bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance Yolk‐Shell Structured Silicon‐Carbon Composite Anode Preparation via One‐Step Gas‐Phase Deposition and Etching Technique
Authors: Zhou Peng , Xiao Peng , Pang Liang , Jiang Ziang , Hao Ming , Li Yang , Wu Feixiang
Published: November 2024

For producing high‐capacity silicon (Si) anodes, a combined gas‐phase deposition and etching technique is developed to construct yolk‐shell structured silicon‐carbon composites. As a novel etching agent in battery field, NF3 is applied to selectively etch Si to tailor the architecture. Si particles as self‐sacrificed precursor have no need to build artificial or complex templates in advance, thereby greatly simplifying fabrication process and showcasing practicality. As a result, yolk‐shell structured silicon‐carbon composites are successfully fabricated in a single step. Sufficient buffer space between Si and carbon layer accommodates the significant expansion of Si during lithiation, preventing fracture of the carbon layer, which greatly improves service life of Si‐based anodes. Moreover, the refined particle size of Si and abundant pores in inner Si cores enhance the lithiation and de‐lithiation kinetic. Even with a high Si loading of 3.9 mg cm−2, the produced anode exhibits a superior areal capacity of 16.3 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 mA cm−2. Furthermore, at a high current density of 4 A g−1, it demonstrates an excellent capacity of 1114 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 96.3%. Additionally, with pre‐lithiation, it is successfully paired with an iron trifluoride cathode to construct high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries.
Ni‐MOF Engineered System Targeting Macrophage Aurora A Kinase for Bone Loss Prevention Through PD‐L1 Activation
Authors: Zhang Wenqian , Zhang Shengming , He Minghao , Hu Weixian , Han Wenhao , Zha Kangkang , Feng Qian , Liu Guohui , Zhao Yanli , Mi Bobin
Published: November 2024

Postmenopausal bone loss due to estrogen deficiency necessitates effective therapeutic strategies. Our study explores targeting macrophage Aurora A kinase to mitigate bone loss. Aurora A kinase phosphorylation is observed being increased in bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) from ovariectomy (OVX) mice, along with a reduction in programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression. Detailed analysis reveals that PD‐L1 plays an immunomodulatory role by lowering the ratio of T helper 17 cells and regulatory T cells. The metabolic shift toward glycolysis through transcriptome sequencing, induced by Aurora A kinase inhibition, is essential for PD‐L1 expression in BMDMs. The interaction between Aurora A kinase and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 5B is found to enhance PD‐L1 expression. To apply these findings therapeutically, a multifunctional system is developed using a Nickel‐metal organic framework combined with bisphosphonate and MLN8237 (BP@Ni‐MOF/MLN8237). This system targets bone tissues through bisphosphonate and effectively delivers MLN8237 to macrophages, promoting PD‐L1 expression for a favorable immune environment. Moreover, this system exhibits an obvious angiogenic effect. The present study highlights the crucial roles of macrophage Aurora A kinase and PD‐L1 in maintaining bone homeostasis as well as the angiogenesis effect by Ni‐MOF engineered system, presenting a promising therapeutic approach to prevent postmenopausal bone loss.
Near‐Infrared II AIE Luminogens with Mitochondria‐Targeting Characteristics for Combinational Phototherapies of Breast Tumors Through Synergistic Cell Apoptosis and Pyroptosis
Authors: Su Huifang , Shang Wenzhao , Li Ge , Yan Wenqing , Yan Xueke , Tang Ben Zhong , Qin Wei
Published: November 2024

Conventional photosensitizers for tumor phototherapy are greatly limited by their reliance on a single‐cell death process, leading to insufficient therapeutic effects and restricted biomedical applications. To address these limitations, multifunctional fluorophores, BTA and BTB, are designed based on an electron donor‐π‐acceptor system. By adjusting the strength of the intramolecular charge transfer through varying electron‐donating moieties, their optical properties are tailored. BTA emits bright near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) fluorescence and exhibits typical aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics, a large Stokes shift (>250 nm), good photostability, satisfactory biocompatibility, and remarkable mitochondria‐targeting capabilities. Notably, it demonstrates potent photodynamic and photothermal properties. BTA as an effective photosensitizer and a photothermal agent, generates various cytotoxic Type I and II reactive oxygen species and photothermal energy to effectively destroy tumor cell mitochondria and suppress tumor growth. Importantly, the molecular mechanisms underlying combination phototherapy are elucidated, revealing that it induces synergistic cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. These results highlight the potential of multifunctional AIE materials with bright NIR‐II fluorescence and mitochondria‐targeting characteristics for the synergistic phototherapy of breast tumors, offering new insights for future therapeutic developments.
Plasmonic Nanocomposite for Visible Light‐Modulated Bimorph‐Actuator
Authors: Kumbhakar Partha , Narendhiran Santhosh , Midya Soumen , Islam Monsur , Balachandran Manoj , Singh Abhishek Kumar
Published: November 2024

Soft actuators have great potential applications in sophisticated movement and sensitive devices due to their flexible nature, good interaction, and precise control. However, existing carbon‐based optical actuators are limited in their response under visible light irradiation. The limited visible light absorbance of the carbon nanostructure brought the metallic nanoparticle into the soft actuators that can absorb visible light. This study introduces a new type of plasmonic photothermal‐bimorph actuator, using graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), and silver nanorods (Ag NRs) to overcome the limitations of traditional optical actuators. The bimorph film is actuated by visible and near‐infrared light stimuli with various power densities showing reversible deformation behavior. The actuator shows significant bending associated with a ≈50° change in bending angle under visible light irradiation with a response time of ≈5 ± 1 sec. Furthermore, a smart photo‐controlled non‐contact switch is fabricated based on photo‐thermal conversion properties, demonstrating perfect integration of plasmonic bimorph actuators. The density functional theory based molecular dynamics calculations provide an additional understanding of the bending of actuators under external stimulus. Using illustrative demonstrations of actuators, these results hint at a method for generating multipurpose visible light‐based soft robots, supporting a new approach to developing an optical locking system.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation for Facile Access to Optically Active Dihydrodibenzo‐Fused Azepines
Authors: He Zhenni , Yang Ji , Li Xiaohan , Huang Wei , Liu Kai , Xu Lijin , Shi Qian
Published: November 2024

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of various dibenzo‐fused azepines including 5H‐dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepines, dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepines and 11H‐dibenzo[b,e]azepines using chiral iridium diamine catalysts and HCO2H/NEt3 as the hydrogen source has been accomplished. A range of chiral 10,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepines, 10,11‐dihydrodibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepine and 6,11‐dihydro‐5H‐dibenzo[b,e]azepines have been prepared in 82–94% yields with 82–99% ee. Diversely substituted substrates are suitable for this transformation, and a number of functional groups are tolerated. Enantiocontrol is achieved via judicious choice of catalyst, additive and hydrogen source. The synthetic potential of this reaction is explored through gram‐scale reactions without loss of reactivity and optical purity and further transformations on products.
PD‐1+CD8+ T Cell‐Mediated Hepatocyte Pyroptosis Promotes Progression of Murine Autoimmune Liver Disease
Authors: Long Jie , Yang Si‐Yu , Bian Zhen‐Hua , Zhu Hao‐Xian , Ma Min , Wang Xiao‐Qing , Li Liang , Zhang Weici , Han Ying , Gershwin M. Eric , Lian Zhe‐Xiong , Zhao Zhi‐Bin
Published: November 2024

The specific mechanisms underlying effector pathways in autoimmune liver disease remain enigmatic and therefore constructing appropriate murine models to investigate disease pathogenesis becomes critical. A spontaneous severe murine model of autoimmune liver disease has been previously established in dnTGFβRII Aire−/− mice, exhibiting disease phenotypes that resemble both human primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The data suggests that auto‐reactive liver‐specific CD8+ T cells are the primary pathogenic cells in liver injury. In this study, these data are advanced through the use of both single‐cell sequencing and extensive in vitro analysis. The results identify a specific expanded pathogenic subset of PD‐1+CD8+ T cells in the liver, exhibiting strong functional activity and cytotoxicity against target cells. Depletion of PD‐1+CD8+ T cells using CAR‐T cells effectively alleviates the disease. GSDMD‐mediated pyroptosis is found to be aberrantly activated in the livers of model mice, and treatment with a GSDMD‐specific inhibitor significantly inhibits disease progression. In vitro experiments reveal that PD‐1+CD8+ T cells can induce the pyroptosis of hepatocytes through elevated production of granzyme B and perforin‐1. These results provide a novel explanation for the cytotoxic activity of pathogenic liver PD‐1+CD8+ T cells in autoimmune liver diseases and offer potential therapeutic targets.
Changes in the population and diversity of plant parasitic nematodes and their effects on sugarcane growth at Wonji‐Shoa Sugar Estate, Ethiopia
Authors: Dengia Alemayehu , Dechassa Nigussae , Wogi Lemma , Amsalu Berhanu
Published: November 2024

In Wonji‐Shoa Sugar Estate (WSSE), sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) yields have declined by about 48% over the last 70 years. One of the causes for the decline is assumed to be the long‐term monoculture production system that results in the buildup of plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Therefore, the population and diversity of PPNs were investigated by conducting soil sampling using a biosequential method (simultaneous sampling of the soils of adjacent cultivated land [CL] and uncultivated land [UL]) and a chronosequential method (taking soil samples at different times from the same site). The samples were subjected to analysis using standard procedures to determine the change in the population, and identify the genera of PPNs. Additionally, a pot experiment that involved fumigation was conducted on top soils sampled from the CL and UL of the plantation. The results revealed that about 10 genera of PPNs (Meloidogyne, Helicotylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Rotylenchulus, Hemicycliophora, Discriconemella, Xhiphinema, Pratylenchus, Tylenchorhynchus, and Scutellonema) were detected, of which the first four were newly identified. The population density and the number of genera of PPNs found in the CL were 36‐fold and 4.5‐fold higher than those found in the UL, respectively. Furthermore, fumigation reduced the population of the PPNs by 61% and increased production of cane biomass by 63%. It is concluded that the soils of the WSSE are infested by PPNs, which consequently have detrimental effects on sugarcane growth. While amending soil fertility is crucial, reversing the decline in sugarcane yields also necessitates implementing an integrated soil management system that includes PPNs.
Nanoscale wettability characterization—Interpreting droplet morphological evolution in nanopores
Authors: Chu Wenzhen , Zhang Kaiqiang
Published: November 2024

Nanoscale wettability, crucial for various disciplines in science and engineering, challenges traditional theory, particularly the Young's equation. This study proposes and validates a modified format of the Young's equation under nano‐confinement and, for the first time, the nano‐confined droplet morphological evolution and transition are investigated from thermodynamic theories and molecular dynamics simulation. The morphologies of droplets in nano‐silts, identified as double‐cap, single‐cap, and bridge‐shaped, underscore the critical roles of line tension and nano‐confinement in characterizing wetting behavior. In hydrophobic nano‐slits, droplets transition from the double‐cap to the single‐cap shape at the critical point of  = 0.31 and to bridge shape at the critical point of  = 0.40. Moreover, the relative width of the neck region in the bridge‐shaped droplets is found to stabilize at ratio of 1.8. Particularly, linear relationships have been established between the droplet contact angle and the parameter , which identify condensation and breakage of droplets within hydrophobic nano‐slits. This model effectively characterizes nanoscale wettability, with precise droplet behavior predictions, which could be beneficial to enhance nano‐fluid dynamics understanding and its applications in science and engineering.
In Situ Generated 1‐Naphthylmethyl Radicals from Bis(1‐Naphthylmethyl)tin Dichlorides: Utilization for C−C, C−N, and C−O Bond‐Forming Reactions
Authors: Dhanwant Kisturi , Bhedi Dharmveer , Bhanuchandra M. , Thirumoorthi Ramalingam
Published: November 2024

The in situ‐generated 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals from the thermolysis of bis(1‐naphthylmethyl)tin dichlorides combine with persistent organic radicals, 4‐hydroxy‐TEMPO or 4‐oxo‐TEMPO designs C−O bond forming products. Subsequently, the C−N bond occurs when the 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals unite with nitric oxide (NO) under a nitrogen atmosphere. In contrast, the oxidation instead of the addition reaction predominantly happens in the 1‐naphthylmethyl radicals when nitrogen dioxide contains a high oxidation state nitrogen center, i. e., N(IV) used. The by‐product, dodecanuclear organotin cages, with twelve peripheral naphthyl units, could be isolated from the 4‐hydroxy‐TEMPO reaction. Besides, the synthesis of unsymmetrical diarylmethanes RArCH2 (R=1‐naphthyl, 2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, 3‐ and 4‐MeC6H4, phenyl, 4‐ClC6H4; Ar=4‐MeOC6H4, 3,4‐, 2,4‐ and 2,5‐Me2C6H3) in high yields and with good regioselectivity is reported. This new methodology involves the iodine‐mediated thermolysis of bis(arylmethyl)tin dichlorides (RCH2)2SnCl2 and an excess of an arene. This reaction involves homolytic cleavage of Sn−C bonds to give arylmethyl radicals that react with iodine in the presence of SnCl2 to give the corresponding cations, which undergo electrophilic attack on the arene. Functionalised diarylmethanes have wide applications in pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and materials sciences. Alternative synthetic approaches to this class of organic compounds that avoid using a transition‐metal catalyst or a strong Lewis acid are desirable.
Supramolecular Crystals based Fast Single Ion Conductor for Long‐Cycling Solid Zinc Batteries
Authors: Chen Ze , Huang Zhaodong , Wang Chenlu , Li Dedi , Xiong Qi , Wang Yanbo , Hou Yue , Wang Yanlei , Chen Ao , He Hongyan , Zhi Chunyi
Published: November 2024

The solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) used in Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have low ionic conductivity due to the sluggish dynamics of polymer segments. Thus, only short‐range movement of cations is supported, leading to low ionic conductivity and Zn2+ transference (tZn2+). Zn‐based supramolecular crystals (ZMCs) have considerable potential for supporting long‐distance Zn2+ transport; however, their efficiency in ZIBs has not been explored. The present study developed a ZMC consisting of succinonitrile (SN) and zinc bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (Zn(TFSI)2), with a structural formula identified as Zn(TFSI)2SN3. The ZMC has ordered three‐dimensional tunnels in the crystalline lattices for ion conduction, providing high ionic conductivities (6.02×10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C and 3.26×10−5 S cm−1 at −35 °C) and a high tZn2+ (0.97). We demonstrated that a Zn‖Zn symmetrical battery with ZMCs has long‐term cycling stability (1200 h) and a dendrite‐free Zn plating/stripping process, even at a high plating areal density of 3 mAh cm−2. The as‐fabricated solid‐state Zn battery exhibited excellent performance, including high discharge capacity (1.52 mAh cm−2), long‐term cycling stability (83.6 % capacity retention after 70000 cycles (7 months)), wide temperature adaptability (−35 to 50 °C) and fast charging ability. The ZMC differs from SPEs in its structure for transporting Zn2+ ions, significantly improving solid‐state ZIBs while maintaining safety, durability, and sustainability.
Hydrogenating Polyethylene Terephthalate into Degradable Polyesters
Authors: Guo Zhenbo , Zhang Haoran , Chen Haoyu , Zhang Meiqi , Tang Xiaoyan , Wang Meng , Ma Ding
Published: November 2024

The recycling and upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most widely used polyester plastic globally, has attracted growing attention concerning its disposal as non‐degradable waste in the natural environment. Transforming end‐of‐life PET into (bio)degradable polyester offers a novel approach to managing its waste. In this study, we introduce a simple process capable of converting waste PET into degradable polyester, polyethylene terephthalate‐polyethylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PET‐PECHD), by partly hydrogenating the aromatic rings (x) into aliphatic ones (y). The polyesters with variable x/y compositions ranging from 100/0 to 0/100 can be achieved, and the molecular weight (Mw) can be maintained when x/y >87/13 due to the nonobvious depolymerization. Pronounced depolymerization would occur with deeper hydrogenation, which generates a blend of PET‐PECHD and polyethylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PECHD) with lower Mw, and finally a single‐type polymer PECHD. The PET‐PECHD demonstrates comparable thermal stability and mechanical strength compared to PET, along with superior extensibility, barrier properties, and (bio)degradability in acidic, alkaline solutions, and moist soil. This research highlights the potential for cost‐effective, large‐scale production of degradable polyester from real‐life plastic waste.
Unprecedented Photoinduced‐Electron‐Transfer Probe with a Turn‐ON Chemiluminescence Mode‐of‐Action
Authors: David Maya , Gutkin Sara , Nithun Raj V. , Jbara Muhammad , Shabat Doron
Published: November 2024

PeT‐based fluorescent probes were demonstrated to be powerful tools for detection and imaging, owing to their significant fluorescence enhancement in response to specific targets. While numerous examples of fluorescence‐based PeT have been frequently reported, there is not even a single example of a PeT probe that operates via a chemiluminescence mode. Here we report the first PeT‐based turn‐on probe that acts via a chemiluminescent operation mode. We designed, synthesized, and evaluated a novel chemiluminescent probe, featuring a PeT‐based turn‐on mechanism. The probe consists of a phenoxy‐1,2‐dioxetane, linked to an azide unit that acts as a PeT quencher. Upon cycloaddition of a strained cycloalkyne with the azide, a triazole‐dioxetane is formed, which undergoes relatively slow chemiexcitation, resulting in a measurement window with an exceptionally high signal‐to‐noise ratio (over 5000‐fold). The PeT‐dioxetane probe could effectively detect and image two model proteins labeled with strained cycloalkyne units (Myc‐DBCO and Max‐DBCO) through either NHS or maleimide conjugations. Comparative analysis shows that our PeT‐based chemiluminescent probe significantly outperforms a commercially available fluorescent analog. We anticipate that the insights gained from this study will facilitate the development of additional chemiluminescent probes utilizing various PeT‐quenching pathways.
Developing a novel polysulfone/chitosan membrane incorporated with green synthesized CuO from aloe vera extract for toxic dye removal
Authors: Danagody Balaganesh , Kalaivanan Vennila , Rajappan Kalaivizhi , Iqbal Anwar
Published: November 2024

The environment and public health have been protected by the simple, non‐destructive, and ecologically benign process used for fabricating membranes. In this study, a low‐cost wastewater treatment membrane is made from raw materials followed by phase inversion approach. A typical organic pollutant that has earned a poor track record for gradually harming aquatic life. Thus, the membrane technology is used to minimize the water contaminated by dyes. To treat wastewater, a membrane was developed by combining green synthesized CuO nanoparticles with polysulfone (PS) and chitosan (CS). The developed membranes were analyzed using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, contact angle, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and x‐ray diffraction techniques. The developed membrane, along with the nanoparticles and additives, confirmed its crystalline confirmation, hydrophilicity, arrangement of structures, and morphological modifications. CuO nanoparticles were prepared using aloe vera extract, and incorporated into a mixed matrix membrane was utilized for the congo red (CR) and methylene blue (MB) adsorption processes. The absorption capacity was analyzed via UV spectroscopy makes it potentially important for membrane performance. Therefore, the resulting membrane could be used as a substrate for dye removal applications.
Action potential threshold variability for different electrostimulation models and its potential impact on occupational exposure limit values
Authors: Soyka Florian , Tarnaud Thomas , Alteköster Carsten , Schoeters Ruben , Plovie Tom , Joseph Wout , Tanghe Emmeric
Published: November 2024

Occupational exposure limit values (ELVs) for body internal electric fields can be derived from thresholds for action potential generation. These thresholds can be calculated with electrostimulation models. The spatially extended nonlinear node model (SENN) is often used to determine such thresholds. Important parameters of these models are the membrane channel dynamics describing the ionic transmembrane currents as well as the temperature at which the models operate. This work compares action potential thresholds for five different membrane channel dynamics used with the SENN model. Furthermore, two more detailed double‐cable models by Gaines et al. (MRG‐Sensory and MRG‐Motor) are also considered in this work. Thresholds calculated with the SENN model and the MRG models are compared for frequencies between 1 Hz and 100 kHz and temperatures at 22°C and 37°C. Results show that MRG thresholds are lower than SENN thresholds. Deriving alternative ELVs from these thresholds shows that the alternative ELVs can change significantly with different ion channel dynamics (up to a factor of 22). Using the double cable model could lead to approximately ten times lower alternative exposure limit values. On the contrary, using the SENN model with different membrane channel dynamics could also lead to higher alternative exposure limit values. Therefore, future exposure guidelines should take the influence of different electrostimulation models into account when deriving ELVs.
Perrault syndrome: a forgotten presentation for infertile women
Authors: Alkhonezan Manal , Alkhonezan Shahad , Al‐Jaroudi Dania
Published: November 2024

Key clinical message

Perrault syndrome (PRLTS) is an uncommon hereditary condition distinguished by ovarian failure in females and sensorineural hearing loss. Infertility can be the presenting problem for a serious disease. History and physical examination is very essential among infertile couples.

Perrault syndrome (PRLTS) is an uncommon hereditary condition distinguished by ovarian failure in females and sensorineural hearing loss. This case presentation describes a 22‐year‐old female from Saudi Arabia with PRLTS. The patient presented with progressive bilateral hearing loss since childhood, impacting her academic achievement. Additionally, she experienced amenorrhea since the age of 18 years, with previous investigations showing no hormonal imbalances. Other laboratory tests, including bone mineral density, kidney and liver function, electrolytes, and lipid profile, showed mostly normal results, except for a slightly abnormal lipid profile with low high‐density lipoprotein and high low‐density lipoprotein levels. This case highlights the challenges faced by individuals with PRLTS, specifically progressive hearing loss and gonadal dysfunction, leading to infertility. Further evaluation and management are warranted to address the patient's hearing impairment and fertility concerns, with a multidisciplinary approach involving audiology, endocrinology, and reproductive medicine.
Revealing the Potential of Bimetallic Carbide Catalysts for Upgrading Biomass‐Derived Bio‐Oil: A First Principles‐Based Investigation Using Representative Bio‐Oil Constituents
Authors: Bathla Sagar , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: November 2024

Bimetallic carbides, especially based on molybdenum carbide, proved to be a promising hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalyst, with enhanced selectivity towards C─O bonds cleavage. However, catalysts are generally investigated using limited model components derived from only one of the biopolymers in biomass (either lignin or carbohydrates), therefore, HDO of raw biomass‐derived bio‐oil still remains a challenge, as it contains molecules of different functionalities. This paper presents a systematic comparison of the monometallic carbide, Mo2C, with the novel bimetallic carbide incorporating W using representative bio‐oil components of different functionalities and derived from different bio‐polymers components of biomass. We employed quantum mechanical investigation to reveal that the W‐doped Mo2C carbide (MoWC) catalyst with increased oxophilicity, owing to tungsten incorporation, can perform HDO of real bio‐oil more effectively in comparison to its monometallic counterpart (Mo2C) using six substrates representing different components of bio‐oil. We showed MoWC can selectively cleave both single/double (C─O/C═O) bonds with similar barriers in comparison to Mo2C which can only selectively cleave single C─O bonds. This observation was consistent for 5‐HMF, Acetic acid, and Methyl Glyoxal. We also showed that MoWC outperforms its metallic counterpart Mo2C in the HDO for aromatic and carbohydrates components.
Cost Engineering für modulare Anlagen
Authors: Eckrich Markus , Pehlke Werner , Stenger Frank
Published: November 2024

Die Wahl des richtigen Anlagenkonzepts – konventionell, modular vorgefertigt oder flexibel – ist eine zentrale Frage in der Prozessindustrie. Neben den Investitionskosten spielen Faktoren wie Flexibilität, Time‐to‐Market und Nachhaltigkeit eine entscheidende Rolle. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet die Vor‐ und Nachteile der verschiedenen Konzepte für die Chemieindustrie und stellt innovative Bewertungsmethoden im Cost Engineering vor, die Chemieunternehmen helfen, die beste Entscheidung für ihre spezifischen Anforderungen zu treffen.
Ethernet‐APL – bereitfür den praktischen Einsatz
Authors: Fritsch André
Published: November 2024

Zwölf führende Unternehmen und vier Technologieorganisationen haben die Spezifikationen für Ethernet‐APL nach intensiver, mehrjähriger Zusammenarbeit erarbeitet. Die ersten Ethernet‐APL Geräte sind bereits am Markt verfügbar, und viele weitere stehen kurz vor dem Launch. Ein idealer Zeitpunkt, um sich umfassend mit dem Thema Ethernet im Feld zu befassen. Doch wie plant man ein Ethernet‐APL Netzwerk? Welche Anforderungen sind zu berücksichtigen? Und wie wird Explosionsschutz und Eigensicherheit sichergestellt? Die gute Nachricht: Vieles wirkt auf den ersten Blick neu, aber die Umsetzung gestaltet sich oft einfacher als erwartet.
Feldgeräte vorausschauend im Blick
Authors: Hennecke Andreas
Published: November 2024

Ethernet‐APL bringt Ethernet bis ins Feld und ermöglicht eine nahtlose Vernetzung vom Leitsystem bis zu jedem Feldgerät. Das Engineering wird erheblich vereinfacht und den Zugang zu Echtzeit‐Daten verbessert. Verpolsicherheit und standardisierte Diagnosen sorgen für eine zuverlässige, effiziente Inbetriebnahme und Wartung – und das mit einer Datengeschwindigkeit von 10 Mbit/s. Die Zukunft der Prozessautomatisierung wird damit einfacher und transparenter.
Emerging Trends in Quinoxaline‐Based Analogs as Protein Kinase Inhibitors: Structural Developments and SAR Insights
Authors: Shivani  , Mahajan Amol T. , Chaudhary Sandeep
Published: November 2024

Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality and has been recognized as a significant global health concern. Although numerous effective anticancer agents are available; most of the current drugs lack specificity, leading to common side‐effects associated with chemotherapy. Recent research, however, offers promise for developing more targeted and safer anticancer therapies through protein kinase inhibition. Quinoxaline derivatives represent a notable class of heterocyclic compounds. The extensive spectrum of biological activities demonstrated by quinoxalines has garnered substantial research interest. Quinoxaline and its derivatives have emerged as a novel class of chemotherapeutic agents with significant activity against various tumors through protein kinase inhibition. This review aims to elucidate recent advancements in the quinoxaline derivatives targeting protein kinase along with structural developments and structure‐activity relationships associated with these compounds.
Exploring the effects of RNNs and deep learning frameworks on real‐time, lightweight, adaptive time series anomaly detection
Authors: Lee Ming‐Chang , Lin Jia‐Chun , Katsikas Sokratis
Published: November 2024

Real‐time, lightweight, adaptive time series anomaly detection is increasingly critical in cybersecurity, industrial control, finance, healthcare, and many other domains due to its capability to promptly process time series and detect anomalies without requiring extensive computation resources. While numerous anomaly detection approaches have emerged recently, they generally employ a single type of recurrent neural network (RNN) and are implemented using a single type of deep learning framework. The impacts of using various RNN types across different deep learning frameworks on the performance of these approaches remain unclear due to a lack of comprehensive evaluations. In this article, we aim to investigate the impact of different RNN variants and deep learning frameworks on real‐time, lightweight, and adaptive time series anomaly detection. We reviewed several state‐of‐the‐art anomaly detection approaches and implemented a representative approach using several RNN variants supported by three popular deep learning frameworks. A thorough evaluation was conducted to analyze the detection accuracy, time efficiency, and resource consumption of each implementation using four real‐world, open‐source time series datasets. The results show that RNN variants and deep learning frameworks have a significant impact. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully select appropriate RNN variants and deep learning frameworks for the implementation.
Research on High Power Density Flyback Converter With a New Passive Lossless Snubber
Authors: Zhao Yin , Chen Shenghua , Tang Yu
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a flyback converter with a new passive lossless snubber. It eliminates the power dissipation of the traditional RCD snubber, while providing protection against MOS breakdown from energy stored in the power‐transformer leakage. This energy is used to power the power chip, which simplifies the design of the transformer. Meanwhile, an optimal design method for high power density planar transformers is presented. Applying the principle of flux cancellation, a matrix transformer that originally needed an independent magnetic core was integrated into a single magnetic core to reduce the volume of the core. This method effectively reduces the printed circuit board (PCB) layer number of the planar transformer and increases the possibility of the application of the planar transformer in the flyback converter. The detailed operation principle and design considerations are presented. Finally, a multi‐output flyback converter with a frequency of 100 kHz is designed to verify the practical performance of the structure.
Birds and bats reduce herbivory damage in Papua New Guinean highland forests
Authors: Sivault Elise , Koane Bonny , Chmurova Lucia , Sam Katerina
Published: November 2024

Insectivorous predators, including birds and bats, play crucial roles in trophic cascades. However, previous research on these cascades has often relied on permanent predator exclosures, which prevent the isolation of specific effects of birds and bats, given their different activity patterns throughout the day. Moreover, limited knowledge exists regarding the variations in individual effects of these predators under different biotic and abiotic conditions, such as changes in elevation. To address these uncertainties, our study aimed to investigate the distinct effects of bats and birds on arthropod densities in foliage and herbivory damage in lowland and highland rainforests of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Predator exclosures were established for one month to exclude diurnal or nocturnal predators across 120 saplings (ca. 2.5–4 m tall) selected from two lowland and two highland forests (i.e., 30 saplings per study site) along the Mt. Wilhelm transect in PNG. Arthropods were collected and measured, and herbivory damage was analyzed at the end of the experiment. Birds significantly reduced arthropod densities by 30%, particularly in arthropods longer than 10 mm, regardless of elevation. Additionally, both birds and bats appeared to mitigate herbivory damage in highland forests, with protected saplings displaying up to 189% more herbivory. Our results support previous studies that have demonstrated the ability of insectivorous predators to reduce leaf damage through the control of arthropods. Furthermore, our approach highlights the importance and necessity of further research on the role of seasons and elevations in trophic cascades.
Geographic variation in leaf traits and palatability of a native plant invader during domestic expansion
Authors: Zhao Yu‐Jie , Wang Shengyu , Liao Zhi‐Yong , Parepa Madalin , Zhang Lei , Cao Peipei , Bi Jingwen , Guo Yaolin , Bossdorf Oliver , Richards Christina L. , Wu Jihua , Li Bo , Ju Rui‐Ting
Published: November 2024

Like alien plant invasion, range expansion of native plants may threaten biodiversity and economies, rendering them native invaders. Variation in abiotic and biotic conditions across a large geographic scale greatly affects variation in traits and interactions with herbivores of native plant invaders, which is an interesting yet mostly unexplored issue. We used a common garden experiment to compare defensive/nutritional traits and palatability to generalist herbivores of 20 native (23.64° N–30.18° N) and introduced range (31.58° N–36.87° N) populations of Reynoutria japonica, which is a native invader following range expansion in China. We analyzed the relationships among herbivore pressure, climate, plant chloroplast haplotypes, leaf traits, and herbivore performance. Of the 16 variables tested, we observed range differences in 11 variables and latitudinal clines in nine variables. In general, herbivores performed better on the introduced plants than on the native plants, and better on the high‐latitude plants than on the low‐latitude plants within the introduced populations. Three key traits (leaf thickness, specific leaf area, and carbon‐to‐nitrogen [C:N] ratio) determined palatability to herbivores and were significantly associated with temperature and/or precipitation of plant provenance as well as with plant haplotypes but not with herbivore pressure. Our results revealed a causal sequence from plant‐range‐based environmental forces and genetic context to plant quality and palatability to herbivores in R. japonica. These findings suggest a post‐introduction evolution of R. japonica, which may partly explain the colonization success of this important native, but invasive plant.
Electrospun Membranes of Hydrophobic Polyimide and NH2‐UiO‐66 Nanocomposite for Desalination
Authors: Kim Seungju , Hou Jue , Choudhury Namita Roy , Kentish Sandra E.
Published: November 2024

Hydrophobic nanofiber composite membranes comprising polyimide and metal–organic frameworks are developed for desalination via direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD). Our study demonstrates the synthesis of hydrophobic polyimides with trifluoromethyl groups, along with superhydrophobic UiO‐66 (hMOF) prepared by phenylsilane modification on the metal‐oxo nodes. These components are then combined to create nanofiber membranes with improved hydrophobicity, ensuring long‐term stability while preserving a high water flux. Integration of hMOF into the polymer matrix further increases membrane hydrophobic properties and provides additional pathways for vapor transport during MD. The resulting nanofiber composite membranes containing 20 wt% of hMOFs (PI‐1‐hMOF‐20) were able to desalinate hypersaline feed solution of up to 17 wt% NaCl solution, conditions that are beyond the capability of reverse osmosis systems. These membranes demonstrated a water flux of 68.1 kg m−2 h−1 with a rejection rate of 99.98% for a simulated seawater solution of 3.5 wt% NaCl at 70 °C, while maintaining consistent desalination performance for 250 h.
Palladium‐Catalyzed C4,C5‐Diarylation of Isoxazole‐3‐Carboxylate by Double C−H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Ben Romdhane Rabeb , Liu Linhao , Ben Salem Ridha , Doucet Henri
Published: November 2024

The Pd‐catalyzed C4‐arylation of 3,5‐disubstituted isoxazoles via C−H bond functionalization has been largely described. By contrast, the reactivity of isoxazoles in C−H bond functionalization with both unsubstituted C4 and C5 positions remains largely unexplored. Herein, we report on the reactivity in Pd‐catalyzed double C−H bond arylation of an isoxazole with unsubstituted C4 and C5 positions. Conditions for the palladium‐catalyzed direct C4,C5‐diarylation of ethyl isoxazole‐3‐carboxylate using aryl bromides as the aryl source are reported. This procedure tolerates several useful substituents on the aryl bromide such as nitrile, acetyl, formyl, benzoyl, alkoxycarbonyl, chloro, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, cyanomethyl, tertbutyl and methoxy at para‐ and meta‐positions. Conversely, with ortho‐substituted aryl bromides, mixtures of mono‐ and di‐arylated isoxazoles were generally obtained. This methodology provides a simple one pot access to a wide variety of C4,C5‐diarylated isoxazoles from commercially available substrates allowing to modify easily their biological properties.
Understanding Foresight‐Policy Interactions: The Role of Institutionalization
Authors: Priebe Max , Veit Sylvia , Warnke Philine
Published: November 2024

Public administration in governments strives to develop forward‐looking capacities. Foresight has come to the fore as a set of practices that is mobilized to counter political myopia. Despite this increasing interest in governmental foresight, research suggests that diverging institutional practices, organizational structures, and epistemic cultures between foresight practices and policy‐making result in loose coupling. This article aims to contribute to understanding these complicated foresight‐policy interactions. To this end, we draw on findings from public administration scholarship. The concept of institutionalization is employed to analyze how foresight aligns with working practices and routines in government. Based on an in‐depth case study on the institutionalization of foresight practices within the German Federal Government, we demonstrate that scrutinizing the multiple dimensions of institutionalization helps not only to understand where and why loose ends occur but also provides new insights into some of the causes of the lacking impact. The article does not aim to provide an easy fix. Instead, we want to sensitize foresight practitioners, reduce both disappointment and overstating regarding the role of foresight in policy‐making, and provide a nuanced understanding of foresight practices in government.
An update on the pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression
Authors: Arifunhera J. , Mirunalini R.
Published: November 2024

Extensive research has been conducted on postpartum depression (PPD) over the past century, and yet no definitive answer regarding its etiopathogenesis, risk factors, genetic predilection, and treatment has been found. The few preclinical and clinical studies propose that maternal brain adaptations to the endocrinological, immunological, and behavioral changes and external sociodemographic risk factors in the perinatal period make women more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Irrespective of the cause, a dilemma exists regarding the type of help to provide postpartum mothers. With very few treatment options at our disposal, deciding between psychotherapy, pharmacological, and non‐pharmacological therapy on a case‐by‐case basis is unproductive because in developing countries infrastructure is limited and the availability of medications, especially for psychiatric illnesses, is still evolving. Hence, regardless of psychotherapy, antidepressants remain the first line of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); sertraline has the best efficacy and safety profile in breastfeeding women. As endocrine factors play a significant role in etiopathogenesis, hormonal therapy with oxytocin has been shown to be efficacious, and studies investigating the role of testosterone in treating PPD are also under way. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first and only drug for the sole purpose of treating PPD, brexanolone. Zuranolone, a drug recently approved by the FDA, has a similar mechanism of action to brexanolone. For breastfeeding mothers reluctant to use pharmacotherapy, somatic therapy has been studied, including bright light therapy, vagal nerve stimulation, and newer noninvasive interventions. This article encompasses a short note on PPD, including its etiopathogenesis and clinical characteristics, and recapitulates the various available and evolving pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies.
The Decreased Proliferation Capacity of Cardiomyocytes Induced By Androsterone Is Mediated By the Interactions Between Androgen Receptor and Retinoblastoma Protein
Authors: Huo Yu , Wang Wenji , Bai Fan , Gui Yonghao
Published: November 2024

Our previous study has demonstrated that the decline in cardiomyocytes proliferation capacity induced by maternal androgen excess was mainly attributed to the accumulation of androsterone in the heart. However, the underlying mechanism by which androsterone inhibits cardiomyocytes proliferation remains unknown. In this study, pregnant mice were injected subcutaneously daily with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from gestational day (GD) 16.5 to GD18.5. On GD18.5, fetal heart tissue was dissected and used for analyzing androgen receptor (AR) levels. H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes, isolated from fetal hearts, were applied to investigate the mechanism. H9c2 cells under androsterone treatment were subjected to RNA sequencing analysis and the results showed that genes were primarily enriched in cell cycle and DNA replication pathways. Elevated AR levels were observed in fetal cardiac tissue in the maternal DHT‐treated group. Androsterone treatment increased the ratio of nuclear AR and cytoplasmic AR both in H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes. The ablation and overexpression of AR can mildly reverse and aggravate cell cycle arrest induced by androsterone, respectively. ChIP‐qPCR analysis suggested that AR can directly repress cell cycle and DNA replication‐related gene expression, which was mediated by the recruitment of retinoblastoma protein (Rb). The repression of cell proliferation in response to androsterone was alleviated partly through the downregulation of Rb by siRNA transfection. In conclusion, AR repression to cell cycle and DNA replication‐related gene expression, mediated by recruitment of Rb, may be one of the potential mechanisms of cell cycle arrest in cardiomyocytes induced by androsterone.
A Case With Gallbladder Villous Tubular Adenoma With High‐Grade Intraepithelial Neoplasia Combined With Rectal Villous Tubular Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Asad , Zhou Hui , Zhao Ziou , Moazzam Nida Fatima , Hou Jie , Sun Hui , Wang Xian
Published: November 2024

We present the rare case of a 79‐year‐old female patient with the coexistence of gallbladder villous tubular adenoma and rectal villous tubular adenocarcinoma. She initially presented with blood in the stool, prompting a diagnosis of rectal cancer. Further examination revealed findings suggestive of a gallbladder pathology. Subsequent imaging and histopathological analyses confirmed the presence of a gallbladder villous tubular adenoma, high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia, and rectal villous tubular adenocarcinoma. Surgical interventions included laparoscopic radical resection of the rectal cancer and cholecystectomy. Immunohistochemical examination differentiated between the two distinct adenomatous conditions. This case underscores the importance of thorough evaluation and multidisciplinary approaches for accurate diagnosis and management of complex presentations of gastrointestinal neoplasms.
Impact of chronic constipation symptoms on work productivity and daily activity: A large‐scale internet survey
Authors: Ota Takumi , Kuratani Shinji , Masaki Hisanori , Ishizaki Sonoko , Seki Haruhiko , Takebe Takahiro
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Chronic constipation negatively impacts work productivity and patients' quality of life. This retrospective study assessed the correlation between symptoms of chronic constipation and work/activity impairment with and without the use of laxative treatment.

Methods

This cross‐sectional, observational, web‐based survey was conducted using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment‐Chronic Constipation Questionnaire and included Japanese patients with chronic constipation receiving prescribed medication. Outcomes of interest included total work productivity and activity impairment and their correlation with constipation symptoms.

Results

Among the 2351 analyzed patients (mean [SD] age, 51.7 [13.8] years), 80.7% were females, 63.3% had a disease duration of ≥10 years, and 1424 were working. The averages of total activity impairment, total work productivity impairment, presenteeism, and absenteeism were 39.2%, 33.9%, 31.2%, and 5.0%, respectively. The annual work productivity loss per patient was estimated to be 1.343 million Japanese Yen. Symptoms that had a statistically significant positive correlation with total work impairment (P < 0.05) were abdominal discomfort/nausea, abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and unpredictable defecation timing. Total activity impairment was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by abdominal discomfort/nausea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, incomplete defecation, unpredictable defecation timing, loss of defecation desire, and straining. Work productivity and daily activity had improved in 71.2% and 72.6% of patients, respectively, after they received treatment.

Conclusion

Symptoms of constipation, particularly abdominal symptoms and unpredictable defecation timing, can have a negative impact on work productivity and daily activity. Treatment focused on these symptoms may reduce the socio‐economic burden of chronic constipation in Japan.