bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive metabolic networks reveal sex‐ and APOE genotype‐specific metabolic signatures and drivers for precision medicine in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chang Rui , Trushina Eugenia , Zhu Kuixi , Zaidi Syed Shujaat Ali , Lau Branden M. , Kueider‐Paisley Alexandra , Moein Sara , He Qianying , Alamprese Melissa L. , Vagnerova Barbora , Tang Andrew , Vijayan Ramachandran , Liu Yanyun , Saykin Andrew J. , Brinton Roberta D. , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and the Alzheimer's Disease Metabolomics Consortium
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterized by multiple progressive stages, glucose metabolic dysregulation, Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, and inexorable cognitive decline. Discovery of metabolic profiles unique to sex, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, and stage of disease progression could provide critical insights for personalized LOAD medicine.

Methods

Sex‐ and APOE‐specific metabolic networks were constructed based on changes in 127 metabolites of 656 serum samples from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort.

Results

Application of an advanced analytical platform identified metabolic drivers and signatures clustered with sex and/or APOE ɛ4, establishing patient‐specific biomarkers predictive of disease state that significantly associated with cognitive function. Presence of the APOE ɛ4 shifts metabolic signatures to a phosphatidylcholine‐focused profile overriding sex‐specific differences in serum metabolites of AD patients.

Discussion

These findings provide an initial but critical step in developing a diagnostic platform for personalized medicine by integrating metabolomic profiling and cognitive assessments to identify targeted precision therapeutics for AD patient subgroups through computational network modeling.
A graph signal processing‐based multiple model Kalman filter (GSP‐MMKF) tool for predictive analytics: An air separation unit process application
Authors: Ghosh Sambit , Yerimah Lucky E. , Wang Yajun , Cao Yanan , Flores‐Cerrillo Jesus , Bequette B. Wayne
Published: April 2022

The industrial Air Separations Unit (ASU) is a complicated and tightly operated process. The use of dynamic process analytics is also a key element of safe and economic operation of these processes, with increasing focus on predictive analytics to take preemptive actions. With the availability of real‐time data from hundreds of sensors, the data analysis process should also consider the topology of the data, as seen in sensor networks. In this paper, a novel tool is presented that considers the complex connectivity patterns in the sensor network and uses local adaptive disturbance estimations to predict global network‐scale trends. The paper introduces the emerging field of Graph Signal Processing (GSP) and presents a rigorous derivation of the tool starting from the extraction of the sensor‐network (in a graph theoretical sense) from the data. This network, which is in the form of a matrix, is then used to derive a Kalman‐filter type of state‐space model driven by input disturbances. Multiple disturbance models (e.g., step, ramp, periodic) are included to allow the model to have different kinds of disturbance propagation. Each graph node (representing the sensors used) dynamically adapts to the most recent detected disturbance individually. These estimated disturbances are propagated to the global network using the graph. Modifications to ensure stability are also discussed. The fidelity of the tool is tested on certain downtime events and the paper concludes by discussing the advantages of the method and planned future improvements.
Single‐Cell Mechanical Characterization of Human Macrophages
Authors: Evers Tom M. J. , Sheikhhassani Vahid , Tang Huaqi , Haks Mariëlle C. , Ottenhoff Tom H. M. , Mashaghi Alireza
Published: April 2022

Macrophages remodel their mechanics during differentiation toward different subtypes and drastically adapt their shapes during phagocytosis or entry to inflamed tissues. Although these functions depend on cell mechanical properties, the mechanical behavior of macrophages is still poorly understood and accurate physiologically relevant data on basic mechanical properties of different macrophage subtypes are lacking almost entirely. By combining several complementary single‐cell force spectroscopy techniques, whole cell mechanics of M1 (differentiated by granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor [GM‐CSF]) and M2 (differentiated by macrophage colony‐stimulating factor [M‐CSF]) macrophages is systematically analyzed, and it is revealed that M2 macrophages exhibit solid‐like behavior, whereas M1 macrophages behave more fluid‐like. In addition, the findings indicate that M2 macrophages exhibit increased dynamic motility as compared to M1 macrophages, consistent with their mechanical phenotypes. The technology presented herein can be used to distinguish macrophage subtypes based on their mechanical phenotype, and suggests that mechanical properties of macrophages are linked to their immune function.
Actuation of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers at or Below Ambient Temperature
Authors: Bauman Grant E. , McCracken Joselle M. , White Timothy J.
Published: April 2022

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) are an emerging class of material actuators. LCE undergo macroscopic dimensional changes when subjected to a stimulus. The large stimuli‐response of LCE is associated with thermotropic disruption of order. Historically, comparatively high temperatures are required to disrupt orientation in LCE to achieve meaningful work output. Here, we introduce an approach to prepare LCE via thiol‐Michael/thiol–ene reactions that actuate at or below ambient temperature. Alignment was imparted to the LCE by mechanical alignment and 3D printing. The LCE materials detailed here achieve strains of 40 % with a maximum deformation rate of 6.5 % °C−1. The functional utility of the tunability of the thermotropic response of these materials is illustrated in reconfiguration triggered via body heat and sequential actuation of a multi‐material element.
Properties of direct coal liquefaction residue water slurry: Effect of mineral matters by acid‐leaching demineralization
Authors: Lv Dongmei , Wu Huijun , Wang Chenyong , Zheng Zhiqi , Zhang Xuejie , Li Jing , Gong Shuwen
Published: April 2022

The effects of demineralization treatment by acid leaching on the properties of direct coal liquefaction residue water slurry (DCLRWS) were investigated. The demineralized direct coal liquefaction residue (DCLR) with different mineral matter content and composition was prepared by leaching with the solution of HCl/HF, HCl, and HF, designated as DEM‐1, DEM‐2, and DEM‐3, respectively. After demineralization, the slurryability of DCLR decreases but their effective solid loading (ash‐free basis) increases. The results indicate that metallic minerals are the principal factor improving the slurryability of DCLRWS, mainly by increasing the dispersant adsorption capacity of DCLR. In addition, the decreasing density of DCLR after demineralization is not advantageous to its slurryability. DCLRWSs prepared by DCLR, DEM‐1, and DEM‐2 all have the same stabilization time (2 days), indicating that removal of metallic minerals could not deteriorate the stability. However, after removal of clay minerals, the slurries prepared by DEM‐3 tend to form sediment after stopping high‐speed stirring, attributed to its lowest zeta potential and loss of stability due to clay minerals. Except for DEM‐3, the slurries prepared by other three samples all have a shear‐thinning behavior, with the strongest behavior observed for DEM‐1 slurry.
Prospects of the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) to catalyse infrastructure financing
Authors: Nedopil Christoph , Larsen Mathias Lund , Yue Mengdi , Wang Yao
Published: April 2022

Initiated in 2017 and formally established in 2020, the Multilateral Cooperation Center for Development Finance (MCDF) is the latest addition to the development finance landscape in Asia. This article provides an in‐depth analysis of MCDFʼs potential to offer additionality in development finance and its political legitimacy by comparing it to 18 development finance and capacity‐building organisations. The article finds that while the MCDF contributes to closing the substantial infrastructure financing gap in Asia, it risks overlapping with existing initiatives to such a degree that it may become an inefficient use of resources while lacking legitimacy as a multilateral organisation due to its unclear relationship with Chinaʼs Belt and Road Initiative. From this outset, and given the climate mandates of its multilateral development bank members, this article finds that if the MCDF focuses specifically on green and climate finance, it could carve out an area where it can become a much‐needed new platform for project development and coordination.
Application of microfluidic technology in antibody screening
Authors: Sun Heng , Hu Ning , Wang Jianhua
Published: April 2022

Specific antibodies are widely used in the biomedical field. Current screening methods for specific antibodies mainly involve hybridoma technology and antibody engineering techniques. However, these technologies suffer from tedious screening processes, long preparation periods, high costs, low efficiency, and a degree of automation, which have become a bottleneck for the screening of specific antibodies. To overcome these difficulties, microfluidics has been developed as a promising technology for high‐throughput screening and high purity of antibody. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent advances in microfluidic applications for specific antibody screening. In particular, hybridoma technology and four antibody engineering techniques (including phage display, single B cell antibody screening, antibody expression, and cell‐free protein synthesis) based on microfluidics have been introduced, challenges, and the future outlook of these technologies are also discussed.
Screening of anti‐atrophic peptides by using photo‐cleavable peptide array and 96‐well scale contractile human skeletal muscle atrophy models
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuki , Ohsumi Saki , Nagashima Takunori , Akiyama Hirokazu , Honda Hiroyuki , Shimizu Kazunori
Published: April 2022

Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by decreases in protein content, myofiber diameter, and contractile force generation. As muscle atrophy worsens the quality of life, the development of anti‐atrophic substances is desirable. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate a screening process for anti‐atrophic peptides using photo‐cleavable peptide array technology and human contractile atrophic muscle models. We developed a 96‐well system and established a screening process with less variability. Dexamethasone‐induced human atrophic tissue was constructed in the system. Eight peptides were selected from the literature and used for the screening of peptides for preventing the decrease of the contractile forces of tissues. The peptide QIGFIW, which showed preventive activity, was selected as the seed sequence. As a result of amino acid substitution, we obtained QIGFIQ as a peptide with higher anti‐atrophic activity. These results indicate that the combinatorial use of the photo‐cleavable peptide array technology and 96‐well screening system could comprise a powerful approach to obtaining anti‐atrophic peptides, and suggest that the 96‐well screening system and atrophic model represent a practical and powerful tool for the development of drugs/functional food ingredients.
Assessment of Bioactivity‐Modulating Pseudo‐Ring Formation in Psilocin and Related Tryptamines
Authors: Lenz Claudius , Dörner Sebastian , Trottmann Felix , Hertweck Christian , Sherwood Alexander , Hoffmeister Dirk
Published: April 2022

Psilocybin (1) is the major alkaloid found in psychedelic mushrooms and acts as a prodrug to psilocin (2, 4‐hydroxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine), a potent psychedelic that exerts remarkable alteration of human consciousness. In contrast, the positional isomer bufotenin (7, 5‐hydroxy‐N,N‐dimethyltryptamine) differs significantly in its reported pharmacology. A series of experiments was designed to explore chemical differences between 2 and 7 and specifically to test the hypothesis that the C‐4 hydroxy group of 2 significantly influences the observed physical and chemical properties through pseudo‐ring formation via an intramolecular hydrogen bond (IMHB). NMR spectroscopy, accompanied by quantum chemical calculations, was employed to compare hydrogen bond behavior in 4‐ and 5‐hydroxylated tryptamines. The results provide evidence for a pseudo‐ring in 2 and that sidechain/hydroxyl interactions in 4‐hydroxytryptamines influence their oxidation kinetics. We conclude that the propensity to form IMHBs leads to a higher number of uncharged species that easily cross the blood‐brain barrier, compared to 7 and other 5‐hydroxytryptamines, which cannot form IMHBs. Our work helps understand a fundamental aspect of the pharmacology of 2 and should support efforts to introduce it (via the prodrug 1) as an urgently needed therapeutic against major depressive disorder.
PROTOCOL: Global elder abuse: A mega‐map of systematic reviews on prevalence, consequences, risk and protective factors and interventions
Authors: Mikton Christopher , Beaulieu Marie , Yon Yongjie , Cadieux Genesse Julien , St‐Martin Kevin , Byrne Mark , Phelan Amanda , Storey Jennifer , Rogers Michaela , Campbell Fiona , Ali Parveen , Burnes David , Band‐Winterstein Tova , Penhale Bridget , Lachs Mark , Pillemer Karl , Estenson Lilly , Marnfeldt Kelly , Eustace‐Cook Jessica , Sutton Anthea , Lacasse Francis
Published: April 2022

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: to produce a mega‐map which identifies, maps and provides a visual interactive display, based on systematic reviews on all the main aspects of elder abuse in both the community and in institutions, such as residential and long‐term care institutions.
CO Oxidation Catalytic Effects of Intrinsic Surface Defects in Rhombohedral LaMnO3
Authors: Tapia‐P Juan , Cao Yipeng , Gallego Jaime , Osorio‐Guillén Jorge M. , Morgan Dane , Espinal Juan F.
Published: April 2022

There is an ongoing effort to replace rare and expensive noble‐element catalysts with more abundant and less expensive transition metal oxides. With this goal in mind, the intrinsic defects of a rhombohedral perovskite‐like structure of LaMnO3 and their implications on CO catalytic properties were studied. Surface thermodynamic stability as a function of pressure (P) and temperature (T) were calculated to find the most stable surface under reaction conditions (P=0.2 atm, T=323 K to 673 K). Crystallographic planes (100), (111), (110), and (211) were evaluated and it was found that (110) with MnO2 termination was the most stable under reaction conditions. Adsorption energies of O2 and CO on (110) as well as the effect of intrinsic defects such as Mn and O vacancies were also calculated. It was found that O vacancies favor the interaction of CO on the surface, whereas Mn vacancies can favor the formation of carbonate species.
High gain miniaturrized super‐wideband microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Tewary Tapas , Maity Smarajit , Mukherjee Surajit , Roy Avisankar , Sarkar Partha Pratim , Bhunia Sunandan
Published: April 2022

A miniaturized super‐wideband (SWB) monopole antenna is presented in this work. Electrical dimension of the presented antenna is 0.239λ × 0.239λ × 0.0147λ, where λ indicates the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency. Presented antenna displays single −10 dB operating band from 2.75 to 28 GHz with 164% percentage bandwidth and bandwidth ratio of more than 10:1. The proposed SWB antenna exhibits a large bandwidth dimension ratio (BDR) of 2871 with realized gain of 4.80 dBi. Radiating patch of the proposed antenna is designed by modifying conventional rectangular patch by loading a matching stepwise structure. Further, in order to achieve SWB characteristics, the ground plane is reduced with a loaded rectangular notch for better impedance matching. The designed antenna has the advantages of simple planar miniaturized structure, acceptable gain, and wide bandwidth to support various objectives in modern wireless communication. To boost the maximum gain further over the entire frequency band, the proposed antenna is combined with the proposed frequency selective surface (FSS) which acts as a partially reflector surface. The antenna is placed over 4 × 4 FSS at suitable distance without hampering the obtained bandwidth of the antenna. FSS combined antenna structure, having the physical volume of 56 mm × 56 mm × 26.2 mm, exhibits realized gain of 9.3 dBi which is suitable for long range communication. CST MWS (Microwave studio) for simulation results of the suggested antenna and appropriate Microwave Test bench is used to verify the same.
Mottled Duck introductions to South Carolina: The ugly, the bad, and the good?
Authors: Davis J. Brian
Published: April 2022

Translocations or other movements of wildlife sometimes accomplish their intended objectives, but unforeseen consequences may arise and disrupt locally adapted ecological communities, restructure or dilute genetic integrity of populations or subspecies of the moved organism, and otherwise negatively influences a species’ long‐term fitness. Two historical populations of Mottled Ducks (Anas fulvigula) exist and are endemic to (1) Mexico and the West‐Gulf Coast (A.f.maculosa) regions of the United States and (2) Florida (A.f.fulvigula). From 1975 to 1983, 1285 Mottled Ducks from Florida, Louisiana, and Texas were released to coastal South Carolina, primarily to ultimately establish a legally harvestable population. This movement stirred mixed reactions amid the conservation community. Contemporary information suggests an increasing Mottled Duck population in South Carolina and possibly dispersing into Georgia. Herein, I objectively discuss the potential consequences of this new population per the birds’ evolution, ecology, and management. Ultimately, I suggest that this translocation is a long‐term benefit to the species.
The success of a habitat specialist biological control agent in the face of disturbance
Authors: Kishinevsky Miriam , Ives Anthony R.
Published: April 2022

Natural enemies that can use multiple habitats are thought to better withstand disturbances in agricultural systems than natural enemies that are habitat specialists. This is because habitat generalists have populations in multiple habitats that can serve as sources of immigrants into an agricultural crop following a disturbance. In contrast, the dynamics of habitat specialists are tightly coupled with those of one agricultural crop. Nonetheless, some habitat specialists are successful in highly disturbed environments. To test how the magnitude of within‐field disturbance affects biological control agents, we conducted a large‐scale field manipulation in alfalfa fields and monitored the response of pea aphids, habitat‐generalist predators, a habitat‐specialist parasitoid (Aphidius ervi), and hyperparasitoids of A. ervi. The manipulation involved three treatments: harvesting normally (intermediate disturbance); spraying insecticide immediately after harvesting (high disturbance); and harvesting in strips (low disturbance). As a group, the habitat‐generalist predator species showed a range of responses to disturbances, from no response to decreases in abundance in the high‐disturbance treatment, indicating differences in their response to the density of pea aphids following disturbances. Surprisingly, percentage parasitism by the habitat‐specialist parasitoid was little affected by experimental disturbance manipulations. Furthermore, two of the four hyperparasitoids of A. ervi were negatively affected by the magnitude of disturbance, suggesting that disturbance could have an indirect positive effect on A. ervi. These results suggest that a habitat specialist can overcome the detrimental effects of disturbances without using alternative habitats. In addition, disturbance can sometimes benefit biological control agents by disproportionally negatively affecting their enemies from the fourth trophic level.
Air‐Stable, Eco‐Friendly RRAMs Based on Lead‐Free Cs3Bi2Br9 Perovskite Quantum Dots for High‐Performance Information Storage
Authors: Cao Xiaofei , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Cheng Teng , Wang Yadong , Shi Zhifeng , Wang Jizheng , Zhang Li
Published: April 2022

Development of lead‐free halide perovskites that are innocuous and stable has become an attractive trend in resistive random access memory (RRAM) fields. However, their inferior memory properties compared with the lead‐based analogs hinder their commercialization. Herein, the lead‐free Cs3Bi2Br9 perovskite quantum dot (PQD)‐based RRAMs are reported with outstanding memory performance, where Cs3Bi2Br9 quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized via a modified ligand‐assisted recrystallization process. This is the first report of applying Cs3Bi2Br9 QDs as the switching layer for RRAM device. The Cs3Bi2Br9 QD device demonstrates nonvolatile resistive switching (RS) effect with large ON/OFF ratio of 105, low set voltage of −0.45 V, as well as good reliability, reproducibility, and flexibility. Concurrently, the device exhibits the notable tolerance toward moisture, heat and light illumination, and long‐term stability of 200 days. More impressively, the device shows the reliable light‐modulated RS behavior, and therefrom the logic gate operations including “AND” and “OR” are implemented, foreboding its prospect in logic circuits integrated with storage and computation. Such multifunctionality of device could be derived from the unique 2D layered crystal structure, small particle size, quantum confinement effect, and photoresponse of Cs3Bi2Br9 QDs. This work provides the strategy toward the high‐performance RRAMs based on stable and eco‐friendly perovskites for future applications.
Synthesis of 1,5‐Disubstituted Tetrazole−Indolizine Bis‐Heterocycles and Their Copper (II) Recognizing Properties
Authors: Niño‐Pantoja Israel , Gallardo‐Alfonzo Arturo , Solis‐Santos Melchor , Ordoñez Mario , Contreras‐Celedón Claudia , Islas‐Jácome Alejandro , Chacón‐García Luis , Cortés‐García Carlos J.
Published: April 2022

A novel bis‐heterocyclic system encompassing the 1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrrolo[3,4‐b]indolizin‐3‐one and 1,5‐disubstituted tetrazole moieties was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as a Copper (II) recognizing agent. This was achieved by exploiting the optical characteristics of indolizine and the copper recognizing activity of tetrazoles. For the preparation of these compounds, a novel and simple synthetic strategy consisting in a double one‐pot process involving four‐step reactions was developed. The first process is a one‐pot five component reaction by using propargylamine as a bifunctional reactant to access the key intermediate, the N‐acylated tetrazole. Consequently, N‐acylated tetrazole was subjected to a one‐pot three component reaction, consisting in a bimolecular nucleophilic substitution followed of a domino process to afford the target compounds. The photophysical properties of the obtained bis‐heterocycles were evaluated against copper (II) addition.
Fabrication of Graphene‐cuprous Oxide Hybrid Paste Electrodes for Capillary Electrophoretic Measurement of Polyhydroxy Compounds
Authors: Li Farui , Jiang Kunming , Wu Qianyu , Li Zhenjie , Chen Gang
Published: April 2022

An alkaline mixture containing copper(II) spices, graphene oxide and glucose was heated by far infrared radiations to synthesize graphene‐cuprous oxide hybrid. The hybrid was blended with mineral oil and packed into tubes to fabricate paste electrodes. The electrodes were coupled with capillary electrophoresis for the detection of polyhydroxy compounds. The sensitivities of them on the hybrid electrodes were significantly enhanced by taking advantages of graphene and cuprous oxide. The contents of polyhydroxy compounds in tobacco method was determined by the electrodes with satisfactory assay results.
Recent Advances in Stabilization of Sodium Metal Anode in Contact with Organic Liquid and Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Lu Qiongqiong , Yang Aikai , Omar Ahmad , Ma Qianli , Tietz Frank , Guillon Olivier , Mikhailova Daria
Published: April 2022

Sodium (Na) metal is considered as the promising anode for next‐generation high‐energy‐density Na‐metal batteries owing to its highest specific capacity and lowest electrochemical potential among all Na‐based anode candidates. However, the Na metal anode suffers from considerable volume change, nonuniform Na deposition, and an unstable electrode–electrolyte interface, which result in rapid capacity fade and poor cycling stability, hampering its practical application. To tackle aforementioned issues, many strategies have been developed to accommodate and guide Na nucleation/growth as well as stabilize the interface, including structure stabilization by applying 3D host materials, electrolyte modification and interface engineering to form stable interfaces and guide the Na deposition, etc. The present review is intended as a guideline through the fundamental challenges affecting the performance of Na metal anodes along with corresponding mitigation strategies. Moreover, the specific mechanisms for stabilizing Na metal anodes are discussed in detail. Apart from the stabilization of the Na metal anode in contact with liquid electrolytes, attention has also been paid to the review of stabilization of the Na metal anode in contact with solid‐state electrolytes. Furthermore, unresolved challenges and promising perspectives for stable Na metal anodes in practical applications are presented.
NAFLD‐related hepatocellular carcinoma: The growing challenge
Authors: Shah Pir Ahmad , Patil Rashmee , Harrison Stephen A.
Published: April 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer‐related mortality and morbidity worldwide. With the obesity pandemic, NAFLD‐related HCC is contributing to the burden of disease exponentially. Genetic predisposition and clinical risk factors for NAFLD‐related HCC have been identified. Cirrhosis is a well‐known and major risk factor for NAFLD‐related HCC. However, the occurrence of NAFLD‐related HCC in patients without cirrhosis is increasingly recognized and poses a significant challenge regarding cancer surveillance. It is of paramount importance to develop optimal risk stratification scores and models to identify subsets of the population at high risk so they can be enrolled in surveillance programs. In this review, we will discuss the risks and prediction models for NAFLD‐related HCC.
Bioinspired cellulose‐integrated MXene‐based hydrogels for multifunctional sensing and electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Wei Jingjiang , Zhu Chenglong , Zeng Zhihui , Pan Fei , Wan Fuqiang , Lei Liwen , Nyström Gustav , Fu Zhengyi
Published: April 2022

Bioinspired hydrogels are complex materials with distinctive properties comparable to biological tissues. Their exceptional sensitivity to various external stimuli leads to substantial application potential in wearable smart devices. However, these multifaceted hydrogels are often challenging to be combined with pattern customization, stimulus responsiveness, self‐healing, and biocompatibility. Herein, inspired by mussel secretions, a printable, self‐healing, and biocompatible MXene‐based composite hydrogel was designed and prepared by incorporating Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets into the hydrogel framework through the chelation of calcium ions (Ca2+) with polyacrylic acid and cellulose nanofibers at alkaline conditions. The biocompatible conductive hydrogel exhibited sensitivity (gauge factor of 2.16), self‐healing (within 1 s), recognition, and adhesion, distinguishing it as an ideal candidate for wearable multifunctional sensors toward strain sensing, vocal sensing, signature detection, and Morse code transmission. Additionally, the multifunctional hydrogel manifested efficient electromagnetic interference shielding properties (reaching more than 30 dB at a thickness of 2.0 mm), protecting electronics and humans from electromagnetic radiation and pollution. Therefore, the presented work represents a versatile strategy for developing environmentally friendly conductive hydrogels, demonstrating the perspectives of intelligent hydrogels for multifunctional applications.
Salvage focal brachytherapy in castration‐resistant prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation after radiation therapy
Authors: Komori Takahiro , Kosaka Takeo , Watanabe Keitaro , Tanaka Tomoki , Yasumizu Yota , Hongo Hiroshi , Mikami Shuji , Ohashi Toshio , Oya Mototsugu
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Treatment strategy for castration‐resistant prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation after radiation therapy has not been established.

Case presentation

We described a case of castration‐resistant prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation after initial external beam radiotherapy followed by salvage androgen deprivation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging detected recurrence of a suspicious lesion in the left lobe of the prostate, although the prostate‐specific antigen level was <0.2 ng/mL. Transperineal prostate saturation needle biopsy detected adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. The patient underwent salvage focal brachytherapy and had a prostate‐specific antigen progression‐free survival of 20 months with no obvious adverse events. No recurrence has been detected on magnetic resonance imaging for 18 months.

Conclusion

Salvage focal brachytherapy for prostate cancer after external beam radiotherapy can be one of the treatment strategies for local recurrence of castration‐resistant prostate cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation.
Biodegradable polyurethane scaffolds in regenerative medicine: Clinical translation review
Authors: Pedersen Drake D. , Kim Seungil , Wagner William R.
Published: April 2022

Early explorations of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine concepts commonly utilized simple polyesters such as polyglycolide, polylactide, and their copolymers as scaffolds. These biomaterials were deemed clinically acceptable, readily accessible, and provided processability and a generally known biological response. With experience and refinement of approaches, greater control of material properties and integrated bioactivity has received emphasis and a broadened palette of synthetic biomaterials has been employed. Biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) have emerged as an attractive option for synthetic scaffolds in a variety of tissue applications because of their flexibility in molecular design and ability to fulfill mechanical property objectives, particularly in soft tissue applications. Biodegradable PUs are highly customizable based on their composition and processability to impart tailored mechanical and degradation behavior. Additionally, bioactive agents can be readily incorporated into these scaffolds to drive a desired biological response. Enthusiasm for biodegradable PU scaffolds has soared in recent years, leading to rapid growth in the literature documenting novel PU chemistries, scaffold designs, mechanical properties, and aspects of biocompatibility. Despite the enthusiasm in the field, there are still few examples of biodegradable PU scaffolds that have achieved regulatory approval and routine clinical use. However, there is a growing literature where biodegradable PU scaffolds are being specifically developed for a wide range of pathologies and where relevant pre‐clinical models are being employed. The purpose of this review is first to highlight examples of clinically used biodegradable PU scaffolds, and then to summarize the growing body of reports on pre‐clinical applications of biodegradable PU scaffolds.
Atractylodin induces oxidative stress‐mediated apoptosis and autophagy in human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells through inhibition of the P13K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Li Zuowei , Song YeLin , Hou Wangjun , Qi Yingzi , Lu Xuxiang , Xue Ye , Huang Jie , Fang Qiong
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to determine the apoptosis and autophagy‐inducing mechanism of atractylodin in human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. The molecular mechanism of anticancer activity of atractylodin was confirmed by assessing the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidants activity, dual staining, and comet assay. Moreover, cleaved caspases 3, 8, and 9, and signaling proteins, such as p53, Bcl‐2, and Bax, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(P13K/Akt/mTOR), LC3I and LC3II, and beclin‐1 were analyzed. In MCF‐7 cells treated with atractylodin, the concentration‐dependent toxicity, increased LPO, increased production of ROS, and decreased activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidasewere observed. In MCF‐7 cells, atractylodin administration decreased Bcl‐2 expression while activating the expression of p53, Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and caspase‐9 apoptotic members. Furthermore, atractylodin blocked the P13K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, increased the conversion of LC3I to its lipidated form of LC3II, and increased beclin‐1 expression, whereas downregulated the p62 expression in MCF‐7 cells. As a result, altering apoptotic and autophagy‐related biomarkers, atractylodin triggered apoptosis and autophagy in MCF‐7 cells. As a result, atractylodin could be utilized to treat human breast cancer after the proper clinical trial.
Creatinine–cystatin C ratio and mortality in cancer patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jung Chan‐Young , Kim Hyung Woo , Han Seung Hyeok , Yoo Tae‐Hyun , Kang Shin‐Wook , Park Jung Tak
Published: April 2022

Background

Muscle wasting is prevalent in cancer patients, and early recognition of this phenomenon is important for risk stratification. Recent studies have suggested that the creatinine–cystatin C ratio may correlate with muscle mass in several patient populations. The association between creatinine–cystatin C ratio and survival was assessed in cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 3060 patients who were evaluated for serum creatinine and cystatin C levels at the time of cancer diagnosis were included. The primary outcome was 6‐month mortality. The 1‐year mortality, and length of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay were also evaluated.

Results

The mean age was 61.6 ± 13.5 years, and 1409 patients (46.0%) were female. The median creatinine and cystatin C levels were 0.9 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.6–1.3) mg/dL and 1.0 (IQR, 0.8–1.5) mg/L, respectively, with a creatinine–cystatin C ratio range of 0.12–12.54. In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, an increase in the creatinine–cystatin C ratio was associated with a significant decrease in the 6‐month mortality (per 1 creatinine–cystatin C ratio, hazard ratio [HR] 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28–0.44). When stratified into quartiles, the risk of 6‐month mortality was significantly lower in the highest quartile (HR 0.30; 95% CI, 0.24–0.37) than in the lowest quartile. Analysis of 1‐year mortality outcomes revealed similar findings. These associations were independent of confounding factors. The highest quartile was also associated with shorter lengths of ICU and hospital stay (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The creatinine–cystatin C ratio at the time of cancer diagnosis significantly associates with survival and hospitalization in cancer patients.
Perceptions and knowledge of nurses on incident reporting systems: Exploratory study in three Northeastern Italian Departments
Authors: Napoli Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Reporting of adverse clinical events (IRs) is believed to be an effective methodology for optimizing health care safety, however, only 1%–3% of incidents are reported by healthcare professionals, lack of information resulting from errors/adverse events/near misses limits the development of safety and improvement measures. This study aimed to identify barrier factors/incentives to report adverse events and find possible improvement strategies and possible correlations between the population under examination and the willingness to report through Incident Reporting. An ad hoc questionnaire was used and administered to 122 nurses belonging to three different departments of an Italian hospital. The frequency with which improvement interventions are noted following an IR report (p = 0.014) and the support received from their managers (p = 0.014) in reporting are among the factors that can have the greatest impact on the use of IR among the respondents. The no‐blame policies and the attention that nursing managers place on clinical risk management can influence the culture of safety among nurses. Involving nurse managers in the dissemination of the IR can represent a possible strategy to be undertaken by corporate clinical risk managers in order to increase the culture of safety among nurses.
Conceptualizing forgiveness: A review and path forward
Authors: Brady Daniel L. , Saldanha Maria Francisca , Barclay Laurie J.
Published: April 2022

Forgiveness is a valuable conflict management strategy that has numerous benefits in workplace settings (e.g., for employees, team dynamics, dyadic relationships, and organizations). However, important conceptual questions have emerged, especially as scholars have begun to examine forgiveness in the workplace. To better understand these issues, we conduct a critical review and analysis of the extant literature to identify key conceptual issues that are creating challenges for the study of forgiveness in organizational behavior. Building on these insights, we propose that conceptualizing forgiveness as a special case of emotion regulation can provide a strong conceptual and theoretical foundation that can address these challenges. Moreover, we outline how this approach can create exciting new research avenues that can enhance our theoretical understanding of forgiveness (e.g., distinguishing between the processes underlying forgiveness; identifying points of intervention to promote forgiveness; exploring the role of time in forgiveness; examining how context impacts forgiveness). We also identify how this approach can provide novel practical insights into how forgiveness can be facilitated and effectively managed in the workplace.
Detection of thiram on fruit surfaces and in juices with minimum sample pretreatment via a bendable and reusable substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Huang Yiqun , Miao Junjian , Lai Keqiang
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates based on metallic nanoparticles locked in some flexible materials have great potential for rapid detection of pesticide residues in foods, but these substrates are generally not reusable.

RESULTS

A bendable and reusable sponge based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Au nanospheres was synthesized and employed as SERS substrate to analyze thiram on the surfaces of apples and grapes (20–1000 ng cm−2) and in their juices (0.5–5.0 mg L−1) with minimum sample pretreatments. The lowest detectible concentrations for thiram in fruit juices and on fruit skins were 0.5 mg L−1 and 20 ng cm−2, respectively. The Au‐PDMS substrate had acceptable intra‐reproducibility for SERS analysis of thiram in fruit juices and on fruit skins, resulting in 3.6–16.9% relative standard deviation (RSD) for the SERS signal of the primary peak of thiram. Moreover, the Au‐PDMS substrate exhibited distinguished reusability and stability, which could provide a reproducible SERS signal of thiram in apple juice even after the substrate being reused ten times (RSDs for the three major characteristic peaks of thiram were 2.7–10.5% during the ten reused cycles).

CONCLUSION

This flexible and reusable Au‐PDMS SERS substrate for thiram detection could be readily extended to the analysis of other trace chemicals in a broad range of foods, providing a new possibility for SERS application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pharmacokinetics, hepatic disposition, and heart tissue distribution of 14 compounds in rat after oral administration of Qi‐Li‐Qiang‐Xin capsule via ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Tang Xi‐Yang , Dai Zi‐Qin , Zeng Jia‐Xing , Li Zi‐Ting , Fan Cai‐Lian , Yao Zhi‐Hong , Yao Xin‐Sheng , Dai Yi
Published: April 2022

In the present study, a specific and sensitive approach using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the quantitative analysis of 14 constituents in rat plasma, liver, and heart. The method was fully validated and successfully applied to pharmacokinetic, hepatic disposition, and heart tissue distribution studies of 14 compounds after the oral administration of Qi‐Li‐Qiang‐Xin capsule. Ginsenoside Rb1, alisol A, astragaloside IV, and periplocymarin were found to be highly exposed in rat plasma, while toxic components such as hypaconitine, mesaconitine, and periplocin had low circulation levels in vivo. Moreover, sinapine thiocyanate, neoline, formononetin, calycosin, and alisol A exhibited significant liver first‐pass effects. Notably, high levels of alisol A, periplocymarin, benzoylmesaconine, and benzoylhypaconine were observed in the heart. Based on high exposure and appropriate pharmacokinetic features in the systemic plasma and heart, astragaloside IV, ginsenoside Rb1, periplocymarin, benzoylmesaconine, benzoylhypaconine, and alisol A can be considered as the main potentially effective components. Ultimately, the results provide relevant information for discovery of effective substances, as well as further anti‐heart failure action mechanism investigations of Qi‐Li‐Qiang‐Xin capsule.
Nonseparable States of Light: From Quantum to Classical
Authors: Shen Yijie , Rosales‐Guzmán Carmelo
Published: April 2022

Controlling the various degrees‐of‐freedom (DoFs) of structured light at both quantum and classical levels is of paramount importance in optics. It is a conventional paradigm to treat diverse DoFs separately in light shaping. While, the more general case of nonseparable states of light, in which two or more DoFs are coupled in a nonseparable way, has become topical recently. Importantly, classical nonseparable states of light are mathematically analogue to quantum entangled states. Such similarity has hatched attractive studies in structured light, for example, the spin‐orbit coupling in vector beams. However, nonseparable classical states of light are still treated in a fragmented fashion, while its forms are not limited by vector beams and its potential is certainly not fully exploited. For instance, exotic space‐time coupled pulses open nontrivial light shaping toward ultrafast time scales, and ray‐wave geometric beams provide new dimensions in optical manipulations. Here, a bird's eye view on the rapidly growing but incoherent body of work on general nonseparable states involving various DoFs of light is provided and a unified framework for their classification and tailoring, providing a perspective on new opportunities for both fundamental science and applications, is introduced.
A Porphyrinic Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Porous Polymer as Highly Efficient Photocatalyst for PET–RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Zhao Maoji , Zhu Shuaishuai , Yang Xue , Wang Yong , Zhou Xingping , Xie Xiaolin
Published: April 2022

Heterogeneous catalysts offer a highly desirable platform for exploring environmental‐benign transformation systems, yet, they typically suffer from significant loss of catalytic efficiency compared with their homogeneous counterparts. Here, the facile synthesis of a porphyrinic conjugated porous polymer incorporated with imidazolium bromide moieties by taking advantage of the Debus–Radziszewski reaction is reported. Owing to the unique donor–acceptor structure, this heterogeneous and metal‐free photocatalyst exhibits much improved catalytic activity compared with its small molecular analogs in photoinduced electron transfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET–RAFT) polymerization, producing polymers with narrow distribution (Đ = 1.06–1.18) and high degree of chain‐end fidelity. Moreover, the heterogeneous catalyst can be easily separated at the end of polymerization by centrifugation and recycled for five independent PET–RAFT polymerizations without obvious decreases in catalytic efficiency.
Global well‐posedness of inviscid lake equations in the Besov spaces
Authors: Li Yatao , Liu Jitao , Wu Yanxia
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we make the first attempt to investigate the Cauchy problem of a shallow water model, namely, the inviscid lake equations, in the Besov spaces. Notably, we prove the global existence and uniqueness of the solutions in the Besov spaces
for
and
if
, which contain the particular case of the endpoint Besov space
.
Optical black hole characteristics using microring space‐time distortion circuit
Authors: Prabpal Prakasit , Youplao Phichai , Ray Kanad , Boonkirdram Sarawoot , Yupapin Preecha
Published: April 2022

An optical black hole circuit designing and modeling using microring Kerr effect within the microring resonator system is proposed. An InGaAsP/InP material other than metamaterials are employed for optical black hole generation. The input sources are the space‐time function modulations, where the resonant space‐time distortion of the electric field propagation through the circuit can be arranged to meet the balanced optical path differences. The nonlinearr Kerr effect can be generated by the two side rings and induced into the center ring. The optical black hole circuit characteristics are investigated from the event horizon to the singularity area, where the potential for a high‐performance light absorber can be envisaged. In applications, the device can be employed in photovoltaics and quantum technology.
Motion‐corrected 3D‐EPTI with efficient 4D navigator acquisition for fast and robust whole‐brain quantitative imaging
Authors: Dong Zijing , Wang Fuyixue , Setsompop Kawin
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To develop a motion estimation and correction method for motion‐robust three‐dimensional (3D) quantitative imaging with 3D‐echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging.

Theory and Methods

The 3D‐echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging technique was designed with additional four‐dimensional navigator acquisition (x‐y‐z‐echoes) to achieve fast and motion‐robust quantitative imaging of the human brain. The four‐dimensional‐navigator is inserted into the relaxation‐recovery deadtime of the sequence in every pulse TR (∼2 s) to avoid extra scan time, and to provide continuous tracking of the 3D head motion and B0‐inhomogeneity changes. By using an optimized spatiotemporal encoding combined with a partial‐Fourier scheme, the navigator acquires a large central k‐t data block for accurate motion estimation using only four small‐flip‐angle excitations and readouts, resulting in negligible signal‐recovery reduction to the 3D‐echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging acquisition. By incorporating the estimated motion and B0‐inhomogeneity changes into the reconstruction, multi‐contrast images can be recovered with reduced motion artifacts.

Results

Simulation shows the cost to the SNR efficiency from the added navigator acquisitions is <1%. Both simulation and in vivo retrospective experiments were conducted, that demonstrate the four‐dimensional navigator provided accurate estimation of the 3D motion and B0‐inhomogeneity changes, allowing effective reduction of image artifacts in quantitative maps. Finally, in vivo prospective undersampling acquisition was performed with and without head motion, in which the motion corrupted data after correction show close image quality and consistent quantifications to the motion‐free scan, providing reliable quantitative measurements even with head motion.

Conclusion

The proposed four‐dimensional navigator acquisition provides reliable tracking of the head motion and B0 change with negligible SNR cost, equips the 3D‐echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging technique for motion‐robust and efficient quantitative imaging.