bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competing CO and HCOOH Pathways in CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Huang Aiming , Zhou Tian , Zhang Junjun , Zhang Yifan , Wu Yang , Wang Yong , Luo Wen
Published: May 2024

Human activities have significantly contributed to the increase in global carbon emissions, leading to adverse environmental effects such as global warming. Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) presents a promising approach to mitigate carbon emissions. This process not only stores the low energy density renewable energies into high energy density chemical bonds, but also produces a variety of valuable products, including one‐carbon products like HCOOH and CO, as well as multi‐carbon products like CH3CH2OH and C2H4. Among them, HCOOH and CO can be produced with over 90 % selectivity on various catalysts, indicating their potential for large‐scale applications. However, the precise reaction pathways toward CO and HCOOH remain unclear, and the competition between these pathways often leads to low product selectivity. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the latest research on the selective reduction of CO2 to CO and/or HCOOH, focusing on the development of the reaction mechanisms based on theoretical simulations and experimental investigations, and the application of catalysts designed to fine‐tune CO/HCOOH selectivity. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and prospects for the further development and understanding of selective catalysts for CO and HCOOH production, aiming to provide valuable insights for future studies in this intriguing and significant research field.
Control over Anion Coordination on Pd(II), Cu(I), and Ag(I) with Regioisomeric Phosphine‐Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: González‐Fernández Elisa , Marinus Nittert , Dhankhar Jyoti , Linden Anthony , Čorić Ilija
Published: May 2024

The coordination of anionic donors is involved at various stages of catalytic cycles in transition‐metal catalysis, but control over the spatial positioning of anions around a metal center is a challenge in coordination chemistry. Here we show that regioisomeric phosphine‐carboxylate ligands provide spatial anion control on palladium(II) centers by favoring either κ2, cis‐κ1, or trans‐κ1 coordination of the carboxylate donor. Additionally, the palladium(II) carboxylates, which contain a methyl donor, upon protonation, deliver metal‐alkyl complexes that feature a coordinated carboxylic acid. Such complexes can be considered as models for the minima that follow the concerted metalation‐deprotonation transition state for C−H activation. The predictability of the coordination modes is further demonstrated on silver(I) and copper(I) centers, for which less common structures of mononuclear and dinuclear complexes can be obtained by using spatial anion control. Our results demonstrate the potential for spatial control over carboxylate anions in coordination chemistry.
How can we further explore the link between self‐criticism and self‐compassion, and disordered eating? Commentary on Paranjothy and Wade's (2024)
Authors: Türk Fidan
Published: May 2024

Paranjothy and Wade's (2024, A meta‐analysis of disordered eating and its association with self‐criticism and self‐compassion. International Journal of Eating Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24166) systematic review and meta‐analysis of disordered eating and its association with self‐criticism and self‐compassion provides a valuable synthesis of 135 studies. They found that greater levels of self‐criticism and increased disordered eating were associated with lower levels of self‐compassion. These findings highlight the importance of further investigating the complex relationship between these variables to inform effective interventions. This commentary explores what the findings of Paranjothy and Wade (2024) tell us and how we can use their findings to address unresolved problems. I will focus on two primary areas in this commentary: (1) the specificity of self‐criticism and (2) how we could use existing data to enhance the understanding of the etiology and maintenance of disordered eating in relation to self‐criticism and self‐compassion to conduct further research. This commentary argues that there is a need for refinement of the self‐criticism construct (e.g., through qualitative research) to understand how self‐criticism varies across different individuals and cultures, particularly for under‐researched populations. I recommend further research using meta‐analytic structural equation modeling to test different theoretical models to pin down how self‐criticism and self‐compassion function as mechanisms of change in disordered eating.
Shooting area of infrared camera traps affects recorded taxonomic richness and abundance of ground‐dwelling invertebrates
Authors: Gao Meixiang , Sun Jiahuan , Jiang Yige , Zheng Ye , Lu Tingyu , Liu Jinwen
Published: May 2024

Ground‐dwelling invertebrates are vital for soil biodiversity and function maintenance. Contemporary biodiversity assessment necessitates novel and automatic monitoring methods because of the threat of sharp reductions in soil biodiversity in farmlands worldwide. Using infrared camera traps (ICTs) is an effective method for assessing richness and abundance of ground‐dwelling invertebrates. However, the influence that the shooting area of ICTs has on the diversity of ground‐dwelling invertebrates has not been strongly considered during survey design. In this study, data from six ICTs with two shooting areas (A1, 38.48 cm2; A2, 400 cm2) were used to investigate ground‐dwelling invertebrates in a farm in a city on the Eastern Coast of China from 20: 00 on July 31 to 00:00 on September 29, 2022. Over the course of 59 days and 1420 h, invertebrates within 9 taxa, 2447 individuals, and 112,909 ind./m2 were observed from 222,912 images. Our results show that ICTs with relatively large shooting areas recorded relatively high taxonomic richness and abundance of total ground‐dwelling invertebrates, relatively high abundance of the dominant taxon, and relatively high daily and hourly abundance of most taxa. The shooting areas of ICTs significantly affected the recorded taxonomic richness and abundance of ground‐dwelling invertebrates throughout the experimental period and at fine temporal resolutions. Overall, these results suggest that the shooting areas of ICTs should be considered when designing experiments, and ICTs with relatively large shooting areas are more favorable for monitoring the diversity of ground‐dwelling invertebrates. This study further provides an automatic tool and high‐quality data for biodiversity monitoring and protection in farmlands.
The Environmental Pollutant NO3⋅ Rapidly Damages Alkene Moieties in Lipids Through Electron Transfer
Authors: Chiu Yu‐Chen , Wille Uta , Nathanael Joses G.
Published: May 2024

The presence of alkene moieties in fatty acids of (phospho)lipids and cholesterol derivatives makes them highly susceptible to damage by nitrate radicals (NO3⋅), potentially formed through simultaneous exposure to the environmental air pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2⋅) and ozone (O3). Absolute rate coefficients derived from reactions with simplified model systems range from 4 to 8×109 M−1 s−1 in acetonitrile, ranking among the highest determined for NO3⋅ reactions with biomolecules in solution to date. Alkenes featuring an electron‐withdrawing carbonyl substituent also display notable reactivity with k values of (2.5±1.0)×108 M−1 s−1. Calculations suggest that these reactions are initiated by oxidative electron transfer (ET) involving the C=C bond, followed by recombination of the resulting alkene radical cation with nitrate anion (NO3−) to form the nitrate adduct radical as the kinetically controlled product. Conversely, saturated fatty acid derivatives and cholestanol react with NO3⋅ through hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) with rate coefficients of 106–107 M−1 s−1, indicating that biomolecules with a considerable number of non‐ or moderately activated sp3 C−H bonds are also highly susceptible to NO3⋅ attack. These findings underscore the potential health hazards associated with exposure to combined NO2⋅ and O3 gases.
Computational thinking for young indigenous learners in New Zealand
Authors: Fox‐Turnbull Wendy , Wu Shaoqun , Mayo Tiana , Stafford Matthew , Gulati Swati
Published: May 2024

Computational thinking, a key component for digital technologies, is defined as an approach to problem‐solving, designing computer systems, and understanding related human behaviours, while drawing on fundamental ideas of computing. It is critical that all young students acquire computational thinking skills during their school age. Technology practice is most successful when embedded within authentic contexts, thus this paper presents a study that facilitated the learning of two concepts of computational thinking: sequencing and orientation within culturally embedded technology practice. The study examines what pedagogies most effectively facilitate computational thinking learning for young Māori learners. In particular, what is the role of using authentic contexts in young Māori learners learning computational thinking? and what teaching strategies engage students effectively? The 4‐week study was undertaken at a local Primary School with a high Māori roll in a low socioeconomic area. The findings suggested that the learning is more effective when the concepts of computation thinking were embedded in the students' cultural and local environment (language, places, stories) through the learning context and the pedagogical strategies.
Comprehensive profiling of endocrine metabolism identifies a novel signature with robust predictive value in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yu Dan , Luo Yan , Guo Rong , Ma Fang , Chang Yunyun , Dang Jianhong
Published: May 2024

Background

The cell endocrine pathway is a critical physiological process composed of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and associated vesicles. Loss of enzymes or proteins can cause dysfunction of endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus and affect secretion pathways leading to a variety of human diseases, including cancer.

Methods

The single‐cell RNA sequencing and single nucleotide variant principal component analysis data of ovarian cancer were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Eighty‐four genes from SECRETORY_PATHWAYs were obtained from the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) website. Univariate cox regression analyses and ConsensusClusterPlus were used to identify prognostic genes and molecular subtypes, which were validated using the tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (i.e. TIDE) analysis and gene mutation analysis. A prognosis model was established by randomForestSRC. Abundant infiltrated immune cells and pathway enrichment analyses were carried out, respectively, through ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, MCP‐counter and GSEA. The drug sensitive analysis was performed using pRRophetic package. Immunotherapy datasets and pan‐carcinoma analysis were used to examine the performance of prognostic model.

Results

Eighteen prognostic genes from SECRETORY_PATHWAYs were found in both TCGA and GEO datasets. Next, two clusters (C1 and C2) were determined, for which C1 with a poor prognosis had higher immune infiltration. Tumor‐related pathways, such as PATHWAYS_IN_CANCER and B_CELL_RECEPTOR_SIGNALING_PATHWAY, were enriched in C1. Moreover, C2 was suitable for immunotherapy. A four‐gene (DNAJA1, NDRG3, LUZP1 and ZCCHC24) signature was developed and successfully validated. RiskScore of higher levels were significantly associated with worse prognoses. An enhanced immune infiltration, increased pathways score and inappropriate immunotherapy were observed in the high RiskScore group. The high‐ and low‐RiskScore groups had different drug sensitivities. Immunotherapy datasets and pan‐carcinoma analysis indicated that the low RiskScore group may benefit from immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Based on the perspective of the secretory signaling pathway, a robust prognostic signature with great performances was determined, which may provide clues for clinical precision treatment of ovarian cancer.
Red blood cell distribution width is a useful biomarker to predict bleeding and thrombosis risks in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Nakamura Naokazu , Tsunemine Hiroko , Ikunari Ryo , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Arima Nobuyoshi
Published: May 2024

Bleeding and thrombosis are common complications during immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) treatment. There is a strong need to predict bleeding and thrombosis risks before ITP treatment to optimize therapy and appropriately manage these complications. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 120 patients with primary ITP to identify a biomarker to predict bleeding and thrombosis. We compared blood test results at diagnosis between patients with and without bleeding or thrombosis episodes. The standard deviation of red blood cell distribution width (RDW‐SD) differed significantly between those with and without bleeding and between those with and without thrombosis, leading us to identify it as a variable representative of risk. RDW‐SD was significantly associated with patient age and with histories of several vascular diseases. Multivariate regression analyses showed that RDW integrated several variables associated with vascular risks. RDW‐SD was significantly associated with difficulty with corticosteroid discontinuation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.22, p = 0.01), incidence of bleeding (HR, 2.75, p< 0.01), incidence of thrombosis (HR, 2.67, p< 0.01) and incidence of infection (HR, 1.78, p = 0.04). The RDW‐SD value at the time of ITP diagnosis is a useful biomarker to predict the risks of bleeding, thrombosis, and other complications.
先天性プロテインC欠損症に伴う上腸間膜静脈血栓症に対し保存的治療をした1例(Superior mesenteric venous thrombosis due to protein C deficiency treated by conservative therapy: A case report)
Authors: 知孝 室谷 , 雅郁 福島 , 靖弘 東出 , 章 是永 , 大輔 是枝 , 真佑 久保 , 大輔 中
Published: May 2024

今回我々は，プロテインC欠損症に伴う上腸間膜静脈血栓症という希少な1例を経験したので報告する。症例は58歳の男性で，既往症に下肢深部静脈血栓症および肺血栓塞栓症があったためリバロキサバンを服用していた。ところが白内障の手術時に休薬し，その後も5か月間にわたり中止されたままであった。当院受診の2日前より上腹部痛および背部痛を自覚し，その後増悪したため前医を受診した。その結果，腹部造影CT検査にて門脈血栓症を認めたため当院救急搬送となった。腹部は左側を中心に全体的な自発痛と圧痛，また一部には筋性防御も認めた。腹部造影CT検査では，小腸の広範に渡る浮腫性壁肥厚と，上腸間膜静脈に血栓を示唆するcentral lucent signを認めた。緊急手術も考慮したが，術後の短腸症候群が懸念された。またCTにて門脈の完全閉塞はなく，側副血行路も形成されていた。浮腫腸管についても造影効果はあると判断した。これらの理由から，まずはヘパリンによる保存的治療を選択したが，結果的に治療完遂できた。その後の遺伝子解析にて先天性プロテインC欠損症と診断した。我々はこの希少な1例に対し，手術は行わず保存的治療のみで治療できた。先天性の血栓傾向が背景にあり，また腹膜刺激兆候を伴っており腸管壊死の可能性の示唆されるような上腸間膜静脈血栓症であっても，抗凝固薬による保存的加療のみで改善する場合もあることが示唆された。
An improved noise model of InP HEMT for millimeter wave application
Authors: Li Zhichun , Lv Yuanting , Zhang Ao , Gao Jianjun
Published: May 2024

A new temperature noise model, including the influence of gate‐drain series resistance Rgd on the noise performance for an InP HEMT, is presented in this article. An equivalent temperature Tgd of Rgd has been taken into account based on Pospieszalski's noise model. The corresponding extraction procedure of noise parameters is given. Good correlation between the simulated and measured noise parameters in the frequency range of 8–50 GHz for a wide range of bias points verify the validity of the improved noise model.
The pH effects on thermal amyloid fibrillation kinetics of hen egg‐white lysozyme using new normalization factor for Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Dongxiao , Chen Ning , Zhang Tianle , Zhou Xiaoguo , Liu Shilin
Published: May 2024

Amyloid fibrillation kinetics of proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases has been extensively studied using Raman spectroscopy. The normalization factor for the spectra is crucial for obtaining correct kinetics of Raman indicators, especially vibrational band intensities. Here, we compared the concentration dependences between the absorption at 280 nm in UV–vis spectroscopy and the phenylalanine (Phe) Raman band intensity at 1003 cm−1 in amyloid fibrillation kinetics of lysozyme. The former exhibits better performance as normalization factor. Using this new normalization factor, the effect of pH value on the transformation of hen egg‐white lysozyme (HEWL) tertiary and secondary structures was studied subsequently. With increasing acidity, the unfolding of tertiary structures and the transformation of secondary structures are significantly accelerated. Notably, the populations of various secondary structures in the final state remain in the pH < 2.0 solutions, indicating that the branching ratios of “on‐pathway” to amyloid fibrils and “off‐pathway” to gel‐like aggregates are independent on the pH value in the range of 1.1–1.9.
Arthroscopic repair is an effective treatment for dynamic medial ankle instability secondary to posttraumatic and partial injury of the deltoid ligament deep fascicle
Authors: Vega Jordi , Malagelada Francesc , Guelfi Matteo , Dalmau‐Pastor Miki
Published: May 2024

Purpose

When the intermediate or collicular fascicle of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is injured, the diagnosis of posttraumatic medial ankle instability (MAI) is supported. The aim of this study was to describe an arthroscopic all‐inside MCL repair after posttraumatic MAI secondary to an isolated injury of the MCL deep fascicle with a knotless suture anchor technique.

Methods

Seven patients (seven men, median age: 23 [19–28] years) with posttraumatic MAI were treated by arthroscopic means after failing nonoperative management. The median follow‐up was 34 (13–75) months. The MCL was repaired with an arthroscopic all‐inside technique.

Results

A tear affecting the deep and intermediate or collicular fascicle of the MCL was observed in all cases. In addition, five patients were diagnosed with an isolated fibular anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) detachment, and in two patients, both the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament were involved. All patients reported subjective improvement after the arthroscopic ligament repair. The median American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score increased from 68 (range: 64–70) preoperatively to 100 (range: 90–100) at final follow‐up.

Conclusion

Posttraumatic MAI can be successfully treated by an arthroscopic all‐inside repair of the MCL. The presence of an MCL tear affecting the tibiotalar ligament fibres attached to the area of the anterior colliculus should be considered a sign of posttraumatic MAI. This partial deltoid injury at the level of the intermediate or collicular fascicle will conduct to a dynamic MAI.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Chimeric versus Multiple Flaps for Composite Oral Cavity Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Punjabi Ayesha , Araya Sthefano , Amadio Grace , Webster Theresa , Mutyala Sudeep , Wu Meagan , Zhao Huaquing , Roth Stephanie , Walchak Adam , Patel Sameer A.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Complex head and neck defects involving composite defects can be reconstructed using chimeric flaps or multiple flaps with separate anastomoses. Limited comparisons exist between chimeric and multiple flap reconstructions. We compare outcomes between chimeric and multiple flap reconstructions in oral cavity reconstruction.

Data Sources

PubMed (NLM), Embase (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), and Cochrane CENTRAL (Wiley).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted, including English articles reporting outcomes of oral cavity reconstruction with either chimeric flaps or multiple flaps. Data extraction included patient characteristics, flap type, and outcomes such as flap survival, partial flap loss, operating room time, hospital length of stay, and postoperative complications.

Results

Forty‐seven articles comprising 1435 patients were included. Notably, 552 patients underwent multiple flaps, while 883 received chimeric flaps. Meta‐analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in flap survival between chimeric and multiple flap patients (98% vs. 99%, p = 0.198). Multiple flap patients had higher rates of operating room take‐backs for anastomotic issues and longer hospital stays compared with chimeric flap patients. There were no significant differences in partial flap failure, resumption of diet and speech, need for subsequent flaps, fistula formation, or general complications.

Conclusion

This large‐scale meta‐analysis demonstrates equivalent flap survival between chimeric and multiple flaps in the reconstruction of composite oral cavity defects. Both approaches appear to be safe and acceptable, with comparable outcomes in terms of diet and speech resumption, rates of fistulization, and general postoperative complications. Multiple flap patients had higher rates of operating room take‐backs and longer hospital stays.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:4196–4202, 2024
Development and Initial Validation of a Meniere's Disease Quality of Life Instrument: The MenQOL
Authors: Quimby Alexandra E. , Brant Jason A. , Staab Jeffrey P. , Ruckenstein Michael J.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To design and validate a disease‐specific quality of life instrument for Meniere's disease.

Methods

We used a sequential process of expert input, patient focus groups, and analyses of responses to draft questionnaires to create a 24‐item Meniere's disease quality of life (MenQOL) instrument. The MenQOL and the SF‐36v2 were administered to a cohort of 50 patients with Meniere's disease and 60 comparison patients with tinnitus, vertigo, or hearing loss from other causes identified at a tertiary academic center. We performed exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's α, between group comparisons of total MenQOL scores, and regression analyses between the MenQOL and SF‐36v2 to evaluate the instrument's factor structure, internal consistency, face validity, and external validity. Segregation of the instrument into domains was assessed by exploratory factor analysis.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the MenQOL has a single domain. Cronbach's α = 0.914 indicated high internal consistency for the instrument as a whole. Mean MenQOL scores showing significantly worse quality of life among patients with Meniere's disease than comparison participants (52.5 ± 15.8 vs. 43.2 ± 12.6; p = 0.0051), indicating good construct validity. Significant inverse relationships in bivariate linear regressions between total MenQOL scores and SF‐36v2 physical (slope = −0.94, p < 0.0001) and mental (slope = −1.16, p < 0.0001) composite scores showed acceptable concurrent validity.

Conclusions

We have described the initial development of the MenQOL, a simple, valid patient‐reported outcome measure that, subject to further study, may be used to assess the effects of treatment on disease‐specific quality of life in patients with Meniere's disease.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4351–4357, 2024
Ultrasensitive DNA Origami Plasmon Sensor for Accurate Detection in Circulating Tumor DNAs
Authors: Chen Zhi , Meng Changle , Wang Xueliang , Chen Jiajie , Deng Jiefeng , Fan Taojian , Wang Lude , Lin Huiling , Huang Hao , Li Shuang , Sun Shuo , Qu Junle , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Xueji , Liu Yingxia , Shao Yonghong , Zhang Han
Published: May 2024

Early lung cancer screening by computed tomography is hampered by pulmonary nodules caused by massive COVID‐19 infections, necessitating an ultrasensitive approach for the early diagnosis of lung cancers at the single‐base level from circular tumor DNAs (ctDNAs). This study introduces an approach that merges DNA origami and DNA scissors technologies in a framework of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors. By combining the precision of DNA origami probes with the inherent single‐base resolution of DNA scissors, this method systematically addresses the limitations of conventional SPR techniques, resulting in enhanced detection accuracy. The synergistic interplay between DNA scissors and DNA origami enables the SPR biosensors to achieve unprecedented levels of sensitivity, precision, and practical utility. This efficacy allows the precise identification of mutations, demonstrated here by detection of the T790M mutation in the EGFR gene and the G12C mutation in the KRAS gene of non‐small cell lung cancer patients. With this technique, single‐base resolution as well as near zeptomolar‐level sensitivity is achieved. As a result, this discovery holds significant potential to advance the field of precision diagnostics.
Ethylene homo and co‐polymerization catalyzed by extensively bulky nickel catalysts with shielding wings of chlorine atoms
Authors: Ahmad Naseer , Wang Wenbing , Tian Wanlu , Li Chao , Qasim Muhammad
Published: May 2024

Designing the catalysts to get high molecular weight polyethylene is an art. The catalysts bearing imine functionality derived from 8‐arylnaphthyl amines are more impressive and attractive in this regard. In this work, we synthesize 2,4‐dibenzhydryl‐8‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)naphthalen‐1‐amine to condense with picolinaldehyde, pyridine‐N‐oxide‐2‐carbaldehyde and 3,4‐dibutanone and then subsequently the treatment of resulting ligands with nickel precursors to get the corresponding catalysts. It was hypothesized that 3,5‐dichlorophenyl having extended wings of chlorine atoms along with bulky dibenzhydryl groups can provide good shielding on both apical positions of metal in response to slow down the chain transfer. More interestingly, the polymerization was done in industrially claimed n‐heptane solvent. All the catalysts showed activity in an order of 106, whereas a value of 1.04 × 107 g mol−1 h−1 has been recorded from keto‐imine based Ni‐3 catalyst. All catalysts generates polymer with high molecular weight with maximum value was recorded by Ni‐2 up to 37.4 × 104 g mol−1. Ni‐3 can also incorporate methyl 10‐undecenoate up to 2.6% in polyethylene backbone.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidinethione Podand in the Presence of C2‐Symmetric Bis(Hydroxy)Proline‐Containing Amides
Authors: Filatova Elena S. , Fedorova Olga V. , Ovchinnikova Irina G. , Kochetkov Sergei V. , Chistiakov Konstantin A. , Rusinov Gennady L.
Published: May 2024

A stereoselective Biginelli reaction involving a CH‐active podand, thiourea, and benzaldehyde was carried out using C2‐symmetric bis(hydroxy)proline‐containing amides as chiral inducers. The target dihydropyrimidinethione‐containing podand was obtained with an enantiomeric excess of 65–75 % and a yield of 58 % under mild conditions. It was established that in the process of asymmetric induction the value of ee depended on the presence of OH group in the proline fragment and of the linker structure in the chiral inducer molecule, in particular, on the presence of asymmetric carbon atoms and the movability of the single bond between them in the linker itself. Based on experimental data, one of the probable reaction mechanisms confirming the special role of the L‐proline or trans‐4‐hydroxyproline fragments in asymmetric induction has been proposed. The developed technique for obtaining an active tuberculostatic agent expands the possibilities for using C2‐symmetric chiral inducers in asymmetric catalysis and is of interest for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds of similar structure.
Magnetic Membranes for Cell Growth Under Curved and Reversible Deformations
Authors: Chalut Valentin , Le Roy Damien , Mercier Thibault , Audry Marie‐Charlotte , Vieille Victor , Devillers Thibaut , Deman Anne‐Laure , Tomba Caterina
Published: May 2024

Magnetic polymer composites are very versatile candidates to fabricate soft robots and actuators thanks to their unique properties such as flexibility and shape memory effect. Thus, the possibility to reproduce natural shapes provides new tools for bioengineering applications. The wide panel of deformations of magnetic polymer composites can be implemented to mimic the movements and curvatures of living tissue. Herein, magnetic polymer membranes are developed to explore cell growth under curved, reversible, and controlled deformations. NdFeB/polydimethylsiloxane composite membranes (86 μm and 46 μm thick) are obtained by soft lithography and magnetized in rolled position under 3 T. Once actuated by a low magnetic field (5–86 mT), the membranes are deformed in wavy shapes with a deformation height of maximum 1.4 and 1.7 mm and a curvature radius of minimum 1.8 and 0.6 mm (86 μm and 46 μm thick membranes, respectively), for a maximum magnetic field of 86 mT. Then, Caco‐2 cell viability is studied on deformed substrates under a static (106 mT) and varying (8–78 mT) magnetic field. No increase in cell death is observed, validating a well‐characterized and promising approach for a new generation of dynamic and curved substrates for cell culture.
A Simplified Bubble Size Relation Compatible with the Energy Minimization Multiscale Drag Model for Studying Hydrodynamics in a 2D Gas–Solid Tapered Fluidized Bed
Authors: Sahoo Lipak Kumar , Sarkar Sabita
Published: May 2024

Gas–solid fluidized bed reactors are extensively utilized in direct reduced iron production. In practice, these reactors will have a wide particle size distribution, which is better handled by tapered fluidized beds due to their vertical velocity gradient. Herein, a simplified bubble size relation is proposed to remove implicit interdependency between the bubble size and its drag coefficient in the bubble‐based energy minimization multiscale (EMMS) heterogeneous drag model. Further, the proposed drag model is coupled with the two‐fluid kinetic theory of granular flow model to investigate hydrodynamics. The heterogeneous flow structure predicted by the model is similar to experiments. Further, the bulk parameters such as bed expansion ratio and bubble fraction obtained from the simulations using a simplified EMMS drag model are compared and are found to be in good agreement with the experimental findings, with mean relative deviations of 3.95% and 14.64%, respectively. The time‐averaged bubble fraction and bed expansion ratio are found to increase with air velocity and decrease with taper angle, whereas a reverse trend is observed for the mean particulate fluidized area fraction. Based on the current study, the taper angle between 5° and 10° is found to be most suitable.
A Multimode Smelting Strategy for Converter Smelting Based on Novel Molten Iron Classification Methods
Authors: Gao Fang , Bao Yan‐Ping , Wang Da‐Zhi , Xing Li‐Dong , Gu Chao
Published: May 2024

Owing to the complexity of converter reactions and the inevitable fluctuations of raw materials, developing a universal smelting strategy suitable for all converter conditions is challenging. Therefore, this study introduces a multimode smelting strategy based on a novel classification method to categorize molten iron. In this method, the molten iron is classified into four regions based on the comprehensive effects of Si and P contents. Specific smelting strategies are recommended for the molten iron in each region. These strategies include adjustments to slag basicity, charging schemes, and the blowing mode of the lance. These multimode smelting strategies are implemented in actual production. The results indicate satisfactory optimization of production processes, including stable production, cost reduction, and increased efficiency. Consequently, the dephosphorization rate increases by 1.22%, the lime consumption per ton of steel decreases by 2.41 kg t−1, and the average basicity of steel slag decreases by 0.21. This strategy provides preliminary guidance before the initiation of the smelting process to improve efficiency, reduce consumption, and standardize the operations.
Dissolution Behavior of MgAl2O4 Spinel Inclusions in Mold Slag
Authors: Kim Giwon , Chung Yongsug
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the dissolution behavior of single crystal MgAl2O4 particle in CaO–SiO2–Al2O3–MgO–CaF2–Na2O slags using single hot thermocouple technique (SHTT) from 1550 to 1650 °C. MgAl2O4 contents of the slag are set at 5, 15, and 25 wt%, and the basicity (CaO/SiO2) of the slags is fixed at 0.9. Dissolution rate is determined by image analysis of the MgAl2O4 spinel size over time in the slag. In the experimental results, the dissolution rate increases as the temperature increases and as the contents of MgAl2O4 in the slag decreases. During the dissolution, the cube or trapezoid cube shaped MgAl2O4 particles change into a truncated cube, a cube with rounded corners and a sphere. The shrinking core model is modified into a volume ratio and found that the MgAl2O4 dissolution kinetic varies with the slag chemical composition. At high temperature, it appears to be chemical controlled. The dissolution firstly occurs at the corners and edges of the cube particle which can be understood by the Gibbs–Thomson equation. The activation energies of MgAl2O4 dissolution are 205 kJ mol−1 at 5 wt% MgAl2O4, 181 kJ mol−1 at 15 wt% MgAl2O4 and 594 kJ mol−1 at 25 wt% MgAl2O4. The activation energy calculated should be started as similar to other inclusions of Al2O3 and MgO.
Tidal resonances for fuzzballs
Authors: Di Russo Giorgio , Fucito Francesco , Morales Jose Francisco
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the gravitational tidal response of D1D5, Top Star and (1,0,n) strata horizonless geometries. We find that the tidal interactions in fuzzball geometries, unlike in the case of black holes, exhibits a sequence of resonant peaks associated to the existence of metastable bound states. The spectrum of resonant frequencies is computed by semianalytical and numerical methods.
Mosquito Microbiomes of Rwanda: Characterizing Mosquito Host and Microbial Communities in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Authors: Tokash-Peters Amanda G. , Niyonzima Jean Damascene , Kayirangwa Mirielle , Muhayimana Simon , Tokash Ivan W. , Jabon Jaimy D. , Lopez Sergio G. , Kearns Patrick J. , Woodhams Douglas C.
Published: May 2024

Mosquitoes are a complex nuisance around the world and tropical countries bear the brunt of the burden of mosquito-borne diseases. Rwanda has had success in reducing malaria and some arboviral diseases over the last few years, but still faces challenges to elimination. By building our understanding of in situ mosquito communities in Rwanda at a disturbed, human-occupied site and at a natural, preserved site, we can build our understanding of natural mosquito microbiomes toward the goal of implementing novel microbial control methods. Here, we examined the composition of collected mosquitoes and their microbiomes at two diverse sites using Cytochrome c Oxidase I sequencing and 16S V4 high-throughput sequencing. The majority (36 of 40 species) of mosquitoes captured and characterized in this study are the first-known record of their species for Rwanda but have been characterized in other nations in East Africa. We found significant differences among mosquito genera and among species, but not between mosquito sexes or catch method. Bacteria of interest for arbovirus control, Asaia, Serratia, and Wolbachia, were found in abundance at both sites and varied greatly by species.
Association between kidney stones and life's essential 8: a population-based study
Authors: Du Yuan-Zhuo , Guo Biao , Hu Hong-Ji , Dong Qian-Xi , Li Yi-He , Zhang Ji , Li Fu-Chun , Guo Ju
Published: May 2024

Background

Kidney stones exhibit a robust correlation with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this research is to investigate the correlation between kidney stones and Life's Essential 8 (LE8), a newly updated assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH), among adults in the United States.

Methods

In this study, which analyzed data from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we employed LE8 scores (ranging from 0 to 100) as the independent variable, classifying them into low, moderate, and high CVH categories. The research examined the relationship between LE8 scores and kidney stones by using multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models, with kidney stones as the dependent variable.

Results

Out of the 14,117 participants in this research, the weighted mean LE8 score was 69.70 ± 0.27. After accounting for confounding factors, there was an inverse association between higher LE8 scores and the likelihood of developing kidney stones (OR of 0.81 per 10-point increase, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.77–0.85), demonstrating a non-linear dose–response pattern. Similar patterns were observed for health behaviors, health factor scores, and kidney stones. Stratified analyses demonstrated a stable negative correlation between LE8 scores and kidney stones across different subgroups.

Conclusion

LE8 and its subscale scores exhibited a robust and inverse correlation with the occurrence of kidney stones. Encouraging adherence to optimal CVH levels has the potential to serve as an effective strategy in preventing and minimizing the occurrence of kidney stones.
Komplementinhibitorentherapie bei geographischer Atrophie (GA): funktionelle und morphologische Wirksamkeit und relevante Biomarker in der klinischen Praxis
Authors: Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Riedl Sophie
Published: May 2024

Die Zulassung komplementinhibitorischer Therapeutika zur Behandlung der geographischen Atrophie (GA) macht die verlässliche und reproduzierbare Messung von Krankheitsfortschreiten und Therapieerfolg unerlässlich. Die optische Kohärenztomographie (OCT) ist aufgrund ihrer Verbreitung und Bildgebungscharakteristiken die Methode der Wahl. Anhand artificial intelligence (AI)-basierter OCT-Analyse konnte die therapeutische Wirksamkeit von Pegcetacoplan auf retinaler Pigmentepithel(RPE)- und Photorezeptor(PR)-Ebene nachgewiesen werden. Cloud-basierte Lösungen, die das GA-Monitoring ermöglichen, stehen bereits zur Verfügung.
Disentangling Ecosystem Necromass Dynamics for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Barton Philip S. , Schultz Nick , Butterworth Nathan J. , Ulyshen Michael D. , Mateo-Tomás Patricia , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: May 2024

Global environmental change has redistributed earth’s biomass and the inputs and dynamics of basal detrital resources in ecosystems, contributing to the decline of biodiversity. Yet efforts to manage detrital necromass for biodiversity conservation are often overlooked or consider only singular resource types for focal species groups. We argue there is a significant opportunity to broaden our perspective of the spatiotemporal complexity among multiple necromass types for innovative biodiversity conservation. Here, we introduce an ecosystem-scale perspective to disentangling the spatial and temporal characteristics of multiple and distinct forms of necromass and their associated biota. We show that terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems contain a diversity of necromass types, each with contrasting temporal frequencies and magnitudes, and spatial density and configurations. By conceptualising an ecosystem in this way, we demonstrate that specific necromass dynamics can be identified and targeted for management that benefits the unique spatiotemporal requirements of dependent decomposer organisms and their critical role in ecosystem biomass conversion and nutrient recycling. We encourage conservation practitioners to think about necromass quantity, timing of inputs, spatial dynamics, and to engage with researchers to deepen our knowledge of how necromass might be manipulated to exploit the distinct attributes of different necromass types to help meet biodiversity conservation goals.
Portfolio Optimization with Prediction-Based Return Using Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks: Testing on Upward and Downward European Markets
Authors: Martínez-Barbero Xavier , Cervelló-Royo Roberto , Ribal Javier
Published: May 2024

In recent years, artificial intelligence has helped to improve processes and performance in many different areas: in the field of portfolio optimization, the inputs play a crucial role, and the use of machine learning algorithms can improve the estimation of the inputs to create robust portfolios able to generate returns consistently. This paper combines classical mean–variance optimization and machine learning techniques, concretely long short-term memory neural networks to provide more accurate predicted returns and generate profitable portfolios for 10 holding periods that present different financial contexts. The proposed algorithm is trained and tested with historical EURO STOXX 50® Index data from January 2015 to December 2020, and from January 2021 to June 2022, respectively. Empirical results show that our LSTM neural networks are able to achieve minor predictive errors since the average of the MSE of the 10 holding periods is 0.00047, the average of the MAE is 0.01634, and predict the direction of returns with an average accuracy over the 10 investment periods of 95.8%. Our prediction-based portfolios consistently beat the EURO STOXX 50® Index, achieving superior positive results even during bear markets.
Accurate and energy efficient ad-hoc neural network for wafer map classification
Authors: Pinzari Ana , Baumela Thomas , Andrade Liliana , Martin Maxime , Coppola Marcello , Pétrot Frédéric
Published: May 2024

Yield is key to profitability in semiconductor manufacturing and controlling the fabrication process is therefore a key duty for engineers in silicon foundries. Analyzing the distribution of the defective dies on a wafer is a necessary step to identify process shifts, and a major step in this analysis takes the form of a classification of these distributions on wafer bitmaps called wafer maps. Current approaches use large to huge state-of-the-art neural networks to perform this classification. We claim that given the task at hand, the use of much smaller, purpose defined neural networks is possible without much accuracy loss, while requiring two orders of magnitude less power than the current solutions. Our work uses actual foundry data from STMicroelectronics 28 nm fabrication facilities that it aims at classifying in 58 categories. We performed experiments using different low power boards for which we report accuracy, power consumption and power efficiency. As a result, we show that to classify 224$$\times $$
×
224 wafer maps at foundry-throughput with an accuracy above 97% using a bit more than 1 W, is feasible.
Chemical and Electrophysiological Characterisation of Headspace Volatiles from Yeasts Attractive to Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Castellan Irene , Duménil Claire , Rehermann Guillermo , Eisenstecken Daniela , Bianchi Flavia , Robatscher Peter , Spitaler Urban , Favaro Riccardo , Schmidt Silvia , Becher Paul G. , Angeli Sergio
Published: May 2024

Chemical control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) based on the use of insecticides is particularly challenging as the insect attacks ripening fruits shortly before harvest. An alternative strategy may rely on the use of yeasts as phagostimulants and baits, applied on canopy as attract-and-kill formulations. The aim of this research was to identify the most attractive among six yeast species for D. suzukii: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Clavispora santaluciae, Saccharomycopsis vini, Issatchenkia terricola, and Metschnikowia pulcherrima. The volatile profile of C. santaluciae was described for the first time. Behavioural experiments identified H. uvarum and S. vini as the most attractive yeasts. The characterization of yeast headspace volatiles using direct headspace (DHS) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) revealed several strain-specific compounds. With DHS injection, 19 volatiles were characterised, while SPME revealed 71 compounds constituting the yeast headspace. Both analyses revealed terpenoids including β-ocimene, citronellol, (Z)-geraniol (nerol), and geranial as distinct constituents of S. vini. H. uvarum and S. vini were further investigated using closed-loop stripping analysis (CSLA) and electroantennography. Out of 14 compounds quantified by CSLA, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, β-myrcene, benzaldehyde and linalool were detected by D. suzukii antennae and might generate the strong attractiveness of S. vini and H. uvarum. Our results highlight a strong attraction of D. suzukii to various yeasts associated with both the flies and their habitat and demonstrate how different sampling methods can impact the results of volatile compound characterization. It remains to be demonstrated whether the distinct attraction is based on special adaptations to certain yeasts and to what extent the metabolites causing attraction are interchangeable.
Real-time violence detection and localization through subgroup analysis
Authors: Veltmeijer Emmeke , Franken Morris , Gerritsen Charlotte
Published: May 2024

In an era of rapid technological advancements, computer systems play a crucial role in early Violence Detection (VD) and localization, which is critical for timely human intervention. However, existing VD methods often fall short, lacking applicability to surveillance data, and failing to address the localization and social dimension of violent events. To address these shortcomings, we propose a novel approach to integrate subgroups into VD. Our method recognizes and tracks multiple subgroups across frames, providing an additional layer of information in VD. This enables the system to not only detect violence at video-level, but also to identify the groups involved. This adaptable add-on module can enhance the applicability of existing models and algorithms. Through extensive experiments on the SCFD and RWF-2000 surveillance datasets, we find that our approach improves social awareness in real-time VD by localizing the people involved in an act of violence. The system offers a small performance boost on the SCFD dataset and maintains performance on RWF-2000, reaching 91.3% and 87.2% accuracy respectively, demonstrating its practical utility while performing close to state-of-the-art methods. Furthermore, our efficient method generalizes well to unseen datasets, marking a promising advance in early VD.
Pasture productivity benefits from strategic urease and nitrification inhibitor use are limited in rainfed temperate dairy pastures of southern Australia
Authors: Belyaeva O , Ward G , Wijesinghe T , Chen D , Suter H
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Urea is the most commonly used nitrogen (N) fertiliser on Australian dairy pastures, but has low N use efficiency due to high loss potential. Urease and nitrification inhibitors can be used to reduce these losses, however, their efficacy is highly variable and the reported impacts on productivity are inconsistent, with assessments often made using a single inhibitor across all seasons.

Research question

We examined the effectiveness of two commonly used inhibitors, the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBTPT) and the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) applied in a strategic program, on pasture responses to urea (U) fertiliser, and fertiliser N use efficiency in a temperate dairy pasture in Southern Australia.

Materials and Methods

Pasture productivity, N uptake, agronomic N use efficiency (NUAE), 15N fertiliser recovery and soil mineral N were monitored. The nitrogen was applied in the urea form at rates of 160, 320, 480 and 640 kg N ha−1 yr−1

Results and Conclusions

The majority of the plant N (64%-85%), assessed over autumn and spring growth periods using 15N, was derived from mineralised soil organic matter (SOM). Neither of the inhibitors significantly altered pasture production or NUAE, most likely because of the major role of SOM in supplying N to plants, and because much of the applied 15N (up to 55%) was retained in the soil (0-40 cm depth) due to microbial immobilisation. Uptake of fertiliser N was highest, up to 29% of applied N, immediately following fertiliser application and then was substantially reduced over subsequent months, reflecting low levels of mineralisation of the previously immobilised N. The total loss of applied 15N was greater following autumn applications of N than spring applications, being 14% - 42% and 2% - 7% respectively and was attributed to volatilisation occurring primarily in autumn, with minimal leaching and denitrification predicted under the experimental conditions.