bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earthquake response prediction of seismically isolated buildings based on response spectrum method considering changes in characteristics of lead rubber bearings due to repeated deformations, part 2: Improvement of prediction accuracy by equivalent damping factor calculation method using effective ductility factor
Authors: Kobayashi Masahito , Zhu Zeyu , Senda Yuto
Published: June 2024

The response spectrum method (RSM), specified by the Ministry of Construction notification Vol. 2009, is not part of the countermeasure to address the Nankai trough long‐period and long‐duration ground motions (LPGMs) announced in 2016. Consequently, in this study, an approach was proposed to assess the effect of changes in characteristics due to repeated deformations using the RSM for LPGMs and seismically isolated buildings using lead rubber bearings (LRBs). However, this study identified potential areas for improvement in the calculation of effective damping using the RSM. An effective damping calculation method of the RSM using an effective ductility factor is introduced to enhance the accuracy of the proposed method. The proposed RSM‐based method was verified against the methods based on nonlinear time history analysis. The earthquake response prediction results using the proposed method were compared with those of not only the simplified method but also the precise and the quasi‐precise methods. The accuracy of earthquake response prediction using the proposed approach is increased by 30%–50% when the effective ductility factor is used to compute the effective damping. Therefore, earthquake response can be predicted using the proposed method, and the accuracy achieved is similar to the nonlinear time history analysis.
Capillary Electrophoresis in Food Analysis
Authors: Castro‐Puyana María , Bernardo‐Bermejo Samuel , Abad‐Gil Lucia , Marina María L.
Published: June 2024

The development and application of faster and more powerful analytical methodologies in Food Science is essential to face the demands from regulatory agencies, official laboratories, and consumers. In this field, capillary electrophoresis (CE) is nowadays a well‐established separation technique for food analysis that possesses exceptional properties related to high analysis speed and separation efficiencies combined with the small samples and reagent requirements. Moreover, it is a very versatile technique since different CE modes can be employed for a broad range of applications and separation challenges. In fact, CE should be considered as the first option when dealing with highly polar, charged, or chiral analytes. In the past two decades, a high amount of research work has been published, demonstrating the high potential of CE to analyze different food components in a broad variety of food matrices. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the use of CE for food analysis including a summary of the characteristics of the CE modes and the main detectors mostly employed in this field. Besides, a wide view of the latest applications of CE in food analysis (2021–2023) is also provided, demonstrating the exceptional possibilities of this analytical technique.
Legal Ethics
Authors: Wendel W. Bradley
Published: June 2024

The ethics of the legal profession may be seen as an instance of role‐differentiated morality. People acting in professional roles remain moral agents, who must respond appropriately to moral reasons. At the same time, a role may impose demands that are inconsistent with the obligations of ordinary, nonprofessional morality. The role of lawyer may, for example, require asserting a procedural defense to defeat a morally compelling claim for compensation. Lawyers may be permitted or required to cross‐examine truthful witnesses to suggest to the jury that they are lying, or to put on testimony that will similarly mislead the trier of fact. They may keep information secret that, if disclosed, would prevent serious harm to others. Lawyers also may take up the cause of an unworthy client, seeking to obtain some advantage that is contrary to considerations of justice. Familiarly, criminal defense lawyers may try to obtain the acquittal of a client who in fact committed the crime charged. In each of these cases, lawyers believe themselves to be justifiably obligated to follow the demands of their role, even though there appear to be good moral reasons to act to the contrary. The discipline of philosophical legal ethics is largely devoted to working out the relationship between the demands of the professional role and ordinary moral considerations.
Adversarial System of Justice
Authors: Wendel W. Bradley
Published: June 2024

“Adversarial” is a term used to describe the legal system in jurisdictions such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, all of which share the heritage of English common law. It refers to the control by the parties over the selection of legal theories and presentation of evidence. The hallmark of an adversarial system of justice is two competing sides, generally represented by lawyers, with a neutral judge serving essentially in the role of referee and legal decision‐maker. The relevant contrast with adversarial systems is with legal systems in which greater control is vested in state officials to control the presentation of facts and the legal contentions to be considered. These systems are rooted in Roman law of antiquity, as opposed to English common law, and are often referred to as civil law jurisdictions. This discussion will avoid the ambiguous term civil law, however, because it suggests the distinction between civil and criminal adjudication – that is, between cases in which a right asserted is personal to one of the parties (civil) and those in which a wrongdoer is prosecuted on behalf of the citizenry as a whole (criminal). Instead, legal systems founded in Roman law will be called Continental, to emphasize their development in the legal traditions of Continental Europe, particularly France and Germany.
Organ Transplantation
Authors: Taylor James Stacy
Published: June 2024

The first successful transplant of an organ into a human recipient was performed in 1954, with the transplant of a human kidney. This was followed in 1966 with the first simultaneous kidney–pancreas transplant, and then in 1969 with the first successful pancreas transplant. These innovations were accompanied in 1983 by the first successful single‐lung transplant, and in 1986 by the first successful double‐lung transplant; the first successful intestine transplant was performed in 1987. The first successful womb transplant was carried out in 2000. These breakthroughs in organ transplantation were enabled by both developments in surgical techniques and advances in medical technology. For example, in 1969 the first liquid for successfully preserving tissues and organs in cold storage was developed. This was followed in 1979 with the development of the Belzer UW storage solution designed to preserve kidneys for transplant, and in 1983 with the development of cyclosporine, a drug that suppresses the human body's immune system. In 1988 these developments were supplemented by the development of elective ventilation, which allows medical personnel to keep coma victims who are near death alive long enough for their organs to be harvested for transplant. Despite these advances in medical technology, not everyone who needs an organ transplant receives one, for there is a significant shortfall in human organs of all types available for transplantation. No country that relies exclusively on altruistic donation has secured enough organs for transplant to meet the medical needs of its population.
Standing to Blame
Authors: Piovarchy Adam
Published: June 2024

It is commonly accepted that for blame to be appropriate, the target of our blame must meet certain conditions. For example, they need to be a culpable wrongdoer and their wrongdoing needs to be in some way proportionate to the level of blame we wish to express. When such conditions are not met, we object to the blame being expressed. But we also often object to blaming when blam
ers
don't meet certain requirements, even if their target is blameworthy, and these requirements are known as “standing conditions.” Rather than investigating “standing” as a distinct property, some philosophers favor investigating a broader “ethics of blame,” to which multiple considerations may be relevant. For example, it has also been noted that blame can be objectionable when we lack sufficient evidence that our target is blameworthy, or when our blame is applied inconsistently, or when the target has responded appropriately to their wrongdoing. If standing is a special category, distinct from a more general ethics of blame, proponents need to outline what it amounts to, which conditions fall under it, and why those conditions (but not others) are included.
Prediction of Disease Progression and Clinical Response in Systemic Sclerosis: Experience From a Proof‐of‐Concept Trial
Authors: Neve Marta , Diderichsen Paul M. , Helmer Eric , de Vries Dick , Taneja Amit
Published: June 2024

Objective

Using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) as a surrogate for disease activity, a phase 2a study in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) measured efficacy of the autotaxin inhibitor ziritaxestat. Mathematical modeling of mRSS was used to predict disease progression, examine candidate trial designs, and predict the probability of successfully discriminating treatment effect.

Methods

Patients with SSc receiving 600 mg of ziritaxestat or placebo for 24 weeks were included, in addition to data up to week 52 of the open‐label extension (OLE). Longitudinal mRSS data were described using a disease progression model; drug effect was a binary variable. Parameters used to predict the OLE mRSS outcome were estimated using data from the 24‐week double‐blind phase and validated with observed data. Three trial designs were simulated to identify which had the highest probability of detecting a treatment effect. Power to detect a treatment effect was quantified using the simulations.

Results

Maximum decreases from baseline in mRSS were 50.4% (ziritaxestat) and 34.7% (placebo). Study designs based on 300 patients randomized 2:1 or 1:1 to 600 mg of ziritaxestat or placebo had similar probabilities of detecting a significant treatment effect. Power to detect a treatment effect was >80% for all simulations.

Conclusion

Disease progression and drug effect could be predicted beyond the range of observed data. This modeling and simulation approach may inform future trial design, including study duration, and predict the probability of success.
Disruption Symmetric Crystal Structure Favoring Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction: Reduced *COOH Formation Energy Barrier on Al Doped CuS/TiO2
Authors: Wang Junyan , Zhang Haoyu , Nian Yao , Chen Yiqiang , Cheng Haolin , Yang Chen , Han You , Tan Xin , Ye Jinhua , Yu Tao
Published: June 2024

How to break the C═O bond and reduce the energy barrier of *COOH formation is the key to triggering the photocatalytic CO2 reduction (PCR) reaction and subsequent proton‐electron processes, which is as important as overcoming high recombination rate of photocarriers. In order to solve this issue, the symmetric structure of CuS/TiO2 is destroyed by S vacancy and Al doping (denoted as Al‐CuS/TiO2), which significantly expands the electron localization range and promotes the cis‐coordination splitting of Cu 3d orbits. The experimental results show that the CO yield selectivity of ≈90.68% and yield of ≈335.68 µmol·g−1·h−1 on Al‐CuS/TiO2. The redistribution of Cu electron states in specific d/s/p orbitals increases the adsorption of CO2 and reduces the reaction energy barrier of *COOH intermediates, while effectively breaking the C═O bond. Doped Al atoms also serve as adsorption sites for H2O molecules, effectively interleaving the competition with photocatalytic CO2 reduction at the Cu sites is effectively staggered. This study provides a new approach to reduce the energy barrier of *COOH formation and to accelerate the photocarrier migration by destroying local symmetry to adjust the crystal structure, which is important for further improving the activity and selectivity of PCR.
Atomic Confinement Empowered CoZn Dual‐Single‐Atom Nanotubes for H2O2 Production in Sequential Dual‐Cathode Electro‐Fenton Process
Authors: Yang Lijun , Cheng Huimin , Li Hui , Sun Ga , Liu Sitong , Ma Tianyi , Zhang Lei
Published: June 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are flourishing in various fields because of their 100% atomic utilization. However, their uncontrollable selectivity, poor stability and vulnerable inactivation remain critical challenges. According to theoretical predictions and experiments, a heteronuclear CoZn dual‐single‐atom confined in N/O‐doped hollow carbon nanotube reactors (CoZnSA@CNTs) is synthesized via spatial confinement growth. CoZnSA@CNTs exhibit superior performance for H2O2 electrosynthesis over the entire pH range due to dual‐confinement of atomic sites and O2 molecule. CoZnSA@CNTs is favorable for H2O2 production mainly because the synergy of adjacent atomic sites, defect‐rich feature and nanotube reactor promoted O2 enrichment and enhanced H2O2 reactivity/selectivity. The H2O2 selectivity reaches ∼100% in a range of 0.2–0.65 V versus RHE and the yield achieves 7.50 M gcat−1 with CoZnSA@CNTs/carbon fiber felt, exceeding most of the reported SACs in H‐type cells. The obtained H2O2 is converted directly to sodium percarbonate and sodium perborate in a safe way for H2O2 storage/transportation. The sequential dual‐cathode electron‐Fenton process promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species (•OH, 1O2 and •O2−) by activating the generated H2O2, enabling accelerated degradation of various pollutants and Cr(VI) detoxification in actual wastewater. This work proposes a promising confinement strategy for catalyst design and selectivity regulation of complex reactions.
Axially Chiral Multiple Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Enantiomers for Efficient Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence
Authors: Xing Shuai , Zhong Xiao‐Sheng , Liao Xiang‐Ji , Wang Yu , Yuan Li , Ni Hua‐Xiu , Zheng You‐Xuan
Published: June 2024

The chiral materials and circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) have potential applications in 3D display due to the generation of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). However, achieving a combination of chirality, high efficiency, and narrowband emission for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials has proven to be a challenging endeavor, often involving complicated synthesis and chiral separation processes. In this study, a simple design approach is introduced by direct connection of the multiple resonance (MR) skeleton and chiral (R/S)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl units, obtaining two pairs of chiral MR‐TADF enantiomers (R/S)‐DtCzB‐OBN and (R/S)‐DtCzB‐BN without chiral resolution. These enantiomers exhibit blue‐green emissions with photoluminescence quantum efficiencies of up to 98% in doped films and full‐width at half‐maximum of 22 nm both in toluene and in the device. Furthermore, (R/S)‐DtCzB‐OBN and (R/S)‐DtCzB‐BN display symmetric CPL spectra with dissymmetry factors (gPL) of + 3.86( ± 0.317) × 10−4/‐3.37( ± 0.317) × 10−4 and + 7.09( ± 0.233) × 10−4/‐7.74(± 0.233) × 10−4, respectively. The CP‐OLEDs based on (R/S)‐DtCzB‐OBN and (R/S)‐DtCzB‐BN exhibit impressive maximum external quantum efficiencies of 30.0% and 33.9%, as well as gEL factors of +3.40( ± 0.362) × 10−4/‐3.11( ± 0.362) × 10−4 and + 7.99( ± 0.391) × 10−4/‐8.19( ± 0.391) × 10−4, respectively. This research proposes a strategy for directly constructing chiral MR‐TADF materials for high‐performance CP‐OLEDs, avoiding complicated chiral separation.
Are agrochemical‐free and biodiversity‐friendly attributes substitutes or complements? Evidence from a coffee choice experiment
Authors: Gatti Nicolas , Gómez Miguel I. , Bennett Ruth E. , Sillett Scott , Bowe Justine , Li Jie
Published: June 2024

Eco‐labels inform consumers about the sustainable attributes of a product, but consumer face challenges to differentiate and select for specific attributes. Certification programs are similarly challenged to incentivize adoption of sustainable practices in product supply chains when consumer ability to differentiate sustainable attributes is low. This study investigates consumers' Willingness to Pay (WTP) for different environmental attributes of coffee production, and whether attributes that conserve biodiversity and limit agrochemical usage are substitutes or complements. We designed and implemented a hypothetical coffee choice experiment combining coffee farm vegetation management attributes that impact biodiversity (conventional monoculture, shade‐grown, or “Bird Friendly” systems that conserve wildlife habitat) and chemical input (conventional, pesticide‐free, or organic) attributes. We found that consumers think of biodiversity and agrochemical management attributes as sustainability substitutes and have the highest WTP for pesticide‐free and organic attributes. Consumer groups with strong concern about the future of the environment had high WTP for all environmental attributes, but still considered the attributes to be substitutes. Our results suggest that eco‐label programs with biodiversity and agrochemical attributes, such as the Smithsonian Bird Friendly® coffee certification, could increase market participation by simplifying environmental sustainability messaging, simplifying farm‐level certification requirements, and targeting environmentally concerned consumers. [EconLit Citations: D12, Q01, Q13, L66].
A novel missense variant in HIKESHI: Clinical phenotype, in vitro functional testing, and potential for gene therapy
Authors: Mallack Eric J. , Wang Chengbing , Kim Ji‐Sun , Ross M. Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

A 7‐month‐old boy presented to our clinic with developmental delay, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of delayed myelination and diffusion restriction, and a homozygous variant of uncertain significance (c.4T>G, p.Phe2Val) in HIKESHI, a gene associated with autosomal‐recessive hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 13. We hypothesized that the variant is disease‐causing and aimed to rescue the cellular phenotype with vector‐mediated gene replacement. HIKESHI mediates heat‐induced nuclear accumulation of heat‐shock proteins, including HSP70, to protect cells from stress. We generated skin fibroblasts from the proband and proband's mother (heterozygous) to compare protein expression and subcellular localization of HSP70 under heat stress conditions, and the effect of vector‐mediated overexpression of HIKESHI in the proband's cells under the same heat stress conditions. Western blot analysis revealed absent HIKESHI protein from proband fibroblasts, contrasted with ample expression in parental cells. Under heat stress conditions, while the mother's cells displayed appropriate nuclear localization of HSP70, the proband's cells displayed impaired nuclear translocalization. When patient fibroblasts were provided exogenous HIKESHI, the transfected proband's cells showed restored heat‐induced nuclear translocalization of HSP70 under conditions of heat stress. These functional data establish that the patient's variant is a pathogenic loss‐of‐function mutation, thus confirming a diagnosis of hypomyelinating leukodystrophy 13 and that vector‐mediated gene replacement may be an effective treatment approach for patients with this disorder.
Controlled Radical Copolymerization toward Tailored F/N Hybrid Polymers by Using Light‐Driven Organocatalysis
Authors: Chen Yufei , Han Shantao , Chen Kaixuan , Guo Xing , Wen Peng , Chen Mao
Published: June 2024

Controlled radical copolymerizations present attractive avenues to obtain polymers with complicated compositions and sequences. In this work, we report the development of a visible‐light‐driven organocatalyzed controlled copolymerization of fluoroalkenes and acyclic N‐vinylamides for the first time. The approach enables the on‐demand synthesis of a broad scope of amide‐functionalized main‐chain fluoropolymers via novel fluorinated thiocarbamates, facilitating regulations over chemical compositions and alternating fractions by rationally selecting comonomer pairs and ratios. This method allows temporally controlled chain‐growth by external light, and maintains high chain‐end fidelity that promotes facile preparation of block sequences. Notably, the obtained F/N hybrid polymers, upon hydrolysis, afford free amino‐substituted fluoropolymers versatile for post modifications toward various functionalities (e.g., amide, sulfonamide, carbamide, thiocarbamide). We further demonstrate the in situ formation of polymer networks with desirable properties as protective layers on lithium metal anodes, presenting a promising avenue for advancing lithium metal batteries.
Role of ionic crystals as interfacial layers in metal‐semiconductor junction
Authors: Eldeeb Basil , Nasser Hisham , Turan Raşit
Published: June 2024

Optoelectronic devices performance is governed by the band alignment nature in heterojunctions. Interfacial Layers (ILs) play an immense role in charge carrier‐selectivity and their transport behavior. Considering the investigations on a wide array of solid‐state surfaces and heterojunctions performed both experimentally and theoretically, we found that the electron localizability, which is quantifiable through the bandgap energy and band width, affects the surface properties of crystals and hence the electronic properties of the interfaces. In combination with other observations, a strategy for contact design is developed for enhancing charge carrier transport across the boundaries and the interfaces, one can optimize stack structures with IL by maximizing their respective transport mechanism, similar to what has been done with silicon solar cells by doping. In this case, charge carrier transport across the interface can be maximized by making the depletion region width smaller without altering the heterojunction barrier's height.
Green method by National Environmental Methods Index and Eco‐Scale Assessment for evaluation of gatifloxacin‐based product by HPLC
Authors: dos Santos Galvão Natália Sabina , de Oliveira Naiara Raica Lopes , de Oliveira Neto Jerônimo Raimundo , Kogawa Ana Carolina
Published: June 2024

The literature reveals gaps in the availability of green analytical methods for assessing products containing gatifloxacin (GFX), a fluoroquinolone. Presently, method development is supported by tools such as the National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) and Eco‐Scale Assessment (ESA), which offer objective insights into the environmental friendliness of analytical procedures. The objective of this work was to develop and validate a green method by the NEMI and ESA to quantify GFX in eye drops using HPLC. The method utilized a C8 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm), with a mobile phase of purified water containing 2% acetic acid and ethanol (70:30, v/v). The injection volume was 10 μL and the flow rate was 0.7 mL/min in isocratic mode at 25°C, with detection performed at 292 nm. The method demonstrated linearity in the range of 2–20 μg/mL, and precision at intra‐day (relative standard deviation [RSD] 1.44%), inter‐day (RSD 3.45%), and inter‐analyst (RSD 2.04%) levels. It was selective regarding the adjuvants of the final product (eye drops) and under forced degradation conditions. The method was accurate (recovery 101.07%) and robust. The retention time for GFX was approximately 3.5 min. The greenness of the method, as evaluated by the NEMI, showed four green quadrants, and by ESA, it achieved a score of 88.
Modeling of cell cultivation for monoclonal antibody production processes considering lactate metabolic shifts
Authors: Okamura Kozue , Badr Sara , Ichida Yusuke , Yamada Akira , Sugiyama Hirokazu
Published: June 2024

Demand for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is rapidly increasing. To achieve higher productivity, there have been improvements to cell lines, operating modes, media, and cultivation conditions. Representative mathematical models are needed to narrow down the growing number of process alternatives. Previous studies have proposed mechanistic models to depict cell metabolic shifts (e.g., lactate production to consumption). However, the impacts of variations of some operating conditions have not yet been fully incorporated in such models. This paper offers a new mechanistic model considering variations in dissolved oxygen and glutamine depletion on cell metabolism applied to a novel Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line. Expressions for the specific rates of lactate production, glutamine consumption, and mAb production were formulated for stirred and shaken‐tank reactors. A deeper understanding of lactate metabolic shifts was obtained under different combinations of experimental conditions. Lactate consumption was more pronounced in conditions with higher DO and low glutamine concentrations. The model offers mechanistic insights that are useful for designing advanced operation strategies. It can be used in design space generation and process optimization for better productivity and product quality.
“Find Me” and “Eat Me” signals: tools to drive phagocytic processes for modulating antitumor immunity
Authors: Xiao Lingjun , Zhang Louqian , Guo Ciliang , Xin Qilei , Gu Xiaosong , Jiang Chunping , Wu Junhua
Published: June 2024

Phagocytosis, a vital defense mechanism, involves the recognition and elimination of foreign substances by cells. Phagocytes, such as neutrophils and macrophages, rapidly respond to invaders; macrophages are especially important in later stages of the immune response. They detect “find me” signals to locate apoptotic cells and migrate toward them. Apoptotic cells then send “eat me” signals that are recognized by phagocytes via specific receptors. “Find me” and “eat me” signals can be strategically harnessed to modulate antitumor immunity in support of cancer therapy. These signals, such as calreticulin and phosphatidylserine, mediate potent pro‐phagocytic effects, thereby promoting the engulfment of dying cells or their remnants by macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells and inducing tumor cell death. This review summarizes the phagocytic “find me” and “eat me” signals, including their concepts, signaling mechanisms, involved ligands, and functions. Furthermore, we delineate the relationships between “find me” and “eat me” signaling molecules and tumors, especially the roles of these molecules in tumor initiation, progression, diagnosis, and patient prognosis. The interplay of these signals with tumor biology is elucidated, and specific approaches to modulate “find me” and “eat me” signals and enhance antitumor immunity are explored. Additionally, novel therapeutic strategies that combine “find me” and “eat me” signals to better bridge innate and adaptive immunity in the treatment of cancer patients are discussed.
Ferroptosis defense mechanisms: The future and hope for treating osteosarcoma
Authors: Ma Yulong , Cong Liming , Shen Wenxiang , Yang Chunwang , Ye Kaishan
Published: June 2024

Currently, challenges such as chemotherapy resistance, resulting from preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy, postoperative recurrence, and poor bone regeneration quality, are becoming increasingly prominent in osteosarcoma (OS) treatment. There is an urgent need to find more effective ways to address these issues. Ferroptosis is a novel form of iron‐dependent programmed cell death, distinct from other forms of cell death. In this paper, we summarize how, through the three major defense systems of ferroptosis, not only can substances from traditional Chinese medicine, antitumor drugs, and nano‐drug carriers induce ferroptosis in OS cells, but they can also be combined with immunotherapy, differentiation therapy, and other treatment modalities to significantly enhance chemotherapy sensitivity and inhibit tumor growth. Thus, ferroptosis holds great potential in treating OS, offering more choices and possibilities for future clinical interventions.
Chronocoulometric Quantum Dot Aptasensor for SARS‐CoV‐2 Nucleocapsid Protein Biomarker
Authors: Sanga Nelia A. , Oranzie Marlon , Leve Zandile , Januarie Kaylin C. , Mokwebo Kefilwe V. , Uhuo Onyinyechi V. , Ross Natasha , Douman Samantha F. , Pokpas Keagan , Iwuoha Emmanuel I.
Published: June 2024

For the first time, a novel mercaptosuccinic acid‐capped tungsten telluride quantum dot (MSA‐WTe3‐QD)‐based electrochemical aptasensor was designed for the determination of SARS‐CoV‐2 N‐protein in synthetic human serum, plasma and urine. The MSA‐WTe3‐QD which exhibited spherical morphology and an average diameter of 3.56 nm were synthesized through a bottom‐up approach. The aptasensor was prepared by firstly immobilizing MSA‐WTe3‐QD on a screen‐printed carbon electrode (SPCE) by using the 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide/N‐hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) coupling chemistry. Thereafter, amine‐terminated 90‐mer ssDNA aptamer was deposited on the modified SPCE and left to cure to form the aptasensor. Using the chronocoulometry signal transduction technique, the aptasensor's calibration with N‐protein gave a linear range value of 1–9 pg.mL−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) value of 0.08 pg.mL−1. The LOD value of the aptasensor was 8 times lower than the LOD value of 0.71 pg.mL−1 obtained with a commercial N‐protein ELISA kit. When tested in simulated real samples the aptasensor recovery rates of 95–103.33 % were obtained. In the presence of various interferents, the aptasensor displayed good selectivity to N‐protein.
Multicomponent organic blend systems: A review of quaternary organic photovoltaics
Authors: N'Konou Kekeli , Kim Souk Y. , Doumon Nutifafa Y.
Published: June 2024

Embedding a third and/or fourth component into a binary blend active layer of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) is a promising approach to achieve high‐performance photovoltaic cells and modules. This multicomponent strategy favors absorption broadening via additional components. Quaternary OPV (QOPV) blends have four components in three possible configurations: (i) a donor and three acceptors, (ii) two donors and two acceptors, or (iii) three donors and an acceptor. Although quaternary systems have only been relatively recently studied compared to other systems in OPVs, leveraging the synergistic effects of the four components leads to record power conversion efficiencies, currently approaching 20%. QOPVs provide ample material choices for compatibility and channels for charge transfer mechanisms, possibly leading to optimized morphology and orientation. Reviewing recent progress in advancing QOPVs is essential for understanding their contribution to the OPV field. The review mainly discusses research progress in QOPVs with a keen interest in their various configurations, semitransparency, and outdoor and indoor applications. It describes the not‐well‐understood QOPV's general working mechanism. This review explores high‐performance QOPVs based on the fourth component's contribution as a donor, acceptor, or dye molecule and beyond in photovoltaic applications. Finally, there is a discussion around QOPV's outlook and projected future research directions in this field. This review intends to provide an overview of the quaternary systems approach to OPVs and inform current and future researchers on investigating the full spectrum of OPVs.
High Sensitivity Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy with Electronic Resonance Enhancement
Authors: Pruccoli Andrea , Zumbusch Andreas
Published: June 2024

Raman microscopy is an important tool for labelfree microscopy. However, spontaneous Raman microscopy suffers from slow image acquisition rates and susceptibility to fluorescence background. Coherent Raman microsocopy techniques such as coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy, by contrast, offer fast imaging capability and robustness against sample fluorescence. Yet, their rather low sensitivity impedes their broader application. This review discusses sensitivity enhancement of SRS microscopy to
M detection levels by using electronically pre‐resonant excitation. We present the foundations of this approach, discuss its technological implementation, and show first successful applications. A special emphasis is given to outlining new experimental developments allowing novel types of investigations.
Deciphering Stereoselectivity in Hurd‐Claisen Rearrangements: A Comprehensive Study of Electrostatic Interactions from Shubin's Energy Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Ana Gabriela Coelho , Barbosa Mateus Rodrigues , Matias Pedro Henrique Ferreira , Silva Charlley Anchieta Lourenço , Machado Daniel Francisco Scalabrini , de Lira Machado Ângelo Henrique , Benedito de Oliveira Heibbe Cristhian
Published: June 2024

In this study, we explore the stereoselectivity of Hurd‐Claisen Rearrangements, focusing on the influence of two electron‐withdrawing groups and eight diverse substituents. Utilizing the Curtin‐Hammett principle, we performed energy calculations for reactions, products, and transition states using the M062X/def2TZVPP compound model. Our analysis reveals that kinetic factors predominantly dictate the reaction equilibrium. A key aspect of our research is the application of Shubin's energy decomposition analysis to optimized transition states, highlighting the significant role of electrostatic interactions in determining stereoselectivity. We further dissected each transition state into four fragments: the electron‐withdrawing groups (
,
), the Hurd group (
), various substituents (
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
), and the central fragment. This fragmentation approach enabled an in‐depth analysis of group dipole moments, providing insights into the electrostatic forces at play. Our findings shed light on the intricate mechanisms driving stereoselectivity in Hurd‐Claisen Rearrangements and enhance the understanding of molecular interactions, offering valuable implications for organic synthesis.
Selective Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin‐Derived Phenolic Monomers to Cyclohexanol over Tungstated Zirconia Supported Ruthenium Catalysts
Authors: Gan Quan , Zhou Weihao , Zhang Xueping , Lin Yamei , Huang Shenlin , Lu Guo‐Ping
Published: June 2024

The selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin‐derived methoxyphenols to cyclohexanol is one of the most significant transformation in biomass conversion since cyclohexanol is an important industrial raw material. This study has disclosed a series of tungstated zirconia with different Zr/W ratio supported Ru catalysts (Ru/xZrW, x means the molar ration of Zr/W) for the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol to cyclohexanol. Among these catalysts, Ru/16ZrW has the best catalytic activity, which can achieve 92 % yield of cyclohexanol under the conditions of 180 °C and 1 MPa H2 pressure for 2 h (TOF 231 h−1). Compared with Ru/ZrO2, Ru/16ZrW has smaller particles, more dispersed and electron‐rich Ru species, significant hydrogen spillover and more acid sites, which are the main reason for its excellent performance on this reaction. Apart from guaiacol, other methoxy substitution phenols and organosolv lignin can also be converted into cyclohexanol via hydrodeoxygenation reactions over this catalyst.
IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 genetic variants are associated with migraine diagnosis
Authors: Vitali‐Silva Aline , Bello Valéria Aparecida , Poli Regina Célia , de Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Coral , Lopes Milene Valéria , Silveira Diogo Nabhan , Bossa Beatriz Bagatim , Espinosa Beatriz Rabello , Ahrens Tainah Mendes , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Simão Andréa Name Colado
Published: June 2024

Background

Migraine is a genetically determined disorder that predisposes to recurrent episodes of headache. Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that seems to play a role in migraine pathophysiology, and its genetic variants could potentially impact susceptibility to migraine.

Objective

To investigate the association between IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 genetic variants with migraine diagnosis and its clinical characteristics.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted with 152 people with migraine and 155 healthy controls, matched by sex, age, ethnicity, and body mass index. Clinical characteristics of migraine, as well as validated questionnaires regarding disability and impact of migraine, presence of allodynia, anxiety, depression, and hyperacusis were collected. Genotyping for IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants was performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and TaqMan™ method.

Results

The IL18 rs360717A and rs187238G alleles were associated with increased chance of being diagnosed with migraine (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.05–2.24, p = 0.028 and OR = 1.46, 95%CI 1.00–2.14, p = 0.049, respectively). In the dominant model, the rs360717GA + AA genotypes were also associated with a higher chance of migraine than the GG genotype (OR = 1.69, 95%CI 1.05–2.73, p = 0.030). In women, in addition to the previous associations, there was also an effect of the variants on the chance of migraine in the codominant models and dominant models. Furthermore, among women, there was an influence on the prevalence of postdrome perception with rs360717GA + AA (OR = 3.04, 95%CI 1.10–8.42, p = 0.032) and rs187238CG + GG (OR = 2.97, 95%CI 1.08–8.21, p = 0.035).

Conclusion

IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants were associated with migraine diagnosis and postdrome symptoms, especially in women.

Significance

This study has demonstrated that IL18 rs360717 and rs187238 variants play a role in migraine, influencing the chance of being diagnosed with migraine, particularly among women. There are prospects that IL18 variants could be considered potential genetic biomarkers for migraine.
A retrospective study of the yield of next‐generation sequencing in the diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and epileptic encephalopathies in 0–12 years aged children at a single tertiary care hospital in South India
Authors: Murthy Manasa C. , Banerjee Bidisha , Shetty Mitesh , Mariappan Manikandan , Sekhsaria Akansha
Published: June 2024

Objective

Studies on the genetic yield of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and Epileptic encephalopathies using next‐generation sequencing techniques are sparse from the Indian subcontinent. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the yield of genetic testing and the proportion of children where a positive genetic yield influenced treatment decisions.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, electronic medical records of children (0–12 years) with suspected genetic epilepsy who underwent genetic testing using whole exome sequencing, focused exome sequencing and epilepsy gene panels were retrieved. Genetic yield was ascertained based on the detection of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants.

Results

A total of 100 patients with epilepsy underwent genetic testing. A yield of 53.8% (42/78) was obtained. Pathogenic variants were identified in 18 (42.8%) cases and likely pathogenic variants in 24 (57.1%) cases. Yield was 66.6% each through whole exome sequencing, focused exome sequencing and 40% through Epilepsy gene panels (p = .07). Yield was not statistically significant across different age groups (p = .2). It was however found to significantly vary across different epilepsy syndromes with maximum yield in Epilepsy in infancy with migrating focal seizures in 2 (100%), followed by developmental and epileptic encephalopathy unspecified in 14 (77.7%), Dravet syndrome in 14 (60.8%), early infantile developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in 3 (60%), infantile epileptic spasm syndrome in 5 (35.7%), and other epileptic encephalopathies in 4 (30.7%) cases (p = .04). After genetic diagnosis and drug optimization, drug‐refractory proportion reduced from 73.8% to 45.3%. About half of the cases achieved seizure control.

Significance

A reasonably high yield of 53.8% was obtained irrespective of the choice of panel or exome or age group using next‐generation sequencing‐based techniques. Yield was however higher in certain epilepsy syndromes and low in Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome. A specific genetic diagnosis facilitated tailored treatment leading to seizure freedom in 28.6% and marked seizure reduction in 54.7% cases.
Correlation between marital status and the prognosis of older patients with cerebrovascular disease in intensive care units: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xie Jun , Li Chong , Shi Min
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

Marital status has been shown to be associated with mortality, but evidence in critically ill elder intensive care unit (ICU) patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CeVD) is limited. This study was to explore the correlation between marital status and the prognosis of patients with CeVD aged 65 years and over in the ICU.

Methods

In the present study, 3564 patients were enrolled in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database (version 2.2). Patients were divided into four groups based on marital status: married, single, divorced, and widowed. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality as patients were followed up for 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month. All‐cause mortality risk for patients with different marital status was compared. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses, survival curves and stratified analyses were performed to determine the correlation between marital status and mortality in critically ill patients with CeVD aged ≥65 years.

Results

Of the patients, 51.2% (1825/3564) were married, followed by 23.8% (847/3564) were widowed, 18.2% (647/3564) were single, and 6.9% (245/3567) were divorced. Compared with the married, the unmarried had a higher proportion of female (p < 0.001), older (p < 0.001), and less proportion of mechanical ventilation (p = 0.045). Multivariate analyses showed that no differences were observed for mortality risk among different marital statuses (p > 0.05), while at late follow‐up, widowed had a significance higher mortality risk than the married (9‐month: odds ratio [OR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.61, p = 0.02; 12‐month: OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.12–1.71, p = 0.003). Stratified analyses indicated a stable correlation between marital status and 12‐month mortality rate in sub‐analysis for gender (p = 0.46) and age (p = 0.35).

Conclusion

Marital status is associated with long‐term prognosis in older patients with CeVD admitted to ICU. Widowed people should receive more societal attention irrespective of sex or age.
Recovery of ecosystems pollution by contaminants of potential concern using phytoremediation techniques
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Stening James , Chakraborty Rahul
Published: June 2024

Phytoremediation is a technology that uses plants to break down, remove, and immobilize contaminants in surface water, shallow groundwater, and sediment to achieve cost savings compared with conventional treatments. This study describes a marshy land on an explosives manufacturing site in India that consistently reported elevated concentrations of nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, perchlorate, and lead (contaminants of potential concern—CoPC). The study also illustrates the potential for addressing the human health and environmental risks associated with the explosives manufacturing industrsy in India using innovative, sustainable, and carbon-neutral techniques. This work focuses on reconstructed marshy lands, desedimentation, microwatershed management, and phytoremediation using Phragmites and Vetiveria species (also known as vetiver) to reduce contaminants in surface water and groundwater, improve stormwater management and carbon capture, and increase natural capital like biodiversity. The results obtained during the trial indicate that the selected indigenous species are effective and can be used to remediate sediment and shallow groundwater for many CoPC in tropical climates. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1987–2002. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

The results obtained during the trial indicate that the selected indigenous species are effective and can be used to remediate sediment and shallow groundwater for many CoPC in tropical climates. If we drew a life cycle based on this study, it would be as follows: contaminants deposited to nature (soil) are extracted by plants (natural, no chemical intervention), and as the plants uptake the contaminants, they are harvested and turned into compost, which can again return to the soil (nature). This approach can reduce contaminants in both sediment and water, and is a low-cost and environmentally friendly remediation alternative to more traditional methods.
Cq values as an indicator for COVID‐19 outcomes: A study of the correlation between laboratory parameters
Authors: Safdari Hadi , Bagheri Saeede , Talkhi Nasrin , Saberi Teymourian Elahe , Hosseini Bafghi Mahdi , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2024

Objective

The ongoing outbreak of the respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is currently presenting a major global health threat. This pandemic is unprecedented in recent human history. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between cycle quantitation (Cq) and laboratory parameters in COVID‐19 patients, aiming to determine if Cq levels can provide valuable insights into the COVID‐19 disease.

Methods

This study involved 234 participants who were divided into case and control groups. Real‐time PCR tests were used to diagnose COVID‐19 cases in the study participants. Blood tests, including complete blood count, C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D‐dimer, IgG, and IgM, were also conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software.

Results

The findings showed that COVID‐19‐positive cases had significantly higher levels of the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), D‐dimer, ESR, CRP, and LDH compared to normal cases. Additionally, the case group had significantly lower lymphocyte and platelet counts. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between Cq levels and lymphocyte count (r = .124, p = .014). Conversely, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cq levels and NLR (r = −.208, p = .017). Furthermore, the evaluation of hematological, inflammatory, and biochemical indexes in COVID‐19 patients using the receiver‐operating characteristics curve demonstrated statistically appropriate sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusion

Our outcomes indicated a significant association between Cq levels and PLR, NLR, D‐dimer, CRP, and ESR in COVID‐19 patients. Consequently, including the report of laboratory parameters alongside Cq values offers a promising prognosis.
Characterization of non‐calcified predominant plaque using deep learning and radiomics analyses of coronary computed tomography angiography images
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Yuze , Yan Fei , Li Tao , Zhang Xinghua , Liu Ye , Yang Li , Chen Huijun
Published: June 2024

Background

To use an automated system exploiting the advantages of both a neural network and radiomics for analysis of non‐calcified predominant plaque (NCPP).

Methods

This study retrospectively included 234 patients. Using the workflow of the previous study, the coronary artery was first segmented, images containing plaques were then extracted, and a classifier was built to identify non‐calcified predominant plaques. Radiomics feature analysis and a visualization tool were used to better distinguish NCPP from other plaques.

Results

Twenty‐six representative radiomics features were selected. DenseNet achieved an area under the curve of 0.889, which was significantly larger (p = 0.001) than that obtained using a gradient‐boosted decision tree (0.859). The feature variances and energy features in calcified predominant plaque were both different from those in NCPP.

Conclusions

Our automated system provided high‐accuracy analysis of vulnerable plaques using a deep learning approach and predicted useful features of NCPP using a radiomics‐based approach.