bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Regiochemistry on the Performance of Organic Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conductors
Authors: Halaksa Roman , Kim Ji Hwan , Thorley Karl J. , Gilhooly‐Finn Peter A. , Ahn Hyungju , Savva Achilleas , Yoon Myung‐Han , Nielsen Christian B.
Published: May 2023

Thiophenes functionalised in the 3‐position are ubiquitous building blocks for the design and synthesis of organic semiconductors. Their non‐centrosymmetric nature has long been used as a powerful synthetic design tool exemplified by the vastly different properties of regiorandom and regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) owing to the repulsive head‐to‐head interactions between neighbouring side chains in the regiorandom polymer. The renewed interest in highly electron‐rich 3‐alkoxythiophene based polymers for bioelectronic applications opens up new considerations around the regiochemistry of these systems as both the head‐to‐tail and head‐to‐head couplings adopt near‐planar conformations due to attractive intramolecular S−O interactions. To understand how this increased flexibility in the molecular design can be used advantageously, we explore in detail the geometrical and electronic effects that influence the optical, electrochemical, structural, and electrical properties of a series of six polythiophene derivatives with varying regiochemistry and comonomer composition. We show how the interplay between conformational disorder, backbone coplanarity and polaron distribution affects the mixed ionic‐electronic conduction. Ultimately, we use these findings to identify a new conformationally restricted polythiophene derivative for p‐type accumulation‐mode organic electrochemical transistor applications with performance on par with state‐of‐the‐art mixed conductors evidenced by a μC* product of 267 F V−1 cm−1 s−1.
A General Autofluorescence Method to Characterize Polymerization Progress
Authors: López Pía A. , Pham Vy H. B. , Blum Suzanne A.
Published: May 2023

An autofluorescence technique to characterize polymerization progress in real time/in line was developed, which functioned in the absence of typical fluorogenic groups on the monomer or polymer. The monomer dicyclopentadiene and polymer polydicyclopentadiene are hydrocarbons that lack traditional functional groups for fluorescence spectroscopy. Here, the autofluorescence of formulations containing this monomer and polymer during ruthenium‐catalyzed ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was harnessed for reaction monitoring. The methods fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and here‐developed fluorescencelifetimerecovery after photobleaching (FLRAP) characterized polymerization progress in these native systems—without requiring exogenous fluorophore. (Auto)fluorescence lifetime recovery changes during polymerization correlated linearly to degree of cure, providing a quantitative link with reaction progress. These changing signals also provided relative rates of background polymerization, enabling comparison of 10 different catalyst‐inhibitor‐stabilized formulations. Multiple‐well analysis demonstrated suitability for future high‐throughput evaluation of formulations for thermosets. The central concept of the combined autofluorescence and FLRAP/FRAP method may be extendable to monitoring other polymerization reactions previously overlooked for lack of an obvious fluorescence handle.
Goldkatalysierte formale [4+2]‐Cycloaddition als Zugang zu antitumoraktiven spirozyklischen Oxindolen aus Alkinen und von Isatin abgeleiteten Ketiminen
Authors: Liu Yaowen , Dietl Martin C. , Heckershoff Robin , Han Chunyu , Shi Hongwei , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Caligiuri Isabella , Asif Kanwal , Adeel Muhammad , Scattolin Thomas , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: May 2023

Aufgrund seines hervorragenden Bioaktivitätsprofils, das zunehmend in der pharmazeutischen und synthetischen Chemie genutzt wird, ist Spirooxindol ein wichtiger Grundbaustein. Wir beschreiben hier eine effiziente Methode zum Aufbau hochfunktionalisierter neuer Spirooxindolocarbamate über eine Gold‐katalysierte Cycloadditionsreaktion von terminalen Alkinen oder Inamiden mit von Isatin abgeleiteten Ketiminen. Dieses Protokoll weist eine gute Kompatibilität mit funktionellen Gruppen auf, verwendet leicht verfügbare Ausgangsstoffe, milde Reaktionsbedingungen, geringe Katalysatorbeladungen und keine Additive. Es ermöglicht die Umwandlung verschiedener funktionalisierter Alkingruppen in zyklische Carbamate. Es gelang eine Synthese im Grammmaßstab und DFT‐Berechnungen bestätigen die Machbarkeit des mechanistischen Ansatzes. Einige der Zielprodukte zeigen eine gute bis ausgezeichnete antiproliferative Aktivität auf menschlichen Tumorzelllinien. Darüber hinaus zeigte eine der aktivsten Verbindungen eine bemerkenswerte Selektivität für Tumorzellen gegenüber normalen Zellen.
Ex situ Generation of Thiazyl Trifluoride (NSF3) as a Gaseous SuFEx Hub**
Authors: Li Bing‐Yu , Su Kexin , Van Meervelt Luc , Verhelst Steven H. L. , Ismalaj Ermal , De Borggraeve Wim M. , Demaerel Joachim
Published: May 2023

Sulfur(VI)‐fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry, an all‐encompassing term for substitution events that replace fluoride at an electrophilic sulfur(VI), enables the rapid and flexible assembly of linkages around a SVI core. Although a myriad of nucleophiles and applications works very well with the SuFEx concept, the electrophile design has remained largely SO2‐based. Here, we introduce S≡N‐based fluorosulfur(VI) reagents to the realm of SuFEx chemistry. Thiazyl trifluoride (NSF3) gas is shown to serve as an excellent parent compound and SuFEx hub to efficiently synthesize mono‐ and disubstituted fluorothiazynes in an ex situ generation workflow. Gaseous NSF3 was evolved from commercial reagents in a nearly quantitative fashion at ambient conditions. Moreover, the mono‐substituted thiazynes could be extended further as SuFEx handles and be engaged in the synthesis of unsymmetrically disubstituted thiazynes. These results provide valuable insights into the versatility of these understudied sulfur functionalities paving the way for future applications.
Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular modeling of ORM‐10921 and its analogs as α2C‐adrenoceptor antagonists
Authors: Ma Qiaoning , Zhu Lingxuan , Zhang Zhe , Xiong Ying , Li Yan , Lei Xinsheng
Published: May 2023

The α2C‐adrenoceptor (α2C‐AR) is regarded as one of the potential targets for antipsychotics. A few of structurally diverse α2C‐AR antagonists have been reported, among which ORM‐10921, containing one rigid tetracyclic framework with two neighboring chiral centers, has exhibited remarkable antipsychotic‐like effects and pro‐cognitive properties in different animal models. Yet the binding mode of ORM‐10921 remains elusive. In this study, all of its four stereoisomers and a set of its analogs were synthesized and in vitro evaluated for their α2C‐AR antagonist activities. The molecular docking study and hydration site analysis gave a rational explanation for the biological results, which might provide helpful insights into the binding mode and future optimization.
Magnetically Cured Macroradical Epoxy as Antimicrobial Coating
Authors: Capricho Jaworski C. , Liao Tzu‐Ying , Chai Boon Xian , Al‐Qatatsheh Ahmed , Vongsvivut Jitraporn (Pimm) , Kingshott Peter , Juodkazis Saulius , Fox Bronwyn Louise , Hameed Nishar
Published: May 2023

The radical‐bearing epoxy monomer could be the ideal embodiment of multifunctionality in epoxy‐based materials. This study demonstrates the potential of macroradical epoxies as surface coating materials. A diepoxide monomer derivatized with a stable nitroxide radical is polymerized with a diamine hardener under the influence of a magnetic field. The magnetically oriented and stable radicals in the polymer backbone render the coatings antimicrobial. The unconventional use of magnets during polymerization proved crucial in correlating the structure‐property relationships with antimicrobial performance inferred from oscillatory rheological technique, polarized macro‐attenuated total reflectance – infrared (macro‐ATR‐IR) spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The magnetic thermal curing influenced the surface morphology, resulting in a synergy of the coating's radical nature with microbiostatic performance assessed using the Kirby‐Bauer test and liquid chromatography – mass spectroscopy (LC–MS). Further, the magnetic curing of blends with a traditional epoxy monomer demonstrates that radical alignment is more critical than radical density in imparting biocidal behavior. This study shows how the systematic use of magnets during polymerization could pave for probing more significant insights into the mechanism of antimicrobial action in radical‐bearing polymers.
Secondary Structure‐Dependent Charge Transport in iLOV Protein Junctions
Authors: Liang Han , Li Liangliang , Fei Houguo , Zhang Yongkang , Qi Pan , Su Liwen , Zhang Yu , Guo Cunlan
Published: May 2023

The composition and structure of proteins are crucial for charge migration in the solid‐state charge transport (CTp). Despite much progress, it is still challenging to explore the relationship between conformational change and CTp in the complex protein system. Herein, we design three improved light‐oxygen‐voltage (iLOV) domains, and efficiently regulate the CTp of the iLOV self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) by pH induced conformation variation. The current density can be controlled in the range of one order of magnitude. Interestingly, the CTp of iLOV displays negative linear relations with the β‐sheet contents. Single‐level Landauer fitting and transition voltage spectroscopy analysis suggest that β‐sheet‐dependent CTp would be related to the coupling between iLOV and electrodes. This work proposes a new strategy to explore the CTp in complex molecular system. Our findings deepen the understanding on protein structure‐CTp relationship, and provide predictive mode of protein CTp responses for the design of functional bioelectronics.
Nitrogen‐rich Graphite Flake from Hemp as Anode Material for High Performance Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Peng‐Fei , Sui Bin‐Bin , Sha Lin , Gong Zhe , Zhang Yu‐Hang , Wu Yu‐Han , Zhao Li‐Na , Shi Fa‐Nian
Published: May 2023

Biomass‐derived carbon (BC) has attracted extensive attention as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LiBs) due to its natural hierarchical porous structure and rich heteroatoms that can adsorb Li+. However, the specific surface area of pure biomass carbon is generally small, so we can help NH3 and inorganic acid produced by urea decomposition to strip biomass, improve its specific surface area and enrich nitrogen elements. The nitrogen‐rich graphite flake obtained by the above treatment of hemp is named NGF. The product that has a high nitrogen content of 10.12% has a high specific surface area of 1151.1 m2 g−1. In the lithium ion battery test, the capacity of NGF is 806.6 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1, which is twice than that of BC. NGF also showed excellent performance that is 429.2 mAh g−1 under high current testing at 2000 mA g−1. The reaction process kinetics is analyzed and we found that the outstanding rate performance is attributed to the large‐scale capacitance control. In addition, the results of the constant current intermittent titration test indicate that the diffusion coefficient of NGF is greater than that of BC. This work proposes a simple method of nitrogen‐rich activated carbon, which has a significantly commercial prospect.
Discussion of specifying prior distributions in reliability applications
Authors: Kulathinal Sangita
Published: May 2023

Tian et al. have reviewed and discussed various noninformative or weakly informative priors when reliability data are modeled using the log‐location‐scale family of distributions. They have compared these priors to partially informative priors, which are also called modified Jeffreys' priors in the literature. The authors recommend adaptations to Bayesian methods when analyzing reliability data with a small number of failures. Does a chosen Bayesian computation method play a role in the inference? Can a Bayesian model, without an informative prior, really solve the inference problem which is due to a lack of information provided by the data? How should a practitioner describe formal decisions based on the chosen Bayesian model (a likelihood as well as a prior)? Can one translate available information into an appropriate parameter space and a prior distribution on it, independent of the type of censoring? In this commentary, we put forward such questions and concerns that deserve a discussion, from a practitioner's point of view.
Actively cross‐linking hemostatic sealant enables rapid hemostasis and wound closure
Authors: Lee Jaewook , Cho Hye Min , Lee Yoo Eun , Kim Yeonjeong , Park Kyung Min , Hwang Byeong Hee
Published: May 2023

A rapid hemostatic sealant can save a patient's life from shock and death due to severe trauma or excessive bleeding from the wound site during surgery. However, an ideal hemostatic sealant needs to meet the standards of safety, efficacy, usability, cost, and approvability and overcome new challenges. Here, we devised a combinatorial hemostatic sealant of PEG succinimidyl glutarate‐based cross‐linking branched polymers (CBPs) and the active hemostatic peptide (AHP). After ex vivo optimization, the best hemostatic combination was called an active cross‐linking hemostatic sealant (ACHS). Interestingly, ACHS formed cross‐links with serum proteins, blood cells, and tissue and interconnected coating on blood cells, which might induce hemostasis and tissue adhesion based on SEM images. Moreover, ACHS showed the highest coagulation efficacy, formation, and agglomeration of thrombi within 12 s, and in vitro biocompatibility. Mouse model experiments represented rapid hemostasis within 1 min, wound closure of the liver incision, and less bleeding than the commercialized sealant with tissue biocompatibility. ACHS has the advantages of rapid hemostasis, mild sealant, and easy supply by chemical synthesis without inhibition by anticoagulants, which might minimize bacterial infection by immediate wound closure. Therefore, ACHS could become a new‐type hemostatic sealant to match surgical needs for internal bleeding.
Education 4.0 in higher education and computer science: A systematic review
Authors: Rienties Bart , Ferguson Rebecca , Gonda Dalibor , Hajdin Goran , Herodotou Christothea , Iniesto Francisco , Llorens Garcia Ariadna , Muccini Henry , Sargent Julia , Virkus Sirje , Isidori Maria Vittoria
Published: May 2023

Education 4.0 is a recently introduced concept focused on innovation, novelty, use of technology and connections with employment and industry. In particular, in engineering disciplines like computer science (CS) it is essential that educators keep up to date with industry developments. Indeed, how CS educators effectively design and implement innovative teaching and learning deserves more systematic attention. This study aims to catalogue and synthesise learning design approaches to teaching and learning within CS: (1) Which innovative pedagogic approaches are used in teaching of CS? (2) Which approaches align with Education 4.0? (3) What skills and competences do educators require to align CS teaching with Education 4.0? Our systematic literature review (SLR) included CS papers published between 2016 and 2020. Two hundred and thirty‐one studies were identified of which 66 were included in the final phase, which were coded by a multidisciplinary team. The findings indicated that many CS educators included Education 4.0 learning design elements. We found a clear distinctive three‐cluster solution: (1) EDU4 light, (2) project‐based/hands‐on learning and (3) full EDU4 (refer to Reference [7] conceptualisation, while Education 4.0 refers to our own definition [Reference 71]. These findings suggest three broad flavours when designing innovative CS practices, which might help educators align their practice.
Structural Diversity, Spectral Data, and Pharmacological Effects of Genus Nigella
Authors: Luan Nguyen Thanh , Anam Aqsa , Hofdey Megbes Farah , Mourad Mohammed Ibrahim , Abed Ahmed S. , Imran Mallhi Ali , Abdullateef Alzubaidi Mazin , Ali Amir Ahmed , Ayub Asif , Arshad Muhammad , Rauf Abdul , Ha Pham Thi Hai
Published: May 2023

Nigella is one of the most studied plants because of its pharmacological properties like anti‐parasitic, anti‐inflammatory, neuro‐protective, hepatoprotective, and anti‐cancerous. In this study, about 20 species of the genus Nigella were reviewed and among them, N. damascene, N. glandulifera, and N. sativa are widely studied for their phytochemical and pharmacological effects. This review describes the phytochemical composition of the genus Nigella, which constitutes many of the compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids. The extracts produced by using different solvents and the isolated compounds displayed a wide range of biological activity. These compounds were identified by different spectral techniques. The spectral detail of some advanced techniques including EIS‐MS, UV/VIS, IR, 13C‐NMR, and 1H‐NMR of some important phytoconstituents of Nigella spp. has been compiled for the first time in this review which will be helpful to explore and further investigate the chemical composition of this genus.
Recurrent infection and embolism following tricuspid valve repair for infective endocarditis in an intravenous drug user: A clinical dilemma
Authors: Ahmed Yasir , Poon Shi Sum , Aslam Umair , Kumar Pankaj
Published: May 2023

Management of infective endocarditis (IE) in intravenous drug users (IVDUs) can be challenging due to risk of reinfection following surgery. Although complex repair techniques that can be utilized to reconstruct the tricuspid valve after extensive debridement, treatment of active IVDU is incomplete without effective post‐operative harm reduction intervention program.
A rare case of a toddler with unilateral cryptorchidism‐related cranial suspensory ligament remnant
Authors: Nakajima Hideaki , Suda Kazuto , Arakawa Atsushi , Yanai Toshihiro
Published: May 2023

Key clinical message

Several animal experiment studies have shown that insufficient testicular descent to the scrotum can be caused by persistence of cranial suspensory ligament (CSL). We report a case of right cryptorchidism in a male toddler surgically treated with an orchidopexy possibly associated with CSL persistence based on intraoperative and pathological findings. This case would be a precious source to further investigate the etiopathogenesis of cryptorchidism.

The CSL anchors embryonic gonads to the dorsal abdominal wall during antenatal mammalian development. Although its persistence appears to cause cryptorchidism in animal models, it has never been proven in humans. A 1‐year‐old boy with right cryptorchidism underwent right orchidopexy. Intraoperatively, a band‐like structure running from the right testis into the retroperitoneum and up to the right side of the liver was noticed and resected. The pathological findings of the specimen showed fibrous connective tissues, smooth muscles, and blood vessels but no tissues suggestive of a testis, a spermatic cord, an epididymis, or liver. Immunohistochemical analysis for an androgen receptor antibody did not detect any signal in the specimen. The right cryptorchidism in this case was possibly caused by CSL persistence, which is the first such human case, to our knowledge.
Endovascular stenting of an HVAD™ outflow graft pseudoaneurysm that exerts compression and kinking stenosis on the soft portion of the prosthesis
Authors: Elbayomi Mohamed , Weyand Michael , Uder Michael , May Matthias S. , Steger Katrin , Roth Jan‐Peter , Tandler Rene
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Complex presentations of MCS patients may necessitate a multidisciplinary approach involving HF cardiologists, CT surgeons, advanced cardiac imagers, and interventional cardiologists in order to define the optimal management strategy.

Left ventricle assist devices (LVADs) provide life‐sustaining treatment for patients with terminal heart failure, but their intricacy allows for complications. One complication is LVAD outflow graft obstruction due to the graft's intraluminal thrombus or extraluminal compression. It may be treated endovascularly with stenting. We report an endovascular stenting of an outflow tract in HVAD™ (HeartWare Inc.) due to a pseudoaneurysm causing compression and kinking stenosis.
Extensive epidural pneumatosis and pneumomediastinum combined with diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Hirata Akiko , Yonezawa Naoki , Fukasawa Miho , Fujisawa Michiko
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Epidural pneumatosis and pneumomediastinum are rare, benign complications of diabetic ketoacidosis. As they can mimic serious conditions including esophageal rupture, diagnostic evaluation, and attentive monitoring are crucial.

Diabetic ketoacidosis can rarely present with epidural pneumatosis and pneumomediastinum, possibly due to forceful vomiting and Kussmaul breathing. Recognizing these pneumocomplications is crucial, as they can mimic severe conditions, including esophageal rupture. Consequently, diagnostic workup and vigilant monitoring are critical, even though these pneumocomplications are typically benign and self‐resolving.
An imaging artifact unmasked by contrast‐enhanced transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Hannesse Colin , Benoît Martin , Higny Julien
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Performing transesophageal imaging of the left atrial appendage is key before cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. Ultrasound artifacts may induce misinterpretation and decrease in confidence for thrombus exclusion.
Morgagni hernia presenting in a 68‐year‐old patient treated for pneumonia
Authors: Kurti Floreta , Kristani Pranvera , Vyshka Gentian
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

We report an unusual case of an advanced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (Morgagni type) in an elderly patient, which was initially diagnosed and treated for pneumonia. Surgical repair through laparotomy is the method of choice in acute and complicated cases such as our patient. She was successfully treated surgically.

Morgagni hernia represents a congenital form of diaphragmatic hernia that due to its frequent complications is regularly diagnosed during late infancy or early adulthood. Described some centuries before, its pathogenesis is still a matter of controversy. Nevertheless, authors converge into the option of surgical repair that, as a rule, ensures a definite resolution of symptoms. We describe the case of a female patient aged 68 years old, which was being treated for pneumonia. Due to persistent vomiting, malaise, and lack of improvement, she underwent imaging procedures that initially suspected and thereafter confirmed the presence of a huge intrathoracic right Morgagni hernia, needing surgery.
Challenging, giant occipital encephalocele in a pediatric saipanese male
Authors: Loya Joshua , Brown Nolan J. , Gonda David , Levy Michael
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Giant occipital encephalocele is a rare form of congenital anomaly that involves protrusion of brain tissue (greater in size than the patient's cranial cavity) from a defect in the skull. This case reports illustrates repair of a giant encephalocele and emphasizes important methods to reduce risk for blood loss and other complications.

A rare form of congenital anomaly, giant occipital encephalocele involves protrusion of brain tissue from a defect in the skull (in this case from the occiput). While encephalocele itself is a fairly rare entity, those qualifying as “giant”—defined by size of the deformity exceeding that of the skull itself – require very technically challenging surgery.
Continuous‐Flow Suzuki‐Miyaura Coupling in Water and Organic Solvents Promoted by Blends of Stabilized Convoluted Polymeric Palladium Catalysts and Polymeric Auxiliary Materials
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhong , Ohno Aya , Takaya Hikaru , Yamada Yoichi M. A.
Published: May 2023

Given that heterogeneous palladium‐catalyzed C−C bond formation reactions under continuous‐flow conditions are well suited for the efficient and safe production of pharmaceuticals and functional materials, the development of active and durable catalysts for this purpose is a matter of high practical significance. Here, a previously established molecular convolution methodology was used to synthesize catalysts for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling under flow conditions by blending convoluted polymeric palladium catalysts (prepared from copolymers of 4‐vinylpyridine and 4‐tert‐butylstyrene) and crosslinked polymeric auxiliary materials (prepared from copolymers of divinylbenzene and 4‐tert‐butylstyrene). The optimal catalyst exhibited high performance and durability and allowed numerous biaryl products such as liquid‐crystalline materials, organic electroluminescent materials, and pharmaceuticals to be continuously synthesized with turnover frequencies of up to 238 h−1. In a demonstration of practical utility, the developed catalytic system was used for the continuous synthesis of two pharmaceuticals (felbinac and fenbufen) in water as the sole solvent.
N‐Alkylated Pyridoxal Derivatives as Negative Electrolyte Materials for Aqueous Organic Flow Batteries: Computational Screening**
Authors: Hamza Andrea , Németh Flóra B. , Madarász Ádám , Nechaev Anton , Pihko Petri M. , Peljo Pekka , Pápai Imre
Published: May 2023

N‐functionalized pyridinium frameworks derived from the three major vitamers of vitamin B6, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine and pyridoxine, have been screened computationally for consideration as negative electrode materials in aqueous organic flow batteries. A molecular database including the structure and the one‐electron standard reduction potential of related pyridinium derivatives has been generated using a computational protocol that combines semiempirical and DFT quantum chemical methods. The predicted reduction potentials span a broad range for the investigated pyridinium frameworks, but pyridoxal derivatives, particularly those involving electron withdrawing substituents, have potentials compatible with the electrochemical stability window of aqueous electrolytes. The stability of radicals formed upon one‐electron reduction has been analyzed by a new computational tool proposed recently for large‐scale computational screening.
Iron‐Mediated C−H Functionalization of Unactivated Alkynes for the Synthesis of Derivatized Dihydropyrrolones: Regioselectivity Under Thermodynamic Control
Authors: Durham Austin C. , Liu Cindy R. , Wang Yi‐Ming
Published: May 2023

Cyclopentadienyliron dicarbonyl‐based complexes present opportunities for underexplored disconnections in synthesis. Access to challenging dihydropyrrolone products is achieved by propargylic C−H functionalization of alkynes for the formation of cyclic organoiron species. Excellent regioselectivity for unsymmetrical alkynes is observed in many cases. Notably, regioselectivity under these stoichiometric conditions diverges from those observed previously under catalysis, occurring at the more‐substituted terminus of the alkyne, allowing for methine functionalization and the formation of quaternary centers. Divergent demetallation of the intermediate organoiron complexes gives access to chemically diverse products which are amenable to further functionalization.
Pretreatment with fine bubbles for effective zinc ion precipitation and removal from zinc electroplating wastewater
Authors: Morikubo Satoshi , Nishida Aoi , Enomoto Daisuke , Narita Takefumi , Takuma Yasuhiko
Published: May 2023

Heavy metals such as zinc are widely used in plating plants for the processing of material surfaces; therefore, an adequate wastewater treatment is required afterwards to comply with wastewater regulations. However, the presence of chemicals such as degreasing agents in the wastewater generated from the plating process inhibits the formation of hydroxides, thereby making treatment of wastewater and compliance with the stipulated regulations difficult. Herein, the effects of fine bubbles on oil cleaning and wastewater treatment were investigated for developing an alternative cleaning technology to degreasing agents. The concentration of fine bubbles significantly affected the oil cleaning. The fine bubbles demonstrated remarkable cleaning of highly viscous oil, which was difficult to remove using pure water. The high cleaning effect of fine bubbles on oil was achieved because of the hydrophobic interaction of the bubbles. Furthermore, a decrease in cleaning effect was observed for samples with uneven shapes, which was attributed to the difficulty in penetration of fine bubbles in materials with irregularities. Furthermore, fine bubble cleaning exhibited better efficiency for wastewater treatment than degreaser cleaning. Therefore, fine bubble cleaning is speculated to be an excellent cleaning technology with high oil cleaning effectiveness and improved wastewater treatability.
Isolation, In Vitro Differentiation, and Culture of Murine Megakaryocytes From Fetal Liver and Adult Bone Marrow
Authors: Mott Kristina , Schulze Harald
Published: May 2023

Megakaryocytes (MKs) are the source of circulating platelets and are readily recognized by their large size and distinctive morphology. Their poor representation in hematopoietic tissues often requires enrichment or considerable ex vivo expansion to generate cells for biochemical and cell biological studies. These experimental protocols describe the enrichment of primary MKs directly from the murine bone marrow as well as in vitro differentiation of fetal liver– or bone marrow–derived hematopoietic stem cells into MKs. Although in vitro–differentiated MKs are not synchronized in their maturation, they can be enriched over an albumin density gradient, and one‐third to one‐half of recovered cells will typically elaborate proplatelets. Support protocols describe methods for preparing fetal liver cells, identifying mature rodent MKs by staining for flow cytometry analysis, and immunofluorescence staining of fixed MKs for confocal laser scanning microscopy. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of mature bone marrow megakaryocytes by magnetic‐activated cell sorting

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of a megakaryocyte suspension culture from murine fetal livers or lineage‐depleted adult bone marrow

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of a single‐cell suspension from murine fetal livers for megakaryocyte culture

Support Protocol 2: Megakaryocyte culture from lineage‐depleted murine bone marrow

Support Protocol 3: Quality control of megakaryocyte culture with flow cytometry

Support Protocol 4: Immunofluorescence staining of megakaryocytes for detection with confocal laser scanning microscopy
The Implications of Coupling an Electron Transfer Mediated Oxidation with a Proton Coupled Electron Transfer Reduction in Hybrid Water Electrolysis
Authors: Mondal Biswajit , Dinda Soumitra , Karjule Neeta , Mondal Sanjit , Raja Kottaichamy Alagar , Volokh Michael , Shalom Menny
Published: May 2023

Invited for this month′s cover are the groups of Menny Shalom at the Ben‐Gurion University of the Negev, Israel and Dr. Biswajit Mondal at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, India. The image shows the connection between two half‐cells: an electron transfer‐mediated [(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl] (TEMPO)‐catalyzed benzylamine oxidation at the anode and a proton‐coupled electron transfer at the cathode for hydrogen generation. The difference in pH dependence of the anodic and cathodic processes enables hybrid water electrolysis at low cell potential (∼1.0 V) by adjusting only the pH value of the electrolytic medium. The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202202271.
Environmental DNA metabarcoding revealed the impacts of anthropogenic activities on phytoplankton diversity in Dianchi Lake and its three inflow rivers
Authors: Lin Yuanyuan , Zhong Wenjun , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhou Xiaohua , He Liwei , Lv Jiacheng , Zhao Zheng
Published: May 2023

Phytoplankton diversity is closely related to environmental variables and has been widely used in ecological health assessment of rivers and lakes. Combining advantages of DNA‐based identification and high‐throughput sequencing technology, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding permits a new measurement for biodiversity monitoring in aquatic ecosystems. However, it had rarely been used to explore the variability and similarity of phytoplankton diversity between lake and its inflow rivers and the effects of environmental variables on phytoplankton. This study utilized eDNA metabarcoding to investigate the spatial distribution of phytoplankton and the impacts of environmental variables on the phytoplankton diversity in Dianchi Lake (one of the most polluted urban lakes in China) and its main inflow rivers (Panlong River, Baoxiang River, and Chai River). A total of 243 distinct phytoplankton taxa were detected, covering 9 phyla, 30 classes, 84 orders, and 132 families, and the taxonomic richness of rivers was higher than that of Dianchi Lake. Distinct biodiversity patterns (e.g., community structure, dominant taxon, ɑ‐diversity) were exhibited among Dianchi Lake and its three inflow rivers, but similar biodiversity patterns were also observed in Dianchi Lake and the estuarine sites. The patterns of phytoplankton diversity were closely related to environmental variables, which were associated with pollution sources from different anthropogenic activities (e.g., urbanization, water diversion, industrial and agricultural activities). The primary environmental variables correlated with phytoplankton diversity varied in different habitats. The total phosphorus (TP) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) positively correlated with the phytoplankton community structures in Dianchi Lake, whereas negatively correlated in Panlong River and Baoxiang River. The total nitrogen (TN) positively correlated with the phytoplankton community structures in Baoxiang River and Chai River but negatively correlated in Dianchi Lake. Overall, this study provides insights on the phytoplankton diversity monitoring and the conservation of its diversity and healthy management of Dianchi Lake.
A unified meta‐ecosystem dynamics model: Integrating herbivore‐plant subwebs with the intermittent upwelling hypothesis
Authors: Menge Bruce A. , Gravem Sarah A. , Richmond Erin , Noble Mae M.
Published: May 2023

Determining the relative influence of biotic and abiotic processes in structuring communities at local to large spatial scales is best understood using a biogeographic comparative‐experimental approach. Using this approach, previous work suggests that intertidal community dynamics (top‐down and bottom‐up effects) vary unimodally along an upwelling‐based productivity gradient, termed the Intermittent Upwelling Hypothesis (IUH). Evidence consistent with the IUH comes from the sessile invertebrate/predator (SIP) subweb in certain rocky intertidal communities, but whether this pattern extends to macrophyte/herbivore (MH) subwebs is unknown. Here we ask: Are MH subwebs also structured as predicted by the IUH? What is the relative importance of herbivory and predation in structuring these communities? Under what conditions do ecological subsidies like nutrients or propagule production drive community dynamics? And are omnivorous interactions important? We hypothesize that MH subwebs are driven by a new construct, the Grazing‐Weakening Hypothesis (GWH), which states that MH interactions weaken monotonically with increasing nutrients, with strong (weak) herbivory and low (high) macrophyte productivity at low (high) nutrients. We explored local‐to‐large spatial scale dynamics of both subwebs using a biogeographic comparative‐experimental factorial field experiment testing joint and separate effects of herbivores and predators between two continents. Experiments at 10 sites ranging from persistent upwelling to persistent downwelling regimes ran for 26–29 months in Oregon and California, and New Zealand (NZ) South Island. For the MH subweb, results were consistent with the GWH: herbivory declined and macrophytes increased with increasing nutrients. As expected, results for the SIP subweb were consistent with the IUH: predator effect size was unimodally related to upwelling. Overall, herbivory explained more variation in community structure than did predation, especially in NZ. Omnivory was weak, sessile invertebrates outcompeted macrophytes, and ocean‐driven subsidies provided the basic template driving ecosystem dynamics. We propose a unified meta‐ecosystem dynamics model combining MH and SIP results: with increased upwelling, sessile invertebrates and underlying dynamics vary unimodally (as in the IUH), while herbivory decreases and macrophytes generally increase. While this model was based on research in temperate ecosystems varying in upwelling regime, its wider applicability remains to be tested.
“It's not mine!” First description of somatoparaphrenia possibly reflecting an undergoing ictal epileptic activity
Authors: Rinaldi Fabrizio , Nucera Bruna , Bratti Arianna , Flore Davide , Ferraiuolo Imma , Nardone Raffaele , Brigo Francesco
Published: May 2023

Content available: Video
A pilot trial of behavioural activation with a contingency management component: Preliminary examination of changes in smoking and alternative rewards among low‐income individuals
Authors: Collado Anahi , Felton Julia W. , Bounoua Nadia , Tormohlen Kayla , Yi Richard
Published: May 2023

The heaviest smoking and burden of tobacco‐related illness occurs among low‐income individuals. Using a behavioural economics framework, this non‐randomised pilot study examined the preliminary efficacy of behavioural activation (BA) with a contingency management (CM) component designed to encourage continued use of BA skills and reductions in cigarettes smoked. Eighty‐four participants were recruited from a community centre. Data were collected at the start of every other group and at four different follow‐up time points. Domains assessed included number of cigarettes smoked, activity level, and environmental rewards (i.e. alternative environmental reinforcers). Over time, cigarette smoking decreased (p < .001), environmental reward increased (p = .03), and reward probability and activity level were associated over time with cigarette smoking (p ≤ .03) above and beyond the effect of nicotine dependence. The continued use of BA skills was associated with greater environmental rewards (p = .04). While further research is needed to replicate this work, results suggest initial evidence for the utility of this intervention in a traditionally underserved community.
Opportunities to accelerate extracellular vesicle research with cell‐free synthetic biology
Authors: Kelwick Richard J. R. , Webb Alexander J. , Heliot Amelie , Segura Clara Tresserras , Freemont Paul S.
Published: May 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid‐membrane nanoparticles that are shed or secreted by many different cell types. The EV research community has rapidly expanded in recent years and is leading efforts to deepen our understanding of EV biological functions in human physiology and pathology. These insights are also providing a foundation on which future EV‐based diagnostics and therapeutics are poised to positively impact human health. However, current limitations in our understanding of EV heterogeneity, cargo loading mechanisms and the nascent development of EV metrology are all areas that have been identified as important scientific challenges. The field of synthetic biology is also contending with the challenge of understanding biological complexity as it seeks to combine multidisciplinary scientific knowledge with engineering principles, to build useful and robust biotechnologies in a responsible manner. Within this context, cell‐free systems have emerged as a powerful suite of in vitro biotechnologies that can be employed to interrogate fundamental biological mechanisms, including the study of aspects of EV biogenesis, or to act as a platform technology for medical biosensors and therapeutic biomanufacturing. Cell‐free gene expression (CFE) systems also enable in vitro protein production, including membrane proteins, and could conceivably be exploited to rationally engineer, or manufacture, EVs loaded with bespoke molecular cargoes for use in foundational or translational EV research. Our pilot data herein, also demonstrates the feasibility of cell‐free EV engineering. In this perspective, we discuss the opportunities and challenges for accelerating EV research and healthcare applications with cell‐free synthetic biology.
Hepatic presentations of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome in children: A single tertiary liver centre experience
Authors: Vara R. , Pinon M. , Fratter C. , Hegarty R. , Hadzic N.
Published: May 2023

Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndromes (MDDS) are a heterogeneous group and the hepato‐cerebral phenotype is highly variable. A single centre retrospective study of all patients with MDDS presenting between January 2002 and September 2019. In total, 24 (13 male) children were identified: 7 POLG, 7 DGUOK, and 10 MPV17. Median age at presentation was 3 months (0.06–189). Sixteen had acute liver failure (ALF) and eight chronic cholestasis and/or raised transaminases. Four POLG patients developed liver injury after starting sodium valproate; Six DGUOK patients had neonatal ALF (median age 12 days), liver involvement developed at a median age of 2.5 and 11 months with MPV17 and POLG patients, respectively. Eighteen patients showed neurological involvement. Liver histology from 10 patients showed variable degrees of necrosis, steatosis, cholestasis, and fibrosis. Mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymology was abnormal in 5. Seventeen patients died at a median age of 8 months (range, 1–312) after a median time of 5.6 months from presentation: 5/7 POLG at 53 months, 7/7 DGUOK at 8 months and 5/10 MPV17 at 8 months. Three patients with MPV17 mutations received liver transplant (LT) at a median age of 24 months (range 5–132): all alive at 19, 18 and 3 years post‐LT. Mutations in DGUOK and MPV17 genes are associated with a severe clinical phenotype characterised by early‐onset/neonatal ALF or rapidly progressive cholestasis and death before 12 months of age. A subset of MPV17 patients was amenable to LT. Consideration for LT in infantile ALF remains difficult and rapid genetic testing is advised.
Downscaling wind speed based on coupled environmental factors and machine learning
Authors: Lu Yuming , Wu Bingfang , Elnashar Abdelrazek , Yan Nana , Zeng Hongwei , Zhu Weiwei , Pang Bo
Published: May 2023

Wind speed changes impact society and have important implications for climate change studies. Thus, high‐resolution and high‐quality wind speed datasets are necessary for environmental monitoring and ecosystem research. However, there is no complete set of high spatial and temporal resolution wind speed datasets for China. Additionally, it is extremely challenging to produce wind speed data at high spatial and temporal resolution for large‐scale regions with diverse climate types and complex topographies, such as China. In this study, we used multisource remote sensing images, obtained data on various environmental factors through the Google Earth Engine and Evapotranspiration (ET) Watch Cloud platforms, and combined machine learning algorithms to downscale the ERA5 reanalysis wind speed data, and finally obtained the daily wind speed datasets with 1 km spatial resolution for China in 2015. To verify the accuracy of the model and data products, we selected several metrics to evaluate in conjunction with the actual site observed data. The results show that the multifactor combination model of artificial neural network combining land surface temperature, sunshine durations and roughness factors outperforms a single‐factor combination model, and the results were in good agreement with the original data (R2 of 0.95 and RMSE of 0.40 m·s−1). The final wind speed data products were also in good agreement with the observed meteorological data (R2 range of 0.86–0.95 and RMSE range of 0.33–0.44 m·s−1); moreover, the accuracy and precision were greatly improved over the original data. This study provided a dataset that has potential applications in future climate change and ecosystem studies.
Interim Results of a Phase 1/2 Open‐Label Study of INO‐3107 for HPV‐6 and/or HPV‐11‐Associated Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Mau Ted , Amin Milan R. , Belafsky Peter C. , Best Simon R. , Friedman Aaron D. , Klein Adam M. , Lott David G. , Paniello Randal C. , Pransky Seth M. , Saba Nabil F. , Howard Tamara , Dallas Michael , Patel Aditya , Morrow Matthew P. , Skolnik Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of INO‐3107, a DNA immunotherapy designed to elicit targeted T‐cell responses against human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11, in adult patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP; NCT04398433).

Methods

Eligible patients required ≥2 surgical interventions for RRP in the year preceding dosing. INO‐3107 was administered by intramuscular (IM) injection followed by electroporation (EP) on weeks 0, 3, 6, and 9. Patients underwent surgical debulking within 14 days prior to first dose, with office laryngoscopy and staging at screening and weeks 6, 11, 26, and 52. Primary endpoint was safety and tolerability, as assessed by treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Secondary endpoints included frequency of surgical interventions post‐INO‐3107 and cellular immune responses.

Results

An initial cohort of 21 patients was enrolled between October 2020 and August 2021. Fifteen (71.4%) patients had ≥1 TEAE; 11 (52.4%) were Grade 1, and 3 (14.3%) were Grade 3 (none treatment related). The most frequently reported TEAE was injection site or procedural pain (n = 8; 38.1%). Sixteen (76.2%) patients had fewer surgical interventions in the year following INO‐3107 administration, with a median decrease of 3 interventions versus the preceding year. The RRP severity score, modified by Pransky, showed improvement from baseline to week 52. INO‐3107 induced durable cellular responses against HPV‐6 and HPV‐11, with an increase in activated CD4 and CD8 T cells and CD8 cells with lytic potential.

Conclusion

The data suggest that INO‐3107 administered by IM/EP is tolerable and immunogenic and provides clinical benefit to adults with RRP.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:3087–3093, 2023
Effects of climate and afforestation on carbon sequestration change in northern China
Authors: Teng Yanmin , Zhan Jinyan , Su Meirong , Xu Chao
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, carbon sequestration (CS) capacity in Northern China has changed significantly, but the main factors leading to the spatial heterogeneity of CS change were still unclear. In this study, we analyzed the spatio‐temporal characteristics of CS change from 2000 to 2020 in Northern China, and further used correlation analysis and multiple linear regression model (MLR) to identify the main factors leading to the spatial differentiation of CS change. Furthermore, we adopted random forest model (RF) to compare the importance of these factors and geographically weighted regression (GWR) to spatially illustrate the heterogeneity of their influence on CS change. Our results showed that the most obvious increases of CS were concentrated in the Loess Plateau, Yanshan Mountains and Taihang Mountains. After eliminating redundant and low‐impact variables, we screened six factors that can well predict the spatial differentiation of CS change in Northern China. Based on the selected predictors, the MLR could explain 62.9% of the spatial variation of CS change, while the RF and GWR could explain 82.2% and 65.7% under the same predictors, respectively. Meanwhile, the spatial feature of each predictor's influence on CS change showed obvious differences. Among all predictors, afforestation was the most important factor leading to the spatial variation of CS change, and aridity index had the largest contribution among the climatic factors. In addition, we found that aridity index and potential evapotranspiration could explain better than commonly used precipitation and temperature. This study deepens the understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of CS change in Northern China and provides further suggestions for improving regional CS capacity.