bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preclinical validation of a novel deep learning‐based metal artifact correction algorithm for orthopedic CT imaging
Authors: Guo Rui , Zou Yixuan , Zhang Shuai , An Jiajia , Zhang Guozhi , Du Xiangdong , Gong Huan , Xiong Sining , Long Yangfei , Ma Jing
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To validate a novel deep learning‐based metal artifact correction (MAC) algorithm for CT, namely, AI‐MAC, in preclinical setting with comparison to conventional MAC and virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI) technique.

Materials and methods

An experimental phantom was designed by consecutively inserting two sets of pedicle screws (size Φ 6.5 × 30‐mm and Φ 7.5 × 40‐mm) into a vertebral specimen to simulate the clinical scenario of metal implantation. The resulting MAC, VMI, and AI‐MAC images were compared with respect to the metal‐free reference image by subjective scoring, as well as by CT attenuation, image noise, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and correction accuracy via adaptive segmentation of the paraspinal muscle and vertebral body.

Results

The AI‐MAC and VMI images showed significantly higher subjective scores than the MAC image (all p < 0.05). The SNRs and CNRs on the AI‐MAC image were comparable to the reference (all p > 0.05), whereas those on the VMI were significantly lower (all p < 0.05). The paraspinal muscle segmented on the AI‐MAC image was 4.6% and 5.1% more complete to the VMI and MAC images for the Φ 6.5 × 30‐mm screws, and 5.0% and 5.1% for the Φ 7.5 × 40‐mm screws, respectively. The vertebral body segmented on the VMI was closest to the reference, with only 3.2% and 7.4% overestimation for Φ 6.5 × 30‐mm and Φ 7.5 × 40‐mm screws, respectively.

Conclusions

Using metal‐free reference as the ground truth for comparison, the AI‐MAC outperforms VMI in characterizing soft tissue, while VMI is useful in skeletal depiction.
Sputter‐Deposited α‐MoO3 Interlayers for van der Waals Epitaxy and Film Transfer
Authors: Han Sangho , Lee Sangho , Ko Dohyun , Zhang Xinyuan , Kim Jeehwan , Ross Caroline A. , Kim Dong Hun
Published: October 2023

Integration of functional thin films onto flexible substrates is driven by the need to improve the performance and durability of flexible electronic devices. A van der Waals epitaxy technology that accomplishes the transfer of oxide or metal thin films via exfoliation or dissolution of sacrificial α‐MoO3 layers produced by sputtering is presented. The α‐MoO3 thin films, consisting of weakly bonded 2D layers, grow epitaxially on SrTiO3 (001) substrates, exhibiting mosaic domains rotated by 90°. Metallic Au films grown on the α‐MoO3 are transferred by mechanical exfoliation or by dissolving the α‐MoO3 in water at 45 °C. Spinel‐structured CoFe2O4 thin films grown on α‐MoO3 layers are easily transferred to flexible substrates via mechanical exfoliation, and the magnetic anisotropy of the transferred CoFe2O4 films is modulated by bending.
Photoferroelectric Perovskite Synapses for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Han Shuangshuang , Ma Ting , Li Hui , Wu Jiale , Liu Rong , Cao Ruirui , Li Fumin , Li Huilin , Chen Chong
Published: October 2023

Halide perovskite is an emerging material with excellent optoelectronic properties, and also widely used in neuromorphic devices. Recently, halide perovskite has been redefined as exhibiting extraordinary multifunction, e.g., photoferroelectricity. Herein, this work employs a composite material consisting of halide perovskite and organic ferroelectric material to develop a new photoferroelectric synapse, and the photoferroelectricity and some synaptic plasticity are investigated. By the corresponding test analysis, it is demonstrated that photoelectricity and ferroelectricity can reinforce each other in this photoferroelectric composite material. Versatile synaptic behaviors of the nervous system, including paired‐pulse facilitation/paired‐pulse depression, post‐tetanic potentiation /post‐tetanic depression, and spiking‐rate‐dependent plasticity, are successfully simulated. Particularly, the classical conditioning in Pavlov's dog experiment can be replicated in the photoferroelectric synapse to realize the learning function of the brain, including memory loss and recovery. This work could be conducive to the application of multifunctional perovskite materials in synapse devices and neuromorphic computing.
An Emerging Era: Conformable Ultrasound Electronics
Authors: Zhang Lin , Du Wenya , Kim Jin‐Hoon , Yu Chia‐Chen , Dagdeviren Canan
Published: October 2023

Conformable electronics are regarded as the next generation of personal healthcare monitoring and remote diagnosis devices. In recent years, piezoelectric‐based conformable ultrasound electronics (cUSE) have been intensively studied due to their unique capabilities, including nonradiative monitoring, soft tissue imaging, deep signal decoding, wireless power transfer, portability, and compatibility. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of cUSE for use in biomedical and healthcare monitoring systems and a summary of their recent advancements. Following an introduction to the fundamentals of piezoelectrics and ultrasound transducers, the critical parameters for transducer design are discussed. Next, five types of cUSE with their advantages and limitations are highlighted, and the fabrication of cUSE using advanced technologies is discussed. In addition, the working function, acoustic performance, and accomplishments in various applications are thoroughly summarized. It is noted that application considerations must be given to the tradeoffs between material selection, manufacturing processes, acoustic performance, mechanical integrity, and the entire integrated system. Finally, current challenges and directions for the development of cUSE are highlighted, and research flow is provided as the roadmap for future research. In conclusion, these advances in the fields of piezoelectric materials, ultrasound transducers, and conformable electronics spark an emerging era of biomedicine and personal healthcare.
An Activatable Prodrug Nanosystem for Ultrasound‐Driven Multimodal Tumor Therapy and Metastasis Inhibition
Authors: Zheng Jiazhu , Ge Haoying , Zhou Danhong , Yao Qichao , Long Saran , Sun Wen , Fan Jiangli , Du Jianjun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: October 2023

Ultrasound, featuring deep tissue penetration and noninvasiveness, offers a new opportunity to activate functional materials in a tumor‐selective manner. However, very few direct ultrasound‐responsive redox systems are applicable under therapeutic ultrasound (1 MHz). Herein, the investigations on nanoprodrug of DHE@PEG‐SS‐DSPE are reported, which exhibit glutathione‐activated release of dihydroethidium (DHE) in tumor cells. DHE is stable with good biosafety and is transformed into cytotoxic ethidium to induce DNA damage under medical ultrasound irradiation, accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species. Further, DHE@PEG‐SS‐DSPE could effectively induce ferroptosis through glutathione depletion, lipid peroxide accumulation, and downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4. In vivo studies confirmed that DHE@PEG‐SS‐DSPE nanoparticles effectively inhibit both the growth of solid tumors and the expression of metastasis‐related proteins in mice, thus effectively inhibiting lung metastasis. This DHE‐based prodrug nanosystem could lay a foundation for the design of ultrasound‐driven therapeutic agents.
Recent Progress of Gated Diarylethenes: Strategies, Mechanism, and Applications
Authors: Shi Chengjia , Zhu Ronggang , Guo Kai , Zhang Li , Liu Zugang , Liu Xuying , Ai Qi , Hu Xiaoguang
Published: October 2023

Diarylethenes (DAEs) exhibiting photochromic behavior have emerged as a popular research topic owing to their superior thermal stability, rapid photo‐responsiveness, robust fatigue resistance, and remarkable solution/solid‐state photochromic properties. However, the overlapped reading wavelength and absorption of DAEs can lead to a partial photochromic reaction, resulting in destructive readout that erodes pre‐existing information in memory and data processing. To address this issue, researchers have implemented a range of strategies, including gated reactivity, infrared (IR) absorption, and Raman scattering readout. Among them, gating functions as a “key” or “lock” to regulate the photochromic reactivity through external stimuli, such as reactions, chemicals, additional photons, or heat, making it a viable solution. This review presents a summary of recent developments in gated DAEs, with a particular focus on gating strategies and principles, including modulation of the 1,3,5‐hexatriene moiety and molecular conformation, and regulation of activation energy. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities of gated DAEs systems for future non‐destructive readout and functional materials are also discussed.
A Novel Trojan Horse Nanotherapy Strategy Targeting the cPKM‐STMN1/TGFB1 Axis for Effective Treatment of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Wen , Kang Feng‐Ping , Xie Cheng‐Ke , Liao Cheng‐Yu , Li Ge , Wu Yong‐Ding , Lin Hong‐Yi , Zhu Shun‐Cang , Hu Jian‐Fei , Lin Cai‐Feng , Huang Yi , Tian Yi‐Feng , Huang Long , Wang Zu‐Wei , Chen Shi
Published: October 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is characterized by its dense fibrotic microenvironment and highly malignant nature, which are associated with chemotherapy resistance and very poor prognosis. Although circRNAs have emerged as important regulators in cancer biology, their role in ICC remains largely unclear. Herein, a circular RNA, cPKM is identified, which is upregulated in ICC and associated with poor prognosis. Silencing cPKM in ICC cells reduces TGFB1 release and stromal fibrosis, inhibits STMN1 expression, and suppresses ICC growth and metastasis, moreover, it also leads to overcoming paclitaxel resistance. This is regulated by the interactions of cPKM with miR‐199a‐5p or IGF2BP2 and by the ability of cPKM to stabilize STMN1/TGFB1 mRNA. Based on these findings, a Trojan horse nanotherapy strategy with co‐loading of siRNA against cPKM (si‐cPKM) and paclitaxel (PTX) is developed. The siRNA/PTX co‐loaded nanosystem (Trojan horse) efficiently penetrates tumor tissues, releases si‐cPKM and paclitaxel (soldiers), promotes paclitaxel sensitization, and suppresses ICC proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, it alleviates the fibrosis of ICC tumor stroma and reopens collapsed tumor vessels (opening the gates), thus enhancing the efficacy of the standard chemotherapy regimen (main force). This novel nanotherapy provides a promising new strategy for ICC treatment.
Sensitivity of the United States crop basis and distribution network to precipitation
Authors: Mobarok Mohammad Hasan , Thompson Wyatt , Skevas Theodoros
Published: October 2023

We investigate the influence of precipitation patterns on the differences between Missouri corn and soybean elevator prices and nearby Chicago Board of Trade futures prices, also referred to as basis. Basis reflects the crop transportation network costs, and we use basis data to estimate the sensitivity of this network to precipitation. The estimates show that corn and soybean basis differ in terms of the immediate effect of weekly local precipitation. The growing‐season precipitation exhibits a U‐shaped relationship for both crops, reflecting the role of growing‐season precipitation on yields and the sensitivity of transportation system stress to crop volumes. We also find that the basis is affected by river transportation disruptions proxied by regional precipitation, which indicates when water levels might be too high or too low for normal barge traffic. Given the climate projections, there are concerns regarding precipitation's influence on the infrastructure that links Missouri crops to export facilities, crop growing conditions, and collection point disruptions. Hence, this research speaks to both the state of this part of the food system now and the potential impacts of changing weather patterns on the US crop distribution network. [EconLit Citations: Q13, L90].
Comprehensive phylogenomic time tree of bryophytes reveals deep relationships and uncovers gene incongruences in the last 500 million years of diversification
Authors: Bechteler Julia , Peñaloza‐Bojacá Gabriel , Bell David , Gordon Burleigh J. , McDaniel Stuart F. , Christine Davis E. , Sessa Emily B. , Bippus Alexander , Christine Cargill D. , Chantanoarrapint Sahut , Draper Isabel , Endara Lorena , Forrest Laura L. , Garilleti Ricardo , Graham Sean W. , Huttunen Sanna , Lazo Javier Jauregui , Lara Francisco , Larraín Juan , Lewis Lily R. , Long David G. , Quandt Dietmar , Renzaglia Karen , Schäfer‐Verwimp Alfons , Lee Gaik Ee , Sierra Adriel M. , von Konrat Matt , Zartman Charles E. , Pereira Marta Regina , Goffinet Bernard , Villarreal A. Juan Carlos
Published: October 2023

Premise

Bryophytes form a major component of terrestrial plant biomass, structuring ecological communities in all biomes. Our understanding of the evolutionary history of hornworts, liverworts, and mosses has been significantly reshaped by inferences from molecular data, which have highlighted extensive homoplasy in various traits and repeated bursts of diversification. However, the timing of key events in the phylogeny, patterns, and processes of diversification across bryophytes remain unclear.

Methods

Using the GoFlag probe set, we sequenced 405 exons representing 228 nuclear genes for 531 species from 52 of the 54 orders of bryophytes. We inferred the species phylogeny from gene tree analyses using concatenated and coalescence approaches, assessed gene conflict, and estimated the timing of divergences based on 29 fossil calibrations.

Results

The phylogeny resolves many relationships across the bryophytes, enabling us to resurrect five liverwort orders and recognize three more and propose 10 new orders of mosses. Most orders originated in the Jurassic and diversified in the Cretaceous or later. The phylogenomic data also highlight topological conflict in parts of the tree, suggesting complex processes of diversification that cannot be adequately captured in a single gene‐tree topology.

Conclusions

We sampled hundreds of loci across a broad phylogenetic spectrum spanning at least 450 Ma of evolution; these data resolved many of the critical nodes of the diversification of bryophytes. The data also highlight the need to explore the mechanisms underlying the phylogenetic ambiguity at specific nodes. The phylogenomic data provide an expandable framework toward reconstructing a comprehensive phylogeny of this important group of plants.
Menarche at Amarna: Timing and the further implications
Authors: Dabbs Gretchen R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

This article examines skeletal development in non‐elite individuals from Amarna to identify the age of menarche.

Materials and Methods

The total sample (n = 267; 65 female, 39 male, 163 indeterminate) was examined for six variables indicative of the pubertal stage (mineralization of the mandibular canine root [n = 46], distal radius fusion [n = 227], proximal ulna fusion [n = 220], distal humerus fusion [n = 237], presence of the iliac crest epiphysis [n = 24], iliac crest fusion [n = 199]). Age and sex estimates are based on standard criteria for dental development and eruption, cranial and pelvic morphology, and post‐cranial metric analysis.

Results

The iliac crest epiphysis is rarely present before age 15 years. Beginning fusion of the distal radius and iliac crest suggests that by age 19, most individuals have entered the maturation phase, providing book ends for the timing of menarche. Variables elucidating the peak height velocity (proximal ulna and distal humerus fusion) narrow that span and suggest menarche is achieved around 15–17 years for most individuals, with a broader estimate of 14–19 years encompassing the known diversity in timing of menarche.

Discussion

Menarche is commonly cited as an indicator of adult status. The observed later entrance into this life stage, and the associated reduced fertility, has broader implications for understanding of economic, social, biological, and demographic patterns observed at Amarna and among different social groups in the ancient city, as well as individual life histories.
APOE Christchurch‐mimetic therapeutic antibody reduces APOE‐mediated toxicity and tau phosphorylation
Authors: Marino Claudia , Perez‐Corredor Paula , O'Hare Michael , Heuer Annie , Chmielewska Natalia , Gordon Harper , Chandrahas Anita S. , Gonzalez‐Buendia Lucia , Delgado‐Tirado Santiago , Doan Tri H. , Vanderleest Timothy E. , Arevalo‐Alquichire Said , Obar Robert A. , Ortiz‐Cordero Carolina , Villegas Andres , Sepulveda‐Falla Diego , Kim Leo A. , Lopera Francisco , Mahley Robert , Huang Yadong , Quiroz Yakeel T. , Arboleda‐Velasquez Joseph F.
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION

We discovered that the APOE3 Christchurch (APOE3Ch) variant may provide resistance to Alzheimer's disease (AD). This resistance may be due to reduced pathological interactions between ApoE3Ch and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs).

METHODS

We developed and characterized the binding, structure, and preclinical efficacy of novel antibodies targeting human ApoE‐HSPG interactions.

RESULTS

We found that one of these antibodies, called 7C11, preferentially bound ApoE4, a major risk factor for sporadic AD, and disrupts heparin‐ApoE4 interactions. We also determined the crystal structure of a Fab fragment of 7C11 and used computer modeling to predict how it would bind to ApoE. When we tested 7C11 in mouse models, we found that it reduced recombinant ApoE‐induced tau pathology in the retina of MAPT*P301S mice and curbed pTau S396 phosphorylation in brains of systemically treated APOE4 knock‐in mice. Targeting ApoE‐HSPG interactions using 7C11 antibody may be a promising approach to developing new therapies for AD.
Living Alternating Ring‐Opening Metathesis Copolymerization of 2,3‐Dihydrofuran to Provide Completely Degradable Polymers
Authors: An Taeyang , Ryu Hanseul , Choi Tae‐Lim
Published: October 2023

2,3‐Dihydrofuran (DHF) has recently been gaining significant attention as a comonomer in metathesis polymerization, thanks to its ability to provide the resultant polymer backbones with stimuli‐responsive degradability. In this report, we present living alternating copolymerization of DHF with less reactive endo‐tricyclo[4.2.2.02,5]deca‐3,9‐dienes (TDs) and endo‐oxonorbornenes (oxoNBs). By carefully controlling the reactivity of both the Ru initiators and the monomers, we have achieved outstanding A, B‐alternation (up to 98 %) under near stoichiometric DHF loading conditions. Notably, we have also found that the use of a more sterically hindered Ru initiator helps to attain polymer backbones with higher DHF incorporation and superior A, B‐alternation. While preserving the living characteristics of DHF copolymerization, as evidenced by controlled molecular weights (up to 73.9 kDa), narrow dispersities (down to 1.05), and block copolymer formation, our DHF copolymers could be broken down to a single repeat unit level under acidic conditions. 1H NMR analysis of the model copolymer revealed that after 24 hours of degradation, up to 80 % of the initial polymer was transformed into a single small molecule product, and after purification, up to 66 % of the degradation product was retrieved. This study provides a versatile approach to improve the alternation and degradability of DHF copolymers.
Creating a Defined Chirality in Amino Acids and Cyclic Dipeptides by Photochemical Deracemization
Authors: Großkopf Johannes , Plaza Manuel , Kutta Roger Jan , Nuernberger Patrick , Bach Thorsten
Published: October 2023

2,5‐Diketopiperazines are cyclic dipeptides displaying a wide range of applications. Their enantioselective preparation has now been found possible from the respective racemates by a photochemical deracemization (53 examples, 74 % to quantitative yield, 71–99 % ee). A chiral benzophenone catalyst in concert with irradiation at λ=366 nm enables to establish the configuration at the stereogenic carbon atom C6 at will. If other stereogenic centers are present in the diketopiperazines they remain unaffected and a stereochemical editing is possible at a single position. Consecutive reactions, including the conversion into N‐aryl or N‐alkyl amino acids or the reduction to piperazines, occur without compromising the newly created stereogenic center. Transient absorption spectroscopy revealed that the benzophenone catalyst processes one enantiomer of the 2,5‐diketopiperazines preferentially and enables a reversible hydrogen atom transfer that is responsible for the deracemization process. The remarkably long lifetime of the protonated ketyl radical implies a yet unprecedented mode of action.
Biomedical potential of hydrothermally synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles for antifungal evaluation and cytotoxicity analysis
Authors: Guleria Geetika , Kumar Sahil , Thakur Sapna , Sharma Dhananjay K. , Thakur Shweta , Kalia Susheel , Shandilya Mamta
Published: October 2023

As nanotechnology gains popularity in medicine, there is a growing concern that small nanoparticles (NPs) could accumulate and penetrate deep into the human body, posing potential risks to various organs. To ensure safe usage and assess potential hazards, it is crucial to conduct a toxicological evaluation of ZnO NPs on human organs such as the kidney. The present study involved the synthesis of ZnO NPs by using the hydrothermal method. Pure and crystalline phase was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The SEM images displayed less agglomerated surface morphology, implying that the NPs were distributed relatively evenly and exhibited a plate‐like shape. Two pathogenic fungi Fusarium incarnatum and Aspergillus niger were isolated from the capsicum and tomato, respectively, and identified through morphological and molecular analysis. The antimycotic property of synthesized ZnO NPs were examined against Fusariumincarnatum (MT682502) and Aspergillus niger (MT675916) and showed decreased microbial growth after 9 days of incubation. The toxicological evaluation of ZnO NPs on a human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line showed 88% cell viability with 10 μg/ml, leading to the safe use of ZnO NPs.
Estimation in optimal treatment regimes based on mean residual lifetimes with right‐censored data
Authors: Liu Zhishuai , Zhan Zishu , Lin Cunjie , Zhang Baqun
Published: October 2023

An optimal individualized treatment regime (ITR) is a decision rule in allocating the best treatment to each patient and, hence, maximizing overall benefits. In this paper, we propose a novel framework based on nonparametric inverse probability weighting (IPW) and augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW) estimators of the value function when the data are subject to right censoring. In contrast to most existing approaches that are designed to maximize the expected survival time under a binary treatment framework, the proposed method targets maximizing the mean residual lifetime of patients. Specifically, the proposed IPW method searches the optimal ITR by maximizing an estimator for the overall population outcome directly, without specifying the regression model for the conditional mean residual lifetime, whereas the AIPW method integrates the model information of the mean residual lifetime to improve the robustness. Furthermore, to overcome the computational difficulty in a nonsmooth value estimator, smoothed IPW and AIPW estimators are constructed. In theory, we establish the asymptotic properties of the proposed method under suitable regularity conditions. The empirical performances of the proposed IPW and AIPW estimators are evaluated using simulation studies and are further illustrated with an application to the real‐world data set from the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Clinical Trial Group Protocol 175 (ACTG175).
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score: Correlation with survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Wan Mingyu , Ding Yongfeng , Ma Xiaolu , Chen Xiaoyu , Xu Xin , Mao Chenyu , Qian Jiong , Xiao Cheng , Jiang Haiping , Zheng Yulong , Teng Lisong , Xu Nong
Published: October 2023

Background

Notwithstanding that the past decade has witnessed unprecedented medical progress, gastric cancer (GC) remains a leading cause of cancer death, highlighting the need for effective prognostic markers. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Prognostic Score (MPS) has been validated as a valuable prognostic tool for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC). This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of the MPS in advanced GC.

Methods

Data from 367 patients were analyzed in the present study. The MPS for each patient was calculated based on the sum of scores based on the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and serum albumin levels. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the independent clinicopathological parameters associated with overall survival (OS). Further subgroup analyses based on clinicopathological features were conducted.

Results

Patients with MPS 0 (n = 161), MPS 1 (n = 158), and MPS 2 (n = 48) exhibited significantly different OS, with a median survival duration of 20.7 (95%CI: 12.2–29.2), 14.9 (95%CI: 12.5–17.3), and 12.7 (95%CI: 9.3–16.0) months, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant differences in survival were observed among different groups of patients receiving chemotherapy (18.5 months vs. 14.7 months vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.03) or the subgroup receiving chemotherapy plus immunotherapy as first‐line treatment (32.6 months vs. 17.7 months vs. 12.7 months, p = 0.02). The MPS was identified as an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. During subgroup analyses, MPS‐low (MPS 0) was consistently associated with a better prognosis than MPS‐high (MPS 1 or 2).

Conclusions

MPS is a practical, simple, and useful prognostic tool for patients with advanced GC. Further studies are warranted to validate its prognostic value in advanced GC.
Apoptotic activity of genipin in human oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro by regulating STAT3 signaling
Authors: Park Dong‐Guk , Jin Bohwan , Lee Won W. , Kim Hyun‐Ji , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Choi Su‐Jung , Hong Seong‐Doo , Shin Ji‐Ae , Cho Sung‐Dae
Published: October 2023

Genipin, a natural compound derived from the fruit of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, was reported to have activity against various cancer types. In this study, we determined the underlying mechanism for genipin‐induced cell death in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The growth‐inhibitory effects of genipin in human OSCC cells was examined by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 and soft agar assays. The effects of genipin on apoptosis were assessed by nuclear morphological changes by 4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole staining, measurement of the sub‐G1 population, and Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double staining. The underlying mechanism of genipin activity was analyzed by western blot analysis, subcellular fractionation of the nucleus and cytoplasm, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Genipin inhibited the growth of OSCC cells and induced apoptosis, which was mediated by a caspase‐dependent pathway. Genipin reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) at Tyr705 and its nuclear localization. Furthermore, inhibition of p‐STAT3Tyr705 levels following genipin treatment was required for the reduction of survivin and myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (Mcl‐1) expression, leading to apoptotic cell death. The genipin‐mediated reduction in survivin and Mcl‐1 expression was caused by transcriptional and/or posttranslational regulatory mechanisms. The results provide insight into the regulatory mechanism by which genipin induces apoptotic cell death through the abrogation of nuclear STAT3 phosphorylation and suggest that genipin may represent a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of human OSCC.
Functionalization of Dodecaborates by Mild and Efficient Pd‐Catalyzed Formation of B−C Bonds with Boronic Acids**
Authors: Al‐Joumhawy Mahmoud K. , Chang Jui‐Chi , Assaf Khaleel I. , Bassil Bassem S. , Gabel Detlef
Published: October 2023

Hybrid organic‐inorganic molecules have recently received great interest due to their unique properties, which give access to their implementation in biological and material sciences. Herein, a new synthetic approach for the direct‐linkage of the purely inorganic dodecaborate cluster to organic building blocks through B−C bond is established, using boronic acids as functional groups on the organic moiety, reacting under Suzuki–Miyaura coupling conditions with iodo‐undecahydridododecaborate. The choices of ligand (DavePhos) and solvent (N‐methylpyrrolidone for electron‐poor, CD3CN for electron‐rich groups) are essential for the successful coupling. Ultimately, the newly described methodology is found to be functional‐group tolerant covering a wide spectrum of substrates including electron‐poor arenes.
Automation und Elektrifizierung aus einer Hand
Authors: Reutner Ulla
Published: October 2023

Grüner Wasserstoff soll in Zukunft in vielen Bereichen fossile Brennstoffe ablösen. Damit seine Herstellung auch im Industriemaßstab kosteneffizient und so flexibel wie möglich funktioniert, hat die Enapter den AEM Multicore entwickelt. Experten von Phoenix Contact rüsteten die Pilotanlage des Elektrolyseurs mit den Kernkomponenten für die Automatisierung und Elektrifizierung aus und unterstützten beim Engineering und der Programmierung.
Reinigung von grünem Wasserstoff
Authors: Höfling Sophia , Breyer Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

Durch Power‐to‐X‐Anlagen wird grüner Strom speicherbar. Die Energie kann so zu Verbrauchssektoren, die auf klimafreundliche Brenn‐ und Rohstoffe angewiesen sind, weitergeleitet werden. Doch die Reinheitsanforderungen an den Wasserstoff aus PtX‐Anlagen sind hoch. Wasserstoffreinigungsanlagen, die Verunreinigungen aus elektrolytisch erzeugtem Wasserstoff entfernen, stellen eine wichtige Komponente jeder Produktionsanlage für grünen Wasserstoff dar. Reicat bietet Anlagen, die auch bei hohen Durchsatzschwankungen flexibel und zuverlässig arbeiten.
Optimieren mit System
Authors: Höller Stefan
Published: October 2023

Ein systemischer Ansatz bei der Beurteilung zur Energieeinsparung ist die Vorrausetzung, um auch das gesamte Einsparungspotential einer hydraulischen Anlage zu analysieren. Mit numerischen Modellen und Simulationswerkzeugen für den Pumpenbetrieb können unnötige Verluste leichter erkannt und Problemstellen genauer identifiziert werden.
Resentful and religious: How religiosity can mitigate the detrimental effects of workplace embitterment on helping behaviors
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Azeem Muhammad Umer , Haq Inam Ul
Published: October 2023

This study aims to establish how employees' experiences of workplace embitterment may direct them away from voluntary efforts to help coworkers, mediated by emotional exhaustion and moderated by religiosity. Three rounds of survey data, collected from employees and their supervisors in various Pakistani organizations, reveal that a sense of being emotionally overburdened by work links rancorous feelings due to negative work events with tarnished helping behavior, mitigated by employees' ability to draw on their religious faith. As an original contribution, this research addresses the effect of an actually felt negative emotion (workplace embitterment), instead of a source of emotional hardship, on employees' propensity to halt extra‐role work efforts; it also describes how the personal resource of religiosity influences this process.
Probabilistic assessment of the safety profile of the Fischer–Tropsch process with a supercritical solvent
Authors: Herrera‐Ovando Saúl , Jiménez‐Gutiérrez Arturo , Kazantzis Nikolaos K. , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud M.
Published: October 2023

Inherent safety assessment during the design stage of chemical processes is typically conducted based on average values for design parameters. Under those conditions, the single‐point deterministic process performance assessment may be affected by the phenomenon known as the ‘flaw of averages’ in the presence of irreducible sources of uncertainty (performance evaluated at average conditions does not represent average performance). In this work, an inherent process safety assessment developed under a probabilistic formulation is presented. An evaluation of the proposed approach is performed in the case of a gas‐to‐liquid process system using a supercritical solvent for Fischer–Tropsch reactor systems. The pertinent uncertainty analysis is carried out using Monte Carlo simulation techniques to account for the propagation of uncertainty through the inherent process safety model and the derivation of probability distribution profiles for the associated metrics, thus statistically characterizing ranges of potential performance outcomes. The response variables were the autothermal reactor and the syngas flows. The results show that the input variables associated to the autothermal flow potentially generate the most hazardous conditions for the process. The results also show how the metrics are affected when uncertainty is explicitly taken into account at the design stage of the process, offering a more nuanced assessment and characterization of the inherent process safety profile.
Pediatric cancer incidence among individuals with overgrowth syndromes and overgrowth features: A population‐based assessment in seven million children
Authors: Connolly Gillean K. , Harris Rachel D. , Shumate Charles , Rednam Surya P. , Canfield Mark A. , Plon Sharon E. , Nguyen Joanne , Schraw Jeremy M. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Overgrowth syndromes (e.g., Beckwith–Wiedemann) are associated with an increased risk of pediatric cancer, although there are few population‐based estimates of risk. There are also limited studies describing associations between other overgrowth features (e.g., hepatosplenomegaly) and pediatric cancer. Therefore, cancer risk among children with these conditions was evaluated with data from a large, diverse population‐based registry linkage study.

Methods

This study includes all live births in Texas during the years 1999–2017. Children with overgrowth features and syndromes were identified from the Texas Birth Defects Registry; children with cancer were identified by linkage to the Texas Cancer Registry. Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between each overgrowth syndrome/feature and cancer, which were adjusted for infant sex and maternal age.

Results

In the total birth cohort (n = 6,997,422), 21,207 children were identified as having an overgrowth syndrome or feature. Children with Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome were 42 times more likely to develop pediatric cancer (95% CI, 24.20–71.83), with hepatoblastoma being the most common, followed by Wilms tumor. The presence of any isolated overgrowth feature was associated with increased cancer risk (HR, 4.70; 95% CI, 3.83–5.77); associations were strongest for hepatosplenomegaly (HR, 23.04; 95% CI, 13.37–39.69) and macroglossia (HR, 11.18; 95% CI, 6.35–19.70).

Conclusions

This population‐based assessment confirmed prior findings that children with either overgrowth syndromes or features were significantly more likely to develop cancer. Overall, this study supports recommendations for cancer surveillance in children with these conditions and may also inform future research into cancer etiology.
High‐dimensional limit theorems for SGD: Effective dynamics and critical scaling
Authors: Arous Gérard Ben , Gheissari Reza , Jagannath Aukosh
Published: October 2023

We study the scaling limits of stochastic gradient descent (SGD) with constant step‐size in the high‐dimensional regime. We prove limit theorems for the trajectories of summary statistics (i.e., finite‐dimensional functions) of SGD as the dimension goes to infinity. Our approach allows one to choose the summary statistics that are tracked, the initialization, and the step‐size. It yields both ballistic (ODE) and diffusive (SDE) limits, with the limit depending dramatically on the former choices. We show a critical scaling regime for the step‐size, below which the effective ballistic dynamics matches gradient flow for the population loss, but at which, a new correction term appears which changes the phase diagram. About the fixed points of this effective dynamics, the corresponding diffusive limits can be quite complex and even degenerate. We demonstrate our approach on popular examples including estimation for spiked matrix and tensor models and classification via two‐layer networks for binary and XOR‐type Gaussian mixture models. These examples exhibit surprising phenomena including multimodal timescales to convergence as well as convergence to sub‐optimal solutions with probability bounded away from zero from random (e.g., Gaussian) initializations. At the same time, we demonstrate the benefit of overparametrization by showing that the latter probability goes to zero as the second layer width grows.
Tuning Ni‐Pyrazolate Frameworks by Post‐Synthetic Fe‐Incorporation for Oxidase‐Mimicking H2O2 Activation
Authors: Martín Nuria , Cirujano Francisco G. , García‐Verdugo Eduardo , Llorca Jordi , del Río Enrique , Jiménez‐Morales Ignacio , Bogeat‐Barroso Adrián , López‐Maya Elena , Álvarez Mayra G.
Published: October 2023

The introduction of iron ionic sites by metal exchange of defective homometallic nickel pyrazolate frameworks generates non‐precious, Earth‐abundant, first‐row heterometallic Fe/Ni‐pyrazolate frameworks. The Fe incorporation at the Ni nodes of the framework allows to control the hydrogen peroxide activation, minimizing its decomposition and O2 liberation, occurring at the homometallic Ni nodes. The generation of Fe−OH reactive oxygen species at the heterometallic Fe/Ni nodes is demonstrated by the higher activity in the proof‐of‐concept oxidation of 1‐phenylethanol to acetophenone in an aqueous medium.
Starvation reduces thermal limits of the widespread copepod Acartia tonsa
Authors: Rueda Moreno Gaia , Sasaki Matthew C.
Published: October 2023

Organismal thermal limits affect a wide range of biogeographical and ecological processes. Copepods are some of the most abundant animals on the planet and play key roles in aquatic habitats. Despite their abundance and ecological importance, there is limited data on the factors that affect copepod thermal limits, impeding our ability to predict how aquatic ecosystems will be affected by anthropogenic climate change. In a warming ocean, one factor that may have particularly important effects on thermal limits is the availability of food. A recently proposed feedback loop known as “metabolic meltdown” suggests that starvation and exposure to high temperatures interact to drastically reduce organismal thermal limits, increasing vulnerability to warming. To investigate one component of this feedback loop, we examined how starvation affects thermal limits (critical thermal maxima: CTmax) of Acartia tonsa, a widespread estuarine copepod. We found that there was no effect of short‐duration exposure to starvation (up to 2 days). However, after 3 days, there was a significant decrease in the CTmax of starved copepods relative to the fed controls. Our results provide empirical evidence that extended periods of starvation reduce thermal limits, potentially initiating “metabolic meltdown” in this key species of coastal copepod. This suggests that changes in food availability may increase the vulnerability of copepods to increasing temperatures, amplifying the effects of climate change on coastal systems.
The Drosophila melanogaster prophenoloxidase system participates in immunity against Zika virus infection
Authors: Tafesh‐Edwards Ghada , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: October 2023

Drosophila melanogaster relies on an evolutionarily conserved innate immune system to protect itself from a wide range of pathogens, making it a convenient genetic model to study various human pathogenic viruses and host antiviral immunity. Here we explore for the first time the contribution of the Drosophila phenoloxidase (PO) system to host survival and defenses against Zika virus (ZIKV) infection by analyzing the role of mutations in the three prophenoloxidase (PPO) genes in female and male flies. We show that only PPO1 and PPO2 genes contribute to host survival and appear to be upregulated following ZIKV infection in Drosophila. Also, we present data suggesting that a complex regulatory system exists between Drosophila PPOs, potentially allowing for a sex‐dependent compensation of PPOs by one another or other immune responses such as the Toll, Imd, and JAK/STAT pathways. Furthermore, we show that PPO1 and PPO2 are essential for melanization in the hemolymph and the wound site in flies upon ZIKV infection. Our results reveal an important role played by the melanization pathway in response to ZIKV infection, hence highlighting the importance of this pathway in insect host defense against viral pathogens and potential vector control strategies to alleviate ZIKV outbreaks.
Nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods for potentiometric multisensor systems data analysis
Authors: Selivanovs Zahars , Savosina Julia , Agafonova‐Moroz Marina , Kirsanov Dmitry
Published: October 2023

Electrochemical multisensor systems were proven to be a very perspective research direction in modern analytical chemistry. The multisensor approach assumes an employment of cross‐sensitive chemical sensors in combination with multivariate data processing methods. Dimensionality reduction of the data obtained from multisensor systems is a very important step and it is mostly based on the traditional tools of chemometrics, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA). In case of chemically complex samples, the response of multisensor systems may have a complex nonlinear nature and the use of linear modelling methods does not seem optimal. However, the potential of nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods in the processing of multisensor data has not yet been systematically studied. In this report we aim to fill this gap and assess the performance of various nonlinear dimensionality reduction tools: Isomap, Self‐Organizing Kohonen Maps, and Autoencoder. These methods were explored using three datasets from potentiometric multisensor systems obtained in various real applications. It was shown that nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods give the possibility to obtain additional and more detailed information about the analyzed objects/processes compared to PCA. However, calculation time for nonlinear dimensionality reduction methods essentially exceeds that for PCA, and it can be a limiting factor for application of such algorithms.
Assessment of self‐heating and spontaneous combustion of Napier grass using thermogravimetric analysis
Authors: Kunalan Yuvaraj , Wan Ab Karim Ghani Wan Azlina , Mohd Tohir Mohd Zahirasri , Md Said Mohamad Syazarudin
Published: October 2023

Napier grass is a potential solid biofuel that can be used as a renewable energy resource. Nevertheless, its tendency for self‐heating and the subsequent self‐ignition remain unknown, which are common problems in solid fuel. In this work, thermal decomposition characteristics of Napier grass in air and inert conditions were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the pertinent kinetic parameters were established using model‐free methods. The average activation energy of Napier grass thermal decomposition is 285 and 382 kJ/mol under oxidative and inert conditions, respectively. The linear plot obtained through model‐free methods shows a high linear correlation coefficient at conversion ranges of 0.2–0.7 during combustion and 0.4–0.6 during pyrolysis. The ignition and burnout temperatures were evaluated, and ignition index of Napier grass was established. Average ignition temperature obtained for air was 217°C while 200°C for inert condition. The burnout temperatures between 691 and 984°C were observed. This research facilitates in understanding fire threat posed by tendency of Napier grass to self‐heat and provides valuable information for safe conditions of Napier grass storage and transportation.
Removal of E133 brilliant blue dye from artificial wastewater by electrocoagulation using cans waste as electrodes
Authors: Salman Rasha H. , Khudhair Entisar M. , Abed Khalid M. , Abbas Ammar S.
Published: October 2023

Solid‐waste management, particularly of aluminum (Al), is a challenge that is being confronted around the world. Therefore, it is valuable to explore methods that can minimize the exploitation of natural assets, such as recycling. In this study, using hazardous Al waste as the main electrodes in the electrocoagulation (EC) process for dye removal from wastewater was discussed. The EC process is considered to be one of the most efficient, promising, and cost‐effective ways of handling various toxic effluents. The effect of current density (10, 20, and 30 mA/cm2), electrolyte concentration (1 and 2 g/L), and initial concentration of Brilliant Blue dye (15 and 30 mg/L) on the efficiency of the EC process were examined in this study. The results show that removal efficiency increased with current density and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration and decreased with initial dye concentration. The electrical power and electrodes consumed increased with an increase in current density and decreased notably with increased NaCl. The optimum current density and amount of NaCl were 20 mA/cm2 and 2 g/L, respectively to attain highest values of E133 brilliant blue dye removal. The EC process was examined using adsorption isotherms and kinetics models. Those results showed that the Langmuir isotherm matched the experimental data. Furthermore, the experimental data were followed the Elovich model kinetics.
Process optimization and crystallization kinetics of ammonium sulfate from wet ammonia‐based desulfurization
Authors: Peng Jian , Yang Zhen , Lian Peichao
Published: October 2023

There are some problems in the production of ammonium sulfate, a byproduct of the ammonia desulfurization process, such as small crystal size and uneven distribution. The evaporative crystallization kinetics of ammonium sulfate and the factors affecting the crystallization of ammonium sulfate for improving the quality of ammonium sulfate were studied. The results showed that the largest mean diameter of ammonium sulfate was obtained at a stirring speed of 400 r/min, evaporation temperature of 60 °C, and pH of 5.0. The particle size of the ammonium sulfate increased when the crystal seed was introduced. The metastable region of ammonium sulfate was determined by laser method. The crystallization process of ammonium sulfate was studied using population balance equations and intermittent dynamic method, and the empirical equation of nucleation rate and growth rate of ammonium sulfate crystallization was obtained. This experiment can provide a solution for the problems existing in the production of ammonium sulfate in the process of ammonia desulfurization.