bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Stages by Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Zhu Ruixin , Wang Ran , He Jingjing , Wang Langrun , Chen Huiyu , Niu Xiaokang , Sun You , Guan Yiran , Gong Yifan , Zhang Liwei , An Peng , Li Keji , Ren Fazheng , Xu Weili , Guo Jie
Published: November 2024

Importance

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome—a novel, multistage, multisystem disorder as defined by the American Heart Association—is highly prevalent in the US. However, the prevalence of CKM stages by social determinants of health (SDOH) remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate whether the prevalence of CKM stages varies by SDOH in US adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2018) and included a nationally representative sample of adults aged 30 to 79 years through complex, multistage probability sampling. Data were analyzed from April 1 to June 15, 2024.

Exposures

The exposures included 5 CKM stages (ie, stages 0-4) reflecting progressive pathophysiology, with advanced (stages 3 or 4) and nonadvanced (stages 0, 1, or 2) disease. CKM stages were defined based on risk factors for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease.

Main Outcome and Measures

The main outcome was the age-standardized prevalence of CKM stages and advanced CKM stages across SDOH, including education, marital status, family income, food security, health insurance, employment, home ownership, and health care access.

Results

Among 29 722 participants (weighted mean [SE] age, 50.8 [0.1] years; weighted 50.7% male), the age-standardized prevalence of CKM stages 0 to 4 was 13.6% (95% CI, 13.0%-14.3%), 29.9% (95% CI, 29.1%-30.7%), 43.7% (95% CI, 42.9%-44.5%), 4.7% (95% CI, 4.4%-5.0%), and 8.1% (95% CI, 7.6%-8.5%), respectively. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of CKM stages across all unfavorable SDOH of interest compared with their favorable counterparts, with unemployment (18.8% [95% CI, 17.7%-20.1%] vs 11.4% [95% CI, 11.0%-11.9%]), low family income (16.1% [95% CI, 15.4%-16.8%] vs 10.1% [95% CI, 9.5%-10.7%]), and food insecurity (18.3% [95% CI, 17.1%-19.6%] vs 11.7% [95% CI, 11.2%-12.2%]) associated with an increased likelihood of advanced CKM stages. Participants with 2 or more unfavorable SDOH were more likely to have advanced CKM stages (age-standardized prevalence, 15.8% [95% CI, 15.2%-16.5%] vs 10.5% [95% CI, 9.9%-11.1%] with <2 unfavorable SDOH). Living in a rented home (15.9% [95% CI, 14.7%-17.0%] vs 9.3% [95% CI, 8.7%-9.9%] owning the home) or not living with a partner (13.2% [95% CI, 12.3%-14.3%] vs 9.2% [95% CI, 8.5%-9.8%] living with a partner) increased the likelihood of advanced CKM stages in female but not male participants.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, disparities in the prevalence of CKM stages by SDOH, particularly family income, food security, and employment, with notable sex differences, were observed in US adults. These findings highlight the need to address inequities in CKM syndrome through targeted interventions.
Highly Efficient Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Devices Based on “Cross”‐Shaped Hot Exciton Emitters
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Liu Denghui , Li Deli , Wang Tong , Liu Di , Mu Xilin , Zhang Jiasen , Feng Tingting , Fang Kaibo , Su Shi‐Jian , Zhou Yubo , Wu Siyao , Li Wei , Ge Ziyi
Published: November 2024

The development of blue electroluminescent (EL) materials remains a significant challenge in organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) technology. In this study, a novel design strategy is proposed for blue hot exciton (HE) materials, which involves utilizing a “cross” shaped molecular structure characterized by substantial steric hindrance and a highly twisted conformation. The unique cross‐shaped molecular architecture with distinct “arms” enables flexible control over the excited state properties of the molecule, thereby facilitating precise modulation of high‐lying triplet and low‐lying singlet excited state energy levels. Furthermore, the 3D spatial configuration of the molecule effectively reduces close molecular packing, thereby minimizing the risk of material concentration quenching. The proof‐of‐concept HE emitters CN‐PI and TP‐PI exhibit non‐π‐π stacking configurations in single crystals, achieving high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) values up to 51.3% and 46.5% in non‐doped thin films, respectively, along with rapid radiation decay rates and reasonable distribution of Tm (m ≤ 5) and S1 states. Non‐doped OLEDs incorporating these emitters demonstrate exceptional external quantum efficiencies (EQE), reaching 7.3% and 6.4%, respectively, while exhibiting minimal efficiency roll‐off at high luminance. This research introduces a promising approach for developing high‐performance blue HE emitters.
Facet Engineering Modulates d‐π* Hybridization for Boosting Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Yu Kun , Ji Huichao , Ye Guangli , Fu Liangjie , Dong Xiongbo , Yang Huaming
Published: November 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been growing as an emerging “hot” topic in antimicrobial applications. However, optimizing antimicrobial activity by enhancing ROS generation remains a formidable challenge. Here, using bassanite as a proof of concept, the facet engineering of bassanite matrix can enhance the ROS generation efficiency via tuning the d‐band center of Cu atom is proposed. Theoretical calculation and experimental investigations reveal that the d‐band center of Cu atoms is significantly shifted upward when Cu doped into the (204) facet of bassanite compared to the (400) facet. A higher d‐band center facilitates adsorption and activation between Cu and O2 through the formation of stronger d‐π* orbital hybridization, resulting in increased ROS production. Through engineering, the material exhibits better antimicrobial activity when Cu doped into the (204) facet, which presents a clear potential in construction materials and personal protection. This work shed light on designing new materials with high antimicrobial activity and the application of facet engineering.
Stimuli‐Responsive Optical Materials Based on Hypervalent Antimony‐Containing Conjugated Molecules
Authors: Tanimura Kazuya , Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: November 2024

Stimuli‐responsive materials have been applied for sensor devices because they can transform and amplify various target stimuli into observable signals. Much effort has been devoted to exploring effective molecular designs for obtaining stimuli‐responsive behaviors by taking advantage of the unique optoelectronic properties of π‐conjugated molecules involving various elements. This study focuses on the modulation of the electronic state of the π‐conjugated scaffolds by the oxidation number change of the hypervalent antimony. This study demonstrate that the strength of the intramolecular interaction between hypervalent antimony and the π‐conjugated framework can be tuned with ligand structure, substituent effect, and oxidation number shifts of hypervalent antimony. In particular, the color changes represented by hypsochromic and bathochromic wavelength shifts of optical bands are achieved by the oxidative reaction of hypervalent antimony in the solid state. Significantly, the direction of the color changes can be confidently predicted by quantum chemical calculations. The findings, based on the electronic interaction between π‐conjugated scaffolds and hypervalent main‐group elements, provide logical design strategies for advanced stimuli‐responsive materials.
Closed‐Loop Recyclable and Extrusion Reprocessable Thermosets Enabled by Guanylthiourea Structure
Authors: Yu Zhen , Liu Yanlin , Zhou Xiangyu , Fang Yajin , Tang Zhaobin , Zhu Jin , Zhang Junping
Published: November 2024

Plastic recycling is a critical step toward improving waste management and achieving economic recycling. Here, a thermoset crosslinked by guanythiourea structure (GTUH network) is reported, that addresses the recycling issue of thermosets by serial hybridization of thiourea and guanidine urea. The dual dissociative dynamic exchange reaction of guanamine urea and thiourea, combined with non‐covalent hydrogen bonding interactions, endows the network with rapid relaxation ability. GTUH networks, in particular, can be recycled through continuous extrusion processing due to multiple reversible mechanisms, as opposed to hot pressing alone. Even if reprocessed by hot pressing, only 5 min at 140 °C and 10 MPa are required. The oxidation enhancement mechanism of thiourea contributes to maintaining or even improving the mechanical properties of the recycled network. Moreover, the dynamic reactions of guanythiourea structure allow for closed‐loop chemical recycling of the network. Research into recyclable carbon fiber‐reinforced composites indicates promising potential applications for this material in the circular economy and resources.
Thermoelectric Transport Driven by the Hilbert–Schmidt Distance
Authors: Oh Chang‐geun , Kim Kun Woo , Rhim Jun‐Won
Published: November 2024

The geometric characteristics of Bloch wavefunctions play crucial roles in the properties of electronic transport. Within the Boltzmann equation framework, we demonstrate that the thermoelectric performance of materials is significantly influenced by the Hilbert–Schmidt distance of Bloch wavefunctions. The connection between the distribution of quantum distance on the Fermi surface and the electronic transport scattering rate is established in the presence of magnetic and nonmagnetic impurities. The general formulation is applied to isotropic quadratic band‐touching semimetals, where one can concentrate on the role of quantum geometric effects other than the Berry curvature. It is verified that the thermoelectric power factor can be succinctly expressed in terms of the maximum quantum distance, dmax. Specifically, when dmax reaches one, the power factor doubles compared to the case with trivial geometry (dmax = 0). These findings highlight the significance of quantum geometry in understanding and improving the performance of thermoelectric devices.
Detecting a Stalker: The Effect of Body Posture, Gaze Direction, and Camouflage Pattern on Predator Detection
Authors: de Moraes Pedro Z. , Diniz Pedro , Pessoa Daniel M. A.
Published: November 2024

The success of a predatory attack is related to how much a predator manages to approach a prey without being detected. Some carnivore mammals use environmental objects (e.g., leaves and branches) as visual obstacles during stalking behavior, allowing them to expose only parts of their bodies while approaching and visual monitoring their prey. Here, we investigate the influence of carnivores’ body postures, gaze direction, and camouflage pattern on their detection by prey. To do so, we photographed taxidermized carnivore models (cougar, ocelot, and lesser grison) in their preserved natural habitats and presented these images to human dichromats (i.e., colourblinds) and trichromats (i.e., normal color vision). Our findings highlight the importance of body outline and gaze as search images during predator detection tasks. We also demonstrate that coat and facial color patterns can camouflage predator's body outline and gaze. This is the first behavioral evidence that the facial coloration of natural predators might mask their gaze to potential prey. Furthermore, we observed that carnivore coat color patterns may serve as an additional cue for trichromats, particularly in hidden carnivore detection tasks that proved to be more challenging for dichromats. Our results show possible strategies that evolved between predator and preys, in which prey make use of body outlines, gaze direction, and coat color to improve predator detection, while predators potentially evolved stalking behavior and body/gaze camouflage as counter strategies to cope with the improvements in prey's perception and conceal their presence.
Construction of a Cell Factory for the Targeted and Efficient Production of Phytosterol to Boldenone in Mycobacterium neoaurum
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhu Sifang , Zhu Yi , Sui Xin , Zhou Junping , Liu Zhiqiang , Zheng Yuguo
Published: November 2024

Boldenone (BD), a protein anabolic hormone, is commonly used to treat muscle damage, osteoporosis, and off‐season muscle building in athletes. Traditional BD synthesis methods rely on chemical processes, which are costly and environmentally impactful. Therefore, developing a more sustainable and economical biosynthetic pathway is crucial for BD production. This study aimed to achieve efficient production of BD. Firstly, the catalytic performance of 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3‐ketosteroid‐Δ1‐dehydrogenase was improved through enzyme engineering, and their expression in the new strain of Mycobacterium neoaurum was enhanced using metabolic engineering. These improvements significantly increased BD production to 4.05 g/L, with a significant decrease in by‐product generation. To further increase the yield, a multi‐enzyme fusion expression system was constructed, and a key cell wall gene kasB was knocked out, resulting in a spatial‐time yield of BD reaching 1.02 g/(L·d). Subsequent optimization of the transformation system further increased the BD production to 5.56 g/L, with a spatiotemporal yield of 1.39 g/(L·d). The green biosynthetic route of phytosterol one‐step conversion to BD developed in this study lays the foundation for industrial production.
A Methodological Quality Assessment of Meta‐Analyses on Sleep Disorder Treatments Using AMSTAR 2
Authors: Ho Leonard , Kwok Yan Ling , Chen Xi , Wu Irene X. Y. , Mao Chen , Chung Vincent Chi Ho
Published: November 2024

Background: Meta‐analyses (MAs) provide up‐to‐date, quantified evidence on treatment effects, which may be useful for clinical and policy decision‐making. However, the quality of MAs varies, and methodological flaws can limit their reliability.

Aims: This review evaluated the methodological quality of MAs on sleep disorder treatments.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for eligible MAs on randomized controlled trials of sleep disorder treatments published between 2018 and 2023. We extracted MAs' bibliographical characteristics with a predesigned form and appraised their methodological quality using AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) 2. We explored the associations between bibliographical characteristics and methodological quality ratings using Kruskal–Wallis tests and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.

Results/Outcomes: Among the 104 MAs, the majority (n = 82; 78.9%) had critically low quality, 19 (18.3%) had low quality, and only 3 (2.9%) had high quality. Regarding AMSTAR 2 critical domains, 97 (93.3%) MAs did not provide a list of excluded studies and justify the exclusions, 75 (72.1%) did not use a comprehensive literature search strategy, and 56 (53.9%) lacked a registered protocol and did not justify protocol deviations. Cochrane reviews (p = 0.018), MAs with European corresponding authors (p < 0.001), and MAs receiving European funding (p < 0.001) performed better than their counterparts.

Conclusions/Interpretation: The methodological quality of recent MAs on sleep disorder treatments is unsatisfactory. Future reviewers should address the identified critical methodological issues. In addition, substantial resources and funding should be allocated to support training in evidence synthesis and critical appraisal for researchers and clinicians.
Evaluation of Carotid Stenosis in a High‐Stroke‐Risk Population by Hemodynamic Dual‐Parameters Based on Ultrasound Vector Flow Imaging
Authors: Hong Shaofu , Dong Yinghui , Gao Wenjing , Song Di , Liu Mengmeng , Li Weiyue , Du Yigang , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study explored the feasibility of using high‐frame‐rate ultrasound vector flow imaging (VFI) to quantitatively assess hemodynamics in atherosclerotic internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) by evaluating dual‐parameters, turbulence index (Tur), and wall shear stress (WSS). Their efficacy in evaluating carotid artery stenosis was also analyzed.

Methods

Fifty‐nine patients with ICAS were enrolled. B‐mode ultrasound and V Flow (a high‐frame‐rate VFI) were performed using the Resona R9 system. The stenosis rate was measured in grayscale mode, whereas the time‐averaged Tur index, the time‐averaged WSS (WSSmean), and maximum WSS (WSSmax) around stenosis were measured. The combined diagnostic efficacy of Tur inand WSS was also investigated.

Results

Compared to proximal to stenosis (Tur index, 2.88% ± 3.65%), highly disordered blood flow was observed in the stenotic (23.17% ± 15.52%, p < 0.001) and distal segment (25.86% ± 17.29%, p < 0.001). WSSmax ([11.91 ± 6.73] vs. [4.43 ± 5.4] Pa, p < 0.001) and WSSmean ([3.42 ± 2.67] vs. [0.86 ± 1.21] Pa, p < 0.001) were significantly bigger in stenotic than those in the distal segment. The differences in the ratio WSSmax/Tur or WSSmean/Tur among different segments around stenosis were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The combination of Tur index and WSS had the best diagnostic performance in ICAS (AUC, 0.899).

Conclusion

The application of Tur index and WSS for quantitative assessment of ICAS hemodynamic changes is feasible, with the combined evaluation of these two parameters providing incremental diagnostic value for carotid artery stenosis. VFI‐based dual quantitative parameters may offer promising noninvasive diagnostic tools for carotid artery stenosis in high‐stroke‐risk populations.
Machine Learning Models to Predict Bone Metastasis Risk in Patients With Lung Cancer
Authors: So Kevin Wang Leong , Leung Evan Mang Ching , Ng Tommy , Tsui Rachel , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Choi Siu‐Wai
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to find the most appropriate variables to input into machine learning algorithms to identify those patients with primary lung malignancy with high risk for metastasis to the bone.

Patient Inclusion

Patients with either histological or radiological diagnoses of lung cancer were included in this study.

Results

The patient cohort comprised 1864 patients diagnosed from 2016 to 2021. A total of 25 variables were considered as potential risk factors. These variables have been identified in previous studies as independent risk factors for bone metastasis. Treatment methods for lung cancer were taken into account during model development. The outcome variable was binary, (presence or absence of bone metastasis) with follow‐up until death or 12‐month survival, whichever is the sooner. Results showed that American Joint Committee on Cancer staging, the use of EGFR inhibitor, age, T‐staging, and lymphovascular invasion were the five input features contributing the most to the model algorithm. High AJCC staging (OR 1.98; p < 0.05), the use of EGFR inhibitor (OR 6.14; p < 0.05), high T‐staging (OR 1.47; p < 0.05), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (OR 4.92; p < 0.05) increase predicted risk of bone metastasis. Conversely, older age reduces predicted bone metastasis risk (OR 0.98; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The machine learning model developed in this study can be easily incorporated into the hospital's Clinical Management System so that input variables can be immediately utilized to give an accurate prediction of bone metastatic risk, therefore informing clinicians on the best treatment strategy for that individual patient.
The journey of therapists diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in adolescence
Authors: Yüksel Elif , Çalışkan Esin , Demir Eylül Ceren
Published: November 2024

Background

Although psychotherapists' motivations in choosing the profession have been investigated, there is not enough information in the literature about how personal motivations affect their choice of becoming a psychotherapist. For this reason, this study aimed to reveal the reasons why therapists who received a psychiatric diagnosis during adolescence chose this profession and their relationship with the disease.

Methods

To explore this, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with five female psychotherapists in Turkey who had a psychiatric diagnosis between the ages of 12 and 18 years and had at least a clinical master's degree and practical experience. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used in the research.

Findings

Three superordinate themes and nine subthemes depending on these superordinate themes were created: the first theme, ‘Identity’, has three subthemes; the second theme, ‘Why I chose this profession and what I found’, has five subthemes; and the final theme, ‘Being a diagnostic psychotherapist’, has two subthemes.

Conclusion

This study suggests that incorporating therapists' personal experiences into supervision may contribute to improved professional skills, patient interactions and the overall effectiveness of therapy.
Designer Helical Fibers and Tubes: Self‐assembling Hybrid Peptides via Leu/Ile‐Phe Zipper
Authors: Dutta Souvik , Haridas V.
Published: November 2024

Here, we present a family of simple peptides that show diverse self‐assembling behaviors. We used aliphatic (Leu/Ile) and aromatic (Phe) amino acids to delineate our design. The design consists of phenylene urea at the N‐terminus of the peptide. The urea peptides with sequence Phe‐LeuOMe (1) or Phe‐IleOMe (2) associate to form polygonal peptide tubes via zipper arrangements, supported by microscopic and single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The peptide with Phe placed away from the phenylene urea (3 and 4), showed fibrous assembly. All the peptides showed autofluorescence and red edge excitation behavior upon self‐assembly.
An Interdisciplinary Approach Provides Insights into the Pronounced Selectivity of Compound 42 for DPP9
Authors: Beyens Olivier , Corthaut Sam , Lambeir Anne‐Marie , Van Der Veken Pieter , Sterckx Yann G.‐J. , De Meester Ingrid , De Winter Hans
Published: November 2024

Dipeptidyl peptidase 8 (DPP8) and 9 (DPP9) are proteases gaining significant attention for their role in health and disease. Distinctive studies of these proteases are hampered by their close homology. Furthermore, designing selective compounds is a major challenge due to the highly conserved catalytic site. Here, we provide mechanistic insights underlying the DPP9‐over‐DPP8 selectivity of the semi‐selective inhibitor “Compound 42”. We performed enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the binding pose of “Compound 42”, which enabled the design of various DPP9 mutants that were characterized through a combination of biochemical (Ki determinations) and in silico approaches. Our findings show that DPP9 residue F253 is an important selectivity‐determining factor. This work marks the discovery and validation of a structural feature that can be exploited for the design of DPP8 or DPP9 selective inhibitors.
Small Brains: Body Shape Constrains Tissue Allocation to the Central Nervous System in Ant‐Mimicking Spiders
Authors: Kelly Michael B. J. , Penna‐Gonçalves Vanessa , Willmott Nikolas J. , McLean Donald James , Black Jay R. , Wolff Jonas O. , Herberstein Marie E.
Published: November 2024

In Batesian mimicry, mimetic traits are not always as convincing as predicted by theory—in fact, inaccurate mimicry with only a superficial model resemblance is common and taxonomically widespread. The “selection trade‐offs hypothesis” proposes a life‐history trade‐off between accurate mimetic traits and one or more vital biological functions. Here, using an accurate myrmecomorphic (ant‐mimicking) jumping spider species, Myrmarachne smaragdina, we investigate how myrmecomorphic modifications to the body shape impact the internal anatomy in a way that could be functionally limiting. Specifically, via x‐ray micro‐computed tomography (microCT), we quantify how the spider's constricted prosoma, which emulates the head and thorax of ants, impacts the size of the central nervous system (CNS) and the venom glands. Although, relative to their whole‐body mass, we found no significant difference in venom gland volume, the CNS of the ant‐mimicking jumping spider was significantly smaller when compared with a relatively closely related non‐mimic jumping spider, indicating that some trade‐off between mimic accuracy and size of neural anatomy, as articulated by the “selection trade‐offs hypothesis,” is a possibility. Our explorative evidence enables and encourages broader investigation of how variable mimic accuracy impacts the neuroanatomy in ant mimics as a direct test of the “selection trade‐offs hypothesis.”
Harnessing Deep Eutectic Solvents for Regioselective Polar Additions to α, β Unsaturated Ketones and Aldehydes
Authors: Platten Andrew W. J. , Manasi Iva , Campana Mario , Edler Karen J , Hevia Eva
Published: November 2024

Advancing the use of air‐sensitive polar organometallic Grignard and organolithium reagents under more environmentally benign conditions, here we report the addition of these reagents to α,β‐unsaturated ketones and aldehydes using the deep eutectic solvent (DES) choline chloride (ChCl): glycerol (Gly) (1 : 2), under air. Reactions occur at room temperature within seconds with excellent regioselective control. Furthering understanding of how these C‐C bond forming processes take place in these reaction media, we have explored the surface concentration of the organic substrate (chalcone) in DES using interfacial tension and neutron reflectivity measurements, finding that chalcone is concentrated at the DES‐hydrocarbon interface compared to the bulk concentration, although the interfacial chalcone concentration is still relatively low in this system. The influence of aggregation of the organometallic reagent in the organic solvent employed has also been evaluated, revealing the importance of achieving a balance between activation (via de‐aggregation) and stability (to avoid its decomposition in the DES). This DES approach has been successfully extended to double additions to α,β‐unsaturated esters and for one pot sequential 1,4 and 1,2 additions to ketones, providing a new entry point to a range of tertiary‐alcohols, minimising the use of organic solvents and avoiding intermediate time‐consuming purification steps.
Lignin‐Assisted Photoreactions: Unveiling New Frontiers in Light‐Induced Chemistry
Authors: Guo Hongda , Luo Xiongfei , Wang Luyao , Yang Chenhui , Li Shujun , Liu Shouxin , Li Jian , Chen Zhijun
Published: November 2024

Lignin, the most abundant aromatic biopolymer, is emerging as a mainstay of the upcoming revolution in sustainable materials processing. Despite the inherent challenges associated with the heterogeneous structure of lignin, significant progress has recently been made in developing innovative strategies to valorize this fascinating aromatic biopolymer to deliver industry‐demanded products via photoreactions. The purpose of this concept article is to unravel insights into these creative approaches in lignin‐assisted photoreactions, focusing on photopolymerization to construct functional polymeric materials and photoreduction to provide valuable chemicals, wherein lignin serves as a macromolecular photoinitiator and a reductive photocatalyst, respectively. The existing strategies for improving the photochemical quantum yield of lignin in photopolymerization and harnessing lignin macromolecules as photoresponsive polymers to facilitate electron transfer in photocatalytic reactions are also summarized. In the future, such photochemical lignin valorization concepts could potentially provide new possibilities for achieving a profitable value chain for integrated biorefinery processes.
New Ester‐Containing Azole Derivatives With Potent Anti‐Candida Effects: Synthesis, Antifungal Susceptibility, Cytotoxicity, and Molecular Modeling Studies
Authors: Ataker Yusuf , Öncü Özge , Gülmez Dolunay , Sabuncuoğlu Suna , Arikan‐Akdagli Sevtap , Sari Suat
Published: November 2024

Mortalities due to mycoses have dramatically increased with the emergence of drug‐resistant strains and growing immune‐compromised populations globally. Azole antifungals have been the first choice against fungal infections of a wide spectrum and several azole derivatives with ester function were reported for their potentially promising and favorable activity against Candida spp. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of 1‐(aryl)−2‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl/1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)ethyl esters, and tested them against seven reference Candida strains using EUCAST reference microdilution method. Among the series, 6a, 6d, and 6g proved highly potent in vitro compared to fluconazole; especially against Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis with minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) values as low as 0.125 and 0.06 mg/L, respectively, although their activities against Candida krusei and Candida glabrata remained limited. The compounds also showed minimal toxicity to murine fibroblasts according to the in vitro cytotoxicity tests. Molecular modeling predicted 6g as an orally available druglike compound according to all parameters and CYP51 inhibition as the likely mechanism for their antifungal effects. The study underpins the promise of azoles with ester functionality as a potential scaffold for small‐molecule antifungal drug design.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Physaria on the Kaibab Plateau: Implications for Conservation
Authors: Chong Jer Pin , Minnaert‐Grote Jamie , Zaya David N. , Ashley Mary V. , Coons Janice , Ramp Neale Jennifer M. , Molano‐Flores Brenda
Published: November 2024

Assessing patterns of genetic diversity within and among closely related congeners is important for evaluating the conservation status of rare plant taxa. We used nuclear microsatellite genotyping to examine the genetic relatedness among three Physaria taxa on the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona. Over 100 species of Physaria are recognized, and are widely distributed in Western North America. On the Kaibab Plateau several taxa occur, including Physaria arizonica and two subspecies of P. kingii, P. kingii subsp. latifolia and P. kingii subsp. kaibabensis. The latter subspecies, the Kaibab bladderpod, is rare and endemic to the Kaibab Plateau and is a potential candidate to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Morphological characters, primarily flower color, have been used to distinguish P. kingii subsp. kaibabensis from other subspecies. Here we aim to assess its genetic diversity and differentiation as compared to congeners on and around the Kaibab Plateau. We genotyped DNA obtained from leaf samples from 463 individuals collected from 26 sites representing the three putative taxa (12 P. kingii subsp. kaibabensis, 8 P. kingii subsp. latifolia, and 6 P. arizonica). Our results showed that all samples initially identified as P. kingii subsp. latifolia and P. kingii subsp. kaibabensis on the Kaibab Plateau form a single genetic cluster that is well‐differentiated from P. kingii subsp. latifolia sampled from sites off the plateau or P. arizonica on or off the plateau. For P. kingii on the plateau, our findings do not support the previous subspecies designations based on morphological characters. While additional studies of P. kingii will further resolve taxonomic uncertainties within this species, our findings indicate that the Kaibab Plateau population is genetically diverse and genetically distinct, and federal protection is justified in light of the threats faced on the Kaibab Plateau and its limited range.
Accurate Detection of scutellata‐Hybrids (Africanized Bees) Using a SNP‐Based Diagnostic Assay
Authors: Dogantzis Kathleen A. , Patel Harshilkumar , Rose Stephen , Conflitti Ida M. , Dey Alivia , Tiwari Tanushree , Chapman Nadine C. , Kadri Samir M. , Patch Harland M. , Muli Elliud M. , Alqarni Abdulaziz S. , Allsopp Michael H. , Zayed Amro
Published: November 2024

Hybrid populations of Africanized honey bees (scutellata‐hybrids), notable for their defensive behaviour, have spread rapidly throughout South and North America since their unintentional introduction. Although their migration has slowed, the large‐scale trade and movement of honey bee queens and colonies raise concern over the accidental importation of scutellata‐hybrids to previously unoccupied areas. Therefore, developing an accurate and robust assay to detect scutellata‐hybrids is an important first step toward mitigating risk. Here, we used an extensive population genomic dataset to assess the genomic composition of Apis mellifera native populations and patterns of genetic admixture in North and South American commercial honey bees. We used this dataset to develop a SNP assay, where 80 markers, combined with machine learning classification, can accurately differentiate between scutellata‐hybrids and non‐scutellata‐hybrid commercial colonies. The assay was validated on 1263 individuals from colonies located in Canada, the United States, Australia and Brazil. Notably, we demonstrate that using a reduced SNP set of as few as 10 loci can still provide accurate results.
Seagrass Tolerance to Simulated Herbivory Along a Latitudinal Gradient: Predicting the Potential Effects of Tropicalisation
Authors: Garthwin Ruby G. , Poore Alistair G. B. , Ferretto Giulia , Wright Jeffrey T. , Vergés Adriana
Published: November 2024

The polewards range expansion of tropical herbivorous fish into temperate latitudes is leading to overgrazing of marine habitats and community phase shifts in some regions. Here, we test the potential effects of increased herbivory on the temperate habitat‐forming seagrass Posidonia australis. We used a series of simulated herbivory experiments to predict the potential impacts of climate‐mediated increases in seagrass consumption along P. australis entire latitudinal range (~9° latitude) in eastern Australia (1700 km of coastline). We subjected treatment plots to two levels of simulated herbivory (10% or 80% of leaves clipped) and compared them to unclipped controls. We measured seagrass leaf growth rates and tissue chemical traits: carbohydrates in rhizomes, leaf phenolics, and nutrients (carbon, nitrogen, and C:N ratio) in leaves and rhizomes. At the warmest range‐edge population, we also tested how responses to increased herbivory may vary between summer and winter, or with repeated clipping events. Clipped shoots maintained growth rates similar to unclipped controls despite losing up to 80% of leaf biomass. This was consistent along the full latitudinal range and after repeated simulated herbivory at the northernmost location. One‐off clipping events impacted plant architecture, increasing the number of subdividing shoots. At the species range edge, leaves grew more in winter than in summer, and clipping tended to lower seagrass growth only in winter; however, higher levels of shoot subdivision were produced over summer than in winter. Plant chemical traits could not explain consistently the growth patterns observed despite some traits varying with latitude (e.g., leaf nitrogen content decreased with latitude and C:N ratio increased) and/or simulated herbivory. Synthesis: P. australis growth is not affected by increases in simulated herbivory and may be relatively resilient to future increases in seagrass consumption, suggesting that this species could be a relative ‘winner’ under future climate change conditions that lead to enhanced herbivory.
Transcriptome‐Wide Association Analysis of Flavonoid Biosynthesis Genes and Their Correlation With Leaf Phenotypes in Hawk Tea (Litsea coreana var. sinensis)
Authors: Yang Lan , Li Huie , Xie Na , Yuan Gangyi , Guo Qiqiang
Published: November 2024

Hawk tea (Litsea coreana var. sinensis), derived from the tender shoots or leaves, rich in flavonoids can promote healthcare for humans. The primary flavonoid are kaempferol‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐β‐D‐galactoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, and quercetin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐galactoside. The existence of an association between leaf phenotype and flavonoid content, along with the underlying mechanisms of flavonoid biosynthesis, remains incompletely understood. In this study, 109 samples were analyzed to determine the correlation and genetic variability in leaf phenotype and flavonoid content. Furthermore, a transcriptome‐wide association study identified candidate loci implicated in the biosynthesis of four key flavonoids. The study revealed that genetic variability in leaf traits and flavonoid concentrations is predominantly attributed to interpopulation differences. Flavonoid accumulation was significantly correlated with tree DBH, indicative of age‐related traits. Transcriptome‐wide association analysis identified 84 significant SNPs associated with flavonoid content, with only 13 located within gene regions. The majority of these genes are implicated in metabolic processes and secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Notably, structural genes within these regions are directly involved in pathways known to regulate flavonoid metabolism, exerting a pivotal influence on flavonoid biosynthesis. These results revealed the physiological basis for the regulation of flavonoid content, as well as the molecular mechanisms for the biosynthesis of flavonoids in hawk tea. It also lays theoretical groundwork for subsequent explorations into the genetic determinants influencing flavonoid accumulation of hawk tea.
The governance of the recovery and resilience facility. The incremental innovation of standard conditionality regime
Authors: Fernández‐Pasarín Ana Mar , Lanaia Andrea
Published: November 2024

How can we explain the system of governance underlying the conditionality regime of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)? Two contrasting instruments were adopted by the European Union to deal with the economic impact of the COVID‐19 crisis. The initial adaptation of the intergovernmental European stability mechanism was followed by the RRF, an instrument adopted as an add‐on to the EU budget and combining both supranational delegation and intergovernmental filters. Using the lenses of historical institutionalism, and a coalition‐based explanatory framework, this article examines the impact of past institutionalization patterns on the shift towards the RRF combined model. It argues that space for supranational delegation occurred as the result of the incremental innovation of the standard Community regime at work in EU budget‐related policies.
Optimal Allocation of Depots for Electric Bus Charging: Cost Minimization and Power System Impact Mitigation Using Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming
Authors: Elkholy Sama , Shaaban Mostafa F. , Ali Abdelfatah , Nos Tarnim , Awad Ahmed S. A.
Published: November 2024

This paper proposes a novel approach for the optimal allocation of a depot for electric buses (EBs) charging in a specific transit service, considering the impact on the power system. The main objective is to minimize the total cost, achieved by minimizing the cost of the new cables connecting the depot station to the distribution system and the upgrade cost of existing lines to meet the additional loads. The outcomes are the optimal location of the depot, the optimal electric node bus in the distribution system to supply it, and the required system upgrades. The optimization problem is formulated as a Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model and solved using the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The methodology is tested on the H16 EB service line in Barcelona, Spain, and a typical electrical distribution system. Three case studies are presented in this paper. In the first case, the impact of a single service on the distribution network is analyzed, and in the second case, three H16 EB services are assumed to serve the network. The third case handles a multi‐route, multi‐terminal bus service to allocate and supply a depot capable of accommodating all the routes. This case will also include sensitivity analysis to test the robustness and reliability of the model. Results show that for a single H16 EB service, no line upgrades were needed, and the total cost per phase was $120,000. For three H16 EB services, three lines required upgrades, and the total cost per phase increased to $718,000. In the third case, the sensitivity analysis revealed that higher demand factors lead to increased costs due to more update requirements and voltage deviations. The results demonstrate that the minimum distance between the depot and node is not always the optimal or feasible solution that would prevent the depot load installation at a weak spot and meet the power flow constraints.
Energy Efficiency Improvement on Railway Lines: An Overview
Authors: Aroso Alberto , Bugarín Miguel Rodríguez
Published: November 2024

Greater efficiency in the consumption of energy in the transport sector would mean lower emissions of CO2 and other gases and particles, which contribute to climate change. One of the ways to reduce the impact that the transport sector has on climate change turns out to be the achievement of services with a more efficient consumption of energy per passenger‐km or t‐km transported. Energy consumption has been an ongoing concern in the railway sector practically since its inception. There has always been an interest in finding solutions to reduce it, such as improvements in rolling stock design and the use of regenerative braking which will not be analyzed in this article, and optimal train movement, operation and timetabling, and infrastructure design. This article analyses the existing methodologies that allow the improvement of energy efficiency, and we verified that the developed studies focus more on LRT and Metro systems, and existing infrastructures, namely Urban Rail Transit, characterized by high levels of traffic and energy consumption. However, regarding the analysis of conventional railway infrastructure characteristics and design from an energy efficiency point of view, we found that less has been done relative to strategies to improve energy efficiency.
Design and Simulation of Flat Plate Collector With a Tube Rotation and Phase Change Materials Sn3N4‐LiNO3‐KNO3/Boron‐Arsenide for Enhanced Efficiency
Authors: Shehram Muhammad , Farooq Talha
Published: November 2024

Solar thermal energy is crucial in our transition to renewable energy sources. Recent studies have focused on enhancing the efficiency of solar collectors by minimizing thermal energy loss during absorption. A promising approach involves an innovative design that integrates phase change materials (PCMs) and rotating tubes to capture thermal energy more effectively. Advanced nitride‐based salt hydrates, with boron‐arsenide additives, enhance thermal performance of the collector. In a flat plate collector using composite PCMs, radiative heat loss decreases from 250 to 210 W (a 6% reduction) with tube rotation, while convective heat loss drops from 225 to 195 W (a 4% decrease). The decomposition rate of the novel PCMs is low, measuring only 0.5% at a maximum temperature of 850°C, with a specific heat capacity of up to 4.50 W/m K. This unique blend, including the Sn₃N₄‐LiNO₃‐KNO₃/boron arsenide mixture, enhances thermal conductivity by 30%, significantly improving thermal absorption rates. The exergy efficiency achieved with the Nano‐enhanced phase change materials (NEPCM) and tube rotation reaches an impressive 90%. With tube rotation at 3 rad/min, the flat plate collector's efficiency improves by 22%, reaching an overall efficiency of 90% at a fluid flow rate of 25 kg/h. Simulations using Anaconda Jupyter Notebook and Python validate the effectiveness of both tube rotation and NEPCM in enhancing collector efficiency.
Exploring parents' perceptions of computational thinking and its role in children's television
Authors: Lemley Breniel , Aladé Fashina
Published: November 2024

The rise in children's media use and the prioritization of STEM learning has led to the development of new STEM‐related apps, TV shows, and other media for young children, with several recent examples focused on computational thinking (CT). Learning CT at a young age can be beneficial to children's analytical and problem solving skills. Positive effects of educational media are best realized when the learning is scaffolded by a caregiver, but the ability of parents to scaffold CT lessons is understudied. This study explores parents' perceptions, understanding, and recognition of the CT cues embedded in a new television show for preschoolers. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 30 parents who, together with their children (ages 4–6), viewed two episodes of a new series. Interviews were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis. Most participants had never heard of CT before. When asked to define it, many parents highlighted aspects of CT in their definitions; however, their examples illustrated limited understanding of how CT might be taught to young children. Although some parents had reservations regarding the abstractness and age‐appropriateness of the topic, parents believed CT was an important topic for their children to learn. Research has shown that scaffolding can be beneficial to promoting CT learning in young children. Therefore, for creators of CT‐focused content, it is important that the curricular focus and learning goals are made very clear so that parents and caregivers can scaffold the material in a way that effectively supports their children's learning.
Liposomal Doxorubicin, Vinblastine and Dacarbazine Plus Consolidation Radiotherapy of Residual Nodal Masses for Frontline Treatment in Older Adults With Advanced Stage Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma: Improved Outcome in a Multi‐Center Real‐Life Study
Authors: Picardi M. , Vincenzi A. , Giordano C. , Fazio L. De , Pugliese N. , Scarpa A. , Vigliar E. , Troncone G. , Russo D. , Mascolo M. , Esposito G. , Prastaro M. , Santoro C. , Esposito R. , Tocchetti C. G. , Mainolfi C. , Fonti R. , Vecchio S. Del , Carchia M. , Quagliano C. , Salemme A. , Damiano V. , Bianco R. , Trastulli F. , Ronconi F. , Annunziata M. , Pane F.
Published: November 2024

In elderly patients with high‐risk classic Hodgkin lymphoma (c‐HL), we evaluated the impact of a new modality treatment without bleomycin, that is, liposomal doxorubicin (NPLD)‐based regimen plus consolidation radiotherapy of residual nodal masses (RNMs), on overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). In this retrospective study (2013–2023) conducted in tertiary hospitals in the bay of Naples (Italy), 50 older adults (median age, 69 years; range, 60–89) with advanced stage c‐HL received frontline treatment with MVD ± irradiation. MVD consisted of 25 mg/m2 of NPLD along with standard Vinblastine and Dacarbazine for a total of 6 cycles (twelve iv administrations, every 2 weeks) followed by radiation of RNMs with size ≥ 2.5 cm at computed tomography. Patients underwent MVD with a median dose intensity of 92%. At 2‐deoxy‐2[F‐18] fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET), 90% of patients (45/50 patients; one failed to perform final FDG‐PET due to early death) reached complete responses. Altogether, 17 patients (34%) received consolidation radiotherapy of RNMs with Deauville score ≥ 3. At 5‐year median follow‐up, the OS and PFS of the entire population were 87.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.7–97.4) and 81.6% (95% CI, 71.4–93.2), respectively. Eleven patients (22%) experienced grade ≥ 3 adverse events, and 4 of them required hospitalization. Our data suggest that in older adults with high‐risk c‐HL NPLD‐driven strategy (without bleomycin) plus consolidation radiotherapy (if needed) may be a promising up‐front option, to test in phase II clinical trials for improving survival incidence.