bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of collimator angle combined island blocking with parked gap achieves superior normal tissue sparing in SBRT planning of multiple liver lesions
Authors: Abuduxiku Maidina , Chen Xiaoqiang , Zhang Shu , Yang Jiangping , Liao Wenjun , Xiao Jianghong
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To propose an efficient collimator angle optimization method by combining island blocking (IB) and parked gap (PG) problem to reduce the radiotherapy dose for normal tissue. The reduction will be done with single‐isocenter multi‐lesion volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for the stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) of liver cancer.

Methods

A novel collimator angle optimization algorithm was developed based on the two‐dimensional projection of targets on a beam's eye view (BEV) plane as a function of gantry and collimator angle. This optimization algorithm minimized the sum of the combined IB and PG (IB & PG) areas from all gantry angles for each arc. For comparison, two SBRT plans were respectively generated for each of the 20 retrospective liver cancer cases with multiple lesions. One plan was optimized using the IB & PG algorithm, and the other plan was optimized with a previously reported optimization algorithm that only considered the IB area. Plans were then evaluated and compared using typical dosimetric metrics.

Results

With the comparable target coverage, IB & PG plans had significantly lower D500cc, D700cc, mean dose (Dmean), and V15 of normal liver tissues when compared to IB plans. The median percent reductions were 3.32% to 5.36%. The D1cc, D5cc, and Dmean for duodenum and small intestine in IB & PG plans were significantly reduced in a range from 7.60% up to 16.03%. Similarly, the median integral dose was reduced by 3.73%. Furthermore, the percentage of normal liver Dmean sparing when IB & PG plans compared to IB plans, was found to be positively correlated (ρ = 0.669, P = 0.001) with the inter‐target distance.

Conclusion

The proposed IB & PG algorithm has been demonstrated to outperform the IB algorithm in almost all normal tissue sparing, and the magnitude of liver sparing was positively correlated with inter‐target distance.
Nanoengineering Calcium Peroxide‐Based Site‐Specific Delivery Platform to Efficiently Activate the cGAS‐STING Pathway for Cancer Immunotherapy by Amplified Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Tian Hailong , Qin Siyuan , Gao Yajie , Zhang Xiaoyue , Nice Edouard C. , Du Zhongyan , Huang Canhua
Published: January 2024

Currently, the understanding of the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway's involvement in efficient immunotherapy mainly revolves around the role of mitochondria or nucleus modulation. Nonetheless, the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in activating the cGAS‐STING mechanism to boost immunity against tumors remains essentially unexplored. Herein, novel findings demonstrating that ER stress can be used as a strategy for stimulating the cGAS‐STING pathway, thereby augmenting the immune response against cancer, are presented. To accomplish this objective, ER‐targeting p‐methylbenzene sulfonamide‐tailored IR780 (p‐780) is synthesized and it is loaded into CaO2 nanoparticles, which are further functionalized with distearoyl phosphoethanolamine‐polyethylene glycol（DSPE‐PEG）‐biotin to form PEG/CaO2@p‐780 NPs. The disruption of calcium homeostasis, coupled with the heightened levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated by p‐780, along with hyperpyrexia, collectively contributes to the amplification of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This cascade of events effectively triggers the cGAS‐STING pathway and, in parallel, facilitates the degradation of the programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) protein. In addition, oxygen released through CaO2 decomposition is expected to promote p‐780–mediated phototherapy, while reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment associated with hypoxia. Furthermore, DSPE‐PEG‐biotin facilitates tumor site‐specific drug delivery through active targeting mediated by the biotin receptor. Collectively, PEG/CaO2@p‐780 nanoparticles successfully activate systemic antitumor immunity by enhancing ER stress.
Piezoelectric Properties of BiFeO3 Exposed to High Temperatures
Authors: Liu Lisha , Yi Jiaojiao , Tang Mingmeng , Cui Yongbao , Khansur Neamul H. , Webber Kyle G. , Zhu Fangyuan , Li Xiaolong , Wang Ke , Rojac Tadej , Daniels John , Damjanovic Dragan , Wang Shidong , Wang Yaojin
Published: January 2024

BiFeO3 is a ferroelectric with a Curie temperature of 830 °C, however, its piezoelectric performance at high temperature remains unclear. The current work reveals a disappearance/recovery of piezoelectricity in BiFeO3 at elevated temperature and upon cooling. In particular, that temperature is strongly frequency‐dependent and ranges from 280 to 430 °C between 0.5 and 140 Hz, respectively. Meanwhile, in situ and ex situ X‐ray diffraction and piezoresponse microscope analysis demonstrate thermally‐resistant domain texture to temperatures as high as 750 °C. This demonstrates that the piezoelectricity of BiFeO3 is strongly influenced by its resistance/conductance variations due to charge carrier motion limiting the operational frequency. The investigation enhances the understanding of BiFeO3 complex piezoelectric behavior at various temperatures, offering insights into its potential applications.
Engineering Dual‐Responsive Prodrug‐MOFs as Immunogenic Cell Death Initiator for Enhancing Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Hu Xiaochun , Li Ruihao , Liu Jie , Fang Kang , Dong Chunyan , Shi Shuo
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the anticancer effects of disulfiram, a clinical drug for anti‐alcoholism, are confirmed. However, several defects limit the clinical translation of disulfiram obviously, such as Cu(II)‐dependent anticancer activity, instability, and non‐selectivity for cancer cells. Herein, a phosphate and hydrogen peroxide dual‐responsive nanoplatform (PCu‐HA‐DQ) is reported, which is constructed by encapsulating disulfiram prodrug (DQ) and modifying hyaluronic acid (HA) on copper doping metal–organic frameworks (PCu MOFs). PCu‐HA‐DQ is expected to accumulate in tumor by targeting CD‐44 receptors and enable guidance with magnetic resonance imaging. Inside the tumor, Cu(DTC)2 will be generated in situ based on a dual‐responsive reaction. In detail, the high concentration of phosphate can induce the release of DQ, after that, the intracellular hydrogen peroxide will further mediate the generation of Cu(DTC)2. In vitro and in vivo results indicate PCu‐HA‐DQ can induce the apoptosis as well as immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells distinctly, leading to enhanced immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) efficacy by combining the anti‐programmed death‐1 antibody. This work provides a portable strategy to construct a dual‐responsive nanoplatform integrating tumor‐targeted ability and multi‐therapy, and the designed nanoplatform is also an ICD inducer, which presents a prospect for boosting systemic antitumor immunity and ICI efficacy.
Highly Active Frozen Nanovesicles Microneedles for Senile Wound Healing via Antibacteria, Immunotherapy, and Skin Regeneration
Authors: Xu Jingyi , Lin Sihan , Chen Hongyan , Yang Guangzheng , Zhou Mingliang , Liu Yili , Li Anshuo , Yin Shi , Jiang Xinquan
Published: January 2024

Senile wound healing risks a variety of health complications and makes both economic and psychological burdens on patients greatly. Poor activity of aged dermal fibroblasts (A‐FBs) and local disordered immunoreaction in the deep dermis contribute to delayed wound healing. Therefore, the locally complex microenvironment in deep requires additional processing. Herein, a novel double‐layer hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microneedle patch (MNP) coated by young fibroblast‐derived exosomes (Y‐EXOs) (Y‐EXOs@HAMA/PVA MNP) is presented for deep drug delivery, aged wound healing and immunoregulation. A spraying and freeze‐drying method is applied for keeping the bioactivity of the nanovesicles. An ideal loading of Y‐EXOs and enhanced strength for penetration have realized after circulation for times. The Y‐EXOs@HAMA/PVA MNP shows an excellent influence on delayed wound healing of aged skin with active A‐FBs, more deposition of collagen and less production of IL‐17A compared with application of aged fibroblast‐derived exosomes (A‐EXOs). Moreover, the content microRNAs in Y‐EXOs and A‐EXOs are sequenced for further study. This study initiatively demonstrates that Y‐EXOs have effective function on both anti‐aging and anti‐inflammation and Y‐EXOs@HAMA/PVA MNP is expected as a novel strategy for deep drug delivery for promoting hard wound healing in aged skin in future clinical application.
Optimizing the Crystallinity of a ZrO2 Thin Film Insulator for InGaZnO‐Based Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor Capacitors
Authors: Nam Minkyeong , Lee Seungwoo , Jeong Hanseok , Yoon Ara , Park Jin‐Seong , Jeon Woojin
Published: January 2024

The utilization of a zirconium oxide (ZrO2) thin film as the insulator in a metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) capacitor to enhance the characteristics of thin‐film transistors is investigated. Although the high crystallinity of ZrO2 is favorable to achieving higher capacitance density in metal–insulator–metal capacitors with ZrO2 thin films, it decreases the capacitance with increasing applied bias in Mo/ZrO2/InGaZnO (IGZO)‐structured MIS capacitors. Through comprehensive physical, chemical, and electrical characterizations, this study investigated the mechanism underlying the decreasing capacitance with increasing the applied bias in the accumulation state of the Mo/ZrO2/IGZO‐structured MIS capacitor depending on the crystallinity of ZrO2. Furthermore, the investigation identifies the optimal crystal structure of ZrO2 thin films for IGZO‐based MIS capacitors, highlighting the importance of forming meso‐crystalline structures in high dielectric constant (k) materials to enhance the k value and mitigating the decrease in capacitance caused by the accumulated carrier loss through grain boundaries of ZrO2.
A Three‐Component Domino Reaction Enabled by Phase‐Transfer Catalysis for the Assembly of 3‐Thioquinoline‐2,5‐Diones
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhu Tian‐Hao
Published: January 2024

A three‐component phase‐transfer catalytic domino reaction involving cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione‐derived enaminones, 5‐alkenyl rhodanines, and haloalkanes has been developed. This protocol produces a wide range of 3‐thioquinoline‐2,5‐diones in yields of 52–81%. The construction of a C−S bond at the C‐3 position of the quinoline‐2,5‐dione framework expands its structural diversity. Studies into the reaction mechanism revealed that the reaction undergoes a conjugate addition, ammonolysis, elimination, and nucleophilic substitution sequence. The synthetic potential of the reaction was demonstrated by the gram‐scale syntheses of representative products. Chloroalkyl chains were installed on the sulfur atoms of most products obtained in this reaction. Diversified product derivatives were obtained by exploiting the favorable leaving nature of the chloride moiety.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Amination of Chloro(hetero)aryl Triflates Enabled by Alkyl‐Pyrazole‐Based Phosphine Ligands
Authors: Gu Changxue , Yuen On Ying , Ng Shan Shan , So Chau Ming
Published: January 2024

This study describes the palladium‐catalyzed chemoselective amination of chloro(hetero)aryl triflates in the C−Cl bond for the first time. A newly designed and synthesized alkyl‐pyrazole‐based phosphine ligand, L26 (BirdPhos), which is featured with the pyrazole ligand core and the cyclohexyl group at the C3 and C5 positions, was key to the success of this reaction. A variety of chloro(hetero)aryl triflates coupled with aromatic, aliphatic, and heterocyclic amines smoothly afforded the corresponding products up to 97% yields with general chemoselectivity (>99%) in the C−Cl bond. Drug analogs were also synthesized via the chemoselective intermolecular amination. This study attempts to investigate the structure‐activity relationship of this new class of ligand through experimental and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Multiscale Investigation of Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes: Analytical Techniques and Applications
Authors: Schäfer David , Hankins Kie , Allion Michelle , Krewer Ulrike , Karcher Franziska , Derr Laurin , Schuster Rolf , Maibach Julia , Mück Stefan , Kramer Dominik , Mönig Reiner , Jeschull Fabian , Daboss Sven , Philipp Tom , Neusser Gregor , Romer Jan , Palanisamy Krishnaveni , Kranz Christine , Buchner Florian , Behm R. Jürgen , Ahmadian Ali , Kübel Christian , Mohammad Irshad , Samoson Ago , Witter Raiker , Smarsly Bernd , Rohnke Marcus
Published: January 2024

The anode/electrolyte interface behavior, and by extension, the overall cell performance of sodium‐ion batteries is determined by a complex interaction of processes that occur at all components of the electrochemical cell across a wide range of size‐ and timescales. Single‐scale studies may provide incomplete insights, as they cannot capture the full picture of this complex and intertwined behavior. Broad, multiscale studies are essential to elucidate these processes. Within this perspectives article, several analytical and theoretical techniques are introduced, and described how they can be combined to provide a more complete and comprehensive understanding of sodium‐ion battery (SIB) performance throughout its lifetime, with a special focus on the interfaces of hard carbon anodes. These methods target various length‐ and time scales, ranging from micro to nano, from cell level to atomistic structures, and account for a broad spectrum of physical and (electro)chemical characteristics. Specifically, how mass spectrometric, microscopic, spectroscopic, electrochemical, thermodynamic, and physical methods can be employed to obtain the various types of information required to understand battery behavior will be explored. Ways are then discussed how these methods can be coupled together in order to elucidate the multiscale phenomena at the anode interface and develop a holistic understanding of their relationship to overall sodium‐ion battery function.
Anion‐Stabilized Precursor Inks Toward Efficient and Reproducible Air‐Processed Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tian Chuanming , Wu Tianhao , Zhao Yu , Zhou Xinliang , Li Bin , Han Xuefei , Li Kerui , Hou Chengyi , Li Yaogang , Wang Hongzhi , Zhang Qinghong
Published: January 2024

Despite the outperforming power conversion efficiency of low‐temperature and solution‐processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) realized over the past decades, the undesirable stability from precursor inks to resultant devices and harsh preparation requirements still restrain their industrial production and practical deployment. Herein, an anion stabilization strategy is developed to achieve the comprehensive durability of perovskite photovoltaics throughout the whole two‐step air‐processed procedure. The effect of interionic bonding strengths on the ink properties, film crystallization, and photovoltaic performances is in‐depth explored and revealed. The pseudohalide bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ions (TFSI−) not only improve the dispersion and stabilities of lead polyhalides and organic salt inks via strong electron‐withdrawing/donating chemical sites, but also realize high composition uniformity and preferential crystal growth of subsequent deposited perovskite layers by tuning the precursor reactivity and surface absorption. Ultimately, the optimizing PSCs deliver a superior efficiency of 24.16%, accompanied by notably improved long‐term stability toward extreme environmental and mechanical stimuli with lead leakage suppression. This work opens up a promising avenue toward reproducible air preparation of highly efficient, stable, and environmentally friendly perovskite optoelectronic devices via precise modulation of precursor properties.
Challenges and Strategies on Interphasial Regulation for Aqueous Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Geng Xin , Hou Xu , He Xin , Fan Hong Jin
Published: January 2024

The practical application of aqueous rechargeable batteries faces several challenges due to the limited stability window of electrolytes and parasitic side reactions, such as corrosion, passivation, gas evolution, and co‐intercalations. The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed at the electrode/electrolyte interface plays a critical role in determining interfacial properties and battery performance. Efforts are being made to develop effective SEIs, functionalize interphase layers, and explore various aqueous hybrid electrolytes that facilitate SEI formation. This review highlights the role of interphasial structures in aqueous batteries. First, common issues encountered by aqueous batteries and specific characteristics of aqueous lithium‐ion, sodium‐ion, zinc‐ion, and aluminum‐ion batteries are outlined. Then the tactics used to improve cycle stability of aqueous batteries are introduced and compared and the working principles and key parameters from the context of interphasial modification are discussed. Finally, constructive insights and suggestions for developing high‐performance batteries are offered, with a focus on SEI formation and interphase layer design.
Supramolecular liquid crystals from the dimer of L‐shaped molecules with tertiary amide end groups
Authors: Sawatari Yuki , Shimomura Yoshimichi , Takeuchi Masato , Iwai Riki , Tanaka Takuya , Tsurumaki Eiji , Tokita Masatoshi , Watanabe Junji , Konishi Gen‐ichi
Published: January 2024

Supramolecular liquid crystals (SLCs) are attractive materials for fabricating devices with new optoelectronic functions. Conventional SLCs are made from hydrogen‐bonded mesogens. However, these mesogens suffer from high melting points, and the types of formable aggregates are limited owing to the directionality of the hydrogen bonding. Therefore, to fabricate non‐hydrogen‐bonded SLCs, we hypothesized that the introduction of tertiary amide groups into calamitic molecules would be advantageous because they have an L‐shaped structure with N‐ or C‐alkyl side chains not aligned along the long axis and the flexibility to undergo cis–trans isomerization. In this study, we developed a novel non‐hydrogen‐bonded SLC by assembling an L‐shaped dimer composed of calamitic molecules (phenyltolanes) with tertiary amides at their ends. These molecules exhibited a smectic B phase. The phase transition temperature of the SLCs from crystal to liquid crystal phase was low despite the long π‐conjugated core. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and variable‐temperature Fourier‐transform infrared measurements revealed dimer formation by weak intermolecular interactions, that is, the molecular recognition of L‐shaped molecules, and mobility of the alkyl groups attached to amide driven by cis–trans isomerization in the liquid crystal phase. Thus, cis–trans isomerization of tertiary amides contributed enormously to the formation and lower clearing points of this SLC. The developed method can be used not only to develop non‐hydrogen‐bonded SLCs but also to develop novel soft matter with controlled properties by incorporating the SLCs, as the aggregates can be controlled to impart desired functionalities.
Photocatalytic Electrocyclization for the Synthesis of Dihydrophenanthrenes
Authors: Singh Saumya , Kant Ruchir , Tripathi Chandra Bhushan
Published: January 2024

A visible light induced electrocyclization for synthesizing dihydrophenathrenes is reported. The readily available organic photocatalyst 4‐CzIPN enables α‐addition to enones in good yield (up to 95 %). This 6π‐electrocyclization is proposed to proceed through a photosensitization pathway and it avoids the use of high energy UV light.
Synthetic Biology‐based Construction of Unnatural Perylenequinones with Improved Photodynamic Anticancer Activities
Authors: Su Zengping , Guo Baodang , Xu Huibin , Yuan Zhenbo , Liu Huiling , Guo Tao , Deng Zhiwei , Zhang Yan , Yin Dejing , Liu Changmei , Chen Jian‐huan , Rao Yijian
Published: January 2024

The construction of structural complexity and diversity of natural products is crucial for drug discovery and development. To overcome high dark toxicity and poor photostability of natural photosensitizer perylenequinones (PQs) for photodynamic therapy, herein, we aim to introduce the structural complexity and diversity to biosynthesize the desired unnatural PQs in fungus Cercospora through synthetic biology‐based strategy. Thus, we first elucidate the intricate biosynthetic pathways of class B PQs and reveal how the branching enzymes create their structural complexity and diversity from a common ancestor. This enables the rational reprogramming of cercosporin biosynthetic pathway in Cercospora to generate diverse unnatural PQs without chemical modification. Among them, unnatural cercosporin A displays remarkably low dark toxicity and high photostability with retention of great photodynamic anticancer and antimicrobial activities. Moreover, it is found that, unlike cercosporin, unnatural cercosporin A could be selectively accumulated in cancer cells, providing potential targets for drug development. Therefore, this work provides a comprehensive foundation for preparing unnatural products with customized functions through synthetic biology‐based strategies, thus facilitating drug discovery pipelines from nature.
Constraints onBose–Einsteincondensate stars as neutron stars models from new observational data
Authors: Rodríguez Concepción Adriel E. , Quintero Angulo Gretel
Published: January 2024

We evaluate the feasibility of Bose–Einstein condensate stars (BECS) as models for the interior of neutron stars (NSs). BECS are compact objects composed of bosons, formed through the spin‐parallel pairing of neutrons. Here, we utilize the astronomical data from GW170817, XMMU J173203.3‐344518 (the lightest NS known), and a novel lower limit on NS core heat capacity to scrutinize the compatibility of BECS with these recent observations of NSs. Our specific focus is to constrain the values of the scattering length , parameter determining the strength of particle interactions in the model. Our analysis suggests that if the stars involved in GW170817 were BECSs, the scattering length of their constituent bosons should fall within the to fm range. Additionally, at a scattering length of fm, stars with mass and radius characteristics akin to XMMU J173203.3‐344518 are identified. Moreover, we find that the heat capacity depends on the mass and temperature of BECS, and surpasses the established lower bound for NS cores when fm. In summary, our results endorse BECS models with fm, providing NS observables in agreement with diverse observations and contributing to the understanding of NS interiors.
Do impact investors live up to their promise? A systematic literature review on (im)proving investments' impacts
Authors: Roor Annebeth , Maas Karen
Published: January 2024

Impact investing holds the promise to make the world a better place. However, when investors measure their impact only to prove it—without improving—it cannot be expected they will live up to this promise. This systematic literature reviews a sample of 141 academic articles on impact measurement of investments. The results show that measuring impact to prove and to improve is a distinct practice. Measuring to prove impact mainly relates to show accountability to stakeholders and relates to legitimacy, stakeholder and agency theory. Measuring to improve relates to investors understanding impact, acting on envisioned impact in decision‐making, and relates to decision‐making, performance measurement and organisational theory. Investors can improve impacts by integrating impact information throughout an integrated investment process. Although several authors mention improving impact, they provide limited guidance on this. Future research is needed on operationalising impact throughout the investment process, as a practice to improve investments' impact.
Solvent Geometry Regulated J‐ and H‐Type Aggregates of Photoswitchable Organogelator: Phase‐Selective Thixotropic Gelation and Oil Spill Recovery
Authors: Sk Sujauddin , Mursed Ali Sk , Aash Asmita , Kolay Soumya , Mondal Arun , Mondal Sahabaj , Hossain Khan Ali , Sepay Nayim , Rahaman Molla Mijanur
Published: January 2024

We demonstrate supramolecular polymerization and formation of 1D nanofiber of azobenzene based organogelator (AZO‐4) in cyclic hydrocarbon solvents (toluene and methylcyclohexane). The AZO‐4 exhibits J‐ and H‐type aggregates in toluene: MCH (9 : 1) and MCH: toluene (9 : 1) respectively. The type of aggregate was governed by the geometry of the solvents used in the self‐assembly process. The J‐type aggregates with high thermal stability in toluene is due to the enhanced interaction of AZO‐4 π‐ surface with the toluene π‐surface, whereas H‐aggregate with moderate thermal stability in MCH was due to the interruption of the cyclic hydrocarbon in van der Waals interactions of peripheral chains of AZO‐4 molecule. The light induced reversible photoisomerization is observed for both J‐ and H‐aggregates. The macroscopic property revealed spontaneous and strong gelation in toluene preferably due to the strong interactions of the AZO‐4 nanofibers with the toluene solvent molecules compared to the MCH. The rheological measurements revealed thixotropic nature of the gels by step‐strain experiments at room temperature. The thermodynamic parameter (ΔHm) of gel‐to‐sol transition was determined for all the gels to get more insight into the gelation property. Furthermore, the phase selective gelation property was extended to the oil spill recovery application using diesel/water and petrol/water mixture.
Tryptophan‐Doped Poly(vinyl alcohol) Films with Ultralong‐Lifetime Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence and Color‐Tunable Afterglow Under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Zhen Jingshuang , Long Jiangqin , Guo Xin , Wang Qiusheng , Zeng Xu
Published: January 2024

The development of a persistent luminescence system with long‐lived phosphorescence and color‐tunable afterglow at room temperature represents a challenge, largely due to the intensive non‐radiative deactivation pathway. In this study, an ultralong‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) system has been achieved using a hydrogen‐bonding strategy where poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrices were doped with tryptophan (Trp) derivatives. The PVA film doped with N‐α‐(9‐Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)‐L‐tryptophan (Fmoc‐L‐Trp) exhibited a long‐lived phosphorescence emission of up to 3859.70 ms, and a blue afterglow for a duration greater than 34 s, under ambient conditions. The introduction of two other fluorescent dyes (i. e., Rhodamine B and Basicred14) to the PVA film facilitates adjustment to the color of the afterglow from blue to orange, and pink, by a triplet‐to‐singlet Förster‐resonance energy transfer (TS‐FRET) process. These films have been successfully applied in silk‐screen printing and in multicolor afterglow light‐emitting diode (LED) arrays.
Imino‐BODIPY‐Based, Highly Sensitive, Fluorescent Dosimeter for Low‐Dose Gamma Radiation**
Authors: Choudhary Manoj K. , Gorai Sudip , Patro Birija S. , Mula Soumyaditya
Published: January 2024

The Front Cover image is provided by Dr. Soumyaditya Mula of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India. The image shows quick and efficient sensing of gamma (g) radiation via conversion of non‐fluorescent imino‐BODIPY dye to green fluorescent formyl BODIPY after interaction with g‐rays. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cptc.202300245.
An artificial intelligence‐based 4‐to‐10‐bit variable resolution Flash ADC with 3.6 to 1.04 GS/s sampling rate
Authors: Kandpal Naveen , Singh Anil , Agarwal Alpana
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an artificially intelligent Flash ADC with enhanced resolution from 4 to 10 bits. Unlike conventional approaches, this artificial intelligence (AI)‐based architecture avoids the use of many number of comparators in the Flash ADC when the ADC's resolution changes from 4 to 10 bits. This work initially gets the digital output of a 4‐bit existing Flash ADC as a training data set and then uses these 4‐bit output bits and sends to resolution enhancement logic (REL) block to vary its resolution without increasing the hardware complexities. After simulation, it is observed that the proposed ADC is of SNR of 24.13 dB for 4‐bit Flash ADC designed in SCL 180 nm CMOS technology and increases from 36.89 to 60.70 dB for 6 to 10‐bit resolution, respectively. The sampling frequency of the proposed architecture ranges from 3.6 to 1.04 GHz for a change in resolution from 4 to 10 bits. The FoM of 235 fJ/conv‐step in the training phase is obtained, and it varies from 56 to 20.3 fJ/conv‐step in the next phase of the testing and the prediction. The estimated area of the proposed 4‐to‐10‐bit variable resolution Flash ADC is
 μm2.
Base‐Induced Annulation of Glycal‐Derived α‐iodopyranone with 2‐Aminopyrimidinones: Access to Chiral Imidazopyrimidinones
Authors: Mishra Vinay Kumar , Tiwari Ghanshyam , Khanna Ashish , Yadav Yogesh , Sagar Ram
Published: January 2024

A simple, environmentally benign and catalyst‐free method for the synthesis of chirally enriched imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrimidinone glycohybrids has been successfully developed. The protocol is based on a base‐induced annulation of α‐iodo‐pyranone with Michael addition of 2‐aminopyrimidinones followed by intramolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. The privilege of this method includes mild reaction conditions, eco‐friendly solvent and a transition‐metal‐free approach. Moreover, using straightforward simple methods, this reaction method exhibits a broad range of substrate scope and remarkable tolerance toward various functional groups.
Unveiling the resilience of smallholder farmers in Senegal amidst extreme climate conditions
Authors: Moller Kieron , Nejadhashemi A. Pouyan , Talha Muhammad , Chikafa Mervis , Eeswaran Rasu , Junior Nilson Vieira , Carcedo Ana Julia Paula , Ciampitti Ignacio , Bizimana Jean‐Claude , Diallo Amadiane , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: January 2024

In Senegal, agriculture is an important sector underpinning the socioeconomic fabric of the populace. Notably, the agricultural production in this region exhibits heightened sensitivity to climatic perturbations, particularly droughts and heat waves. This study aims to determine the resilience of different agronomic interventions for farmers practicing mixed farming that produce both crops (i.e., groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)) and raise animals in the Groundnut Basin in Senegal, which holds historical and socioeconomic significance. To understand the current situation regarding demographics, economics, consumption behavior, and farm operations for smallholder farmers, data were comprehensively collected from government and nongovernment organizations (NGO) reports, scientific papers, organization databases, and surveys. Additionally, the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) was used to understand how combinations of three planting dates, three plant densities, and six urea nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates affected the yield of pearl millet, which were used as the alternative scenarios to the baseline in the farm modeling and analyses. All the collected and generated data were used as inputs into the Farm Simulation Model (FARMSIM) to generate economic, nutritional, and risk data associated with mixed farming systems. The generated data were then used to determine the resilience of the alternative scenarios against the baseline. Initially, a multi‐objective optimization was employed to meet nutritional needs while maintaining a healthy diet at the lowest cost. Then, the scenarios that met the population's nutritional requirements were evaluated based on four economic indicators: net cash farm income (NCFI), ending cash reserves (EC), net present value (NPV), and internal rate of return (IRR). Lastly, those that passed the economic feasibility test were ranked based on risk criteria certainty equivalent (CE) and risk premium (RP). The analyses found N fertilizer rates of 0, 20, and 100 kg N ha−1 were generally economically not feasible. Additionally, medium (early‐July to late‐August) and late (late‐July to mid‐September) planting dates generally performed better than early (early‐June to late‐July) planting dates, while plant densities of 3.3 and 6.6 pL m−2 performed better than 1.1. The robust resilience approach introduced in this study is easily transferable to other regions.
Effect of ultrasound technique to improve quality of Iranian industrial honey by controlling crystallization process
Authors: Rabbani Safa , Anvar Seyed Amir Ali , Allahyaribeik Sara , Jannat Behrooz , Ahari Hamed
Published: January 2024

This experiment aimed to assess the effects of ultrasound techniques on the quality of Iranian industrial honey. Honey samples were subjected to ultrasound waves at different frequencies and various parameters. The results showed that both ultrasound treatments (30 or 42 kHz) changed the physical, biochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics of honey. Ultrasound treatments at 20 or 45°C for 1, 5, or 10 min reduced moisture, acidity, sugars, ABTS levels, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural content, clostridium, aerobic mesophilic bacteria count, and osmophile count while increasing diastase, phenol, and proline levels. Ultrasound treatment of honey samples at 30 and 42 kHz and different temperatures for varying durations led to a decrease in acidity after 90 and 180 days. Treating honey samples with 42 kHz ultrasound at 45°C for 10 min led to a significant reduction in the amount of reducing sugar. Ultrasonication at different frequencies and temperatures led to higher levels of phenol, ABTS, and proline production, along with a considerable decrease in the total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria. Our study unveils the potential of ultrasonication to enhance honey quality through multifaceted improvements. Treatment significantly augmented phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, opening avenues for novel honey preservation and quality enhancement strategies. Additionally, ultrasonication effectively controlled honey crystallization while simultaneously improving biochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. This demonstrates its potential as a comprehensive strategy for honey quality improvement.
Research on quantitative detection technology of raccoon‐derived ingredient adulteration in sausage products
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Chen , Xie Mengying , Zhang Yan , Chen Boxu , Li Yongyan , Jia Wenshen , Chen Jia , Zhou Wei
Published: January 2024

This project presents a quantitative detection method to identify raccoon‐derived ingredient adulteration in sausage products. The specific copy gene of the raccoon was selected as the target gene. According to the specificity of its primer and probe, the quantitative detection method of raccoon microdrops by droplet digital PCR was established. In addition, the accuracy of the proposed method was verified by artificially mixed samples, and the applicability of this method was tested based on the commercially available products. The experimental results indicate that the raccoon mass (M) and raccoon‐extracted DNA concentration have a good linear relationship when the sample content is 5–100 mg, and there is also a significant linear relationship between DNA content and DNA copy number (C) with R2 = .9982. Therefore, using DNA concentration as the median signal, the conversion equation between raw raccoon mass (M) and DNA copy number (C) could be obtained as follows: M = (C + 177.403)/16.954. The detection of artificially mixed samples and commercial samples shows that the method is accurate and suitable for quantitative adulteration detection of various sausage products in the market.
Technical and allocative efficiency of crop production using different storage and water‐lifting technologies in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Degefa Hana , Tenaye Anbes , Hagos Fitsum , Haileslassie Amare
Published: January 2024

Assessing the efficiency gains, in terms of crop production and productivity, of using agricultural water management is critical to understanding the comparative advantage of using different storage and water‐lifting technologies in irrigation development. This study aims to compare the efficiency differences among irrigation farmers using various water‐lifting technologies and among users of various technology suites in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Cross‐sectional data collected from 320 randomly selected smallholder farmers, considering the 2019/2020 production season, were used to analyse a one‐step Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier function. The results of the study revealed the existence of technical and allocative efficiency differences between gravity and fuel pump users. Factors that positively determine the level of technical efficiency scores are gender, age, education status, technology type and extension contact. Irrigation experience, access to credit, training and technology type positively affected allocative efficiency, while the distance to the irrigation water source had a negative effect. The findings have important implications for agricultural policy and practice as improving efficiency through the adoption of fuel‐powered water‐lifting technology could further improve overall agricultural productivity. Designing small‐scale friendly business models and promoting irrigation extension services, among others, is critical for scaling successful water management technologies.
Periodontal disease in down syndrome: Predisposing factors and potential non‐surgical therapeutic approaches
Authors: Ghaffarpour Mahdie , Karami‐Zarandi Morteza , Rahdar Hossein Ali , Feyisa Seifu Gizaw , Taki Elahe
Published: January 2024

Background

Periodontal diseases (PDs) have been documented to be significantly more prevalent and severe in patients with Down syndrome (DS). Different immunological and microbiological factors contributed to predisposing these patients to progressive and recurrent PDs.

Aim

The aim of this review was to investigate the altered immunological responses and oral microbiota disorders as well as focus on adjunctive non‐surgical methods for the treatment of PDs and its applicability in patients with DS.

Material and Methods

A literature review was conducted addressing the following topics: (1) the altered immunological responses, (2) orofacial disorders related to DS patients, (3) oral microbiota changing, and (4) adjunctive non‐surgical treatment and its efficacy in patients with DS.

Results

Due to the early onset of PDs in children with DS, the need for prompt and effective treatment in these patients is essential.

Discussion and Conclusion

So, investigating underlying factors may open a new window to better understand the pathology of PDs in DS people and thus, find better strategies for treatment in such group. Although non‐surgical treatments such as photodynamic therapy and probiotic consumption represented acceptable outcomes in different examined patients without DS, data about the application of these convenience and no need for local anesthesia methods in patients with DS is limited.
Train the paediatric colonoscopy trainer course: Assessment of perceived value in improving colonoscopy teaching practice
Authors: Mirzaali Rachel , Anderson John , Thomson Mike , Narula Priya
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Endoscopy teaching practice is variable, which inevitably affects the training provided. There is only one Train the Paediatric Colonoscopy Trainer (TPCT) course in the UK. Informal feedback has been positive, but its practical value has never been formally assessed. We aim to assess the practical value of the TPCT course and how attendees perceive their teaching practice compared to nonattendees.

Methods

A questionnaire based on the TPCT course learning aims and objectives was distributed to two groups of consultant paediatric gastroenterologists who teach colonoscopy in the UK; those who had attended the course (participants) and those who had not (controls).

Results

The 41 completed responses were received. Overall, responses indicated participants of the TPCT course rated their confidence and knowledge in teaching practices as higher than controls (4.27 vs. 3.56 p = < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in all areas: set (4.21 vs. 3.71 p = 0.011), dialogue (4.29 vs. 3.55 p = < 0.001) and closure (4.37 vs. 3.6 p = < 0.001) with those who attended the TPCT course giving higher ratings. There was evidence of increased understanding of key concepts such as using standardised language, conscious competence, dual task interference and performance enhancing feedback.

Conclusion

Attending a TPCT course results in a higher perceived level of knowledge in fundamental teaching principles and confidence in colonoscopy teaching skills.
Relapse following withdrawal of D‐penicillamine from combination (D‐penicillamine + zinc) therapy in hepatic Wilson disease
Authors: Panda Kalpana , Lal Bikrant B. , Sood Vikrant , Khanna Rajeev , Alam Seema
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Long‐term D‐penicillamine (D‐pen) therapy in Wilson disease (WD) has numerous adverse effects which advocates its withdrawal, but with an inherent risk of relapse. This prospective observational study was conducted with the objective of evaluating incidence of relapse following withdrawal of D‐pen from combination (D‐pen + zinc) therapy in maintenance phase of previously symptomatic hepatic WD.

Methods

Hepatic WD patients <18 years of age and on combination therapy for >2 years with 6 months of biochemical remission were included. Biochemical remission was defined as achievement of (i) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN), (ii) serum albumin >3.5 g/dL, international normalized ratio (INR) <1.5 and (iii) 24‐h urinary copper excretion (UCE) <500 mcg/day, nonceruloplasmin‐bound‐copper (NCC) <15 mcg/dL. After D‐pen withdrawal, monthly liver function test (LFT) and INR and 3 monthly UCE and NCC were done till 1 year or relapse (elevation of AST/ALT/both >2 times ULN or total bilirubin >2 mg/dL), whichever occurred earlier.

Results

Forty‐five patients enrolled with median combination therapy duration of 36 months. Sixty percent of them had their index presentation as decompensated cirrhosis. Fourteen patients (31.8%) relapsed (cumulative incidence: 4 at 3 months, 11 at 6 months, and 14 at 12 months after D‐pen discontinuation). All relapsers had index presentation as decompensated cirrhosis. On Cox‐regression, ALT at D‐pen withdrawal was an independent predictor of relapse (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.077, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.014–1.145, p = 0.017) with area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) of 0.860. ALT ≥40 U/L predicted risk of relapse with 85.7% sensitivity, 70.9% specificity.

Conclusion

Incidence of relapse after withdrawal of D‐pen from combination therapy is 31.8% in hepatic WD. ALT ≥40 U/L, at the time of D‐pen stoppage, predicts future relapse.
Circulating basophils in patients with type IIb autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria have a lower histamine content
Authors: Baumann Katrine , Sørensen Jennifer Astrup , Zhang Ditte G. , Ghazanfar Misbah N. , Skov Per Stahl , Woetmann Anders , Thomsen Simon Francis
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients suffering from chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) are typically classified as type I or type IIb autoimmune CSU, but further patient stratification is hindered by the lack of biomarkers.

Objectives

We investigated whether the histamine content of individual basophils differ between patient subtypes in CSU to evaluate its potential as a biomarker.

Methods

A total of 101 patients diagnosed with CSU were included in the study. The histamine content per circulating basophil was derived from the basophil count in peripheral blood and levels of total cellular blood histamine. These measures, together with results from the serum‐induced basophil histamine release assay (s‐BHRA), were correlated to information on demographics, clinical characteristics, patient reported outcomes and laboratory analyses.

Results

The histamine content per basophil was significantly different between s‐BHRA positive and ‐negative patients (0.175 vs. 1.40 pg/cell, p < 0.001) and showed a significant negative correlation to the degree of basophil activation in s‐BHRA (ρ = −0.209, p = 0.036). Furthermore, the amount of histamine in individual basophils was found to be significantly correlated with levels of total cellular blood histamine (ρ = 0.376, p < 0.001), eosinophil counts (ρ = 0.205, p = 0.040), levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (ρ = −0.246, p = 0.014) and titre of antibodies against thyroid peroxidase (ρ = −0.216, p = 0.031) and thyroglobulin (ρ = −0.203, p = 0.044).

Conclusions

Low content of intracellular histamine in circulating basophils is associated with known markers of type IIb autoimmune CSU. Further studies are required to assess whether the amount of histamine in basophils can be used to monitor or predict response to treatment in patients.
Community initiatives for well‐being in the United Kingdom and their role in developing social capital and addressing loneliness: A scoping review
Authors: Tierney Stephanie , Rowe Rosie , Connally Emily L , Roberts Nia W , Mahtani Kamal R , Gorenberg Jordan
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Loneliness can have a negative impact on people's physical and psychological well‐being; building social capital is a potential means of addressing this connection. Community initiatives (e.g. groups, clubs, neighbourhood activities) may be a route that enables people to build social capital to tackle loneliness. Understanding what is known, and where gaps in knowledge exist, is important for advancing research on this topic.

Methods

A scoping review was undertaken to explore the question – What community initiatives, with a focus on well‐being, have been evaluated in the United Kingdom that include information about social capital and loneliness? Four databases (Medline, CINAHL, ASSIA and Embase) were searched for relevant research papers. References were screened by two researchers to identify if they met the review's inclusion criteria. Data were summarised as a narrative and in tables.

Results

Five papers met the review's inclusion criteria. They all used qualitative methods. Findings suggested that social capital could be developed through creating a sense of trust, group cohesion and reciprocity among participants in the community initiatives. This connection enabled people to experience a sense of belonging and to feel they had a meaningful relationship with others, which appeared to alleviate feelings of loneliness.

Conclusion

More research is warranted on the review topic, including studies that have employed quantitative or mixed methods. Clarity around definitions of social capital and loneliness in future research is required. Engagement with community initiatives can provide a formalised route to help people develop connections and counteract limitations in their social networks. However, individuals may be wary about attending community initiatives, needing support and encouragement to do so. Social prescribing link workers are one means of motivating people to access groups, events or organisations that could improve their well‐being.