bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic Hybrid Hydrogels: A Sustenance Technique in Waste‐Water Treatment
Authors: Malik Ritu , Saxena Reena , Warkar Sudhir G.
Published: February 2023

Water sustenance is the primary exigency for human survival, besides being significant for food, energy generation, ecology, and socio‐economic modernization. The water crisis headed call for wastewater treatment. Owing to positive aspects of Organic Hybrid Hydrogels (OHH) viz. non‐toxicity, multiple‐functionalities, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and high sorption capacities; researchers are exploring their usage in waste‐water treatment for removal of organic (dyes) and inorganic (heavy metals, radionuclides) contaminants. The boon of OHH application is their ease of separation after the adsorption of pollutants by removing and dewatering them. This review corroborates the complete design of the synthesis of hydrogels, and the adsorption of impurities by them followed by their recovery, required for successful application in the removal of organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater. It was observed hydrogels employed for the removal of metal ions and dyes follow either Langmuir or Freundlich isotherm or both. The usage of bio‐based hydrogels increased the adsorption of contaminants from wastewater. Due to the scarcer exploration of bio/hybrid hydrogels (especially carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum), this review is expedient for researchers for developing green hydrogels as a water conservation and sustenance technique.
Concise Construction of 1‐Sulfonyl‐1H‐indoles Using Solid Calcium Carbide as a Surrogate of Gaseous Acetylene
Authors: Chen Wei , Li Guorui , Wen Fei , Wang Qian , Li Zheng
Published: February 2023

A concise method for the construction of 1‐sulfonyl‐1H‐indoles by the reactions ofN‐(2‐iodoaryl)sulfonamides with calcium carbide is described. The notable features of this protocol are the use of inexpensive and easy‐to‐handle solid alkyne source as a surrogate of flammable and explosive gaseous acetylene, wide scope of substrates, high yield, and simple reaction procedure. This method can also be extended to gram scale.
Synergistic Effect of Fe and Zn Doping on Multimetallic Catalysts for the Catalytic Hydrogenation of Furfural to Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Huang Dejin , Zhao Xu , Zhai Zhouxiao , Chu Jie , Sun Lu , Zhuang Changfu , Min Chungang , Wang Ying
Published: February 2023

FeCoZn@NPC‐600 catalyst was prepared by one‐step pyrolysis using FeCoZn‐ZIF as the precursor through multi‐metal homogeneous doping and self‐template conversion strategy, and it was used to catalyze the selective hydrogenation of furfural (FF) to furfuryl alcohol (FOL). The results showed that the FF conversion reached 100 % and the FOL selectivity was 97.34 %. Compared with FeCo@NPC‐600 and CoZn@NPC‐600, the FOL yield of FeCoZn@NPC‐600 was increased by 11.2 and 2.2 times, respectively. The excellent catalytic performance is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of multiple metals in the catalyst. The doping of Fe and Zn enhanced the active Co(0) content and acid strength of FeCoZn@NPC‐600, which promoted the activation of H2 and FF. Meanwhile, The doping of Zn also optimizes the pore structure of the catalyst. The activity of FeCoZn@NPC‐600 catalyst did not significantly decrease after repeated use for five times, mainly because the encapsulation of graphite carbon layer led to good cycleability.
Improving the Cyclability and Rate Capability of Li4Ti5O12 Anode Material by Cu2+ and F− co‐Doping
Authors: Kahrizi Meisam , Kashani Hamideh , Ghaffarinejad Ali
Published: February 2023

We report a new Li4Ti5−xCuxO11.7F0.3 (X=0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3) anodic material for use in Li‐ion batteries. These modified Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) materials were prepared by solid‐state method and calcination at 800 °C. The Li4Ti4.75Cu0.25O11.7F0.3 (LTCu0.25OF0.3), among all samples, shows the best results in cyclability and rate ability. The LTCu0.25OF0.3 delivers discharge capacities of 188.8, 180, 169.7, 151.2, 116, and 93.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5C, respectively. The capacity retention of LTO, LTOF0.3, and LTCu0.25OF0.3 after 100 charge and discharge cycles at 1C is 90.8 %, 96.3 %, and 97.7 %, respectively. The enhancement in electrochemical performance of LTCu0.25OF0.3 is attributed to the lower polarization and charge transfer resistance (15.5 Ω) and higher Li+ diffusion coefficient (6.4×10−7 cm2 s−1) obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical‐impedance spectra (EIS) tests. This work indicates that Cu2+ and F− have a synergistic impact on the electrochemical properties of LTO.
Construction of Tetrazole Derivatives via Sequential Ugi‐N3/Pd‐Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertion Reactions
Authors: Fan Hao‐Jie , Li A‐Ting , Li Jun , Du Zi‐Qi , Wang Long , Zhou Xian‐Min , He Ping , Ren Zhi‐Lin
Published: February 2023

Herein, a straightforward method for the construction of tetrazole derivatives has been achieved through Pd‐catalyzed isocyanide insertion reactions, which is a good extension for the response of multi‐molecule isocyanides. The Ugi‐N3 reaction was introduced to the transformation to enrich the diversity of skeleton structures. The commercially available starting materials and moderate to good yields make this method a valuable tool for generating N‐containing heterocyclic compounds.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Isatin‐Pyrazole Hybrids as VEGFR‐2 Inhibitors and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Shreedhar Reddy T. , Rai Sanjay , Kumar Koppula Shiva
Published: February 2023

Herein, we described the synthesis of isatin‐pyrazole hybrids (6 a–o) using Acyl‐Sonogashira coupling reaction and evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against three human cancer cell lines such as A549, PC3 and MCF‐7 by using MTT assay and 5‐fluorouracil as the reference drug. Some of the compounds 6 a, 6 j and 6 n were found to be more active than the standard 5‐fluorouracil against three human cancer cell lines. The in vitro VEGFR‐2 tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity reveals that 6 j has exhibited double inhibitory potency with IC50 value of 16.28±1.21 nM compared to reference drug sorafenib and 6 a and 6 n were also shown more inhibition capacity than the standard. Molecular docking studies of the compounds 6 a, 6 j and 6 n towards human VEGFR2 kinase shown that they have good binding interactions with the target protein with binding energies ranging from −10.30 kcal/mol to −10.80 kcal/mol. Finally, the in silico pharmacokinetic profile (ADMET) of potent compounds 6 a, 6 j and 6 n were also studied, where all of them have followed Lipinski rule, Ghose rule, Veber rule, Egan rule and Muegge rule without any deviation and the compounds 6 a and 6 j have shown lead likeness in medicinal chemistry point of view.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Activity of Low‐Molecular‐Weight URAT1 Inhibitors**
Authors: Chen Siliang , Chen Ya , Yang Zhongcheng , Huang Wanqiu , Cao Zhijun , Wang Xuekun , Yao Huixin , Li Zheng , Wang Guangji
Published: February 2023

Hyperuricemia has become a global problem and is one of the four basic metabolic diseases after hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. However, the existing drugs have undesired or serious adverse effects, such as the high risk of Stevens‐Johnson syndrome for allopurinol, and the cardiovascular side effects induced by febuxostat. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop an effective and safety agent for the treatment of hyperuricemia. The urate transporter 1 (URAT1) inhibitors have been considered as a promising uric acid‐lowering agents. To improve adverse reactions caused by excessive lipophilicity and large molecular weight of existing drugs, five novel low‐molecular‐ weight URAT1 Inhibitors were designed and synthesized by molecular hybridisation. Among them, although compound 4 showed less potent activity than the classic URAT1 inhibitor benzbromarone in vitro, compound 4 exhibited better uric acid‐lowering activity than benzbromarone in vivo, which may be related to the fact that compound 4 has lower lipophilicity than benzbromarone to facilitate drug absorption. In addition, compound 4 cherishes some merits, which have a smaller molecular weight and lower lipophilicity, and superior in vitro activity than lesinurad. Generally, the results indicate that compound 4, with a good therapeutic effect, is a prospective candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia.
Late‐Stage Borylation Strategy for the Development of New Boron‐Based Retinoids
Authors: Das Bhaskar C. , Yadav Pratik , Das Sasmita , Saito Mariko , Evans Todd
Published: February 2023

Herein, we describe the design and synthesis of boron‐based bexarotene analogues as potential new retinoid X receptor (RXR) agonists. The synthetic strategy utilized a common intermediate to access different classes of bexarotene analogues, and subsequently these novel retinoids were borylated. The strategy accomplished synthesis of new classes of borotenoids (boron‐based retinoids) via late‐stage palladium‐catalyzed borylation which could be useful for the development of new therapeutic agents and probes to study retinoic acid signaling pathways.
Time pressure, work‐related spousal support seeking, and relationship satisfaction: Spillover and crossover effects among dual‐earner couples
Authors: Tement Sara , Mihelič Katarina Katja , Kubicek Bettina
Published: February 2023

The present study examined how time pressure at work is transmitted to the home domain and how it affects individuals' (spillover) as well as their partners' relationship satisfaction (crossover). We examined the role of work‐related spousal support seeking and proposed that it serves as a mediator of the spillover as well as the crossover process. We further explored whether the proposed spillover‐crossover process is gender‐contingent. Using a sample of 308 dual‐earner couples, we found support for a positive link between time pressure at work and spousal support seeking. As hypothesised, spousal support seeking served also as a crossover mechanism. However, distinct spillover and crossover processes were found for men and women. These findings not only point to a new spillover and crossover mechanism but also highlight gender‐specific patterns in the role of support seeking. As this coping strategy is feasible when job stressors are high, it should be considered a part of stress management trainings and organizational practices.
Recent Advances on Direct Functionalization of Indoles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Pang Qiwen , Zuo Wei‐Fang , Zhang Yang , Li Xiang , Han Bo
Published: February 2023

Indoles and their derivatives have dominated a significant proportion of nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds and play an essential role in synthetic and medicinal chemistry, pesticides, and advanced materials. Compared with conventional synthetic strategies, direct functionalization of indoles provides straightforward access to construct diverse indole scaffolds. As we enter an era emphasizing green and sustainable chemistry, utilizing environment‐friendly solvents represented by water demonstrates great potential in synthesizing valuable indole derivatives. This review aims to depict the critical aspects of aqueous‐mediated indoles functionalization over the past decade and discusses the future challenges and prospects in this fast‐growing field. For the convenience of readers, this review is classified into three parts according to the bonding modes (C−C, C−N, and C−S bonds), which focus on the diversity of indole derivatives, the prominent role of water in the chemical process, and the types of catalyst systems and mechanisms. We hope this review can promote the sustainable development of the direct functionalization of indoles and their derivatives and the discovery of novel and practical organic methods in aqueous phase.
Exosomal miR‐374c‐5p derived from mesenchymal stem cells suppresses epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma via the LIMK1‐Wnt/β‐catenin axis
Authors: Ding Bisha , Lou Weiyang , Fan Weimin , Pan Jie
Published: February 2023

Metastasis is a leading cause to treatment failure in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Exosomes act as pivotal mediators in communication between different cells and exert effects on recipient cells by delivering bioactive cargoes, such as microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs function in multiple steps of HCC development, including metastasis. MiR‐374c‐5p was previously identified as a tumor suppressor in some malignancies, while the current knowledge of its role in HCC metastasis is still limited. Herein, miR‐374c‐5p was found to be downregulated in HCC cell lines and clinical samples, and positively related with favorable prognosis in HCC patients. MiR‐374c‐5p transferred by exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) suppressed migration, invasion and proliferation of HCC cells. LIMK1 was verified as downstream target gene of miR‐374c‐5p. Knockdown of LIMK1 reduced invasion, migration and proliferation of HCC cells, whereas overexpression functioned oppositely. The miR‐374c‐5p/LIMK1 axis suppressed epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) by inactivating Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In addition, miR‐374c‐5p was downregulated and LIMK1 upregulated in TGF‐β1 induced EMT. This EMT model could be reversed by LIMK1 silencing or miR‐374c‐5p overexpression. These results suggest that exo‐miR‐374c‐5p suppresses EMT via targeting LIMK1‐Wnt/β‐catenin axis and the axis is involved in TGF‐β1 induced metastasis of HCC, thereby identifying miR‐374c‐5p as a potential target for HCC treatment.
Re: Fetal myocardial deformation measured with two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography: longitudinal prospective cohort study of 124 healthy fetuses
Authors: DeVore G. R.
Published: February 2023

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on van Oostrum et al. Click here to view the article.
Effects of fresh‐cow grouping strategy and rumen‐protected glucose on production performance, reproductive variables and risk of culling in Holstein cows
Authors: Beiranvand H. , Ahmadi F. , Babajanzade‐Sorati S. , Alamouti Ali A.
Published: February 2023

Background

The interaction effects of duration of stay in fresh‐cow diet and supplementation with rumen‐protected glucose (RPG) on productivity of dairy cows are largely unknown. We hypothesised that a faster transition from fresh‐cow diet (higher forage:concentrate) to lactation‐cow diet (lower forage:concentrate), combined with supplementation of fresh‐cow diet with RPG will have positive effects on production and health of dairy cows.

Objectives

To investigate the immediate and long‐term effects of length of stay in fresh‐cow diet and supplementation with RPG on productive and reproductive performance of high‐producing dairy cows.

Methods

A total of 264 multiparous Holstein cows (average parity ± standard deviation = 3.2 ± 1.3, ranging from 2 to 6) were used in a 2 × 2 factorially arranged trial. Treatments were the feeding duration of a fresh‐cow diet for 14 or 21 days, each combined by daily supplementation of the fresh‐cow diet with ground corn grain or RPG product top dressed at 500 g/day/head.

Results

The earlier transition from fresh‐cow to lactation diet resulted in greater milk production from 15 through 21 days in milk (DIM; by 2.28 kg/day), and also fat‐corrected milk production on 30 and 60 DIM, respectively. Corn grain or RPG supplementation did not affect the average milk production (1 to 21 DIM), as well as milk production and composition on 30 and 60 DIM. Although extent of body condition loss at transition tended to be lesser in cows switching faster to lactation diet, these cows lost more body condition from 30 to 90 DIM. Survival analysis on calving‐to‐conception interval and time to removal from herd did not find any significant difference across treatments.

Conclusions

The positive effects of earlier transition from fresh‐cow to lactation diet were evident by greater milk production from 15 through 21 DIM, and fat‐corrected milk production (30 and 60 DIM), at the expense of body condition in high‐producing dairy cows. A daily topdress of RPG on fresh‐cow diet had no immediate or carryover effects on production of dairy cows.
Conservation decision makers worry about relevancy and funding but not climate change
Authors: Jewell Kathryn , Peterson M. Nils , Martin Mallory , Stevenson Kathryn T. , Terando Adam , Teseneer Rachel
Published: February 2023

Stakeholders fundamentally shape the success of wildlife management, yet little is known about how one of the most important stakeholder groups, wildlife agency decision makers, view emerging conservation challenges. Wildlife agency decision makers collectively shape how wildlife conservation unfolds in North America, but their perspectives are generally absent in the literature. Challenges including climate change, conservation funding models, and wildlife disease make understanding how wildlife decision makers view the future of wildlife conservation essential. We interviewed 48 directors and supervisory board members of wildlife agencies in the southeast United States from July 2019 to January 2020 to gauge their assessment of future conservation challenges and preferred response strategies. Declining agency relevancy and insufficient funding were the 2 most commonly identified challenges, while climate change was rarely mentioned as an issue because decision makers believed it was a relatively slow‐moving background condition. Decision makers described improving relevance through education and outreach as their primary response to conservation challenges. Our results suggest that climate change‐informed wildlife management may benefit from a 2‐pronged approach. First, we suggest decision makers should be informed about the challenges posed by climate change, and second, existing efforts to promote diversity among constituents should include engaging groups who support tackling the threat climate change poses to wildlife conservation. Increasing the priority given to climate change adaptation efforts in wildlife agencies will likely require future research to discern which approaches can most improve the perceived salience of climate change to decision makers.
The parton-level structure of e+e− to 2 jets at N3LO
Authors: Jakubčík Petr , Marcoli Matteo , Stagnitto Giovanni
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We investigate the quantum chromodynamics (QCD) corrections to hadronic final states in electron-positron collisions at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_s^3 $$

α
s
3

) in the strong coupling constant αs. Namely, we analytically compute the total cross section for this process by separately integrating the tree-level five-parton, the one-loop four-parton, the two-loop three-parton, and the three-loop two-parton matrix elements over the respective phase space. All the contributions to the calculation are treated in a common framework whereby phase space integrals are expressed as physical cuts of the four-loop two-point function. We check the cancellation of infrared poles at all colour levels and we reproduce the known result for the R-ratio at order $$ {\alpha}_s^3 $$

α
s
3

.
A fresh view on string orbifolds
Authors: Giaccari Stefano , Volpato Roberto
Published: February 2023

Abstract

In quantum field theory, an orbifold is a way to obtain a new theory from an old one by gauging a finite global symmetry. This definition of orbifold does not make sense for quantum gravity theories, that admit (conjecturally) no global symmetries. In string theory, the orbifold procedure involves the gauging of a global symmetry on the world-sheet theory describing the fundamental string. Alternatively, it is a way to obtain a new string background from an old one by quotienting some isometry.

We propose a new formulation of string orbifolds in terms of the group of gauge symmetries of a given string model. In such a formulation, the ‘parent’ and the ‘child’ theories correspond to different ways of breaking or gauging all potential global symmetries of their common subsector. Through a couple of simple examples, we describe how the higher group structure of the gauge group in the parent theory plays a crucial role in determining the gauge group and the twisted sector of the orbifold theory. We also discuss the dependence of this orbifold procedure on the duality frame.
Large Time Behavior of Solutions to the 3D Rotating Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Egashira Takanari , Takada Ryo
Published: February 2023

We consider the large time behavior of the solutions for the initial value problem of the Navier–Stokes equations with the Coriolis force in the three-dimensional whole space. We show the $$L^p$$

L
p

temporal decay estimates with the dispersion effect of the Coriolis force for the global solutions. Moreover, we prove the large time asymptotic expansion of the solutions behaving like the first-order spatial derivatives of the integral kernel of the corresponding linear solution.
An accuracy evolution method applied to five-axis machining of curved surfaces
Authors: Zha Jun , Villarrazo Nagore , Martínez de Pisson Gonzalo , Li Yipeng , Zhang Huijie , López de Lacalle Luis Norberto
Published: February 2023

Currently, some high-value-added applications involve the manufacturing of curved surfaces, where it is challenging to achieve surface accuracy, repeatability, and productivity simultaneously. Among free-form surfaces, curved surfaces are commonly used in blades and airfoils (with a teardrop-shaped cross-section) and optical systems (with axial symmetry). In both cases, multi-axis milling accuracy directly affects the subsequent process step. Therefore, reducing even insignificant errors during machining can improve the accuracy in the final production stages. This study proposes an “evolution” method to improve the machining accuracy of curved surfaces. The key is to include compensation for the machining error after the first part through profile error measurement. Thus, correction can be applied directly after the manufacturing programming is fully developed, achieving the product with the minimum number of iterations. Accordingly, this method measures the machining error and changes only one key parameter after the process. This study considered two cases. First, an airfoil in which the clamping force was corrected; the results were quite good with only one modification in the blade machining case. Second is an aspherical surface where tool path correction in the Z-axis was applied; the error was effectively compensated along the normal vector of the workpiece surface. The experimental results showed that the surface accuracy increased from 44.4 to 4.5 μm, and the error was reduced by 89.9%, confirming that the accuracy of the machine tool and process had achieved “evolution.” This technical study is expected to help improve the quality and productivity of manufacturing highly accurate curved surfaces.
Entwicklung einer App zur Unterstützung häuslicher Pflegeberatungsbesuche
Authors: Gabber Alexander , Heidenblut Sonja , Gappa Henrike , La Guardia Tim , Zank Susanne
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Die Pflegeberatungsbesuche nach § 37 Absatz 3 SGB XI (PBB) werden bisher uneinheitlich durchgeführt, und es mangelt an einer strukturierten Pflegedokumentation. Im Projekt INGE-integrate4care wurde eine App entwickelt, die die qualitätsgesicherte Durchführung von PBB unterstützen soll.

Methode

Auf Basis eines nutzerzentrierten Designansatzes wurden 10 semistrukturierte Expert:inneninterviews geführt und mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse nach Mayring ausgewertet. In gruppenbasierten Expert:innen-Walkthroughs mit 7 Teilnehmer:innen wurden Design, Inhalte und Funktionen der App diskutiert, Anforderungen in Feedbacklisten gesammelt und von Entwickler:innen digital umgesetzt.

Ergebnisse

Die Interviewten berichteten, dass PBB heterogen seien, es individuelle Herangehensweisen der Pflegefachkräfte (PFK) gebe und sich dies in der Gestaltung der App wiederspiegeln solle. Wichtige Begutachtungsthemen für die App seien z. B. Inhalte des Neuen Begutachtungsassessments (NBA) und die Angehörigenbelastung. Funktionen wie die Empfehlung von Maßnahmen auf Basis dokumentierter Informationen seien wünschenswert. Hinderlich sei dagegen eine zu starre Einhaltung von Bearbeitungsschritten, da diese den Gesprächscharakter der PBB einschränken würden.

Das NBA und BIZA‑D wurden von den Expert:innen im Projekt als passende Basisassessments gewählt und an die PBB angepasst. Zur Unterstützung des Arbeitsablaufs wurden der flexible Zugriff auf Items, die Visualisierung des Pflegestatus je Kategorie sowie die Möglichkeit zu Auswahl und Nachverfolgung von Maßnahmen spezifiziert.

Diskussion

Durch den nutzerzentrierten Designansatz konnte eine App entwickelt werden, die sich sowohl durch Flexibilität als auch Struktur auszeichnet. Das Tool wird mithilfe von Usability-Evaluationen und Fokusgruppen weiter optimiert.
Analysis of image-guided superficial radiation therapy (IGSRT) on the treatment of early-stage non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in the outpatient dermatology setting
Authors: Tran Alison , Moloney Mairead , Kaczmarski Peter , Zheng Songzhu , Desai Alpesh , Desai Tejas , Yu Lio
Published: February 2023

Background

Interest in image-guidance superficial radiation therapy (IGSRT) for the treatment of early-stage non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has resurfaced given its low complication rates, superior cosmesis and local control and cure rates. In addition, it has been recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for early-stage NMSC in patients who are considered poor surgical candidates.

Methods

1899 NMSC lesions were treated with energies ranging from 50 to 100 kilovoltage (kV), for a mean of 20.2 fractions, and treatment dose of 5364.4 centigray (cGy). Lesions were treated for a mean of 7.5 weeks and followed for 65.5 weeks. SAS studio was used to conduct Kaplan–Meier analysis to calculate local control rates and account for differences in follow-up intervals. A log-rank test was used to calculate statistical differences between histologies.

Results

Absolute lesion control was achieved in 99.7% of the patients after an average of 7.5 weeks of treatment, with a stable control rate of 99.6% when the follow-up duration was over 12 months. 95% of lesions with toxicity scoring received a Radiation Treatment Oncology Group Toxicity (RTOG) score of 1 or 2.

Conclusion

IGSRT has a high safety profile, can achieve superior cosmesis and should be considered first-line for treating early-stage NMSC tumors as cure rates have been shown to be effective in all NMSC on early follow-up.
The effect of nanocrystalline TiO2 on structure and catalytic activity of CuO–ZnO in combined methanol reforming
Authors: Pinzari F.
Published: February 2023

CuO–ZnO (CZ) and CuO–ZnO/TiO2 (CZT) catalysts have been prepared by co-precipitation, characterized by X-ray diffraction, surface area measurements and chemical analysis and tested in the combined methanol reforming reaction. Catalytic tests have been performed in the temperature range 200–400 °C with a GHSV = 55.000 h−1, after H2 reducing pretreatment at 250 °C or 450 °C. It is shown that nanocrystalline TiO2 influences the CuO–ZnO nanosized structure, reducibility and reactivity. TiO2 slightly increases ZnO crystallite size of the fresh catalyst. Moreover, it causes the CuO chemical reduction to nanosized Cu2O on exhaust catalyst pretreated in hydrogen at 250 °C, this improves the reaction with higher methanol conversion and hydrogen production. On the contrary, TiO2 reduces CuO to submicron Cu0 and greatly increases ZnO crystallite size on the exhaust catalyst pretreated in hydrogen at 450 °C, this treatment weakens the reaction, with lower methanol conversion and hydrogen production. In both cases, nanocrystalline TiO2 presence is able to decrease the CO formation: independently of the hydrogen pretreatment temperature. This ability of the nanocrystalline TiO2 is ascribed to the presence of the oxygen vacancies, which act as electron donors that contribute to hinder CO2 and H2 surface adsorption for steric, electrostatic and probabilistic factors.
Evolution of gender research in the social sciences in post-Soviet countries: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Kataeva Zumrad , Durrani Naureen , Izekenova Zhanna , Rakhimzhanova Aray
Published: February 2023

While interest in mapping the patterns of publication and research in post-Soviet countries has been growing steadily, there is a gap in knowledge about how gender is featured in post-Soviet research and publications. Using a descriptive bibliometric approach and metadata extracted from 2822 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection database for 1993–2021, this study seeks to understand the evolution of gender research in post-Soviet countries. The analysis revealed a notable increase in gender research and publications since the breakup of the Soviet Union, particularly between 2017 and 2021; however, the contribution of the post-Soviet countries to international research on gender remains insignificant. Russia, Estonia and Ukraine are at the forefront of gender research among post-Soviet states, while Caucasus and Central Asian countries, except Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, contribute to the lower degree. Although research collaboration among post-Soviet researchers is increasing, researchers tend to mainly collaborate internally with authors from the same countries and institutions, and very few authors collaborate across post-Soviet states or internationally. The topics of publications in post-Soviet gender research incorporate different subjects, with most articles published within psychology and behavioral sciences, while gender research in sociological and political economy disciplines is still evolving.
C-Type Lectin Receptor Mediated Modulation of T2 Immune Responses to Allergens
Authors: Angelina Alba , Martín-Cruz Leticia , de la Rocha-Muñoz Andrés , Lavín-Plaza Begoña , Palomares Oscar
Published: February 2023

Purpose of Review

Allergic diseases represent a major health problem of increasing prevalence worldwide. In allergy, dendritic cells (DCs) contribute to both the pathophysiology and the induction of healthy immune responses to the allergens. Different studies have reported that some common allergens contain glycans in their structure. C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) expressed by DCs recognize carbohydrate structures and are crucial in allergen uptake, presentation, and polarization of T cell responses. This review summarizes the recent literature regarding the role of CLRs in the regulation of type 2 immune responses to allergens.

Recent Findings

In this review, we highlight the capacity of CLRs to recognize carbohydrates in common allergens triggering different signaling pathways involved in the polarization of CD4+ T cells towards specific Th2 responses. Under certain conditions, specific CLRs could also promote tolerogenic responses to allergens, which might well be exploited to develop novel therapeutic approaches of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT), the single treatment with potential disease-modifying capacity for allergic disease. At this regard, polymerized allergens conjugated to non-oxidized mannan (allergoid-mannan conjugated) are next-generation vaccines targeting DCs via CLRs that promote regulatory T cells, thus favoring allergen tolerance both in preclinical models and clinical trials.

A better understanding of the role of CLRs in the development of allergy and in the induction of allergen tolerance might well pave the way for the design of novel strategies for allergic diseases.
Blends of Cactus Cladode Powder with Corn Starch, Milk Proteins and Gelatin: Rheological Evaluation and Application to a Soup Model
Authors: Chaloulos Panagiotis , Vasilopoulos Nikos , Mandala Ioanna
Published: February 2023

Cactus cladodes (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a valuable source of dietary fibers. In this study, peeled cladode powder was produced by air drying at 40 °C and was characterized for its color, dietary fiber content, and rheological behavior. Cladode powder aqueous suspensions of 3% w/w were prepared and the effect of protein (gelatin, sodium caseinate, and whey protein) or salts (NaCl/CaCl2) on the blend’s viscosity was investigated. Additionally, cladode powder was incorporated in a soup model, aiming at substituting corn starch. Our powder had an appealing green color, but its deterioration was fast when it was exposed to light. A shear-thinning behavior was observed in all cladode-protein mixtures, but viscosity values depended considerably on the protein type and the pH values. Notably, gelatin addition led to higher apparent viscosity of cladode powder at pH 6, suggesting interactions with cladode mucilage, but this effect was reversed at pH 4, below gelatin isoelectric point. The Ostwald-de Waele model successfully correlated viscosity-shear rates data, whereas the Casson model presented a good fit mainly in starch containing systems. Corn starch substitution by cladode powder, in the soup model, led to lower consistency coefficient values. In soups, the logarithmic mixing law was applied at different corn starch: cladode powder ratios to highlight their possible interactions. The values obtained diverged slightly downwards from the logarithmic mixing law. When purified mucilage was added—instead of cladode powder—the samples diverged slightly upwards from the logarithmic mixing law.
Proton beam therapy for cervical lymph node metastasis in an octogenarian with melanoma of unknown primary: a case report
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Ohnishi Kayoko , Uchida Fumihiko , Saito Takashi , Kitagawa Yuri , Matsuoka Ryota , Yanagawa Toru , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: February 2023

An 80-year-old man with an approximately 3-cm mass in the right submandibular region presented to our institution. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) in the right neck, and fluorine-18-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) indicated positive FDG accumulation in the right neck LNs only. Excisional biopsy was performed for suspected malignant lymphoma, and the biopsy revealed melanoma. Close examination of the skin, nasal cavity, oral pharyngeal and laryngeal cavities, and gastrointestinal tract were performed. No primary tumor was detected by these examinations, and the patient was diagnosed with cervical LN metastasis from melanoma of unknown primary of clinical stage T0N3bM0 stage IIIC. The patient refused cervical neck dissection because of his age and comorbidity of Alzheimer’s disease and instead opted for proton beam therapy (PBT) at a total dose of 69 Gy (relative biological effectiveness) in 23 fractions. He did not receive any systemic therapy. The enlarged LNs shrunk slowly, and FDG PET/CT at 1 year after PBT showed that the right submandibular LN had shrunk from 27 to 7 mm in length, and there was no significant FDG accumulation. At 6 years and 4 months after PBT, the patient is alive without any recurrence.
What do we talk about when we talk about integration: towards a differentiated view on integration and fragmentation in coastal and marine spatial planning
Authors: Sørdahl Patrick Berg
Published: February 2023

Bob Dylan once sang that he contained multitudes. So too does integration. More integrated planning of coasts and oceans has long been hailed as a goal and is seen as a pathway towards a more legitimate, cost-effective, equitable and sustainable planning of marine space. However, a reading of the literature indicates that many integration efforts have seemingly failed to reach their potential, and there is no clear understanding of what integration means or how we should best go about achieving it.

The paper claims that this uncertainty partially stems from a unnuanced and static treatment of the concept, and a lack of recognition of the multitudes of integration. The paper argues firstly that fragmentation should not uncritically be seen as the antithesis to integration and as a negative property to be avoided. Secondly, there needs to be greater recognition of both the varying degrees of integration and the contextually dependent necessity of different degrees of integration. Lastly, it is more fruitful to see the multitude of nodes in the expanding ‘network of planning’ not as fragmentation, but as differentiation. Such an approach allows us to see integration as a mean towards more sustainable planning of coastal and marine areas, not end in and of itself.
Financial inclusion and business practices of microbusiness in Colombia
Authors: Urueña-Mejía Juan Carlos , Gutierrez Luis H. , Rodríguez-Lesmes Paul
Published: February 2023

Financial inclusion is known to be relevant for improving the growth perspectives of microbusinesses. This research has three aims. First, to explore how adopting business practices can impact the usage of financial products and services of these firms. Second, to determine if higher levels of microbusinesses’ formalization mediate the impact. Third, to establish if there are differences according to gender and education level. A structural equation model was estimated to test these hypotheses while considering the potential endogeneity of the main variables of interest. The model includes latent variables modeled in the form of confirmatory factor analysis. Estimates are based on self-reported information collected through a survey of 1542 microentrepreneurs in 10 Colombian cities in 2019. The results show that microentrepreneurs who adopt (more) business practices have more financial inclusion. No specific category of business practices drives the results. The effect is larger for men than women and is not present for microentrepreneurs of low education levels. Furthermore, personal initiative, a psychological construct, indirectly relates to being more financially included by increasing the adoption of business practices. Finally, there is no evidence that this is driven by higher levels of formalization regardless of the specific set of requirements that are considered. Our findings support efforts to improve business skills in microentrepreneurs and call for more comprehensive public policy strategies. These findings open the door to using soft skill-based training programs that enhance business practices, to improve microbusinesses’ financial inclusion.
Dynamic Analysis of Suspension-Type Monorail Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge in a Wind-Vehicle-Bridge System
Authors: Zhu Bing , Zhang Chengran , Zhang Zhen , Luo Lei , Bai Xiaozu
Published: February 2023

The suspension-type monorail (STM) is a new type of rail transit, currently developing rapidly in China. Due to its short construction duration and high terrain adaptability, STM can save large land resources. In particular, by supplementing the traffic systems in large and medium-sized cities, STM can contribute to green tourism projects. However, no systematic study is devoted to the STM transit system in China, and there is still a lack of relevant knowledge and exploration, especially for the special combination system monorail bridge. In view of the real STM bridge, namely a long-span (55 + 100 + 55)-m cable-stayed bridge in this paper, and by applying wind-vehicle-bridge coupling vibration theory, ANSYS finite element method software, and Universal Mechanism multi-body dynamics software, finite element models are established for the bridge and multi-body vehicle, respectively. Furthermore, a co-simulation method is adopted to analyze vehicle-bridge coupling vibrations and ride comfort quality. According to the results, the dynamic responses of the monorail bridge and vehicle are greatly affected by the variation in wind speed, and it is necessary to take measures to decrease system vibrations, thereby ensuring ride comfort quality for vehicle passengers.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy—Does the CEO’s Personality Mitigate the Negative Effect of Financial Constraints on Employee Satisfaction?
Authors: Neumeyer Laura , Gründler Anna , Stöber Anna-Luisa
Published: February 2023

Our study addresses whether a chief executive officer’s (CEO) personality can mitigate financial constraints’ negative effect on employee satisfaction. We draw on extant research that establishes this negative effect but add an upper echelon’s perspective by examining the potential influence of the CEO’s personality traits. Using a multi-source dataset of 1516 observations of S&P 500 firms, novel measures of employee satisfaction based on Glassdoor reviews, and a machine-learning-based linguistic tool on the Five-Factor Model’s personality traits, our study reveals that a CEO who has a high level of openness to experience and/or a low level of conscientiousness buffers the negative impact of financial constraints on employee satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effect of fine structure and pore volume in the Marimo-like carbon cathode material on the oxygen reduction reaction for the polymer electrolyte fuel cell
Authors: Shiraishi M. , Inamoto M. , Nakagawa K. , Ando T. , Nishitani-Gamo M.
Published: February 2023

We measured the rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry curves of a Pt catalyst supported on Marimo-like carbon (MC) to clarify the effect of carbon nanofilaments (CNFs) morphology and fine structures consisting of MC cathode material on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity for Polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The specific surface area and pore volume of MCs are influenced by their morphology and fine structures. MCs grown with Ni–Cu bimetal catalyst (represented as Ni80Cu20MC), having an octopus-like morphology, yielded four times larger total pore volume than that measured from the MC grown with Ni catalyst (Ni100MC). In the case of Ni80Cu20MC, coin-stacked graphenes perpendicular to the filament axis formed CNFs. Ni100MC consists of cup-stacked CNFs. The difference in the graphene stacked fine structure resulted in a different number of graphene edges covering the CNF surface; however, both supported Pt particle sizes and their distributions were similar. Linear sweep voltammetry with a RRDE revealed that the Pt/Ni80Cu20MC ORR onset potential was higher than that observed from the Pt/Ni100MC. This value is suggested to be correlates with the ORR activity. The origin of the ORR difference was discussed on the basis of the structural difference in the MCs.
Interactive effects of changes in UV radiation and climate on terrestrial ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, and feedbacks to the climate system
Authors: Barnes P. W. , Robson T. M. , Zepp R. G. , Bornman J. F. , Jansen M. A. K. , Ossola R. , Wang Q.-W. , Robinson S. A. , Foereid B. , Klekociuk A. R. , Martinez-Abaigar J. , Hou W.-C. , Mackenzie R. , Paul N. D.
Published: February 2023

Terrestrial organisms and ecosystems are being exposed to new and rapidly changing combinations of solar UV radiation and other environmental factors because of ongoing changes in stratospheric ozone and climate. In this Quadrennial Assessment, we examine the interactive effects of changes in stratospheric ozone, UV radiation and climate on terrestrial ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles in the context of the Montreal Protocol. We specifically assess effects on terrestrial organisms, agriculture and food supply, biodiversity, ecosystem services and feedbacks to the climate system. Emphasis is placed on the role of extreme climate events in altering the exposure to UV radiation of organisms and ecosystems and the potential effects on biodiversity. We also address the responses of plants to increased temporal variability in solar UV radiation, the interactive effects of UV radiation and other climate change factors (e.g. drought, temperature) on crops, and the role of UV radiation in driving the breakdown of organic matter from dead plant material (i.e. litter) and biocides (pesticides and herbicides). Our assessment indicates that UV radiation and climate interact in various ways to affect the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems, and that by protecting the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol continues to play a vital role in maintaining healthy, diverse ecosystems on land that sustain life on Earth. Furthermore, the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment are mitigating some of the negative environmental consequences of climate change by limiting the emissions of greenhouse gases and protecting the carbon sequestration potential of vegetation and the terrestrial carbon pool.

Graphical abstract
Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for kinetic temperature measurement of xenon neutrals and ions in the discharge chamber of a radiofrequency ion source
Authors: Pietzonka Lukas , Eichhorn Christoph , Scholze Frank , Spemann Daniel
Published: February 2023

Application of single-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy for non-intrusive measurement of neutral xenon and singly charged xenon ion kinetic temperatures in the discharge chamber of a gridded radiofrequency ion source is demonstrated. A LIF spectrum analysis approach including hyperfine structure reconstruction and inverse filtering (Fourier deconvolution) is outlined. Special focus is set on optimization of post-deconvolution filtering as well as retracing of deconvolution result imperfection due to hyperfine structure parameter uncertainty, incorrect natural linewidth, and saturation of the LIF signal. The corresponding contributions to the kinetic temperature estimation error are quantified via simulation of spectral lineshapes. Deconvolution of almost unsaturated LIF spectra recorded in the center of the ion source discharge chamber reveals that the neutral xenon and xenon ion kinetic temperatures range between approximately 500 and 700 K and, respectively, 700 and 1000 K depending on the radiofrequency power supplied to the discharge.
Effects of carbonation on mechanical properties of CAC-GGBFS blended strain hardening cementitious composites
Authors: Fan Wei , Zhuge Yan , Ma Xing , Chow Christopher W. K. , Liu Yue , Huang Guangtong , Gorjian Nima
Published: February 2023

Calcium aluminate cement (CAC)—based strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCC) has been developed and used for the rehabilitation of sewerage pipelines. In addition to well-known microbiologically induced corrosion, CO2 concentration in the sewerage environment is high, which may cause significant carbonation of pipelines. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the effects of carbonation on the mechanical performance of CAC-based SHCC. Two types of CAC-based SHCC with different strength grades and a referenced OPC-based SHCC were prepared. The accelerated carbonation test was conducted in a carbonation chamber with a 5% CO2 concentration. The compressive and tensile behaviour of SHCC was tested first, and microstructure analysis, e.g., X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, was then performed. The results showed that CAC-based SHCC specimens exhibited robust strain-hardening performance as well as large deformation capacity in tension due to the fiber-bridging effect. Also, the compressive and tensile strength was significantly improved as well as achieving a higher tensile strain capacity after carbonation when compared with OPC-based SHCC. Microstructure analysis revealed that the metastable phases in carbonated CAC-based SHCC were converted into stable phases and calcium carbonate polymorphs, densifying the binder matrix. The obtained results of this paper may provide new insight into utilizing carbonation to avoid the unstable conversion of hydrates in calcium aluminate cement.
Degradation of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) mortars under sulfate attack
Authors: Yu Cheng , Li Zhen , Liu Jiaping
Published: February 2023

Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3 is a newly proposed low-carbon cement, which can effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions of the traditional cement industry without changing the basic mechanical properties of cement-based materials. In this study, the degradation process of mortar samples of limestone and calcined clay cementitious material under sulfate attack is studied by both macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The results show that compared with pure Portland cement, the addition of calcined clay and limestone can significantly reduce the expansion rate, loss of dynamic modulus and mass loss of mortar specimens under sulfate attack. The addition of calcined clay and limestone will refine the pore size distribution of mortar specimens, then inhibiting the diffusion of sulfate and formation of corrosive products, therefore leading to a significant improvement of the sulfate resistance.