bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chiral PSiSi‐Ligand Enabled Iridium‐Catalyzed Atroposelective Intermolecular C−H Silylation
Authors: Yang Bo , Gao Jihui , Tan Xingfa , Ge Yicong , He Chuan
Published: July 2023

Catalytic enantioselective intermolecular C−H silylation offers an efficient approach for the rapid construction of chiral organosilicon compounds, but remains a significant challenge. Herein, a new type of chiral silyl ligand is developed, which enables the first iridium‐catalyzed atroposelective intermolecular C−H silylation reaction of 2‐arylisoquinolines. This protocol features mild reaction conditions, high atom economy, and remarkable yield with excellent stereoselectivity (up to 99 % yield, 99 % ee), delivering enantioenriched axially chiral silane platform molecules with facile convertibility. Key to the success of this unprecedented transformation relies on a novel chiral PSiSi‐ligand, which facilitates the intermolecular C−H silylation process with perfect chem‐, regio‐ and stereo‐control via a multi‐coordinated silyl iridium complex.
Electrical Circuit Modeling of Nanofluidic Systems
Authors: Sebastian John , Green Yoav
Published: July 2023

Nanofluidic systems exhibit transport characteristics that have made technological marvels such as desalination and energy harvesting possible by virtue of their ability to influence small currents due to selective ion transport. Traditionally, these applications have relied on nanoporous membranes whose complicated geometry impedes a comprehensive understanding of the underlying physics. To bypass the associated difficulties, we consider the simpler nanochannel array and elucidate the effects of interchannel interactions on the Ohmic response. It is demonstrated that a nanochannel array is equivalent to an array of mutually independent but identical unit‐cells whereby the array can be represented by an equivalent electrical circuit of resistances connected in a parallel configuration. The model is validated using numerical simulations and experiments. The approach to modeling nanofluidic systems by their equivalent electrical circuit provides an invaluable tool for analyzing and interpreting experimental measurements.
Pyrolysis of Mixed Date Stones and Pistachio Shells: Identification of Bio‐Oil and Utilization of Bio‐Char as Activated Carbon Precursor
Authors: Ibrahim Ass. Lecturer Shaimaa Y. , Mahmood Saad F. , Younis Ass. Lecturer Shahla A. , Fadhil Abdelrahman B.
Published: July 2023

Thermal pyrolysis of mixed date stones and pistachio shells in a semi‐batch reactor was addressed in this study. The highest yield of liquids (51.20 %) was produced at 500 °C, 90 min, 20 °C/min heating rate, and 50 mesh particle size. Under these conditions, yield of liquid from date stones and pistachio shells separately was 49.12 % and 47.67 %, respectively. The FT‐IR results confirmed the presence of multiple oxygen‐containing compounds in the bio‐oil. Results from GC–MS declared that it was predominately composed of acids (57.57 %), esters (21.35 %), phenols (4.63 5), and alcohols (3.49 5). The obtained biochar was transformed into activated carbon (AC) by the optimized ZnCl2 activation method. The ideal AC was synthesized at 600 °C for 60 min using a 2 : 1 ZnCl2: biochar impregnation ratio. FESEM and XRD measurements showed that the AC was amorphous. The prepared AC was effective in eliminating dibenzothiophene (DBT) from model fuel (200 ppm DBT/hexane) with a maximum performance 95.26 % at 40 °C for 1h using 0.35 g of the AC. The exhausted AC was regenerated and reutilized 4 times, and removal efficiency reached 88.23 % in the 4th cycle under ideal working conditions.
Prognostic role of CA‐125 in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Diaz‐Arocutipa Carlos , Saucedo‐Chinchay Jose , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: July 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become a widely used therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA‐125) is a promising biomarker in some cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review aims to assess the prognostic role of CA‐125 in patients undergoing TAVR. We searched electronic databases from inception to March 2023 to include cohort studies evaluating the association between preprocedural CA‐125 levels and mortality or heart failure (HF) readmission at 12 months in patients undergoing TAVR. We pooled crude (cHR) and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random‐effects model. The risk of bias was evaluated using the QUIPS tool. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. We included five cohort studies involving 1594 patients. Higher levels of CA‐125 were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality or HF readmission using crude (cHR 2.79, 95% CI 1.45–5.36, I2 =  72%) and adjusted (aHR 3.27, 95% CI 2.07–5.18, I2 =  0%, high certainty) effect estimates compared with lower levels. Similarly, there was also associated with increased mortality using crude (cHR 2.68, 95% CI 1.99–3.60, I2 =  0%) and adjusted (aHR 2.17, 95% CI 1.54–3.07, I2 =  0%, high certainty) effect estimates. The risk of bias varied between low to moderate across studies. Our meta‐analysis suggests that CA‐125 has incremental prognostic value in patients undergoing TAVR. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of CA‐125 in guiding treatment decisions in this population.
Enhancing sustainable development through effective disclosure: Corporate environmental performance and readability
Authors: Zhou Kuo , Jin Xianghui , Li Xinru , Tao Yunqing
Published: July 2023

Although previous studies have explored the effect of corporate environmental performance on the content of environmental disclosure, little research has investigated its impact on the textual characteristics of environmental disclosure, particularly readability. This study constructs three measures of corporate environmental disclosure (CED) readability and examines the effect of corporate environmental performance on it. Using panel data from Chinese listed firms in heavy pollution industries during the period from 2008 to 2019, we find a robust positive association between corporate environmental performance and CED readability. Furthermore, we find that this association is stronger in firms with worse earning performance, stricter regional environmental regulation, or more media attention. Our analyses also reveal a positive association between CED readability and stock price crash risk. Overall, our study contributes to the research on corporate environmental performance and environmental disclosure readability and has important implications for optimizing the regulations of environmental disclosure. Our study contributes to the literature on corporate environmental performance and environmental disclosure and also provides important theoretical and practical implications for improving corporate environmental disclosure regulation.
Comparative expression of TRPS1, GATA3, SOX10, mammaglobin, and GCDFP‐15 in effusion specimens with breast carcinoma
Authors: Bradt Ashley , Jing Xin , Smola Brian S. , Lew Madelyn
Published: July 2023

Background

Traditional immunohistochemistry (IHC) for breast carcinomas has shown low detection rates of metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) in effusions. Although GATA3 has enhanced diagnostic accuracy in this realm, its limited utility in detecting triple‐negative breast carcinoma (TNBC) has been highlighted. TRPS1 has been introduced as a potentially sensitive and specific marker in detecting MBC on histologic samples. We investigate the utility of TRPS1 as a marker for MBC in effusion specimens and compare its performance to SOX10, GATA3, mammaglobin (MG), and GCDFP‐15.

Methods

A database search identified malignant effusions involved by MBC between 2013 and 2021. Cases from unique patients with sufficient cellularity were evaluated for TRPS1, GATA3, SOX10, MG, and GCDFP‐15 IHC. The intensity and extent of tumor cells (TC) were scored by two pathologists. Any discrepancies were jointly reviewed for consensus.

Results

GATA3 showed the highest rate of positivity (98.2%), followed by TRPS1 (89.5%), MG (43.9%), GCDFP‐15 (21.1%), and SOX10 (3.5%). All GATA3‐positive cases showed intermediate to high expression. Comparatively, TRPS1 showed more variability in staining extent and intensity. In 13 (22.8%) cases, TRPS1 showed extensive background staining of inflammatory and mesothelial cells. Of six TNBCs, GATA3, and TRPS1 were positive in six (100%) and four (66.7%) cases, respectively.

Conclusions

While TRPS1 shows a lower detection rate for MBC than GATA‐3, using a combination of these markers can enhance effusion cytology's performance in detecting MBC. However, variability in TRPS1 staining intensity and high background TRPS1 staining of inflammatory and mesothelial cells can increase difficulty in its evaluation.
Dabigatran‐induced esophagitis with full circumferential blue pigmentation
Authors: Araki Tomonori , Hayashi Kohei , Sonoda Yuki , Honda Takuya , Imamura Yoshifumi , Koide Yuji , Hamada Hisayuki , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: July 2023

Dabigatran is a useful and widely used drug for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, it has been reported to cause esophagitis. Herein, we report the case of a 77‐year‐old man with dabigatran‐induced esophagitis with blue pigmentation, which is known to be a rare adverse effect. The patient presented to our hospital with a tightness of the chest and anorexia. Computed tomography revealed a thickening of the entire esophageal wall, with an upper esophageal predominance. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, which showed that the cervical and upper thoracic esophagus had blue pigmentation with edematous changes, partial narrowing, and longitudinal sloping. We replaced dabigatran with edoxaban, a similar anticoagulation medication. The patient was closely monitored for 1 month after switching to edoxaban. The follow‐up esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed marked improvements, revealing resolution of the bluish discoloration and edematous changes, and the patient's complaints regarding the tightness of the chest and anorexia were also resolved. It is important to recognize that such side effects can occur with dabigatran, a drug that is frequently used in daily practice. Considering the fact that strong edematous changes can cause indigo carmine pigmentation associated with dabigatran stagnation, we recommend switching to another anticoagulant if esophagitis occurs during dabigatran administration.
Polyoxometalate‐Incorporated CuI‐Resorcin[4]arene Metal‐Organic Complexes as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Catalytic Oxidation of Mustard Gas Simulant
Authors: Yu Ming‐Yue , Liu Jin‐Hua , Liu Fang‐Wang , Zou Fang , Zhang Li , Gao Qing‐Ping , Ren Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Qian , Liu Shi‐Zhong , Dong Chun‐Peng , Guo Ting‐Ting , Ma Tian‐Fang , Pei Wen‐Yuan
Published: July 2023

Exploring efficient heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic oxidation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is highly desired. As a class of discrete anionic metal oxide clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs) provide abundant catalytic active sites, thus resulting their rich redox properties. Here, a family of known POM‐incorporated CuI‐resorcin[4]arene metal‐organic complexes, namely, [Cu4(TPTR4A)2][PW12O40](OH) ⋅ 0.5DMA ⋅ 5H2O (Cu‐PW), [Cu4(TPTR4 A)2][PMo12O40](OH) ⋅ 2DMA ⋅ H2O (Cu‐PMo) and [Cu4(TPTR4A)2][SiW12O40] ⋅ 2.5DMA (Cu‐SiW) were utilized as catalysts to promote the oxidation of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Strikingly, compared to the novel compound [Cu3Cl6(TPTR4A)(DMA)] ⋅ CH3CH2OH (defined as Cu‐T), the three complexes exhibited excellent stability, indicating that the integration of POMs and metal–organic units could improve the stability of the compounds. Moreover, Cu‐PMo and Cu‐PW showed higher activities for the catalytic oxidation of CEES to CEESO with selectivities both of 99 %.
Construction of Polyheterocyclic Compounds by Lewis Acid Mediated Intramolecular [3+2] Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Dahiya Pooja , Yadav Anoop , Budhwan Rajnish , Peddinti Rama Krishna
Published: July 2023

An efficient domino approach has been developed for the synthesis of polyheterocyclic derivatives constituting pyrrole moiety. Lewis acid catalyzed reaction of 2‐substituted‐2‐hydroxy‐indane‐1,3‐diones and 1,4‐benzoxazinone derivatives resulted in the formation of polyheterocyclic compounds under metal‐free and mild conditions in good to excellent yield. The reaction is highly regioselective for C−C and C−N bond construction proceeded via intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition reaction. The protocol is highly efficient, obviates column chromatography and the products are obtained by simple filtration followed by washing with solvent.
Optimal pore shape in a low‐Pt PEM fuel cell cathode catalyst layer
Authors: Kulikovsky Andrei
Published: July 2023

A model for performance of an axially symmetric pore with the curved generatrix is developed. Oxygen transport along the pore axis and in the radial direction through a thin ionomer film separating the pore volume from the Pt/C surface is taken into account. A performance functional is formulated, and the Euler–Lagrange equation is solved numerically for an optimal pore shape. This shape is close to a cubic paraboloid converging toward the membrane. Polarization curves show superior performance of the optimal pore over the cylindrical pore of the same active (side) surface area. The results suggest the shape of optimal ionomer loading for low‐Pt electrodes.
Sex‐related patterns in the electroencephalogram and their relevance in machine learning classifiers
Authors: Jochmann Thomas , Seibel Marc S. , Jochmann Elisabeth , Khan Sheraz , Hämäläinen Matti S. , Haueisen Jens
Published: July 2023

Deep learning is increasingly being proposed for detecting neurological and psychiatric diseases from electroencephalogram (EEG) data but the method is prone to inadvertently incorporate biases from training data and exploit illegitimate patterns. The recent demonstration that deep learning can detect the sex from EEG implies potential sex‐related biases in deep learning‐based disease detectors for the many diseases with unequal prevalence between males and females. In this work, we present the male‐ and female‐typical patterns used by a convolutional neural network that detects the sex from clinical EEG (81% accuracy in a separate test set with 142 patients). We considered neural sources, anatomical differences, and non‐neural artifacts as sources of differences in the EEG curves. Using EEGs from 1140 patients, we found electrocardiac artifacts to be leaking into the supposedly brain activity‐based classifiers. Nevertheless, the sex remained detectable after rejecting heart‐related and other artifacts. In the cleaned data, EEG topographies were critical to detect the sex, but waveforms and frequencies were not. None of the traditional frequency bands was particularly important for sex detection. We were able to determine the sex even from EEGs with shuffled time points and therewith completely destroyed waveforms. Researchers should consider neural and non‐neural sources as potential origins of sex differences in their data, they should maintain best practices of artifact rejection, even when datasets are large, and they should test their classifiers for sex biases.
Applying A3AO to Facilitate Future Working Processes in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Wiulsrød Simen , Zhao YangYang , Muller Gerrit
Published: July 2023

Companies in the oil and gas industry strive to increase their performance in Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation projects. New responsibilities of the Company within this research, encounter unforeseen surprises in an early project phase called As‐Is Engineering. No prioritization for documenting and communicating working processes and key‐personnel dependency are the symptoms related to the Company's challenges. To cope with the Company's challenges, this research investigates the development of a process architecting tool to facilitate future working processes. Given a known method of A3 Architectural Overviews from Systems Engineering for communicating architectural knowledge, we applied it together with process mapping to develop a process architecting tool for the Company. Through literature review and workshop testing with loops of feedbacks in the Company, a process architecting tool ‐ Operational A3 is proposed. Results from surveys and interviews show the Operational A3 benefits the Company in terms of increased project performance.
A 4‐Box Development Model for Complex Systems Engineering
Authors: Herzog Erik , Larsson Åsa Nordling , Sundin Olof , Goman Anna Forsgren
Published: July 2023

Over the years, much Systems Engineering effort has been focused on making development activities predictable. Yet, with increasing system complexity, methodology improvements have a hard time keeping up. In this paper, we argue that there is a need to ensure that development methodology is flexible and that development models must be crafted for ensuring that an organization has many options open if parts of the development activities becomes delayed.

This paper introduces a development model that provides the desired level of flexibility. The underlying case is that of fighter aircraft development. The dual‐Vee model is used as a baseline, weaknesses in that model are identified and the models developed within Saab Aeronautics for fighter aircraft development is introduced and illustrated. The key element highlighted in the paper is that in order to ensure flexibility, development activities has to be asynchronous with activities integrating product configurations. Lessons learned are identified and the applicability of the proposed models are discussed.
You Can't Touch This! ‐ Logical Architectures in MBSE and the UAF
Authors: Hause Matthew , Kihlström Lars‐Olof
Published: July 2023

Logical or abstract architectures are an essential concept in systems engineering. They are included in the systems engineering handbook, the OOSEM process, the SEBOK, several modeling languages, and the ISO 15288 process definition. A logical architecture is a solution‐independent model of the problem domain used to understand “what” needs to be done, while avoiding defining “how” it will be done. The logical architecture includes all the related logical elements without constraining the architecture to a particular technology or environment. It traces to the physical architecture which defines how to implement the architecture using specific technologies. Logical architectures can be defined using MBSE languages such as the systems modeling language (SysML). They are implicit in the Operational set of views in architecture frameworks such as DoDAF, MODAF, NAF and their implementation in UAF using SysML. NAF has recently changed the title of the Operational views to Logical views to further emphasize the purpose of the views. This paper will define the benefits of using a logical architecture and provide guidance on how it can be implemented.
MBSE approach for complex industrial organization program
Authors: DUCAMP Christophe , BOUFFARON Fabien , ERNADOTE Dominique , WIRTZ Joerg , DARBIN Arnaud
Published: July 2023

As Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) becomes THE standard approach for system engineering, it is applied for large programs development based on complex industrial organizations.

The purpose of this paper is to present the various rules and mechanisms supporting this model interoperability across industries and agencies in terms of:

Modeling structuration (or multi‐layer)

Data object in a tool agnostic's representation (data model)

These rules have been worked out and agreed within a common working group gathering European Aerospace Prime industries ‐ namely the EUREcA (EURopean Ecosystem for Aerospace and Defense) initiative ‐ to elaborate a standard architecture aiming to become a European Aerospace standard for all main Defense & Aerospace contracts .

This solution is implemented at Airbus level within the MBSE framework initiative to provide a company‐wide flexible and configurable solution supporting the entire Airbus program portfolio (e.g. satellite, helicopter, commercial/military aircraft, drone or ground segment).

It is under deployment on several programs, in particular Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the main military European program.
Logics of irrational design of rational systems – systems modelling and human decision making
Authors: Nilsson Robert , Smith Gary
Published: July 2023

The background for this paper is the rapid changes that currently manifests around the globe. The premise is that system science can provide a basis to enhance the capabilities of system engineering to meet these challenges. This paper explores with a few examples how system modelling, decision making and methods to manage complexity can draw on science. Additionally, it will be explained that humans do not take all decisions on logical bases, hence, the framing of the question allowed by the system model is vital. The result of the paper is a proposal of a framework for knowledge management modelling based on the science and major lessons learned in modelling and methods to manage complexity.
Artificial Intelligence Capabilities for Effective Model‐Based Systems Engineering: A Vision Paper
Authors: Chami Mohammad , Abdoun Nabil , Bruel Jean‐Michel
Published: July 2023

Both Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been challenged for their deployment in real‐world applications. Although MBSE remains the focal point of any systems engineering activities, its adoption still faces significant hurdles to demonstrate its return on investment. Recently, AI has received intensive attention, and its applications made their way into our daily life products. From an industrial perspective, within the context of the design and development of mechatronic systems, there is a lack of coherent foundation to enable the application of AI in MBSE. This vision paper discusses the role of AI in solving a set of MBSE challenges. As a result, we contribute by describing the actual MBSE adoption challenges and follow up with the characterization of the capabilities of AI in solving these challenges. With this initial work, we aim to trigger both AI and MBSE communities for further research discussions and industrial applications to help in achieving an intelligent design and development environment.
Model‐Based Analysis of Standard Operating Procedures' Role in Abnormal and Emergency Events
Authors: Bashatah Jomana , Sherry Lance
Published: July 2023

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) describe the desired flight‐crew response to mission events including normal, abnormal, and emergency events. The SOPs define flight‐crew step‐by‐step actions to perform the SOP appropriate for the mission event. Although the aircraft and automation are tested rigorously for certification, and the flight‐crew are trained and qualified through simulator and flight check‐rides, oversight of the SOPs is marginal. This is especially problematic for SOPs that must be completed in a short Allowable Operational Time Window (AOTW) prior to the occurrence of a hazardous event. The AOTW can be variable due to environmental conditions (e.g. wind, aircraft performance), as is the Time‐on‐Procedure (ToP) (e.g. simultaneous procedures/events, disruptions/distractions in the cockpit, variability in individual human performance). The variance motivates the need for modeling and analysis of SOPs.

This paper used a modeling language embedded in a System Engineering Model‐Based tool to evaluate the execution performance of the SOPs for abnormal/emergency mission events with regard to ToP and AOTW. The analysis yielded a classification of the accident scenarios by: (1) Insufficient AOTW, (2) Excessive ToP, or (3) combination of excessive ToP and insufficient AOTW. For the excessive ToP, the analysis highlighted the issue of delay in initiating an SOP due to ambiguity in the triggering cue from the external environment, or missing associations between a cockpit alert and the SOP. The analysis also highlighted issues arising from the presence of memory items in the SOP, or cues that are out of the operator's Field of View (FoV). In all cases, the results highlighted the importance of a method for quantifying the performance of SOPs considering the variability in ToP and AOTW. The implications of these results are discussed.
Piperazin incorporated Schiff Base derivatives: Assessment of in vitro biological activities, metabolic enzyme inhibition properties, and molecular docking calculations
Authors: Mermer Arif , Tüzün Burak , Daştan Sevgi Durna , Koçyiğit Ümit M. , Çetin Feyza Nur , Çevik Özge
Published: July 2023

The cytotoxic activities of the compounds were determined by the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method in human breast cancer (MCF‐7), human cervical cancer (HeLa), and mouse fibroblast (L929) cell lines. The compounds MAAS‐5 and four modified the supercoiled tertiary structure of pBR322 plasmid DNA. MAAS‐5 showed the highest cytotoxic activity in HeLa, MCF‐7, and L929 cells with IC50 values of 16.76 ± 3.22, 28.83 ± 5.61, and 2.18 ± 1.22 µM, respectively. MAAS‐3 was found to have almost the lowest cytotoxic activities with the IC50 values of 93.17 ± 9.28, 181.07 ± 11.54, and 16.86 ± 6.42 µM in HeLa, MCF‐7, and L929 cells respectively at 24 h. Moreover, the antiepileptic potentials of these compounds were investigated in this study. To this end, the effect of newly synthesized Schiff base derivatives on the enzyme activities of carbonic anhydrase I and II isozymes (human carbonic anhydrase [hCA] I and hCA II) was evaluated spectrophotometrically. The target compounds demonstrated high inhibitory activities compared with standard inhibitors with Ki values in the range of 4.54 ± 0.86–15.46 ± 8.65 nM for hCA I (Ki value for standard inhibitor =  12.08 ± 2.00 nM), 1.09 ± 0.32–29.94 ± 0.82 nM for hCA II (Ki value for standard inhibitor = 18.22 ± 4.90  nM). Finally, the activities of the compounds were compared with the Gaussian programme in the B3lyp, HF, M062X base sets with 6‐31++G (d,p) levels. In addition, the activities of five compounds against various breast cancer proteins and hCA I and II were compared with molecular docking calculations. Also, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity analysis was performed to investigate the possibility of using five compounds as drug candidates.
Sesamol attenuates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis in experimental animals
Authors: Kaushik Swati , Bhargava Poorva , Sharma Jatin , Arava Sudheer , Nag Tapas C. , Arya Dharamvir S. , Bhatia Jagriti
Published: July 2023

Sesamol, a lignan obtained from roasted seeds of Sesamum indicum, has high antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity. In this study, we have investigated the effect of sesamol on Bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary toxicity as well as fibrosis in Wistar rats. Lung toxicity was induced by administration of BLM, 0.015 U/g ip, twice weekly for 28 days whereas lung fibrosis was induced by BLM, 0.015 U/g ip, every 5th day for 49 days. Sesamol administration was started 7 days before first dose of BLM in both the models. It was observed that sesamol 50 mg/kg most effectively attenuated pulmonary toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. This dose was further evaluated for its anti‐fibrotic effect. It was observed that there was a significant reduction in fibrosis. Lung collagen content was markedly reduced. Furthermore, expression of pro‐fibrotic proteins, TGF‐β/SMAD and α‐SMA, was reduced and that of anti‐fibrotic protein, AMPK, was markedly increased. Even though the combination of sesamol with pirfenidone exhibited no additional protection than either drug alone, it is evident from our study that our test drug, sesamol is comparable in efficacy to pirfenidone. Thus, sesamol has promising therapeutic potential in treatment of pulmonary toxicity and fibrosis.
Intelligent biogenic pH‐sensitive and amine‐responsive color‐changing label for real‐time monitoring of shrimp freshness
Authors: Chen Miao‐miao , Li Bing‐hang , Wu Yuan , He Ze , Xiong Xiao‐bing , Han Wei‐dong , Liu Bing , Yang Shan‐bin
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

This study developed an intelligent, pH‐sensitive and amine‐responsive colorimetric label based on chitosan, whey protein and thymol blue by controlling the pH value of the film‐forming solution. The obtained label was used to monitor shrimp freshness in real time. The results of this study offer a new approach for developing highly intelligent biogenic labels for freshness monitoring during seafood preservation and processing.

RESULTS

The pH 2.0 chitosan–whey protein–thymol blue (CWT‐pH 2.0) label exhibited remarkable properties, including the highest tensile strength (5.90 MPa), excellent thermal stability, low water solubility (27.80%) and highly sensitive color responsiveness. The characterization techniques of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the effective immobilization of thymol blue within the film‐forming matrix through hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, the CWT‐pH 2.0 label demonstrated visible color changes in the presence of volatile ammonia concentrations ranging from 25 to 25 000 ppm. Consequently, the label successfully facilitated real‐time monitoring of shrimp freshness during storage at 4 °C. Importantly, the release rate of thymol blue from the label in food simulants was minimal, measuring only 2.53%.

CONCLUSION

The CWT‐pH 2.0 label exhibits significant potential as a highly intelligent biogenic label for freshness monitoring in seafood preservation and processing. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Drivers of consumer acceptability of cassava gari‐eba food products across cultural and environmental settings using the triadic comparison of technologies approach (tricot)
Authors: Olaosebikan Olamide , Bello Abolore , de Sousa Kauê , Ndjouenkeu Robert , Adesokan Michael , Alamu Emmanuel , Agbona Afolabi , Van Etten Jacob , Kégah Franklin Ngoualem , Dufour Dominique , Bouniol Alexandre , Teeken Béla
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Nigeria and Cameroon are multi‐ethnic countries with diverse preferences for food characteristics. The present study aimed to inform cassava breeders on consumer‐prioritized eba quality traits. Consumer testing was carried out using the triadic comparison of technologies (tricot). Diverse consumers in villages, towns and cities evaluated the overall acceptability of eba made from different cassava genotypes. Data from both countries were combined and linked to laboratory analyses of eba and the gari used to make it.

RESULTS

There is a strong preference for eba with higher cohesiveness and eba from gari with higher brightness and especially in Cameroon, with lower redness and yellowness. Relatively higher eba hardness and springiness values are preferred in the Nigerian locations, whereas lower values are preferred in Cameroon. Trends for solubility and swelling power of the gari differ between the two countries. The study also reveals that the older improved cassava genotype TMS30572 is a benchmark genotype with superior eba characteristics across different regions in Nigeria, whereas the recently released variety Game changer performs very well in Cameroon. In both locations, the recently released genotypes Obansanjo‐2 and improved variety TM14F1278P0003 have good stability and overall acceptability for eba characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The wide acceptance of a single genotype across diverse geographical and cultural conditions in Nigeria, as well as three acceptable new improved varieties in both locations, indicates that consumers' preferences are surprisingly homogeneous for eba. This would enhance breeding efforts to develop varieties with wider acceptability and expand potential target areas for released varieties. © 2023 The Authors.Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculturepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effect of backfilled stone/brine media on the long‐term free corrosion and electrochemical performance of an aluminum sacrificial anode
Authors: Zhao Yongtao , Wang Yanbin , Tong Hongtao , Wang Hui , Song Shenyou , Hou Kejiang , Qiu Yubing
Published: July 2023

An Al–Zn–In–Si–Sn–Ti sacrificial anode, utilized to protect steel shells of subsea‐immersed tunnels, works in a backfilled stone (6–10 mm)/brine (40 Ω cm) media (125 Ω cm). This paper investigated its impact on the anode's long‐term free corrosion and electrochemical performance. After prolonged free corrosion, the anode's general corrosion rate is minimal. Although its capacity (Q) and current efficiency (η) increase slightly, it shows a nonuniform dissolution state. Over a long‐term working period, a significant amount of Al(OH)3 deposits and diffuses between the backfilled stone toward the cathode surface, creating distinct stone impressions and a thick product layer. These effects considerably increase the media ρ around the anode and continuously decrease the brine's pH, decreasing Q and η values and output currents. Nonetheless, the current distribution within the media gradually becomes uniform with time, resulting in a homogeneous potential distribution along the cathode.
Clinical benefit and safety associated with mRNA vaccines for advanced solid tumors: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Tian‐yi , Xu Hang , Zheng Xiao‐nan , Xiong Xing‐yu , Zhang Shi‐yu , Yi Xian‐yanling , Li Jin , Wei Qiang , Ai Jian‐zhong
Published: July 2023

Tumor mRNA vaccines have been developed for over 20 years. Whether mRNA vaccines could promote a clinical benefit to advanced cancer patients is highly unknown. PubMed and Embase were retrieved from January 1, 2000 to January 4, 2023. Random effects models were employed. Clinical benefit (objective response rate [ORR], disease control rate [DCR], 1‐year/2‐year progression‐free survival [PFS], and overall survival [OS]) and safety (vaccine‐related grade 3–5 adverse events [AEs]) were evaluated. Overall, 984 patients (32 trials) were enrolled. The most typical cancer types were melanoma (13 trials), non‐small cell lung cancer (5 trials), renal cell carcinoma (4 trials), and prostate adenocarcinoma (4 trials). The pooled ORR and DCR estimates were 10.0% (95%CI, 4.6–17.0%) and 34.6% (95%CI, 24.1–45.9%). The estimates for 1‐year and 2‐year PFS were 38.4% (95%CI, 24.8−53.0%) and 20.0% (95%CI, 10.4–31.7%), respectively. The estimates for 1‐year and 2‐year OS were 75.3% (95%CI, 62.4–86.3%) and 45.5% (95%CI, 34.0–57.2%), respectively. The estimate for vaccine‐related grade 3–5 AEs was 1.0% (95%CI, 0.2–2.4%). Conclusively, mRNA vaccines seem to demonstrate modest clinical response rates, with acceptable survival rates and rare grade 3–5 AEs.
Robust Engineering of Maximally Entangled States by Identical Particle Interferometry
Authors: Piccolini Matteo , Giovannetti Vittorio , Lo Franco Rosario
Published: July 2023

This study proposes a procedure for the robust preparation of maximally entangled states of identical fermionic qubits, studying the role played by particle statistics in the process. The protocol exploits externally activated noisy channels to reset the system to a known state. The subsequent interference effects generated at a beam splitter result in a mixture of maximally entangled Bell states and NOON states. It also discusses how every maximally entangled state of two fermionic qubits distributed over two spatial modes can be obtained from one another by fermionic passive optical transformations. Using a pseudospin‐insensitive, non‐absorbing, parity check detector, the proposed technique is thus shown to deterministically prepare any arbitrary maximally entangled state of two identical fermions. These results extend recent findings related to bosonic qubits. Finally, it analyzes the performance of the protocol for both bosons and fermions when the externally activated noisy channels are not used and the two qubits undergo standard types of noise. The results supply further insights toward viable strategies for noise‐protected entanglement exploitable in quantum‐enhanced technologies.
Recent advances in solar infrared light regulating smart windows based on organic materials
Authors: Sentjens Henk , Kragt Augustinus J. J. , Schenning Albert P. H. J. , Debije Michael G.
Published: July 2023

Windows serve the purpose of connecting room inhabitants with the outside environment, playing an important role in sustaining human health and well‐being. Windows also have a large impact on the lighting, heating, and cooling costs of indoor spaces. In this review, we discuss research over the past 5 years on “smart” windows based on organic materials designed to absorb, reflect, or otherwise utilize excess infrared radiation. In doing so, comfortable indoor temperatures can be managed throughout the year while maintaining as much as possible transparency to visible light, so additional energy is not required for artificial illumination. We discuss both static and dynamic infrared control windows, comparing some of their features and close with a discussion of where the field may be moving to allow these windows to make a commercial impact and reduce the need of heating and/or cooling systems for our indoor spaces.
On the non‐identifiability of unified skew‐normal distributions
Authors: Wang Kesen , Arellano‐Valle Reinaldo B. , Azzalini Adelchi , Genton Marc G.
Published: July 2023

We investigate the non‐identifiability of the multivariate unified skew‐normal distribution under permutation of its latent variables. We show that the non‐identifiability issue also holds with other parameterizations and extends to the family of unified skew‐elliptical distributions and more generally to selection distributions. We provide several suggestions to make the unified skew‐normal model identifiable and describe various sub‐models that are identifiable.
Targeted quantitative metabolomics with a linear mixed-effect model for analysis of urinary nucleosides and deoxynucleosides from bladder cancer patients before and after tumor resection
Authors: Artymowicz Małgorzata , Struck-Lewicka Wiktoria , Wiczling Paweł , Markuszewski Marcin , Markuszewski Michał J. , Siluk Danuta
Published: July 2023

In the present study, we developed and validated a fast, simple, and sensitive quantitative method for the simultaneous determination of eleven nucleosides and deoxynucleosides from urine samples. The analyses were performed with the use of liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The sample pretreatment procedure was limited to centrifugation, vortex mixing of urine samples with a methanol/water solution (1:1, v/v), evaporation and dissolution steps. The analysis lasted 20 min and was performed in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring mode (dMRM) in positive polarity. Process validation was conducted to determine the linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of quantification, stability, recovery and matrix effect. All validation procedures were carried out in accordance with current FDA and EMA regulations. The validated method was applied for the analysis of 133 urine samples derived from bladder cancer patients before tumor resection and 24 h, 2 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the surgery. The obtained data sets were analyzed using a linear mixed-effect model. The analysis revealed that concentration level of 2-methylthioadenosine was decreased, while for inosine, it was increased 24 h after tumor resection in comparison to the preoperative state. The presented quantitative longitudinal study of urine nucleosides and deoxynucleosides before and up to 12 months after bladder tumor resection brings additional prospective insight into the metabolite excretion pattern in bladder cancer disease. Moreover, incurred sample reanalysis was performed proving the robustness and repeatability of the developed targeted method.

Graphical abstract
Quantitation of dynamic total-body PET imaging: recent developments and future perspectives
Authors: Gu Fengyun , Wu Qi
Published: July 2023

Background

Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning is an important diagnostic imaging technique used in disease diagnosis, therapy planning, treatment monitoring, and medical research. The standardized uptake value (SUV) obtained at a single time frame has been widely employed in clinical practice. Well beyond this simple static measure, more detailed metabolic information can be recovered from dynamic PET scans, followed by the recovery of arterial input function and application of appropriate tracer kinetic models. Many efforts have been devoted to the development of quantitative techniques over the last couple of decades.

Challenges

The advent of new-generation total-body PET scanners characterized by ultra-high sensitivity and long axial field of view, i.e., uEXPLORER (United Imaging Healthcare), PennPET Explorer (University of Pennsylvania), and Biograph Vision Quadra (Siemens Healthineers), further stimulates valuable inspiration to derive kinetics for multiple organs simultaneously. But some emerging issues also need to be addressed, e.g., the large-scale data size and organ-specific physiology. The direct implementation of classical methods for total-body PET imaging without proper validation may lead to less accurate results.

Conclusions

In this contribution, the published dynamic total-body PET datasets are outlined, and several challenges/opportunities for quantitation of such types of studies are presented. An overview of the basic equation, calculation of input function (based on blood sampling, image, population or mathematical model), and kinetic analysis encompassing parametric (compartmental model, graphical plot and spectral analysis) and non-parametric (B-spline and piece-wise basis elements) approaches is provided. The discussion mainly focuses on the feasibilities, recent developments, and future perspectives of these methodologies for a diverse-tissue environment.
Implementation of a clinical long-term follow-up database for adult childhood cancer survivors in Germany: a feasibility study at two specialised late effects clinics
Authors: Sleimann Madelaine , Balcerek Magdalena , Cytera Chirine , Richter Franziska , Borgmann-Staudt Anja , Wörmann Bernhard , Kronziel Lea Louisa , Calaminus Gabriele , Kock-Schoppenhauer Ann-Kristin , Grabow Desiree , Baust Katja , Neumann Anke , Langer Thorsten , Gebauer Judith
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for increased morbidity and reduced quality of life associated with treatment-related late effects. In Germany, however, only a few of the more than 40,000 CCS registered in the German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR) currently benefit from adequate clinical long-term follow-up (LTFU) structures. To establish a comprehensive knowledge base on CCS’ long-term health in Germany, a database was developed in cooperation with the GCCR. Following a first evaluation phase at two German university centres, this database will be implemented more widely within Germany allowing longitudinal documentation of clinical LTFU data.

Methods

The feasibility study cohort comprised 208 CCS aged 18 or older whose medical, mental and psychosocial health data were collected during routine LTFU or first clinic visits in adult care. CCS were enrolled from 04/2021 to 12/2022, and data entry was completed by 03/2023. Descriptive data analysis was conducted. All CCS were stratified into three risk groups (RG) based on their individual risk for developing late effects resulting from their respective diagnoses and treatments.

Results

Chronic health conditions of various organ systems associated with late and long-term effects of cancer therapy affected CCS in all RG supporting the clinical relevance of risk-adapted LTFU. Enrolment into the database was feasible and broadly accepted amongst CCS.

Conclusion

Implementation of a clinical follow-up care infrastructure and database in Germany will pave the way to collect clinically evaluated and regularly updated health data of potentially over 40,000 German CCS and facilitate future national and international cooperation.
A new extension of Chubanov’s method to symmetric cones
Authors: Kanoh Shin-ichi , Yoshise Akiko
Published: July 2023

We propose a new variant of Chubanov’s method for solving the feasibility problem over the symmetric cone by extending Roos’s method (Optim Methods Softw 33(1):26–44, 2018) of solving the feasibility problem over the nonnegative orthant. The proposed method considers a feasibility problem associated with a norm induced by the maximum eigenvalue of an element and uses a rescaling focusing on the upper bound for the sum of eigenvalues of any feasible solution to the problem. Its computational bound is (1) equivalent to that of Roos’s original method (2018) and superior to that of Lourenço et al.’s method (Math Program 173(1–2):117–149, 2019) when the symmetric cone is the nonnegative orthant, (2) superior to that of Lourenço et al.’s method (2019) when the symmetric cone is a Cartesian product of second-order cones, (3) equivalent to that of Lourenço et al.’s method (2019) when the symmetric cone is the simple positive semidefinite cone, and (4) superior to that of Pena and Soheili’s method (Math Program 166(1–2):87–111, 2017) for any simple symmetric cones under the feasibility assumption of the problem imposed in Pena and Soheili’s method (2017). We also conduct numerical experiments that compare the performance of our method with existing methods by generating strongly (but ill-conditioned) feasible instances. For any of these instances, the proposed method is rather more efficient than the existing methods in terms of accuracy and execution time.
Closure of Earth’s Global Seasonal Cycle of Energy Storage
Authors: Johnson Gregory C. , Landerer Felix W. , Loeb Norman G. , Lyman John M. , Mayer Michael , Swann Abigail L. S. , Zhang Jinlun
Published: July 2023

The global seasonal cycle of energy in Earth’s climate system is quantified using observations and reanalyses. After removing long-term trends, net energy entering and exiting the climate system at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) should agree with the sum of energy entering and exiting the ocean, atmosphere, land, and ice over the course of an average year. Achieving such a balanced budget with observations has been challenging. Disagreements have been attributed previously to sparse observations in the high-latitude oceans. However, limiting the local vertical integration of new global ocean heat content estimates to the depth to which seasonal heat energy is stored, rather than integrating to 2000 m everywhere as done previously, allows closure of the global seasonal energy budget within statistical uncertainties. The seasonal cycle of energy storage is largest in the ocean, peaking in April because ocean area is largest in the Southern Hemisphere and the ocean’s thermal inertia causes a lag with respect to the austral summer solstice. Seasonal cycles in energy storage in the atmosphere and land are smaller, but peak in July and September, respectively, because there is more land in the Northern Hemisphere, and the land has more thermal inertia than the atmosphere. Global seasonal energy storage by ice is small, so the atmosphere and land partially offset ocean energy storage in the global integral, with their sum matching time-integrated net global TOA energy fluxes over the seasonal cycle within uncertainties, and both peaking in April.