bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneous Fluorescence Quenching Reaction between (5,10,15,20-Tetraphenylporphyrinato)zinc(II) and Methylviologen at Dodecane-Water Interface
Authors: Nagatani Hirohisa , Watarai Hitoshi
Published: August 2003

The heterogeneous fluorescence quenching reaction of (5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)zinc(II) (ZnTPP) in dodecane by methylviologen in an aqueous phase at the liquid-liquid interface was investigated by means of the centrifugal liquid membrane method. The quenching reaction could occur only in the presence of an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The quenching efficiency depended on the concentration of SDS in the aqueous phase with a maximum value of 13.5%.
Three-dimensional Orientational Photocontrol of Liquid-Crystalline Molecules in Photoresponsive Polymer Networks
Authors: Yoshimoto Naoki , Morino Shin’ya , Kaiho Aki , Ichimura Kunihiro
Published: August 2003

Three-dimensional orientation of liquid crystal molecules is induced by slantwise non-polarized visible light irradiation of a composite of a nematic liquid crystal and crosslinked polymer networks with azobenzene side chains, exhibiting rewritability and storage stability.
Reasons for Early Abacavir Discontinuation in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Peyriere Hélène , Guillemin Valérie , Lotthe Anne , Baillat Vincent , Fabre Jacqueline , Favier Carine , Atoui Nadine , Hansel Sylvie , Hillaire-Buys Dominique , Reynes Jacques
Published: August 2003

Objective

To determine incidence of and reasons for discontinuation of abacavir within the first 6 months of therapy.

Methods

Retrospective study performed in the cohort of HIV-infected adults who started abacavir in a medical unit between 1997 and December 2000. All adverse drug reactions (ADRs) (especially hypersensitivity) observed in this cohort were reported. The association between drugs and complications were evaluated, using the French method to assess unexpected and toxic drug reactions. According to the variables studied, statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, Mann–Whitney, Wilcoxon, or Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

All 331 patients treated with abacavir during this time period were included in this study. Early discontinuation of abacavir was observed in 34.1% of patients, the main reasons being adverse effects (20.8%), virologic failure (3.3%), drug holidays (2.7%), poor adherence (2.7%), and death (1.8%). Adverse effects were mostly represented by hypersensitivity reactions. After retrospective analysis, abacavir was stopped for likely hypersensitivity in 8.5% of patients, for doubtful hypersensitivity in 4.2%, and for other adverse effects in 8.1% of patients.

Conclusions

This study shows that abacavir is mainly stopped during the first 6 months of therapy for ADRs. The rate of likely hypersensitivity reaction observed in this study (8.5%) is higher than that observed in clinical trials (5%). After retrospective evaluation, the causality assessment of abacavir is not always certain.
Phenyramidol-Associated Liver Toxicity
Authors: Köksal Aydin Ş , Köklü Seyfettin , Filik Levent , Sasmaz Nurgül , Sahin Burhan
Published: August 2003

OBJECTIVE:

To describe a case of hepatotoxicity associated with phenyramidol use that resolved after discontinuation of the drug.

BACKGROUND:

Phenyramidol is a moderately potent and relatively nontoxic analgesic with concomitant muscle-relaxant activity. A MEDLINE search in June 2003 revealed no reports associating hepatotoxicity with this agent.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 70-year-old man was investigated because of elevated liver function test values on routine biochemical screening. He had no clinical symptoms. Other etiologies of hepatitis were appropriately ruled out, and elevated enzymes were ascribed to phenyramidol treatment.

DISCUSSION:

This is the first case published in the English language literature describing probable hepatotoxicity, according to the Naranjo probability scale, resulting from use of phenyramidol. The mechanism of phenyramidol-induced liver damage is unknown. Several features, such as the absence of predictable dose-dependent toxicity of phenyramidol in previous studies and the absence of hypersensitivity manifestations in our patient, are suggestive of a metabolic type of idiosyncratic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Phenyramidol should be considered as a drug that possibly causes hepatotoxicity.
Emphasizing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Capture for Improved Cardiovascular Care of the LGBTQ+ Population
Authors: Deb Brototo , Porter Kadijah , van Cleeff Ashlan , Reardon Leigh C. , Cook Stephen
Published: January 2024

Importance

The rising self-identifying lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) population makes understanding the unique health care needs of sexual and gender minoritized patients an urgent one. The interaction between minority stress and cardiovascular disease has been well described among underrepresented minoritized populations. The underrepresentation of minoritized populations in clinical research is partly responsible for worse cardiovascular outcomes in these populations. The absence of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) data makes it difficult to understand the cardiovascular health of LGBTQ+ adults, thereby widening health care disparities in this population. Advancing cardiovascular health equity for LGBTQ+ patients must begin with careful and accurate SOGIE data collection.

Observations

Current SOGIE data capture remains inadequate despite federal mandates. Challenges in data collection include political and regulatory discrimination, patient/practitioner hesitancy, lack of supportive guidance on SOGIE data collection, improper terminology, regulatory inertia, and inadequate and often incorrect integration of SOGIE data into electronic health records (EHRs). Additional challenges include grouping participants as “others” for statistical significance. The inclusion of SOGIE data has demonstrated an impact in other fields like cancer survivorship and surgery. The same needs to be done for cardiology.

Conclusions and Relevance

Potential solutions for improving much-needed SOGIE data collection include (1) implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, (2) integrating SOGIE data into the EHR, (3) educating health care professionals on the relevance of SOGIE to patient-centered care, and (4) creating a diverse cardiovascular workforce. These steps can substantially enhance the ability to collect SOGIE data to address LGBTQ+ cardiovascular health care disparities.
Dapagliflozin and Mode of Death in Heart Failure With Improved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Vardeny Orly , Desai Akshay S. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Fang James C. , Claggett Brian , de Boer Rudolf A. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Lam Carolyn S. P. , Martinez Felipe A. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Mc Causland Finnian R. , Petrie Mark C. , Vaduganathan Muthiah , McMurray John J. V. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF), defined as prior left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 40% or lower that has increased to greater than 40%, is understudied.

Objective

To examine mode of death and the association of dapagliflozin with reductions in cause-specific death in patients with HFimpEF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a post hoc analysis from the Dapagliflozin Evaluation to Improve the Lives of Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction Heart Failure (DELIVER) randomized clinical trial, conducted from August 2018 to December 2020. The trial randomly assigned patients with HF with LVEF greater than 40%, New York Heart Association class II to IV symptoms, and elevated natriuretic peptides to treatment with dapagliflozin (10 mg, once daily) or placebo. The presence of HFimpEF was captured through study case report forms. The primary outcome was a composite of worsening HF events (hospitalization or urgent HF visits) or cardiovascular death. Clinical outcomes were adjudicated by a blinded clinical end points committee. Data were analyzed from May 2022 to August 2023.

Intervention

Dapagliflozin vs placebo.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The mode of death in relation to HFimpEF status was examined, as well as the association of randomized treatment with cause-specific death in Cox regression models.

Results

Of 1151 patients with HFimpEF in DELIVER, 190 (16.5%) died, compared with 833 patients (16.3%) of 5112 with LVEF consistently greater than 40%. The overall distribution of mode of death was similar in those with HFimpEF compared with those with LVEF consistently greater than 40% (noncardiovascular death: 103 of 190 [54%] vs 428 of 833 [51%]; cardiovascular death: 87 of 190 [46%] vs 405 of 833 [49%], respectively). Most deaths in individuals with HFimpEF were noncardiovascular (103 of 180 [54%]). For cardiovascular deaths, sudden deaths were most common (36 of 190 events [19%]), followed by HF-related (29 of 190 events [15%]). Among patients with HFimpEF, treatment with dapagliflozin was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular death relative to placebo, a difference primarily due to lower rates of sudden death (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.18-0.79; P for interaction = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings in this study support current guideline recommendations for use of sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitor therapy, and further suggest that the addition of a sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitor therapy to other guideline-directed medical therapies may help reduce cardiovascular mortality in patients with HFimpEF.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03619213
Recruiting a Diverse Cardiology Physician Workforce
Authors: Snow Sarah C. , Alhanti Brooke , Douglas Pamela S.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Understanding trends in the representation of women and individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic populations in cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular subspecialty fellowships is essential to improving the diversity of the cardiology workforce.

Objective

To examine changes in the representation of women and underrepresented individuals in cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular subspecialty fellowships over time.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study of trainee sex and race and ethnicity in various training programs from 2008 to 2022 used data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s publicly available online source. Participants included all residents, internal medicine residents, general surgery residents, and fellows in cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular subspecialty fellowships.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Percentages of women and Black and Hispanic trainees in these programs were calculated for each year. Mann-Kendall tests were used to determine if changes over the years represented a significant trend.

Results

Among the 3320 cardiovascular disease trainees in 2022, 848 (25.5%) were women, and 459 (13.8%) were Black or Hispanic, less than the representation among internal medicine trainees at 43.8% and 15.6%, respectively. However, the percentage of women trainees in cardiovascular disease significantly increased from 17.6% in 2008 (P = .001 for time trend) and also increased for interventional cardiology fellowships (from 6.3% in 2008 to 20.1% in 2022; P = .002). Over the same period, the proportion of women in general surgery increased from 27.4% to 45.2% (P < .001). The percentage of Black and Hispanic trainees in internal medicine significantly increased from 8.6% in 2012 (P < .001) while increases in general surgery were not statistically significant (9.7% to 16.1%; P = .35). There were also important increases in the percentages of Black and Hispanic trainees in cardiovascular disease (from 8.3% in 2012; P = .09) and interventional cardiology (3.8% to 13.4%; P = .12).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, the representation of women in cardiovascular fellowships, including interventional cardiology, increased over recent years. While representation of Black and Hispanic individuals is low in all residencies, including cardiovascular fellowships, recent positive trends are important to recognize and provide hope to drive future efforts.
Prevalence, Incidence, and Reversal Pattern of Childhood Stunting From Birth to Age 2 Years in Ethiopia
Authors: Goddard Frederick G. B. , Hunegnaw Bezawit Mesfin , Luu Jonathan , Haneuse Sebastien J. P. A. , Zeleke Mesfin , Mohammed Yahya , Bekele Chalachew , Tadesse Daniel , Solomon Meles , Bekele Delayehu , Chan Grace J.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Although there has been a reduction in stunting (low-height-for-age and low-length-for-age), a proxy of malnutrition, the prevalence of malnutrition in Ethiopia is still high. Child growth patterns and estimates of stunting are needed to increase awareness and resources to improve the potential for recovery.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence, incidence, and reversal of stunting among children aged 0 to 24 months.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This population-based cohort study of the Birhan Maternal and Child Health cohort in North Shewa Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, was conducted between December 2018 and November 2020. Eligible participants included children aged 0 to 24 months who were enrolled during the study period and had their length measured at least once. Data analysis occurred from Month Year to Month Year.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome of this study was stunting, defined as length-for-age z score (LAZ) at least 2 SDs below the mean. Z scores were also used to determine the prevalence, incidence, and reversal of stunting at each key time point. Growth velocity was determined in centimeters per month between key time points and compared with global World Health Organization (WHO) standards for the same time periods. Heterogeneity was addressed by excluding outliers in sensitivity analyses using modeled growth trajectories for each child.

Results

A total of 4354 children were enrolled, out of which 3674 (84.4%; 1786 [48.7%] female) had their length measured at least once and were included in this study. The median population-level length was consistently below WHO growth standards from birth to 2 years of age. The observed prevalence of stunting was highest by 2 years of age at 57.4% (95% CI, 54.8%-9 60.0%). Incidence of stunting increased over time and reached 51.0% (95% CI, 45.3%-56.6%) between ages 12 and 24 months. Reversal was 63.5% (95% CI, 54.8%-71.4%) by age 6 months and 45.2% (95% CI, 36.0%-54.8%) by age 2 years. Growth velocity point estimate differences were slowest compared with WHO standards during the neonatal period (−1.4 cm/month for girls and −1.6 cm/month for boys). There was substantial heterogeneity in anthropometric measurements.

Conclusions and Relevance

The evidence from this cohort study highlights a chronically malnourished population with much of the burden associated with growth faltering during the neonatal periods as well as after 6 months of age. To end all forms of malnutrition, growth faltering in populations such as that in young children in Amhara, Ethiopia, needs to be addressed.
EMS Treatment Guidelines in Major Traumatic Brain Injury With Positive Pressure Ventilation
Authors: Gaither Joshua B. , Spaite Daniel W. , Bobrow Bentley J. , Barnhart Bruce , Chikani Vatsal , Denninghoff Kurt R. , Bradley Gail H. , Rice Amber D. , Howard Jeffrey T. , Keim Samuel M. , Hu Chengcheng
Published: January 2024

Importance

The Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care (EPIC) study demonstrated improved survival in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) following implementation of the prehospital treatment guidelines. The impact of implementing these guidelines in the subgroup of patients who received positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the association of implementation of prehospital TBI evidence-based guidelines with survival among patients with prehospital PPV.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The EPIC study was a multisystem, intention-to-treat study using a before/after controlled design. Evidence-based guidelines were implemented by emergency medical service agencies across Arizona. This subanalysis was planned a priori and included participants who received prehospital PPV. Outcomes were compared between the preimplementation and postimplementation cohorts using logistic regression, stratified by predetermined TBI severity categories (moderate, severe, or critical). Data were collected from January 2007 to June 2017, and data were analyzed from January to February 2023.

Exposure

Implementation of the evidence-based guidelines for the prehospital care of patient with TBI.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge, and the secondary outcome was survival to admission.

Results

Among the 21 852 participants in the main study, 5022 received prehospital PPV (preimplementation, 3531 participants; postimplementation, 1491 participants). Of 5022 included participants, 3720 (74.1%) were male, and the median (IQR) age was 36 (22-54) years. Across all severities combined, survival to admission improved (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.28-1.97), while survival to discharge did not (aOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.78-1.13). Within the cohort with severe TBI but not in the moderate or critical subgroups, survival to hospital admission increased (aOR, 6.44; 95% CI, 2.39-22.00), as did survival to discharge (aOR, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.96-6.34).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients with severe TBI who received active airway interventions in the field, guideline implementation was independently associated with improved survival to hospital admission and discharge. This was true whether they received basic airway interventions or advanced airways. These findings support the current guideline recommendations for aggressive prevention/correction of hypoxia and hyperventilation in patients with severe TBI, regardless of which airway type is used.
Liprin‐α1 contributes to oncogenic MAPK signaling by counteracting ERK activity
Authors: Pehkonen Henna , Filippou Artemis , Väänänen Juho , Lindfors Iida , Vänttinen Mira , Ianevski Philipp , Mäkelä Anne , Munne Pauliina , Klefström Juha , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna , Grénman Reidar , Hagström Jaana , Mäkitie Antti A. , Karhemo Piia‐Riitta , Monni Outi
Published: January 2024

PTPRF interacting protein alpha 1 (PPFIA1) encodes for liprin‐α1, a member of the leukocyte common antigen–related protein tyrosine phosphatase (LAR‐RPTPs)‐interacting protein family. Liprin‐α1 localizes to adhesive and invasive structures in the periphery of cancer cells, where it modulates migration and invasion in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and breast cancer. To study the possible role of liprin‐α1 in anticancer drug responses, we screened a library of oncology compounds in cell lines with high endogenous PPFIA1 expression. The compounds with the highest differential responses between high PPFIA1‐expressing and silenced cells across cell lines were inhibitors targeting mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) signaling. KRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase (KRAS)‐mutated MDA‐MB‐231 cells were more resistant to trametinib upon PPFIA1 knockdown compared with control cells. In contrast, liprin‐α1‐depleted HNSCC cells with low RAS activity showed a context‐dependent response to MEK/ERK inhibitors. Importantly, we showed that liprin‐α1 depletion leads to increased p‐ERK1/2 levels in all our studied cell lines independent of KRAS mutational status, suggesting a role of liprin‐α1 in the regulation of MAPK oncogenic signaling. Furthermore, liprin‐α1 depletion led to more pronounced redistribution of RAS proteins to the cell membrane. Our data suggest that liprin‐α1 is an important contributor to oncogenic RAS/MAPK signaling, and the status of liprin‐α1 may assist in predicting drug responses in cancer cells in a context‐dependent manner.
Towards Automation in 3D Cell Culture: Selective and Gentle High‐Throughput Handling of Spheroids and Organoids via Novel Pick‐Flow‐Drop Principle
Authors: Zieger Viktoria , Frejek Daniel , Zimmermann Stefan , Miotto Guilherme A. A. , Koltay Peter , Zengerle Roland , Kartmann Sabrina
Published: January 2024

3D cell culture is becoming increasingly important for mimicking physiological tissue structures in areas such as drug discovery and personalized medicine. To enable reproducibility on a large scale, automation technologies for standardized handling are still a challenge. Here, a novel method for fully automated size classification and handling of cell aggregates like spheroids and organoids is presented. Using microfluidic flow generated by a piezoelectric droplet generator, aggregates are aspirated from a reservoir on one side of a thin capillary and deposited on the other side, encapsulated in free‐flying nanoliter droplets to a target. The platform has aggregate aspiration and plating efficiencies of 98.1% and 98.4%, respectively, at a processing throughput of up to 21 aggregates per minute. Cytocompatibility of the method is thoroughly assessed with MCF7, LNCaP, A549 spheroids and colon organoids, revealing no adverse effects on cell aggregates as shear stress is reduced compared to manual pipetting. Further, generic size‐selective handling of heterogeneous organoid samples, single‐aggregate‐dispensing efficiencies of up to 100% and the successful embedding of spheroids or organoids in a hydrogel with subsequent proliferation is demonstrated. This platform is a powerful tool for standardized 3D in vitro research.
Gold Recovery from E‐Waste by Food‐Waste Amyloid Aerogels
Authors: Peydayesh Mohammad , Boschi Enrico , Donat Felix , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: January 2024

Demand for gold recovery from e‐waste grows steadily due to its pervasive use in the most diverse technical applications. Current methods of gold recovery are resource‐intensive, necessitating the development of more efficient extraction materials. This study explores protein amyloid nanofibrils (AF) derived from whey, a dairy industry side‐stream, as a novel adsorbent for gold recovery from e‐waste. To do so, AF aerogels are prepared and assessed against gold adsorption capacity and selectivity over other metals present in waste electrical and electronic equipment (e‐waste). The results demonstrate that AF aerogel has a remarkable gold adsorption capacity (166.7 mg g−1) and selectivity, making it efficient and an adsorbent for gold recovery. Moreover, AF aerogels are efficient templates to convert gold ions into single crystalline flakes due to Au growth along the (111) plane. When used as templates to recover gold from e‐waste solutions obtained by dissolving computer motherboards in suitable solvents, the process yields high‐purity gold nuggets, constituted by ≈90.8 wt% gold (21–22 carats), with trace amounts of other metals. Life cycle assessment and techno–economic analysis of the process finally consolidate the potential of protein nanofibril aerogels from food side‐streams as an environmentally friendly and economically viable approach for gold recovery from e‐waste.
Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Battery‐Free Wireless Sensor System Using Multi‐Degree of Freedom Vibration
Authors: Kim Jihye , Lee Dong‐Min , Ryu Hanjun , Kim Young‐Jun , Kim Han , Yoon Hong‐Joon , Kang Minki , Kwak Sung Soo , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: January 2024

In a daily environment, several vibration energies have low amplitude and broad range of frequencies, and it is crucial to harvest them efficiently in a single triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). Here, a multi‐degree of freedom (DOF) vibration system is coupled with TENG to make several resonant frequencies in a single device. When the number of DOF increases in the system, the number of resonant frequencies also increases. These resonant frequencies are calculated by MATLAB software using the masses and spring constant of DOF vibration system. With the masses of 20 g and the spring constant of 82.712 N m−1, it is found that 1‐DOF has one resonant frequency (20.47 Hz), 2‐DOF has two resonant frequencies (12.63 and 33.17 Hz), and 3‐DOF has three resonant frequencies (9.12, 25.55, and 36.87 Hz). At each resonant frequency, the displacement of all weight layers increases due to the constructive interference of resonance, resulting in higher output than other frequencies at the frequency sweep experiment. In addition, the magnitude and phase of output signals obtained in friction regions are evaluated through COMSOL simulation. A self‐powered wireless sensor module with 3‐DOF TENGs to detect the humidity/temperature and transmit the data every 30 min by harvesting vibration energy is demonstrated.
Dopant‐free Starlike Molecular Hole Conductor with Ordered Packing for Durable all‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Duan Chenghao , Zou Feilin , Li Shiang , Zhu Qiliang , Li Jiong , Chen Honggang , Zhang Zheng , Chen Chang , Guo Huan , Qiu Jianhang , Wang Ke , Dong Yuyan , Qiu Yongcai , Ding Liming , Lu Xinhui , Luo Hongze , Yan Keyou
Published: January 2024

All‐inorganic n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using doped Spiro‐OMeTAD as hole transport material (HTM) suffer from photothermal stability due to ionic diffusion and radical‐induced degradation by the dopants. In this article, dopant‐free starlike molecule (N2, N2‐bis(4‐(bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)‐N5,N5‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)pyridine‐2,5‐diamine (BD)) is synthesized to engineer the stacking properties and delivered higher hole mobility than doped Spiro‐OMeTAD (3.2 × 10−4 versus 1.76 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1) as dopant‐free HTM. Starlike BD HTM has a twisted acceptor unit and strong dipole, forming crystalline and ordered packing film to ensure intramolecular charge transfer and improve mobility. The BD CsPbI3 PSCs deliver the maximum efficiency of 19.19%, which is the highest performance for all‐inorganic PSCs based on dopant‐free HTMs. Meanwhile, the ordered molecules‐packing blocks the migration channel of I− ions to metal electrodes and improves the device stability. BD‐based devices maintain more than 93% and 80% of the initial efficiency after 85 °C storage for 35 days and maximum power point (MPP) tracking at 85 °C for 1000 h, respectively.
Recent Advances in Dispersant Technology for Carbon Nanotubes toward Energy Device Applications
Authors: Choi Yong Jun , Nacpil Edric John Cruz , Han Jiye , Zhu Chunhong , Kim Ick Soo , Jeon Il
Published: January 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of interest in various industries owing to their high aspect ratio, electrical conductivity, and other properties. By maximizing the number of CNTs in their solvents or matrices, the electrical and mechanical performance in applications such as batteries, sensors, and transistors can be enhanced. However, the hydrophobicity of CNTs’ surface induces aggregation that adversely impacts their performance. To overcome this obstacle, many researchers have been designing novel dispersants with performances exceeding that of existing commercial dispersants. This article reviews contemporary studies on CNT dispersants from 2015 to 2022, along with the comprehensive features of CNTs depending on their chirality, number of walls, synthesis methods, and functionalization. Studies of CNT dispersants are primarily organized according to whether aqueous or organic solvents are used. This review article provides a clear perspective of CNT dispersants development today and how to design new CNT dispersants depending on the solvents. A conclusion is given to identify major challenges to the implementation of CNT dispersion and an outlook on future avenues of research.
Supramolecular Complexation of Metal Oxide Cluster and Non‐Fluorinated Polymer for Large‐Scale Fabrication of Proton Exchange Membranes for High‐Power‐Density Fuel Cells
Authors: Liu Lu , Huang Aowen , Yang Junsheng , Chen Jiadong , Fu Kewen , Sun Weigang , Deng Jie , Yin Jia‐Fu , Yin Panchao
Published: January 2024

Cost‐effective, non‐fluorinated polymer proton exchange membranes (PEMs) are highly desirable in emerging hydrogen fuel cells (FCs) technology; however, their low proton conductivities and poor chemical and dimension stabilities hinder their further development as alternatives to commercial Nafion®. Here, we report the inorganic‐organic hybridization strategy by facilely complexing commercial polymers, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), with inorganic molecular nanoparticles, H3PW12O40 (PW) via supramolecular interaction. The strong affinity among them endows the obtained nanocomposites amphiphilicity and further lead to phase separation for bi‐continuous structures with both inter‐connected proton transportation channels and robust polymer scaffold, enabling high proton conductivities, mechanical/dimension stability and barrier performance, and the H2/O2 FCs equipped with the composite PEM show promising power densities and long‐term stability. Interestingly, the hybrid PEM can be fabricated continuously in large scale at challenging ~10 μm thickness via typical tape casting technique originated from their facile complexing strategy and the hybrids’ excellent mechanical properties. This work not only provides potential material systems for commercial PEMs, but also raises interest for the research on hybrid composites for PEMs.
Dynamically Modulating the Dissymmetry Factor of Circularly Polarized Organic Ultralong Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Soft Helical Superstructures
Authors: Liu Jiao , Wu Jun‐Jie , Wei Juan , Huang Zhi‐Jun , Zhou Xin‐Yu , Bao Jin‐Ying , Lan Ruo‐Chen , Ma Yun , Li Bing‐Xiang , Yang Huai , Lu Yan‐Qing , Zhao Qiang
Published: January 2024

Achieving circularly polarized organic ultralong room‐temperature phosphorescence (CP‐OURTP) with a high luminescent dissymmetry factor (glum) is crucial for diverse optoelectronic applications. In particular, dynamically controlling the dissymmetry factor of CP‐OURTP can profoundly advance these applications, but it is still unprecedented. This study introduces an effective strategy to achieve photoirradiation‐driven chirality regulation in a bilayered structure film, which consists of a layer of soft helical superstructure incorporated with a light‐driven molecular motor and a layer of room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) polymer. The prepared bilayered film exhibits CP‐OURTP with an emission lifetime of 805 ms and a glum value up to 1.38. Remarkably, the glum value of the resulting CP‐OURTP film can be reversibly controlled between 0.6 and 1.38 over 20 cycles by light irradiation, representing the first example of dynamically controlling the glum in CP‐OURTP.
DL‐malic acid for inhibiting the re‐ignition of long‐flame coal and its micro‐reaction mechanism
Authors: Bu Yun‐chuan , Niu Hui‐yong , Wang Hai‐yan , Qiu Tian , Yang Yan‐xiao
Published: January 2024

To study the metal ion chelating agent (DL‐malic acid) inhibiting oxidation characteristics of residual coal in goaf, the microscopic thermal transformation characteristics of the treated coal samples were obtained using apparent morphology, infrared spectroscopy, free radical testing, and thermal analysis. The results demonstrate that after the addition of malic acid, the sphericity and roundness of the coal samples decrease, and the small fractured particles accumulate in the pores of the oxidized coal samples and, thereby, reduce the number of coal–oxygen contact sites. The addition of 10% malic acid promotes the conversion of functional groups (FG) and free radicals in pre‐oxidized coal, inhibits the catalytic effect of metal ions, generates more active sites, and increases the total heat release during the combustion process. There are strong endothermic points in the malic acid‐treated coal samples, and the free water evaporation blocked by small particles in the holes delays the initial heat release temperature of the coal samples. Pre‐oxidation can promote changes in the valence state of metal ions in coal, increase the adhesion between broken pre‐oxidized coal particles via malic acid chelation, and lose the catalytic effect of metal ions; this inhibits the process of oxidative re‐ignition of coal samples.
Cranial osteology and paleoneurology of Tarjadia ruthae: An erpetosuchid pseudosuchian from the Triassic Chañares Formation (late Ladinian‐?early Carnian) of Argentina
Authors: Desojo J. B. , von Baczko M. B. , Ezcurra M. D. , Fiorelli L. E. , Martinelli A. G. , Bona P. , Trotteyn M. J. , Lacerda M.
Published: January 2024

Tarjadia ruthae is a quadrupedal terrestrial pseudosuchian from the Middle‐early Upper Triassic of the Chañares Formation, La Rioja Province, Argentina. Originally, this species was identified as an indeterminate archosaur and later as a doswelliid archosauriform based on very fragmentary specimens characterized by the ornamentation of the skull roof and osteoderms. Additional specimens (including skulls and postcrania) recovered in the last decade show that Tarjadia is an erpetosuchid, an enigmatic pseudosuchian group composed of six species registered in Middle‐Upper Triassic continental units of Tanzania, Germany, Scotland, North America, Brazil, and Argentina. Tarjadia ruthae from Argentina and Parringtonia gracilis from Tanzania are the best preserved and more abundant species. Although the monophyly of Erpetosuchidae is well supported, alternative high‐level positions within Archosauria have been suggested, such as sister taxon to Crocodylomorpha, Aetosauria, or Ornithosuchidae. In order to improve the knowledge about the erpetosuchids, we performed a detailed description and paleoneurological reconstruction of the skull of Tarjadia ruthae, based on two articulated partial skulls (CRILAR‐Pv 478 and CRILAR‐Pv 495) and other fragmentary specimens. We analyzed the stratigraphic and geographic occurrence of historical and new specimens of Tarjadia and provided a new emended diagnosis (the same for the genus as for the species, due to monotypy) along with a comparative description of the cranial endocast. The skull of Tarjadia is robust, with a thick and strongly ornamented skull roof, triangular in dorsal view, with concave lateral margins at mid‐length that form an abrupt widened posterior region. The external nares are the smallest openings of the skull. The antorbital fossa is deeply excavated and has a small heart‐shaped fenestra with both lobes pointing anteriorly. The supratemporal fenestrae are as large and rounded as the orbits, and the infratemporal fenestrae are L‐shaped with an extensive excavation along the jugal, quadratojugal and quadrate. The hemimandibles are low, slightly concave on the dentigerous region and strongly convex on the posterior region, conferring them a S‐shaped profile in dorsal view. The external mandibular fenestra is small and elliptic, being twice longer than high. The maxillary dentition is restricted to the anterior to mid region of the rostrum. Since the braincase of both specimens is partially damaged, the dorsal surface of the brain could not be entirely reconstructed. As a result, the endocast is anteroposteriorly elongated and seemingly flat, and the cephalic flexure seems to be lower than expected for a suchian. The labyrinth is twice wider than high, the semicircular canals are remarkably straight, and the anterior canal is longer than the posterior one.
Exponential robust control for fuzzy belt conveyors model with adaptive tension force
Authors: Yue Yanbo , Li Chenming , Zong Chengguo , Zhang Dongyue , Zhou Manshan , Hao Nini
Published: January 2024

There exist multiple uncertainties in the belt conveyor system. To reduce the system errors and save the control energy, the uncertainties need to be described and compensated accurately. In this paper, the fuzzy set theory is applied to establish the fuzzy dynamical model. Then, an exponential control is designed and a noncooperative‐game based optimization approach is proposed to solve out the Nash equilibrium. The novel control with optimal parameters including the adaptive tension force are applied to render the system uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness. Finally, the simulations are performed for verification.
Impact of Endcap Molecules on Temperature‐Responsive Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Oligomers in Structural Color Stability and Hypsochromic Shift
Authors: Sentjens Henk , Lub Johan , Kragt Augustinus J.J. , Schenning Albert P.H.J.
Published: January 2024

Cholesteric liquid crystal oligomers are an interesting class of temperature responsive structurally colored materials. However, the role of endcap molecules in these oligomers is rather unexplored. In this work, we demonstrate the role of endcap molecules on structural color stability and hypsochromic shift in temperature‐responsive cholesteric liquid crystal oligomers. First, new liquid crystal monoacrylate endcap molecules are synthesized, which are then used to synthesize various cholesteric liquid crystal oligomers. In addition, cholesteric oligomers using commercial monoacrylate endcap molecules are also prepared. It is found that the molecular weight and the polydispersity of the oligomers can be tuned by the endcapping molecules. The oligomers are used to produce reflective, structurally colored coatings. It was found that the coatings using the commercial monoacrylate lose their color and crystallize over time, most likely due to the presence of crystalline dimers. The coatings containing the newly synthesized monoacrylate endcap molecules did not exhibit this crystallization, resulting in structurally colored coatings that remained stable over time. These latter coatings possessed temperature responsive hypochromic behavior, which makes them interesting for advanced optical applications.
Enhancing the Potential of Fused Heterocycle‐Based Triarylhydrazone Photoswitches
Authors: Hegedüsová Lea , Blaise Nadine , Pašteka Lukáš F. , Budzák Šimon , Medved' Miroslav , Filo Juraj , Mravec Bernard , Slavov Chavdar , Wachtveitl Josef , Grabarz Anna M. , Cigáň Marek
Published: January 2024

Invited for the cover of this issue are Marek Cigáň, Anna M. Grabarz and co‐workers. The image depicts how a non‐expert might imagine a “molecular photoswitch”. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202303509.
Deep ensemble of classifier for intrusion detection in WSN and improved attack mitigation process
Authors: Chandan Madhavarapu , Santhi S. G. , Srinivasa Rao T.
Published: January 2024

Attacks have a significant negative impact on the wireless sensor network's network operations. They target to weaken the network layer, if they are not completely eradicated, the networks' ability to execute their desired function becomes collapsed. While intended to monitor such unexpected attacks, anomaly‐based intrusion detection systems (AIDS) have a high risk of false positives. This article intends to propose a Deep Ensemble Intrusion detection with a Self‐adaptive Sewing Training‐Based Optimization (DIED‐SASTO) model that includes the following steps: (a) preprocessing, (b) feature extraction, (c) optimal feature selection, and (d) detection. Initially, an improved class imbalance processing will take place to solve the imbalance problem during the preprocessing step. Subsequently, the features are extracted including higher‐order statistical features, improved entropy, and correlation‐based features during the feature extraction step. From the extracted feature set, as the curse of dimensionality becomes a serious challenge, it is significant to choose the optimal features. In the optimal feature selection process, a new Self‐adaptive Sewing Training‐Based Optimization (SASTO) is used. In addition, the intrusion detection will be employed based on the selected optimal features and trained using deep ensemble models like Deep maxout, Deep Belief Network (DBN), and Bidirectional Long short‐term memory (Bi‐LSTM). Once the presence of an attack is detected, it is mandatory to mitigate the attacker node form the network. For Attack Mitigation, improved entropy will be progressed. The effectiveness of the DIED‐SASTO is evaluated over conventional methods in terms of various metrics.
Identification of influential vertices in complex networks: A hitting time‐based approach
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Singh Anurag , Sharma Ajay K
Published: January 2024

Unravelling the dynamics of network vertices is pivotal, and traditional centrality measures have limitations in adapting to structural changes, directed and weighted networks, and temporal analyses. This paper introduces a ground breaking approach ‐ hitting time‐based centrality. Utilizing network matrix notations and a random walk model on a connected network , we establish a Markov chain to quantify the hitting time, hitting distance, and hitting centrality, providing a nuanced measure prioritizing central vertices. Through extensive experiments using Kendall's tau coefficient, the paper evaluates the method's correlation with actual influence in the Susceptible‐Infectious (SI) model, showcasing superior performance across diverse network sizes and structures. The hitting centrality method exhibits sensitivity to connectivity dynamics, effective incorporation of temporal dynamics, and robust handling of weighted and directed networks. Positive Kendall's tau coefficients underline the method's proficiency in prioritizing influential vertices by correlating hitting centrality values with actual infection ability. The demonstrated robustness to structural changes enhances its utility for dynamic network analysis. In conclusion, our hitting time‐based centrality approach emerges as a promising method, mitigating the shortcomings of traditional measures. By integrating information propagation speed, accommodating network dynamics, and enabling time‐dependent analyses, it offers a comprehensive tool for evaluating vertex importance and influence in complex networks.
New Insights on the Chemical Origin of Life: The Role of Aqueous Polymerization of N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCA)
Authors: Moreno Abel , Bonduelle Colin
Published: January 2024

At the origin, the emergence of proteins was based on crucial prebiotic stages in which simple amino acids‐based building blocks spontaneously evolved from the prebiotic soup into random proto‐polymers called protoproteins. Despite advances in modern peptide synthesis, these prebiotic chemical routes to protoproteins remain puzzling. We discuss in this perspective how polymer science and systems chemistry are reaching a point of convergence in which simple monomers called N‐carboxyanhydrides would be able to form such protoproteins via the emergence of a protometabolic cycle involving aqueous polymerization and featuring macromolecular Darwinism behavior.
Financial conflicts of interest in Japanese obstetrics and gynaecology clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Murayama Anju , Miyazawa Keishi , Kamamoto Sae , Shigeta Haruki , Kugo Hinari , Higuchi Kenichi , Senoo Yuki
Published: January 2024

This commentary analysis evaluated the size and prevalence of financial conflicts of interest among authors of Japanese obstetrics and gynaecology clinical practice guidelines. Our analysis found that 66% of all authors received personal payments totalling US$1.2 million during the guideline development period. Furthermore, the guideline chairpersons received much larger payments than those to other authors.
Reinforcement learning inspired forwarding strategy for information centric networks using Q‐learning algorithm
Authors: Delvadia Krishna , Dutta Nitul
Published: January 2024

Content interest forwarding is a prominent research area in Information Centric Network (ICN). An efficient forwarding strategy can significantly improve data retrieval latency, origin server load, network congestion, and overhead. The state‐of‐the‐art work is either driven by flooding approach trying to minimize the adverse effect of Interest flooding or path‐driven approach trying to minimize the additional cost of maintaining routing information. These approaches are less efficient due to storm issues and excessive overhead. Proposed protocol aims to forward interest to the nearest cache without worrying about FIB construction and with significant improvement in latency and overhead. This paper presents the feasibility of integrating reinforcement learning based Q‐learning strategy for forwarding in ICN. By revising Q‐learning to address the inherent challenges, we introduce Q‐learning based interest packets and data packets forwarding mechanisms, namely, IPQ‐learning and DPQ‐learning. It aims to gain self‐learning through historical events and selects best next node to forward interest. Each node in the network acts as an agent with aim of forwarding packet to best next hop according to the Q value such that content can be fetched within fastest possible route and every action returns to be a learning process, which improves the accuracy of the Q value. The performance investigation of protocol in ndnSIM‐2.0 shows the improvement in a range of 10%–35% for metrics such as data retrieval delay, server hit rate, network overhead, network throughput, and network load. Outcomes are compared by integrating proposed protocol with state‐of‐the‐art caching protocols and also against recent forwarding mechanisms.
Persistent avoidance of virtual food in anorexia nervosa‐restrictive type: Results from motion tracking in a virtual stopping task
Authors: Schroeder Philipp A. , Collantoni Enrico , Meregalli Valentina , Rabarbari Elisa , Simonazzi Carolina , Svaldi Jennifer , Cardi Valentina
Published: January 2024

Objective

Food avoidance is central to patients with anorexia nervosa‐restrictive type (AN‐R). Competing accounts in experimental psychopathology research suggest that food avoidance may result from automatic, habitual responses or from elevated inhibitory control abilities. This study investigated behavioral trajectories of food avoidance in a novel virtual reality stopping task.

Method

Sixty patients with AN‐R and 29 healthy controls with normal weight were investigated using a novel, kinematic task in virtual reality. We recorded spatial displacement in stop‐ and go‐trials to virtual food and control objects. Inhibitory control abilities were operationalized by the VR task in stopping performance (i.e., interrupted movement in stop‐trials), whereas we also measured habitual avoidance of virtual food across both go‐ and stop‐trials (i.e., delayed movement relative to nonfood objects).

Results

In patients with AN‐R, hand displacements were shorter to food versus nonfood across stop‐ and go‐trials, reflected in a Stimulus × Group interaction. Healthy controls showed no differences. Importantly, the food‐specific effect in AN‐R was identical across stop‐ and go‐trials, indicating habitual food avoidance. Moreover, stop error rates (i.e., stop‐trials with response) were lower in patients with AN‐R.

Discussion

The findings suggest food‐specific habitual avoidance and heightened generalized inhibitory control in AN‐R. The continuously delayed displacements during active hand movements across stop‐ and go‐trials indicated the persistence of patients' avoidance of food.

Public Significance

Experimental research investigates the mechanisms underlying mental disorders such as anorexia nervosa. In this study, we measured interrupted hand movements in response to food pictures or neutral pictures (shoes) in patients with anorexia nervosa and healthy controls. A virtual reality scenario was used. Findings indicated that patients were slower at approaching food, interrupted or not. Key mechanisms of food avoidance can be translated into habit‐based treatment options in future research.