bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photocatalytic Removal of the Endocrine Disruptor Chlorpyrifos using a ZnO.MoO3Composite Supported on Al2O3
Authors: Attaria Fatima , Rashid Tariq Saadia , Abbas Chotana Ghayoor , Ahmed Dildar
Published: June 2024

Chlorpyrifos is an endocrine disruptor pesticide that induces breast cancer cell proliferation through Estrogen receptor alpha pathway in humans. It also has toxic effects on some beneficial insects like bees, wasps, and arthropods, even low levels of CP can kill fish in water. Thus, it is important to efficiently remove this compound from wastewaters to get rid of its hazardous effects. Al2O3supported ZnO.MoO3composite was prepared as an efficient material for photo‐degradation of chlorpyrifos under UV irradiation and characterized by SEM‐EDX, XRD and TG techniques. The XRD analysis showed the orthorhombic structures with band gap of 2.86 eV for ZnO.MoO3/Al2O3which was 2.96 eV for MoO3/Al2O3. The kinetics of degradation depicted that ZnO.MoO3/Al2O3afforded a complete degradation of chlorpyrifos with half life of only 3 minutes which otherwise was 24 minutes in the presence of MoO3/Al2O3.The complete mineralization of chlorpyrifos was confirmed by GC/MS analysis, where no peaks of intermediates were recorded. The prepared material also exhibited good recyclability without any leaching of Zn and Mo metals. Thus, ZnO.MoO3/Al2O3is an efficient and cost effective material for removal of chlorpyrifos. Its potential may also be explored for the removal of other hazardous organic pollutants.
NMR Analysis of Thermally‐Oxidized Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene (HTPB)
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Kai Pu Cheng , Gang Xiao Zheng , Jun Xiao Ji
Published: June 2024

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was employed to monitor the change in chemical structures, olefin units (cis, trans and vinyl) and hydroxyl value on stabilized Hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) under accelerated ageing condition. Thermal ageing of HTPB was carried out at 65 °C for 10‐weeks and periodically withdrawn sample for NMR analysis. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy provided detailed structural information for all HTPB samples, including the quantification of olefin units and the determination of hydroxyl value. The analysis revealed a decrease in signal intensity, particularly for the olefin near or at the molecular end, suggesting that they were oxidized before those in the middle position within the chain. The quantitative assessment of olefin units indicates a slight decrease of 2 % in 1,2‐vinyl unit after 10‐weeks of ageing. The NMR spectra did not show any detectable signals corresponding to epoxides, peroxides or alcohols in any HTPB samples. However, a slight increase in the OH value was observed after 8 and 10 weeks of ageing, suggesting the possible incorporation of new hydroxyl groups due to thermal‐oxidation. The antioxidants used to stabilize HTPB exhibited limited effectiveness in preventing degradation reactions, even after 4 weeks of ageing at 65 °C.
Metal‐Free C(sp2)−H Functionalization of Cyclopentene‐1,3‐dione: A Greener Approach for C−N and C−O Bond Formation using Sodium Azide
Authors: Dubey Sapana , Sau Madan , Roy Shreya , Mandal Sukanya , Sahoo Gokarneswar , Mukherjee Arunima , Ghorai Debu , Mondal Sanat Kr. , Das Tapas
Published: June 2024

This article proposes a milder approach for C(sp2=−H functionalization of 2,2‐disubstituted cyclopentene‐1,3‐dione via formal 1° amination utilizing water as a solvent. In addition, this approach also offers C(sp2)−O, C(sp2)−I bond formation for the first time using sodium azide. The said highly scalable transformation does not require any prefunctionalization of the starting material. Moreover, this methodology is metal free, requires no ligand and all these reactions are carried out in an open‐air atmosphere with broad substrate scope. We have also explored a novel BF3.OEt2 mediated dehalogenation using mild reaction conditions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mesoporous Bismuth Nanopowders as a Stabilizer of 2‐Aminophenol under Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Kellou H. , Boudinar S. , Souici A. , Benbrahim N. , Hamadou L. , Belkhalfa H.
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a mesoporous bismuth nanopowders (Bi‐NPWs) were synthesized by chemical method and used as photosbilizer agent. The formation and stability of Bi in the solution was monitored by UV‐Vis analysis, the results shows a strong plasmonic band near 270 nm, which confirms the reduction of bismuth ions to Bi0 in the aqueous phase.Also, after the precipitating process, the optical properties of Bi‐NPWs were measured with UV‐Vis spectroscopy, which showed an absorption peak around 290 and 470 nm, characteristic of the plasmonic response of Bi nanoparticles (Bi‐NPs). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis have revealed a rhombohedral polycrystalline structure with a preferential orientation along the (012) plane for the Bi‐NPs. The surface states of the Bi‐NPs were evidenced by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).The plasmonic properties the Bi‐NPWs was evaluated and exploited to photo‐stabilization of 2‐Aminophenol (2AP) in aqueous solutions under UV irradiation (365 nm). It was found that the Bi‐NPWs exhibited a remarkablephoto‐stabilization performance depending on the active surface.In the absence of Bi‐NPWs, a significant variation which increases to about (0.42 %) after 9 h of UV irradiation was noticed, with the presence of 6
and 45
Bi‐NPs the relative variation decreases to about (0.12 %) and to about 0.2 % respectively.
Small Organic Molecules with Anchoring Adsorption Enhance Corrosion Inhibition of Zinc Electrodes in ZnSO4 Medium
Authors: Liu Huining , Guan Yin , Wu Yutong , Wang Dexi , Xu Ge
Published: June 2024

In this study, trimercapto‐S‐triazine trisodium salt (TMT) with threefold rotational symmetry as a corrosion inhibitor was introduced into 2 mol ⋅ L−1 ZnSO4 medium. By electrochemical measurements, the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the zinc electrodes was 92.52 % when the concentration of TMT corrosion inhibitor was 2 mmol ⋅ L−1. Based on the microstructural characterization and theoretical analysis of Zn electrodes, it was confirmed that S and N atoms of TMT corrosion inhibitor serve as alternately zinc‐philic adsorption sites with sixfold rotational symmetry for the formation of intermolecular complexes. Adsorption energies of TMT on Zn surfaces were calculated and indicated that the bonds of Zn−N and Zn−S promoted anchoring adsorption on sixfold symmetric (002) plane of zinc. Meanwhile, TMT corrosion inhibitor can adsorb Zn2+ from the electrolyte and directionally deposit them on the surface of Zn (002), effectively avoiding the occurrence of dendrites. This study changes the common knowledge that organic corrosion inhibitors must form hydrophobic films to have corrosion inhibition performance, and provides a new approach for using small organic molecules with anchoring adsorption as metal corrosion inhibitors.
Iron‐Catalyzed Site‐Selective α‐C−H Functionalization in N‐Benzyl Tetrahydroisoquinolines: Enabling Tertiary Amine Transformations
Authors: Nath Priyanka , Rahman Iftakur , Deb Mohit L. , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: June 2024

This article presents a catalytic approach for site‐selective α‐C−H functionalization of N‐benzyl tetrahydroisoquinolines, which are important tertiary amine derivatives. Using iron salt as a catalyst, we have selectively functionalized carbon‐hydrogen bonds of tertiary amine molecules with diverse moieties, such as imidazopyridine, indoles, and phenylacetylenes. The method offers a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, making it a valuable tool for the synthesis of complex molecules. A mechanism is also proposed based on control experiments, which explains the probable reason for selectivity. This iron‐catalyzed C−H functionalization represents a significant advancement in the field of organic synthesis, showcasing the potential of iron catalysis for the construction of valuable chemical motifs.
Functionalized Zr‐MOFs for Enhancing Flame Retardancy and Smoke Suppression Performance on TPU
Authors: Yao Qi , Li Shaoquan , Ban Jianfeng , Yang Bo , Xu Tiwen , Ren Hegang , Huang Yuxin
Published: June 2024

Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF) materials can be used as flame‐retardants and smoke suppressants for polymers. As a MOF material, UIO‐66(Zr) possesses higher thermal stability and controllable pore size. In this paper, UIO‐66(Zr), NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr), and SiO2, MWCNT, and GO functionalized NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr) was fabricated to improve the flame retardant and smoke suppression performance of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). The experimental results show that compared with neat TPU (LOI value 19.1 %), 2 % usage of UIO‐66(Zr) and NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr) can endow TPU with 26 % LOI value and vertical combustion rating of V‐1. Moreover, SiO2, MWCNT, and GO functionalized NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr) provide TPU with above 27.8 % LOI value and vertical combustion rating of V‐0. Meanwhile, the CCT results showed that the peak heat release rate and total heat release of TPU‐U5 (added 2 % GO‐modified NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr)) are 299.52 Kw ⋅ m−2 and 68.21 MJ m−2, much lower than that of neat TPU, which are 1180.05 Kw ⋅ m−2and 104.87 MJ m−2, respectively. The TGA, char residue EDS and XRD analysis show that SiO2, MWCNT, and GO functionalized NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr) could generate zirconium metal oxide during the combustion process, which acts as a physical barrier to prevent the TPU matrix by promoting the generation of carbonization layer. The zirconium metal oxide and carbonization layer also can confine flammable gases, which can delay the ignition time and hinder the overflow of gas. In addition, NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr) could generate non‐flammable N2 diluting the concentration of flammable gases. The mechanical properties of TPU composites can maintain more than 87 % of the neat TPU after the addition of 2 % SiO2, MWCNT, and GO functionalized NH2‐UIO‐66(Zr). These results indicate that functionalized Zr‐MOFs composites could act as excellent flame‐retardants in TPU.
Phosphatase Alkaline Inhibition and Antithyroid Activity of Acetylacetone Sulfonamide Derived Schiff Base. In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Gaddi Gisela M. , Caro‐Ramírez Janetsi Y. , Antonena Yamila B. , Franca Carlos A. , Heredia Leandro Martínez , Lavecchia Martín , Williams Patricia A. M. , Ferrer Evelina G.
Published: June 2024

The sulfonamide‐derived compounds have demonstrated various pharmaceutical properties. However, the exploration of certain properties, such as phosphatase inhibition and anti‐thyroid activities, has been limited in the existing literature. The present study aimed to investigate these specific activities for the Schiff base (Z)‐4‐(4‐oxopent‐2‐en‐2‐ylamino)benzenesulfonamide. The compound underwent thorough physicochemical characterization, including FTIR, Raman, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, along with theoretical DFT calculations. It exhibited inhibitory activity against intestinal alkaline phosphatase, showing an IC50 value of 37.0±1.0 μM, with kinetic studies indicating a mixed mode of inhibition. Additional insights into the inhibition process were gained through fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking studies. The potential anti‐thyroid activity was explored through charge‐transfer studies with iodine, revealing a strong interaction (Kc=2.16±0.05×104 M−1), suggesting a role in reducing the iodination process of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Moreover, the compound showed strong, spontaneous, and reversible binding to albumin, indicating potential pharmaceutical relevance. ADME properties were also calculated, confirming favorable drug‐likeness. This study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted pharmaceutical properties of the investigated sulfonamide‐derived compound, encouraging further exploration of its therapeutic potential.
Organo Mediated Sustainable Synthesis and In‐Silico Studies of Novel Benzisoxazole‐Chromene Acyl Hydrazones as AChE Inhibitors
Authors: Govada Grace Victoria , Bhatt Harshil , Panjacharam Paranimuthu , Pal Sanjivani , Kumar Sanjit , Lin Chun‐Cheng , Rajasekhara Reddy Sabbasani
Published: June 2024

A new class of benzisoxazole‐Chromene (BC) analogues containing acyl hydrazones BCA (5a‐5m) were obtained by the condensation of different benzo hydrazides with BCs in good yield. All the synthesized BCA analogues were evaluated for their in‐silico activity against Acetylcholine Esterase (AChE). According to docking experiments, the co‐crystallized ligand was outperformed by derivatives 5e (4‐benzisoxazole‐chromene‐3‐(4hydroxyphenyl) acrylohydrazide), 5m (7‐chloro,4‐hydroxy) and 5l (8‐methyl, m‐nitro) showed superior binding modes and binding free energies whereas compound 5j (8‐methyl, 4‐hydroxy) showed appropriate binding energy. These moieties containing acyl hydrazone has shown 4‐fold increase in the binding interactions and orientation. According to ADMET and toxicity studies, derivatives 5e, 5m, 5j, and 5l had the potential to be drugs and have proven to be safe when evaluated using seven toxicity models. Further on checking selectivity with the other cholinesterase enzyme, 5l came out to be selective towards AChE whereas 5e & 5j were acting on another target as well. Finally, DFT analysis validated the binding of the derivatives towards AChE and moreover Molecular Dynamic investigation revealed that 5l is the most capable candidate to interact with the target receptor by comparing its molecular orbital energies, molecular electrostatic potential maps, and ligand movement against the co‐crystallized Ligand.
Development of Gold Nanoparticle based Colorimetric Monkeypox Biosensors Suitable for Point of Care (POC) Analysis
Authors: Perk Benay , Can Goksu , Tepeli Büyüksünetçi Yudum , Ekrem Çitil Burak , Anık Ülkü
Published: June 2024

Practical colorimetric biosensors were developed for the detections of A29 and A27L proteins which were defined as Monkeypox virus (MPXV) and smallpox target proteins. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized and used to detect specific interaction between heparan sulphate (HS) receptor and A29 or A27L target proteins. This study is the first colorimetric biosensor that was based on the interaction of HS and A29 or A27L protein. In this work first, HS was labeled with AuNPs. When AuNPs labeled HS was incubated with A29 or A27L protein structure, these proteins specifically bounded to HS. Next, obtained AuNP/HS‐A29 or AuNP/HS‐A27L structures began to aggregate, and then difference in absorbance value of AuNP at 530 nm occurred. Absorbance differences at 530 nm were monitored spectroscopically. After experimental parameters were optimized, analytical characteristics of developed biosensors were investigated. As a result, the limit of detection was calculated as 7.93 ng.mL−1 and 6.09 ng.mL−1for A29 protein and A27L, respectively. The relative standard deviation were calculated as 1.97 % and 5.72 % for 25 ng.mL−1 A29 and 12.5 ng.mL−1 A27, respectively. Sample application studies were also performed with the standard addition of A29 and A27L proteins to real serum samples taken from healthy individuals. As a result, very promising results were obtained.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of Fluorinated 5‐Membered Nitrogen Heterocycles
Authors: Prakash Chandra , Singh Ram
Published: June 2024

The fluorinated 5‐membered N‐containing heterocyclic compounds have wide utility in varied fields. The importance of these compounds has encouraged researchers to explore environment‐friendly synthetic techniques for their synthesis. In this context, microwave‐assisted synthesis has proved beneficial for the synthesis of fluorinated 5‐membered N‐heterocycles in an environmentally benign and energy‐efficient manner. Compared to conventional heating, it offers several advantages, including quick heating, short reaction times, higher yields, and fewer side reactions. This article highlights the microwave‐assisted fluorination of 5‐membered N‐heterocyclic compounds along with the synthesis of fluorinated 5‐membered N‐heterocyclic compounds using fluorinated starting materials.
Application of Twin‐Strep Tagging and TurboID Proximity Labeling in Discovery of Microprotein‐protein Interactions
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Yuan Xuechun , Yang Bingxin , Yao Xueyu , Cheng Jiongjia , Chu Qian
Published: June 2024

Microproteins are a novel class of bioactive polypeptides that are encoded by small open reading frames (smORFs). Emerging evidence has demonstrated that these microproteins possess significant roles and undertake essential regulatory functions in living organisms. Meanwhile, several microproteins exhibit variable expression and distinct regulation in disease and healthy cells, revealing potential therapeutic interventions. A promising strategy to characterize microproteins and investigate their pathological association is through identification of microprotein‐protein interactions (MPIs), emphasizing the value of chemical biology tools for mapping MPIs. In this study, we applied twin‐strep tagging and TurboID proximity labeling strategies to unveil complicated cellular networks for microproteins. Encouraged by the success of both approaches in identifying the well‐studied CYREN‐Ku70/Ku80 complex, we investigated an uncharacterized FAM229B microprotein and found that it interacts with the thyroid receptor‐interacting protein 6 (TRIP6) and may regulate its nuclear translocation. Our study demonstrated that twin‐strep tagging and TurboID labeling strategies exhibited encouraging performance in identifying bona fide microprotein interacting partners.
Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Highly para‐Selective Phosphonation of 2‐Arylbenzo[d]thiazoles
Authors: Cui Peng‐Cheng , Wang Guan‐Wu
Published: June 2024

A method for the silver(I)‐catalyzed phosphonation of electron‐deficient 2‐arylbenzo[d]thiazoles has been developed. This strategy is highly regioselective for obtaining para‐selective phosphonation products by cross‐dehydrogenation coupling with good functional group tolerance and requires no prefunctionalization. This facile approach provides a practical route for synthesizing arylphosphine oxides. Mechanistic studies show that the para‐phosphonation occurs via a radical process.
Unraveling the puzzling risk–return relationship: Distinctive roles of government involvement in venture capital investment
Authors: Zhang Jiamin , Gu Qian Cecilia
Published: June 2024

Research Summary

Government involvement plays a significant role in fostering entrepreneurship. We examine how government involvement in venture capital (VC) investments shapes the decoupling between risk‐taking and investment returns. We distinguish government involvement through state ownership (GVC) and personal political connections (connected VC). We theorize that government involvement through GVC is associated with the downside risk–return paradox, that is, concurrent higher risk‐taking and lower‐than‐expected returns. In contrast, government involvement through connected VCs is linked to the upside risk–return paradox, that is, concurrent lower risk‐taking and higher‐than‐expected returns. Our theoretical predictions receive general support from analyses using longitudinal data from VC firms in China. Our study sheds light on the heterogeneity in the decoupling between risk and return and the underlying mechanisms through which governments influence entrepreneurship.

Managerial Summary

Governments often seek to promote entrepreneurship; yet, their involvement in start‐ups tends to deviate from the conventional wisdom of a positive risk–return association. Government‐owned venture capital (VC) firms tend to take greater risks and invest in earlier‐stage start‐ups, but yield lower returns from their investments. Conversely, VC firms that have personal ties to government officials tend to take lower risks and prefer later‐stage start‐ups, yet achieve higher returns. These intriguing findings reveal the complexities of government participation in entrepreneurial activities and offer valuable insights for policy formulation. In addition, our findings highlight the importance for entrepreneurs to recognize diverse goals and resources in government involvement. Considering this when seeking external financing is helpful in positioning start‐ups for growth and success.
Platelet Membrane‐Coated Curcumin‐PLGA Nanoparticles Promote Astrocyte‐Neuron Transdifferentiation for Intracerebral Hemorrhage Treatment
Authors: Xu Ximing , Zhang Xinyu , Li Ran , Yang Xiufen , Fu Peng , Feng Ruijie , Sun Xuan , Wang Zhe , Yu Jiangnan , Cao Xia , Yu Qingtong , Wang Qilong , Liu Sitong , Yang Xiaoxia , Zhu Yuan , Shi Wentao , Deng Wenwen
Published: June 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a hemorrhagic disease with high mortality and disability rates. Curcumin is a promising drug for ICH treatment due to its multiple biological activities, but its application is limited by its poor watersolubility and instability. Herein, platelet membrane‐coated curcumin polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (PCNPs) are prepared to achieve significantly improved solubility, stability, and sustained release of curcumin. Fourier transform infrared spectra and X‐ray diffraction assays indicate good encapsulation of curcumin within nanoparticles. Moreover, it is revealed for the first time that curcumin‐loaded nanoparticles can not only suppress hemin‐induced astrocyte proliferation but also induce astrocytes into neuron‐like cells in vitro. PCNPs are used to treat rat ICH by tail vein injection, using in situ administration as control. The results show that PCNPs are more effective than curcumin‐PLGA nanoparticles in concentrating on hemorrhagic lesions, inhibiting inflammation, suppressing astrogliosis, promoting neurogenesis, and improving motor functions. The treatment efficacy of intravenously administered PCNPs is comparable to that of in situ administration, indicating a good targeting effect of PCNPs on the hemorrhage site. This study provides a potent treatment for hemorrhagic injuries and a promising solution for efficient delivery of water‐insoluble drugs using composite materials of macromolecules and cell membranes.
In Situ Polymerization Bi‐Functional Gel Polymer Electrolyte for High Performance Quasi‐Solid‐State Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Hu Liuyi , Yang Tianqi , Zhou Luoting , Yan Xiang , Liu Yaning , Xia Yang , Zhang Wenkui , Zhang Jun , Gan Yongping , He Xinping , Xia Xinhui , Fang Ruyi , Tao Xinyong , Huang Hui
Published: June 2024

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are expected to be the next‐generation energy storage system due to the ultrahigh theoretical energy density and low cost. However, the notorious shuttle effect of higher‐order polysulfides and the uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth are the two biggest challenges for commercially viable Li–S batteries. Herein, these two main challenges are solved by in situ polymerization of bi‐functional gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). The initiator (SiCl4) not only drives the polymerization of 1,3‐dioxolane (DOL) but also induces the construction of a hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with inorganic‐rich compositions on the Li anode. In addition, diatomaceous earth (DE) is added and anchored in the GPE to obtain PDOL‐SiCl4‐DE electrolyte through in situ polymerization. Combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the hybrid SEI provides abundant adsorption sites for the deposition of Li+, inhibiting the growth of lithium dendrites. Meanwhile, the shuttle effect is greatly alleviated due to the strong adsorption capacity of DE toward lithium polysulfides. Therefore, the Li/Li symmetric cell and Li–S full cell assembled with PDOL‐SiCl4‐DE exhibit excellent cycling stability. This study offers a valuable reference for the development of high performance and safe Li–S batteries.
Factors affecting architectural decision‐making process and challenges in software projects: An industrial survey
Authors: Demir Merve Özdeş , Chouseinoglou Oumout , Tarhan Ayça Kolukısa
Published: June 2024

Software architecture plays a fundamental role in overcoming the challenges of the development process of large‐scale and complex software systems. The software architecture of a system is the result of an extensive process in which several stakeholders negotiate issues and solutions, and as a result of this negotiation, a series of architectural decisions are made. This survey study aims to determine the experiences of the software industry experts with respect to architectural decision‐making, the factors that are effective in decision‐making, and the technical and social problems they encounter. An online questionnaire‐based survey was conducted with 101 practitioners. The responses were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Analysis of responses revealed that the majority of the participants prefer to document some or all of the architectural decisions taken and to store these documents in web‐based collaboration software. Decisions are usually made by teams of two or three, and discussion‐based approaches (brainstorming and consensus) are adopted. In the software architecture decision‐making process, “major business impact” is the most challenging situation. Information sharing and keeping track of decisions and decision rationale are areas in need of improvement as identified by most participants. From the participants' feedback and their answers to open‐ended questions, we concluded that the software architecture decision‐making process has an important role in the industry. Our key findings are that decisions made in the architectural decision‐making process are taken by teams and generally all decisions are documented. In projects where decisions are made by a single person, peer pressure is found to be significantly different from pressure in projects where decisions are made by the group. This is an indication that as the number of people in the decision‐making process increases, the disagreements also increase.
Bridging‐Solvent Strategy for Quasi‐Single‐Crystal Perovskite Films and Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yao , Sun Xiangyu , Guan Zhen , Li Dongni , Wang Qingya , Yue Yansong , Liu Fangze , Wei Jing , Li Hongbo
Published: June 2024

Controllable fabrication of formamidinium (FA)‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with both high efficiency and long‐term stability is the key to their further commercialization. However, the diversity of PbI2 complexes and perovskite compositions usually leads to light sensitive PbI2 residues and phase impurities in the film, which can accelerate the device degradation. Here, the crystallization kinetics of FA‐based perovskite films are studied and a bridging‐solvent strategy is proposed to modulate the reaction kinetics between PbI2 and ammonium salts by prohibiting the formation of undesired intermediates. N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) solvent is introduced into the PbI2 precursor solution to obtain stable and homogeneous PbI2‐NMP complex films. The strong interaction between NMP and formamidinium iodide (FAI) molecules promotes the conversion from PbI2‐NMP into (001)‐oriented quasi‐single‐crystal perovskite films with negligible impurities, long carrier lifetime of 1.5 µs and a large grain size of 3 µm. The optimized PSCs exhibit a high power conversion efficiency of 24.1%, as well as superior shelf stability which maintains 95% initial efficiency after storage in air for 1200 h (T95 = 1200 h), and operating stability with T96 = 300 h under continuous working at the maximum power point. This work offers a simple and reproducible method for fabricating phase‐pure and uniaxially oriented perovskite films.
Improvement of AC Conditioning Effect in Vacuum by High Frequency Voltage
Authors: Konagi Ryota , Kojima Hiroki , Iitsuka Shinsuke , Kobayashi Masato , Hayakawa Naoki
Published: June 2024

To improve the dielectric strength in vacuum, spark conditioning through repetitive breakdowns by AC or impulse voltage is an effective method. AC conditioning at commercial power frequencies has been widely used due to its cost‐effectiveness, but the breakdown voltage after AC conditioning is generally lower compared to impulse conditioning. We have confirmed that multiple breakdowns occur successively in a half cycle of AC voltage application. It is considered that the multiple breakdowns are harmful for conditioning and triggered due to the previous breakdown in the same half cycle. In this paper, we discuss dielectric strength improvement by high frequency AC conditioning and how the multiple breakdowns are induced. We experimentally confirmed that the AC conditioning effect is improved by increasing the frequency of AC voltage for different applied AC conditioning voltages in a sphere‐plane electrode system. We focused on the breakdown position from the light emission images during AC conditioning to investigate whether the multiple breakdowns were induced or affected by the previous breakdown. We found that the multiple breakdowns occurred close to the previous breakdown position. The multiple breakdowns would be induced by the collision of metal particles due to the previous breakdown with the counter electrode. These breakdowns do not contribute to removing protrusion and would lead to damage to the electrode surface. The increasing frequency of AC conditioning would suppress the multiple breakdowns and improve the dielectric strength in vacuum. © 2024 The Author(s). IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Demand‐Side Resource Selection Method for Feature Aggregation Based on Load Mapping
Authors: Li Bin , Tang Tianyue , Wu Dan , Tian Shiming , Xu Yuting , Shi Shanshan , Zhang Kaiyu
Published: June 2024

In order to improve the intuitiveness and automation of demand‐side resource selection, a demand‐side resource selection method based on load mapping matching is proposed in view of the increasing challenges of supply–demand balance in power networks and the rapid development of power demand‐side management technologies. First, a two‐dimensional load mapping of demand‐side resources is drawn, and the load mapping is processed by Gaussian convolutional difference method. Then, feature points are extracted and located for the target resources and the loads of other resources in the demand‐side resource pool, and similar feature key point pairs of demand‐side resources are obtained. Finally, the demand‐side resources with similar load characteristics to the target resources in the resource pool are screened according to the number of similar feature key point pairs, and the load resources similar to the target resources are finally identified by dividing the resource selection into priority levels. The experimental results show that the method can effectively extract feature key points, clearly and intuitively represent the features of demand‐side resource load mapping, and can match to load resources with similar characteristics, which greatly transforms the demand‐side resource selection mode. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Asiaticoside Inhibits Growth and Metastasis in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer by Disrupting EMT via Wnt/β‐Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Liu Jiangyong , Yang Gang , Zou Jiani , Tan Yan , Xi Erping , Geng Qing , Wang Zheng
Published: June 2024

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the primary inducer of cancer‐related death worldwide. Asiaticoside (ATS) is a triterpenoid saponin that has been indicated to possess an antitumor activity in several malignancies. Nonetheless, its detailed functions in NSCLC remain unclarified. In this study, NSCLC cells were exposed to various doses of ATS. Functional experiments were employed to estimate the ATS effect on NSCLC cell behaviors. Western blotting was implemented for protein expression evaluation. A xenograft mouse model was established to assess the ATS effect on NSCLC in vivo. The results showed that ATS restrained NSCLC cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasiveness. ATS reversed TGF‐β‐induced promotion in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistically, ATS inhibited Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in NSCLC. Upregulating β‐catenin restored ATS‐mediated suppression of NSCLC cell aggressiveness. Moreover, ATS administration repressed tumorigenesis in tumor‐bearing mice. In conclusion, ATS represses growth and metastasis in NSCLC by blocking EMT via the inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.
Culture‐based susceptibility‐guided tailored versus empirical concomitant therapy as first‐line Helicobacter pylori treatment: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lee Jeong Hoon , Min Byung‐Hoon , Gong Eun Jeong , Kim Jun Young , Na Hee Kyong , Ahn Ji Yong , Kim Do Hoon , Choi Kee Don , Min Yang Won , Lee Hyuk , Lee Jun Haeng , Jung Hwoon‐Yong , Kim Jae J.
Published: June 2024

Background

With the increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents, susceptibility‐guided tailored therapy has been emerging as an ideal strategy for Helicobacter pylori treatment. However, susceptibility‐guided tailored therapy requires additional cost, time consumption, and invasive procedure (endoscopy) and its superiority over empirical quadruple therapy as the first‐line H. pylori treatment remains unclear.

Aims

To compare the efficacy of culture‐based susceptibility‐guided tailored versus empirical concomitant therapy as the first‐line Helicobacter pylori treatment.

Methods

This open‐label, randomized trial was performed in four Korean institutions. A total of 312 Patients with H. pylori‐positive culture test and naïve to treatment were randomly assigned in a 3:1 ratio to either culture‐based susceptibility‐guided tailored therapy (clarithromycin‐based or metronidazole‐based triple therapy for susceptible strains or bismuth quadruple therapy for dual‐resistant strains, n = 234) or empirical concomitant therapy (n = 78) for 10 days. Eradication success was evaluated by 13C‐urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment.

Results

Prevalence of dual resistance to both clarithromycin and metronidazole was 8%. H. pylori eradication rates for tailored and concomitant groups were 84.2% and 83.3% by intention‐to‐treat analysis (p = 0.859), respectively, and 92.9% and 91.5% by per‐protocol analysis, respectively (p = 0.702), which were comparable between the two groups. However, eradication rates for dual‐resistant strains were significantly higher in the tailored group than in the concomitant group. All adverse events were grade 1 or 2 based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events and the incidence was significantly lower in the tailored group. The proportion of patients discontinuing treatment for adverse events was comparable between the two groups (2.1% vs. 2.6%).

Conclusions

The culture‐based susceptibility‐guided tailored therapy failed to show superiority over the empirical concomitant therapy in terms of eradication rate. Based on these findings, the treatment choice in clinical practice would depend on the background rate of antimicrobial resistance, availability of resources and costs associated with culture and susceptibility testing.
Prognostic value of tumour‐related factors associated with canine retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma in comparison with other anatomic presentations: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Furukawa Takayuki , Shiotsuki Akiko , Okada Yusami , Nibe Kazumi , Tei Meina , Anazawa Tetsuya , Yoshikawa Masakatsu , Ono Kenichiro , Hirao Hidehiro
Published: June 2024

Background

Dogs with retroperitoneal hemangiosarcoma (HSA) exhibit variable postoperative median survival times (MST).

Objective

To retrospectively evaluate the prognostic value of selected tumour‐related factors, such as tumour size, rupture, invasion into adjacent tissue, involvement of lymph node and distant metastasis, they were analysed in dogs with retroperitoneal HSA.

Methods

Ten dogs with retroperitoneal HSA managed solely with surgical excision were reviewed and compared with spleen (71) and liver (9) HSA. The Kaplan–Meier method and log‐rank analysis were used compare MSTs between factors. Multivariable Cox proportional‐hazard analysis was used to compare differences between arising sites.

Results

Retroperitoneal HSA showed comparatively longer postoperative MST compared with that of spleen and liver HSA and demonstrated significantly longer MST (p = 0.003) for tumours ≥5 cm (195 days) than <5 cm (70 days). Spleen HSA revealed significantly shorter MSTs in involvement of distant lymph nodes (23 days) and distant metastasis (39 days) than those in negative (83 days, p = 0.002 and 110 days, p < 0.001, respectively). Liver HSA also revealed significantly shorter MST (16.5 days compared with 98 days, p = 0.003) for distant metastasis. Additionally, hazard ratios (HRs) and their forest plot for overall HSA revealed as poor prognostic factors, arising sites (spleen; HR 2.78, p = 0.016 and liver; HR 3.62, p = 0.019), involvement of distant lymph nodes (HR 2.43, p = 0.014), and distant metastasis (HR 2.86, p < 0.001), and as better prognostic factor of tumour size ≥5 cm (HR 0.53, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

In combination with overall HSA, retroperitoneal HSA shows comparatively longer postoperative MST compared to spleen and liver HSA, associated with tumour size ≥5 cm suggesting better prognostic factor.
Computed tomographic reference ranges of intrathoracic caudal vena cava ratios in sedated adult dogs without cardiac, pulmonary, or hypovolemic disease
Authors: Sankisov Jacqueline N. , Newsom Lauren
Published: June 2024

Background

Radiographic assessment of the intrathoracic caudal vena cava (CVC) is commonly used to evaluate hemodynamic status in veterinary patients without and with pulmonary, pericardial, or right‐sided cardiac diseases. Many of these patients are now commonly evaluated with computed tomography (CT) in both emergency and referral settings. Traditional radiographic ratios in dogs, particularly the CVC height/aorta height (CVC/Ao) ratio, are often extrapolated to CT in order to determine if the CVC is normal in size.

Objectives

The first goal of this retrospective study was to create an objective measurement method to evaluate the size of the CVC via CT. The second goal was to report normal CVC ratio values in both sagittal and transverse CT images.

Methods

The traditional lateral radiographic CVC ratios were extrapolated to similar ratios obtained from sagittal CT images in stable, sedated adult canine patients without known cardiac or pulmonary disease. Additionally, new methods of canine CVC ratios using transverse CT images were defined using vessel height and area. Mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the CVC ratios in transverse and sagittal CT images were calculated to determine normal reference ranges.

Results

Ratio agreement from observers of different skill levels was moderate to excellent. Sagittal CT CVC/Ao mean was 1.07 ± 0.17 with a CI of 0.71.42. The mean and CI of transverse CT CVC/Ao height and area were 1.14 ± 0.27 and 0.781.44 and 1.36 ± 0.59 and 0.641.94, respectively.

Conclusions

Application of normal sagittal and transverse CT ratio values in canine patients with and without hypotension, pulmonary, pericardial, or right‐sided cardiac diseases is necessary to determine the clinical usefulness of these ratios.
International remittances and productivity in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Nnanna Joseph
Published: June 2024

This research investigates how enhancing remittances affects total factor productivity (TFP) dynamics in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The Generalized Method of Moments empirical strategy is adopted for this study and the engaged TFP dynamics are: TFP, real TFP, welfare TFP, and real welfare TFP. Significant net effects are not apparent from enhancing remittances for TFP, real TFP growth, and welfare TFP while positive net effects are apparent on real welfare TFP. The unexpected findings are elucidated and policy implications are discussed. This study has complemented the attendant literature by assessing how growing remittances influence the dynamics of TFP in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Introduction
Authors: Werner Gijsbert D. A. , van Riel Arthur , Gijsberts Mérove I. L. , de Visser Marianne
Published: June 2024

Financial, staffing and societal sustainability of healthcare systems is coming under increasing pressure in the Netherlands and beyond. Causes include the ageing population and the widening of treatment options as a result of technological innovation. In this report we analyse how these trends are affecting the sustainability of healthcare. The broad picture is that the need for care is growing faster than both the economy and—even more urgently in the short term—the labour force. This situation is expected to persist for decades, giving cause for concern about the sustainability of healthcare. This presents a challenge not just for the health care sector, but for society as a whole. This report concludes that good healthcare for all requires better choices, precisely because these limits of its financial, staffing and societal sustainability are coming into view. Specifically, this means that the key task now before us is to better delineate the sector’s future growth, in so doing steering it as carefully as possible towards those healthcare and preventive interventions which achieve the greatest health benefits and safeguard public values most effectively. This will be no easy task. It requires clear and sometimes uncompromising decisions, which can be difficult to make from a normative point of view. And these in turn require a long-term vision of the role and function of healthcare in our society that has broad public support. In this report we explain how we have arrived at these conclusions. We also discuss perspectives drawn from various scientific disciplines on making choices within and about healthcare, and explain why the processes involved could be better. Finally, we suggest concrete ways to make better choices.
Organization and Performance of Dutch Health and Social Care
Authors: Werner Gijsbert D. A. , van Riel Arthur , Gijsberts Mérove I. L. , de Visser Marianne
Published: June 2024

As shown in the previous chapter, staffing, financial and societal sustainability are important to safeguard the key public values of health and social care: quality and accessibility. We described there how all three dimensions are under ongoing pressure and how the issue of sustainability in care is in practice a distributional one. This makes it important to examine the state of the public values in different parts of the system.
OILPARI—A Real-Time Oil Transport Simulator for Marine Disaster Response: Its Functionary, Update, and Progress Toward the Next Generation
Authors: Matsuzaki Yoshitaka , Fujita Isamu
Published: June 2024

We developed a numerical simulation model called “OILPARI” to predict the transport of spilled oil on sea surfaces. Two types of OILPARI simulation systems were constructed: a stand-alone type (sa-OILPARI) improved as described herein and a web application type (net-OILPARI) developed in this study. As the ocean current and wind datasets have been improved to high-resolution datasets, sa-OILPARI must be improved to accommodate them. As another improvement, a past analysis mode is added to understand the oil transport trends according to the season and sea area and to perform calculations to reproduce past oil spill incidents. Significantly, in net-OILPARI, a client does not need to prepare any special software and can use the functionality by simply accessing a URL from a browser. The application provides an intuitive single-page graphical user interface. OILPARIs have been applied to many oil spill incidents in the past. Case studies are presented for an oil spill incident off the coast of Hachinohe, Japan, in August 2021 and a pumice stone (floating stone) transport simulation occurring in the Pacific Ocean in 2021.
Surgical management of chest injuries in patients with multiple and/or severe trauma– a systematic review and clinical practice guideline update
Authors: Schreyer C. , Schulz-Drost S. , Markewitz A. , Breuing J. , Prediger B. , Becker L. , Spering C. , Neudecker J. , Thiel B. , Bieler D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Our aim was to update evidence-based and consensus-based recommendations for the surgical and interventional management of blunt or penetrating injuries to the chest in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries on the basis of current evidence. This guideline topic is part of the 2022 update of the German Guideline on the Treatment of Patients with Multiple and/or Severe Injuries.

Methods

MEDLINE and Embase were systematically searched to May and June 2021 respectively for the update and new questions. Further literature reports were obtained from clinical experts. Randomised controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, cross-sectional studies and comparative registry studies were included if they compared interventions for the surgical management of injuries to the chest in patients with multiple and/or severe injuries. We considered patient-relevant clinical outcomes such as mortality, length of stay, and diagnostic test accuracy. Risk of bias was assessed using NICE 2012 checklists. The evidence was synthesised narratively, and expert consensus was used to develop recommendations and determine their strength.

Results

One study was identified. This study compared wedge resection, lobectomy and pneumonectomy in the management of patients with severe chest trauma that required some form of lung resection. Based on the updated evidence and expert consensus, one recommendation was modified and two additional good practice points were developed. All achieved strong consensus. The recommendation on the amount of blood loss that is used as an indication for surgical intervention in patients with chest injuries was modified to reflect new findings in trauma care and patient stabilisation. The new good clinical practice points (GPPs) on the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in patients with initial circulatory stability are also in line with current practice in patient care.

Conclusion

As has been shown in recent decades, the treatment of chest trauma has become less and less invasive for the patient as diagnostic and technical possibilities have expanded. Examples include interventional stenting of aortic injuries, video-assisted thoracoscopy and parenchyma-sparing treatment of lung injuries. These less invasive treatment concepts reduce morbidity and mortality in the primary surgical phase following a chest trauma.
Metal vapor-induced arc instability in stationary TIG-welding
Authors: Henze Insa , Mattulat Thorsten
Published: June 2024

The stability of the arc in arc welding processes is primarily relevant to the joint quality. However, the influencing factors which determine the arc stability are still partly unknown. Combining arc welding with laser welding enhances arc stability. The laser-induced metal vapor is often named as one stabilizing factor. But this contradicts the presumptions of arc welding researchers who mentioned the metal vapor as a destabilizing factor especially when high amounts are present in the arc. This investigation analyzes the specific influence of metal vapor on arc conductivity as one aspect of arc stability by producing metal vapor using a laser process on a separately placed substrate material. Furthermore, the arc current was varied at a constant metal vapor amount. The investigations show that the metal vapor presence increases the arc voltage by at least 20% and its fluctuation amplitude by at least 51% which was presumed to mean a decreased electrical conductivity and therefore decreased arc stability. The arc instability was lower for higher arc currents at constant metal vapor amounts. Therefore, higher arc currents increase the arc stability of welding arcs in the presence of a constant metal vapor amount.