluation in focus group sessions until users were satisfied, and their feedback was incorporated. Eventually, the prototype was refined into the final system with users' consent.

Conclusion

The study revealed that instant access to information, voluntary participation, user interface (UI) design, and usefulness were critical variables for users and should be integral to any system. Successful implementation of such a system requires careful consideration of end‐users' needs and their application to the system. Moreover, integrating the system with electronic health records can further enhance the treatment process and the efficiency of medical staff. The voluntary perspective of users played a significant role in achieving an exemplary UI and overall satisfaction with the system. Developers and policymakers should consider these aspects in similar system development projects.