bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noonan syndrome and type 1 Chiari malformation: Possible association
Authors: Samuels Megan , Northrup Hope
Published: June 2024

Noonan syndrome (NS) is mostly an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that affects between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 2500 people. Type 1 Chiari malformations (CM1) have an estimated prevalence of <1 in 1000 people. Though NS typically spares the posterior fossa, there have been 11 past instances of patients with NS having a concurrent CM1 that have been published in the literature. Each of these 11 cases occurred sporadically, in an isolated individual with no published family history of CM1. This case report presents a three generational family with four members having both NS and concurrent CM1. All affected family members share a pathogenic variant in PTPN11. A literature review was performed to identify and compile data regarding all past published cases of NS and CM1 occurring concurrently. Since 1982, a dozen case reports have detailed NS with concurrent CM1. Where molecular genetic data was presented, seven had a variant in PTPN11, and only one had a variant in another gene. The clustering of NS with CM1 within a single family that shares the same genotype, along with the exclusion of both NS and CM1 in other family members, may indicate that CM1 is a part of the NS phenotype.
Structure‐Activity Relationships of the Structural Analogs Au8Cu1 and Au8Ag1 in the Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Su Shangyu , Zhou Yanting , Xiong Lin , Jin Shan , Du Yuanxin , Zhu Manzhou
Published: June 2024

Owing to the significant attention directed toward alloy metal nanoclusters, it is crucial to explore the relationship between their structures and their performance during the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) and discover potential synergistic effects for the design of novel functional nanoclusters. However, a lack of suitable analogs makes this investigation challenging. In this study, we synthesized a well‐defined pair of structural analogs, [Au8Cu1(SAdm)4(Dppm)3Cl]2+ and [Au8Ag1(SAdm)4(Dppm)3Cl]2+ (Au8Cu1 and Au8Ag1, respectively), and characterized them. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that Au8M1 (M=Cu/Ag) consists of a tetrahedral Au3M1 core capped by three (Dppm)Au staples, one Au2(SR)3 staple, one lone SR ligand, and a terminal Cl ligand. Ag and Cu were doped at the same site in the Au8M1 nanoclusters, which has rarely been reported. Au8Cu1 exhibited a significantly higher CO Faradaic efficiency (FECO; ~82.2 %) during eCO2RR than that of Au8Ag1 (FECO; ~33.1 %). Density functional theory calculations demonstrated that *COOH is the key intermediate in the reduction of CO2 to CO. The formation of *COOH on Au8Cu1 is more thermodynamically stable than on Au8Ag1, and Au8Cu1 shows a smaller *CO formation energy than that on Au8Ag1, which promotes the reduction of CO2. We believe that the structural analogs Au8Cu1 and Au8Ag1 offer a suitable template for the in‐depth investigation of structure‐property correlations at the atomic level.
Cobaltkatalysierte Photochemische Semipinakol‐Umlagerung Nichtaktivierter Allylalkohole
Authors: Lindner Henry , Carreira Erick M.
Published: June 2024

Eine photochemische Methode für die Semipinakol‐Umlagerung von nichtaktivierten Allylalkoholen wird beschrieben. Die Bedingungen erlauben die Umlagerung sowohl aliphatischer als auch aromatischer Reste und formen eine Vielzahl von α,α‐disubstituierten Ketonen. Die Reaktion erfolgt unter milden Bedingungen und toleriert unter anderem Ether, Ester, Halogene, Nitrile, Carbamate und substituierte Arene. Die operativ einfachen und vollständig katalytischen Bedingungen erfordern 1 mol % Benzothiazinoquinoxalin als Organophotokatalysator, 0,5 mol % Co‐Salen und 10 mol % Lutidiniumtriflat und ermöglichen eine Reaktivität, die komplementär zu der mit Brønsted‐Säure beobachteten ist. Wir demonstrieren den Nutzen des Protokolls für die Diversifizierung von Arzneistoffen.
Structure and composition of mesophase pitch prepared from aromatic‐rich fluid catalytic cracking slurry under different process conditions
Authors: Yu Tao , Ma Yu , Yu Xiaoyan , Riwan Muhammad , Wang Mingzhi , Zhou Xiaolong
Published: June 2024

The high aromaticity of fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) slurry makes it a superior raw material for the production of high‐performance carbon materials. In this study, direct thermal polycondensation of aromatic‐rich FCC slurries is conducted to synthesize mesophase pitches with a significant anisotropic content. The effects of stirring speed and the pressurized‐atmospheric two‐stage reaction on the structure and composition of the products are investigated. Thermal stability analysis using thermogravimetric (TG) test, observation of mesophase content and optical structure through polarized light microscopy, characterization of material composition and molecular structure via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum (1H NMR), as well as comparison of crystal structures using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) are performed. The experimental results demonstrate that an increase in the stirring rate leads to a more homogeneous molecular distribution within the reaction system, thereby facilitating molecular contact polycondensation and promoting mesophase growth and development. Furthermore, the pressurized‐atmospheric two‐stage reaction process also contributes to mesophase development, resulting in products with more cycloalkane structure, improved thermal stability, and optimized optical structure transitioning from mosaic to flow or even domain.
Oil‐based epoxy and their composites: A sustainable alternative to traditional epoxy
Authors: Devansh  , Patil Pranit , Pinjari Dipak V.
Published: June 2024

As global industries move toward sustainability, the search for alternatives to current petroleum‐based polymer products is becoming necessary. Bio‐based epoxy resins have emerged as a sustainable alternative to petroleum‐based epoxy resins. Commonly, furan derivatives, carbohydrates, cardanol, and lignin are commercially utilized with bio‐based curing agents to form crosslinked structures. In recent years, epoxidized vegetable oils have gathered significant attention as sustainable bio‐based materials for epoxy resin. Vegetable oils have an abundance of unsaturation sites, leading to epoxy‐functionalized molecules. This review provides various materials, synthesis methods, properties, and applications of vegetable oil‐based epoxy resins.
Porous organic polymers from cashew nut shell liquid: Derived carbonized material for carbon dioxide capture
Authors: Krishnan Saumya , Raju Princy Deni , Sujatha Athira R. , Suneesh Chettiyam Veettil
Published: June 2024

The fast developing world is in search of measures to control the accumulation of unused by‐products and waste materials generated during the production of useful commodities. Accordingly, wastes from agro‐industrial sectors can form raw materials for the production of various resources that are extensively used in many areas such as gas sorption and energy production. In the present work, cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), the vesicant liquid present in the outer shell of cashew seed, forms the source material for the synthesis of porous organic polymers for carbon dioxide capture. Herein, novel types of hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs) are synthesized via a simple Friedel–Crafts reaction with CNSL as the starting material. Polymerization of natural CNSL with dimethoxymethane/bis‐(chloromethyl)‐biphenyl as external crosslinker provides products in quantitative yield. One of the synthesized HCP is tuned to attain the required high porosity by carbonization at elevated temperatures using an activator. Thus, activated carbon material prepared at 700°C is found to have a high surface area of 880 m2/g with a good carbon dioxide adsorption capacity of 14.72 wt%. These porous materials had moderate isosteric heat of adsorption (23–31 kJ/mol) with excellent recycling capability.
The incompressibility assumption and piezoresistivity in stretchable conductive composites
Authors: Ritchie Logan , Pahl Elke , Anderson Iain A.
Published: June 2024

Stretchable electronic conductors are vital components in soft robotics and flexible electronics. One method for producing these is combining conductive filler with a nonconductive elastomer. These composites commonly exhibit significant piezoresistivity. This work examines various mechanisms that may underlie this effect. These composites are generally analyzed through percolation theory, which describes the nonlinear relationship between filler volume fraction and conductivity. However, it is unclear whether percolation theory can explain their piezoresistivity or whether mechanisms such as rearrangement of the conductive network under deformation must be considered. This work compares volumetric change in the context of percolation theory against network rearrangement to examine the relative significance of these factors in determining piezoresistivity. Digital image correlation is utilized to investigate volumetric changes in carbon‐black silicone composites and finds that the typical assumption of incompressibility is reasonable, suggesting that volumetric changes alone cannot account for the behavior. A computational model is also developed, which implies that network rearrangement is likely a more significant factor and that interparticle interactions are crucial in understanding this effect. It was found that the most realistic modeling results were achieved only when both rigid and attractive interparticle interactions were accounted for in the model.
One‐pot method for instant nanoformulation via self‐assembling of alginate with quaternary ammonium for controlled release of emamectin benzoate
Authors: Xie Landie , Hou Xiaojun , Yang Limei , Wen Xiaoqiu , Cai Fengjun , Zhang Min , Ma Lin
Published: June 2024

To prompt the nanopesticides from laboratory investigation to agricultural application and reduce the use of pesticides and the impacts on the environment, sodium alginate (SA) was self‐assembled with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) into stable and uniform nanoparticle under mild conditions. The structure of the nanoparticle was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ‐potential measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and related to the loading and release properties. It was found that the nanoparticle size increased and ζ‐potential decreased with increasing concentration of SA, leading to higher loading efficiency and sustained release efficacy towards emamectin benzoate (EB). The amount of CTAB had little effects on the size of the nanoparticle, however made a competition to EB and reduced the loading and sustaining efficacy of the nanocarrier. The release of EB from SA‐CTAB nanoparticle was pH‐sensitive and was slower in the medium of higher pH value, due to the increased interaction with the nanocarrier. The entrapment into the nanoparticle greatly increased the insecticidal toxicity of EB due to the interaction between the carriers and cell membrane. The median lethal concentration of typical nanoformulation against Mythimna separata larvae was 30% of that of technical EB, after feeding to the insect for 48 h.
Screening, characterization, and optimization of the fermentation conditions of a novel cellulase‐producing microorganism from soil of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Zhao Longmei , Zhang Lan , Qin Yaning , Li Wang , Li Yuanxiao , Cao Hui , Cao Pinghua , Ding Ke , He Wanling
Published: June 2024

Cellulases play an important role in the bioconversion of lignocellulose. Microorganisms found in extreme environments are a potentially rich source of cellulases with unique properties. Due to the uniqueness of the environment, the abundant microbial resources in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) are worth being explored. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize an acidic, mesophilic cellulase‐producing microorganism from QTP. Moreover, the fermentation conditions for cellulase production were optimized for future application of cellulase in the development of lignocellulose biomass. A novel cellulase‐producing strain, Penicillium oxalicum XC10, was isolated from the soil of QTP. The cellulase produced by XC10 was a mesophilic cellulase that exhibited good acid resistance and some cold‐adaptation properties, with maximum activity at pH 4.0 and 40°C. Cellulase activity was significantly enhanced by Na+ (p < 0.05) and inhibited by Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ (p < 0.05). After optimization, maximum cellulase activity (8.56 U/mL) was increased nearly 10‐fold. Optimal fermentation conditions included an inoculum size of 3% (v/v) in a mixture of corn straw (40 g/L), peptone (5 g/L), and Mg2+ (4 g/L), at pH 4.0, 33°C, and shaking at 200 rpm. The specific properties of the P. oxalicum XC10 cellulase suggest the enzyme may serve as an excellent candidate for the bioconversion and utilization of lignocellulose biomass generated as agricultural and food‐processing wastes.
Dimensionality Control of Li Transport by MOFs Based Quasi‐Solid to Solid Electrolyte (Q‐SSEs) for Li−Metal Batteries
Authors: Salado M. , Fernández de Luis R. , Smith T. H. , Hasanpoor M. , Lanceros‐Mendez S. , Forsyth M.
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in all walks of life and play a very important role. As complex systems composed of multiple materials with diverse chemical compositions, where different electrochemical reactions take place, battery interfaces are essential for determining the operation, performance, durability and safety of the battery. This work, set out to study the incorporation of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (LiFSI) doped 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EMIm][TFSI]) ionic liquid into an archetype Ti‐based Metal Organic Framework (MOF) ((Ti) MIL125−NH2) to create a solid to quasi‐solid (depending on the amount of IL in the system), and how it affects not only ionic transport but also the structural properties of the IL/MOF electrolyte. Remarkably high ionic conductivity values (2.13×10−3 S ⋅ cm−1 at room temperature) as well as a lithium transference number (tLi=0.58) were achieved, supported by pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR experiments. Electrochemical characterization revealed reversible plating‐stripping of lithium and lower overpotential after 750 h at 50 °C. Additionally, a proof‐of‐concept solid state battery was fabricated resulting in a discharge capacity of 160 mAh ⋅ g−1 at 50 °C and 0.1 C rate after 50 cycles. This work presents a suitable strategy to dendrite suppression capability, allowing its implementation as interface modifiers in next‐generation solid‐state batteries.
Framing the Default Option Right
Authors: Meunier Luc , Bashirzadeh Yashar , Ohadi Sima
Published: June 2024

Defaults are powerful nudges to shape individuals' behavior: In three experiments, including a large experiment using representative samples from five European countries (n = 4207), we show that they can significantly affect risk‐taking by medium to large effect sizes. We also show that implementing a default nudge leads to a lower rating of the advice delivered by the wealth manager compared to no default, an effect that has a medium to large effect size. In addition, defaults the targeted individuals refuse result in lower advice ratings. These side effects call for caution before applying nudges and individualized defaults rather than a one‐size‐fits‐all approach. Additionally, we find evidence pointing to two small effects of framing in default presentation. First, asking how much individuals want to invest in the risky asset emphasizes risk. It reduces investment in the risky asset compared to asking them how much they want to leave on the safe account, particularly for more risk‐averse individuals. Second, asking individuals if they want to change a default allocation of 100% in the risky asset leads to more investment in the risky asset than asking them whether they accept such an allocation. Perceived wealth manager honesty appears to mediate the relationship between the default nudge and the rating of the advice.
Verbundorientiertes Faserdesign in UHFB
Authors: Lanwer Jan‐Paul , Empelmann Martin
Published: June 2024

Im Beitrag wird ein Ansatz für ein verbundorientiertes Faserdesign in ultrahochfestem Beton (UHFB) vorgestellt. Im Gegensatz zur bisherigen, weitgehend auf Erfahrungswerten und Eignungsprüfungen basierenden Methodik zur Wahl von Faserart, Fasergeometrie und Fasermenge werden in dem vorgestellten Ansatz das reale Faserauszugsverhalten in dem gewählten UHFB und mechanisch hinterlegte Effekte aus der Faserorientierung erfasst und berücksichtigt. Die Grundlage bilden Auszugversuche von hochfesten Mikrostahlfasern unter monoton steigender Belastung mit variierender Einbindetiefe und Orientierung. Der hieraus mit Bezug auf die Zugfestigkeit der Faser bestimmte Ausnutzungsgrad bildet den Grundwert für das Faserdesign. Bei schief orientierten Fasern muss darüber hinaus eine zusätzliche Biegebeanspruchung infolge der Umlenkwirkung an der Faseraustrittstelle berücksichtigt werden, die zu einer Erhöhung des Ausnutzungsgrads führt. Die konsistente und mechanisch begründete Berücksichtigung dieser Effekte stellt einen neuartigen Ansatz im Rahmen eines verbundorientierten Faserdesigns unter ökonomischen und ökologischen Gesichtspunkten dar.
Elastizitätsmodul von Recyclingbeton
Authors: Jacobs Frank , Hoffmann Cathleen
Published: June 2024

Recyclingbeton kann sich in Festbetoneigenschaften von Beton, der nur mit natürlicher Gesteinskörnung hergestellt wurde, unterscheiden. Deshalb wird in der Schweiz bei der Bestellung von Recyclingbeton die Angabe einer E‐Modulklasse gefordert. Der Elastizitätsmodul ist nach SN EN 12390‐13 zu bestimmen, d. h. an Prüfkörpern, die unter Wasser gelagert werden. Deshalb stellte sich die Frage, ob der an wassergesättigten Prüfkörpern bestimmte Elastizitätsmodul aussagekräftig für Bauteile mit trockenen Expositionsbedingungen ist. Es wurden Untersuchungen an Recyclingbeton mit Beton‐ und Mischgranulat vorgenommen. Hierzu wurden die Prüfkörper bis zur Prüfung unter Wasser gelagert sowie vor der Prüfung getrocknet. Es zeigte sich, dass durch Wasserlagerung der Elastizitätsmodul höher als nach trockener Lagerung ist, die Unterschiede aber nicht sehr groß sind.
Assessing the reinforcement effect by response surface methodology of holocellulose from spent coffee grounds on biopolymeric films as food packaging materials
Authors: Hernández‐Varela Josué David , Chanona‐Pérez José Jorge , Foruzanmehr Reza , Medina Dora Iliana
Published: June 2024

The pollution caused by petroleum‐derived plastic materials has become a major environmental problem that has encouraged the development of new compostable and environmentally friendly materials for food packaging based on biomodified polymers with household residues. This study aims to design, synthesize, and characterize a biobased polymeric microstructure film from polyvinyl alcohol and chitosan reinforced with holocellulose from spent coffee grounds for food‐sustainable packaging. Chemical isolation with a chlorite‐based solution was performed to obtain the reinforced holocellulose from the spent coffee ground, and the solvent casting method was used to obtain the films to study. Physicochemical and microscopic characterizations were conducted to identify and select the best formulations using a simplex‐centroid design analysis. The response surface methodology results indicate that the new packaging material obtained with equal amounts of polymers and reinforced material (1:1:1) possesses the appropriate barrier properties and microstructural character to prevent water attack and hydrophobic behavior and thus could be used as an alternative for food packaging materials.
Gas chromatography mass spectrometer determination of dimethylamine impurity in N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent by derivatization of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide with benzoyl chloride agent
Authors: Kousrali Sayyad , Kowtharapu Leela Prasad , Mondal Tanmoy
Published: June 2024

This study describes the development of a reliable and linear analytical method for precisely determining dimethylamine impurity in N,N‐dimethylformamide solvent utilizing a benzoyl chloride derivatization reagent and a gas chromatography mass spectrometer. Benzoyl chloride was used to derivatize dimethylamine. At normal temperature, benzoyl chloride combined with dimethylamine, producing N,N‐dimethylbenzamide. This method separated N,N‐dimethylbenzamide using Rtx‐5 amine (30 m × 0.32 mm × 1.50 μm) as the stationary phase, helium as the carrier gas, argon as the collision gas, and methanol as the diluent. The column flow rate was 2 mL/min. The retention time of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was determined to be 8.5 min. Precision, linearity, and accuracy were tested using ICH Q2 (R2) and USP<1225> guidelines. The percentage coefficient of variation (CV) for N,N‐dimethylbenzamide in the system suitability parameter was 1.1%. The correlation coefficient of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was found to be >0.99. In the method precision parameter, the % CV for N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was found to be 1.9%, whereas the % CV for N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was 1.2% in intermediate precision. The percentage recovery of N,N‐dimethylbenzamide was determined to be between 80% and 98%.
Rapid eye movement dependency is associated with increased inflammatory activity in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Akyol Gurses Asli , Akyildiz Utku Ogan
Published: June 2024

Objective

Rapid eye movement (REM)‐dependent obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a specific subtype of OSAS having some phenotypic characteristics like a preference for a younger age, female gender, and milder severity. Such favorable features could make it possible to consider an overall benign course for this phenotype. However, accumulating data introduced its association with several cardiometabolic and vascular disorders recently. The primary objective of this study was to address the disease from the inflammation perspective and evaluate the potential inflammatory status in this variant via two accessible blood parameters: platelet distribution width (PDW) and systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII). The secondary aim was to investigate whether this status, together with other disease characteristics, demonstrates consistency under different definitions of REM‐dependent OSAS published previously.

Patients and methods

The medical records of 35 patients with mild‐to‐moderate REM‐dependent OSAS, 35 age‐ and sex‐matched patients with REM‐independent OSAS, and 25 non‐OSA controls were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline features, polysomnographic characteristics, PDW, and SII were compared between the groups. Secondly, the analyses were repeated using different definitions of REM‐dependent OSAS. Bivariate analyses were performed, and a multiple stepwise regression model was applied to adjust for body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. 

Results

Mean PDW and SII were increased in patients with REM‐dependent OSAS as compared to non‐OSA controls (p = .022 and .029). The significance remained stable after adjustment for BMI and CVRs and was consistent according to different definitions. The Comparison of patients with REM‐independent OSAS and non‐OSA controls, as well as the two different subtypes of OSAS, did not yield significance.

Conclusion

Based on the current findings, patients with REM‐dependent OSAS appear to be susceptible to inflammation and should be carefully monitored for the negative consequences of that issue. To our knowledge, this study is the first to evaluate SII and PDW in REM‐dependent OSAS.
Breaking down barriers: The adoption of eco‐innovation by SMEs and the influence of personality traits
Authors: Fernández‐Muñiz Nuria , Triguero Ángela , de la Cuesta Marta
Published: June 2024

The role played by leaders in the adoption of eco‐innovations (EIs) by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is crucial, but there is still little evidence regarding the influence of leaders on EIs. Despite the extensive literature on EI, studies that empirically evaluate the association between the role of SME leaders (CEOs, top managers, and board members) on the delimitation of the barriers to EI are lacking. The relationship between combinations of leader personality traits and the adoption of EI from a sensemaking perspective is examined to address this research gap. In addition, fsQCA analysis was applied. The responses of 40 SME leaders revealed that configurations involving barriers and personal traits have led to several solutions in which conscientiousness, openness, and either the presence or negation of neuroticism by SME managers were relevant. Moreover, the offset between financial barriers and the lack of public funding for EIs emerges in all eco‐innovative success solutions. These results show that different combinations of personality traits interact with different EI barriers. Therefore, the obstacles to EI depend on the interpretations of the leader rather than being one‐size‐fits‐all. Based on sensemaking theory, as taken from organizational studies and the literature on microfoundations, these findings enhance our understanding of the influence of individual‐level psychological traits on EI adoption. Furthermore, practical implications are presented for SMEs with the goal of adopting sustainable innovative strategies.
Corporate sustainability and biodiversity reporting: A proactive business strategy to mitigate litigation and reputational risks
Authors: Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: June 2024

Biodiversity is important to human's future survival and global sustainability. One way to achieve corporate sustainability is for firms to report its impacts on biodiversity. However, fear of litigation arising from reporting potentially deters corporations to disclose such information. Motivated by the importance of biodiversity and mixed evidence of shareholder litigation rights as a corporate governance tool, we explore whether the universal demand laws (UDLs) have any effect on corporate biodiversity reporting in the United States. Supporting our short‐termism, risk aversion and agency hypotheses, we find that an exogenous decline in the threat of derivative litigation, reducing a chance for shareholders to file a lawsuit against top management and intensifying agency costs, economically and significantly decreases a corporate's biodiversity reporting by 87%. When the disciplining effect of shareholder litigation drops, the self‐interest manager may want to live a quiet life and disclose less information of biodiversity impact. A proactive business strategy to mitigate litigation and reputational risks is to voluntarily disclose more biodiversity‐related information. Regulators around the world should also promote rigorous reporting requirements to reverse biodiversity loss and save our humanity.
Myc rearrangement redefines the stratification of high‐risk multiple myeloma
Authors: Jin Xianghong , Li Hui , Zhang Dingding , Liu Shuangjiao , Song Yuhang , Zhang Fujing , Li Ziping , Zhuang Junling
Published: June 2024

Background

Myc rearrangement (Myc‐R) is a controversial factor linked to adverse outcomes in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM).

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Myc‐R on the prognosis of NDMM patients and its role in risk stratification compared with traditional high‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities (HRCAs).

Materials & Methods

A total of 417 NDMM patients enrolled from May 2009 to September 2022 were included. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect Myc‐R and other Myc abnormalities (Myc‐OA). Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier methods and log‐rank tests. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors.

Results

Myc‐R was identified in 13.7% of patients, while 14.6% had Myc‐OA. Patients with Myc‐R had significantly shorter median PFS (15.9 months) and OS (25.1 months) compared with those with Myc‐OA (24.5 months PFS; 29.8 months OS) and Myc‐negative (Myc‐N) status (29.8 months PFS, 29.8 months OS). Myc‐R was independently associated with worse PFS and OS compared to Myc‐OA. Patients with Myc‐R alone had inferior median PFS (15.9 months vs. 28.1 months, p = 0.032) and OS (25.1 months vs. 61.2 months, p = 0.04) compared to those with traditional single HRCA.

Discussion

The study suggests that traditional single HRCA may not significantly impact survival in NDMM patients. However, incorporating Myc rearrangement or traditional double/triple‐hit HRCAs into the risk stratification model improves its predictive value, highlighting the importance of Myc rearrangement in risk assessment.

Conclusion

Myc rearrangement is an independent adverse prognostic factor in NDMM. The incorporation of Myc rearrangement or multiple HRCAs into risk stratification models improves their prognostic value, providing a novel perspective on high‐risk factors in NDMM.
Afraid and tired: A longitudinal study of the relationship between cancer‐related fatigue and fear of cancer recurrence in long‐term cancer survivors
Authors: Trudel Geneviève , Lebel Sophie , Stephens Robert L. , Leclair Caroline Séguin , Leach Corinne R. , Westmaas J. Lee
Published: June 2024

Objective

Cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) are two common concerns experienced by cancer survivors. However, the relationship between these two concerns is poorly understood, and whether CRF and FCR influence each other over time is unclear.

Methods

Data were from a national, prospective, longitudinal study, the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors‐I (SCS‐I). Surveys were completed by 1395 survivors of 10 different cancer types at three time‐points, including assessment 1.3 years (T1), 2.2 years (T2) and 8.8 years (T3) following their cancer diagnosis. CRF was assessed using the fatigue‐inertia subscale of the Profile of Mood States, and FCR by the FCR subscale of the Cancer Problems in Living Scale. Multiple group random intercepts cross‐lagged panel models investigated prospective associations between CRF and FCR.

Results

For younger participants (at or below median age of 55 years, n = 697), CRF at T1 and T2 marginally and significantly predicted FCR at T2 and T3, respectively, but no lagged effects of FCR on subsequent CRF were observed. Cross‐lagged effects were not observed for survivors over 55 years of age.

Conclusion

Both CRF and FCR are debilitating side effects of cancer and its treatments. Given that CRF may be predictive of FCR, it possible that early detection and intervention for CRF could contribute to lowering FCR severity.
The health benefits of wheat versus oats
Authors: Qi Xin , Tester Richard
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Wheat is used extensively as the key ingredient for baked goods. Oats are used as an alternative for a range of commercial reasons, including “gluten‐free.” Often the rationale driving the utilization of oats for gluten‐related disorders (GRDs)/gluten intolerance, gets lost due to assertions regarding the relative nutritional benefits of eating oats rather than wheat. This review looks at the dietary benefits of eating oats versus wheat‐based products to clarify the relative merits of each.

Findings

Wheat and oats are important components of the human diet. Wheat‐based products cannot be replicated directly by oats. However, oats are a useful alternative where GRDs are present.

Conclusions

Wheat is supreme in creating desirable food structures although it can be problematic for individuals with GRDs. Oats can be utilized to provide alternatives. However, in products like bread, other ingredients are needed to replicate the role of gluten.

Significance and Novelty

This review provides a novel insight into the applications of wheat and oats in foods and the associated nutritional impact. The anticipated benefit is for people working in the food sector, health‐based professionals, and individuals who wish to understand the role of oats as an alternative to wheat to avoid gluten.
Marked gallbladder wall thickening caused by Epstein–Barr virus‐induced infectious mononucleosis
Authors: Nakamura Masahiko , Yamashita Shun , Tago Masaki , Yamashita Shu‐ichi
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

In patients with symptoms of viral infection and marked thickening of the gallbladder wall, it is important to suspect acalculous cholecystitis due to Epstein–Barr virus‐induced infectious mononucleosis.

A 35‐year‐old Japanese man presented with fever, abdominal right upper quadrant pain, and liver dysfunction. Positive immunoglobulin M and ‐G antibodies and negative nuclear antigen for Epstein–Barr virus were observed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a markedly thickened gallbladder wall. Acalculous cholecystitis due to Epstein–Barr virus‐induced infectious mononucleosis was diagnosed.
Hybrid Industrial Wastewater Treatment Using a Sono‐Alternating Current‐Electrocoagulation Technique with Power Usage Estimation
Authors: Asaithambi Perumal , Desta Wendesen Mekonin , Hussen Mohammed , Govindarajan Rajendran , Asmelash Zerihun , Yesuf Mamuye Busier , Periyasamy Selvakumar , Thirumurugan Arun , Sakthivel P. , Beyene Dejene
Published: June 2024

Distillery industrial wastewater (DIW) was tested for color and COD removal percentages using an electrochemical and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Specifically, the study compared direct/alternating–current–electrocoagulation (DC‐EC/AC‐EC), sono (US), and direct/alternating current–electrocoagulation coupled with sono (US) (DC‐EC/US and AC‐EC/US) processes. Also evaluated were the effects of these procedures on the power needed to treat DIW. Experimental results showed that compared to single processes such as DC‐EC, AC‐EC, US, hybrid DC‐EC/US, and the hybrid AC‐EC/US process achieved a total color elimination efficiency of 100 % and a COD elimination efficiency of 100 % while using a lower power consumption of 4.76 kWhrm−3. The effects of important operational factors such treatment duration, cycle of pulse duty, sonication power, current density, chemical oxygen demand, electrode spacing, electrode pairing, pH, concentration of electrolyte on the % removal of COD and power usage of DIW were investigated using hybrid AC‐EC/US process. When using a Fe/Fe electrode combination, the effectiveness of COD removal was shown to be enhanced by increasing the treatment duration, current, US power, and decreasing the COD concentration, electrode spacing. The study also provided the results of an investigation into the synergistic index between AC‐EC and US process and operational cost. Based on its ability to efficiently and effectively remove contaminants from wastewater and industrial effluent, the AC‐EC/US approach stands out among the other methods.
Turning waste tyres into carbon electrodes for batteries: Exploring conversion methods, material traits, and performance factors
Authors: Egun Ishioma L. , Liu Zixuan , Zheng Yayun , Wang Zhaohui , Song Jiahao , Hou Yang , Lu Jun , Wang Yichao , Chen Zhengfei
Published: June 2024

Waste tyres (WTs) are a major global issue that needs immediate attention to ensure a sustainable environment. They are often dumped in landfills or incinerated in open environments, which leads to environmental pollution. However, various thermochemical conversion methods have shown promising results as treatment routes to tackle the WT problem while creating new materials for industries. One such material is WT char, which has properties comparable to those of carbon materials used as an active electrode material in batteries. Therefore, a systematic review of the various thermochemical approaches used to convert WTs into carbon materials for electrode applications was conducted. The review shows that pretreatment processes, various process routes, and operating parameters affect derived carbon properties and its respective electrochemical performance. WT‐derived carbon has the potential to yield a high specific capacity greater than the traditional graphite (372 mAh g−1) commonly used in lithium‐ion batteries. Finally, the review outlines the challenges of the process routes, as well as opportunities and future research directions for electrode carbon materials from WTs.
A Phosphanyl Phosphagermene and its Reactivity
Authors: Feld Joey , Yang Eric S. , Urwin Stephanie J. , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: June 2024

Reaction of a nucleophilic germylene Ge[CH(SiMe3)2]2 with the phosphanyl phosphaketene [{(H2C)(NDipp)}2P]PCO induces decarbonylation to form a phosphanyl phosphagermene [{(H2C)(NDipp)}2P]P=Ge[CH(SiMe3)2]2 (1; Dipp=2,6‐diisopropyl‐phenyl). Addition of CO2 or MeCN to 1 results in [3+2]‐cycloaddition reactions to afford five‐membered heterocycles. This mode of reactivity is reminiscent of that observed for frustrated Lewis pairs, with the pendant phosphanyl group acting as a base and the germanium center as a Lewis acid. Contrastingly, 1,2‐addition across the P=Ge bond was observed when using ammonia, small primary amines (NH2nP), or metal complexes (e. g. Au(PPh3)Cl and ZnEt2). These latter reactions allow for the one‐step synthesis of metal phosphide complexes.
Does Direct Dimethyl Ether Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Yield More Valuable Products than the Equivalent Methanol Production? A Review on Recent Work
Authors: Hilfinger Felix , Kubas Dustin , Krossing Ingo
Published: June 2024

Dimethyl ether (DME) has promising properties as e‐fuel and platform chemical. Its direct synthesis from CO2 and hydrogen, which is thermodynamically more favorable than the indirect route over methanol, is reviewed. Systematic thermodynamic equilibrium calculations are evaluated and compared to bifunctional catalysis experiments performed with Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 methanol catalyst and ferrierite or heteropolyacid‐coated dehydration catalysts under thermodynamic and kinetic conditions. In the thermodynamic region, the methyl yield of direct DME synthesis is superior over sole methanol synthesis. Significant differences among the solid acids used are absent. However, under kinetic conditions, the heteropolyacid‐coated catalysts show superior performance for dehydration over zeolites.
Recycling of Thermoplastic Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Composites Using High‐Voltage Fragmentation
Authors: Schmidt Jannick , Auer Maximilian , Grammel Lena , Woidasky Jörg
Published: June 2024

A rectangular polymer profile made of glass fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic sheathing material and a polyethylene terephthalate foam core were to be separated for recycling. For this purpose, a mechanical recycling process utilizing a cutting mill and the high‐voltage fragmentation (HVF) process were used and their achievements in composite separation were compared. For both separation methods, parameter variations resulted in a total of two test series each consisting of drying, screening, optional density separation, ashing, weighing, microscopic analyses, and glass fiber length measurements. Using HVF, a better separation of the core and sheath materials was achieved and longer glass fibers could be recovered.
Strain Engineered Bridged Bicyclic Diene Photoswitches in the Race of Next‐Generation Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Sangolkar Akanksha Ashok , Kadiyam Rama Krishna , Pawar Ravinder
Published: June 2024

Norbornadiene/Quadricyclane (NBD/QC) is a prototypical bridged bicyclic diene (BBD)‐based photoswitch that has been well‐studied for molecular solar thermal energy storage (MOST). Inspired by the recent synthetically accessed BBDs, herein several photoswitches are rationally designed with modulated ring strain energies (RSE) in photoisomers to incorporate high energy storage density (ESD) and storage time in a single couple. The storage energy (
) calculated at DLPNO‐CCSD(T)/Def2TZVP level is correlated with difference in RSE of two isomers (ΔRSE) whereas thermal back reaction (TBR) barrier calculated at (8,8)‐CASPT2/6‐311++G** shows correlation with RSE in metastable photoproduct. On the basis of these structure‐property‐RSE relationships, we recognized that two photoisomers need not to be highly strained. Instead, the RSE in the photoproduct and diene should be minimized while maintaining a large enthalpy difference between them to increase ESD and extend energy storage times in a single photoswitch. TBR barrier is governed by RSE in photoproduct and increasing strain in photoproduct may improve the
but at the cost of the TBR barrier. Herein, the structural skeletons are explored that holds promise to remarkably improve thermochemical properties relative to the unsubstituted BBD‐based photoswitches reported so far. The BBD molecules with short saturated bridge length but elongated unsaturated bridges could bestow desirable thermochemical parameters and can be regarded as excellent candidates for MOST application. The work lays a theoretical foundation that guides to improve thermochemical properties via strain engineering of BBD‐based photoswitches and opens a new avenue for designing principles and future experimental investigations of MOST systems.
Offset compensation for differential charge‐based capacitance measurement
Authors: Cascone Nicolò , Cassalini Mirko , Ferlito Umberto , Grasso Alfio Dario , Bruno Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a fully integrated differential charge‐based capacitance measurement (CBCM) circuit designed to detect attoFarads capacitive variations to find airborne particulate matter (PM). This paper presents a novel method for compensating the output offset of the CBCM electronic front‐end in the range of 3.1–3.4 V through the trimming of the bulk voltage of key transistors of the circuit topology. Experimental results on prototypes implemented using a 130‐nm CMOS technology and driven by a 100‐MHz clock confirm the validity of the proposed approach.
Improved linear active disturbance rejection control for double active bridge series resonant converter with high voltage gain
Authors: Li Xiangfeng , Zhan Shengqiang , Yang Zetao , Guo Fang , Liao Hui
Published: June 2024

The double active bridge series resonant converter (DABSRC) has become a research hotspot in both scientific and engineering fields due to its high efficiency and high voltage gain characteristics demonstrated in energy storage systems and smart grid systems. In this paper, an improved linear active disturbance rejection control (LADRC) algorithm is proposed to improve the dynamic response performance of the DABSRC. Compared to the existing LADRC algorithms, the primary enhancements of the proposed LADRC involve optimizing the feedback control law and the introduction of error proportion in the linear extended state observer (LESO). These modifications effectively reduced the estimation error of perturbation of the LESO and consequently enhanced the stability and dynamic response performance of the converter. In the paper, simulations and experiments are conducted to investigate the performances of a DABSRC by using three different control strategies, that is, the PI controller, the traditional LADRC, and the improved LADRC proposed in this paper. The experimental results proved the feasibility and correctness of the improved LADRC strategy. The proposed algorithm is not only applicable to the DABSRC but also suitable for other converters to improve the dynamic response performance.
Radially polarized femtosecond laser interaction with unmagnetized plasma slab and symmetric modes for enhanced terahertz field generation
Authors: Sagar Himank , Sharma Suresh C.
Published: June 2024

We consider the excitation of terahertz (THz) electromagnetic fields by interaction of radially polarized laser pulses of diverse profiles with a homogenous plasma density slab. We utilize the properties of the laser pulse to generate THz fields in a plasma slab. It is shown that the radial ponderomotive force exerted by laser imparts an oscillatory velocity to plasma electrons and drives a nonlinear current in azimuthal direction exciting THz electromagnetic fields in the plasma slab. The dependence of the excited radial electric field and azimuthal magnetic field on axial and radial parameters of the plasmas lab, as well as on the slab thickness and laser pulse width size, is investigated. It is demonstrated that the terahertz fields are generated most efficiently with a frequency close to the plasma frequency. It is also shown that the intensity of the excited fields may be optimized and controlled by the plasma slab and laser pulse parameters. Rectangular‐triangular, super‐Gaussian, and sinusoidal lasers exhibit a significantly steeper radial gradient of ponderomotive potential in comparison with other laser profiles, and excite intense radial electric fields and generate azimuthal magnetic fields in plasma slab. The numerical results closely follow the scaling laws and match with previous experimental and simulation results.
Curriculum in early childhood education: Global policy discourses and country‐level responses in Aotearoa New Zealand and England
Authors: Wood Elizabeth , Hedges Helen
Published: June 2024

In early childhood education (ECE), global policy discourses influence national policy frameworks for curriculum, pedagogy and assessment practices. Although aspects of these discourses travel across national boundaries via policy borrowing, we argue that consideration is needed of the cultural–historical evolution of country‐level systems, their epistemological foundations and different goals or aspirations. We combine a cultural–historical perspective with critical policy text analysis to examine two curricular frameworks—England's Early Years Foundation Stage and Aotearoa New Zealand's Te Whāriki. Both nations share similar historical influences and timeframe for the development of ECE policies from the 1990s, but with different local responses, principles and values. Three questions about curriculum inform our policy text analysis: how are children are positioned and understood; what knowledge is valued and what outcomes are valued? The analysis indicates similar influences and discourses, but with dissimilar responses to these questions and distinctive ways of understanding curriculum in each country. We argue that although global discourses promote generic policy drivers and goals, country‐level policy responses need to be understood genealogically and locally in relation to cultures, contexts and values. Taking a global–local approach to policy analysis also raises critical questions about the opportunities and limitations of policy borrowing across international contexts and the importance of contextualisation.
Detecting time‐varying genetic effects in Alzheimer's disease using a longitudinal genome‐wide association studies model
Authors: Zhuang Xiaowei , Xu Gang , Amei Amei , Cordes Dietmar , Wang Zuoheng , Oh Edwin C. ,   For the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

The development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex process, during which genetic influences on phenotypes may also change. Incorporating longitudinal phenotypes in genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) could unmask these genetic loci.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal GWAS using a varying coefficient test to identify age‐dependent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in AD. Data from 1877 Alzheimer's Neuroimaging Data Initiative participants, including impairment status and amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) scan standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) scores, were analyzed using a retrospective varying coefficient mixed model association test (RVMMAT).

RESULTS

RVMMAT identified 244 SNPs with significant time‐varying effects on AD impairment status, with 12 SNPs on chromosome 19 validated using National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center data. Age‐stratified analyses showed these SNPs’ effects peaked between 70 and 80 years. Additionally, 73 SNPs were linked to longitudinal amyloid accumulation changes. Pathway analyses implicated immune and neuroinflammation‐related disruptions.

DISCUSSION

Our findings demonstrate that longitudinal GWAS models can uncover time‐varying genetic signals in AD.

Highlights

Identify time‐varying genetic effects using a longitudinal GWAS model in AD.

Illustrate age‐dependent genetic effects on both diagnoses and amyloid accumulation.

Replicate time‐varying effect of APOE in a second dataset.