bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of poikilocytosis as an emerging erythrocytic biomarker for fish health assessment
Authors: Bardhan Avishek , Abraham Thangapalam Jawahar , Das Ratnapriya , Patil Prasanna Kumar
Published: January 2024

Fish health assessment is essential for maintaining sustainable aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the well‐being of wild and farmed fish populations. Hematological parameters are crucial indicators of fish health, with poikilocytosis emerging as a fundamental marker with significant diagnostic value. Poikilocytosis refers to abnormally shaped erythrocytes in bloodstream, reflecting underlying physiological and pathological conditions. Poikilocytosis can occur in various fish species and can be influenced by environmental stressors, infectious agents, nutritional deficiencies, and exposure to pollutants. Morphological alterations in erythrocytes, such as acanthocytes, echinocytes, dacrocytes, schistocytes, spherocytes, and codocytes are common poikilocytes in fish. Understanding the relationship between poikilocytosis and fish health has important implications for disease diagnosis, monitoring, surveillance, and management. By quantifying poikilocytic changes, researchers and veterinarians can differentiate normal variations from pathological conditions, facilitating targeted interventions and treatment strategies. While most studies have focused on heavy metal toxicity, stressors, nutritional deficiencies, pollutants, and therapeutics, the etiological induction of poikilocytosis in fish health has been overlooked. Nonetheless, poikilocytosis remains a valuable biomarker for assessing fish health and their environment. This review highlights piscine poikilocytosis as a significant fish hematological biomarker and its importance in understanding their health and culture conditions.
Metal‐Free Heterogeneous Photocatalysis for Carbocarboxylation of Alkenes: Efficient Synthesis of γ‐Amino Carboxylic Derivatives
Authors: Wu Ziwei , Zhai Senmao , Luo Meizhen , Dong Quan , Wu Shiwen , Zheng Meifang
Published: January 2024

A metal‐free heterogeneous protocol is established herein for the synthesis of value‐added γ‐amino acid scaffolds via carbocarboxylation of alkenes with CO2 and alkylamines under visible light irradiation. The protocol shows broad substrate scope under mild reaction conditions and good stability of the catalyst for recycle tests. Moreover, the methodology could be feasible to the late‐stage derivatization of several natural products, enriching the chemical arsenal for practical application.
Ersatzneubau Strombrückenzug Magdeburg
Authors: Burgard Stefan , Eins Karsten , Anistoroaiei Christian , Schulz Stefan
Published: January 2024

Das Vorhaben „Ersatzneubau Strombrückenzug“ soll die vorhandene Brückenverbindung der bestehenden Anna‐Ebert‐Brücke ersetzen. Diese weist aufgrund des Hochwassers 2013 einen irreversiblen und nicht reparablen statischen Totalschaden auf und muss zwingend umgehend und schnellstmöglich durch den Ersatzneubau entlastet werden. Herzstück der innerstädtischen Neubauplanung aus zwei Brückenbauwerken und sechs Knotenpunkten ist die Schrägseilbrücke über die Alte Elbe, bei welcher aufgrund ihrer Lage im FFH‐Gebiet der Alten Elbe strenge Auflagen hinsichtlich der Montagetechnologie zu berücksichtigen waren.
Automatisierte, BIM‐basierte Ökobilanzierung am Beispiel des Infrastrukturbaus
Authors: Hermann Felix , Max Paul Christian , Kunz Matthias
Published: January 2024

Ein großer Teil der CO2‐Emissionen geht auf die Baubranche zurück. Das größte Potenzial, um diese zu reduzieren, besteht in den frühen Planungsphasen. Die Grundlage für ökologische Optimierungen sind Ökobilanzen (Life Cycle Assessment). Dennoch werden sie v. a. im Infrastrukturbau nur selten erstellt, weil sie mit einem hohen Aufwand verbunden sind und bestehende BIM‐LCA‐Tools eine Vielzahl an BIM‐Modellen nicht verarbeiten können. Nun hat ein Team bei AFRY Deutschland die Methode BIMetrix entwickelt, mit der sich LCAs auch für Hunderte von BIM‐Modellen automatisiert erstellen und dreidimensional visualisieren lassen. Sie wurde bereits erfolgreich in einem realen Pilotprojekt der Deutschen Bahn eingesetzt und validiert. Die Methode eröffnet allen Bereichen des Bauwesens die Möglichkeit, CO2‐Emissionen gezielt zu reduzieren.
Conductive MOFs: Synthesis and Applications in Supercapacitors and Batteries
Authors: Duan Pan , Dai Wenlei , Wang Zixuan , Chen Ming , Niu Liang , Wu Taizheng , Zeng Liang , Feng Guang
Published: January 2024

Conductive metal‐organic frameworks (c‐MOFs) have uniform, adjustable pore sizes and customizable functional groups and excellent electrical conductivity, making them promising electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage. However, the synthesis of high crystallinity c‐MOFs remains a significant challenge. The purpose of this review is to provide guidance for the synthesis of high crystallinity c‐MOFs and emphasize their applications in the field of energy storage. We begin with reviewing the influence of various reaction conditions on the morphology, size, and crystallinity of c‐MOFs, and then summarize the current work on c‐MOFs in the field of electrochemical energy storage from both experiment and modeling. Furthermore, the existing issues are discussed in the development of c‐MOFs and the primary directions for future research.
In situ Electrolyte Design: Understanding the Prospects and Limitations of a High Capacity Ca(BH4)2 Anode for All Solid State Batteries
Authors: Chen Yixin , Sakamoto Ryo , Inoishi Atsushi , Okada Shigeto , Sakaebe Hikari , Albrecht Ken , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: January 2024

All‐solid‐state batteries have gained considerable attention due to their high safety and energy density. However, solid state electrolytes which contribute to the ionic conductivity component of a composite electrode, are not utilized during the electrode reaction and cannot directly contribute to capacity. This study focuses on decreasing the amount of electrolyte in the electrode by utilizing Ca(BH4)2 as an active electrode material. In this work, the charge‐discharge properties of Ca(BH4)2 as an electrode material were determined for the first time. The lithiation of the Ca(BH4)2 anode creates LiBH4 within the electrode mixture, providing new Li‐ion conduction pathways within the composite electrode in situ. An electrode fabricated only from Ca(BH4)2 and acetylene black (AB) showed an initial capacity of 473 mAh g−1 at 120 °C, which is comparable to the performance obtained from a composite electrode additionally containing electrolyte. Evidently, Ca(BH4)2 is a promising candidate negative electrode for increased energy density all‐solid‐state Li‐ion batteries.
Evidence for cytochrome P450 3A4‐mediated metabolic activation of SCO‐267
Authors: Li Cui , Li Xiaokun , Fan Ali , He Ning , Wu Dongmei , Yu Hongyan , Wang Kun , Jiao Weijie , Zhao Xu
Published: January 2024

SCO‐267 is a potent G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist that is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The current work was undertaken to investigate the bioactivation potential of SCO‐267 in vitro and in vivo. Three SCO‐267‐derived glutathione (GSH) conjugates (M1–M3) were found both in rat and human liver microsomal incubations supplemented with GSH and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. Two GSH conjugates (M1–M2) together with two N‐acetyl‐cysteine conjugates (M4–M5) were detected in the bile of rats receiving SCO‐267 at 10 mg/kg. The identified conjugates suggested the generation of quinone‐imine and ortho‐quinone intermediates. CYP3A4 was demonstrated to primarily catalyze the bioactivation of SCO‐267. In addition, SCO‐267 concentration‐, time‐, and NADPH‐dependently inactivated CYP3A in human liver microsomes using testosterone as a probe substrate, along with KI and kinact values of 4.91 μM and 0.036 min−1, respectively. Ketoconazole (a competitive inhibitor of CYP3A) displayed no significant protective effect on SCO‐267‐induced CYP3A inactivation. However, inclusion of GSH showed significant protection. These findings revealed that SCO‐267 undergoes a facile CYP3A4‐catalyzed bioactivation with the generation of quinone‐imine and ortho‐quinone intermediates, which were assumed to be involved in SCO‐267 induced CYP3A inactivation. These findings provide further insight into the bioactivation pathways involved in the generation of reactive, potentially toxic metabolites of SCO‐267. Further studies are needed to evaluate the influence of SCO‐267 metabolism on the safety of this drug in vivo.
Factors contributing to the burnout of the faculties of a medical university in Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ghahramani Sulmaz , Moghadami Mohsen , Omidifar Navid , Tabatabaei Seyed Mohamad Mehdi , Sayari Mohammad , Bagheri Lankarani Kamran
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Faculty members confront a variety of obstacles over time, the most recent of which is the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which may increase their vulnerability to burnout (BO). This study aims to examine BO in medical school faculties, as well as the factors that lead to BO and well‐being in them.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2021 using online questionnaires completed by 222 faculty members of a medical university in Iran. The Maslach Burnout Inventory‐Human Services Survey (MBI‐HSS) and the Well‐being index (WBI) were used. Additionally, we gathered individual‐level profiles (demographic, well‐being) and occupational information (job profile, attitude toward work).

Results

A total of 60 (27%) faculties reported having high BO, and 112 (50.5%) reported having low well‐being. Being female (odds ratio, OR = 2.69), having time to spend with the family (OR = .26), the intent of turnover (OR = 8.65), job recommendation to the offspring (OR = .26), and experiencing violence last year (OR = 2.97) were some of the individual‐level factors and job‐related attitudes associated with a higher BO. In the neural network for BO, the most important variables were the intention of turnover, followed by adequate family time.

Conclusion

One third of the responding faculty reported severe BO, and BO was found to be significantly associated with lower well‐being. The increased levels of BO and a decreased experience of well‐being were both associated with a higher intention of turnover. According to the study, it is important to pay attention to both clinical and nonclinical field faculty members, female faculty members, those who have a high workload, and members who have experienced violence in the workplace. By acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences faced by these individuals, tailored measures can be developed to address their specific concerns and foster a supportive and inclusive environment.
Association between functional network connectivity, retina structure and microvasculature, and visual performance in patients after thalamic stroke: An exploratory multi‐modality study
Authors: Ye Chen , Kwapong William Robert , Tang Biqiu , Liu Junfeng , Tao Wendan , Lu Kun , Pan Ruosu , Wang Anmo , Liao Lanhua , Yang Tang , Cao Le , Wang Youjie , Jiang Shuai , Zhang Xuening , Liu Ming , Wu Bo
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

Neuro‐ophthalmologic symptoms and retinal changes have been increasingly observed following thalamic stroke, and there is mounting evidence indicating distinct alterations occurring in the vision‐related functional network. However, the intrinsic correlations between these changes are not yet fully understood. Our objective was to explore the altered patterns of functional network connectivity and retina parameters, and their correlations with visual performance in patients with thalamic stroke.

Methods

We utilized resting‐state functional MRI to obtain multi‐modular functional connectivity (FC), and optical coherence tomography‐angiography to measure various retina parameters, such as the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), superficial vascular complex (SVC), and deep vascular complex. Visual acuity (VA) was used as a metric for visual performance.

Results

We included 46 patients with first‐ever unilateral thalamic stroke (mean age 59.74 ± 10.02 years, 33 males). Significant associations were found between FC of attention‐to‐default mode and SVC, RNFL, and GCIPL, as well as between FC of attention‐to‐visual and RNFL (p < .05). Both RNFL and GCIPL exhibited significant associations with FC of visual‐to‐visual (p < .05). Only GCIPL showed an association with VA (p = .038). Stratified analysis based on a disease duration of 6 months revealed distinct and significant linking patterns in multi‐modular FC and specific retina parameters, with varying correlations with VA in each subgroup.

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insight into the neural basis of the associations between brain network dysfunction and impaired visual performance in patients with thalamic stroke. Our novel findings have the potential to inform future targeted and individualized therapies. However, further comprehensive studies are necessary to validate our results.
Evaluating the sustainability profile of banks: A comprehensive benchmarking analysis in the Italian context
Authors: La Torre Mario , Bittucci Lucilla , Paccione Cosimo , Palma Alessia
Published: January 2024

The integration of sustainability factors in banking activities is becoming more urgent and necessary since banks are asked by regulatory and supervisory authorities to integrate Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) components in their risk management and governance frameworks. In literature, there is a lack of studies that assess the sustainability orientation of banks. We tried to fill this literature gap by providing a formal approach to evaluate the sustainability profile of Italian banks against the requirements of Article 111 bis of the National Normative Framework, which defines specific criteria for “sustainable banks”. Exploiting a mixed‐method approach, we analyze banks' compliance with the requirements of Article 111 bis and develop a distance metric that allows us to evaluate the distance of traditional banks from a selected benchmark compliant with Article 111 bis. While our findings reveal that Italian banks fall short of complete compliance with Article 111 bis, positive trends, particularly in sustainable lending, are discernible. Our paper represents an initial reflection on the definition of a sustainable business strategy, identifying crucial aspects that can be considered in harmonizing the bank's transition path to sustainability.
A world of counterfeits: Knowledge to decide
Authors: Marín‐Palacios Cristina , Botey‐Fullat Maria , Márquez Juan Antonio
Published: January 2024

Counterfeiting has become a major social problem because of the consequences for consumers, businesses and governments. The objective is to describe the current state of counterfeiting research, define the main thematic areas, identify gaps and highlight key findings. A bibliometric analysis of the growing number of publications addressing the counterfeiting problem in the existing literature is conducted. The articles are taken from a search of the Scopus database. After excluding some scientific‐technological subareas, 1984 papers are analyzed, to which 23 outstanding papers were added at a later stage. In more recent years, most of the articles focus on the development of technologies. Four conceptual areas have been identified: technological development, social behavior, economic aspects and legal aspects. The latter two are the least studied. Also identified in the social area are two topics of interest that have been little addressed, namely, the effect of prior purchase experience and the development of theories describing consumer behavior towards counterfeits. The value derived from this research is the identification of new lines of research with the economic and legal area, it would be of interest to initiate a research program that studies what proportion of counterfeits are sanctioned, to which interest group the sanction is directed and if the sanction is proportional to the damage caused to society and the company. In addition, with regard to the study of counterfeit consumer behaviour, its development can provide information to guide the definition of public awareness strategies and help to adapt companies' marketing campaigns.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity, Anticholinergic and Antidiabetic Activities, and Phenolic Ingredients of Asphodelus aestivus by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Polat Köse Leyla
Published: January 2024

Herein, it was aimed to evaluate three different extracts of the plant Asphodelus aestivus in terms of their antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, flavonoid profile, and anticholinergic and antidiabetic activity. In addition, the phenolic content of the A. aestivus extracts was determined by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The results obtained in the antioxidant studies were checked against butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, Trolox, and α‐tocopherol antioxidants, which are reference standards. The half‐maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) values of A. aestivus for 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) removal activity were 245.015–285.851 and 285.818–371.563 μg/mL, respectively. Then, the reducing impact of A. aestivus extracts was evaluated by the cupric ion (Cu2+), ferric ion (Fe3+), and Fe3+‐TPTZ reducing capabilities. Moreover, 0.058, 0.064, and 0.100 μg of gallic acid equivalent of phenolic and 0.500, 1.212, and 2.074 μg of quercetin equivalent of flavonoid contents were determined from 1 mg of ethanol, water, and water–ethanol extracts, respectively. For water–ethanol, ethanol, and water extracts of A. aestivus, IC50 values of 0.062±0.0001, 0.068±0.0002, and 0.090±0.0001 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase, respectively, were calculated. In addition, against the enzyme α‐glucosidase IC50 values of 16.376±0.2216, 18.907±0.3004, and 24.471±0.4929 μg/mL, respectively, were calculated. Extracts showed considerable biological activities thanks to the important molecules they contain.
PEM Electrolysis in a Stirred‐Tank Bioreactor Enables Autotrophic Growth of Clostridium ragsdalei with CO2 and Electrons
Authors: Schwarz Irina , Rieck Arielle , Mehmood Asad , Bublitz Raphaela , Bongers Lukas , Weuster‐Botz Dirk , Fellinger Tim‐Patrick
Published: January 2024

Acetogenic bacteria produce CO2‐based chemicals in aqueous media by hydrogenotrophic conversion of CO2, but CO is the preferred carbon and electron source. Consequently, coupling CO2 electrolysis with bacterial fermentation within an integrated bio‐electrocatalytical system (BES) is promising, if CO2 reduction catalysts are available for the generation of CO in the complex biotic electrolyte. A standard stirred‐tank bioreactor was coupled to a zero‐gap PEM electrolysis cell for CO2 conversion, allowing voltage control and separation of the anode in one single cell. The cathodic CO2 reduction and the competing hydrogen evolution enabled in‐situ feeding of C. ragsdalei with CO and H2. Proof‐of‐concept was demonstrated in first batch processes with continuous CO2 gassing, as autotrophic growth and acetate formation was observed in the stirred BES in a voltage range of −2.4 to −3.0 V. The setup is suitable also for other bioelectrocatalytic reactions. Increased currents and lower overvoltages are however required. Atomically‐dispersed M−N−C catalysts show promise, if degradation throughout autoclaving can be omitted. The development of selective and autoclavable catalysts resistant to contamination and electrode design for the complex electrolyte will enable efficient bioelectrocatalytic power‐to‐X systems based on the introduced BES.
Stereoselectivity of paclobutrazol enantiomers to oxidative stress in wheat
Authors: Yang Chao , Li Hao , Liang Huajun , Huang Bo , Sun Yitao , Yang Wenlong , Wu Yilun , Cui Youhe , Hai Jiangbo , Dong Zhoujia
Published: January 2024

Chiral pesticides have the special chiral structures, so enantioselective biological effects are usually observed in living organisms. Current study used paclobutrazol as a case study and explored the enantioselective degradation and oxidative stress effect on wheat. The results demonstrated that the degradation of R‐paclobutrazol was faster than S‐paclobutrazol significantly and improved the content of MDA and O2− in wheat plants, which proved that the R‐paclobutrazol induced oxidative damage in wheat, showing selective biological effects, and S‐paclobutrazol was friendly to wheat. This study provided a theoretical basis for the selective activity of chiral pesticides and the development of chiral pesticide monomers.
Enantioselective recognition, synthesis, and separation of pharmaceutical compounds at chiral metallic surfaces
Authors: Suwankaisorn Banyong , Aroonratsameruang Ponart , Kuhn Alexander , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: January 2024

The development of new pharmaceutical compounds is challenging because most of them are based on enantiopure chiral molecules, which exhibit unique properties for therapy. However, the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds in the absence of a chiral environment naturally leads to a racemic mixture. Thus, to control their synthesis, an asymmetric environment is required, and chiral homogeneous catalysts are typically used to synthesize enantiopure pharmaceutical compounds (EPC). Nevertheless, homogeneous catalysts are difficult to recover after the reaction, generating additional problems and costs in practical processes. Thus, the development of chiral heterogeneous catalysts is a timely topic. In a more general context, such chiral materials cannot only be used for synthesis, but also to recognize and separate enantiomers. In the frame of these different challenges, we give in this review a short introduction to strategies to extrinsically and intrinsically modify heterogeneous metal matrixes for the enantioselective synthesis, recognition, and separation of chiral pharmaceutical compounds.
A Rigid Bender Study of the Bending Relaxation of H2O and D2O by Collisions with Ar
Authors: García‐Vázquez Ricardo Manuel , Cabrera‐González Lisán David , Denis‐Alpizar Otoniel , Stoecklin Thierry
Published: January 2024

The bending relaxation of H2O and D2O by collisions with Ar is studied at the Close Coupling level. Two new 4D PES are developed for these two systems. They are tested by performing rigid rotor calculations as well as by computing the D2O−Ar bound states. The results are compared with available theoretical and experimental data. Propensity rules for the dynamics are discussed and compared to those of H2O colliding with Ne or He. The bending relaxation cross sections and rates are then calculated for these two systems. The results are analysed and compared with available experimental data.
Enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells using W doped SnO2 electron transporting layer
Authors: Cheng Nian , Li Weiwei , Zheng Dingshan , Yang Wen‐Xing
Published: January 2024

For low temperature (≤180 °C) processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs), SnO2 has been proven to be one of the most effective electron transporting layer. However, problems, such as poor electric conductivity and high defect density, inevitably exist in the SnO2 films which are fabricated using low temperature solution methods. Element doping of SnO2 film is a feasible strategy to alleviate the above problems. Herein, W doping of the SnO2 is realized through addition of ammonium tungstate hydrate into the molecular precursor of SnO2. The W doped SnO2 film exhibits higher conductivity, and can better extract and transport the electrons from the perovskite films. Hence, power conversion efficiency is boosted from 20.60 % for the reference PSCs to 21.83 % for PSCs fabricated on 2.5 mg mL−1 ammonium tungstate hydrate doped SnO2 films.
Compact dual‐frequency impedance transformer for frequency‐dependent complex source and load
Authors: Chuang Ming‐Lin , Wu Ming‐Tien , Chang Cheng‐Yu , Tsai Shu‐Min
Published: January 2024

This study presents a compact hybrid dual‐frequency impedance transformer that is suitable for sources and loads having frequency‐dependent complex impedances. The basic transformer comprises two transmission lines and two shunt stubs, and this configuration is adequate for the design of a dual‐frequency impedance transformer for a few sources and loads. Compared with other studies, this work presents a distinct derivation concept to obtain the circuit parameters, thus enabling the achievement of a compact circuit. For some particular sources and loads that the basic structure is difficult to match because of line width limitations, lumped elements are added to overcome the limitation and further reduce the circuit size. The derived design formulas avoid errors caused by frequency‐dependent deviations in the component values due to parasitic effects, which constitute a critical problem in Radio Frequency (RF) circuits that employ lumped elements. The simulated results are in good agreement with the measured results, and the frequency responses obtained herein validate the proposed structure and design procedure.
Urea nitrogen‐to‐albumin ratio predicts ventricular aneurysm formation in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yang Lihong , Wu Xiaoguang , Zheng Xiaohui , Zhao Yonghui
Published: January 2024

Aims

Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an important complication of acute myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible predictive value of blood urea nitrogen‐to‐albumin ratio (BAR) for the LVA formation in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and results

A total of 1123 consecutive patients with STEMI were prospectively enrolled. The clinical and laboratory data were compared between LVA group and non‐LVA group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent risk factors of LVA formation. Predictive power of BAR and composite variable for LVA formation were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve. LVA was detected in 162 patients (14.4%). The BAR was significantly higher in patients with LVA [0.16 (0.13–0.19) vs. 0.13 (0.10–0.17), P < 0.001]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) [odds ratio (OR) = 0.865, P < 0.001], culprit vessel–left anterior descending artery (LAD) (OR = 4.705, P < 0.001), and BAR (OR = 2.208, P = 0.018) were all independent predictors for LVA formation. The predictive value of BAR remained significant even after cross‐validation by splitting population into training set (OR = 1.957, P = 0.034) and validation set (OR = 1.982, P = 0.039). The maximal length and width of LVA were significantly increased in patients with BAR ≥ 0.15 when compared with BAR < 0.15 (3.37 ± 1.09 vs. 2.92 ± 0.93, P = 0.01, for maximal length, and 2.20 ± 0.55 vs. 1.85 ± 0.63, P = 0.001, for maximal width). The discriminant power of BAR for LVA is 0.723, which is superior to both blood urea nitrogen (C statistic = 0.586, P < 0.001) and albumin (C statistic = 0.64, P < 0.001). The combination of BAR, LVEF, and culprit vessel–LAD could significantly increase the predictive ability (C statistic = 0.874, P < 0.001, for vs. BAR). Subgroup analysis of age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, LVEF, serum albumin, multiple‐vessel disease, and Gensini score had no effect on the association between BAR and risk of LVA formation (P < 0.05 for all subgroups).

Conclusions

A higher BAR was an independent predictor for LVA formation in STEMI patients with primary PCI.
Interferon‐regulatory factor‐1 boosts bevacizumab cardiotoxicity by the vascular endothelial growth factor A/14‐3‐3γ axis
Authors: Chen Xuan‐Ying , Xie Meng‐Qi , Huang Wei‐Lin , Li Wen‐Juan , Lv Yan‐Ni , Peng Xiao‐Ping
Published: January 2024

Aim

Myocardial injury is a significant cause of death. This study investigated the role and underlying mechanism of interferon‐regulatory factor‐1 (IRF1) in bevacizumab (BVZ)‐induced cardiomyocyte injury.

Methods and results

HL‐1 cells and C57BL/6 mice receiving BVZ treatment were used to establish in vitro and in vivo models of myocardial injury. The relationship between VEGFA and 14‐3‐3γ was verified through co‐immunoprecipitation and Glutathione S Transferase (GST) pull‐down assay. Cell viability and apoptosis were analysed by MTT, propidium iodide (PI) staining and flow cytometry. The release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponins T (cTnT), and creatine kinase MB (CK‐MB) was measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The effects of knocking down IRF1 on BVZ‐induced mice were analysed in vivo. IRF1 levels were increased in BVZ‐treated HL‐1 cells. BVZ treatment induced apoptosis, inhibited cell viability, and promoted the release of LDH, cTnT, and CK‐MB. IRF1 silencing suppressed BVZ‐induced myocardial injury, whereas IRF1 overexpression had the opposite effect. IRF1 regulated VEGFA expression by binding to its promoter, with the depletion of VEGFA or 14‐3‐3γ reversing the effects of IRF1 knockdown on the cell viability and apoptosis of BVZ‐treated HL‐1 cells. 14‐3‐3γ overexpression promoted cell proliferation, inhibited apoptosis, and reduced the release of LDH, cTnT, and CK‐MB, thereby alleviating BVZ‐induced HL‐1 cell damage. In vivo, IRF1 silencing alleviated BVZ‐induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating the VEGFA/14‐3‐3γ axis.

Conclusion

The IRF1‐mediated VEGFA/14‐3‐3γ signalling pathway promotes BVZ‐induced myocardial injury. Our study provides evidence for potentially new target genes for the treatment of myocardial injury.
Innate lymphoid cells: New players in osteoimmunology
Authors: Wu Zuoxing , Lin Xixi , Yuan Guixin , Li Na , Xu Ren
Published: January 2024

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the most recently identified immune cell types existing in lymphoid and nonlymphoid organs. Albeit they lack the expression of antigen receptors, ILCs play vital roles in innate immune responses by producing multiple effector cytokines. The ILC family includes conventional natural killer cells and cytokine‐producing ILCs, which are divided into group 1, group 2, and group 3 ILCs based on their effector cytokines and developmental requirements. Emerging evidence has indicated that ILCs are essential immune regulators of bone homeostasis, playing a critical role in osteoimmunology. In this mini‐review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of ILC functions in bone homeostasis under physiological and pathological conditions, with an emphasis on the communication between ILCs and bone cells including osteoclasts and osteoblasts, as well as the underlying immunoregulatory networks involving ILC‐derived cytokines and growth factors. This review also discusses future research directions and the potential of targeting ILCs for the treatment of inflammation‐associated bone disorders.
NHC Ligands in Organometallic Chemistry and Catalysis
Authors: Poyatos Macarena , César Vincent
Published: January 2024

Thanks to their appealing properties, N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) ligands have gained considerable significance as powerful ligands in organometallic chemistry and catalysis. Twenty‐two excellent research articles are gathered in this Special Collection, showcasing the different application domains and current trends in the organometallic chemistry of NHCs.
B(OH)3‐Catalyzed Dual Friedel‐Crafts Type Reaction of Anilines and Aldehydes to Access Di‐ or Triarylmethanes (TRAMs)
Authors: Teli Yaqoob A. , Reetu Reetu , Gujjarappa Raghuram , Banerjee Sourav , Ghanta Susanta , Patel Mayur Jagdishbhai , Singh Virender , Al‐Zaqri Nabil , Sengupta Ragini , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: January 2024

The catalytic influences of boric acid have been introduced on dual Friedel‐Crafts reaction between arylamines and aldehydes to install the Csp3‐center that leads to the formation of di‐ or tri‐substituted methanes. The described reaction conditions have directed the transformation to favor the para‐para substitution pattern to deliver the major products rather than the corresponding ortho‐para functionalization process. The devised transformation was examined by DFT calculation, which shows the favorable activation energy of transition states (TS) for the generation of highly substituted molecular scaffolds. The method was applicable over diversely substituted aldehydes and arylamines to afford the final products in excellent yields (60‐92 %) and selectivity. The proposed mechanism is supported by suitable control experiments, GC‐MS studies, and DFT calculations.
Acculturation of self‐construal: First evidence from immigrant minorities in Belgium and the UK
Authors: Yılmaz Erdem , Phalet Karen , De Leersnyder Jozefien
Published: January 2024

There are systematic cultural differences in people's self‐construal – their typical ways of being and relating – that are in line with the meanings and practices of the sociocultural context in which they were socialised. Given increasing globalisation and ethnocultural diversity, immigrant minorities may experience some ‘misfits’ with common self‐construal patterns in host majority groups. Bridging perspectives from cultural psychology with acculturation psychology, we expect that minorities’ engagement in the host culture is positively associated with self‐construal fit. In the current research, we calculated to what extent the average patterns of self of Turkish Belgian (Study 1), Chinese British (Study 2) and representative samples of Turkish and Moroccan Belgian minorities (Study 3) ‘fit’ with those of the respective host‐cultural (majority Belgian or British) and heritage‐cultural (Turkish in Turkey or Chinese in China or Turkish and Moroccan minority) groups. Across studies, we replicated meaningful cultural group differences in self‐construal fit in line with minorities’ acculturation towards host‐cultural patterns of self. Furthermore, in partial support of the role of host culture engagement, social contact with the majority group predicted self‐construal fit within a specific relationship context of self‐construal. Thus, (high‐quality) contact with friends (Study 1) and teachers (Study 3) predicted the fit of minorities’ self‐construal in the respective relationship contexts. No consistent associations emerged between self‐construal fit and acculturation attitudes. Taken together, our findings highlight the malleability of selves in cultural and relational contexts and provide initial evidence for the acculturation of self in immigrant minorities.
Electrochemical alcohol oxidation using a TEMPO nitroxide polymer as a homogeneous and surface‐confined catalyst
Authors: Place Scott D. , Kavanagh Paul
Published: January 2024

Polymers containing TEMPO moieties are effective catalysts for the electrochemical oxidation of alcohols. Such polymers, almost exclusively, are non‐commercial and are prepared using multi‐step synthetic procedures. Here we show that a commercially available TEMPO bearing polymer, Polyamine Immobilised Piperidinyl Oxyl (PIPO), is an effective homogeneous and surface‐confined polymeric catalyst for electrochemical alcohol oxidation at carbonaceous electrodes. We probe electrolytic conditions for effective and stable electrocatalytic alcohol oxidation showing that dichloromethane (DCM), containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) and N‐methyl imidazole (NMI), is a suitable medium for homogeneous catalysis whilst carbonate buffer (pH 9.5) is better suited when PIPO is adsorbed at the electrode surface. These findings demonstrate the viability of PIPO as an effective and accessible catalyst for electrochemical alcohol oxidations.
Tailoring the Effect of NiCo‐Metal‐Organic Frameworks by Doping Manganese as a Highly Active Redox Electrode for Electrochemical Energy Storage Technologies: Supercapattery Devices
Authors: Zahid Rida , Abdul Karim Muhammad Ramzan , Khalid Wajahat , Marwat Mohsin Ali
Published: January 2024

Metal–organic frameworks with complex geometry have garnered significant attention in technological fields due to their diverse properties. Multimetallic metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have potential to demonstrate superior conductivity and efficiency compared to pristines, but, they have not been explored to research on large scale. Herein, significant effect of binary (NiCo‐) and ternary (NiCoMn‐) MOFs is explored with a novel approach using an organic ligand hexamethylene tetra‐amine (HMT). The as‐synthesized MOFs with their distinctive structures are thoroughly examined to analyze their structural, morphological, and electrochemical properties. In a standard half‐cell setup, the electrochemical behaviors of both samples are investigated, as both electrodes exhibit specific capacities of 349 and 905 C g−1, at 3 mV s−1, individually. Due to promising electrochemical responses of NiCoMnMOF, a supercapattery device is constructed as NiCoMnMOF//AC. This hybridization leads to the remarkable specific energy (78 Wh kg−1) and specific power (3500 W kg−1) with stability rate of ≈96% and Coulombic efficiency of 99% after undergoing 5000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles, making it highly suitable for modern applications. To gain better insight of supercapattery device, a semiempirical approach is employed, using Dunn's modulation. Thus, the synergy of NiCoMnMOF//AC in the single hybrid device exhibiting battery‐like characteristics holds tremendous potential for driving innovations in energy storage technology.
Ecological Approach and Departure‐Driving Strategy Optimized by Using Syncretic Learning with Trapezoidal Collocation Algorithm for the Plug‐In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Lin Xinyou , Chen Xiankang , Chen Zhiyong , Wu Jiayun
Published: January 2024

The eco‐driving strategy is of great significance in driving cost for plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles in driving trips, especially at signalized intersections. To address the issue of further energy saving, this study proposes an ecological approach and departure‐driving strategy by using syncretic learning with trapezoidal collocation algorithm. First, a syncretic learning‐based speed predictor is built by merging back propagation neural networks and radial basis function neural networks. Second, the syncretic learning‐based speed predictor and trapezoidal collocation algorithm are combined to optimize the speed trajectory. Third, the torque between the engine and the motor is distributed by the dynamic programming algorithm. Then, model predictive control optimizes torque output in the control time domain. Finally, the driving interval optimization method is designed to avoid mixed‐integer programming problems and redundant constraints, which make vehicles cross intersections without stopping. The numerical verification results show that the trapezoidal collocation algorithm with syncretic learning has more advantages than other methods in speed trajectory planning. Compared with the original trajectory, the driving time through the intersection is reduced and the total driving cost is lowered by 19.82%. Validation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed strategy in energy consumption management at signalized intersections.
Shaping a federal strategy for chemical recycling: Moving toward sensible applications of emerging technologies in US plastic waste management
Authors: Erickson Evan
Published: January 2024

Plastic waste management requires a diverse portfolio of strategies to avoid the most damaging environmental and social impacts of the plastic lifecycle and meet current national and international policy goals. The limitations of existing mechanical recycling methods for processing plastic waste have motivated the development and commercialization of chemical recycling processes. The novelty and diversity of such pathways beg critical questions of how these emerging technologies will fit within existing policy frameworks and contribute to recycling, plastic pollution, and waste management policy objectives. This work provides technical background into mechanical and chemical recycling methods, and policy background into differing modern approaches to chemical recycling at various levels of governance. Finally, this work summarizes key conflicts and crafts recommendations for future policy action on chemical recycling in three main areas: (1) defining an objective and identifying sensible applications for chemical recycling technologies, (2) filling gaps in existing knowledge and upholding environmental justice protections, and (3) implementing a suite of policies to complement chemical recycling's role in plastic waste management strategy.
Impacts of sediment transported downstream from the 2015 deep‐seated landslide in Mt. Hakusan, Japan
Authors: Thapa Prakash Singh , Daimaru Hiromu , Ichion Eiji , Yanai Seiji
Published: January 2024

A massive landslide occurred in May 2015 in the Mt. Hakusan Sennindani area, leading to the discharge of a substantial amount of sediment into the Tedori River. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of secondary data to assess the potential effects of discharged sediments on the downstream environment, including long‐term turbidity in rivers, alterations in fish habitats, and groundwater depletion. To analyse the spatio‐temporal changes in the river floodplain elevation and paddy fields, aerial photographs and airborne light detection and ranging data were assessed using the ArcGIS software. After the landslide, the turbidity of the Tedori River increased and continued flowing turbid for approximately 6 months. Turbid water spread in the alluvial fan through the irrigation canal network and sediment was deposited in the paddy fields, leading to a reduction in infiltration rates. The groundwater level in the alluvial fan area decreased by more than 2.0 m following the 2015 Sennindani landslide. The sediment deposition in the river floodplain increased by 0.58 m from 2013 to 2015 (pre‐ and post‐landslide). The sediment from upstream destroyed the spawning sites of the Ayu fish along the Tedori River, leading to a decrease in the number of eggs laid in 2015 and 2016 to the lowest levels. The Tomiyo fish disappeared in 2016 and 2017, downstream of the alluvial fan, which received water recharge from the Tedori River. Moreover, Chum salmon showed an exceptionally high anadromous movement towards the Tedori River from coastal areas during 2015 and 2016. In conclusion, discharged sediment from deep upstream landslides can have various adverse impacts on downstream ecosystems, and recovery to their original state may require a considerable amount of time.
Petrography, geochemistry and detrital zircon U–Pb dating of the Pliocene‐Pleistocene Dupi Tila Formation from the Lalmai Anticline, Bengal Basin: Regional tectonic implications
Authors: Yeasmin Rumana , Abdullah Rashed , Hossain Md. Sakawat , Ao Songjian , Khan Md. Sharif Hossain , Sayem Abu Sadat Md. , Xiao Wenjiao , Zhang Pengpeng , Zoarder Aradil , Tithi Tasnuva Jannat
Published: January 2024

The Bengal Basin is a well‐known foreland basin that archives the tectonic evolution of the Himalayan and Indo‐Burman Ranges (IBR). The Dupi Tila Formation is the youngest among the stratigraphic successions of the Bengal Basin, which witnessed the last phase of the Himalayan uplift. However, there is still controversy regarding sediment provenances since the Himalayan and IBR are in the late Neogene exhumation stage. In this study, the petrographical and geochemical compositions of the Dupi Tila sandstones from the Lalmai Anticline of the Bengal Basin are examined to infer the source rocks, tectonic settings, palaeoclimate and weathering intensity in provenance areas. The detrital modes and geochemical discriminations, as well as Chondrite‐normalized rare earth elements patterns with enrichment in light rare earth elements and nearly flat heavy rare earth elements and negative Eu anomalies (average Eu/Eu* = 0.77) indicate dominantly felsic source rocks. The geochemical data also suggest that these source rocks in provenance areas were influenced by weak to moderate chemical weathering (chemical index of alteration: 65.64–75.62) and multiple recycling under warm and humid to semi‐humid climatic conditions. The detrital zircon ages show three dominant peaks at ca. 100, 500 and 1000 Ma with minor 1700 Ma. The amount of young zircon grains (<120 Ma) is noticeably higher (~18%) in this Lalmai outcrop compared to the Dupi Tila samples from the Sylhet Trough and Chittagong‐Tripura Fold Belt. Results from integrated zircon geochronology and geochemistry indicate that the detritus are likely derived from a recycled orogen provenance related mainly to active continental margin setting with subordinate influence from passive setting. Therefore, the regionally extensive Himalayan Orogen appears to be the primary sediment source, with additional mixing from the IBR and recycled sediments originating from the Gangdese batholith of the Trans‐Himalaya.
The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease and laryngopharyngeal reflux in patients with dysphagia after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ku Peter K. M. , Vlantis Alexander C. , Hui Thomas S. C. , Yeung Zenon W. C. , Cho Ryan H. W. , Wong Marc H. K. , Lee Alex K. F. , Yeung David C. M. , Chan Simon Y. P. , Chan Becky Y. T. , Chang Wai‐tsz , Mok Florence , Wong Kam‐hung , Wong Jeffrey K. T. , Abdullah Victor , van Hasselt Andrew , Wu Justin C. Y. , Tong Michael C. F.
Published: January 2024

Background

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in post‐irradiated patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unknown.

Materials and methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 31 NPC and 12 control patients completed questionnaires for GERD/LPR before esophageal manometry and 24‐h pH monitoring. The DeMeester score and reflux finding score (RFS) were used to define GERD and LPR, respectively. Risk factors were identified.

Results

51.6% of NPC and 8.3% of control patients, and 77.4% of NPC and 33% of control patients, were GERD‐positive and LPR‐positive, respectively. The GERD/LPR questionnaire failed to identify either condition in patients with NPC. No parameter differences in esophageal manometry or pneumonia incidence were noted between GERD/LPR‐positive and GERD/LPR‐negative patients. Post radiotherapy duration, high BMI, lack of chemotherapy, and dysphagia were positive risk factors for GERD/LPR.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of GERD/LPR in patients with post‐irradiated NPC exists, but reflux symptoms are inadequate for diagnosis.