bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Autoimmunity and Function in Type 1 Diabetic Children and Adolescents in Armenia
Authors: Navasardyan L.V. , Tadevosyan A.E.
Published: May 2013

The literature and research clearly supports an increased incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders (mostly autoimmune thyroiditis) in type 1 diabetics as well as increased incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in autoimmune thyroid disease. The objective of current epidemiological screening study is to investigate thyroid autoimmunity and function in a large cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 DM in Armenia. Moreover, this screening study is done to determine the incidence of thyroid autoimmunity and hypothyroidism (including sub clinical hypothyroidism) and to give its structural analysis. The findings of current study illustrate 30.5% of hypothyroidism, including subclinical hypothyroidism, in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents. What is more important, 24.8% of type 1 diabetic children and adolescents have thyroid autoimmunity – positive antithyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (Anti-TPO), 44% from which were found to be significantly high. Any sex predominance was not found in AIT and thyroid autoimmunity in general. In type 1 diabetics with associated thyroid autoimmunity autoantibody positivity precedes thyroid ultrasound changes and predisposes to the development of further hypothyroidism without any sex predominance. The number of cases of hypothyroidism is quite high in the group of diabetics with DM duration of 5 years. It is recommended that diabetics who have no TSH elevation and thyroid ultrasound changes, but who have increased Anti-TPO, should be formed as a group of high risk for further development of thyroid disorders, although TSH elevation showed having no influence on the compensation of diabetes. We fully recommend the patients to test the TSH and anti-TPO levels once a year, particularly after puberty and with DM duration over 5 years.
Comparison of the Nutritional Values of Toddler Milks Available in Italy
Authors: Riva Enrica , Verduci Elvira , Banderali Giuseppe , Capra Maria Elena , Giovannini Marcello
Published: May 2013

If breast milk is not available infant formula ensures a balanced intake of nutrients and is undoubtedly more suitable for infants than cows’ milk. In particular, it should point out the absolute necessity to postpone to the end of the first year of life, or even after the 2 nd year, the use of cow's milk for the extreme imbalance of nutrients that lead to high-protein diets and low levels of polyunsaturated fats, iron and zinc. As a consequence, in the absence of breast milk, the use of an appropriately adapted formula in the first year of life and the use of “toddler milk” from 12 to 36 months may represent adequate nutritional alternatives, especially when compare to the use of cow milk, and in particular may appear to play a fundamental role in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.
Different varieties of toddler milk are currently available in Italy. This review outlines the nutritional differences between breast, toddler and cows’ milks, and compares different brands of toddler milk.
How Significant is Partnership Formation in Area-Based Projects to Increase Parental Attendance at Maternal and Child Health Services?
Authors: Kelaher Margaret , Dunt David , Nolan Andrea , Raban Bridie , Walker Rae
Published: May 2013

Objectives: In this study, we assess the importance of area-based partnerships in an initiative to improve access to Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services (known as Best Start) in socially disadvantaged communities in Victoria, Australia.
Methods: The study assessed changes in MCH attendance rates, parental attitudes and local partnership formation before and after the introduction of Best Start projects. Partners involved in Best Start projects were surveyed regarding the extent of local partnership formation (before 54; after 84). Data was collected for MCH attendance using routine records for Best Start with MCH projects (before 1,739; after 1437) and the rest of the State (before 45,497; after 45,953). Two cross-sectional surveys of parents of 3-year old children were used to assess changes in parent’s knowledge about, and confidence in using relevant services as well as parental confidence more generally (before 1666; after 1838).
Results: Best Start was significantly associated with improving:

levels of partnership formation (5 of 7 relevant factors)
attendance at the 3.5 year MCH visit in Best Start Sites with MCH projects between 2001/02-2004/05.
parent’s access to information (partnership effect);
confidence about attending the 3.5 year MCH visits (partnership effect); and
overall parental confidence (project effect only).

Conclusion: Best Start improves participation in the MCH attendance. This is related most directly to improving parent’s access to information and overall parental confidence either through local partnership or direct project effects.
Factors Associated with Child Health Card Holding among Mothers of Western Rural Nepal: A Cross Sectional Community Based Study
Authors: Bhandari Ramjee , Adhikari Mandira , Khanal Vishnu
Published: May 2013

The use of Child Health Card (CHC) has been found effective to assess overall health status of children worldwide. The tool is simple, cost-effective and easy to use yet standard enough to interpret. Nepal recently made contextual modifications in 2006 and has incorporated it into the Health Management Information System. The card is issued to all children during their first visit for immunization. In Nepal, CHC is considered a valid and authentic report for immunization but little has been studied about its holding.
The use of Child Health Card (CHC) has been found effective to assess overall health status of children worldwide. The tool is simple, cost-effective and easy to use yet standard enough to interpret. Nepal recently made contextual modifications in 2006 and has incorporated it into the Health Management Information System. The card is issued to all children during their first visit for immunization. In Nepal, CHC is considered a valid and authentic report for immunization but little has been studied about its holding. The objective of our study was to find its retention rate along with the factors associated. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in 10 village development committees of Kapilvastu district between November 15 and December 15, 2010. A total of 190 households were selected using lot quality assurance sampling technique. Higher retention rate (88.9%) of CHC was found while status of complete immunization was significantly associated with its retention [adjusted OR: 41.92, (95%CI; 2.66-658), p=0.008] after adjusting for growth monitoring, ethnicity, place of delivery, antenatal visit, breastfeeding and mother’s age. This study can guide the health system and the family members the measures to sustain higher coverage and retention of CHC which can further guide to the best possible health outcomes for the child.
Design and Techno-Economical Optimization of Wind Turbine Generator System: Under Diverse Metrological Conditions
Authors: Mbogho Marangi S. , Saulo Michael J.
Published: May 2013

The Kenyan Electricity Supply Industry (KESI) generation mix comprises; hydro-electric, geothermal, thermal and a small contribution from wind energy. Over the years, the predominant source of electricity generation in KESI has been hydro (over 60%). However, due to climate changes in recent times hydro generation has become less reliable and largely contributed to the supply–demand mismatch. Against this background there has been a paradigm shift in energy policy towards the use of Renewable Energy sources for electricity generation. Informed by this shift of policy, this paper explores the possibility of generating electrical power from wind-at Mokowe, Lamu County, in Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The paper contends that the use of optimally designed Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) could enhance production of electrical power at the proposed site. This in effect would significantly: improve the technical and economic performance of KESI; and impact positively on the socio-economic status of the local communities at Makowe.
Energy Analysis of Small-Scale Ethanol Production from Cassava: A Case Study of the Cassakero Project in Nigeria
Authors: Ohimain Elijah I.
Published: May 2013

The Federal Government of Nigeria recently announced the replacement of kerosene household cooking fuel with ethanol produced from cassava feedstock. The project was called “cassakero”. The cassakero project aims to install 10,000 units of small-scale bio-ethanol refineries, operated by small-scale agro-processors across the country. The aim of this article is to present the results of an energy analysis of the ethanol cooking fuel produced from cassava feedstock by small-scale processors under Nigerian conditions Results show that for small-scale cassava ethanol production with the use of agrochemicals is: 11.61 MJ/l for total energy input, a Net Energy Ratio of 1.20, 2.29 MJ/l for Net Energy Gain, and 11.01 MJ/l for Net Renewable Energy Value. Without the use of agrochemicals ethanol production is 10.38 MJ/l for total energy input, a Net Energy Ratio of 1. 34, 3.52 MJ/l for Net Energy Gain, and 12.25 MJ/l for Net Renewable Energy Value. This is the first time that energy analysis has been carried out for small-scale cassava ethanol production under Nigerian conditions.
In Vitro Micropropagation of Jatropha curcas L. from Bud Aggregates
Authors: Medza Mve Samson Daudet , Mergeai Guy , Druart Philippe , Baudoin Jean Pierre , Toussaint André
Published: May 2013

Entire plants were regenerated from nodes explants of Jatropha curcas L. following a procedure of bud aggregate induction on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 25 mg.l-1 citric acid, 12.2 mg.l-1 adenine sulfate, 15 mg.l-1 L-arginine, 2.46 µM IBA (indole-3-butyric acid), 30 g.l-1 sucrose and 7 g.l-1 of agar, and enriched with different balances of BA (benzyladenine) and L-glutamine. The histological studies performed on aggregates showed that the buds result from both the development of axillary buds and adventitious budding starting from underlying tissues of the explant. The culture medium containing 6.65 µM BA and 25 mg.l‑1 L-glutamine gave the best results with an average of 64 buds per aggregate after three weeks for all accessions tested. The buds developed into shoots when placed in an MS medium supplemented with 2.21 µM BA, 5.70 µM IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) and 15 mg.l-1 L‑arginine. These shoots were isolated and then rooted in MS containing 2.46 µM of IBA, 2% sucrose and 0.7% agar. The entire process took 13 weeks with a 98% survival rate in terms of plantlets acclimatization. We obtained a multiplication rate of 13 buds per explant and per subculture which is the double of those obtained in other recent works based on the micropropagation of J. curcas from node explants. This protocol is economically more profitable.
Private Sector Investment on Renewable Energy Utilization in Developing Countries
Authors: Aslani Alireza
Published: May 2013

Feasibility potentials in the Middle East and Iran offer many opportunities for private sector investment in renewable energy industry. However, due to the high primary investment costs in this technology, as well as dominate role of fossil fuels in the Middle East, promotion plans cannot be achieved without government incentives and supports. First, this article tries to answer to one of the main questions of private investors related to identification of the most important renewable source for investment in Iran. Then, to success implementation of investment and government plans, different polices and support schemes of the Nordic countries as successful countries in adoption of renewables are reviewed and discussed.
The HPE1 RNA‐binding protein modulates chloroplast RNA editing to promote photosynthesis under cold stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zeng Yajun , Dong Jie , Fu Danni , Shi Meihui , Zheng Zhifeng , Zhong Mingxi , Wang Hong‐Bin , Duan Su‐Juan , Jin Hong‐Lei
Published: July 2024

Cold stress has severe negative consequences for plant growth and crop yield. Here, we report that an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant that lacks the HPE1 gene, which encodes an RNA‐binding protein, maintains higher photosynthetic activity under cold stress, together with higher accumulation of thylakoid proteins. We showed that HPE1 interacts with MORF2 and MORF9 and thereby mediates RNA editing in chloroplasts. Loss of HPE1 function increased the editing efficiency at four RNA editing sites, rpoC‐488, ndhB‐149, ndhB‐746 and matK‐706, under cold stress and altered the expression of nuclear photosynthesis‐related genes and cold‐responsive genes. We propose that HPE1‐mediated RNA editing acts as a trigger for retrograde signaling that affects photosynthesis under cold stress.
Circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors – a biomarker analysis of the ALICE and ICON trials
Authors: Andresen Nikolai Kragøe , Røssevold Andreas Hagen , Borgen Elin , Schirmer Cecilie Bendigtsen , Gilje Bjørnar , Garred Øystein , Lømo Jon , Stensland Marius , Nordgård Oddmund , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Mathiesen Randi R. , Russnes Hege G. , Kyte Jon Amund , Naume Bjørn
Published: July 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been introduced in breast cancer (BC) treatment and better biomarkers are needed to predict benefit. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are prognostic in BC, but knowledge is limited on CTCs in the context of ICI therapy. In this study, serial sampling of CTCs (CellSearch system) was evaluated in 82 patients with metastatic BC enrolled in two randomized trials investigating ICI plus chemotherapy. Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression on CTCs was also measured. Patients with ≥ 2 CTCs per 7.5 mL at baseline had gene expression profiles in tumor suggestive of increased T‐cell activity, including increased tumor inflammation signature (TIS) in both triple‐negative (P = 0.010) and hormone receptor‐positive (P = 0.024) disease. Patients with luminal A BC had higher CTC levels. The association between CTC status and outcome was most apparent 4 weeks into therapy. PD‐L1 expression in CTCs was observed in 6/17 CTC‐positive patients and was associated with inferior survival. In conclusion, our study indicates that CTC numbers may inform on tumor immune composition, as well as prognosis. These findings suggest a potential of using CTCs as an accessible biomarker source in BC patients treated with immunotherapy.
Rehabilitation Based on BCI: An Innovative Enhancement for Sensorimotor Cortex Rhythms Systemization
Authors: M. Anna Latha , R. Ramesh
Published: July 2024

The research proposes a novel strategy for categorizing electroencephalograms (EEG) in real‐time brain‐computer interfaces that have rehabilitation applications. The methodology utilizes Five Cross‐Common Spatial Patterns (FCCSP) to develop a motor movement/imagery systemization model that extracts multi‐domain characteristics with excellent performance. The goal is to eliminate the impact caused by EEG's nonstationarity. The article highlights the findings of a real‐time technique that is incorporated into a comprehensive prediction system, and it offers an innovative method to boost accuracy in real‐time Sensory‐Motor cortex Rhythms (SMR). The accuracy increased from 57.14% using raw EEG to 85.71% after preprocessing, and from 58.08% to 97.94% in public domain SMR. The proposed Butterworth bandpass filter is optimized using the FCCSP to determine the ideal bandwidth that incorporates the whole EEG features in beta waves. The Hybrid Systemization of the Correlated Feature Removal classifier is then integrated with the FCCSP method to create improved predictive models. As a consequence, while applied to real‐time and PhysioNet datasets, the outcome system achieved outstanding accuracy values of 85.71% and 97.94%, respectively. This demonstrates the robustness of the strategy to increase SMR prediction efficiency.
Bonded Interface Enabled Durable Solid‐state Lithium Metal Batteries with Ultra‐low Interfacial Resistance of 0.25 Ω cm2
Authors: Huang Huayan , Jin Jun , Zheng Chujun , Wang Lingchen , Yuan Huihui , Xiu Tongping , Song Zhen , Badding Michael E. , Yue Ke , Tao Xinyong , Lu Yan , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: July 2024

The solid‐state batteries (SSBs) with Li anode present one of the most promising energy storage systems due to their enhanced energy density and safety. However, interfacial problems between Li anode and solid‐state electrolyte hinder the advancement of SSBs. Among them, insufficient solid‐solid interfacial contact is the main issue, which causes large resistance and hinders Li+ diffusion, leading to current distribution unevenness and lithium dendrites growth. To meet these challenges, a silver/carbon interlayer composed of ultrafine Ag nanoparticles (≈5 nm) grown on COOH‐CNTs (nano‐Ag@COOH‐CNTs) is constructed. In which, nano‐Ag is designed to guide homogeneous Li deposition, while CNTs substrate bonds with Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZTO) electrolyte by reactions between ─COOH groups and LLZTO alkaline surface, thus transforming loose physical solid‐solid contact to chemical bonding contact. In addition, nano‐Ag is immobilized by CNTs, avoiding the migration of Li+ implanted nano‐Ag during cycling. Therefore, nano‐Ag@COOH‐CNTs interlayer can boost Li+ transport at LLZTO/Li interface and inhibit Li dendrites, achieving an ultra‐low interfacial resistance of 0.25 Ω cm2, a high critical current density of 1.7 mA cm−2 and a long cycling over 2155 h at 0.5 mA cm−2. The modified SSBs with LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 cathode cycles stably over 500 cycles. Moreover, high‐loading SSBs operate stably for 85 cycles.
Mussels Put Their Best “pH”oot Forward: Importance of pH in Formation of Biological and Bio‐Inspired Materials
Authors: Du Changyue , Rammal Mostafa , Rivard Mathieu D. , Harrington Matthew J. , Mauzeroll Janine
Published: July 2024

Mussel byssus offers bio‐inspired designs for advanced adhesives, coatings, and supramolecular hydrogels. Solidification of secreted proteins into mechanically robust fibers is triggered by a pH jump from acidic fluid condensates to basic seawater conditions driving protein crosslinking by metal coordination with 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). Knowledge of the dynamic and localized pH changes during secretion is currently lacking. Yet, this information is crucial for controlling the gelation and properties of mussel‐inspired DOPA‐modified materials. Here, an iridium oxide‐based pH microsensor combining high mechanical stability and spatial resolution is used to measure the acidic pH during byssus secretion and to map mussel‐inspired hydrogels revealing compositional heterogeneity resulting in mechanically distinct regions. Within the hydrogel, high pH values >12 are measured which are detrimental to DOPA due to its strong propensity for oxidation, which adversely alters gel properties. This demonstrates the need to improve preparation methods of mussel‐inspired adhesive materials to more closely mimic native processes.
Dual Synapses and Security Devices from Ternary C60‐Pentacene‐TiO2‐x Nanorods Heterostructures
Authors: Jeon Yunchae , Lee Gyeongho , Kim Yeong Jae , Jang Byung Chul , Yoo Hocheon
Published: July 2024

In the context of information explosion, neuromorphic and hardware‐based security devices have garnered significant attention for their capacity to facilitate parallel computing and not be vulnerable to hacking, respectively. A demonstration of a dual photosynaptic (DPS) and physically unclonable function (PUF) devices characterized by ternary TiO2‐x nanorods (NRs)/Pentacene/C60 heterostructure are simultaneously presented. For the DPS device, the ternary heterostructure leads to parallel‐operating DPS characteristics: i) wavelength‐dependent (WD) synapse and ii) stimulus‐moment‐dependent (SMD) synapse. Each synaptic characteristic demonstrates a remarkable degree of plasticity, which signifies a smooth transition from short‐term potentiation (STP) to long‐term potentiation (LTP). Moreover, The face recognition assessments have unveiled recognition rates of 83.3% for 2 operational modes. Notably, the DPS device maintains stable performance on the business card, even after a rigorous 49‐day testing period and undergoing 1 000 bending cycles. Regarding the PUF device, the security keys with unique patterns are created due to random current distribution induced by placement‐dependent doping effects of SnO2 quantum dots (QDs). Moreover, near‐ideal inter‐hamming distances (inter‐HDs), uniformities, and entropies are verified for all cryptographic keys. These findings introduce a pioneering concept of photonic synapses with their successful integration onto various substrates, including the hardware‐based security PUF device.
Dual‐Interface Competitive Fracture Model for Curvature‐Based Transfer Printing Method
Authors: Zhao Xingwei , Liang Ziwei , Zhang Ruiping , Zhao Qian , Ma Yinji , Feng Xue
Published: July 2024

Transfer printing is a key technology in the fabrication of flexible electronics. Transfer printing method based on curvature provides a simple and effective way to transfer films onto weakly adhesive or even adhesiveless surfaces, overcoming the shortage of traditional transfer printing methods that it is difficult to print functional materials from strong interface to weak interface and can only be applicable to surfaces with certain interfacial strength. So far, the theoretical principle of the curvature‐based transfer printing method has not yet been developed. In this article, a dual‐interface competitive fracture model is established to analyze the mechanism of printing and picking up processes and quantitatively provide the critical transfer printing radius in terms of material and geometric properties of the transfer printing system. This model is verified to be both correct and widely applicable by rich experimental results, providing a new and reliable theory for the fabrication of inorganic flexible electronics.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Copper‐Catalyzed Alkylation/exo‐Cyclization of 1,7‐Dienes with Sulfonium Salts to Access Sulfur‐Containing Polycyclic Compounds
Authors: Liu Xin‐Qian , Fan Jian‐Hong , Tang Ke‐Wen , Zhong Long‐Jin , Liu Yu
Published: July 2024

A direct visible‐light‐promoted radical‐triggered tandem cyclization of 1,7‐diene systems with cyclic sulfonium salts by using copper(I)‐based complexes as photoredox catalyst is developed. With this approach, a variety of sulfur‐containing polycyclic derivatives are prepared through alkylation/6‐exo‐trig cyclization/5‐exo‐trig cyclization of 1,7‐diene systems under mild conditions. In addition, the photoinduced copper‐catalyzed ring‐opening of cyclic sulfonium salts provides the alkyl radical intermediates, which prefers addition to the C−C double bond that connected to the aromatic ring rather than the electron‐deficient vinyl in 1,7‐dienes. Moreover, oxidation of the desired sulfur‐containing polycyclic products provides a strategy for the preparation of remote nitrogen‐fused polycyclic substituted sulfoxide or sulfone‐containing derivatives.
Intermittent Fasting Targets Osteocyte Neuropeptide Y to Relieve Osteoarthritis
Authors: Qian Yu‐Xuan , Rao Shan‐Shan , Tan Yi‐Juan , Wang Zun , Yin Hao , Wan Teng‐Fei , He Ze‐Hui , Wang Xin , Hong Chun‐Gu , Zeng Hai‐Jin , Luo Yi , Duan Yan‐Xin , Zhu Hao , Hu Xin‐Yue , Zou Ling , Zhang Yan , Liu Bing‐Bing , Wang Zhen‐Xing , Du Wei , Chen Chun‐Yuan , Xie Hui
Published: July 2024

Osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent progressive joint disease that still requires an optimal therapeutic approach. Intermittent fasting is an attractive dieting strategy for improving health. Here this study shows that intermittent fasting potently relieves medial meniscus (DMM)‐ or natural aging‐induced osteoarthritic phenotypes. Osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, secrete excess neuropeptide Y (NPY) during osteoarthritis, and this alteration can be altered by intermittent fasting. Both NPY and the NPY‐abundant culture medium of osteocytes (OCY‐CM) from osteoarthritic mice possess pro‐inflammatory, pro‐osteoclastic, and pro‐neurite outgrowth effects, while OCY‐CM from the intermittent fasting‐treated osteoarthritic mice fails to induce significant stimulatory effects on inflammation, osteoclast formation, and neurite outgrowth. Depletion of osteocyte NPY significantly attenuates DMM‐induced osteoarthritis and abolishes the benefits of intermittent fasting on osteoarthritis. This study suggests that osteocyte NPY is a key contributing factor in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis and intermittent fasting represents a promising nonpharmacological antiosteoarthritis method by targeting osteocyte NPY.
Impact of Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System‐certified surgeons as operators in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery in Japan: A propensity score‐matched analysis (subanalysis of the EnSSURE study)
Authors: Kojo Ken , Yamanashi Takahiro , Homma Shigenori , Yamamoto Manabu , Miura Takuya , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Ishibe Atsushi , Ogawa Hiroomi , Ichikawa Nobuki , Iijima Hiroaki , Inomata Masafumi , Taketomi Akinobu , Naitoh Takeshi ,   EnSSURE study group collaboratives in Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Published: July 2024

Background

In Japan, the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS) is used to evaluate surgical skills essential for laparoscopic surgery, but whether surgeons with this certification as operators improve the short‐term outcomes and prognosis after rectal cancer surgery is unclear. This cohort study was designed to compare the short‐term and long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for advanced rectal cancer performed by an ESSQS‐certified surgeon versus a surgeon without ESSQS certification.

Methods

The outcomes of cStage II and III rectal cancer surgery cases performed at 56 Japanese hospitals between 2014 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. To examine the impact of ESSQS‐certified surgeons as surgeons, the outcomes of cases with only ESSQS‐certified surgeons as operators were compared with those without involvement of ESSQS‐certified surgeons.

Results

A total of 3197 cases were enrolled, with 1015 in which surgery was performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons, and 544 in which there was no involvement of ESSQS‐certified surgeons. After propensity score matching, the ESSQS group had significantly shorter operative time (p < 0.001), a lower conversion rate to open surgery (p < 0.001), and more dissected lymph nodes (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic rectal surgery performed by ESSQS‐certified surgeons was significantly associated with improved short‐term outcomes. This demonstrates the utility of the ESSQS certification system.
Expansion of the phenotypic spectrum of KARS1‐related disorders to include arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and summary of experiences with lysine supplementation
Authors: Bejma Taylor A. , Beidler Willa S. , VanSickle Elizabeth A. , Prokop Jeremy W. , Brown Wendy T. , Scheurer‐Monaghan Andrea , Rossetti Linda Z.
Published: July 2024

There are currently multiple disorders of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases described, including KARS1‐related disorder resulting from dysfunctional lysyl‐tRNA synthetases. In this report, we describe four novel KARS1 variants in three affected individuals, two of whom displayed arthrogryposis‐like phenotypes, suggestive of phenotypic expansion. We also highlight subjective clinical improvement in one subject following lysine supplementation in conjunction with a protein‐fortified diet, suggesting its potential as a novel treatment modality for KARS1‐related disorders. This report offers additional insight into the etiology and management of KARS1‐related disorders and expands our ability to provide guidance to affected individuals and their families.
Efficient Fabrication of High‐Density Ensembles of Color Centers via Ion Implantation on a Hot Diamond Substrate
Authors: Nieto Hernandez E. , Andrini G. , Crnjac A. , Brajkovic M. , Picariello F. , Corte E. , Pugliese V. , Matijević M. , Aprà P. , Varzi V. , Forneris J. , Genovese M. , Siketic Z. , Jaksic M. , Ditalia Tchernij S.
Published: July 2024

Nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds are one of the most promising systems for quantum technologies, including quantum metrology and sensing. A promising strategy for the achievement of high sensitivity to external fields relies on the exploitation of large ensembles of NV centers, whose fabrication by ion implantation is upper limited by the amount of radiation damage introduced in the diamond lattice. In this work an approach is demonstrated to increase the density of NV centers upon the high‐fluence implantation of MeV N2+ ions on a hot target substrate (>550 °C). The results show that with respect to room‐temperature implantation, the high‐temperature process increases the vacancy density threshold required for the irreversible conversion of diamond to a graphitic phase, thus enabling to achieve higher density ensembles. Furthermore, the formation efficiency of color centers is investigated on diamond substrates implanted at varying temperatures with MeV N2+ and Mg+ ions revealing that the formation efficiency of both NV centers and magnesium‐vacancy (MgV) centers increases with the implantation temperature.
Prenatal diagnosis of SLC25A24 Fontaine progeroid syndrome: description of the fetal phenotype, genotype and detection of parental mosaicism
Authors: Pannier Emmanuelle , Sekri Abel , Roux Nathalie , Vasiljevic Alexandre , El Khattabi Laïla , Chatron Nicolas , Grotto Sarah , Menzella Delphine , Grangé Gilles , Thébault Florent , Massardier Jérôme , Fourrage Cécile , Lohmann Laurence , Tsatsaris Vassilis , Putoux Audrey , Boutaud Lucile , Attié‐Bitach Tania
Published: July 2024

Background

Fontaine progeroid syndrome (FPS, OMIM 612289) is a recently identified genetic disorder stemming from pathogenic variants in the SLC25A24 gene, encoding a mitochondrial carrier protein. It encompasses Gorlin–Chaudry–Moss syndrome and Fontaine–Farriaux syndrome, primarily manifesting as craniosynostosis with brachycephaly, distinctive dysmorphic facial features, hypertrichosis, severe prenatal and postnatal growth restriction, limb shortening, and early aging with characteristic skin changes, phalangeal anomalies, and genital malformations.

Cases

All known occurrences of FPS have been postnatally observed until now. Here, we present the first two prenatal cases identified during the second trimester of pregnancy. While affirming the presence of most postnatal abnormalities in prenatal cases, we note the absence of a progeroid appearance in young fetuses. Notably, our reports introduce new phenotypic features like encephalocele and nephromegaly, which were previously unseen postnatally. Moreover, paternal SLC25A24 mosaicism was detected in one case.

Conclusions

We present the initial two fetal instances of FPS, complemented by thorough phenotypic and genetic assessments. Our findings expand the phenotypical spectrum of FPS, unveiling new fetal phenotypic characteristics. Furthermore, one case underscores a potential novel inheritance pattern in this disorder. Lastly, our observations emphasize the efficacy of exome/genome sequencing in both prenatal and postmortem diagnosis of rare polymalformative syndromes with a normal karyotype and array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).
Exploring the interplay between intellectual property models and sustainability transitions: A multi‐level analysis
Authors: Jain Akriti , Gurtoo Anjula , Eppinger Elizabeth , Vimalnath Pratheeba , Tietze Frank
Published: July 2024

Research on international technology transfer and partnership agreements provides a comprehensive understanding of country‐level impacts of intellectual property (IP) rights on sustainability transitions. However, firm‐level studies on how firms use and share their IP to support sustainability practices remains limited. The paper disentangles the relationship between firm‐level IP models and sustainability practices drawing from a cross‐case analysis of 28 firms offering sustainable innovations across four sectors. Analysis of firms' year‐wise data collected from 854 documents (typically 1996–2021) and 58 in‐depth interviews exploring linkage between IP models and sustainability practices of firms engaged in sustainable innovation provide six key findings: (a) emphasis on safeguarding registered and unregistered IP assets among firms with sustainable innovations; (b) widespread adoption of selectively open inbound IP models coupled with diverse IP sharing mechanisms; (c) a preference for collaborative (joint) IP ownership among internally driven firms, contrasting with a tendency for exclusive in‐licensing among those reacting to external pressures; (d) a divergence in outbound IP models, with internally motivated firms favouring selectively open approaches and externally driven firms favouring closed IP models; (e) the adoption of fully open outbound IP models democratize sustainable innovation diffusion; and (f) leveraging broadly open outbound IP models alongside closed or selectively open models balances widespread use with access control and achieves significant social sustainability. A framework is hence developed to guide technology‐sharing policies and procedures. Therefore, the paper creates a platform for prescribing sustainable IP incentives for encouraging firms to share IP for wider diffusion of sustainable innovations.
Energy band engineering of graphitic carbon nitride for photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide production
Authors: Gao Tengyang , Zhao Degui , Yuan Saisai , Zheng Ming , Pu Xianjuan , Tang Liang , Lei Zhendong
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the 100 most important chemicals in the world with high energy density and environmental friendliness. Compared with anthraquinone oxidation, direct synthesis of H2O2 with hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), and electrochemical methods, photocatalysis has the characteristics of low energy consumption, easy operation and less pollution, and broad application prospects in H2O2 generation. Various photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), metal‐organic materials, and nonmetallic materials, have been studied for H2O2 production. Among them, g‐C3N4 materials, which are simple to synthesize and functionalize, have attracted wide attention. The electronic band structure of g‐C3N4 shows a bandgap of 2.77 eV, a valence band maximum of 1.44 V, and a conduction band minimum of −1.33 V, which theoretically meets the requirements for hydrogen peroxide production. In comparison to semiconductor materials like TiO2 (3.2 eV), this material has a smaller bandgap, which results in a more efficient response to visible light. However, the photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4 and the yield of H2O2 were severely inhibited by the electron‐hole pair with high recombination rate, low utilization rate of visible light, and poor selectivity of products. Although previous reviews also presented various strategies to improve photocatalytic H2O2 production, they did not systematically elaborate the inherent relationship between the control strategies and their energy band structure. From this point of view, this article focuses on energy band engineering and reviews the latest research progress of g‐C3N4 photocatalytic H2O2 production. On this basis, a strategy to improve the H2O2 production by g‐C3N4 photocatalysis is proposed through morphology control, crystallinity and defect, and doping, combined with other materials and other strategies. Finally, the challenges and prospects of industrialization of g‐C3N4 photocatalytic H2O2 production are discussed and envisioned.
Enantioselective Hydroaminations Catalyzed by Yttrium(III)‐Bis(sulfoximine) Complexes
Authors: Fuchs Julia , Immel Stefan , Bauer Dominik , Reggelin Michael
Published: July 2024

Bis(sulfoximine) yttrium complexes as catalysts for enantioselective intramolecular hydroaminations were prepared for the first time and characterized by a multinuclear NMR study including the nuclei 1H, 13C, 15N and 89Y. The stoichiometries of the complexes were confirmed by a Job plot. In addition to the experimental results, the 89Y NMR shifts and the complex structures were elucidated by DFT calculations.
From circular to square‐based section spouted beds: Scale‐up and design overview of a multistage thermal unit
Authors: Rovero Giorgio , Curti Massimo , Moliner Cristina , Arato Elisabetta
Published: July 2024

This work summarizes the results of several research projects to demonstrate the possibility of scaling‐up spouted beds by assembling a number of square‐based jet units. Cylindrical vessels with a bottom cone and parallelepiped ones with a frustum base do not differ to a large extent in terms of hydrodynamic features. The existing correlations can be used to predict these square‐based spouted beds. Spouted beds can be very reasonably described as well‐mixed reactors. By assembling several units, it is possible to approach a plug flow state for solids residence time distribution (RTD) in continuous processes. Spouting stability is fully reached when the modules do not interfere each other: this goal is obtained by positioning the downstream units at a certain lower level and having the solids move by overflow; placing internal vertical baffles between contiguous units is the solution. Two hydrodynamical models are proposed to describe single and multiple spouted beds; their predictions help in choosing the best geometrical configuration for the assemblage. A possible application of a multiple spouted bed reactor was envisaged for gasifying pelletized textile residues to generate syngas which can be directly used in situ as a co‐fuel. Two units were built: a single 0.2 m side square‐based spouted bed furnace and the consequent dual stage scale‐up apparatus suitable for an auto thermal process. In the bottom stage, four units work independently to run combustion/gasification of low‐quality solid residues, while the upper stage had a cascade of four modules to run pyrolysis/gasification of selected biomass and obtain valuable secondary products.
Enhancing healthcare security: Time‐based authentication for privacy‐preserving IoMT sensor monitoring framework leveraging blockchain technology
Authors: Sharma Aashima , Kaur Sanmeet , Singh Maninder
Published: July 2024

The rapid progression of the Internet of Things and its increasing use in healthcare has generated considerable concerns over the safeguarding and privacy of vital medical data. In response to these issues, blockchain has surfaced as a possible remedy, offering transparent, immutable, and decentralized storage. Nevertheless, conventional blockchain‐based systems still encounter constraints in maintaining anonymity, confidentiality, and privacy. Hence, this article suggests a framework based on a secure consortium blockchain that prioritizes data privacy and employs time‐based authentication to streamline patient data monitoring. First, we employ time‐based authentication to verify the identities of authorized users. This process utilizes the NIK‐512 hashing algorithm in conjunction with passwords and registered timestamps, which strengthens the confidentiality of data. Patient information undergoes encryption before transmission within the network. Further, our framework introduces a sensor registration service that the trusted node employs to assign a distinct identity to each sensor connected to a patient. The implementation of data processing and filtering techniques at the edge layer serves the purpose of mitigating disturbances that may occur during the collection of sensor‐based data. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation of performance and security has been carried out with various metrics. The findings indicate that the proposed solution effectively enhances the management of Internet of Medical Things data by providing improved privacy and security.
Preparation of WO3‐Mica Hybrid Coatings with Electrochromic Properties and Pearl Luster
Authors: Svensson Fredric G. , Uchiyama Hiroaki
Published: July 2024

Tungsten oxide‐mica composites were prepared by adding different amounts of commercial mica (alumina silicate) in order to provide high luster to electrochromic coatings. The mechanical stability was sustained for up to 50 weight % mica for application in aqueous medium. The electrochemical properties, coloration, and luster were investigated. The luster of the composites increased roughly linearly with increased mica content and was retained after coloration. The addition of 10 weight % mica was found to be optimal with respect to the compromise between electrochromic coloration and pearlescent luster. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report on the preparation and characterization of WO3‐mica inorganic composites with high luster in both bleached and colored states.
Characterization and Application of Cyrene as a Biomass‐Based Solvent for Homogeneous Heck‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Medgyesi Zoltán , Mika László T.
Published: July 2024

Cyrene, a renewable, non‐toxic substance having negligible vapor pressure, even at high temperatures, was proposed as a reaction medium for homogeneous Pd‐catalyzed Heck‐coupling reactions. It was first characterized by its temperature‐dependent physicochemical properties, i. e., vapor pressure, density, surface tension, heat capacity, and viscosity, the key parameters of its reaction and process chemistry. Its refractive indices in the function of temperature were also determined. Hereafter, the effect of reaction parameters (Pd source, nature of the base, the water content of the reaction mixture, leaving group (−I, −Br, −Cl, and −OTf of aromatic substrates) on Pd‐catalyzed Heck‐coupling reaction was investigated using iodobenzene and styrene as model substrates. Subsequently, 4‐substituted iodobenzene and styrene derivatives were applied to investigate the effect of electronic parameters on the reaction efficiency and functional group tolerance. To demonstrate the applicability of the system, thirteen stilbene derivatives were isolated with good to high yields and purity (>95 %) using 0.2 mol % of Pd, 1.5 eq. of Et3N as a base, in 1 mL of Cyrene for 2 h at 100 °C.
Prescribe for patients with opioid use disorder — with confidence
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2024

A new message from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages primary care providers to prescribe medication — primarily, buprenorphine — for opioid use disorder (OUD) “with confidence.” In the missive, subtitled “Patients with opioid use disorder need you,” the FDA noted that more than 6 million people age 12 or older have an OUD. Below is the FDA statement.
Advances and Challenges in Interfacial Binding Forces for Electrocatalysts
Authors: Yan Xing , An Fengxia , Li Yuxiang , Xie Junliang , Du Heng , Yu Zhonghao , Jiang Fang , Chen Huan
Published: July 2024

As a practical chemical energy conversion technology, electrocatalysis could be used in fields of energy conversion and environmental protection. In recent years, significant research efforts have been devoted to the design and development of high‐performance electrocatalysts because the rational design of catalysts is crucial for enhancing electrocatalytic performance. Creating electrocatalysts by forming interactions between different components at the interface is an important means of controlling and improving performance. Therefore, several common interfacial binding forces used for synthesizing electrocatalysts was systematically summarized in this review for the first time. The discussion revolves around the crucial roles these binding forces play in various electrocatalytic reaction processes. Various characterization techniques capable of proving the existence of these interfacial binding forces was also involved in the review. Finally, some prospects and challenges for designing and researching materials through the utilization of interfacial binding forces were presented.
Harnessing Ultrasound‐Derived Hydroxyl Radicals for the Selective Oxidation of Aldehyde Functions
Authors: Fischer Ari F. , Bahry Teseer , Xie Zhangyue , Qian Kaicheng , Li Renhong , Kwan James , Jerome François , Valange Sabine , Liu Wen , Amaniampong Prince N. , Choksi Tej S.
Published: July 2024

Ultrasonic irradiation holds potential for the selective oxidation of non‐volatile organic substrates in the aqueous phase by harnessing hydroxyl radicals as chemical initiators. Here, a mechanistic description of hydroxyl radical‐initiated glyoxal oxidation is constructed by gleaning insights from photolysis and radiation chemistry to explain the yields and kinetic trends for oxidation products. The mechanistic description and kinetic measurements reported herein reveal that increasing the formation rate of hydroxyl radicals by changing the ultrasound frequency increases both the rates of glyoxal consumption and the selectivity towards C2 acid products over those from C−C cleavage. Glyoxal consumption also occurs more rapidly and with greater selectivity towards C2 acids under acidic conditions, which favor the protonation of carboxylate intermediates into their less reactive acidic forms. Leveraging such pH and frequency effects is crucial to mitigating product degradation by secondary reactions with hydroxyl radicals and oxidation products (specifically hydrogen peroxide and superoxide). These findings demonstrate the potential of ultrasound as a driver for the selective oxidation of aldehyde functions to carboxylic acids, offering a sustainable route for valorizing biomass‐derived platform molecules.
Graphitic Carbon Nitride Structures on Carbon Cloth Containing Ultra‐ and Nano‐Dispersed NiO for Photoactivated Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Scattolin Enrico , Benedet Mattia , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Gasparotto Alberto , Lebedev Oleg I. , Barreca Davide , Maccato Chiara
Published: July 2024

The development of low‐cost and high‐efficiency oxygen evolution reaction (OER) photoelectrocatalysts is a key requirement for H2 generation via solar‐assisted water splitting. In this study, we report on an amenable fabrication route to carbon cloth‐supported graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanoarchitectures, featuring a modular dispersion of NiO as co‐catalyst. The synergistic interaction between gCN and NiO, along with the tailoring of their size and spatial distribution, yield very attractive OER performances and durability in freshwater splitting, of great significance for practical end‐uses. The potential of gCN electrocatalysts containing ultra‐dispersed, i. e. “quasi‐atomic” NiO, exhibiting a higher activity than the ones containing nickel oxide nanoaggregates, is further highlighted by their activity even in real seawater. This work suggests that efficient OER catalysts can be designed through the construction of optimized interfaces between transition metal oxides and carbon nitride, yielding inexpensive and promising noble metal‐free systems for real‐world applications.