bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Home Sleep Devices and Sleep Study Testing in Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation Patients
Authors: Huyett Phillip , Yu Phoebe K. , Kent David , Stahl Stephanie , Manchanda Shalini , Mehra Reena , Rundo Jessica , Lee Kent , Makey Lauren , Lundeen Max , Roy Asim
Published: August 2024

Objective

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an implantable therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Therapy efficacy is currently confirmed by a formal sleep study after empiric adjustment by the patient at home based on their subjective experience with the device. Home‐based longitudinal apnea hypopnea index (AHI) measurements have the potential to refine HGNS therapeutic amplitude selection with objective data. Our objective was to compare AHI derived from routine sleep studies and two different home sleep devices in new HGNS recipients.

Methods

Prospectively enrolled patients receiving HGNS therapy were provided a Sleep Tracking Mat (Withings, Issy‐les‐Moulineaux, France) and NightOwl peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) sensor (Ectosense, Leuven, Belgium) for longitudinal, home AHI monitoring from 1 to 6 months post‐implant. Therapy efficacy was assessed at 3 and 6 months post‐implant using in‐lab polysomnography (PSG) or home sleep apnea test (HSAT). The sleep mat and PAT sensor AHI were compared against PSG and HSAT for accuracy of OSA severity identification.

Results

Sixty patients were enrolled across 5 centers and followed for 6 months. The sleep mat had sensitivity and specificity for identifying AHI <15 of 61% and 82% and AHI <30 of 77% and 100%. The PAT device had sensitivity and specificity for identifying AHI <15 of 57% and 77% and AHI <30 of 81% and 80%.

Conclusions

The sleep mat and PAT sensor demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for detection of mild and moderate OSA in patients with HGNS therapy and may enable longitudinal objective monitoring of HGNS efficacy in the home setting.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Soil organic carbon and nitrogen in a carboniferous spoil heap as a function of vegetation type and reclamation treatment
Authors: Misebo Amisalu Milkias , Woś Bartłomiej , Sierka Edyta , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: August 2024

Evaluating the impact of vegetation types and reclamation methods on soil organic carbon and nitrogen in carboniferous spoil heaps is critical for selecting the best vegetation type and reclamation method to improve ecosystem services in a changing climate. This paper presents the relationship between vegetation types (woodland, forbland, and grassland) and reclamation techniques (barren rock, topsoil application, succession, and cultivation) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) in developing soils on carboniferous rocks in coal mine heaps. Soil samples were collected from the litter layer (Oi + Oe) and the A horizons (0–10 cm). The results revealed that vegetation types and reclamation methods significantly affected SOC and TN stocks. Woodland exhibited higher SOC and TN in the Oi + Oe horizons than other vegetation types. Topsoil application and cultivation resulted in the highest SOC and TN stocks in the A horizons (0–10 cm) under woodland and forbland compared to succession on bare carboniferous rock. In grassland, there was no significant difference in SOC stock under topsoil application and cultivation; however, significantly higher TN stock was observed in the 0–10 cm areas with topsoil application compared to succession on bare carboniferous rock. Based on the results, topsoil application is recommended to improve SOC if the mining site is restored using woodland. Conversely, grassland exhibits a similar amount of SOC stock with or without topsoil application. Considering the difficulty of obtaining topsoil, we suggest that grasses are optimal for SOC stock in the studied mining sites, followed by forbs.
Environmental role of different‐aged pine and oak stands growing on post‐agricultural and forest lands in forming the Mesostigmata mites communities
Authors: Malica Jacek , Urbanowski Cezary K. , Turczański Krzysztof , Rączka Grzegorz , Andrzejewska Agnieszka , Skorupski Maciej , Kamczyc Jacek
Published: August 2024

Reclamation of agricultural soil and forest succession after afforestation proceeds slowly and at many levels. Therefore, the history of land use is recorded in the soil's physical, chemical and ecological parameters for many decades. This process depends on time and the form of afforestation, which primarily includes tree species. In our study, we analyzed differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of pine and oak stands on forest and post‐agricultural land at 22, 42 and 62 y/o. Our study revealed that 14 of 24 examined parameters (litter pH, soil pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, Corg, bulk density, C/N ratio, soil moisture, soil K, Mg and Mn content, N and Ca litter content, Mg litter content) differed significantly among examined habitats (land use, stand age and tree species). We calculated the abundance, species richness and diversity of the mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) for each habitat type. In total, 6730 mites were classified into 72 taxa (60 species, 11 genera and one taxon as family). The highest abundance was recorded in 42 y/o. oak stands on post‐agricultural land, while the lowest is in 22 y/o. pine and oak stands on post‐agricultural land. The highest species richness and diversity were recorded in the oldest oak stand on post‐agricultural land. In contrast, the lowest diversity was recorded in the youngest oak and pine stands on post‐agricultural land. Our results demonstrate that the negative impact of the agricultural history of land use weakens over time and provides a better understanding of land use history on the relations between the soil environment and soil fauna, including mesostigmatid mite assemblages.
Why do aging households in agriculture prefer land abandonment to transfer? Evidence from hill plots in Sichuan, China
Authors: Li Yichao , Li Ruisheng , Guo Shili , Xu Dingde
Published: August 2024

Increased aging of the agricultural population may lead to a reconfiguration of land elements, but existing studies have not analyzed this on a plot level. China's vast hilly and mountainous regions will have a more serious impact on agricultural aging, but this context has still not received enough attention. Based on primary data from 2602 plots and 1080 farm households in the hilly areas of Sichuan, using human capital theory and instrumental variables approach, it is found that aging in agriculture will promote the abandonment of plots in the hilly areas, especially those that are remote, small in size and poor condition. Aging in agriculture will inhibit the out‐migration of plots in the hilly areas, and aging increases the abandonment of plots. In addition, this paper finds that the imperfect development of the land transfer market in hilly areas and the strong farmers' land endowment effect are the main reasons limiting land transfer. However, the inhibitory effect of the endowment effect diminishes with age. This study helps to rationally view the value of abandoned land and provides a new research perspective for parcel redistribution.
Trade‐offs and synergistic relationships on soil‐related ecosystem services in Central Asia under land use and land cover change
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Ma Xiaofei , Luo Geping
Published: August 2024

Due to climate change and human activities, land desertification, a major environmental issue in arid regions, has exerted an impact on ecosystem services (ES). However, previous ES assessments in arid regions lacked the integrated assessment and trade‐off analysis of soil‐related ecosystem services (S‐ES). To address this, we developed a S‐ES‐Bayesian network (S‐ES‐BN) model to analyze the trade‐offs and synergies between the complex relationships between S‐ES and their multiple influences in Central Asia (CA). The results showed that (1) there is a large spatial and temporal heterogeneity in S‐ES, with the most significant changes in water yield service (WY, −30%) and soil conservation service (SC, −26%) in the past 30 years (1990–2020); (2) land use and land cover change (LUCC) area shifts can have a gaining or weakening effect on the S‐ES. Among them, water to wetland had the most obvious gain effect on SC (+5.1 t·km2·yr−1) and water to forestland had the most pronounced effect on carbon fixation service (CF, +251.22 t); and (3) based on the S‐ES‐BN, an optimal configuration of S‐ES in CA demonstrated that the intensification of a future “warming and wetting” scenario in CA might lead to significant decreases in WY (−37%) and sand fixation (−7%). In addition, the clarification of the land allocation structure (cropland, forestland, and grassland) in LUCC will enhance the spatial demand for CF.
Intradermal Delivery of Calcium Hydroxylapatite With Fractionated Ablation
Authors: Driscoll William , Golbari Nicole M. , Vallmitjana Alexander , Durkin Amanda F. , Balu Mihaela , Zachary Christopher B.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The absorption of biostimulatory particulate matter following its application to fractional skin defects remains poorly understood, and even less is known about its in vivo impact in terms of tissue integration. The objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to evaluate the potential of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to penetrate through skin treated with a fractional laser; and (2) to assess the effectiveness of clinical laser scanning microscopy technologies in monitoring the effects of such treatment over time.

Methods

One area on a volunteer's arm was treated with a fractional erbium laser (Sciton Inc., Palo Alto, CA), while a second area received the same laser treatment followed by CaHA topical application. We used reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and multiphoton microscopy (MPM) to noninvasively image beneath the surface of the treated skin to study and monitor the effects of these treatments within 1 h of treatment and at four additional time points over a 6‐week period.

Results

One hour posttreatment, at different depths beneath the skin surface, MPM and RCM provided similar visualizations of laser‐induced channels. In skin treated by both laser and CaHA, these two imaging methods provided complementary information. RCM captured the lateral and depth distribution of CaHA microspheres and were seen as bright spheres as they became incorporated into the healing tissue. MPM, meanwhile, visualized the CaHA microparticles as dark shadow spheres within the laser‐induced channels and encroaching healing tissue. Furthermore, MPM provided critical information about collagen regeneration around the microspheres, with the collagen visually marked by its distinct second harmonic generation (SHG) signal.

Conclusions

This observational pilot study demonstrates that CaHA, a collagen stimulator used as a dermal filler, can not only be inserted into the dermis after fractional laser treatment but remains in the healing skin for at least 6 weeks posttreatment. The noninvasive imaging techniques RCM and MPM successfully captured the presence of CaHA microspheres mid‐dermis during the healing phase. They also demonstrated new collagen production around the microspheres, highlighting the effectiveness of these imaging approaches in monitoring such treatment over time.
Proximal Photocleavage: Controlling Polymer Solubility through Pathway Dependent Wavelength‐Orthogonal Photoreactions
Authors: Kidder‐Wolff Nigel D. , Thomas Samuel W.
Published: August 2024

Current families of reversible photochemical reactions present challenges for light‐controlled polymers of either photostationary states, which are common in photoinduced cycloaddition/cycloreversion reactions, or exclusively intramolecular bond changes, which characterize most photochromic units. In response to these challenges, here the concept of “proximal photocleavage” is presented, which combines photochemical crosslinking with a photocleavable linker, enabling a one‐time bond formation/cleavage sequence. Proximal photocleavage methacrylate monomers comprising, in series along the pendant of the methacrylate, a coumarin unit for crosslinking and either a phenacyl or ortho‐nitrobenzyl photocleavable group for decrosslinking are reported. The photophysical properties of these monomers and their statistical copolymers with methyl methacrylate are described, and wavelength selective crosslinking and de‐crosslinking of thin polymer films are demonstrated.
Exciting Novel Polyaspartates: Design, Synthesis, and Photo‐Responsive Behavior in Solution and Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Phase Upon Irradiation with Visible Light
Authors: Hossain Rimjhim , Thiele Christina M.
Published: August 2024

Many polypeptides form stable, helical secondary structures enabling the formation of lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) phases. Contrary to the well‐studied polyglutamate, their counterparts based on polyaspartates exhibit a much lower helix inversion barrier. Therefore, the helix sense is not solely dictated by the chirality of the amino acid used, but additionally by the nature and conformation of the polymer sidechain. In this work, polymers responsive to irradiation with visible light are designed achieving conformational transitions from helix‐to‐coil and helix‐to‐helix. The synthesis and the application as LLC mesogens of several (co‐)polyaspartates bearing ortho‐fluorinated azobenzene (FAB) as a photochromic group are presented. Many of the obtained polymers undergo changes in their secondary structure upon E‐Z‐isomerization of the FAB‐containing sidechain. Of special interest are copolymers that exhibit photo‐responsive helix inversion without loss of their helical secondary structure. These copolymers form stable LLC phases in helicogenic solvents, where the effect of photo‐switching on the macroscopic behavior is studied by NMR spectroscopy. Especially, the irradiation of the different LLC phases of the helix inversion polymers displays a change in the LLC order experienced by the solvent. These peculiar properties are promising for future applications as photo‐responsive alignment media for structure elucidation in NMR.
Applying the V.E.R.A. method to entheses of the humerus: An assessment of repeatability and reproducibility
Authors: Ieng Jonathan , Karakostis Fotios Alexandros , Wilczak Cynthia
Published: August 2024

The “Validated Entheses‐based Reconstruction of Activity” (V.E.R.A.) method has proven to be a reliable method for the quantification and analysis of entheses. However, this method has only been successfully applied to human hand bones and animal long bones. This study tests the general applicability of the V.E.R.A. method to the human humerus, focusing on evaluating its reliability and repeatability. The sample included 23 humeri of unknown origin and background. The V.E.R.A. method was applied to six entheses of the humerus, comprising the subscapularis, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, common extensor origin, and common flexor origin. Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and percentage of error statistics were used to measure intraobserver error. Interobserver error was assessed through analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Lin's CCC. Intraobserver rates were between 1.83% and 3.23%. Interobserver error values were excellent, with no significant differences found in the ANOVA tests; Lin's CCC values were all above 0.90, with only the common extensor origin being 0.87; and ICC values were all above 0.97. Our results showed that the V.E.R.A. method is highly reliable and reproducible for the six entheses of the human humerus selected for this study. These results demonstrate the vast potential for the V.E.R.A. method to be applied to other parts of the human skeleton.
The long‐run educational benefits of high‐achieving classrooms
Authors: Canaan Serena , Mouganie Pierre , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2024

This paper examines how placement in high‐achieving classrooms within high school impacts students’ short‐ and longer‐term academic outcomes. Our setting is a large and selective Chinese high school, where first‐year students are separated into high‐achieving and regular classrooms based on their performance on a standardized exam. Classrooms differ in terms of peer ability, teacher quality, and class size, as well as level and pace of instruction. Using newly collected administrative data and a regression discontinuity design, we show that high‐achieving classrooms improve math test scores by 23% of a standard deviation, with effects persisting throughout the 3 years of high school. Impacts on performance in Chinese and English language subjects are more muted. Importantly, we find that high‐achieving classrooms raise enrollment in elite universities by 17 percentage points, as they substantially increase scores on the national college entrance exam—the sole determinant of university admission in China. We provide suggestive evidence that the most likely mechanism driving our results is exposure to higher‐quality teachers.
Vertical channel‐structured cyanoethylated bacterial cellulose/polyethylene oxide composite solid electrolyte for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Tian Xinpeng , Huang Yuechun , Liu Jingbin , Na Bing , Zou Shufen , Lv Ruihua
Published: August 2024

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have gained remarkable development within the realm of new energy resources. With its improved electrochemical stability and environmental‐friendly sustainability, bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a promising candidate for applications in SPEs. Herein, bacterial cellulose was chemically cyanoethylated and integrated with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide/polyethylene oxide (PEO) based SPE. Some vertical channels are formed when trace amounts (0.5 wt%) of cyanoethylated bacterial cellulose (BC‐CN) are added to PEO‐based SPE, as revealed by SEM. This formula's corresponding PEO‐based SPE presents the highest ion conductivity of 5.7 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C. The ion migration activation (Ea) deduced from the Arrhenius equation is 0.48 eV, lower than the value of 0.82 eV for the pristine PEO SPE. Besides, the Li+ migration number of this modified PEO‐based solid electrolyte is calculated to be a relatively high value of 0.33, while that of its counterpart, the pristine PEO SPE, is as low as 0.06. The all‐solid‐state lithium battery with PEO/0.5%BC‐CN SPE can operate stably for 115 cycles, which is longer than the 80 cycles achieved with the pristine PEO SPE. This study introduces a novel strategy for creating modified BC composites PEO‐based SPE.

Highlights

Bacterial cellulose was chemically cyanoethylated.

Cyanoethylated bacterial cellulose composite polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are prepared in DMF.

Opening pores penetrate the surface of the PEO/0.5% cyanoethylated bacterial cellulose (BC‐CN) SPE membrane.

PEO/0.5% BC‐CN shows ionic conductivity of 5.7 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 60°C.

Full cell with PEO/0.5% BC‐CN performs stably for 115 cycles.
Characterization of damage behavior and failure mechanisms of the bonded‐bolted hybrid three‐bolt joint in composite laminates
Authors: Zhang Kunlong , Zhu Fuxian , Hu Kejun , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the mechanical properties, damage modes, and bolt load distribution of the bonded‐bolted hybrid three‐bolt joint were investigated by a combination of experiments and numerical simulations. Acoustic emission (AE) was used to monitor the tensile process of the connection in real time, and the K‐means clustering algorithm was used to realize the cluster analysis of the damage modes. A numerical simulation model of the tensile process of the joint was established using ABAQUS simulation software. The progressive damage evolution of composite laminates, and adhesive layer was characterized by using the VUMAT subroutine, the B‐K failure criterion, and cohesive element with zero thickness, respectively. The results show that four main damage modes occur in composite laminates during tension: matrix cracking, delamination, fiber pull‐out, and fiber breakage, with corresponding peak frequency ranges of (0–80 kHz), (80–210 kHz), (210–330 kHz), and (330–375 kHz), respectively. The adhesive layer between the laminates mainly exhibits peeling failure because of the secondary bending effect. In the load‐bearing process, the adhesive layer was loaded first and failed, and the bolt loading was delayed. Meanwhile, the results of bolt load distribution showed that the bolts and the adhesive layer at both ends carried greater loads.

Highlights

Damage modes and damage evolution of the bonded‐bolted hybrid joint in tension were analyzed by combining acoustic emission technology and numerical simulation.

The simulation of delamination damage in composite laminates was carried out by inserting zero‐thickness cohesive elements into the laminates, and the delamination damage between the carbon fiber layup and the adjacent glass fiber layup was analyzed.

The effect of the inclusion of the adhesive layer on the mechanical properties of the joint and the distribution of the bolt load was analyzed.
Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of Phyllanthus emblica L. flowers on UHPLC/MS quadrupole time of flight, HPTLC, HPLC, and NMR analytical platforms reveals functional metabolites with potent anti‐inflammatory effects in human (THP‐1) macrophages
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Verma Sudeep , M. Priya Rani , Joshi Monali , Tomer Meenu , Gohel Vivek , Nain Pardeep , Dev Rishabh , Varshney Anurag
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Phyllanthus emblica L., renowned for its pharmacological benefits found in its fruits and leaves, has received considerable attention. However, there is a notable lack of research on its flowers, specifically on metabolite profiling and pharmacological activity.

Objective

The present study aims to delineate the phytochemical constituents of hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QToF‐MS), high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods and subsequent evaluation of its anti‐inflammatory potential.

Materials and Methods

The identification and characterization of phytochemicals in P. emblica flowers was performed by UHPLC/MS‐QToF in both positive and negative ionization modes. Additionally, marker compounds present in flower extract were analyzed using HPTLC, HPLC, FT‐IR, and NMR methods. The anti‐inflammatory potential was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated THP‐1 macrophages by evaluating inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

UHPLC/MS‐QToF analysis facilitated the identification of 51 compounds from P. emblica flowers including gallic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and tannins based on their fragmentation patterns and previous literature reports. Notably, the study also identified spermidine compounds for the first time in this species. Optimization of HPTLC and HPLC methods marked the presence of corilagin as major compound followed by FT‐IR and NMR spectral methods. Moreover, treatment with hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers resulted in decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6, alongside modulation of nuclear factor‐κB activity in lipopolysaccharide‐induced THP‐1 macrophages.

Conclusion

Chromatographic techniques in conjunction with spectral methods found robust prevalence in the identification of signature phytometabolites present in P. emblica flowers, which sets the basis for its anti‐inflammatory potentials. The studies established a foundation for further exploration of potential applications of P. emblica flowers across various domains.
The evaluation of digital educational game use in pharmacology teaching process
Authors: Granat Marcin Mateusz , Paź Aleksandra , Mirowska‐Guzel Dagmara
Published: August 2024

The aim of the study was to determine the usefulness of educational video games as a variety applied to the traditional teaching of pharmacology in topics of antifungal and hypolipidemic drugs. Sixty‐six volunteers were divided into control group (n = 33) and experimental group (n = 33). The first group received traditional seminar only, and the second played video game designed with the use of Kahoot! platform after the seminar. The assessment of knowledge was conducted with the use of three tests: pre‐test was presented before seminar, post‐test after seminar (for control group) or after playing the video game (for experimental group), and test no. 3 took place 4 weeks later. Analysis of tests' scores with respect to both topics resulted in the observation that the control and experimental groups show statistically significant improvement in knowledge, whether it was measured after the seminar or 4 weeks later. However, the results of experimental group were statistically better in comparison to the control group. It proves that electronic GBL (game‐based learning) applied to standard educational processes increases short‐ and long‐term knowledge retention compared to traditional seminars.
Root‐secreted (−)‐loliolide mediates chemical defense in rice and wheat against pests
Authors: Li Zheng , Jia Fang , Li Lei‐Lei , Kong Chui‐Hua
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Plant chemical defense can be elicited by signaling chemicals. As yet, the elicitation is mainly known from volatile aboveground signals. Root‐secreted belowground signals and their underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study examined a root‐secreted signaling (−)‐loliolide to trigger chemical defense in rice and wheat against pests by means of cocultivation and incubation experiments.

RESULTS

Wild‐type Arabidopsis (WT) and its root exudates with (−)‐loliolide induced the production of defensive metabolites of rice and wheat and reduced the performance of weeds, pathogens and herbivores, while a carotenoid‐deficient mutant (szl1‐1) and its root exudates without (−)‐loliolide had no similar effects. However, the induction and reduction occurred in the szl1‐1 root exudates by (−)‐loliolide supplementation with the level equal to that of WT. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed a significant change in the transcript level of defense‐related genes in rice exposure to (−)‐loliolide. Furthermore, (−)‐loliolide enhanced rice resistance against Rhizoctonia solani through changing reactive oxygen species (ROS) system, and mediating jasmonic acid, salicylic acid and abscisic acid biosynthesis.

CONCLUSION

Root‐secreted signaling (−)‐loliolide can trigger chemical defense in rice and wheat against their pests. Such perception‐dependent chemical defenses provide an intriguing possibility for ecological pest management to increase crop productivity and sustainability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A comprehensive study on the identification and characterization of major degradation products of synthetic liraglutide using liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Badgujar Devendra , Bawake Sanket , Sharma Nitish
Published: August 2024

Liraglutide (LGT) is a synthetic glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue mainly used for the treatment of type‐2 diabetes or obesity. Comprehensive stability testing is essential in the development and routine quality control of synthetic therapeutic peptide pharmaceuticals. The GLP‐1 peptide drugs are usually formulated in aqueous‐base solution, which can generate stability issues during manufacturing, storage or shipment. The current study endeavors to observe the chemical stability behavior of LGT by exposing the drug substance to oxidative and hydrolytic stress conditions. A simple liquid chromatography (LC) method was developed where sufficient resolution between LGT and the generated degradation products was achieved. In total, 19 degradation products (DPs) were separated under acidic, basic and oxidative stress conditions. Using LC‐HRMS, MS/MS studies, the generated degradation products were identified and characterized. The mechanistic fragmentation pathway for all generated DPs were established and the plausible chemical structure for the identified DPs was predicted based on MS/MS data. The results strongly suggest that LGT is highly susceptible to degrade under oxidative and hydrolytic conditions. Furthermore, this study provides insights into the hydrolytic and oxidative stability of LGT, which can be implied during generic and novel formulation drug development and discovery in synthesizing relatively stable GLP‐1 analogues.
Design and Implementation of Transparent Cross‐Polarization Interference Compensation in a Wideband Dual‐Polarization Satellite Receiver
Authors: Dimitrov Svilen , Dantona Vito , Mocker Gerhard
Published: August 2024

In this paper, simultaneous transmission on two orthogonal antenna polarizations in a polarization division multiplexing (PDM) fashion is studied for wideband satellite communication links using dual‐polarization satellite receivers for the purpose of doubling the data rate. In order to mitigate the cross‐polarization interference (XPI), a new digital blind and transparent XPI compensation method is proposed, coined as XPI correlation learning estimation and adaptive reduction (XPI‐CLEAR). The received signal‐to‐noise‐and‐interference ratio (SNIR) and packet‐error rate (PER) performance with this non‐data‐aided and non‐decision‐directed method is assessed in a comprehensively modelled XPI channel with effects such as depolarization due to atmospheric conditions, imperfect cross‐polarization discrimination (XPD) of the antennas at the transmitter and the receiver, memory effects due to frequency selectivity of the XPD, and differential frequency offset (DFO) between the two channels. The application of the XPI‐CLEAR method presents considerable energy efficiency improvements for all the studied XPI channel effects, and is particularly beneficial for higher order modulation. A low‐complexity hardware implementation with symbol rates up to 500 MBaud validates the XPI‐CLEAR method as a practical solution to increase the data rates of the satellite air interface and to achieve the doubling of the throughput of the satellite link by the use of PDM.
Insights on Adsorptive Property of Thermally Treated Smectite (Dioctahedral)
Authors: Bhatti Qaisar Abbas , Mouzam Azia , Ishaq Muhammad , Javid Noor‐Ul‐Saba , Tariq Amna , Baloch Musa Kaleem
Published: August 2024

The use of clay in the field of mineral materials is directly impacted by its thermal stability and changes in microstructure and properties following heat and other treatments. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate how clay's composition and structure are changed with time or how its surface characteristics are changed because of heat treatment. In the current work, the effect of heat treatment on the adsorptive property of smectite clay under various conditions like initial polymer concentration and its molar mass, pH, and temperature variation has been investigated. Various techniques like X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, thermal analysis, X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used for the phase analysis and the structural features of the heat‐treated clay analysis. It was observed that the specific surface area of smectite gradually dropped as the preheating temperature was increased, and the phase composition and structure underwent significant changes. When clay is heated over 423 K, the adsorbed gases and water are forced off the surface, increasing the amount of free active sites, and smectite's adsorption potential was increased. By raising the polymer's initial concentration and molecular mass, the extent of adsorption was increased whereas it was decreased with the increase in pH. However, in the case of temperature, the adsorption was first increased and then decreased with the increase in temperature indicating a change in the chemical composition of the clay and hence the surface area.
Optimal subsampling for semi‐parametric accelerated failure time models with massive survival data using a rank‐based approach
Authors: Yang Zehan , Wang HaiYing , Yan Jun
Published: August 2024

Subsampling is a practical strategy for analyzing vast survival data, which are progressively encountered across diverse research domains. While the optimal subsampling method has been applied to inferences for Cox models and parametric accelerated failure time (AFT) models, its application to semi‐parametric AFT models with rank‐based estimation have received limited attention. The challenges arise from the non‐smooth estimating function for regression coefficients and the seemingly zero contribution from censored observations in estimating functions in the commonly seen form. To address these challenges, we develop optimal subsampling probabilities for both event and censored observations by expressing the estimating functions through a well‐defined stochastic process. Meanwhile, we apply an induced smoothing procedure to the non‐smooth estimating functions. As the optimal subsampling probabilities depend on the unknown regression coefficients, we employ a two‐step procedure to obtain a feasible estimation method. An additional benefit of the method is its ability to resolve the issue of underestimation of the variance when the subsample size approaches the full sample size. We validate the performance of our estimators through a simulation study and apply the methods to analyze the survival time of lymphoma patients in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results program.
Chaos‐Assisted Production of Micro‐Architected Spheres (CAPAS)
Authors: Ceballos‐González Carlos Fernando , Bolívar‐Monsalve Edna Johana , Velásquez‐Marín Silvana , Rendón‐Moreno Irving Isaí , Mora‐Rizo Abraham , Quevedo‐Moreno Diego Alonso , Hassani Najafabadi Alireza , Khademhosseini Ali , Weiss Paul S. , Alvarez Mario Moisés , Trujillo‐de Santiago Grissel
Published: August 2024

Hydrogel droplets with inner compartments are valuable in various fields, including tissue engineering. A droplet‐based biofabrication method is presented for the chaos‐assisted production of architected spheres (CAPAS) for the rapid generation of multilayered hydrogel spheres (ranging from 0.6 to 3.5 mm in diameter) at high‐throughput rates (up to 2000 spheres per min). This method is based on the use of chaotic advection generated by a Kenics static mixer (KSM) nozzle. The configuration of the KSM (i.e., the number of mixing elements) determines the number of compartments within the sphere. Sphere size is adjusted by flow rate, printhead outlet diameter, polymer concentration (sodium alginate or gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA)), and crosslinking bath composition. This versatile system operates in dripping and jetting modes, preserving multilayered architecture in both modes. Proof‐of‐concept experiments with breast cancer (MDA‐MB‐231), human dermal fibroblast (HDF), and murine myoblast (C2C12) lines show over 80% cell viability immediately post‐fabrication, maintained over extended culture (14 or 30 days). CAPAS is used to create a breast cancer model with cancer‐tissue‐like and healthy‐tissue‐like micro‐niches to test paclitaxel doses. It is envisioned that CAPAS will enable high‐throughput fabrication of hydrogel spheres for tissue engineering, chemical engineering, and material sciences applications.
Aggregation‐Induced Emission Photosensitizer Boosting Algal Growth and Lipid Accumulation
Authors: Rakhi Sharmin , Reza AHM Mohsinul , Davies Brynley , Wang Jianzhong , Tang Youhong , Qin Jianguang
Published: August 2024

Mass production of microalgae is a research focus owing to their promising aspects for sustainable food, biofunctional compounds, nutraceuticals, and biofuel feedstock. This study uses a novel approach to enhance microalgae‐derived biomass and metabolites by using an aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer (PS), CN‐TPAQ‐PF6 ([C32H23N4]+). The unique AIE features of CN‐TPAQ‐PF6 facilitate nano‐aggregation in aquatic media for an effective light spectral shift for photosynthetic augmentation in a green microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production capacity and redox‐based cellular modulations reveal its potential to upsurge algal growth and lipid biosynthesis and fabricate fatty acid profiles in the metabolic pathways. Algal cells are labeled with other AIE‐based nanoprobes, which are suitable as an in vivo visualization toolkit with superior fluorescence. Furthermore, cytotoxicity analysis of CN‐TPAQ‐PF6 on the HaCat cell line confirms that this AIE PS is biocompatible without adverse impact on living cells. The results demonstrate the property of AIE PS for the first time in enhancing algal growth and lipid accumulation simultaneously.
Heteroatom‐Doped Defects Anchoring Nano‐Pt for High‐Stability and Low‐Humidity Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhu Weikang , Shao Yuankai , Zhou Bingjie , Yin Shuoyao , Zhang Junfeng , Yin Yan , Dong Anqi , Liu Yatao , Liu Xi , Li Zhenguo
Published: August 2024

To meet the ever‐increasing demand of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), it is necessary to carry out structure optimization for low‐cost and high‐stability oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts. Herein, a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐derived carbon material with a mass of heteroatoms and defects is developed and serves as advanced support for nano‐Pt‐based ORR catalysts. This unique structure enhances the interaction between nano‐Pt and support, leading to higher ORR intrinsic activity. During fuel cell applications, it demonstrates impressive water‐retaining capacity and electrochemical stability. Under H2‐O2 supply without cathode humidification, this catalyst achieves high mass activity of 0.475 A mgPt−1, with only 7.4% attenuation in maximum power density after 20 000 cycles of accelerated durability test, highlighting its remarkable potential for fuel cell applications. Physicochemical characterization and theoretical simulation reveal the crucial anchoring effect of heteroatom‐doped defects to nano‐Pt, providing valuable insights for further ORR catalyst design and PEMFC applications.
Freeze‐Vulnerable Plastic Crystal to Cryogenic Liquid Electrolyte for Lithium Batteries by Deep Freezing‐Point Depression
Authors: Cheong Do Sol , Heo Eun Seon , Hong Jinki , Yoo Seongmin , Jeon Yuju , Jeong Jihong , Lee Myeong‐Hee , Song Hyun‐Kon
Published: August 2024

Low‐Tf solvents (Tf = freezing point) are considered and employed for low‐temperature lithium‐ion battery (LIB) electrolytes to keep electrolytes in the liquid phase at low temperatures. Unfortunately, Tf is synchronized with Tb (boiling point) so low Tf brings Tb down and therefore discourages the thermal stability of electrolytes using low‐Tf solvents. In this work, 1) the hot wing of LIB‐working temperature by employing a high‐Tb (inevitably high‐Tf) solvent and 2) the cold wing by using a significant Tf depression is secured. Sulfolane is employed as the high‐Tf (therefore, high‐Tb) and high‐Kf (Kf = cryoscopic constant) solvent since its mesomorphic state between solid and liquid. That abnormally and significantly decreases the enthalpy of fusion, and resultantly grants extremely high Kf at 66.4 K m−1. By employing sulfolane with 2 m lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), the liquid‐phase temperature window down to <−80 °C for the cold wing and simultaneously guaranteed its flash point at >+150 °C for the hot wing is successfully extended. LIB cells with lithium iron phosphate and lithium metal worked in a good stand with 2 m LiTFSI/sulfolane at room temperature, −30 °C as an ambient cold, −74 °C as a deep cold, and +80 °C as a deep hot.
2D NiFe2O4/Ni(OH)2 Heterostructure‐Based Self‐Supporting Electrode With Synergistic Surface/Interfacial Engineering for Efficient Water Electrooxidation
Authors: Zhang Hongbo , Zhao Yiting , Cheng Zhenfeng , Jiang Jingyun , Fu Jianwei , Xu Qun
Published: August 2024

To meet the industrial demand for overall water splitting, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts with low‐cost, highly effective, and durable properties are urgently required. Herein, a facile confined strategy is utilized to construct 2D NiFe2O4/Ni(OH)2 heterostructures‐based self‐supporting electrode with surface‐interfacial coengineering, in which abundant and ultrastable interfaces are developed. Under the high molar ratio of Ni/Fe, both spinel oxide and hydroxides phases are formed simultaneously to obtain 2D NiFe2O4/Ni(OH)2 heterostructure. The in‐depth analysis indicates that the NiFe2O4/Ni(OH)2 interface displays strong electronic interactions and triggers the formation of crystalline‐amorphous coexisting catalytic active NiOOH. Meanwhile, the stable catalyst‐collector interface favors the electron transfer and oxygen molecules transport. The resultant 2D NiFe2O4/Ni(OH)2@CP electrode exhibits superior OER performance, including a low overpotential of 389 mV and a long operating time of 12 h at 1 A cm−2. This work paves a novel method for fabricating efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for electrochemical conversation devices.
Foundational perspectives on systems practice for professions
Authors: Goede Roelien
Published: August 2024

The 2023 meeting of the International Society of Systems Sciences was held in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The venue provided a suitable milieu for discourse on systems practice for professions. Surrounded by evidence of complexities of development, indigenous communities and nature, scholars shared their practices. It surfaced that systemic practice is guided by systemic methodology which in turn is rooted in specific frameworks of understanding. In a sense, it is unexpected that a meeting, focusing on practice, evolved into a discussion about worldviews and perspectives. This special issue attempts to represent the sense of belonging inspired by unity through diversity experienced by the participants of the meeting. This editorial reflects on the papers in terms of their frameworks for understanding, methodologies used, and their areas of application. African perspectives are explicitly included to celebrate the situatedness of the meeting. The issue showcases how systemic practice brings hope for improvement to various problem situations.
Hydrogen bond producers in powerful protic ionic liquids for enhancing dissolution of natural cellulose
Authors: Chen Shi‐Peng , Zhao Dan‐Yang , Zhu Jin‐Long , Wang Jing , Zhong Gan‐Ji , Huang Hua‐Dong , Li Zhong‐Ming
Published: August 2024

The manipulation of hydrogen bonding within protic ionic liquids is conducive to conquering the robust hydrogen bonding interactions in cellulose for its effective dissolution, but it is a great challenge to establish the delicate balance of hydrogen bonding network between solvent and cellulose. Herein, we proposed the concept of “hydrogen bond producers” for urea molecules in 1,1,3,3‐tetramethylguanidinium methoxyacetate acid ([TMGH][MAA]) to enhance the dissolution of cellulose. The optimization of physicochemical properties for [TMGH][MAA] solvent as a function of urea concentration revealed a remarkable increase in cellulose solubility from 13% to 17% (w/w) by adding only 0.25 wt% urea, highlighting the efficiency of [TMGH][MAA] as a powerful solvent for the dissolution of cellulose. The experimental and simulation results verified that the significant improvement on dissolution of cellulose was attributed to the hydrogen bonding interaction of urea molecules with ion pairs and part of free ions, reducing the interference with the active ions bonded to cellulose. Furthermore, the considerable enhancement on comprehensive properties of regenerated cellulose films demonstrated the effectiveness of [TMGH][MAA]/urea solvent. The concept of “hydrogen bond producers” presented here opens a new avenue for significantly enhancing the dissolution of natural cellulose, promoting the sustainable development in large‐scale processing of cellulose.
Adaptation and Heavy Metal Degradation by Bacillus sp.: Insights Into Biofilm Formation, Exopolysaccharide (EPS) Production, and Antibiotic Resistance Under Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) Stress
Authors: Sraboni Farzana Sayed , Mohal Mst. Mamotaz , Islam Shirmin , Akhtar‐E‐Ekram Md. , Saleh Md. Abu , Zaman Shahriar
Published: August 2024

An extensive concentration of heavy metals in our environment creates a harmful impact on living organisms, including microorganisms. Regardless of exploring the remediation potential of bacteria, their corresponding changes have not been extensively examined, which might be crucial before promoting bioremediation technology. The present study aimed to determine the effects of both essential (Cu) and nonessential (Pb) heavy metals on the bioactivity of a ubiquitous bacterium Bacillus sp., to gain knowledge about the adaptive mechanisms the strain has developed to withstand exposure to these metals. Bacterial adaptation is related to the formation of biofilm and the production of exopolysaccharides (EPSs) along with other tactics that assist in the survival of bacteria. When Bacillus sp. was cultured with Cu and Pb, changes in its bioactive characteristics were observed, such as a significant reduction in biofilm formation by 30.13% compared to the initial value. Moreover, the output of EPS by the bacterial strain in the presence of Pb increased to 0.782 mg/mL compared to the control condition, where no EPS was formed. In the presence of Cu, a low concentration of EPS (0.103 mg/mL) was detected. Moreover, the bacterial strain demonstrated adapted resistance to 6 out of 11 tested antibiotics, where the strain transformed from intermediate sensitivity to being susceptible to doxycycline, chloramphenicol, and gentamycin. Finally, the Cu‐ and Pb‐degrading capacity of the bacterium was scrutinized using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, where the bacterium exhibited significant degradation rates, breaking down 14.49% of Cu and 37.30% of Pb within 7 days. This research revealed the adaptability of the bacterial strain to survive in the presence of Cu and Pb while degrading them, by changing its bioactive properties, through the downregulation of biofilm formation, the productivity of EPS, and the heavy metal degradation process.