bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Soil Pollution by Heavy Metals in the Market Gardening Areas of Korsimoro
Authors: Alain Tougma Kiswendsida , Luc Bambara Telado , Ali Doumounia , Zongo Inoussa , Zougmoré François
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to assess heavy metal soil pollution in market garden areas in the commune of Korsimoro. The analysis focused mainly on zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Composite samples of soil labels s1 to s21 were taken from the market garden site around the dam at a depth of 0-20 cm. A total of 21 soil samples were taken. The soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) at the Bureau of Mines and Geology of Burkina Faso laboratory (BUMIGEB).

The enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), géoaccumulation index (Igeo) and pollution load index (PLI) were determined from the metal concentrations obtained.

The average concentrations of heavy metals vary as follows:

Cd > Co > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Hg > Pb > As.

The average concentrations of cadmium (587.039mg/kg±20.546), mercury (29.048mg/kg±20,647), nickel (60.037 mg/kg±14,615) and cobalt (575.956mg/kg±66,693) exceed the WHO limit values for agricultural soils.

The calculated CF values show very high contamination of Co, Cd and Hg, considerable contamination of Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni and As, and no contamination of Pb.

The EF values show very severe enrichment for cobalt (Co), followed by overall extremely severe enrichment for cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg).

The calculated Igeo indicates extreme cadmium, mercury and cobalt contamination.

The calculated PLI values are all greater than one. These results show that all the soils are polluted.

The index determination approach makes it possible to predict the extent of soil pollution by the heavy metals considered in our study.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Among School-Aged Children With High Myopia
Authors: Yu Xiangyi , Yuan Jian , Chen Zhen Ji , Li Kai , Yao Yinghao , Xing Shilai , Xue Zhengbo , Zhang Yue , Peng Hui , An Gang , Yu Xiaoguang , Qu Jia , Su Jianzhong ,   Myopia Associated Genetics and Intervention Consortiums, Xu Liangde , Wang Hong , Zhou Meng , Sun Jie , Chen Hao , Lyu Fan , Liu Xinting , Bao Jinhua , Wu Nan
Published: December 2023

Importance

High myopia (HM) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Genetic factors are known to play an important role in the development of HM.

Objective

To identify risk variants in a large HM cohort and to examine the implications of genetic testing of schoolchildren with HM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study retrospectively reviewed whole-exome sequencing (WES) results in 6215 schoolchildren with HM who underwent genetic testing between September 2019 and July 2020 in Wenzhou City, China. HM is defined as a spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of −6.00 diopters (D) or less. The study setting was a genetic testing laboratory and a multicenter school census. Data were analyzed from July 2021 to June 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The frequency and distribution of positive germline variants, the percentage of individuals with HM in both eyes, and subsequent variant yield for common high myopia (CHM; −8.00 D ≤ SER ≤ −6.00 D), ultra myopia (UM; −10.00 D ≤ SER < −8.00 D), and extreme myopia (EM; SER < −10.00 D).

Results

Of the 6215 schoolchildren with HM, 3278 (52.74%) were male. Their mean (SD) age was 14.87 (2.02) years, including 355 students in primary school, 1970 in junior high school, and 3890 in senior high school. The mean (SD) SER was −7.51 (−1.36) D for the right eye and −7.46 (−1.34) D for the left eye. Among schoolchildren with HM, genetic testing yielded 271 potential pathogenic variants in 75 HM candidate genes in 964 diagnoses (15.52%). A total of 36 known variants were found in 490 HM participants (7.88%) and 235 protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in 506 participants (8.14%). Involved variant yield was significantly positively associated with SER (Cochran-Armitage test for trend Z = 2.5492; P = .01), which ranged from 7.66% in the CHM group, 8.70% in the UM group, to 11.90% in the EM group. We also found that primary school students with EM had the highest variant yield of PTVs (8 of 35 students [22.86%]), which was 1.77 and 4.78 times that of the UM and CHM, respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of WES for HM, several potential pathogenic variants were identified in a substantial number of schoolchildren with HM. The high variation frequency in younger students with EM can provide clues for genetic screening and clinical examinations of HM to promote long-term follow-up assessment.
Liquid Metal–Elastomer Seals for Stretchable Organic Electrolyte‐Based Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kan Ruyu , Jiang Modi , Song Kexian , Chen Rui , Shen Qingchen , Wang Ruitong , Weng Guoming , Fu Benwei , Song Chengyi , Tao Peng , Wang Jun , Dickey Michael D. , Deng Tao , Shang Wen
Published: December 2023

Rapid progresses concerning wearable electronics call for stretchable batteries. Owing to the merits of high energy density and wide operating voltage range, organic electrolyte‐based lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) take a large proportion in the powering markets. Due to the high sensitivity to moisture and oxygen, it is difficult to obtain long‐term reliable stretchable organic electrolyte‐based LIBs when they are directly exposed to the air. Benefiting from the outstanding gas impermeability of liquid metal (LM) and relatively good barrier properties for reactive acid gas molecules by polyisobutylene (PIB), an LM‐PIB seal is demonstrated for organic electrolyte‐based LIBs. In the seal, LM can prevent the inward permeation of oxygen and water vapor, and PIB can block the outward permeation of hydrolysis acid generated from the side reactions during the operation of the organic electrolyte‐based LIBs, which helps prevent the detrimental interaction between the hydrolysis acid and LM. A specific capacity of over 120 mAh g−1 is achieved and the battery shows consistent electrochemical performances under multiple deformations. This study offers a different design approach for long‐term operation of stretchable organic electrolyte‐based LIBs.
Multiple Tuning of the Local Environment Enables Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Ethylene in Neutral Electrolytes
Authors: Zhou WeiLiang , Zheng Hongju , Li Xuan , Meng Na , Feng Chao , Yang Hengpan , Hu Qi , He Chuanxin
Published: December 2023

Recently, vigorous progress is made in the selective and high‐current reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to ethylene (C2H4) by using a flow cell. In most cases, however, the reduction is only achieved in strong alkaline electrolytes, which results in substantial deactivation of electrocatalysts due to the accumulation of precipitates. Here, porous Cu nanowires (NWs) is prepared with abundant atomic defects, which create a synergy with the pore‐induced electric field to comprehensively tune the local microenvironment of the electrode surface, thus enabling efficient and stable C2H4 production from the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in neutral media. In particular, the enhanced electric field effect increases the local K+ concentration for the generation of *CO intermediates; while the atomic defects stabilize OH− and *CO, leading to high local pH and *CO coverage. Such synergy can provide a favorable local environment and high *CO coverage for significantly decreasing the energy barrier of the C─C coupling step. Consequently, a large partial C2H4 current density of 222.3 mA cm−2 with excellent stability is achieved in a neutral electrolyte. Altogether, this work paves new pathways to promote C2H4 production in the neutral CO2RR through multiple tuning of the local environment.
An Ultrahigh Power Density and Ultralow Wear GaN‐Based Tribovoltaic Nanogenerator for Sliding Ball Bearing as Self‐Powered Wireless Sensor Node
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Wu Ning , Gong Likun , Luan Ruifei , Cao Jie , Zhang Chi
Published: December 2023

The tribovoltaic effect is regarded as a newly discovered semiconductor effect for mechanical‐to‐electrical energy conversion. However, tribovoltaic nanogenerators (TVNGs) are widely limited by low output power and poor wear resistance for device integration and application. Here, this work invents a TVNG using a ball‐on‐disk structure composed of gallium nitride (GaN) and steel ball. It exhibits an open‐circuit voltage exceeding 130 V and an ultrahigh normalized average power density of 24.6 kW m−2 Hz−1, which is a 282‐fold improvement compared to previous works. Meanwhile, this TVNG reaches an ultralow wear rate of 5 × 10−7 mm3 N−1 m−1 at a maximum contact pressure of 906.6 MPa, surpassing the TVNG composed of Si by three orders of magnitude due to the local concentrated injection of frictional energy. Based on the TVNG, this work constructs the first tribovoltaic bearing and achieves sensing signal transmission within 16 s (300 rpm) by integrating a management circuit, a transmission module, a relay, and receiving terminals, which enables the monitoring of ambient pressure and temperature. This work realizes a GaN‐based TVNG with high‐performance and low wear simultaneously, demonstrating great potential for intelligent components and self‐powered sensor nodes in the industrial Internet of Things.
Chiral Supramolecular Hydrogel Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Sodium Aescinate to Modulate M1 Macrophage Polarization Against Lymphedema
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Cui Chunxiao , Meng Xinxian , Han Chengyao , Wu Beibei , Dou Xiaoqiu , Zhao Changli , Zhang Yixin , Li Ke , Feng Chuanliang
Published: December 2023

Sodium aescinate (SA) shows great potential for treating lymphedema since it can regulate the expression of cytokines in M1 macrophages, however, it is commonly administered intravenously in clinical practice and often accompanied by severe toxic side effects and short metabolic cycles. Herein, SA‐loaded chiral supramolecular hydrogels are prepared to prove the curative effects of SA on lymphedema and enhance its safety and transdermal transmission efficiency. In vitro studies demonstrate that SA‐ loaded chiral supramolecular hydrogels can modulate local immune responses by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization. Typically, these chiral hydrogels can significantly increase the permeability of SA with good biocompatibility due to the high enantioselectivity between chiral gelators and stratum corneum and L‐type hydrogels are found to have preferable drug penetration over D‐type hydrogels. In vivo studies show that topical delivery of SA via chiral hydrogels results in dramatic therapeutic effects on lymphedema. Specifically, it can downregulate the level of inflammatory cytokines, reduce the development of fibrosis, and promote the regeneration of lymphatic vessels. This study initiates the use of SA for lymphedema treatment and for the creation of an effective chiral biological platform for improved topical administration.
Proposition of Adaptive Read Bias: A Solution to Overcome Power and Scaling Limitations in Ferroelectric‐Based Neuromorphic System
Authors: Koo Ryun‐Han , Shin Wonjun , Kim Seungwhan , Im Jiseong , Park Sung‐Ho , Ko Jong Hyun , Kwon Dongseok , Kim Jae‐Joon , Kwon Daewoong , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: December 2023

Hardware neuromorphic systems are crucial for the energy‐efficient processing of massive amounts of data. Among various candidates, hafnium oxide ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) are highly promising for artificial synaptic devices. However, FTJs exhibit non‐ideal characteristics that introduce variations in synaptic weights, presenting a considerable challenge in achieving high‐performance neuromorphic systems. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the origin and impact of these variations in neuromorphic systems. The analysis reveals that the major bottleneck in achieving a high‐performance neuromorphic system is the dynamic variation, primarily caused by the intrinsic 1/f noise of the device. As the device area is reduced and the read bias (VRead) is lowered, the intrinsic noise of the FTJs increases, presenting an inherent limitation for implementing area‐ and power‐efficient neuromorphic systems. To overcome this limitation, an adaptive read‐biasing (ARB) scheme is proposed that applies a different VRead to each layer of the neuromorphic system. By exploiting the different noise sensitivities of each layer, the ARB method demonstrates significant power savings of 61.3% and a scaling effect of 91.9% compared with conventional biasing methods. These findings contribute significantly to the development of more accurate, efficient, and scalable neuromorphic systems.
Bifunctional Smart Textiles with Simultaneous Motion Monitoring and Thermotherapy for Human Joint Injuries
Authors: Liu Yingcun , Xu Duo , Ge Can , Gao Chong , Wei Yawen , Chen Ze , Su Ziyi , Liu Keshuai , Xu Weilin , Fang Jian
Published: December 2023

The motion detection and thermotherapy provides a convenient strategy for the diagnosis and rehabilitation assessment of joint injuries. However, it is still challenging to simultaneously achieve accurate joint motion monitoring and on‐demand thermotherapy. Herein, core‐sheath sensing yarns (CSSYs) is proposed and fabricated for excellent electrical and photothermal heating, which consists of carbon black (CB)‐coated nylon (sheath layer), silver‐plated nylon and elastic spandex yarns (core layer). The CSSYs demonstrates great joule heating performance, which reaches 75 °C at 2 V applied voltage. The good thermal management performance can be well maintained when weaving these yarns into bifunctional smart textile. Further, the optimized double‐ply CSSYs (DPCSSYs) with helically twisted structure possess several appealing sensing performance, including preferable strain sensitivity (0.854), excellent linearity (0.962), and superior durability (over 5000 cycles). The as‐woven bifunctional smart textile can provide instant and convenient thermotherapy to the injured joints, and simultaneously monitor the injury and recovery conditions of the joint. Therefore, the designed bifunctional smart textile can provide a promising route for developing next‐generation healthcare smart textile.
Activating the Basal Planes and Oxidized Oxygens in Layer‐Structured Na0.6CoO2 for Boosted OER Activity
Authors: Xiong Bing , Fu Tingxin , Huang Qiuping , Wang Jianlin , Cui Zhangzhang , Fu Zhengping , Lu Yalin
Published: December 2023

With the CoO2 slabs consisting of Co4O4 cubane structure, layered NaxCoO2 are considered promising candidates for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media given their earth‐abundant and structural advantages. However, due to the strong adsorption of intermediates on the large basal planes, NaxCoO2 cannot meet the activity demands. Here, a novel one‐pot synthesis strategy is proposed to realize the high solubility of iron in NaxCoO2 in an air atmosphere. The optimist Na0.6Co0.9Fe0.1O2 exhibits enhanced OER activity compared to their pristine and other reported Fe‐doped NaxCoO2 counterparts. Such an enhancement is mainly ascribed to the abundant active sites on the activated basal planes and the participation of oxidized oxygen as active sites independently, which breaks the scaling relationship limit in the OER process. This work is expected to contribute to the understanding of the modification mechanism of Fe‐doped cobalt‐based oxides and the exploitation of layer‐structured oxides for energy application.
Grätzel‐Type TiO2 Anatase Layers as Host for Pt Single Atoms: Highly Efficient and Stable Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Kerketta Ujjaval , Kim Hyesung , Denisov Nikita , Schmuki Patrik
Published: December 2023

Single atoms (SAs) represent not only a new frontier in classic heterogeneous catalysis but are also increasingly investigated as co‐catalysts in photocatalytic reactions. In contrast to classic catalysis, many photocatalytic platforms require only a very low SA loading density to reach a saturated photocatalytic activity. As a result, an optimized light harvesting/carrier transport combination in the supporting semiconductor becomes the key aspect for the overall photocatalytic efficiency. In this work, it is demonstrated that Grätzel type mesoporous TiO2 layers represent an ideal host for Pt single‐atoms (SAs) that allow for a highly effective photocatalytic H2 generation. Using a layer with an optimized geometry, structure, as well as Pt SA loading, a photocatalytic H2 production is achieved of up to ≈2900 µL h−1 (under irradiation at λ = 365 nm and I = 65 mW cm−2) – a performance that is far superior to previous Pt SA/TiO2 structures based on TiO2 nanotubes, nanosheets, or metal organic frameworks. Moreover, such SA/substrate combination provides a highly stable H2 production over time. The present work thus introduces the use of this classic TiO2 nanostructure as the most effective host for Pt SAs and its use for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 production from aqueous solutions.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Western Brazilian Amazon: Associated factors and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Damasceno Ana Alice de Araújo , Matijasevich Alicia , Mosquera Paola Soledad , Malta Maíra Barreto , Cardoso Marly Augusto ,   for the MINA‐Brazil Study Group
Published: December 2023

Objective

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are responsible for several maternal and fetal complications. This study investigated the occurrence of HDP, associated factors, and neonatal complications in women living in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

This is a population‐based cross‐sectional study with 1521 mother–child pairs enrolled in the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre birth cohort (MINA‐Brazil study). All parturients with HDP (registered in the medical records) were identified. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated in Poisson regression models with robust variance.

Results

The prevalence of HDP was 11.0% (95% CI: 9.5–12.7). Factors associated with the prevalence of HDP were maternal age ≥ 35 years (PR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–3.0), primigravida status (PR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.5–2.7), pre‐pregnancy obesity (PR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.9–4.0), higher gestational weight gain (highest quartile RP: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.6–3.8), chronic hypertension (RP: 3.6; 95% CI: 2.7–4.9), and diabetes in pregnancy (RP: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.2). HDP was associated with risk for caesarean delivery (PR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.6–2.0) and prematurity (PR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–3.2). Gestational malaria was not associated with HDP in Amazonian pregnant women.

Conclusions

Evaluating risk factors before pregnancy and during the prenatal period is essential for reducing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Habitual ground nesting in the Bugoma Forest chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), Uganda
Authors: Hobaiter Catherine , Klein Harmonie , Gruber Thibaud
Published: December 2023

We report the presence of habitual ground nesting in a newly studied East African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) population in the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, Uganda. Across a 2‐year period, we encountered 891 night nests, 189 of which were classified as ground nests, a rate of ~21%. We find no preliminary evidence of socio‐ecological factors that would promote its use and highlight local factors, such as high incidence of forest disturbance due to poaching and logging, which appear to make its use disadvantageous. While further study is required to establish whether this behavior meets the strict criteria for nonhuman animal culture, we support the argument that the wider use of population and group‐specific behavioral repertoires in flagship species, such as chimpanzees, offers a tool to promote the urgent conservation action needed to protect threatened ecosystems, including the Bugoma forest.
Fluorescent‐Probe Characterization for Pore‐Space Mapping with Single‐Particle Tracking
Authors: González Rafael Mayorga , Maris J. J. Erik , Wagner Marita , Ganjkhanlou Yadolah , Bomer Johan G. , Werny Maximilian J. , Rabouw Freddy T. , Weckhuysen Bert M. , Odijk Mathieu , Meirer Florian
Published: December 2023

Porous solids often contain complex pore networks with pores of various sizes. Tracking individual fluorescent probes as they diffuse through porous materials can be used to characterize pore networks at tens of nanometers resolution. However, understanding the motion behavior of fluorescent probes in confinement is crucial to reliably derive pore network properties. Here, we introduce well‐defined lithography‐made model pores developed to study probe behavior in confinement. We investigated the influence of probe‐host interactions on diffusion and trapping of confined single‐emitter quantum‐dot probes. Using the pH‐responsiveness of the probes, we were able to largely suppress trapping at the pore walls. This enabled us to define experimental conditions for mapping of the accessible pore space of a one‐dimensional pore array as well as a real‐life polymerization‐catalyst‐support particle.
Markovnikov‐Selective Cobalt‐Catalyzed Wacker‐Type Oxidation of Styrenes into Ketones under Ambient Conditions Enabled by Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Abuhafez Naba , Ehlers Andreas W. , de Bruin Bas , Gramage‐Doria Rafael
Published: December 2023

The replacement of palladium catalysts for Wacker‐type oxidation of olefins into ketones by first‐row transition metals is a relevant approach for searching more sustainable protocols. Besides highly sophisticated iron catalysts, all the other first‐row transition metal complexes have only led to poor activities and selectivities. Herein, we show that the cobalt‐tetraphenylporphyrin complex is a competent catalyst for the aerobic oxidation of styrenes into ketones with silanes as the hydrogen sources. Remarkably, under room temperature and air atmosphere, the reactions were exceedingly fast (up to 10 minutes) with a low catalyst loading (1 mol %) while keeping an excellent chemo‐ and Markovnikov‐selectivity (up to 99 % of ketone). Unprecedently high TOF (864 h−1) and TON (5,800) were reached for the oxidation of aromatic olefins under these benign conditions. Mechanistic studies suggest a reaction mechanism similar to the Mukaiyama‐type hydration of olefins with a change in the last fundamental step, which controls the chemoselectivity, thanks to a unique hydrogen bonding network between the ethanol solvent and the cobalt peroxo intermediate.
Quality Control of Mass‐Encoded Nanodevices by Compartmented DNA Origami Frames for Precision Information Coding and Logic Mapping
Authors: Zhang Xue , Dong Yuxiang , Wang Yong , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhang Xuemeng , Zhu Jun‐Jie , Tian Ye , Min Qianhao
Published: December 2023

Encoded nanostructures afford an ideal platform carrying multi‐channel signal components for multiplexed assay and information security. However, with the demand on exclusivity and reproducibility of coding signals, precise control on the structure and composition of nanomaterials featuring fully distinguishable signals remains challenging. By using the multiplexing capability of mass spectrometry (MS) and spatial addressability of DNA origami nanostructures, we herein propose a quality control methodology for constructing mass‐encoded nanodevices (namely MNTs‐TDOFs) in the scaffold of compartmented tetrahedral DNA origami frames (TDOFs), in which the arrangement and stoichiometry of four types of mass nanotags (MNTs) can be finely regulated and customized to generate characteristic MS patterns. The programmability of combinatorial MNTs and orthogonality of individual compartments allows further evolution of MNTs‐TDOFs to static tagging agents and dynamic nanoprobes for labeling and sensing of multiple targets. More importantly, structure control at single TDOF level ensures the constancy of prescribed MS outputs, by which a high‐capacity coding system was established for secure information encryption and decryption. In addition to the multiplexed outputs in parallel, the nanodevices could also map logic circuits with interconnected complexity and logic events of c‐Met recognition and dimerization on cell surface for signaling regulation by MS interrogation.
Effect of pro‐oxidants on the aerobic biodegradation, disintegration, and physio‐mechanical properties of compostable polymers
Authors: Ataeian Parinaz , Trinh Binh Minh , Mekonnen Tizazu H.
Published: December 2023

Biodegradable polymers are gaining momentum to resolve the globally acknowledged plastic waste problem. Understanding, characterizing, and developing new generations of biodegradable plastics is crucial to provide industries with alternative green materials that can fully satisfy biodegradation rates and lifetime specifications. This study evaluates the influence of metal pro‐oxidant additives on the degradation properties of various biodegradable polymer systems. For this purpose, iron (III) stearate (FeSt3) and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), as oxidant agents, were incorporated into poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT), cellulose acetate (CA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and thermoplastic starch (TPS) bioplastics. The material performances and biodegradability properties due to the additives on the resulting bioplastic formulations were investigated. A mechanism was proposed in which both pro‐oxidant additives can accelerate the thermo‐oxidation processes under composting conditions and cleave the polymer chains into smaller fragments to stimulate the biodegradation rate through microorganisms' activity. The study revealed that both pro‐oxidant additives, FeSt3 and Bi2O3, effectively improved the biodegradation process for all tested polymers except TPS, which already had a very high biodegradation rate. The observed change in the barrier and mechanical properties due to the additives were within tolerable limits of corresponding neat polymers.
Design, synthesis and antiviral evaluation of novel conjugates of the 1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane scaffold and saturated N‐heterocycles via 1,2,3‐triazole linker
Authors: Sokolova Anastasiya S. , Yarovaya Olga I. , Artyushin Oleg I. , Sharova Elena V. , Baev Dmitriy S. , Mordvinova Ekaterina D. , Shcherbakov Dmitriy N. , Shnaider Tatiana A. , Nikitina Tatiana V. , Esaulkova Iana L. , Ilyina Polina A. , Zarubaev Vladimir V. , Brel Valery K. , Tolstikova Tatyana G. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: December 2023

A new series of heterocyclic derivatives with a 1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane fragment was designed, synthesised and biologically evaluated. Synthesis of the target compounds was performed using the Cu(I) catalysed cycloaddition reaction. The key starting substances in the click reaction were an alkyne containing a 1,7,7‐trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptane fragment and a series of azides with saturated nitrogen‐containing heterocycles. Some of the derivatives were found to exhibit strong antiviral activity against Marburg and Ebola pseudotype viruses. Lysosomal trapping assays revealed the derivatives to possess lysosomotropic properties. The molecular modelling study demonstrated the binding affinity between the compounds investigated and the possible active site to be mainly due to hydrophobic interactions. Thus, combining a natural hydrophobic structural fragment and a lysosome‐targetable heterocycle may be an effective strategy for designing antiviral agents.
Endophenotyping social cognition in the broader autism phenotype
Authors: Pua Emmanuel Peng Kiat , Desai Tarishi , Green Cherie , Trevis Krysta , Brown Natasha , Delatycki Martin , Scheffer Ingrid , Wilson Sarah
Published: December 2023

Relatives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may display milder social traits of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) providing potential endophenotypic markers of genetic risk for ASD. We performed a case–control comparison to quantify social cognition and pragmatic language difficulties in the BAP (n = 25 cases; n = 33 controls) using the Faux Pas test (FPT) and the Goldman‐Eisler Cartoon task. Using deep phenotyping we then examined patterns of inheritance of social cognition in two large multiplex families and the spectrum of performance in 32 additional families (159 members; n = 51 ASD, n = 87 BAP, n = 21 unaffected). BAP individuals showed significantly poorer FPT performance and reduced verbal fluency with the absence of a compression effect in social discourse compared to controls. In multiplex families, we observed reduced FPT performance in 89% of autistic family members, 63% of BAP relatives and 50% of unaffected relatives. Across all affected families, there was a graded spectrum of difficulties, with ASD individuals showing the most severe FPT difficulties, followed by the BAP and unaffected relatives compared to community controls. We conclude that relatives of probands show an inherited pattern of graded difficulties in social cognition with atypical faux pas detection in social discourse providing a novel candidate endophenotype for ASD.
ESG rating divergence and corporate green innovation
Authors: Zhou Jian , Lei Xiaodong , Yu Jianglong
Published: December 2023

This study empirically examines whether and how ESG rating divergence affects corporate green innovation. Using a sample of Chinese listed companies, we find that ESG rating divergence has a positive impact on corporate green innovation. The results still hold after several robustness checks. Furthermore, we find that the positive impact of ESG rating divergence on green innovation is more pronounced in companies with higher resource advantages of independent directors and more media attention. We then discuss the economic consequences of corporate green innovation as a response to ESG rating divergence. The results suggest that this responsiveness generates an insurance‐like effect, where companies leverage green innovation as a buffer against risks related to ESG rating divergence. Overall, our study provides novel evidence that ESG rating divergence can stimulate corporate green innovation, which sheds light on the substantial impact of ESG ratings on corporate sustainability.
Anthraquinones from Rhamnus alaternus L.: A Phytocosmetic Ingredient with Photoprotective and Antimelanogenesis Properties
Authors: Bouhlel Chatti Ines , Krichen Yosr , Horchani Mabrouk , Maatouk Mouna , Trabelsi Amine , Lassoued Mohamed Ali , Ben Jannet Hichem , Ghédira Leila Chekir
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the present work was to develop a phytocosmetic sunscreen emulsion with antioxidant activity and an anti‐melanogenic effect, containing an anthraquinone‐enriched extract of Rhamnus alaternus (A.E.). Our findings demonstrated that A.E. decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and malondialdehyde induced by UVA in human keratinocytes and melanocytes. Furthermore, the calculated SPF value in vitro of the cream containing A.E. was 14.26±0.152. Later, it was shown that A.E. extract had an inhibitory effect on the amount of melanin. This extract could also reduce B16F10 intracellular tyrosinase activity. Besides, docking studies were carried out to provide a logical justification for the anti‐tyrosinase potential. The findings showed that, A.E. may provide protection against UVA‐induced oxidative stress and could be thought of as a viable treatment for hyperpigmentation disorders.
Modification of Zeolite Morphology via NH4F Etching for Catalytic Bioalcohol Conversion
Authors: Iadrat Ploychanok , Prasertsab Anittha , Limlamthong Mutjalin , Choi Jungkyu , Park Heon E. , Wattanakit Chularat , Yip Alex C. K.
Published: December 2023

Various commercial zeolites, including FER, MOR, ZSM‐5, BEA, and FAU frameworks, were treated with NH4F aqueous solutions to study the effects of fluoride etching on different zeolite frameworks. NH4F‐treated small‐medium pore FER, MOR, and ZSM‐5 samples showed much higher mesoporosities than the untreated ones without alteration of the structural compositions and acidic properties. On the other hand, the 12‐membered ring zeolites BEA and FAU showed severe dissolution of the framework aluminosilicate structure after NH4F etching due to the high accessibility of fluoride species into the framework structures. The effect of NH4F concentration on the fluoride treatment of H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite was specifically studied. From the results, we observed that structural etching with 20 wt % NH4F was optimal for fabricating open‐pore H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite and resulted in a high mesoporosity with comparable relative crystallinity and acidity with respect to the untreated H‐ZSM‐5. The catalytic activities of the open‐pore H‐ZSM‐5 were evaluated with acid‐catalyzed methanol and bioethanol conversions. Remarkably, the hierarchical open‐pore H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite fabricated via fluoride etching exhibited an enhanced catalytic performance in bioethanol conversion with >85 % conversion over 34 h TOS and a higher catalytic stability in methanol conversion than the parent H‐ZSM‐5 (~50 % of bioethanol conversion at 34 h TOS).
Tripodal Triazine and 1,8‐Naphthalimide‐based Small Molecules as Efficient Photocatalysts for Visible‐light Oxidative Condensation
Authors: Tripathi Narendra Pratap , Jain Sanyam , Singh Rajiv K. , Sengupta Sanchita
Published: December 2023

Tripodal donor‐acceptor (D‐A) small molecules Tr‐Np3 and Tr‐T‐Np3 consisting of triphenyl triazine and 1,8‐naphthalimide, without and with a thiophene spacer have been synthesized. Their optical and redox properties were thoroughly investigated along with their utilization as photocatalysts in organic transformations. Compounds Tr‐Np3 and Tr‐T‐Np3 showed broad absorption in the range of 290–480 nm in solutions and 300–510 nm in thin films. These tripodal molecules displayed wide optical bandgaps of (Egopt) 3.10 eV and 2.64 eV with very deep‐lying HOMO energy levels (−6.60 eV and −6.03 eV) and low‐lying LUMO levels (−3.50 eV and −3.40 eV). Appreciable electron mobilities of 5.24×10−4 cm2/Vs and 6.14×10−4 cm2/Vs were obtained for compounds Tr‐Np3 and Tr‐T‐Np3 respectively by space‐charge limited current (SCLC) measurements. Metal‐free tripodal molecules Tr‐Np3 and Tr‐T‐Np3 showed excellent photocatalytic abilities towards condensation of aromatic aldehydes and o‐phenylenediamine followed by cyclization under visible light to yield benzimidazole derivatives that are of high medicinal value.
Aromaticity in the Electronic Ground and Lowest Triplet States of Molecules with Fused Thiophene Rings
Authors: Cummings Edward , Karadakov Peter B.
Published: December 2023

Analysis of the variations of the off‐nucleus isotropic magnetic shielding, σiso(r), around thiophene, thienothiophenes, dithienothiophenes and sulflowers in their electronic ground (S0) and lowest triplet (T1) states reveals that some of the features of aromaticity and bonding in these molecules do not fit in with predictions based on the popular Hückel's and Baird's rules. Despite having 4n π electrons, the S0 states of the sulflowers are shown to be aromatic, due to the local aromaticities of the individual thiophene rings. To reduce its T1 antiaromaticity, the geometry of thiophene changes considerably between S0 and T1: In addition to losing planarity, the carbon‐carbon two ‘double’ and one ‘single’ bonds in S0 turn into two ‘single’ and one ‘double’ bonds in T1. Well‐defined Baird‐style aromaticity reversals are observed between the S0 and T1 states of only three of the twelve thiophene‐based compounds investigated in this work, in contrast, the sulflower with six thiophene rings which is weakly aromatic in S0 becomes more aromatic in T1. The results suggest that the change in aromaticity between the S0 and T1 states in longer chains of fused rings is likely to affect mostly the central ring (or the pair of central rings); rings sufficiently far away from the central ring(s) can retain aromatic character.
The anisotropic min‐max theory: Existence of anisotropic minimal and CMC surfaces
Authors: De Philippis Guido , De Rosa Antonio
Published: December 2023

We prove the existence of nontrivial closed surfaces with constant anisotropic mean curvature with respect to elliptic integrands in closed smooth –dimensional Riemannian manifolds. The constructed min‐max surfaces are smooth with at most one singular point. The constant anisotropic mean curvature can be fixed to be any real number. In particular, we partially solve a conjecture of Allard in dimension .
Hybrid energy storage system and its hardware‐in‐loop platform for 1500‐V metro DC power supply system based on voltage droop control
Authors: Lin Shili , Chen Cheng , Liang Gaoju , Zhang Xianyong , Li Sheng
Published: December 2023

Hybrid energy storage technology, which consists of lithium‐ion batteries (LiB) and super capacitors (SC), is an effective way to ensure the safety of power supply and realize energy saving in metro by reusing the braking power. Aiming at the optimal configuration and control of the metro hybrid energy storage system (HESS), an energy management strategy (EMS) based on dual DC/DC architecture and voltage droop method is proposed. And then the control parameters are adjusted in segments by combining the DC bus voltage and values of SOC of LiB and SC. What's more, a hardware‐in‐loop (HIL) simulation platform of Metro DC power supply system is built to verify the control strategy. The experimental results show that HESS could stabilize the metro voltage within a safe voltage of 580 V and achieve 100% braking energy recovery by optimal energy distribution between two different types of energy storage systems, which are only 79.9% and 39.2% in other single energy storage system by contrast. At the same time, the HIL simulation platform can be used to verify the control effect of different configuration capacities and different control strategies of the HESS, helping to provide the optimal solution of HESS for actual subway lines.
Advantage of magnifying narrow‐band imaging for the diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia associated with sessile serrated lesions
Authors: Enomoto Yuri , Ishioka Mitsuaki , Chino Akiko , Kobayashi Hikari , Shimizu Ryo , Yasue Chihiro , Ide Daisuke , Igarashi Masahiro , Fujisaki Junko , Matsuda Takahisa , Igarashi Yoshinori , Saito Shoichi
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to extract endoscopic findings for diagnosing colorectal neoplasia associated with sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), which are of significant interest.

Methods

To compare the magnifying narrow‐band imaging (NBI) findings with microscopic morphology, we classified SSLs into two groups: Group A SSLs included the majority of uniform SSLs and any dysplasia other than that classified as group B SSLs. Group B SSLs included SSLs with intramucosal and invasive carcinoma. We also quantitatively assessed visible vessels using ImageJ software.

Results

This study included 47 patients with 50 group B SSLs who underwent endoscopic resection between 2012 and 2020. The results were retrospectively compared with those of 237 patients with 311 group A SSLs that underwent endoscopic resection. Using conventional white‐light endoscopy, significantly more group B SSLs had uneven shapes and some reddening compared to group A SSLs. The diagnostic odds ratios for group B SSLs were as follows: lesions with a diameter ≥10 mm, 9.76; uneven shape, 3.79; reddening, 15.46; and visible vessels with NBI, 11.32. Regarding visible vessels with NBI, the specificity and diagnostic accuracy for group B SSLs were 94.9% and 93.1%, respectively. The percentage of the vascular tonal area of NBI images was significantly larger for group B SSLs than for group A SSLs (3.97% vs. 0.29%; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

SSLs with reddening and/or a diameter ≥10 mm are suspected to contain cancerous components. Moreover, visible vessels observed using magnifying NBI can serve as objective indicators for diagnosing SSLs with cancerous components with a high degree of accuracy.
Developmental validation of a custom‐designed Multi‐InDel panel: A five‐dye multiplex amplification system for challenging DNA samples
Authors: Lan Qiong , Cai Meiming , Xu Hui , Bai Xiaole , Shen Chunmei , Zhu Bofeng
Published: December 2023

The continual investigation of novel genetic markers has yielded promising solutions for addressing the challenges encountered in forensic DNA analysis. In this study, we have introduced a custom‐designed panel capable of simultaneously amplifying 41 novel Multi‐insertion/deletion (Multi‐InDel) markers and an amelogenin locus using the capillary electrophoresis platform. Through a developmental validation study conducted in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods, we demonstrated that the new Multi‐InDel system exhibited the sensitivity to produce reliable genotyping profiles with as little as 62.5 pg of template DNA. Accurate and complete genotyping profiles could be obtained even in the presence of specific concentrations of PCR inhibitors. Furthermore, the maximum amplicon size for this system was limited to under 220 bp in the genotyping profile, resulting in its superior efficiency compared to commercially available short tandem repeat kits for both naturally and artificially degraded samples. In the context of mixed DNA analysis, the Multi‐InDel system was proved informative in the identification of two‐person DNA mixture, even when the template DNA of the minor contributor was as low as 50 pg. In conclusion, a series of performance evaluation studies have provided compelling evidence that the new Multi‐InDel system holds promise as a valuable tool for forensic DNA analysis.
Improving hydrodynamic injection in capillary electrophoresis by using the integral of pressure
Authors: da Costa Eric Tavares , do Lago Claudimir Lucio
Published: December 2023

A careful analysis of the typical devices and conditions used during hydrodynamic injection in capillary electrophoresis shows that the Hagen–Poiseuille model for the laminar flow is valid, even during the transitions of pressure. Therefore, the monitoring of pressure becomes a reliable approach to evaluate the effective injected volume, because the volume is proportional to the integral of pressure (IoP) over time. A piezoresistive sensor was used to monitor the air pressure at headspace of the sample vial. A set of 18 injections at 50 mbar and different times were used to evaluate the use of the normalization of the peak areas of the analytes by the IoP to compensate for imperfection during the injection. There was a significant decrease in relative standard deviation (RSD), and the proposed approach presented results similar to the use of internal standard. In addition, a microcontroller was used not only to monitor the pressure but also to command a peristaltic pump and a solenoid valve creating a system that dynamically controls the applied pressure and stops the injection when the desired value of IoP is reached. The system was used in a proof of concept in which different combinations of pressure and time were used: 10 mbar × 50 s, 25 mbar × 20 s, 50 mbar × 10 s, 125 mbar × 4 s, and 250 mbar × 2 s. Despite the constraints posed by the flowrates of the peristaltic pump and the solenoid valve, the microcontroller effectively conducted the injections across this extensive range of conditions, resulting in an IoP RSD of 2.7%.
Cold atmospheric plasma can effectively disinfect SARS‐CoV‐2 in the wastewater
Authors: Qin Hongbo , Qiu Hengju , Liu Ke , Hong Bixia , Liu Yuchen , Li Chun , Li Mengzhe , An Xiaoping , Song Lihua , Robert Eric , Tong Yigang , Fan Huahao , Wang Ruixue
Published: December 2023

COVID‐19 is currently pandemic and the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants in wastewater is causing widespread concern. Herein, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is proposed as a novel wastewater disinfection technology that effectively inactivates SARS‐CoV‐2 transcription‐ and replication‐competent virus‐like particles, coronavirus GX_P2V, pseudotyped SARS‐CoV‐2 variants, and porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus in a large volume of water within 180 s (inhibition rate > 99%). Further, CAP disinfection did not adversely affect the viability of various human cell lines. It is identified that CAP produced peroxynitrite (ONOO−), ozone (O3), superoxide anion radicals (O2−), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the major active substances for coronavirus disinfection. Investigation of the mechanism showed that active substances not only reacted with the coronavirus spike protein and affected its infectivity, but also destroyed the nucleocapsid protein and genome, thus affecting virus replication. This method provides an efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for the elimination of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other coronaviruses from wastewater.
Downturns and changes in the yield slope
Authors: Abbritti Mirko , Equiza Juan , Moreno Antonio , Trani Tommaso
Published: December 2023

We show that the slope of the sovereign yield curve predicts future economic activity not only through its level but also through its changes (or differences) over time. Our results with US data show that the additional inclusion of the changes of the yield slope in the traditional regressions significantly increases the explanatory power of the yield curve. Through the yield slope decomposition, we find that positive changes in both the risk‐neutral spread and the term premium increase the likelihood of recession in the next 3 or 12 months. Estimated linear equations that directly forecast economic activity confirm the predictive power of both components in the medium run. These predictive equations also identify the term premium as the relevant component of yield slope changes for medium‐run (3–12 months) forecasts. Our out‐of‐sample exercises show that the empirical models including both the level and the differences of the slope perform better than the models including only the yield slope level.
Association of anticholinergic drug exposure with the risk of dementia among older adults in Japan: The LIFE Study
Authors: Okita Yuki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Komukai Sho , Zha Ling , Komatsu Masayo , Narii Nobuhiro , Murata Fumiko , Megumi Maeda , Gon Yasufumi , Kimura Yasuyoshi , Kiyohara Kosuke , Sobue Tomotaka , Fukuda Haruhisa
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Several studies have investigated that anticholinergic drugs cause cognitive impairment. However, the risk of dementia associated with anticholinergics has not been extensively investigated in the super‐aging society of Japan. We conducted this study to assess the association between anticholinergic drugs and the risk of dementia in older adults in Japan.

Methods

This nested case‐control study used data from the Longevity Improvement & Fair Evidence Study, which includes claim data in Japan from 2014 to 2020. We included 66,478 cases of diagnosed dementia and 328,919 matched controls aged ≥65 years, matched by age, sex, municipality, and cohort entry year. Primary exposure was the total cumulative anticholinergic drugs prescribed from cohort entry date to event date or matched index date, which was the total standardized daily doses for each patient, calculated by adding the total dose of different types of anticholinergic drugs in each prescription, divided by the World Health Organization‐defined daily dose values. Odds ratios for dementia associated with cumulative exposure to anticholinergic drugs were calculated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age at index date was 84.3 (6.9), and the percentage of women was 62.1%. From cohort entry date to event date or matched index date, 18.8% of the case patients and 13.7% of the controls were prescribed at least one anticholinergic drug. In the multivariable‐adjusted model, individuals with anticholinergic drugs prescribed had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with dementia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50 [95% confidence interval, 1.47–1.54]). Among specific types of anticholinergic drugs, a significant increase in risk was observed with the use of antidepressants, antiparkinsonian drugs, antipsychotics, and bladder antimuscarinics in a fully multivariable‐adjusted model.

Conclusions

Several types of anticholinergic drugs used by older adults in Japan are associated with an increased risk of dementia. These findings suggest that the underlying risks should be considered alongside the benefits of prescribing anticholinergic drugs to this population.