bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Distribution of Intracranial Vessel Occlusion on Angiography and Its Association with Functional Outcome in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Presenting with Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Benz Alexander P. , Meinel Thomas R. , Salerno Alexander , Beyeler Morin , Strambo Davide , Kaesmacher Johannes , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Kahles Timo , Katan Mira , Engelter Stefan T. , Carrera Emmanuel , Dirren Elisabeth , Peters Nils , Cereda Carlo W. , Kägi Georg , Renaud Susanne , Wegener Susanne , Bolognese Manuel , Bonati Leo H. , Fischer Urs , Arnold Marcel , Michel Patrik , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Connolly Stuart J. , Seiffge David J. ,   the Swiss Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and distribution of intracranial vessel occlusion identified on computed tomography (CT) or magnet resonance (MR) angiography and to explore its association with functional outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke.

Methods

Multicenter cohort study enrolling consecutive patients with AF with imaging‐confirmed ischemic stroke who underwent CT‐ or MR‐angiography on admission (2014–2022). Multivariable regression was used to explore the association between intracranial vessel occlusion and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6) at 90 days.

Results

The analysis included 10,164 patients (median age 81.5 years, 47.8% female, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission 6; 14.7% on a vitamin K antagonist [VKA], 27.5% on a direct oral anticoagulant [DOAC], 57.8% not receiving oral anticoagulation). Angiography showed intracranial vessel occlusion in 5,190 patients (51.1%), affecting the anterior cerebral circulation in 87.4%. Overall, 29.2% and 29.4% of patients received thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy, respectively. The proportion of patients with poor functional outcome at 90 days was 60.6% and 42.7% in those with and without vessel occlusion, respectively. In multivariable analyses, vessel occlusion was associated with poor functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71–2.22) with consistent results in subgroups according to oral anticoagulation use (VKA, aOR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.40–2.80; DOAC, aOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.83–3.03; none, aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.49–2.09).

Interpretation

Intracranial vessel occlusion is common in patients with AF with ischemic stroke, mainly affects the anterior circulation and is associated with poor functional outcome. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1115–1123
L–Cysteine‐Catalysed Hydration of Activated Alkynes
Authors: González‐Rodríguez Jorge , González‐Granda Sergio , Lavandera Iván , Gotor‐Fernández Vicente , Mangas‐Sánchez Juan
Published: September 2024

Hydration reactions consist of the introduction of a molecule of water into a chemical compound and are particularly useful to transform alkynes into carbonyls, which are strategic intermediates in the synthesis of a plethora of compounds. Herein we demonstrate that L–cysteine can catalyse the hydration of activated alkynes in a very effective and fully regioselective manner to access important building blocks in synthetic chemistry such as β‐ketosulfones, amides and esters, in aqueous media. The mild reaction conditions facilitated the integration with enzyme catalysis to access chiral β‐hydroxy sulfones from the corresponding alkynes in a one‐pot cascade process in good yields and excellent enantiomeric ratios. These findings pave the way towards establishing a general method for metal‐free, cost‐effective, and more sustainable alkyne hydration processes.
High‐Performance Polyimide Covalent Organic Frameworks for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Exceptional Stability and Capacity Retention at High Current Densities
Authors: Li Jiali , Zhang Jinkai , Hou Yuxin , Suo Jinquan , Liu Jianchuan , Li Hui , Qiu Shilun , Valtchev Valentin , Fang Qianrong , Liu Xiaoming
Published: September 2024

Organic polymers are considered promising candidates for next‐generation green electrode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, achieving long cycling stability and capacity retention at high current densities remains a significant challenge due to weak structural stability and low conductivity. In this study, we report the synthesis of two novel polyimide covalent organic frameworks (PI‐COFs), COF‐JLU85 and COF‐JLU86, by combining truxenone‐based triamine and linear acid anhydride through polymerization. These PI‐COFs feature layers with pore channels embedded with 18 carbonyl groups, facilitating rapid lithium‐ion diffusion and enhancing structural stability under high current densities. Compared to previously reported organic polymer materials, COF‐JLU86 demonstrates the excellent performance at high current densities, with an impressive specific capacity of 1161.1 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, and outstanding cycling stability, retaining 1289.8 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 1500 cycles and 401.1 mA h g−1 at 15 A g−1 after 10000 cycles. Additionally, in situ infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide mechanistic insights, revealing that the high concentration of carbonyl redox‐active sites and the optimized electronic structure contribute to the excellent electrochemical performance. These results highlight the potential of PI‐COFs as high‐performance organic electrode materials for LIBs, offering a promising solution to the challenges of long‐term stability and capacity retention at high current densities.
Systemic corticosterone enhances fear memory extinction in rats: Involvement of the infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex GABAA and GABAB receptors
Authors: Omoumi Samira , Rashidy‐Pour Ali , Seyedinia Seyed Ali , Tarahomi Parnia , Sedaghat Katayoun , Vafaei Abbas Ali , Raise‐Abdullahi Payman
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) regulates the extinction of conditioned fear memory. Glucocorticoid and gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are expressed in the mPFC and are also critical in fear extinction. This study investigated the possible interactive effects of the glucocorticoids and GABAergic system in the IL on the regulation of fear extinction.

Method

The rats were trained using an auditory fear conditioning task during which they received three conditioned stimuli (tones, 30 s, 4 kHz, 80 dB), co‐terminated with the three unconditioned stimuli (footshock, 0.8 mA, 1 s). Extinction testing was conducted over 3 days (Ext 1–3). Thirty minutes before the first extinction trial (Ext 1), the rats received bicuculline (BIC, 1 mg/kg/2 mL, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) as a GABAA receptor antagonist or CGP55845 (CGP, 0.1 mg/kg/2 ML, i.p.) as a GABAB receptor antagonist followed by systemic injection of corticosterone (CORT, 3 mg/kg/2 ML, i.p.). Furthermore, separate groups of rats received a bilateral intra‐IL injection of BIC (100 ng/0.3 µL/side) or CGP (10 ng/0.3 µL/side) followed by a systemic injection of CORT (3 mg/kg/2 ML, i.p.) before the first extinction trial (Ext 1). The extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1) and cAMP response element‐binding (CREB) activity in the IL was examined by Western blot analysis after Ext 1.

Finding

The results indicated that systemic CORT injection facilitated fear extinction and increased the expression of ERK1 but not CREB in the IL. Both systemic and intra‐IL co‐injection of BIC or CGP blocked the effects of CORT on fear extinction and ERK1 expression.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that glucocorticoids and the GABAergic system may modulate fear extinction through the ERK pathway in the IL.
Cardiovascular patches applied in congenital cardiac surgery: Current materials and prospects
Authors: Sun Mingze , LaSala Vincent Reed , Giuglaris Caroline , Blitzer David , Jackman Sophia , Ustunel Senay , Rajesh Kavya , Kalfa David
Published: September 2024

Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital anomalies, affecting between 4 and 75 per 1000 live births. Cardiovascular patches (CVPs) are frequently used as part of the surgical armamentarium to reconstruct cardiovascular structures to correct CHDs in pediatric patients. This review aims to evaluate the history of cardiovascular patches, currently available options, clinical applications, and important features of these patches. Performance and outcomes of different patch materials are assessed to provide reference points for clinicians. The target audience includes clinicians seeking data on clinical performance as they make choices between different patch products, as well as scientists and engineers working to develop patches or synthesize new patch materials.
From protein structure to an optimized chromatographic capture step using multiscale modeling
Authors: Keulen Daphne , Neijenhuis Tim , Lazopoulou Adamantia , Disela Roxana , Geldhof Geoffroy , Le Bussy Olivier , Klijn Marieke E. , Ottens Marcel
Published: September 2024

Optimizing a biopharmaceutical chromatographic purification process is currently the greatest challenge during process development. A lack of process understanding calls for extensive experimental efforts in pursuit of an optimal process. In silico techniques, such as mechanistic or data driven modeling, enhance the understanding, allowing more cost‐effective and time efficient process optimization. This work presents a modeling strategy integrating quantitative structure property relationship (QSPR) models and chromatographic mechanistic models (MM) to optimize a cation exchange (CEX) capture step, limiting experiments. In QSPR, structural characteristics obtained from the protein structure are used to describe physicochemical behavior. This QSPR information can be applied in MM to predict the chromatogram and optimize the entire process. To validate this approach, retention profiles of six proteins were determined experimentally from mixtures, at different pH (3.5, 4.3, 5.0, and 7.0). Four proteins at different pH's were used to train QSPR models predicting the retention volumes and characteristic charge, subsequently the equilibrium constant was determined. For an unseen protein knowing only the protein structure, the retention peak difference between the modeled and experimental peaks was 0.2% relative to the gradient length (60 column volume). Next, the CEX capture step was optimized, demonstrating a consistent result in both the experimental and QSPR‐based methods. The impact of model parameter confidence on the final optimization revealed two viable process conditions, one of which is similar to the optimization achieved using experimentally obtained parameters. The multiscale modeling approach reduces the required experimental effort by identification of initial process conditions, which can be optimized.
Chemical Constituents, Biological Activities and Molecular Docking Studies of Root and Aerial Part Essential Oils from Erigeron sublyratus Roxb. ex DC. (Asteraceae)
Authors: Giang An Nguyen Thi , Duc Giang Le , Tran Trung Hieu , Xuan Duc Dau , Thi Thu Nguyen , Thu Hien Nguyen Thi , Xuan Ha Nguyen , Khoa Nguyen Dang , Sy Vo Van
Published: September 2024

In this work, the volatile components of Erigeron sublyratus essential oils and their anti‐inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were investigated for the first time. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis identified 28 components in the root and aerial part essential oils. The main components included cis‐lachnophyllum ester (53.4–64.2 %), germacrene D (5.6–8.6 %), trans‐β‐ocimene (2.6–7.5 %), β‐caryophyllene (4.7–6.8 %), β‐myrcene (2.0–6.3 %), and (E)‐β‐farnesene (4.8–5.0 %). The aerial part essential oil inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production on LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells, with an IC50 value of 1.41±0.10 μg/mL. In addition, both root and aerial part essential oils exhibited cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7, SK‐LU‐1, and HepG2. Molecular docking simulation results revealed that (E)‐β‐farnesene strongly binds to the VEGFR‐2 enzyme, while δ‐cadinene has a high affinity to the COX‐2 enzyme via hydrophobic interactions. These findings proposed that E. sublyratus essential oils can be exploited for their anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cytotoxicity potential.
Cornus Officinalis Total Glycosides Alleviate Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis via the B7‐CD28/CTLA‐4 Costimulatory Pathway
Authors: Yang Huafeng , Liu Hui , Zheng Yuan , Li Bo , Wang Shujing , Zhang Jun , Wang Jiandong
Published: September 2024

Cornus officinalis total glycosides (COTG) derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Cornus officinalis, is a natural immunosuppressant and has been extensively studied in immunomodulation and immunosuppression. This study aimed to explore the effects of COTG on granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) and its associated mechanisms. Compared to the model group, COTG effectively ameliorated histopathological damage to breast tissue, reduced mammary gland suppuration, and enhanced the blood‐milk barrier. Additionally, COTG treatment reduced the total number of T cells and B cells in GLM rats, significantly improving clinical indicators such as P‐selectin, E‐selectin, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1. We also observed downregulation of CD28 and B7 expression levels, an upregulation of cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) expression, and a significant decrease in inflammatory marker levels in the COTG group. COTG exerts an anti‐inflammatory effect in GLM by stimulating CTLA‐4, inhibiting the B7‐CD28 signaling pathway affecting T cell activation, and promoting the blood‐milk barrier. These findings suggest that COTG could be a promising therapeutic option for managing GLM, potentially improving patient outcomes by modulating immune responses and reinforcing the blood‐milk barrier.
Green Seaweeds as a Potential Source of Biomolecules and Bioactive Peptides: Recent Progress and Applications – A Review
Authors: Das Sasmita , Behera Maheswari , Ranjan Das Smruti , Charan Behera Kanhu , Singh Lakshmi
Published: September 2024

Over the past few decades, seaweed has been explored as a sustainable source in biotechnological and biomedical industries because of its multiple biopotential actions. However, the composition of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids, free amino acids, ash, minerals, vitamins, and especially protein in green seaweeds varies from species to species based on their growth stage and the environmental conditions. Specifically, seaweed‐derived bioactive proteins and peptides have the potential for several health benefits. They serve as a balanced diet. Protein which is an extensive macronutrient in human nutrition, should be explored to avoid using animal‐sourced protein, which is expensive to consume. Bioactive peptides that are isolated from marine algae consist of various kinds of functional properties. In the food industry, seaweeds are novel molecules for being used in both nutritional foods and nutraceuticals. In both in vitro and In vivo conditions, various seaweed‐derived bioactive compounds have shown a broad range of biological activities including anti‐cancer and immunomodulatory, anti‐hypertensive, and anti‐coagulant activities. Hence, this review paper discusses the screening of seaweed‐derived biochemicals with a special focus on their proteins, peptide contents, and nutra‐pharmaceutical values.
Sex differences in transradial access failure in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zafirovska Biljana , Jovkovski Aleksandar , Vasilev Ivan , Taravari Hajber , Kitanoski Darko , Petkoska Danica , Kostov Jorgo , Ho Kalon K. L. , Kedev Sasko
Published: September 2024

Background

Transradial access (TRA) is now the default access site for PPCI, but technically is a more challenging approach mostly due to anatomic challenges connected to the RA.

Aims

To assess the differences according to sex in radial artery (RA) access site characteristics during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Material and Methods

All 5092 consecutive STEMI patients from our center in the period from March 2011 until December 2017 were examined. The right proximal radial was the “intention‐to‐treat” access in all patients. Preprocedural RA angiography was performed in all patients. Clinical and procedure characteristics, type of radial anatomy variants, need to use another arterial access sites (the primary endpoint for this study), and procedure time were analyzed by sex. Using logistic regression, we selected predictors of radial crossover. Access site bleeding complications and vascular complications were also recorded.

Results

The STEMI population in this period included 1326 females and 3766 male patients. Females were older (65 ± 11 years) than males (59 ± 11 years, p < 0.0001). Among standard risk factors, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were more common in women and smoking less common. RA anomalies were more frequent in the females (8.8% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.0001), with complex RA loop and tortuous RA twice as frequent in women. Failure of TRA access as the initially chosen site occurred in 4.6% (61) of females versus 2.5% (97) of male STEMI patients (p = 0.0003). The most common subsequent access site was right ulnar access in both groups (57 and 61% respectively). Access site bleeding complications were more common in women 4.4% versus 3.2%, mirrored in hematomas with EASY score III to V. Clinical RA spasm (RAS) was significantly more frequent in females (5.7% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis identified 5 independent predictors for TRA access crossover: previous TRA, anomalous RA, RAS, along with female sex and diabetes.

Conclusion

Female sex is a significant predictor of more complex TRA in STEMI. Understanding sex differences and predictors for TRA crossover will strengthen the use of different procedural modalities that can help in preserving a successful wrist access in female STEMI patients.
Amphiphilic Ionic Liquids for Chemical Separation of Crude Oil Emulsions
Authors: Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Al‐Lohedan Hamad A. , Faqihi Norah A.
Published: September 2024

This work aims to synthesize novel amphiphilic ionic liquids (AILs), AH‐PM, and AD‐PM as well as apply them to chemically demulsifying crude oil emulsions. Two AILs containing different long alkyl chains were synthesized and characterized using several techniques. The surface and interfacial indicated AILs’ surface activity and ability to form micelles. For that, the demulsification efficacy (DE) of these AILs was explored using different factors affecting, e.g., AIL dose, settling time (ST), water content, and temperature. The results indicated that the AIL hydrophobicity resulting from the longer alkyl chain could improve AIL DE. Moreover, increased AIL dose, ST, water content, and temperature improved DE.
Investigating the impact of notch shapes on oxide–oxide ceramic matrix composites strength: A computational approach
Authors: Ramachandran Karthikeyan , Soni Aayushi , Jayaseelan Doni Daniel
Published: September 2024

This study utilizes finite element analysis (FEA) to explore the effect of standardized notch shapes—triangular, circular, and rectangular on the tensile behavior of oxide–oxide (O–O) ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) across various temperature ranges. Findings reveal that unnotched samples exhibited a superior equivalent stress of ∼425 MPa, closely aligning with experimental values. However, under elevated temperatures of 1000°C and 1200°C, degradation occurs, reaching up to 54% decrease at 1200°C. Notched samples demonstrate similar behavior, with all notches acting as stress concentrators. Analysis of single and double notches highlights that circular notches have the most significant stress concentrators due to their smooth surfaces and lack of sharp edges, in contrast to rectangular and triangular notches. Although all notch types influence stress concentration, the absence of non‐sharp corners in circular notches limit stress dissipation, resulting in higher stress concentrations. This trend persists under high temperature as well. The study emphasizes the critical need for a thorough assessment of notch effects, considering their position, orientation, shape, and size, as they significantly affect the mechanical properties of O–O CMCs.
Role of Solvent and Noncovalent Interactions in Alkaline Reactivity of Strained and Strain‐Free Macrocyclic Disulfides
Authors: Dopieralski Przemyslaw , Bil Andrzej
Published: September 2024

This study employs ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the impact of solvent and noncovalent interactions on the structure‐reactivity relationship of both strain‐free and strained macrocyclic disulfides. Our findings reveal that interactions with water as a solvent significantly influence the minimum energy geometry structures of both conformers of the studied macrocycle. In particular, our simulations identify short contacts, specifically S⋅⋅⋅π‐aromatic interactions, which suppress reactivity for the strained isomer by obstructing the reaction cone at the minimum free energy. Surprisingly, the free energy barriers for the disulfide reaction with a simple nucleophile (OH− anion) remain very similar, despite one conformer having a markedly more strained disulfide bond than the other. Enhanced molecular dynamics simulations in an explicit solution elucidate this apparent contradiction by revealing different solvent exposures of the two sulfur atoms in the macrocycles.
Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complex‐Assisted Photochemical Conversion of O‐2‐Nitrobenzyl Protected Hydroxamates to Amides
Authors: Gerogiannopoulou Anna‐Dimitra D. , Mountanea Olga G. , Routsi E. Alexandros , Tzeli Demeter , Kokotos Christoforos G. , Kokotos George
Published: September 2024

The hydroxamic acid functionality is present in various medicinal agents and has attracted special interest for synthetic transformations in both organic and medicinal chemistry. The N−O bond cleavage of hydroxamic acid derivatives provides an interesting transformation for the generation of various products. We demonstrate, herein, that O‐benzyl‐type protected hydroxamic acids may undergo photochemical N−O bond cleavage, in the presence or absence of a catalyst, leading to amides. Although some O‐benzyl protected aromatic hydroxamates may be photochemically converted to amides in the presence of a base and anthracene as the catalyst, employing O‐2‐nitrobenzyl group allowed the smooth conversion of both aliphatic and aromatic hydroxamates to primary or secondary amides in good to excellent yields in the presence of an amine, bypassing the need of a catalyst. DFT and UV‐Vis studies supported the effective generation of an electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex between O‐2‐nitrobenzyl hydroxamates and amines, which enabled the successful product formation under these photochemical conditions. An extensive substrate scope was demonstrated, showcasing that both aliphatic and aromatic hydroxamates are compatible with this protocol, affording a wide variety of primary and secondary amides.
Zerkleinerungstechnik als Qualitätsfaktor
Authors: Brecht Holger
Published: September 2024

Die präzise Zerkleinerung von Batterien ist entscheidend für die Batterieforschung, Qualitätskontrollen und das Recycling. Durch die Zerkleinerung können Verunreinigungen erkannt und die Materialzusammensetzung analysiert werden, was zur Verbesserung der Produktionsprozesse beiträgt. Besonders Lithium‐Ionen‐Batterien, die in Elektrofahrzeugen und Elektronik weit verbreitet sind, profitieren von diesen Verfahren. Fehler in der chemischen Zusammensetzung können die Sicherheit und Leistung beeinträchtigen, weshalb kontinuierliche überwachung erforderlich ist. Zudem spielt die Zerkleinerung eine wichtige Rolle im Recyclingprozess, indem wertvolle Rohstoffe wie Lithium, Kobalt und Nickel zurückgewonnen werden, was zur Ressourcenschonung beiträgt.
The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Methods for improving turnaround time of comprehensive biomarker testing in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Roy‐Chowdhuri Sinchita , Mani Haresh , Fox Adam H. , Tsao Anne , Sholl Lynette M. , Farjah Farhood , Johnson Bruce E. , Osarogiagbon Raymond U. , Rivera M. Patricia , Silvestri Gerard A. , Smith Robert A. , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive biomarker testing for patients with non–small cell lung cancer is critical for selecting appropriate targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Ensuring timely ordering, processing, and reporting is key to optimizing patient outcomes. However, various factors can prevent or delay patients from being offered the option of treatment selection based on comprehensive biomarker testing. These factors include problems with access to testing, tissue adequacy, turnaround time, and health insurance coverage and billing practices. Turnaround time depends on several logistical and tissue handling factors, which involve institutional policies, processes, resources, testing methodology, and testing algorithms that vary across different practices. In this article, the authors identify key factors that prolong biomarker testing turnaround time, propose strategies to reduce it, and present a process map to aid physicians and key organizational stakeholders in improving testing efficiency.
Controllable Multilayer of High‐performance Si/C Anode Materials Synthesized at Low Temperature from Industrial Ca‐Si Alloy and CCl4 for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Xinghao , Yu Kai , Ning Zhiqiang , Song Qiushi , Xie Hongwei
Published: September 2024

A simple and energy‐saving synthesis process for the high‐performance Si/C anode material of lithium‐ion batteries is advantageous for application. In this paper, the layered Si/C composite was synthesized by a low temperature one‐pot synthesis from industrial Ca−Si alloy and CCl4. The effect of synthesis temperature on the structure and performance of the products was investigated. We found that low temperature favors to the multilayer structure of Si/C. Taking the advantage of the layered structure, the Si/C‐300 anode material prepared at the temperature of 300 °C has good electrochemical performance of a reversible capacity of more than 1000 mAh g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1 for 300 cycles, with a capacity retention ratio of 82.8 %, and an ICE of 77.0 %. At a high current density of 6 A g−1, the specific discharge capacity of 721.6 mAh g−1 can be achieved. The synthesis method provides a promising route to high performance silicon‐carbon anode materials.
EBWO‐GE: An innovative approach to dynamic VM consolidation for cloud data centers
Authors: Goyal Sahul , Awasthi Lalit Kumar
Published: September 2024

Cloud data centers (CDCs) have revolutionized global computing by offering extensive storage and processing capabilities. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of these processes, including their substantial energy consumption and carbon emissions, calls for implementing more efficient techniques. Efficient virtual machine (VM) consolidation is crucial in optimizing resource utilization and reducing energy consumption. Current methods for enhancing energy efficiency often lead to issues such as service level agreements (SLAs) violations and quality of services (QoS) degradation. This study presents a novel approach to host selection using a grey‐extreme (GE) machine learning model, which accurately predicts over and underutilized hosts. In addition, a VM placement technique called enhanced black widow optimization (EBWO) utilizes black widow optimization heuristic techniques and a differential evolutionary approach to optimize VM placement. The proposed dynamic VM consolidation technique optimizes energy utilization while meeting strict SLA requirements and enhancing QoS metrics in CDCs. Extensive analyses were conducted using the Cloudsim toolkit to validate the approach's effectiveness. These analyses encompassed conditions such as random workloads in heterogeneous environments. The simulation results showed that GE‐EBWO outperforms other techniques and improves energy efficiency by 12%–15%. In addition, it significantly decreases VM migrations by 11%–14% compared to other advanced methods. The study validates the practicality of the proposed technique in moving towards environmentally friendly CDCs.
Extrapolation of Upadacitinib Efficacy in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Leveraging Pharmacokinetics, Exposure–Response Models, and Real‐World Patient Data
Authors: Qian Yuli , Schlachter Louisa , Eckert Doerthe , Stodtmann Sven , Shmagel Anna , Peng Yi , Liu Wei , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F.
Published: September 2024

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent pediatric rheumatic disease. While disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), especially biologics, have greatly transformed the management of JIA, there remain some unmet medical needs that require new treatment options. The objective of this work was to describe and apply a modeling and simulation approach to extrapolate upadacitinib efficacy from the adult diseases, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), to their respective pediatric diseases, polyarticular course JIA (pcJIA), and juvenile PsA (JPsA). A population pharmacokinetic model characterized upadacitinib pharmacokinetics in pediatric patients using data from two phase I studies in pediatric patients with pcJIA (N = 51) or atopic dermatitis (N = 33). Efficacy simulations were conducted using previously developed exposure–response models in adults with RA and PsA. Real‐world pcJIA and JPsA patient databases were leveraged to construct representative patient profiles for the targeted population. Following administration of the proposed weight‐based dosing regimen, the model‐predicted median upadacitinib plasma exposures in pediatric patients were within 20% of those in adult RA and PsA patients receiving the approved adult regimen. Simulations demonstrate that upadacitinib efficacy in pcJIA and JPsA is predicted to be non‐inferior to that in adults with RA or PsA, respectively. The results of this work enabled recent approvals of upadacitinib for the treatment of polyarticular JIA and JPsA in the United States. Upadacitinib safety in pediatrics is being further evaluated in ongoing clinical trials.
Evaluating genetic diversity and seed composition stability within Pan‐African Soybean Variety Trials
Authors: De Meyer Elizabeth , Prenger Elizabeth , Mahmood Anser , da Fonseca Santos Michelle , Chigeza Godfree , Song Qijian , Mwadzingeni Learnmore , Mukaro Ronica , Chibanda Mwila , Mabuyaye Gorden , Diers Brian , Scaboo Andrew
Published: September 2024

Given high animal protein costs, protein deficiency is a prevalent form of malnutrition in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] can provide a cheaper high‐quality protein source and fortify lysine‐limited cereal‐based diets. Breeding soybean for seed composition in SSA requires understanding genotype by environment interactions (G × E). African breeding programs submit cultivars for evaluation in the Pan‐African Soybean Variety Trials (PATs), providing the opportunity to examine G × E across diverse environments. With PAT data, we conducted additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype‐by‐environment (GGE) biplot analyses on seed protein and oil content of 17 cultivars grown with two replications in nine environments across Zimbabwe. Across environments, protein ranged from 322.8 to 445.1 g kg−1 and oil ranged from 164.8 to 242.7 g kg−1. For protein AMMI analysis, MAKWACHA performed best for both stability and a combination of stability plus content. For oil AMMI analysis, SC SPIKE performed best for stability and KALEYA performed best for a combination of stability plus content. GGE biplot analyses identified three different mega‐environments for protein and oil, with SC EXPT2, KALEYA, and SC EXPT1 having highest protein content and TGX 2002‐9FM, LUKANGA, and SC EXPT3 having highest oil content. We also evaluated genetic diversity of 19 PAT cultivars through phylogenetic analyses with 1059 USDA Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) diversity panel accessions. We recommend stable and adaptable PAT cultivars to breeders and producers while highlighting genetically distinct accessions with valuable traits as a resource for breeding programs.
Plasma‐Assisted Synthesis of Methanol Through Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide With Non‐Noble Metal Mixed Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Choudhry Deepa , Winburn Matthew R. , Sarin Suchit , Chimentão Ricardo J. , Cheung Chin Li
Published: September 2024

The utilization of carbon dioxide through chemical conversion is a promising approach for the recycling of carbon resources. Despite well‐developed industrial processes for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, the effective use of CO2 as a feedstock remains challenging because of the costly requirements of high temperature and reaction pressure. In this paper, we report the methanol synthesis from CO2 and hydrogen using a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor under atmospheric pressure with a nickel‐cerium‐aluminum mixed oxide (Ni/Ce−Al MOx) catalyst. The combined use of plasma and the Ni/Ce−Al MOx catalyst was observed to yield 13.3±0.4 % of methanol, favorably compared to the 2.6±0.5 % yield of the case without catalyst. Microscopy images, selected area electron diffraction patterns, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis confirmed the presence of fluorite‐structured ceria, aluminium, nickel, and nickel oxide particles in the catalyst. The reaction mechanism for the plasma‐assisted hydrogenation of CO2 was hypothesized to involve a carbide formation pathway due to the presence of carbide confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic characterization.
Indium Oxide Layer Dual Functional Modified Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode Promotes Photoelectrochemical Oxidation of Water to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Wang Ziming , Yue Xiaoyang , Liao Yulong , Xiang Quanjun
Published: September 2024

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) dual‐electron pathway for water oxidation to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) shows promising prospects. However, the dominance of the four‐electron pathway leading to O2 evolution competes with this reaction, severely limiting the efficiency of H2O2 production. Here, we report a In2O3 passivator‐coated BiVO4 (BVO) photoanode, which effectively enhances the selectivity and yield of H2O2 production via PEC water oxidation. Based on XPS spectra and DFT calculations, a heterojunction is formed between In2O3 and BVO, promoting the effective separation of interface and surface charges. More importantly, Mott‐Schottky analysis and open‐circuit potential measurements demonstrate that the In2O3 passivation layer on the BVO photoanode shifts the hole quasi‐Fermi level towards the anodic direction, enhancing the oxidation level of holes. Additionally, the widening of the depletion layer and the flattening of the band bending on the In2O3‐coated BVO photoanode favor the generation of H2O2 while suppressing the competitive O2 evolution reaction. In addition, the coating of In2O3 can also inhibit the decomposition of H2O2 and improve the stability of the photoanode. This work provides new perspectives on regulating PEC two/four‐electron transfer for selective H2O2 production via water oxidation.
Recent Advances in Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Oxidation Reactions in Water
Authors: Yang Chenrong , Wang Haihua , Xie Pan
Published: September 2024

Oxidation reactions, which represent a fundamental process in organic transformations, have consistently advanced over several decades. Owing to the widespread application of aqueous and photochemical synthesis, research on light‐induced oxidation in water, involving radical processes, has also experienced rapid development. Recently, numerous strategies for light‐induced aqueous oxidation have been ingeniously designed and developed. This review aims to discuss the notable recent advancements in this rapidly evolving field of oxidation reactions, with a focus on delving into the reaction mechanisms. It hopes to inspire the development of aqueous photocatalytic oxidation reactions.
The impact of plant‐derived fire management prescriptions on fire‐responsive bird species
Authors: Makdissi Rhys , Verdon Simon J. , Radford James Q. , Bennett Andrew F. , Clarke Michael F.
Published: September 2024

In fire‐prone regions, the occurrence of some faunal species is contingent on the presence of resources that arise through post‐fire plant succession. Through planned burning, managers can alter resource availability and aim to provide the conditions required to promote biodiversity. Understanding how species occurrence changes at different spatial and temporal scales after fire is essential to achieve this goal. However, many fire prescriptions are guided primarily by the responses of fire‐sensitive plants when setting tolerable fire intervals. This approach assumes that maintaining floristic diversity will satisfy the requirements of fauna. We surveyed bird species in two semi‐arid vegetation types across an environmental gradient in south‐eastern Australia. We conducted four surveys at each of 253 sites across a 75‐year chronosequence of time since fire and used generalized additive mixed models to examine changes in the occurrence of birds in response to time since fire. Model predictions were compared to plant‐derived fire prescriptions currently guiding fire management in the region. Time since fire was a significant predictor for 18 of 28 species modeled, in at least one vegetation type, over a gradient of 1.3° of latitude. We detected considerable variation in the responses of some species, both between vegetation types and geographically within a vegetation type. Our evaluation of plant‐derived fire prescriptions suggests that the intervals considered acceptable for maintaining floristic diversity may not be sustainable for populations of birds requiring longer unburnt vegetation, with 6 of the 12 species assessed attaining a mean occurrence probability of 20.3% by the minimum tolerable fire interval, and 57.3% by the maximum tolerable fire interval, in their respective vegetation types. Our findings highlight the potential vulnerability of fire‐responsive bird species if fire prescriptions are applied in a manner that fails to account for the slow development of habitat resources needed by some species, and the variation detected within the responses of species. This highlights the need for species‐specific data collected at an appropriate spatial scale to inform management plans.
Nanoscale Electron Beam Patterning of PEDOT:PSS Free‐Standing Films for Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance
Authors: Lee Hyejeong , Lee Sunho , Cha Sohyang , Anoop Gopinathan , Shin Hosun
Published: September 2024

The growing demand for flexible, lightweight, and highly processable electronic devices makes high‐functionality conducting polymers such as poly (3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) an attractive alternative to conventional inorganic materials for various applications including thermoelectrics. However, considerable improvements are necessary to make conducting polymers a commercially viable choice for thermoelectric applications. This study explores nanopatterning as an effective and unique strategy for enhancing polymer functionality to optimize thermoelectric parameters, such as electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity. Introducing nanopatterning into thermoelectric polymers is challenging due to intricate technical hurdles and the necessity for individually manipulating the interdependent thermoelectric parameters. Here, array nanopatterns with different pattern spacings are imposed on free‐standing PEDOT:PSS films using direct electron beam irradiation, thereby achieving selective control of electrical and thermal transport in PEDOT:PSS. Electron beam irradiation transformed PEDOT:PSS from a highly ordered quinoid to an amorphous benzoid structure. Optimized pattern spacing resulted in a remarkable 70% reduction in thermal conductivity and a 60% increase in thermoelectric figure of merit compared to non‐patterned PEDOT:PSS. The proposed nanopatterning methodology demonstrates a skillful approach to precisely manipulate the thermoelectric parameters, thereby improving the thermoelectric performance of conducting polymers, and promising utilization in cutting‐edge electronic applications.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor type 4 is critically involved in the regulation of peritoneal B‐1 cell trafficking and distribution in vivo
Authors: Riese Janik , Kleinwort Annabel , Hannemann Maurice , Hähnel Celine , Kersting Stephan , Schulze Tobias
Published: September 2024

B‐1 cells are crucially involved in immune defense and regulation of inflammation and autoimmunity. B‐1 cells are predominantly located in the peritoneal and pleural cavities, although body cavity B‐1 cells recirculate systemically under steady‐state conditions. The chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL13 have been identified as the main regulators of peritoneal B‐cell trafficking. In mice deficient for sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor 4 (S1PR4), B‐1a and B‐1b cell numbers are reduced in the peritoneal cavity by an unknown mechanism. In this study, we show that S1PR4‐mediated S1P signaling modifies the chemotactic response of peritoneal B cells to CXCL13 and CXCL12 in vitro. In vivo, S1PR4‐mediated S1P signaling affects both immigration into and emigration from the peritoneal cavity. Long‐term reconstitution experiments of scid mice with wt or s1pr4–/– peritoneal B cells revealed a distinct distributional pattern in secondary lymphoid organs. As a functional consequence, both plasmatic and mucosal IgM levels, the main product of B‐1a cells, are reduced in mice reconstituted with s1pr4–/– peritoneal cells. In summary, our data identify S1PR4 as the second S1P receptor (besides S1PR1), which is critically involved in the regulation of peritoneal B‐1 cell function.
Analytical Methods to Evaluate RNA Circularization Efficiency
Authors: Sun Yali , Khimani Anis H. , Tong Yanhong , Lu Zhi‐xiang
Published: September 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal players in RNA therapeutics. Unlike linear counterparts, circRNAs possess a closed‐loop structure, conferring them with enhanced stability and resistance to degradation. Ribozyme‐based strategy stands out as the predominant method for synthetic circRNA production, by precisely cleaving and promoting the formation of a covalent circular structure. However, there is still a lack of analytical methods that can provide high‐throughput and quantitative analysis to facilitate the circRNA vector engineering process. In the report, we detail analytical methods to characterize and evaluate ribozyme‐based RNA circularization efficiency. Our approach will capture the attention of researchers interested in optimizing RNA circularization efficiency, as well as those focused on exploring key elements for ribozyme catalytic activity.
Reshaping Capillary Electrophoresis With State‐of‐the‐Art Sample Preparation Materials: Exploring New Horizons
Authors: Bedair Alaa , Hamed Mahmoud , Mansour Fotouh R.
Published: September 2024

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful analysis technique with advantages such as high separation efficiency with resolution factors above 1.5, low sample consumption of less than 10 µL, cost‐effectiveness, and eco‐friendliness such as reduced solvent use and lower operational costs. However, CE also faces limitations, including limited detection sensitivity for low‐concentration samples and interference from complex biological matrices. Prior to performing CE, it is common to utilize sample preparation procedures such as solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and liquid‐phase microextraction (LPME) in order to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the analysis. Recently, there have been advancements in the development of novel materials that have the potential to greatly enhance the performance of SPME and LPME. This review examines various materials and their uses in microextraction when combined with CE. These materials include carbon nanotubes, covalent organic frameworks, metal–organic frameworks, graphene and its derivatives, molecularly imprinted polymers, layered double hydroxides, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. The utilization of these innovative materials in extraction methods is being examined. Analyte recoveries and detection limits attained for a range of sample matrices are used to assess their effects on extraction selectivity, sensitivity, and efficiency. Exploring new materials for use in sample preparation techniques is important as it enables researchers to address current limitations of CE. The development of novel materials has the potential to greatly enhance extraction selectivity, sensitivity, and efficiency, thereby improving CE performance for complex biological analysis.
In situ Product Recovery of Microbially Synthesized Ethyl Acetate from the Exhaust Gas of a Bioreactor by Membrane Technology
Authors: Hoffmann Andreas , Franz Alexander , Löser Christian , Hoyer Thomas , Weyd Marcus , Walther Thomas
Published: September 2024

Ethyl acetate is at present exclusively produced from fossil resources. Microbial synthesis of this ester from sugar‐rich waste as an alternative is an aerobic process. Ethyl acetate is highly volatile and therefore stripped with the exhaust gas from the bioreactor which enables in situ product recovery. Previous research on microbial formation of ethyl acetate has focused on the kinetics of ester synthesis and in part on the ester stripping, while the separation of the ester from the exhaust gas has hardly been investigated. A mixed matrix membrane was developed consisting of Silikalite‐1 embedded in polydimethylsiloxane which was installed in a radial–symmetrical membrane module. Evaluation of the separation of ethyl acetate was based on the analysis of the composition of the feed and retentate gas by mass spectrometry. The separation efficiency of the membrane was first tested with varied flows of artificial exhaust gas, containing defined amounts of ethyl acetate. A model for describing the separation process was parametrized by the measured data and used to design a real separation experiment. Ethyl acetate produced from delactosed whey permeate by Kluyveromyces marxianus DSM 5422 in a stirred bioreactor gassed with 0.5 vvm air was successfully separated from the exhaust gas by membranes; 93.6% of the stripped ester was separated. Liquid ethyl acetate was recovered by cooling the permeate gas to ‒78°C, whereby 99.75% of the condensed organic compounds were ethyl acetate. This study demonstrates for the first time that microbially produced and stripped ethyl acetate can be effectively separated from the exhaust gas of bioreactors by membrane technology to obtain the ester in high yield and purity.