bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of HLA‐DR Positive Peripheral Helper T and Naive B Cells in Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody‐Positive Individuals At Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Takada Hideto , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Deane Kevin D. , Nakamura Shohei , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Ikari Katsunori , Buckner Jane H. , Robinson William H. , Seifert Jennifer A. , Feser Marie L. , Moss LauraKay , Norris Jill M. , Harigai Masayoshi , Hsieh Elena W. Y. , Holers V. Michael , Okamoto Yuko
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate immune dysregulation in the peripheral blood that contributes to the pre‐rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stage of RA development in anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)+ individuals.

Methods

Using 37 markers by mass cytometry, we investigated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from ACPA+ at‐risk individuals, ACPA+ early untreated patients with RA, and ACPA− controls in the Tokyo Women's Medical University cohort (n = 17 in each group). Computational algorithms, FlowSOM and Optimized t‐Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding, were employed to explore specific immunologic differences between study groups. These findings were further evaluated, and longitudinal changes were explored, using flow cytometry and PBMCs from the US‐based Targeting Immune Responses for Prevention of RA cohort that included 11 ACPA+ individuals who later developed RA (pre‐RA), of which 9 had post‐RA diagnosis PBMCs (post‐RA), and 11 ACPA− controls.

Results

HLA‐DR+ peripheral helper T (Tph) cells, activated regulatory T cells, PD‐1hi CD8+ T cells, and CXCR5−CD11c−CD38+ naive B cells were significantly expanded in PBMCs from at‐risk individuals and patients with early RA from the Tokyo Women's Medical University cohort. Expansion of HLA‐DR+ Tph cells and CXCR5−CD11c−CD38+ naive B cells was likewise found in both pre‐RA and post‐RA time points in the Targeting Immune Responses for Prevention of RA cohort.

Conclusion

The expansion of HLA‐DR+ Tph cells and CXCR5−CD11c−CD38+ naive B cells in ACPA+ individuals, including those who developed inflammatory arthritis and classified RA, supports a key role of these cells in transition from pre‐RA to classified RA. These findings may identify a new mechanistic target for treatment and prevention in RA.

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Waste cooking oil and molasses for the sustainable production of extracellular lipase by Saitozyma flava
Authors: Donzella Silvia , Fumagalli Andrea , Contente Martina Letizia , Molinari Francesco , Compagno Concetta
Published: February 2024

Organic waste valorization is one of the principal goals of the circular economy. Bioprocesses offer a promising approach to achieve this goal by employing microorganisms to convert organic feedstocks into high value products through their metabolic activities. In this study, a fermentation process for yeast cultivation and extracellular lipase production was developed by utilizing food waste. Lipases are versatile enzymes that can be applied in a wide range of industrial fields, from detergent, leather, and biodiesel production to food and beverage manufacturing. Among several oleaginous yeast species screened, Saitozyma flava was found to exhibit the highest secreted lipase activity on pNP‐butyrate, pNP‐caproate, and pNP‐caprylate. The production medium was composed of molasses, a by‐product of the sugar industry, which provided nutrients for yeast biomass formation. At the same time, waste cooking oil was employed to induce and enhance extracellular lipase production. After 48 h of process, 20 g/L of yeast biomass and 150 mU/mgdw of lipase activity were achieved, with a productivity of 3 mU/mgdw/h. The purified lipase from S. flava showed optimal performances at temperature 28°C and pH 8.0, exhibiting a specific activity of 62 U/mg when using p‐NPC as substrate.
Explained variation and degrees of necessity and of sufficiency for competing risks survival data
Authors: Gleiss Andreas , Gnant Michael , Schemper Michael
Published: February 2024

In this contribution, the Schemper–Henderson measure of explained variation for survival outcomes is extended to accommodate competing events (CEs) in addition to events of interest. The extension is achieved by moving from the unconditional and conditional survival functions of the original measure to unconditional and conditional cumulative incidence functions, the latter obtained, for example, from Fine and Gray models. In the absence of CEs, the original measure is obtained as a special case. We define explained variation on the population level and provide two different types of estimates. Recently, the authors have achieved a multiplicative decomposition of explained variation into degrees of necessity and degrees of sufficiency. These measures are also extended to the case of competing risks survival data. A SAS macro and an R function are provided to facilitate application. Interesting empirical properties of the measures are explored on the population level and by an extensive simulation study. Advantages of the approach are exemplified by an Austrian study of breast cancer with a high proportion of CEs.
Metal coordination‐driven assembly of stimulator of interferon genes‐activating nanoparticles for tumor chemo‐immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Guiqiang , Wang Ning , Ma Yuan , Zhai Shumei , Ngai To , Ni Shilei , Jiang Xinyi , Jiao Jianwei , Cui Jiwei
Published: February 2024

Activating the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is critical for enhancing antitumor immunity and remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we report the preparation of STING‐activating nanoparticles via metal coordination‐driven assembly of a synthetic STING agonist (i.e., SR717) and a chemotherapeutic drug (i.e., curcumin). After intravenous administration, the assembled nanoparticles could efficiently accumulate in tumors to improve the bioavailability of SR717 and trigger potent STING pathway activation for effective immune responses. Meanwhile, the released curcumin evokes immunogenic cell death in tumors and regulates amino acid metabolism by inhibiting the activation of indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1, leading to the reversal of the immunosuppressive TME. The antitumor immunity induced by nanoparticles significantly inhibits the growth of primary, recurrent, and metastatic tumors. The assembled nanoparticles are promising for the co‐delivery of STING agonists and drugs in improved tumor chemo‐immunotherapy.
Anti‐inflammatory Polyketides from an Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium sp. UJN‐EF006 of Vaccinium bracteatum
Authors: Wang Yin‐Yin , Pan Yin‐Bo , Wan Ze‐Yi , Li Jun‐Jiang , Bao Jie , Zhang Jun‐Sheng , Zhang Hua
Published: February 2024

Seven new polyketides including three chromone derivatives (1‐3) and four linear ones incorporating a tetrahydrofuran ring (4‐7), along with three known compounds (8‐10), were obtained from the fermentation of an endophytic fungus (Chaetomium sp. UJN‐EF006) isolated from the leaves of Vaccinium bracteatum. The structures of these fungal metabolites have been elucidated by spectroscopic means including MS, NMR and electronic circular dichroism. A preliminary anti‐inflammatory screening with the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RAW264.7 cell model revealed moderate NO production inhibitory activity for compounds 1 and 4. In addition, the expression of three LPS‐induced inflammatory factors IL‐6, iNOS and COX‐2 was also blocked by 1 and 4.
Regulation of iron metabolism in HEC‐1A endometrium cells by macrophage‐derived factors and fractalkine
Authors: Pandur Edina , Pap Ramóna , Jánosa Gergely , Tamási Kitti , Sipos Katalin
Published: February 2024

Macrophages in the endometrium promote receptivity and implantation by secreting proinflammatory cytokines and other factors like fractalkine (FKN). Macrophages are closely linked to regulating iron homeostasis and can modulate iron availability in the tissue microenvironment. It has been revealed that the iron metabolism of the mother is crucial in fertility. Iron metabolism is strictly controlled by hepcidin, the principal iron regulatory protein. The inflammatory cytokines can modulate hepcidin synthesis and, therefore, the iron metabolism of the endometrium. It was proven recently that FKN, a unique chemokine, is implicated in maternal–fetal communication and may contribute to endometrial receptivity and implantation. In the present study, we investigated the effect of activated THP‐1 macrophages and FKN on the iron metabolism of the HEC‐1A endometrial cells. We established a noncontact coculture with or without recombinant human FKN supplementation to study the impact of the macrophage‐derived factors and FKN on the regulation of hepcidin synthesis and iron release and storage of endometrial cells. Based on our findings, the conditioned medium of the activated macrophages could modify hepcidin synthesis via the nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and the transferrin receptor 2/bone morphogenetic protein 6/suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic 1/5/8 signaling pathways, and FKN could alter this effect on the endometrial cells. It was also revealed that the conditioned macrophage medium and FKN modulated the iron release and storage of HEC‐1A cells. FKN signaling may be involved in the management of iron trafficking of the endometrium by the regulation of hepcidin. It can contribute to the iron supply for fetal development at the early stage of the pregnancy.
A case of culture‐negative endocarditis causing flail perforated mitral valve
Authors: Dadana Sriharsha , Kondapalli Anusha , Madhwani Vipul
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

We describe a case of culture negative endocarditis causing mitral valve perforations and recurrent heart failure admissions.
Co3O4‐Based Catalysts for the Low‐Temperature Catalytic Oxidation of VOCs
Authors: Xiao Menglan , Zhao Tingyi , Li Yuanjun , Zhu Bing , Yu Taige , Liu Wenting , Zhao Mingqin , Cui Bing
Published: February 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a significant source of environmental pollution, posing threats to human safety. With growing concerns about environmental degradation, catalytic oxidation technology emerges as a paramount and widely adopted approach for VOC elimination, renowned for its operational simplicity, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. As a representative transition metal catalyst, cobalt‐based catalysts have garnered widespread use in VOC catalytic oxidation due to their cost‐effectiveness, versatility, and distinctive physicochemical properties. This paper provides a detailed exposition of the construction strategies and structure‐activity relationship of Co3O4‐based catalysts in VOCs oxidation reaction, encompassing both monometallic Co3O4 and multimetallic cobalt‐based catalysts. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive summary and discussion of the latest research progress concerning Co3O4‐based catalysts in practical applications. Concluding with a meticulous analysis, the paper addresses the technical challenges inherent in developing Co3O4‐based catalysts for VOCs degradation. Additionally, it proposes research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges, contributing to the ongoing discourse on environmental sustainability.
Unraveling the atomic interdiffusion mechanism of NiFe2O4 oxygen carriers during chemical looping CO2 conversion
Authors: Song Da , Lin Yan , Fang Shiwen , Li Yang , Zhao Kun , Chen Xinfei , Huang Zhen , He Fang , Zhao Zengli , Huang Hongyu , Li Fanxing
Published: February 2024

By employing metal oxides as oxygen carriers, chemical looping demonstrates its effectiveness in transferring oxygen between reduction and oxidation environments to partially oxidize fuels into syngas and convert CO2 into CO. Generally, NiFe2O4 oxygen carriers have demonstrated remarkable efficiency in chemical looping CO2 conversion. Nevertheless, the intricate process of atomic migration and evolution within the internal structure of bimetallic oxygen carriers during continuous high‐temperature redox cycling remains unclear. Consequently, the lack of a fundamental understanding of the complex ionic migration and oxygen transfer associated with energy conversion processes hampers the design of high‐performance oxygen carriers. Thus, in this study, we employed in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations to investigate the ion migration behavior and structural evolution in the bulk of NiFe2O4 oxygen carriers during H2 reduction and CO2/lab air oxidation cycles. We discovered that during the H2 reduction step, lattice oxygen rapidly migrates to vacancy layers to replenish consumed active oxygen species, while Ni leaches from the material and migrates to the surface. During the CO2 splitting step, Ni migrates toward the core of the bimetallic oxygen carrier, forming Fe–Ni alloys. During the air oxidation step, Fe–Ni migrates outward, creating a hollow structure owing to the Kirkendall effect triggered by the swift transfer of lattice oxygen. The metal atom migration paths depend on the oxygen transfer rates. These discoveries highlight the significance of regulating the release–recovery rate of lattice oxygen to uphold the structures and reactivity of oxygen carriers. This work offers a comprehensive understanding of the oxidation/reduction‐driven atomic interdiffusion behavior of bimetallic oxygen carriers.
Plasma‐oxidized 2D MXenes subnanochannel membrane for high‐performance osmotic energy conversion
Authors: Ding Zhengmao , Gu Tiancheng , Zhang Rui , Sun Shouyi , Wang Kaiqiang , Zhang Hanli , Li Jinjin , Luo Yunjun
Published: February 2024

Nanofluidic channels inspired by electric eels open a new era of efficient harvesting of clean blue osmotic energy from salinity gradients. Limited by less charge and weak ion selectivity of the raw material itself, energy conversion through nanofluidic channels is still facing considerable challenges. Here, a facile and efficient strategy to enhance osmotic energy harvesting based on drastically increasing surface charge density of MXenes subnanochannels via oxygen plasma is proposed. This plasma could break Ti–C bonds in the MXenes subnanochannels and effectively facilitate the formation of more Ti–O, C═O, O–OH, and rutile with a stronger negative charge and work function, which leads the surface potential of MXenes membrane to increase from 205 to 430 mV. This significant rise of surface charge endows the MXenes membrane with high cation selectivity, which could make the output power density of the MXenes membrane increase by 248.2%, reaching a high value of 5.92 W m−2 in the artificial sea‐river water system. Furthermore, with the assistance of low‐quality heat at 50°C, the osmotic power is enhanced to an ultrahigh value of 9.68 W m−2, which outperforms those of the state‐of‐the‐art two‐dimensional (2D) nanochannel membranes. This exciting breakthrough demonstrates the enormous potential of the facile plasma‐treated 2D membranes for osmotic energy harvesting.
A review on electrocatalytic CO2 conversion via C–C and C–N coupling
Authors: Zhang Zhuangzhi , Li Sijun , Zhang Zheng , Chen Zhou , Wang Hua , Meng Xianguang , Cui Wenquan , Qi Xiwei , Wang Jiacheng
Published: February 2024

Electrochemical C–C and C–N coupling reactions with the conversion of abundant and inexpensive small molecules, such as CO2 and nitrogen‐containing species, are considered a promising route for increasing the value of CO2 reduction products. The development of high‐performance catalysts is the key to the both electrocatalytic reactions. In this review, we present a systematic summary of the reaction systems for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, along with the coupling mechanisms of C–C and C–N bonds over outstanding electrocatalytic materials recently developed. The key intermediate species and reaction pathways related to the coupling as well as the catalyst‐structure relationship will be also discussed, aiming to provide insights and guidance for designing efficient CO2 reduction systems.
Light‐Induced Charge Separation in Covalently Linked BODIPY‐Quinone‐Alkyne Dyads
Authors: Knoll Sebastian , Zens Clara , Maisuradze Tamar , Schmidt Heiner , Kupfer Stephan , Zedler Linda , Dietzek‐Ivanšić Benjamin , Streb Carsten
Published: February 2024

Visible light‐induced charge separation and directional charge transfer are cornerstones for artificial photosynthesis and the generation of solar fuels. Here, we report synthetic access to a series of noble metal‐free donor‐acceptor dyads based on bodipy light‐absorbers and redox‐active quinone/anthraquinone charge storage sites. Peripheral functionalization of the quinone/anthraquinone units with alkynes primes the dyads for integration into a range of light‐harvesting systems, e. g., by Cu‐catalyzed cycloadditions (CLICK chemistry) or Pd‐catalyzed C−C cross‐coupling reactions. Initial photophysical, electrochemical and theoretical analyses reveal the principal processes during the light‐induced charge separation in the reported dyads.
3D‐Printed Eosin Y‐Based Heterogeneous Photocatalyst for Organic Reactions
Authors: Delacourt Cloé , Chemtob Abraham , Goddard Jean‐Philippe , Spangenberg Arnaud , Cormier Morgan
Published: February 2024

Heterogenization of Eosin Y by 3D‐printing and its application in photocatalysis are reported. The approach allows a fine tuning of the photocatalyst morphology and its rapid preparation. Photocatalytic activity was evaluated through model organic reactions involving oxidation, reduction, and photosensitization pathways. The efficiency, recyclability and stability of 3D printed EY is remarkable paving the way to new generation of heterogeneous photocatalysts with a perfect control of their shape and adaptable to any photoreactors.
Mid‐IR and CH stretching vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy to distinguish various sources of chirality: The case of quinophaneoxazoline based ruthenium(II) complexes
Authors: Fusè Marco , Mazzeo Giuseppe , Abbate Sergio , Ruzziconi Renzo , Bloino Julien , Longhi Giovanna
Published: February 2024

Five diastereomers of ruthenium(II) complexes based on quinolinophaneoxazoline ligands were investigated by vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) in the mid‐IR and CH stretching regions. Diastereomers differ in three sources of chirality: the planar chirality of the quinolinophane moiety, the central chirality of an asymmetric carbon atom of the oxazoline ring, and the chirality of the ruthenium atom. VCD, allied to DFT calculations, has been found to be effective in disentangling the various forms of chirality. In particular, a VCD band is identified in the CH stretching region directly connected to the chirality of the metal. The analysis of the calculated VCD spectra is carried out by partitioning the complexes into fragments. The anharmonic analysis is also performed with a recently proposed reduced‐dimensionality approach: such treatment is particularly important when examining spectroscopic regions highly perturbed by resonances, like the CH stretching region.
Phase 1b/2 study of penpulimab (AK105), an antiprogrammed cell death‐1 immunoglobulin G1 antibody, in advanced or metastatic solid tumors (AK105‐204)
Authors: Zheng Yulong , Zhu Jianqing , Xiong Jianping , Jiang Ou , Wang Hong , Xie Yanru , Zhou Yuefen , Xu Nong
Published: February 2024

Background

Penpulimab, a new‐generation antiprogrammed cell death‐1 immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody, was engineered to optimize receptor occupancy and eliminate fragment crystallizable γ‐mediated effector function. In this multicenter, phase 1b/2, multicohort study, the objective was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of penpulimab in advanced solid tumors.

Methods

Patients who had unresectable, advanced solid tumors were enrolled from six centers and received 200 mg penpulimab on day 1 every 2 weeks for up to 24 months. The primary end point was the objective response rate (ORR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version criteria 1.1.

Results

Between September 2, 2019, and January 1, 2020, 65 patients were enrolled and received penpulimab. At the time of data cutoff (May 11, 2022), the median follow‐up was 12.6 months (range, 1.1–28.6 months). The ORR was 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.5%–22.8%), with three (4.6%) complete responses and five (7.7%) partial responses. Twelve patients (18.5%) achieved stable disease, resulting in a disease control rate of 30.8% (95% CI, 19.9%–43.4%). The median duration of response was not reached (95% CI, 6.70 months to not estimable). In all cohorts, the median progression‐free survival was 1.74 months (95% CI, 1.41–2.69 months), and the median overall survival was 16.59 months (95% CI, 7.82–22.18 months). Grade 3 or greater treatment‐related adverse events and immune‐related adverse events occurred in 9.2% and 27.7% of patients, respectively. Positive antidrug antibody responses to penpulimab were observed in one patient (1.8%).

Conclusions

Penpulimab showed promising antitumor activity with an acceptable safety profile, offering a potential new treatment approach for solid tumors. These findings supported the evaluation of penpulimab's durable activity and safety, as monotherapy or in combination therapy, in specific malignancies.
Ranking‐based architecture generation for surrogate‐assisted neural architecture search
Authors: Xiao Songyi , Wang Wenjun
Published: February 2024

Architectures generation optimization has been received a lot of attention in neural architecture search (NAS) since its efficiency in generating architecture. By learning the architecture representation through unsupervised learning and constructing a latent space, the prediction process of predictors is simplified, leading to improved efficiency in architecture search. However, searching for architectures with top performance in complex and large NAS search spaces remains challenging. In this paper, an approach that combined a ranker and generative model is proposed to address this challenge through regularizing the latent space and identifying architectures with top rankings. We introduce the ranking error to gradually regulate the training of the generative model, making it easier to identify architecture representations in the latent space. Additionally, a surrogate‐assisted evolutionary search method that utilized neural network Bayesian optimization is proposed to efficiently explore promising architectures in the latent space. We demonstrate the benefits of our approach in optimizing architectures with top rankings, and our method outperforms state‐of‐the‐art techniques on various NAS benchmarks. The code is available athttps://github.com/outofstyle/RAGS‐NAS.
Insights into employee perspectives on corporate social responsibility policies and practices: Embeddedness, participation, and meaningfulness through work
Authors: Rodrigues Susana , Proença Teresa , Ferreira Marisa R.
Published: February 2024

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has an increasingly important role in organizations, which are taking a proactive stance in the inclusion of concerns and initiatives at this level. This theme has an impact on employees, namely in the meaningfulness through work. Thus, this research aims to assess whether the CSR affect the meaningfulness through work, and whether the degree of incorporation and the design and implementation approach interfere in this relationship. The results, obtained from 235 responses, suggest that it is not CSR policies and practices that impact meaningfulness through work. For this feeling to be achieved, it is necessary for employees to perceive CSR as embedded and the design and implementation of policies and practices to be bottom‐up. In other words, for CSR to lead to real benefits for employees, organizations must make a genuine and substantial commitment to it.
Computational Investigation of Carbon Based Anode Materials for Li‐ and Post‐Li‐ Ion Batteries
Authors: Azizi Jafar , Groß Axel , Euchner Holger
Published: February 2024

Due to its negligible capacity with respect to sodium intercalation, graphite is not suited as anode material for sodium ion batteries. Hard carbon materials, on the other hand, provide reasonably high capacities at low insertion potential, making them a promising anode materials for sodium (and potassium) ion batteries. The particular nanostructure of these functionalized carbon‐based materials has been found to be crucially linked to the material performance. However, there is still a lack of understanding with respect to the functional role of structural units, such as defects, for intercalation and storage. To overcome these problems, the intercalation of Li, Na, and K in graphitic model structures with distinct defect configurations has been investigated by density functional theory. The calculations confirm that defects are able to stabilize intercalation of larger alkali metal contents. At the same time, it is shown that a combination of phonon and band structure calculations are able to explain characteristic Raman features typically observed for alkali metal intercalation in hard carbon, furthermore allowing for the quantification of the alkali metal intercalation inbetween the layers of hard carbon anodes.
Rapid Dissolution of Gold in Alcohols by In‐Situ Generation of Halogens
Authors: Nag Abhijit , Morrison Carole A. , Love Jason B.
Published: February 2024

The dissolution of elemental gold is a fundamental step in its recycling by hydrometallurgy but has a significant environmental impact due to the use of strong acids or highly toxic reagents. Herein, it is shown that mixtures of acetyl halides and hydrogen peroxide in alcohols promote the rapid room‐temperature dissolution of gold by halogenation to form Au(III) metalates. After leaching, distillation of the alcohol and re‐dissolution in dilute HCl, the gold was refined through its precipitation by a simple diamide ligand; this method was also applied to separate gold from a mixture of metals. The leaching process is rapid, avoids the use of highly toxic materials and corrosive acids, and can be integrated into selective separation processes, so has the potential to be used in the purification of gold from ores, spent catalysts, and electronic and nano‐waste.
Closed‐Loop Polymer‐to‐Polymer Upcycling of Waste Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) into Biodegradable and Programmable Materials
Authors: Qin Lidong , Li Xiaoxu , Ren Geng , Yuan Rongyan , Wang Xinyu , Hu Zexu , Ye Chenwu , Zou Yangyang , Ding Peiqing , Zhang Hongjie , Cai Qiuquan
Published: February 2024

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), extensively employed in bottles, film, and fiber manufacture, has generated persistent environmental contamination due to its non‐degradable nature. The resolution of this issue requires the conversion of waste PET into valuable products, often achieved through depolymerization into monomers. However, the laborious purification procedures involved in the extraction of monomers pose challenges and constraints on the complete utilization of PET. Herein, a strategy is demonstrated for the polymer‐to‐polymer upcycling of waste PET into high‐value biodegradable and programmable materials named PEXT. This process involves reversible transesterifications dependent on ester bonds, wherein commercially available X‐monomers from aliphatic diacids and diols are introduced, utilizing existing industrial equipment for complete PET utilization. PEXT features a programmable molecular structure, delivering tailored mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation performance. Notably, PEXT exhibits superior mechanical performance, with a maximal elongation at break of 3419.2 % and a toughness of 270.79 MJ m−3. These characteristics make PEXT suitable for numerous applications, including shape‐memory materials, transparent films, and fracture‐resistant stretchable components. Significantly, PEXT allows closed‐loop recycling within specific biodegradable analogs by reprograming PET or X‐monomers. This strategy not only offers cost‐effective advantages in large‐scale upcycling of waste PET into advanced materials but also demonstrates its enormous prospect in environmental conservation.
Mitigation of common mode voltage in ultra sparse matrix converters using auxiliary shoot‐through switches for wind energy systems
Authors: Siva Vulavakayala , Singh Santosh K.
Published: February 2024

This paper targets to minimize the peak common mode voltage (CMV) in ultra sparse matrix converters (USMC) by applying new zero vectors for the space vector modulation technique (SVM). Conventional zero vectors in the SVM raise the peak CMV by 42.23%. An increased magnitude of CMV is associated with the occurrence of leakage current, hence resulting in insulation degradation. So, the reduction of peak CMV is necessary for USMC. The proposed method offers suitable switching arrangements using auxiliary shoot through (AST) switches to minimize the peak‐to‐peak CMV. This proposed method holds the advantages of the conventional method, like a wide range of modulation index and zero current switching at the rectifier side, and also reduces the CMV problem. This paper also provides a comparative analysis of the existing reported methods and the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated through both simulation and experimental results.
Incorporation of multiple random features kernel mean p‐power controller to elevate power quality in reconfigurable grid‐connected residential solar photovoltaic systems
Authors: Aijaz Masiha , Hussain Ikhlaq , Lone Shameem Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Problems like intermittent photovoltaic (PV) power, disconnected PV arrays, etc. are brought on by the extensive integration of PV generation. In this article, a single‐stage PV‐integrated grid‐tethered system is controlled using a reconfigurative multiple random features kernel mean p‐power (MRFKMP) control algorithm. The algorithm circumvents the dependence of kernel parameter in the classic random Fourier features mapping and lower the computing complexity in the traditional multiple kernel learning adaptive filter. MRFKMP algorithm with a linear filter structure can reduce both the computational and storage cost. This is the novel application of MRFKMP algorithm to extract fundamental component of nonlinear load currents in PV‐integrated grid‐tied system. Furthermore, to increase the reliability of the system, a reconfigurable control is developed, which adaptive regulates DC link voltage from PV mode (PVM) during PV hours to active power filtering mode (AFM) during PV nonavailability/PV disconnection. On a created laboratory testbed, the applied control's practical feasibility for numerous scenarios is evaluated. Comparison with existing control algorithms reveals that the MRFKMP controller outperforms the LMF based PV system by 79% less peak‐to‐peak load current ripple and 60% less than the best performing SRF control algorithm. The grid current THD is 2.60%, which is 30% low than that presented by SRF technique.
Limited effects of population age on the genetic structure of spatially isolated forest herb populations in temperate Europe
Authors: Huang Siyu , Feigs Jannis Till , Holzhauer Stephanie I. J. , Kramp Katja , Brunet Jörg , Decocq Guillaume , De Frenne Pieter , Diekmann Martin , Liira Jaan , Spicher Fabien , Vangansbeke Pieter , Vanneste Thomas , Verheyen Kris , Naaf Tobias
Published: February 2024

Due to multiple land‐cover changes, forest herb populations residing in forest patches embedded in agricultural landscapes display different ages and, thus, experience differences in genetic exchange, mutation accumulation and genetic drift. The extent of divergence in present‐day population genetic structure among these populations of different ages remains unclear, considering their diverse breeding systems and associated pollinators. Answering this question is essential to understand these species' persistence, maintenance of evolutionary potential and adaptability to changing environments. We applied a multi‐landscape setup to compare the genetic structure of forest herb populations across forest patches of different ages (18–338 years). We studied the impact on three common slow‐colonizer herb species with distinct breeding systems and associated pollinators: Polygonatum multiflorum (outcrossing, long‐distance pollinators), Anemone nemorosa (outcrossing, short‐distance pollinators) and Oxalis acetosella (mixed breeding). We aimed to assess if in general older populations displayed higher genetic diversity and lower differentiation than younger ones. We also anticipated that P. multiflorum would show the smallest while O. acetosella the largest difference, between old and young populations. We found that older populations had a higher observed heterozygosity (Ho) but a similar level of allelic richness (Ar) and expected heterozygosity (He) as younger populations, except for A. nemorosa, which exhibited higher Ar and He in younger populations. As populations aged, their pairwise genetic differentiation measured by DPS decreased independent of species identity while the other two genetic differentiation measures showed either comparable levels between old and young populations (G"ST) or inconsistency among three species (cGD). The age difference of the two populations did not explain their genetic differentiation. Synthesis: We found restricted evidence that forest herb populations with different ages differ in their genetic structure, indicating that populations of different ages can reach a similar genetic structure within decades and thus persist in the long term after habitat disturbance. Despite their distinct breeding systems and associated pollinators, the three studied species exhibited partly similar genetic patterns, suggesting that their common characteristics, such as being slow colonizers or their ability to propagate vegetatively, are important in determining their long‐term response to land‐cover change.
Both evenness and dominant species identity have effects on litter decomposition
Authors: Fan Baijie , Gong Ziqing , Xin Xiaojing , Liu Yulin , He Luoyang , Gao Yubao , Ren Anzhi , Zhao Nianxi
Published: February 2024

Exploring how interactions between species evenness and dominant species identity affect litter decomposition processes is vital to understanding the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the context of global changes. We carried out a 127‐day litter decomposition experiment under controlled conditions, with interactions of four species evenness types (high, medium, low and single species) and three dominant species identity (Leymus chinensis, Serratula centauroides, Artemisia capillaris). After collecting the remaining litter, we estimated how evenness and dominant species identity affected litter mass loss rate, carbon (C) loss rate, nitrogen (N) loss rate and remaining litter C/N directly or indirectly, and assessed relative mixture effects (RMEs) on litter mass loss. The main results are shown as follows. (1) By generalized linear models, litter mass loss rate was significantly affected by evenness after 69‐day decomposition; N loss rate was affected by dominant species identity after 69‐day decomposition, with treatment dominated by Serratula centauroides being at least 9.26% higher than that dominated by any of other species; and remaining litter C/N was affected by the interactions between evenness and dominant species identity after 30‐, 69‐ and 127‐day decomposition. (2) Twenty‐three out of 27 RMEs were additive, and dominant species identity showed a significant effect on RMEs after 127‐day decomposition. (3) By confirmatory path analyses, litter mass loss rate was affected by dominant species identity directly after 127‐day decomposition, and by both species evenness and dominant species identity indirectly which was mediated by initial litter functional dispersion (FDis) after 30‐ and 69‐day decomposition; remaining litter C/N was affected by evenness indirectly which was mediated by initial litter FDis after 127‐day decomposition. These findings highlight the importance of evenness and dominant species identity on litter decomposition. The study provides insights into communities during retrogressive successions in semi‐arid grasslands in the context of global changes.
Impacts of vegetation dynamics on hydrological simulations under drought conditions in a humid river basin in Southern China
Authors: Liu Cancan , Chen Yongqin David
Published: February 2024

Vegetation plays an essential role in the atmospheric and hydrological processes, and vegetation responds differently to climate change in various regions, especially in extreme climates. Therefore, the use of static prescribed vegetation information from past years in numerical models can be a source of biases in hydrological simulations. However, previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of vegetation dynamics on hydrological processes in arid and semi‐arid regions. It remains unclear how static or dynamic vegetation affects hydrological simulations in humid regions, especially under drought conditions. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with Noah‐MP was used to assess the impact of vegetation dynamics on hydrological simulations in the East River basin (ERb) of China, which is a major water source for several major cities in the Pearl River Delta. The model was run with prescribed and dynamic vegetation conditions, respectively. Our model validation based on observed 2‐m temperature (T2) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) showed that the model performance was improved when vegetation dynamics were considered. Our simulations with static or dynamic vegetation showed the impacts of vegetation dynamics on hydrological simulations under droughts. The model with vegetation dynamics simulated a wetter condition with higher soil moisture and runoff and lower T2, compared with the simulations of static vegetation. The results suggested that ignoring vegetation dynamics may overestimate the severity of drought in this humid basin, unlike arid and semi‐arid regions. Therefore, consideration of vegetation dynamics in this humid basin will deepen our research on different types of zones and serve as a reference for other humid regions.
Growth response of dune‐building grasses to precipitation
Authors: Homberger Jan‐Markus , Lynch Aaron , Riksen Michel , Limpens Juul
Published: February 2024

The formation and development of coastal dunes are influenced by the growth of dune‐building grasses. Concurrently, the development of coastal dunes has been positively related to growing season precipitation, which might be due to precipitation promoting the growth of dune‐building grasses. However, a direct response relationship between precipitation and dune‐building grasses has yet to be identified. We explored the impact of precipitation on dune‐building grass species using a three‐step approach. (1) We assessed how plant‐available soil moisture changed with precipitation along an elevation profile from embryo dune to foredune. (2) We quantified the growth response of European marram grass (Ammophila arenaria [L.] Link) and sand couch (Elytrigia juncea [L.] Nevski) in a controlled pot experiment with water treatments derived from long‐term precipitation records. (3) We explored the impact of different precipitation scenarios on the growth of dune‐building grasses. Our field monitoring results showed that changes in soil moisture of the upper soil profile (0–50 cm) closely followed precipitation dynamics for all topographic positions. In our controlled pot experiment, soil moisture significantly increased plant growth in plant attributes associated with dune‐building, irrespective of species. Our scenario analyses indicated that prolonged periods with deviations from average growing season precipitation significantly affect plant growth, with extremely dry years reducing plant growth up to 23% and extremely wet years increasing plant growth up to 32%. Hence, in precipitation‐dependent coastal dune ecosystems, future extreme climatic events might have considerable consequences for dune development by notably influencing the growth of dune‐building vegetation.
An Integrated Metabolomics-Based Model, and Identification of Potential Biomarkers, of Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid Toxicity in Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Annunziato Mark , Bashirova Narmin , Eeza Muhamed N.H. , Lawson Ariel , Fernandez-Lima Francisco , Tose Lilian V. , Matysik Jörg , Alia A. , Berry John P.
Published: February 2024

Known for their high stability and surfactant properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in a range of manufactured products. Despite being largely phased out due to concerns regarding their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity, legacy PFAS such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid continue to persist at high levels in the environment, posing risks to aquatic organisms. We used high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in intact zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to investigate the metabolic pathways altered by PFOS both before and after hatching (i.e., 24 and 72 h post fertilization [hpf], respectively). Assessment of embryotoxicity found embryo lethality in the parts-per-million range with no significant difference in mortality between the 24- and 72-hpf exposure groups. Metabolic profiling revealed mostly consistent changes between the two exposure groups, with altered metabolites generally associated with oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, energy production, and mitochondrial function, as well as specific targeting of the liver and central nervous system as key systems. These metabolic changes were further supported by analyses of tissue-specific production of reactive oxygen species, as well as nontargeted mass spectrometric lipid profiling. Our findings suggest that PFOS-induced metabolic changes in zebrafish embryos may be mediated through previously described interactions with regulatory and transcription factors leading to disruption of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. The present study proposes a systems-level model of PFOS toxicity in early life stages of zebrafish, and also identifies potential biomarkers of effect and exposure for improved environmental biomonitoring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:896–914. © 2024 SETAC
Dexmedetomidine activates the PKA/CREB pathway and inhibits proinflammatory factor expression through β2 adrenergic receptors
Authors: Zhang Baocheng , Shen Jie
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is primarily utilized for sedation in the context of general anesthesia or intensive care. However, the exact regulatory mechanism by which DEX affects cytokines remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanism by which DEX inhibits proinflammatory factors through activation of the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2 AR).

Methods

The inflammatory cell model of human mononuclear macrophage (THP‐1) cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established to study the effect of DEX on the expression of cell‐related inflammatory factors. ADRA2A gene knockout THP‐1 cells (THP‐1KO) were constructed by CRISPR technology, and the effect of DEX on the expression of inflammatory factors of THP‐1KO cells was detected. The target sites of DEX on β2 AR were screened by molecular docking. Reversion experiments were performed using ADRB2‐siRNA. Western blot was used to detect the activation of β2 AR/PKA/CREB pathway and NF‐κB, and ELISA was used to detect the release level of inflammatory factors.

Results

The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the expression levels of MCP‐1, interleukin‐06, and IL‐8 in both THP‐1 and THP‐1KO cells when induced by LPS following treatment with DEX. Additionally, DEX treatment led to an increase in IL‐10 expression. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed an upregulation of β2 AR expression after DEX treatment. Western blot results indicated that DEX notably enhanced the activation of the β2 AR and PKA/CREB pathways, while concurrently suppressing the activation of NF‐κB. Notably, the use of ADRB2 siRNA reversed the effects of DEX treatment and promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

DEX initiates the activation of the PKA/CREB pathway through the activation of β2 AR. Simultaneously, it exerts an inhibitory effect on the activation of NF‐κB, consequently reducing the transcription of proinflammatory factors while increasing the transcription of anti‐inflammatory factors.
Looking in the rear‐view mirror: Evidence from artificial intelligence investment, labour market conditions and firm growth
Authors: Tingbani Ishmael , Salia Samuel , Hartwell Christopher A. , Yahaya Alhassan
Published: February 2024

This paper presents evidence of the impact of AI investment on firm growth and how the relationship is sensitive to labour market conditions. Using the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation on 1950 unique American firms over 1996–2016, we show that a 10% increase in AI investment leads to an increase in firm growth by 0.04%. However, this result is highly sensitive to labour market conditions, as labour productivity can positively impact firm growth, but labour cost and labour share negatively influence firm growth. These results offer original insights into an essential channel via which investment in AI may mediate firm growth.
Empirical evidence on the Euler equation for investment in the US
Authors: Ascari Guido , Haque Qazi , Magnusson Leandro M. , Mavroeidis Sophocles
Published: February 2024

Is the typical specification of the Euler equation for investment employed in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models consistent with aggregate macro data? The answer is yes using state‐of‐the‐art econometric methods that are robust to weak instruments and exploit information in possible structural changes. Unfortunately, however, there is very little information about the values of the parameters in aggregate data because investment is unresponsive to changes in capital utilization and the real interest rate. Bayesian estimation using fully specified DSGE models is more accurate due to both informative priors and cross‐equation restrictions.