bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Path Forward: Creating an Academic Culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Authors: Lafferty Diana J. R. , McKenney Erin A. , Hubbard Tru , Trujillo Sarah , Beasley DeAnna E.
Published: November 2023

Institutions of higher education (IHE) throughout the United States have a long history of acting out various levels of commitment to diversity advancement, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Despite decades of DEI “efforts,” the academy is fraught with legacies of racism that uphold white supremacy and prevent marginalized populations from full participation. Furthermore, politicians have not only weaponized education but passed legislation to actively ban DEI programs and censor general education curricula (https://tinyurl.com/antiDEI). Ironically, systems of oppression are particularly apparent in the fields of Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB), which recognize biological diversity as essential for ecological integrity and resilience. Yet, among EECB faculty, people who do not identify as cis‐heterosexual, nondisabled, affluent white males are poorly represented. Furthermore, IHE lacks metrics to quantify DEI as a priority. Here we show that only 30.3% of United States faculty positions advertised in EECB from Jan 2019 to May 2020 required a diversity statement; diversity statement requirements did not correspond with state‐level diversity metrics. Though many announcements “encourage women and minorities to apply,” empirical evidence demonstrates that hiring committees at most institutions did not prioritize an applicant's DEI advancement potential. We suggest a model for change and call on administrators and faculty to implement SMART (i.e., Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) strategies for DEI advancement across IHE throughout the United States. We anticipate our quantification of diversity statement requirements relative to other application materials will motivate institutional change in both policy and practice when evaluating a candidate's potential “fit.” IHE must embrace a leadership role to not only shift the academic culture to one that upholds DEI but to educate and include people who represent the full diversity of our society. In the current context of political censure of education including book banning and backlash aimed at Critical Race Theory, which further reinforce systemic white supremacy, academic integrity and justice are more critical than ever.
Model‐based control system design to manage process parameters in mammalian cell culture for biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Authors: Sakaki Ayumu , Namatame Tetsushi , Nakaya Makoto , Omasa Takeshi
Published: November 2023

To enhance the robustness and flexibility of biopharmaceutical manufacturing, a paradigm shift toward methods of continuous processing, such as perfusion, and fundamental technologies for high‐throughput process development are being actively investigated. The continuous upstream process must establish an advanced control strategy to ensure a “State of Control” before operation. Specifically, feedforward and feedback control must address the complex fluctuations that occur during the culture process and maintain critical process parameters in appropriate states. However, control system design for industry‐standard mammalian cell culture processes is still often performed in a laborious trial‐and‐error manner. This paper provides a novel control approach in which controller specifications to obtain desired control characteristics can be determined systematically by combining a culture model with control theory. In the proposed scheme, control conditions, such as PID parameters, can be specified mechanistically based on process understanding and control requirements without qualitative decision making or specific preliminary experiments. The effectiveness of the model‐based control algorithm was verified by control simulations assuming perfusion Chinese hamster ovary culture. As a tool to assist in the development of control strategies, this study will reduce the high operational workload that is a serious problem in continuous culture and facilitate the digitalization of bioprocesses.
Post‐synthetic modifications in metal–organic frameworks for high proton conductivity
Authors: Sharma Amitosh , Lee Seonghwan , Lim Jaewoong , Lah Myoung Soo
Published: November 2023

A myriad of metal ions and organic linkers can be used to produce metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with varied functionalities, porosities, and dimensionalities. Such diversity has garnered significant research interest, particularly in leveraging MOFs as proton conductors for fuel cells. One effective approach involves introducing guest molecules into MOF pores. These molecules serve either as proton carriers or as proton‐conducting media through potential hydrogen bonding networks. This review offers an organized overview of key methodologies historically employed to achieve superprotonic conductivity in MOFs. The article systematically categorizes these tactics into three primary groups: guest molecule encapsulation, modulation at metal‐coordination sites, and ligand functionalization. We succinctly discuss the roles of proton carriers, conducting media, and the overall MOF framework, emphasizing the significance of each strategy's application. In conclusion, we provide insights into the future development of MOFs as proton conductors, rooted in the categorization and conceptual understanding of these strategies.
Benefits of a mosaic approach for assessing cortical atrophy in individual multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Tahedl Marlene , Wiltgen Tun , Voon Cui Ci , Berthele Achim , Kirschke Jan S. , Hemmer Bernhard , Mühlau Mark , Zimmer Claus , Wiestler Benedikt
Published: November 2023

Objective

Cortical gray matter (GM) atrophy plays a central role in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology. However, it is not commonly assessed in clinical routine partly because a number of methodological problems hamper the development of a robust biomarker to quantify GM atrophy. In previous work, we have demonstrated the clinical utility of the “mosaic approach” (MAP) to assess individual GM atrophy in the motor neuron disease spectrum and frontotemporal dementia. In this study, we investigated the clinical utility of MAP in MS, comparing this novel biomarker to existing methods for computing GM atrophy in single patients. We contrasted the strategies based on correlations with established biomarkers reflecting MS disease burden.

Methods

We analyzed T1‐weighted MPRAGE magnetic resonance imaging data from 465 relapsing‐remitting MS patients and 89 healthy controls. We inspected how variations of existing strategies to estimate individual GM atrophy (“standard approaches”) as well as variations of MAP (i.e., different parcellation schemes) impact downstream analysis results, both on a group and an individual level. We interpreted individual cortical disease burden as single metric reflecting the fraction of significantly atrophic data points with respect to the control group. In addition, we evaluated the correlations to lesion volume (LV) and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Results

We found that the MAP method yielded highest correlations with both LV and EDSS as compared to all other strategies. Although the parcellation resolution played a minor role in terms of absolute correlations with clinical variables, higher resolutions provided more clearly defined statistical brain maps which may facilitate clinical interpretability.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that MAP yields high potential for a clinically relevant biomarker in MS, outperforming existing methods to compute cortical disease burden in single patients. Of note, MAP outputs brain maps illustrating individual cortical disease burden which can be directly interpreted in daily clinical routine.
Circular RNA MAP2K2‐modified immunosuppressive dendritic cells for preventing alloimmune rejection in organ transplantation
Authors: Li Shuailong , Abu Omar Amal , Greasley Adam , Wang Bowen , Wang Tan Ze , Chahal Serina , Thapa Raj Kumar , Quan Douglas , Skaro Anton , Liu Kexiang , Zheng Xiufen
Published: November 2023

Long‐term patient and graft survival has been achieved in organ transplantation but at the expense of toxic side effects that are associated with long‐term use of nonspecific immunosuppressive drugs. Discovering new regulators of dendritic cells is the key for development of an ideal treatment to prevent immune rejection. We hypothesized that knockdown of circMAP2K2 induces immunosuppressive DCs and that treatment with circMAP2K2 silenced‐DCs can prevent alloimmune rejection. DCs were cultured and transfected with siRNA for circMAP2K2. circMAP2K2 levels were measured by qRT‐PCR. DC's maturation and immune function were assessed by flow cytometry and mixed lymphocyte reactions. The function of circMAP2K2 was illustrated by a series of RIP and IP. The therapeutics of engineered DCs was tested in a mouse heart transplantation model. We found that circMAP2K2 was highly expressed in mature DCs. Knockdown of circMAP2K2 reduced expression of MHCII, CD40 and CD80, attenuated the ability of DCs to activate allogeneic naïve T cells, and enhanced CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg). circMAP2K2‐induced immunosuppressive DCs by interacting with SENP3. Treatment with circMAP2K2‐knockdown DCs attenuated alloimmune rejection and prolonged allograft survival in a murine heart transplantation model. The immune suppression induced in vivo was donor‐antigen specific. In conclusion, knockdown of circMAP2K2 can induce immunosuppressive DCs which are able to inhibit overactive immune response, highlighting a new promising therapeutic approach for immune disorder diseases.
Outcomes and risk factors of SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron variant in B‐cell lymphoma patients following CD19 targeted CAR‐T therapy
Authors: Xiao Xibin , Chen Panpan , Zhong Yadi , Luo Xiu , Liu Yao , Lu Ying , Jin Xueli , Qian Wenbin , Han Weidong , Liang Aibin , Liu Hui
Published: November 2023

Background

Little was known on infection and mortality rates, still less the risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) omicron variant in B‐cell lymphoma patients following CD19 targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR‐T).

Aims

We performed a retrospective multicenter study and analyzed the details of relapsed/refractory (R/R) B‐cell lymphoma patients who received CD19 targeted CAR‐T heretofore in five cellular immunotherapy centers in China during the omicron wave.

Materials & Methods

One hundred fifty‐four patients were enrolled in this study.

Results

Among them, 52 patients (33.8%) were uninfected, 74 patients (48.1) had ambulatory mild disease (including nine patients of asymptomatic infection), 22 patients (14.3%) had moderate disease and six patients (3.9%) had severe disease when data collected up. Three patients with severe disease died from COVID‐19, the death rate was 1.9% for all enrolled patients, and 2.9% for infected patients. We also found that patients over 60 years old or with diabetes mellitus (DM) tend to develop severe disease (p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0497, respectively). Patients had CAR‐T infusion within 6 months also tend to have severe disease (p = 0.0011). In multivariate logistic regression model, CAR‐T infusion within 6 months (relative risk (RR) 40.92; confidence interval (CI) 4.03–415.89; p = 0.002) were associated with significantly higher risk of severe disease.

Conclusion

Through this study, we conclude that the outcome for B‐cell lymphoma patients following CD19 targeted CAR‐T therapy when facing omicron infection was improved, but aggressive precautionary measures were particularly crucial for patients with high risk factors.
Chemical Characterization of Corydalis chaerophylla D.C. Extracts and Preliminary Evaluation of Their in Vitro and in Vivo Biological Properties
Authors: Maharjan Binita , Kumar Shrestha Lok , Hill Jonathan P. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Sharan Shrestha Shyam , Sut Stefania , Swagat Shrestha Ram Lal , Dall'Acqua Stefano
Published: November 2023

Genus Corydalis is a rich source of isoquinoline alkaloids reported to having potential bioactivities. Corydalis chaerophylla collected from Nepal at an altitude of 2400–4800 m was extracted using hexane, methanol and chloroform as solvents. The resulting hexane, methanol and chloroform extracts were subjected to LC–DAD‐MSn analysis to yield fifteen different alkaloids. To assess any potential pharmacological properties, antimicrobial activity against two Gram‐positive, two Gram‐negative bacterial strains and one fungal strain was assessed, revealing significant inhibitive action of the methanol and chloroform extracts. Of the extracts obtained using chloroform contained the highest content of phenolic compounds at 113 mg GAE/g, while the highest total flavonoid content was found for the hexane extract with a value of 46.45 mg QE/g. The chloroform extract also exhibited a considerable antioxidant activity at IC50 value, 261.5±3 μg/mL, for the DPPH assay. Conversely, the methanol extract exhibited the highest LC50 value for Brine Shrimp cytotoxicity at 196±3 μg/mL being least potential for the test. The methanol extract was found to be the most active against α‐amylase inhibition with an IC50 of 51.52±2 μg/mL. In an in vivo acute oral toxicity study against mice, methanol and chloroform extracts presented harmful effects with 1000.36 mg/kg BW and 515 mg/kg BW for LD50, respectively. By analyzing all the results of the solvents used, the chloroform extract was found to be the most active, a feature that will be used in future isolation procedures and other pharmacological tests.
Impact of balloon post‐dilation on valve durability and long‐term clinical outcomes after self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Sanz Sánchez Jorge , Regazzoli Damiano , Barbanti Marco , Fiorina Claudia , Adamo Marianna , Angelillis Marco , De Carlo Marco , Bellini Barbara , Montorfano Matteo , Mangieri Antonio , Bruschi Giuseppe , Merlanti Bruno , Agnifili Mauro Luca , Testa Luca , Ferrara Erica , Musto Carmine , Colombo Antonio , Tamburino Corrado , Reimers Bernhard
Published: November 2023

Background

Balloon post‐dilation (BPD) is a widely adopted strategy to optimize acute results of TAVI, with a positive impact on both paravalvular leak and mean gradients. On the other hand, the inflation of the balloon inside prosthetic leaflets may damage them increasing the risk of structural valve deterioration (SVD). Furthermore, the impact of BPD on long‐term clinical outcomes and valve hemodynamics is yet unknown.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of BPD on valve durability and long‐term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing self‐expanding transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

Echocardiographic and clinical data from the ClinicalService (a nation‐based data repository and medical care project) were analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups, those who underwent BPD after TAVI and those who did not. Coprimary endpoints were all‐cause death and SVD. Cumulative incidence functions for SVD were estimated.

Results

Among 1835 patients included in the study, 417 (22.7%) underwent BPD and 1418 (77.3%) did not undergo BPD. No statistically significant differences at 6‐year follow‐up were found between groups in terms of all‐cause mortality (HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.9–1.22; p = 0.557) and SVD (2.1% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.381). In addition, BPD did not predispose to higher risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, valve thrombosis, and endocarditis at 6‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

BPD following TAVI with a self‐expanding prosthesis does not seem to be associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes or SVD at 6‐year follow‐up.
Self‐Assembled Supported Ionic Liquids
Authors: Tavera‐Méndez Cindy‐Ly , Bergen Alexander , Trzeciak Simon , Heinemann Frank W. , Graf Robert , Zahn Dirk , Meyer Karsten , Hartmann Martin , Wisser Dorothea
Published: November 2023

Separation and reuse of the catalytically active metal complexes are persistent issues in homogeneous catalysis. Supported Ionic Liquid Phase (SILP) catalysts, where the catalytic center is dissolved in a thin film of a stable ionic liquid, deposited on a solid support, present a promising alternative. However, the dissolution of the metal center in the film leaves little control over its position and its activity. We present here four novel, task‐specific ionic liquids [FPhnImHR]I (n=1, 2; R=PEG2, C12H25), designed to self‐assemble on a silica surface without any covalent bonding and offering a metal binding site in a controlled distance to the support. Advanced multinuclear solid‐state NMR spectroscopic techniques under Magic Angle Spinning, complemented by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, allow us to determine their molecular conformation when deposited inside SBA‐15 as a model silica support. We provide here conceptual proof for a rational design of ionic liquids self‐assembling into thin films, opening an avenue for a second, improved generation of SILP catalysts.
Enantiomer separation of 2‐halomandelic acids via diastereomeric salt formation with chiral N‐substituted 2‐amino‐2‐phenylethanols
Authors: Kodama Koichi , Kondo Yumi , Katayama Kosei , Yanagisawa Moeka , Hirose Takuji
Published: November 2023

Chiral N‐substituted secondary 1,2‐aminoalcohols have been developed for the enantioseparation of ortho‐halomandelic acids (o‐X‐MAs) via diastereomeric salt formation. Two structural isomers, N‐methyl‐2‐amino‐1,2‐diphenylethanol and N‐benzyl‐2‐amino‐2‐phenylethanol, showed high separation abilities for o‐X‐MAs (X = Cl, Br, I). The chiral recognition mechanism was elucidated by crystallographic analysis of the less‐soluble salts. The substituents on the nitrogen atom of the resolving agents and the inclusion of the crystallization solvent stabilized the salt and enhanced their separation ability.
Incidence, timing, and management of infections in patients receiving teclistamab for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in the MajesTEC‐1 study
Authors: Nooka Ajay K. , Rodriguez Cesar , Mateos María Victoria , Manier Salomon , Chastain Katherine , Banerjee Arnob , Kobos Rachel , Qi Keqin , Verona Raluca , Doyle Margaret , Martin Thomas G. , van de Donk Niels W. C. J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma are at increased risk of infection. Infections during treatment with teclistamab, the first B‐cell maturation antigen‐directed bispecific antibody approved for triple‐class–exposed relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, was examined in the phase 1/2 MajesTEC‐1 study.

Methods

Patients (N = 165) received subcutaneous teclistamab 1.5 mg/kg weekly after a step‐up dosing schedule (0.06 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg, each separated by 2–4 days). Patients were monitored frequently for infections; prophylaxis and management were per institutional guidelines.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 22.8 months (range, 0.3–33.6), infections were reported in 132 patients (80.0%). Grade 3/4 infections occurred in 91 patients (55.2%), including COVID‐19 (21.2%), respiratory infections (19.4%), Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (4.2%), viral infections (4.2%), and gastrointestinal infections (1.2%). Twenty‐one patients died from infections (18 from COVID‐19). Median time to first onset of any‐grade and grade 3 to 5 infections was 1.7 and 4.2 months, respectively. Overall, 70.9% of patients had ≥1 postbaseline immunoglobulin G (IgG) level <400 mg/dL; median time to IgG <400 mg/dL was 1.2 months (range, 0.2–19.8) and 46.1% received ≥1 dose of IgG replacement. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 65.5% of patients (median time to grade ≥3 neutropenia/febrile neutropenia was 2.3 months [range, 0–18.1]).

Conclusion

Based on the infection profile of B‐cell maturation antigen–targeted bispecific antibodies such as teclistamab, it is recommended that clinicians and patients remain vigilant for a range of infection types throughout treatment to facilitate prompt intervention. Appropriate screening, prophylaxis, and management of infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, and neutropenia are important.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03145181/NCT04557098 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Plain Language Summary

Before starting teclistamab, patients should be up to date with vaccinations (including COVID‐19) and screened for hepatitis B and C and HIV. Teclistamab should not be given to patients with any active infections.

Prophylactic antimicrobials should be administered per institutional guidelines. Prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and herpes simplex/varicella zoster virus is recommended during teclistamab treatment.

Close monitoring of infections and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels should continue throughout teclistamab treatment. IgG replacement (administered every 3–6 weeks) should be used to maintain IgG ≥400 mg/dL. Growth factors should be considered for grade ≥3 neutropenia with infection/fever and grade 4 neutropenia.
Lessons from ADAURA: Can we improve on a positive trial?
Authors: West Howard (Jack) , Pennell Nathan A.
Published: November 2023

Although ADAURA (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02511106) was a positive trial that produced a significant improvement in both disease‐free survival and overall survival, the limited crossover to postprotocol osimertinib and some other methodological issues detract from the cancer community’s ability to distinguish the benefits of timing of osimertinib versus overall access to osimertinib at a later point. Discrete refinements can be applied to global, randomized phase 3 trials to ensure their design optimally addresses the key clinical question while reducing disparities in best management practices based on resources across health care systems.
A new generalized predictive current control algorithm with integration of fractional part function based modulation technique: Single phase self‐balanced type multilevel inverter topologies
Authors: Bhanuchandar Aratipamula , Murthy Bhagwan K.
Published: November 2023

It is generally impossible to control the inverter output current (IOC) based on operator needs if only pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques are used. Conventionally, authors have reported the finite control set‐based predictive current control algorithm (FCS‐PCCA) to control the IOC with a fast dynamic response. However, this type of algorithm without a PWM stage generates a variable switching frequency (VSF) of operation, and it leads to filter design problems, inequitable thermal stress, and more current distortions that have been presented. To alleviate all these issues, a new generalized PCCA with the integration of a fractional part function‐based single carrier modulation technique (G‐PCCA‐FPF‐SCMT) has been proposed, and it provides constant switching frequency (CSF) of operation. In this technique, the normalized optimum inverter output voltage (N‐O‐IOV) has been fed with FPF‐SCMT. The particular modulation stage implementation is straightforward since even inverter level number increases, the number of references and triangular carrier signals is always only one. The complete control implementation process of the proposed technique is extremely low compared with all traditional CSF‐based PCCAs. To verify the proposed technique experimentally in both steady and transient state operations, one of the conventional five‐level switched capacitor‐based inverter topologies has been considered and elucidated vividly in both open‐loop and closed‐loop operations.
Advanced technical tips and recent insights in ERCP using balloon‐assisted endoscopy
Authors: Shimatani Masaaki , Mitsuyama Toshiyuki , Yamashina Takeshi , Takeo Masahiro , Horitani Shunsuke , Saito Natsuko , Matsumoto Hironao , Orino Masahiro , Kano Masataka , Yuba Takafumi , Takayama Takuya , Nakagawa Tatsuya , Takayama Shoji
Published: November 2023

Pancreatobiliary endoscopic interventions using balloon‐assisted endoscopes have been widely acknowledged as the first‐line therapy for pancreatobiliary diseases in postoperative patients with reconstructed gastrointestinal anatomy (excluding the Billroth I procedure). However, there are many technical difficulties, and the procedural completion rates vary in a wide range among institutions, indicating the procedural technique is yet to be standardized. This article aims to provide technical tips of procedures and insights into the advanced aspects, including the management of extremely difficult cases and troubleshooting of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography using balloon endoscopy, along with a review of recent advancements in this field.
King Rail (Rallus elegans) presence in the Midwestern United States is predicted by local‐scale factors and avian community
Authors: Kane Michelle E. , Brewer Dustin E. , Gehring Thomas M. , Shirkey Brendan T. , Pangle Kevin L. , Uzarski Donald G. , Picciuto Michael A. , Simpson John W.
Published: November 2023

The King Rail (Rallus elegans) is a wetland dependent species of conservation concern. Our objective was to gain a better understanding of the breeding habitat associations of King Rails in the Midwestern United States and the relationship of this species to other obligate marsh birds using occupancy and MaxEnt models. To collect data pertaining to occupancy, we placed trail cameras at 50 random points in coastal wetlands in the western Lake Erie basin where calls of King Rails were continuously broadcast at night. Data pertaining to other marsh bird species were collected via call‐broadcast surveys and camera surveys at each sample point. For MaxEnt modeling, we obtained presence data for King Rails and other obligate marsh birds from eBird and habitat data from GIS databases. Trail cameras and call‐broadcast surveys captured 10 detections of King Rails at nine sites, an 18% naive occupancy rate. King Rail occupancy was positively related to amount of interspersion, average water depth, and percent cover of emergent vegetation at local scales within a 5‐m radius. Our MaxEnt models indicated that, at a broader scale, the presence of other rail species such as the Sora (Porzana carolina) may be more important for predicting King Rail presence than other marsh birds or coarse wetland categories such as “emergent vegetation.” Our results could help wetland managers to predict where King Rails occur and to adapt management plans to incorporate King Rail conservation.
Increased sensitivity of vegetation to soil moisture and its key mechanisms in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhao Fubo , Wu Yiping
Published: November 2023

Soil moisture (SM) plays a crucial role in connecting various ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems, as vegetation growth heavily relies on SM availability. Despite many studies evaluating the impacts of SM on vegetation activity, changes in vegetation sensitivity to SM are still poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the spatiotemporal changes of vegetation sensitivity to SM across the Loess Plateau (LP) region from 1982 to 2010 using satellite‐based normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and reanalysis SM data. Our results showed a significant increase in NDVI (slope = 0.0015/year, p < 0.001) and a slight decrease in SM (slope = −0.0001 m3/m3/year, p = 0.7) over the past 29 years, indicating a greening trend in the LP. By establishing a multiple linear model, we found that the sensitivity of vegetation dynamics to SM has significantly increased during the same period (slope = 0.029, p < 0.05). Spatially, vegetation in over half (51.2%) of the total area showed enhanced sensitivity to SM. Further analysis using the Lindeman–Merenda–Gold method showed that atmospheric CO2 was the major contributor (27.20%) to the sensitivity changes, followed by nitrogen deposition (23.70%) and air temperature (20.11%). Ecosystem structure changes (represented by non‐tree land cover fractions) and precipitation shifts contributed 16.13% and 12.83%, respectively, to sensitivity changes. These findings provide a better understanding of the spatiotemporal pattern and underlying mechanisms of ecosystem sensitivity to SM in the greening and warming LP.
Mechanism of Borane‐Catalyzed Oligomerization of Arylallenes and Arylacetylenes
Authors: Qu Zheng‐Wang , Zhu Hui , Grimme Stefan
Published: November 2023

Recently, it was shown that Piers’ borane [HB(C6F5)2]2 can induce rapid oligomerization reactions of arylacetylenes and arylallenes. Using phenylallene PhCH=C=CH2 and phenylacetylene PhCCH as typical substrates, the detailed mechanisms of borane‐induced oligomerization are disclosed by extensive state‐of‐the‐art DFT calculations. Following initial regioselective hydroboration of unsaturated C=C or C≡C bonds, further oligomerization and structural rearrangement reactions may occur through unique boryl‐enabled conversions such as 1,3‐boryl‐shift, allylboration, 1,2‐carboboration, and 1,5‐electrocyclization. Together with stepwise transborylation with hydroboranes such as pinacolborane HBpin, such fundamental reactions may pave a catalytic way to borane‐induced oligomerization of arylacetylenes and arylallenes.
Reaction Mechanism and Origin of Stereoselectivity in the Fluorination and Trifluoromethylthiolation of 2‐Bromoamides with AgF and AgSCF3
Authors: Mizuta Satoshi , Tabira Masahiro , Shichiro Naoki , Yamaguchi Tomoko , Ishihara Jun , Ishikawa Takeshi
Published: November 2023

Reactions of chiral α‐bromoamides with AgF readily gave the corresponding 2‐fluorinated amide with retention of configuration. The mechanism and origin of the stereochemistry were rationalized using density functional theory calculations, which suggested a double‐inversion pathway via the formation of an aziridinone intermediate. The computed reaction pathway is consistent with the experimental results. In addition, the stereochemistry in base‐promoted trifluoromethylthiolation of α‐bromoamides using AgSCF3 was examined. The experimental results showed that the reaction proceeds through the generation of a neutral aziridinone intermediate, following the attack of a trifluoromethylthiolate anion at C‐3. The stereoselectivity of C‐3 attack on the aziridinone depended on the steric bulk of substitutes on the α‐position and nitrogen of the amide. The study results show the potential utility of AgF and AgSCF3 in the synthesis of chiral 2‐functionalized amide derivatives and provide mechanistic insights for nucleophilic substitution of 2‐bromoamides.
Microbiome dynamics and products profiles of biowaste fermentation under different organic loads and additives
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Li Ping , Ju Feng
Published: November 2023

Biowaste fermentation is a promising technology for low‐carbon print bioenergy and biochemical production. Although it is believed that the microbiome determines both the fermentation efficiency and the product profiles of biowastes, the explicit mechanisms of how microbial activity controls fermentation processes remained to be unexplored. The current study investigated the microbiome dynamics and fermentation product profiles of biowaste fermentation under different organic loads (5, 20, and 40 g‐VS/L) and with additives that potentially modulate the fermentation process via methanogenesis inhibition (2‐bromoethanesulfonate) or electron transfer promotion (i.e., reduced iron, magnetite iron, and activated carbon). The overall fermentation products yields were 440, 373 and 208 CH4‐eq/g‐VS for low‐, medium‐ and high‐load fermentation. For low‐ and medium‐load fermentation, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were first accumulated and were gradually converted to methane. For high‐load fermentation, VFAs were the main fermentation products during the entire fermentation period, accounting for 62% of all products. 16S rRNA‐based analyses showed that both 2‐bromoethanesulfonate addition and increase of organic loads inhibited the activity of methanogens and promoted the activity of distinct VFA‐producing bacterial microbiomes. Moreover, the addition of activated carbon promoted the activity of H2‐producing Bacteroides, homoacetogenic Eubacteriaceae and methanogenic Methanosarcinaceae, whose activity dynamics during the fermentation led to changes in acetate and methane production. The current results unveiled mechanisms of microbiome activity dynamics shaping the biowaste fermentation product profiles and provided the fundamental basis for the development of microbiome‐guided engineering approaches to modulate biowaste fermentation toward high‐value product recovery.
Towards development of effective policies and regulations for sustainable off‐grid solar electronic waste management systems in Kenya
Authors: Mugendi Kariuki David , Mireri Caleb Ombuor , Enevoldsen Martin Korch
Published: November 2023

Off‐grid solar systems provide clean and affordable energy sources. Adoption of off‐grid Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya as a source of renewable energy, with an estimated 10 million people using off‐grid solar power systems as of the end of year 2022. However, the rising off‐grid solar systems technology uptake comes with a growing amount of solar e‐waste, which can have harmful environmental and health effects if not managed properly. Current data on the exact amount of solar e‐waste being generated in Kenya is unavailable and this amount will continue to rise with the expiry of many of these off‐grid solar systems lifespans. This study through stakeholder's workshop and document review data collection and analysis approaches, established that Kenya just like many countries in the Global South has a robust general waste policy and regulation management framework. However, it lacks specific policies and regulations on off‐grid‐solar electronic waste management a challenge that many countries in the Global North have made considerate steps in addressing. In addition, there is a lack of awareness of the hazardous nature of off‐grid solar systems' e‐waste components to both consumers and institutions of governance. There is a lack of adequate infrastructure and sufficient systems for off‐grid solar e‐waste management in the country. Enforcement and implementation challenges of the existing general waste regulations due to limited resources and capacity and corruption culture are major impending factors. This calls for the development of effective policies and regulations to ensure sustainable off‐grid solar e‐waste management in Kenya against the backdrop of the rising uptake of off‐grid solar systems.
Circular economy strategy for the valorization of fly ash as a substitute for cement in monoliths (resistance and reactivity evaluation)
Authors: Morales Luisa F. , Herrera Katherine , López Julián E. , Aguado Roberto , Saldarriaga Juan F.
Published: November 2023

Fly ash is currently a problem in different companies, mainly in thermoelectric plants, which must follow a production and consumption model that involves reusing, renewing, and recycling, thus contributing to the circular economy. This work aims to evaluate the reactivity and compressive strength of different types of ashes in concrete monoliths. For this purpose, sugarcane bagasse (SCBA), bituminous coal (BC), and untreated hazardous waste (RUD) were evaluated as replacements for cement. Monoliths and mortars have been manufactured in different mixtures, taken to a curing room, and their compressive strength and reactivity have been determined at different times (up to 28 days for the monoliths and up to 90 for the mortars), mainly in order to check the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) gels. In the monolith tests, the best performances have been with SCBA and BC, which have been used for the manufacture of the mortars. On day 56, the behavior of the replacement of 30% fly ash (15% BC:15% SCBA) presents a type H mortar behavior, with better results than the control. By day 90, all replacements had the same resistance as M mortars and even higher resistances than the control. This demonstrates the feasibility of its use in the production of Portland cement for the manufacture of low‐performance inputs. This implies the possible reduction of impacts, both in waste disposal sites and in emissions caused by the construction industry, thus contributing to the circular economy.
Tumour‐microenvironment‐responsive Na2S2O8 nanocrystals encapsulated in hollow organosilica–metal–phenolic networks for cycling persistent tumour‐dynamic therapy
Authors: Li Yang , Lin Jinyan , He Yueyang , Wang Kaiyuan , Huang Cailin , Zhang Ruifeng , Liu Xiaolong
Published: November 2023

Traditional tumour‐dynamic therapy still inevitably faces the critical challenge of limited reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐generating efficiency due to tumour hypoxia, extreme pH condition for Fenton reaction, and unsustainable mono‐catalytic reaction. To fight against these issues, we skilfully develop a tumour‐microenvironment‐driven yolk‐shell nanoreactor to realize the high‐efficiency persistent dynamic therapy via cascade‐responsive dual cycling amplification of •SO4−/•OH radicals. The nanoreactor with an ultrahigh payload of free radical initiator is designed by encapsulating the Na2S2O8 nanocrystals into hollow tetra‐sulphide‐introduced mesoporous silica (HTSMS) and afterward enclosed by epigallocatechin gallate (EG)‐Fe(II) cross‐linking. Within the tumour microenvironment, the intracellular glutathione (GSH) can trigger the tetra‐sulphide cleavage of nanoreactors to explosively release Na+/S2O82−/Fe2+ and EG. Then a sequence of cascade reactions will be activated to efficiently generate •SO4− (Fe2+‐catalyzed S2O82− oxidation), proton (•SO4−‐catalyzed H2O decomposition), and •OH (proton‐intensified Fenton oxidation). Synchronously, the oxidation‐generated Fe3+ will be in turn recovered into Fe2+ by excessive EG to circularly amplify •SO4−/•OH radicals. The nanoreactors can also disrupt the intracellular osmolarity homeostasis by Na+ overload and weaken the ROS‐scavenging systems by GSH exhaustion to further amplify oxidative stress. Our yolk–shell nanoreactors can efficiently eradicate tumours via multiple oxidative stress amplification, which will provide a perspective to explore dynamic therapy.
A fast and accurate method for transport and dispersion of phosphogypsum in coastal zones: Application to Jorf Lasfar
Authors: Ouardghi Abdelouahed , Seaid Mohammed , El‐Amrani Mofdi , El Mocayd Nabil
Published: November 2023

We present a numerical method for modelling and simulation of transport and dispersion of phosphogypsum in the Jorf Lasfar coastal zone located on the Atlantic Ocean at Morocco. The governing equations consist of the well‐established barotropic ocean model including the barometric pressure, friction terms, Coriolis and wind stresses. To model transport and dispersion of phosphogypsum we consider an advection‐diffusion equation with an anisotropic dispersion tensor and source terms. As a numerical solver, we propose a novel multilevel adaptive semi‐Lagrangian finite element method. The proposed method combines the modified method of characteristics to deal with convection terms, the finite element discretization to handle complex geometries, a projection‐based algorithm to solve the Stokes problem, and an adaptive ‐projection using quadrature rules to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the method. Numerical results are presented to demonstrate the high resolution of the proposed method and to confirm its capability to provide accurate and efficient simulations for transport and dispersion of phosphogypsum in the Jorf Lasfar coastal zone.
The Big Circles in Jordan: First absolute ages using rock luminescence surface dating
Authors: al Khasawneh Sahar , Abudanah Fawzi , Thompson Warren , Murray Andrew
Published: November 2023

In this study, we provide the first absolute ages for a Big Circle megalithic structure in Jordan, using rock surface luminescence dating of the buried surface of rocks collected from circle J4 in southern Jordan. Five rocks were used for this study. All rocks showed evidence of previous daylight exposure before being used in the construction of the circle. The exposure was sufficient to bleach the latent luminescence signal to a negligible level compared to the subsequent burial dose. Three rocks gave indistinguishable ages, and were last exposed to daylight in 1500 ± 100 BCE; this is very likely to be the date of circle construction. Two others gave younger ages, indicating later disturbance or reworking. These new results provide very strong evidence for construction during the Late Bronze Age, and refute the earlier hypothesis of construction during Umayyad period (661–750 CE) as a hunting trap.
Paleoshoreline reconstruction: A proposed method to approach submerged prehistoric landscapes of Espiritu Santo Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Robles‐Montes Mayra C. , Martínez‐Flores Guillermo , Faught Michael K. , Nava‐Sánchez Enrique H.
Published: November 2023

When the first Americans inhabited the area now known as Isla Espiritu Santo, around 12.5 and 6 ka, the sea level continuously rose. This resulted in the loss of the coastal territory and the retreat of the human population further inland. Part of the archaeological evidence of this period currently lies over the seafloor and under the seabed. Therefore, reconstructing paleoshorelines is a necessary first step toward submerged precontact archaeology and a broad understanding of the spatial context in which those human populations interacted and how the landscapes changed. Isla Espiritu Santo is of prehistoric importance as it contains numerous Paleocoastal tradition sites as early as ~12,400 Cal B.P. This research aims to reconstruct the changing shoreline positions as sea levels rose around Isla Espiritu Santo between 12.5 and 6.5 ka. We apply numerical modeling to map digital elevation models at 1 ka intervals by estimating the changes in the morphology of the seafloor according to the deposition rates and global sea‐level curve. The results show the evolution of coastal morphology and paleoshoreline's position. Three primary geoforms are proposed: (1) coastal plains, (2) tombolo, and (3) a coastal lagoon–island barrier system. This also offers insights into the physical aspect of submerged prehistoric landscapes and the possible resource exploitation options of early societies. In this research, the reconstruction of submerged landscapes seeks to contribute to the long‐term goal of locating submerged precontact sites.
Regaining Trust in Public Health and Biomedical Science following Covid: The Role of Scientists
Authors: Caplan Arthur L.
Published: November 2023

Biomedical science suffered a loss of trust during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Why? One reason is a crisis fueled by confusion over the epistemology of science. Attacks on biomedical expertise rest on a mistaken view of what the justification is for crediting scientific information. The ideas that science is characterized by universal agreement and that any evolution or change of beliefs about facts and theories undermines trustworthiness in science are simply false. Biomedical science is trustworthy precisely because it is fallible, admits error, adjusts to new information, and, most importantly, is practical. Successful diagnosis and cure demarcate the boundaries of warranted knowledge. The other reason is sociological. As the pandemic made all too clear, the loss of faith in scientific experts was due to the failure of most of them to engage in regular public dialogue, reflecting a failure to recognize the obligation that science has to bolster trust in its work and findings by concerted public engagement.
Lidocaine aerosol preoperative application for improving the comfort of pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: A prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cheng Lixia , Zhang Fazhong , Ma Guifen , Peng Qingcai , Zhang Mingyue , Sun Yuanming , Xia Xiaoqiong , Li Yuanhai
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

The use of lidocaine aerosol for pediatric tonsil and adenoidectomy has been reported less frequently. We hope to improve the perioperative comfort of pediatric patients undergoing these procedures by applying lidocaine aerosol.

Methods

A total of 122 pediatric patients receiving tonsil and adenoidectomy were randomly divided into a lidocaine aerosol group (Group L) and a saline group (Group C), with 61 patients in each group; 2.4% alkaline lidocaine aerosol and saline were sprayed in the pharynx before induction. Our primary outcome were the incidence and rate ratio (RR) of postoperative pharyngeal complications (oropharyngeal dryness, dysphagia, hoarseness, and sore throat) and the pharyngeal comfort score, the latter of which was assessed by the occurrence of the above complications (yes = 0 point, none = 1 point). The secondary outcomes included preoperative and intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate, the incidence of choking during the induction period, the intraoperative opioid dosage, and the pain level and depth of sedation at 2, 6, and 24 h postoperatively. Statistical software used in this study included PASS15.0, SPSS 26.0, and GraphPad Prism 9.3.1, and statistical methods used included the t‐test, the χ² test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results

The incidence and RR of postoperative pharyngeal complications such as oropharyngeal dryness (RR: 0.667, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.458–0.970, p = 0.03), dysphagia (RR: 0.333, 95% CI: 0.114–0.976, p = 0.03), hoarseness (RR: 0.647, 95% CI: 0.433–0.967, p = 0.03), and sore throat (RR: 0.727, 95% CI: 0.547–0.967, p = 0.03) were significantly lower in Group L than in Group C at 2 h postoperatively, and the incidence and RR of postoperative sore throat was significantly lower in Group L than in Group C at 6 h postoperatively (RR: 0.717, 95% CI: 0.547–0.942, p = 0.01). The postoperative pharyngeal comfort scores were significantly higher in Group L than in Group C at all postoperative time points (p < 0.05). The Ramsay sedation score was significantly higher (p < 0.01) and FLACC (face, legs, activity, crying, and consolability) score was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in Group L than in Group C at 2 h postoperatively. In Group C, the blood pressure and heart rate significantly faster at all time points immediately after intubation and afterward, except at the end of surgery (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In pediatric tonsil and adenoidectomy, the application of lidocaine aerosol before induction can reduce the incidence of postoperative pharyngeal complications, improve the child's postoperative pharyngeal comfort, and better realize perioperative “comfort medical treatment.”
Rare earth elements as tracers of iron ore tailings on the Brazilian eastern continental shelf
Authors: Cagnin Renata C. , Costa Eduardo S. , Longhini Cybelle M. , da Silva Cesar A. , Sá Fabian , Neto Renato R.
Published: November 2023

Iron ore tailings are stored in large dams and pose risks to the environment around the world. In Brazil, the rupture of these dams has become frequent and has generated environmental and social concern. Rare earth elements are good tracers of sediment sources and our results indicated chronic contamination of the seabed sediment from the marine region affected by the Fundão Dam tailings since 2015, including areas of environmental protection. This research, carried out between November 2018 and September 2021, with a database of 575 samples, showed a greater amount of contaminated material in the marine region adjacent to the Doce River mouth. Although data suggest prior mining contamination of the Doce River basin, the Fundão episode was an empirical and massive example of the environmental damage caused by these human activities over the centuries, showing that the impact remains in the shallow marine environments for years. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:179–188. © 2023 SETAC