bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis as an initial manifestation of sarcoidosis: A rare case and its management
Authors: Kumar Aman , Bai Rakhi , Sanjna Fnu , Sonam Fnu , Karishma Fnu , Girish Fnu , Ali Muhammad Zia , Singh Binayak , Ahmed Zahoor , Mandal Anjali
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Sarcoidosis‐induced LETM represents a rare but life‐threatening neurological manifestation of sarcoidosis, characterized by spinal cord inflammation, and associated neurological deficits. Sarcoidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of LETM, particularly in patients with no lung involvement. Prompt recognition and management are obligatory to optimize outcomes and prevent long‐term disability.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory granulomatous disorder characterized by the formation of noncaseating granulomas. Although sarcoidosis commonly affects the skin, lymph nodes, and lungs, neurological involvement of sarcoidosis has also been reported. Longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is a rare but well‐documented serious manifestation of neuroscoidosis. We report a case of LETM caused by sarcoidosis in a 53‐year‐old male who presented with progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness, urinary retention, and paresthesia. Laboratory evaluations revealed elevated inflammatory markers. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine showed hyperintense signals consistent with transverse myelitis. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis and elevated protein levels. Chest computed tomography showed hilar lymphadenopathy. A biopsy of the intrathoracic lymph node showed noncaseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis‐induced LETM was made after ruling out all other possible etiologies. His condition improved gradually after starting high‐dose prednisone, mycophenolate, and rehabilitation strategies. Our case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of sarcoidosis‐induced LETM and highlights that sarcoidosis must be included among differential diagnoses of LETM, especially in cases with no lung involvement.
Complete hematologic response in a patient with multiple pretreated angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma after belinostat therapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation: A case report
Authors: De Wilde Sigrid , Graux Carlos
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Belinostat therapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a promising salvage strategy for heavily pretreated patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma.

Effective treatments for peripheral T‐cell lymphoma in the relapsed and refractory (r/r) setting are limited. However, with the development and approval of innovative therapies, effective therapeutic options are becoming available for this patient population. This case report describes the treatment course of a patient with multiple r/r nodal follicular T‐helper cell lymphoma of angioimmunoblastic type. Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor belinostat as bridging, enabled allogeneic stem cell transplantation and resulted in a durable complete hematologic response for at least 21 months post‐transplantation.
Coexistent frontal fibrosing alopecia with ophiasis pattern alopecia areata in a young female: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Babaei Mahsa , Rokni Ghasem Rahmatpour , Montazer Fatemeh , Gholizadeh Nasim
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

This study highlights the possibility of coexistent Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia and ophiasis pattern Alopecia Areata especially in young females which is a rare manifestation. A concomitant shared pathophysiology is suspected to underlie this association.
Exploring the Esterase Catalytic Activity of Minimalist Heptapeptide Amyloid Fibers
Authors: Roldan L. , Rodríguez‐Santiago L. , Didier‐Marechal J. , Sodupe M.
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the esterase activity of minimalist amyloid fibers composed of short seven‐residue peptides, IHIHIHI (IH7) and IHIHIQI (IH7Q), with a particular focus on the role of the sixth residue position within the peptide sequence. Through computational simulations and analyses, we explore the molecular mechanisms underlying catalysis in these amyloid‐based enzymes. Contrary to initial hypotheses, our study reveals that the twist angle of the fiber, and thus the catalytic site's environment, is not notably affected by the sixth residue. Instead, the sixth residue interacts with the p‐nitrophenylacetate (pNPA) substrate, particularly through its −NO2 group, potentially enhancing catalysis. Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) simulations of the reaction mechanism suggest that the polarizing effect of glutamine enhances catalytic activity by forming a stabilizing network of hydrogen bonds with pNPA, leading to lower energy barriers and a more exergonic reaction. Our findings provide valuable insights into the intricate interplay between peptide sequence, structural arrangement, and catalytic function in amyloid‐based enzymes, offering potentially valuable information for the design and optimization of biomimetic catalysts.
Novel Benzothiadiazole‐based Donor‐Acceptor Systems: Synthesis, Ultrafast Charge Transfer and Separation Dynamics
Authors: Das Somnath , Rout Yogajivan , Poddar Madhurima , Alsaleh Ajyal Z. , Misra Rajneesh , D'Souza Francis
Published: July 2024

Near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing electron donor‐acceptor (D−A) chromophores have been at the forefront of current energy research owing to their facile charge transfer (CT) characteristics, which are primitive for photovoltaic applications. Herein, we have designed and developed a new set of benzothiadiazole (BTD)‐based tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD)/dicyanoquinodimethane (DCNQ)‐embedded multimodular D−A systems (BTD1‐BTD6) and investigated their inherent photo‐electro‐chemical responses for the first time having identical and mixed terminal donors of variable donicity. Apart from poor luminescence, the appearance of broad low‐lying optical transitions extendable even in the NIR region (>1000 nm), particularly in the presence of the auxiliary acceptors, are indicative of underlying nonradiative excited state processes leading to robust intramolecular CT and subsequent charge separation (CS) processes in these D−A constructs. While electrochemical studies identify the moieties involved in these photo‐events, orbital delocalization and consequent evidence for the low‐energy CT transitions have been achieved from theoretical calculations. Finally, the spectral and temporal responses of different photoproducts are obtained from femtosecond transient absorption studies, which, coupled with spectroelectrochemical data, identify broad NIR signals as CS states of the compounds. All the systems are found to be susceptible to ultrafast (~ps) CT and CS before carrier recombination to the ground state, which is, however, significantly facilitated after incorporation of the secondary TCBD/DCNQ acceptors, leading to faster and thus efficient CT processes, particularly in polar solvents. These findings, including facile CT/CS and broad and intense panchromatic absorption over a wide window of the electromagnetic spectrum, are likely to expand the horizons of BTD‐based multimodular CT systems to revolutionize the realm of solar energy conversion and associated photonic applications.
Elucidating Mechanism and Selectivity in Pyridine Functionalization Through Silylium Catalysis
Authors: Shen Yanling , Zhang Yan , Zhang Cefei , Li Haoze , Hu Changwei , Yu Zhipeng , Zheng Ke , Su Zhishan
Published: July 2024

The functionalization of aromatic N‐heterocycles through silylium activation demonstrates exceptional selectivity and efficiency. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations unveil the detailed silylium catalysis mechanism and elucidate the origins of selectivity in this reaction. The phosphoramidimidate sulfonamide (PADI) precatalyst orchestrates of the catalytic cycle via three elementary steps. The Brønsted acidity of precatalyst significantly influences both the formation of silylium‐based Lewis acid active species and the silylium activation of pyridine. Unlike disulfonimide (DSI)‐type precatalysts, both Tf2NH and PADI precatalysts with strong acidities can easily promote the generation of activated silylium pyridine species. A semi‐enclosed ′rigid’ electronegative cavity in PADI‐type anions constructs a well‐defined recognition site, facilitating engagement with the positively charged silylium pyridine species. Due to the high electrophilicity and less steric demand at the C4‐position of the pyridine substrate, the product with C4‐regioselectivity was predominantly generated.
Anions as Lewis Acids in Noncovalent Bonds
Authors: Scheiner Steve
Published: July 2024

The ability of an anion to serve as electron‐accepting Lewis acid in a noncovalent bond is assessed via DFT calculations. NH3 is taken as the common base, and is paired with a host of ACln− anions, with central atom A=Ca, Sr, Mg, Te, Sb, Hg, Zn, Ag, Ga, Ti, Sn, I, and B. Each anion reacts through its σ or π‐hole although the electrostatic potential of this hole is quite negative in most cases. Despite the contact between this negative hole and the negative region of the approaching nucleophile, the electrostatic component of the interaction energy of each bond is highly favorable, and accounts for more than half of the total attractive energy. The double negative charge of dianions precludes a stable complex with NH3.
Carbon Management – From Vision to Industrial Application
Authors: Müller Torsten
Published: July 2024

Carbon is a key element in industrial production, but CO2 is also a greenhouse gas whose release into the atmosphere must be avoided. If its generation cannot be avoided for process‐related reasons, then a comprehensive carbon management is required to enable climate‐neutral production in industry. In the Carbon2Chem® project, partners from industry and science are successfully researching technical components that enable the implementation of concepts for CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) as part of carbon management.
Risk assessment of gas pipeline using an integrated Bayesian belief network and GIS: Using Bayesian neural networks for external pitting corrosion modelling
Authors: Woldesellasse Haile , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: July 2024

Corrosion poses a great risk to the integrity of oil and gas pipelines, leading to substantial investments in corrosion control and management. Several studies have been conducted on accurately estimating the maximum pitting depth in oil and gas pipelines using available field data. Some of the frequently employed machine learning techniques include artificial neural networks, random forests, fuzzy logic, Bayesian belief networks, and support vector machines. Despite the ability of machine learning methods to address a variety of problems, traditional machine learning methods have evident limitations, such as overfitting, which can diminish the model's generalization capabilities. Additionally, traditional machine learning models that provide point estimations are incapable of addressing uncertainties. In the current study, a Bayesian neural network is proposed to include uncertainty in estimating the corrosion defect of a pipeline exposed to external pitting corrosion. The results are then incorporated into a Bayesian belief network for evaluating the probability of failure and its corresponding consequences in terms of social impact, thus forming a comprehensive risk assessment framework. The results of the Bayesian neural network are validated using field data and achieved a testing accuracy of 90%. The framework of the study offers a powerful decision‐making tool for the integrity management of pipelines against external corrosion.
Peptide Nucleic Acids: From Origami to Editing
Authors: Carson Liam M. , Watson Emma E.
Published: July 2024

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) combine the programmability of native nucleic acids with the robustness and ease of synthesis of a peptide backbone. These designer biomolecules have demonstrated tremendous utility across a broad range of applications, from the formation of bespoke biosupramolecular architectures to biosensing and gene regulation. Herein, we explore some of the key developments in the application of PNA in chemical biology and biotechnology in the last 5 years and present anticipated key areas of future development.
Thermodynamic Reaction Study of Conversion of H2S and CO2 and the Promoting Effect of Light on the Reaction
Authors: Duan Yuangang , Yu Shan , He Zhen , Huang Jingyuan , Wang Fushen , Fu Mengyao , Huang Zeai , Zhou Ying
Published: July 2024

H2S and CO2 are common coexisted gases widely existing in natural gas resources, and they need to be treated harmlessly. The traditional Claus treatment process only focuses on H2S treatment but ignores CO2. This article systematically conducted theoretical thermodynamic research on the thermocatalytic conversion of H2S and CO2. It was found that increasing the reaction temperature and H2S ratio would have a positive impact on the reaction, while increasing the pressure would lead to a decrease in the conversion rate of reactants and product yield, and introducing COS into the feed gas could have a promoting effect on the reaction. Furthermore, 5 %Mo/Al2O3 catalyst was used to preliminarily explore the thermal and photothermal catalysis for H2S and CO2 conversion. The results showed that the photothermal catalysis significantly promoted the production of syngas (H2 and CO), and suppressed COS production in contrast to thermal catalysis. This indicates that the introduction of light could effectively convert H2S and CO2 into high‐value product syngas, providing important reference value for further research on the conversion of H2S and CO2.
C−H Functionalization of Heteroarenes via Electron Donor‐Acceptor Complex Photoactivation
Authors: Mondal Madhusudan , Ghosh Sumit , Lai Dipti , Hajra Alakananda
Published: July 2024

C−H Functionalization of heteroarenes stands as a potent instrument in organic synthesis, and with the incorporation of visible light, it emerged as a transformative game‐changer. In this domain, electron donor‐acceptor (EDA) complex, formed through the pairing of an electron‐rich substrate with an electron‐accepting molecule, has garnered substantial consideration in recent years due to the related avoidance of the requirement of photocatalyst as well as oxidant. EDA complexes can undergo photoactivation under mild conditions and exhibit high functional group tolerance, making them potentially suitable for the functionalization of biologically relevant heteroarenes. This review article provides an overview of recent advancements in the field of C−H functionalization of heteroarenes via EDA complex photoactivation with literature coverage up to April, 2024.
Development and analysis of small Multi Input Multi Output antenna with better isolation for Frequency Range‐2 5th Generation band applications
Authors: Raj Tej , Mishra Ranjan , Kapoor Ankush , Bhunia Sunandan , Kundu Surajit
Published: July 2024

A simple planar wideband four‐port MIMO antenna of size 2.75𝜆l × 2.75𝜆l × 0.04𝜆l (𝜆l is the wavelength when fl is 24.26 GHz) with high isolation that offers the 24.26 to 30.2 GHz bandwidth covering the 5G FR‐2 spectrums is proposed in this work. Total fractional bandwidth of 21.8% has been achieved that covers the n257 (26.5 to 29.5 GHz), n258 (24.25 to 27.5 GHz), and n261 (27.5 to 28.35 GHz) 5G spectrums. Popular rectangular radiator‐based 4‐port MIMO antenna with symmetric stubs loaded parallel to feed line and tapered semi‐circular cut in the lower corners of patch is incorporated that exhibits an excellent isolation that is below −27 dB through the entire spectrum and the extreme realized separation is −40 dB. The projected MIMO radiator is premeditated on RT/duroid 5880 of 0.508 mm depth and permittivity (εr) of 2.2. The maximum radiation efficiency and gain of the proposed antenna are 93.07% and 6.48 dBi, respectively. The MIMO antenna parameters such as envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) were achieved lesser than 0.003, diversity gain (DG) was achieved around 10 dB, channel capacity loss (CCL) was achieved lower than 0.15 bits/s/Hz, and mean effective gain (MEG) was achieved between −3.6 dB and −3 dB throughout the impedance band, which exhibit the excellent MIMO properties, and thus, the projected antenna is appropriate for 5G/beyond 5G wireless technologies.
Delimiting species, revealing cryptic diversity, and population divergence in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau weevils through DNA barcoding
Authors: Ren Jinliang , Ren Li , Zhang Runzhi
Published: July 2024

The Leptomias group represents one of the most diverse taxonomic group of weevils in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and its adjacent areas. Despite the potential of hidden diversity, relatively few comprehensive studies have been conducted on species diversity in this taxonomic group. In this study, we performed DNA barcoding analysis for species of the Leptomias group using a comprehensive DNA barcode dataset that included 476 sequences representing 54 morphospecies. Within the dataset, our laboratory contributed 474 sequences, and 390 sequences were newly generated for this study. The average Kimura 2‐parameter distances among morphospecies and genera were 0.76% and 19.15%, respectively. In 94.4% of the species, the minimum interspecific distances exceeded the maximum intraspecific distances, indicating the presence of barcode gaps in most species of Leptomias group. The application of Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning, Barcode Index Number, Bayesian Poisson tree processes, jMOTU, and Neighbor‐joining tree methods revealed 45, 45, 63, 54, and 55 distinct clusters representing single species, respectively. Additionally, a total of four morphospecies, Leptomias kangmarensis, L. midlineatus, L. siahus, and L. sp.9RL, were found to be assigned to multiple subclade each, indicating the geographical divergences and the presence of cryptic diversity. Our findings of this study demonstrate that Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau exhibits a higher species diversity of the Leptomias group, and it is imperative to investigate cryptic species within certain morphospecies using integrative taxonomic approaches in future studies. Moreover, the construction of a DNA barcode reference library presented herein establishes a robust foundational dataset to support forthcoming research on weevil taxonomy, phylogenetics, ecology, and evolution.
Species identification of livefood flightless fly (Torinido‐shoujoubae) through DNA barcoding
Authors: Nakagawa Koh , Ogino Kaoru , Katoh Takehiro K. , Kono Nobuaki
Published: July 2024

Torinido‐shoujoubae, as it is called in Japanese, is a flightless Drosophila sp. that is sold commercially in Japan. This Drosophila sp. is often used as feeds for model organisms such as reptiles and spiders. There is no scientific name provided for the fruit fly that is known as Torinido‐shoujoubae, as well as any historical background or data behind this species. There has been a previous study that was conducted through morphological characteristics analysis of the body as well as the male copulatory organ and has been estimated as Drosophila hydei. The objective of this study was to determine the species of this unidentified fly known as Torinido‐shoujoubae based on a molecular evidence with a DNA barcoding. Samples were purchased from four separate suppliers to examine whether there are any differences between them. COI regions were amplified using PCR and the sequenced results were aligned against two databases, NCBI and BOLD. Torinido‐shoujoubae samples provided from all suppliers were confirmed to be D. hydei.
Phylogenetic indices and temporal and spatial scales shape the neighborhood effect on seedling survival in a mid‐mountain moist evergreen broad‐leaved forest, Gaoligong Mountains, Southwestern China
Authors: Wang Liping , Wu Junjie , Chai Yong , Sun Jiwen , Yu Xiaoli , Feng Zhe , Chen Fengxian
Published: July 2024

Density dependence and habitat filtering have been proposed to aid in understanding community assembly and species coexistence. Phylogenetic relatedness between neighbors was used as a proxy for assessing the degree of ecological similarity among species. There are different conclusions regarding the neighborhood effect in previous studies with different phylogenetic indices or at different spatiotemporal scales. However, the effects of density dependence, neighbor phylogenetic relatedness, and habitat filtering on seedling survival with different phylogenetic indices or at different temporal and spatial scales are poorly understood. We monitored 916 seedlings representing 56 woody plant species within a 4‐ha forest dynamics plot for 4 years (from 2020 to 2023) in a subtropical mid‐mountain moist evergreen broad‐leaved forest in the Gaoligong Mountains, Southwestern China. Using generalized linear mixed models, we tested whether and how four phylogenetic indices: total phylogenetic distance (TOTPd), average phylogenetic distance (AVEPd), relative average phylogenetic distance (APd′), and relative nearest taxon phylogenetic distance (NTPd′), three temporals (1, 2, and 3 years), and spatial scales (1, 2, and 4 ha) affect the effect of density dependence, phylogenetic density dependence, and habitat filtering on seedling survival. We found evidence of the effect of phylogenetic density dependence in the 4‐ha forest dynamics plot. The effects of density dependence, phylogenetic density dependence, and habitat filtering on seedling survival were influenced by phylogenetic indices and temporal and spatial scales. The effects of phylogenetic density dependence and habitat filtering on seedling survival were more conspicuous only at 1‐year intervals, compared with those at 2‐ and 3‐year intervals. We did not detect any effects of neighborhood or habitat factors on seedling survival at small scales (1 and 2 ha), although these effects were more evident at the largest spatial scale (4 ha). These findings highlight that the effects of local neighborhoods and habitats on seedling survival are affected by phylogenetic indices as well as temporal and spatial scales. Our study suggested that phylogenetic index APd′, shortest time scale (1 year), and largest spatial scales (4 ha) were suitable for neighborhood studies in a mid‐mountain moist evergreen broad‐leaved forest in Gaoligong Mountains. Phylogenetic indices and spatiotemporal scales have important impacts on the results of the neighborhood studies.
TGF‐β1 impairs IgA class switch recombination and production in porcine Peyer's patches B cells
Authors: Wang Caiying , Zhang Yue , Lu Yabin , Huang Xin , Jiang Huazheng , Chen Guohui , Shao Yongheng , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , Jansen Christine A. , Liu Guangliang
Published: July 2024

Secretory IgA is crucial for preventing the invasion of entero‐pathogens via intestinal mucosa. While it is well‐established that Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) regulates IgA production in human and mouse B cells, our previous investigation revealed different functions of TGF‐β1 in IgA generation in pigs compared with humans and mice, with the underlying mechanism remaining elusive. In this study, IgM+ B cells from porcine Peyer's patches (PPs) were isolated and stimulated with recombinant porcine TGF‐β1 to evaluate the effect of TGF‐β1 on pigs. The results showed that antibody production from B cells of PPs was impaired by TGF‐β1 ex vivo. Furthermore, TGF‐β1 treatment led to a decrease in the expression of germ‐line transcript αand postswitch transcript α. Moreover, we observed that TGF‐β1 predominantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38‐mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK), confirming the involvement of the p38‐MAPK pathway in porcine IgA generation and IgA class switch recombination. The application of p38‐MAPK inhibitor resulted in decreased B‐cell differentiation levels. Collectively, this study demonstrates that exogenous TGF‐β1 restrains the production and class switch recombination of IgA antibodies by inhibiting p38‐MAPK signaling in porcine PPs B cells, which may constitute a component of TGF‐β1‐mediated inhibition of B‐cell activation.
Possibility of using the imaged capillary isoelectric method as a multi‐attribute method for bispecific antibodies
Authors: Wu Gang , Du Jialiang , Xu Gangling , Li Meng , Yu Chuanfei
Published: July 2024

An imaged capillary isoelectric focusing (icIEF)‐based method was developed and validated as a multi‐attribute method for a bispecific antibody (BsAb). First, as the traditional application of the icIEF method, it serves as an identity assay and purity assay for the BsAb. Second, the method can also be used as an impurity assay for the homodimer monoclonal antibodies generated during BsAb assembly. The homodimer impurity analysis for BsAb is usually done by hydrophobic interaction chromatography methods in the industry. The icIEF method has good sensitivity (down to 4 µg/mL in a limit of quantitation) when UV fluorescence detection is used, which detects the native fluorescence of proteins. This is the first report that an icIEF method has been applied as impurity assay.
Amorphous carbon intercalated MoS2 nanosheets embedded on reduced graphene oxide for excellent high‐rate and ultralong cycling sodium storage
Authors: Xu Jun , Jiang Junbao , Cao Shoufu , Li Suwan , Ma Yuanming , Chen Junwei , Zhang Yan , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: July 2024

MoS2 as a typical layered transition metal dichalcogenide (LTMD) has attracted considerable attention to work as sodium host materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, it suffers from low semiconducting behavior and high Na+ diffusion barriers. Herein, intercalation of N‐doped amorphous carbon (NAC) into each interlayer of the tiny MoS2 nanosheets embedded on rGO conductive network is achieved, resulting in formation of rGO@MoS2/NAC hierarchy with interoverlapped MoS2/NAC superlattices for high‐performance SIBs. Attributed to intercalation of NAC, the resulting MoS2/NAC superlattices with wide MoS2 interlayer of 1.02 nm facilitates rapid Na+ insertion/extraction and accelerates reaction kinetics. Theoretical calculations uncover that the MoS2/NAC superlattices are beneficial for enhanced electron transport, decreased Na+ diffusion barrier and improved Na+ adsorption energy. The rGO@MoS2/NAC anode presents significantly improved high‐rate capabilities of 228, 207, and 166 mAh g−1 at 20, 30, and 50 A g−1, respectively, compared with two control samples of pristine MoS2 and MoS2/NAC counterparts. Excellent long‐term cyclability over 10 000 cycles with extremely low capacity decay is demonstrated at high current densities of 20 and 50 A g−1. Sodium‐ion full cells based on the rGO@MoS2/NAC anode are also demonstrated, yielding decent cycling stability of 200 cycles at 5C. Our work provides a novel interlayer strategy to regulate electron/Na+ transport for fast‐charging SIBs.

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Numerical investigation of combustion characteristics of extended coherent flame model 3 zones (ECFM‐3Z) in diesel engines running with biodiesel
Authors: Özbilen Şeyma Karahan , Kaleli Emrullah Hakan , Aydar Emir
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the application of Extended Coherent Flame Model‐3 Zones (ECFM‐3Z) to assess the performance and emissions of rapeseed oil methyl ester (ROME). Experimental tests were carried out using a Lombardini 3 LD 350 model single‐cylinder diesel engine, at 1600–3000 rpm with 200 rpm speed increments, under full load conditions. For numerical analysis, STAR‐CD/ESICE software was employed. Methyl Oleate (C19H36O2) was predicted as the surrogate biodiesel based on Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis and average mass calculation. Notably, the numerical analysis revealed a remarkable similarity in brake power between the experimental and computational investigations. In the range of 2400–3000 rpm, the biodiesel's performance exhibited a maximum deviation of 5%, primarily attributed to pumping, thermal, and friction losses. In terms of emissions, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were consistent with the findings of the experimental study, with a maximum disparity of 10%. However, carbon monoxide (CO) emissions ranged from 57% to 65% lower than those observed in the experimental study, while nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions exhibited a reduction of 63% to 84%. In contrast, oxygen (O2) emissions were notably higher, ranging from 93% to 117% compared to the experimental study, and exhaust temperatures were elevated by 33% to 49% in comparison to the experimental results.
Gender promotion gaps across business units in a multiunit organization: Supply‐ and demand‐side drivers
Authors: Hamori Monika , Monneuse Denis , Yan Zhaoyi
Published: July 2024

Drawing on gender role and gender queuing theories, we employ a multi‐stage process model to investigate demand‐ and supply‐side drivers of gender promotion gaps and to explore variations in these gaps across different business units within an organization. Analyzing 9 years of personnel records from a multiunit European bank, we find that the gender promotion gap is influenced by both supply‐side and demand‐side factors. Specifically, women are less likely than men to express a motivation to change to a new job or move to a different unit within the bank. Those who do express such motivation are as likely as men to be reassigned to new roles, but their moves are less likely to constitute promotions than are men's moves. Furthermore, gender promotion gaps vary significantly within the organization itself. Business units with the most significant gaps are in regions that have fewer available organizational positions to move into, diminishing women's motivation to seek such moves, and have jobs with numerous incumbents, decreasing women's chances to get a new job or secure a promotion upon doing so. This study extends gender role theory by creating a unified theoretical model that incorporates both employee and employer gender role perceptions as drivers of promotions. It contributes to gender queuing theory by demonstrating the theory's relevance to promotion outcomes.
Influence of adjuvant therapies on organ‐specific recurrence of cutaneous melanoma: A multicenter study on 1383 patients of the prospective DeCOG registry ADOReg
Authors: Wohlfeil Sebastian A. , Kranzmann Leonie , Weiß Christel , von Wasielewski Imke , Klespe Kai C. , Kähler Katharina C. , Weichenthal Michael , Schadendorf Dirk , Zimmer Lisa , Mohr Peter , Meier Friedegund , Pfoehler Claudia , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus V. , Herbst Rudolf , Kreuter Alexander , Gutzmer Ralf , Ulrich Jens , Meiss Frank , Gebhardt Christoffer , Dippel Edgar , Leiter Ulrike , Schilling Bastian , Ugurel Selma , Utikal Jochen
Published: July 2024

This study investigated whether adjuvant treatments in stage III cutaneous melanoma (CM) influenced patterns of recurrence. Patients with primary (n = 1033) or relapsed CM (n = 350) who received adjuvant therapies with Nivolumab (N), Pembrolizumab (P), or Dabrafenib and Trametinib (D + T) were extracted from the prospective multicenter real‐world skin cancer registry ADOReg. Endpoints were progression‐free survival (PFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS), organ‐specific DMFS, and overall survival (OS). For primary cases, D + T indicated an improved PFS (1‐ and 2‐year PFS: 90.9%; 82.7%) as compared to P (81.0%, 73.9%; p = .0208), or N (83.8%, 75.2%; p = .0539). BRAF‐mutated(mut) CM demonstrated significantly lower PFS (p = .0022) and decreased DMFS (p = .0580) when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) instead of D + T. Besides, NRAS‐mut CM tended to perform worse than wt CM upon ICI (PFS: p = .1349; DMFS: p = .0540). OS was similar between the groups. Relapsed cases showed decreased PFS, DMFS, and OS in comparison to primary (all: p < .001), without significant differences between the subgroups. Organ‐specific DMFS was significantly altered for primary cases with bone (p = .0367) or brain metastases (p = .0202). In relapsed CM, the frequency of liver (D + T: 1.5%; P: 12%; N: 9%) and LN metastases (D + T: 1.5%; P: 12%; N: 10.2%) was significantly lower with adjuvant D + T than ICI. NRAS‐mut CM showed increased recurrence in primary and relapsed cases. These data show that adjuvant D + T is superior to ICI in primary BRAF‐mut CM.
Over 500°C stable transparent conductive oxide for optoelectronics
Authors: Li Peng , Li Fangchao , Ma Jiani , Lin Dong , Ma Jiangang , Ding Lizhi , Guo Junjun , Cao Xingzhong , Shi Junwei , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: July 2024

High‐temperature stable transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are highly desirable in optoelectronics but are rarely achieved due to the defect generation that is inevitable during high‐temperature air annealing. This work reports unprecedented stability in aluminum and fluorine co‐doped ZnO (AFZO) films prepared by pulse laser deposition. The AFZO can retain a mobility of 60 cm2 V−1 s−1, an electron concentration of 4.5 × 1020 cm−3, and a visible transmittance of 91% after air‐annealing at 600°C. Comprehensive defect characterization and first principles calculations have revealed that the offset of substitutional aluminum by zinc vacancy is responsible for the instability observed in aluminum‐doped ZnO, and the pairing between fluorine substitution and zinc vacancy ensures the high‐temperature stability of AFZO. The utility of AFZO in enabling the epitaxial growth of (AlxGa1−x)2O3 film within a high‐temperature, oxygen‐rich environment is demonstrated, facilitating the development of a self‐powered solar‐blind ultraviolet Schottky photodiode. Furthermore, the high‐mobility AFZO transparent electrode enables perovskite solar cells to achieve improved power conversion efficiency by balancing the electron concentration‐dependent conductivity and transmittance. These findings settle the long‐standing controversy surrounding the instability in TCOs and open up exciting prospects for the advancement of optoelectronics.

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Abnormal behavior monitoring enhanced smart university stadium under the background of “Internet plus”
Authors: Li Yan , Meng Xiao , Zhang Xiaochen
Published: July 2024

With the rapid development of the Internet of Things and 5G technology, smart university gymnasiums have become more and more important. However, it has become increasingly difficult for university gymnasium management, especially to detect abnormal behavior with dense crowds under limited venue space. To handle this issue, this paper designs an Artificial Intelligence Internet of Things (AIoT) abnormal behavior detection system which consists of the 5G camera, 5G transmission network and cloud platform. The 5G camera captures and transmits the video to the cloud platform by exploiting the 5G wireless sensor network. In the cloud platform, a hybrid variational autoencoder backbone which exploits the pre‐trained VGG16 and Transformer model is deployed to detect abnormal behaviors. Moreover, by introducing adversarial training mechanisms, the robustness of the proposed model is effectively improved. The experimental results on our self‐built gymnasium abnormal behavior dataset show that the proposed model can correctly identify most of the abnormal behaviors in the gymnasium compared to other models.
KLF13 restrains Dll4‐muscular Notch2 axis to improve the muscle atrophy
Authors: Yang Shu , Xiong Lijiao , Yang Guangyan , Xiang Jiaqing , Li Lixing , Kang Lin , Liang Zhen
Published: July 2024

Background

Muscle atrophy can cause muscle dysfunction and weakness. Krüppel‐like factor 13 (KLF13), a central regulator of cellular energy metabolism, is highly expressed in skeletal muscles and implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. This study investigated the role of KLF13 in muscle atrophy, which could be a novel therapeutic target.

Methods

The effects of gene knockdown and pharmacological targeting of KLF13 on skeletal muscle atrophy were investigated using cell‐based and animal models. Clofoctol, an antibiotic and KLF13 agonist, was also investigated as a candidate for repurposing. The mechanisms related to skeletal muscle atrophy were assessed by measuring the expression levels and activation statuses of key regulatory pathways and validated using gene knockdown and RNA sequencing.

Results

In a dexamethasone‐induced muscle atrophy mouse model, the KLF13 knockout group had decreased muscle strength (N) (1.77 ± 0.10 vs. 1.48 ± 0.16, P < 0.01), muscle weight (%) [gastrocnemius (Gas): 76.0 ± 5.69 vs. 60.7 ± 7.23, P < 0.001; tibialis anterior (TA): 75.8 ± 6.21 vs. 67.5 ± 5.01, P < 0.05], and exhaustive running distance (m) (495.5 ± 64.8 vs. 315.5 ± 60.9, P < 0.05) compared with the control group. KLF13 overexpression preserved muscle mass (Gas: 100 ± 6.38 vs. 120 ± 14.4, P < 0.01) and the exhaustive running distance (423.8 ± 59.04 vs. 530.2 ± 77.45, P < 0.05) in an in vivo diabetes‐induced skeletal muscle atrophy model. Clofoctol treatment protected against dexamethasone‐induced muscle atrophy. Myotubes treated with dexamethasone, an atrophy‐inducing glucocorticoid, were aggravated by KLF13 knockout, but anti‐atrophic effects were achieved by inducing KLF13 overexpression. We performed a transcriptome analysis and luciferase reporter assays to further explore this mechanism, finding that delta‐like 4 (Dll4) was a novel target gene of KLF13. The KLF13 transcript repressed Dll4, inhibiting the Dll4‐Notch2 axis and preventing muscle atrophy. Dexamethasone inhibited KLF13 expression by inhibiting myogenic differentiation 1 (i.e., MYOD1)‐mediated KLF13 transcriptional activation and promoting F‐Box and WD repeat domain containing 7 (i.e., FBXW7)‐mediated KLF13 ubiquitination.

Conclusions

This study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle atrophy and potential drug targets. KLF13 regulates muscle atrophy and is a potential therapeutic target. Clofoctol is an attractive compound for repurposing studies to treat skeletal muscle atrophy.
Artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, and dental education: Implications for reflective assignments and qualitative research
Authors: Brondani Mario , Alves Claudia , Ribeiro Cecilia , Braga Mariana M , Garcia Renata C Mathes , Ardenghi Thiago , Pattanaporn Komkham
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Reflections enable students to gain additional value from a given experience. The use of Chat Generative Pre‐training Transformer (ChatGPT, OpenAI Incorporated) has gained momentum, but its impact on dental education is understudied.

Objectives

To assess whether or not university instructors can differentiate reflections generated by ChatGPT from those generated by students, and to assess whether or not the content of a thematic analysis generated by ChatGPT differs from that generated by qualitative researchers on the same reflections.

Methods

Hardcopies of 20 reflections (10 generated by undergraduate dental students and 10 generated by ChatGPT) were distributed to three instructors who had at least 5 years of teaching experience. Instructors were asked to assign either ‘ChatGPT’ or ‘student’ to each reflection. Ten of these reflections (five generated by undergraduate dental students and five generated by ChatGPT) were randomly selected and distributed to two qualitative researchers who were asked to perform a brief thematic analysis with codes and themes. The same ten reflections were also thematically analyzed by ChatGPT.

Results

The three instructors correctly determined whether the reflections were student or ChatGPT generated 85% of the time. Most disagreements (40%) happened with the reflections generated by ChatGPT, as the instructors thought to be generated by students. The thematic analyses did not differ substantially when comparing the codes and themes produced by the two researchers with those generated by ChatGPT.

Conclusions

Instructors could differentiate between reflections generated by ChatGPT or by students most of the time. The overall content of a thematic analysis generated by the artificial intelligence program ChatGPT did not differ from that generated by qualitative researchers. Overall, the promising applications of ChatGPT will likely generate a paradigm shift in (dental) health education, research, and practice.
Co‐delivery of oncolytic virus and chemotherapeutic modality: Vincristine against prostate cancer treatment: A potent viro‐chemotherapeutic approach
Authors: Anjum Sadia , Naseer Faiza , Ahmad Tahir , Liaquat Afrose , Abduh Maisa S. , Kousar Kousain
Published: July 2024

Prostate cancer is a prevalent carcinoma among males, and conventional treatment options are often limited. Cytotoxic chemotherapy, despite its drawbacks, remains a mainstay. We propose a targeted co‐delivery approach using nanoscale delivery units for Oncolytic measles virus (OMV) and vincristine (VC) to enhance treatment efficacy. The HA‐coated OMV + VC‐loaded TCs nanoformulation is designed for targeted oncolytic activity in prostate cancer. The CD44 expression analysis in prostate cancer cell lines indicates a significantly high expression in PC3 cells. The optimization of nanoformulations using Design of Expert (DOE) is performed, and the preparation and characterization of HA‐coated OMV + VC‐loaded TCs nanoformulations are detailed showing average particle size 397.2 ± 0.01 nm and polydispersity index 0.122 with zeta potential 19.7 + 0.01 mV. Results demonstrate successful encapsulation efficiency with 2.4 × 106 TCID50/Ml and sustained release of OMV and VC from the nanoformulation for up to 72 h. In vitro, assays reveal potent anticancer activity at 10 ± 0.71% cell viability in PC3 cells compared to 73 ± 0.66% in HPrEC and significant morphological changes at 90 µg/ml in dose and time‐dependent manner. The co‐formulation showed positive cell death 49.5 ± 0.02% at 50 µg PI/ml in PBS and 54.3% cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, 8.1% G0/G1 and 5.7% at S phase, with significant mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) at 50 µg/ml, as assessed by flow cytometry (FACS). The surface‐integrating ligand approach enhances the targeted delivery of the oncolytic virus and chemotherapeutic drug, presenting a potential alternative for prostate cancer treatment and suggested that co‐administering VC and OMV in a nanoformulation could improve therapeutic outcomes while reducing chemotherapeutic drug doses.
Effect of N‐acetyl cysteine in children with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease—A pilot study
Authors: Babu Balagopal P. , Kohli Rohit , Uppal Vikas , Averill Lauren , Shah Chetan , McGoogan Katherine , Di Guglielmo Matthew , Goran Michael , Hossain Md Jobayer
Published: July 2024

Background

Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its sequelae of more severe forms such as metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is rapidly increasing in children with the rise in obesity. Successful and sustainable treatments for MASLD are lacking in children. We determined the therapeutic effect of N‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) on biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance (IR), liver enzymes, liver fat fraction (LFF) and liver stiffness (LS) in children with obesity and biopsy‐confirmed MASLD.

Methods

Thirteen children (n = 13; age: 13.6 ± 2.8 years; NAS score >2) underwent a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of NAC (either 600 or 1200 mg NAC/day) or placebo for 16 weeks. Measurements included LFF (magnetic resonance imaging), LS (ultrasound elastography), and body composition. Erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), liver enzymes, insulin, glucose, adiponectin, high‐sensitivity c‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were also measured. homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) was calculated.

Results

Sixteen‐week NAC treatment improved (baseline adjusted between‐group p < .05 for all) markers of inflammation (IL‐6 and hs‐CRP), oxidative stress (GSH), and IR (HOMA‐IR) and reduced liver enzymes, LFF and LS. Body weight and body composition did not show beneficial changes.

Conclusions

Sixteen‐week NAC treatment was well tolerated in children with obesity and MASLD and led to improvements in oxidative stress, inflammation and IR and liver outcomes. The results from this pilot study support further investigation of NAC as a therapeutic agent in children with MASLD.
Bioactivity evaluation and active compounds identification of Symphoricarpos orbiculatus as potential botanical herbicide
Authors: Li Weijia , Xue Yuanji , Yao Zhipeng , Weng Hua , Zhang Bin , Ma Zhiqing
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of herbicidal activity and identification of active compounds are important bases for the development of new botanical herbicides.

RESULTS

This study confirmed that Symphoricarpos orbiculatus has high herbicidal activities against mono‐dicotyledonous weeds, including Echinochloa crusgalli, Digitaria sanguinalis, Amaranthus retroflexus and Portulaca oleracea. By bioassay‐guided isolation, 12 compounds were isolated and identified from S. orbiculatus for the first time, including iridoids: naucledal (K1), loganin (K2), loganigenin (K3), loganin acid (K4), glucologanin (K5) and vogeloside (K6), as well as flavonoids: quercetine (K7), luteolin (K8), nobiletin (K9), astragalin (K10), isorhamnetin 3‐d‐glucoside (K11) and rutin (K12). Biological assays showed that iridoids are the main active ingredients of S. orbiculatus. The compounds of K5 and K6 could inhibit both the root (IC50 = 37.54 and 38.91 μg mL−1, respectively) and shoot (IC50 = 42.78 and 45.72 μg mL−1, respectively) of Portulaca oleracea, which have a weeding toxicity similar to that of the commercialized plant‐based herbicide pelargonic acid. In addition, the results of pot culture assay showed that S. orbiculatus ethanol extracts had high fresh weight control effect against Digitaria sanguinalis and P. oleracea at the concentration of 40 g L−1. After 7 days, both the soil treatment and the stem and leaf spray method resulted in severe leaf necrosis and significant leaf etiolation.

CONCLUSION

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus and its herbicidal active compounds have the potential to develop into botanical herbicides, and are first reported in the present study. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Moderate India Pale Ale beer consumption promotes antigenotoxic and non‐mutagenic effects in ex vivo and in vivo mice models
Authors: de Cordova Kindermann Schellen , Caon Glauco , Boeck Carina Rodrigues , de Oliveira Bauer Carla , dos Santos da Silva Nicollas , Possamai Otavio Lucio , Longaretti Luiza Martins , Magenis Marina Lummertz , Damiani Adriani Paganini , de Oliveira Monteiro Isadora , de Andrade Vanessa Moraes
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Discussion of the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption is ongoing. Broadly, research focusing on ethanol consumption tends to report no benefits. However, studies that distinguish between different types of alcoholic beverages, particularly beers, often reveal positive effects.

The present study evaluated the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of moderate chronic consumption of India Pale Ale (IPA) craft beer. Sixty‐four adult male Swiss mice were used and divided into control and treatment groups receiving water, IPA beer with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter of beer, aqueous solution with 55.23 g of ethanol per liter, and hop infusion ad libitum for 30 days. After this period, the animals were genetically evaluated with a comet assay. For the ex vivo comet assay, blood was collected and exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). For the in vivo assay, the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CP) was administered to the groups after blood collection and sacrificed after 24 h. Brain, liver, and heart tissues were analyzed. Bone marrow was collected and submitted to the micronucleus test.

RESULTS

The groups treated with IPA beer, ethanol, and hops did not show genotoxic and mutagenic action in the blood, brain, heart, or liver. The antigenotoxic action of IPA beer and hops was observed in both in vivo and ex vivo models, showing a similar reduction in DNA damage caused by CP. There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to the formation of micronuclei by CP.

CONCLUSION

Moderate chronic consumption of IPA beer and hops infusion showed antigenotoxic effects in mice but no antimutagenic action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.