bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Volume Wellwork Planning and Execution on the North Slope, Alaska
Authors: Cismoski D. A. , Rossberg R. S. , Julian J. Y. , Murphy G. , Scarpella D. , Zambrano A. , Meyer C. A.
Published: April 2008

BP Alaska Wells Team executes the highest wellwork volume in all of BP's worldwide operations. On the North Slope of Alaska, BP plans and executes wellwork for all of the fields it operates including Prudhoe Bay. This paper describes the process and use of technology to effectively plan well interventions, manage "the hopper", prioritize operations, monitor jobs in real-time and document lessons learned. A physical description of the BP Alaska's Wells i-Center will be provided too. The BP Alaska Wells Team executes over 40 well interventions every day in harsh arctic conditions as cold as -40 F. Effectively planning this many operations in the field and reporting back results to the office-based production engineers requires an effective process and use of technology. BP Alaska's hopper management and reporting systems and the role of technology to view operations in "real time" will be described.

This paper will also describe the planning process beginning at the point the production engineer has decided on the well intervention plan. The paper will continue explaining the planning process, describing the tools and general procedure used to organize and prioritize the 800 interventions in the hopper, monitor the execution of this work in "real time" and document lessons learned for similar future operations. Current equipment must be utilized at a high efficiency due to long lead times to get additional equipment. Thus, the jobs that are undertaken must be planned effectively, orchestrated with support equipment, to maximize equipment utilization and minimize stand-by time. In addition, any mistakes or best practices should be documented and incorporated in future well intervention plans.
β -(1,4)-Polyglucuronic Acids – An Overview
Authors: Tavernier M.L. , Delattre C. , Petit E. , Michaud P.
Published: April 2008

Polyuronides are an acidic class of polysaccharides with interesting rheological and biological properties. However,
except pectin and alginate, the structural variability of this class of polysaccharides is poor and low described in literature.
In this context, a new generation of polyuronides has been isolated from two sources in the middle of the 90’s.
Firstly, a bacterial β -(1,4) polyglucuronic acid called glucuronan was identified as the sole exopolysaccharide produced
by a bacteria belonging to the Rhizobiaceae family. Secondly, the development of the TEMPO chemistry led to the production
at large scale of oxidized cellulose called cellouronate. Both new polyuronides were largely patented and found
applications in several industrial areas. Moreover, the biodegradation study of these polysaccharides has led to the identification
of a new family of polysaccharide lyases very specific for these substrates. This review focuses on the actual
knowledge of this class of acidic polysaccharides and on the enzymes acting about them.
Heterogeneous Decomposition of a Hydrogen Sulfide-Methane Sour Mixture Flowing in a Rectangular Channel
Authors: C. Martínez J. , Méndez F. , Treviño C.
Published: April 2008

In this work, we analyze the heterogeneous conversion process of hydrogen sulfide acid, H2S, to atomic hydrogen, H0 , in a binary gas mixture composed by the above acid component and methane gas. We consider that the sour
mixture flows in a horizontal rectangular channel under a laminar, hydrodynamically fully-developed flow regime and the
decomposition process takes place on the internal walls of the channel made by iron. The heterogeneous chemical activity
on the metallic walls is conducted by a reactive scheme based on four reactions: one adsorption, two electrochemical, and
an exothermic reaction needed to complete the conversion process. The longitudinal profiles of the species H2S and H0
on the surfaces of the channel as functions of the nondimensional parameters involved in the present model, are shown. In
addition, the surface coverages of the chemical products HS– , H+ and H0 , together with the surface coverage of the vacancies
derived from the chemical and electrochemical reactions are presented.
Relationships between velocities of pulmonary venous flow and plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide in healthy dogs
Authors: Hori Yasutomo , Ukai Yoshimi , Uechi Masami , Hoshi Fumio , Higuchi Sei-ichi
Published: April 2008

Objective—To investigate the relationship between velocities of pulmonary venous flow (PVF) and plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in healthy dogs.

Animals—7 healthy Beagles.

Procedures—Dogs were anesthetized, intubated, and positioned in left lateral recumbency. Lactated Ringer's solution was infused (200 mL/kg/h) for 60 minutes via a cephalic vein. Transmitral flow and PVF velocities were measured echocardiographically by use of the apical 4-chamber view. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and ANP concentrations were determined.

Results—IV infusion significantly increased heart rate and PCWP. Similarly, the ANP concentration significantly increased from baseline (before infusion of lactated Ringer's solution) values. Transmitral flow velocities were significantly increased, although the ratio of velocity of the flow during early ventricular diastole (E wave) to velocity of the atrial flow (A wave; E:A ratio) was unchanged. Regarding the PVF velocities, forward flow during ventricular systole (S wave) and retrograde flow during atrial contraction were significantly increased, whereas velocity of the forward flow during ventricular diastole (D wave) was unchanged. Ratio of the velocity of the S wave to velocity of the D wave was increased significantly, and this ratio was significantly correlated with PCWP or ANP concentration. However, the E:A ratio was not correlated with PCWP or ANP concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PVF velocities were strongly correlated with PCWP and plasma ANP concentration in clinically normal dogs. Therefore, PVF velocities may serve as a sensitive indicator and provide additional information for monitoring acute preloading conditions and estimating atrial filling abnormalities in dogs.
Serum antibodies against human albumin in critically ill and healthy dogs
Authors: Martin Linda G. , Luther Teresa Y. , Alperin Debra C. , Gay John M. , Hines Stephen A.
Published: April 2008

Objective—To characterize the magnitude and duration of the antibody response against human albumin (HA) in critically ill and healthy dogs.

Design—Cohort and cross-sectional study.

Animals—Fourteen critically ill dogs that received 25% HA as part of their treatment protocol, 2 healthy dogs with no known previous exposure to HA that received 2 infusions of 25% HA (positive control dogs), and 47 healthy dogs and 21 critically ill dogs with no known exposure to HA (negative control dogs).

Procedures—An ELISA to detect IgG against HA was developed. Serum samples were obtained from the critically ill dogs prior to infusion of HA, at the time of hospital discharge, and 4 to 6 weeks and 6 months after HA administration. Serum samples were obtained at 2- to 4-week intervals from both positive control dogs for 101 weeks. A single serum sample was obtained from each of the negative control dogs.

Results—All 14 critically ill dogs developed serum IgG against HA. Peak antibody response was detected 4 to 6 weeks after HA administration. In both positive control dogs, IgG against HA was detected 10 days after HA administration and continued past 97 weeks. The peak antibody response was detected at 3 weeks in 1 dog and at 9 weeks in the other. Five of the 68 (7%) negative control dogs had a positive antibody response.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that dogs developed a pronounced IgG response following exposure to HA and that some dogs with no history of HA administration were positive for anti-HA IgG.
Preputial damage and lateral penile displacement during castration in a degu
Authors: Powers Michelle Y. , Campbell Bonnie G. , Finch Nickol P.
Published: April 2008

Case Description—A 2-month-old male degu was treated for preputial damage and lateral penile displacement that occurred during attempted castration.

Clinical Findings—Bruising and swelling of the prepuce and severe edema to the left of the prepuce were evident. The penis could not be extruded from the prepuce. Radiography revealed a large bladder. Contrast medium injected into the prepuce filled the peripreputial subcutaneous tissues.

Treatment and Outcome—During surgical exploration through a peripreputial approach, the penis was found to be completely separated from the prepuce and located in the adjacent subcutaneous tissue. The penis was repositioned in the prepuce and anchored with a suture at its base. The following day, the preputial orifice was crusted over, urine was leaking from the incision, and the penis could not be extruded from the prepuce. The anchoring suture was removed, and the tip of the penis was sutured to the preputial orifice so that the penis protruded slightly from the prepuce. Urination was normal after the second surgery. Two years later, the preputial orifice remained adhered to the distal portion of the penis and the exposed penile tissue was healthy.

Clinical Relevance—Penile displacement from the prepuce is an unusual complication of castration in degus. The surgical technique used in this animal may be an effective means of repair. Permanent exposure of the tip of the penis may be well-tolerated in degus.
Use of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation for treatment of intramural ureteral ectopia in male dogs: four cases (2006–2007)
Authors: Berent Allyson C. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Porat-Mosenco Yael
Published: April 2008

Objective—To describe and evaluate the outcome of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ureteral ectopia in male dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—4 incontinent male dogs with intramural ureteral ectopia.

Procedures—Intramural ectopic ureters were diagnosed via preoperative computed tomography–IV urography and subsequent cystoscopy. Transurethral cystoscopic-guided laser ablation (diode laser [n = 3 dogs] and holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser [1]) was performed to proximally relocate the ectopic ureteral orifice to the urinary bladder. Fluoroscopy was used during the procedures to confirm that the ureteral tract was intramural and the ureteral orifice was intravesicular after the procedure. In 1 dog with bilateral ureteral ectopia, staged laser ablation was performed at 6-week intervals because of difficulty viewing the second ureter on the first attempt. All ureteral orifices were initially located in the middle to proximal portion of the prostatic portion of the urethra. Six weeks after surgery, imaging was repeated in 3 of 4 dogs.

Results—Postoperative dysuria or hematuria did not develop. All dogs were immediately continent after laser treatment and remained so at a median follow-up period of 18 months (range, 15 to 20 months) without medical management.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Ureteral ectopia can cause urinary incontinence in male dogs and is usually associated with other urinary tract abnormalities. Cystoscopicguided laser ablation provided an effective and minimally invasive alternative to surgical management of intramural ureteral ectopia.
Chemoprophylactic effects of azithromycin against Rhodococcus equi–induced pneumonia among foals at equine breeding farms with endemic infections
Authors: Chaffin M. Keith , Cohen Noah D. , Martens Ronald J.
Published: April 2008

Objective—To determine the effect of azithromycin chemoprophylaxis on the cumulative incidence of pneumonia caused by Rhodococcus equi, age at onset of pneumonia, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of azithromycin for R equi isolates cultured from fecal and clinical samples.

Design—Controlled, randomized clinical trial.

Animals—338 foals born and raised at 10 equine breeding farms; each farm had a history of endemic R equi infections.

Procedures—Group 1 foals were control foals, and group 2 foals were treated with azithromycin (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], PO, q 48 h) during the first 2 weeks after birth. Foals were monitored for development of pneumonia attributable to R equi infection and for adverse effects of azithromycin. Isolates of R equi were tested for susceptibility to azithromycin.

Results—The proportion of R equi–affected foals was significantly higher for control foals (20.8%) than for azithromycin-treated foals (5.3%). Adverse effects of azithromycin treatment were not detected, and there were no significant differences between groups for the MICs of azithromycin for R equi isolates cultured from fecal or clinical samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Azithromycin chemoprophylaxis effectively reduced the cumulative incidence of pneumonia attributable to R equi among foals at breeding farms with endemic R equi infections. There was no evidence of resistance to azithromycin. Nonetheless, caution must be used because it is possible that resistance could develop with widespread use of azithromycin as a preventative treatment. Further investigation is needed before azithromycin chemoprophylaxis can be recommended for control of R equi infections.
The 2023 International Planning Competition
Authors: Taitler Ayal , Alford Ron , Espasa Joan , Behnke Gregor , Fišer Daniel , Gimelfarb Michael , Pommerening Florian , Sanner Scott , Scala Enrico , Schreiber Dominik , Segovia‐Aguas Javier , Seipp Jendrik
Published: April 2024

In this article, we present an overview of the 2023 International Planning Competition. It featured five distinct tracks designed to assess cutting‐edge methods and explore the frontiers of planning within these settings: the classical (deterministic) track, the numeric track, the Hierarchical Task Networks (HTN) track, the learning track, and the probabilistic and reinforcement learning track. Each of these tracks evaluated planning methodologies through one or more subtracks, with the goal of pushing the boundaries of current planner performance. To achieve this objective, the competition introduced a combination of well‐established challenges and entirely novel ones. Within this article, each track offers an exploration of its historical context, justifies its relevance within the planning landscape, discusses emerging domains and trends, elucidates the evaluation methodology, and ultimately presents the results.
Image quality characterization of an ultra‐high‐speed kilovoltage cone‐beam computed tomography imaging system on an O‐ring linear accelerator
Authors: Kim Euidam , Park Yang Kyun , Zhao Tianyu , Laugeman Eric , Zhao Xiaodong Neo , Hao Yao , Chung Yoonsun , Lee Hugh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The quality of on‐board imaging systems, including cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), plays a vital role in image‐guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and adaptive radiotherapy. Recently, there has been an upgrade of the CBCT systems fused in the O‐ring linear accelerators called HyperSight, featuring a high imaging performance. As the characterization of a new imaging system is essential, we evaluated the image quality of the HyperSight system by comparing it with Halcyon 3.0 CBCT and providing benchmark data for routine imaging quality assurance.

Methods

The HyperSight features ultra‐fast scan time, a larger kilovoltage (kV) detector, a more substantial kV tube, and an advanced reconstruction algorithm. Imaging protocols in the two modes of operation, treatment mode with IGRT and the CBCT for planning (CBCTp) mode were evaluated and compared with Halcyon 3.0 CBCT. Image quality metrics, including spatial resolution, contrast resolution, uniformity, noise, computed tomography (CT) number linearity, and calibration error, were assessed using a Catphan and an electron density phantom and analyzed with TotalQA software.

Results

HyperSight demonstrated substantial improvements in contrast‐to‐noise ratio and noise in both IGRT and CBCTp modes compared to Halcyon 3.0 CBCT. CT number calibration error of HyperSight CBCTp mode (1.06%) closely matches that of a full CT scanner (0.72%), making it suitable for adaptive planning. In addition, the advanced hardware of HyperSight, such as ultra‐fast scan time (5.9 s) or 2.5 times larger heat unit capacity, enhanced the clinical efficiency in our experience.

Conclusions

HyperSight represented a significant advancement in CBCT imaging. With its image quality, CT number accuracy, and ultra‐fast scans, HyperSight has a potential to transform patient care and treatment outcomes. The enhanced scan speed and image quality of HyperSight are expected to significantly improve the quality and efficiency of treatment, particularly benefiting patients.
Misoriented Lamellar Microstructures in Mo‐Si‐Ti Alloy Due to Asymmetrical Nucleation Distance and Interfacial Energies: A Phase‐Field Analysis
Authors: Cai Yuhan , Wang Fei , Nestler Britta
Published: April 2024

The material properties are crucially affected by the microstructure formed during solidification, which is typically divided into three stages: (I) Early stage of nucleation in molecule scale, which is beyond the scope of the mean‐field model; (II) Middle stage of nucleation, where the dispersed nuclei have formed; (III) Late stage of nucleation, where the nuclei contact with each other. In previous studies, the formation of the stable eutectic lamellae is mostly based on the assumption that a stable solid–solid interface has already been established, corresponding to the stage (III), and the growth stage (II) is often overlooked. In the current work, by varying the nucleation density and distance, an alternative mechanism for the misoriented microstructure formation in Mo‐Si‐Ti alloy is proposed, which considers nucleation stage (II). Furthermore, the misoriention angle as a function of the nucleation density, distance, and the interfacial energies is quantified by systematic phase‐field simulations. The simulated composition distribution reveals the mechanism for the misorientation of eutectic lamellar pairs, which becomes more pronounced when the solids‐fluid interfacial energies are unequal. It is expected that the present work provides a potential perspective for the fundamental understanding of misoriented microstructures in solidification.
Topological Phonons and Thermoelectric Conversion in Crystalline Materials
Authors: Ding Zhong‐Ke , Zeng Yu‐Jia , Liu Wangping , Tang Li‐Ming , Chen Ke‐Qiu
Published: April 2024

Topological phononics, a fascinating frontier in condensed matter physics, holds great promise for advancing energy‐related applications. Topologically nontrivial phonons typically possess gapless edge or surface states. These exotic states of lattice vibrations, characterized by their nontrivial topology, offer unique opportunities for manipulating and harnessing energy transport. The exploration of topological phonons opens new avenues in understanding and controlling thermal transport properties, with potential applications in fields such as thermoelectric materials, phononic devices, and waste heat recovery. Here, an overview of concepts such as Berry curvature and topological invariants, along with the applications of phonon tight‐binding method and nonequilibrium Green's function method in the field of topological phononics is provided. This review encompasses the latest research progress of various topological phonon states within crystalline materials, including topological optical phonons, topological acoustical phonons, and higher‐order topological phonons. Furthermore, the study delves into the prospective applications of topological phonons in the realm of thermoelectric conversion, focusing on aspects like size effects and symmetry engineering.
Regulating Phase Transition and Restraining Fe Distortion at High Potential Window via Rare Earth Metal Incorporation on O3‐Type Layered Cathodes
Authors: Hong Ningyun , Li Jianwei , Wang Haoji , Hu Xinyu , Zhao Bin , Hua Fang , Mei Yu , Huang Jiangnan , Zhang Baichao , Jian WeiShun , Gao Jinqiang , Tian Yuan , Shi Xixi , Deng Wentao , Zou Guoqiang , Hou Hongshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Long Zhen , Ji Xiaobo
Published: April 2024

Rapid capacity fading and structural collapse, along with other deep‐rooted challenges in the high‐voltage region, are insufficient to meet the requirements for commercial applications of O3‐type layered cathodes. Hereby, rare earth metal (RE) within the IIIB group are utilized as the robust dopants for O3‐NaNi1/3Fe1/3Mn1/3O2 (NFM) to achieve the purpose of reconstructing the crystal lattice and regulating the interlayer structure. The inactive RE3+ acts as a pillar, reinforces the TMO6 octahedron, and broadens the Na+ diffusion layer in the configuration of O‐Na‐O‐TM (RE)‐O‐Na‐O, giving rise to the enhanced crystal stability and accelerating the transmission of sodium ions. More impressively, the scandium incorporation is working as a “vitamin” that improves Ni/Fe redox reversibility, alleviating the irreversible P3‐O3’‐P3’ phase transformation and further restraining the disordered Fe migration into the neighboring Na layer, which is firmly validated by in situ X‐ray diffraction coupled with the synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Consequently, the as‐designed NFM‐Sc exhibits impressive rate capability (82.5 mAh g−1 at 10 C) and excellent cycle stability with 80.2% capacity retention after 500 cycles at the high voltage of 4.2 V. Given this, the elaborate work may shed new insight into the operational mechanism of rare metal through strategically regulating the structure for sodium‐ion batteries.
New Prospects Arising from Dynamically Crosslinked Polymers: Reprogramming Their Properties
Authors: Jia Yunchao , Qian Jingjing , Hao Senyuan , Zhang Shijie , Wei Fengchun , Zheng Hongjuan , Li Yilong , Song Jingwen , Zhao Zhiwei
Published: April 2024

Dynamically crosslinked polymers (DCPs) have gained significant attention owing to their applications in fabricating (re)processable, recyclable, and self‐healable thermosets, which hold great promise in addressing ecological issues, such as plastic pollution and resource scarcity. However, the current research predominantly focuses on redefining and/or manipulating their geometries while replicating their bulk properties. Given the inherent design flexibility of dynamic covalent networks, DCPs also exhibit a remarkable potential for various novel applications through postsynthesis reprogramming their properties. In this review, the recent advancements in strategies that enable DCPs to transform their bulk properties after synthesis are presented. The underlying mechanisms and associated material properties are overviewed mainly through three distinct strategies, namely latent catalysts, material‐growth, and topology isomerizable networks. Furthermore, the mutual relationship and impact of these strategies when integrated within one material system are also discussed. Finally, the application prospects and relevant issues necessitating further investigation, along with the potential solutions are analyzed.
Femtosecond‐Laser Direct‐Writing Hydrogel‐Based Microlens Arrays Customized with Multi‐Dimensional Optical Configurations for Information Encryption
Authors: Li Qi‐Song , Shi Hao‐Song , Xi Shan‐Ming , Xu Zhi‐Hui , Zhang Long , Liu Yi
Published: April 2024

Femtosecond‐laser direct‐writing lithography prints tunable 3D micro/nano‐scale optical devices based on hydrogel materials have garnered significant attention owing to their use in optical applications. Although the refractive index (RI) is an important parameter of optical devices, a quantitative measurement to determine that of femtosecond‐laser‐induced microstructures is lacking. This study proposes a novel method to measure the RI change of a tunable hydrogel device in different environments using a femtosecond‐laser‐customized multidimensional grating. As hydrogels can be tuned by changing the pH values, the specific RI changes of a hydrogel are first quantitatively investigated with different pH values such that the proposed method can be employed to precisely control the dynamic and tunable optical performance of hydrogel optical devices. To this end, a 3D hydrogel microlens array (HMA) with variable focal lengths is designed and manufactured to verify its dynamic and tunable optical performances. The HMA displays reversible and tunable imaging capabilities, confirming its application in information encryption. As a proof of concept, a customized sequence of letters “CFAE” is successfully obtained as the “output” by assigning the pre‐set pH values as the “code” and the original letter sequence as the “input.”
Ultrasound Trigger Ce‐Based MOF Nanoenzyme For Efficient Thrombolytic Therapy
Authors: Shan Jianggui , Du Ling , Wang Xingang , Zhang Sidi , Li Yiping , Xue Song , Tang Qianyun , Liu Peifeng
Published: April 2024

The inflammatory damage caused by thrombus formation and dissolution can increase the risk of thrombotic complications on top of cell death and organ dysfunction caused by thrombus itself. Therefore, a rapid and precise thrombolytic therapy strategy is in urgent need to effectively dissolve thrombus and resist oxidation simultaneously. In this study, Ce‐UiO‐66, a cerium‐based metal–organic framework (Ce‐MOF) with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging properties, encapsulated by low‐immunogenic mesenchymal stem cell membrane with inflammation‐targeting properties, is used to construct a targeted nanomedicine Ce‐UiO‐CM. Ce‐UiO‐CM is applied in combination with external ultrasound stimulation for thrombolytic therapy in rat femoral artery. Ce‐UiO‐66 has abundant Ce (III)/Ce (IV) coupling sites that react with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to produce oxygen, exhibiting catalase (CAT) activity. The multi‐cavity structure of Ce‐UiO‐66 can generate electron holes, and its pore channels can act as micro‐reactors to further enhance its ROS scavenging capacity. Additionally, the porous structure of Ce‐UiO‐66 and the oxygen produced by its reaction with H2O2 may enhance the cavitation effects of ultrasound, thereby improving thrombolysis efficacy.
Fine Optimization of Colloidal Photonic Crystal Structural Color for Physically Unclonable Multiplex Encryption and Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Gao Yifan , Ge Kongyu , Zhang Zhen , Li Zhan , Hu Shaowei , Ji Hongjun , Li Mingyu , Feng Huanhuan
Published: April 2024

Robust anti‐counterfeiting techniques aim for easy identification while remaining difficult to forge, especially for high‐value items such as currency and passports. However, many existing anti‐counterfeiting techniques rely on deterministic processes, resulting in loopholes for duplication and counterfeiting. Therefore, achieving high‐level encryption and easy authentication through conventional anti‐counterfeiting techniques has remained a significant challenge. To address this, this work proposes a solution that combined fluorescence and structural colors, creating a physically unclonable multiplex encryption system (PUMES). In this study, the physicochemical properties of colloidal photonic inks are systematically adjusted to construct a comprehensive printing phase diagram, revealing the printable region. Furthermore, the brightness and color saturation of inkjet‐printed colloidal photonic crystal structural colors are optimized by controlling the substrate's hydrophobicity, printed droplet volume, and the addition of noble metals. Finally, fluorescence is incorporated to build PUMES, including macroscopic fluorescence and structural color patterns, as well as microscopic physically unclonable fluorescence patterns. The PUMES with intrinsic randomness and high encoding capacity are authenticated by a deep learning algorithm, which proved to be reliable and efficient under various observation conditions. This approach can provide easy identification and formidable resistance against counterfeiting, making it highly promising for the next‐generation anti‐counterfeiting of currency and passports.
Magnetic Silica‐Coated Fluorescent Microspheres (MagSiGlow) for Simultaneous Detection of Tumor‐Associated Proteins
Authors: Halabi Elias A. , Gessner Isabel , Yang Katherine S. , Kim Jae‐Jun , Jana Rupsa , Peterson Hannah M. , Spitzberg Joshua D. , Weissleder Ralph
Published: April 2024

Multiplexed bead assays for solution‐phase biosensing often encounter cross‐over reactions during signal amplification steps, leading to unwanted false positive and high background signals. Current solutions involve complex custom‐designed and costly equipment, limiting their application in simple laboratory setup. In this study, we introduce a straightforward protocol to adapt a multiplexed single‐bead assay to standard fluorescence imaging plates, enabling the simultaneous analysis of thousands of reactions per plate. This approach focuses on the design and synthesis of bright fluorescent and magnetic microspheres (MagSiGlow) with multiple fluorescent wavelengths serving as unique detection markers. The imaging‐based, single‐bead assay, combined with a scripted algorithm, allows the detection, segmentation, and co‐localization on average of 7500 microspheres per field of view across five imaging channels in less than one second. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method with remarkable sensitivity at low protein detection limits (100 pg/mL). This technique showed over 85 % reduction in signal cross‐over to the solution‐based method after the concurrent detection of tumor‐associated protein biomarkers. This approach holds the promise of substantially enhancing high throughput biosensing for multiple targets, seamlessly integrating with rapid image analysis algorithms.
Layer‐Controllable “2.5D” DNA Origami Crystals Synthesized by a Hierarchical Assembly Strategy
Authors: Xie Xiaolin , Ji Min , Yan Xuehui , Yu Yifan , Wang Yong , Ma Ningning , Xing Hang , Tian Ye
Published: April 2024

The finite periodic arrangement of functional nanomaterials on the two‐dimensional scale enables the integration and enhancement of individual properties, making them an important research topic in the field of tuneable nanodevices. Although layer‐controllable lattices such as graphene have been successfully synthesized, achieving similar control over colloidal nanoparticles remains a challenge. DNA origami technology has achieved remarkable breakthroughs in programmed nanoparticle assembly. Based on this technology, we proposed a hierarchical assembly strategy to construct a universal DNA origami platform with customized layer properties, which we called 2.5‐dimensional (2.5D) DNA origami crystals. Methodologically, this strategy divides the assembly procedure into two steps: 1) array synthesis, and 2) lattice synthesis, which means that the layer properties, including layer number, interlayer distance, and surface morphology, can be flexibly customized based on the independent designs in each step. In practice, these synthesized 2.5D crystals not only pioneer the expansion of the DNA origami crystal library to a wider range of dimensions, but also highlight the technological potential for templating 2.5D colloidal nanomaterial lattices.
Photo‐Responsive Hydrogen‐Bonded Molecular Networks Capable of Retaining Crystalline Periodicity after Isomerization
Authors: Kasuya Koki , Oketani Ryusei , Matsuda Souta , Sato Hiroyasu , Ishiwari Fumitaka , Saeki Akinori , Hisaki Ichiro
Published: April 2024

The molecular conformation, crystalline morphology, and properties of photochromic organic crystals can be controlled through photoirradiation, making them promising candidates for functional organic materials. However, photochromic porous molecular crystals with a networked framework structure are rare due to the difficulty in maintaining space that allows for photo‐induced molecular motion in the crystalline state. This study describes a photo‐responsive single crystal based on hydrogen‐bonded (H‐bonded) network of dihydrodimethylbenzo[e]pyrene derivative 4BDHP. A crystal composed of H‐bonded undulate layers, 4BDHP‐2, underwent photo‐isomerization in the crystalline state due to loose stacking of the layers. Particularly, enantio‐pure crystal (S,S)‐4BDHP‐2 allowed to reveal the structure of the photoisomerized crystal, in which the closed form (4BDHP) and open form (4CPD) were arranged alternately with keeping crystalline periodicity, although side reactions were also implied. The present proof‐of‐concept system of a photochromic framework that retains crystalline periodicity after photo‐isomerization may provide new light‐driven porous functional materials.
Transition Metal‐Free Catalytic C−H Zincation and Alumination
Authors: Kumar Bisai Milan , Łosiewicz Justyna , Sotorrios Lia , Nichol Gary S. , Dominey Andrew P. , Cowley Michael J. , Thomas Stephen P. , Macgregor Stuart A. , Ingleson Michael J.
Published: April 2024

C−H metalation is the most efficient method to prepare aryl–zinc and –aluminium complexes that are ubiquitous nucleophiles. Virtually all C−H metalation routes to form Al/Zn organometallics require stoichiometric, strong Brønsted bases with no base‐catalyzed reactions reported. Herein we present a catalytic in amine/ammonium salt (Et3N/[(Et3N)H]+) C−H metalation process to form aryl‐zinc and aryl‐aluminium complexes. Key to this approach is coupling an endergonic C−H metalation step with a sufficiently exergonic dehydrocoupling step between the ammonium salt by‐product of C−H metalation ([(Et3N)H]+) and a Zn−H or Al−Me containing complex. This step, forming H2/MeH, makes the overall cycle exergonic while generating more of the reactive metal electrophile. Mechanistic studies supported by DFT calculations revealed metal‐specific dehydrocoupling pathways, with the divergent reactivity due to the different metal valency (which impacts the accessibility of amine‐free cationic metal complexes) and steric environment. Notably, dehydrocoupling in the zinc system proceeds through a ligand‐mediated pathway involving protonation of the β‐diketiminate Cγ position. Given this process is applicable to two disparate metals (Zn and Al), other main group metals and ligand sets are expected to be amenable to this transition metal‐free, catalytic C−H metalation.
Spontaneous α‐C−H Carboxylation of Ketones by Gaseous CO2 at the Air‐water Interface of Aqueous Microdroplets
Authors: Basuri Pallab , Mukhopadhyay Sinchan , Reddy K. S. S. V. Prasad , Unni Keerthana , Spoorthi B. K. , Shantha Kumar Jenifer , Yamijala Sharma S. R. K. C. , Pradeep Thalappil
Published: April 2024

We present a catalyst‐free route for the reduction of carbon dioxide integrated with the formation of a carbon‐carbon bond at the air/water interface of negatively charged aqueous microdroplets, at ambient temperature. The reactions proceed through carbanion generation at the α‐carbon of a ketone followed by nucleophilic addition to CO2. Online mass spectrometry reveals that the product is an β‐ketoacid. Several factors, such as the concentration of the reagents, pressure of CO2 gas, and distance traveled by the droplets, control the kinetics of the reaction. Theoretical calculations suggest that water in the microdroplets facilitates this unusual chemistry. Furthermore, such a microdroplet strategy has been extended to seven different ketones. This work demonstrates a green pathway for the reduction of CO2 to useful carboxylated organic products.
Erinnerungskulturen in den Wissenschaften – eine Frage hegemonialer Narrative?
Authors: Söhner Felicitas
Published: April 2024

Individual and institutional memories tend to form hegemonic narratives that serve to create identity and meaning. If history is written by experts and not by professional historians, historical retrospectives and narratives are usually written by leading figures in a particular field. They try to use their idea of exclusive knowledge about certain events, backgrounds and motivations to shape these narratives. In order to question such narratives, a critical analysis of scientific memory and its cultural significance is required. This article reflects on the methodological challenges of oral history projects in medicine, using a project on psychiatric reform in the Federal Republic of Germany as an example. In particular, the interviewees’ claim to interpretatively dominate the marginalised co‐actors is examined.
Transformation von Gedächtnis zwischen wissenschaftlicher Rezeption und Popularisierung: Die posthume Verleihung des Friedenspreises des Deutschen Buchhandels an Janusz Korczak
Authors: Oommen‐Halbach Anne , Halling Thorsten
Published: April 2024

This article focuses on analysis of the international controversy provoked by the posthumous awarding of the 1972 Peace Prize of the German Book Trade to the Jewish‐Polish physician, pedagogue and writer Janusz Korczak (1878/79–1942). The controversy, which centred around the recipient of the prize money, can be identified as an important catalyst both for the popularisation of the Korczak movement and for the institutionalisation of Korczak research in Germany, particularly in the field of pedagogical research. The article investigates the various interests and goals of memory policy actors in academia, business, politics and the media, and emphasizes the very strong link between Korczak's oeuvre and Holocaust remembrance, in the light of correspondences, manuscripts and press reports about this award ceremony. The mechanisms of the reciprocal transfer of attention between scholars and the public are examined from the perspective of memory studies and the history of science, particularly with regard to their specific influence on the establishment of German‐language Korczak research.
Highly luminescent and stable CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals coated with polyethersulfone for white light‐emitting diode applications
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Xuemei , Ai Ning , Wang Jianli
Published: April 2024

Simultaneously improving the stability and photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of all inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) is crucial for their practical utilization in various optoelectronic devices. Here, CsPbBr3 NCs coated with polyethersulfone (PES) were prepared via an in‐situ co‐precipitation method. The sulfone groups in PES bind to undercoordinated lead ion (Pb2+) on the CsPbBr3 NCs, resulting in significant reduction of surface defects, thus enhancing the PLQY from 74.2% to 88.3%. Meanwhile, the PES‐coated NCs exhibit high water resistance and excellent heat and light stability, maintaining over 85% of the initial PL intensity under thermal aging (70°C, 4 h) and continuous 365 nm ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation (24 W, 8 h) conditions. By contrast, the PL intensity of the control NCs dramatically dropped to less than 40%. Finally, a diode emitting bright white light was fabricated utilizing the PES‐coated CsPbBr3 NCs, which exhibits a color gamut of ~110% NTSC standard.
Experience with the ACURATE neo and neo2 transcatheter aortic valves in Spain. The PRECISA (PRospective Evaluation Complementing Investigation with ACURATE devices) registry
Authors: Tébar Daniel , Carrillo Xavier , García del Blanco Bruno , Gómez‐Hospital Joan Antoni , Nombela Luis , Molina Eduardo , Galeote Guillermo , Vilalta Victoria , Serra‐García Vicenc , Carol Guillem Muntané , Jiménez‐Valero Santiago , Fernandez‐Nofrerias Eduard , Calabuig‐Goena Álvaro , Jurado‐Román Alfonso , Sánchez‐Recalde Ángel , Fernández‐Velasco María , Bosca Lisardo , Moreno Raúl
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous studies have documented a high rate of implantation success with the ACURATE neo2 valve, as well as a reduction in paravalvular leak (PVL) compared to its predecessor, the ACURATE neo. However, there are no studies that have reviewed and compared the long‐term clinical and hemodynamic outcomes of these patients.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the results of the ACURATE neo transcatheter aortic valve in a real‐world context, and to compare the results of the outcomes of both generations of this device (ACURATE neo and ACURATE neo2), with a specific focus on procedural success, safety, and long‐term effectiveness.

Methods

A prospective study including all consecutive patients treated with the ACURATE neo device in seven hospitals was conducted (Clinical Trials Identification Number: NCT03846557). The primary endpoint consisted of a composite of adverse events, including mortality, aortic insufficiency, and other procedural complications. As the second‐generation device (ACURATE neo2) replaced the ACURATE neo during the study period, hemodynamic and clinical results before admission, at 30 days, and at 1 year of follow‐up were compared between the two generations.

Results

A total of 296 patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation with the ACURATE device, with 178 patients receiving the ACURATE neo and 118 patients receiving the ACURATE neo2. In the overall population, the absence of device success occurred in 14.5%. The primary reason for the absence of device success was the presence of para‐valvular regurgitation ≥ 2. There were no instances of coronary occlusions, valve embolization, annulus rupture, or procedural deaths. ACURATE neo2 was associated with a significantly higher device success rate (91.7% vs. 82%, p = 0.04), primarily due to a significantly lower rate of para‐valvular regurgitation, which remained significant at 1 year.

Conclusion

The use of ACURATE neo and neo2 transcatheter aortic valves is associated with satisfactory clinical results and an extremely low rate of complications. The ACURATE neo2 enables a significantly higher device success rate, primarily attributed to a significant reduction in the rate of PVL.
Three‐year clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with bicuspid aortic disease: Comparison between self‐expanding and balloon‐expandable valves
Authors: Boiago Mauro , Bellamoli Michele , De Biase Chiara , Beneduce Alessandro , Alonso Lola Gutierrez , Laforgia Pietro , Feliachi Souehib , Oliva Omar Alessandro , Dumonteil Nicolas , Tchétché Didier
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) stenosis is a complex anatomical scenario for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Favorable short‐term clinical outcomes have been reported with TAVI in this setting, but long‐term data are scarce.

Methods

We retrospectively included, in a single‐center registry, patients with BAV stenosis who underwent TAVI before 2020. We compared patients treated with self‐expanding valves (SEV) versus balloon‐expandable valves (BEV). The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause mortality, stroke and need for aortic valve (AV) reintervention at 3 years. Secondary endpoints included each component of the primary endpoint, cardiovascular mortality, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) rate, mean gradient and ≥moderate paravalvular leak (PVL) rate.

Results

A total of 150 consecutive patients (SEV = 83, BEV = 67) were included. No significant differences were reported between SEV and BEV groups for the primary composite endpoint (SEV 35.9% vs. BEV 32%, p = 0.66), neither for clinical secondary endpoints (all‐cause mortality SEV 28.1% vs. BEV 28%, p = 0.988; cardiovascular mortality SEV 14.1% vs. BEV 20%, p = 0.399; stroke SEV 12.5% vs. BEV 6%, p = 0.342; need for AV reintervention SEV 0% vs. BEV 0%; PPI SEV 28.1% vs. BEV 24%, p = 0.620). A lower mean gradient persisted up to 3 years in the SEV group (SEV 8.8 ± 3.8 mmHg vs. BEV 10.7 ± 3.2 mmHg, p = 0.063), while no significant difference was found in the rate of ≥ moderate PVL (SEV 3/30 vs. BEV 0/25, p = 0.242).

Conclusions

In this single center registry, we observed favorable 3‐year clinical outcomes in nonselected BAV patients treated with different generation devices, without significant differences between patients receiving SEV or BEV.
Control of Kinetic Pathways toward Supramolecular Chiral Polymorphs for Tunable Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Pan Hongfei , Hou Baokai , Jiang Yuanyuan , Liu Mengqi , Ren Xiang‐Kui , Chen Zhijian
Published: April 2024

An amphiphilic aza‐BODIPY dye (S)‐1 bearing two chiral hydrophilic side chains with S‐stereogenic centers was synthesized. This dye exhibited kinetic‐controlled self‐assembly pathways and supramolecular chiral polymorphism properties in MeOH/H2O (9/1, v/v) mixed solvent. The (S)‐1 monomers first aggregated into a kinetic controlled, off‐pathway species Agg. A, which was spontaneously transformed into an on‐pathway metastable aggregate (Agg. B) and subsequently into the thermodynamic Agg. C. The three aggregate polymorphs of dye (S)‐1 displayed distinct optical properties and nanomorphologies. In particular, chiral J‐aggregation characteristics were observed for both Agg. B and Agg. C, such as Davydov‐split absorption bands (Agg. B), extremely sharp and intense J‐band with large bathochromic shift (Agg. C), non‐diminished fluorescence upon aggregation, as well as strong bisignated Cotton effects. Moreover, the AFM and TEM studies revealed that Agg. A had the morphology of nanoparticle while fibril or rod‐like helical nanostructures with left‐handedness were observed respectively for Agg. B and Agg. C. By controlling the kinetic transformation process from Agg. B to Agg. C, thin films consisting of Agg. B and Agg. C with different ratios were prepared, which displayed tunable CPL with emission maxima at 788–805 nm and g‐factors between −4.2×10−2 and −5.1×10−2.
Multiple pathological fractures and muscle atrophy caused by a parathyroid carcinoma with postoperative hungry bone syndrome: A case report
Authors: Liu Qinguo , Zhang Ying , Ma Deshou , Gengzhi Huazhen , Maimaiti Yusufu , Chen Qishuai , Ma Zhijun
Published: April 2024

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy causing pathological changes such as abnormal bone metabolism, elevated serum calcium, and impaired renal function, and uncontrollable hypercalcemia is the main cause of death in PC patients. The diagnosis of PC is challenging and relying on postoperative histopathology. Radical surgery at the first time is the only effective therapy to cure PC. Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) is a relatively uncommon complication of parathyroidectomy characterized by profound and prolonged hypocalcemia, timely electrolyte monitoring and alternative interventional protocols can prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia.

Case

A 57‐year‐old man presented with multiple pathological fractures and muscle atrophy as the main symptoms accompanied by bone pain, hypercalcemia, elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), and an enlarged left‐sided neck mass. After consultation of multidisciplinary team, he was treated conservatively with plaster bandage fixation and infusion of intravenous zoledronic acid; and then complete resection of parathyroid mass + removal of involved tissue structures + left thyroid and isthmus lobectomy + lymph node dissection in the VI region in left neck were performed. The postoperative histopathology suggested a diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma. Calcium and fluid supplementation and oral levothyroxine tablets were given postoperatively. Unexpectedly, the patient's PTH level decreased rapidly at 24 h postoperative, and serum calcium and phosphorus decreased continuously, and he felt numb around perioral sites and fingertips, which considered to be postoperative HBS complicated by parathyroidectomy. Then, a large amount of calcium supplementation and vitamin D were given timely and the patient got better at 1 month postoperatively. At 9‐month postoperative, his bone pain and fatigue were significantly relieved compared with before with calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels at normal range.

Conclusion

The possibility of parathyroid disease, particularly PC, should be considered in the presence of multiple pathological fractures, muscle atrophy, generalized bone pain, hypercalcemia, and clear neck mass. Radical resection of the tumor lesions at the first surgery is a key element affecting the prognosis of PC, and the effective management of preoperative hypercalcemia and postoperative HBS is also of great significance for improving prognosis.