bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishment of light‐dependent photo‐thermal kinetic model for methane dry reforming and performance optimization in a cavity reactor
Authors: Yao Ji‐Long , Zhang Zhen‐Yu , Xu Bo‐Yu , Li Ting , Bai Pan‐Wei , Liang Wen‐Peng , Xie Tao
Published: March 2024

Solar methane dry reforming (MDR) reaction is a highly promising technology for long‐term energy storage due to its eco‐friendly nature and high‐value‐added product. Numerous present works mainly focused on the photo‐thermal catalysts, few of them discussed photo‐thermal coupled kinetics. Therefore, this article proposed a light‐dependent kinetic model for MDR. In the model, not only the effect of temperature and species concentration were included, but also the radiation was considered, which is different from the conventional kinetic model. Solar radiation is divided into thermal‐effect and light‐promoted‐effect part and coupled with the heat and mass transportation and chemical reaction. The average relative error of established model is only 0.97% under dark condition, and 13.2% under light condition. Then, the impacts of operating condition in a cavity reactor were investigated by established coupled optical‐photo‐thermal dynamics–computational fluid dynamic model to improve the efficiency of chemical conversion. The results show that when GHSV is 48.21 h−1, light increased the reaction rate by 1.59 times and thermochemical energy storage efficiency by 18.5%. When CH4/CO2 = 1, the formation rates of syngas and thermochemical energy storage efficiency are the highest. This work provides a highly coupled photo‐thermal kinetic model and a method for modeling and condition optimization.
Patient experiences of receiving a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Wang Yun‐Ting , Jahani Shiva , Morel‐Swols Dayna , Kapely Angelica , Rosen Ami , Forghani Irman
Published: March 2024

Hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) presents with a wide range of clinical symptoms and comorbidities that impact quality of life. The diagnosis is challenging and often delayed due to the heterogeneity of the disease and lack of diagnostic biomarkers, which adds to the disease burden by affecting patients' psychosocial adaptation and overall well‐being. Previous studies have revealed that healthcare professionals and the public have a limited understanding and familiarity with the condition, which leads to disapproval and skepticism that greatly impact patients' social spheres and welfare. While physical manifestations have been widely discussed, the psychosocial impact and the importance of receiving a diagnosis have not been fully studied in the current literature. This survey study investigated the impact of diagnosis in hEDS patients, selected from the University of Miami's hEDS registry. Survey questions were formulated based on clinical expertise and literature review. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney test, and Spearman's correlation were used for data analysis. The median age at symptom presentation was 10 years, with a median gap of 4 years before the initial medical evaluation. On average, it took 10 years to receive a diagnosis of hEDS. Nearly all participants (95.2%) expressed receiving a diagnosis as “important” or “highly important,” with 81.9% agreeing that it helped them cope with their condition better, 76.8% could better manage their symptoms, and felt more in control of their long‐term care. Participants mostly had a positive emotional reaction and experienced an improvement in the support they were receiving from their caregivers and healthcare providers after receiving a diagnosis of hEDS. This study demonstrates that receiving a diagnosis could positively impact the patient's support, quality of care, and overall well‐being.
Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Using an Osmium Complex as a Panchromatic Self‐Photosensitized Catalyst: Utilization of Blue, Green, and Red Light
Authors: Kamada Kenji , Jung Jieun , Yamada Chihiro , Wakabayashi Taku , Sekizawa Keita , Sato Shunsuke , Morikawa Takeshi , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Saito Susumu
Published: March 2024

The photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) represents an attractive approach for solar‐energy storage and leads to the production of renewable fuels and valuable chemicals. Although some osmium (Os) photosensitizers absorb long wavelengths in the visible‐light region, a self‐photosensitized, mononuclear Os catalyst for red‐light‐driven CO2 reduction has not yet been exploited. Here, we discovered that the introduction of an Os metal to a PNNP‐type tetradentate ligand resulted in the absorption of light with longer‐wavelength (350–700 nm) and that can be applied to a panchromatic self‐photosensitized catalyst for CO2 reduction to give mainly carbon monoxide (CO) with a total turnover number (TON) of 625 under photoirradiation (λ≥400 nm). CO2 photoreduction also proceeded under irradiation with blue (λ0=405 nm), green (λ0=525 nm), or red (λ0=630 nm) light to give CO with >90 % selectivity. The quantum efficiency using red light was determined to be 12 % for the generation of CO. A catalytic mechanism is proposed based on the detection of intermediates using various spectroscopic techniques, including transient absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
Magneto‐chiral Nonlinear Optical Effect with Large Anisotropic Response in Two‐Dimensional Halide Perovskite
Authors: Okada Daichi , Araoka Fumito
Published: March 2024

The chiral organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) are vital candidates for superior nonlinear optical (NLO) effects associated with circularly polarized (CP) light. NLO in chiral materials often couples with magnetic dipole (MD) transition, as well as the conventional electric dipole (ED) transition. However, the importance of MD transition in NLO process of chiral OIHPs has not yet been well recognized. Here, the circular polarized probe analysis of second harmonic generation circular dichroism (SHG‐CD) provides the direct evidence that the contribution of MD leads to a large anisotropic response to CP lights in chiral OIHPs, (R‐/S‐MBACl)2PbI4. The thin films exhibit great sensitivity to CP lights over a wide wavelength range, and the g‐value reaches up to 1.57 at the wavelength where the contribution of MD is maximized. Furthermore, it is also effective as CP light generator, outputting CP‐SHG with maximum g‐factor of 1.76 upon the stimulation of linearly polarized light. This study deepens the understanding of relation between chirality and magneto‐optical effect, and such an efficient discrimination and generation of CP light signal is highly applicable for chirality‐based sensor and optical communication devices.
Secondary Amine Catalysis in Enzyme Design: Broadening Protein Template Diversity through Genetic Code Expansion
Authors: Williams Thomas L. , Taily Irshad M. , Hatton Lewis , Berezin Andrey A , Wu Yi‐Lin , Moliner Vicent , Świderek Katarzyna , Tsai Yu‐Hsuan , Luk Louis Y. P.
Published: March 2024

Secondary amines, due to their reactivity, can transform protein templates into catalytically active entities, accelerating the development of artificial enzymes. However, existing methods, predominantly reliant on modified ligands or N‐terminal prolines, impose significant limitations on template selection. In this study, genetic code expansion was used to break this boundary, enabling secondary amines to be incorporated into alternative proteins and positions of choice. Pyrrolysine analogues carrying different secondary amines could be incorporated into superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP), multidrug‐binding LmrR and nucleotide‐binding dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Notably, the analogue containing a D‐proline moiety demonstrated both proteolytic stability and catalytic activity, conferring LmrR and DHFR with the desired transfer hydrogenation activity. While the LmrR variants were confined to the biomimetic 1‐benzyl‐1,4‐dihydronicotinamide (BNAH) as the hydride source, the optimal DHFR variant favorably used the pro‐R hydride from NADPH for stereoselective reactions (e.r. up to 92 : 8), highlighting that a switch of protein template could broaden the nucleophile option for catalysis. Owing to the cofactor compatibility, the DHFR‐based secondary amine catalysis could be integrated into an enzymatic recycling scheme. This established method shows substantial potential in enzyme design, applicable from studies on enzyme evolution to the development of new biocatalysts.
Regio‐ and Stereo‐Selective Isomerization of Borylated 1,3‐Dienes Enabled by Selective Energy Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Kweon Byeongseok , Blank Lukas , Soika Julia , Messara Amélia , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Gilmour Ryan
Published: March 2024

Configurationally‐defined dienes are pervasive across the bioactive natural product spectrum, where they typically manifest themselves as sorbic acid‐based fragments. These C5 motifs reflect the biosynthesis algorithms that facilitate their construction. To complement established biosynthetic paradigms, a chemical platform to facilitate the construction of stereochemically defined, functionalizable dienes by light‐enabled isomerization has been devised. Enabled by selective energy transfer catalysis, a variety of substituted β‐boryl sorbic acid derivatives can be isomerized in a regio‐ and stereo‐selective manner (up to 97 : 3). Directionality is guided by a stabilizing nO→pB interaction in the product: this constitutes a formal anti‐hydroboration of the starting alkyne. This operationally simple reaction employs low catalyst loadings (1 mol %) and is complete in 1 h. X‐ray analysis supports the hypothesis that the nO→pB interaction leads to chromophore bifurcation: this provides a structural foundation for selective energy transfer.
Synthesis, structural properties and DNA protective activity of ferrocenyl N‐acyl pyrazolines
Authors: Novaković Slađana B. , Bogdanović Goran A. , Ratković Zoran , Blagojević Stefan , Matić Sanja Lj , Muškinja Jovana
Published: March 2024

Two series of new ferrocenyl pyrazolines have been synthesized by the reaction of ferrocenyl chalcones and their analogues with hydrazine hydrate in the presence of corresponding carboxylic acid. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallographic data were used for detailed analysis of the interesting versatility of four compounds in the formation of intermolecular interactions. The analysis revealed an excellent structural flexibility of the present ferrocenyl pyrazoline molecules for the non‐covalent interactions, with a particular contribution of the ferrocene units. In addition, for comparison with crystallographic findings, we investigated the protective effect of all compounds on DNA against hydroxyl and peroxyl radicals induced by Fe2+, H2O2, and 2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). The results indicated that all compounds showed rather similar DNA protective activity, which was comparable with quercetin as a well‐known protective compound. This similarity in antigenotoxic action could be explained by the established excellent structural flexibility of ferrocenyl pyrazolines for the formation of different intermolecular interactions as important structural property for molecular recognition.
Polyacrylonitrile‐based porous polymer spheres and their conversion to N‐doped carbon materials for adsorption and electrocatalysis
Authors: Gao Zhuo , Sanjuán Ignacio , Hagemann Ulrich , Wittmar Alexandra S. M. , Andronescu Corina , Ulbricht Mathias
Published: March 2024

Because of their tunable porosity and specific surface area, porous materials are of high interest for the purification of wastewater by adsorption as well as in electrocatalysis, where, in particular, developing metal‐free carbon‐based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is researched. The carbon spheres presented here can meet these two requirements simultaneously. Porous polyacrylonitrile (PAN) spheres were firstly prepared by droplet shaping cum nonsolvent induced phase separation. Then, they were converted to nitrogen‐doped carbon spheres by two‐step carbonization via preoxidation and pyrolysis. During the pyrolysis step, carbon dioxide was used to reopen the pores of the materials that had been blocked after the preoxidation step. By this way, specific surface area values of carbon spheres of more than 1000 m2/g could be obtained. Best performing carbon materials (C#3) showed high adsorption capacity (e.g., 296 mg/g for methyl orange at solute equilibrium concentration of 24 mg/L in water). The XPS analysis revealed that only quaternary (N‐Q) and pyridinic (N‐6) nitrogen sites were found in these carbon spheres. The best ORR performance was found also for C#3 carbon spheres, with a potential of 0.81 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at −1 mA/cm2 and electron transfer number of 3.5 at 0.6–0.8 V versus RHE, as determined by rotating disk or rotating ring disk electrode tests. In conclusion, all results confirm that these PAN‐derived carbon spheres are potentially valuable materials for both wastewater treatment by adsorption and electrocatalytic oxygen reduction.
A room‐temperature self‐healing anticorrosion coating of supramolecular polyurethane based on dynamic reversible quadruple hydrogen bond
Authors: Yang Zhou , Wang Jixing , Li Geng , Gu Xiaomin , Yang Huan , Tang Quanwu , Su Gaoshen
Published: March 2024

The contradiction between the migration rate of molecular chains and mechanical strength has always been a key factor affecting the practical application of self‐healing anticorrosion coatings. In this paper, a series of supramolecular self‐healing elastomers (SPU‐MP) were prepared by the reaction of diphenylmethane diisocyanate and polyether amine. The results shown that the proportion of polyetheramine D230 (D230) in molecular segments affects the hydrogen bond density between molecular chains, thereby affecting the self‐healing efficiency and mechanical strength of SPU‐MP. When the ratio of D230 and polyetheramine D400 (D400) is 2:8, the tensile fracture strength of SPU‐MP8 is 5.08 MPa, and the self‐healing efficiency reaches 82.1% after 10 h of repair at room temperature. Further increasing the ratio of D230 increases the relaxation time of the molecular chain due to the increase in hydrogen bond density, resulting in a decrease in the self‐healing efficiency of SPU‐MP. The results of electrochemical experiments and neutral salt spray experiments indicate that the anticorrosion coating prepared by SPU‐MP8 exhibits good self‐healing performance. After immersing in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution for 35 days, the low‐frequency impedance modulus of the intact coating and the scratch coating were both higher than 107 Ω cm2, still shown good anticorrosion ability.
Wear‐ and UV‐resistant polycarbonate‐based composite films reinforced by a novel inorganic–organic hybrid filler
Authors: Wang Songbin , Gao Xinlei , Weng Longfei , Huo Chunqing , Du Xueyu , Yin Xueqiong
Published: March 2024

As one of the five major engineering plastics, polycarbonate (PC) has been applied in many industrial fields. However, its poor wear‐ and UV‐ resistance greatly limit its further promotion. Inspired by the dual benefits of inorganic–organic hybrid filler, in this study, we developed a novel type of catechol group‐ and nano silica‐containing reinforcing filler (CFNS) for the preparation of wear‐ and UV‐resistant PC‐based composite films. With a low level of filler content (1%), the coefficient of friction (COF) was distinctly reduced from 0.14 (neat PC film) to 0.06 (composite film), benefiting from a wear‐resistant surface layer. On the basis of ensuring high and stable transmittance for visible light, the composite films also exhibit strengthened capacity of UV shielding for the waveband from 293 to 400 nm. In addition, the general performance of composite films including tensile strength, tensile modulus, and thermal stability have also been improved in different degrees. Therefore, the composite films reinforced by CFNS are highly promising for a wide range of applications, ascribed to their improved general properties as well as two additional functions of wear‐ and UV‐resistance.
Accomplishing sustainable development goals through international management system standards and multinational supply chains
Authors: Heriyati Pantri , Yadav Neeraj , Tamara Dewi
Published: March 2024

The United Nations has set up 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030. This research investigates the role of management system standards and multinational supply chains in achieving SDGs and targets, as well as whether these two paths produce varying degrees of effectiveness in achieving these goals. Questionnaire‐based research is conducted among 264 Indian manufacturing organisations based on their certification status and MNE supplier status. Comparison of the surveyed organisations is carried out on three parameters, namely, number of targets for each SDG, fulfilment levels of these targets and extension of established targets further in the supply chain. Analysis of variance and t‐test methods are used to compare survey responses. Results show that the role of management system standards and auditing frameworks used by multinational enterprises is statistically similar in achieving SDGs. The role of management system standards in achieving each of the SDGs has not yet been attempted so far by using the aforementioned factors. The comparison of management system standards' auditing approaches with the auditing frameworks of multinational enterprises also provides a novel addition. Both multinationals and their supplier organisations can save time, money and effort by following either of the two approaches and avoiding the duplicity that is currently prevalent in practice. The research has theoretical implications for sustainability, modernisation and globalisation theories.
Oncological and functional outcomes for transoral robotic surgery following previous radiation treatment for upper aerodigestive tract head and neck cancers. A French multicenter GETTEC group study
Authors: Malard Olivier , Karakachoff Matilde , Ferron Christophe , Hans Stéphane , Vergez Sébastien , Garrel Renaud , Gorphe Philippe , Ramin Lionel , Santini Laure , Villeneuve Alexandre , Lasne‐Cardon Audrey , Espitalier Florent , Hounkpatin Audrey
Published: March 2024

Background

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) opens new perspectives. We evaluated the outcomes for patients having undergone TORS after previous radiotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study (n = 138) in a previously irradiated area between 2009 and 2020. Survival was assessed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated using a chi‐squared test, Fisher's test, or Wilcoxon's test.

Results

The median length of hospital stay was 12.5 days. Bleeding was the most frequent postoperative complication (15.2%, n = 22). Prophylactic vessel ligation did not significantly decrease bleeding. Complications were significantly lower for Tis, T1, and N0 tumors. 91.6% (n = 120) of the patients with a perioperative tracheotomy could be decannulated. Larynx was functional for 65.94% of the patients. The median length of follow‐up was 26 months. The 5‐year overall and relapse‐free survival rates were respectively 59.9% and 43.4%.

Conclusion

Oncological and functional results confirmed the value of TORS as a treatment in previously irradiated area.
A longitudinal study of symptom cluster latent profiles in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Authors: Feng Yue , Lin Tangwei , Liu Xingcan , Guo Xiujing , Chen Jing , Deng Xue
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to identify distinct patterns within the symptom cluster of fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance among ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, to determine the factors predicting these patterns and their impact on quality of life.

Methods

The longitudinal study collected data from 151 ovarian cancer patients at three time points: before chemotherapy (T0), after the first chemotherapy cycle (T1), and following the completion of four cycles of chemotherapy (T2). Latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis were used to identify symptom patterns and evaluate changes in symptom patterns. A bias‐adjusted three‐step approach was utilized to examine predictor variables and distal outcomes associated with latent class membership.

Results

Three symptom patterns emerged: “All Low,” “Moderate” (T0)/“Low pain and high sleep disturbance” (T1 and T2), and “All High.” Patients with lower educational attainment and higher levels of anxiety and depression were found to be at an elevated risk of belonging to the “All High” class. All quality‐of‐life domains showed significant differences among the three subgroups, following an “All Low” > “All High” pattern (p < 0.05). Membership in three classes remained relatively stable over time, with probabilities of 0.749 staying within their groups from T0 to T2.

Conclusions

This study underscores the existence of a diverse and heterogeneous experience within the symptom cluster of fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbance among ovarian cancer patients. Importantly, these patterns were stable throughout chemotherapy. Recognizing and understanding these patterns can inform the development of targeted interventions to alleviate the burden of symptom clusters in this population.
Numerical study of doxorubicin transdermal delivery for breast cancer treatment using microneedles
Authors: Barhoumi Houda , Kouassi Marie Carole , Kallel Achraf
Published: March 2024

The lack of in vivo studies on the delivery of doxorubicin within human skin, especially the absence of data on the doxorubicin diffusion coefficient, has made understanding its transdermal delivery kinetics challenging. In this study, as a first step, governing equations and finite element methods were employed to reproduce Franz diffusion cell experiment in human cadaver skin. The application of this experiment representative model with a fitting method resulted in approximate values for the diffusivity of doxorubicin across various skin layers. The estimated values were used later to conduct a comprehensive examination of doxorubicin administration for breast tumor treatments. In a 2D axisymmetric model using Fick's Law and then a microneedles array 3D model, crucial parameters effects on delivery efficiency were examined, such as the microneedle tip diameter, tip‐to‐tip distance, and tumor depth. As highlighted by the findings of this study, these parameters have an impact on the effectiveness of doxorubicin delivery for treating breast tumors. The focus of this research is on the potential of numerical methods in biomedical engineering, which addresses the urgent need for data on doxorubicin diffusion in human skin and offers valuable insights into optimizing drug delivery strategies for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
A probabilistic neural twin for treatment planning in peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis
Authors: Lee John D. , Richter Jakob , Pfaller Martin R. , Szafron Jason M. , Menon Karthik , Zanoni Andrea , Ma Michael R. , Feinstein Jeffrey A. , Kreutzer Jacqueline , Marsden Alison L. , Schiavazzi Daniele E.
Published: March 2024

The substantial computational cost of high‐fidelity models in numerical hemodynamics has, so far, relegated their use mainly to offline treatment planning. New breakthroughs in data‐driven architectures and optimization techniques for fast surrogate modeling provide an exciting opportunity to overcome these limitations, enabling the use of such technology for time‐critical decisions. We discuss an application to the repair of multiple stenosis in peripheral pulmonary artery disease through either transcatheter pulmonary artery rehabilitation or surgery, where it is of interest to achieve desired pressures and flows at specific locations in the pulmonary artery tree, while minimizing the risk for the patient. Since different degrees of success can be achieved in practice during treatment, we formulate the problem in probability, and solve it through a sample‐based approach. We propose a new offline–online pipeline for probabilistic real‐time treatment planning which combines offline assimilation of boundary conditions, model reduction, and training dataset generation with online estimation of marginal probabilities, possibly conditioned on the degree of augmentation observed in already repaired lesions. Moreover, we propose a new approach for the parametrization of arbitrarily shaped vascular repairs through iterative corrections of a zero‐dimensional approximant. We demonstrate this pipeline for a diseased model of the pulmonary artery tree available through the Vascular Model Repository.
Environmental color analysis and facade color design in a street rehabilitation: Adana, Kayalıbağ
Authors: Özcan Esra Küçükkılıç , Çelik Kasım
Published: March 2024

Streets and buildings that become inactive within the historical texture of cities can be restored to the district through rehabilitation projects and color designs, which encourage urbanites to use them more actively. Such spaces are especially important for urban memory, yet they risk losing their integrity over time due to uncontrolled development. Therefore, making them available for urban use is important for socio‐cultural and economic development. This study involves the application, under a rehabilitation project, of a holistic approach to façade color design for buildings located on two streets in the center of Adana, a city in southern Turkey that dates back to the Common Era. The study began with collecting color samples from the area as part of environmental color analyses, after which the colors of the samples were measured. In line with the environmental characteristics that affect color perception, a range of colors with Munsell's equivalent value and hue contrast was considered appropriate for application to the facades of buildings in the Kayalıbağ neighborhood. In the color design, five different hues with high‐value (light) and low chroma were selected to increase the attractiveness of the historically and archeologically highly significant district. The aim of the color design was to increase the livability and attractiveness of the district, while not overshadowing the cultural qualities of the urban environment.
A Density Functional Theory Analysis of Electrochemical Oxidation of Methane to Alcohol over High‐Entropy Oxide (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 Catalysts
Authors: Kishore M. R. Ashwin , Lee Sungwoo , Yoo Jong Suk
Published: March 2024

The direct conversion of methane into alcohol is a promising approach for achieving a low‐carbon future, yet it remains a major challenge. In this study, we utilize density functional theory to explore the potential of the (CoCrFeMnNi)3O4 (CCFMNO) high entropy oxide (HEO) for electrochemical oxidation of methane to methanol and ethanol, alongside their competition with CO2 production. Our primary focus in this study is on thermodynamics, enabling a prompt analysis of the catalyst‘s potential, with the calculation of electrochemical barriers falling beyond our scope. Among all potential active sites within CCFMNO HEO, we identify Co as the most active site for methane activation when using carbonate ions as oxidants. This results in methanol production with a limiting potential of 1.4 VCHE, and ethanol and CO2 productions with a limiting potential of 1.2 VCHE. Additionally, our findings suggest that the occupied p‐band center of O* on CCFMNO HEO is a potential descriptor for identifying the most active site within CCFMNO HEO. Overall, our results indicate that CCFMNO HEO holds promise as catalysts for methane oxidation to alcohols, employing carbonate ions as oxidants.
Association of combined healthy lifestyle with risk of adverse outcomes in patients with prediabetes
Authors: Xu Xiaoqin , Li Jiang , Yu Yuefeng , Tan Xiao , Xu Fei , Wang Bin , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: March 2024

Objective

Prediabetes and lifestyle factors have been associated with the risks of multiple adverse outcomes, but the effect of a healthy lifestyle on prediabetes‐related complications remains unknown. We aimed to investigate whether the risks of multiple adverse outcomes including incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among individuals with prediabetes can be offset by a broad combination of healthy lifestyle factors.

Methods

This prospective study used data from the UK Biobank cohort. An overall lifestyle score ranging from 0 to 6 was created with 1 point for each of the 6 healthy lifestyle factors: no current smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, regular physical activity, healthy diet, no overweight or obese, and adequate sleep duration. T2DM, CVD, and CKD were ascertained during a median follow‐up of 14 years. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the associations. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the results.

Results

We included 202,993 participants without T2DM, CVD, and CKD at baseline (mean age 55.5 years [SD 8.1]; 54.7% were women). Among these participants, 6,745, 16,961, and 6,260 participants eventually developed T2DM, CVD, and CKD, respectively. Compared with the participants with normoglycaemia, those with prediabetes showed a higher risk of these adverse outcomes. In addition, those prediabetic participants with a lifestyle score of 0‐1 had a significantly higher risk of T2DM (hazard ratio [HR] 16.73, 95% CI 14.24, 19.65), CVD (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.74, 2.21), and CKD (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.58, 2.34) compared with those with no prediabetes and a score of 5–6. Moreover, among the participants with prediabetes, the HRs for T2DM, CVD, and CKD comparing a lifestyle score of 5–6 versus 0‐1 decreased to 0.43 (95% CI 0.36, 0.51), 0.52 (95% CI 0.44, 0.62), and 0.60 (95% CI 0.46, 0.79), respectively.

Conclusions

Combined healthy lifestyle factors were associated with a significantly lower risk of multiple adverse outcomes, including T2DM, CVD, and CKD. This indicates that prioritising multifactorial approaches to behavioural lifestyle modification is crucial for preventing and postponing the development of complications related to prediabetes.
Reduced mTORC1‐signaling in progenitor cells leads to retinal lamination deficits
Authors: Nord Christoffer , Jones Iwan , Garcia‐Maestre Maria , Hägglund Anna‐Carin , Carlsson Leif
Published: March 2024

Background

Neuronal lamination is a hallmark of the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and underlies connectivity and function. Initial formation of this tissue architecture involves the integration of various signaling pathways that regulate the differentiation and migration of neural progenitor cells.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that mTORC1 mediates critical roles during neuronal lamination using the mouse retina as a model system. Down‐regulation of mTORC1‐signaling in retinal progenitor cells by conditional deletion of Rptor led to decreases in proliferation and increased apoptosis during embryogenesis. These developmental deficits preceded aberrant lamination in adult animals which was best exemplified by the fusion of the outer and inner nuclear layer and the absence of an outer plexiform layer. Moreover, ganglion cell axons originating from each Rptor‐ablated retina appeared to segregate to an equal degree at the optic chiasm with both contralateral and ipsilateral projections displaying overlapping termination topographies within several retinorecipient nuclei. In combination, these visual pathway defects led to visually mediated behavioral deficits.

Conclusions

This study establishes a critical role for mTORC1‐signaling during retinal lamination and demonstrates that this pathway regulates diverse developmental mechanisms involved in driving the stratified arrangement of neurons during CNS development.
Heteroaryl 2‐Sulfonamide Synthesis by SN2 Reaction–Oxidation Cascade
Authors: Yan Lu , Xu Chaofan
Published: March 2024

Heteroaryl 2‐sulfonamides are an important structural moiety in drug discovery. However, reports of the efficient synthesis of these scaffolds are rare. Herein we disclose new reaction conditions to synthesize heteroaryl 2‐sulfonamides from disulfanes and amines through an SN2‐oxidation cascade. The approach is compatible with a wide variety of heteroaryl and amine substrates and can be conducted on a gram scale. A potential Werner Syndrome Protein (WRN) small molecule inhibitor H3B‐968 was also synthesized by this method.
A novel and utilized electrode with boosted biofilm formation and current generation in microbial fuel cells based on chitosan/carbon composite
Authors: Li Ruitao , Ding Yi , Zhang Yue , Mai Ting‐fang , Zhou Wen , Gao Sheng‐chao , Yao Shuya , Gao Tian‐peng , Liu Ying
Published: March 2024

The successful application of bioelectrochemical systems in the future depends on the improving of electrode performance while decreasing material costs. This study explores the use of chitosan supported on different kinds of carbon materials to modify graphite electrode for the electricity generation performance of Geobacter sulfurreducens. The novel hierarchically carbon composites modified electrodes were obtained by a simple and environment‐friendly method. Among the proposed composites, the optimal composite CS/CB (5 h) possessed a better performance for the promotion of electrochemically active biofilm (EAB) growth and enhancing current generation compared with other composites. Based on morphological, chemical, and electrochemical evidences, we conclude that the CB was coated on the surface of CS to form the CS/CB decorated graphite electrode, and CS/CB (5 h) electrode exhibited significant load‐bearing capacity for bacteria colonization and enhanced the contact between bacteria and electrode, which improved the direct electron transfer process. The microbial three‐electrode system equipped CS/CB (5 h) device delivered a high current density of 1457±69 μA/cm2. The current density was increased to 3 times higher than that of the unmodified electrode. The use of this CS/CB (5 h) composite can substantially improves EAB growth and enhance power production of bioelectrochemical systems.
PGD in thermal transient problems with a moving heat source: A sensitivity study on factors affecting accuracy and efficiency
Authors: Strobl Dominic , Unger Jörg F. , Ghnatios Chady , Robens‐Radermacher Annika
Published: March 2024

Thermal transient problems, essential for modeling applications like welding and additive metal manufacturing, are characterized by a dynamic evolution of temperature. Accurately simulating these phenomena is often computationally expensive, thus limiting their applications, for example for model parameter estimation or online process control. Model order reduction, a solution to preserve the accuracy while reducing the computation time, is explored. This article addresses challenges in developing reduced order models using the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) for transient thermal problems with a specific treatment of the moving heat source within the reduced model. Factors affecting accuracy, convergence, and computational cost, such as discretization methods (finite element and finite difference), a dimensionless formulation, the size of the heat source, and the inclusion of material parameters as additional PGD variables are examined across progressively complex examples. The results demonstrate the influence of these factors on the PGD model's performance and emphasize the importance of their consideration when implementing such models. For thermal example, it is demonstrated that a PGD model with a finite difference discretization in time, a dimensionless representation, a mapping for a moving heat source, and a spatial domain non‐separation yields the best approximation to the full order model.
Long non‐coding RNA CASC15 enhances learning and memory in mice by promoting synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Zou Yuankang , Gao Bo , Lu Jiaqiao , Zhang Keying , Zhai Maodeng , Yuan Ziyan , Aschner Michael , Chen Jingyuan , Luo Wenjing , Wang Lei , Zhang Jianbin
Published: March 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating systemic disorder that has a detrimental impact on the overall well‐being of individuals. Emerging research suggests that long non‐coding RNAs play a role in neural development and function. Nevertheless, the precise relationship between lncRNAs and Alzheimer's disease remains uncertain. The authors' recent discoveries have uncovered an unconventional mechanism involving the regulation of synaptic plasticity and the functioning of the hippocampal fragile X mental retardation protein 1 (FMR1)—neurotrophin 3 (NTF3) pathway, which is mediated by cancer susceptibility candidate 15 (CASC15). Subsequently, functional rescue experiments were performed to illustrate the efficient delivery of exosomes harboring a significant amount of 2610307p16Rik transcripts, which is the murine equivalent of human CASC15, to the hippocampal region of mice. This resulted in significant improvements in synaptic morphological plasticity and cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice. Given the pivotal involvement of CASC15 in synaptic plasticity and the distinctive regulatory mechanisms of the CASC15‐FMR1‐NTF3 axis, CASC15 emerges as a promising biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and may even possess potential as a feasible therapeutic target.
Machine learning in small sample neuroimaging studies: Novel measures for schizophrenia analysis
Authors: Jimenez‐Mesa Carmen , Ramirez Javier , Yi Zhenghui , Yan Chao , Chan Raymond , Murray Graham K. , Gorriz Juan Manuel , Suckling John
Published: March 2024

Novel features derived from imaging and artificial intelligence systems are commonly coupled to construct computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) systems that are intended as clinical support tools or for investigation of complex biological patterns. This study used sulcal patterns from structural images of the brain as the basis for classifying patients with schizophrenia from unaffected controls. Statistical, machine learning and deep learning techniques were sequentially applied as a demonstration of how a CAD system might be comprehensively evaluated in the absence of prior empirical work or extant literature to guide development, and the availability of only small sample datasets. Sulcal features of the entire cerebral cortex were derived from 58 schizophrenia patients and 56 healthy controls. No similar CAD systems has been reported that uses sulcal features from the entire cortex. We considered all the stages in a CAD system workflow: preprocessing, feature selection and extraction, and classification. The explainable AI techniques Local Interpretable Model‐agnostic Explanations and SHapley Additive exPlanations were applied to detect the relevance of features to classification. At each stage, alternatives were compared in terms of their performance in the context of a small sample. Differentiating sulcal patterns were located in temporal and precentral areas, as well as the collateral fissure. We also verified the benefits of applying dimensionality reduction techniques and validation methods, such as resubstitution with upper bound correction, to optimize performance.
Investigating the impact of Trombe wall parameters on thermal performance and room temperature in the Iraqi climate
Authors: Ali Mahmud H. , Mawlood Mahmood K. , Jalal Rawand E.
Published: March 2024

Trombe wall serves as an effective passive heating element, and its performance is heavily reliant on local climate conditions. This study involved both experimental and numerical analyses of a full‐scale test room equipped with a Trombe wall under Iraqi climate conditions. To facilitate this investigation, an experimental test room was constructed in Kirkuk city with dimensions of 4.0 m × 3.0 m × 2.75 m. In addition, a numerical simulation method based on computational fluid dynamics was developed and a computer code was created to investigate the performance of the system. The accuracy of the developed numerical approach was validated against experimental data collected from the test room. This analysis was conducted specifically for the period of February 17–18, which represents the coldest month of winter in the study area. The performance of the system was assessed with respect to various parameters; air gap width variations (2, 4, 6, and 10 cm), massive wall thickness ranging from 15 to 35 cm with 5 cm increments, channel width options (3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm), and vent heights ranging from 5 to 20 cm in 5 cm increments. Furthermore, an investigation of the impact of replacing the air in the air gap with inert gases, specifically argon, krypton, and a mixture of these gases with air was conducted, as well. The outcomes indicate that both the channel width and vent height do not have a significant impact on the system's performance. However, the width of the air gap has a modest effect on system performance, and the best performance was observed with a smaller gap width, specifically 2 cm. The most significant impact on room temperature is observed when the storage wall thickness is varied. In the case of wall thickness of 15 cm, there is a notably higher fluctuation in room temperature between the maximum and minimum values, reaching approximately 16°C. For a wall thickness of 35 cm, however, this fluctuation is significantly reduced to about 3°C. The system efficiency as determined after 24 h of operation period improved significantly when the air was replaced by an inert gases or a mixture of gases in the air gap. Compared to air, the increase in efficiency is about 14.8% for argon, 17.7% for krypton, and 20.6% for the mixture of gases.
Emphasizing worker identification with skills to increase helping and productivity in production: A field experiment
Authors: Franke Henrik , Kwasnitschka Daniel , Schmutz Jan B. , Netland Torbjørn H.
Published: March 2024

Can productivity improve if workers identify more with the skills they use in their work environment? This paper reports the results of an experimental design that was peer‐reviewed prior to collecting data. The research setting is a global manufacturer using a novel smartwatch‐based system for distributing work tasks among factory floor workers. Drawing on the concepts of identification and helping in organizations, we hypothesized that fostering workers' identification with their own skills could serve as a mechanism to enhance helping behavior on the factory floor, which should improve productivity. We designed a compound skill‐fostering treatment consisting of communication, meetings, and exercises regarding individual skills. We treat one large factory area for 2 weeks and keep a similar area in a sister factory as a control group for comparison in a difference‐in‐difference model. The results show that nudging skill identification increases workers' identification with skills, but we do not find evidence for increased helping behavior or increased productivity. Our results help develop theory around multiple sub‐identities and provide guidance for future studies seeking to enhance identification in organizations.
Effects of different wall‐breaking methods on the nutrient release of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder during in vitro digestion
Authors: Qi Yaoyao , Zhong Shun , Pan Feng , Zhou Junfu , Wang Zhiyu , Deng Zeyuan , Li Hongyan
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

The hard double‐walled structure of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder (GLSP) is difficult for the human body to digest, so it is very important to break the wall of GLSP. In this study, the wall of GLSP was broken by mechanical milling at room temperature (MM‐R) and ultra‐fine grinding at low temperature (UFG‐L), respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with MM‐R, UFG‐L could better retain the sporangium powder's morphological and structural integrity. During in vitro digestion, compared with unbroken GLSP, the released amounts of polysaccharides and triterpenes from broken GLSP were significantly increased, and they increased with the increase of specific surface area. The bioaccessibility of polysaccharide and triterpene from unbroken GLSP after the intestinal stage were 29.52% and 5.37%, respectively. The bioaccessibility of polysaccharides and triterpene from broken GLSP by MM‐R after the intestinal phase were 39.73–72.45% and 16.44–24.97%, while those by UFG‐L were 44.53–104.18% and 12.96–32.90%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients of broken GLSP showed better digestion and absorption abilities than unbroken GLSP. Moreover, the specific surface area of GLSP by UFG‐L was lower than that by MM‐R, and the bioaccessibility of GLSP by UFG‐L was higher than that by MM‐R. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of calcium chelating peptides from peanut protein hydrolysate and absorption activity of peptide–calcium complex
Authors: Bu Guanhao , Zhao Xiaoling , Wang Mengli , Ti Guanghui , Chen Fusheng , Duan Xiaojie , Huang Yanan , Li Panxin
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Peanut peptides have good chelating ability with metal ions. However, there are few studies on the chelation mechanism of peanut peptides with calcium and absorption properties of peptide–calcium complex.

RESULTS

Peptides with high calcium chelating rate were isolated and purified from peanut protein hydrolysate (PPH), and the chelation rate of component F21 was higher (81.4 ± 0.8%). Six peptides were identified from component F21 by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and the frequency of acidic amino acids and arginine in the amino acid sequence was higher in all six peptides. Peanut peptide–calcium complex (PPH21‐Ca) was prepared by selecting component F21 (PPH21). Ultraviolet analysis indicated that the chelate reaction occurred between peanut peptide and calcium ions. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the chelating sites were carboxyl and amino groups on the amino acid residues of peptides. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface of peanut peptide had a smooth block structure, but the surface of the complex had a granular morphology. Caco‐2 cell model tests revealed that the bioavailability of PPH21‐Ca was 58.4 ± 0.5%, which was significantly higher than that of inorganic calcium at 37.0 ± 0.4%.

CONCLUSION

Peanut peptides can chelate calcium ions by carboxyl and amino groups, and the peptide–calcium complex had higher bioavailability. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of new calcium supplement products that are absorbed easily. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The influence of trauma symptoms on interpersonal attributions in daily life
Authors: Dowgwillo Emily A. , Ruchensky Jared R.
Published: March 2024

There is well‐documented evidence that trauma exposure can disrupt relationships. However, limited research has examined whether posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) moderate interpersonal processes in daily life. To this end, undergraduates (N = 98) completed a measure of PTSS at baseline. They then completed smartphone‐based surveys after every interpersonal interaction that lasted longer than 3 min. for 10 days. These surveys assessed perceptions of self and other agency and communion as well as feelings of rejection, neglect, abandonment, worthlessness, emptiness, guilt, and shame. Results of multilevel modeling suggest that interpersonal perception and PTSS predicted 10%–26% of the variance in outcomes. Regarding agency, more agentic participants reported higher levels of negative attributions, γs = .47–.56. Participants also reported higher rejection and guilt when they experienced their interaction partner as more agentic than usual, γs = .07, and PTSS did not moderate these associations. For communal perceptions, participants who experienced themselves and others as warmer than other participants reported fewer negative outcomes, γs = −.44–−.58. Individuals also reported more negative outcomes when they experienced themselves and others as warmer than they usually did, γs = −.10–−.28, and PTSS moderated these associations. The negative associations between self‐ and other communion ratings and feelings of neglect, abandonment, and shame were stronger in individuals with higher PTSS scores. Together, these findings support continued efforts to understand the ways in which trauma exposure and PTSS disrupt interpersonal dynamics in daily life.