bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High carrier mobility and strong fluorescence emission: Toward highly sensitive single‐crystal organic phototransistors
Authors: Tao Jingwei , Liu Zhaoyang , Liu Dan , Dong Huanli , Jing Jiangbo , Song Jiaxing , Liu Leijing , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing
Published: September 2022

Organic single crystals (OSCs) offer a unique combination of both individual and collective properties of the employed molecules, but it remains highly challenging to achieve OSCs with both high mobilities and strong fluorescence emissions for their potential applications in multifunctional optoelectronics. Herein, we demonstrate the design and synthesis of two novel triphenylamine‐functionalized thienoacenes‐based organic semiconductors, 4,8‐distriphenylamineethynylbenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (4,8‐DTEBDT) and 2,6‐distriphenylamineethynylbenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (2,6‐DTEBDT), with high‐mobility and strong fluorescence emission. The two compounds show the maximum mobilities up to 0.25 and 0.06 cm2 V−1 s−1, the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 51% and 45%, and the small binding energies down to 55.13 and 58.79 meV. The excellent electrical and optical properties ensured the application of 4,8‐DTEBDT and 2,6‐DTEBDT single crystals in ultrasensitive UV phototransistors, achieving high photoresponsivity of 9.60 × 105 and 6.43 × 104 A W−1, and detectivity exceeding 5.68 × 1017 and 2.99 × 1016 Jones.
Photocatalyst‐free, Visible Light‐mediated Paternò‐Büchi Reaction Between Dicarbonyl Compounds and Olefines
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wu Chunying , Zhou Huihui , Ma Yifan , Zhu Yunbo
Published: September 2022

The communication describes a general Paternò‐Büchi reaction under mild conditions, which is featured with visible light‐mediation, catalyst‐free and a broad range of substrates comparing with other strategies. Having overcome the synthetic limitations the PB reaction faces, this practical protocol can be employed to prepare a variety of multisubstituted oxetanes that often appear serving as important scaffolds in natural products and drugs. The common white light, the sole driving force in this case, can directly excite the carbonyl compounds to reach its triplet state, which then attacks an alkenes to generate a diradical intermediate, resulting in the oxetanes in high diastereoselectivity.
Dynamics Reflect Gapless Edge Modes for Topological Superconductor
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Li Ming , Qiu Tianhui , Chen Libo , Ma Yulin , Ma Hongyang , Yi Xuexi
Published: September 2022

The dynamical feature for a p‐wave superconductor model in different parameter regions in terms of the appearance of topologically gapless edge modes in reel geometry is investigated. First, the parameter region with gapless edge modes versus a parameter and quasi‐momentum is shown. The parameter diagram can be reflected by the expectations of Pauli matrices in global manners. In another view, the dynamical feature of the excitation behave differently in the parameter regions with topological gapless edge modes and not. And the cusps of dynamical return rate vanish as the parameter pass the topological phase boundary slowly enough. It is found that the dynamics in the parameter region with gapless edge modes behaves differently to that without edge modes and related mostly to the eigenenergy gap between the pre‐and post‐quench eigenstates. The cusps of the dynamical return rate behave robustly against the noise occurs during evolution in the lattice until localization behavior dominates. This work benefits detecting topological edge modes by dynamical manners.
Taming Heavier Group 14 Imine Analogues: Accessing Tin Nitrogen [Sn=N] Double Bonds and their Cycloaddition/Metathesis Chemistry
Authors: Fischer Malte , Roy Matthew M. D. , Wales Lewis. L. , Ellwanger Mathias A. , McManus Caitilin , Roper Aisling F. , Heilmann Andreas , Aldridge Simon
Published: September 2022

A systematic study to access stable stannaimines is reported, by combining different heteroleptic stannylenes with a range of organic azides. The reactions of terphenyl‐/hypersilyl‐substituted stannylenes yield the putative tin nitrogen double bond, but is directly followed by 1,2‐silyl migration to give SnIIsystems featuring bulky silylamido ligands. By contrast, the transition from a two σ donor ligand set to a mixed σ‐donor/π‐donor scaffold allows access to three new stannaimines which can be handled at room temperature. The reactivity profile of these Sn=N bonded species is crucially dependent on the substituent at the nitrogen atom. As such, the Sn=NMes (Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2) system is capable of activating a broad range of substrates under ambient conditions via 1,2‐addition reactions, [2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions. Most interestingly, very rare examples of main group multiple bond metathesis reactions are also found to be viable.
Cooperative Catalyst‐Enabled Regio‐ and Stereodivergent Synthesis of α‐Quaternary α‐Amino Acids via Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Aldimine Esters with Racemic Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Xiao Lu , Chang Xin , Xu Hui , Xiong Qi , Dang Yanfeng , Wang Chun‐Jiang
Published: September 2022

We describe cooperative bimetallic catalysis that enables regio‐/stereodivergent asymmetric α‐allylations of aldimine esters. By employing Et3B as the key activator, racemic allylic alcohols can be directly ionized to form Pd or Ir‐π‐allyl species in the presence of achiral Pd or chiral Ir complexes, respectively. The less or more substituted allylic termini of the metal‐π‐allyl species are amenable to nucleophilic attack by the chiral Cu‐azomethine ylide, the formation of which is simultaneously facilitated by Et3B, affording α‐quaternary α‐amino acids with high regioselectivity and excellent stereoselectivity. The use of readily available allylic alcohols as electrophilic precursors represents an improvement from an environmental and atom/step economy perspective. Computational mechanistic studies reveal the crucial role of the Et3B additive and the origins of stereo‐ and regioselectivities by analyzing steric effects, dispersion interactions, and frontier orbital population.
Impact of reacting pressure on Na thermal transformation in two full‐scale devices using Zhundong coal at similar temperature
Authors: Wang Jianjiang , Wei Bo , Liu Kunpeng , Ma Jinrong , Jia Bo , Li Xian , Yao Hong , Jiang Jiading
Published: September 2022

Gasification and combustion are two common methods for Zhundong (ZD) coal utilization. In the present study, it was intended to investigate the thermal transformation of Na in ZD coal at the Lurgi fixed bed gasifier (Lurgi) and circulating fluidized bed boiler (CFBB). To this end, raw coal samples before gasification and gasified slags were gathered from Lurgi, and the raw coal before combustion, burned slag, and fly ash were collected from CFBB. The occurrence form of Na was analyzed by extraction experiments, and the samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results revealed that insoluble Na in Lurgi slag exceeded 90% under the high‐pressure gasification process. It was found that the high temperatures and high in Lurgi intensify the conversion of sodium to Na2Ca3Si2O8 and NaAlSiO4. The performed analyses revealed that the insoluble Na content in CFBB slag and fly ash was above 92%, and Na2SiO3 and NaAlSi3O8 were the main sodium minerals in CFBB solid residue. It was found that 76.64% of the initial Na content of raw coal in Lurgi migrated into slag after the gasification process, which was 7.05% higher than the sum of slag and fly ash in CFBB after combustion. During the sodium thermal transformation in Lurgi and CFBB, high pressures significantly reduce the release of gaseous Na from coal ash so more Na was retained in slag.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed (4+2) Annulative Difunctionalization of Non‐conjugated Alkenyl Amides with Hydroxamic Acid Esters
Authors: Kumar Giri Chandan , Dana Suman , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: September 2022

Ru(II)‐catalyzed C−H bond activation strategy has been capitalized through a (4+2) annulative difunctionalization of non‐conjugated alkenyl amides. Under mild conditions, a broad range of (hetero)aromatic amides embedded with NH−OMe unit as an internal oxidant produced high‐value dihydroisoquinolinone scaffolds in good to excellent yields. This heteroannulation is also effective with acrylamides to dispense dihydro‐2‐pyridones and accommodates bioactive scaffolds such as tocopherol, estrone, and amino acids.
Chloridumverteilung in gerissenen und mit Prinzip 8.3 (W‐Cl) instand gesetzten Stahlbetonbauteilen
Authors: Osterminski Kai , Zausinger Christoph , Gehlen Christoph
Published: September 2022

Die Applikation eines Oberflächenschutzsystems befahrener korrosionsgefährdeter Stahlbetonbauteile wird seit vielen Jahren im Rahmen des nach TR Instandhaltung [3] definierten Prinzips 8.3 (W‐Cl) angewandt. Die damit erreichbare Wirkung dieses Instandsetzungsprinzips ist nach wie vor schwer einzuschätzen, da sowohl der zeitliche Verlauf der von verschiedenen Einflüssen abhängigen Korrosionsaktivität als auch die Chloridumverteilung infolge der Beschichtung nicht eindeutig bestimmt sind. Der Fokus der vorliegenden Arbeit liegt auf der dreidimensionalen zeitabhängigen Erfassung der Chloridumverteilung nach dreimonatiger, damit kurzzeitiger, intermittierender Tausalzkontamination bewehrter gerissener Betonbalken und anschließender Beschichtung. Nach dieser Kurzzeitexposition wurden die Risse beschichtet und über einen Zeitraum von 18 Monaten insgesamt 160 Chloridprofile aus dem chloridbelasteten Rissbereich des Betons entnommen. Die Versuchsmatrix umfasste dabei sowohl Biege‐ als auch Trennrisse sowie CEM‐I‐ und CEM‐III‐Betone. Die tiefenabhängigen Chloridgehalte aus der Bohrmehlentnahme der baupraktisch üblichen Blindprofile (über dem Riss senkrecht gebohrt) wurden durch die Chloridgehalte der Profile entlang der nachträglich offengelegten Rissflanken bestätigt. Zusätzlich konnte senkrecht zur Rissflanke kein signifikanter Einfluss der Grenzfläche zwischen Beton und Bewehrung gegenüber unbewehrtem Beton als begünstigender oder limitierender Faktor ausgemacht werden. Da bei den meisten Profilen am Ende des Untersuchungszeitraums von 18 Monaten in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Riss immer noch Chloridgehalte über 0,5 M.‐%/z. vorlagen, ist, zunächst nur Informationen zum Chloridgehalt in Betracht ziehend, aktive Korrosion nach wie vor nicht auszuschließen.
Teaching calculus in the first year of an engineering degree using a Digital Escape Room in an online scenario
Authors: Magreñán Ángel Alberto , Jiménez Cristina , Orcos Lara , Roca Simón
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the way in which mathematics is taught has changed radically and there has been an increase in the percentage of online classes. One of the biggest challenges that teachers face in this type of online scenario is the need to motivate students so that they do not lose the thread and continue with their usual rhythm and seek methodologies that facilitate the teaching–learning process. The growth of educational technology has become a powerful ally in carrying out this study. This study presents the use of a digital Escape Room in an online scenario for teaching mathematics in the first course of engineering. To measure the results, a pretest–posttest experience has been considered with two different groups of the first course of engineering in an online university. Some comparison tests of the qualifications obtained by both groups shows that, despite they were homogeneous in terms of previous knowledge of calculus in the beginning, the differences obtained between those who have used the Escape Room instead of the traditional methodology are significative. In addition, the effect sizes obtained were intermediate and also considering the results of the survey allows us to conclude that the use of the digital Escape Room is a very good tool for teaching Calculus in Engineering. Finally, it is also important to highlight that the satisfaction of the student with respect to the experience has been very high and they asked for more experiences like this.
A pyroptosis‐related signature predicts prognosis and indicates immune microenvironment infiltration in glioma
Authors: Chen Jia , Chen Shanwei , Li Bingxian , Zhou Shaojiong , Lin Han
Published: September 2022

Background

Glioma, the most common malignant brain tumor, leads to high recurrence rates and disabilities in patients. Pyroptosis is an inflammasomes‐induced programmed cell death in response to infection or chemotherapy. However, the role of pyroptosis in glioma has not yet been elucidated.

Methods

RNA‐seq data and clinical information of 660 gliomas and 847 samples were downloaded from the TCGA and CGGA, respectively. Then, data of 104 normal brain tissues was retrieved from the GTEx for differential expression analysis. Twelve pairs of peritumoral tissue and glioma samples were used for validation. Gene alteration status of differentially expressed pyroptosis‐related regulators in gliomas was detected in cBioPortal algorithm. Consensus clustering was employed to classify gliomas based on differentially expressed pyroptosis‐related regulators. Subsequently, a PS‐signature was constructed using LASSO‐congressional analysis for clinical application. The immune infiltration of glioma microenvironment (TME) was explored using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and the other immune signatures.

Results

cBioPortal algorithm revealed alteration of these regulators was correlated to better prognosis of gliomas. Then, our study showed that pyroptosis‐related regulators can be used to sort out patients into two clusters with distinct prognostic outcome and immune status. Moreover, a PS‐signature for predicting the prognosis of glioma patients was developed based on the identified subtypes. The high PS‐score group showed more abundant inflammatory cell infiltration and stronger immune response, but with poorer prognosis of gliomas.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide a therapeutic basis for future research on pyroptosis and unravel the relationship between pyroptosis and glioma prognosis. The risk signature can be utilized as a prognostic biomarker for glioma.
Predicting survival in metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer patients with poor ECOG‐PS: A single‐arm prospective study
Authors: Cunha Mateus Trinconi , de Souza Borges Ana Paula , Carvalho Jardim Vinicius , Fujita André , de Castro Gilberto
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are a heterogeneous population with short lifespan. We aimed to develop methods to better differentiate patients whose survival was >90 days.

Methods

We evaluated 83 characteristics of 106 treatment‐naïve, stage IV NSCLC patients with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG‐PS) >1. Automated machine learning was used to select a model and optimize hyperparameters. 100‐fold bootstrapping was performed for dimensionality reduction for a second (“lite”) model. Performance was measured by C‐statistic and accuracy metrics in an out‐of‐sample validation cohort. The “lite” model was validated on a second independent, prospective cohort (N = 42). Network analysis (NA) was performed to evaluate the differences in centrality and connectivity of features.

Results

The selected method was ExtraTrees Classifier, with C‐statistic of 0.82 (p < 0.01) and accuracy of 0.81 (p = 0.01). The “lite” model had 16 variables and obtained C‐statistic of 0.84 (p < 0.01) and accuracy of 0.75 (p = 0.039) in the first cohort, and C‐statistic of 0.706 (p < 0.01) and accuracy of 0.714 (p < 0.01) in the second cohort. The networks of patients with lower survival were more interconnected. Features related to cachexia, inflammation, and quality of life had statistically different prestige scores in NA.

Conclusions

Machine learning can assist in the prognostic evaluation of advanced NSCLC. The model generated with a reduced number of features showed high accessibility and reasonable metrics. Features related to quality of life, cachexia, and performance status had increased correlation and importance scores, suggesting that they play a role at later disease stages, in line with the biological rationale already described.
DNA damage response signaling: A common link between cancer and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Nikfarjam Sepideh , Singh Krishna K.
Published: September 2022

DNA damage response (DDR) signaling ensures genomic and proteomic homeostasis to maintain a healthy genome. Dysregulation either in the form of down‐ or upregulation in the DDR pathways correlates with various pathophysiological states, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Impaired DDR is studied as a signature mechanism for cancer; however, it also plays a role in ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI), inflammation, cardiovascular function, and aging, demonstrating a complex and intriguing relationship between cancer and pathophysiology of CVDs. Accordingly, there are increasing number of reports indicating higher incidences of CVDs in cancer patients. In the present review, we thoroughly discuss (1) different DDR pathways, (2) the functional cross talk among different DDR mechanisms, (3) the role of DDR in cancer, (4) the commonalities and differences of DDR between cancer and CVDs, (5) the role of DDR in pathophysiology of CVDs, (6) interventional strategies for targeting genomic instability in CVDs, and (7) future perspective.
Association between depression and anxiety status of breast cancer patients before adjuvant chemotherapy and chemotherapy‐induced adverse events
Authors: Lv Dan , Lan Bo , Zhang Li , Sun Xiaoying , Yang Min , Ma Fei
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Patients with breast cancer are more likely to experience psychological distress than the general population. This study aimed to explore the relationship between depression and anxiety status measured before chemotherapy and adverse events during adjuvant chemotherapy in Chinese breast cancer patients.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted on 290 postoperative early‐stage breast cancer patients (response rate 96.7%) in China. Depression and anxiety status before adjuvant chemotherapy were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Adverse events that occurred throughout the course of chemotherapy were graded and recorded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 4.02.

Results

The rates of depression and anxiety were 20.0% and 31.4%, respectively, at baseline. The incidence of grade two or higher myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy was correlated with depression before chemotherapy (p = 0.037). Multivariate analysis showed that the incidence of myelosuppression was significantly related to depression before chemotherapy (p = 0.032). There was no association between depression and anxiety status and other adverse events (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

We observed an association between depression status in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and chemotherapy‐induced myelosuppression. Monitoring the depression status of breast cancer patients before chemotherapy may help to optimize the management of adverse events.
New Jatrophane‐Type Diterpenoids from Euphorbia kansui as Potential MDR Reversal Agents
Authors: Zheng Qiong , Chen Ning‐Yu , Lou Si‐Qing , Liu Qian‐Qing , Luo Yi‐Tong , Liang Dong‐E , Zhan Zha‐Jun , Ma Lie‐Feng
Published: September 2022

A serial jatrophane‐type diterpenoids, comprised with three undescribed compounds kanesulones C−E (1–3) and four known ones (4–7), were obtained from the roots of Euphorbia kansui. The structures of compounds 1–3 were elucidated by detailed interpretation of their spectroscopic data, especially 2D‐NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS, the absolute configuration of 1 was revealed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. These isolates were assayed for their multidrug resistance reversing activities on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF‐7/ADR. Compound 1 possessed potential as low toxic MDR modulator that could promote the efficacy of anticancer drug adriamycin ca. 85‐fold at 5 μM, as 12 times stronger than the positive drug verapamil.
Crystalline Metal‐Peptide Networks: Structures, Applications, and Future Outlook
Authors: Jeong Seoneun , Lee Kwonjung , Yoo Sung Hyun , Lee Hee‐Seung , Kwon Sunbum
Published: September 2022

Metal‐peptide networks (MPNs), which are assembled from short peptides and metal ions, are considered one of the most fascinating metal‐organic coordinated architectures because of their unique and complicated structures. Although MPNs have considerable potential for development into versatile materials, they have not been developed for practical applications because of several underlying limitations, such as designability, stability, and modifiability. In this review, we summarise several important milestones in the development of crystalline MPNs and thoroughly analyse their structural features, such as peptide sequence designs, coordination geometries, cross‐linking types, and network topologies. In addition, potential applications such as gas adsorption, guest encapsulation, and chiral recognition are introduced. We believe that this review is a useful survey that can provide insights into the development of new MPNs with more sophisticated structures and novel functions.
Wernicke's encephalopathy: Is visual loss a red herring?
Authors: Kumar Sujit , Bolar Abdul Rawoof , Shetty Rohit , Govindappa Sharath Kumar Goddu , Pramod Manithody Narayan Bhat , Agadi Jagadish Basavaraj , Vishwanathan Lakshminarayanapuram Gopal , Adiga Chaitra Parameshwara
Published: September 2022

Predominantly visual loss, is very rare in Wernicke's encephalopathy. A 22 year old lady, in her 28th week of gestation, presented with a confused mental state, bilateral papilloedema with retinal hemorrhages, ophthalmoparesis, and cerebellar signs. Her MRI brain was suggestive of Wernicke's encephalopathy and she recovered with intravenous thiamine
An unusual simultaneous occurrence of gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma, calcified leiomyoma and ectopic pancreas
Authors: Limaiem Faten , Omrani Sahir
Published: September 2022

Gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma is a rare variant of gastric carcinoma accounting for 1%–7% of gastric carcinomas. Its association with gastric leiomyoma and ectopic pancreas is extremely rare. We herein report an unusual simultaneous occurrence of gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma, calcified leiomyoma, and ectopic pancreas.
An Empirical Study on the Wear of Reciprocating Hydraulic Rod Seals Using 15 Different Oils
Authors: Feuchtmüller Oliver , Hörl Lothar , Bauer Frank
Published: September 2022

Hydraulic oils differ in their chemical composition and viscosity substantially. Their influence on the wear of rod seals is neither fully understood nor can be predicted precisely. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of various oils and their wetting properties on the wear of rod seals. In an empirical study, the wear of 30 commercially available polyurethane U‐cups was investigated with 15 different oils using a recently built test rig. The wear of rod seals increased with lower viscosity and higher polarity of the oil. Both oil properties are combined in a new parameter which helps to assess the lubricity of oil and the wear of rod seals.
Access to Enantiomerically PureP‐Stereogenic Primary Aminophosphine Sulfides under Reductive Conditions
Authors: Huber Tanja , Espinosa‐Jalapa Noel Angel , Bauer Jonathan O.
Published: September 2022

Stereochemically pure phosphines with phosphorus‐heteroatom bonds andP‐centered chirality are a promising class of functional building blocks for the design of chiral ligands and organocatalysts. A route to enantiomerically pure primary aminophosphine sulfides was opened through stereospecific reductive C−N bond cleavage of phosphorus(V) precursors by lithium in liquid ammonia. The chemoselectivity of the reaction as a function of reaction time, substrate pattern, and chiral auxiliary was investigated. In the presence of exclusively aliphatic groups bound to the phosphorus atom, all competing reductive side reactions are totally prevented. The absolute configurations of allP‐stereogenic compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Their use as synthetic building blocks was demonstrated. The lithium salt of (R)‐BINOL‐dithiophosphoric acid proved to be a useful stereochemical probe to determine the enantiomeric purity. Insights into the coordination mode of the lithium‐based chiral complex formed in solution was provided by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations.
Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test: A systematic review of measurement properties and COSMIN analysis
Authors: Vieira Rafael José , Sousa‐Pinto Bernardo , Cardoso‐Fernandes António , Jácome Cristina , Portela Diana , Amaral Rita , Sá‐Sousa Ana , Pereira Ana Margarida , Bousquet Jean , Fonseca João Almeida
Published: September 2022

The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) is a patient‐reported outcome measurement (PROM) assessing the control of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) at a 4 week interval. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the measurement properties of CARAT. Following PRISMA and COSMIN guidelines, we searched five bibliographic databases and retrieved studies concerning the development, assessment of properties, validation, and/or cultural adaption of CARAT. The studies' methodological quality, the quality of measurement properties, and the overall quality of evidence were assessed. We performed meta‐analysis of CARAT measurement properties. We included 16 studies. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test displayed sufficient content validity and very good consistency (meta‐analytical Cronbach alpha = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.80–0.86;I2 = 62.6%). Control of allergic rhinitis and Asthma Test meta‐analytical intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.64–0.98;I2 = 93.7%). It presented good construct validity, especially for correlations with Patient‐reported outcome measures assessing asthma (absolute Spearman correlation coefficients range = 0.67–0.73; moderate quality of evidence), and good responsiveness. Its minimal important difference is 3.5. Overall, CARAT has good internal consistency, reliability, construct validity and responsiveness, despite the heterogeneous quality of evidence. Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test can be used to assess the control of asthma and AR. As first of its kind, this meta‐analysis of CARAT measurement properties sets a stronger level of evidence for asthma and/or AR control questionnaires.
Potent Inhibition of Bacterial DNA Gyrase by Digallic Acid and Other Gallate Derivatives
Authors: Alfonso Eddy E. , Troche Rogelio , Deng Zifang , Annamalai Thirunavukkarasu , Chapagain Prem , Tse‐Dinh Yuk‐Ching , Leng Fenfei
Published: September 2022

Bacterial DNA gyrase, an essential enzyme, is a validated target for discovering and developing new antibiotics. Here we screened a pool of polyphenols and discovered that digallic acid is a potent DNA gyrase inhibitor. We also found that several food additives based on gallate, such as dodecyl gallate, potently inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase. Interestingly, the IC50 of these gallate derivatives against DNA gyrase is correlated with the length of hydrocarbon chain connecting to the gallate. These new bacterial DNA gyrase inhibitors are ATP competitive inhibitors of DNA gyrase. Our results also show that digallic acid and certain gallate derivatives potently inhibit E. coli DNA topoisomerase IV. Several gallate derivatives have strong antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study provides a solid foundation for the design and synthesis of gallate‐based DNA gyrase inhibitors that may be used to combat antibacterial resistance.
Deciphering the Binding Insights of Novel Disubstituted Anthraquinone Derivatives with G‐Quadruplex DNA to Exhibit Selective Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity
Authors: Roy Soma , Muniyappa Kalappa , Bhattacharya Santanu
Published: September 2022

Anthraquinone‐based compounds are well‐known as duplex DNA as well as G‐quadruplex DNA binders. Implications of various anthraquinone derivatives for specific recognition of G‐quadruplex DNA over duplex DNA is a ‘challenging’ research work that requires adequate experience with molecular design. To address this important issue, we designed and synthesized ten new 2,6‐disubstituted anthraquinone‐based derivatives with different functionalized piperazinyl side‐chains. Among these, particular compounds with certain distant groups have shown selective and significant binding affinities toward the c‐MYC and c‐KIT G‐quadruplex DNA over the duplex DNA, as noticed from various biophysical experiments. The structural difference of quadruplex and duplex DNA was utilized to probe these derivatives for the end‐stacking mode of binding with G‐quadruplex DNA. The ability of the ligands to halt DNA synthesis by stabilizing G‐quadruplex structures is one of the crucial points to further apply them for quadruplex‐mediated anti‐cancer therapeutics. Interestingly, these ligands trigger apoptosis to exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells over normal cells. This was further evidenced by ligand‐induced cell cycle arrest as well as cellular apoptotic morphological changes. These blood‐compatible ligands provided detailed structure‐activity relationship approaches for the molecular design of anthraquinone‐based G‐quadruplex binders.
Porous Fe−N−C Aerogels Derived from Metal‐Organic Aerogels as Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Wang Yujun , Tu Rongxiu , Hou Chuantao , Wang Zonghua
Published: September 2022

Synthesis of Fe−N−C electrocatalysts by pyrolysis of porous materials has been shown to be a promising pathway for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Metal‐organic aerogels (MOAs) with unique micropores and mesopores should provide an excellent precursor for Fe−N−C electrocatalysts. This work reports a Fe−N−C aerogel synthesized by pyrolysis of MOA. The Fe−N−C aerogel shows excellent ORR performance in alkaline condition with an onset potential of 0.96 V (vs. RHE) and a limiting current density of 5.02 mA cm−2. The markedly enhanced ORR performance for Fe−N−C aerogel can be assigned to the synergistic catalytic effect between Fe−N catalytic sites and graphitized carbon and excellent mass transport due to the unique hierarchically porous architecture. In addition, satisfactory durability and methanol tolerance were obtained, demonstrating a promising material for ORR.
Electric Field‐Induced Self‐Assembly of Ultrafine Co/Ce Nanoparticles: Preparation of 3D Porous Composite Nanomaterials as Cathodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lin Shengnan , Zhang Tingan , Lv Guozhi , Wan Xingyuan
Published: September 2022

In this paper, Co3O4/Ce(OH)4/C and Co3O4/CeO2/C cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries are prepared by electroconversion. The morphology, structure, and electrochemical properties are investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, charge–discharge test, etc. The results show that Co3O4/Ce(OH)4/C and Co3O4/CeO2/C have the same crystal structure, the diffraction peaks of the samples are sharp, and the material crystallinity is high, and both are of nanospherical porous morphology. In electrochemical performance, the first discharge‐specific capacities of Co3O4/Ce(OH)4/C and Co3O4/CeO2/C are as high as 185.7 and 94.2 mAh g−1 at a rate of 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, the specific capacity of Co3O4/Ce(OH)4/C and Co3O4/CeO2/C increases after 1000 cycles at the 0.5 A g−1 rates, and the coulombic efficiency remains around 100%, showing excellent cycle performance.
A dual‐output single‐input non‐isolated DC‐DC converter with reduced semiconductors stress
Authors: Radmanesh Hamid , Jashnani Hamidreza , Pourjafar Saeed , Maalandish Mohammad
Published: September 2022

This work proposes a novel topology of two‐output high voltage rate DC‐DC converter based on coupled inductor and voltage multiplier cells (VMCs) techniques for renewable energy usages like photovoltaic (PV) systems. The proposed structure has two independent output ports with two voltage gains (M1 and M2). Low voltage stress across the power switch and diodes, common ground between input and output ports, high efficiency, and reduced number of elements are the advantages of the suggested converter. The used diodes are switched at zero current switching (ZCS) and zero voltage switching (ZVS) conditions, which reduce the losses of diodes and subsequently increase the power efficiency. Due to the usage of the coupled inductor, there is no need to a high value of the power switch's duty cycle. Therefore, a low conduction loss and higher efficiency can be obtained. On the other hand, because of the reduced voltage stresses, low rated semiconductors can be used for operation of the presented converter, which decrease the cost and the volume. To demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed topology, operation principles, steady‐state and efficiency analysis, and also the comparison assessment are provided. Finally, a 200 W experimental development with 50 kHz operation frequency, 20 V input voltage, and 200 and 100 V loads voltages has been implemented in the lab to prove the mathematical surveys.
Resolution improvement using enriched Krylov subspace for microwave tomography breast imaging system
Authors: N Nithya , MSK Manikandan
Published: September 2022

In this work, a resolution improvement strategy has been presented for microwave tomography imaging in the dense and heterogeneous breasts. While improving the spatial resolution by reducing the size of pixels, the resultant image will be affected by spatial oscillation, and it will also lack to differentiate the dielectric values of low contrast tissue regions which are the unavoidable problems in the microwave tomography dense breast imaging. These difficulties are addressed as discrete ill‐posed and ill‐condition problems. In this paper, Enriched Conjugate Gradient Least Square (ECGLS) regularization method has been proposed and it is associated with the Distorted Born Iterative Method (DBIM) to improve the quality of high‐resolution images of heterogeneous and dense type breasts. The Proposed‐ECGLS (PECGLS) method introduces the span of enriched subspace with external penalization value to resolve the discrete ill‐posed problem. The Gram‐Schmidt factorization (or QR factorization) based step length and the external penalization value control the spatial oscillations and resolve the ill‐condition problem with quick convergence. The performance of the Proposed‐ECGLS method has been tested on heterogeneous and dense breast phantoms for synthetically embedded malignant along with differences in permittivity value of +8% to +10% in the fibrogland tissues. The results from the simulation studies depict that the Proposed‐ECGLS has achieved up to 0.8276 of structural similarity in different level discretization error and it is better than the existing methods such as ECGLS and standard CGLS. This high‐resolution microwave tomography imaging method will be helpful in malignant detection and fibroadenoma diagnosis in dense type breasts.
Sensors‐based monitoring and treatment approaches for in‐stent restenosis
Authors: Yi Ying , Wang Bo , Li Changping
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) can progressively narrow arteries due to plaque accumulation on the inner walls of the blood vessels, which results in an obstructed blood flow, leading to heart attack, stroke, and even death if the obstruction is severe. A popular treatment for the disease is to use an intravascular mechanical device called the stent to achieve an immediate restoration of blood flow. However, the physical stimulation induced by the stent expansion can cause inflammation of the vessel tissue. As one of the most common post‐stenting complications, re‐narrowing of the vessel is the main pathology that leads to in‐stent restenosis (ISR), induced by the excess growth of the tissue over the deployed stent. The ISR is widely recognized as a significant cause of death globally if early symptoms are not detected. Hence, monitoring and early diagnosis indeed matter when it comes to treatment. The latest technologies for monitoring and treatments of ISR were reviewed in this work, and the potential issues and suggestions related to the reported technologies were presented. The target of this review aims to positively prompt researchers to develop an advanced stent system in terms of its electromechanical performance, size, functional feature, feasibility, and reliability.
Photoinduced 6π‐electrocyclization of 2,5‐dichlorothiophene containing benzofuranylacrylonitriles as efficient method for the generation of hydrogen chloride
Authors: Karibov Turan T. , Lichitsky Boris V. , Komogortsev Andrey N. , Melekhina Valeriya G.
Published: September 2022

The photochemical 6π‐electrocyclization of 1,3,5‐hexatriene system containing benzofuran and 2,5‐dichlorothiophene fragments was investigated. It was shown that considered photoreaction regiospecifically leads to the formation of substituted benzo[b]thieno[2,3‐g]benzofurans. Along with the formation of polyheterocyclic products the studied process is accompanied by the elimination of hydrogen chloride molecule. Based on the suggested transformation an efficient method for the photogeneration of strong acid was implemented. As a result, the starting thienyl substituted benzofurans can be used as photoacid generators (PAGs). The structure of one of the final products was established by X‐ray diffraction.
Preparation and characterization of astaxanthin‐loaded microcapsules and its application in effervescent tablets
Authors: Huang Juan , Feng Xuan , Zhang Shuo , Wang Lizeng , Yue Jingjing , Chu Lanling
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Astaxanthin is a type of keto‐carotene with potential health benefits. However, astaxanthin has poor solubility and stability, resulting in its low oral bio‐availability. Microcapsules can be used to improve the water solubility, stability and oral bio‐availability of lipophilic bioactive compounds. Effervescent tablets can further improve the stability, smell and taste of microcapsules, and are more easily accepted by consumers.

RESULTS

Astaxanthin‐loaded microcapsules were prepared by layer‐by‐layer assembly and freeze‐drying technologies. Sodium caseinate and κ‐carrageenan were applied as wall materials. The prepared microcapsules had good flow properties and encapsulation efficiencies (> 85%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the mechanisms of layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly between sodium caseinate and κ‐carrageenan might be electrostatic adsorption and hydrogen bonding. The preparation process and excipients did not affect the antioxidant effect of astaxanthin. Thein vitrosimulated digestion study showed that microcapsules were mainly dissolved and digested in the simulated intestinal solution. Compared with its raw material, microencapsulation could improve the bio‐accessibility of astaxanthin greatly. Then, astaxanthin‐loaded microcapsules were incorporated into effervescent tablets by wet granulation and tablet‐pressing methods. The dissolution of astaxanthin from effervescent tablets was over 90% in 2 h, which indicated a good dissolution effect. A cytotoxicity study revealed that astaxanthin loaded effervescent tablets had a good biocompatibility. Encapsulating astaxanthin‐loaded microcapsules in effervescent tablets can improve its chemical stability.

CONCLUSION

Effervescent tablets containing microcapsules could be used to improve the solubility, stability and bio‐accessibility of lipophilic bioactive compounds. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Substance use and esophageal neuroendocrine neoplasm: A case–control study
Authors: Wang Yao‐Kuang , Shih Hsiang‐Yao , Chu Yin‐Yi , Kuo Chao‐Hung , Chen Yi‐Hsun , Chung Chen‐Shuan , Tsai Cho‐Lun , Lin Jung‐Chun , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Wu I‐Chen
Published: September 2022

Esophageal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are extremely rare and little is known about their risk factors. To identify the potential risk factors, we evaluated whether the history of substance use, including alcohol, tobacco and areca nut consumption was associated with esophageal NEN. Forty‐one esophageal NEN patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2019 from 17 hospital in Taiwan were enrolled as the cases. Controls were participants who received complete esophagogastroduodenoscopy in an endoscopic cohort and 123 eligible controls were matched to 41 cases (3:1) on age and gender. Alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking significantly increased the risk of esophageal NEN, with about a fourfold risk increase in alcohol drinkers as well as cigarette smokers. Moreover, use of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in combination demonstrated the highest risk of esophageal NEN with the risk increasing up to 20 times compared with non‐users. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking significantly increase risk of esophageal NEN and both alcohol and cigarette users had the highest risk.
A xenograft study of human adipose stromal cell‐based vocal fold mucosal replacement in rabbits
Authors: Tran Eric K. , Alhiyari Yazeed , Juarez Kevin , Gowda Bhavani Shankara , Schrader Feng , Sajed Dipti P. , Long Jennifer L.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Vocal fold (VF) scarring, manifested by increased collagen, decreased glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and disrupted elastic fibers, remains a negative consequence of VF injury or resection. The objective of this study is to compare four reconstructive options after Vf mucosal resection in rabbits. A Cell‐Based Outer Vocal fold Replacement (COVR) using human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hASCs) in fibrin scaffold is directly compared with a decellularized scaffold implant, hASC injection, and resection alone without reconstruction. The primary hypothesis is that the cells‐in‐scaffold construct better reconstitutes the VF structure than either cells or scaffold alone, or than healing by secondary intention.

Methods

A total of49 rabbits received bilateral VF cordectomy, followed by either COVR implant, decellularized scaffold implant, hASC injection, or no reconstruction (injured control group). Larynges were harvested after 6 weeks.

Results

Histology demonstrated greater lamina propria thickness, less collagen deposition, and more GAGs in COVR animals versus all other treatment groups. Evidence of persistent human cells was found in about half of the cell‐treated animals. RNA levels of fibrosis pathway and macrophage phenotype markers were statistically unchanged among treatment groups at 6 weeks.

Conclusion

These data support the efficacy of COVR implantation in restoring VF microstructure in rabbits. The intact COVR was required; isolated components of decellularized scaffold or injected hASC still produced histologic scarring. We propose that the unique bilayered cell structure within fibrin enables controlled matrix remodeling to minimize wound contraction and fibrosis, and to promote GAG deposition.

Level of Evidence

Basic science study
Insights of NaCl water vapor coupling induced hot corrosion behaviors of IN718 superalloy
Authors: Liu Wenhong , Cui Tiancheng , Dong Minpeng , Yu Miao , Li Jinlong
Published: September 2022

The hot corrosion behavior of Ni‐based superalloys induced by NaCl at 600°C, 650°C, and 700°C in a marine‐like environment was investigated. The results show that the corrosion scale on the IN718 alloy includes two distinct layers, of which the outer layer is mainly composed of NiFe2O4 and NiO, while the inner layer contains FeCr2O4 and NiCr2O4. The HCl(g) as a catalyst significantly accelerated the corrosion of the samples. The formation of the Cr‐depletion layer was analyzed. The O2 in the atmosphere can diffuse to the substrate surface through the corrosion product layer, leading to internal corrosion. The hot corrosion behaviors of the corroded samples have been discussed in detail.
Bacterial composition in Swedish raw drinking water reveals three major interacting ubiquitous metacommunities
Authors: Brindefalk Björn , Brolin Harald , Säve‐Söderbergh Melle , Karlsson Edvin , Sundell David , Wikström Per , Jacobsson Karin , Toljander Jonas , Stenberg Per , Sjödin Andreas , Dryselius Rikard , Forsman Mats , Ahlinder Jon
Published: September 2022

Background

Surface raw water used as a source for drinking water production is a critical resource, sensitive to contamination. We conducted a study on Swedish raw water sources, aiming to identify mutually co‐occurring metacommunities of bacteria, and environmental factors driving such patterns.

Methods

The water sources were different regarding nutrient composition, water quality, and climate characteristics, and displayed various degrees of anthropogenic impact. Water inlet samples were collected at six drinking water treatment plants over 3 years, totaling 230 samples. The bacterial communities of DNA sequenced samples (n = 175), obtained by 16S metabarcoding, were analyzed using a joint model for taxa abundance.

Results

Two major groups of well‐defined metacommunities of microorganisms were identified, in addition to a third, less distinct, and taxonomically more diverse group. These three metacommunities showed various associations to the measured environmental data. Predictions for the well‐defined metacommunities revealed differing sets of favored metabolic pathways and life strategies. In one community, taxa with methanogenic metabolism were common, while a second community was dominated by taxa with carbohydrate and lipid‐focused metabolism.

Conclusion

The identification of ubiquitous persistent co‐occurring bacterial metacommunities in freshwater habitats could potentially facilitate microbial source tracking analysis of contamination issues in freshwater sources.
Validation of theOPTIMIPARKQuestionnaire: A Tool to Optimize Treatment in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Máñez‐Miró Jorge U. , Vivancos‐Matellano Francisco , Alonso‐Frech Fernando , Vela‐Desojo Lydia , López‐Ariztegui Nuria , López‐Manzanares Lydia , Balaguer Ernest , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Herrero‐Infante Yolanda , Gasca‐Salas Carmen , Morales‐Casado María Isabel , Casas Elena , Hernández Antonio , Pareés Isabel , Tegel‐Ayuela Iciar , Martínez‐Fernández Raul , Martinez‐Martin Pablo
Published: September 2022

Background

Dopamine replacement therapy reduces most motor and nonmotor features of Parkinson's disease. However, with disease progression, adjustments of dopaminergics and the application of advanced therapies must be considered.

Objectives

To validate the OPTIMIPARK questionnaire as a tool to help clinicians make therapeutic decisions on patients treated with levodopa.

Methods

We tested a questionnaire including 9 items encompassing motor and nonmotor signs, complications, and disability in a multicenter, observational, cross‐sectional study. A neurologist (neurologist 1 [N1]) assessed patients according to regular clinical practice and blinded to the OPTIMIPARK questionnaire score. Therapeutic decisions were classified as “no changes,” “adjustment of conventional treatment,” and “advanced therapy indicated.” External neurologists (neurologist 3 [N3] and neurologist 4 [N4]), who only knew the patient age, years of disease, and current treatment, made their therapeutic decisions based on the OPTIMIPARK score. Concordance between the criterion of the N1 versus the OPTIMIPARK‐based N3–N4 consensus was analyzed applying weighted κ. The area under Receiving Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves was calculated for OPTIMIPARK scores.

Results

A total of 113 patients with Parkinson's disease were included. The OPTIMIPARK‐based decision led to a higher proportion of patients requiring therapeutic modification than N1 assessment (74% vs. 60%;P = 0.002). Concordance between the N1 and N3–N4 decisions was moderate, whereas interobserver agreement among N3 and N4 was high. Area Under the Curve(AUC) values of 0.83 and 0.82 were found for “no changes” and “advanced therapy indicated” decisions by the N1 neurologist.

Conclusions

OPTIMIPARK might be more sensitive than regular clinical practice in suggesting the need for a therapeutic change. Furthermore, the low and high scores identify with high accuracy well‐adjusted patients and candidates for advanced therapy, respectively.