bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anopheles mosquitoes in Morocco: implication for public health and underlined challenges for malaria re‐establishment prevention under current and future climate conditions
Authors: Abdelkrim Outammassine , Said Zouhair , Souad Loqman
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

The potential reappearance and/or expansion of vector‐borne diseases is one of the terrifying issues awaiting humanity in the context of climate change. The presence of competent Anopheles vectors, as well as suitable environmental circumstances, may result in the re‐emergence of autochthonous Malaria, after years of absence. In Morocco, international travel and migration movements from Malaria‐endemic areas have recently increased the number of imported cases, raising awareness of Malaria's possible reintroduction. Using machine learning we developed model predictions, under current and future (2050) climate, for the prospective distribution of Anopheles claviger, Anopheles labranchiae, Anopheles multicolor, and Anopheles sergentii implicated or incriminated in Malaria transmission.

RESULTS

All modelled species are expected to find suitable habitats and have the potential to become established in the northern and central parts of the country, under present‐day conditions. Distinct changes in the distributions of the four mosquitoes are to be expected under climate change. Even under the most optimistic scenario, all investigated species are likely to acquire new habitats that are now unsuitable, placing further populations in danger. We also observed a northward and altitudinal shift in their distribution towards higher altitudes.

CONCLUSION

Climate change is expected to expand the potential range of malaria vectors in Morocco. Our maps and predictions offer a way to intelligently focus efforts on surveillance and control programmes. To reduce the threat of human infection, it is crucial for public health authorities, entomological surveillance teams, and control initiatives to collaborate and intensify their actions, continuously monitoring areas at risk. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assessing the antiviral potential of melatonin: A comprehensive systematic review
Authors: Alomari Tasneem , Al‐Abdallat Haneen , Hamamreh Rawan , Alomari Omar , Hos Beria H. , Reiter Russel J.
Published: December 2023

This review assesses the antiviral potential of melatonin through comprehensive analysis of studies across human subjects, animal models, cell cultures, and in‐silico simulations. The search strategy targeted relevant research until 22 June 2023, resulting in 20 primary studies after screening and deduplication. The findings highlight strong evidence supporting antiviral properties of melatonin. In silico studies identify melatonin as a candidate against SARS‐CoV‐2, reducing cytokine storm‐related respiratory responses. Cell culture experiments reveal its multifaceted effects on different viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, anti‐dengue virus, transmissible gastroenteritis virus, and encephalomyocarditis virus. Animal studies show melatonin reduces mortality and viral replication in various infections such as Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and COVID‐19. Clinical trials show how it could be evaluated, but with no conclusive evidence of efficacy and safety so far from large, double‐blind placebo‐controlled trials. These insights showcase the potential of melatonin as a versatile antiviral agent with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and antiviral properties. In summary, our review highlights melatonin's promising antiviral properties across diverse settings. Melatonin's immunomodulatory and antiviral potential makes it a compelling candidate for further investigation, emphasising the need for rigorous clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy against viral infections.
Partially observed optimal control of local and remote controllers
Authors: Jia Hui , Ni Yuan‐Hua
Published: December 2023

The article investigates a networked optimal control problem with one remote controller and local controllers, where each local controller partially observes the local state and sends the observed information to remote controller through an unreliable channel and yet the channels from remote controller to local controllers are perfect. The objective of all the controllers is to cooperate to minimize a common cost function. In order to overcome the difficulties caused by partial observation of state, sufficient statistic of historical data is firstly investigated for a nonlinear non‐Gaussian partial observation model, which takes the same role as that of state in the full observation model. Then, a dynamic programming framework is given for solving the optimal control problem based on the sufficient statistic and common information approach. Furthermore, the explicit closed‐form solution is obtained for a linear‐quadratic‐Gaussian optimal control problem. Finally, a numerical example is given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results of this article.
Exploring Spherical‐Shaped Catalysts: Synthesis and Characterization for Efficient Hydrogenation of para‐Nitrophenol
Authors: As Elham Sharifi , Arsalani Nasser , Naghash‐Hamed Samin
Published: December 2023

This study reports the synthesis and properties of two types of nanoparticles, TiO2 and CuFe2O4, using sol‐gel and hydrothermal methods, respectively. The CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were loaded onto carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and TiO2 nanoparticles using the co‐precipitation method. Characterization of the nanoparticles and nanocomposites was carried out using FT‐IR, XRD, SEM, EDXS, PL, DRS, and UV‐Vis analyses. The FT‐IR spectra of the nanomaterials showed changes in intensity, indicating successful synthesis of the nanocomposites. The CuFe2O4@CQDs nanocomposite exhibited a distinct peak at 2θ=21° in the XRD pattern, corresponding to the diffraction of [002] planes. The CuFe2O4@CQDs nanocomposite demonstrated high activity in the hydrogenation of para‐nitrophenol (PNP) with a conversion efficiency of para‐aminophenol (PAP) of approximately 99.44 %. Its performance surpassed that of bare TiO2 and CuFe2O4 nanoparticles due to the significant effect of CQDs. The observed rate constant for the hydrogenation reaction was 0.845 (s−1), with a reduction time of 7 seconds. Moreover, the magnetic nanocatalyst was easily separated from the reaction solution and recycled for up to 6 consecutive cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity, a mere from 99.44 to 92.8 % after 6 uses. The synthesis process was straightforward and required minimal effort and time.
D−A Based 2,3‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine Amine derivatives as Blue‐Orange Emitting Materials: Tuning of Opto‐electrochemical and Theoretical properties
Authors: Mahadik Suraj S. , Badani Purav M. , Garud Dinesh R. , Kamble Rajesh M.
Published: December 2023

A series of six new donor‐acceptor (D−A) type 2,3‐di(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyrido[2,3‐b]pyrazine amine derivatives as blue‐orange light emitting materials were designed, synthesized, characterized and their relevant opto‐electrochemical and theoretical properties have been fully investigated. Absorption spectra of dyes 2–7 possess intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) transitions (λmax=394–449 nm) and positive solvatochromism with emission in the blue‐orange region (λemm=477–582 nm) in solution and solid state. Further, the HOMO (−5.32 to −5.86 eV) and LUMO (−3.34 to −3.40 eV) energy levels were calculated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and correlated by DFT/TD−DFT calculations. Moreover, computed singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) excitation energy difference (ΔEST=0.27–0.68 eV) were analyzed using the DFT/TD−DFT methods. Thus, potential applications of the dyes are proposed for organic electronics.
α‐Amylase Inhibitors Based on Thiazolidinone Skeleton: A Promising Approach in Diabetes Management
Authors: Singh Rahul , Sindhu Jayant , Kumar Parvin , Hooda Mona , Aggarwal Ranjana , Lal Sohan , Ahmadi Shahin , Lotfi Shahram , Singh Devender , Kumar Harish
Published: December 2023

Thiazolidinone scaffold has become a promising scaffold when it comes to therapeutic importance, and researchers are quite interested in it because of its wide range of applications in the different fields of chemistry. The capacity of this nucleus to interact with a variety of biological targets, including the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, aldose reductase, α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase, has led to the observation of its antidiabetic effect. α‐Amylase (α‐1,4‐glucan‐4‐glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) is one of the most important industrial endoamylases capable of hydrolyzing the internal α‐1,4‐glycosidic bonds in polysaccharides with net retention of α‐anomeric configuration in low molecular weight products, such as glucose, maltose, and maltotriose units. The inhibitors of α‐amylase have the ability to lower endogenous activity, which is crucial for the management of agricultural pests as well as the treatment and prevention of human disorders. In the present review, we attempted to compile the most recent studies on thiazolidinone‐based α‐amylase inhibitors, investigate their therapeutic potential in treating diabetes, comprehend the relationships between structure and activity, offer suggestions for future research and translation of these findings into clinical applications. This comprehensive review strives to be a valuable resource for researchers, medicinal chemists, and healthcare professionals involved in developing and applying novel therapeutics for treating metabolic disorders.
New Pyrazole‐Hydrazide Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, Highly Active Catecholase‐Like Catalyst, and Antibacterial Study
Authors: Roby Othmane , Ouadghiri Zaynab , Moutaouakil Mohamed , Alzahran Abdullah Y. , Loukhmi Zineb , Saddik Rafik , Mtairag El Mostafa , Aboulmouhajir Aziz , Tighadouini Said
Published: December 2023

This captivating presents a detailed exploration of novel pyrazole‐hydrazide derivatives achieved through meticulous synthesis and characterization. A series of novel compounds were synthesized and characterized using a variety of spectroscopic techniques and hyphenated techniques, confirming their structures and purities with precision. Intriguingly, the combination of these synthesized pyrazole‐hydrazide derivatives ligands and copper (II) salts such as Cu(CH3COO)2, Cu(NO3)2, CuSO4, and CuCl2 at aerobic conditions demonstrated remarkable efficiency in catalyzing the oxidation of catechol to o‐quinone. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent rate of 401 μmol L−1 s−1 exhibited by the complex formed by ligand L6 and the metal salt Cu(CH3COO)2 in the oxidation of catechol to o‐quinone. Additionally, an investigation into the antibacterial activity of these compounds against diverse bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, was conducted. Surprisingly, the results revealed a distinct absence of significant antibacterial efficacy in the tested pyrazole‐hydrazide derivatives. This study contributes to the understanding of pyrazole‐hydrazide derivatives, emphasizing their catalytic potential. The novel compounds presented herein can serve as a starting point for applications in various fields, thereby enriching the research and paving the way for future investigations.
Advanced Interface Engineering in Gradient Core/Shell Quantum Dots Enables Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Jiabin , Besteiro Lucas V. , Selopal Gurpreet S. , Zhao Zhenhuan , Sun Shuhui , Rosei Federico
Published: December 2023

Semiconductor core/shell quantum dots (QDs) are considered promising building blocks to fabricate photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells for the direct conversion of solar energy into hydrogen (H2). However, the lattice mismatch between core and shell in such QDs results in undesirable defects and severe carrier recombination, limiting photo‐induced carrier separation/transfer and solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency. Here, an interface engineering approach is explored to minimize the core‐shell lattice mismatch in CdS/CdSexS1‐x (x = 0.09–1) core/shell QDs (g‐CSG). As a proof‐of‐concept, PEC cells based on g‐CSG QDs yield a remarkable photocurrent density of 13.1 mA cm−2 under AM 1.5 G one‐sun illumination (100 mW cm−2), which is ≈54.1% and ≈33.7% higher compared to that in CdS/CdSe0.5S0.5 (g‐CSA) and CdS/CdSe QDs (g‐CS), respectively. Theoretical calculations and carrier dynamics confirm more efficient carrier separation and charge transfer rate in g‐CSG QDs with respect to g‐CSA and g‐CS QDs. These results are attributed to the minimization of the core‐shell lattice mismatch by the cascade gradient shell in g‐CSG QDs, which modifies carrier confinement potential and reduces interfacial defects. This work provides fundamental insights into the interface engineering of core/shell QDs and may open up new avenues to boost the performance of PEC cells for H2 evolution and other QDs‐based optoelectronic devices.
Metal–Organic Framework as a New Type of Magnetothermally‐Triggered On‐Demand Release Carrier
Authors: Ge Xueying , Mohapatra Jeotikanta , Silva Enya , He Guihua , Gong Lingshan , Lyu Tengteng , Madhogaria Richa P. , Zhao Xin , Cheng Yuchuan , Al‐Enizi Abdullah M. , Nafady Ayman , Tian Jian , Liu J. Ping , Phan Manh‐Huong , Taraballi Francesca , Pettigrew Roderic I. , Ma Shengqian
Published: December 2023

The development of external stimuli‐controlled payload systems has been sought after with increasing interest toward magnetothermally‐triggered drug release (MTDR) carriers due to their non‐invasive features. However, current MTDR carriers present several limitations, such as poor heating efficiency caused by the aggregation of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) or the presence of antiferromagnetic phases which affect their efficiency. Herein, a novel MTDR carrier is developed using a controlled encapsulation method that fully fixes and confines IONPs of various sizes within the metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). This novel carrier preserves the MOF's morphology, porosity, and IONP segregation, while enhances heating efficiency through the oxidation of antiferromagnetic phases in IONPs during encapsulation. It also features a magnetothermally‐responsive nanobrush that is stimulated by an alternating magnetic field to enable on‐demand drug release. The novel carrier shows improved heating, which has potential applications as contrast agents and for combined chemo and magnetic hyperthermia therapy. It holds a great promise for magneto‐thermally modulated drug dosing at tumor sites, making it an exciting avenue for cancer treatment.
Manganese‐Doped Bimetallic (Co,Ni)2P Integrated CoP in N,S Co−Doped Carbon: Unveiling a Compatible Hybrid Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Kandel Mani Ram , Pan Uday Narayan , Dhakal Purna Prasad , Ghising Ram Babu , Sidra Saleem , Kim Do Hwan , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: December 2023

Rational design of highly efficient noble‐metal‐unbound electrodes for hydrogen and oxygen production at increased current density is crucial for robust water‐splitting. A facile hydrothermal and room‐temperature aging method is presented, followed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), to create a self‐sacrificed hybrid heterostructure electrocatalyst. This hybrid material, (Mn−(Co,Ni)2P/CoP/(N,S)−C), comprises manganese‐doped cobalt nickel phosphide (Mn−(Co,Ni)2P) nanofeathers and cobalt phosphide (CoP) nanocubes embedded in a nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon matrix (N,S)−C on nickel foam. The catalyst exhibits excellent performance in both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER; η10 = 61 mV) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER; η10 = 213 mV) due to abundant active sites, high porosity, and enhanced hetero‐interface interaction between Mn−(Co2P−Ni2P) CoP, and (N,S)−C supported by significant synergistic effects observed among different phases through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Impressively, (Mn−(Co,Ni)2P/CoP/(N,S)−C (+,−) shows an extra low cell voltage of 1.49 V@10 mA cm−2. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits remarkable stability at 100 and 300 mA cm−2 when operating as a single stack cell electrolyzer. The superior electrochemical activity is attributed to the enhanced electrode–electrolyte interface among the multiple phases of the hybrid structure.
From Sheep Track to Motorway: Supramolecular‐Mediated 2D Nanofluidic Channels for Ultrafast Water Transport
Authors: Zhu Bo , Guo Changsheng , Li Nan , Liu Pengbi , Zhang Mengchen , Wang Lijing , Xu Zhiwei
Published: December 2023

Atomic thick 2D materials hold great potential as building blocks to construct highly permeable membranes, yet the permeability of laminar 2D material membranes is still limited by their irregularity sheep track‐like interlayer channels. Herein, a supramolecular‐mediated strategy to induce the regular assembly of high‐throughput 2D nanofluidic channels based on host–guest interactions is proposed. Inspired by the characteristics of motorways, supramolecular‐mediated ultrathin 2D membranes with broad and continuous regular water transport channels are successfully constructed using graphene oxide (GO) as an example. The prepared membrane achieves an ultrahigh water permeability (369.94 LMH bar−1) more than six times higher than that of the original membranes while maintaining dye rejection above 98.5%, which outperforms the reported 2D membranes. Characterization and simulation results show that the introduction of hyaluronate‐grafted β‐cyclodextrin not only expands the interlayer channels of GO membranes but also enables the membranes to operate stably under harsh conditions with the help of host–guest interactions. This universal supramolecular assembly strategy provides new opportunities for the preparation of 2D membranes with high separation performance and reliable and stable nanofluidic channels.
Compressive Strain in Platinum–Iridium–Nickel Zigzag‐Like Nanowire Boosts Hydrogen Catalysis
Authors: Wang Mingmin , Tang Chongyang , Geng Shize , Zhan Changhong , Wang Liyuan , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Pao Chih‐Wen , Hu Zhiwei , Li Yunhua , Huang Xiaoqing , Bu Lingzheng
Published: December 2023

Strain effect in the structurally defective materials can contribute to the catalysis optimization. However, it is challenging to achieve the performance improvement by strain modulation with the help of geometrical structure because strain is spatially dependent. Here, a new class of compressively strained platinum–iridium‐metal zigzag‐like nanowires (PtIrM ZNWs, M = nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and gallium (Ga)) is reported as the efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) catalysts. Particularly, the optimized PtIrNi ZNWs with 3% compressive strain (cs‐PtIrNi ZNWs) can achieve the highest HER/HOR performances among all the catalysts investigate. Their HOR mass and specific activities are 3.2/14.4 and 2.6/32.7 times larger than those of PtIrNi NWs and commercial Pt/C, respectively. Simultaneously, they can exhibit the superior stability and high CO resistance for HOR. Further, experimental and theoretical studies collectively reveal that the compressive strain in cs‐PtIrNi ZNWs effectively weakens the adsorption of hydroxyl intermediate and modulates the electronic structure, resulting in the weakened hydrogen binding energy (HBE) and moderate hydroxide binding energy (OHBE), beneficial for the improvement of HOR performance. This work highlights the importance of strain tuning in enhancing Pt‐based nanomaterials for hydrogen catalysis and beyond.
A Short‐Range Ordered α‐MoO3 with Modulated Interlayer Structure via Hydrogen Bond Chemistry for NH4+ Storage
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhang Kuixuan , Wang Shulan , Cai Xiang
Published: December 2023

The layered orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α‐MoO3) is a promising host material for NH4+ storage. But its electrochemical performances are still unsatisfactory due to the absence of fundamental understanding on the relationship between structure and property. Herein, NH4+ storage properties of α‐MoO3 are elaborately studied. Electrochemistry together with ex situ physical characterizations uncover that irreversible H+/NH4+ co‐intercalation in the initial cycle confines the electrochemically reactive domain to the near surface of α‐MoO3 thus resulting in a low reversible NH4+ storage capacity. This issue can be resolved by decreasing ion diffusion pathway to construct short‐range ordered α‐MoO3 (SMO), which improves the specific capacity to 185 mAh g−1. SMO suffers from dissolution issue. In view of this the interlayer structure of SMO is reconstructed via hydrogen bond chemistry to reinforce the structural stability and it is discovered that the hydrogen bond network only with moderate intensity endows SMO with both high capacity and ability against dissolution. This work presents a new avenue to improve the NH4+ storage properties of α‐MoO3 and highlights the important role of hydrogen bond intensity in optimizing electrochemical properties.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Specific Driven Nanoagents for Synergistic Mitochondria Damage‐Related Immunogenic Cell Death and Alleviated Immunosuppression
Authors: Qian Yanrong , Chen Weilin , Wang Man , Xie Yulin , Qiao Luying , Sun Qianqian , Gao Minghong , Li Chunxia
Published: December 2023

Despite significant breakthroughs in immunotherapy, the limitations of inadequate immune stimulation and stubborn immune resistance continue to present opportunities and challenges. Therefore, a two‐pronged approach, encompassing the activation of immunogenic cell death (ICD) and blocking the indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO)‐mediated pathway, is devised to elicit systemic anti‐tumor immunity and alleviate immunosuppression. Herein, a tumor microenvironment (TME)‐specific driven nanoagent is composed of a tetrasulfide bond‐bridged mesoporous silica layer (MON) coated up‐conversion nanoparticles as a nano‐carrier, combines Fe2+, curcumin, and indoximod for operating chemodynamic therapy/chemotherapy/immunotherapy. The consumption of glutathione (GSH) caused by MON degradation, the Fenton reaction of Fe2+, and curcumin triggering mitochondrial damage collectively exacerbate the oxidative stress, leading to a violent immunoreaction and reversal of the immunosuppressive TME through a combination of IDO‐inhibitors. Meanwhile, upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging serves as a significant guiding tool for drug delivery and the treatment of nanoagents. In vivo and in vitro experiment results demonstrate that the nanosystem not only effectively inhibits the growth of primary tumors but also induces immune priming and memory effects to reject re‐challenged tumors. The strategy as a complementary approach displays great potential for future immunotherapy along with other multimodal treatment modes.
Practical and Thermal Atomic Layer Deposition of NiO as Hole‐Transporting Layers for Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Park Hyoungmin , Nandi Pronoy , In Yongjae , Shin Hyunjung
Published: December 2023

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has significantly improved through advancements in fabrication methods, which have primarily focused on the perovskite absorber layer. The significance of improving the charge transport layer as the next crucial step toward achieving highly stable and efficient PSCs has also been emphasized. In inverted PSCs (i‐PSCs), the selection of a suitable p‐type hole‐transporting layer (HTL) has been restricted to mainly organic materials due to the rarity of p‐type inorganics. The instability and inherent disadvantages of organics necessitate the use of stable p‐type oxides as HTLs for i‐PSCs. Herein, uniform, conformal, and practical, yet thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) for NiO is demonstrated by employing two different oxidant, ozone (O3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Both ALD‐NiO films are characterized by X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray reflection. By conducting X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the ALD‐NiO surfaces, a correlation between the oxidation power of the oxidant during ALD and the surface oxidation state of the ALD‐NiO films is established. Finally, the relationship between the oxidation state of the surfaces with different oxidant and the i‐PSC performance is verified. The fabricated i‐PSCs exhibit a PCE exceeding 19%.
Development of Air‐Cooled Carbide‐Free Bainite/Martensite Multiphase Steel: Transformation Kinetics, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Cheng Xuan , Gao Guhui , Liu Rong , Gui Xiaolu , Bai Bingzhe , Feng Chun
Published: December 2023

An air‐cooled low‐carbon Mn–Si–Cr alloyed steel with multiphase microstructure of carbide‐free bainite/martensite (CFB/M) is developed. The kinetics of bainitic transformation during air‐cooling process is discussed via considering the transformation latent heat with help of the measured temperature‐cooling curves. Results show that the CFB formed during air cooling can effectively refine the multiphase microstructure and stabilize the film‐like retained austenite that contributes to transformation‐induced plasticity effect upon deformation. An optimum combination of strength, ductility, and toughness of the air‐cooled bainitic steel is achieved (tensile strength: 1418 MPa, total elongation: 15.8%, and Charpy V‐notch impact energy: ≈71 J). The newly developed Mn–Si–Cr alloyed air‐cooled bainitic steel exhibits superior mechanical properties to the commercial 23CrNi3Mo steel but has a much lower alloy cost.
Fundamental Study of Spacer‐Insulation‐Performance Improvement by Nonlinear‐Resistance Material
Authors: Iwata Takeshi , Nukaga Jun , Rokunohe Toshiaki
Published: December 2023

Coating the surface of insulators used in a gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) with nonlinear‐resistance material is expected to increase breakdown voltage by reducing the electric‐field concentration when metal particles adhere to the insulators. In this study, an epoxy resin with zinc oxide was used as a nonlinear‐resistance material. Tensile strength, adhesion by heat cycle test, hardness, and resistance to decomposition products of sulfur hexafluoride gas were evaluated for the nonlinear‐resistance material. It was confirmed that there were no problems with mechanical properties for application to GIS. The nonlinear‐resistance material was spray‐coated on actual post spacers, and the breakdown voltage was evaluated when metallic particles adhered to the post spacers. When the coating thickness was 20–35 μm, the breakdown voltage increased by about 8%. When the coating thickness was 50– 68 μm, however, the breakdown voltage increased by 23%, confirming that the breakdown voltage of an actual spacer improved. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Multiplexed transcriptional profiling of Dermatophagoides house dust mites allergens in human epithelium cells
Authors: Lin Chia‐Yang , Cheng Chun‐Wen , Ko Jiunn‐Liang , Lue Ko‐Huang , Liu Yu‐Fan
Published: December 2023

Allergic asthma, a chronic disease characterized by airway inflammation, poses a significant public health concern. It is well‐established that house dust mites (HDMs) are common inducers of allergic responses in individuals, particularly children. In central Taiwan, our research team observed that over 80% of allergic children exhibited sensitization to various HDMs species. This investigation aims to bridge the gap between these observations and a better understanding of the early fundamental mechanisms for preventing allergic diseases. Specifically, our study delves into the impact of crude extracts of HDMs on human epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. Our findings, based on RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis, shed light on how three major Dermatophagoides HDMs allergens activate a common Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway in human epithelial cells within a 4‐h treatment. During this process, the nuclear transcription factor NF‐κB translocated into the cell nucleus within 30 min of allergen stimulation, triggering the expression of pro‐inflammatory genes such as IL‐6 and IL‐8 over 4 h. Additionally, when the cells were treated with specific Dermatophagoides microceras (Der m) allergens, it resulted in the upregulation of genes that regulate type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) signaling pathways. This led to the mediation of IL‐12A inflammation. Furthermore, there was an increase in gene sets associated with cilia function and the microtubule cytoskeleton in human epithelial cells after treatment with a combination of Der m allergens and Dexamethasone. Additionally, OMICs analysis was conducted to examine the effects of HDMs allergenic stimulation on human epidermal cells. We aimed to improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms within cells and identify potential targets and natural products in the treatment of asthma caused by HDMs allergens.
iSTART‐Early and Now I Can Read: Effective Reading Strategies for Young Readers
Authors: Watanabe Micah , Arner Tracy , McNamara Danielle
Published: December 2023

Students in the 3rd and 4th grade often encounter what has been called a reading “slump” when their class curriculums increasingly ask them to comprehend and learn from texts. Students are more likely to struggle if they have not been offered sufficient opportunities to build world and domain knowledge and engage in challenging comprehension tasks while developing their reading skills. Thus, it is essential to give young readers opportunities to build their world and domain knowledge and to teach them comprehension strategies such as asking questions, paraphrasing, and self‐explaining. This paper introduces iSTART‐Early, an intelligent tutoring system designed to provide instruction and practice opportunities for students to learn comprehension strategies and build knowledge about diverse topics. The theoretical foundations, history and efficacy, and design of iSTART‐Early are discussed.
Evaluating population persistence of ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata) at the northeast edge of their distribution
Authors: Edmonds Devin , Adamovicz Laura , Allender Matthew , Colton Andrea , Nÿboer Randy , Dreslik Michael
Published: December 2023

Turtles and tortoises are among the most threatened vertebrate groups. Their life history is characterized by delayed sexual maturity and a long lifespan, making populations susceptible to decline following perturbations. Despite the urgent conservation need, we are missing estimates of basic demographic traits for many species and populations. The ornate box turtle Terrapene ornata is a species lacking crucial demographic data. Many populations are isolated in fragmented habitats, especially in the eastern portion of their range. We carried out long‐term capture–mark–recapture surveys on two isolated populations in northern Illinois to estimate population vital rates and project population persistence with deterministic stage‐based matrix models. Using 34 years of data, we estimated adult female survival = 0.974 (95% CI: 0.946–0.988) and juvenile survival = 0.867 (95% CI: 0.688–0.951) at our most intensively surveyed site. At a second site using eight years of data, we estimated adult female survival = 0.897 (95% CI: 0.783–0.954) and juvenile survival = 0.844 (95% CI: 0.551–0.960). Despite seemingly high annual survival rates, populations declined under population projections using mean vital rates. Population growth was most sensitive to adult survival, with increasing sensitivity under more pessimistic scenarios. Our results highlight the importance of long‐term demographic studies for threatened species and demonstrate protecting adult female ornate box turtles is critical for ensuring populations persist at the northern edge of their distribution.
Happy Using Drugs?
Authors: Eleonorasdotter Emma
Published: December 2023

This chapter addresses the charged and ethically problematic relationship between positive emotions and drug use. Such feelings are important motivations for using drugs but are experienced and described in constant comparison to the opposite of happiness, unhappiness. Is drug-related happiness false? How do respondents deal with their drug-induced happiness?
Appropriate Drugs
Authors: Eleonorasdotter Emma
Published: December 2023

This chapter investigates the interviewees’ perceptions of the legitimacy of their own and others’ drug use. Here, the initial focus is on prescribed drugs and their connections to legality and propriety, but also to sickness and control. The division between medicines and drugs, and thus also their effects and cultural frameworks, is analysed as elusive and as the responsibility of patients to assess for themselves. The interviewees’ approach to drugs is analysed in a particular time and place, contemporary Sweden, where psychiatric medication is common and often prescribed. However, some interviewees resist such medications. For them, the use of illegal drugs, paradoxically in the light of their reputation, represents health and self-control. These women describe the use of illegal drugs in an appropriate way as having to do with personal strengths, but a closer look reveals that these “strengths” are in fact class-based resources.
Zukunftssicherung: Die Forschungslage
Authors: Gleißner Werner , Weissman Arnold
Published: December 2023

Zukunftsfähigkeit bedeutet zunächst, dass ein Unternehmen über sehr viele Jahre – über zehn Jahre oder gar ganze Generationen – überlebt, und zwar als grundsätzlich eigenständiges und unabhängiges Unternehmen. Überlebensfähigkeit ist Grundvoraussetzung für Zukunftsfähigkeit. Langfristige Überlebensfähigkeit bedeutet dabei aber weit mehr als ein geringes Insolvenzrisiko, wie es durch ein Rating-Verfahren beurteilt und eine Rating-Note ausgedrückt wird. In einem Rating wird nur die Wahrscheinlichkeit erfasst, dass ein Unternehmen durch Überschuldung oder Illiquidität insolvent wird, also die Bonität.
Nachhaltigkeit, ESG und QScore
Authors: Gleißner Werner , Weissman Arnold
Published: December 2023

Nachhaltigkeit, Lieferkettengesetz und Klimaschutz (CSRD) sind Themen speziell auch für mittelständische Familienunternehmen. Kunden, Mitarbeiter und zunehmend Kreditinstitute, private und institutionelle Investoren verlangen „mehr Nachhaltigkeit“ bzw. ein „nachhaltiges Geschäftsmodell“. Die Auswirkungen der Geschäftstätigkeit eines Unternehmens auf Umwelt und Klima, die Gleichstellung der Mitarbeiter und die Achtung der Menschenrechte gehören zu den „nachhaltigen“ Themen, die vielen Menschen aus verständlichen Gründen sehr relevant erscheinen.
Methode und Datengrundlage der empirischen Korpusstudien
Authors: Herzberg Laura
Published: December 2023

In einem ersten Schritt werden die verwendeten Korpora beschrieben, bevor im Anschluss die Abfrage-Software dieser Arbeit, d. h. die verwendeten Korpusrecherchesysteme im Abschnitt 5.2 vorgestellt werden. In Abschnitt 5.3 werden die für die Korpusstudien 2 und 3 relevanten Stichproben und deren Erhebung erläutert. Als nächster Punkt von Kapitel 5 wird in 5.4 der relevante Datenaufbereitungsschritt der Datenbereinigung um Pseudotreffer aufgeführt. Im letzten Abschnitt 5.5 wird die für Korpusstudie 2 und 3 gemessene Interrater-Reliabilität erläutert.
Korpusstudie 1: Formen von OKAY
Authors: Herzberg Laura
Published: December 2023

Korpusstudie 1 überprüft, inwieweit Formvariationen von OKAY sprachspezifisch auftreten bzw. ob es in einer Sprache eine Form gibt, die bevorzugt von den Beitragenden verwendet wird. Darüber hinaus wird untersucht, ob sich für OKAY Form-Funktions-Zusammenhänge herausstellen lassen.
The action of geometric entropy in topologically massive gravity
Authors: Kaplan Molly
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Due to the presence of a gravitational anomaly in topologically massive gravity (TMG), the geometric entropy is no longer simply the Hubeny-Rangamani-Takayanagi (HRT) area; instead, it is given by the HRT area plus an anomalous contribution. We study the action of this geometric entropy on the covariant phase space of classical solutions for TMG with matter fields whose action is algebraic in the metric. The result agrees precisely with the action of HRT area operators in Einstein-Hilbert gravity given in [8], i.e., it is a boundary-condition-preserving kink transformation. Furthermore, we show our result to be consistent with direct computations of semiclassical commutators of geometric entropies in pure TMG spacetimes asymptotic to planar AdS, as computed in [21].
Erste klinische und onkologische Erfahrungen mit der Triplet-Therapie beim „high-volume“ metastasierten hormonsensiblen Prostatakarzinom
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Hoeh Benedikt , Kasparek Jan , Humke Clara , von Koskull Sophie , Chun Felix K. H. , Banek Séverine , Mandel Philipp
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Die Behandlung mittels Androgendeprivationstherapie (ADT) plus erweiterter Hormontherapie (ARTA) stellt die Standardtherapie beim metastasierten hormonsensiblen Prostatakarzinom (mHSPC) dar. Neue Daten von Triplet-Kombinationstherapien aus ADT + ARTA (Abirateron/Darolutamid) + Docetaxel-Chemotherapie zeigten einen Überlebensvorteil für gewisse mHSPC-Patientengruppen.

Fragestellung

Welches Therapieansprechen ist im Real-world-mHSPC-Setting mittels Triplet-Kombinationstherapie zu erwarten und welche Nebenwirkungen treten gehäuft auf?

Ergebnisse

Alle Patienten, die eine Triplet-Kombinationstherapie aus ADT + ARTA (Abirateron/Darolutamid) + Docetaxel erhalten haben, wurden für die vorliegende Studie eingeschlossen. Insgesamt konnten 14 Patienten mit einem medianen Alter von 62 Jahren und 10/14 Abirateron- bzw. 4/14 Darolutamid-Therapien inkludiert werden. Der mediane PSA vor Therapiebeginn lag bei 77 (IQR 44–150) ng/ml. Insgesamt hatten 86 % der Patienten einen PSA-Abfall > 90 % unter Therapie und der mediane PSA-Nadir lag bei 0,3 ng/ml. Schwerwiegende Nebenwirkungen (Grad III) unter der Triplet-Therapie traten bei insgesamt 2 Patienten (14,2 %) auf mit fieberhafter Neutropenie 7,1 % (1/14) bzw. Gastroenteritis und Infektgeschehen 7,1 % (1/14). Leichtgradige Nebenwirkungen (Grad I/II) wie Polyneuropathie (1/14), Mukositis (1/14), Xerostomie (1/14), Gewichtsverlust (1/14) und Fatigue (3/14) wurden ebenso detektiert. Die Chemotherapie wurde bei einem Patienten aufgrund von Nebenwirkungen unterbrochen. Nach einem medianen Follow-up von 10 (IQR: 7–17) Monaten zeigten sich 2 Patienten (14,2 %) mit Progression zu einer Kastrationsresistenz.

Die Triplet-Therapie zeigt sich im klinischen Alltag mit einem sehr guten PSA-Ansprechen. Nebenwirkungen unter der Therapie sind v. a. durch die klassische Chemotherapie getriggert.
Identifying clusters of objective functional impairment in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal disease using unsupervised learning
Authors: Staartjes Victor E. , Klukowska Anita M. , Stumpo Vittorio , Vandertop W. Peter , Schröder Marc L.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The five-repetition sit-to-stand (5R-STS) test was designed to capture objective functional impairment (OFI), and thus provides an adjunctive dimension in patient assessment. It is conceivable that there are different subsets of patients with OFI and degenerative lumbar disease. We aim to identify clusters of objectively functionally impaired individuals based on 5R-STS and unsupervised machine learning (ML).

Methods

Data from two prospective cohort studies on patients with surgery for degenerative lumbar disease and 5R-STS times of ≥ 10.5 s—indicating presence of OFI. K-means clustering—an unsupervised ML algorithm—was applied to identify clusters of OFI. Cluster hallmarks were then identified using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.

Results

We included 173 patients (mean age [standard deviation]: 46.7 [12.7] years, 45% male) and identified three types of OFI. OFI Type 1 (57 pts., 32.9%), Type 2 (81 pts., 46.8%), and Type 3 (35 pts., 20.2%) exhibited mean 5R-STS test times of 14.0 (3.2), 14.5 (3.3), and 27.1 (4.4) seconds, respectively. The grades of OFI according to the validated baseline severity stratification of the 5R-STS increased significantly with each OFI type, as did extreme anxiety and depression symptoms, issues with mobility and daily activities. Types 1 and 2 are characterized by mild to moderate OFI—with female gender, lower body mass index, and less smokers as Type I hallmarks.

Conclusions

Unsupervised learning techniques identified three distinct clusters of patients with OFI that may represent a more holistic clinical classification of patients with OFI than test-time stratifications alone, by accounting for individual patient characteristics.
Development of a highly sensitive and eco-friendly high-performance thin-layer chromatography approach for the determination of empagliflozin, pioglitazone, and rosuvastatin simultaneously in pharmaceutical preparations and different biological fluids
Authors: El-Gizawy Samia M. , Atia Noha N. , Ali Marwa F. B. , Rushdy Doaa H.
Published: December 2023

A simple, accurate, green and selective high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous estimation of empagliflozin, pioglitazone, and rosuvastatin in their synthetic ternary mixture and different biological fluids. These three drugs are used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia and have shown synergistic effects on cardiovascular outcomes. The ternary combination was separated on silica gel TLC plates G60 F254, utilizing a mixture of n-hexane‒ethyl acetate‒methanol‒glacial acetic acid in ratio (4.2:4:1.75:0.05, V/V) as a developing system using ultraviolet (UV) detection at 230 nm. All experimental parameters were optimized with a linearity range of 5‒250 ng per band for each drug, with good sensitivity and low limit of detection values reached, namely 1.72, 1.79, and 1.52 ng per band for empagliflozin, pioglitazone, and rosuvastatin, respectively. The developed method was applied for separation of the studied drugs in their synthetic ternary mixture and different biological fluids, with good recovery results ensuring high efficiency of the proposed approach. Eco scale, green analytical procedure index, and AGREE metric tools were used to evaluate the greenness of the proposed method.
Point and probabilistic forecast reconciliation for general linearly constrained multiple time series
Authors: Girolimetto Daniele , Di Fonzo Tommaso
Published: December 2023

Forecast reconciliation is the post-forecasting process aimed to revise a set of incoherent base forecasts into coherent forecasts in line with given data structures. Most of the point and probabilistic regression-based forecast reconciliation results ground on the so called “structural representation” and on the related unconstrained generalized least squares reconciliation formula. However, the structural representation naturally applies to genuine hierarchical/grouped time series, where the top- and bottom-level variables are uniquely identified. When a general linearly constrained multiple time series is considered, the forecast reconciliation is naturally expressed according to a projection approach. While it is well known that the classic structural reconciliation formula is equivalent to its projection approach counterpart, so far it is not completely understood if and how a structural-like reconciliation formula may be derived for a general linearly constrained multiple time series. Such an expression would permit to extend reconciliation definitions, theorems and results in a straightforward manner. In this paper, we show that for general linearly constrained multiple time series it is possible to express the reconciliation formula according to a “structural-like” approach that keeps distinct free and constrained, instead of bottom and upper (aggregated), variables, establish the probabilistic forecast reconciliation framework, and apply these findings to obtain fully reconciled point and probabilistic forecasts for the aggregates of the Australian GDP from income and expenditure sides, and for the European Area GDP disaggregated by income, expenditure and output sides and by 19 countries.
Acetylation of FOXO1 activates Bim expression involved in CVB3 induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis
Authors: Hu Yanan , Yi Lu , Yang Yeyi , Wu Zhixiang , Kong Min , Kang Zhijuan , Yang Zuocheng
Published: December 2023

Viral myocarditis (VMC) is the major reason for sudden cardiac death among both children and young adults. Of these, coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the most common causative agent of myocarditis. Recently, the role of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of VMC has been evaluated in several studies, which has provided a new perspective on identifying potential therapeutic targets for this hitherto incurable disease. In the present study, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that CVB3 infection leads to increased Bim expression and triggers apoptosis. In addition, by knocking down Bim using RNAi, we further confirmed the biological function of Bim in apoptosis induced by CVB3 infection. We additionally found that Bim and forkhead box O1 class (FOXO1) inhibition significantly increased the viability of CVB3-infected cells while blocking viral replication and viral release. Moreover, CVB3-induced Bim expression was directly dependent on FOXO1 acetylation, which is catalyzed by the co-regulation of CBP and SirTs. Furthermore, the acetylation of FOXO1 was an important step in Bim activation and apoptosis induced by CVB3 infection. The findings of this study suggest that CVB3 infection induces apoptosis through the FOXO1 acetylation-Bim pathway, thus providing new insights for developing potential therapeutic targets for enteroviral myocarditis.
Comparison of cisplatin-based versus standard preoperative chemotherapy in patients with operable triple-negative breast cancer: propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis
Authors: Yamaguchi Ayane , Kawaguchi Kosuke , Kawanishi Kana , Maeshima Yurina , Nakakura Akiyoshi , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Takahara Sachiko , Nakagawa Shunsaku , Yonezawa Atsushi , Takada Masahiro , Kawashima Masahiro , Kawaguchi-Sakita Nobuko , Kotake Takeshi , Suzuki Eiji , Shimizu Hanako , Torii Masae , Morita Satoshi , Ishiguro Hiroshi , Toi Masakazu
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The efficacy of carboplatin is non-equivalent to that of cisplatin (CDDP) for various tumor types in curative settings. However, the role of CDDP in operable triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients remains unknown. We conducted a multicenter observational study to examine the effects of CDDP added to preoperative chemotherapy in patients with TNBC.

Methods

This retrospective study consecutively included previously untreated patients with stage I–III TNBC treated with preoperative chemotherapy with or without CDDP. The primary endpoint was distant disease-free survival (DDFS). Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to minimize confounding biases in comparisons between the two groups.

Results

A total of 138 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 52 were in the CDDP group and 86 in the non-CDDP group. DDFS was significantly better in the CDDP group than in the non-CDDP group (unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.127 and p < 0.001, PSM HR 0.141 and p < 0.003, IPTW HR 0.123 and p =  < 0.001). Furthermore, among the patients with residual cancer burden (RCB) class II/III, DDFS was better in the CDDP group than in the non-CDDP group (unadjusted HR 0.192 and p = 0.013, PSM HR 0.237 and p = 0.051, IPTW HR 0.124 and p = 0.059).

Conclusion

Our study showed that CDDP-containing regimens achieved favorable prognoses in patients with operable TNBC, especially for the RCB class II/III population. Confirmative studies are warranted to elucidate the role of CDDP in TNBC treatment.