bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular dynamics simulation of the synergistic effect of a compound surfactant on the stability of CO2 oil‐based foam
Authors: Wang Zhoujie , Li Songyan , Li Shaopeng , Zhu Jianzhong , Yang Heng
Published: June 2023

It is of great significance to study the stability of foams in the petroleum industry. Therefore, the stability mechanism of Span 20, the fluorinated surfactant FCO‐80 and their mixture FS in a CO2 oil‐based foam system were studied by molecular simulation. The sandwich model of CO2 oil‐based foam was constructed to reveal the stability of the foam system from the microscopic perspective. The result shows that under the synergistic effect of Span 20 and FCO‐80, the oil–CO2 distance of the FS foam system and the coordination number of oil molecules are larger than those of Span 20 and FCO‐80 foam system. In FS foam system, the diffusion coefficients of CO2 molecules are small, and the surface tension is reduced, which can improve the stability of foam. The results can supplement previous experimental results on the stability of oil‐based foam.
Pollinators differ in their contribution to the male fitness of a self‐incompatible composite
Authors: Pearson Avery E. , Zelman Zeke , Hill Lauryn A. , Stevens Mia A. , Jackson Evan X. , Incarnato Miyauna M. N. , Johnson Ren M. , Wagenius Stuart , Ison Jennifer L.
Published: June 2023

Premise

Reproductive fitness in plants is often determined by the quantity and quality of pollen transferred by pollinators. However, many fitness studies measure only female fitness or rely on proxies for male fitness. Here we assessed how five bee taxon groups affect male fitness in a prairie plant by quantifying pollen removal, visitation, and siring success using paternity assignments and a unique pollinator visitation experiment.

Methods

In Echinacea angustifolia, we measured per‐visit pollen removal for each pollinator taxon and estimated the number of pollen grains needed for successful ovule fertilization. Additionally, we directly measured pollinator influence on siring by allowing only one bee taxon to visit each pollen‐donor plant, while open‐pollinated plants acted as unrestricted pollen recipients. We genotyped the resulting offspring, assigned paternity, and used aster statistical models to quantify siring success.

Results

Siring success of pollen‐donor plants differed among the five pollinator groups. Nongrooming male bees were associated with increased siring success. Bees from all taxa removed most of the flowering head's pollen in one visit. However, coneflower‐specialist bee Andrena helianthiformis removed the most pollen per visit. Female fitness and proxy measures of male fitness, such as pollinator visitation and pollen removal, did not align with our direct quantifications of male fitness.

Conclusions

Our results illustrate the need for more studies to directly quantify male fitness, and we caution against using male fitness proxy measures. In addition, conservation efforts that preserve a diverse pollinator community can benefit plants in fragmented landscapes.
A Polyoxometalate‐Based Pathologically Activated Assay for Efficient Bioorthogonal Catalytic Selective Therapy
Authors: Zhao Huisi , Zhao Chuanqi , Liu Zhengwei , Yi Jiadai , Liu Xuemeng , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: June 2023

Since polyoxometalates (POMs) can undergo reversible multi‐electron redox transformations, they have been used to modulate the electronic environment of metal nanoparticles for catalysis. Besides, POMs possess unique electronic structures and acid‐responsive self‐assembly ability. These properties inspired us to tackle the drawbacks of the copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction in biomedical applications, such as low catalytic efficiency and unsatisfactory disease selectivity. Herein, we construct molybdenum (Mo)‐based POM nanoclusters doped with Cu (Cu‐POM NCs) as a highly efficient bioorthogonal catalyst, which is responsive to pathologicallyacid and H2S for selective antibiofilm therapy. Leveraging the merits of POMs, the Cu‐POM NCs exhibit biofilm‐responsive self‐assembly behavior, efficient CuAAC‐mediated in situ synthesis of antibacterial molecules, and a NIR‐II photothermal effect selectively triggered by H2S in pathogens. The consumption of bacterial H2S at the pathological site by Cu‐POM NCs extremely decreases the number of persisterbacteria, which is conducive to the inhibition of bacterial tolerance and elimination of biofilms. Unlocked at pathological sites and endowed with NIR‐II photothermal property, the constructed POM‐based bioorthogonal catalytic platform provides new insights into the design of efficient and selective bioorthogonal catalysts for disease therapy.
An efficient silica scale inhibiting strategy for geothermal systems: Combination of cationic and anionic polymers
Authors: Li Yangpei , Chen Youyuan , Peng Tao , Qiao Shixuan , Li Jiaxing , Liu Lecheng , Liu Xiaoli , Zheng Tianyuan
Published: June 2023

Cationic silica scale inhibitors are widely used, but are prone to precipitation and exhibit poor performance in geothermal systems. In this study, the cationic polymer polyethyleneimine ethoxylate (PEIE) was first found to have high silica scale inhibition efficiency. Three anionic polymers were added separately to PEIE solutions to alleviate the precipitation and scaling. The inhibition effect of PEIE alone and PEIE with anionic polymers were measured at 40°C without salt and 136.7°C with salt. Molecular dynamics simulation was used to investigate the inhibition mechanism. The results showed that PEIE exhibited good inhibition efficiency of 62% at 40°C without salt and 48% at 136.7°C with salt, while the addition of the anionic polymer acrylic acid‐2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid (AA/AMPS) to PEIE further improved to 71% and 62%. Compared with commercial inhibitors, the PEIE + AA/AMPS enhanced at least 15% scale inhibition efficiency. This is because the addition of AA/AMPS: (1) enhances the attraction of PEIE to silicic acid and inhibits the silicic acid condensation process; (2) chelates metal ions that promote condensation; and (3) enhances dispersion ability, stabilizing the colloid formed by PEIE and silicic acid. This study provides a promising new inhibitor and efficient strategy for inhibiting silica scale in geothermal systems.
Photoluminescence characteristics of novel Sm3+ ions‐doped La1.4Al22.6O36 phosphor for n‐UV w‐LED
Authors: Yerojwar Ramkrushna M. , Kokode Namdeo S. , Nandanwar Chandrahasya M. , Ingole Dipti K. , Peddiwar Suchita T.
Published: June 2023

The combustion procedure was used to synthesize La1.4Al22.6O36:Sm3+ phosphors. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and morphological and photoluminescence properties were investigated. The XRD patterns consisted of a hexagonal crystal structure. At 405 nm, the maximum excitation intensity was obtained. Following 405 nm excitation, three different emission peaks at 573, 604, and 651 nm were seen. Concentration quenching occurred at 1.5 mol% Sm3+ ions. The Commission Internationale de l'éclairage coordinates for the La1.4Al22.6O36 phosphor with Sm3+ doping were 604 nm (x = 0.644, y = 0.355) falling in the red region. The findings implied that the prepared phosphor may be used to develop w‐light‐emitting diodes.
Photoluminescent polymer‐based smart window reinforced with electrospun glass nanofibres
Authors: El‐Newehy Mohamed , Thamer Badr M. , Abdul Hameed Meera Moydeen , El‐Hamshary Hany
Published: June 2023

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) was reinforced with electrospun glass nanofibres (EGN) to develop photochromic and afterglow materials such as smart windows and anti‐counterfeiting prints. A colourless electrospun glass nanofibres@poly(vinyl chloride) (EGN@PVC) sheet was prepared by physical integration of lanthanide‐doped aluminate nanoparticles (LANP). The low concentrations of LANP in the photochromic and photoluminescent EGN@PVC hybrids displayed fluorescence emission with instant reversibility. EGN@PVC with the highest phosphor concentrations showed persistent phosphorescence emission with slow reversibility. Based on the results of the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage Laboratory and luminescence spectroscopy, the translucent EGN@PVC samples became green in the presence of ultraviolet illumination and greenish‐yellow in the absence of light. According to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses, the morphological study of EGN and LANP showed diameters of 75–95 and 11–19 nm, respectively. The morphology of the EGN@PVC substrates was studied using SEM, X‐ray fluorescence, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The mechanical characteristics of PVC were enhanced by reinforcement with EGN as a roughening agent. When comparing the scratching resistance of LANP‐free substrate to photoluminescent EGN@PVC substrates, it was observed that the latter was much superior. The photoluminescence spectra were reported to have an emission peak at 519 nm when excited at 365 nm. These findings demonstrated that the luminous transparent EGN@PVC composites had improved superhydrophobic and UV‐blocking characteristics.
Bis(2‐pyridinyl)‐oxalamide copper complexes: Scope and limitation in CuAAC and oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acids
Authors: Choi Soo‐Jin , Ahn Yong‐Hyun , Kim Seung‐Hoi
Published: June 2023

A versatile catalytic platform consisting of pyridine‐containing oxalamide and copper salt was developed. The resulting complexes were fully characterized by spectroscopic analyses, showing a successful complexation of copper metal. The applicability of the newly prepared platforms was evaluated in a one‐pot three‐components system for the preparation of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazole via 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of terminal acetylenes, benzyl surrogates, and sodium azide in an aqueous environment. The corresponding cyclization proceeded smoothly affording the expected triazole products in moderate to good yields. In addition, the transformation of arylboronic acids to the corresponding phenols via ipso‐hydroxylation was also explored using the same platform in an aqueous basic condition. In the course of the study, unfortunately, some drawbacks that could limit the applicability of the catalytic platform were also observed especially in terms of recyclability of the platforms.
Quantifying the hydrodynamic stress for bioprocesses
Authors: Kaya Umut , Gopireddy Srikanth , Urbanetz Nora , Kreitmayer Diana , Gutheil Eva , Nopens Ingmar , Verwaeren Jan
Published: June 2023

Hydrodynamic stress is an influential physical parameter for various bioprocesses, affecting the performance and viability of the living organisms. However, different approaches are in use in various computational and experimental studies to calculate this parameter (including its normal and shear subcomponents) from velocity fields without a consensus on which one is the most representative of its effect on living cells. In this letter, we investigate these different methods with clear definitions and provide our suggested approach which relies on the principal stress values providing a maximal distinction between the shear and normal components. Furthermore, a numerical comparison is presented using the computational fluid dynamics simulation of a stirred and sparged bioreactor. It is demonstrated that for this specific bioreactor, some of these methods exhibit quite similar patterns throughout the bioreactor—therefore can be considered equivalent—whereas some of them differ significantly.
A case report on autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 with pernicious anemia
Authors: Arram Niharikha , Riyaz Romana , khatroth Sumalatha , Shrestha Abhigan Babu
Published: June 2023

Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 2 (APS II) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects many endocrine glands. We present a case of a 32‐year‐old man with Addison's disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, and pernicious anemia. Multi‐line and timely management are crucial for each association.
Recurrent facial microcystic adnexal carcinoma and hair transplantation on scar site
Authors: Beyzaee Amir Mohammad , Goldust Mohamad , Patil Anant , Rokni Ghasem Rahmatpour , Ghoreishi Bahare
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a rare kind of cutaneous neoplasm with a very aggressive local infiltration that destructs the affected tissues. Its rate of recurrence is high and it mostly involves the face and scalp regions and most of the patients get affected in the fourth or fifth decades of their life. Here in, we report a 61‐year‐old woman with a right‐sided eyebrow MAC lesion with recurrency. Total excisional surgery was performed. A‐T Flap surgery was applied on the involved area, and after a 2‐year period of follow‐up, with no recurrency, hair transplantation with follicular unit transplantation method was successfully performed on the scarred area. Although microcystic adnexal carcinoma is an uncommon neoplasm; dermatologists and ophthalmologists should consider it as a differential diagnosis, due to its aggressive local infiltration. Complete surgical excision and long‐term follow‐up must be applied to manage the disease. Also, hair transplantation with follicular unit transplantation technique can be considered as a beneficial method for treating scars resulted from MAC excisional surgery.
Warty dyskeratoma: The relationship between its dermoscopic and histopathological findings
Authors: Takada Tomoaki
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

On dermoscopy, the central area was greenish‐yellow with a coarse cobblestone‐like structureless material‐filled pattern, along with a bull's‐horn‐like tip and white globules. The marginal area was skin‐colored with a dark red background and a dome‐shaped pattern. A collarette with white ring and radial streaks, and whitish globules was noted.

In recent years, the dermoscopic findings of Warty dyskeratoma have only been reported in a few cases. A 71‐year‐old man presented with a brownish papular lesion, with a central umbilical fossa, posterior to the right auricle. Histopathologically, a keratocystic tumor with a dome‐like morphology and an epidermal invagination in its limbic part was noted. The central part surrounding the fissure was filled with horn‐like cells with cornification tendency. Corps ronds were mostly distributed in the stratum corneum and granulosa, and grains were observed in the stratum corneum as acantholytic cells within the epidermal voids (lacunae). On dermoscopy, the central area was greenish‐yellow with a coarse cobblestone‐like structureless material‐filled pattern, along with a bull's‐horn‐like tip and white globules. The marginal area was skin‐colored with a dark red background and a dome‐shaped pattern. A collarette with white ring and radial streaks, and whitish globules was noted. No prominent vascular pattern was observed.
Successful monotherapy with autologous formalin‐fixed tumor vaccine for a Stage IV uterine cancer patient who rejected rational chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment
Authors: Fukuda Katsuhiko , Ohno Tadao
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

To overcome patient‐initiated treatment refusal because of fear of experiencing severe negative adverse events, mild immunotherapy using a cancer vaccine such as the autologous formalin‐fixed tumor vaccine should be considered.

A patient who refused chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment for Stage IV uterine cancer after displaying circulating tumor cells and high microsatellite instability received monotherapy with autologous formalin‐fixed tumor vaccine (AFTV). Following treatment, we observed regression of multiple lung metastases, suggesting that AFTV is an attractive treatment option.
Rapid Chemical Synthesis of Serine Protease Inhibitor Kazal‐type 13 (SPINK13) Glycoform by a Combined Method with Glycan Insertion Strategy and Fast‐Flow Fmoc SPPS**
Authors: Nomura Kota , Okamoto Ryo , Maki Yuta , Hayashibara Ayumu , Takao Toshifumi , Fukuoka Tomoya , Miyoshi Eiji , Pentelute Bradley L. , Kajihara Yasuhiro
Published: June 2023

Serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 13 (SPINK13) is a secreted protein that has been recently studied as a therapeutic drug and an interesting biomarker for cancer cells. Although SPINK13 has a consensus sequence (Pro‐Asn‐Val‐Thr) for N‐glycosylation, the existence of N‐glycosylation and its functions are still unclear. In addition to this, the preparation of glycosylated SPINK 13 has not been examined by both the cell expression method and chemical synthesis. Herein we report the chemical synthesis of the scarce N‐glycosylated form of SPINK13 by a rapid synthetic method combined with the chemical glycan insertion strategy and a fast‐flow SPPS method. Glycosylated asparagine thioacid was designed to chemoselectively be inserted between two peptide segments where is the sterically bulky Pro‐Asn(N‐glycan)‐Val junction by two coupling reactions which consist of diacyl disulfide coupling (DDC) and thioacid capture ligation (TCL). This insertion strategy successfully afforded the full‐length polypeptide of SPINK13 within two steps from glycosylated asparagine thioacid. Because the two peptides used for this synthesis were prepared by a fast‐flow SPPS, the total synthetic time of glycoprotein was considerably shortened. This synthetic concept enables us to repetitively synthesize a target glycoprotein easily. Folding experiments afforded well‐folded structure confirmed by CD and disulfide bond map. Invasion assays of glycosylated SPINK13 and non‐glycosylated SPINK13 with pancreatic cancer cells showed that non‐glycosylated SPINK‐13 was more potent than that of glycosylated SPINK13.
Five Novel Silver‐Based Coordination Polymers as Photoluminescent Sensing Platforms for the Detection of Nitrobenzene
Authors: Sekine Taishu , Sakai Jin , Horita Yusuke , Mabuchi Haruna , Irie Tsukasa , Hossain Sakiat , Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Das Subhabrata , Takahashi Shuntaro , Das Saikat , Negishi Yuichi
Published: June 2023

Nitrobenzene (NB) is a highly toxic chemical and a cause for concern to human health and the environment. Hence, it is worth designing new efficient and robust sensing platforms for NB. In this study, we present three newly synthesized luminescent silver cluster‐based coordination polymers, {[Ag10(StBu)6(CF3COO)4(hpbt)] (DMAc)2(CH3CN)2}n (hpbt=N,N,N’,N'N”,N”‐hexa(pyridine‐4‐yl)benzene‐1,3,5‐triamine), [Ag12(StBu)6(CF3COO)6(bpva)3]n (bpva=9,10‐Bis(2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)vinyl)anthracene), and {[Ag12(StBu)6(CF3COO)6(bpb)(DMAc)2(H2O)2] (DMAc)2}n (bpb=1,4‐Bis(4‐pyridyl)benzene) composed of Ag10, Ag12 and Ag12 cluster cores, respectively, connected by multidentate pyridine linkers. In addition, two new luminescent polymorphic silver(I)‐based coordination polymers, [Ag(CF3COO)(dpa)]n (dpa=9,10‐di(4‐pyridyl)anthracene) referred to as Agdpa (H) and Agdpa (R), where H and R denote hexagon‐ and rod‐like crystal shapes, respectively, have been prepared. The coordination polymers exhibit highly sensitive luminescence quenching effects to NB, attributed to the π−π stacking interactions between the polymers and NB as well as the electron‐withdrawing character of NB.
Post‐operative mortality and recurrence patterns in pancreatic cancer according to KRAS mutation and CDKN2A, p53, and SMAD4 expression
Authors: Masugi Yohei , Takamatsu Manabu , Tanaka Mariko , Hara Kensuke , Inoue Yosuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Suzuki Tatsunori , Arita Junichi , Hirose Yuki , Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Nakai Yousuke , Oba Atsushi , Sasahira Naoki , Shimane Gaku , Takeda Tsuyoshi , Tateishi Keisuke , Uemura Sho , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Kitago Minoru , Takahashi Yu , Ushiku Tetsuo , Takeuchi Kengo , Sakamoto Michiie ,   for the GTK Pancreatic Cancer Study Group in Japan
Published: June 2023

Alterations in KRAS, CDKN2A (p16), TP53, and SMAD4 genes have been major drivers of pancreatic carcinogenesis. The clinical course of patients with pancreatic cancer in relation to these driver alterations has not been fully characterised in large populations. We hypothesised that pancreatic carcinomas with different combinations of KRAS mutation and aberrant expression of CDKN2A, p53, and SMAD4 might show distinctive recurrence patterns and post‐operative survival outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we utilised a multi‐institutional cohort of 1,146 resected pancreatic carcinomas and assessed KRAS mutations by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and CDKN2A, p53, and SMAD4 expression by immunohistochemistry. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were computed according to each molecular alteration and the number of altered genes using the Cox regression models. Multivariable competing risks regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations of the number of altered genes with specific patterns of recurrence. Loss of SMAD4 expression was associated with short DFS (multivariable HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09–1.43) and OS times (multivariable HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.10–1.46). Compared to cases with 0–2 altered genes, cases with three and four altered genes had multivariable HRs for OS of 1.28 (95% CI, 1.09–1.51) and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.22–1.78), respectively (ptrend < 0.001). Patients with an increasing number of altered genes were more likely to have short DFS time (ptrend = 0.003) and to develop liver metastasis (ptrend = 0.006) rather than recurrence at local or other distant sites. In conclusion, loss of SMAD4 expression and an increasing number of altered genes were associated with unfavourable outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. This study suggests that the accumulation of the four major driver alterations can confer a high metastatic potential to the liver, thereby impairing post‐operative survival among patients with pancreatic cancer.
Pharmacokinetic and Safety Study of Single and Multiple Oral Doses of Safinamide in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Jing Sun , Yuan Yaozong , Leuratti Chiara , Vaja Valentina , Cattaneo Carlo
Published: June 2023

This randomized, parallel‐group study evaluated the plasma pharmacokinetic profile of safinamide in 24 healthy Chinese men and women, randomly assigned to receive 50 or 100 mg of safinamide as a single dose, followed, after a 7‐day washout, by multiple doses once daily for 7 days. Plasma safinamide was determined up to 96 h after the first single dose (day 1) and the last multiple dose (day 14), and up to 24 h after the first multiple dose (day 8). Following single‐ and multiple‐dose administration, peak concentrations were achieved at a median time of 1.5–2 h. Plasma exposure increased in a dose‐proportional manner. After single dose, mean half‐life was 23–24 h. Area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time zero extrapolated to infinity was only slightly higher than AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration, corresponding for the 2 parameters, respectively, to 12,380 and 11,560 ng • h/mL for the 50 mg and to 22,030 and 20,790 ng • h/mL for the 100‐mg dose. AUC in the dosing interval at steady state was 13,150 and 23,100 ng • h/mL for 50 and 100 mg of safinamide. Steady state was reached in 6 days, accumulation was approximately twofold, and the pharmacokinetics were time independent. The plasma safinamide pharmacokinetic profile observed in this study is in line with the published results in both Chinese and non‐Asian populations.
The Role of Lewis Acid Sites in γ‐Al2O3 Oligomerization
Authors: Breckner Christian J. , Pham Hien N. , Dempsey Michael G. , Perez‐Ahuatl Michelle A. , Kohl Alyssa C. , Lytle Corryn N. , Datye Abhaya K. , Miller Jeffrey T.
Published: June 2023

Olefin oligomerization by γ‐Al2O3 has recently been reported, and it was suggested that Lewis acid sites are catalytic. The goal of this study is to determine the number of active sites per gram of alumina to confirm that Lewis acid sites are indeed catalytic. Addition of an inorganic Sr oxide base resulted in a linear decrease in the propylene oligomerization conversion at loadings up to 0.3 wt %; while, there is a >95 % loss in conversion above 1 wt % Sr. Additionally, there was a linear decrease in the intensity of the Lewis acid peaks of absorbed pyridine in the IR spectra with an increase in Sr loading, which correlates with the loss in propylene conversion, suggesting that Lewis acid sites are catalytic. Characterization of the Sr structure by XAS and STEM indicates that single Sr2+ ions are bound to the γ‐Al2O3 surface and poison one catalytic site per Sr ion. The maximum loading needed to poison all catalytic sites, assuming uniform surface coverage, was ∼0.4 wt % Sr, giving an acid site density of ∼0.2 sites per nm2 of γ‐Al2O3, or approximately 3 % of the alumina surface.
The value of data for environmental sustainability as perceived by the customers of a tissue‐paper supplier
Authors: Luoma Päivi , Rauter Romana , Penttinen Esko , Toppinen Anne
Published: June 2023

To manage their increasingly ambitious environmental agendas successfully, companies need better and more versatile data, yet the elements and mechanisms through which businesses and the environment benefit from data remain poorly understood. A single‐case‐study setting was designed for examining the perceived value of data for environmental sustainability as seen by the customers of a tissue‐paper supplier. The findings, from material collected during interviews with customers in 2022, showcase the multifaceted nature of data's value for business operations and associated ability to support decisions and activities that encourage environment‐informed choices and environmental improvements. Also, fully exploiting data's potential for environmental sustainability requires greater volume and detail of product‐specific data, transparency of value chains and environmental impacts, and data's better management and sharing. The emerging insight related to the value of data strengthens understanding of how companies could, with data, support their customers' environmental performance.
Facing the storm: Lessons from corporate social responsibility during the covid pandemic
Authors: Campobasso Francesco , Borgia Michele Samuele , Albergo Francesco
Published: June 2023

This study analyzes the impact on the sustainability performance of firms during the outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic, based on microdata made available by the World Bank through the Enterprise Surveys platform. By employing econometric estimation techniques like multinomial limited dependent variable model alongside data visualization tools, this analysis provides insights into the effects of the pandemic outbreak, as well as the moderating influence of enterprise innovation levels and CSR. The findings highlight that the duration of firm operations and company size play significant roles in mitigating turnover during the initial response to the pandemic. The analysis evaluates the actions taken by companies and governments to navigate the crisis, one and a half years after its appearance: containing the impact has a strong social impact, related to corporate social responsibility. The companies that successfully contained the shock and recovered more quickly are those that relied on innovation through their private investments or government measures. The analysis reveals how evenly distributed government subsidies have failed to produce significant effects.
Activity Trend and Selectivity of Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis in Reverse Artificial Nitrogen Cycle
Authors: Li Lin , Xiao Jianping
Published: June 2023

Ammonia is important for modern agriculture and food production as it is a major source of fertilizer. Electrochemical ammonia synthesis (EAS) with sustainable energy generated electricity and decentralized reactors has been considered as environmentally friendly process. Several nitrogen sources have been considered and intensively studied in experiments and computations. Recently, it has been proposed and demonstrated that nitrogen oxides (NOx) electroreduction for selective ammonia production is feasible. Fundamental insights on experimental observation are necessary for more rational design of catalysts and reactors in the future. In this concept, we review the theoretical and computational insights of electrochemical nitrogen oxides reduction, particularly, the activity trend over diverse transition metal catalysts and products selectivity at varying potentials. Finally, we address the opportunities and challenges in the reverse artificial nitrogen cycle, as well as fundamental issues in electrochemical reaction modelling.
Ultralow‐Temperature SnO2 Electron Transport Layers Fabricated by Intermediate‐Controlled Chemical Bath Deposition for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gao Liguo , He Zhen , Zeng Ke , Liu Anmin , Jiang Feng , Ma Tingli
Published: June 2023

As electron transport layers (ETLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), tin oxide (SnO2) possess high carrier mobilities with appropriate energy band alignment and high optical transmittance. Herein, SnO2 ETLs were fabricated by intermediate‐controlled chemical bath deposition (IC‐CBD) at ultralow temperature, where the chelating agent effectively altered the nucleation and growth process. Compared with conventional CBD, SnO2 ETLs fabricated by IC‐CBD had lower defects, smooth surface, good crystallinity, and remarkable interfacial contact with perovskite, resulting in good quality of perovskite, high photovoltaic performance (23.17 %), and enhanced stability of devices.
Targeting α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and their protein interactions in Alzheimer's disease drug development
Authors: Burns Lindsay H. , Pei Zhe , Wang Hoau‐Yan
Published: June 2023

The decades‐old cholinergic hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) led to clinical testing and FDA approval of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs. Subsequently, the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) was proposed as a new drug target for enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. Nearly simultaneously, soluble amyloid β1‐42 (Aβ42) was shown to bind α7nAChR with picomolar affinity to activate kinases that hyperphosphorylate tau, the precursor to tau‐containing tangles. Multiple biopharmaceutical companies explored α7nAChR as a drug target for AD, mostly to enhance neurotransmission. Directly targeting α7nAChR proved to be a drug development challenge. The ultra‐high‐affinity interaction between Aβ42 and α7nAChR posed a significant hurdle for direct competition in the AD brain. The receptor rapidly desensitizes, undermining efficacy of agonists. Drug discovery approaches therefore included partial agonists and allosteric modulators of α7nAChR. After substantial effort, numerous drug candidates were abandoned due to lack of efficacy or drug‐related toxicities. As alternatives, proteins interacting with α7nAChR were sought. In 2016, a novel nAChR regulator was identified, but no drug candidates have emerged from this effort. In 2012, the interaction of filamin A with α7nAChR was shown to be critical to Aβ42's toxic signaling via α7nAChR, presenting a new drug target. The novel drug candidate simufilam disrupts the filamin A–α7nAChR interaction, reduces Aβ42's high‐affinity binding to α7nAChR, and suppresses Aβ42's toxic signaling. Early clinical trials of simufilam showed improvements in experimental CSF biomarkers and indications of cognitive improvement in mild AD patients at 1 year. Simufilam is currently in phase 3 clinical trials as a disease‐modifying treatment for AD.
Activated Carbon‐Based Supercapacitors with High Gravimetric and Volumetric Capacitance at Commercial‐Level Mass Loading
Authors: Zhao Yihong , Geng Zhongxing , Sun Wei
Published: June 2023

Activated carbons (ACs) are derived from cornhusk via a simple technique consisting of hydrothermal carbonization and following KOH activation, with porous structures and morphology of the ACs controlled by adjusting the amount of KOH for the activation. As the main active materials of the electrode for supercapacitors (SCs), both the porosity and morphology exhibit significant influence in the compaction density of the electrode. The ACs activated with a KOH/biochar ratio of 3:1 not only provide a high surface area of 3024 m2 g−1 but also guarantee a high compaction density of 11.6 mg cm−2 for a 200 μm‐thick electrode, leading to high performances for both gravimetric and volumetric capacitance. Moreover, the morphology of a thin sheet‐like interconnected network benefits the densely compact nature of the ACs in the electrode. Concerning the practical application, the effect of electrode thickness on the electrochemical performance is examined to optimize the electrode with commercial‐level mass loading with organic electrolyte, which is of ≈344 F g−1 in gravimetric capacitance and 210 F cm−3 in volumetric capacitance as well as excellent capacitance retention over 90% after 5000 galvanostatic charge–discharge cycles. In addition, good electrochemical performances of the optimized electrode with commercial‐level mass loading are over a broad range of work temperature.
Simplifying Raupach's model of shear‐stress partitioning by clarifying the relationship between β and σ and quantifying the shear‐stress probability density based on numerical simulation
Authors: Liu Xuyang , Zhang Chunlai , Wang Zhenting , Zou Xueyong
Published: June 2023

We used computational fluid dynamics to simplify Raupach's model by clarifying the relationship between the parameter β (the ratio of element to surface drag coefficients) and the roughness‐element shape parameter σ using a k‐ω shear‐stress transport (SST) turbulence model with rigid cylindrical roughness elements. Results showed that β ranged between 102 and 242 and the parameter m (a relationship between the average and the peak surface shear stresses) ranged between 0.15 and 0.32 for partitioning of surface shear stress. β decreased with increasing σ, and the relationship followed a power law. We confirmed this relationship by comparing wind tunnel and field measurements for different types of roughness element (blocks, hemispheres, trapezoids and plants based on the results from previous studies). However, the model has some limitations due to the characteristics such as streamline and porosity of plants. The peak mean stress ratio (a) ranged between 2.09 and 3.61. We also confirmed that the probability‐density function for the surface shear stress proposed by Zou et al. (2022) described the distribution of the surface shear stress among roughness elements well, which is essential to accurately estimate surface erosion by wind.
Efficient Channel Estimation in Multiple Input Multiple Output Communication Systems using Hybrid Intelligence‐based Deep Learning Model using Horse Dingo Optimizer
Authors: Manasa B. M. R. , P Venugopal
Published: June 2023

The estimation of the channel in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) systems over wireless communication has faced many challenges, such as high bit rate transmission with less time complexity, low error rate, and high convergence rate. And also, there is some potential for enhancing the system performance regarding channel efficiency diversity. MIMO system uses a huge count of antennas on the receiver and the transmitter side. This increases the cost requirements and power consumption. For achieving coherent detection in the MIMO system, optimization such as water filling and beam forming are required to find the proper channel. Hence, multiple transceivers used in both the transmitter side and receiver side create a channel estimation issue that is complicated when analyzed to a single input, single output system. Therefore, several solutions have been recommended to decrease the computational cost and power consumption in channel estimation of MIMO systems. This work intends to propose a novel deep structured architecture to handle the channel estimation problem in a MIMO system. The major objective of the developed method is to validate the channel coefficients of MIMO at the transmitter according to the obtained SNR feedback data packet from an acceptor with the help of the hybrid intelligence‐based deep learning model (HI‐DLM). For both scenarios, the HI‐DLM is introduced, in which the convolution neural network (CNN) is integrated with other deep‐structured architecture. Especially, the fully connected layers of CNN are restored by the long short‐term memory. In the HI‐DLM‐aided channel estimation, the hyperparameter optimization is accomplished by the novel dingo‐horse herd optimization for reducing the mean square error and bit error rate to acquire the estimated channel. The corresponding algorithm is validated on the communication of the MIMO system by experimentations. Thus, it is revealed that the offered algorithm provides better convergence and less computational cost.
Predicting zinc‐enhanced maize hybrid performance under stress conditions
Authors: Matongera Nakai , Ndhlela Thokozile , van Biljon Angeline , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: June 2023

The low yield potential of most biofortified maize is a barrier to its full adoption and reduces its potential to curb various macro‐ and micronutrient deficiencies highly prevalent in low‐income regions of the world, such as sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). By crossing biofortified inbred lines with different nutritional attributes such as zinc (Zn), provitamin A and protein quality, breeders are attempting to develop agronomically superior and stable multi‐nutrient maize of different genetic backgrounds. A key question, however, is the relationship between the biofortified inbred lines per se and hybrid performance under stress and non‐stress conditions. In this study, inbred line per se and testcross performance were evaluated for grain yield and secondary traits of Zn‐enhanced normal, provitamin A and quality protein maize (QPM) hybrids and estimated heterosis under combined heat and drought (HMDS) and well‐watered (WW) conditions. Responses of all secondary traits, except for the number of days to mid‐anthesis, significantly differed for HMDS and WW conditions. The contribution of heterosis to grain yield was highly significant under both management levels, although higher mid and high‐parent heterosis was observed under WW than HMDS conditions. However, the findings suggest that inbred line performance was the best determinant of hybrid performance under HMDS. Strong correlations were observed between grain yield and secondary traits for both parents and hybrids, and between secondary traits of inbred lines and hybrids under both management levels, indicating that hybrid performance can be predicted based on intrinsic inbred line performance. Phenotypic correlation between grain yield of inbred lines and hybrids was higher under HMDS than WW conditions. This study demonstrated that under HMDS conditions, performance of Zn‐enhanced hybrids could be predicted based on the performance of their corresponding inbred lines. However, the parental inbred lines should be systematically selected for desirable secondary traits correlated with HMDS tolerance during inbred line development.
Impact of white matter hyperintensities on subjective cognitive decline phenotype in a diverse cohort of cognitively normal older adults
Authors: Rothstein Aaron , Zhang Yian , Briggs Anthony Q. , Bernard Mark A. , Shao Yongzhao , Favilla Christopher , Sloane Kelly , Witsch Jens , Masurkar Arjun V.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is a preclinical stage of AD. White matter hyperintensities (WMH), an MRI marker of cerebral small vessel disease, associate with AD biomarkers and progression. The impact of WMH on SCD phenotype is unclear.

Methods/Design

A retrospective, cross‐sectional analysis was conducted on a diverse cohort with SCD evaluated at the NYU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center between January 2017 and November 2021 (n = 234). The cohort was dichotomized into none‐to‐mild (n = 202) and moderate‐to‐severe (n = 32) WMH. Differences in SCD and neurocognitive assessments were evaluated via Wilcoxon or Fisher exact tests, with p‐values adjusted for demographics using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Moderate‐to‐severe WMH participants reported more difficulty with decision making on the Cognitive Change Index (1.5 SD 0.7 vs. 1.2 SD 0.5, p = 0.0187) and worse short‐term memory (2.2 SD 0.4 vs. 1.9 SD 0.3, p = 0.0049) and higher SCD burden (9.5 SD 1.6 vs. 8.7 SD 1.7, p = 0.0411) on the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale. Moderate‐to‐severe WMH participants scored lower on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (28.0 SD 1.6 vs. 28.5 SD 1.9, p = 0.0491), and on delayed paragraph (7.2 SD 2.0 vs. 8.8 SD 2.9, p = 0.0222) and designs recall (4.5 SD 2.3 vs. 6.1 SD 2.5, p = 0.0373) of the Guild Memory Test.

Conclusions

In SCD, WMH impact overall symptom severity, specifically in executive and memory domains, as well as objective performance on global and domain‐specific tests in verbal memory and visual working/associative memory.
The germinal center in the pathogenesis of B cell lymphomas
Authors: Pasqualucci Laura
Published: June 2023

The adaptive immune system has evolved to allow effective responses against a virtually unlimited number of invading pathogens. This process requires the transient formation of germinal centers (GC), a dynamic environment that ensures the generation and selection of B cells capable to produce antibodies with high antigen affinity, or to maintain the memory of that antigen for life. However, this comes at a cost, as the unique events accompanying the GC reaction pose a significant risk to the genome of B cells, which must endure elevated levels of replication stress, while proliferating at high rates and undergoing DNA breaks introduced by somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination. Indeed, the genetic/epigenetic disruption of programs implicated in normal GC biology has emerged as a hallmark of most B cell lymphomas. This improved understanding provides a conceptual framework for the identification of cellular pathways that could be exploited for precision medicine approaches.
First line therapy of CLL
Authors: Hallek Michael
Published: June 2023

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most frequent types of leukemia. It typically occurs in elderly patients and has a highly variable clinical course. Only patients with active or symptomatic disease or with advanced Binet or Rai stages require therapy. When treatment is indicated, several therapeutic options exist today and need to be selected. A combination of the BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax with obinutuzumab, monotherapy with inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) such as ibrutinib, acalabrutinib or zanubrutinib, while chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) is disappearing as a therapeutic option.
Management of primary and secondary CNS lymphoma
Authors: Khwaja Jahanzaib , Cwynarski Kate
Published: June 2023

Central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma has traditionally had very poor outcomes however advances in management have seen dramatic improvements and long‐term survival of patients. In primary CNS lymphoma there are now randomised trial data to inform practice, however secondary CNS lymphoma has a lack of randomised trial data and CNS prophylaxis remains a contentious area. We describe treatment strategies in these aggressive disorders. Dynamic assessment of patient fitness and frailty is key throughout treatment alongside delivery of CNS‐bioavailable therapy and enrolment in clinical trials. Intensive high‐dose methotrexate‐containing induction followed by autologous stem cell transplantation is preferred for patients who are fit. Less intensive chemoimmunotherapy, whole brain radiotherapy and novel therapies may be reserved for patients unfit or chemoresistant. It is essential to better define patients at increased risk of CNS relapse, as well as effective prophylactic strategies to prevent it. Future prospective studies incorporating novel agents are key.
Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib in the East Asian subset of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma from the CLEAR trial
Authors: Rha Sun Young , Choueiri Toni K. , Matveev Vsevolod B. , Alyasova Anna , Hong Sung‐Hoo , Gordoa Teresa Alonso , Gurney Howard , Bjarnason Georg A. , Buchler Tomas , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Takagi Toshio , Park Se Hoon , Lee Jae Lyun , Perini Rodolfo F. , He Cixin S. , McKenzie Jodi A. , Eto Masatoshi
Published: June 2023

In the CLEAR trial, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab met study endpoints of superiority vs sunitinib in the first‐line treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. We report the efficacy and safety results of the East Asian subset (ie, patients in Japan and the Republic of Korea) from the CLEAR trial. Of 1069 patients randomly assigned to receive either lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab, lenvatinib plus everolimus or sunitinib, 213 (20.0%) were from East Asia. Baseline characteristics of patients in the East Asian subset were generally comparable with those of the global trial population. In the East Asian subset, progression‐free survival was considerably longer with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib (median 22.1 vs 11.1 months; HR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.23‐0.62). The HR for overall survival comparing lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib was 0.71; 95% CI: 0.30‐1.71. The objective response rate was higher with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab vs sunitinib (65.3% vs 49.2%; odds ratio 2.14; 95% CI: 1.07‐4.28). Dose reductions due to treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) commonly associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors occurred more frequently than in the global population. Hand‐foot syndrome was the most frequent any‐grade TEAE with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (66.7%) and sunitinib (57.8%), a higher incidence compared to the global population (28.7% and 37.4%, respectively). The most common grade 3 to 5 TEAEs were hypertension with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (20%) and decreased platelet count with sunitinib (21.9%). Efficacy and safety for patients in the East Asian subset were generally similar to those of the global population, except as noted.
Normoglycemia partially recovers the disrupted osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells induced by type 1 but not type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Weffort Denise , Adolpho Leticia F. , Souza Alann T. P. , Freitas Gileade P. , Lopes Helena B. , Oliveira Fabiola S. , Bighetti‐Trevisan Rayana L. , Pitol‐Palin Leticia , Matsushita Doris H. , Okamoto Roberta , Beloti Marcio M. , Rosa Adalberto L.
Published: June 2023

Type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus are characterized by changes in glucose metabolism and cause bone damage via a variety of mechanisms, including effects on osteoblasts. We aimed to evaluate the osteoblast differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from rats with T1DM or T2DM and the effects of removing the hyperglycemic stimulus on the osteogenic potential of these cells. MSCs from healthy rats were cultured in normoglycemic medium, whereas MSCs from rats with T1DM or T2DM were cultured in hyperglycemic or normoglycemic medium. T1DM and T2DM reduced osteoblast differentiation of MSCs grown in hyperglycemic media, with T1DM having a more pronounced effect, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase activity, RUNX2 protein expression, and extracellular matrix mineralization, and modulated the gene expression of several components of the bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway. The restoration of the normoglycemic environment partially recovers the osteogenic potential of MSCs from rats with T1DM but not with T2DM. Our findings highlight the need for specific therapies to treat T1DM‐ or T2DM‐induced bone loss, as both disrupt osteoblast differentiation at distinct levels and likely through different mechanisms.