bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of SGLT1, SGLT2, and Dual Inhibitor Biological Activity in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Azizogli Abdul‐Rahman , Vitti Michael R , Mishra Richa , Osorno Laura , Heffernan Corey , Kumar Vivek A
Published: September 2023

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2D) is an emerging health burden in the US and worldwide, impacting ≈15% of Americans. Current front‐line therapeutics for T2D patients include sulfonylureas that act to reduce A1C and fasting blood glucose levels, or Metformin that antagonizes the action of glucagon to reduce hepatic glucose production. Next‐generation glucomodulatory therapeutics target members of the high‐affinity glucose transporter sodium‐glucose‐linked‐transporter (SGLT) family. SGLT1 is primarily expressed in intestinal epithelium, whose inhibition reduces dietary glucose uptake, whilst SGLT2 is highly expressed in kidney regulating glucose reabsorption. A number of SGLT2 inhibitors are FDA approved whilst SGLT1 and dual SGLT1 & 2 inhibitor are currently in clinical trials. Here, SGLT2, SGLT1, and dual inhibitors’ biochemical mechanism and physiological effects are discussed and compared.
Breakdown of polyethylene therepthalate microplastics under saltwater conditions using engineered Vibrio natriegens
Authors: Li Tianyu , Menegatti Stefano , Crook Nathan
Published: September 2023

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a highly recyclable plastic that has been extensively used and manufactured. Like other plastics, PET resists natural degradation, thus accumulating in the environment. Several recycling strategies have been applied to PET, but these tend to result in downcycled products that eventually end up in landfills. This accumulation of landfilled PET waste contributes to the formation of microplastics, which pose a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems, and potentially to human health. To address this issue, our project leveraged synthetic biology to develop a whole‐cell biocatalyst capable of depolymerizing PET in seawater environments by using the fast‐growing, nonpathogenic, moderate halophile Vibrio natriegens. By leveraging a two‐enzyme system—comprising a chimera of IsPETase and IsMHETase from Ideonella sakaiensis—displayed on V. natriegens, we constructed whole‐cell catalysts that depolymerize PET and convert it into its monomers in salt‐containing media and at a temperature of 30°C.
Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies in Adults with a First Demyelinating Event Suggestive of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Villacieros‐Álvarez Javier , Espejo Carmen , Arrambide Georgina , Castillo Mireia , Carbonell‐Mirabent Pere , Rodriguez Marta , Bollo Luca , Castilló Joaquín , Comabella Manuel , Galán Ingrid , Midaglia Luciana , Mongay‐Ochoa Neus , Nos Carlos , Rio Jordi , Rodríguez‐Acevedo Breogan , Sastre‐Garriga Jaume , Tur Carmen , Vidal‐Jordana Angela , Vilaseca Andreu , Zabalza Ana , Auger Cristina , Rovira Alex , Montalban Xavier , Tintoré Mar , Cobo‐Calvo Álvaro
Published: September 2023

Objective

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG‐Ab) distinguish multiple sclerosis (MS) from MOG‐associated disease in most cases. However, studies analyzing MOG‐Ab at the time of a first demyelinating event suggestive of MS in adults are lacking. We aimed to (1) evaluate the prevalence of MOG‐Ab in a first demyelinating event suggestive of MS and (2) compare clinical and paraclinical features between seropositive (MOG‐Ab+) and seronegative (MOG‐Ab−) patients.

Methods

Six hundred thirty adult patients with available serum samples obtained within 6 months from the first event were included. MOG‐Ab were analyzed using a live cell‐based assay. Statistical analyses included parametric and nonparametric tests, logistic regression, and survival models.

Results

MOG‐Ab were positive in 17 of 630 (2.7%). Fourteen out of 17 (82.4%) MOG‐Ab+ patients presented with optic neuritis (ON) compared to 227of 613 (37.0%) MOG‐Ab− patients (p = 0.009). Cerebrospinal fluid‐restricted oligoclonal bands (CSF‐OBs) were found in 2 of 16 (12.5%) MOG‐Ab+ versus 371 of 601 (61.7%) MOG‐Ab− subjects (p < 0.001). Baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal in 9 of 17 (52.9%) MOG‐Ab+ versus 153 of 585 (26.2%) MOG‐Ab− patients (p = 0.029). Absence of CSF‐OBs and ON at onset were independently associated with MOG‐Ab positivity (odds ratio [OR] = 9.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.04–53.6, p = 0.009; and OR = 4.17, 95% CI = 1.15–19.8, p = 0.042, respectively). Of MOG‐Ab+ patients, 22.9% (95% CI = 0.0–42.7) compared to 67.6% (95% CI = 63.3–71.3) of MOG‐Ab− patients fulfilled McDonald 2017 criteria at 5 years (log‐rank p = 0.003).

Interpretation

MOG‐Ab are infrequent in adults with a first demyelinating event suggestive of MS. However, based on our results, we suggest to determine these antibodies in those patients with ON and absence of CSF‐OBs, as long as the brain MRI is not suggestive of MS. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:116–128
Photocatalyzed Aminomethylation of Alkyl Halides Enabled by Sterically Hindered N‐Substituents
Authors: Zhang Tianze , Huang Hanmin
Published: September 2023

The catalytic C(sp3)−C(sp3) coupling of alkyl halides and tertiary amines offers a promising tool for the rapid decoration of amine skeletons. However, this approach has not been well established, partially due to the challenges in precisely distinguishing and controlling the reactivity of amine‐coupling partners and their product homologues. Herein, we developed a metal‐free photocatalytic system for the aminomethylation of alkyl halides through radical‐involved C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond formation, allowing for the synthesis of sterically congested tertiary amines that are of interest in organic synthesis but not easily prepared by other methods. Mechanistic studies disclosed that sterically hindered N‐substituents are key to activate the amine coupling partners by tuning their redox potentials to drive the reaction forward.
Complete Peripheral Fluorination of the Small‐Molecule Acceptor in Organic Solar Cells Yields Efficiency over 19 %
Authors: Yao Zhaoyang , Cao Xiangjian , Bi Xingqi , He Tengfei , Li Yu , Jia Xinyuan , Liang Huazhe , Guo Yaxiao , Long Guankui , Kan Bin , Li Chenxi , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2023

Due to the intrinsically flexible molecular skeletons and loose aggregations, organic semiconductors, like small molecular acceptors (SMAs) in organic solar cells (OSCs), greatly suffer from larger structural/packing disorders and weaker intermolecular interactions comparing to their inorganic counterparts, further leading to hindered exciton diffusion/dissociation and charge carrier migration in resulting OSCs. To overcome this challenge, complete peripheral fluorination was performed on basis of a two‐dimensional (2D) conjugation extended molecular platform of CH‐series SMAs, rendering an acceptor of CH8F with eight fluorine atoms surrounding the molecular backbone. Benefitting from the broad 2D backbone, more importantly, strengthened fluorine‐induced secondary interactions, CH8F and its D18 blends afford much enhanced and more ordered molecular packings accompanying with enlarged dielectric constants, reduced exciton binding energies and more obvious fibrillary networks comparing to CH6F controls. Consequently, D18:CH8F‐based OSCs reached an excellent efficiency of 18.80 %, much better than that of 17.91 % for CH6F‐based ones. More excitingly, by employing D18‐Cl that possesses a highly similar structure to D18 as a third component, the highest efficiency of 19.28 % for CH‐series SMAs‐based OSCs has been achieved so far. Our work demonstrates the dramatical structural multiformity of CH‐series SMAs, meanwhile, their high potential for constructing record‐breaking OSCs through peripheral fine‐tuning.
Fabrication of a Novel Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 Composite Catalyst as a Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Asim Mohd , Khan Abuzar
Published: September 2023

Herein, the synthesis of a novel composite photocatalyst, Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13, is reported by the deposition of CoO metal oxide nanoparticles on the surface of Fe2V4O13 bimetallic oxide. The synthesised photocatalyst exhibited a band gap of roughly 1.8 eV, rendering it responsive to the complete visible light spectrum of the sun, thereby enabling optimal absorption of solar radiation. The Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 composites demonstrated an enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation capacity compared to pristine Fe2V4O13 when exposed to visible light. The enhanced performance is attributed primarily to the creation of a p‐n junction at the interface of Fe2V4O13 and Co/CoO, as well as the Z‐scheme charge transfer mechanism, which aids in the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers. Light absorption by Co nanoparticles via plasmonic excitation and intra‐ and inter‐band transitions in the composite structure is also likely, resulting in increased composite efficiency. Our findings indicate that Co/CoO@Fe2V4O13 composites show promising performance for solar water splitting applications and offer new perspectives for designing effective photocatalysts.
Induction motor control via the rotor of a doubly fed induction generator
Authors: Hossain Md Abid , Bodson Marc
Published: September 2023

A novel configuration is studied where a doubly fed induction generator provides power to a squirrel‐cage induction motor, and the speed of the motor is controlled through the rotor‐side converter of the generator. Such topology could have applications in hybrid‐electric propulsion and would require fewer and smaller power electronic converters than a system with an intermediate DC bus. An integrated motor/generator set model is developed to reflect the tightly connected dynamics of the combined electric machine. To simplify the derivations, a representation in complex variables is used. However, the control algorithm is based on proven field‐oriented control principles for induction motors. Feedforward and feedback control algorithms of the induction motor integrated with the doubly fed induction generator are proposed, together with two methods to limit the rotor currents of the generator. Experimental data show excellent tracking performance of speed references, demonstrating the validity of the control methods proposed. Concepts are also presented for the management of a small energy storage component.
On the multiattempt minimal repair and the corresponding counting process
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Finkelstein Maxim
Published: September 2023

Minimally repaired items are considered. In practice, minimal repair can be unsuccessful, and in this case, it should be repeated. The Polya‐Aeppli process, which is a generalization of the Poisson process is used in the article for the corresponding modeling. Some properties, useful for optimal maintenance, are derived. An important generalization to the case when the probability of the unsuccessful attempt is time‐dependent is described. An application of the derived results to obtaining the optimal time of replacement for a system with multiattempt minimal repairs is discussed. The study is illustrated by detailed numerical examples.
Multi‐Akteur‐Fabrikation im Bauwesen
Authors: Amtsberg Felix , Yang Xiliu , Skoury Lior , Ron Gili , Kaiser Benjamin , Sousa Calepso Aimée , Sedlmair Michael , Verl Alexander , Wortmann Thomas , Menges Achim
Published: September 2023

Die aktuelle Generation von Planern ist mit der Aufgabe konfrontiert, neue, nachhaltigere Bausysteme zu entwickeln, um der Problematik der Ressourcenknappheit, der Verstädterung, dem Klima‐, aber auch dem demografischen Wandel entgegenzuwirken. Hierbei ist die Frage nach deren effizienter Herstellung unter Nutzung nachwachsender Rohstoffe in den Fokus der Forschungsbemühungen gerückt. In den letzten Jahren hat der Automatisierungsgrad in der Vorfertigung unter der Agenda der produktbasierten Bausysteme zugenommen, die ein hohes Potenzial aufweisen, aber in Umgebungen, wo eine höhere Flexibilität erforderlich ist, nur bedingt zielführend sind. Die Realisierung ressourcensparender Entwürfe führt unweigerlich zu kleinen Losgrößen und einmalig zu produzierenden Bauelementen, die für eine effiziente Fabrikation anpassungsfähige Vorfertigungsanlagen für eine Vielzahl von Lösungen erfordern. Am Exzellenzcluster Integratives computerbasiertes Planen und Bauen für die Architektur (IntCDC) werden Methoden erforscht, welche mittels Mensch‐Maschine‐Kollaboration eine Steigerung von Flexibilität und Adaptivität der Vorfabrikation und Konstruktion von Bauwerken anstreben. Dazu werden neben der Durchführung von Untersuchungen zur Augmented‐Reality‐Technologie‐unterstützten Integration und Kommunikation von Mensch und Maschine auch auf maschinellem Lernen basierende Trainingsmethoden und Vorhersagemodelle entwickelt.
Rhombohedral (R) Prussian White as Cathode Material: An Ab‐initio Study
Authors: Baumgart Sebastian , Sotoudeh Mohsen , Groß Axel
Published: September 2023

Prussian Whites (PW) have gained attention for their potential application as high energy density cathodes in Na‐ion batteries. However, the rhombohedral phase of this compound still remains elusive. This study addresses the electronic and structural properties of the rhombohedral host material, as well as its ionic conductivity. Using periodic density functional theory calculations, we identified the critical factors that determine the sodium‐ion site preference and their ionic mobility. Specifically, the significant role of octahedral tilting and trigonal distortions of the structure have been highlighted. The study shows that the competition between coordination and bond length governs the Na site preference in the rhombohedral phase upon distortion. The results furthermore suggest that the redox activity is dominated by the transition metals. These findings provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms underlying ionic conductivity in solid hosts and could help enhance ion transport in battery electrodes.
The influence of moisture on the sieving performance of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Varela Alejandro , Castillo‐Ruiz Francisco J. , Arbizu‐Milagro Julia , Tascón Alberto
Published: September 2023

Sieving is an important operation for sorting solid particles both in industry and the laboratory. Although sorting is necessary for almost every process or energy conversion applied to biomass materials, sieving has not received enough scientific attention. The aim of this study was to obtain experimental data on the sieving performance of biomass materials. Three different biomasses – two wood pellets from the same species but each one obtained from a different process, plus a poplar sawdust residue – were sieved using a laboratory sieve shaker before milling with a hammer mill. Samples with three different levels of moisture were also studied: non‐dried, dried for 1.5 h at 75 °C, and dried for 3 h at 75 °C. The results were unexpected because the three samples showed quite different behaviors. A slight drying before sieving significantly enhanced the sieving performance of one of the wood pellets but its effect on the poplar sawdust was just the opposite; in the case of the other type of wood pellets, the effect was intermediate, because it improved the sieving performance but only for a short time and for the finest fraction. These results suggest the importance of conducting a preliminary study of the material to be sieved to save energy, time, and effort. Further research in this area is still necessary to understand the influence of variables in order to reduce blinding during biomass sieving.
A fluorescent magnetic nanosensor for imidacloprid based on the incorporation of polymer dots and Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the covalent organic framework
Authors: Haghighi Shishavan Yalda , Amjadi Mohammad , Manzoori Jamshid L.
Published: September 2023

A magnetic nanoprobe was designed for imidacloprid by encapsulating nonconjugated polymer dots (NCPDs) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles in the covalent organic framework (COF). The fluorescence intensity of the COF‐based nanocomposite is markedly suppressed by imidacloprid. As the absorption spectrum of imidacloprid was close to the band‐gap of the NCPDs, and due to the presence of a nitro group (as an electron acceptor), the electrons can be easily transferred from the conduction band of NCPDs to the LUMO of imidacloprid, so fluorescence quenching was more likely to have been caused by the electron transfer process. The COF‐based nanosensor was used for the determination of imidacloprid in the linear range 1.3–130 nM with a detection limit of 1.2 nM. The high sensitivity of the nanoprobe for imidacloprid is due to the combination of COF benefits (accumulation of the imidacloprid into the COF cavities) and the high adsorption ability of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles, which leads to further enrichment of imidacloprid. The magnetic nature of the nanocomposite enables the preconcentration and easy separation of the analyte, and so reduces matrix interference and lowers the detection limits. The practicality of this nanoprobe was confirmed by quantification of imidacloprid in the wastewater and fruit juice samples.
Acupuncture modulates the functional connectivity among the subcortical nucleus and fronto‐parietal network in adolescents with internet addiction
Authors: Wang Yang , Qin Yun , Li Hui , Yao Dezhong , Sun Bo , Gong Jinnan , Dai Yu , Wen Chao , Zhang Lingrui , Zhang Chenchen , Luo Cheng , Zhu Tianmin
Published: September 2023

Background

Internet addiction (IA), recognized as a behavioral addiction, is emerging as a global public health problem. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating IA; however, the mechanism is not yet clear. To fill this knowledge gap, our study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of acupuncture on the functional interactions among the addiction‐related networks in adolescents with IA.

Methods

Thirty individuals with IA and thirty age‐ and sex‐matched healthy control subjects (HCs) were recruited. Subjects with IA were given a 40‐day acupuncture treatment, and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected before and after acupuncture sessions. HCs received no treatment and underwent one fMRI scan after enrollment. The intergroup differences in functional connectivity (FC) among the subcortical nucleus (SN) and fronto‐parietal network (FPN) were compared between HCs and subjects with IA at baseline. Then, the intragroup FC differences between the pre‐ and post‐treatment were analyzed in the IA group. A multiple linear regression model was further employed to fit the FC changes to symptom relief in the IA group.

Results

In comparison to HCs, subjects with IA exhibited significantly heightened FC within and between the SN and FPN at baseline. After 40 days of acupuncture treatment, the FC within the FPN and between the SN and FPN were significantly decreased in individuals with IA. Symptom improvement in subjects with IA was well fitted by the decrease in FC between the left midbrain and ventral prefrontal cortex and between the left thalamus and ventral anterior prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion

These findings confirmed the modulatory effects of acupuncture on the aberrant functional interactions among the SN and FPN, which may partly reflect the neurophysiological mechanism of acupuncture for IA.
A novel hierarchically hybrid structure of MXene and bi‐ligand ZIF‐67 based trifunctional electrocatalyst for zinc‐air battery and water splitting
Authors: Mane Rupali S. , Mane Suyash , Somkuwar Vaishnavi , Thombre Nitin V. , Patwardhan Anand V. , Jha Neetu
Published: September 2023

The development of cost‐effective and durable electrocatalysts possesses a broad spectrum of applications in sustainable energy systems. Herein, a hierarchical composite of Co‐based bi‐ligand zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF‐67) with highly conducting 2D MXene as highly efficient noble metal free electrocatalyst for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), complete water splitting, along with zinc‐air battery (ZAB) has been studied. ZIF‐67 is reported as an efficient electrocatalyst due to its porous structures, high surface area and atomically dispersed active metal centres while low conductivity and structural instability have been addressed by pyrolysis. In this work, structural disintegration due to temperature effect has been handled by using bi‐ligand linkers in ZIF (b‐ZIF‐67) which controls its sharp morphology and uniform mesoporous structure. This b‐ZIF‐67 has been supported on highly conducting 2D MXene material which exposes ample accessible active sites to accelerate the electroactivity of the synthesized catalyst. The resultant b‐CZIF‐67/MXene catalyst exhibits superior onset of 0.91 and 0.93 V in acidic and alkaline medium respectively for ORR. At the current density of 10 mA/cm2 catalyst shows a very low overpotential of 0.170 mV and 1.47 V for HER and OER, respectively. The excellent specific charge storage of 550.6 mAh/g was displayed by the homemade ZAB pouch.
The crosstalk between ferroptosis and anti‐tumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic controversy
Authors: Zheng Yichen , Sun Lingqi , Guo Jiamin , Ma Ji
Published: September 2023

The advent of immunotherapy has significantly reshaped the landscape of cancer treatment, greatly enhancing therapeutic outcomes for multiple types of cancer. However, only a small subset of individuals respond to it, underscoring the urgent need for new methods to improve its response rate. Ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of programmed cell death, has emerged as a promising approach for anti‐tumor therapy, with targeting ferroptosis to kill tumors seen as a potentially effective strategy. Numerous studies suggest that inducing ferroptosis can synergistically enhance the effects of immunotherapy, paving the way for a promising combined treatment method in the future. Nevertheless, recent research has raised concerns about the potential negative impacts on anti‐tumor immunity as a consequence of inducing ferroptosis, leading to conflicting views within the scientific community about the interplay between ferroptosis and anti‐tumor immunity, thereby underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive review of the existing literature on this relationship. Previous reviews on ferroptosis have touched on related content, many focusing primarily on the promoting role of ferroptosis on anti‐tumor immunity while overlooking recent evidence on the inhibitory effects of ferroptosis on immunity. Others have concentrated solely on discussing related content either from the perspective of cancer cells and ferroptosis or from immune cells and ferroptosis. Given that both cancer cells and immune cells exist in the tumor microenvironment, a one‐sided discussion cannot comprehensively summarize this topic. Therefore, from the perspectives of both tumor cells and tumor‐infiltrating immune cells, we systematically summarize the current conflicting views on the interplay between ferroptosis and anti‐tumor immunity, intending to provide potential explanations and identify the work needed to establish a translational basis for combined ferroptosis‐targeted therapy and immunotherapy in treating tumors.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphism at alcohol dehydrogenase 1B: A susceptible gene marker in oro‐/hypopharyngeal cancers from genome‐wide association study
Authors: Chien Hui‐Tzu , Tsai Chia‐Lung , Young Chi‐Kuan , Lee Yun‐Shien , Liao Chun‐Ta , Yeh Chih‐Ching , Chao Angel , Cho Kai‐Lun , Chen Ching‐Han , Huang Shiang‐Fu
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In the era of precision preventive medicine, susceptible genetic markers for oro‐/hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) have been investigated for genome‐wide associations.

Materials and Methods

A case–control study including 659 male head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, including 331 oropharyngeal cancer, treated between March 1996 and December 2016 and 2400 normal controls was performed. A single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to determine genetic loci that increase susceptibility to OPSCC.

Results

We analyzed the allele frequencies of 664,994 autosomal SNPs in 659 HNSCC cases; 7 SNPs scattered in loci of chromosomes 5, 7, 9, 11, and 19 were significant in genome‐wide association analysis (Pc < 1.0669 × 10−7). In OPSCCs (n = 331), two clustered regions in chromosomes 4 and 6 were significantly different from the controls. We successfully identified a missense alteration of the SNP region in alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) (https://genome.ucsc.edu; hg38); the top correlated locus was rs1229984 (p = 1 × 10−11). Adjusted for environmental exposure, including smoking, alcohol, and areca quid, a region in chromosome 12, related to alcohol metabolism, was found to independently increase the susceptibility to OPSCC. The ADH1B rs1229984 AA genotype had better overall survival compared to the AG and GG genotypes (p = 0.042) in OPSCC. The GG genotype in rs1229984 was significantly associated with a younger age of onset than other genotypes (p = 0.001 and <0.001, respectively) in OPSCC patients who consumed alcohol.

Conclusion

ADH1B was an important genetic locus that significantly correlated with the development of OPSCCs and patient survival.
Real‑world survival outcome comparing abiraterone acetate plus prednisone and enzalutamide for nonmetastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Tsujino Takuya , Tokushige Satoshi , Komura Kazumasa , Fukuokaya Wataru , Adachi Takahiro , Hirasawa Yosuke , Hashimoto Takeshi , Yoshizawa Atsuhiko , Saruta Masanobu , Ohno Takaya , Nakamori Keita , Maenosono Ryoichi , Nishimura Kazuki , Yamazaki Shogo , Uchimoto Taizo , Yanagisawa Takafumi , Mori Keiichiro , Urabe Fumihiko , Tsuzuki Shunsuke , Iwatani Kosuke , Yamamoto Shutaro , Takahara Kiyoshi , Inamoto Teruo , Kimura Takahiro , Ohno Yoshio , Shiroki Ryoichi , Azuma Haruhito
Published: September 2023

Background

There is little evidence of abiraterone acetate (AA) plus prednisone for patients with non‐metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of real‐world survival outcomes between AA plus prednisone and enzalutamide (Enz) in patients with nmCRPC, utilizing our consortium dataset.

Materials and Methods

The clinical records of 133 nmCRPC patients treated with first‐line Enz or AA plus prednisone were analyzed. The primary endpoints of the study were overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS). Cumulative incidence function (CIF) using Fine and Gray models was also utilized to assess non‐cancer‐caused death considering the competing risk of cancer‐caused death.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 36 months, 34 patients (25.6%) had deceased, with a median OS of 99 months in the entire cohort. There were no significant differences in comorbidities between the Enz and AA groups. Time to PSA progression (TTPP: HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.51–1.30, P = 0.375) and CSS (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.55–3.44, P = 0.5141) were comparable between the two groups. However, intriguingly, there was a trend towards shorter OS in patients treated with AA plus prednisone compared to Enz (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.29–1.12, P = 0.0978, median of 99 and 69 months in Enz and AA groups, respectively). CIF analysis revealed that nmCRPC patients treated with AA plus prednisone were more likely to result in non‐cancer‐caused death than those treated with Enz (HR 5.22, 95% CI 1.88–14.50, P = 0.0014).

Conclusions

Our real‐world survival analysis suggests that while AA plus prednisone may demonstrate comparable treatment efficacy to Enz in the context of nmCRPC, there may be an increased risk of non‐cancer‐caused death. Physicians should take into consideration this information when making treatment decisions for patients with nmCRPC.
Stimuli‐Responsive and Multifunctional Nanogels in Drug Delivery
Authors: Ashwani P. V. , Gopika G. , Arun Krishna K. V. , Jose Josena , John Franklin , George Jinu
Published: September 2023

Nanogels represent promising drug delivery systems in the biomedical field, designed to overcome challenges associated with standard treatment approaches. Stimuli‐responsive nanogels, often referred to as intelligent materials, have garnered significant attention for their potential to enhance control over properties such as drug release and targeting. Furthermore, researchers have recently explored the application of nanogels in diverse sectors beyond biomedicine including sensing materials, catalysts, or adsorbents for environmental applications. However, to fully harness their potential as practical delivery systems, further research is required to better understand their pharmacokinetic behaviour, interactions between nanogels and bio distributions, as well as toxicities. One promising future application of stimuli‐responsive multifunctional nanogels is their use as delivery agents in cancer treatment, offering an alternative to overcome the challenges with conventional approaches. This review discusses various synthetic methods employed in developing nanogels as efficient carriers for drug delivery in cancer treatment. The investigations explore, the key aspects of nanogels, including their multifunctionality and stimuli‐responsive properties, as well as associated toxicity concerns. The discussions presented herein aim to provide the readers a comprehensive understanding of the potential of nanogels as smart drug delivery systems in the context of cancer therapy.
State estimation for one‐dimensional agro‐hydrological processes with model mismatch
Authors: Liu Zhuangyu , Liu Jinfeng , Zhao Shunyi , Luan Xiaoli , Liu Fei
Published: September 2023

The importance of accurate soil moisture data for the development of modern closed‐loop irrigation systems cannot be overstated. Due to the diversity of soil, it is difficult to obtain an accurate model for the agro‐hydrological system. In this study, soil moisture estimation in one‐dimensional (1D) agro‐hydrological systems with model mismatch is the focus. To address the problem of model mismatch, a nonlinear state‐space model derived from the Richards equation is utilized, along with additive unknown inputs. The determination of the number of sensors required is achieved through sensitivity analysis and the orthogonalization projection method. To estimate states and unknown inputs in real‐time, a recursive expectation maximization (EM) algorithm derived from the conventional EM algorithm is employed. During the E‐step, the extended Kalman filter (EKF) is used to compute states and covariance in the recursive Q‐function, while in the M‐step, unknown inputs are updated by locally maximizing the recursive Q‐function. The estimation performance is evaluated using comprehensive simulations. Through this method, accurate soil moisture estimation can be obtained, even in the presence of model mismatch.
Exploring the Translational Gap of a Novel Class of Escherichia coli IspE Inhibitors
Authors: Ropponen Henni‐Karoliina , Diamanti Eleonora , Johannsen Sandra , Illarionov Boris , Hamid Rawia , Jaki Miriam , Sass Peter , Fischer Markus , Haupenthal Jörg , Hirsch Anna K. H.
Published: September 2023

Discovery of novel antibiotics needs multidisciplinary approaches to gain target enzyme and bacterial activities while aiming for selectivity over mammalian cells. Here, we report a multiparameter optimisation of a fragment‐like hit that was identified through a structure‐based virtual‐screening campaign on Escherichia coli IspE crystal structure. Subsequent medicinal‐chemistry design resulted in a novel class of E. coli IspE inhibitors, exhibiting activity also against the more pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. While cytotoxicity remains a challenge for the series, it provides new insights on the molecular properties for balancing enzymatic target and bacterial activities simultaneously as well as new starting points for the development of IspE inhibitors with a predicted new mode of action.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Based Nanofluids and Their Heat‐Transfer Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Lingala Syam Sundar
Published: September 2023

Due to the improved thermophysical characteristics of ionic liquids (ILs), such as their strong ionic conductivity, negligible vapor pressure, and thermal stability at high temperatures, they are being looked at viable contender for future heat transfer fluids. Additionally, the dispersing nanoparticles can further improve the thermophysical characteristics and thermal performance of ionic liquids, which is one of the emerging research interests to increase the heat transfer rates of the thermal devices. The latest investigations about the utilization of ionic liquid nanofluids as a heat transfer fluid is summarized in this work. These summaries are broken down into three types: (a) the thermophysical parameters including thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and specific heat of ionic liquids (base fluids), (b) the thermophysical properties like thermal conductivity, viscosity, density, and viscosity of ionic liquids based nanofluids (IL nanofluids), and (iii) utilization of IL nanofluids as a heat transfer fluid in the thermal devices. The techniques for measuring the thermophysical characteristics and the synthesis of IL nanofluids are also covered. The suggestions for potential future research directions for IL nanofluids are summarized.
Isolation of Mouse Neutrophils
Authors: Wishart Andrew L. , Swamydas Muthulekha , Lionakis Michail S.
Published: September 2023

Neutrophils represent the first line of defense against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Indeed, patients with inherited or acquired qualitative and quantitative neutrophil defects are at high risk for developing bacterial and fungal infections and suffering adverse outcomes from these infections. Therefore, research aiming at defining the molecular factors that modulate neutrophil effector function under homeostatic conditions and during infection is essential for devising strategies to augment neutrophil function and improve the outcomes of infected individuals. This article describes reproducible density‐gradient‐centrifugation‐based as well as positive and negative immunomagnetic selection protocols that can be applied in any laboratory to harvest large numbers of highly enriched and highly viable neutrophils from the bone marrow of mice. In another protocol, we also present a method that combines gentle enzymatic tissue digestion with a positive immunomagnetic selection technique or fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) to harvest highly pure and highly viable preparations of neutrophils directly from mouse tissues such as the kidney, the liver, or the spleen. Mouse neutrophils isolated by these protocols can be used to examine several aspects of cellular function ex vivo, including pathogen binding, phagocytosis, and killing, neutrophil chemotaxis, oxidative burst, degranulation, and cytokine production, and for performing neutrophil adoptive transfer experiments. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of Neutrophils from Mouse Bone Marrow Using Positive Immunomagnetic Separation

Alternate Protocol 1: Purification of Neutrophils from Bone Marrow Using Negative Immunomagnetic Separation

Alternate Protocol 2: Purification of Neutrophils from Bone Marrow Using Histopaque‐Based Density Gradient Centrifugation

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of Neutrophils from Mouse Tissues Using Positive Immunomagnetic Separation

Alternate Protocol 3: Isolation of Neutrophils from Mouse Tissues Using FACS
Research on the impact of environment, social and governance performance on corporate valuation: Evidence from China
Authors: NI Xinbo , Yuan Fangying , Gao Huiwen
Published: September 2023

With the greater popularity and recognition of the environment, social, and governance concept, it has increasingly become the focus of investors and enterprises in corporate valuation, capital allocation, strategic planning, and investment decision‐making. The environment, social, and governance framework covers many factors that affect a company's long‐term financial performance and sustainable development, so the environment, social, and governance characteristics of the company will reflect the long‐term value it can create in the future. Previous studies have rarely confirmed a strong positive correlation between corporate environment, social and governance performance, and valuation, and even if confirmed, they have not explained how environment, social, and governance performance affect valuation. Therefore, the originality of this paper lies in explaining how environment, social, and governance affect valuation, as well as discovering which factors in environment, social, and governance affect valuation, and which characteristics of the company will strengthen or weaken this impact. This paper uses a two‐way fixed effect model to study the impact of environment, social, and governance performance on the valuation of listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share markets from 2014 to 2021. Research findings: Enterprise environment, social, and governance performance can significantly improve its valuation, and the impact of environmental and social performance is more significant. Mediating effect test found that enterprise environment, social, and governance performance improves enterprise valuation by reducing the cost of capital, increasing investor attention, and reducing corporate financial risk. The moderating effect found that compared to state‐owned enterprises, the valuation of non‐state enterprises is highly influenced by environment, social, and governance performance, and corporate information transparency can also promote the transformation of environment, social, and governance performance to valuation. After a series of robustness and endogeneity tests, the results can still support the conclusions of this article. The contribution of this study is to provide empirical evidence for the positive economic consequences of environment, social, and governance performance, which has certain implications for enterprises and investors to attach importance to environment, social, and governance performance, and for government departments to improve environment, social and governance incentive policies. Due to the limitations of selecting only A‐share listed companies for the sample, further research is needed on the applicability of the conclusions of this article to other countries or small and medium‐sized enterprises. In future research, we need to continue to investigate whether there are any other influencing mechanisms that have not been discovered by us.
Covalent Organic Framework‐based Solid‐State Electrolytes, Electrode Materials, and Separators for Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhu Youlong , Bai Qiaoshuang , Ouyang Shan , Jin Yinghua , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2023

The increasing global energy consumption has led to the rapid development of renewable energy storage technologies. Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been extensively studied and utilized for reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy storage. Nevertheless, designing new materials for LIB applications with high capacity and long‐term stability is highly desired but remains a challenging task. Recently, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as superior candidates for LIB applications due to their high porosity, well‐defined pores, highly customizable structure, and tunable functionalities. These merits enable the preparation of tailored COFs with predesigned redox‐active moieties and suitable porous channels that can improve the lithium‐ion storage and transportation. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of COFs and their composites for a variety of LIB applications, including (quasi) solid‐state electrolytes, electrode materials, and separators. Finally, the challenges and potential future directions of employing COFs for LIBs are also briefly discussed, further promoting the foundation of this class of exciting materials for future advances in energy‐related applications.
Using species distribution modeling to generate relative abundance information in socio‐politically unstable territories: Conservation of Felidae in the central‐western region of Mexico
Authors: Charre‐Medellín Juan F. , Ferrer‐Ferrando David , Monterrubio‐Rico Tiberio C. , Fernández‐López Javier , Acevedo Pelayo
Published: September 2023

The distribution range and population abundance of species provide fundamental information on the species–habitat relationship required for management and conservation. Abundance inherently provides more information about the ecology of species than do occurrence data. However, information on abundance is scarce for most species, mainly at large spatial scales. The objective of this work was, therefore, to provide information regarding the population status of six wild felids inhabiting territories in Mexico that are inaccessible or politically unstable. This was done using species distribution models derived from occurrence data. We used distribution data at a continental scale for the wild felids inhabiting Mexico: jaguar (Panthera onca), bobcat (Lynx rufus), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), cougar (Puma concolor), margay (Leopardus wiedii), and jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) to predict environmental suitability (estimated by both Maxent and the distance to niche centroid, DNC). Suitability was then examined by relating to a capture rate‐based index, in a well‐monitored area in central western Mexico in order to assess their performance as proxies of relative abundance. Our results indicate that the environmental suitability patterns predicted by both algorithms were comparable. However, the strength of the relationship between the suitability and relative abundance of local populations differed across species and between algorithms, with the bobcat and DNC, respectively, having the best fit, although the relationship was not consistent in all the models. This paper presents the potential of implementing species distribution models in order to predict the relative abundance of wild felids in Mexico and offers guidance for the proper interpretation of the relationship between suitability and population abundance. The results obtained provide a robust information base on which to outline specific conservation actions and on which to examine the potential status of endangered species inhabiting remote or politically unstable territories in which on‐field monitoring programs are not feasible.
An inconvenient trend: Decadal decline in ground height of swamps in Southern Illinois
Authors: Middleton Beth A.
Published: September 2023

An understanding of the long‐term trends of ground height and sedimentation in a landscape context can provide a framework to better understand the impacts of agricultural development on floodplain processes. This study examined long‐term changes in ground height using surface elevation tables (SETs) and sediment deposition measurements in the Cache River floodplains of Southern Illinois including Taxodium distichum swamps in Crawford Tract and Eagle Pond from 2019 to 2022 and in Deer Pond and Snake Hole from 2005 to 2022. The mean ground heights of these swamps decreased by a mean of −0.33, −033, −0.28 and −0.19 cm year−1, respectively. Annual sediment deposition on feldspar markers in Crawford Tract was negligible from 2020 to 2022 (range of annual deposition depth: <0.1 to 0.4 cm). However, sediment deposition at Deer Pond and Snake Hole was higher from 2006 to 2021 (range of annual deposition depth: <0.1–2.5 and <1 to 2.0 cm, respectively). In some years, the sites appeared scoured, and the feldspar markers had disappeared. The loss of ground height in these swamps could be related to erosion, increased precipitation and/or downcutting of the channel following the construction of a major diversion to dewater the floodplain via the Post Creek Cutoff in the early 1900s. Despite the limitations of this study toward revealing specific mechanisms linking floodplain erosion to channel downcutting and the engineered features of this landscape, this study clearly showed that Cache floodplains have lost height in past decades with potential consequences for the conservation of natural forests.
Trans‐N‐alkylation Covalent Exchanges on 1,3,4‐Trisubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazolium Iodides
Authors: Akacha Rania , Abdelhedi‐Miladi Imen , Montarnal Damien , Ben Romdhane Hatem , Drockenmuller Eric
Published: September 2023

1,3,4‐Trisubstituted 1,2,3‐triazolium salts having either aliphatic or benzylic substituents at the N‐1 and N‐3 positions were synthesized in two steps involving: i) copper(I) catalyzed azide‐alkyne 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC), and ii) N‐alkylation of the 1,2,3‐triazole intermediates. Trans‐N‐alkylation reactions in bulk and in the presence of excess methyl iodide were monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy for each 1,2,3‐triazolium molecular model. By assigning the different formed species and their respective evolution with time, it was possible to conclude that trans‐N‐alkylation exchange reactions are significantly faster for benzylic substituents than for aliphatic ones. Furthermore, the exchange reactions are noticeably faster at the N‐3 position than at the N‐1 position most likely due to the steric hindrance induced by the neighboring C‐4 substituent. The kinetics of trans‐N‐alkylation reactions are thus influenced by both the chemical nature of the N‐1 and N‐3 substituents and the regiochemistry of the 1,2,3‐triazolium group. This provides important structural design rules to improve the properties of thermosetting covalent adaptable networks involving trans‐N‐alkylation of 1,2,3‐triazolium salts.
The development of laterite weathering profiles as a function of rainfall and time: A geophysical approach
Authors: Barton Benjamin C. , Nelson Stephen T. , McBride John H. , Bickmore Barry R. , Spring Isaiah , Wells Leeza , Van Katwyk Peter , Wolfe Eugene E.
Published: September 2023

Laterite weathering profile (LWP) thicknesses are functions of precipitation rate and time, but their exact dependence on them is uncertain. We investigate LWP development on ground surfaces in Hawai'i that are neither aggrading nor eroding across substrates from 0.01 to 4 Ma and rainfall rates of <250 to >3000 mm/a. The Hawaiian Islands provide an excellent opportunity for LWP studies across climates and over millions of years on a single rock type, basalt. LWP weathering rates are usually determined by geochemical approaches. We present a geophysical method once bedrock ages and precipitation rates are known. We employed multichannel analysis of surface waves and horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio methods. Results indicate that >70% of the variability in LWP thickness is due to precipitation and bedrock age. The remainder is attributed to measurement uncertainty and heterogeneity in the permeability of basalt. LWPs develop by two paths. Dry (<1000 mm/a) areas have a negative water balance with evapotranspiration exceeding rainfall. LWPs thicken until they reach a steady state where the storage capacity of the saprolite precludes the percolation of water into subjacent lava. In wetter areas, downslope interflow produces thick laterite wedges near coastlines that migrate upslope over ~1 Ma. Subsequently, they thicken and reach a steady state where precipitation cannot deliver water through the vadose zone. LWPs' thickness (T) increases as a function of time (t) and precipitation (P) according to the expression (95% confidence):
. The first partial derivative, or weathering rate, is
. Weathering rates decrease with time and are strong functions of t and P. These expressions add considerable insight into the rates and processes driving weathering at large scales and can also be solved for t, giving a rough estimate of the time of landscape formation of eroded surfaces.