bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Second‐ and third‐year medical students’ clinical encounters in the emergency department
Authors: Hoxha Ines , Hekman Daniel J. , Schnapp Benjamin
Published: February 2024

Background

Experiential learning theory suggests that direct clinical experiences facilitate learning. Previous literature has focused primarily on the experiences of fourth‐year medical students. As more students gain early clinical exposure, it is important to understand the types of patients seen by junior students.

Objectives

This study aims to categorize the clinical experiences of early (M2 and M3) students in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

A retrospective review of the electronic health record of patients seen by M2s and M3s on a 2‐week emergency medicine rotation at a single urban academic ED in the Midwest was performed. Data elements extracted included total number of patients seen, Emergency Severity Index (ESI), disposition, and chief complaint. Students were not mandated to see any particular patients.

Results

Medical students (248) saw 2994 total patients from 2018 to 2022. The median number of patients seen by each student was 12.0 (range 1–32). Pediatric patients made up 6.5% (n = 194) of total patients. Encounters were primarily ESI 2 or 3, which accounted for 89.4% of all patients (n = 2676). The most encountered complaints were abdominal pain, chest pain, and dyspnea, making up 15.6% (n = 467), 8.7% (n = 260), and 5.5% (n = 165), respectively, of total cases. Obstetrics/gynecology, hematologic, and environmental disorders were the least frequently encountered domains. No students saw all Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine (CDEM)–recommended complaints.

Conclusions

There is significant variability in the ED encounters of M2s and M3s, with wide ranges of patient volume and presentations. This study provides some evidence that early students may not be meeting CDEM recommendations.
Crystalline porous materials for catalytic conversion of lignin‐related substances
Authors: Huang Qing , Wu Pengfei , Li Xiu‐Fen , Wang Yi‐Rong , Tian Dan , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: February 2024

The conversion of the biomass into eco‐friendly fuels and chemicals has been extensively recognized as the essential pathway to achieve the sustainable economy and carbon neutral society. Lignin, as a kind of promising biomass energy, has been certified to produce the high‐valued chemicals and fuels. Numerous efforts have been made to develop various catalysts for lignin catalytic conversion. Both metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) belong to very important heterogeneous porous catalysts due to their regular porous structures, high specific surface area, and precisely tailored diversities. In the review, the first part focused on the catalytic conversion of lignin, lignin model compounds, and lignin derivatives using the pristine MOFs, functional MOF composites, and MOF‐derived materials. The second part summarized the catalytic conversion of lignin model compounds using pristine COFs and functional COF composites. The review here mainly concentrated on the design of the materials, screening of catalytic conditions, and explorations of the corresponded mechanisms. Specifically, (1) we summarized the MOF‐ and COF‐based materials for the effects on the catalytic transformation of lignin‐related substances; (2) we emphasized the catalytic mechanism of C–C and C–O bonds cleavage together with the structure–activity relationships; (3) we in‐depth realized the relationship between the chemical/electronic/structural properties of the MOF‐ and COF‐based catalysts and their catalytic performance for lignin‐related substances. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives were also discussed on the catalytic conversion of lignin‐related substances by MOF‐ and COF‐based catalysts.
Reaction Paradigms that Leverage Cycloaddition and Ring Strain to Construction Bicyclic Aryl Bioisosteres from Bicyclo[1.1.0]butanes
Authors: Sujansky Stephen J. , Ma Xiaoshen
Published: February 2024

Within a medicinal chemist's toolbox, one of the most effective strategies to improve the overall properties of a biologically active compound is bioisosteric replacement. Ever since the first example of replacing benzene with a bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) group was published in the late 1990s,[1] the medicinal chemistry community has continually been expanding the scope of such phenyl bioisosteric replacements. Recent interest from academia has focused on novel synthetic strategies to access C(sp3)‐rich bicyclic hydrocarbons with expanded ring sizes. Herein, we summarize some of these transformations and reveal that most rely on strain releasing cycloadditions with bicyclo[1.1.0]butane (BCB) and bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane (housane). We have organized this review based on the mechanism of such strain release strategies, namely, carbene cycloadditions, energy transfer photocatalyzed cycloadditions, electron transfer catalyzed cycloadditions, and polar cycloadditions.
Using craniofacial fluctuating asymmetry to examine the effects of sex, socioeconomic status, and early life experiences on adult age at death in industrial England
Authors: Yaussy Samantha L.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Historical evidence from 18th‐ and 19th‐century England suggests that industrialization's impacts on health were largely negative, especially among marginalized groups. However, available documentary evidence is often biased toward adult men and rarely sheds light on the experiences of other members of the population, such as women and children. Craniofacial fluctuating asymmetry (FA) can serve as a proxy measurement of developmental instability and stress during development. This study examines the associations among age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and FA in skeletal samples from industrial‐era England.

Materials and Methods

The sample for this study comes from four industrial‐era cemeteries from England (A.D. 1711–1857). Geometric morphometric analyses of three‐dimensional landmark coordinate data were used to generate a measure of FA for each individual (Mahalanobis distance). A three‐way ANOVA was used to evaluate the impacts of sex, SES, and FA scores on adult age at death (n = 168).

Results

Significant associations existed between age at death and SES (p = 0.004) and FA scores (p = 0.094). Comparisons of the estimated means indicated that age at death was consistently higher among high SES individuals and individuals with FA scores less than one standard deviation from the mean.

Conclusions

This study supports findings from previous studies that have suggested that the differences in resource access and environmental buffering generated by socioeconomic inequality can impact longevity and patterns of mortality among socioeconomic status groups. Likewise, stress in early life—evinced by craniofacial fluctuating asymmetry—can influence observed patterns of longevity in adults decades later.
Phase Identification and Discovery of an Elusive Polymorph of Drug‐Polymer Inclusion Complex Using Automated 3D Electron Diffraction
Authors: Lightowler Molly , Li Shuting , Ou Xiao , Cho Jungyoun , Liu Binbin , Li Ao , Hofer Gerhard , Xu Jiaoyan , Yang Taimin , Zou Xiaodong , Lu Ming , Xu Hongyi
Published: February 2024

3D electron diffraction (3D ED) has shown great potential in crystal structure determination in materials, small organic molecules, and macromolecules. In this work, an automated, low‐dose and low‐bias 3D ED protocol has been implemented to identify six phases from a multiple‐phase melt‐crystallisation product of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, griseofulvin (GSF). Batch data collection under low‐dose conditions using a widely available commercial software was combined with automated data analysis to collect and process over 230 datasets in three days. Accurate unit cell parameters obtained from 3D ED data allowed direct phase identification of GSF Forms III, I and the known GSF inclusion complex (IC) with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (GSF‐PEG IC‐I), as well as three minor phases, namely GSF Forms II, V and an elusive new phase, GSF‐PEG IC‐II. Their structures were then directly determined by 3D ED. Furthermore, we reveal how the stabilities of the two GSF‐PEG IC polymorphs are closely related to their crystal structures. These results demonstrate the power of automated 3D ED for accurate phase identification and direct structure determination of complex, beam‐sensitive crystallisation products, which is significant for drug development where solid form screening is crucial for the overall efficacy of the drug product.
Binding of Precursors to Replicator Assemblies Can Improve Replication Fidelity and Mediate Error Correction
Authors: Markovitch Omer , Wu Juntian , Otto Sijbren
Published: February 2024

Copying information is vital for life‘s propagation. Current life forms maintain a low error rate in replication, using complex machinery to prevent and correct errors. However, primitive life had to deal with higher error rates, limiting its ability to evolve. Discovering mechanisms to reduce errors would alleviate this constraint. Here, we introduce a new mechanism that decreases error rates and corrects errors in synthetic self‐replicating systems driven by self‐assembly. Previous work showed that macrocycle replication occurs through the accumulation of precursor material on the sides of the fibrous replicator assemblies. Stochastic simulations now reveal that selective precursor binding to the fiber surface enhances replication fidelity and error correction. Centrifugation experiments show that replicator fibers can exhibit the necessary selectivity in precursor binding. Our results suggest that synthetic replicator systems are more evolvable than previously thought, encouraging further evolution‐focused experiments.
An Ultra‐stable Supramolecular Framework Based on Consecutive Side‐by‐side Hydrogen Bonds for One‐step C2H4/C2H6 Separation
Authors: Li Hengbo , Chen Cheng , Li Qing , Kong Xiang Jian , Liu Yuanzheng , Ji Zhenyu , Zou Shuixiang , Hong Maochun , Wu Mingyan
Published: February 2024

The one‐step efficient separation of high‐purity C2H4 from C2H4/C2H6 mixtures by hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) faces two problems: lack of strategies for constructing stable pores in HOFs and how to obtain high C2H6 selectivity. Herein, we have developed a microporous Mortise‐Tenon‐type HOF (MTHOF‐1, MT is short for Mortise‐Tenon structure) with a new self‐assembly mode for C2H4/C2H6 separation. Unlike previous HOFs which usually possess discrete head‐to‐head hydrogen bonds, MTHOF‐1 is assembled by unique consecutive side‐by‐side hydrogen bonds, which result in mortise‐and‐tenon pores decorated with orderly arranged amide groups and benzene rings. As expected, MTHOF‐1 exhibits excellent stability under various conditions and shows clear separation trends for C2H6/C2H4. The IAST selectivity is as high as 2.15 at 298 K. More importantly, dynamic breakthrough experiments have demonstrated that MTHOF‐1 can effectively separate the C2H6/C2H4 feed gas to obtain polymer‐grade C2H4 in one step even under high‐humidity conditions.
Highly Interfacial Active Gemini Surfactants as Simple and Versatile Emulsifiers for Stabilizing, Lubricating and Structuring Liquids
Authors: Yan Fuli , Hu Lulin , Ji Zhongying , Lyu Yang , Chen Siwei , Xu Lu , Hao Jingcheng
Published: February 2024

To date, locking the shape of liquids into non‐equilibrium states usually relies on jamming nanoparticle surfactants at an oil/water interface. Here we show that a synthetic water‐soluble zwitterionic Gemini surfactant can serve as an alternative to nanoparticle surfactants for stabilizing, structuring and additionally lubricating liquids. By having a high binding energy comparable to amphiphilic nanoparticles at the paraffin oil/water interface, the surfactant can attain near‐zero interfacial tensions and ultrahigh surface coverages after spontaneous adsorption. Owing to the strong association between neighboring surfactant molecules, closely packed monolayers with high mechanical elasticity can be generated at the oil/water interface, thus allowing the surfactant to produce not only ultra‐stable emulsions but also structured liquids with various geometries by using extrusion printing and 3D printing techniques. By undergoing tribochemical reactions at its sulfonic terminus, the surfactant can endow the resultant emulsions with favorable lubricity even under high load‐bearing conditions. Our study may provide new insights into creating complex liquid devices and new‐generation lubricants capable of combining the characteristics of both liquid and solid lubricants.
Sequential C−F Bond Transformation of the Difluoromethylene Unit in Perfluoroalkyl Groups: A Combination of Fine‐Tuned Phenothiazine Photoredox Catalyst and Lewis Acid
Authors: Sugihara Naoki , Nishimoto Yoshihiro , Osakada Yasuko , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Abe Manabu , Yasuda Makoto
Published: February 2024

A sequential process via photoredox catalysis and Lewis acid mediation for C−F bond transformation of the CF2 unit in perfluoroalkyl groups has been achieved to transform perfluoroalkylarenes into complex fluoroalkylated compounds. A phenothiazine‐based photocatalyst promotes the defluoroaminoxylation of perfluoroalkylarenes with (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO) under visible light irradiation, affording the corresponding aminoxylated products. These products undergo a further defluorinative transformation with various organosilicon reagents mediated by AlCl3 to provide highly functionalized perfluoroalkyl alcohols. Our novel phenothiazine catalyst works efficiently in the defluoroaminoxylation. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that the catalyst regeneration step is crucial for the photocatalytic aminoxylation.
Double 1,2‐Carbon Migration at Mixed Heavier Sn=Ge Vinylidenes
Authors: Qiao Zihao , Li Xueyan , Chen Ming , Cao Fanshu , Mo Zhenbo
Published: February 2024

1,2‐migration is one recurring isomerization reaction in organic chemistry. In contrast, double 1,2‐migration remains rare and limited to transition‐metal complexes. Herein, we describe the synthesis, characterization and reactivity of mixed heavier Sn=Ge vinylidenes. Double 1,2‐carbon migration enables the isomerization of the stannagermenylidene (3) to the germastannenylidene (4). X‐ray diffraction analysis and DFT calculations revealed that 3 and 4 feature a Sn=Ge double bond. The reaction of 3 with IMe4 (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐2‐ylidene) results in the electron redistribution in the Sn=Ge core to give the germylone‐stannylene adduct (5). Moreover, treatment of 3 with 0.25 equiv. of (AlCp*)4 produces the heteronuclear aluminyl stannagermyne (6).
Graphene quantum dots incorporated ZIF‐67 for stabilization of Au nanoparticles: Efficient catalyst for A3‐coupling and nitroarenes reduction reactions
Authors: Naghshbandi Zhwan , Gholinejad Mohammad , Sansano José M. , Eskandari Mahboobe
Published: February 2024

Zeolitic imidazolate framework‐67 (ZIF‐67) functionalized with graphene quantum dots was prepared and utilized for the reduction of Au (III) and stabilization of Au nanoparticles. This newly prepared ZIF‐67/GQD@Au was characterized with different techniques and employed as a capable heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of aromatic nitro compounds and A1‐coupling reaction of alkynes, amines, and aldehydes in water solvent. Experiments indicate that this catalyst is able to reduce nitroarenes in short reaction times (10–20 min) in water at room temperature and corresponding amines were obtained in excellent yields (90–100%). Also, reactions of structurally different alkynes, amines, and aldehydes in the presence of this catalyst proceed effectively at 60°C and desired propargylic amine achieved in good to very good yields (76–88%) in water during 1 day. This catalyst displayed excellent stability and recyclability in both reactions and recycled for six runs with a small decrease in the activity.
Searching for the critically endangered European eel in oceanic islands: A pioneer study in the freshwater systems of Madeira, Macaronesia
Authors: Órfão Inês , Álvarez Soledad , Ramalhosa Patrício , González Carlos , Vieira Cristiano , Almeida Silvia , Parretti Paola , Freitas Rúben , Radeta Marko , Monteiro Rui , Rocha Ricardo , Domingos Isabel , Canning‐Clode João
Published: February 2024

The globally threatened European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is the only freshwater fish native to Macaronesia. Despite being a keystone species to freshwater habitats, little is known about its population, environmental associations and conservation requirements in oceanic islands.

The density and geographical‐related factors influencing the distribution of A. anguilla in the subtropical Archipelago of Madeira (Portugal) were examined. Data on the species occurrence was initially collected using an online survey addressed to citizens. Eels were then sampled through electrofishing in 31 sampling sites along 11 streams on Madeira Island, and eel‐habitat associations were investigated using LMMs and GLMMs. One stream was also sampled in Porto Santo Island.

The presence of A. anguilla was confirmed in the two islands of the archipelago with streams (Madeira and Porto Santo). Eels are distributed throughout Madeira Island, being more abundant – particularly small size individual– at lower altitudes (mostly below 150 m). The number of weirs was an important predictor of eel density, suggesting that these flood‐control structures limit their upstream migration.

This study represents a pioneer sampling effort of the European eel in Madeira and results provide much‐needed baseline information on the species distribution and related environmental factors in oceanic islands. While most eel research has historically focused on mainland habitats where dams pose a significant threat to eel habitats, our study underscores the critical importance of addressing smaller, often overlooked barriers that may also cause habitat fragmentation.

The European eel is a panmictic species, thus, the conservation of the Macaronesian subpopulations can have substantial benefits for its global recovery. A comprehensive investigation of the impact of man‐made obstacles on eel habitat is still needed. Similarly, other common threats such as interactions with non‐indigenous species and infection by Anguillicola crassus should be a research priority in future studies.
Zinc Doping Induces Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Solvothermal SnTe
Authors: Wang Lijun , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Li Lvzhou , Hong Min , Lin Bencai , Miao Pengcheng , Ding Jianning , Yuan Ningyi , Zheng Shuqi , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: February 2024

The creation of hierarchical nanostructures can effectively strengthen phonon scattering to reduce lattice thermal conductivity for improving thermoelectric properties in inorganic solids. Here, we use Zn doping to induce a remarkable reduction in the lattice thermal conductivity in SnTe, approaching the theoretical minimum limit. Microstructure analysis reveals that ZnTe nanoprecipitates can embed within SnTe grains beyond the solubility limit of Zn in the Zn alloyed SnTe. These nanoprecipitates result in a substantial decrease of the lattice thermal conductivity in SnTe, leading to an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of 0.50 W m−1 K−1 at 773 K and a peak ZT of ~0.48 at 773 K, marking an approximately 45 % enhancement compared to pristine SnTe. This study underscores the effectiveness of incorporating ZnTe nanoprecipitates in boosting the thermoelectric performance of SnTe‐based materials.
Newly modified ‘pseudo flap’ without compromising vascularity to enhance repair of long distal ureteral loss: A retrospective analysis of a prospective database
Authors: Mirzazadeh Majid , Badran Merhan , Smith Whitney
Published: February 2024

Objective

To present an alternative technique called pseudo‐flap for reconstructing long ureteral defects as an alternative to Boari flap. Despite being used for more than 70 years by urologists for tension‐free reconstruction of distal and mid‐ureteral defects, the Boari flap exhibits high complication rates, with an average of 27% (range 5.5%–30.4%). These complications arise from compromised blood supply, attributed to incisions made on all three sides of the flap and dependence on the flap base as the sole source of blood supply.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent our modified technique by a single surgeon between 2008 and 2021. We used a semi‐oblique cystotomy on the lowest part of the anterior and contralateral aspects of the bladder after complete release from adhesions and sacrificing the superior vesical pedicle, if necessary. The innovative part of the technique involved making short relaxing incisions at different levels on both sides of a pseudo‐flap while pushing the bladder dome upward to reach the healthy ureter in a tension‐free manner, followed by anastomosis with a non‐refluxing or refluxing technique.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent the pseudo‐flap technique with a mean follow‐up of 16.9 months. Four had prior radiation, three had hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis, and one had a ureteral stricture in a transplanted kidney. Eight procedures were performed during intraoperative consultations.

Only one patient (7%) developed a major complication (Clavien–Dindo grade ≥2). This patient developed postoperative leak, and none developed obstructive hydronephrosis, suggesting stricture or flap ischemia. The mean length of the flap was 9.3 cm.

Conclusion

Our pseudo‐flap technique has lower complication rates than the traditional Boari flap. It is not technically challenging, minimally compromises blood supply and is thus especially suitable for complex, highly morbid patients with decreased tissue vascularity, such as those with prior radiation and peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Enhanced sporulation of B. licheniformis BF‐002 through automatic co‐feeding of carbon and nitrogen sources
Authors: Ding Jian , Liu Qingyuan , Hou Wenbiao , Cai Jun , Wang Bo , Lu Cheng
Published: February 2024

Bacillus licheniformis formulations are effective for environmental remediation, gut microbiota modulation, and soil improvement. An adequate spore quantity is crucial for the activity of B. licheniformis formulations. This study investigated the synergistic effects of carbon/nitrogen source consumption and concentration on B. licheniformis BF‐002 cultivation, with the aim of developing an automatic co‐feeding strategy to enhance spore production. Initial glucose (10 g/L) and amino nitrogen (1.5 g/L) concentrations promote cell growth, followed by reduced glucose (2.0 g/L) and amino nitrogen (0.5 g/L) concentrations for sustained spore generation. The spore quantity reached 2.59 × 1010 CFU/mL. An automatic co‐feeding strategy was developed and implemented in 5 and 50 L cultivations, resulting in spore quantities of 2.35 × 1010 and 2.86 × 1010 CFU/mL, respectively, improving by 6.81% and 30.00% compared to that with a fixed glucose concentration (10.0 g/L). The culture broth obtained at both the 5 and 50 L scales was spray‐dried, resulting in bacterial powder with cell viability rates of 85.94% and 82.68%, respectively. Even after exposure to harsh conditions involving high temperature and humidity, cell viability remained at 72.80% and 69.89%, respectively. Employing the automatic co‐feeding strategy increased the transcription levels of the spore formation‐related genes spo0A, spoIIGA, bofA, and spoIV by 7.42%, 8.46%, 8.87%, and 9.79%, respectively. The proposed strategy effectively promoted Bacillus growth and spore formation, thereby enhancing the quality of B. licheniformis formulations.
Emojis as heuristic cues: The multifaceted role of emojis in online service interactions
Authors: Shuqair Saleh , Pinto Diego Costa , Herter Márcia Maurer , Mattila Anna
Published: February 2024

Recent technological advances have allowed businesses to adopt emojis when interacting with consumers. To gain in‐depth theoretical and managerial insight into this trend, five pre‐registered studies (1 field observation and four controlled experiments) indicate that emojis in digital communication work as heuristic cues that might have a differential effect depending on elaboration likelihood and outcome valence. Drawing on the Heuristic Information Processing and elaboration likelihood model, this research reveals that emojis can systematically influence consumers' elaboration. Findings indicate that low elaboration in positive encounters results in a positive heuristic cue boost (emojis improve customer evaluation). In turn, high elaboration on negative service outcomes makes the heuristic content relevant, such that positive (vs. negative) emojis will bring attention to and reinforce the interaction's positive (vs. negative) aspects. This research contributes to emerging studies on the role of emojis in digital communication.
Sharing luxury consumption on social media platforms: Motive inferences and downstream consequences
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Lin , Liu Bingjie , Dai Jiaying
Published: February 2024

Individuals are increasingly sharing their consumption activities on social media platforms. However, the inferences people draw from consumption posts are understudied. Three studies showed that observers infer more self‐presentational motives and less self‐expressive motives when they see others post their luxury (vs. nonluxury) consumption on social media. The attributions of more self‐presentational motives and less self‐expressive motives lead observers to perceive the poster as inauthentic and undermine the observers' interpersonal interest in the poster. The negative effects of posting luxury consumption are attenuated when the post content emphasizes competencies (vs. wealth). This work contributes theoretically to the research on self, signaling, and social inferences. The current findings have practical implications for social media users and marketers of luxury products.
UHPLC‐MS/MS and GC‐MS Metabolic Profiling of a Medicinal Flourensia Fiebrigii Chemotype
Authors: Verni María Cecilia , Matos Taynara Simão , Alberto María Rosa , Blázquez María Amparo , Sussulini Alessandra , Arena Mario Eduardo , Cartagena Elena
Published: February 2024

The comparative metabolic profiling and their biological properties of eight extracts obtained from diverse parts (leaves, flowers, roots) of the medicinal plant Flourensia fiebrigii S.F. Blake, a chemotype growing in highland areas (2750 m a.s.l.) of northwest Argentina, were investigated. The extracts were analysed by GC‐MS and UHPLC‐MS/MS. GC‐MS analysis revealed the presence of encecalin (relative content: 24.86 %) in ethereal flower extract (EF) and this benzopyran (5.93 %) together sitosterol (11.35 %) in the bioactive ethereal leaf exudate (ELE). By UHPLC‐MS/MS the main compounds identified in both samples were: limocitrin, (22.31 %), (2Z)‐4,6‐dihydroxy‐2‐[(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)methylidene]‐1‐benzofuran‐3‐one (21.31 %), isobavachin (14.47 %), naringenin (13.50 %), and sternbin, (12.49 %). Phytocomplexes derived from aerial parts exhibited significant activity against biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, reaching inhibitions of 74.7–99.9 % with ELE (50 μg/mL). Notably, the extracts did not affect nutraceutical and environmental bacteria, suggesting a selective activity. ELE also showed the highest reactive species scavenging ability. This study provides valuable insights into the potential applications of this chemotype.
Variation in Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Activity and Alpha‐amylase and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Capacities of Different Extracts from Tunisian Satureja barceloi (Willk) L.
Authors: Raadani Anhar , Boulila Abdennacer , Yangui Islem , Boussaid Mohamed , Messaoud Chokri , Ben Elhadj Ali Imen
Published: February 2024

The antioxidant activity and the anti‐α‐amylase and anti‐acetylcholinesterase capacities of secondary metabolites from different organs (roots, stems, leaves and flowers) of Tunisian Satureja barceloi were determined. The variation in the distribution of phenolic metabolites among roots, stems, leaves and flowers extracts of S. barceloi with various solvent systems (methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and distilled water) has not been characterized before. Significant variation of phenolic compounds was observed according to organs rather than to extracting solvents. The analyzed organs show a high level of phenolic compounds although the stems contains the highest total polyphenols (132.53±0.48 mg AGE/g Ex), flavonoids (48.99±0.65 mg RE/g Ex) and flavonols (34.93±0.29 mg QE/g Ex) contents. The phenolic fraction was dominated by sagerinic acid, caffeic acid glucoside and epigallocatechin, detected using HPLC‐PDA/ESI‐MS. The antioxidant activity of all extracts, evaluated by four in vitro tests, was high and varied significantly according to the type of solvent used and the plant organ. The aqueous extracts of leaves exhibited the greatest inhibitory effect on alpha‐amylase while the methanolic extract of leaves and stems revealed the most important acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect. Hence, S. barceloi extracts could be used as a source of various bioactive molecules in pharmaceutical industry.
Synthesis, and Insecticidal Activities of Propargyloxy‐Diphenyl Oxide‐Sulfonamide Derivatives
Authors: Wang Ziyu , Guo Tao , Zhou Yu , Zhang Jinyu , Zhang Ziwei , Zhu Jianjun , Qian Hao , Liu Hongxiang , Wu Wenjun , Zhang Jiwen
Published: February 2024

Agricultural pests are the primary contributing factor to crop yield reduction, particularly in underdeveloped regions. Despite the significant efficacy of pesticides in pest control, their extensive use has led to the drug‐fast of insecticide resistance. Developing of new environmentally friendly plant‐based pesticides is an urgent necessity. In this study, a series of diaryl ether compounds containing propargyloxy and sulfonamide groups were designed. The synthesis of these 36 compounds primarily relied on nuclear magnetic resonance for structure determination, while single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction was employed for certain compounds. Meanwhile, the insecticidal activities against Mythimna separata were also assessed. Some of the compounds exhibited significantly enhanced activity, the LC50 value of the highest activity compound TD8 (0.231 mg/mL) demonstrating respective increases by 100‐fold compared to the plant pesticide celangulin V (23.9 mg/mL), and a 5‐fold increase with the positive control L‐1 (1.261 mg/mL). The interaction between the target compound and the target, as well as the consistency of the target, were verified through symptomological analysis and molecular docking. The structure‐activity relationships were also conducted. This study offered a novel trajectory for the advancement and formulation of future pesticides.
Phenolic Glycosides from Viburnum chinshanense Leaves and their α‐Amylase and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Zhou Hongjuan , Yang Mengya , Chen Jia , Tang Yiyuan , Shao Jianhua , Wang Zihan , Zhao Chunchao
Published: February 2024

The phytochemical investigation of Viburnum chinshanense leaves led to the isolation and identification of four new phenolic glycosides, viburninsides A–D (1–4), and eight known analogues (5–12). The structures of the four undescribed compounds were determined by spectroscopic techniques, including 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS, and their containing sugar units were confirmed by acid hydrolysis and HPLC analysis of the monosaccharide's chiral derivatives. Additionally, the α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities of the isolated compounds were assessed. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 9, and 10 exhibited potential inhibitory activities against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 35.07 μM to 47.42 μM and 18.27 μM to 43.65 μM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis of compound 4 with the strongest inhibition against the target enzymes was also conducted.
CAR‐T cell therapeutic avenue for fighting cardiac fibrosis: Roadblocks and perspectives
Authors: Abdalla Ahmed M. E. , Miao Yu , Ahmed Ahmed I. M. , Meng Ning , Ouyang Chenxi
Published: February 2024

Heart diseases remain the primary cause of human mortality in the world. Although conventional therapeutic opportunities fail to halt or recover cardiac fibrosis, the promising clinical results and therapeutic efficacy of engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy show several advancements. However, the current models of CAR‐T cells need further improvement since the T cells are associated with the triggering of excessive inflammatory cytokines that directly affect cardiac functions. Thus, the current study highlights the critical function of heart immune cells in tissue fibrosis and repair. The study also confirms CAR‐T cell as an emerging therapeutic for treating cardiac fibrosis, explores the current roadblocks to CAR‐T cell therapy, and considers future outlooks for research development.
A C3‐Symmetric Amino Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Synthesis of Warfarin and Analogues: Mechanistic Insight from ESI‐MS Spectrometry and Computational Calculations
Authors: Sorato Andrea , De Angelis Martina , Badasa Oljira Shilashi , Pierini Marco , Mazzoccanti Giulia , Donzello Maria Pia , Ciogli Alessia
Published: February 2024

A novel C3‐symmetric multi–amino catalyst was synthesized and evaluated in the asymmetric Michael addition to produce warfarin and its analogues. The multi–amino catalyst turned out to be efficient up to 1 % molar without the use of acidic additives providing the desired product in 82 % yield and maintaining good level of enantioselectivity. ESI‐MS experiments together with data supplied by theoretical models allowed us the understand the operating mechanism of the catalyst, clarifying the role of the amine functions and confirming the catalyst's multifunctionality. The presence of three active catalytic sites makes it easy its anchoring to silica as solid support for applications in heterogeneous phase catalysis.
Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Alkyl Halides with Aldehydes through NHC Catalysis
Authors: Zhang Zhuo‐Zhuo , Zeng Rong , Liu Yan‐Qing , Li Jun‐Long
Published: February 2024

During the past decades, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed reactions have emerged as a versatile tool in synthetic chemistry. In particular, NHC‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction has been significantly developed in many respects, including new reaction development and mechanistic investigation. This concept article presents recent advances towards direct cross‐coupling reactions of aldehydes with alkyl halides enabled by NHC organocatalysis.
Chiral Bis‐phosphate Macrocycles for Catalytic, Efficient, and Enantioselective Electrophilic Fluorination
Authors: Zhang Lie‐Wei , Wang Xu‐Dong , Ao Yu‐Fei , Wang De‐Xian , Wang Qi‐Qiang
Published: February 2024

Incorporation of privileged catalytic scaffolds into a macrocyclic skeleton represents an attractive strategy to furnish supramolecular catalysis systems with enzyme‐mimetic cavity and multi‐site cooperation. Herein we reported the synthesis, structure, binding properties and catalytic application of a series of chiral bis‐phosphate macrocycles toward the challenging asymmetric electrophilic fluorination. With a large, integrated chiral cavity and two cooperative phosphate sites, these macrocycles exhibited good inclusion toward 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) dicationic ammoniums through complementary ion‐pair and C−H⋅⋅⋅O interactions, as confirmed by crystallographic and solution binding studies. In fluorocyclization of tryptamines with Selectfluor reagent which has a similar DABCO‐based dicationic structure, only 2 mol% macrocycle catalyst afforded the desired pyrroloindoline products in moderate yields and up to 91 % ee. For comparison, the acyclic mono‐phosphate analogue gave obviously lower reactivity and enantioselectivity (<20 % ee), suggesting a remarkable macrocyclic effect. The high catalytic efficiency and superior stereocontrol were ascribed to the tight ion‐pair binding and cavity‐directed noncovalent interaction cooperation.
Experimental investigation, modelling, and order of magnitude analysis of oxygen mass transfer in pulsed plate column with α‐Fe2O3 nanofluid
Authors: Shet Amruta S. , Shetty K. Vidya
Published: February 2024

Volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) is an important parameter in the design of various reactors and bioreactors. In the present work, the influence of α‐Fe2O3 nanofluid on the enhancement of kLa is studied in a pulsed plate column (PPC). An enhancement factor of greater than one showed that the nanofluid is favourable in enhancing the mass transfer rate. The effect of pulsing velocity on kLa is observed to fall under two regimes: the dispersion regime and emulsion regime. The kLa enhancement factor is found to be higher in TiO2 nanofluid than in α‐Fe2O3 nanofluid, indicating that the type of nanofluid influences the enhancement factor. The order of magnitude analysis showed that localized convection triggered by the Brownian motion of nanoparticles is the phenomenon responsible for kLa enhancement. A dimensionless multiple regression analysis (MRA) model was developed to predict kLa in the nanoparticle loading range of 0.003–0.019 (v/v%), relating the Sherwood number with oscillating Reynolds number (1200 ≤ Reo ≤ 20,000), gas flow Reynolds number (0.135 ≤ Reg ≤0.370), Schmidt number (1300 ≤ Sc ≤2700), and Brownian Reynolds number (2.81 × 10−4 ≤ ReB ≤5 × 10−4). The pseudo‐homogeneous model could accurately predict the enhancement until critical loading conditions.
A study on the impressions induced by lipstick colors
Authors: Wu Yu‐An , Gong Shi‐Min , Lee Wen‐Yuan
Published: February 2024

Owing to the need for beauty in modern society, cosmetics are essential to enhance femininity and attractiveness. Lipstick is effective in reinforcing femininity and increasing beauty. This study conducted a psychophysical experiment to investigate the association between lipstick colors and the impressions they create. Thirty‐five observers were invited to participate in the experiment. They were asked to assess 20 lipstick colors on 23 impression scales. The results showed that the impressions created by the lipstick colors comprised three factors: charm, cuteness, and contemporary. Charm was correlated with a* and lightness value of lipstick color and the color difference between lipstick‐skin colors. Cuteness was negatively correlated with the hue angle of the lipstick colors and lightness differences between lipstick‐skin colors. Contemporary was correlated with chroma differences and negatively correlated with b* of lipstick color. These lipstick colors can be classified into three groups based on impression factors. The results showed that a* value of lipstick color and the color difference () between lipstick and skin color are identified to determine the grouping of lipstick colors.
Does firms' ESG information disclosure have contagion effect? Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Zhengyong , You Jiayi
Published: February 2024

The increasing concern of the society on environmental issues has driven research on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Among the existing academic studies on the influencing factors of ESG disclosure, few scholars have investigated the contagion effect of ESG disclosure, that is, whether the ESG disclosure behavior of peer firms affect the ESG disclosure of individual firms. Therefore, based on dynamic competition theory and social learning theory, this paper examines the contagion effect of ESG information disclosure from the perspective of peer relationship networks, using a sample of A‐share listed firms in China from 2009 to 2021. The study finds that there is a contagion effect in the level of firms' ESG disclosure, that is, when other firms in the same industry have a higher average ESG disclosure level, individual firm also tend to have a higher ESG disclosure level; and at the same time, this contagion effect is more pronounced among firms with state‐owned nature, a high degree of marketization, financing constraints and environmental uncertainty. By exploring the mechanism of its effect, we find that the contagion effect of ESG disclosure mainly originates from the competitive imitation mechanism and the information acquisition imitation mechanism. This paper theoretically enriches the research on the factors influencing the level of ESG disclosure and the contagion effect of inter‐firm behavior, and practically provides a reference for regulators to effectively supervise and improve firms' level of ESG disclosure.
Simulation study of the influence of the cross‐field anomalous diffusion on the tungsten impurity transport in the scrape‐off layer with activated drifts
Authors: Guo Jin , Xu Yuchen , Mao Shifeng , Xu Guoliang , Ye Minyou
Published: February 2024

Tungsten (W) impurity eroded from the divertor target can degrade the confinement performance of future fusion reactors. The mechanism of the effect of E × B drift on the W transport in the scrape‐off layer (SOL) was investigated with a fixed cross‐field anomalous particle diffusion coefficient for W ions (D⊥,W) of 1 m2s−1 in our previous simulation work, which indicates that the W flux entering the confined region (Γenter) and mean W concentration in the confined region () can be increased by more than one order of magnitude by drifts. In this work, the influence of the cross‐field anomalous diffusion on the W transport in the SOL is further investigated. The basic flow pattern of the W ion flux (ΓW) keeps when D⊥,W varying from 0.5 to 3 m2s−1, and Γenter mainly comes from the hotter divertor region. Results show that D⊥,W value affects the W leakage from divertor region and entry into confined region. Therefore, Γenter and both decrease with increasing D⊥,W. Mechanisms for cases w/wo drifts are compared.
mRNA biomarkers sensitive and specific to micro‐dose erythropoietin treatment at sea level and altitude
Authors: Loria Francesco , Breenfeldt Andersen Andreas , Bejder Jacob , Bonne Thomas , Grabherr Silke , Kuuranne Tiia , Leuenberger Nicolas , Baastrup Nordsborg Nikolai
Published: February 2024

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. rhEPO abuse can be indirectly detected via the athlete biological passport (ABP). However, altitude exposure challenges interpretation of the ABP. This study investigated whether 5′‐aminolevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2) and carbonic anhydrase 1 (CA1) in capillary dried blood spots (DBSs) are sensitive and specific markers of rhEPO treatment at altitude. ALAS2 and CA1 expression was monitored in DBS collected weekly before, during, and after a 3‐week period at sea level or altitude. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 20 IU kg bw−1 epoetin alpha (rhEPO) or placebo injections every second day for 3 weeks while staying at sea level (rhEPO, n = 25; placebo, n = 9) or altitude (rhEPO, n = 12; placebo, n = 27). ALAS2 and CA1 expression increased up to 300% and 200%, respectively, upon rhEPO treatment at sea‐level and altitude (P‐values <0.05). When a blinded investigator interpreted the results, ALAS2 and CA1 expression had a sensitivity of 92%. Altitude did not confound the interpretation. Altitude affected ALAS2 and CA1 expression less than actual ABP markers when compared between sea level and altitude results. An individual athlete passport‐like approach simulation confirmed the biomarker potential of ALAS2 and CA1. ALAS2 and CA1 were sensitive and specific biomarkers of micro‐dose rhEPO treatment at sea level and altitude. Altitude seemed less a confounding factor for these biomarkers, especially when they are combined. Thus, micro‐dose rhEPO injections can be detected in a longitudinal blinded setting using mRNA biomarkers in DBS.
Sex‐specific recruitment rates contribute to male‐biased sex ratio in Adélie penguins
Authors: Morandini Virginia , Dugger Katie M. , Schmidt Annie E. , Varsani Arvind , Lescroël Amélie , Ballard Grant , Lyver Phil O'B. , Barton Kerry , Ainley David G.
Published: February 2024

Sex‐related differences in vital rates that drive population change reflect the basic life history of a species. However, for visually monomorphic bird species, determining the effect of sex on demographics can be a challenge. In this study, we investigated the effect of sex on apparent survival, recruitment, and breeding propensity in the Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), a monochromatic, slightly size dimorphic species with known age, known sex, and known breeding history data collected during 1996–2019 (n = 2127 birds) from three breeding colonies on Ross Island, Antarctica. Using a multistate capture–mark–recapture maximum‐likelihood model, we estimated apparent survival (), recapture (resighting) probability (), and the probability of transitioning among breeding states and moving between colonies (; colony‐specific non‐juvenile pre‐breeders, breeders, and non‐breeders). Survival rate varied by breeding status and colony, but not sex, and pre‐breeders had higher survival rates than breeders and non‐breeders. Females had a higher probability of recruiting into the breeding population each year and may enter the breeding pool at younger ages. In contrast, both sexes had the same probability of breeding from year to year once they had recruited. Although we detected no direct sex effects on survival, the variation in recruitment probability and age‐at‐first reproduction, along with lower survival rates of breeders compared to pre‐breeders, likely leads to shorter lifespans for females. This is supported by our findings of a male‐biased mean adult sex ratio (ASR) of 1.4 males for every female ( proportion of males = 0.57, SD = 0.07) across all colonies and years in this metapopulation. Our study illustrates how important it can be to disentangle sex‐related variation in population vital rates, particularly for species with complex life histories and demographic dynamics.
The effect of urbanization and temperature on thermal tolerance, foraging performance, and competition in cavity‐dwelling ants
Authors: Harris Brooke A. , Stevens Dale R. , Mathis Kaitlyn A.
Published: February 2024

Human disturbance including rapid urbanization and increased temperatures can have profound effects on the ecology of local populations. Eusocial insects, such as ants, have adapted to stressors of increasing temperature and urbanization; however, these evolutionary responses are not consistent among populations across geographic space. Here we asked how urbanization and incubation temperature influence critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and various ecologically relevant behaviors in three ant species in urban and rural locations in Worcester, MA, USA. We did this by incubating colonies of three species of cavity dwelling ant (Aphaenogaster picea, Tapinoma sessile, and Temnothorax longispinosus) from 2 habitat types (Rural and Urban), for 60‐days at multiple temperatures. We found that incubation temperature, urbanization, and species of ant all significantly affected overall colony critical thermal maximum. We also found that recruitment time, colonization time, and defense response were significantly affected by incubation temperature and varied between species of ant, while recruitment and colonization time were additionally affected by urbanization. These variable changes in performance and competitive traits across species suggest that responses to urbanization and shifting temperatures are not universal across species. Changes in behavioral responses caused by urbanization may disrupt biodiversity, creating unusual competitive environments as a consequence of natural adaptations and cause both direct and indirect mechanisms for which human disturbance can lead to local species extinction.