Favorable Factors Research Articles

Innovative hierarchical porous hydrophilic molecularly imprinted resin for high-throughput detection of perfluorocarboxylic acids in milk using 96-well plate SPE-LC-MS/MS

The accumulation of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in environment and foods represents a significant threat to public health due to the long-term ingestion of contaminated food. This study introduces a novel adsorbent, the hierarchical porous hydrophilic molecularly imprinted resin (HPHMIR), which was synthesized by integrating molecular imprinting techniques with hydrophilic resins. The HPHMIR, characterized by its extensive mesoporous structure (average pore width ∼9.71 nm) and favorable imprinting factors (2.6–5.0), facilitates the effective adsorption of PFCAs from complex matrices through multiple interaction mechanisms, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. This innovative material was employed in a 96-well plate format for solid-phase extraction (SPE), and combined with LC-MS/MS, a high-throughput method for the determination of PFCAs in milk was developed. The proposed method demonstrated exceptional performance, including excellent linearity (0.48–240 ng mL−1; r ≥ 0.9986), low detection limits (0.04–0.11 ng mL−1), high precision (relative standard deviation ≤ 9.9 %), and satisfactory recovery (75.7–118.1 %). These results highlight the efficacy of the method in extracting trace levels of PFCAs from complicated sample matrices, presenting a promising alternative for monitoring PFCA contamination and advancing public health standards.

The selection traits of mite non-reproduction (MNR) and Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) show high variance in subsequent generations and require intensive time investment to evaluate

The honey bee ectoparasite Varroa destructor is the main cause of honey bee colony losses worldwide. Over the last decades, several projects have focused on improving the robustness of Apis mellifera against this parasitic mite. Selection traits, such as mite non-reproduction (MNR) and Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH), are favored selection factors in Varroa resistance projects. VSH is a trait where adult honey bees remove the Varroa-infested brood. During this process, the female mites are arrested in their reproductive cycle leading to a reduction of the Varroa population within the bee colony. From 2019 to 2022, 1402 queens were instrumentally inseminated with single or multiple drones in a breeding program. Colonies headed by these queens were established annually, and the MNR and VSH levels were analyzed. VSH was evaluated in response to cells artificially infested with Varroa, and colonies with high VSH values were used to generate our selected VSH stock. Despite crossing high VSH drones and queens, we measured a remarkable heterogeneity of MNR and VSH in the next generation(s), most likely due to the well-described, high recombination rate in the honey bee genome. When assessed multiple times in the same colony, great variance between measurements was observed. Detailed evaluations of daughter colonies are thus required if selection programs want to breed colonies with reliable VSH traits. This constant need to evaluate all offspring to ensure the desirable resistance traits are present results in high workloads and great expenses in selection programs. Furthermore, such large-scale breeding programs are inefficient due to high fluctuations between measurements and generations, indicating we need to develop new approaches and improved methods for assessing Varroa resistance.

Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide, and Cisplatin as Initial Salvage Chemotherapy for Germ Cell Tumors: Long-Term Follow-Up and Outcomes for Favorable- and Unfavorable-Risk Disease.

Paclitaxel, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (TIP) is an established salvage regimen for germ cell tumors (GCT) on the basis of a phase II trial, but efficacy on a large patient cohort including patients with unfavorable risk features and long-term outcomes has not been reported. Herein, we report updated treatment efficacy and long-term follow-up with TIP. Patients with GCT who received TIP after cisplatin-based chemotherapy were eligible. Favorable response (complete response or partial response with negative tumor markers), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates, relapse, and toxicity were determined. Disease was reclassified according to the International Prognostic Factor Study Group (IPFSG) score. Of the 104 patients, 87 had favorable risk factors and 17 had at least one unfavorable factor by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) criteria. Ten patients were treated for a second gonadal primary GCT. With a median follow-up of 8.9 years, the 5-year PFS and OS rates were 66% (95% CI, 55 to 74) and 69% (95% CI, 59 to 77), respectively. Among 87 patients with favorable-risk disease, 69 (79%) achieved a favorable response with 5-year PFS and OS rates of 67% (95% CI, 56 to 76) and 72% (95% CI, 61 to 80), respectively. Among 17 patients with MSKCC unfavorable-risk disease, 13 (76%) achieved a favorable response with 5-year PFS and OS rates of 59% (95% CI, 33 to 78) and 56% (95% CI, 28 to 76), respectively. After IPFSG reclassification, 5-year PFS and OS rates for patients with ≤intermediate-risk disease were 75% (95% CI, 50 to 89) and 73% (95% CI, 55 to 85), respectively. TIP is an effective second-line regimen for patients with GCT. Similar outcomes were observed in patients with favorable- and unfavorable-risk disease. The randomized TIGER trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02375204) comparing TIP with high-dose chemotherapy will determine the optimal second-line treatment approach.

Evaluation of a new scoring system for assessing nerve invasion in resected pancreatic cancer: A single-center retrospective analysis

Nerve invasion (NI) is a characteristic feature of pancreatic cancer. Traditional dichotomous statements on the presence of NI are unreasonable because almost all cases exhibit NI when sufficient pathological sections are examined. The critical implications of NI in pancreatic cancer highlight the need for a more effective criterion. This study included 511 patients, who were categorized into a training group and a testing group at a ratio of 7:3. According to the traditional definition, NI was observed in 91.2 % of patients using five pathological slides in our study. The prevalence of NI increased as more pathological slides were used. The criterion of ‘two points of intraneural (endoneural) invasion in the case of four pathological slides’ has the highest receiver operating characteristic (ROC) score. Based on this new criterion, NI was proved to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) and was also correlated with tumor recurrence (P = 0.004). Interestingly, gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimen is an independent favorable factor for patients with high NI. In the high NI group, patients who received a gemcitabine-based regimen exhibited a better prognosis than those who did not receive the gemcitabine-based regimen for OS (P = 0.000) and DFS (P = 0.001). In conclusion, this study establishes assessment criteria to evaluate the severity of NI in order to predict patient outcomes.

Badania postrzegania przez mężczyzn z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną ich długoterminowych związków partnerskich

Introduction: Although researchers have been increasingly interested in de facto partnerships between people with intellectual disabilities (ID), there have been few studies concerning males, especially those who succeeded in developing long-term relations. Research Aim: The study aimed to understand how males with ID perceive their relationships and the meanings they ascribe to them. Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore this aim. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with males with ID who were in a long-term intimate relationship. Results: The analysis allowed us to identify four superordinate themes: (1) Meanings ascribed to partners, (2) Road to building a partnership, (3) Barriers on the road to building and functioning in a relationship, and (4) Relationships of the males under study with women: from harmony to conflicts and relationship breakups, followed by several constituent themes. Conclusion: The study has shown the importance of relationships to adult males with ID and has helped to identify the favorable factors and barriers in developing and maintaining such relationships.

Mo Migration-Induced Crystalline to Amorphous Conversion and Formation of RuMo/NiMoO4 Heterogeneous Nanoarray for Hydrazine-Assisted Water Splitting at Large Current Density.

Manipulating the atomic structure of the catalyst and tailoring the dissociative water-hydrogen bonding network at the catalyst-electrolyte interface is essential for propelling alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) and hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR), but remains a great challenge. Herein, we constructed an advanced a-RuMo/NiMoO4/NF heterogeneous electrocatalysts with amorphous RuMo alloy nanoclusters anchored to amorphous NiMoO4 skeletons on Ni foam by a heteroatom implantation strategy. Theoretical calculations and in-situ Raman tests show that the amorphous and alloying structure of a-RuMo/NiMoO4/NF not only induces the directional evolution of interfacial H2O, but also lowers the d-band center (from -0.43 to -2.22 eV) of a-RuMo/NiMoO4/NF, the Gibbs free energy of hydrogen adsorption (ΔGH*, from -1.29 to -0.06 eV), and the energy barrier of HzOR (ΔGN2(g) = 1.50 eV to ΔGN2* = 0.47 eV). Profiting from these favorable factors, the a-RuMo/NiMoO4/NF exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performances, especially at large current densities, with an overpotential of 13 and 129 mV to reach 10 and 1000 mA cm-2 for HER. While for HzOR, it needs only -91 and 276 mV to deliver 10 and 500 mA cm-2, respectively. Further, the constructed a-RuMo/NiMoO4/NF||a-RuMo/NiMoO4/NF electrolyzer demands only 7 and 420 mV to afford 10 and 500 mA cm-2.

Thermal responsive polyurethane/brominated isobutylene isoprene rubber co-continuous IPNs elastomer: From tunable shape memory behavior to high damping properties

Shape memory polymers may have the highest potential as materials for aerospace engineering because of their low density, adjustable stiffness, and controlled deformation; however, large shock effects are inevitable during the deformation process of space deployment structures. To overcome the impact of shock vibrations on such complex integrated structures, an innovative interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) preparation scheme through phase distribution adjustment is proposed. In this work, thermally responsive shape memory IPNs consisting of polycaprolactone-based polyurethane (PUPCL) and brominated isobutylene isoprene rubber (BIIR) were reported for the first time. The BIIR/PUPCL (5:5) IPNs exhibited high shape fixity and recovery rates (94.4 % and 89.6 %, respectively) and repeatable shape memory behavior. Furthermore, the IPNs presented a favorable loss factor (tan δ) of 0.60 and exhibited effective damping temperature range (tan δ > 0.3) covering 83.6 K (−43.4 °C to 40.2 °C), resulting in impressive damping properties. Finally, the working process of the hinge was simulated by constructing a layer-by-layer panel with smooth deployment 30 s after heating. In addition, a gripper-shaped module based on bending deformation was successfully fabricated, exhibiting particular energy-loss properties and acting as a shock absorber. This study provides a novel design for the preparation of multifunctional polymers with potential applications in hinges and booms for aerospace engineering and intelligent protective devices.

Self-passivation/self-delivery/self-healing anticorrosion polymer coating for marine applications

Corrosion of steel in the marine environment greatly reduces their service life. Polymeric coatings are the most popular anticorrosion technology, but seawater penetration cannot be prohibited because of the distinct stacking structure of the macromolecular chains. In this context, a novel anticorrosive hyperbranched polyurethane-based coating with dopamine (DOPA) at the terminals is prepared herein. The built-in DOPA is able to capture the iron ions released from the corroded substrate and form DOPA-Fe3+ complexation, which further cooperates with the surrounding seawater and imparts self-passivation, self-delivery and self-healing capabilities to the coating. Under the joint action of these measures, the corrosion of tinplate (serving as the steel model) is reduced to a record-low level (corrosion current = 1 × 10−9 A cm−2, corrosion rate = 1 × 10−5 mm year−1). Conceptually, the present dynamic active anticorrosion strategy greatly outperforms the traditional static passive approach, and turns the unfavorable but unavoidable seawater into a favorable factor, which paves the way for the development of long-lasting marine coatings.

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 and collagen XVII endodomain expression in human cutaneous melanomas: can they serve as prognostic factors?

Melanoma incidence is increasing globally. Although novel therapies have improved the survival of primary melanoma patients over the past decade, the overall survival rate for metastatic melanoma remains low. In addition to traditional prognostic factors such as Breslow thickness, ulceration, and mitotic rate, novel genetic and molecular markers have been investigated. In our study, we analyzed the expression of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) and the endodomain of collagen XVII (COL17) in relation to clinicopathological factors in primary cutaneous melanomas with known lymph node status in both sexes, using immunohistochemistry. We found, that GPER1 expression correlated with favorable clinicopathological factors, including lower Breslow thickness, lower mitotic rate and absence of ulceration. In contrast, COL17 expression was associated with poor prognostic features, such as higher tumor thickness, higher mitotic rate, presence of ulceration and presence of regression. Melanomas positive for both GPER1 and COL17 had significantly lower mean Breslow thickness and mitotic rate compared to cases positive for COL17 only. Our data indicate that GPER1 and COL17 proteins may be of potential prognostic value in primary cutaneous melanomas.

Correlation between exosomal PD-L1 and prognosis in patients with cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The predictive role of exosomal programmed cell death ligand l (exoPD-L1) in prognosis has been studied extensively; however, there is still no consensus. Three databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched through January 4, 2024. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were used to identify the relationship between circulating exoPD-L1 and prognosis. 15 studies with 1091 patients with cancer were included in this statistical analysis. High exoPD-L1 level was correlated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.75-3.81) and overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.32-1.98). Meanwhile, we found that dynamic upregulation of circulating exoPD-L1 in the early stages of immunotherapy was a favorable factor for prognosis (PFS: HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23-0.51; OS: HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.13-0.26). Circulating exoPD-L1 may be a valuable prognostic indicator for patients with cancer and monitoring its changes in the early stages of immunotherapy might be used to predict tumor response and clinical outcome. This conclusion may not apply to superficial tumors.

Producing a siliceous ferroalloy from a mixture of amorphous rocks

The main silicon-containing component in a charge during ferrosilicon smelting is quartzite. The carbothermic reduction rate of the crystalline structure SiO2 has a limitation associated with a fixed energy reserve of silicon-oxygen bond. The reactive capacity of silica can be increased by using its amorphous form instead of the crystalline SiO2. The amorphous form of silica has a higher dispersion, greater free surface energy, and, consequently, a more active degree of entering into a reaction. Such silica-containing materials include amorphous rocks: diatomite, opoka, tripoli. The article presents the results of experimental studies of electrothermal ferrosilicon production from a mixture of amorphous rocks (tripoli, opoka, diatomite with a mass ratio of 1:1:1).It is established that when smelting the mixture of amorphous rocks containing 77 % SiO2, 7.9 % Al2O3, 5.2 % Σ CaO and MgO, 4 % Σ K2O Na2O, 3.3 % Fe2O3, 1.3 % CaCO3, 0.9 % CaSO4, 0.4 % others, three ferrosilicon grades are formed: FeSi25 (22–29 % Si), FeSi45 (41–47 % Si), FeSi50 (47–52 % Si) with the extraction degree of 70–87.6 % silicon into the alloy. Moreover, the ferrosilicon grade decreases with an increase in steel shavings in the charge from 21.9-31.4 % to 33–35 %. In comparison with ferrosilicon smelting from a standard charge containing quartzite with the crystalline form of SiO2, steel shavings and coke, ferrosilicon production from the mixture of amorphous rocks allows to increase the process rate by 17.5–21.6 %. It is possible to increase the silicon extraction degree into the alloy from 80-85 %–94.5 % if its final stage is carried out in the resistance mode. Widespread occurrence in nature, favorable conditions of occurrence, low cost, high reactive capacity are favorable factors for using amorphous rocks in the production of ferroalloys.

Identifying and exploring the favorable factors that help to slow the progression of disease in patients with mild cervical spondylotic myelopathy

To explore the favorable factors that help slow the progression of disease in patients with mild Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM). A retrospective analysis was conducted, involving the enrollment of 115 CSM patients. The categorization of patients into two groups was based on the duration of symptoms, assessments using the mJOA scale and Health Transition (HT) scores: mild-slow group and severe-rapid group. We found that the patients in both groups had similar degrees of spinal cord compression, but mild-slow group were older and had smaller C2–C7 cobb angle (Flexion) (CL(F)), C2–C7 cobb angle (Range of motion) (CL(ROM)), Transverse area (TA), Normal-TA, Compressive spinal canal area (CSCA), Normal-Spinal canal area (Normal-SCA) and lower Spinal cord increased signal intensity (ISI) Grade than the severe-rapid group. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that CL(ROM) and Normal-TA are favorable factors to help slow the progression of disease patients with mild CSM. Through ROC curves, we found that when CL(ROM) < 39.1° and Normal-TA < 80.5mm2, the progression of disease in CSM patients may be slower. Meanwhile, we obtained a prediction formula by introducing joint prediction factor: L = CL(ROM) + 2.175 * Normal-TA. And found that when L < 213.0, the disease progression of patients may be slower which was superior to calculate CL(ROM) and Normal-TA separately.

Prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Vibrio parahaemolyticus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Vibrio cholerae&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Vibrio alginolyticus&lt;/i&gt; in a White-leg Shrimp (&lt;i&gt;Litopenaeus vannamei&lt;/i&gt;) Farm in Sarawak

Vibriosis in shrimp farms poses potential risks to the industry’s sustainability and the consumers’ health. Little is known about the dynamics and variation of &lt;i&gt;Vibrio&lt;/i&gt; spp—population in shrimp production in Sarawak, Malaysia. The apparent prevalence of three &lt;i&gt;Vibrio&lt;/i&gt; species, &lt;i&gt;V. parahaemolyticus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;V. cholerae&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;V. alginolyticus&lt;/i&gt;, were investigated in water (n=12), sediment (n=12), shrimp (n=12), and effluent (n=12) samples collected from two ponds in a coastal shrimp farm during one production cycle. Multiplex-PCR using specific primer sets showed the presence of the three Vibrio species. Based on the results, &lt;i&gt;V. parahaemolyticus&lt;/i&gt; was the most prevalent in all four samples, with a contamination rate of 97.92% (95% CI: 89. 10 to 99.89%), while &lt;i&gt;V. cholerae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;V. alginolyticus&lt;/i&gt; had a contamination rate of 47.92% (95% CI: 34.37 to 61.67%) and 25.0% (95% CI: 14.92 to 38.78%), respectively. High &lt;i&gt;Vibrio&lt;/i&gt; load in the shrimp farm is due to favourable environmental factors, such as optimal temperatures, salinity, and pH ranges for the growth of these species. The study’s findings offer important preliminary insights into the prevalence and distribution of these pathogenic &lt;i&gt;Vibrio&lt;/i&gt; spp., within a shrimp farm in Kuching, Sarawak. This study serves as a potential model for monitoring &lt;i&gt;Vibrio&lt;/i&gt; spp. prevalence in other shrimp farms across Sarawak, thereby addressing the scarcity of data on prevalence in the region.

Impact of knowledge management infrastructure and processes on automobile manufacturing firm innovative performance through the mediating role of agile project management practice

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine knowledge management (KM) infrastructure and processes on automobile manufacturing firm innovative performance through the mediating role of agile project management (APM) practice. Design/methodology/approach The data collection involved purposive and convenience sampling techniques to gather information from 692 employees employed in various public and private automobile manufacturing firms operating in Pakistan. To test the hypothesis, data analysis was conducted using Smart PLS software version 4, using the partial least squares and structural equation modeling technique. Findings The result revealed that knowledge management infrastructure and processes has a positive and significant effect on firm innovative performance. Moreover, agile project management practices positively and significantly mediate the relationship between knowledge management infrastructure and processes and firm innovative performance. Practical implications The performance of high-tech automobile manufacturing firms can be enhanced by implementing agile project management practices, especially when stimulated by external factors such as innovation. In an increasingly dynamic environment, innovation acts as a favorable factor that amplifies the positive impact of agile methodologies on firm performance. Originality/value Researchers can use these findings to identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in future studies and understand how strategies relate to processes within the KM-APM framework. This study provides practitioners with insights on applying KM practices in an APM context to enhance knowledge performance. Practitioners can use the framework to plan KM activities that support corporate strategy across all organizational layers, ensuring the appropriate knowledge is conveyed at each level.

Role of ectomycorrhizal colonization in enhancement of nutrients for survival of plants collected from mountainous cold stress areas

BackgroundEctomycorrhizal (ECM and ECM-like) structures associated with plant root systems are a challenge for scientists. The dispersion pattern of roots within the soil profile and the nutritional conditions are both favourable factors to motivate the plants to make ECM associations.ResultsThis study discusses the colonization of mycorrhizal associations in Kobresia and Polygonum species including Polygonum viviparum, Kobresia filicina, K. myosuroides, Alnus nitida, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, and Trifolium repens grown naturally in cold stressed soils of Gilgit-Baltistan (high-altitude alpine Deosai plains), Hazara, Swat, Dir, and Bajaur. Sieved soil batches were exposed to +5 °C (control), -10, -20, -30, -40, -50, -125 °C for 5 h, and selected plants were sown to these soils for 10 weeks under favourable conditions for ECM colonization. Ectomycorrhizal associations were examined in the above mentioned plants. Some ECM fungi have dark mycelia that look like the mantle and Hartig net. Examples of these are Kobresia filicina, K. myosuroides, and Polygonum viviparum. Findings of this study revealed that K. myosuroides excelled in ECM root tip length, dry mass, and NH4 concentration at -125 °C. Contrarily, A. nitida demonstrated the lower values, indicated its minimum tolerance. Notably, T. repens boasted the highest nitrogen concentration (18.7 ± 1.31 mg/g), while P. sylvestris led in phosphorus (3.2 ± 0.22 mg/g). The B. pendula showed the highest potassium concentration (9.4 ± 0.66 mg/g), emphasising species-specific nutrient uptake capabilities in extreme cold conditions. The PCA analysis revealed that the parameters, e.g., NH4 in soil mix (NH4), NO3 in soil mix (NO3), phosphorus in soil in species of Polygonum viviparum, Kobresia filicina, K. myosuroides, Alnus nitida, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, and Trifolium repens are most accurately represented in cases of + 5 °C, -10 °C, and -20 °C temperatures. On the other hand, the parameters for ECM root tips (ECM) and Dry Mass (DM) are best described in -40 °C, -50 °C, and − 125 °C temperatures. All parameters have a strong influence on the variability of the system indicated the efficiency of ECM. The heatmap supported the nutrients positively correlated with ECM colonization with the host plants.ConclusionAt lower temperatures, hyphae and spores in roots were reduced, while soluble phosphorus concentrations of leaves were increased in cold stress soils. Maximum foliar nutrient concentrations were found in K. myosuroides at the lowest temperature treatments due to efficient functioning and colonization of ECM.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE SPHERE OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL AND LABOR RELATIONS IN WAR AND POST-WAR TIMES

The article reveals the peculiarities of the transformation of the sphere of management and social and labor relations in the war and post-war periods. It was established that non-traditional forms of employment and organization of work spread during this period. It has been proven that the function of human resources management becomes a catalyst for coordinating the interests of employers and employees. The transformation of the field of management and social and labor relations in the wartime period took place with the help of the spread of the remote work format. It has been found that the successful organization of the enterprise's work is possible if there is experience in working remotely and due to the availability of material and technical resources and software. The purpose of the research is the analysis of the management system and social-labor relations in the conditions of war, the study of obstacles and favorable factors of remote work and the development of remote management of human resources in the post-war period. It has been found that following the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine has actualized the active spread of remote work in Ukraine, which is able to ensure the stability of the national economy and the preservation of productive employment of the population in the context of the deployment of the digital economy. In our opinion, the field of management in combination with progressive information and communication technologies and the created national legal framework is suitable for the transition to new forms of labor organization inherent in the new economy - remote work, automation and digitization of routine operations

(Invited) Atomically Dispersed Metal Electrocatalysts for CO2 to CO Conversion: From Single to Dual Metal Sites

Carbon-supported nitrogen-coordinated single-metal site catalysts (i.e., M−N−C, M: Fe, Co, or Ni) are active for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to CO.(1) We comprehensively engineered FeN4 and NiNx sites for electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO considering the particle sizes of the catalysts, metal content, and the M−N (M: Fe or Ni) bond structures.(2, 3)The unique M-N-C model allows us to elucidate each factor′s role exclusively regarding the promotion of CO2 reduction.(4)Optimal particle sizes and Fe content provide favorable external factors to improve mass activity. Structural changes of M−N bonds controlled by thermal activation temperatures can intrinsically enhance CO selectivity and kinetic activity. Notably, the NiN3 active sites with optimal local structures formed at higher temperatures (e.g., 1200 °C) are intrinsically more active and CO-selective than NiN4, providing a new opportunity to design a highly active catalyst via populating NiN3 sites with increased density. Further improving their intrinsic activity and selectivity by tuning their N−M bond structures and coordination is limited. We further expand the coordination environments of M−N−C catalysts by designing dual-metal active sites.(5)The Ni-Fe catalyst exhibited the most efficient CO2RR activity and promising stability compared to other combinations. Advanced structural characterization and theoretical prediction suggest that the most active N-coordinated dual-metal site configurations are 2N-bridged (Fe-Ni)N6, in which FeN4 and NiN4 moieties are shared with two N atoms. Two metals (i.e., Fe and Ni) in the dual-metal site likely generate a synergy to enable more optimal *COOH adsorption and *CO desorption than single-metal sites (FeN4 or NiN4) with improved intrinsic catalytic activity and selectivity.References Pan F, Zhang H, Liu K, Cullen D, More K, Wang M, et al. Unveiling Active Sites of CO2 Reduction on Nitrogen-Coordinated and Atomically Dispersed Iron and Cobalt Catalysts. ACS Catalysis. 2018;8(4):3116-22.Li Y, Adli NM, Shan W, Wang M, Zachman MJ, Hwang S, et al. Atomically dispersed single Ni site catalysts for high-efficiency CO2 electroreduction at industrial-level current densities. Energy & Environmental Science. 2022;15(5):2108-19.Mohd Adli N, Shan W, Hwang S, Samarakoon W, Karakalos S, Li Y, et al. Engineering Atomically Dispersed FeN4 Active Sites for CO2 Electroreduction. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2021;60(2):1022-32.Li J, Zhang H, Samarakoon W, Shan W, Cullen DA, Karakalos S, et al. Thermally Driven Structure and Performance Evolution of Atomically Dispersed FeN4 Sites for Oxygen Reduction. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2019;58(52):18971-80.Li Y, Shan W, Zachman MJ, Wang M, Hwang S, Tabassum H, et al. Atomically Dispersed Dual-Metal Site Catalysts for Enhanced CO2 Reduction: Mechanistic Insight into Active Site Structures. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 2022;61(28):e202205632.

Copper Vanadium Oxide Yolk-Shell Microspheres with Excellent Capacitance and Cycling Performance for Electrochromic Supercapacitor.

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is considered a promising material for electrochromic supercapacitors due to its rich color transitions and excellent electrochemical capacity. However, V2O5 exhibits low electrical conductivity, and its volume changes dramatically during charge-discharge cycles, leading to structural collapse and poor long-term cyclability. These issues have hindered the development and application of V2O5. In this study, copper vanadium oxide yolk-shell microspheres (CVO) were synthesized through a one-step solvent heat treatment with an annealing process. With the doping of copper element, the capacitance, conductivity, and cyclic stability of CVO microspheres were significantly enhanced. Subsequently, the sphere-wire network structure was formed by blending Na2V6O16·3H2O nanowires (NVO), resulting in the formation of CVO/NVO composites. The three-dimensional sphere-wire network efficiently facilitates the acquisition of additional redox sites and strengthens the material-to-substrate bonding. Under the combined influence of these favorable factors, CVO/NVO achieved a high specific capacitance of 39.2 mF cm-2, with a capacitance retention of 84% after 7500 cycles at a current density of 0.7 mA cm-2. The fully inorganic solid-state electrochromic supercapacitor (ECSC), assembled on the basis of CVO/NVO, demonstrates a vivid and clearly distinguishable color change (ΔE* = 37). Even more impressive is the energy storage capacity (18.4 mF·cm-2) and the cycling stability (up to 89% retention after 10,000 cycles) exhibited by the devices. These key performances are superior to those of most of the previously reported V2O5-based ECSCs, opening a promising avenue for the development of V2O5-based electrochromic energy storage devices.

Results of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy With CyberKnife-M6 for Primary and Metastatic Lung Cancer.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using the CyberKnife-M6 (CK-M6) with lung optimized treatment (LOT) module in patients with primary lung cancer and lung metastases. Forty-two lesions from 35 patients were treated between 2019 and 2022. Four-dimensional computed tomography images were obtained when the patients were in a free breathing modality. Tracking modality was selected prospectively according to the visibility of the target. The median prescribed dose was 48 Gy in four fractions (fx) (28 - 55 Gy/1- 7 fx). The median age was 68 years (47 - 82 years), and 43% of cases were adenocarcinoma. The median lesion size was 15 mm (6 - 36 mm). Complete, partial and stable responses were obtained as 26%, 62%, and 9.5% at a median of 2 months (1 - 6 months), and 35.5%, 47.5% and 5% at the 12th month evaluation, respectively. Grade 3 and higher toxicity was not observed in any case. The mean and 2-year overall survival (OS) was 31.5 months and 54%, and the local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was 29.6 months and 51%, respectively. In univariate analysis, target lesion type, complete response (CR), and higher esophagus maximum dose were favorable factors for OS and LRFS (P < 0.05). The CR at 12th month evaluation remained significant in multivariate analysis in terms of OS (hazard ratio = 8.602, 95% confidence interval: 1.05 - 70.01; P = 0.044). A mean LRFS of 29.6 months and OS of 31.5 months were obtained in patients with primary and metastatic lung cancer. With a median treatment time of 25 min, motion-managed strategy with CK-M6-LOT-based SBRT is an effective, safe, and comfortable treatment method for lung cancer.

Titin truncating variants, cardiovascular risk factors and the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure.

High-proportion spliced-in (hiPSI) titin truncating variant (TTNtv) carriers have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure1. However, the role of cardiovascular risk factors in modifying the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure attributed to hiPSI TTNtv carriers is unknown. Here, we investigate the role of cardiovascular risk, quantified using the pooled cohort equations (PCEs), in influencing the hazard of outcomes attributed to hiPSI TTNtvs among UK Biobank participants without baseline cardiovascular disease. The cohort was stratified based on hiPSI TTNtv carrier status and cardiovascular risk (low: <5%, intermediate: 5.0-7.5% and high: >7.5%). The primary outcome was a composite of atrial fibrillation, heart failure or death. TTNtv noncarriers with low cardiovascular risk were used as the reference group for all analyses. Among 179,752 participants (median age: 56 (49, 62) years; 57.5% female), the risk of the primary outcome was lower in hiPSI TTNtv carriers with low cardiovascular risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.62-3.07)) than those with high cardiovascular risk (adjusted hazard ratio: 8.21 (95% confidence interval: 6.63-10.18)). A favorable cardiovascular risk factor profile may partially offset the risk of clinical outcomes among hiPSI TTNtv carriers.