bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 in chronic myeloid leukemia and other hematologic malignancies
Authors: Cortes Jorge , Albitar Maher , Thomas Deborah , Giles Francis , Kurzrock Razelle , Thibault Alain , Rackoff Wayne , Koller Charles , O'Brien Susan , Garcia-Manero Guillermo , Talpaz Moshe , Kantarjian Hagop
Published: February 2003

We investigated the clinical activity of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor R115777 in 22 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in chronic, accelerated, or blastic phase and in 8 patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and 10 patients with multiple myeloma (MM). R115777 was administered at 600 mg orally twice daily for 4 weeks every 6 weeks. Seven patients with CML (6 in chronic phase, 1 in advanced phase) achieved complete or partial hematologic response. Four of them had a minor cytogenetic response. Responses were transient, with a median duration of 9 weeks (range, 3-23 weeks). Two patients discontinued therapy because of toxicity while in complete hematologic response. Two MF patients had a significant decrease in splenomegaly, one had normalization of white blood cell count and differential, and one became transfusion independent. One patient with MM had a reduction in monoclonal protein of 34%. Adverse events included nausea in 22 patients (55%; all grade 2 or lower) and fatigue in 19 (48%; grade 3 or higher in 1). Other grade 3 or 4 toxicities included skin rash (4 patients, 10%), peripheral neuropathy (2 patients, 5%), and liver toxicity (2 patients, 5%). Patients who responded to therapy had significantly higher plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations prior to treatment than nonresponders. Plasma concentrations decreased significantly during therapy among responders. R115777 showed clinical activity in patients with CML and MF. The effect on VEGF needs to be further investigated to determine whether this might be a possible mechanism of action of R115777.
Engraftment of human CD34+ cells leads to widespread distribution of donor-derived cells and correction of tissue pathology in a novel murine xenotransplantation model of lysosomal storage disease
Authors: Hofling A. Alex , Vogler Carole , Creer Michael H. , Sands Mark S.
Published: February 2003

A novel murine system was developed to study the in vivo localization of xenotransplanted human cells and assess their therapeutic effect in an authentic model of disease. The β-glucuronidase (GUSB) mutation of the mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPSVII) mouse was backcrossed onto the nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) xenotransplantation strain. The resulting NOD/SCID/MPSVII mice displayed the characteristic features of lysosomal storage disease because of GUSB deficiency and were also capable of engrafting human cells. Human CD34+hematopoietic progenitor cells from healthy, GUSB+donors engrafted NOD/SCID/MPSVII mice in a manner similar to that of standard NOD/SCID mice. Six to 12 weeks following transplantation, 1% to 86% of the host bone marrow was positive for human CD45. By using a GUSB-specific histochemical assay, human engraftment was detected with single-cell sensitivity not only in well-characterized hematopoietic tissues like bone marrow, spleen, lymph node, and thymus, but also in other nonhematopoietic organs like liver, kidney, lung, heart, brain, and eye. Quantitative measurements of GUSB activity confirmed this expansive tissue distribution. The GUSB-specific assays were validated for their accuracy in identifying human cells through colocalization of human CD45 expression with GUSB activity in tissues of mice receiving transplants. An analysis of the therapeutic effects of engrafted human cells revealed a reduction of pathologic storage material in host organs, including the bone, spleen, and liver. Such xenotransplantation experiments in the NOD/SCID/MPSVII mouse represent a powerful approach to both study the in vivo biology of human cells and gather preclinical data regarding treatment approaches for a human disease.
Out‐of‐Equilibrium Mechanical Disruption of β‐Amyloid‐Like Fibers using Light‐Driven Molecular Motors
Authors: Daou Dania , Zarate Yohan , Maaloum Mounir , Collin Dominique , Fleith Guillaume , Constantin Doru , Moulin Emilie , Giuseppone Nicolas
Published: January 2024

Artificial molecular motors have the potential to generate mechanical work on their environment by producing autonomous unidirectional motions when supplied with a source of energy. However, the harnessing of this mechanical work to subsequently activate various endoenergetic processes that can be useful in materials science remains elusive. Here, it is shown that by integrating a light‐driven rotary motor through hydrogen bonds in a β‐amyloid‐like structure forming supramolecular hydrogels, the mechanical work generated during the constant rotation of the molecular machine under UV irradiation is sufficient to disrupt the β‐amyloid fibers and to trigger a gel‐to‐sol transition at macroscopic scale. This melting of the gel under UV irradiation occurs 25 °C below the temperature needed to melt it by solely using thermal activation. In the dark, a reversible sol–gel transition is observed as the system fully recovers its original microstructure, thus illustrating the possible access to new kinds of motorized materials that can be controlled by advanced out‐of‐equilibrium thermodynamics.
Origin, Metastasis, Harm, Recognition and Capture, and Elimination of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Yuan Qianqian , Chen Lin , Wan Mimi , Mao Chun , Shen Jian
Published: January 2024

Cancer is now a major threat to human health and life. Although a number of clinical approaches to cancer treatment have been developed in recent years, tumor recurrence and metastasis remain a challenge. As the “seed” for the formation of tumor metastasis, Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) can not only grow and spread in the primary site, but also spread to other parts of the body through various ways. The close connection between CTCs and tumor progression makes them a focus of clinical and basic research attention, and it not only has an important guide for the clinical treatment of patients, but also a window into the occurrence and development of distant metastases. The identification and detection of CTCs have an important clinical significance in the assessment of the prognosis of cancer, efficacy prediction, efficacy evaluation, and the study of recurrent metastasis and drug resistance mechanisms of cancer patients. Therefore, this review not only introduces the source, attributes, transfer, and harm of CTCs, but also highlights the progress and latest technologies for the identification and capture and elimination strategies of CTCs and presents prospects for future research of CTCs.
B(I)‐Site Alkali Metal Engineering of Lead‐Free Perovskite Nanocrystals for Efficient X‐Ray Detection and Imaging
Authors: Wang Zhongyi , Chen Junsheng , Xu Xin , Bai Tianxin , Kong Qingkun , Yin Hong , Yang Yang , Yu William W. , Zhang Ruiling , Liu Xiaojing , Han Keli
Published: January 2024

Lead‐free metal halide double perovskites have emerged as promising scintillators owing to their superior optoelectronic properties, low‐cost and solution processability. However, it is still challenging to develop high‐performance flexible X‐ray scintillators based on the B(I)‐site alkali metal modulation in lead‐free double perovskite nanocrystals (NCs). Herein, a series of novel Cs2B(I)GdCl6 (B: Li, Na, K) of double perovskite A2B(I)M(III)X6 NCs structures are successfully synthesized, the optical and scintillator properties of which are significantly sensitive to the B(I)‐site alkali metals with the doping of Sb3+. They showed efficient self‐trapped exciton (STE) emission with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and exhibited the highest X‐ray detection limit (86 nGyair s−1) and excellent spatial resolutions (>15 lp mm−1). The femtosecond transient absorption measurement and theoretical analysis further revealed that the B(I)‐site alkali metal fundamentally balanced the exciton–phonon coupling with appropriate STEs formation energy barrier and the electron localization and thus improved the optical and scintillator properties. This B(I)‐site alkali metal engineering offers a strategy to develop bright luminescent double perovskite NCs for X‐ray detection and imaging devices.
Synthesis of Styrenes and E‐Stilbenes by Palladium‐Catalyzed Vinylation of Aryl Iodides with 1,2‐Dibromoethane
Authors: Shi Guangfa , Ma Xiaotian , Zhu Qiongqiong , Zhang Yanghui
Published: January 2024

The Pd‐catalyzed vinylation reactions of aryl iodides using 1,2‐dibromoethane is developed for the synthesis of styrenes and stilbenes. In these reactions, vinyl bromide is generated from 1,2‐dibromoethane and then undergoes reductive cross‐coupling with aryl iodides, affording styrene products. Under slightly modified reaction conditions, styrenes can continue reacting with vinyl bromide to form E‐stilbenes, which provides a one‐pot synthetic method for stilbenes. Alcohols, including iso‐propanol and methanol, are employed as the reductant in these reductive cross‐coupling reactions.
Injectable Nano‐Micro Composites with Anti‐bacterial and Osteogenic Capabilities for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: Lu Guanghua , Zhao Gang , Wang Shen , Li Hanqing , Yu Qiang , Sun Qi , Wang Bo , Wei Li , Fu Zi , Zhao Zhenyu , Yang Linshan , Deng Lianfu , Zheng Xianyou , Cai Ming , Lu Min
Published: January 2024

The effective management of osteomyelitis remains extremely challenging due to the difficulty associated with treating bone defects, the high probability of recurrence, the requirement of secondary surgery or multiple surgeries, and the difficulty in eradicating infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Hence, smart biodegradable biomaterials that provide effective and precise local anti‐infection effects and can promote the repair of bone defects are actively being developed. Here, a novel nano‐micro composite is fabricated by combining calcium phosphate (CaP) nanosheets with drug‐loaded GelMA microspheres via microfluidic technology. The microspheres are covalently linked with vancomycin (Van) through an oligonucleotide (oligo) linker using an EDC/NHS carboxyl activator. Accordingly, a smart nano‐micro composite called “CaP@MS‐Oligo‐Van” is synthesized. The porous CaP@MS‐Oligo‐Van composites can target and capture bacteria. They can also release Van in response to the presence of bacterial micrococcal nuclease and Ca2+, exerting additional antibacterial effects and inhibiting the inflammatory response. Finally, the released CaP nanosheets can promote bone tissue repair. Overall, the findings show that a rapid, targeted drug release system based on CaP@MS‐Oligo‐Van can effectively target bone tissue infections. Hence, this agent holds potential in the clinical treatment of osteomyelitis caused by MRSA.
On‐Demand, Contact‐Less and Loss‐Less Droplet Manipulation via Contact Electrification
Authors: Wang Wei , Vahabi Hamed , Taassob Arsalan , Pillai Sreekiran , Kota Arun Kumar
Published: January 2024

While there are many droplet manipulation techniques, all of them suffer from at least one of the following drawbacks – complex fabrication or complex equipment or liquid loss. In this work, a simple and portable technique is demonstrated that enables on‐demand, contact‐less and loss‐less manipulation of liquid droplets through a combination of contact electrification and slipperiness. In conjunction with numerical simulations, a quantitative analysis is presented to explain the onset of droplet motion. Utilizing the contact electrification technique, contact‐less and loss‐less manipulation of polar and non‐polar liquid droplets on different surface chemistries and geometries is demonstrated. It is envisioned that the technique can pave the way to simple, inexpensive, and portable lab on a chip and point of care devices.
Magnetodielectric Effect in a Triangular Dysprosium Single‐Molecule Toroics
Authors: Wang Yu‐Xia , Zhou Yicheng , Ma Yinina , Lu Peipei , Zhang Yi‐Quan , Sun Young , Cheng Peng
Published: January 2024

Single‐molecule toroics are molecular magnets with vortex distribution of magnetic moments. The coupling between magnetic and electric properties such as the magnetodielectric effect will provide potential applications for them. Herein, the observation of significant magnetodielectric effect in a triangular Dy3 crystal with toroidal magnetic moment and multiple magnetic relaxations is reported. The analysis of magnetic and electric properties implies that the magnetodielectric effect is closely related to the strong spin‐lattice coupling, magnetic interactions of Dy3+ ions, as well as molecular packing models.
Synthesis of Nb‐Doped‐WS2–NbS2: A Degenerate‐Semiconductor–Metal Heterostructure
Authors: Vu Van Tu , Nguyen Minh Chien , Kim Whan Kyun , Do Van Dam , Yu Woo Jong
Published: January 2024

The synthesis of semiconductor–metal (S–M) heterostructures comprising semiconducting (S)‐transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and metallic (M)‐TMDs via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) has emerged as a highly promising avenue for achieving low contact resistance in TMD‐based devices. However, CVD‐grown S–M heterostructures are mainly focused on non‐degenerate semiconductors, despite degenerate semiconductors also being essential for semiconductor technology, such as negative differential resistance (NDR) device. In this study, a degenerate‐S–M heterostructure, Nb‐doped‐WS2–NbS2, is synthesized via CVD with a liquid‐metal precursor. Optimizing the growth parameters, such as growth temperature, precursor ratio, and H2 content in the mixture gas, affords the desirable degenerate‐Nb‐doped‐WS2–NbS2 heterostructure. Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy clearly clarify the doping signal and layer structure of the heterostructure. A growth mechanism has been proposed using in‐plane and vertical models based on structural analysis. Electrical transport measurements reveal degenerate p‐type behavior in the Nb‐doped‐WS2. In the Nb‐doped‐WS2–NbS2 degenerate‐S–M heterostructure, the device flows about twice as much on‐state current as that by an Nb‐doped‐WS2/Cr contact.
SNNSim: Investigation and Optimization of Large‐Scale Analog Spiking Neural Networks Based on Flash Memory Devices
Authors: Ko Jonghyun , Kwon Dongseok , Hwang Joon , Lee Kyu‐Ho , Oh Seongbin , Kim Jeonghyun , Im Jiseong , Koo Ryun‐Han , Kim Jae‐Joon , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: January 2024

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) have emerged as a novel approach for reducing computational costs by mimicking the biologically plausible operations of neurons and synapses. In this article, large‐scale analog SNNs are investigated and optimized at the hardware‐level by using SNNSim, the novel simulator for SNNs that employ analog synaptic devices and integrate‐and‐fire (I&F) neuron circuits. SNNSim is a reconfigurable simulator that accurately and very quickly models the behavior of the user‐defined device characteristics and returns key metrics such as area, accuracy, latency, and power consumption as output. Notably, SNNSim exhibits exceptional efficiency, as it can process the entire 10 000 Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) test dataset in a few seconds, whereas SPICE simulations require hours to simulate a single MNIST test data. Using SNNSim, the conversion of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to SNNs is simulated and the performance of the large‐scale analog SNNs is optimized. The results enable the design of accurate, high‐speed, and low‐power operation of large‐scale SNNs. SNNSim code is now available at https://github.com/SMDLGITHUB/SNNSim.
Deep Learning on Atomistic Physical Fields of Graphene for Strain and Defect Engineering
Authors: Chang Jian , Zhu Shuze
Published: January 2024

Strain and defect engineering have profound applications in two‐dimensional materials, where it is important to determine the equilibrated atomistic structures with defect conditions under mechanical deformations for computational materials design. Nevertheless, how to efficiently predict relaxed atomistic structures and the associated physical fields on each atom or bond under evolving mechanical deformations remains as an essential challenge. To address this issue, a deep neural network architecture is designed to embed the state of applied strains into the defect‐engineered atomistic geometry, so that deformation‐coupled physical fields of interests on atoms or bonds can be predicted or derived over continuous state of deformations. For demonstration, the combination of applied tensile strains and shear strain on monolayer graphene with random distribution of Stone–Wales defects and vacancy defects is considered. The unique advantage of this framework is the development of strain‐embedding concept combined with generative adversarial network, which can be feasibly extended to other material and other conditions. The computational approach sheds light on boosting the efficiency of evaluating physical properties of 2D materials under complex strain and defect states.
Understanding chronic pain in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 using the Neurofibromatosis Pain Module (NFPM)
Authors: Buono Frank D. , Larkin Kaitlyn , Zempsky William T. , Grau Lauretta E. , Martin Staci
Published: January 2024

Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that can cause an individual significant chronic pain (CP). CP affects quality of life and daily functioning, yet there are limited effective treatments for CP within NF1. The current study describes the impact of CP using the Neurofibromatosis Pain Module (NFPM). The NFPM is a self‐reported clinical assessment that evaluates the impact of CP across multiple domains (e.g., interference, severity, tolerance, and symptomology) and three prioritized pain regions. A cross‐sectional study (N = 242) asked adults with NF1 to describe and rate their pain using the NFPM. The results indicated that they reported moderate pain severity (M = 6.6, SD = 2.0) on a 0–10 scale, that 54% (n = 131) had been in pain at least 24 days in the last 30, for 75% (n = 181) sleep was affected, and 16% reported that nothing was effective in reducing their CP for their primary pain region. The current results extend previously published work on CP within adults with NF1 and indicate that more emphasis on understanding and ameliorating CP is required. The NFPM is a sensitive clinical measure that provides qualitative and quantitative responses to inform medical providers about changes in CP.
Iodine‐Catalyzed One‐pot Formation of Phosphorus‐Heteroatom Bonds from Stable Diphosphines in Air
Authors: Yamamoto Yuki , Fujiwara Kohsuke , Tanaka Ryo , Watanabe Hinako , Ogawa Akiya
Published: January 2024

Conventional methods for the synthesis of phosphorus‐centered interelement compounds have required air‐ and moisture‐sensitive phosphorus sources, which generate a lot of waste. Therefore, the catalytic and atom‐economical formation of phosphorus‐heteroatom linkages has been one of the challenging reactions. In this study, we found that the reaction of Ph2P(S)‐P(S)Ph2 and iodine could predominantly form Ph2P(S)‐I, which was quite stable to air and moisture and easy to handle. Subsequent one‐pot substitution reactions of Ph2P(S)‐I with nucleophiles (i. e., alcohols, amines, and thiols) led to various phosphorus‐heteroatom interelement compounds in moderate to excellent yields. In addition, catalytic formation of phosphorus‐heteroatom interelement compounds was successfully achieved by regeneration of the I2 catalyst via oxidation of HI (generated in situ) in air.
Senolysis Enabled by Senescent Cell‐Sensitive Bioorthogonal Tetrazine Ligation
Authors: Chang Mengyang , Dong Yue , Xu Hang , Cruickshank‐Taylor Alexis B. , Kozora Jacob S. , Behpour Baran , Wang Wei
Published: January 2024

Although the clearance of senescent cells has been proven to slow down the aging process and promote anti‐cancer chemotherapy, the development of senolytics remains challenging. Herein, we report a senolytic strategy enabled by senescent cell‐sensitive bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation. Our design is based on linking dihydrotetrazine (Tz) to a galactose (Gal) moiety that serves both as a recognition moiety for senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase and a caging group for the control of tetrazine activity. Gal‐Tz enables efficient click‐release of a fluorescent hemicyanine and doxorubicin from a trans‐cyclooctene‐caged prodrug to detect and eliminate senescent HeLa and A549 cells over non‐senescent counterparts with a 16.44 senolytic index. Furthermore, we leverage the strategy for the selective activation and delivery of proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) as senolytics. PROTAC prodrug TCO‐ARV‐771 can be selectively activated by Gal‐Tz and delivered into senescent HeLa and A549 cells to induce the degradation of bromodomain‐containing protein 4. Senolytic PROTACs may offer an efficient way for intervention on cell senescence thanks to their unique capacity to degrade target proteins in a sub‐stoichiometric and catalytic fashion. The results of this study establish the bioorthogonal tetrazine ligation approach as a viable strategy for selective removal of senescent cells.
Overcoming a Radical Polarity Mismatch in Strain‐Release Pentafluorosulfanylation of [1.1.0]Bicyclobutanes: An Entryway to Sulfone‐ and Carbonyl‐Containing SF5‐Cyclobutanes
Authors: Kraemer Yannick , Buldt Jón Atiba , Kong Wang‐Yeuk , Stephens Alexander M. , Ragan Abbey N. , Park Soojun , Haidar Zane C. , Patel Ansh Hiten , Shey Rachel , Dagan Roee , McLoughlin Connor P. , Fettinger James C. , Tantillo Dean J. , Pitts Cody Ross
Published: January 2024

The first assortment of achiral pentafluorosulfanylated cyclobutanes (SF5‐CBs) are now synthetically accessible through strain‐release functionalization of [1.1.0]bicyclobutanes (BCBs) using SF5Cl. Methods for both chloropentafluorosulfanylation and hydropentafluorosulfanylation of sulfone‐based BCBs are detailed herein, as well as proof‐of‐concept that the logic extends to tetrafluoro(aryl)sulfanylation, tetrafluoro(trifluoromethyl)sulfanylation, and three‐component pentafluorosulfanylation reactions. The methods presented enable isolation of both syn and anti isomers of SF5‐CBs, but we also demonstrate that this innate selectivity can be overridden in chloropentafluorosulfanylation; that is, an anti‐stereoselective variant of SF5Cl addition across sulfone‐based BCBs can be achieved by using inexpensive copper salt additives. Considering the SF5 group and CBs have been employed individually as nonclassical bioisosteres, structural aspects of these unique SF5‐CB “hybrid isosteres” were then contextualized using SC‐XRD. From a mechanistic standpoint, chloropentafluorosulfanylation ostensibly proceeds through a curious polarity mismatch addition of electrophilic SF5 radicals to the electrophilic sites of the BCBs. Upon examining carbonyl‐containing BCBs, we also observed rare instances whereby radical addition to the 1‐position of a BCB occurs. The nature of the key C(sp3)−SF5 bond formation step – among other mechanistic features of the methods we disclose – was investigated experimentally and with DFT calculations. Lastly, we demonstrate compatibility of SF5‐CBs with various downstream functionalizations.
Radical detection and electron‐spin resonance (ESR) monitoring in polymer materials irradiated with gamma and X‐rays: Polyethylene and polypropylene
Authors: Krieguer Blanche , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Dorey Samuel , Dupuy Nathalie , Girard Fabien , Girard‐Perier Nina , Kuntz Florent , Ludwig Nicolas
Published: January 2024

When ionizing radiations interact with polymers, free radicals are generated and are known to be the initiating species for the modification in materials. Monitoring and identifying free radicals after irradiation allow assessing the impact of X‐rays and gamma rays on materials. A comparative study has been performed on materials made from polypropylene and polyethylene after irradiation by the two irradiation technologies. Electron spin resonance (ESR) signal has been monitored up to 380 days when signal was still present. ESR signals, concentration profiles, and kinetics were observed after X‐rays and gamma rays.
Recycling decommissioned polyamide 11: An approach to handle a previously unwanted material
Authors: de Albuquerque Dias Frederico Gonçalves , Veiga Amanda G. , Gomes Antônio Pedro A. da C. P. , Rocco Maria Luiza M. , da Costa Marysilvia F.
Published: January 2024

Polyamide 11 (PA11) is a polymer used in flexible lines for oil prospection due to its properties. After the decommissioning of the lines, the materials used are discarded in landfills or left in the ocean. As developing a sustainable economy is of utmost importance, reusing these discarded materials would be a step in the right direction. This research focused on examining two kinds of PA11 previously used in flexible lines to see their properties changed compared to virgin PA11 and to infer if they can still be reused. Chemical, thermal, and mechanical analysis were employed to analyze the PA11 that came from the two oilfields and recycled ones that were hot pressed with an unused PA11 in a 50/50 wt% proportion. Results indicate that one of the oilfield samples was less degraded than the other one, which provided better mechanical properties, and the same pattern happened with the recycled samples, indicating that some properties such as viscosity, plasticizer content, and crystallinity need to be evaluated before taking in consideration the reuse (be it recycling or repurposing) of this type of polymers in consideration.
Investigation on promotion effect of oxidative stabilization for pitch‐based fiber by co‐carbonization of coal tar pitch and atmospheric residual
Authors: Niu Hao , Miao Guihua , Shen Wenzhong , Qu Shijie
Published: January 2024

As a pivotal step in the preparation of carbon fiber, oxidative stabilization not only plays a crucial role in maintaining fibrous morphology but also contributes significantly to enhance mechanical properties of resultant carbon fiber. Due to high activation energy of pitch molecules reaction with oxygen and the sluggish diffusion of oxygen within the fiber, the improvement of oxidative stabilization efficiency faces significant challenges. Atmospheric residual (AR) has a high and easily oxidized aliphatic structure. Spinnable pitch is synthesized by co‐carbonization of coal tar pitch (CTP) and AR at a ratio of 3:1 in this work. Its methylene bridge bond ratio is 4.45% and have an appropriate amount aliphatic structure, which makes pitch molecular more linear and naphthenic. Excessive addition of AR is detrimental to spinning performance. The most optimal oxidative stabilization temperature of as‐spun fiber was 280°C, which is lower than that of fiber produced by CTP alone (300°C), displaying a higher oxidative stabilization efficiency. The obtained pitch‐based carbon fiber shows excellent mechanical properties with tensile strength of 999.0 ± 80.1 MPa and Young's modulus of 57.7 ± 3.5 GPa. The co‐carbonization by two different substances has been applied in manufacturing carbon fiber, providing a facile approach to accelerate the oxidative stabilization of pitch fiber.
Poly(β‐amino ester) based solid polymer electrolytes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Majumdar Svensson Orpita , Melander Bowden Tim
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we present the synthesis of poly(β‐amino ester)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPE) from off‐stoichiometric acrylate‐amine formulations using one‐step, catalyst and solvent free aza‐Michael addition. By varying the monomers, the pendant functionality of the polymer chain structure could be altered. All synthesized polymers yield freestanding and easy to handle electrolyte films and hence are evaluated as a new class of SPEs. The SPE with 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate and propylamine showed the highest conductivity of 1.15 × 10−7 S cm−1 at 30°C with 10 wt% lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. Because of the presence of the various functional groups in the structure, the polymer chain aids in the movement of both the anion and the cation.
Will sentiment analysis need subculture? A new data augmentation approach
Authors: Wang Zhenhua , He Simin , Xu Guang , Ren Ming
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, the omnipresence of the Internet has fostered a subculture that congregates around the contemporary milieu. The subculture artfully articulates the intricacies of human feelings by ardently pursuing the allure of novelty, a fact that cannot be disregarded in the sentiment analysis. This paper aims to enrich data through the lens of subculture, to address the insufficient training data faced by sentiment analysis. To this end, a new approach of subculture‐based data augmentation (SCDA) is proposed, which engenders enhanced texts for each training text by leveraging the creation of specific subcultural expression generators. The extensive experiments attest to the effectiveness and potential of SCDA. The results also shed light on the phenomenon that disparate subcultural expressions elicit varying degrees of sentiment stimulation. Moreover, an intriguing conjecture arises, suggesting the linear reversibility of certain subcultural expressions.
Overproduction of bacterial cellulose from Acetobacter xylinum BPR2001 using food industries wastes
Authors: Khanchezar Sirwan , Babaeipour Valiolah , Mostafa Atiyeh Sadat
Published: January 2024

In this study, a cost‐effective complex culture media containing molasses and corn steep liquor (CSL) was developed for the high production of bacterial cellulose (BC) by investigating the effect of four effective factors on BC production at three levels using Taguchi and combined methods. The predicted and actual values of BC production in optimal conditions by Taguchi and combined methods were 8.41 and 14.52 g/L, respectively. These results showed that the combined method was more suitable for predicting the optimal conditions in the optimization of BC production, the cost of developed culture medium was around 94% cost of HS medium preparation, molasses was the most effective factor in both experimental design methods, and initial pH adjustment had little impact on BC production. Then, the effect of inoculation conditions containing three factors of inoculation age, ethanol addition time, and agitation rate on the increase of BC production at three levels was investigated using the response surface methodology with the Box–Behnken design algorithm. Under the optimal conditions including inoculum age of 3 days, ethanol addition time of 10 days, and stirring speed of 100 rpm, the predicted and experimental results of BC production were 21.61 and 20.21 g/L, respectively. This is among the highest ever reported for BC production, which was achieved with a more cost‐effective culture medium containing molasses and CSL.
Lyceum and university aspirations among migrants and non‐migrants in Italy
Authors: Buonomo Alessio , Caputo Giustina Orientale , Gabrielli Giuseppe , Gargiulo Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

Scholars have argued that, on average, immigrant students are ‘optimists’ and have higher educational aspirations than non‐migrant students after accounting for students' socio‐economic background and educational performance. However, ethnic minority groups, which proxy the different origin backgrounds of migrants, may show mixed findings in terms of educational aspirations. This study aims to analyse the lyceum (the most theoretical school in Italy) and university aspirations of migrant‐origin students and their Italian counterparts, enrolled respectively in Italian lower (Grade 8: age 13) and upper secondary state schools (Grades 9–11: ages 14–16). The analyses are based on data from the Italian Integration of the Second Generation survey conducted during the 2014/15 school year. Our results show that students having Chinese, Moroccan, Moldovan and other non‐European Union Eastern European origins assume the lowest levels of lyceum aspiration after also considering compositional effects. Conversely, the largest proportion of migrants attending school in Grades 9–11 have higher levels of university aspiration compared to non‐migrants. When considering the role of migratory generation, lyceum and university aspirations are positively associated with the acculturation process of migrants. Furthermore, we found that high family expectations, social relationships and self‐perception benefits of studying have positive associations with both lyceum and university aspirations, especially among migrants.
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determination of bumetanide in human plasma and application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Tamilarasi Ganesan Padmini , Manikandan Krishnan , Solomon Viswas Raja
Published: January 2024

Determining a drug's bioavailability and bioequivalence is important for developing and approving a drug product. The procedure supports applications for generic drug products and novel therapeutic substances, makes important decisions regarding safety and efficacy, and measures a drug's concentration in biological matrices. This study aimed to develop and validate a specific, simple, sensitive, and accurate method using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS) for measuring bumetanide (BUM) in human plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved using a Hypurity C18 column (4.6 × 50 mm, 5 μm) under isocratic conditions, and LC–MS detected positive ionization acquisition modes. Protonated precursor to product ion transitions were observed at m/z 365.08 → 240.10 and 370.04 → 244.52 for BUM and internal standard, respectively. The linear range of BUM in plasma samples was 3.490–401.192 ng/mL. The inter‐precision value ranged from 1.76% to 4.75%. The inter‐accuracy value ranged from 96.46% to 99.95%. The method was adequately validated per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines, and the results were within permissible bounds. The Cmax and Tmax values were ~53.097 ± 13.537 ng/mL and 1.25 (0.67–5.00) h, respectively. The new approach showed satisfactory results for studying BUM in human plasma with potential use in pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence investigations.
Natural polyphenolic coffee extract administration relieves chronic nociplastic pain in a reserpine‐induced fibromyalgia‐like female mouse model
Authors: Toledano‐Martos Rubén , Bagó‐Mas Anna , Deulofeu Meritxell , Homs Judit , Fiol Núria , Verdú Enrique , Boadas‐Vaello Pere
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Nociplastic pain involves reflexive and nonreflexive pain responses and it is a core symptom of fibromyalgia (FM). The increasing prevalence of this health condition and the low rates of patients’ quality of life, combined with the lack of suitable pharmacologic treatments, evidence the demand to research new alternatives. Polyphenols may be potential therapeutic candidates as they have been reported to exert pathological pain modulation in preclinical models. In that context, this work was aimed to study the antinociceptive effects of a polyphenolic extract obtained from decaffeinated ground roasted coffee, in the RIM6 FM‐like mouse model.

Methods

To this end, RIM6 adult ICR‐CD1 female mice were administered daily once a week with either 10 or 15 mg/kg of extract, and reflexive pain responses were evaluated for up to 3 weeks. At the end, the depressive‐like behavior was assessed as a nonreflexive pain response, and spinal cord and serum samples were collected for immunohistochemical and toxicological analyses.

Results

These findings showed that the repeated administration of the coffee polyphenolic extract (CE) modulated reflexive pain responses, depressive‐like behavior, and spinal cord gliosis in a dose‐dependent manner, without signs of systemic toxicity.

Conclusion

Thus, the CE may be a potential pharmacological treatment suitable to relieve nociplastic pain responses characteristic of FM.
Interactions of obesity, body shape, diabetes and sex steroids with respect to prostate cancer risk in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Evangelou Evangelos , Riboli Elio
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity and diabetes are associated inversely with low‐grade prostate cancer risk and affect steroid hormone synthesis but whether they modify each other's impact on prostate cancer risk remains unknown.

Methods

We examined the independent associations of diabetes, body mass index (BMI), ‘a body shape index’ (ABSI), hip index (HI), circulating testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) (per one standard deviation increase) and oestradiol ≥175 pmol/L with total prostate cancer risk using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for UK Biobank men. We evaluated multiplicative interactions (pMI) and additive interactions (relative excess risk from interaction (pRERI), attributable proportion (pAR), synergy index (pSI)) with obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and diabetes.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 10.3 years, 9417 incident prostate cancers were diagnosed in 195,813 men. Diabetes and BMI were associated more strongly inversely with prostate cancer risk when occurring together (pMI = 0.0003, pRERI = 0.032, pAP = 0.020, pSI = 0.002). ABSI was associated positively in obese men (HR = 1.081; 95% CI = 1.030–1.135) and men with diabetes (HR = 1.114; 95% CI = 1.021–1.216). The inverse associations with obesity and diabetes were attenuated for high‐ABSI ≥79.8 (pMI = 0.022, pRERI = 0.008, pAP = 0.005, pSI <0.0001 obesity; pMI = 0.017, pRERI = 0.047, pAP = 0.025, pSI = 0.0005 diabetes). HI was associated inversely in men overall (HR = 0.967; 95% CI = 0.947–0.988). Free testosterone (FT) was associated most strongly positively in normal weight men (HR = 1.098; 95% CI = 1.045–1.153) and men with diabetes (HR = 1.189; 95% CI = 1.081–1.308). Oestradiol was associated inversely in obese men (HR = 0.805; 95% CI = 0.682–0.951). The inverse association with obesity was stronger for high‐FT ≥243 pmol/L (pRERI = 0.040, pAP = 0.031, pSI = 0.002) and high‐oestradiol (pRERI = 0.030, pAP = 0.012, pSI <0.0001). The inverse association with diabetes was attenuated for high‐FT (pMI = 0.008, pRERI = 0.015, pAP = 0.009, pSI = 0.0006). SHBG was associated inversely in men overall (HR = 0.918; 95% CI = 0.895–0.941), more strongly for high‐HI ≥49.1 (pMI = 0.024).

Conclusions

Obesity and diabetes showed synergistic inverse associations with prostate cancer risk, likely involving testosterone reduction for diabetes and oestrogen generation for obesity, which were attenuated for high‐ABSI. HI and SHBG showed synergistic inverse associations with prostate cancer risk.
Molybdenum Sulfide Nanomaterial: A Potential Candidate for Separation Membranes
Authors: Jatoi Ashique Hussain , Soomro Faheeda , Maqbool Imran , Iqbal Muzaffar , Chandio Weenghar Ali , Memon Ayaz Ali , Thebo Khalid Hussain
Published: January 2024

Molybdenum sulfide (MoS2)‐based nanocomposites have attracted significant attention for various separation processes due to their ultrathin thickness, high mechanical and chemical strength, and good functionality. Herein, the recent progresses of various fabrication, synthesis, and modification methods for separation membrane‐based on MoS2 nanocomposites are reviewed. Emphasis is given on applications of MoS2‐based membranes in the purification of wastewater, separation of gas mixtures, energy storage separator, and proton‐exchange fuel cells (PEFCs). Advantages and drawbacks of this material for separation applications are discussed. Finally, a future roadmap is suggested for this promising nanomaterial in various separation processes.
A Critical Analysis on Transformation of Renewable Energy to Green Chemicals: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Imran , Benhelal Emad , Abbas Muhammad Mujtaba
Published: January 2024

The abundant natural resources and rapidly falling prices to generate and store renewable energy create a remarkable opportunity for a new group of manufacturing industries to emerge. These technology pathways use abundant or waste resources to produce green chemicals and fuels like green hydrogen (H2), green ammonia (NH3), and green synthetic hydrocarbons (HCs). Integrating chemical processes and renewable energy can complete the carbon loop and bring substantial decarbonization along with economic opportunities around the globe. An evidence‐based and industry‐focused critical review of technologies to produce green chemicals and fuels from renewable energy is presented. It also discusses the market size and applications for these emerging industries and presents their development status, benefits, and challenges to commercialization. Green hydrogen production from renewable energy turns out to be the initial and key stage for all these technological advancements and is indispensable for their techno‐economic viability. Other environmentally friendly feedstocks, such as nitrogen (from the air) and wastes such as CO2 (from industrial flue gas), can produce green chemicals. Besides environmental benefits, several other benefits of producing green chemicals from renewable energy are identified. These include but are not limited to (i) accelerating the economy for renewable energy and hydrogen generation, (ii) savings in energy, costs, and natural resources, and (iii) creating millions of jobs. A perspective on opportunities to develop the green chemical industry and assist academia, industry, and policymakers is provided.
Ethylene Glycol‐Containing Acrylic Polyphosphazene Based Cathode Materials via Inverse Vulcanization of Sulfur for Li−S Batteries
Authors: Yeşilot Serkan , Küçükköylü Sedat , Mutlu Tutku , Demir‐Cakan Rezan
Published: January 2024

The cell performance of Li−S batteries can be improved by establishing compatibility with the electrolyte of cathode and enhancing lithium‐ion diffusion (ionic conductivity) or electrical conductivity. In this work, we introduce cathode material based on ethylene glycol‐containing acrylic polyphosphazene. Poly[(2acrylamidoethoxy)‐random‐(methoxyethoxyethoxy)] phosphazenes were synthesized by macromolecular substitution of poly(dichloro)phosphazene with 2‐acrylamidoethanol and diethylene glycol methyl ether in two different ratios (25 and 50 mol% of ethylene glycol methyl ether), abbreviated as MP‐25EG and MP‐50EG, where ethylene glycol chains enhance the electrolyte compatibility and ion transport of the sulfur cathode material. Then, poly[S‐random‐(2acrylamidoethoxy)‐random‐(methoxyethoxyethoxy)] phosphazene polymers, designated as MP‐25EG‐xS or MP‐50EG‐xS (x=50 and 80 wt.% of sulfur) were prepared by inverse vulcanization of polymer with two feed sulfur ratios. Structural characterizations of the polymers were carried out using appropriate standard spectroscopic methods such as 1H and 31P NMR, FT‐IR, DSC and TGA as well as XPS. The electrochemical performance of MP‐25EG‐50S, MP‐25EG‐80S and MP‐50EG‐50S, MP‐50EG‐80S were evaluated and the effect of ethylene glycol was investigated by comparing cell performances. MP‐50EG‐50S demonstrated its promising applicability in Li–S batteries by exhibiting much better electrochemical respond with a discharge capacity of 745 mAh/g at C/5 current density over 100 cycles.
Gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL: A novel phosphinidene transfer reagent
Authors: Sharma Mahendra K. , Weinert Hanns M. , Wölper Christoph , Schulz Stephan
Published: January 2024

Gallaphosphene L(Cl)GaPGaL 1 (L=HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]2; Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) reacts with N‐heterocyclic carbenes RNHC (RNHC=[CMeN(R)]2C; R=Me, iPr) to RNHC‐coordinated phosphinidenes RNHC→PGa(Cl)L (R=Me 2 a, iPr 2 b) and with isonitriles RNC (R=iPr, Cy) to 1,3‐phosphaazaallenes L(Cl)GaP=C=N−R (R=iPr 3 a, Cy 3 b), respectively. Quantum chemical calculations reveal that 2 a/2 b possess two localized lone pair of electrons, whereas 3 a/3 b only show one localized lone pair as was reported for gallaphosphene 1. 2 b reacts with 2.5 equivalents of a borane (THF ⋅ BH3) to the NHC‐stabilized phosphinidene‐borane complex [iPrNHC→P(BH2)]2(BH3)3 4 with concomitant formation of LGa(H)Cl 5. 2–5 are characterized by heteronuclear (1H, 13C{1H}, 31P{1H}) NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction (sc‐XRD).
Suppressed pediatric asthma hospitalizations during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan, from a national survey
Authors: Korematsu Seigo , Fujisawa Takao , Saito Naruo , Tezuka Junichiro , Miura Katsushi , Kobayashi Ichiro , Miyata Ippei , Kosugi Yujiro , Gohda Yuji , Koike Yumi , Suda Ami , Matsuo Akiko , Sasaki Michiyo , Handa Yousuke , Fujiwara Michimasa , Ono Atsushi , Koizumi Shinya , Oishi Taku , Tanaka Takayuki , Ando Yusuke , Taba Naohiko , Tsurinaga Yuki , Sato Takeshi , Kanai Rei , Yashiro Masato , Takagi Toshiyuki , Hida Shinya , Harazaki Masashi , Hoshina Takayuki , Okada Seigo , Yasutomi Motoko , Nakata Setsuko , Muto Ayako , Tanabe Saori , Ueda Yutaka , Hasegawa Shunji , Kameda Makoto , Tanaka‐Taya Keiko , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Okada Kenji
Published: January 2024

Background

Acute asthma exacerbation in children is often caused by respiratory infections. In this study, a coordinated national surveillance system for acute asthma hospitalizations and causative respiratory infections was established. We herein report recent trends in pediatric acute asthma hospitalizations since the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan.

Methods

Thirty‐three sentinel hospitals in Japan registered all of their hospitalized pediatric asthma patients and their causal pathogens. The changes in acute asthma hospitalization in children before and after the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic and whether or not COVID‐19 caused acute asthma exacerbation were investigated.

Results

From fiscal years 2010–2019, the median number of acute asthma hospitalizations per year was 3524 (2462–4570), but in fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022, the numbers were 820, 1,001, and 1,026, respectively (the fiscal year in Japan is April to March). This decrease was observed in all age groups with the exception of the 3‐ to 6‐year group. SARS‐CoV‐2 was evaluated in 2094 patients from fiscal years 2020–2022, but the first positive case was not detected until February 2022. Since then, only 36 of them have been identified with SARS‐CoV‐2, none of which required mechanical ventilation. Influenza, RS virus, and human metapneumovirus infections also decreased in FY 2020. In contrast, 24% of patients had not been receiving long‐term control medications before admission despite the severity of bronchial asthma.

Conclusion

SARS‐CoV‐2 was hardly detected in children with acute asthma hospitalization during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This result indicated that SARS‐CoV‐2 did not induce acute asthma exacerbation in children. Rather, infection control measures implemented against the pandemic may have consequently reduced other respiratory virus infections and thus acute asthma hospitalizations during this period. However, the fact that many hospitalized patients have not been receiving appropriate long‐term control medications is a major problem that should be addressed.
Rational design and virtual screening identify mimetics of the RXR agonist valerenic acid
Authors: Isigkeit Laura , Kärcher Annette , Adouvi Gustave , Arifi Silvia , Merk Daniel
Published: January 2024

The ligand‐sensing transcription factor retinoid X receptor (RXR) is the universal heterodimer partner of nuclear receptors and involved in multiple physiological processes. Its pharmacological modulation holds therapeutic potential in cancer and neurodegeneration but many available RXR ligands lack specificity. The sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid has been identified as RXR agonist with unprecedented subtype and homodimer preference. Here, we identified simplified mimetics of the complex natural product by rational design and virtual screening that exhibited similar activity profiles on RXR and informed about structural elements contributing to the favorable activity.