bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical activation during the verbal fluency task for obstructive sleep apnea patients with depressive symptoms: A multi‐channel fNIRS study
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhang Ning , Yang Yang , Wang Shuo , Yu Ping , Wang Chun‐Xue
Published: September 2024

Study objective

The aim of our study was to elucidate differences in brain activity patterns among obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, OSA patients with depressive symptoms, and healthy controls (HCs). We also investigated the relationship between brain function and depression in OSA patients.

Methods

A total of 95 subjects were included in the study, including 34 OSA patients without depressive symptoms, 31 OSA patients with depressive symptoms, and 30 HCs. The 53‐channel functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to monitor the concentration of oxy‐hemoglobin (Oxy‐Hb) in the brain, whereas the participants performed the verbal fluency task, and the degree of depression was scored using the 17‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD‐17). Hierarchical regression models were conducted to analyze the association of fNIRS features with depressive symptom.

Results

The Oxy‐Hb changes of the three groups were significantly different in Channels 25 (H = 9.878, p = .007) and 43 (H = 6.957, p = .031). Inter‐group comparisons showed that the Oxy‐Hb change of Channel 25 (located in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC]) in OSA group was less than that in HC group (p = .006), and the Oxy‐Hb change of Channel 43 (located in the right frontal polar region) in OSA group with depression was less than that in OSA group (p = .025). Spearman's test showed that there was a significant negative correlation between HAMD‐17 scores and mean Oxy‐Hb changes in Channel 43 (r = −.319, p < .05) in the OSA patients. Using hierarchical regression, Oxy‐Hb changes in Channel 43 accounted for a significant proportion of the variation in outcome variables, even when accounting for other polysomnography features.

Conclusions:

Changes in the hemodynamic response of DLPFC may be a potential mechanism of executive dysfunction in OSA patients. And the right frontal polar region may be significant in assessing depressive symptoms in patients with OSA.
The volumes of amygdala subregions and peripheral programmed cell death protein‐1 levels are associated with cognitive decline in individuals with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Zeng Peiling , Zhao Baoru , Li Ming , Wang Yajun , Cai Guiyan , Chen Ruilin , Chen Lidian , Liu Jiao
Published: September 2024

Background

Persistent pain is a prominent symptom of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and has been associated with cognitive decline in individuals with KOA. The amygdala, a complex structure consisting of nine subnuclei, and programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) levels play crucial roles in pain regulation and cognitive processing. This study aims to investigate the relationships among amygdala subregion volumes, cognitive function, and PD‐1 levels to elucidate the underlying mechanism of cognitive decline in KOA.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, we recruited 36 patients with KOA and 25 age/gender‐matched healthy controls for neuropsychological tests, structural magnetic resonance imaging scanning, and measurement of serum PD‐1 levels. We used the atlas provided by FreeSurfer software to automatically segment the amygdala subnuclei. Subsequently, we compared the volumes of amygdala subregions between groups and explored their correlation with clinical scores and PD‐1 levels.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, individuals with KOA exhibited significantly lower scores on global cognition tasks, such as long‐delay free recall, short‐delay free recall, and immediate recall tasks. Moreover, they displayed decreased volumes in lateral nucleus basal nucleus paralaminar nucleus while showing increased volumes in accessory basal nucleus, central nucleus, medial nucleus, and cortical nucleus. Within the KOA group specifically, paralaminar volume was negatively correlated with immediate recall scores; pain scores were negatively correlated with global cognition; basal volume was negatively correlated with PD‐1 levels.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight those alterations in amygdala subregion volumes along with changes in serum PD‐1 levels may contribute to observe cognitive decline among individuals suffering from KOA.
Verbal Weight‐Related Abuse and Binge Eating Behavior: The Mediating Role of Attentional Bias to Threat Cues and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation
Authors: Salemi Elnaz , Zahraei Shaghayegh , Dehshiri Gholamreza , Norouzy Abdolreza
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Previous studies investigated the impact of weight‐related abuse (WRA) on eating pathology. However, the circumstances of such an effect are still unclear. Our study aimed to examine the relationship between verbal WRA and binge eating (BE) behavior via attentional bias (AB) to threat cues and difficulties in emotion regulation.

Method

We conducted a parallel mediation model. On the basis of the purposive sampling method, 183 individuals with obesity and overweight (70.5% female and 28.4% male; Meanage = 32.78), from February to June 2019, were recruited from a nutrition clinic in Tehran. The participants completed the BE scale (BES), the weight‐related abuse questionnaire (WRAQ), the difficulties in emotion regulation scale (DERS), and the dot probe task (DPT).

Results

AB to threat cues had a significantly negative association with verbal WRA and BE. Difficulties in emotion regulation showed a significant positive association with verbal WRA and BE. The parallel mediation model showed a direct effect of verbal WRA on BE. Moreover, the bootstrap analysis revealed that difficulties in emotion regulation could mediate the association between verbal WRA and BE.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that experiences of verbal WRA can contribute to cognitive bias to negative emotion, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and behavioral problems like BE.
Danggui Shaoyao San Alleviates Early Cognitive Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease Mice Through IRS1/GSK3β/Wnt3a‐β‐Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Kai‐Xin , Sheng Ning , Ding Peng‐Li , Zhang Ji‐Wei , Xu Xiang‐Qing , Wang Ya‐Han
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. We explored the potential mechanism by which Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS) modulates central glucose metabolism via the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK3β)/Wnt3a‐β‐catenin pathway, thereby exerting protective effects on cognitive functions.

Methods

In vitro, HT22 cells were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) to investigate the impact of GSK3β on pathway transduction. The active components in the DSS stock solution were validated using mass spectrometry. Subsequently, an AD model in C57BL/6J mice was established through STZ injection into both ventricles. The success of the model was validated behaviorally and pathologically. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) test, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR, and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) were employed to evaluate the influence of DSS on memory and pathological changes in AD.

Results

The DSS stock solution, rich in active components, ameliorated the memory deficits in AD mice in the MWM. In vitro, GSK3β exhibited regulatory control over Wnt and β‐catenin, with GSK3β inhibition mitigating β‐amyloid and tau redundancies at protein and gene levels, facilitating signal transduction. In vivo, DSS impacted key targets in the IRS1/GSK3β/Wnt3a‐β‐catenin pathway, mitigated senile plaques resulting from amyloid β (Aβ) deposition and neurofiber tangles induced by tau hyperphosphorylation, and alleviated the decline in central glucose metabolism observed in FDG‐PET.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DSS potentially confers cognitive protection by alleviating central hypoglycemia through the IRS1/GSK3β/Wnt3a‐β‐catenin pathway. This may serve as a promising therapeutic avenue for AD.
Neurophysiological Basis of Electroacupuncture Stimulation in the Treatment of Cardiovascular‐Related Diseases: Vagal Interoceptive Loops
Authors: Liu Yun , Xu Tiancheng , Yu Zhi , Xu Bin
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The vagal sensory nerve (VSN) is an essential interoceptive pathway that is connected to every level of the body. Its intricate genetic coding provides sustenance for physiological processes, including controlling blood pressure and respiration. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a proven surface stimulation therapy that can regulate vagal nerve activity, which can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases. A growing number of studies have concentrated on the mapping of VSN codes, but little is known, and the physiological background of how EA influences interoceptive has not been fully explored.

Method

Here, we incorporate the hypothesized interaction among EA targets, VSNs, and the heart. This offers suggestions for using a versatile and focused EA strategy to modify vagal interoceptive awareness to enhance cardiovascular conditions. We first clarified the major role of vagal nerve in the control of cardiac activity. Additionally, we clarified the multidimensional coding pattern in the VSNs, revealing that the targeted control of multimodal interoceptive is the functional basis of the synchronization of cardiovascular system.

Finding

We propose a strategy in which EA of the VSNs is employed to activate the interoceptive loop and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mendelian Randomization Study Supports Genetic Liability to Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Associated With the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Cao Si , Su Han , Zhang Xiaoyi , Fang Chao , Wu Nayiyuan , Zeng Youjie , Chen Minghua
Published: September 2024

Background

Observational studies have suggested that obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) may be associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, whether OCD is a causal risk factor for AD remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the causal effect of OCD on AD risk by performing a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Genome‐wide association summary statistics were obtained for OCD, comprising 2688 cases and 7037 controls, as well as for AD, including 21,982 cases and 41,944 controls from Kunkle et al.’s study, and 39,918 cases and 358,140 controls from Wightman et al.’s study. On the basis of two diverse thresholds, OCD‐associated genetic variants were screened as instrumental variables (IVs) for subsequent MR analyses. Inverse variance weighed was the primary MR method. MR‐Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode were used as supplementary MR methods. Various sensitivity tests assessed the reliability of MR results.

Results

On the basis of strict IV selecting thresholds, inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) identified significant causal associations between genetic liability to OCD and increased risk of AD in two different sources ((i) Kunkle et al.: odds ratio [OR] = 1.070, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.015–1.127, p = 0.012; (ii) Wightman et al. 0.012; (iii) Wightman et al.: OR = 1.051, 95% CI: 1.014–1.090, p = 0.007). Three other supplementary MR methods yielded similar results to IVWs (OR > 1). Furthermore, all results were replicated in MR analyses based on lenient IV selecting thresholds. The sensitivity tests indicated that MR results were stable and not affected by significant horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusions

This comprehensive MR study suggests that genetic liability to OCD is a causal risk factor for AD. Early intervention in patients with OCD may be beneficial in preventing future AD progression.
Debtholders' reaction to sustainability reporting regulations: International evidence
Authors: Song Haozhe , Rimmel Gunnar
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the impact of mandatory sustainability reporting on the affected firms' debt financing costs. Leveraging sustainability disclosure regulations enacted in 36 jurisdictions from 1998 to 2022 and using a staggered difference‐in‐differences empirical approach, we find that the regulation adoption firms experience a reduction in the debt financing cost subsequent to the mandate. Channel tests reveal that the benefit of a lower cost of debt is driven by greater transparency on sustainable practices and improved sustainability performance, which lead to a lower level of default risk stemming from sustainability‐related concerns. Cross‐sectional analyses further indicate that the debt financing cost reduction effect is more pronounced if the sustainability reporting regulations are issued by a government institution, on a full compliance basis, and with stronger enforcement. Our results provide policymakers with further evidence on the ongoing discussion about the effectiveness of sustainability disclosure mandates.
Enhancing Patient Outcomes: A Novel Nomogram Prediction Model Based on Systemic Immune‐Inflammation Index for Esophageal Stricture After Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Authors: Wang Chen , Tang Mengqiu , Chen Dawei , Zhou Yang , Liang Gaofeng , Shen Ruiwei , Chen Tian
Published: September 2024

Background

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a widely utilized treatment for early esophageal cancer. However, the rising incidence of postoperative esophageal stricture poses a significant challenge, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes. Developing precise predictive models is urgently required to enhance treatment outcomes.

Materials and Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 124 patients with early esophageal cancer who underwent ESD at Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital. Patients were followed up to assess esophageal stricture incidence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with post‐ESD esophageal stricture. A novel nomogram prediction model based on Systemic Immune‐inflammation Index (SII) was constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal value of SII for predicting esophageal stricture was 312.67. Both univariate and multivariate analyses identified lesion infiltration depth (< M2 vs. ≥ M2, p = 0.002), lesion longitudinal length (< 4 cm vs. ≥ 4 cm, p = 0.008), circumferential resection range (< 0.5, 0.5–0.75, ≥ 0.75, p = 0.014), and SII (< 312.67 vs. ≥ 312.67, p = 0.040) as independent risk factors for post‐ESD esophageal stricture. A novel nomogram prediction model incorporating these four risk factors was developed. Validation using ROC curve analysis demonstrated satisfactory model performance, while calibration curves indicated good agreement between model‐predicted risk and observed outcomes.

Conclusion

We successfully constructed a novel nomogram prediction model based on SII, which can accurately and intuitively predict the occurrence of esophageal stricture after ESD, providing guidance for clinicians and improving treatment outcomes.
Investigation of Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Echinophora chrysantha: Microwave‐Assisted Hydrodistillation and SPME Analysis of its Essential Oils
Authors: Şahin Osman , Kanbolat Şeyda , Çolak Nevin Ulaş , Badem Merve , Subaş Tuğba , Şener Sıla Özlem , Korkmaz Nuriye , Kalaycıoğlu Atila Taner , Öztürk Ergün , Sayım Alperen Ümit , Aliyazıcıoğlu Rezzan , Özgen Ufuk , Kandemir Ali
Published: September 2024

Echinophora genus is represented by six species in Türkiye, including three endemics. The objective of this study was to ascertain the antioxidant, tyrosinase, and collagenase inhibitory activities and to analyse the volatile oil and extracts derived from E. chrysantha using GC/MS/SPME. The antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The findings indicated that the methanol extract of E. chrysantha exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, both the methanol extract and volatile oil of the plant demonstrated potent inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and collagenase. A total of 84 volatile compounds were identified from the hydrodistilled oil obtained using a microwave oven, and 23 compounds were detected by the solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) method. The most frequently occurring volatile components were α‐Phellandrene, o‐Cymene, p‐Cymene, E‐β‐Farnesene, Carotol, trans‐Caryophyllene, and β‐Phellandrene. The results of this study indicate that E. chrysantha has the potential to be developed for the treatment of hyperpigmentation issues and anti‐aging applications. Furthermore, it may also have applications in pharmacology, cosmetics and the food industry.
Speciation of the Oxide Phase of Molybdenum‐Based HDS Catalysts Enhanced with Organic Additives Using an EXAFS/Raman Coupling Methodology
Authors: Lesage Clément , Devers Elodie , Legens Christèle , Roudenko Olga , Delpoux Olivier , Beauvois Anthony , Putaud Thomas , Briois Valérie
Published: September 2024

The ability to gain access to the speciation of hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts used for removing sulfur and nitrogen from transportation fuels is becoming a key feature in the understanding and improvement of their catalytic activity with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions of fossil fuels. A novel coupling methodology between Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was developed, which allows for precise qualitative and quantitative analysis of the oxide phase of Mo‐based catalysts. This enabled the detailed study of various impregnation parameters and the characterization of HDS catalysts before sulfidation. To illustrate this methodology, the effects of two additives (triethylene glycol and citric acid) were studied. The results demonstrated that organic additives exert a profound influence on the speciation of oxide precursors of molybdenum‐based catalysts. The presence of these additives enhances the dispersion of Keggin or Dawson heteropolyanions (HPAs) on the support by maintaining a high phosphorus‐to‐molybdenum ratio in solution. This is achieved by two strategies: triethylene glycol (TEG) exhibits a pronounced affinity for alumina hydroxyls, while citric acid compensates for phosphate adsorption through the formation of a stable Mo‐citrate complex.
Exploring the Mechanisms and Kinetic Modeling of Phenol Amination Using Pd and Rh‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Ortega Maray , Garrido Benjamin , Gómez Daviel , Fernandez‐Andrade Alex Ariel , Domine Marcelo E. , Jiménez Romel , Arteaga‐Pérez Luis E.
Published: September 2024

Producing biomass‐derived chemicals to substitute their petrochemical counterparts has long been an aspiration of the green chemistry research community. However, synthesizing secondary amines from biomass precursors presents several challenges related to catalyst nature and the mechanistic understanding of reaction systems. Here, we unravel the mechanistic and kinetic implications of the reductive amination of phenol with cyclohexylamine over Pd/C and Rh/C. A competitive Langmuir‐Hinshelwood reaction model well interpreted the kinetic data, suggesting that support‐metal interfaces serve as active sites for H2, ─NH2 and ═NH activation. The apparent activation energies for imine hydrogenation were 87.6 kJ mol−1 (Pd/C) and 34.5 kJ mol−1 (Rh/C), while ΔHads and ΔSads values confirmed the physicochemical consistency of the model. Moreover, the catalysts demonstrated their high stability to operate for several catalytic cycles, with minor activity losses due to metal leaching and partial sintering of Pd nanoparticles. Despite phenol reductive amination following similar mechanisms on Rh/C and Pd/C, they show differences in selectivity because the hydrogenation of imine is more efficient on Rh0 than on Pd0. This is the first mechanism‐oriented kinetic study for phenol reductive amination; thus, it provides valuable information for process design and scale‐up.
Enhancing the Reactivity of an Aromatic cyclo‐P5 Ligand via Electrophilic Activation
Authors: Riesinger Christoph , Blank Philip M. , Scholtes Christian , Gschwind Ruth M. , Scheer Manfred
Published: September 2024

Electrophilic activation of the aromatic cyclo‐P5 ligand in [Cp*Fe(η5‐P5)] is demonstrated to drastically enhance its reactivity towards weak nucleophiles. Unprecedented functionalized, contracted as well as complexly aggregated polyphosphorus compounds are accessed utilizing [Cp*Fe(η5‐P5Me)][OTf] (A), highlighting the great potential of this underexplored mode of reactivity. Addition of carbenes to A affords novel 1,2‐ or 1,1‐difunctionalized cyclo‐P5 complexes [Cp*Fe(η4‐P5(1‐L)(2‐Me)][OTf] (L=IDipp (1), EtCAAC (2), IiPr (3 b)) and [Cp*Fe(η4‐P5(1‐IiPr)(1‐Me)][OTf] (3 a). For the first time, the much smaller IMe4 leads to the contraction of the cyclo‐P5 ligand and formation of [Cp*Fe(η4‐P4(1‐IMe)(4‐Me)] (4). DFT calculations shed light on the delicate mechanism of this type of reaction, which is reinforced by the experimental identification of key intermediates. Even the comparably weak nucleophile IDippCH2 reacts with A to form [Cp*Fe(η4‐P5(1‐IDippCH2)(1/2‐Me)][OTf] (6 a/b), highlighting its explicitly more reactive nature. Moreover, exposure of A to IDippEH (E=N, P) leads to a unique aggregation reaction affording [{Cp*Fe}2{μ2,η4:3:1–P10Me2(IDippN)}][OTf] (8) and [{Cp*Fe}2{μ2,η4:1:1:1–P11Me2(IDipp)}][OTf] (9), respectively.
200 Years of The Haloform Reaction: Methods and Applications
Authors: Rowett Albert C. , Heard David M. , Koria Priya , Dean Alice C. , Sweeting Stephen G. , Lennox Alastair J. J.
Published: September 2024

Discovered in 1822, the haloform reaction is one of the oldest synthetic organic reactions. The haloform reaction enables the synthesis of carboxylic acids, esters or amides from methyl ketones. The reaction proceeds via exhaustive α‐halogenation and then substitution by a nucleophile to liberate a haloform. The methyl group therefore behaves as a masked leaving group. The reaction methodology has undergone several important developments in the last 200 years, transitioning from a diagnostic test of methyl ketones to a synthetically useful tool for accessing complex esters and amides. The success of the general approach has been exhibited through the use of the reaction in the synthesis of many different complex molecules in fields ranging from natural product synthesis, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrants and flavourings. The reaction has not been extensively reviewed since 1934. Therefore, herein we provide details of the history and mechanism of the haloform reaction, as well as an overview of the developments in the methodology and a survey of examples, particularly in natural product synthesis, in which the haloform reaction has been used.
Modelling and Numerical Evaluation of Photovoltaic Parameters of a Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cell Based on Methylammonium Tin Iodide
Authors: Njema George G. , Mosonik Bornes C. , Ahia Chinedu C. , Kibet Joshua K.
Published: September 2024

Designing a high‐performance solar cell structure requires the understanding of material innovation, device engineering, charge behavior, operation characteristics and efficient photoconversion of light to generate electricity. This study offers a detailed numerical evaluation of the device physics in a highly efficient methylammonium‐based perovskite solar cell (PSC) of the configuration, FTO/WO3/CH₃NH₃SnI₃/GO/Fe. Utilizing the SCAPS‐1D device simulator, an impressive open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.3184 V, short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of 35.10 mA/cm2, Fill factor (FF) of 78.38 %, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 36.24 % were achieved. The model cell exhibits a robust photon capture of 100 % quantum efficiency between 360 and 750 nm. The study also presents a temperature‐dependent band alignment diagram which posted a built‐in potential (Vbi) of 0.62 eV. The Vbi at 400 K was found to be 0.58 eV indicating that the model cell exhibits a decent temperature tolerance, and can retain approximately 93 % of its power at 400 K. Through Mott‐Schottky capacitance analysis, deeper insights into the space‐charge region are inferred, while recombination‐generation investigations emphasize the significance of electronic properties in optimizing device performance. This paper, therefore, lays the foundation for future studies, offering clear pathways for device optimization and identifying key areas that require further investigation.
Investigation of Novel Isatinylhydantoin Derivatives as Potential Anti‐Kinetoplastid Agents
Authors: Sechoaro Keamogetswe , Aucamp Janine , Kannigadu Christina , Janse van Rensburg Helena D. , Suganuma Keisuke , N'Da David D.
Published: September 2024

Neglected tropical diseases are a group of infectious diseases with a high endemicity in developing countries of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Treatment for these diseases depends solely on chemotherapy, which is associated with severe side effects, toxicity, and the development of parasitic resistance. This highlights a critical need to develop new and effective drugs to curb these diseases. As a result, a series of novel isatinylhydantoin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro anti‐kinetoplastid activity against seven human‐ or animal‐infective Trypanosoma and two human‐infective Leishmania species. The synthesized derivatives were tested for potential cytotoxicity against human, animal, and parasite host‐related cell lines. The isatinylhydantoin hybrid 4 b bearing 5‐chloroisatin and p‐bromobenzyl moieties, showed strong trypanocidal activity against blood‐stage T. congolense parasites; however, the promising in vitro trypanocidal potency of 4 b could not be translated to in vivo treatment efficacy in a preliminary animal study. Compounds 5, 2 b, and 5 b, were the most active against amastigotes of L. donovani, showing higher leishmanicidal activity than the reference drug, amphotericin B. These compounds were identified as early antileishmanicidal leads, and future investigations will focus on confirming their antileishmanial potential through in vivo efficacy evaluation as well as their exact mechanism of action.
Cs‐Promoted Co Particles on Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia as Coke‐Tolerance Methane Dry Reforming Catalyst under Elevated Pressure
Authors: Zhang Penghao , Yao Juntao , Zhu Yi‐an , Liu Zhicheng , Zhu Kake
Published: September 2024

Methane reforming with CO2 (dry reforming) co‐converts the two green‐house gases into synthesis gas and offers a promising way to integrate CO2 utilization into the current chemical infrastructure. One major obstacle for its industrial deployment is coke deposition on catalyst surface, in particular, under industrially relevant, pressurized operation conditions. Most catalytic investigations are conducted at atmospheric pressure, but the elevation in pressure poses a grand challenge for catalyst design. In this study, we demonstrate that Cs can promote carbon‐tolerance of Co catalyst supported on Yttria‐stabilized Zirconia under 20 bar, 850 °C with stochiometric feed flow for up to 100 h, which is often regarded as accelerated deactivation testing condition. Lowered amount and mostly CO2 gasifiable residue carbons are determined in Cs‐promoted spent Co‐catalyst, with respect to pristine Co catalyst. Kinetic studies reveal that Cs slows down coke deposition, while the essential reaction mechanism on pristine Co catalyst remains unaltered. Cs+ moieties absorb CO2 to afford Cs2CO3 that can release O* on adjacent Co surface to facilitate surface C* oxidation and simultaneously suppress carbon nucleation. The disclosure of the promoting effect of Cs on Co catalyst may have implications to other reforming catalyst and process design.
Operando Spectroscopic Investigation of the Re2O7.2H2O Adduct obtained by Controlled Hydration of Re2O7.
Authors: Sécordel Xavier , Nandi Shreya , Tougerti Asma , Cristol Sylvain , Paul Jean‐François , Briois Valérie , La Fontaine Camille , Berrier Elise
Published: September 2024

We provide here a comprehensive investigation spectroscopic of the controlled hydration of Re2O7 using Raman, Fourier‐Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X‐Rays Absorption (XAS) techniques in complement with ab initio modelling for confirming the spectral assignments. Hence, the Raman signature of Re2O7.2H2O was obtained, and the evolution kinetics was investigated to provide a detailed description of the hydration process.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Catalytic Application of Ferrocenyl Based Bis(pyrazolyl) Palladium Complexes
Authors: Meher Sushanta Kumar , Rao Aradhyula Basava Punna , Velpuri Venkateswara Rao , Venkatasubbaiah Krishnan
Published: September 2024

Here we report, synthesis of ferrocenyl based bis(pyrazolyl) palladium complexes. The catalytic utility of the complexes in the cross‐coupling of triarylbismuthanes and aryl bromides was evaluated. Our ferrocenyl based palladium complex showed wide substrate scope for both triarylbismuthanes and aryl bromides. Further, the current catalytic system also showed superior activity over the well‐established palladium‐phosphine catalytic system using triarylbismuthanes as reagents.
Optimal Trough Concentration of Tacrolimus in Pediatric Patients With Primary Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Maochang , Wang Xiaowen , Peng Hui , Niu Changhe , Li Mengting , Gao Ping
Published: September 2024

The trough concentration (C0) of tacrolimus in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) has rarely been explored, so its target level was based on transplant research. This study aimed to determine the optimal tacrolimus C0 in NS children. Data from primary NS children treated with tacrolimus at Wuhan Children's Hospital in the last 10 years were retrospectively collected. According to the cutoff C0 analyzed by receiver‐operator characteristics (ROC) analysis, patients were divided into very low‐ (< 4 ng/mL), low‐ (4–5 ng/mL), medium‐ (5–7 ng/mL), and high‐concentration (7–10 ng/mL) groups. A total of 196 patients were enrolled for primary outcome analysis. Compared to medium‐concentration group, only the very low‐concentration group obtained significant inferior primary outcomes, including overall remission rate, relapse‐free survival rate, and relapse rate at 6 months. For secondary outcomes, the very low‐concentration group experienced more frequent treatment failure in 12 months, whereas the high‐concentration group suffered a higher risk of adverse events than the medium‐concentration group. For steroid‐resistant NS, very low‐ and low‐concentration groups required longer time to achieve remission compared to medium‐concentration group. For steroid‐sensitive NS, the very low‐concentration group suffered a higher relapse frequency than medium‐concentration group. Lastly, the dose of tacrolimus required for children with different CYP3A5 genotypes with or without Wuzhi capsules was analyzed. In conclusion, tacrolimus may be targeted to C0 of 4–7 ng/mL during the first 6 months in children with NS. For steroid‐resistant NS, C0 of 5–7 ng/mL can achieve a rapid remission.
Visualizing the Structure and Dynamics of Transition Metal‐Based Electrocatalysts Using Synchrotron X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Cheng Wen , Fan Peng , Jin Wei
Published: September 2024

As the global energy structure evolves and clean energy technologies advance, electrocatalysis has become a focal point as a critical conversion pathway in the new energy sector. Transitional metal electrocatalysts (TMEs) with their distinctive electronic structures and redox properties show great potential in electrocatalytic reactions. However, complex reaction mechanisms and kinetic limitations hinder the improvement of energy conversion efficiency, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive studies on structure and performance of electrocatalysts. X‐ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectra stand out as a robust tool for examining the electrocatalyst′s structures and performance due to its atomic selectivity and sensitivity to local environments. This review delves into the application of XAFS technology in characterizing TMEs, providing in‐depth analyses of X‐ray Absorption Near‐Edge Structure (XANES) spectra, and Extended XAFS (EXAFS) spectra in both R‐space and k‐space. These analyses reveal intrinsic structural information, electronic interactions, catalyst stability, and aggregation morphology. Furthermore, the paper examines advancements in in‐situ XAFS techniques for real‐time monitoring of active site changes, capturing critical intermediate and transitional states, and elucidating the evolution of active species during electrocatalytic reactions. These insights deepen our understanding on structure‐activity relationship of electrocatalysts and offer valuable guidance for designing and developing highly active and stable electrocatalysts.
A compact quad element MIMO CPW fed ultra‐wideband antenna for future wireless communication using machine learning optimization
Authors: Rai Jayant Kumar , Yadav Swati , Ranjan Pinku , Chowdhury Rakesh , Das Gourab
Published: September 2024

In this article, a compact quad element coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna for future generation wireless communication system using a machine learning (ML) optimization approach is presented. The proposed antenna is used for 5G new radio (n46/n77/n47/n78/n48/n79), Wi‐Fi 5, Wi‐Fi 6, and dedicated short range communications (DSRC) services, vehicle to infrastructure (V2I), vehicle to vehicle (V2V), and vehicle to network (V2N) in the entire operating frequency band. It is operating from 3.2 to 11.85 GHz. The bandwidth is 8.65 GHz, and the percentage of impedance bandwidth is 115%. The comparative analysis between dual and quad elements are presented. It is optimized through the various ML model K‐nearest neighbor (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGB), artificial neural network (ANN), and random forest (RF). The KNN ML model achieved a higher accuracy of 93%, and it accurately predicted the S parameters of the suggested UWB antenna. The MIMO parameters are calculated and found within the acceptable limits. There is a strong correlation between the simulated and measured results. Hence, the suggested antenna is a suitable candidate for future wireless communication systems.
Comparative analysis reveals assortative mate preferences in darters independent of sympatry and sex
Authors: Héjja‐Brichard Yseult , Renoult Julien P. , Mendelson Tamra C.
Published: September 2024

A preference for mating with conspecifics over heterospecifics is fundamental to the maintenance of species diversity in sexually reproducing organisms. This type of positive assortative preference results in sexual isolation, and a reduction in gene flow between species due to differences in mate choice. The proximate and ultimate causes of sexual isolation therefore constitute active areas of research in evolutionary biology. Sexual isolation is often stronger between closely related sympatric species as compared to allopatric species because of processes such as reinforcement. In addition, traditional theories of sexual selection suggest that because reproduction is more costly to females, they should be the choosier sex and play a more central role in sexual isolation. We conducted a comparative analysis of assortative mate preferences in males and females of sympatric and allopatric species pairs of darters (fish genus Etheostoma). We performed a meta‐analysis of 17 studies, encompassing 21 species, in which assortative preference was measured when fish were (in most cases) allowed only visual information. As expected, we found stronger preferences for conspecifics over heterospecifics across studies and species. However, we did not find an effect of sympatry or sex on the strength of preference for conspecifics, but rather remarkable variation across species. We offer several testable hypotheses to explain the variation we observed in the strength of assortative preference.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi and the nitrogen economy of Nothofagus in southern Patagonia
Authors: Truong Camille , Gabbarini Luciano A. , Moretto Alicia , Escobar Julio M. , Smith Matthew E.
Published: September 2024

Subantarctic Nothofagus forests are the southernmost forests in the world, with negligible atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Most paradigms about the role of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi in N cycling and plant N uptake at high latitudes have been tested in boreal coniferous forests, while in the southern hemisphere, ECM hosts are primarily angiosperms. Using ITS1 meta‐barcoding, we characterized ECM and saprotrophic fungal communities in evergreen and deciduous Nothofagus forests forming monodominant and mixed stands in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego (Chile and Argentina). We assessed the N economy of Nothofagus by correlating host species with fungal relative abundances, edaphic variables, net N mineralization, microbial biomass N and the activity of eight extracellular soil enzymes activities. The N economy of deciduous N. pumilio forests was strikingly similar to boreal coniferous forests, with the lowest inorganic N availability and net N mineralization, in correlation to higher relative abundances of ECM fungi with enzymatic capacity for organic N mobilization (genus Cortinarius). In contrast, the N economy of evergreen N. betuloides forests was predominantly inorganic and correlated with ECM lineages from the family Clavulinaceae, in acidic soils with poor drainage. Grassy understory vegetation in deciduous N. antarctica forests likely promoted saprotrophic fungi (i.e., genus Mortierella) in correlation with higher activities of carbon‐degrading enzymes. Differences between Nothofagus hosts did not persist in mixed forests, illustrating the range of soil fertility of these ECM angiosperms and the underlying effects of soil and climate on Nothofagus distribution and N cycling in southern Patagonia.
Hidden gems: Scattered knowledge hampered freshwater jellyfish research over the past one‐and‐a‐half centuries
Authors: Lüskow Florian , Bezio Nicholas , Caputo Luciano , Chi Xupeng , Dumont Henri J. , Karunarathne Krishan D. , López‐González Pablo J. , Mańko Maciej K. , Marchessaux Guillaume , Suzuki Kentaro S. , Pakhomov Evgeny A.
Published: September 2024

Freshwater jellyfish (= limnic medusa‐budding hydrozoans, FWJ) are a small group of cnidarians found on all continents except Antarctica in temperate to tropical latitudes. Members of this group belong primarily to three genera: Astrohydra, Craspedacusta, and Limnocnida. While Astrohydra and Limnocnida are typically restricted to the islands of Japan, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, one species or potential species complex, Craspedacusta sowerbii, became globally invasive. Despite research going back about one‐and‐a‐half centuries, little is known about their phylogeny and ecology compared to marine jellyfish. Recent species distribution modelling, however, showed that by 2050, C. sowerbii will potentially extend their distribution ranges due to global warming to high‐latitude ecosystems and be present (medusa stage) for an extended time in the seasonal limnic production cycle. An increase in their relative ecological importance with temporal and spatial spreading is hypothesised. Only recently, it has been shown that the trophic roles of polyps and medusae and their prey overlap with other ecosystem members. In addition, medusa behaviour may cause trophic cascades and alter vertical nutrient distributions. However, polyps and other benthic life cycle stages are understudied. In globally, changing freshwater ecosystems that may become more accommodating for FWJ, an improved understanding of their population biology and ecosystem ecology is urgently needed. In this integrative review, we, therefore, explore reasons for the hampered historical research progress, contrast developments with those of marine cnidarians, compile and publish alongside an extensive and unprecedented literature database, and formulate avenues for future directions in FWJ research.
Device‐therapy in chronic heart failure: Cardiac contractility modulation versus cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Yuecel Goekhan , Gaasch Leo , Kodeih Abbass , Hetjens Svetlana , Yazdani Babak , Pfleger Stefan , Duerschmied Daniel , Abraham William T. , Akin Ibrahim , Kuschyk Juergen
Published: September 2024

Aims

Cardiac implantable electrical devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT‐Ds) or cardiac contractility modulation (CCMs) are therapy options for patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) despite optimal medical treatment. As yet, a comparison between both devices has not been performed.

Methods and results

The Mannheim Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Registry (MARACANA) and the Mannheim Cardiac Contractility Modulation Observational Study (MAINTAINED) included all patients who received CRTs or CCMs in our medical centre between 2012 and 2021. For the present analysis, we retrospectively compared patients provided with either CRT‐Ds (n = 220) or CCMs with additional defibrillators (n = 105) regarding New York Heart Association classification (NYHA), LVEF, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), QRS‐width and other HF modification aspects after 12 months. Before implantation, CCM patients presented with lower LVEF (23.6 ± 6.2 vs. 26.3 ± 6.5%) and worse NYHA (3.03 ± 0.47 vs. 2.81 ± 0.48, both P < 0.05), compared with CRT‐D patients. Follow‐up improvements in NYHA (2.43 ± 0.67 vs. 2.28 ± 0.72), LVEF (30.5 ± 10.7 vs. 35.2 ± 10.5%) and TAPSE (17.2 ± 5.2 vs. 17.1 ± 4.8 to 18.9 ± 3.4 vs. 17.3 ± 3.6 mm, each P < 0.05) were comparable. The intrinsic QRS‐width was stable with CCM (109.1 ± 18 vs. 111.7 ± 19.7 ms, P > 0.05), while the paced QRS‐width with CRT‐D after 12 months was lower than intrinsic values at baseline (157.5 ± 16.5 vs. 139.2 ± 16 ms, P < 0.05). HF hospitalizations occurred more often for CCM than CRT‐D patients (45.7 vs. 16.8%/patient years, odds ratio 4.2, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Chronic heart failure patients could experience comparable 12‐month improvements in functional status and ventricular reverse remodelling, with appropriately implanted CCMs and CRT‐Ds. Differences in HF hospitalization rates may be due to the more advanced HF of CCM patients at implantation.
Liver type 1 innate lymphoid cells undergo apoptosis in murine models of macrophage activation syndrome and are dispensable for disease
Authors: De Visscher Amber , Vandeput Marte , Vandenhaute Jessica , Malengier‐Devlies Bert , Bernaerts Eline , Ahmadzadeh Kourosh , Filtjens Jessica , Mitera Tania , Berghmans Nele , Van den Steen Philippe E. , Friedrich Christin , Gasteiger Georg , Wouters Carine , Matthys Patrick
Published: September 2024

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) exemplifies a severe cytokine storm disorder with liver inflammation. In the liver, classical natural killer (cNK) cells and liver‐resident type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) dominate the ILC population. Thus far, research has primarily focused on the corresponding role of cNK cells. Considering the liver inflammation and cytokine storm in MAS, liver‐resident ILC1s represent an interesting population to explore due to their rapid cytokine production upon environmental triggers. By utilizing a Toll‐like receptor (TLR)9‐ and TLR3:4‐triggered MAS model, we showed that ILC1s highly produce IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. However, activated ILC1s undergo apoptosis and are strongly reduced in numbers, while cNK cells resist inflammation‐induced apoptosis. Signs of mitochondrial stress suggest that this ILC1 apoptosis may be driven by inflammation‐induced mitochondrial impairment. To study whether early induction of highly cytokine‐producing ILC1s influences MAS development, we used Hobit KO mice due to their paucity of liver ILC1s but unaffected cNK cell numbers. Nevertheless, neither the severity of MAS features nor the total inflammatory cytokine levels were affected in these Hobit KO mice, indicating that ILC1s are dispensable for MAS pathogenesis. Collectively, our data demonstrate that ILC1s undergo apoptosis during TLR‐triggering and are dispensable for MAS pathogenesis.
Influence of η1‐Acetylide Ligands on the Spin State and Catalytic Activity of Iron(II) PNP Pincer Complexes
Authors: Eder Wolfgang , Stöger Berthold , Kirchner Karl , Gorgas Nikolaus
Published: September 2024

Here, we report the preparation, structures and reactivity of iron(II) PNP pincer complexes bearing one, two or three η1‐acetylide ligands bound to the metal center. The described complexes are accessible through the reaction of either one, two or ≥3 equivalent of LiCCR (R=SiMe3, Ph) with the dibromide complex [Fe(PNP)Br2] (1). Through increasing the number of η1‐acetylides the overall ligand field strength can be modulated resulting in S=2, S=1 and S=0 spin states for mono‐, bis‐ and tris‐acetylated complexes, respectively. These findings are supported by DFT calculations on the spin state spitting in these complexes and appear to affect their binding affinity towards additional co‐ligands. The Fe(II) mono‐, bis‐ and tris‐acetylides were tested as catalyst in the catalytic dimerization of terminal alkynes. These test reactions revealed that only the bis‐acetylated complexes are catalytically competent while mono‐acetylated species are inactive. The tris‐acetylated complexes were found to be off‐cycle intermediates in the presence of lithium acetylides.
Comprehensive study of vortices interaction and blades height effect in a Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine with J‐type blades
Authors: Farzadi Ramin , Gharapetian Derrick , Bazargan Majid
Published: September 2024

There is a growing demand to improve the performance of vertical axis wind turbines to facilitate their commercialization for application in urban areas. This study utilizes a 3D numerical analysis to examine the influence of different vortices generated on turbine efficiency with straight and J‐type blades. The numerical simulation of this study employs the Reynolds‐Averaged Navier–Stokes equations and ‎sliding ‎mesh techniques ‎to more accurately model the rotational motion of blades about the turbine axis in relation to the ‎wind. Comparing the output ‎torque and the flow field at different span‐wise sections, the J‐type blades achieve better ‎performance at mid‐spans where the effect of stall vortices is dominant. Conversely, the lower ‎performance of J‐type blades is seen at tip spans due to stronger tip vortices. Investigations also ‎reveal the criticality of the downwind region on the overall performance at high tip speed ratios. It is observed that by ‎increasing the height, the tip vortices are limited to the tip sections, and stall vortices expand further ‎along the blade. At TSR = 1, the improvement by J‐type blades rises from 10% at a height of 0.8 m to 44% ‎at 3 m. The growth in height at lower wind speeds becomes more beneficial. Compared to the straight blades, the self‐starting ‎generated torque by J‐type blades for heights of 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6 m, are improved by 15.6%, ‎‎26.9%, and 34.7%, respectively. Overall, it is concluded that by increasing the blade height, the superiority ‎of the J‐type blade becomes more noticeable as the blade mainly contributes to suppressing the stall ‎vortices effect where the tip vortices effect is not presented. ‎