bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal Modification of As‐Spun Polyurethane Micro‐Nanofibers Using Silk Fibroin and Biologically Reduced Silver Nanoparticles for Efficient Hydrophilicity and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Khan Rumysa Saleem , Rather Anjum Hamid , Wani Taha Umair , Rafiq Muheeb , Rather Sami‐Ullah , Jadhav Arvind H , M. Hemavathi , Kanjwal Muzafar A. , Sheikh Faheem A.
Published: July 2023

The hydrophobicity of polyurethane fibers is undesired for tissue engineering. In this work, fibers are fabricated by electrospinning and coated with silk fibroin (SF) for biocompatibility and biologically synthesized silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) for antibacterial activity. The scanning electron microscopy reveals the undistorted morphology and the presence of NPs on fibers. The Fourier transform infrared and thermogravimetric analysis show the successful incorporation of SF and Ag NPs. The water contact angle drops from 101.26±0.2° in pristine to 3.1±0.3° in the hydrothermally treated fibers. The moisture regain from 1.87±0.3% to 6.7±0.4% is observed after 24 h. The mineralization shows the hydroxyapatite NPs in all composites. The large zone of inhibition is observed in the composite, with the Ag NPs equal to 11.5±0.04 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and 18.91±0.02 mm for Escherichia coli. The increased proliferation of HEK 293T cells for 6 days of culture on composite scaffolds compared to the pristine scaffolds is achieved. The cell attachment examinations show successful attachment of cells on fibers and nuclear staining analysis shows the highest proliferation in scaffolds with an intermediate concentration of Ag NPs (10%). This strategy presents a novel improvisation for as‐spun PU fibers that can fabricate wound‐healing biomaterials for tissue engineering.
Bioelectronic Applications of Intrinsically Conductive Polymers
Authors: Gao Xianglin , Bao Yilin , Chen Zhijun , Lu Jipei , Su Tong , Zhang Lei , Ouyang Jianyong
Published: July 2023

Since the discovery of conducting polyacetylene in the 1970s, intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) have attracted great attention because of their interesting structure, properties, and applications. Notably different from conventional conductors such as metals and doped semiconductors, ICPs have high mechanical flexibility and are light weight. In addition, their properties can be easily tuned by controlling the doping level, modifying the chemical structure, or forming composites with organic or inorganic materials. Their application in bioelectronics is particularly interesting because they have good biocompatibility and good mechanical matching with biological tissues. In this article, the methods to increase the mechanical stretchability of ICPs are first reviewed because high stretchability is often required for bioelectronic applications while pristine ICPs generally have limited stretchability. The application of ICPs as stretchable electrodes for epidermal biopotential detection and neural interfaces is discussed. Then, the employment of ICPs as the electrodes or sensing material of mechanical sensors is reviewed. They also have important application in controllable drug delivery. Last, their applications in the wearable energy harvesting and storage devices including thermoelectric generators and supercapacitors are also covered.
Origami‐Enabled Stretchable Electrodes Based on Parylene Deposition and 3D Printing
Authors: Del Duca Fulvia , Hiendlmeier Lukas , Al Fata Reem , Al Boustani George , Kopic Inola , Peng Hu , De Chiara Beatrice , Nikić Marta , Zurita Francisco , Teshima Tetsuhiko , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: July 2023

Thin film electronic devices based on flexible biocompatible substrates are desired in various fields such as implants, soft robotics, and wearables, where stretchability is often necessary. Structure‐enabled stretchability in flexible thin films can be achieved by introducing origami‐inspired folds, thereby storing excess material in the out‐of‐plane direction to unfold upon stress. When using vapor‐deposited substrates such as parylene‐C, folds can be introduced prefabrication using molds patterned in repeated grooves and ridges. Here, this work reports the fabrication and parametrization of 10‐µm‐thick stretchable origami parylene‐C electrodes using 3D printed molds. The molds are printed with a sinusoidal pattern and tunable amplitude and slope, with accurate printing results up to 60° steepness. A 160‐nm‐thick gold layer on top of the folded parylene is patterned via laser ablation following the 3D mold shape. Depending on the design parameters, the resulting electrodes maintain functionality until 40%–100% strain. By 3D printing the molds, this technique can fabricate electrodes with complete control of the designed directions of stretchability in a rapid prototyping approach.
A Molecular Precursor‐Based Copper Antimony Sulfide Photodetector with Enhanced Performance by Silver Doping
Authors: Wang Yarong , Shan Yufeng , Li Wen , Shi Jichao , Hou Jingshan , Zhao Guoying , Dai Ning , Wang Feng , Fang Yongzheng , Liu Yufeng
Published: July 2023

Ternary copper chalcogenide semiconductors made of copper antimony sulfide (CuSbS2) are promising absorbers for high‐performance photoelectric devices due to their non‐toxic, abundant constituent elements and superior optoelectronic characteristics. However, the presence of a large number of CuSb antisite defects and atomic disorder suppress its performance in photodetection. Herein, a non‐vacuum, facile spin‐coating method based on an organic molecular precursor solution is employed to fabricate the preferable CuSbS2 thin films. With the aid of good adhesion between precursor solution and substrate, compact CuSbS2 thin films are in situ grown on the substrate. Meanwhile, the isoelectronic element of Ag‐doped CuSbS2 thin films can be realized by introducing Ag of varying amounts in the precursor. As a result, the concentration of CuSb defects decreases monotonically as the ratio of Ag/(Ag + Cu) increases from 0% to 5%. Compared with the undoped CuSbS2 device, the 5% Ag‐doped CuSbS2 photodetector achieves the optimum responsibility (R) of 244.48 A W−1, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 749.28% and the specific detectivity (D*) of 8.73 × 1012 Jones, which are increased by 76.4, 76.5, and 38.0 times, respectively. This study provides a novel strategy to achieve high‐performance CuSbS2 photodetectors by suppressing the CuSb inversion defects in the Ag‐doped thin film.
Liposomal Enzyme Nanoreactors Based on Nanoconfinement for Efficient Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Wang Ran , Yu Yingjie , Gai Meiyu , Mateos‐Maroto Ana , Morsbach Svenja , Xia Xiang , He Maomao , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun , Landfester Katharina , Jiang Shuai , Sun Wen
Published: July 2023

Enzymatic reactions can consume endogenous nutrients of tumors and produce cytotoxic species and are therefore promising tools for treating malignant tumors. Inspired by nature where enzymes are compartmentalized in membranes to achieve high reaction efficiency and separate biological processes with the environment, we develop liposomal nanoreactors that can perform enzymatic cascade reactions in the aqueous nanoconfinement of liposomes. The nanoreactors effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo by consuming tumor nutrients (glucose and oxygen) and producing highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH). Co‐compartmentalization of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in liposomes could increase local concentration of the intermediate product hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as well as the acidity due to the generation of gluconic acid by GOx. Both H2O2 and acidity accelerate the second‐step reaction by HRP, hence improving the overall efficiency of the cascade reaction. The biomimetic compartmentalization of enzymatic tandem reactions in biocompatible liposomes provides a promising direction for developing catalytic nanomedicines in antitumor therapy.
Preparation and properties of high vinyl polybutadiene/sepiolite nanocomposites using a sepiolite immobilized Mo‐based catalyst
Authors: Deng Qian , Wang Xiaotong , Fu Yuan , Li Shengkai , Liu Jinhui , Hua Jing
Published: July 2023

The preparation of polymer/nanoclay nanocomposite has received much attention in recent years from both academic researchers and industry. The addition of nanoclay in polymer matrix could prepare material with improved performance and reduced cost. However, nanocaly is easy to agglomerate resulting in poor dispersion in the matrix. In this work, we proposed the immobilized catalyst prepared by coordination between molybdenum pentachloride (MoCl5) and hydroxyl groups on the nano sepiolite. The obtained sepiolite immobilized catalyst was used for the in situ polymerization of butadiene. The butadiene monomers were diffused into the tiny holes and channels of the sepiolite and sepiolite dispersed uniformly by the effect of in situ polymerization. The immobilization of sepiolite improves the dispersity of MoCl5 during polymerization and further enhances the activity of the catalyst. The coordination between sepiolite and MoCl5 results in a slight drop in vinyl content, and the molecular weight distribution remain unchanged. The flame retardant property of the nanocomposite was further investigated, and the result shows that the addition of sepiolite could increase the Oxygen index. This novel composite with well‐dispersed sepiolite and high content of vinyl can be further applied to flame‐retardant elastic materials.
Finite element modeling of programmable liquid crystal elastomer plates and its application in text display
Authors: Huang Kezhen , Wang Kaifa , Wang Baolin
Published: July 2023

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have wide and potential applications in artificial muscles, soft robots, biomedical devices, and so on. On the application of LCE plate in text display, different from others' work where specially shaped ultraviolet (UV) lighting is used, in this paper, the programmable deformation of LCE plates with arbitrary liquid crystal orientation subjected to uniform light illumination is investigated. A photomechanical coupling finite element method (FEM) is developed, in which the impact of the shear strains induced by light is taken into account. Inspired by the FEM, the LCE plate is divided into finite small regions. By altering the liquid crystal orientation of each region in the LCE plate, the ability to generate 24 letters and 10 numbers through light‐induced deformations is demonstrated. Matrixes of the liquid crystal orientation corresponding to each letter and number are provided. This work indicates that it is possible for blind people to read text information by touching the deformed LCE plate.
First Exclusive Stereo‐ and Regioselective Preparation of 5‐Arylimino‐1,3,4‐Selenadiazole Derivatives: Synthesis, NMR analysis, and Computational Studies
Authors: Moussa Ziad , Perez Paz Alejandro , Khalaf Mohamed A. , Judeh Zaher M. A. , Alzamly Ahmed , Samadi Abdelouahid , Al‐Fahemi Jabir H. , Tatina Madhu Babu , Al‐Masri Harbi Tomah , Jassas Rabab S. , Ahmed Saleh A.
Published: July 2023

Isoselenocyanates are valuable coupling partners required for preparing key chemical intermediates and biologically active molecules in an accelerated and effective way. Likewise, (Z)‐2‐oxo‐N‐phenylpropanehydrazonoyl chlorides have been employed in numerous one‐step heteroannulation reactions to assemble the structural core of several various kinds of heterocyclic compounds. Here, we describe the inverse electron demand 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of isoselenocyanates with a variety of substituted (Z)‐2‐oxo‐N‐phenylpropanehydrazonoyl chlorides to generate, regioselectively and stereoselectively, a series of 5‐arylimino‐1,3,4‐selenadiazole derivatives comprising a multitude of functional groups on both aryl rings. The synthetic method features gentle room‐temperature conditions, wide substrate scope, and good to high reaction yields. The selenadiazoles were separated by gravity filtration in all instances and chemical structures were validated by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and high accuracy mass spectral measurements. First conclusive molecular structure elucidation of the observed 5‐arylimino‐selenadiazole regioisomer was verified by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Crystal‐structure measurement was successfully carried out on (Z)‐1‐(4‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐5‐(p‐tolylimino)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐selenadiazol‐2‐yl)ethan‐1‐one and (Z)‐1‐(5‐((4‐methoxyphenyl)imino)‐4‐(4‐(methylthio)phenyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1,3,4‐selenadiazol‐2‐yl)ethan‐1‐one. Likewise, the (Z)‐geometry of the hydrazonoyl chloride reactant was proven by X‐ray diffraction studies. As representative examples, crystal‐structure determination was carried out on (Z)‐2‐oxo‐N‐phenylpropanehydrazonoyl chloride and (Z)‐N‐(3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐2‐oxopropanehydrazonoyl chloride. Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP‐D4/def2‐TZVP level were conducted to support the noted experimental findings and suggested mechanism.
No evidence for high inflexible precision of prediction errors in autism during lexical processing
Authors: Howard Philippa L. , Pagán Ascensión
Published: July 2023

Research has shown that information processing differences associated with autism could impact on language and literacy development. This study tested an approach to autistic cognition that suggests learning occurs via prediction errors, and autistic people have very precise and inflexible predictions that result in more sensitivity to meaningless signal errors than non‐autistic readers. We used this theoretical background to investigate whether differences in prediction coding influence how orthographic (Experiment 1) and semantic information (Experiment 2) is processed by autistic readers. Experiment 1 used a lexical decision task to test whether letter position information was processed less flexibly by autistic than non‐autistic readers. Three types of letter strings: words, transposed letter and substituted letters nonwords were presented. Experiment 2 used a semantic relatedness task to test whether autistic readers processed words with high and low semantic diversity differently to non‐autistic readers. Results showed similar transposed letter and semantic diversity effects for all readers; indicating that orthographic and semantic information are processed similarly by autistic and non‐autistic readers; and therefore, differences in prediction coding were not evident for these lexical processing tasks.
Preoperative resting‐state microstate as a marker for chronic pain after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Li Yaru , Wang Lu , Han Qiaoyu , Han Qi , Jiang Luyang , Wu Yaqing , Feng Yi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Chronic postoperative pain poses challenges, emphasizing the importance of accurately predicting pain in advance. Generally, pain perception is associated with the temporal dynamics of the brain, which can be represented by microstates. Specifically, microstates are transient and patterned brain topographies formed by temporally overlapping and spatially synchronized oscillatory activities. Consequently, by characterizing brain activity, microstates offer valuable insights into pain perception.

Methods

In this prospective study, 66 female patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were included. Their preoperative resting‐state electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Preoperative resting‐state EEG was recorded and four specific brain microstates (labeled as A, B, C, and D) were extracted. Temporal characteristics were then analyzed from these microstates. Patients were classified into two groups based on their Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) scores at three months postoperatively. Those with NRS scores ranging from 4 to 10 were classified as the high pain group, while patients with NRS ranging from 0 to 3 were classified as the lowpain group. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the microstate characteristics between these two groups.

Results

Twenty‐one patients (32%) were classified as the high pain group and forty‐five (68%) as the low‐pain group. The occurrence and coverage of microstate C were significantly higher in the high pain group. Additionally, there were significant differences in the microstates transitions between the two groups. Furthermore, the study revealed a positive correlation between the coverage of microstate C and the NRS.

Conclusions

Preoperative resting‐state microstate features have shown correlations with postoperative pain. This study presents a novel and advanced perspective on the potential of microstates as a marker for postoperative pain.
Sustainable transitions in the surfing sector. The role of risk and branding
Authors: Borne Gregory
Published: July 2023

This paper explores a theoretical and empirical discussion of the ability of business form a particular sector to transition towards sustainability. The paper contextualises the discussion within the theoretical framework of a ‘Risk Society’ as outlined by Ulrich Beck. In particular, the paper highlights the relationship between sustainable development, and what Beck describes as the emergence of an emancipatory catastrophism. This theoretical framework is then applied to a novel approach for exploring sustainability through the process of branding ultimately highlighting an industry's receptiveness to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Uniquely, this paper challenges and expands on the narrative of branding as a discursive process that moves beyond a narrow marketing framework. Using a mixed methods approach of in‐depth observation, interviews and surveys, the paper focuses on a case study of the largest lifestyle retailer in the surf skate and snow sector. The empirical research is applied both within the case study company itself and over 300 brands in the surf skate and snow sector. Results point to a receptiveness to embedding the sustainable development goals in business models whilst highlighting the challenges that exist from both a business operation and resourcing perspective through to external factors. Furthermore, results highlight the disparity between internal business processes and the process branding. A typology is presented that highlights the relationship between business, the sustainable development goals and theoretical debates.
First things first: Unselfconscious corporate virtuosity and corporate performance
Authors: Gould Anthony M. , Joullié Jean‐Etienne , Gould Kate
Published: July 2023

This article investigates the relationship between unselfconscious corporate virtuosity and corporate performance using a novel methodology. It contends that honesty in presenting CSR activities is a proxy for corporate virtuosity and that syntheticity of language indexes unselfconscious honesty in corporate reporting. The study's research question is: Is there evidence that being more corporately ethical in the absence of concern about being so perceived enhances hardcore measures of organisational performance? To answer this question, a linguistic analysis of sustainability reports of firms operating in the Mining, Crude Oil Production Industry is undertaken to reveal that firms' financial performance varies as a function of a particular kind of straightforward language use in corporate reporting. This exercise provides evidence that unselfconscious corporate virtuosity is associated with better corporate financial performance. Implications for practice of this finding are explored.
Metal‐organic framework‐based single‐atom electro‐/photocatalysts: Synthesis, energy applications, and opportunities
Authors: Ahmad Munir , Chen Jiahui , Liu Jianwen , Zhang Yan , Song Zhongxin , Afzal Shahzad , Raza Waseem , Zeb Liaqat , Mehmood Andleeb , Hussain Arshad , Zhang Jiujun , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Luo Jing‐Li
Published: July 2023

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have gained substantial attention because of their exceptional catalytic properties. However, the high surface energy limits their synthesis, thus creating significant challenges for further development. In the last few years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant consideration as ideal candidates for synthesizing SACs due to their tailorable chemistry, tunable morphologies, high porosity, and chemical/thermal stability. From this perspective, this review thoroughly summarizes the previously reported methods and possible future approaches for constructing MOF‐based (MOF‐derived‐supported and MOF‐supported) SACs. Then, MOF‐based SAC's identification techniques are briefly assessed to understand their coordination environments, local electronic structures, spatial distributions, and catalytic/electrochemical reaction mechanisms. This review systematically highlights several photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications of MOF‐based SACs for energy conversion and storage, including hydrogen evolution reactions, oxygen evolution reactions, O2/CO2/N2 reduction reactions, fuel cells, and rechargeable batteries. Some light is also shed on the future development of this highly exciting field by highlighting the advantages and limitations of MOF‐based SACs.
Self‐Diffusion of a Chemical Warfare Agent Simulant and Water in Nafion by Pulsed Field Gradient NMR
Authors: Trusty Blake , Fang Junchuan , Angelopoulos Anastasios , Vasenkov Sergey
Published: July 2023

Pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR at high magnetic field was used to study microscopic diffusion of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), a common chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulant, and water in Nafion membranes. PFG NMR measurements were performed for a broad range of molecular displacements. The self‐diffusivities were measured as a function of the DMMP concentration for several fixed water concentrations. The measured data suggest that DMMP and water diffuse in different regions of Nafion. While water mostly diffuses in hydrophilic regions of the membrane, viz. water channels, DMMP diffusion is mostly limited to interfacial perfluoroether regions between these water channels and the semi‐crystalline matrix.
Diastereoselective Construction of α‐Fluoroalkyl Cycloalkanols via Radical Alkylation of α‐Fluoroalkyl Ketones†
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Ji , Zhou Yulu , Zheng Hanliang , Shen Zhenlu , Zhu Gangguo
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

α‐Fluoroalkyl (Rf) alcohols are privileged motifs in drugs and pharmaceutically active compounds. As such, it is highly desirable to develop efficient methods for assembling these scaffolds. Herein, a visible‐light‐induced cascade radical cyclization of alkenyl fluoroalkyl ketones is developed, producing a variety of decorate α‐Rf cycloalkanols in promising yields with up to >20 : 1 dr selectivity. A radical chain mechanism involving an intramolecular radical addition to the α‐Rf carbonyl group and a subsequent intermolecular hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) has been proposed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that a fluorine effect contributes to the radical addition to carbonyls by lowering the π* (C=O) orbital energy of CORf and energy barrier of the HAT between alkoxy radicals and THF, which may be valuable for controllable transformations of fluorinated molecules.
Loss of TRPC2 function in mice alters sex differences in brain regions regulating social behaviors
Authors: Pfau Daniel R. , Baribeau Sarah , Brown Felix , Khetarpal Niki , Marc Breedlove S. , Jordan Cynthia L.
Published: July 2023

The transient receptor potential cation channel 2 (TRPC2) conveys pheromonal information from the vomeronasal organ (VNO) to the brain. Both male and female mice lacking this gene show altered sex‐typical behavior as adults. We asked whether TRPC2, highly expressed in the VNO, normally participates in the development of VNO‐recipient brain regions controlling mounting and aggression, two behaviors affected by TRPC2 loss. We now report significant effects of TRPC2 loss in both the posterodorsal aspect of the medial amygdala (MePD) and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) of male and female mice. In the MePD, a sex difference in neuron number was eliminated by the TRPC2 knockout (KO), but the effect was complex, with fewer neurons in the right MePD of females, and fewer neurons in the left MePD of males. In contrast, MePD astrocytes were unaffected by the KO. In the ventrolateral (vl) aspect of the VMH, KO females were like wildtype (WT) females, but TRPC2 loss had a dramatic effect in males, with fewer neurons than WT males and a smaller VMHvl overall. We also discovered a glial sex difference in VMHvl of WTs, with females having more astrocytes than males. Interestingly, TRPC2 loss increased astrocyte number in males in this region. We conclude that TRPC2 normally participates in the sexual differentiation of the mouse MePD and VMHvl. These changes in two key VNO‐recipient regions may underlie the effects of the TRPC2 KO on behavior.
Secure identity key and blockchain‐based authentication approach for secure data communication in multi‐WSN
Authors: Ganeshan Arulkumaran , Jayagopalan Santhosh , Perumal Balamurugan , Sarveshwaran Velliangiri
Published: July 2023

Blockchain technology is an effective way to protect data that is handled by wireless sensor network (WSN). The traditional authentication protocol relies on trusted third parties, and most of the WSN paradigm does not allow these conditions, which results in single‐point failure. Sometimes the authentication process is slower, eventually hampers user experience, and thus users are inclined towards other alternatives that can offer multi‐factor authentication. To solve such issues, a secure identity key and blockchain‐based authentication framework is designed using a hybrid blockchain system in multi‐WSN to enhance the system's security. The nodes cooperate in the network to perform specific tasks such that interaction between nodes ensures the legitimacy of node's identity. With hybrid blockchain technology, nodes' identity information is authenticated and stored in the network after verification to establish communication among ordinary nodes and between the ordinary nodes and end user. The proposed method obtains higher security by achieving less computation time, higher detection rate, and limited memory usage of 0.072 s, 92.48%, and 3.925 MB, respectively. The developed authentication method is proved capable of proving resistance in case of different attacks in the network.
Hsa_circ_0057105 modulates a balance of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and ferroptosis vulnerability in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Cen Junjie , Liang Yanping , Feng Zihao , Chen Xu , Chen Jinlong , Wang Yinghan , Zhu Jiangquan , Xu Quanhui , Shu Guannan , Zheng Wenbin , Liang Hui , Wang Zhu , Deng Qiong , Cao Jiazheng , Luo Junhang , Jin Xiaohan , Huang Yong
Published: July 2023

Background

The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has increased in recent years. Metastatic RCC is common and remains a major cause of mortality. A regulatory role for circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the occurrence and progression of RCC has been identified, but their function, molecular mechanisms, and potential clinical applications remain poorly understood.

Methods

High‐throughput RNA sequencing was used to explore the differential expression of circRNAs and their related pathways in RCC patients. Transwell and CCK‐8 assays were used to assess the function of hsa_circ_0057105 in RCC cells. The clinical relevance of hsa_circ_0057105 was evaluated in a cohort of RCC patients. The hsa_circ_0057105 regulatory axis was defined using RNA pull‐down, luciferase reporter assays, and fluorescence in situ hybridization assays, and the in vivo effect of hsa_circ_0057105 was validated using animal experiments.

Results

Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis and correlation analysis of RNA‐seq data showed that hsa_circ_0057105 was potentially oncogenic and may serve to regulate epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation in RCC. Hsa_circ_0057105 expression was associated with advanced TNM stages and was an independent prognostic factor for poor RCC patient survival. Phenotypic studies show that hsa_circ_0057105 can enhance the migration and invasion abilities of RCC cells. Further, hsa_circ_0057105 was shown to inhibit the expression of miR‐577, a miRNA that regulated the expression of both COL1A1, which induced EMT activation, and VDAC2, which modulated ferroptosis sensitivity. The dual regulatory roles of hsa_circ_0057105 on EMT and ferroptosis sensitivity were verified using rescue experiments. Animal studies confirmed that hsa_circ_0057105 increased the metastatic ability and ferroptosis sensitivity of RCC cells in vivo.

Conclusions

In RCC, hsa_circ_0057105 regulates COL1A1 and VDAC2 expression through its sponge effect on miR‐577, acting like a ‘double‐edged sword’. These findings provide new insight into the relationship between EMT and ferroptosis in RCC and provide potential biomarkers for RCC surveillance and treatment.
Anibal Quijano: (Dis)entangling the geopolitics and coloniality of curriculum
Authors: Fúnez‐Flores Jairo I.
Published: July 2023

This essay reviews and builds upon Aníbal Quijano's contribution to decolonial theory to sketch out what I refer to as the geopolitics and coloniality of curriculum, broadly understood as an imperial doctrine and a pedagogical mode of domination aimed at producing a modern/colonial subjectivity. It argues that the geopolitics and coloniality of the curriculum reveal the relationship between geopolitical designs, colonialism, and curriculum, thereby contributing to the interrogation of how dominant ways of knowing are propagated discursively and pedagogically. The article focuses on how the geopolitics and coloniality of curriculum enable the reading, interpretation and unsettling of curricular discourses and pedagogical practices reproducing Euro‐Anglo‐American ways of being (ontological violence), individualist ways of knowing (epistemic violence) and racialised affective grammars. It concludes by gesturing towards ways to think, be, act, relate and do otherwise.
Neutrophil subsets in noncancer liver diseases: Cellular crosstalk and therapeutic targets
Authors: Huang Chen , Fan Xiaoli , Shen Yi , Shen Mengyi , Yang Li
Published: July 2023

Neutrophils are the most abundant circulating granulocytes, linking innate and adaptive immunity. Neutrophils can regulate inflammatory and immune responses through degranulation, reactive oxygen species generation, the production of cytokines and chemokines, and NETosis. Emerging evidence has indicated that neutrophils contribute to the pathogenesis of various noncancer liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol‐associated liver disease, hepatic ischemia‒reperfusion injury, and liver fibrosis. Cellular interactions among neutrophils, other immune cells, and nonimmune cells constitute a complex network that regulates the immune microenvironment of the liver. This review summarizes novel neutrophil subtypes, including CD177+ neutrophils and low‐density neutrophils. Moreover, we provide an overview of the cellular cros stalk of neutrophils in noncancer liver diseases, aiming to shed new light on mechanistic studies of novel neutrophil subtypes. In addition, we discuss the potential of neutrophils as therapeutic targets in noncancer liver diseases, including inhibitors targeting NETosis, granule proteins, and chemokines.
Research progress on pesticide residue detection based on microfluidic technology
Authors: Zhu Lv , Wu Mengyao , Li Ruiyu , Zhao Yunyan , Lu Yang , Wang Ting , Du Leilei , Wan Li
Published: July 2023

The problem of pesticide residue contamination has attracted widespread attention and poses a risk to human health. The current traditional pesticide residue detection methods have difficulty meeting rapid and diverse field screening requirements. Microfluidic technology integrates functions from sample preparation to detection, showing great potential for quick and accurate high‐throughput detection of pesticide residues. This paper reviews the latest research progress on microfluidic technology for pesticide residue detection. First, the commonly used microfluidic materials are summarized, including silicon, glass, paper, polydimethylsiloxane, and polymethyl methacrylate. We evaluated their advantages and disadvantages in pesticide residue detection applications. Second, the current pesticide residue detection technology based on microfluidics and its application to real samples are summarized. Finally, we discuss this technology's present challenges and future research directions. This study is expected to provide a reference for the future development of microfluidic technology for pesticide residue detection.
Hed: Cal Poly's multi‐year journey to overhaul course offerings and boost student graduations
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: July 2023

Cem Sunata was feeling helpless. As the University Registrar at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo he could see which high demand classes ran out of seats quickly. He could discern the patterns and inefficiencies at the 22,000‐student school that kept people from graduating, but he felt powerless to make the needed changes.
Characterisation of pressure‐concentration‐temperature profiles for metal hydride hydrogen storage alloys with model development
Authors: Ge Y. T.
Published: July 2023

Metal hydride (MH) alloys have been applied to hydrogen storage and various energy conversion systems such as refrigeration, heat pump and heat transformer. However, to facilitate and efficiently investigate efficiently a particular application, an MH alloy must firstly be characterised with a purposely built test facility to measure profiles of pressure, MH hydrogen concentration and temperature (PCT). Obtaining detailed PCT profiles or curves could be an arduous and expensive task as each isothermal hydrogen absorption or desorption line requires hundreds of measurement points. It is thus desirable to develop an accurate correlative model for the PCT profiles with limited measurements of thermophysical property data for the purpose of characterisation of each MH alloy. This correlative model or characterisation process has been developed and is described in detail in this article. The correlative PCT MH alloy profiles can cover all applicable hydrogen storage phase regions of α, α + β and β as well as the phase transition dome curve and critical point such that a PCT phase diagram for a particular MH alloy can be depicted and characterised. As an application example, the correlative model is applied to predict an MH alloy's hydrogen storage capacity and hysteresis at a specific MH temperature. It has been discovered that each of these two parameters shows comparative trends in variation with reduced temperature. Correspondingly, for each parameter, a correlative function with reduced temperature has been produced. The MH alloy characterisation process is an essential step towards a detailed dynamic MH energy system modelling, simulation and optimisation as well as experimental investigation.
Optimization of port injection of n‐decanol in a PCCI engine using response surface methodology
Authors: Vinodkumar V. , Karthikeyan A. , Jayaprabakar J. , Senthilkumar G. , Ranganathan L.
Published: July 2023

This work aims to define the optimum n‐decanol fraction in the inlet port and the corresponding engine load for the better emissions and performance characteristics of a partially premixed charged compression ignition (PCCI) engine by response surface methodology (RSM). The numerical model based on multi‐linear regression was established using experimental data. For this, the influence of various proportions of n‐decanol through intake port including 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% were experimentally investigated besides the primary injection of neem oil biodiesel in the volumetric ratio of 80% diesel and 20% neem biodiesel, namely NB20. The optimization using RSM is exploited to capitalize the brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and diminish the emissions including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) emission, smoke opacity, and hydrocarbon (HC) emission. The n‐decanol fraction in the port injection of 31.43% and the engine load in terms of brake power of 2.950 kW were found to be optimum parameters with the maximum desirability of 0.752. The optimal responses for brake‐specific fuel consumption (BSFC), BTE, CO, HC, smoke, and NOx under these operating conditions were found to be 0.305 kg/kWh, 28.8%, 0.145%, 19.61%, 54.85 ppm, and 837.7 ppm, respectively. Likewise, the correlation coefficient R2 values for BSFC, BTE, CO, HC, smoke and NOx have been found to be 99.85%, 99.95%, 93.58%, 90.32%, 99.97%, and 99.93%, respectively. According to the study's findings, the RSM is a realistic method for calculating and enhancing a diesel engine's emission and performance values operating in PCCI mode and using n‐decanol and NB20 as fuels.
Searching for prognostic markers for Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer: A role for systemic inflammatory markers
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Bertero Luca , Valabrega Giorgio , Fucina Stefano , Cassoni Paola , Benedetto Chiara
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine the prognostic role of systemic inflammatory markers for Stage I epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective, single‐center, observational study. We included patients with Stage I EOC cancer undergoing primary surgery between 1993 and 2016. Inflammatory markers were assessed by analyzing blood samples collected at initial diagnosis before EOC surgery. We evaluated these markers' association with disease‐free survival (DFS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS).

Results

We included 176 women in our study. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were related to both DFS and CSS in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate Cox analysis, adjuvant chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04–0.71, P = 0.02) and SII ≥730 (HR 6.84, 95% CI 1.30–35.9, P = 0.023) were independent predictors of DFS, while FIGO Stage IB–IC (HR 7.91, 95% CI 1.04–59.8, P = 0.04), NLR ≥3 (HR 56.8, 95% CI 7.46–433, P < 0.001) and PLR ≥169 (HR 49.1 95% CI 11.1–217.8, P = 0.005) were independent predictors of CSS.

Conclusions

Systemic inflammatory markers are easily obtainable from patients' routine blood analyses and may represent inexpensive and reproducible prognostic markers in early‐stage EOC.
Development of tools to facilitate the diagnosis of hereditary fructose intolerance
Authors: Panis Bianca , Janssen Lise E. F. , Lefeber Dirk J. , Simons Nynke , Rubio‐Gozalbo M. Estela , Brouwers Martijn C. G. J.
Published: July 2023

Although hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) is an inborn error of fructose metabolism that classically presents at infancy, the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. In this study, we aimed to develop tools to facilitate the diagnosis of HFI. The intake of fructose‐containing food products, that is, fruit, fruit juice and sugar‐sweetened beverages, was assessed by a 3‐day food diary in adult HFI patients (n = 15) and age, sex, and BMI‐matched controls (n = 15). Furthermore, glycosylation of transferrin was examined using high‐resolution mass spectrometry and abnormally glycosylated transferrin was expressed as ratio of normal glycosylated transferrin. We found that the sensitivity and specificity of the 3‐day food diary for the intake of at least one fructose‐containing food product were both 100%. Both mono‐glyco:diglyco transferrin and a‐glyco+mono‐glyco:di‐glyco transferrin were greater in HFI patients and had a high‐discriminatory power (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.97 and 0.94, respectively). In this well‐characterized cohort of adult HFI patients, the 3‐day food questionnaire and the glycosylation pattern of transferrin are valuable tools to facilitate the recognition and diagnosis of HFI in adult patients.
Pharmacomodulation of brain neuromedin U signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy
Authors: Pałasz Artur , Worthington John J. , Filipczyk Łukasz , Saganiak Karolina
Published: July 2023

Neuromedin U (NMU) belongs to a family of multifunctional neuropeptides that modulate the activity of several neural networks of the brain. Acting via metabotropic receptor NMUR2, NMU plays a role in the regulation of multiple systems, including energy homeostasis, stress responses, circadian rhythms, and endocrine signaling. The involvement of NMU signaling in the central regulation of important neurophysiological processes and its disturbances is a potential target for pharmacological modulation. Number of preclinical studies have proven that both modified NMU analogues such as PASR8‐NMU or F4R8‐NMU and designed NMUR2 agonists, for example, CPN‐116, CPN‐124 exhibit a distinct pharmacological activity especially when delivered transnasally. Their application can potentially be useful in the more convenient and safe treatment of obesity, eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease‐related memory impairment, alcohol addiction, and sleep disturbances. Accumulating findings suggest that pharmacomodulation of the central NMU signaling may be a promising strategy in the treatment of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
Determining the twist angle of stacked MoS2layers using machine learning‐assisted low‐frequency interlayer Raman fingerprints
Authors: Tang Jing , Wang Zifan , Tan Qishuo , Cao Jun , Ling Xi
Published: July 2023

The investigation of twisted stacked few‐layer MoS2has revealed novel electronic, optical, and vibrational properties over an extended period. For the successful integration of twisted stacked few‐layer MoS2into a wide range of applications, it is crucial to employ a noninvasive, versatile technique for characterizing the layered architecture of these complex structures. In this work, we introduce a machine learning‐assisted low‐frequency Raman spectroscopy method to characterize the twist angle of few‐layer stacked MoS2samples. A feedforward neural network (FNN) is utilized to analyze the low‐frequency breathing mode as a function of the twist angle. Moreover, using finite difference method (FDM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that the low‐frequency Raman spectra of MoS2are mainly influenced by the effect of the nearest and second nearest layers. A new improved linear chain model (TA‐LCM) with taking the twist angle into the consideration is developed to understand the interlayer breathing modes of stacked few‐layer MoS2. This approach can be extended to other 2D materials systems and provides an intelligent way to investigate naturally stacked and twisted interlayer interactions.
Utility of Extended High‐Frequency Audiograms in Clinical Practice
Authors: Saade Mia , Fernandez Karla , Little Christine , Schwam Zachary G , Cosetti Maura
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Extended high‐frequency (EHF) audiometry elicits pure‐tone thresholds at frequencies above 8 kHz, which are not included in routine clinical testing. This study explores the utility of EHF audiometry in patients with various audiologic symptoms despite normal‐hearing thresholds at ≤8 kHz.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients receiving conventional (250–8 kHz) and EHF (9–20 kHz) audiometry at a tertiary otological referral center between April 2021 and August 2022. Only patients with audiologic symptoms and pure‐tone thresholds ≤25 dB HL at ≤8 kHz bilaterally on routine testing were included in subsequent analysis. EHF‐PTA was defined for each ear as an average of the air conduction thresholds at 9.0, 10.0, 11.2, 12.5, 14.0, 16.0, 18.0, and 20.0 kHz.

Results

Of the 50 patients who received EHF testing, 40 had audiologic symptoms and normal conventional audiograms at ≤8 kHz. Twenty‐five of the 40 (62.5%) were found to have hearing loss in the highest frequencies. Patients with EHF hearing loss (EHF‐HL) were more likely to report subjective hearing loss. Age was significantly greater in those with EHF‐HL compared with those without EHF‐HL, and age was positively correlated with the degree of EHF‐HL.

Conclusion

EHF testing correlates with audiologic symptoms in patients with normal testing at ≤8 kHz and may be considered when standard audiometry is normal. Additional data are warranted to create an evidenced‐based, clinical algorithm for EHF audiometry that can guide treatment, direct mitigation strategies, and potentially identify those at higher risk of hearing loss over time.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:907–910, 2024
Pediatric Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: Diagnosis and Management. A YO‐IFOS Consensus Statement
Authors: Maniaci Antonino , Calvo‐Henriquez Christian , Cammaroto Giovanni , Garcia‐Magan Carlos , Garcia‐Paz Vanesa , Iannella Giannicola , Jiménez‐Huerta Ignacio , La Mantia Ignazio , Lechien Jérome R. , Leong Samuel C. , Lobo‐Duro David , Maza‐Solano Juan , Mitchell Ron , Otero‐Alonso Andrea , Peng You , Radulesco Thomas , Simon François , Teissier Natasha , Cocuzza Salvatore , Saibene Alberto M.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Pediatric inferior turbinate hypertrophy (PedTH) is a frequent and often overlooked cause or associated cause of nasal breathing difficulties. This clinical consensus statement (CCS) aims to provide a diagnosis and management framework covering the lack of specific guidelines for this condition and addressing the existing controversies.

Methods

A clinical consensus statement (CCS) was developed by a panel of 20 contributors from 7 different European and North American countries using the modified Delphi method. The aim of the CCS was to offer a multidisciplinary reference framework for the management of PedTH on the basis of shared clinical experience and analysis of the strongest evidence currently available.

Results

A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) criteria was performed. From the initial 96 items identified, 7 articles were selected based on higher‐evidence items such as randomized‐controlled trials, guidelines, and systematic reviews. A 34‐statement survey was developed, and after three rounds of voting, 2 items reached strong consensus, 17 reached consensus or near consensus, and 15 had no consensus.

Conclusions

Until further prospective data are available, our CCS should provide a useful reference for PedTH management. PedTH should be considered a nasal obstructive disease not necessarily related to an adult condition but frequently associated with other nasal or craniofacial disorders. Diagnosis requires clinical examination and endoscopy, whereas rhinomanometry, nasal cytology, and questionnaires have little clinical role. Treatment choice should consider the specific indications and features of the available options, with a preference for less invasive procedures.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 134:1437–1444, 2024