bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse modelling of in situ soil water dynamics: investigating the effect of different prior distributions of the soil hydraulic parameters
Authors: Scharnagl B. , Vrugt J. A. , Vereecken H. , Herbst M.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. In situ observations of soil water state variables under natural boundary conditions are often used to estimate the soil hydraulic properties. However, many contributions to the soil hydrological literature have demonstrated that the information content of such data is insufficient to accurately and precisely estimate all the soil hydraulic parameters. In this case study, we explored to which degree prior information about the soil hydraulic parameters can help improve parameter identifiability in inverse modelling of in situ soil water dynamics under natural boundary conditions. We used percentages of sand, silt, and clay as input variables to the ROSETTA pedotransfer function that predicts the parameters in the van Genuchten-Mualem (VGM) model of the soil hydraulic functions. To derive additional information about the correlation structure of the predicted parameters, which is not readily provided by ROSETTA, we employed a Monte Carlo approach. We formulated three prior distributions that incorporate to different extents the prior information about the VGM parameters derived with ROSETTA. The inverse problem was posed in a formal Bayesian framework and solved using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulation with the DiffeRential Evolution Adaptive Metropolis (DREAM) algorithm. Synthetic and real-world soil water content data were used to illustrate the approach. The results of this study demonstrated that prior information about the soil hydraulic parameters significantly improved parameter identifiability and that this approach was effective and robust, even in case of biased prior information. To be effective and robust, however, it was essential to use a prior distribution that incorporates information about parameter correlation.
Relative effect of slope and equilibrium line altitude on the retreat of Himalayan glaciers
Authors: Venkatesh T. N. , Kulkarni A. V. , Srinivasan J.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A majority of glaciers in the Himalayas have been retreating. In this paper, we show that there are two major factors which control the advance/retreat of the Himalayan glaciers. They are the slope of the glacier and changes in the equilibrium line altitude. While it is well known, that these factors are important, we propose a new way of combining them and use it to predict retreat. Our model has been applied to the movement of eight Himalayan glaciers during the past 25 years. The model explains why the Gangotri glacier is retreating while Zemu of nearly the same length is stationary, even though they are subject to similar environmental changes. The model has also been applied to a larger set of glaciers in the Parbati basin, for which retreat based on satellite data is available, though over a shorter time period.
Understanding the Shape-Memory Alloys Used in Orthodontics
Authors: Fernandes Daniel J. , Peres Rafael V. , Mendes Alvaro M. , Elias Carlos N.
Published: October 2011

Nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have been used in the manufacture of orthodontic wires due to their shape memory properties, super-elasticity, high ductility, and resistance to corrosion. SMAs have greater strength and lower modulus of elasticity when compared with stainless steel alloys. The pseudoelastic behavior of NiTi wires means that on unloading they return to their original shape by delivering light continuous forces over a wider range of deformation which is claimed to allow dental displacements. The aim of this paper is to discuss the physical, metallurgical, and mechanical properties of NiTi used in Orthodontics in order to analyze the shape memory properties, super-elasticity, and thermomechanical characteristics of SMA.
Esophageal Involvement in Scleroderma: Clinical, Endoscopic, and Manometric Features
Authors: Lahcene M. , Oumnia N. , Matougui N. , Boudjella M. , Tebaibia A. , Touchene B.
Published: October 2011

Aim. To evaluate characteristics of esophageal involvement in scleroderma. Methods. The study was prospective and concerned 194 patients with a definite systemic sclerosis. Gastroesophageal endoscopy and esophageal manometry were performed in all the cases. Results. Symptoms were present in 118 cases (60.8%); they were signs of GERD or dysphagia, respectively, in 94 (48.4%) and 91 patients (46.9%). Reflux esophagitis was found in 73 cases (37.6%); it was mild or moderate in 47 cases (24.2%) and severe or complicated in the remaining cases. Manometry revealed a lower esophageal sphincter incompetence and esophageal motor disorders, respectively, in 118 (60.8%) and 157 cases (80.9%). Presence of these late was not related to age, duration, or skin extension of the disease, but with clinical complaint and/or mucosal damage. Conclusion. Esophageal involvement is frequent during scleroderma. Manometry is the most sensible examination and could be a screening procedure.
Interventions to Prevent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors:   US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson Wanda K. , Silverstein Michael , Wong John B. , Barry Michael J. , Chelmow David , Coker Tumaini Rucker , Davis Esa M. , Jaén Carlos Roberto , Krousel-Wood Marie , Lee Sei , Li Li , Rao Goutham , Ruiz John M. , Stevermer James , Tsevat Joel , Underwood Sandra Millon , Wiehe Sarah
Published: June 2024

Importance

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality among older adults in the US. In 2018, 27.5% of community-dwelling adults 65 years or older reported at least 1 fall in the past year and 10.2% reported a fall-related injury. In 2021, an estimated 38 742 deaths resulted from fall-related injuries.

Objective

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness and harms of primary care–relevant interventions to prevent falls and fall-related morbidity and mortality in community-dwelling adults 65 years or older.

Population

Community-dwelling adults 65 years or older at increased risk of falls.

Evidence Assessment

The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that exercise interventions provide a moderate net benefit in preventing falls and fall-related morbidity in older adults at increased risk for falls. The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that multifactorial interventions provide a small net benefit in preventing falls and fall-related morbidity in older adults at increased risk for falls.

Recommendation

The USPSTF recommends exercise interventions to prevent falls in community-dwelling adults 65 years or older who are at increased risk for falls. (B recommendation) The USPSTF recommends that clinicians individualize the decision to offer multifactorial interventions to prevent falls to community-dwelling adults 65 years or older who are at increased risk for falls. Existing evidence indicates that the overall net benefit of routinely offering multifactorial interventions to prevent falls is small. When determining whether this service is appropriate for an individual, patients and clinicians should consider the balance of benefits and harms based on the circumstances of prior falls, presence of comorbid medical conditions, and the patient’s values and preferences. (C recommendation)
Ex vivo lipidomics reveal monoacylglycerols as substrates for a fatty acid amide hydrolase in the legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Arias‐Gaguancela Omar , Herrell Emily , Chapman Kent D.
Published: June 2024

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a conserved hydrolase in eukaryotes with promiscuous activity toward a range of acylamide substrates. The native substrate repertoire for FAAH has just begun to be explored in plant systems outside the model Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we used ex vivo lipidomics to identify potential endogenous substrates for Medicago truncatula FAAH1 (MtFAAH1). We incubated recombinant MtFAAH1 with lipid mixtures extracted from M. truncatula and resolved their profiles via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Data revealed that besides N‐acylethanolamines (NAEs), sn‐1 or sn‐2 isomers of monoacylglycerols (MAGs) were substrates for MtFAAH1. Combined with in vitro and computational approaches, our data support both amidase and esterase activities for MtFAAH1. MAG‐mediated hydrolysis via MtFAAH1 may be linked to biological roles that are yet to be discovered.
Hydroxychloroquine Improves Low Complement Levels
Authors: Jacobson Rebecca , Goldman Daniel , Fava Andrea , Magder Laurence , Petri Michelle
Published: June 2024

Objective

Having a low complement level is associated with clinical systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity and future organ damage. We studied the association of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) whole blood levels with changes in complement level.

Methods

We performed two analyses on data prospectively collected from an SLE cohort. In the first (a “new starts on HCQ” analysis), we compared changes in complement level between those starting HCQ and those not starting it. The second analysis evaluated the association between HCQ whole blood levels and low complement level in all cohort visits using conditional logistic regression.

Results

In the “new starts on HCQ” analysis, a higher percentage of patients starting HCQ (as reflected in HCQ blood levels >50) experienced a normalization of C4 level compared to those not starting HCQ (23 of 57 [40%] vs. 9 of 56 [13%]; P = 0.011), as well as a significantly greater increase in both C3 and C4 level (P = 0.048 and P = 0.017, respectively). In the “all cohort visits” analysis, there was a statistically significant higher probability of having normal C4 levels in visits with higher HCQ whole blood levels (odds ratio 1.8–2.6 depending on the levels). This relationship was most pronounced for whole blood HCQ levels of 200 ng/mL or more.

Conclusion

We observed significant improvement in complement levels when HCQ was started and among those with higher whole blood levels of HCQ, particularly with respect to C4. Modulating the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to complement consumption may be one mode by which HCQ prevents poor outcomes in SLE.
Facile Green Synthesis of Zingerone Based Tissue‐Like Biodegradable Polyester with Shape‐Memory Features for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Jindal Simran , Ghosal Krishanu , Khamaisi Bassma , Kana'an Nadine , Nassar‐Marjiya Eid , Farah Shady
Published: June 2024

The abundance of plants as a renewable bioresource has captured the significant attention of researchers, driving them to explore new biodegradable polymeric materials. However, there are still many biobased materials with untapped potential, offering opportunities to synthesize novel biodegradable polymers with multifunctional properties. This work provides a unique solvent and catalyst‐free melt polycondensation process to prepare a series of polyesters using zingerol (Zing‐OH), a reduced form of zingerone, as a primary component for the first time. Briefly, Zing‐OH (a ginger‐based component) is employed in conjunction with a variety of renewable resources, such as citric acid (CA), sebacic acid (SA), and xylitol (Xy), to synthesize multifunctional soft tissue‐like ZCSX polyesters. Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are used to validate the synthesis of the polyesters, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and universal testing machine (UTM) are employed to investigate their physicochemical properties. Moreover, the synthesized polyester's thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties can be fine‐tuned by simply varying the Zing‐OH feed ratio. The mechanical properties of the synthesized polymer resemble various human tissues, including the liver, uterus, bladder, breast, and temporal and nasal cartilage. This suggests that the synthesized polyesters can potentially be useful in tissue engineering applications. Furthermore, the polyester demonstrated exceptional recovery responses and good shape memory behavior at ambient body temperature. Additionally, as observed from Alamar blue, live/dead assays, and time‐dependent in vitro wound images, the synthesized polyester demonstrated antibacterial activity, good in vitro cytocompatibility, cell proliferation, and wound healing capabilities against mouse fibroblast cells (NIH/3T3). The developed biocompatible polyester also exhibits excellent hemocompatibility for human blood, indicating its potential use in the field of regenerative medicine.
Floating Bimetallic Catalysts for Growing 30 cm‐Long Carbon Nanotube Arrays with High Yields and Uniformity
Authors: Jiang Qinyuan , Wu Yibo , Wang Fei , Zhu Ping , Li Run , Zhao Yanlong , Huang Ya , Wu Xueke , Zhao Siming , Li Yunrui , Wang Baoshun , Gao Di , Zhang Rufan
Published: June 2024

Ultralong carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are considered as promising candidates for many cutting‐edge applications. However, restricted by the extremely low yields of ultralong CNTs, their practical applications can hardly be realized. Therefore, new methodologies shall be developed to boost the growth efficiency of ultralong CNTs and alleviate their areal density decay at the macroscale level. Herein, a facile, universal, and controllable method for the in situ synthesis of floating bimetallic catalysts (FBCs) is proposed to grow ultralong CNT arrays with high yields and uniformity. Ferrocene and metal acetylacetonates serve as catalyst precursors, affording the successful synthesis of a series of FBCs with controllable compositions. Among these FBCs, the optimized FeCu catalyst increases the areal density of ultralong CNT arrays to a record‐breaking value of ≈8100 CNTs mm−1 and exhibits a lifetime 3.40 times longer than that of Fe, thus achieving both high yields and uniformity. A 30‐centimeters‐long and high‐density ultralong CNT array is also successfully grown with the assistance of FeCu catalysts. As evidenced by this kinetic model and molecular dynamics simulations, the introduction of Cu into Fe can simultaneously improve the catalyst fluidity and decrease carbon solubility, and an optimal catalytic performance will be achieved by balancing this tradeoff.
Self‐Powered Electrical Bandage Based on Body‐Coupled Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kang Minki , Yum Han‐Yup , Kim Hyoung Taek , Park Byung‐Joon , Cho Daniel Sanghyun , Choi YoungHwan , Kim Hye Jin , Cho Youngmin , Kim Young‐Jun , Lee Dong‐Min , Lee Dong‐Gyu , Song Hyun‐Cheol , Nam Soo Hyun , Lee Jong Hee , Choi Byung‐Ok , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: June 2024

Self‐powered electrical bandages (SEBs), integrated with wearable energy harvesters, can provide an effective and autonomous electrical stimulation (ES) solution for rapid and scarless wound healing. A continuously operating, wireless, and applicable‐to‐comprehensive‐wound ES device is essential for the quick restoration of wounds and convenience. This work illustrates a SEB powered by body‐coupled energy harvesting. The SEB continuously treats the wound with 60‐Hz sinusoidal electrical potential gained from the coupling of the human body and ambient electrical waves. It is demonstrated that enough level of electrical potential can be applied to the wound, further enhanced by strong capacitive coupling arising from the use of high‐permittivity poly(vinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene):CaCu3Ti4O12 (P(VDF‐TrFE):CCTO) nanocomposite. The potential clinical efficacy of the SEB is illustrated by preclinical analysis of human fibroblasts and mouse wound model, thus confirming the successful expedition of wound recovery. This work suggests a new class of wearable devices to provide ES events and its potential for extension to other conventional wound care materials and device technology.
Self‐Evolving Hierarchical Hydrogel Fibers with Circadian Rhythms and Memory Functions
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Song Yuanzhu , Wu Peiyi
Published: June 2024

The fusion of hierarchical tissues at interfaces, incorporating ultrafast selective transport channels, enables efficient matter exchange and energy transfer across multiscale structures in living organisms. However, achieving these characteristics simultaneously in an artificial multimaterial system is challenging. Here, this work presents a multimaterial hydrogel fiber with a hierarchical structure of interface fusion, which forms spontaneously through in situ hierarchy evolution induced by ionic cross‐linking and molecular shear flow. Water transport occurs in the angstrom‐scale confined slits created by aligned cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by direct Coulomb knock‐on, resembling Newton's cradle motion. The fusion of interfaces enables high‐efficiency water transport across multiscale layers, combined with Newton's cradle‐like collective water motion, creating a highly sensitive negative feedback loop within the fiber. These fibers exhibit integrated behaviors of time‐space perception, short‐term memory and adaptive changes in shape. Additionally, they demonstrate rhythm characteristics, changing periodically in a 24‐h day‐night cycle. Composed of natural building blocks, these hierarchical hydrogel fibers exhibit a memristor effect similar to that of an elementary neuron, making them promising for applications in seamless on‐skin and implantable bioelectronics.
Two‐step simulation combining large eddy simulation and population balance Monte Carlo for nanoparticle synthesis in flame spray pyrolysis
Authors: He Song , Su Zhijing , Shang Cheng , Lu Hao , Xu Zuwei , Zhao Haibo
Published: June 2024

A two‐step simulation approach combining large eddy simulation (LES) for turbulent flame and multidimensional/multivariate population balance Monte Carlo (PBMC) for nanoparticle dynamics is proposed to explore the detailed flame fields and particle dynamics of zirconia nanoparticles in a flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) reactor. The turbulent combustion of gas and spray are simulated by the nonlinear LES‐partially stirred reactor model. Thereafter, the differentially weighted PBMC is applied for the first time to describe the spatially resolved formation and growth of nanoparticles using the flame fields derived from LES as an input. An efficient submodel for particle spatial transport in multidimensional grids is adopted and tested to account for the effect of thermophoresis, convective and diffusion of the nanoparticles. This methodology is successfully applied to an FSP case, demonstrating a reliable level of fidelity when compared to experiments and other model. Simulation results are discussed, in particular the flame fields and the size, morphology, as well as polydisperse primary particle and aggregates size distribution.
Remotely Controlled 3D‐Engineered Scaffolds for Biomimetic In Vitro Investigations on Brain Cell Cocultures
Authors: De Pasquale Daniele , Marino Attilio , Pucci Carlotta , Tricinci Omar , Filippeschi Carlo , Fiaschi Pietro , Sinibaldi Edoardo , Ciofani Gianni
Published: June 2024

Most in vitro studies regarding new anticancer treatments are performed on 2D cultures, despite this approach imposes several limitations in recapitulating the real tumor behavior and in predicting the effects of therapy on both cancer and healthy tissues. Herein, advanced in vitro models based on scaffolds that support the 3D growth of glioma cells, further allowing the cocultures with healthy brain cells, are presented. These scaffolds, doped with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles and obtained through 2‐photon polymerization, can be remotely manipulated thanks to an external magnet, thus obtaining biomimetic 3D organization recapitulating the brain cancer microenvironment. From a geometric point of view, the structure is functional to both cell culture on individual unit scaffolds and to tailored cocultures fostered by magnetic‐driven unit assembly, also allowing for cell migration thanks to passages/fenestrations on adjacent structures. Leveraging magnetic dragging, for which a mathematical model is introduced, multiple cocultures are achieved, highlighting the high versatility and the user‐friendly character of the proposed platform that can help overcome the current challenges in 3D cocultures handling, and open the way to the construction of increasingly biomimetic artificial systems.
Epigenetic underpinnings of the autistic mind: Histone modifications and prefrontal excitation/inhibition imbalance
Authors: Fard Yasaman Arman , Sadeghi Elham Najjar , Pajoohesh Zohreh , Gharehdaghi Zahra , Khatibi Dorsa Mousavi , Khosravifar Shaghayegh , Pishkari Yasamin , Nozari Shadi , Hijazi Ahmed , Pakmehr SeyedAbbas , Shayan Sepideh Karkon
Published: June 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex neurobehavioral condition influenced by several cellular and molecular mechanisms that are often concerned with synaptogenesis and synaptic activity. Based on the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance theory, ASD could be the result of disruption in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission across the brain. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the chief regulator of executive function and can be affected by altered neuronal excitation and inhibition in the course of ASD. The molecular mechanisms involved in E/I imbalance are subject to epigenetic regulation. In ASD, altered enrichment and spreading of histone H3 and H4 modifications such as the activation‐linked H3K4me2/3, H3K9ac, and H3K27ac, and repression‐linked H3K9me2, H3K27me3, and H4K20me2 in the PFC result in dysregulation of molecules mediating synaptic excitation (ARC, EGR1, mGluR2, mGluR3, GluN2A, and GluN2B) and synaptic inhibition (BSN, EphA7, SLC6A1). Histone modifications are a dynamic component of the epigenetic regulatory elements with a pronounced effect on patterns of gene expression with regards to any biological process. The excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with ASD is based on the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity in different regions of the brain, including the PFC, the ultimate outcome of which is highly influenced by transcriptional activity of relevant genes.
Controlled Release of Diborane from Alkali Metal Borohydride using Ionic Liquid‐Based Lewis Acids
Authors: Kumar Vasudevan Ashvin , Wang Yujie , Biswas Prithwish , Shi Keren , Zachariah Michael R.
Published: June 2024

Alkali metal borohydrides present a rich source of energy dense materials of boron and hydrogen, however their potential in propellants has been hitherto untapped. Potassium borohydride is a promising fuel with high gravimetric energy density and relatively low sensitivity to air and moisture. Problems arise due to the dehydrogenation of the borohydride on heating with minimal energy release. Common methods to extract both boron and hydrogen by means of borane species involve direct reaction of boron trifluoride species with alkali borohydrides. However, these methods face storage and safety issues due to rapid release of diborane on mixing the reactants. We propose a method of diborane release through controlled release of boron trifluoride by means of a tetrafluoroborate based ionic liquid. The trifluoride is released from the ionic liquid at elevated temperatures and enables safe mixture of the reactants at room temperature. It was found that the reaction between borohydride and boron trifluoride proceeds well above room temperature with potassium borohydride releasing diborane and potassium fluoride. The reaction pathway shows a primary reaction releasing diborane and potassium fluoride and a second less energy efficient step leading to the formation of potassium tetrafluoroborate. A 3D printed propellant formulation was also tested.
Closed‐Loop Recycling of Mixed Plastics of Polyester and CO2‐Based Polycarbonate to a Single Monomer
Authors: Shi Changxia , Diment Wilfred T. , Chen Eugene Y.‐X.
Published: June 2024

Physical blending is an effective strategy for tailoring polymeric materials to specific application requirements. However, physically blended mixed plastics waste adds additional barriers in mechanical or chemical recycling. This difficulty arises from the intricate requirement for meticulous sorting and separation of the various polymers in the inherent incompatibility of mixed polymers during recycling. To overcome this impediment, this work furthers the emerging single‐monomer – multiple‐materials approach through the design of a bifunctional monomer that can not only orthogonally polymerize into two different types of polymers – specifically lactone‐based polyester and CO2‐based polycarbonate – but the resultant polymers and their mixture can also be depolymerized back to the single, original monomer when facilitated by catalysis. Specifically, the lactone/epoxide hybrid bifunctional monomer (BiLO) undergoes ring‐opening polymerization through the lactone manifold to produce polyester, PE(BiLO), and is also applied to ring‐opening copolymerization with CO2, via the epoxide manifold, to yield polycarbonate, PC(BiLO). Remarkably, a one‐pot recycling process of a BiLO‐derived PE/PC blend back to the constituent monomer BiLO in >99 % selectivity was achieved with a superbase catalyst at 150 °C, thereby effectively obviating the requirement for sorting and separation typically required for recycling of mixed polymers.
Polycatenanes Formed of Self‐Assembled Metal‐Organic Cages
Authors: Martí‐Rujas Javier , Famulari Antonino
Published: June 2024

Poly‐[n]‐catenanes (PCs) self‐assembled of three‐dimensional (3D) metal organic cages (MOCs) (hereafter referred to as PCs‐MOCs) are a relatively new class of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) that combine the properties of MOCs and polymers. The synthesis of PCs‐MOCs is challenging because of the difficulties associated with interlocking MOCs, the occurrence of multiple weak supramolecular electrostatic interactions between cages, and the importance of solvent templating effects. The high density of mechanical bonds interlocking the MOCs endows the MOCs with mechanical and physical properties such as enhanced stability, responsive dynamic behavior and low solubility, which can unlock new functional properties. In this Minireview, we highlight the benefit of interlocking MOCs in the formation of PCs‐MOCs structures as well as the synthetic approaches exploited in their preparation, from thermodynamic to kinetic methods, both in the solution and solid‐states. Examples of PCs‐MOCs self‐assembled from various types of nanosized cages (i.e., tetrahedral, trigonal prismatic, octahedral and icosahedral) are described in this article, providing an overview of the research carried out in this area. The focus is on the structure–property relationship with examples of functional applications such as electron conductivity, X‐ray attenuation, gas adsorption and molecular sensing. We believe that the structural and functional aspects of the reviewed PCs‐MOCs will attract chemists in this research field with great potential as new functional materials in nanotechnological disciplines such as gas adsorption, sensing and photophysical properties such as X‐ray attenuation or electron conductivity.
Platinum (II) Schiff Base Complexes and their Effects on the Inhibition of Amyloid β1–42 Aggregation
Authors: İrişli Sevil , Günnaz Salih , Özcan Özge , Arı Aydan , Maral Meltem , Erdem Arzum , Özel Derya , Yurt Fatma
Published: June 2024

For synthesizing metal–organic molecules with pro‐drug properties to prevent the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ1–42), which is a feature of neurodegenerative Alzheimer's disease, two new Schiff bases with imine/amine donors 2‐([3,3‐diphenylalidene]amino)‐N,N‐dimethylethane‐1‐amine and N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐([quinolin‐4‐ylmethylene]amino)ethane‐1‐amine, as well as their novel Pt (II) complexes (I and II), were synthesized and characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐ and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses. The spectroscopic data has shown that the ligands are coordinated to the central atom in a chelating manner.

Furthermore, the interaction between these complexes and Aβ1–42 was investigated using the electrochemical methods, square wave voltammetry and pencil graphite electrode, while monitoring the changes in the oxidation signal of the Try residue in Aβ1–42.

The ability of the compounds to inhibit Aβ1–42 aggregation was investigated using the human neuroblastoma cell line (SH‐SY5Y). Complex II could actively inhibit the aggregation of Aβ1–42 at a molar ratio of 1.0/1.0, and its Aβ1–42 aggregation kinetics were fluorometrically determined using thioflavin T.

These results were supported by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses. Moreover, the interaction of complex II with Aβ1–16 was investigated via 1H‐NMR spectroscopy.

As a result, it was observed that complex II was effective in inhibiting the aggregation of Aβ1–42 at a molar ratio of 1.0/1.0. This result shows that studies can be conducted on the effects of Schiff base‐Pt complexes as potential pro‐drugs on Alzheimer's disease.
Gender diversity, intellectual capital, and family ownership: An empirical test of Kanter's hypothesis
Authors: Ali Rizwan , Amin Ali , Rehman Ramiz Ur , Ntim Collins G.
Published: June 2024

This study examines the relationship between gender diversity and intellectual capital performance, and moderating role of family ownership on this relationship. The study used 3730 firm‐year observations of 307 nonfinancial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2008–2020 and employed ordinary least squares regression analysis to test the hypotheses. More specifically, the study used group composition (skewed board, tilted board, and balanced board) to examine multiple significance levels of gender diversity on boards, and used five measures (modified value‐added intellectual coefficient, human capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency, relational capital efficiency, and capital employed efficiency) of intellectual capital performance. Using lens of agency theory and resource dependence theory, we found that gender diversity positively influences intellectual capital performance, however, the strongest impact is apparent in case of balanced board. Moreover, family ownership positively influences this relationship. Our study complements the efforts of policy makers by providing empirical support for the mandatory placement of females on boards and urge them to increase number of females on corporate boards to derive maximum benefits of female directors. In addition, our results recommend the enhancement of the professional skills of women work force to ensure their maximum participation in the corporate sector.
Interventions for renal artery stenosis: Appraisal of novel physiological insights and procedural techniques to improve clinical outcome
Authors: Drieghe Benny , De Buyzere Marc , Bové Thierry , De Backer Tine
Published: June 2024

Randomized clinical trials failed to show additional benefit of renal artery stenting on top of medical therapy. Instead of writing an obituary on renal artery stenting, we try to explain these disappointing results. A transstenotic pressure gradient is needed to reduce renal perfusion and to activate the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system. In only a minority of patients included in trials, a transstenotic pressure gradient is measured and reported. Like the coronary circulation, integration of physiological lesion assessment will allow to avoid stenting of non‐significant lesions and select those patients that are most likely to benefit from renal artery stenting. Renal artery interventions are associated with peri‐procedural complications. Contemporary techniques, including radial artery access, no‐touch technique to engage the renal ostium and the use of embolic protection devices, will minimize procedural risk. Combining optimal patient selection and meticulous technique might lead to a netto clinical benefit when renal artery stenting is added to optimal medical therapy.
Ion‐Pairing Assemblies of Anion‐Responsive π‐Electronic Systems That Have Noncovalently Assisted Expanded Planar Region
Authors: Kugizaki Rio , Haketa Yohei , Kamada Kenji , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: June 2024

Arylethynyl‐substituted dipyrrolyldiketone BF2 complexes as anion‐responsive π‐electronic molecules exhibited characteristic electronic properties derived from conformation changes upon anion binding, which caused an increase in UV/vis absorption and associated two‐photon absorption. The anion complexes showed expanded planar regions assisted by intramolecular interactions, resulting in charge‐by‐charge ion‐pairing assemblies in the solid state.
A New Family of SO42–‐Templated 3d‐4f High‐Nuclearity Clusters: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties†
Authors: Fan Caihong , Bai Kaipeng , Luo Qiancheng , Han Tian , Huang Chang , Zheng Yanzhen , Chen Weipeng
Published: June 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The precise syntheses of transition–rare‐earth metal clusters with desired structures remain a great challenge. Herein, by utilizing SO42– anion released by in‐situ decomposition of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a template, a series of novel high‐nuclearity 3d‐4f clusters, formulated as [Ni24Pr22(μ3‐OH)31(pida)24(SO4)4(NO3)9(CH3COO)3]·Br4·(NO3)11·16H2O·25CH3OH (1, H2pida = N‐phenyliminodiacetic acid), [Ni24Nd22(μ3‐OH)31(pida)24(SO4)4(NO3)9(CH3COO)3]·Br4·(NO3)11·14H2O·24CH3OH (2) and [Ni24Gd22(μ3‐OH)36(bida)24(SO4)7(NO3)3(CH3COO)3]·(SO4)·Br4·(NO3)4·31H2O·32CH3OH (3, H2bida = N‐benzyliminodiacetic acid), have been successfully isolated. X‐ray crystal structure analyses reveal that all the cationic {Ni24RE22} cores in 1—3 possess a ball‐like structure with C3v symmetry, and can be viewed as consisting of an inner {RE22} core and an outer {Ni24} shell. From 1 and 2 to 3, due to the lanthanide contraction effect, the coordination numbers for rare‐earth metal centers in {RE22} are different, resulting in different number of SO42– and NO3– anions to support and stabilize the skeleton structures. Meanwhile, the magnetic properties of complexes 1—3 were also studied. The result revealed that complexes 1—3 show antiferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic interactions, and 3 exhibits magneto‐caloric effect at ultralow temperatures with a maximum –ΔSm (magnetic entropy change) value of 33.03 J·kg−1·K−1 at 3.0 K and 7 T.
Impact of clinical breast examination‐based screening program on care pathway, stage at diagnosis, nature of treatment, and overall survival among breast cancer patients in Morocco
Authors: Selmouni Farida , Bendahhou Karima , Sauvaget Catherine , Abahssain Halima , Lucas Eric , Muwonge Richard , Mimouni Hind , Ismaili Rachid , Bidar Soukaina , Benkaddour Fatima Zahra , Abousselham Loubna , Chami Khazraji Youssef , Belakhel Latifa , Basu Partha
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to indirectly examine whether the implementation of clinical breast examination‐based screening program in Morocco has been successful in downstaging and improving survival rates. Breast cancer patients detected through the screening pathway were compared with those detected through self‐referral over the same period in terms of cancer stage at diagnosis, tumor characteristics, care delays, and survival.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted between April 2019 and August 2020 at two major public oncology centers.

Results

A total of 896 women with confirmed breast cancer were recruited (483 were program‐referred and 413 were self‐referred). The authors did not report any significant difference between the two groups in terms of stage at diagnosis, molecular profile, or histopathological grade. Early‐stage cancer (stage I‐II) was detected in 55.7% of self‐referred participants compared to 55.5% of program‐referred participants. Median intervals between symptom recognition, pathological diagnosis, and treatment initiation were not significantly different between the two groups. Similarly, survival after treatment showed no significant difference between patients screened by the program and self‐referred patients. The 3‐year survival rate after treatment was 94.5% for patients referred through the program and 88.6% for patients not referred through the program (p = .16).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of equitable and timely access to high‐quality diagnosis and treatment facilities, leading to substantial downstaging and enhanced survival rates. Continued efforts to improve quality and expand coverage to include asymptomatic women will consolidate the health infrastructure gains achieved by the Moroccan breast cancer screening program.
Glucosyltriazole amphiphile treatment attenuates breast cancer by modulating the AMPK signaling
Authors: Chouhan Neeraj Kumar , Eedara Abhisheik , Talati Mamta N. , Ambadipudi Sudha S. S. S. S. , Andugulapati Sai Balaji , Pabbaraja Srihari
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women. Out of various subtypes, triple‐negative breast cancers (TNBCs) account for 15% of breast cancers and exhibit more aggressive characteristics as well as a worse prognosis due to their proclivity for metastatic progression and limited therapeutic strategies. It has been demonstrated that AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has context‐specific protumorigenic implications in breast cancer cells. A set of glucosyltriazole amphiphiles, consisting of acetylated (9a‐h) and unmodified sugar hydroxyl groups (10a‐h), were synthesized and subjected to in vitro biological evaluation. Among them, 9h exhibited significant anticancer activity against MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7, and 4T1 cell lines with IC50 values of 12.5, 15, and 12.55 μM, respectively. Further, compound 9h was evaluated for apoptosis and cell cycle analysis in in vitro models (using breast cancer cells) and antitumour activity in an in vivo model (orthotopic mouse model using 4T1 cells). Annexin‐V assay results revealed that treatment with 9h caused 34% and 28% cell death at a concentration of 15 or 7.5 μM, respectively, while cell cycle analysis demonstrated that 9h arrested the cells at the G2/M or G1 phase in MCF‐7, MDA‐MB‐231 and 4T1 cells, respectively. Further, in vivo, investigation showed that compound 9h exhibited equipotent as doxorubicin at 7.5 mg/kg, and superior efficacy than doxorubicin at 15 mg/kg. The mechanistic approach revealed that 9h showed potent anticancer activity in an in vivo orthotopic model (4T1 cells) partly by suppressing the AMPK activation. Therefore, modulating the AMPK activation could be a probable approach for targeting breast cancer and mitigating cancer progression.
Forebrain commissure formation in zebrafish embryo requires the binding of KLC1 to CRMP2
Authors: Li Simo , Guo Youjia , Takahashi Miyuki , Suzuki Hisato , Kosaki Kenjiro , Ohshima Toshio
Published: June 2024

Formation of the corpus callosum (CC), anterior commissure (AC), and postoptic commissure (POC), connecting the left and right cerebral hemispheres, is crucial for cerebral functioning. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) has been suggested to be associated with the mechanisms governing this formation, based on knockout studies in mice and knockdown/knockout studies in zebrafish. Previously, we reported two cases of non‐synonymous CRMP2 variants with S14R and R565C substitutions. Among the, the R565C substitution (p.R565C) was caused by the novel CRMP2 mutation c.1693C > T, and the patient presented with intellectual disability accompanied by CC hypoplasia. In this study, we demonstrate that crmp2 mRNA could rescue AC and POC formation in crmp2‐knockdown zebrafish, whereas the mRNA with the R566C mutation could not. Zebrafish CRMP2 R566C corresponds to human CRMP2 R565C. Further experiments with transfected cultured cells indicated that CRMP2 with the R566C mutation could not bind to kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1). Knockdown of klc1a in zebrafish resulted in defective AC and POC formation, revealing a genetic interaction with crmp2. These findings suggest that the CRMP2 R566C mutant fails to bind to KLC1, preventing axonal elongation and leading to defective AC and POC formation in zebrafish and CC formation defects in humans. Our study highlights the importance of the interaction between CRMP2 and KLC1 in the formation of the forebrain commissures, revealing a novel mechanism associated with CRMP2 mutations underlying human neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
Strain‐Driven [3+2] Cycloaddition of Triazine 1‐Oxides with Arynes/Cyclooctyne: Access to Benzisoxazoles/Cyclooctene‐Fused Isoxazoles
Authors: Biswas Soumen , Sanchez‐Palestino Luis Mario , Arman Hadi , Doyle Michael P.
Published: June 2024

The 4‐carboxylates of 1,2,3‐triazine 1‐oxides undergo [3+2] cycloaddition with in situ generated benzynes and naphthyne and also with cyclooctyne that, following extrusion of dinitrogen, form isoxazole‐3‐propenoate derivatives in high yields and diastereocontrol. This practical method occurs at room temperature and provides a wide range of isoxazole‐based heterocycles with diverse functionality. 1,2‐Naphthyne, an unsymmetrical alkyne, forms only one regioisomeric product, exemplifying inherent regioselectivity. Although high, stereoselectivity is not 100 % in most cases, indicating that the loss of dinitrogen is stepwise. Derivative reactions of benzisoxazoles suggest their versatility.
Regulating ion transport in lithium metal batteries via metal‐organic frameworks electrolyte modulator
Authors: Yan Jiaxing , Li Jiaqi , Fang Wenqiang , Gao Yuanhang , Qin Zuosu , Sun Mingwei , Yuan Peng , Chen Gen
Published: June 2024

Low Li+ transference number in liquid electrolytes can lead to uneven lithium deposition and dendrite growth, reducing coulombic efficiency and cycle life of lithium metal batteries. In this study, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are used as electrolyte modulator to regulate Li+ transport. The ‐NH2 group introduced into MOFs can form hydrogen bonds with anions in the electrolyte, immobilizing these anions and thereby facilitating the migration of cations. As a result, a uniform and dense deposition morphology of lithium was achieved. The Li+ transference number is increased from 0.26 to 0.57. The assembled Li||Li symmetrical cell can stably cycle for over for 900 h with an average overpotential below 20 mV. In addition, the rate performance of the battery can be enhanced.
Annual degradation rates and soiling losses of photovoltaic systems composed of recent crystalline silicon technologies in temperate climate
Authors: Ishii Tetsuyuki
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the annual degradation rates of photovoltaic (PV) systems composed of PV modules based on recent crystalline silicon (c‐Si) PV technologies. We investigated the annual degradation rates of four PV systems composed of different c‐Si PV technologies, comprising p‐type multi‐crystalline silicon with a passivated emitter rear cell, n‐type silicon heterojunction, p‐type single‐crystalline silicon (sc‐Si) with an aluminum back surface field, and n‐type (sc‐Si) solar cell technologies. These systems were located in Gunma Prefecture in Japan and were measured over 6 years. Furthermore, the effects of soiling on the annual degradation rates of these PV systems were examined by partially surface cleaning the PV arrays two times. The results obtained indicate that the apparent annual degradation rates of the PV strings before surface cleaning were 0.8, 1.6, 1.4, and 1.2%/year, respectively, because of optical losses due to dust particles. However, the inherent annual degradation rates of the PV strings after surface cleaning were 0.1, 0.6, 0.0, and 0.3%/year, respectively. These low degradation rates indicate that the PV systems composed of the recent c‐Si PV technologies all offered reasonably stable performance that was reduced by 3.6%, 5.5%, 7.3%, and 4.8%, respectively because of the effects of surface soiling, although the surfaces of the PV arrays had been washed by plentiful rainfall under their humid subtropical climatic operating conditions.
Molecular dynamics simulation of argon isochoric transition to supercritical state
Authors: Ran Yunmin , Bertola Volfango
Published: June 2024

The effect of the initial atoms distribution on the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a model atomic fluid (argon) is investigated for the case of the isochoric phase transition to the supercritical state. In particular, the case of uniformly distributed atoms in the simulation domain is compared with the case of separated liquid and vapor atoms. The sensitivity of simulations to asymmetric nanoscale perturbations in the boundary is also studied. Despite its high computational cost, the MD approach has the potential to successfully address long‐standing problems in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), especially those associated with mathematical singularities, such as contact angles, vortices, phase transitions and so forth. Unlike conventional CFD simulations, where the initial condition is the pressure or velocity distribution in the simulation domain, MD simulations also require the initial position of each molecule. Thus, it is important to understand whether a judicious choice of the initial distribution of molecules can reduce the overall computation time of the simulation. The evolution of the model fluid system during the phase transition was simulated using a Lennard‐Jones interatomic potential, corrected with the Lorentz–Berthelot mixing rule for the interactions with the solid walls. The system was allowed to relax until equilibrium, and then a Heaviside temperature step was applied to the wall to bring the system to supercritical conditions. Results show the initial choice of the atoms distribution can significantly affect the computational time, while the effect of asymmetric perturbations on the boundary is negligible.
Efficient plaintext checkable identity‐based signcryption in cyber‐physical systems towards IIoT
Authors: Hadabi Abdalla , Qu Zheng , Elhabob Rashad , Kumar Sachin , Kumari Saru , Xiong Hu
Published: June 2024

Many different sectors are beginning to deploy cyber‐physical systems (CPS) and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, including wearables, sensors, and critical infrastructure. In order to ensure that the device's data remains confidential, it must be encrypted prior to transmission. However, obtaining authenticity and integrity in IIoT data is also crucial, and signcryption has been proposed as a solution to this challenge. An additional obstacle is how to search for signcrypted cloud data using plaintext keywords. In this paper, we suggest a plaintext‐checkable identity‐based signcryption for CPS towards IIoT (IBSC‐PCE), which enables plaintext searching of signcrypted cloud‐based data. We provide both confidentiality and integrity and also demonstrate the security of our approach under the q‐Diffie‐Hellman inversion problem (q‐DHIP). This problem has been shown to be secure in the random oracle model (ROM), which further reinforces the robustness of our approach. Compared to current state‐of‐the‐art methods, our proposed approach outperforms them.