bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Protection Strategy for High‐yield Synthesis of Dimethyl Furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylate from 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Using Methanol as an Acetalizing Agent
Authors: Sheet Nirupama , Osuga Ryota , Arai Nao , Wiesfeld Jan J. , Suganuma Satoshi , Aoshima Takayuki , Fukuoka Atsushi , Hensen Emiel J. M. , Nakajima Kiyotaka 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDeveloping efficient catalytic processes for obtaining biobased monomers for plastics can significantly contribute to a more sustainable economy. The biomass‐derived and chemical platform 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be converted to various key intermediates, which is often hampered by side reactions due to the reactive nature of the formyl group in HMF. Here, we present a stepwise approach involving a protecting agent to obtain dimethyl furan‐2,5‐dicarboxylate (MFDC), which is a monomer for polyalkylene furanoates, a new class of biobased polyesters. Methanol is used as a solvent, reactant, and protecting agent for HMF's formyl group. In the first step, the oxidative esterification of the hydroxymethyl group to methyl carboxylate in HMF‐dimethylacetal catalyzed by Au/CeO2 affords methyl 5‐formylfuran‐2‐carboxylate dimethylacetal (MFFC‐acetal) in high yields (>90 %) from concentrated methanolic solutions (~20 wt %). Without protecting agent, a mixture of methyl‐5‐hydroxymethylfuran‐2‐carboxylate (MHMFC), MFDC, and humin byproduct was obtained. The deprotection of MFFC‐acetal in the second step proceeded efficiently in acetone with Amberlyst‐15, affording MFFC in a >90 % yield. In the final step, oxidative esterification of MFFC in methanol (10 wt %) afforded MFDC in a 93 % yield using Au/CeO2. The acetal protection strategy with methanol offers an efficient route toward MFDC in two oxidative esterification steps.
Study on the epoxidation of chain olefins using biquaternary ammonium phosphotungstic acid phase transfer catalysts under no‐solvent condition
Authors: Zhang Li‐Zhi , Ju Hong‐Bin , Geng Tao , Li De‐Bao , Jiang Ya‐Jie , Wang Ya‐Kui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this study, we have developed a novel catalyst synthesized by phosphotungstic acid and a gemini quaternary ammonium cation salt. This quaternary ammonium salt not only reduces the interfacial tension between olefins and hydrogen peroxide but also forms a notably stable structure with phosphotungstic acid. Dodecene was successfully epoxidized to epoxy dodecane with a selectivity of 82.9 %. The impact of initial conditions was systematically investigated such as molar ratio, temperature, reaction time, and catalyst dosage on the catalytic performance. Characterization of the catalyst morphology was performed by SEM, TEM and SAXS. Raman spectra, FT‐IR and XPS spectra were employed to perform the catalyst transformation during the epoxidation reaction. This catalytic mechanism study could provide the industrial application in the epoxidation of long‐chain olefins.
General Construction of Asymmetric Amine Ethers via Efficient Transesterification
Authors: Li Ziwei , Hong Zeng , Qian Chao , Chen Xinzhi , Zhou Shaodong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA novel method to prepare asymmetric amine ethers is reported. Tertiary amine alcohol hydrogen sulfate intermediates are prepared through a reactive distillation process, followed by the transesterification process to afford eventually asymmetric amine ethers. Experiments and DFT calculations revealed the essential roles the sulfate group plays in the highly selective monoesterification process. This clean method is tolerant towards various functional groups with good yields under mild condition, which is obviously superior compared to the conventional processes.
Technology Development for the Pyrolysis of Hydrocarbons in Liquid Metal
Authors: Stoppel Leonid , Dietrich Benjamin , Duran Ines , Hofberger Christoph , Krumholz Ralf , Uhlenbruck Neele , Wetzel Thomas 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article describes the development of a new technology based on the application of liquid metal and aims to produce hydrogen by decarbonization (pyrolysis process) of both natural and artificially synthesized hydrocarbons. When biogas with a sufficiently high carbon dioxide content is used as a feedstock, or by the targeted addition of CO2 to methane, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (synthesis gas) can be produced. Furthermore, the paper describes another very interesting application of the technology to create negative emissions. In this scenario, the processes direct air capture, methanation, electrolysis and methane pyrolysis are combined to synthesize solid carbon from atmospheric CO2. The broad range of process options investigated indicates that, when the technology is scaled up to industrial scale, the result will be a process that is flexible in both the use of reactants and the resulting products.
pHbot: Self‐Driven Robot for pH Adjustment of Viscous Formulations via Physics‐informed‐ML**
Authors: Chitre Aniket , Cheng Jayce , Ahamed Sarfaraz , Querimit Robert C. M. , Zhu Benchuan , Wang Ke , Wang Long , Hippalgaonkar Kedar , Lapkin Alexei A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractpH adjustment is crucial for many industrial products, yet this step is typically performed by manual trial‐and‐error. A particularly industrially relevant yet challenging titration is that of adjusting viscous liquid formulations using weak, polyprotic titrants (usually citric acid). Handling of viscous, non‐Newtonian formulations, with such polyprotic acids preferred for their chelation and buffering effects make a robotic solution challenging. We present a self‐driving pH robot integrated with physics‐informed learning; this hybrid physical‐ML model enables automated titration with weak‐strong acid/base pairs. To deal with the high viscosities of these formulations, we developed specific automated mixing and cleaning protocols. We hit the target pH within two to five iterations over 250 distinct formulations in lab‐scale small‐batch (~10 mL and 12 samples) titrations. In the interest of scaling up to match industrial processes, we also demonstrate that our hybrid algorithm works at ~25× scale‐up. The method is general, and we open‐source our algorithm and designs.
One‐pot Tandem Synthesis and Spontaneous Product Separation of N‐heterocycles based on Bifunctional Small‐molecule Photocatalyst
Authors: Yao Xin‐Rong , Jia Meng‐Ze , Miao Xiao‐Li , Chen Yun‐Rui , Pan Jia‐Qi , Zhang Jie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHomogeneous and heterogeneous reactions wherein the resulting products remain dissolved in solvents generally require complicated separation and purification process, despite the advantage of heterogeneous systems allowing retrieval of catalysts. Herein, we have developed an efficient approach for the one‐pot tandem synthesis of quinazolines, quinazolinones and benzothiadiazine 1,1‐dioxides from alcohols and amines utilizing a bifunctional bipyridinium photocatalyst with redox and Lewis acid sites using air as an oxidant. Through solvent‐modulation strategy, the photocatalytic system exhibits high performance and enables most products to separate spontaneously. Consequently, the homogeneous catalyst can be reused by direct centrifugation isolation of the products. Notably, the method is also applicable to the less active substrates, such as heterocyclic alcohols and aliphatic alcohols, and thus provides an efficient and environmentally friendly photocatalytic route with spontaneous separation of N‐heterocycles to reduce production costs and meet the needs of atomic economy and green chemistry.
Built for success: Distribution, morphology, ecology and life history of the world's skinks
Authors: Chapple David G. , Slavenko Alex , Tingley Reid , Farquhar Jules E. , Camaiti Marco , Roll Uri , Meiri Shai 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn animals, the success of particular lineages can be measured in terms of their number of species, the extent of their geographic range, the breadth of their habitats and ecological niches, and the diversity of their morphological and life‐history traits. Here, we review the distribution, ecology, morphology and life history of skinks, a diverse lineage of terrestrial vertebrates. We compared key traits between the three subfamilies of skinks, and between skinks and non‐scincid lizards. There are currently 1743 described species of skink, which represent 24% of global lizard diversity. Since 2010, 16% of lizard descriptions have been of skinks. The centres of skink diversity are in Australia, New Guinea, southeast Asia, Oceania, Madagascar and central Africa. Compared with non‐scincid lizards, skinks have larger distributional ranges, but smaller body sizes. Sexual size dimorphism is rare in skinks. Almost a quarter (23%) of skinks exhibit limb reduction or loss, compared with just 3% of non‐scincid lizards. Skinks are more likely to be viviparous (34% of species) compared with non‐scincids (13%), and have higher clutch/litter sizes than non‐scincids. Although skinks mature later than non‐scincids, their longevity is similar to that exhibited by other lizard groups. Most skinks (88%) are active foragers, and they are more likely to be carnivorous than non‐scincids. Skinks are more likely to be diurnal or cathemeral than other lizard groups, but they generally have lower field body temperatures compared with non‐scincids. The success of skinks appears to be both a result of them hitting upon a winning body plan and ecology, and their capacity to regularly deviate from this body plan and adapt their ecology and life history (e.g. repeated limb reduction and loss, transitions to viviparity) to prevailing conditions.
Experimental performance analysis of photovoltaic/thermal hybrid system cooled by forced ventilation
Authors: Boutina Lyes , Khelifa Abdelkrim , Lebbi Mohamed , Bedaouche Fatah , Touafek Khaled , Kherrour Sofiane , Borni Abdelhalim 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSolar panels' efficiency is highly affected by high‐operating temperatures, especially in semi‐arid and arid regions. This outdoor experimental study aimed to enhance the energy performance of the photovoltaic module by integrating two fans at the outlet of the thermal/photovoltaic hybrid system to ensure forced ventilation. The work novelty depending on achieving low energy consumption by DC fans, so that there is a proportional relationship between the intensity of solar radiation and the energy produced and consumed. The influence of the reduced temperature, operating temperature, and solar radiation intensity on the energy performance of the photovoltaic/thermal hybrid system was analyzed experimentally. The obtained results showed an improvement in electrical and overall efficiency of the new hybrid system by about 4% and 60%, respectively, compared to the conventional photovoltaic module. On the contrary, a decrease in the temperature of the PV module installed in the hybrid system was measured by about 9°C, compared to the conventional photovoltaic module. In addition to the effectiveness of the new technology air cooling proposed at the lowest consumption cost, the thermal energy generated from the proposed system can be invested in solar drying and building applications.
Elucidating survival and functional outcomes in patients with primary head and neck malignancies treated in academic versus community settings
Authors: Choi Karen Y. , Patel Shivam D. , Lane Ciaran , Tucker Jacqueline , Chan Kimberly , Pradhan Sandeep , Mahase Sean S. , Tam Samantha H. , King Tonya S. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundDifferences in treatment outcomes between community or academic centers are incompletely understood.MethodsRetrospective review of head and neck cancer patients between 2010 and 2020 in a rural health region. Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank tests were used to evaluate survival outcomes, along with bivariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Linear regression was used for functional outcomes of tracheotomy and gastrostomy tube dependence.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐eight patients treated at an academic center were compared with 94 patients treated in community centers. In multivariable analysis, the risk of death (HR = 0.60, p = 0.019), and risk of recurrence were lower (HR = 0.29, p < 0.001) for patients treated in academic centers. Patients treated in community centers had longer gastrostomy tube dependence (p = 0.002).ConclusionOur findings suggest that treatment at an academic center was associated with a lower risk of recurrence and shorter gastrostomy tube dependence compared to treatment in the community.
Development and optimization of platforms of wise information technology of med based on medical internet of things and blockchain technology
Authors: Cai Xiaohua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAs society evolves and the aging population grows, there is an increasing demand for healthcare. Traditional medical service models no longer suffice, leading to issues like uneven distribution of medical resources and varying medical standards. Wise Information Technology in Medicine (WITMED) platforms have emerged in response to this challenge. This study addresses the limitations of conventional medical service models, including resource imbalance, cumbersome procedures, and low informatization. Leveraging Medical Internet of Things (MIoT) and blockchain technology, we researched the development and enhancement of WITMED platforms. To assess the effectiveness of MIoT and blockchain‐based WITMED compared to traditional medical platforms, we evaluated data security, data interoperability, platform response time, and user satisfaction scores. The findings indicate that MIoT and blockchain‐based WITMED outperformed traditional platforms with a 0.13 higher user satisfaction score, improved data security and interoperability, and faster response times. WITMED based on MIoT and blockchain enhances efficiency, convenience, and personalization of medical services, ultimately elevating healthcare quality. Optimizing this platform should focus on improving user experience, data processing capabilities, performance, stability, response time, privacy protection, scalability, interoperability, and technical proficiency to provide superior medical services to users.
Cationic micelle delivery of a multi‐epitope vaccine candidate derived from tumor‐associated antigens, causing regression in established CT26 colorectal tumors in mice
Authors: Sabzehei Faezeh , Taromchi Amir Hossein , Ramazani Ali , Nedaei Keivan , Feizi Abdolamir , Arsang‐Jang Shahram , Danafar Hossein 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAmong all the cancers, colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third mortality rank in both genders. Cancer vaccines have shown promising results in boosting patients' immune systems to fight cancer. Using the IEDB database, we predicted mouse MHC‐I (H2‐Ld) binding epitopes from four tumor‐associated antigens (APC, KRAS, TP53, and PIK3CA) and designed a multi‐epitope vaccine. We expressed the candidate vaccine and encapsulated it into the cationic micelle with polyethyleneimine conjugated to oleic acid as its building blocks. We studied tumor inhibition effect, cytokine production, and lymphocyte proliferation in the mouse CRC model after vaccination. Our finding illustrated significant tumor growth inhibition in mouse models treated with the candidate nanovaccine. Besides the significant release of IFN‐γ and IL‐4 by immunized mouse spleen T‐lymphocytes, T‐cell proliferation assay results confirmed effective immune response after the vaccination. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic effects of nanovaccines and could be a possible approach to CRC immunotherapy.
Luteolin: Nature's promising warrior against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Goyal Ahsas , Solanki Kunal , Verma Aanchal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeurodegenerative disorders (NDs) are defined as the slow loss of a group of neurons that are particularly sensitive. Due to the intricate pathophysiological processes underlying neurodegeneration, no cure exists for these conditions despite the extensive research and advances in our knowledge of the onset and course of NDs. Hence, there is a medical need for the creation of a novel therapeutic approach for NDs. By focusing on numerous signaling pathways, some natural substances derived from medicinal herbs and foods have demonstrated potent activity in treating various NDs. In this context, flavonoids have recently attracted increased popularity and research attention because of their alleged beneficial effects on health. By acting as antioxidant substances, nutritional supplements made up of flavonoids have been found to lessen the extent of NDs like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Luteolin is a flavone that possesses potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. As a consequence, luteolin has emerged as an option for treatment with therapeutic effects on many brain disorders. More research has focused on luteolin's diverse biological targets as well as diverse signaling pathways, implying its potential medicinal properties in several NDs. This review emphasizes the possible use of luteolin as a drug of choice for the treatment as well as the management of AD and PD. In addition, this review recommends that further research should be carried out on luteolin as a potential treatment for AD and PD alongside a focus on mechanisms and clinical studies.
A mixed methods study of Black/African American counselor wellness
Authors: Erby Adrienne N. , Jones Connie T. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUsing a mixed methods sequential explanatory design, the researchers investigated coping and wellness in a purposive, snowball sample of Black/African American counselors (n = 86). A simple linear regression measured the relationship between Africultural coping and wellness followed by an interpretative phenomenological analysis of focus group data. While Africultural coping was not a significant predictor of wellness, there was a statistically significant gender difference in Africultural coping with a small effect size. Gendered focus groups of men (n = 3) and women (n = 7) created from within the survey sample resulted in five themes addressing: (a) distinctive stressors, (b) coping, (c) having to do it all, (d) wellness as important, and (e) the role of connection. Implications and recommendations for the counseling profession are provided.
Efficacy of lenvatinib versus sorafenib in the primary treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jaiswal Vikash , Hameed Maha , Naz Sidra , Roy Poulami , Deb Novonil , Ukrani Janta , Krishna Mohan Gautham Varun , Taha Amira M , Huang Helen , Kumar Vikash , Vachhani Bhavyakumar , Attia Abdelrahman M , Nath Supti D , Solimn Mostafa A , Mukherjee Dattatreya 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimMolecular‐targeted agents such as lenvatinib and sorafenib have been approved to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the choice between these two agents in the primary treatment for advanced HCC is still under debate with conflicting results. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of lenvatinib and sorafenib in patients with HCC.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for relevant articles from inception until February 10, 2023. The primary outcome of this meta‐analysis was overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were progression‐free survival (PFS), time to progression, objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR).ResultsA total of 13 studies with 3705 patients (1635 on lenvatinib and 2070 on sorafenib) were included in our analysis. The mean age of the patients in both groups was comparable (66.81 vs 65.9 years). Pooled analysis of primary outcomes showed that, compared with sorafenib, lenvatinib was associated with significantly better OS in patients treated with these drugs (HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.69–0.97, P = 0.02). Pooled analysis also showed that PFS (HR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.57–0.78, P < 0.00001) and time to progression (HR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.31–0.79; P = 0.004) were significantly better in the lenvatinib group compared to the sorafenib group. It also showed that the lenvatinib group had significantly better ORR (odds ratio [OR] 5.43, 95% CI: 3.71–7.97; P < 0.00001) and DCR (OR 2.35, 95% CI: 1.75–3.16; P < 00001) than the sorafenib group.ConclusionOur study shows that lenvatinib is superior to sorafenib regarding OS and PFS in patients with advanced HCC.
Integrating smart phone applications in the management of cirrhotic patients: A scoping review
Authors: Hasan Mohamed , Bidargaddi Niranjan , Muller Kate , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Narayana Sumudu , Wigg Alan J 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimChronic liver disease and cirrhosis is a significant cause of healthcare utilization and patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Smartphone applications have high uptake in most communities and therefore have great potential to provide remote support solutions to this patient population. The aim of this scoping review was therefore to provide a comprehensive overview using narrative synthesis on the use of smartphone‐application‐based digital interventions in cirrhotic populations.Materials and MethodsPRISMA guidelines were followed, with two independent researchers identifying 10 relevant studies. Patients studied were predominantly those with decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatic encephalopathy was the most common complication studied.ResultsSmartphones were the most common platform used, but training periods, prior to commencement of the study, were rarely offered. Patient engagement rates with the technology were reported only in three studies, but all reported high (>50%) rates of engagement. Only one study examined the clinical effects of their digital intervention, with a 38% reduction in readmission rate reported.ConclusionOverall, the use of smartphone apps in cirrhosis is in an early phase of development and evaluation but preliminary studies suggest significant potential as an adjunct to routine medical care. Further high‐quality studies of well‐designed digital interventions are needed to advance this promising early experience.
Competitive fitness and homologous recombination of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern
Authors: Chen Qi , Qin Si , Zhou Hang‐Yu , Deng Yong‐Qiang , Shi Pan‐Deng , Zhao Hui , Li Xiao‐Feng , Huang Xing‐Yao , Wu Ya‐Rong , Guo Yan , Pei Guang‐Qian , Wang Yun‐Fei , Sun Si‐Qi , Du Zong‐Min , Cui Yu‐Jun , Fan Hang , Qin Cheng‐Feng 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) variants continue to emerge and cocirculate in humans and wild animals. The factors driving the emergence and replacement of novel variants and recombinants remain incompletely understood. Herein, we comprehensively characterized the competitive fitness of SARS‐CoV‐2 wild type (WT) and three variants of concern (VOCs), Alpha, Beta and Delta, by coinfection and serial passaging assays in different susceptible cells. Deep sequencing analyses revealed cell‐specific competitive fitness: the Beta variant showed enhanced replication fitness during serial passage in Caco‐2 cells, whereas the WT and Alpha variant showed elevated fitness in Vero E6 cells. Interestingly, a high level of neutralizing antibody sped up competition and completely reshaped the fitness advantages of different variants. More importantly, single clone purification identified a significant proportion of homologous recombinants that emerged during the passage history, and immune pressure reduced the frequency of recombination. Interestingly, a recombination hot region located between nucleotide sites 22,995 and 28,866 of the viral genomes could be identified in most of the detected recombinants. Our study not only profiled the variable competitive fitness of SARS‐CoV‐2 under different conditions, but also provided direct experimental evidence of homologous recombination between SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses, as well as a model for investigating SARS‐CoV‐2 recombination.