bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The electrophysiologic and histologic effects of the argon beam coagulator on peripheral nerves
Authors: Steiniger Joseph R. , Fee Willard E. , Nowels Kent W. , Lusted Hugh S. , Wilkinson Albert H.
Published: October 2006

The electrophysiologic and histologic effects of the Bard Argon Beam Coagulator (ABC) were investigated in the New Zealand White rabbit. Thirty‐four rabbits were divided into three groups. Controls underwent simple femoral exploration and closure. The remaining rabbits' femoral nerves were spot coagulated with either the ABC or standard electrosurgical unit (ESU). Stimulus thresholds were recorded before treatment and again prior to sacrifice at 0, 30, 60, or 120 days. Thresholds were significantly elevated for the ABC and ESU compared to controls (P = .0077 and .0351, respectively). Changes in threshold were greater for the ABC than for the ESU, but were not significant. All ABC‐ and ESU‐treated nerves had significant histologic injury when compared to controls (P < .0002). Although the ABC may be clinically safe, significant injury to rabbit femoral nerves occurs when they are exposed to energy emitted by this instrument.
Electrically evoked auditory brainstem response monitoring of auditory brainstem implant integrity during facial nerve tumor surgery
Authors: Waring Michael D.
Published: October 2006

Evoked potentials identified as electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (EABRs) have been recorded from a patient in response to electrical stimulation of the cochlear nucleus via an auditory brainstem implant. Recording such EABRs during surgery for removal of an ipsilateral facial nerve tumor provided a means to monitor the integrity of the implant. The presence of stable EABRs similar to those obtained before surgery indicated that the lead wires had not been severed and that the implanted electrodes had not been dislodged. EABR recording may also be useful for assisting with positioning the stimulating electrodes during initial implantation surgery, by verifying that stimulation can activate the auditory system.
Dose—Response Effects of Intermittent PTH on Cancellous Bone in Hindlimb Unloaded Rats
Authors: Turner Russell T , Evans Glenda L , Lotinun Sutada , Lapke Paul D , Iwaniec Urszula T , Morey-Holton Emily
Published: October 2006

HLU suppressed bone formation and resulted in bone loss in the tibial metaphysis of 6-month-old male rats. A human therapeutic dose of intermittent PTH (1 μg/kg/day) prevented the skeletal changes associated with HLU.

Introduction: Skeletal unloading of skeletally mature rats results in trabecular thinning in the proximal tibial metaphysis, which is in part caused by a decrease in bone formation. We examined the efficacy of PTH in preventing the detrimental skeletal effects that occur with hindlimb unloading (HLU).

Materials and Methods: Six-month-old male Fisher 344 rats were HLU and treated with vehicle or recombinant human PTH(1-34) at 1, 5, 20, or 80 μg/kg/day for 2 weeks. The bone response was measured by μCT analysis of bone structure, histomorphometric analysis of static and dynamic bone parameters, and Northern blot analysis of mRNA levels for bone matrix proteins. The PTH-treated HLU animals were compared with vehicle-treated HLU and pair-fed normal weight-bearing controls.

Results: Unloading resulted in a decrease in cancellous bone volume that was caused in part by a dramatic 83% decrease in bone formation. All dose rates (1–80 μg/kg/day) of human PTH(1-34) significantly increased bone formation rates compared with vehicle-treated HLU controls. There was a dose response, and the highest dose rate of the hormone increased bone formation compared with normal weight-bearing rats by 708% (p < 0.0001). The increases in bone formation were accompanied by increases in mRNA levels for type 1 collagen, osteocalcin, and osteonectin. Also, treatment with PTH resulted in increases in mineral apposition rate and double-labeled perimeter, but the latter was disproportionally increased at high dose rates. A therapeutic dose of PTH (1 μg/kg/day) prevented disuse-induced trabecular thinning, whereas high-dose PTH (80 μg/kg/day) increased trabecular thickness compared with normal weight-bearing rats.

Conclusions: These findings reveal that administration of a therapeutic dose of PTH to HLU rats prevents the decrease in bone formation and trabecular thinning, whereas high dose rates of the hormone increase bone formation and trabecular thickness to values that exceed normal values.
Failure of sewage pumps: statistical modelling and impact assessment
Authors: Korving H. , Geise M. , Clemens F.
Published: October 2006

Sewage pumping stations are directly responsible for affecting performance, i.e. failing pumps may result in combined sewer overflows or flooding. However, failures of sewage pumps are not yet incorporated in sewer assessments due to lack of knowledge and data. This paper presents the analysis of pump failure data provided by two sewer management authorities in The Netherlands. Pump failures have been studied accounting for the nature of the failures, the operation and maintenance procedures of the management authority, the ageing of the pumps and the changes in the environment of pumps. The analysis shows that sewage pumps fail relatively often due to the composition of sewage and the discontinuous operation of the pumps. The interarrival time and the duration of failures are highly variable and independent of the pump type and the specific function of the pump. The results also indicate that the serviceability of sewer systems is significantly affected by failing pumps. As a consequence, part of the environmental damage due to CSOs (combined sewer overflows) can be avoided by improving maintenance of pumping stations.
On the effect of spatial variances in historical rainfall time series to CSO performance evaluation
Authors: De Toffol S. , De Simon Burström Y. , Rauch W.
Published: October 2006

Historical, high-resolution rain series are the backbone of modern combined sewer overflow (CSO) structure design. These rain series are the input to the computational estimation of the performance of the measures with respect to CSO pollution abatement. However, those historical precipitation measurements are available at only a few locations. Frequently rain series have to be used from gauging stations at a significant distance. In order to judge and to compensate for this influence an estimate between rain characteristics and combined sewer outflow (CSO) performance indicators would be useful. In this paper such correlations have been sought for a collection of 37 rain series covering large areas of Europe. It was found that the mean annual rain volume can explain most of the variances for the performance indicators Number of overflows and CSO volume. For explaining the spatial differences in the efficiency of the CSO structure another rain characteristic, i.e. the maximum event with a return period of one year, is to be used.
A decision support framework for sustainable urban water planning and management in new urban areas
Authors: Makropoulos C.K. , Morley M. , Memon F.A. , Butler D. , Savic D. , Ashley R.A.
Published: October 2006

The paper discusses issues of decision support within the context of sustainable development and more specifically sustainable water cycle management to provide a context and a rationale for the decision support approach adopted within an on-going UK EPSRC-funded project, WaND. The paper proposes a set-up for a flexible, upgradeable, efficient and modular decision support framework and associated tools. Furthermore, the paper presents early prototypes of three decision support tools developed within the proposed framework including initial results for one of them.
Long term monitoring of sewer sediment accumulation and flushing experiments in a man-entry sewer
Authors: Bertrand-Krajewski J.-L. , Bardin J.-P. , Gibello C.
Published: October 2006

This paper presents continuous field experiments carried out during 4 years in a man-entry egg-shaped combined sewer in Lyon, France in order to contribute to the knowledge and the modelling of sediment accumulation and sediment removal by means of a Hydrass flushing gate. The 250 μm sediments are mainly mineral, and their physical and chemical characteristics appear as rather stable in time and space. Long-term sediment monitoring reveals: i) a regular asymptotic increase of both the sediment mass and the slope of its longitudinal profile, ii) a clear correlation between local sediment profile irregularities and sewer ancillaries but without significant influence on the global and long term accumulation. Simple sediment accumulation modelling shows: i) a good suitability of a three parameters conceptual model to reproduce asymptotic sediment volume accumulation, and ii) a good suitability of the Velikanov model to reproduce sediment profiles. Both models reproduce observations with an acceptable margin of uncertainty for operational management purposes but are very sensitive to input data and parameter values. The Hydrass flushing gate is efficient and it appeared that the mass of sediments moves downstream linearly with the number of flushes.
Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing through a Hydrogel‐Based Cascade Regulation Strategy of Fibroblast‐Macrophage
Authors: Jin Nuo , Wang Zilin , Tang Xi , Jin Nianqiang , Wang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

The management of diabetic wounds (DWs) continues to pose a significant challenge in the field of medicine. DWs are primarily prevented from healing due to damage to macrophage efferocytosis and fibroblast dysfunction. Consequently, a treatment strategy that involves both immunoregulation and the promotion of extracellular matrix (ECM) formation holds promise for healing DWs. Nevertheless, existing treatment methods necessitate complex interventions and are associated with increased costs, for example, the use of cytokines and cell therapy, both of which have limited effectiveness. In this study, a new type of ruthenium (IV) oxide nanoparticles (RNPs)‐laden hybrid hydrogel dressing with a double network of Pluronic F127 and F68 has been developed. Notably, the hybrid hydrogel demonstrates remarkable thermosensitivity, injectability, immunoregulatory characteristics, and healing capability. RNPs in hydrogel effectively regulate both fibroblasts and macrophages in a cascade manner, stimulating fibroblast differentiation while synergistically enhancing the efferocytosis of macrophage. The immunoregulatory character of the hydrogel aids in restoring the intrinsic stability of the immune microenvironment in the wound and facilitates essential remodeling of the ECM. This hydrogel therefore offers a novel approach for treating DWs through intercellular communication.
Ruthenium(II)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of 1,2‐trans‐Disubstituted PhSO2CF2‐containing Cyclopropanes
Authors: Zhao Chengtao , Besset Tatiana , Jubault Philippe
Published: March 2024

The direct diastereo‐ and enantioselective Ru(II)‐ catalyzed cyclopropanation reaction of alkenes with ((2‐diazo‐1,1‐difluoroethyl)sulfinyl)benzene was described. The desired enantioenriched PhSO2CF2‐cyclopropanes were obtained in high yields with high diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities in the presence of a chiral ruthenium complex Ru(II)‐Pheox (17–94% yields, >20:1 d.r. and 83:17–98:2 e.r.). The robustness of the approach was showcased and This methodology gave access to chiral 1,2‐trans difluoro‐methylcyclopropanes.
Fundamentally Manipulating the Electronic Structure of Polar Bifunctional Catalysts for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries: Heterojunction Design versus Doping Engineering
Authors: Xu Huifang , Jiang Qingbin , Shu Zheng , Hui Kwan San , Wang Shuo , Zheng Yunshan , Liu Xiaolu , Xie Huixian , (Andy) Ip Weng‐Fai , Zha Chenyang , Cai Yongqing , Hui Kwun Nam
Published: March 2024

Heterogeneous structures and doping strategies have been intensively used to manipulate the catalytic conversion of polysulfides to enhance reaction kinetics and suppress the shuttle effect in lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. However, understanding how to select suitable strategies for engineering the electronic structure of polar catalysts is lacking. Here, a comparative investigation between heterogeneous structures and doping strategies is conducted to assess their impact on the modulation of the electronic structures and their effectiveness in catalyzing the conversion of polysulfides. These findings reveal that Co0.125Zn0.875Se, with metal‐cation dopants, exhibits superior performance compared to CoSe2/ZnSe heterogeneous structures. The incorporation of low Co2+ dopants induces the subtle lattice strain in Co0.125Zn0.875Se, resulting in the increased exposure of active sites. As a result, Co0.125Zn0.875Se demonstrates enhanced electron accumulation on surface Se sites, improved charge carrier mobility, and optimized both p‐band and d‐band centers. The Li‐S cells employing Co0.125Zn0.875Se catalyst demonstrate significantly improved capacity (1261.3 mAh g−1 at 0.5 C) and cycle stability (0.048% capacity delay rate within 1000 cycles at 2 C). This study provides valuable guidance for the modulation of the electronic structure of typical polar catalysts, serving as a design directive to tailor the catalytic activity of advanced Li‐S catalysts.
An Ultrasensitive Biomimetic Optic Afferent Nervous System with Circadian Learnability
Authors: Wang Kaiyang , Ren Shuhui , Jia Yunfang , Yan Xiaobing
Published: March 2024

The optic afferent nervous system (OANS) plays a significant role in generating vision and circadian behaviors based on light detection and signals from the endocrine system. However, the bionic simulation of this photochemically mediated behavior is still a challenge for neuromorphic devices. Herein, stimuli of neurotransmitters at ultralow concentrations and illumination are coupled to artificial synapses with the aid of biofunctionalized heterojunction and tunneling to successfully simulate a circadian neural response. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying the photosensitive synaptic current in response to stimuli are described. Interestingly, this OANS is demonstrated to be capable of mimicking normal and abnormal circadian learnability by combining the measured synaptic current with a three‐layer spike neural network. Strong theoretical and experimental evidence, as well as applications, are provided for the proposed biomimetic OANS to demonstrate that it can reproduce biological circadian behavior, thus establishing it as a promising candidate for future neuromorphic intelligent robots.
Bidirectional Synaptic Operations of Triple‐Gated Silicon Nanosheet Transistors with Reconfigurable Memory Characteristics
Authors: Shin Yunwoo , Son Jaemin , Jeon Juhee , Ryu Seungho , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: March 2024

In this study, a triple‐gated transistor with a p+‐i‐n+ silicon nanosheet (NS) is proposed as a single synaptic device, and bidirectional synaptic functions are realized using reconfigurable memory characteristics. The triple‐gated NS transistor features steep switching and bistable characteristics with a subthreshold swing below 5 mV dec−1 and an ON/OFF current ratio of ≈5 × 106 for both the n‐ and p‐channel modes. This transistor exhibits electrically symmetric reconfigurable memory characteristics with an ON current ratio of 1.02 for the n‐ and p‐channel modes. Moreover, the bidirectional synaptic weight updates of binarized spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity learning are successfully performed in a single transistor. This study demonstrates the potential of a triple‐gated NS transistor for achieving compact synaptic arrays in large‐scale silicon‐based neuromorphic computing systems.
Propane dehydrogenation on Ir single‐atom catalyst modified by atomically dispersed Sn promoters in silicalite‐1 zeolite
Authors: Zhang Ying , Shi Shaolin , Wang Ziyue , Lan Huanshi , Liu Liyang , Sun Qingdi , Guo Guanghui , He Xiaohui , Ji Hongbing
Published: March 2024

Propylene serves as a crucial feedstock for a wide range of industries engaged in the production of diverse petrochemical products. Propane dehydrogenation, an appealing technology aimed at supplanting conventional methodologies, confronts significant hurdles attributable to coke deposition and sintering in Pt‐based catalysts. Here, we report an Ir single atom encapsulated in silicalite‐1 zeolite modified with Sn single atoms as electronic promoters, displaying remarkable activity and stability, which is significantly greater than the previously reported Ir‐based catalysts and comparable to the majority of Pt‐based catalysts under similar industrial conditions (600°C, C3H8/H2 = 2/1). Spectroscopies results reveal that the introduction of Sn atoms promotes the transfer of electrons from Sn atoms to Ir atoms, forming electron‐rich Irδ+ species. DFT calculations show that the unique electronic structure lowers the energy barrier for two‐step dehydrogenation as well as favors the adsorption of propane and desorption of propylene, thus enhancing the activity and stability.
Production of jet fuel cycloalkanes from 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural via cascade catalysis on Mg(Al)(Zr)O supported CuCo
Authors: Zhu Yanru , Zhang Zhen , Zou Yunfei , Zhang Jian , An Zhe , Shu Xin , Song Hongyan , He Jing
Published: March 2024

Catalytic conversion of biomass‐derived 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5‐HMF) into carbon‐increased hydrocarbons as drop‐in energy‐rich biofuels has received a great deal of concern for the development of sustainable chemical industry. Here, we demonstrate a one‐pot conversion of 5‐HMF into C9‐alkanes on one single catalyst, acidic–basic layered double oxides (Mg(Al)(Zr)O) supported CuCo alloy. The well‐defined multifunctional catalytic sites with harmonious combination carry out cascade catalysis, affording C9‐alkanes (including 30% of more value‐added branched‐cycloalkanes) in 83% yield. The basic–acidic sites on Mg(Al)(Zr)O show high activity for aldol condensation of 5‐HMF and acetone, producing 4‐[5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐2‐furanyl]‐3‐buten‐2‐one (HAc) in a yield of >99%. The engineered Co–Cu–Co linkages on supported CuCo perform efficient hydrodeoxygenation, affording C9‐alkanes in a selectivity of 96% from HAc. C9‐cycloalkanes are generated from the cyclization of the corresponding monohydric alcohol intermediates by the synergy of acidic and CuCo sites in the hydrodeoxygenation reaction.
Self‐Powered Smart Vibration Absorber for In Situ Sensing and Energy Harvesting
Authors: Xu Jiawen , Wang Zhenyu , Nie Heng‐Yong , Wei Yen , Liu Yu
Published: March 2024

Vibration signals are essential data for the health monitoring of structures and the cyber–physical system. However, commercial vibration sensors are generally installed on struts/surfaces to gather raw data, which affects the result or causes the detachment problem. This study uses a facile 3D printing method to fabricate a smart vibration absorber with an interior multifunctional multimaterial elastic lattice (MMEL). These lattices, which work as vibration absorbers, have been demonstrated to possess the functions of self‐powered sensing and energy harvesting via the triboelectric effect. The triangular geometry parameter, materials type, etc. have been investigated to illustrate their basic mechanical and triboelectric properties and their coupled influence. Further, the results of the shock test show that MMEL can decrease the peak force from approximately 625 to 90 N and convey the Voc impulse signal simultaneously. The vibration signal has been collected through the MMEL to detect the vibration frequency and charge a watch simultaneously, demonstrating the feasibility and practical potential of the MMEL. The research provides a new method for constructing a multifunctional vibration absorber for applications.
Synthesis and in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes activity of aldehyde and Schiff base substituted cobalt (II), copper (II), and zinc (II) phthalocyanines
Authors: Yalazan Halise , Kamiloglu Ayse Aktas , Tekin Askın , Arslan Tayfun , Kantekin Halit
Published: March 2024

In this work, a series of aldehyde‐substituted phthalocyanine compounds (1, 3, and 5) were prepared by the cyclotetramerization of the 4‐(5‐(diethylamino)‐2‐formylphenoxy) phthalonitrile (a) and the corresponding metal salts. Schiff base‐substituted phthalocyanines (2, 4, and 6) were derived from an aldehyde‐substituted phthalocyanine (1, 3, and 5) via the reaction of aldehyde‐substituted phthalocyanines with an amine reagent. The compounds that were obtained were characterized using FT‐IR, 1H {13C} NMR, UV–Vis, and MS spectra (a and 1–6). The inhibitory qualities of synthesized aldehyde and Schiff base‐substituted complexes against the enzymes butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were assessed. The majority of phthalocyanines exhibited strong enzyme‐inhibiting properties. Out of the six produced phthalocyanines, 3 and 4 displayed the most intriguing profiles as submicromolar selective AChE inhibitors (IC50 = 0.060 μM), whereas 1 demonstrated the most potent BChE inhibitor (IC50 = 0.024 μM). The aggregation studies of CoPcs, CuPcs, and ZnPcs (1–6) were also carried out in this work.
Intensive temporal and spatial sampling of polychaete biodiversity reveals significant implications for impact assessment and marine park design
Authors: Knott Nathan A. , Swadling Daniel S. , Rees Matthew J. , Przeslawski Rachel , Ross Donald J. , Hutchings Pat
Published: March 2024

Intensive temporal and spatial sampling of benthic infauna have rarely been analysed to improve impact assessment or conservation planning. An impact assessment started in the late 1980s in Jervis Bay (Australia) provided a spatially, temporally and taxonomically comprehensive benthic invertebrate dataset. While the proposed development did not eventuate, the area was later declared a multi‐zone marine park.

We specifically used the polychaete data which included nine sampling times (February 1989 to June 1991) in seagrass and unvegetated sediments across multiple sites to identify ecological patterns that could inform current and future conservation management and impact assessment.

The polychaete assemblage was diverse with 171 species, many of them rare (40% < 10 individuals). Variation was greatest at small spatial scales (metres) for abundances and diversity, and there was substantial spatio‐temporal variation due to inconsistent site differences. Most species occurred in both unvegetated and seagrass sediments, though several were more abundant or restricted to one habitat (39% and 3% only found in unvegetated or seagrass, respectively), or showed bathymetric differences in abundances (e.g., Eunice cultrifera and Lumbrineris cf. latrelli).

The current marine park zoning representatively covered polychaete biodiversity, as all sites were generally similar in terms of abundances and species richness. It also representatively covered seagrass and unvegetated sediments and the bathymetric range of the embayment. These findings reinforce the utility of using habitats as surrogates to representatively zone for biological diversity.

The high levels of spatial and spatio‐temporal variation in abundances and diversity only allowed detection of environmental impacts with >70% effect sizes even if numerous sites and times were sampled (i.e., > seven sites and > eight times). This suggests that most univariate measures for polychaetes would only be useful to detect enormous effects, and effective impact assessment might require more sophisticated multivariate approaches.
Bauen im Strom: Grundinstandsetzung der Wehranlage Kachlet nach 100 Jahren Nutzung
Authors: Weiler Simon , Barthel Birte , Merklein Tobias , Stapp Andreas
Published: March 2024

Mit der Wehranlage Kachlet erreicht eine der größten Wehranlagen an der deutschen Großschifffahrtsstraße Rhein‐Main‐Donau eine Nutzungsdauer von 100 Jahren. Um die Schiffbarkeit der Donau weiterhin zu gewährleisten, erfolgt eine umfangreiche Grundinstandsetzung, bei der die Wehrsohle erhalten bleibt, die Pfeiler ertüchtigt sowie der Wehrüberbau, der Stahlwasserbau und die technische Ausrüstung komplett erneuert werden. Für diese besondere Herausforderung werden v. a. in der Baulogistik neue Ansätze in Betracht gezogen. Als Baubehelf für die geplante Maßnahme wird eine Portalkrananlage über der Wehranlage errichtet. Mit deren Hilfe ist es möglich, die Maßnahme mit einem hohen Vorfertigungsgrad und – daraus resultierend – vergleichsweise kurzer Bauzeit durchzuführen. Die Portalkrananlage bringt jedoch auch neue Herausforderungen mit sich, die bei der Planung berücksichtigt werden müssen.
Efficient heterogeneous synthesis of nucleophilic carboxymethyl hydrazides of polysaccharides
Authors: Würfel Hendryk , Pfeifer Annett , Heinze Thomas
Published: March 2024

Nucleophilic moieties in polysaccharides (PS) with distinct higher reactivity compared with the hydroxy group are interesting for sustainable applications in chemistry, medicine, and pharmacy. An efficient heterogeneous method for the formation of such nucleophilic PS is described. Employing alcohols as slurry medium, protonated carboxymethyl (CM) PS and hydrazine hydrate are allowed to react at elevated temperatures. The CM derivatives of starch and pullulan can be transformed almost quantitatively to the corresponding hydrazides. The reaction is less efficient for CM dextrans and CM xylans. As slurry media, 2‐propanol and ethanol were probed, and the results are compared with a homogeneous procedure performed in water. Overall, the heterogeneous procedure is superior compared with the homogeneous route. 2‐Propanol is the best slurry medium investigated yielding PS hydrazides with the highest nitrogen content.
Solid‐phase synthetic method for N‐alkyl‐7‐alkylamino‐2‐aryloxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine‐5‐carboxamide derivatives
Authors: Cho Min Ju , Yang Hye Won , Jeon Moon‐Kook
Published: March 2024

Oxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine derivatives have been reported to exhibit interesting biological activities. Herein, we described a solid‐phase synthetic method to produce N‐alkyl‐7‐alkylamino‐2‐aryloxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidine‐5‐carboxamide derivatives. The strategy consists of loading the template compounds (i.e., 2‐aryl‐6,7‐dihydrooxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidin‐7‐one‐5‐carboxylic acids) onto aminated acid‐sensitive methoxybenzaldehyde (AMEBA) resins, the subsequent benzotriazol‐1‐yloxytris(dimethylamino)phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP)‐mediated direct amination with primary/secondary amines, and the final cleavage from the solid support to afford the target compounds. The template 2‐aryl‐6,7‐dihydrooxazolo[5,4‐d]pyrimidin‐7‐one‐5‐carboxylic acids were prepared using a five‐step solution‐phase synthetic route from ethyl 2‐cyano‐2‐(hydroxyimino)acetate. BOP‐mediated direct amination conditions were optimized by a solution‐phase model study. The solid‐phase synthetic method provided the 17 target compounds in 16%–92% five‐step overall isolated yields from the Merrified resin for selected template compounds and primary/secondary amines.
Study of vision‐related resting‐state activity in suprasellar tumor patients with postoperative visual damage
Authors: Wang Fuyu , Zhou Tao , Wang Peng , Zhang Yanyang , Jiang Jinli
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in vision‐related resting‐state activity in patients with suprasellar tumors (ST) who experienced vision deterioration after surgery.

Methods

Twelve patients with ST and vision deterioration after surgery were included in the study. Resting‐state functional connectivity (FC) was compared before and after surgery using a seed‐based analysis with a priori specified regions of interest (ROIs) within the visual areas. The differences between the two groups were identified using a paired t‐test.

Results

The data showed a decrease in FC within and between the dorsal and ventral pathways, as well as in the third pathway in ST patients. The middle temporal visual cortex (MT+) showed a decreased FC with more regions than other visual ROIs. The data also revealed an increase in FC between the visual ROIs and higher‐order cortex. The superior frontal gyrus/BA8 showed an increased FC with more ROIs than other high‐order regions, and the hOC4d was involved in an increased FC with more high‐order regions than other ROIs.

Conclusions

The study results indicate significant neural reorganization in the vision‐related cortex of ST patients with postoperative vision damage. Most subareas within the visual cortex showed remarkable neural dysfunction, and some highe‐order cortex may be primarily involved in top‐down control of the subareas within the visual cortex. The hot zones may arise in the processing of “top‐down” influence.
Sarcopenia and anti‐seizure medication response in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Kim Jinseung , Lee Ho‐Joon , Lee Dong Ah , Park Kang Min
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the presence of sarcopenia in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) and the association between sarcopenia and response to anti‐seizure medication (ASM) in patients with JME.

Methods

We enrolled 42 patients with JME and 42 healthy controls who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging with three‐dimensional T1‐weighted imaging. We measured the temporal muscle thickness (TMT), a radiographic marker for sarcopenia, using T1‐weighted imaging. We compared the TMT between patients with JME and healthy controls and analyzed it according to the ASM response in patients with JME. We also performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate how well the TMT differentiated the groups.

Results

The TMT in patients with JME did not differ from that in healthy controls (9.630 vs. 9.956 mm, p = .306); however, ASM poor responders had a lower TMT than ASM good responders (9.109 vs. 10.104 mm, p = .023). ROC curve analysis revealed that the TMT exhibited a poor performance in differentiating patients with JME from healthy controls, with an area under the ROC curve of .570 (p = .270), but good performance in differentiating between ASM good and poor responders, with an area under the ROC curve of .700 (p = .015).

Conclusion

The TMT did not differ between patients with JME and healthy controls; however, it was reduced in ASM poor responders compared to ASM good responders, suggesting a link between ASM response and sarcopenia in patients with JME. TMT can be used to investigate sarcopenia in various neurological disorders.
Siglec15/TGF‐β bispecific antibody mediates synergistic anti‐tumor response against 4T1 triple negative breast cancer in mice
Authors: Shen Limei , Schaefer Alison M. , Tiruthani Karthik , Wolf Whitney , Lai Samuel K.
Published: March 2024

An ideal tumor‐specific immunomodulatory therapy should both preferentially target the tumor, while simultaneously reduce the immunosuppressive environment within the tumor. This guiding principle led us to explore engineering Siglec‐15 (S15) targeted bispecific antibody (bsAb) to enhance therapy against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). S15 appears to be exclusively expressed on macrophages and diverse tumor cells, including human and mouse 4T1 TNBC. TGF‐β is a growth hormone frequently associated with increased tumor invasiveness, including in TNBC. Here, to overcome the immune‐suppressive environment within TNBC tumors to enable more effective cancer therapy, we engineered a bispecific antibody (bsAb) targeting both Siglec15 and TGF‐β. In mice engrafted with orthotopic 4T1 tumors, S15/TGF‐β bsAb treatment was highly effective in suppressing tumor growth, not only compared to control monoclonal antibody (mAb) but also markedly more effective than mAbs against S15 alone, against TGF‐β alone, as well as a cocktail of both anti‐S15 and anti‐TGF‐β mAbs. We did not detect liver and lung metastasis in mice treated with S15/TGF‐β bsAb, unlike all other treatment groups at the end of the study. The enhanced anti‐tumor response observed with S15/TGF‐β bsAb correlated with a less immunosuppressive environment in the tumor. These results underscore S15‐targeted bsAb as a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC, and possibly other S15 positive solid tumors.
Combination tumor‐treating fields treatment for patients with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Liu Kun , Zhu Youwen , Zhu Hong , Zeng Manting
Published: March 2024

Background

Tumor‐treating field (TTFields) was a novel antitumor therapy that provided significant survival for previously treated metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC). The consistency of the cost of the new treatment regimen with its efficacy was the main objective of the study.

Methods

The primary parameters, derived from the Phase 3 LUNAR study, were collected to evaluate the cost and efficacy of TTFields plus standard‐of‐care (SOC) (immune checkpoint inhibitors [ICIs] and docetaxel [DTX]) or SOC in patients with mNSCLC by establishing a three‐state Markov model over a 15‐year time horizon. Primary outcome measures for this study included costs, life‐years (LYs), quality‐adjusted LYs (QALYs), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

The total costs of TTFields plus SOC, TTFields plus ICI, and TTFields plus DTX were $319,358, $338,688, and $298,477, generating 1.23 QALYs, 1.58 QALYs, and 0.89 QALYs, respectively. The ICERs of TTFields plus SOC versus SOC, TTFields plus ICI versus ICI, and TTFields plus DTX versus DTX were $613,379/QALY, $387,542/QALY, and $1,359,559/QALY, respectively. At willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) thresholds of $150,000/QALY, the probability of combination TTFields being cost‐effective was 0%. In addition, TTFields plus SOC exhibited similar efficacy (1.12 QALYs and 1.14 QALYs) and costs ($309,822 and $312,531) in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and non‐squamous cell carcinoma (NSCC) populations.

Conclusions

In the United States, TTFields plus SOC as second‐line treatment was not a more cost‐effective strategy for patients with mNSCLC. Of the analyzed regimens, TTFields plus ICI was associated with most significant health benefits.
Microelectrode‐enabled Electrocrystallization of Cobalt TCNQ Complex for Gas Sensing
Authors: Lin Jiancheng , Kilani Mohamed , Baharfar Mahroo , Tang Jianbo , Zheng Jiewei , Kumar Priyank V. , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Mao Guangzhao
Published: March 2024

Electrocrystallization is a promising method for controlled charge‐transfer complex (CTC) deposition on microfabricated electrodes for gas sensing applications. However, there remains a gap in our understanding of CTC electrodeposition. In this study, we focus on investigating the electrocrystallization of cobalt tetracyanoquinodimethane (Co‐TCNQ) on a microdisk electrode to elucidate and control the process. Leveraging the microelectrode technique, we conduct steady‐state measurements to observe nucleation and crystal growth dynamics, particularly in the early stages of electrocrystallization. We use cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry to examine Co‐TCNQ electrocrystallization under various electrolytic conditions. We identify electrocrystallization kinetics, ranging from electrokinetic to diffusion‐limited growth, governing the nucleation and growth of Co‐TCNQ crystals. Notably, we pinpoint the applied overpotential and precursor concentration range necessary for a single nucleation site on the microelectrode. Moreover, we demonstrate control over crystal orientation and morphology. Our findings reveal a nonclassical growth pathway for Co‐TCNQ crystals characterized by oriented attachment of small crystallites along the conductive long axis. Importantly, electrodeposited Co‐TCNQ on patterned microelectrodes exhibits selective sensing capabilities for nitrogen dioxide gas. Overall, this study sheds light on CTC electrodeposition through a proof‐of‐concept demonstration involving Co‐TCNQ electrodeposition on microelectrodes, presenting potential applications across diverse materials.
Wireless Light‐Emitting Electrode Arrays for the Evaluation of Electrocatalytic Activity
Authors: Boukarkour Youness , Reculusa Stephane , Sojic Neso , Kuhn Alexander , Salinas Gerardo
Published: March 2024

Water splitting has become a sustainable and clean alternative for hydrogen production. Commonly, the efficiency of such reactions is intimately related to the physico‐chemical properties of the catalysts that constitute the electrolyzer. Thus, the development of simple and fast methods to evaluate the electrocatalytic efficiency of an electrolyzer is highly required. In this work, we present an unconventional method based on the combination of bipolar electrochemistry and light‐emitting diodes, which allows the evaluation of the electrocatalytic performance of the two types of catalysts, composing an electrolyzer, namely for oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions, respectively. The integrated light emission of the diode acts as an optical readout of the electrocatalytic information, which simultaneously depends on the composition of the anode and the cathode. The electrocatalytic activity of Au, Pt, and Ni electrodes, connected to the LED in multiple anode/cathode configurations, towards the water splitting reactions has been evaluated. The efficiency of the electrolyzer can be represented in terms of the onset electric field (ϵonset) for light emission, obtaining variations that are in agreement with data reported with conventional electrochemistry. This work introduces a straightforward method for evaluating electrocatalysts and underscores the importance of material characterization in developing efficient electrolyzers for hydrogen production.
Intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts Acylation of [11C]Isocyanates Enabling the Radiolabeling of [carbonyl‐11C]DPQ
Authors: Ozenil Marius , Kogler Lukas , Mair Braeden A. , Hacker Marcus , Wadsak Wolfgang , Rotstein Benjamin H. , Pichler Verena
Published: March 2024

α,β‐aromatic lactams are highly abundant in biologically active molecules, yet so far they cannot be radiolabeled with short‐lived (t1/2=20.3 min), β+‐decaying carbon‐11, which has prevented their application as positron emission tomography tracers. Herein, we developed, optimized, and applied a widely applicable, one‐pot, quick, robust and automatable radiolabeling method for α,β‐aromatic lactams starting from [11C]CO2 using the reagent POCl3⋅AlCl3. This method proceeds via intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts acylation of in situ formed [11C]isocyanates and shows a broad substrate scope for the formation of five‐ and six‐membered rings. We implemented our developed labeling method for the radiosynthesis of the potential PARP1 PET tracer [carbonyl‐11C]DPQ in a clinical radiotracer production facility following the standards of the European Pharmacopoeia.
Enabling High Activation of Glucose‐6‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity Through Liquid Condensate Formation and Compression
Authors: Jaworek Michel W. , Oliva Rosario , Winter Roland
Published: March 2024

Droplet formation via liquid–liquid phase separation is thought to be involved in the regulation of various biological processes, including enzymatic reactions. We investigated a glycolytic enzymatic reaction, the conversion of glucose‐6‐phosphate to 6‐phospho‐D‐glucono‐1,5‐lactone with concomitant reduction of NADP+ to NADPH both in the absence and presence of dynamically controlled liquid droplet formation. Here, the nucleotide serves as substrate as well as the scaffold required for the formation of liquid droplets. To further expand the process parameter space, temperature and pressure dependent measurements were performed. Incorporation of the reactants in the liquid droplet phase led to a boost in enzymatic activity, which was most pronounced at medium‐high pressures. The crowded environment of the droplet phase induced a marked increase of the affinity of the enzyme and substrate. An increase in turnover number in the droplet phase at high pressure contributed to a further strong increase in catalytic efficiency. Enzyme systems that are dynamically coupled to liquid condensate formation may be the key to deciphering many biochemical reactions. Expanding the process parameter space by adjusting temperature and pressure conditions can be a means to further increase the efficiency of industrial enzyme utilization and help uncover regulatory mechanisms adopted by extremophiles.
PEC‐PRO: A new prognostic score from a series of 87 patients with localized perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) treated with curative intent
Authors: Gantzer Justine , Toulmonde Maud , Severac François , Chamseddine Ali N. , Charon‐Barra Céline , Vinson Charles , Hervieu Alice , Bourgmayer Agathe , Bertucci François , Ryckewaert Thomas , Valentin Thibaud , Firmin Nelly , Chaigneau Loïc , Bompas Emmanuelle , Follana Philippe , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , Soibinet‐Oudot Pauline , Bozec Laurence , Le Loarer François , Weingertner Noëlle , Chevreau Christine , Duffaud Florence , Blay Jean‐Yves , Kurtz Jean‐Emmanuel , Schöffski Patrick , Brahmi Mehdi , Malouf Gabriel G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) encompass a heterogeneous family of mesenchymal tumors. Previously described clinicopathologic features aimed at distinguishing benign from malignant variants but lacked prognostic value.

Methods

This retrospective analysis examined clinicopathologic data from patients who had localized PEComa across French Sarcoma Network centers. The authors analyzed 12 clinicopathologic features in a Cox proportional hazard framework to derive a multivariate prognostic risk model for event‐free survival (EFS). They built the PEComa prognostic score (PEC‐PRO), in which scores ranged from 0 to 5, based on the coefficients of the multivariate model. Three groups were identified: low risk (score = 0), intermediate risk (score = 1), and high risk (score ≥ 2).

Results

Analyzing 87 patients who had a median 46‐month follow‐up (interquartile range, 20–74 months), the median EFS was 96.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 47.1 months to not applicable), with 2‐year and 5‐year EFS rates of 64.7% and 58%, respectively. The median overall survival was unreached, with 2‐year and 5‐year overall survival rates of 82.3% and 69.3%, respectively. The simplified Folpe classification did not correlate with EFS. Multivariate analysis identified three factors affecting EFS: positive surgical margins (hazard ratio [HR], 5.17; 95% CI, 1.65–16.24; p = .008), necrosis (HR, 3.94; 95% CI, 1.16–13.43; p = .030), and male sex (HR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.19–8.27; p = 0.023). Four variables were retained in the prognostic model. Patients with low‐risk PEC‐PRO scores had a 2‐year EFS rate of 93.7% (95% CI, 83.8%–100.0%), those with intermediate‐risk PEC‐PRO scores had a 2‐year EFS rate of 67.4% (95% CI, 53.9%–80.9%), and those with high‐risk PEC‐PRO scores had a 2‐year EFS rate of 2.3% (95% CI, 0.0%–18.3%).

Conclusions

The PEC‐PRO score reliably predicts the risk of postoperative recurrence in patients with localized PEComa. It has the potential to improve follow‐up strategies but requires validation in a prospective trial.
Venetoclax plus a hypomethylating agent versus cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor chemotherapy as a first‐line therapy for newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia: A propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Huang Rui , He Honghua , Xu Xiaoli , Lin Xiaonan , Dong Ying , Wang Xiaotao , Jiang Fang , Huang Pengcheng , Mo Shuyi , Huang Zhenqian , Wang Yaya , Tao Hongfang , Zheng Yaling , Wu Ming , Yang Chuting , Zheng Ziyu , Zhao Ying , Zhang Yuming , Li Yuhua
Published: March 2024

Background

Both venetoclax plus a hypomethylating agent (VEN/HMA) and cytarabine, aclarubicin, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (CAG) are low‐intensity regimens for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that show good efficacy and safety. It is unknown how VEN/HMA compares with the CAG regimen for the treatment of newly diagnosed AML.

Methods

The outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed AML treated with VEN/HMA were compared with those of patients treated with a CAG‐based regimen. Propensity score matching between these two cohorts at a 1:1 ratio was performed according to age at diagnosis, sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, state of fitness, and European LeukemiaNet (ELN) 2022 risk stratification to minimize bias.

Results

A total of 84 of 96 patients in the VEN/HMA cohort were matched with 84 of 147 patients in the CAG cohort. VEN/HMA resulted in a better response than the CAG‐based regimens, as indicated by a higher composite complete remission (CRc) rate (82.1% vs. 60.7%; p = .002) and minimal residual disease negativity rate (88.2% vs. 68.2%; p = .009). In patients with an ELN adverse risk, VEN/HMA was associated with a higher CRc rate compared to CAG (80.5% vs. 58.3%; p = .006). VEN/HMA was associated with longer event‐free survival (EFS) (median EFS, not reached vs. 4.5 months; p = .0004), whereas overall survival (OS) was comparable between the two cohorts (median OS, not reached vs. 18 months; p = .078).

Conclusions

The VEN/HMA regimen may result in a better response than CAG‐based treatment in older patients with newly diagnosed AML.
Sheet Models for Methylaluminoxane (MAO) Activators? A Theoretical Case Study involving rac‐Me2Si(η5‐C9H6)2Zr (SBIZr) Complexes
Authors: Collins Scott , Linnolahti Mikko
Published: March 2024

Activation of SBIZrMe2 or SBIZrMeCl and a sheet model for an active component of hydrolytic MAO, (MeAlO)16(Me3Al)6, (16,6) has been studied by DFT. Contact ion‐pair formation occurs through the intermediacy of SBIZrMe(Cl) or SBIZrMe2 reacting with sheet 16,6 to furnish SBIZrMe‐μ‐X(MeAlO)16(Me3Al)6 (2, X=Me, Cl). Contact ion‐pairs 2 would be in equilibrium with heterodinuclear catalyst precursors [SBIZrMe2AlMe2][(MeAlO)16(Me3Al)6X] (3 (X=Me, Cl) through reversible binding of Me3Al at higher Al : Zr ratios. Calculations show that formation of ion‐pairs 3 from contact ion‐pairs 2 is more favourable for the SBIZr compared with the parent Cp2Zr complexes. TD‐DFT calculations were conducted on relevant SBIZr complexes to relate the results to earlier spectroscopic studies of catalyst activation using UV‐Vis spectroscopy. Finally, propene insertion into ion‐pairs 2, SBIZrMe‐μ‐MeB(C6F5)3 (6) and [SBIZrMe][B(C6F5)4] (7) was studied at M06‐2X/TZVP level of theory. These studies suggest that contact ion‐pairs 2 are significantly less reactive towards insertion than 6 or 7, in disagreement with experiment.
Many‐body Effects on Electronic Transport in Molecular Junctions: A Quantum Perspective
Authors: Sarmah Amrit , Hobza Pavel , Chandra Asit K. , Mitra Sivaprasad , Nakajima Takahito
Published: March 2024

This concept delves into quantum particle transport at the nanoscale, with a particular focus on how electrons move through molecular circuits. The thriving field of single molecular electronics benefits from the unique electrical and other properties of nanostructures. It concentrates on single molecular junctions that serve as bridges between electrodes. In this context, the electronic correlation‐induced many‐body effect gives rise to resonant states. These states, along with conductance, depend on electron spin. Thus, the field acts as a bridge between quantum and macroscopic worlds, unveiling unique behaviors of electrons. Additionally, external factors, such as magnetic fields and voltages, offer means to control the electron correlation in these junctions.