bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified H‐BEA Zeolites from Fluorinated Silica Slag Waste by Dry Gel Conversion Method for Shape‐Selective Acylation of 2‐Methoxynaphthalene
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhao Zhongkui
Published: August 2024

The high value‐added utilization of the fluorinated silica slag (FSS) waste, an associated by‐product of the anhydrous HF production from the accompanying fluorine resources in phosphate ore, is of great importance, but it remains a challenge. In this work, the Mg modified and unmodified Hβ zeolites from FSS waste were successfully prepared by a green dry gel conversion crystallization method with tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) as a structure‐directing agent (SDA). The in situ Mg modified Hβ zeolite (Mg−Hβ) shows much superior catalytic performance to unmodified (Hβ) and post Mg‐modified Hβ (Mg/Hβ) zeolites for acetylation of 2‐methoxynaphthalene (2‐MN) to 6‐acetyl‐2‐methoxynaphthalene (2,6‐AcMN), and the 40.2 % of conversion for 2‐MN with 66.3 % of selectivity for 2,6‐AcMN were achieved, ascribed to the high amount of B acidic sites and the promoted shape‐selective catalysis effect by higher surface area and volume of micropores. This work not only opens a new avenue for the high value‐added utilization of fluorinated silica slag waste, but also generates an efficient solid acid catalyst for the clean production of 2,6‐AcMN through the acetylation of 2‐MN with acetic anhydride.
Effect of the Precursor Metal Salt on the Oxygen Evolution Reaction for NiFe Oxide Materials
Authors: Zuber Axel , Oikonomou Ilias M. , Gannon Lee , Chunin Igor , Reith Lukas , Can Belin , Lounasvuori Mailis , Schultz Thorsten , Koch Norbert , McGuinness Cormac , Menezes Prashanth W. , Nicolosi Valeria , Browne Michelle P.
Published: August 2024

Bimetallic nickel‐iron based oxides are regarded as one of the most promising catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In this study, we show that the precursor metal salts can affect the OER activity of the resulting Ni/Fe oxide under the same hydrothermal synthesis conditions. Pure sulfate, pure nitrate and mixed sulfate/nitrate metal salts were used to fabricate NiFe based oxide materials and to study the importance of the precursor choice for the OER. The results show that the nature of the precursor used in the synthesis of the bimetallic nickel‐iron materials can influence different multi‐phase catalysts to form which effects the OER.
Regulate the Uniform Deposition of Lithium Through MgF2/Hydroxypropyl Modified Polyethylene Separator Applied to Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhu Qilu , Su Zhuoying , Li Xinyu , Ding Jiaqi , Zhang Longkai , Xiao Xin , Zeng Ronghua , Nan Junming , Zuo Xiaoxi
Published: August 2024

The uneven growth of lithium dendrites not only compromise the performance of lithium metal batteries, but also has security risks. In this sutudy, double coating with MgF2 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was synthesized on the surface of polyethylene separator through a simple soaking and in‐situ chemical precipitation method, achieve the purpose of protecting lithium metal anode. Utilizing the MgF2/HPMC@PE separator, the Li||Li symmetric cell was capable of cycling for over 1000 hours with a voltage hysteresis of only 11.4 mV, comparing the voltage hysteresis based on the cell use of PE separator increases rapidly after 200 h. Furthermore, the initial discharge capacity of Li||LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2(NCM622) is 144.6 mAh g−1 and the capacity retention is 87.2 % after 200 cycles at 1 C, which is higher than that of the PE separator (135.3 mAh g−1, with retention of 74.9 %). All improvements can be credited with the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) film induced by HPMC/MgF2 double coating, which is reduced the Li nucleation overpotential and ultimately promoted uniform Li deposition. This study provides a simple and effective strategy for improving the cycling performance and safety of lithium metal batteries.
Room‐Temperature Quantum Coherence of Reversible Photo‐Generated Radical and its Film
Authors: Cui Ming‐Hui , Lu Yi‐Ming , Wang Jia , Ouyang Zhongwen , Wang Zhenxing , Shao Chongyun , Song You
Published: August 2024

Electron spin qubits are becoming an important research direction in the field of quantum computing and information storage. However, the quantum decoherence has seriously hindered the development of this field. So far, few qubits exhibit long phase memory time (Tm), and even fewer qubits that can reach room temperature. Some reports show that the coherence times of radicals are generally long, so radicals may be the preferred spin carriers for qubits. Here, we demonstrate the qubit properties of a photogenerated radical (1 a) based on 2,4,6‐Tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tpt, 1). More importantly, the photogenerated radical is a spin self‐diluting complex, which the dilution is generally used in the investigation of qubits to reduce the interference of environment on qubits in order to overcome the decoherence of qubits. It is surprised that radical tpt has a stable Tm=1.1 μs above 20 K, even keep it to room temperature. In addition, the tpt‐film prepared by the vacuum evaporation is significantly increase the T1 and Tm at low temperature.
Effects of using a specially designed sludge draw‐off pipe for circular secondary clarifiers to mitigate underflow short‐circuiting
Authors: Koken Emre , Buyukkamaci Nurdan
Published: August 2024

Short‐circuiting in secondary clarifiers is a well‐known problem that can occur through up‐flow or underflow routes. The underflow short‐circuiting is not as visible as up‐flow short‐circuiting but can affect clarifier performance. The energy‐dissipating inlet (EDI) is a type of inlet structure that is used in secondary clarifiers to dissipate the energy of larger influent volumes, allowing clarifiers to operate at higher treatment capacities. The underflow short‐circuiting is encountered particularly in clarifiers equipped with EDIs. As influent volume increases, conventional draw‐off pipes cannot handle high sludge capacities, deforming the sludge blanket and leading to lower concentration of solids being withdrawn. Retrofitting the design of draw‐off pipes is an effective way to mitigate underflow short‐circuiting and enhance treatment performance. In this study, a snail‐shaped sludge draw‐off pipe was designed and tested in two types of EDIs using computational fluid dynamics tools, showing a 20% increase in withdrawn sludge concentration and mitigating underflow short‐circuiting potential. The optimal retrofit option was identified as equipping the clarifier with a snail‐shaped draw‐off pipe and an innovative EDI, known as multilayer EDI column, which would save almost half of the energy and operational costs of the biological processes while meeting discharge limits.
Lactam Truncation Yields a Dihydroquinazolinone Scaffold with Potent Antimalarial Activity that Targets PfATP4
Authors: Ashton Trent D. , Calic Petar P. S. , Dans Madeline G. , Kang Ooi Zi , Zhou Qingmiao , Loi Katie , Jarman Kate E. , Palandri Josephine , Qiu Deyun , Lehane Adele M. , Maity Bikash , De Nirupam , Famodimu Mufuliat T. , Delves Michael J. , Mao Emma Y. , Gancheva Maria R. , Wilson Danny W. , Chowdury Mrittika , de Koning‐Ward Tania F. , Baud Delphine , Brand Stephen , Jackson Paul F. , Cowman Alan F. , Sleebs Brad E.
Published: August 2024

The emergence of resistance against current antimalarial treatments has necessitated the need for the development of novel antimalarial chemotypes. Toward this goal, we recently optimised the antimalarial activity of the dihydroquinazolinone scaffold and showed it targeted PfATP4. Here, we deconstruct the lactam moiety of the tricyclic dihydroquinazolinone scaffold and investigate the structure‐activity relationship of the truncated scaffold. It was shown that SAR between scaffolds was largely transferrable and generated analogues with potent asexual stage activity. Evaluation of the truncated analogues against PfATP4 mutant drug‐resistant parasite strains and in assays measuring PfATP4‐associated ATPase activity demonstrated retention of PfATP4 as the molecular target. Analogues exhibited activity against both male and female gametes and multidrug resistant parasites. Limited efficacy of analogues in a P. berghei asexual stage mouse model was attributed to their moderate metabolic stability and low aqueous stability. Further development is required to address these attributes toward the potential use of the dihydroquinazolinone class in a curative and transmission blocking combination antimalarial therapy.
Generative artificial intelligence as a source of breast cancer information for patients: Proceed with caution
Authors: Park Ko Un , Lipsitz Stuart , Dominici Laura S. , Lynce Filipa , Minami Christina A. , Nakhlis Faina , Waks Adrienne G. , Warren Laura E. , Eidman Nadine , Frazier Jeannie , Hernandez Lourdes , Leslie Carla , Rafte Susan , Stroud Delia , Weissman Joel S. , King Tari A. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2024

Background

This study evaluated the accuracy, clinical concordance, and readability of the chatbot interface generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT) 3.5 as a source of breast cancer information for patients.

Methods

Twenty questions that patients are likely to ask ChatGPT were identified by breast cancer advocates. These were posed to ChatGPT 3.5 in July 2023 and were repeated three times. Responses were graded in two domains: accuracy (4‐point Likert scale, 4 = worst) and clinical concordance (information is clinically similar to physician response; 5‐point Likert scale, 5 = not similar at all). The concordance of responses with repetition was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of word counts. Response readability was calculated using the Flesch Kincaid readability scale. References were requested and verified.

Results

The overall average accuracy was 1.88 (range 1.0–3.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42–1.94), and clinical concordance was 2.79 (range 1.0–5.0; 95% CI, 1.94–3.64). The average word count was 310 words per response (range, 146–441 words per response) with high concordance (ICC, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59–0.91; p < .001). The average readability was poor at 37.9 (range, 18.0–60.5) with high concordance (ICC, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57–0.90; p < .001). There was a weak correlation between ease of readability and better clinical concordance (−0.15; p = .025). Accuracy did not correlate with readability (0.05; p = .079). The average number of references was 1.97 (range, 1–4; total, 119). ChatGPT cited peer‐reviewed articles only once and often referenced nonexistent websites (41%).

Conclusions

Because ChatGPT 3.5 responses were incorrect 24% of the time and did not provide real references 41% of the time, patients should be cautioned about using ChatGPT for medical information.
Diagnostic performance of fine‐needle aspiration in soft tissue tumors: Application of the World Health Organization System for Reporting Soft Tissue Cytopathology and risk of malignancy assessment
Authors: Gajdzis Pawel , Brisse Hervé J. , Klijanienko Jerzy
Published: August 2024

Background

Recently, a new World Health Organization Reporting System for Soft Tissue Cytopathology (WHO System) was introduced. To analyze the value of this system, routine fine‐needle aspiration soft tissue tumor (STT) cases were reviewed.

Methods

Cytology samples of STTs collected between 1954 and 2022 at the Institut Curie were used (2214 cases, including 1376 primary tumors). All specimens were classified according to the predominant cytomorphological pattern and the WHO System. The diagnostic accuracy and risk of malignancy (ROM) in each category were calculated.

Results

Final diagnoses revealed 1236 malignancies and 978 benign or low‐risk tumors. The original cytological evaluation led to 21 false‐negative results (0.85%) and 29 false‐positive results (1.17%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 98.3%, 92.1%, 97.5%, and 94.2%, respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy was 94.2%. The ROM calculated according to the WHO System was 29.87%, 2.49%, 39.62%, 51.43%, 68.42%, and 97.69% in the nondiagnostic, benign, atypical, soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant categories, respectively; however, it varied broadly depending on the morphological pattern (62.78% in spindle cell tumors, 84.58% in myxoid tumors, 3.00% in lipomatous tumors, 78.15% in epithelioid tumors, 94.26% in pleomorphic tumors, and 100% in round cell tumors).

Conclusions

Cytology of STTs is a powerful diagnostic method. Some cytological patterns overlap in different morphological groups, and the possibility of false‐negative and false‐positive diagnoses may persist. This analysis evidenced utility of the WHO System, especially when combined with morphological pattern assessment. Subclassification in particular diagnostic categories allowed for calculation of the ROM, which is crucial for optimal patient management.
Insight into rechargeable batteries in extreme environment for deep space exploration
Authors: He Yi , Shang Wenxu , Tan Peng
Published: August 2024

Since the beginning of the new century, the objectives of deep space exploration missions targeting celestial bodies such as the Moon and Mars shift from “understanding celestial bodies” to “utilizing celestial bodies.” With respect to the successful operation of various load missions, secondary battery systems play a crucial role in supplying energy. However, unlike terrestrial environment, extremely harsh extraterrestrial conditions, including extreme temperatures and radiation, severely limit the application of batteries in deep spaces. This work covers recent advancements in batteries, including electrolyte/electrode optimization strategies and thermal management under extreme low‐ and high‐temperature conditions and the mechanism analysis of key battery components under radiation environments. Finally, perspectives are given on the remaining challenges posed by battery applications in extreme deep space environment.
Assignment of a Physical Energy Scale for the Dimensionless Interaction Energies within the PRIME20 Peptide Model
Authors: Kunze Thomas , Lauer Christian , Dreßler Christian , Sebastiani Daniel
Published: August 2024

We present a calibration scheme to determine the conversion factors from a coarse‐grained stochastic approximation Monte Carlo approach using the PRIME20 peptide interaction model to atomistic force‐field interaction energies at full explicit aqueous solvation. The conversion from coarse‐grained to atomistic structures was performed according to our previously established inverse coarse‐graining protocol. We provide a physical energy scale for both the backbone hydrogen bonding interactions and the sidechain interactions by correlating the dimensionless energy descriptors of the PRIME20 model with the energies averaged over molecular dynamics simulations. The conversion factor for these interactions turns out to be around 2 kJ/mol for the backbone interactions, and zero for the sidechain interactions. We discuss these surprisingly small values in terms of their molecular interpretation.
Energetic Methylene‐Bridged Furoxan‐Triazole/Tetrazole Hybrids
Authors: Shaferov Alexander V. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Monogarov Konstantin A. , Fomenkov Igor V. , Pivkina Alla N. , Fershtat Leonid L.
Published: August 2024

Design and synthesis of new energetic materials retains its urgency in chemistry and materials science. Herein, rational construction and regioselective synthesis of a series of energetic compounds comprising of a methylene‐bridged combination of 1,2,5‐oxadiazole and nitrogen‐rich azoles (1,2,4‐triazole and tetrazole) enriched with additional explosophoric functionalities (nitro and azo moieties) is presented. All target materials were thoroughly characterized using IR and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, 14N, 15N) NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. All synthesized energetic substances showed good thermal stability (up to 239 °C) and low mechanical sensitivity, while their performance reached or exceeded the level of TNT.
Role of Worry in Addiction: Implication of Metacognitive Beliefs and Type 2 Worry
Authors: Improvisato Priscillia , Trouillet Raphaël , Schuldiner Sophie , Luquiens Amandine , Hamonnière Tristan , Donnadieu Hélène , Perney Pascal
Published: August 2024

Introduction

According to the self‐medication hypothesis, worriers use substances to cope with their symptoms; however, some published results have challenged this hypothesis. The aim of this study is to show if worry increases the risk of SUD when it is negatively appraised by negative metacognitive beliefs.

Method

We recruited three samples: 68 patients with a severe AUD, 27 patients dependent on eating and 42 control participants. We used the Yale Food Addiction Scale‐2, the Metacognitions Questionnaire‐65, the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behaviour Scale and the Anxiety Thoughts Inventory.

Results

We confirmed a direct effect of worries and metaworry on alcohol (AUD) and eating addiction (EA), but our multivariate analyses revealed that metacognitive beliefs and metaworry are the most robust predictors of alcohol and eating addiction.

Discussion

We reported substance‐related differences in the relationship between worry and addiction. AUD is related to the metacognitive activity set in motion by worries while EA is associated with a maladaptive form of worry (meta‐worry) where worries are negatively interpreted.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters for Efficient Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Liu Xiaobing , Cai Zhixiong , Wang Qingxiang
Published: August 2024

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have attracted considerable interest due to their ability to enhance electrochemiluminescence (ECL). This is achieved through the efficient upconversion of triplet excitons and the subsequent radiative transitions. However, despite the potential of TADF materials, there have been few studies exploring their application in ECL field. Accordingly, in this concept, a number of TADF materials, which can be categorized into two principal groups based on intramolecular bond charge transfer and intermolecular space charge transfer, are introduced in order to explore the potential for their application in ECL. A brief review of their properties not only helps to deepen the understanding of the nature of TADF materials, but also provides basic guidance and support for the introduction of the TADF mechanism into ECL systems, with the aim of enhancing the luminescence efficiency of ECL.
Benchmarking Performance Indices of Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Ethylene Based on Prospective Life Cycle Assessment for Negative Emissions
Authors: Yamaguchi Shingi , Amasawa Eri , Ebe Hiroji , Hirao Masahiko , Sugiyama Masakazu
Published: August 2024

To mitigate global warming to the most ambitious targets, it is necessary to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and reduce fossil fuels use. The electrochemical conversion of CO2 to ethylene (C2H4) as a basic chemical is a promising technology that meets both requirements; however, its life cycle CO2 emissions remain inconclusive because of varying assumptions in the performance indices. This study aimed to set benchmarks for the four most sensitive indices to achieve −0.5 t‐CO2/t‐C2H4 by calculating net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through a prospective life cycle assessment of a model system including CO2 capture, CO2 enrichment, electrochemical conversion, CO2 recycling, and cryogenic separation. As a result, the electrochemical conversion process was the hotspot of life cycle emissions, and representative benchmarks were determined as follows: cell voltage, 3.5 V; C2H4 Faraday efficiency, 70 %; conversion rate, 20 %; and electrochemical CO2 recycling energy, 2.2 GJ/t‐CO2. The gaps between the benchmarks and current top data of cell voltage and Faraday efficiency were <10 %, and suppressing the performance degradation for up to one year was found to be a critical requirement. These results can direct research towards the development of a year‐round stable system, rather than further improving the performance indices.
A Fractional‐Order Method of Frequency Splitting and Bifurcation Suppression for Wireless Power Transfer Systems
Authors: Shu Xujian , Zhang Xueqi , Jiang Yanwei , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2024

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is an emerging technology that enables the wireless transfer of electrical energy from power supplies to electrical equipment. It has been widely used in electric vehicles, mobile phones, household appliances, medical devices, and other fields. However, the frequency splitting and bifurcation phenomena existing in WPT systems are the fundamental obstacles and challenges that affect the effective operation of WPT systems. In this paper, a method based on the fractional‐order circuit is proposed to simultaneously suppress the frequency splitting and bifurcation phenomena by changing the order of fractional‐order capacitor. By replacing the compensation capacitor in the transmitter of the traditional WPT system with a fractional‐order capacitor, a fractional‐order WPT system is formed. Then, using fractional calculus and circuit theory, the mathematical model of the proposed WPT system containing a fractional‐order capacitor is established, and the frequency splitting and bifurcation phenomena are analyzed. The theoretical results show that the frequency splitting and bifurcation phenomena are suppressed only by adjusting the order of fractional‐order capacitor, and the output power of the original resonant frequency is improved. Finally, the experimental prototype is implemented to validate the theoretical results.
Single‐cell multi‐modal chromatin profiles revealing epigenetic regulations of cells in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Huang Waidong , Zhong Yu , Zou Xuanxuan , Liu Shang , Li Jie , Sun Yunfan , Zhou Kaiqian , Chen Xi , Li Zihao , Wang Shanshan , Huang Yaling , Bai Yinqi , Yin Jianhua , Jin Xin , Liu Shiping , Yuan Yue , Deng Qiuting , Jiang Miaomiao , Liu Chuanyu , Liu Longqi , Xu Xun , Wu Liang
Published: August 2024

Background

Various epigenetic regulations systematically govern gene expression in cells involving various biological processes. Dysregulation of the epigenome leads to aberrant transcriptional programs and subsequently results in diseases, such as cancer. Therefore, comprehensive profiling epigenomics is essential for exploring the mechanisms underlying gene expression regulation during development and disease.

Methods

In this study, we developed single‐cell chromatin proteins and accessibility tagmentation (scCPA‐Tag), a multi‐modal single‐cell epigenetic profile capturing technique based on barcoded Tn5 transposases and a droplet microfluidics platform. scCPA‐Tag enables the simultaneous capture of DNA profiles of histone modification and chromatin accessibility in the same cell.

Results

By applying scCPA‐Tag to K562 cells and a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) sample, we found that the silence of several chromatin‐accessible genes can be attributed to lysine‐27‐trimethylation of the histone H3 tail (H3K27me3) modification. We characterized the epigenetic features of the tumour cells and different immune cell types in the HCC tumour tissue by scCPA‐Tag. Besides, a tumour cell subtype (C2) with more aggressive features was identified and characterized by high chromatin accessibility and a lower abundance of H3K27me3 on tumour‐promoting genes.

Conclusions

Our multi‐modal scCPA‐Tag provides a comprehensive approach for exploring the epigenetic landscapes of heterogeneous cell types and revealing the mechanisms of gene expression regulation during developmental and pathological processes at the single‐cell level.

Highlights

scCPA‐Tag offers a highly efficient and high throughput technique to simultaneously profile histone modification and chromatin accessibility within a single cell.

scCPA‐Tag enables to uncover multiple epigenetic modification features of cellular compositions within tumor tissues.

scCPA‐Tag facilitates the exploration of the epigenetic landscapes of heterogeneous cell types and provides the mechanisms governing gene expression regulation.
Ecological and evolutionary dynamics to design and improve ovarian cancer treatment
Authors: Han Grace Y. Q. , Alexander Monica , Gattozzi Julia , Day Marilyn , Kirsch Elayna , Tafreshi Narges , Chalar Raafat , Rahni Soraya , Gossner Gabrielle , Burke William , Damaghi Mehdi
Published: August 2024

Ovarian cancer ecosystems are exceedingly complex, consisting of a high heterogeneity of cancer cells. Development of drugs such as poly ADP‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, targeted therapies and immunotherapies offer more options for sequential or combined treatments. Nevertheless, mortality in metastatic ovarian cancer patients remains high because cancer cells consistently develop resistance to single and combination therapies, urging a need for treatment designs that target the evolvability of cancer cells. The evolutionary dynamics that lead to resistance emerge from the complex tumour microenvironment, the heterogeneous populations, and the individual cancer cell's plasticity. We propose that successful management of ovarian cancer requires consideration of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of the disease. Here, we review current options and challenges in ovarian cancer treatment and discuss principles of tumour evolution. We conclude by proposing evolutionarily designed strategies for ovarian cancer, with the goal of integrating such principles with longitudinal, quantitative data to improve the treatment design and management of drug resistance.

Key points/Highlights

Tumours are ecosystems in which cancer and non‐cancer cells interact and evolve in complex and dynamic ways.

Conventional therapies for ovarian cancer inevitably lead to the development of resistance because they fail to consider tumours’ heterogeneity and cellular plasticity.

Eco‐evolutionarily designed therapies should consider cancer cell plasticity and patient‐specific characteristics to improve clinical outcome and prevent relapse.
Urbanization alters the relative importance of local and landscape factors affecting plant communities in the Tokyo megacity
Authors: Iwachido Yuki , Uchida Kei , Sasaki Takehiro
Published: August 2024

Plant communities are impacted by local factors (related to environmental filtering) and landscape factors (related to dispersal limitation). While many studies have shown that the relative importance of these factors in understanding plant community dynamics due to urbanization, little is known about how they are altered by urbanization—a significant threat to biodiversity. This study evaluates the relative importance of local environmental (local factors), landscape, and spatial (landscape factors) variables that influence plant communities in 34 urban green spaces comprising two different habitats (forests and grasslands) along the urban–rural gradients in the Tokyo megacity, Japan. To continuously assess the relative importance of each factor along the urban–rural gradients, we extracted 1000 landscapes within a certain range that contained several sites. Subsequently, the relative importance of each factor and urbanization rate (proportion of artificial built‐up area) were estimated for each landscape. Our study found that the relative importance of both local and landscape factors decreased, while that of local factor for native species in forest habitats and that of landscape factors for native species in grassland habitats increased. Collectively, these findings suggest that city size and habitat characteristics must be considered when predicting changes in plant communities caused by urbanization.
Brooding duration does not depend on cat predation risk but is related to weather and phenology in the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans)
Authors: Bourgoin Charlotte , Barbraud Christophe , Getti Tobie , Delord Karine , Angelier Frédéric , Bodin Aymeric , Blanchard Pierrick
Published: August 2024

Parental investment increases offspring fitness at the expense of the parent's ability to invest in other offspring. In many animal species, parents guard their offspring after birth. The parental decision over the duration of this period is expected to be triggered by the associated fitness costs and benefits for both offspring and parents. Here, we evaluated the relevance of several intrinsic and environmental variables in determining brooding period duration in the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) and questioned whether brooding duration was related to chick subsequent survival and biometry prior to fledging. We used a semi‐experimental design to increase the variance in cat abundance, a recent predator of albatross chicks, and predicted that an increased predation risk at the nest scale would trigger longer chick brooding and thus, protection. In addition, we questioned the influence of weather conditions, hatching date, and characteristics of chicks (sex and biometry) and parents (sex and age) on brooding duration. We report no effect of predation risk or parental characteristics on brooding duration. However, the probability for a parent to end brooding decreased with forthcoming unfavorable weather. Our data also revealed reduced brooding duration for late‐hatched chicks and a positive association between brooding duration and chick structural size, and between the frequency of shifts between parents and chick structural size. Finally, brooding duration was not associated with chick survival or with chick biometry prior to fledging. We discuss these results in light of pre‐existing hypotheses on fitness costs and benefits associated with brooding duration for chicks and parents.
Seasonal changes in invertebrate diet of breeding black‐necked cranes (Grus nigricollis)
Authors: Ma Ruifeng , Ma Shujuan , Liu Hongyi , Hu Lei , Li Yudong , He Ke , Zhu Ying
Published: August 2024

Invertebrates greatly support the growth, development, and reproduction of insectivorous birds. However, the influence of human activity (e.g., pesticide use, deforestation, and urbanization) inevitably leads to a decrease in global arthropods. The diversity and variation in invertebrate diet influence the food composition of birds, especially species living in rapidly changing environments, such as the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known of the seasonal variation in invertebrate diet in response to environmental changes. Here, we characterized the invertebrate diet composition in pre‐ and post‐breeding black‐necked crane (Grus nigricollis) using fecal metabarcoding. We identified 38 invertebrate genera; the top three were Tipula (82.1% of relative abundance), Ceramica (3.0%), and unclassified_Hymenoptera (2.5%), with Tipula predominated the diet in both seasons. We also observed 20 and 16 unique genera in the pre‐ and post‐breeding periods, and the genera composition was distinct between seasons (R = .036, p = .024). In pre‐breeding, black‐necked cranes tended to consume more diverse foods, and individual cranes exhibited greater heterogeneity at the genus level. At the genera and species level, pre‐breeding black‐necked cranes showed a wider dietary niche than post‐breeding cranes. We observed season‐specific features, with Tipula (common crane fly) and Stethophyma (grasshoppers) being enriched in the post‐breeding period and Ceramica (moth) being more abundant in the pre‐breeding period. Three Tipula species had the greatest importance in discriminating between seasonal diets. This study demonstrated a seasonal pattern of invertebrate diet in the black‐necked crane, suggesting diet composition in response to resource and species availability. These results elaborate on the foraging ecology of highland birds and can inform the management of black‐necked crane conservation.
Prevalence and characteristics of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Garcia‐Pavia Pablo , Damy Thibaud , Piriou Nicolas , Barriales‐Villa Roberto , Cappelli Francesco , Bahus Catherine , Munteanu Carmen , Keohane Denis , Mallaina Pablo , Elliott Perry ,   the TTRACK investigators
Published: August 2024

Aims

Recognition of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy is increasing due to advances in cardiac imaging and diagnostic strategies, but questions remain regarding disease frequency and characteristics. We examined the prevalence and characteristics of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy of unascertained aetiology.

Methods and results

TTRACK was a multicentre, non‐interventional, cross‐sectional epidemiologic study funded by Pfizer and conducted in 20 hospitals and medical centres in 11 countries (NCT03842163). Eligible patients were aged ≥50 years, had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (maximal end‐diastolic left ventricular wall thickness ≥15 mm on echocardiogram) without an identified genetic or alternative origin at study enrolment, and underwent 99mTechnetium bone scintigraphy, with or without single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Cardiac‐versus‐bone uptake on scans was visually scored from 0 to 3 (Perugini scoring). Patients with grades 1–3 underwent monoclonal protein and laboratory testing and transthyretin (TTR) gene sequencing. Of 766 eligible patients, 691 (90.2%) had scintigraphy alone and 75 (9.8%) scintigraphy plus SPECT. Two hundred and eight patients (27.2%) had grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake on scintigraphy; 144 (18.8%) had grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake and no evidence of plasma cell dyscrasia and were diagnosed with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, 11 (7.6%) had a pathogenic TTR gene variant and 34 (23.8%), 74 (51.7%), and 35 (24.5%) had New York Heart Association class I, II, and III/IV heart failure (HF) symptoms, respectively. Clinical and laboratory diagnostic characteristics were observed in ≥90% of patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. The characteristics most strongly associated with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy on multivariable analysis were carpal tunnel syndrome (odds ratio [OR] 54.3; P < 0.0001) and male sex (OR 7.9; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In the TTRACK study, almost one in five patients ≥50 years of age with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy had transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. Greater awareness of the frequency and characteristics of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are needed to help improve early detection of this debilitating but treatable disease.
Efficacy and safety of low‐dose digoxin in patients with heart failure. Rationale and design of the DECISION trial
Authors: van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Rienstra Michiel , Mosterd Arend , Alings A. Marco , van Asselt Antoinette D.J. , Bouvy Marcel L , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Schaap Jeroen , van der Wall Ernst E. , Voors Adriaan A. , Boorsma Eva M. , Lok Dirk J.A. , Crijns Harry J.G.M. , Schut Astrid , Vijver Marlene A.T. , Voordes Geert H.D. , de Vos Agaath H. , Maas‐Soer Ester L. , Smit Nicoline W. , Touw Daan J. , Samuel Michelle , van der Meer Peter ,   DECISION Investigators and Committees
Published: August 2024

Aims

Digoxin is the oldest drug in cardiovascular (CV) medicine, and one trial conducted >25 years ago showed a reduction in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations but no effect on mortality. However, later studies suggested that the dose of digoxin used in that trial (and other studies) may have been too high. The DECISION (Digoxin Evaluation in Chronic heart failure: Investigational Study In Outpatients in the Netherlands) trial will examine the efficacy and safety of low‐dose digoxin in HF patients with reduced or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with a background of contemporary HF treatment.

Methods

The DECISION trial is a randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled event‐driven outcome trial which will investigate the efficacy and safety of low‐dose digoxin in patients with chronic HF and LVEF <50%. Both patients with sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation will be enrolled and will be randomized (1:1) to low‐dose digoxin or matching placebo. To maintain a target serum digoxin concentration of 0.5–0.9 ng/ml, dose adjustments are made throughout follow‐up based on serum digoxin measurements with dummy values for the placebo group. The primary endpoint is a composite of CV mortality and total HF hospitalizations or total urgent hospital visits for worsening HF, and all endpoints are adjudicated blindly by a Clinical Event Committee. The estimated sample size was 982 patients who will be followed for a median of 3 years, and in December 2023 enrolment was completed after 1002 patients.

Conclusions

The DECISION trial will provide important evidence regarding the effect of (low‐dose) digoxin on CV mortality and total HF hospitalizations and urgent hospital visits when added to contemporary HF treatment of patients with reduced or mildly reduced LVEF.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03783429.
Burst steroid therapy for acute heart failure: The CORTAHF randomized, open‐label, pilot trial
Authors: Cotter Gad , Davison Beth A. , Freund Yonathan , Voors Adriaan A. , Edwards Christopher , Novosadova Maria , Takagi Koji , Hayrapetyan Hamlet , Mshetsyan Andranik , Mayranush Drambyan , Cohen‐Solal Alain , ter Maaten Jozine M. , Biegus Jan , Ponikowski Piotr , Filippatos Gerasimos , Chioncel Ovidiu , Sadoune Malha , Pagnesi Matteo , Simon Tabassome , Metra Marco , Mann Douglas L. , Mebazaa Alexandre
Published: August 2024

Aims

Burst steroid therapy, effective in acute respiratory diseases, may benefit patients with acute heart failure (AHF) in whom inflammatory activation is associated with adverse outcomes.

Methods and results

CORTAHF assessed whether burst steroid therapy reduces inflammation and results in better quality of life and clinical outcomes in AHF. Patients with AHF, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide >1500 pg/ml, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) >20 mg/L were randomized 1:1 to oral, once daily 40 mg prednisone for 7 days or usual care, without blinding. Patients were followed for 90 days. A total of 101 patients were randomized. At day 7 the primary endpoint, hsCRP decreased in both arms – adjusted geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were 0.30 and 0.40 in the prednisone and usual care arms (ratio of GMRs 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–1.00, p = 0.0498). The 90‐day risk of worsening heart failure (HF), HF readmission or death as reported by the unblinded investigators was significantly lower in the prednisone group (10.4%) than in usual care (30.8%) (hazard ratio 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.86, p = 0.016). The EQ‐5D visual analogue scale score as reported by the unblinded patients increased more in the prednisone group on day 7 (least squares mean difference 2.57, 95% CI 0.12–5.01 points, p = 0.040). All effects were statistically significant in the pre‐specified subgroup with centrally‐measured interleukin‐6 >13 pg/ml. Adverse events, particularly hyperglycaemia, occurred more in the prednisone group with no difference in infection rate.

Conclusion

In this small open‐label study of patients with AHF, burst steroid therapy was associated with reduced inflammation as measured by hsCRP levels at day 7 (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints showed improved quality of life at day 7 and reduced 90‐day risk of death or worsening HF. Large prospective studies are needed to evaluate these findings.
Pyrene‐Functionalized Silicon Hybrid Porous Polymer for an Efficient Adsorption of Dyes
Authors: Yang Nan , Kunthom Rungthip , Liu Hongzhi
Published: August 2024

Pyrene‐functionalized silicon hybrid porous polymer (TAPPy‐HPP). The hybrid polymer was successfully prepared via a Schiff base reaction using tetra(4‐aminophenyl)pyrene (TAPPy) and tetra(4‐formylphenyl)silane (TFS) as the building blocks.. This hybrid polymer was characterized using IR, solid‐state 13C and 29Si NMR, and elemental analysis. Its morphology was analyzed by PXRD and SEM. Thermal analysis using Thermal analysis using TGA shows that the synthetic polymer has greater thermal stability than its monomers at a temperature of 5 % weight loss (Td5 %) of 392 °C. Although TAPPy‐HPP has a Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller surface area of 45.4 m2 g−1, it adsorbed dyes with high efficiency, particularly the anionic dye Congo Red (CR), with an adsorption capacity of up to 358 m2 g−1. Moreover, TAPPy‐HPP showed excellent recycling and regenerative properties. This polymer is a promising candidate for a fluorescent chemical sensor for the absorption of dyes due to its exceptional physiochemical stability and intense luminescence.
Montmorency cherry supplementation enhances 15 km cycling time trial performance: Optimal timing 90‐min pre‐exercise
Authors: Wangdi Jimmy T. , O’Leary Mary F. , Kelly Vincent G. , Tang Jonathan C. Y. , Bowtell Joanna L.
Published: August 2024

Montmorency cherry (MC) can improve endurance performance, but optimal pre‐exercise timing of supplementation and influence of training status on efficacy are unknown. We investigated the effect of MC concentrate ingestion between 30‐ and 150‐min pre‐exercise in trained and recreational cyclists on 15‐km time trial (TT) performance and exercise economy. Twenty participants (10 recreationally active, RA; 10 trained, T) completed 10 min of steady‐state exercise (SSE) at 40%Δ (SSE) and a TT on four separate occasions following an unsupplemented (US), 30‐, 90‐ or 150‐min pre‐exercise Montmorency cherry concentrate (MCC) supplementation conditions (MCC30/90/150min). Venous and capillary blood samples were taken at regular intervals pre‐ and post‐SSE and TT. MCC significantly improved TT performance, but not exercise economy. The greatest improvement in performance occurred following MCC90min compared to US (US 1603.1 ± 248 s vs. MCC90min 1554.8 ± 226.7 s, 2.83% performance improvement). Performance was significantly enhanced for trained (US 1496.6 ± 173.1 s vs. MCC90min 1466.8 ± 157.6 s) but not recreationally active participants. Capillary [lactate] and heart rate were significantly greater during the TT for the 90‐min dose timing (p < 0.05). In the MCC30min and MCC90min conditions, plasma ferulic (US 8.71 ± 3.22 nmol. L−1 vs. MCC30min 15.80 ± 8.69 nmol. L−1, MCC90min 12.65 ± 4.84 nmol. L−1) and vanillic acid (US 25.14 ± 10.91 nmol.L−1 vs. MCC30min 153.07 ± 85.91 nmol. L−1, MCC90min 164.58 ± 59.06 nmol. L−1) were significantly higher pre‐exercise than in US and MCC150min conditions (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in muscle oxygenation status or plasma nitrite/nitrate concentration. MCC supplementation enhanced endurance exercise performance optimally when consumed ∼90 min pre‐exercise producing maximal plasma phenolic metabolites during exercise. The ergogenic effect was greater for trained participants.
Exploring the impact of adenoid obstruction on the human nasal airflow through parallel computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Yan Zhengzheng , Wang Xinhong , Chen Rongliang
Published: August 2024

Adenoid obstruction is a prevalent condition that can significantly alter nasal airflow patterns, leading to various respiratory symptoms. This study aims to explore the influence of adenoid obstruction on human nasal airflow using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. We developed a realistic nasal cavity model to simulate both steady‐state inhalation and transient breathing cycles, accounting for various levels of obstruction. The three‐dimensional, incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations were discretized employing a stabilized finite element method on unstructured meshes, along with an implicit second‐order backward differentiation formula. The numerical solution was obtained using a Newton‐Krylov‐Schwarz algorithm‐based parallel solver. Our findings indicate that obstruction of the adenoid cross‐sectional area below 50% minimally affects nasal airflow, whereas noticeable changes occurred as obstructions exceeded the 50% threshold. Complete blockage was observed at levels greater than 70%, and inhalation difficulties could arise even at the 50% obstruction mark during stimulation or extreme inhalation scenarios. These results substantiate the clinical guidelines that advocate a 50% obstruction ratio as the demarcation between conservative treatment and surgery. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights into the intricate relationship between the adenoid obstruction and nasal airflow, potentially enhancing clinical decision‐making in the diagnosis and treatment of nasal obstruction.
Hyperspectral guidance for summer tea processing: Enhancing taste and aroma through short‐term cycled heaping
Authors: Cao Hujing , Tian Jingjing , Zeng Jiarui , Wu Yujing , Xu Shuofei , Duan Yu , Shen Tingting , Pan Leiqing , Xin Zhihong , Fang Wanping , Zhu Xujun
Published: August 2024

To reduce the unpleasant flavor in tea infusion made from summer fresh leaves and lessen tea resource wastage, a short‐term cycled heaping method, addressing the temperature/moisture variations during prolonged heaping, was introduced to produce high‐quality yellow tea with significantly enhanced taste and aroma. Furthermore, a hyperspectral approach was developed to anticipate such improvements. Specifically, short‐term cycled heaping reduced summer tea's astringency and bitterness while increasing sweetness. Using near‐infrared spectroscopy, the multiplicative scatter correction (MSC)–support vector machine (SVM) model predicted tea umami with 66.25% precision and richness with 77.64% accuracy via standard normal variate (SNV)–SVM, based on epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), and gallocatechin gallate (GCG) variations. Aroma enhancement was forecasted by a hyperspectral–electronic nose regression model, achieving over 81.50% prediction accuracy for summer tea aromas in the visible spectrum and surpassing 73.45% in the near‐infrared domain, primarily attributed to pentanal, propanal, toluene, ethyl propionate, and 2,3‐pentanedione variations. Overall, hyperspectral‐guided summer tea processing, particularly for summer‐harvested leaves, shows potential in offering a valuable screening tool, enhancing quality, and efficiency in the tea industry and promoting sustainable development.
Electroconductive hydrogels for bioelectronics: Challenges and opportunities
Authors: Liu Nian , Ma Huifang , Li Maorui , Qin Rongrong , Li Peng
Published: August 2024

Electroconductive hydrogels (ECHs) have been extensively explored as promising flexible materials for bioelectronics because of their tunable conductivity and tissue‐like biological and mechanical properties. ECHs can interact intimately with biosystems, transmit physiological signals, and are expected to revolutionize the convergence between organisms and electronics. However, there are still some challenges in utilizing ECHs as flexible materials for bioelectronics, such as mismatched stretchability with tissues, a lack of environmental adaptability, susceptibility to mechanical damage, inferior interface compatibility, and vulnerability to bacterial contamination. This review categorizes these challenges encountered in the bioelectronic applications of ECHs and elaborates on the strategies and theories for improving their performance. Furthermore, we present an overview of the recent advancements in ECHs for bioelectronic applications, specifically focusing on their contributions to healthcare monitoring, treatment of diseases, and human–machine interfaces. The scope of future research on ECHs in bioelectronics is also proposed. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive exposition of difficult issues and potential opportunities for ECHs in bioelectronics, offering valuable insights for the design and fabrication of ECH‐based bioelectronic devices.