bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large Encapsulated Apocrine Papilloma of the Breast Lacking Myoepithelial Markers: Case Report With Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Studies
Authors: Ghandour Fatme , Kyriakos Saad Melissa , Chweiry Camil , Saikaly Elias , El Hajj Imad
Published: December 2024

Encapsulated apocrine papilloma of the breast without myoepithelial cell markers is a rare occurrence. For its diagnosis, histopathological examination shows encapsulated apocrine papilloma lacking myoepithelial cell markers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of an encapsulated apocrine papilloma entirely devoid of myoepithelial cell markers.
Long‐Term Success of Teeth Undergoing Intentional Replantation: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Bakhsh Abdulaziz , Eisa Ghada , Hodhan Hanen , Sakly Emna , Abduljabbar Fouad
Published: December 2024

Intentional replantation has been shown to be a viable treatment option for failed endodontic cases with long‐term success rates.
Waste‐Derived Catalyst for Biodiesel Manufacturing in CO2‐Free Manner: Preparation, Catalytic Activity and Reuse Studies
Authors: Potorochenko Anton N. , Gyrdymova Yulia V. , Rodygin Konstantin
Published: December 2024

Currently, CaO‐based catalysts for biodiesel manufacturing are produced by calcination of available limestone ore consisting of CaCO3. The production of 1 ton of CaO catalyst resulted in 0.89 tons of CO2 emission, and every ton of the catalyst provided only 20 tons of biodiesel in non‐reusable manner. In this work, a CaO‐based catalyst was obtained by calcination of Ca(OH)2, a large‐tonnage waste from acetylene manufacturing via calcium carbide route (carbide slag), producing H­2O as a by‐product instead of CO2. Amazingly, carbide slag – a waste – was active in catalytic transesterification of soybean oil skipping calcination or any pretreatment steps and provided biodiesel in 28% yield! Moreover, biodiesel was obtained in 98% yield after catalyst calcination at 600 °C for at least 4 times accompanying zero CO2 emission. The obtained catalysts were characterized by XRD, XRF, FTIR, TGA, SEM‐EDX and BET surface area analysis. The best conversion of soybean oil was achieved using 1 wt% CS600, MeOH:oil ratio of 12:1, by boiling at 65 °C for 2 h. The catalyst reuse was found out using two approaches: "catalyst isolation" (5 cycles with yield ≥ 80%) and "fresh start" (up to 7‐10 cycles with yield ≥ 80%).
Photo‐Regulated Catalysis of Nanozymes
Authors: Leng Tianchi , Zhang Yaxin , Zhang Wenhao , Ruan Xinyan , Ren Zhichen , Song Jinqi , Chen Kelei , Yang Wei , Fang Yimin
Published: December 2024

Nanozymes are a class of artificially synthesized enzymes that aim to overcome the limitations of natural enzymes, such as their susceptibility to denaturation and high production costs and are found to possess multiple enzyme activities over the natural enzymes that can be adopted for multi‐feature biomedical use. By harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials, nanozymes can be tailored to specific applications, making them promising alternatives to natural enzymes. Researchers have adopted various strategies to regulate the activity of nanozymes such as altering the size, morphology, surface modifications, and so on to better manipulate their activities for specific uses. Due to its unique advantages such as non‐invasiveness, ease of adjusting power, and instant on/off capabilities, light regulation has emerged as a popular strategy for regulating the activity of nanozymes in recent years. This article provides a short review of the recent advances in regulating the activities of nanozymes through light modulation and offers insights into their mechanism and promising applications in the biomedical fields.
Building a Digital Twin for a Ground Heat Exchanger
Authors: Mahmoud Montaser , Semeraro Concetta , Ramadan Mohamad , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Olabi Abdul Ghani
Published: December 2024

This research investigates the development of a digital twin (DT) for ground heat exchangers (GHEs) and its potential to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of shallow geothermal energy systems. It introduces an innovative approach for building a GHE‐DT that connects the physical and digital systems to monitor key parameters, predict issues, and optimize energy efficiency. The process involves several phases including implicit knowledge codification, data‐driven analysis, model construction, and system design. The study emphasizes real‐time monitoring of the effective parameters: ground temperature and fluid conditions (flow rate, temperature, and pressure). The GHE‐DT's digital system mainly comprises three sections, namely, data storage, mathematical modeling, and data‐driven modeling. The role of the presented mathematical model is to simulate the GHE's behavior and assess its performance characteristics, such as the heat exchanger's effectiveness and efficiency. Additionally, the data‐driven model used in the proposed DT utilizes formal concept analysis and relation concept analysis to identify connections and associations among parameters for a better understanding of the GHE functioning. The GHE‐DT provides useful services including trend analysis, problem prediction, and correlation analysis. These services provide engineers and operators with the opportunity to increase dependability, save maintenance costs, and optimize GHE performance.
Enabling High‐Performance Multi‐Resonant TADF Emitters via Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Zhang Zehua , Zhang Yan , Jiang Pengcheng , Lu Guangzhao , Chen Zhao , Yu Haitao , Qi Yanyu
Published: December 2024

Hydrogen bonds (HBs), prevalent strong interactions in organic compounds, can effectively constrain single bond rotation, leading to rigid planar configurations. This rigidity enhances emission efficiency and narrows the emission spectrum of luminescent materials. Recent advances have leveraged HBs to advance high‐performance donor‐acceptor thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials. However, their application in multi‐resonance (MR) TADF emitters remains limited. We herein developed MR‐TADF emitters incorporating intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IHBs) with pyrimidine as the HB acceptor. The rigid planar conformation induced by IHBs significantly improved photoluminescence quantum yield, extended emission wavelength, reduced full‐width at half‐maximum, and decreased non‐radiative decay rates for BN‐2Pm compared to BN‐5Pm. Devices based on BN‐2Pm achieved a maximum external quantum efficiency of 36.5 %, a current efficiency of 102.3 cd A−1, a power efficiency of 84.6 lm W−1, and Commission Internationale de l’Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.18, 0.71). In contrast, BN‐5Pm exhibited lower values: 14.6 %, 36.8 cd A−1, 27.6 lm W−1, and (0.12, 0.57), respectively.
Economic and Ecological Evaluation of Demand Side Management in Biogas Production – A Dynamic Simulation Approach*
Authors: Röder Lilli Sophia , Gröngröft Arne , Dotzauer Martin , Grünewald Marcus , Riese Julia
Published: December 2024

The advantages of implementing demand side management (DSM) strategies in biogas production are explored. Specifically, the influence of agitation intervals on biogas production and the economic advantages of DSM in fermenter agitation are examined. The model‐based study highlights the detrimental effects of insufficient agitation, such as reduced active reaction volume and diminished biogas yield. The article further delves into the optimal agitation intervals corresponding to different electricity price levels and assesses the implications of DSM on biogas production. Results substantiate that such strategies, particularly at high and low electricity prices, can increase profit while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Temperature‐ and Pressure‐Dependent Emissions and Crystal‐ Glass Transition of a Hybrid Manganese Bromide†
Authors: Li Kai , Li Zi‐Ying , Dong Hui‐Rong , Chen Yan , Li Zhi‐Gang , Chen Yong‐Qiang , Feng Rui , Li Wei
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Herein, the temperature‐ and pressure‐stimulated responsive behavior as well as crystal‐glass phase transition of a new zero‐dimensional hybrid manganese bromide [4‐MTPP]2[MnBr4] [4‐MTPP+ = (4‐methoxybenzyl)tris(phenyl)phosphonium)] were reported. Our experiment results demonstrate that [4‐MTPP]2[MnBr4] shows typical green photoluminescence emission centered at 522.4 nm excited by UV light, with a high photoluminescence quantum yields value of 79.36% and a large lifetime of 368.6 μs, attributing to its direct bandgap electronic structure. Further, the photoluminescence emission of [4‐MTPP]2[MnBr4] presents a monotonically blue shift with the increased temperature, originating from the decreased crystal field strength where the Mn2+ stays owing to lattice thermal expansion effect. On the contrary, as the pressure increases, the photoluminescence emission of [4‐MTPP]2[MnBr4] exhibits a progressive red shift, which can be attributed to the increased crystal field strength of Mn2+ due to the effect of pressure‐induced lattice shrinkage. Meanwhile, its quenched emission can be successfully restored when the pressure returns to the ambient pressure. In addition, [4‐MTPP]2[MnBr4] crystals show a crystal‐glass phase transition at the temperature of 74 °C. Intriguingly, the melt‐quenched glass of [4‐MTPP]2[MnBr4] exhibits green emission under UV light excitation with a large lifetime of 302.2 μs.
Reinforced Li/Garnet Interface by Ceramic Metallization‐Assisted Room‐Temperature Ultrasound Welding
Authors: Wang Xuanyu , Yu Xiaole , Wang Xinxin , Chen Jingjing , Wang Dajian , Dong Chenlong , Mao Zhiyong
Published: December 2024

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs), heralded as a promising next‐generation energy storage technology, have garnered considerable attention owing to inherent high safety and potential for achieving high energy density. However, their practical deployment is hindered by the formidable interfacial challenges, primarily stemming from the poor wettability, (electro) chemical instability, and discontinuous charge/mass transport between solid‐state electrolytes and Li metal. To overcome these obstacles, taking garnet‐based electrolyte (Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12, LLZTO) as a pathfinder, the ceramic metallization‐assisted room‐temperature ultrasound werlding (UW) has been developed to reinforce the Li/LLZTO interface. This ultrasound welding approach constructs a compact interface that facilitates rapid Li+/e− transport, while the formation of Li−M (M = Au, Ag, and Sn) alloy homogenizes the distribution of Li+/e− at the interface. By optimization, the atomic‐level contact achieved by ultrasound welding, coupled with a nanosized Au modification layer, significantly reduces the Li/LLZTO interfacial resistance to 5.4 Ω cm2, a marked decrease compared to the resistance achieved by static pressing methods (1727 Ω cm2). The symmetric cell exhibits a high critical current density of 1 mA cm−2 and sustains long‐term stability for over 1600 h at 0.3 mA cm−2, with a Li plating/stripping overpotential of < 45 mV. By incorporating a robust anode‐side interface into solid‐state lithium metal batteries, the LiFePO4‐based full battery contributes 118.4 mAh g⁻1 after 600 cycles at 1 C (capacity: ∼100%). This study offers a facile and effective approach to bolster the interfacial stability between Li and solid‐state electrolytes, paving the way for the development of high‐performance solid‐state lithium metal batteries.
On the isoperimetric Riemannian Penrose inequality
Authors: Benatti Luca , Fogagnolo Mattia , Mazzieri Lorenzo
Published: December 2024

We prove that the Riemannian Penrose inequality holds for asymptotically flat 3‐manifolds with nonnegative scalar curvature and connected horizon boundary, provided the optimal decay assumptions are met, which result in the mass being a well‐defined geometric invariant. Our proof builds on a novel interplay between the Hawking mass and a potential‐theoretic version of it, recently introduced by Agostiniani, Oronzio, and the third named author. As a consequence, we establish the equality between mass and Huisken's isoperimetric mass under the above sharp assumptions. Moreover, we establish a Riemannian Penrose inequality in terms of the isoperimetric mass on any 3‐manifold with nonnegative scalar curvature, connected horizon boundary, and which supports a well‐posed notion of weak inverse mean curvature flow (IMCF). In particular, such isoperimetric Riemannian Penrose inequality does not require the asymptotic flatness of the manifold. The argument is based on a new asymptotic comparison result involving Huisken's isoperimetric mass and the Hawking mass.
Unveiling sustainable practices in financial institutions: A bibliometric analysis cum meta‐analytical review on enhancing financial performance
Authors: Ghosh Mousumi , Singh Manvendra Pratap
Published: December 2024

The heightened awareness of environmental and social concerns has prompted businesses, including financial institutions (hereto FIs), to incorporate non‐financial factors into their operations for long‐term sustainability and value creation. Despite FI's crucial role in resource allocation and national stability, there remains a notable gap in comprehensive research on the significance of sustainable practices for driving financial performance (hereto FP) within these institutions. This study addresses this gap through a systematic review of 533 articles from (1983–2024), employing bibliometric analysis to map key contributors, themes, and future research directions. Additionally, a meta‐analysis of 40 articles assesses the relationship between sustainable practices and banks' FP. Results show a positive yet weak association between the two, suggesting that banks have not fully embraced sustainable principles in it. Social and governance practices positively correlated with FP, while environmental factors exhibit a negative relationship. This may be due to the required investment, the time differential to materialize the same, and other factors adhering to the relationship, such as innovation, development of sustainable products, or adherence to sustainable processes for screening investment choices. The study concludes by discussing implications and offering suggestions for further research.
A Novel Approach of Nonlinear Control in Photovoltaic/Wind/Energy Storage System With Event‐Triggered DC Link Voltage Control in DC Microgrid
Authors: Alankrita  , Pati Avadh , Adhikary Nabanita
Published: December 2024

A hybrid DC microgrid (DC MG) integrates diverse renewable energy sources (RESs), each exhibiting unique nonlinear generation and power response characteristics. The intrinsic nonlinearity of these interacting RES necessitates the design of nonlinear control strategies to ensure stable operation and reliable power supply within the DC MG system. This paper presents a novel approach for nonlinear control of DC link voltage in hybrid DC MGs. Hybrid backstepping‐based controllers with event‐triggered (ET) control are proposed to enhance the energy quality produced by the DC MG during multiple disturbances while minimizing stress on converters by reducing the frequency of trigger signals. The PV controller is designed to maintain stability amid fluctuations in cell temperature and variations in solar irradiation. The wind controller is optimized for efficient wind power extraction, ensuring high performance in both static and dynamic conditions. The ESS is coordinated to mitigate constraints associated with RESs. Additionally, an ET controller is implemented for DC link voltage control, improving channel bandwidth efficiency and reducing strain on converters. This leads to longer interevent intervals compared with other nonlinear controllers, minimizing the need for frequent control adjustments. Lyapunov stability analysis is performed on the controllers to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system. The proposed control schemes are then validated through numerical simulations in MATLAB/Simulink and further tested on an OPAL‐RT real‐time simulator. The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme improves coordination challenges among multiple RESs under uncertainties while also lowering computational overhead compared with traditional control methods.
Niche Distribution Pattern of Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppellii) and Conservation Implication in Kenya
Authors: Chepkirui Purity , Chiawo David , James Jumbe , Jemimah Simbauni , Ellwood Elizabeth , Mugo Jane , Ngila Peggy Mutheu
Published: December 2024

Rüppell's vultures are critically endangered, primarily due to anthropogenic activities such as habitat degradation, climate change, and intentional and unintentional poisoning, which have led to the loss of nesting and breeding sites. To aid in the conservation and protection of these species, habitat evaluation and niche mapping are crucial. Species distribution modeling (SDM) is a valuable tool in conservation planning, providing insights into the ecological requirements of species under conservation concerns. This study employed an ensembling modeling approach to assess the habitat suitability and distribution of Rüppell's vultures across Kenya. We utilized four algorithms; Gradient Boosting Machine, Generalized Linear Model, Generalized Additive Model, and Random Forest. Data on Rüppell's vultures were sourced from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, while key environmental variables influencing the species' distribution were obtained from WorldClim. The resultant species distribution map was overlaid with a conservation area map to evaluate the overlap between suitable habitats and existing protected areas. Our analysis identified suitable habitats in regions such as the Masai Mara Game Reserve, Mount Kenya National Park, Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East National Park, and Hell's Gate National Park, with the majority of these habitats located outside protected areas, except those within Hell's Gate National Park. Precipitation and elevation emerged as the primary environmental predictors of the distribution of Rüppell's vultures. Based on these findings, we recommend establishing vulture sanctuaries in suitable habitats and hotspots to enhance the conservation of Rüppell's vultures outside the protected areas.
Interspecific Association and Environmental Interpretation of Dominant Species in Shrub Layer of Pinus massoniana Community on Chinese Islands
Authors: Xiao Jihong , Wen Qingyan , Zhong Zhifei , Lin Xiting , Wang Yingxue , Xie Yanqiu , Weng Feifan , Deng Qingya , Ding Guochang , Deng Chuanyuan
Published: December 2024

Understanding the factors driving species coexistence and competition in the shrub layer of semi‐natural forests is crucial for effective forest management and conservation. However, there is limited knowledge about the interspecific associations of the main species in the shrub layer of Pinus massoniana communities in the semi‐natural forest of Sandu Gulf, Ningde, Fujian Province, China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of the abiotic environment on plant communities within the semi‐natural forest of P. massoniana on the islands of Sandu Gulf. By exploring these interspecific associations, we sought to provide a more accurate understanding of the causes and processes of species coexistence and competition. The ultimate goal of this project was to offer a reference basis for optimizing the shrub layer structure in P. massoniana (plantation) forests. We found that (1) Heptapleurum heptaphyllum was the most dominant species in the shrub layer, while Smilax china demonstrated the broadest range of environmental adaptability and correspondingly broader niche than other species. (2) Our analysis revealed a predominance of positive associations among the dominant species in the shrub layer. However, the overall association was not significant, with relatively small positive and negative associations between species pairs. The significant test rate was low, and the NRI exhibited a non‐significant aggregation. These findings suggest that the plant community in the shrub layer has not yet reached its most stable stage. (3) We also observed that the distribution of dominant species in the shrub layer was primarily affected by factors such as total potassium, pH, available potassium, and light (canopy density). (4) Soil pH value decreased gradually as sampling points moved inward away from the coastline, and island isolation, temperature, and precipitation indirectly affected the species' importance in the shrub layer. Considering the intense competition among the understory species, it is crucial for conservation efforts to prioritize species pairs with reduced ecological niche overlap or significant positive associations. This approach will effectively reduce competition and contribute to the maintenance of stability in the shrub layer. This study provides a theoretical basis for environmental and vegetation restoration, optimizing the species composition of island plantation forests, rationalizing plant composition, and implementing effective operation and management practices for local P. massoniana forests.
Entomopathogenic Fungi as Mortality Agents in Insect Populations: A Review
Authors: Gielen Robin , Ude Kadri , Kaasik Ants , Põldmaa Kadri , Teder Tiit , Tammaru Toomas
Published: December 2024

Natural enemies play a key role in population dynamics of insects and exert significant selective pressures on various traits of these animals. Although there is a wealth of empirical and theoretical research on predators and parasitoids, the ecological role of pathogens (other than viruses) remains less understood. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), encompassing over 1000 known species from 11 phyla, have primarily been studied in the context of biocontrol in agroecosystems, while their role in natural ecosystems is poorly known. In this paper, we synthesize case studies reporting the prevalence of EPF infections in field populations of insects. We examine differences in this variable among major host taxa and those of the pathogens. From 79 case studies that met our selection criteria, we retrieved data on 122 species of fungi infecting 104 insect species. The meta‐analytic median prevalence of fungal infections was 8.2%; even if likely inflated by publication bias, this suggests that EPF‐induced mortality levels are lower than those attributable to predators and parasitoids. We found no substantial differences in fungal prevalence among major insect taxa and only a moderate difference among fungal orders, with Neozygitales showing the highest prevalence and Eurotiales the lowest. Our analysis revealed no significant differences in overall EPF prevalence between tropical and temperate studies, although different fungal taxa showed different geographical patterns. In temperate areas, there is some evidence of increasing infection prevalence toward the end of the growing season. Although quantitative data on the effect of EPF on insect populations are still scarce, evidence is consistent with the emerging generalization that insect populations commonly harbor species‐rich assemblages of pathogenic fungi, but infections rarely reach epidemic levels. Further studies on multi‐species assemblages of EPF associated with natural insect populations are needed to better understand the ecological role of fungal infections.
A Donor Registry: Genomic Analyses of Posidonia australis Seagrass Meadows Identifies Adaptive Genotypes for Future‐Proofing
Authors: Nimbs Matt J. , Glasby Tim M. , Sinclair Elizabeth A. , Swadling Daniel , Davis Tom R. , Coleman Melinda A.
Published: December 2024

Globally, anthropogenic climate change has caused declines of seagrass ecosystems necessitating proactive restoration approaches that would ideally anticipate future climate scenarios, such as marine warming. In eastern Australia, estuaries with meadows of the endangered seagrass Posidonia australis have warmed and acidified over the past decade, and seagrass communities have declined in some estuaries. Securing these valuable habitats will require proactive conservation and restoration efforts that could be augmented with restoration focussed on boosting resilience to future climate. Understanding patterns of selection and where seagrass meadows are adapted to particular environmental conditions is key for identifying optimal donor material for restoration. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms and genotype by environment analyses to identify candidate loci under putative selection to environmental stressors and assess genomic variation and allelic turnover along stressor gradients. The most important physicochemical variables driving selection were associated with temperature, water turbidity, and pH. We developed a preliminary ‘donor registry’ of pre‐adapted P. australis genotypes by mapping the distribution of alleles to visualise allelic composition of each sampled seagrass meadow. The registry could be used as a first step to select source material for future‐proofing restoration projects. A next step is to establish manipulative experiments that will be required to test whether pre‐adapted genotypes confer increased resistance to multiple environmental stressors.
Root, Nodule and Soil Bacterial Communities Associated With the Invasive Nitrogen‐Fixing Lupinus polyphyllus
Authors: Ramula Satu , Mousavi Seyed Abdollah , Vesterinen Eero J.
Published: December 2024

Plants host microorganisms that can facilitate their success in becoming invasive. Established plant invasions might thus provide useful insights into potential changes in plant‐associated microbiomes over the course of the invasion process. Here, we investigated the endophytic bacterial communities of the invasive herbaceous legume Lupinus polyphyllus, which is able to form mutualistic associations with N‐fixing bacteria. More specifically, we examined the alpha diversity (observed bacterial taxa richness and Shannon diversity) and composition of bacterial communities in roots and nodules sampled from core and edge locations within 10 established invasion sites (> 10 years old) in southwestern Finland. Moreover, we compared the alpha diversity and structure of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and bulk soil between core and edge locations within these invasion sites. We found that roots and nodules had distinctive endophytic bacterial communities, with roots having 24% higher bacterial alpha diversity (Shannon diversity) than nodules. In nodules, the dominant bacteria were assigned to the family Bradyrhizobiaceae, which includes N‐fixing bacteria. Soil bacterial communities, instead, were shaped by soil type, with bulk soil hosting up to 27% higher alpha diversity (richness and Shannon diversity) than rhizosphere soil; however, there was no apparent difference in their community composition. Soil bacterial communities were only weakly associated with soil chemistry. Endophytic and soil bacterial communities did not differ between core and edge locations within the established invasions. Our findings suggest that L. polyphyllus may not induce dramatic changes in the bacterial communities with which it associates over the course of the local invasion process.
Hydrodynamics and Aquatic Vegetation Drive Spatial Patterns of Environmental DNA in Ponds
Authors: Mayne Sandra R. , Manning Jeffrey A. , Henderson Stephen M. , Parsley Meghan B. , Strickler Katherine M. , Nielson Jeffrey R. , Goldberg Caren S.
Published: December 2024

Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is a powerful method for detecting aquatic species at low densities. However, eDNA may remain close to the source in lentic systems, decreasing the effectiveness of eDNA surveys. We conducted cage experiments with salamanders and simultaneous detailed hydrologic and wind measurements to investigate the influence of the physical environment on detection patterns of eDNA in ponds. We found much higher detection rates in the surface layer than at depth, and that aquatic vegetation reduced detection of eDNA produced in open water by 80%–94%. Within the surface mixed layer, detection rates were highest close to the source in the direction of water flow in the bottom half of the layer, and detections farthest from the source occurred when velocities in this sublayer were high. Detections were near zero even close to the source when this sublayer was flowing fast and away from the sampling point. The direction of water flow in this lower half of the surface mixed layer was negatively correlated with wind direction for most of the study. These spatial and temporal dynamics indicate that eDNA transport processes in ponds are highly complex. Sampling away from aquatic vegetation, in the surface mixed layer, and upwind of potential sources, in addition to sampling at many locations within a pond and considering temporal patterns, may improve detection of rare pond species. This work contributes to a growing body of literature characterizing the variability of eDNA detection in lentic systems.
Recent Advances in the Hydroxylation of Boronic Acids
Authors: Wan Ya‐Meng , Li Xiang , Ma Jun‐Ying , Zhang Gui‐Sheng
Published: December 2024

Hydroxylated compounds represent a significant and diverse class of substances in the field of chemistry. These compounds play critical roles in various chemical reactions and are essential components in numerous industrial applications. Recent years have witnessed remarkable advancements in the synthesis of hydroxylated compounds, especially those derived from boronic acids. The synthesis of hydroxylated compounds from boronic acids typically involves the utilization of various types of catalysts, which are essential for enhancing reaction rates and selectivity, including metal catalysts such as CuFe₂O₄, Cu@C₃N₄, AgNPs, and Ti0.97Ni0.3O1.97, as well as non‐metal catalysts like polycaprolactone (PCL), TFB‐BMTH COF materials, C70, and graphene oxide (GO). These catalytic reactions often require the addition of oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or molecular oxygen, which serve as critical reagents in the hydroxylation process. In certain cases, organic bases act as electron donors to propel the reaction. Furthermore, some studies have reported oxidative hydroxylation reactions that are catalyst‐free.This review aims to summarize the recent advancements and breakthroughs in the synthesis of hydroxylated compounds from boronic acids, with a particular focus on research conducted from 2014 to 2024.
Base Promoted Chemoselective Reduction of α‐Keto Amides and α‐Keto Esters with TsNHNH2
Authors: Wu Yifei , Liu Kewei , Hao Feiyue , Zhao Erqiang , Jin Zhengneng , Wu Jiashou
Published: December 2024

A method for chemoselective reduction of α‐keto amides and α‐keto esters using tosylhydrazine in the presence of NaHCO3 has been developed. A variety of α‐hydroxy amides and α‐hydroxy esters were obtained in good to excellent yields, demonstrating the efficiency of the present protocol. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed based on the deuterium‐labelling experiments.
Evaluation of biomass‐based cook stoves in Ethiopia: A transition strategy from conventional to modern cook stoves
Authors: Ebissa Dawit Tessema , Getahun Eshetu
Published: December 2024

Performance improvement of cookstoves has a vital role in reducing indoor air pollution and deforestation. In this study, biomass‐based cook stoves onsite data survey and experimental approaches were carried out to evaluate the performance of different cook stoves. Based on this feasibility research, it was shown that firewood accounted for 75% of the fuel type usage. The results of several studies and experimental performance testing indicated that the efficiency of cook stoves for 3‐stone, lakech, mirt, gonze, tikikil, and pyrolysis stoves was 10%, 25%, 48%, 50%, and 76%, respectively. Merely 87 out of the total 1986 families with kebeles had improved cookstoves; the remaining households used 3‐stone stove types. According to the study, the pyrolysis stove had the lowest fuel consumption rate and cooking time, while the 3‐stone stove had the greatest fuel consumption rate and cooking time. The improvement stove reduced emissions, and the highest emission reduction stove was the gasifier stove, with a magnitude of 1.229 tons CO2/HH/Year. Among cooking stoves, gasifier stoves have a great advantage in producing energy and biochar.
Framework for Regional Seismic Risk Assessments of Groups of Tall Buildings
Authors: Bantis James , Heresi Pablo , Poulos Alan , Miranda Eduardo
Published: December 2024

A novel probabilistic Monte Carlo‐based framework to conduct regional seismic risk assessments using simplified continuous models is proposed. The hazard at rock outcrop is defined by response spectral ordinates, which are simulated to account for spatial correlation and correlation across different periods simultaneously. For sites on firm and soft soils, a simplified site response analysis using a one‐dimensional continuous non‐uniform shear beam model is used to transform the hazard at rock outcrops to the hazard at all sites of interest. Uncertainty in the soil properties at each site is explicitly considered. Response spectra at each site are computed at the principal orientations of each building using recently proposed directionality models that permit the estimation of the seismic hazard at specific orientations. A one‐dimensional continuous coupled shear‐flexural beam model is used to simulate building dynamic properties accounting for modeling uncertainty and to obtain building responses for each building. The parameters of each model only require information on the building height and the lateral resisting system. All relevant uncertainties associated with each module of the framework are explicitly incorporated and propagated. Finally, a case study of tall buildings in San Francisco subjected to a magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the Hayward Fault is presented to illustrate how the framework can be implemented.
Sparse Uniform Traversal of Model Parameter Space for Estimating the Nonlinear Displacement Response of Instrumented Buildings to Earthquakes
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Qu Zhe
Published: December 2024

The displacement response of a building structure to earthquake excitations is crucial for assessing its seismic damage, which is usually accompanied by structural nonlinear behavior. This study proposes an efficient method of quickly estimating the nonlinear displacement responses of seismically damaged buildings. By designing a set of sparsely and uniformly distributed samples in the multi‐dimensional parameter space, this method traverses all these samples to find the best set of parameters for a parametric numerical model of the building that minimizes the error between the simulated and the measured responses. Compared to existing model‐driven methods, the proposed method can efficiently match the high‐dimensional parameters of the assumed parametric model without tedious and less robust iterative optimization, even if the instrumented building sustains severe seismic damage and deviates significantly from its initial state. The shaking table test data of a full‐scale four‐story reinforced concrete moment‐resisting frame structure is used to justify the advantage of the method over the state‐of‐the‐art optimization‐based model‐driven method. The proposed method successfully estimated the structural responses of all the stories of the building with an average error of 4.6% for the maximum inter‐story drift across the five earthquake loading runs. It took only approximately 19 min to complete the calculation on a personal computer, which could be greatly accelerated given more computation cores because the traversal is inherently friendly to parallel computation.
Insights Into Metabolic Signatures and Regulatory Effect of Dendrobium officinale Polysaccharides in Gut Microbiota: A Comparative Study of Healthy and Diabetic Status
Authors: Song Qianbo , Zou Junju , Cheng Sau Wan , Li Kendra Sek Lam , Lau David Tai Wai , Yang Xiao , Shaw Pang Chui , Zuo Zhong
Published: December 2024

Dendrobium officinale is a kind of popular functional food to be consumed by both healthy and diabetic people. As its major constituent, D. officinale polysaccharide (DOP) is mainly utilized by gut microbiota. Despite distinctive gut microbiota composition between healthy and diabetic individuals, no study compared the interplay between DOP and gut microbiota under healthy and diabetic status. The current study aims to investigate and compare the metabolic signatures and regulatory potential of DOP on gut microbiota between healthy and diabetic status. Our serial in vitro fermentation investigations found that mannose in DOP was more utilized by gut microbiota under diabetic status with higher production of propanoic acid and lower production of butyric acid compared with those under healthy status. Moreover, metabolomic analyses revealed different impacts of DOP on intestinal microbial metabolites between healthy and diabetic status with upregulating taurine and downregulating 2‐hydroxybutyric acid only occurring under diabetic status. Biodiversity analyses demonstrated that DOP treatment could only significantly improve the diversity of gut microbiota under diabetic status while there was no significant effect on that under healthy status. Further gut microbiota composition analyses indicated that DOP treatment could promote probiotics (Dubosiella, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia) under both healthy and diabetic status while inhibit pathogens (Escherichia‐Shigella) only under diabetic status. In summary, our current insights into metabolic signatures and regulatory effects of DOP in the gut microbiota under healthy and diabetic status provided scientific evidence for its broad use as functional food.
The development of the GIN‐McMaster checklist extension for guideline adaptation protocol
Authors: Song Yang , Zhang Yuan , Amer Yasser , Darzi Andrea J. , Akl Elie A. , Alonso‐Coello Pablo , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: December 2024

Background

To ensure rigour and transparency in guideline adaptation and contextualization processes, standardized tools and methodological principles are needed. However, methodological challenges have been continuously documented in guideline adaptation processes.

Objective

To develop a guideline international network (GIN)‐McMaster guidelines development checklist (GDC) extension for guideline adaptation.

Methods

This project follows multiphase iterative approach, including (1) compiling a list of key methodological steps for guideline adaptation, based on scoping reviews of the current knowledge of guideline adaptation; (2) proposing methodological principles for guideline adaptation based on key methodological steps, in parallel to developing the GIN‐McMaster Guideline Development Checklist extension for adaptation (GDC‐adaptation extension) concerning the original checklist and methodological steps for adaptation; (3) iteratively refining the methodological steps through GIN Adaptation working group discussions, and GDC‐adaptation extension items through several rounds of Delphi consensus survey and (4) Public consultation and finalization. For methodological principles, this involves public consultation; for GDC‐adaptation extension, we will conduct user testing through semi‐structured interviews. Finally, we will submit the final outputs to the GIN board and seek final approval.

Discussion

The identification of the key methodological principles, together with the GIN‐McMaster GDC extension for guideline adaptation and contextualization, will provide clarity in the planning and execution of adaptation, adoption and/or development of recommendations. The aim of the checklist is to improve efficiency and reduce research waste in guideline development while maintaining rigour and transparency.
The effect of land use intensity and habitat characteristics on butterfly community composition within the Southern Great Plains of the United States
Authors: Geest Emily A. , Moranz Raymond A. , Baum Kristen A.
Published: December 2024

Background

As grasslands decline, grassland‐dependent species such as grassland butterflies have experienced widespread population losses. To manage remaining grasslands, prescribed fire, grazing, and haying are common management practices across the Southern Great Plains of the United States. However, the impacts of management and land use intensity (LUI) on butterfly community composition and butterfly community traits are not well understood. Additionally, local habitat characteristics such as vegetation height and cover, as well as broader landscape categorization, including how much agriculture or urbanization is occurring around the habitat, can alter butterfly communities.

Methods

We conducted standardized butterfly and flowering forb surveys at grassland sites across north‐central Oklahoma.

Results

LUI influenced overall butterfly community composition with sites managed only with fire having the most dissimilar butterfly community compared to three other management regimens. The amount of agriculture, urbanization, and wetlands surrounding study sites also influenced butterfly community composition. Flowering forb community measures differed by site with sites managed by fire alone having lower blooming forbs species richness, diversity, and abundance than sites with other management regimens.

Conclusions

Sites managed with only prescribed fire had the most disparate butterfly community in comparison to other management methods, suggesting that specialist butterfly species may be sensitive to increasing disturbance.
Efficacy and Safety of Polatuzumab Vedotin Plus Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin and Prednisone for Previously Untreated Diffuse Large B‐Cell Lymphoma: A Real‐World, Multi‐Center, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhao Peiqi , Zhao Shu , Huang Chen , Li Yajun , Wang Jiesong , Xu Junqing , Li Lanfang , Qian Zhengzi , Li Wei , Zhou Shiyong , Qiu Lihua , Liu Xianming , Chen Ying , Jiang Yanan , Zheng Yanbin , Chen Daoguang , Zhou Hui , Gao Yuhuan , Zhang Qingyuan , Zhang Huilai
Published: December 2024

Polatuzumab vedotin plus R‐CHP (Pola‐R‐CHP) is approved as a new standard first‐line therapy for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on the POLARIX trial. However, real‐world data on its efficacy and safety in unselected patients is lacking. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate Pola‐R‐CHP versus R‐CHOP outcomes in routine clinical practice in China. This is a multi‐institutional retrospective cohort study and included all consecutive patients that received at least one dose of polatuzumab vedotin up until February 2024. A total of 600 eligible patients from 6 centers were identified, 131 receiving Pola‐R‐CHP and 469 R‐CHOP. After 1:2 propensity score matching, 128 pairs were obtained for further survival and prognosis analysis. With a median follow‐up of 12.8 months, 12‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) was numerically higher with Pola‐R‐CHP versus R‐CHOP (90.3% vs. 84.1%, p = 0.18). Benefits were consistently observed across molecular subgroups, especially advanced stage, ECOG ≥ 2, extranodal involvement ≥ 2 and non‐GCB group. The complete response rate of the Pola‐R‐CHP group was higher than that of the RCHOP group (86.8% vs. 79.7%; p = 0.09), but there was no statistical difference. Safety profiles were comparable, with no new concerns. Among 128 patients treated with Pola‐R‐CHP, 96 underwent gene sequencing analysis: MCD (25.0%), EZB (13.5%), combined subtype (12.5%), ST2 (9.4%), and other/unclassifiable subtype (30.2%). The most common mutations (> 25% of cases) were PIM1, TP53, BCL‐6, KMT2D, SOCS1, BCL‐2. Genetic testing results show the correlation between genotyping, gene mutations in PIM1/TP53 and therapeutic efficacy. This large real‐world study supports Pola‐R‐CHP as an effective frontline option for DLBCL, with sustained efficacy versus R‐CHOP observed in unselected populations. While 12‐month PFS failed to reach statistical significance, subgroup analyses favor Pola‐R‐CHP. Further research with a wider population, longer follow‐up, and screening of advantageous groups are warranted.
Research progress on the depth of anesthesia monitoring based on the electroencephalogram
Authors: He Xiaolan , Li Tingting , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2024

General anesthesia typically involves three key components: amnesia, analgesia, and immobilization. Monitoring the depth of anesthesia (DOA) during surgery is crucial for personalizing anesthesia regimens and ensuring precise drug delivery. Since general anesthetics act primarily on the brain, this organ becomes the target for monitoring DOA. Electroencephalogram (EEG) can record the electrical activity generated by various brain tissues, enabling anesthesiologists to monitor the DOA from real‐time changes in a patient's brain activity during surgery. This monitoring helps to optimize anesthesia medication, prevent intraoperative awareness, and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and other adverse events, contributing to anesthesia safety. Different anesthetic drugs exert different effects on the EEG characteristics, which have been extensively studied in commonly used anesthetic drugs. However, due to the limited understanding of the biological basis of consciousness and the mechanisms of anesthetic drugs acting on the brain, combined with the effects of various factors on existing EEG monitors, DOA cannot be accurately expressed via EEG. The lack of patient reactivity during general anesthesia does not necessarily indicate unconsciousness, highlighting the importance of distinguishing the mechanisms of consciousness and conscious connectivity when monitoring perioperative anesthesia depth. Although EEG is an important means of monitoring DOA, continuous optimization is necessary to extract characteristic information from EEG to monitor DOA, and EEG monitoring technology based on artificial intelligence analysis is an emerging research direction.
Serotype 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae Escapes the Immune Responses Induced by PCV13 in Mice With High Susceptibility to Infection
Authors: Oliveira Giuliana S. , Rivera Johanna , Rodrigues Tasson C. , Carneiro Giovanna B. , Ribeiro Orlando G. , Miyaji Eliane N. , Pirofski Liise‐anne , Oliveira Maria Leonor S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a common cause of respiratory and invasive infections in humans. PCV13, a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine used globally, is highly effective against diseases caused by pneumococcal serotypes included in its formulation. However, one of them, the serotype 3 (ST3) is still being relatively commonly isolated from patients, suggesting an escape from vaccine‐induced immunity. The thick capsule produced by ST3 facilitates bacterial evasion from the immune system. Additionally, host immune responses may influence the outcome of ST3 infection. Here we evaluated the influence of inflammation in the adaptive immune responses and protection induced by PCV13 against ST3, using two outbred mice lines that were phenotypically selected for high (AIRmax) and low (AIRmin) inflammatory responses.

Methods

AIRmin and AIRmax mice were immunized with PCV13. Inbred BALB/c mice were used as reference for vaccine efficacy. Induction of IgG against polysaccharides (PS) from pneumococcal serotype 1 (ST1) and ST3 were evaluated by ELISA. Protection was tested against invasive infections with ST1 and ST3 pneumococcal strains. Sera were compared by IgG binding to pneumococcal surface, induction of pneumococcal agglutination and opsonophagocytosis. The phagocytic capacity of mice‐derived neutrophils was also evaluated.

Results

Immunization of AIRmin, AIRmax and BALB/c mice with PCV13 induced IgG against PS from ST1 and ST3 pneumococci. Despite vaccination, AIRmin mice were not protected against fatal infection with ST3. Sera from AIRmin mice immunized with PCV13 presented lower levels of anti‐PS3 IgG, with reduced capacity to bind to pneumococcal surface. Reduced capacity to induce opsonophagocytosis of ST3 pneumococci in vitro was also observed. Conversely, PCV13 protected AIRmin mice against fatal infection with ST1 and this correlated with the capacity of the sera to induce ST1 opsonophagocytosis.

Conclusions

Our results show that both host and bacterial features can influence the outcome of protection induced by PCV13 against ST3 pneumococcal infection.