bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Flexible Sensor Based on PU‐TA@MXene Janus Architecture for Selective Direction Recognition
Authors: Bai Ju , Gu Wen , Bai Yuanyuan , Li Yue , Yang Lin , Fu Lei , Li Shengzhao , Li Tie , Zhang Ting
Published: May 2023

Multifunctional selectivity and mechanical properties are always a focus of attention in the field of flexible sensors. In particular, the construction of biomimetic architecture for sensing materials can endow the fabricated sensors with intrinsic response features and extra‐derived functions. Here, inspired by the asymmetric structural features of human skin, a novel tannic acid (TA)‐modified MXene‐polyurethane film with a bionic Janus architecture is proposed, which is prepared by gravity‐driven self‐assembly for the gradient dispersion of 2D TA@MXene nanosheets into a PU network. This obtained film reveals strong mechanical properties of a superior elongation at a break of 2056.67% and an ultimate tensile strength of 50.78 MPa with self‐healing performance. Moreover, the Janus architecture can lead to a selective multifunctional response of flexible sensors to directional bending, pressure, and stretching. Combined with a machine learning module, the sensor is endowed with high recognition rates for force detection (96.1%). Meanwhile, direction identification in rescue operations and human movement monitoring can be realized by this sensor. This work offers essential research value and practical significance for the material structures, mechanical properties, and application platforms of flexible sensors.
Cuttlefish‐Inspired Self‐Adaptive Liquid Metal Network Enabling Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Management
Authors: Xing Wenkui , Xu Yue , Chen Shen , Lei Zhihui , Zhang Yingyue , Tao Peng , Shang Wen , Fu Benwei , Song Chengyi , Deng Tao
Published: May 2023

With the refinement and miniaturization of integrated electronic devices, the requirements for stable operating temperature and antielectromagnetic interference are increasingly high. However, most of the current materials necessitate to develop the intelligent self‐adaptive regulation in response to external field stimuli to gratify the stipulations of different operating environments. Herein, cuttlefish‐inspired smart liquid metal based‐liquid crystal elastomer (LGN‐LCE) dual‐functional material enabling self‐adaptive electromagnetic wave interference shielding and thermal management is presented. Liquid crystal elastomer matrix endows the LGN‐LCE dynamic self‐morphing properties under thermal activation, which leads to the liquid metal network with tunable thermal/electrical conduction. The thermal conductivity of LGN‐LCE can be increased to 10.3 W m−1 K−1 with the rise of surrounding temperature, while the electrical conductivity of LGN‐LCE can be enhanced to 4.3 × 105 S m−1. Such promoted electrical conductivity helps strengthen electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance of LGN‐LCE, and the minimum EMI shielding effectiveness of LGN‐LCE can be improved from 48 to 62 dB within the X‐band. This work may not only pave a new way to rationally design a self‐adaptive EMI shielding and thermal management systems, but also show good prospects for practical applications, including thermal management materials, EMI materials, flexible electronic materials, smart materials, artificial intelligence systems, biomedical, and aerospace applications.
Synergistic Photoredox and Iron(II) Catalyzed Carbophosphorothiolation of Vinyl Arenes
Authors: Kumar Ghosh Asim , Neogi Sukanya , Ghosh Payel , Hajra Alakananda
Published: May 2023

A three‐component vicinal carbophosphorothiolation of vinyl arenes by the cooperation of visible light and iron(II) catalysis has been established for the synthesis of S‐alkyl phosphorothioates. Noteworthy, the late‐stage functionalization of biologically active compounds has been performed using this procedure. The preliminary mechanistic study reveals that the catalytic cycle is accomplished by single‐electron transfer (SET).
Deleterious Mechanical Deformation Selects Mechanoresilient Cancer Cells with Enhanced Proliferation and Chemoresistance
Authors: Jiang Kuan , Lim Su Bin , Xiao Jingwei , Jokhun Doorgesh Sharma , Shang Menglin , Song Xiao , Zhang Pan , Liang Lanfeng , Low Boon Chuan , Shivashankar G.V. , Lim Chwee Teck
Published: May 2023

Cancer cells in secondary tumors are found to form metastases more efficiently as compared to their primary tumor counterparts. This is partially due to the unfavorable microenvironments encountered by metastasizing cancer cells that result in the survival of a more metastatic phenotype from the original population. However, the role of deleterious mechanical stresses in this change of metastatic potential is unclear. Here, by forcing cancer cells to flow through small capillary‐sized constrictions, it is demonstrated that mechanical deformation can select a tumor cell subpopulation that exhibits resilience to mechanical squeezing‐induced cell death. Transcriptomic profiling reveals up‐regulated proliferation and DNA damage response pathways in this subpopulation, which are further translated into a more proliferative and chemotherapy‐resistant phenotype. These results highlight a potential link between the microenvironmental physical stresses and the enhanced malignancy of metastasizing cancer cells which may be utilized as a therapeutic strategy in preventing the metastatic spread of cancer cells.
Synthetic Epigenetic Reprogramming of Mesenchymal to Epithelial States Using the CRISPR/dCas9 Platform in Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Waryah Charlene , Cursons Joseph , Foroutan Momeneh , Pflueger Christian , Wang Edina , Molania Ramyar , Woodward Eleanor , Sorolla Anabel , Wallis Christopher , Moses Colette , Glas Irina , Magalhães Leandro , Thompson Erik W. , Fearnley Liam G. , Chaffer Christine L. , Davis Melissa , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Redfern Andrew , Lister Ryan , Esteller Manel , Blancafort Pilar
Published: May 2023

Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible transcriptional program invoked by cancer cells to drive cancer progression. Transcription factor ZEB1 is a master regulator of EMT, driving disease recurrence in poor‐outcome triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Here, this work silences ZEB1 in TNBC models by CRISPR/dCas9‐mediated epigenetic editing, resulting in highly‐specific and nearly complete suppression of ZEB1 in vivo, accompanied by long‐lasting tumor inhibition. Integrated “omic” changes promoted by dCas9 linked to the KRAB domain (dCas9‐KRAB) enabled the discovery of a ZEB1‐dependent‐signature of 26 genes differentially‐expressed and ‐methylated, including the reactivation and enhanced chromatin accessibility in cell adhesion loci, outlining epigenetic reprogramming toward a more epithelial state. In the ZEB1 locus transcriptional silencing is associated with induction of locally‐spread heterochromatin, significant changes in DNA methylation at specific CpGs, gain of H3K9me3, and a near complete erasure of H3K4me3 in the ZEB1 promoter. Epigenetic shifts induced by ZEB1‐silencing are enriched in a subset of human breast tumors, illuminating a clinically‐relevant hybrid‐like state. Thus, the synthetic epi‐silencing of ZEB1 induces stable “lock‐in” epigenetic reprogramming of mesenchymal tumors associated with a distinct and stable epigenetic landscape. This work outlines epigenome‐engineering approaches for reversing EMT and customizable precision molecular oncology approaches for targeting poor outcome breast cancers.
Low anterior resection syndrome
Authors: Ryoo Seung‐Bum
Published: May 2023

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is the distressful defecatory functional problem after sphincter‐saving surgery for rectal cancer. Although the symptoms of fecal urgency, frequency, and incontinence may develop in most of the patients after surgery, there is no definitive treatments for LARS. Multifactorial etiologies and various risk factors have been identified, but the reduction of storage capacity in the rectum is one of the main reasons for LARS. Anal sphincter muscle or nerve damage during rectoanal resection or anastomosis construction, and intersphincteric resection for low‐lying tumors or hand‐sewing anastomosis, are the absolute risk factors for LARS. Preoperative radiotherapy, postoperative complications, such as anastomosis leakage, or longer duration of stoma, are also risk factors. The severity of LARS can be confirmed using the LARS score questionnaire. The questionnaire has been translated to numerous language versions including Korean and have been validated. Diverse empirical treatments, such as loperamide, fiber, probiotics, or enema, have been tried, but the safety and efficacy have not been verified yet. The 5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) receptor antagonist, ramosetron, used for diarrhea‐dominant irritable bowel syndrome, is one potential drug for relieving the symptoms of major LARS. A randomized‐controlled trial suggested the use of ramosetron could be safe and efficacious for patients who have major LARS after sphincter‐saving rectal cancer surgery. Novel techniques or drugs for relieving the symptoms of LARS should be developed more and further studies are necessary.
A Kinetically Stabilized Nitrogen‐Doped Triangulene Cation: Stable and NIR Fluorescent Diradical Cation with Triplet Ground State
Authors: Arikawa Shinobu , Shimizu Akihiro , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Sotome Hikaru , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Murai Masahito , Yamaguchi Shigehiro , Shintani Ryo
Published: May 2023

A kinetically‐stabilized nitrogen‐doped triangulene cation derivative has been synthesized and isolated as the stable diradical with a triplet ground state that exhibits near‐infrared emission. As was the case for a triangulene derivative we previously synthesized, the triplet ground state with a large singlet‐triplet energy gap was experimentally confirmed by magnetic measurements. In contrast to the triangulene derivative, the nitrogen‐doped triangulene cation derivative is highly stable even in solution under air and exhibits near‐infrared absorption and emission because the alternancy symmetry of triangulene is broken by the nitrogen cation. Breaking the alternancy symmetry of triplet alternant hydrocarbon diradicals by a nitrogen cation would therefore be an effective strategy to create stable diradicals possessing magnetic properties similar to the parent hydrocarbons but with different electrochemical and photophysical properties.
Regulated Ion/Electron‐Conducting Interphase Enables Stable Zinc‐Metal Anodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ions Batteries
Authors: Zhou Jiahui , Mei Yang , Wu Feng , Hao Yutong , Ma Wenwen , Li Li , Xie Man , Chen Renjie
Published: May 2023

Metallic Zinc (Zn) is considered as a remarkably promising anode for aqueous Zn‐ion batteries due to its high volumetric capacity and low redox potential. Unfortunately, dendritic growth and severe side reactions destabilizes the electrode/electrolyte interface, and ultimately reduce the electrochemical performance. Here, an artificial protective layer (APL) with a regulated ion and electron‐conducting interphase is constructed on the Zn‐metal anode to provide excellent interfacial stability in high‐rate cycling. The superior ionic and moderate electronic conductivity of the APL derives from the co‐embedding of MXene and Zn(CF3SO3)2 salts into the polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel, which enables a synergistic effect of local current density reduction during plating and ion transport acceleration during stripping for Zn anode. Furthermore, the high Young's modulus of the protective layer and dendrite‐free deposition morphology during cycling suppresses hydrogen evolution reactions (2.5 mmol h−1 cm−2) and passivation. As a result, in symmetrical cell tests, the modified battery presents a stable life of over 2000 cycles at ultra‐high current density of 20 mA cm−2. This research presents a new insight into the formation and regulation of stable electrode‐electrolyte interface for the Zn‐metal anode.
Crystal Structure and NMR of an α,δ‐Peptide Foldamer Helix Shows Side‐Chains are Well Placed for Bifunctional Catalysis: Application as a Minimalist Aldolase Mimic**
Authors: Lin Qi , Lan Hao , Ma Chunmiao , Stendall Ryan T. , Shankland Kenneth , Musgrave Rebecca A. , Horton Peter N. , Baldauf Carsten , Hofmann Hans‐Jörg , Butts Craig P. , Müller Manuel M. , Cobb Alexander J. A.
Published: May 2023

We report the first NMR and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) structures of an unusual 13/11‐helix (alternating i, i+1 {NH−O=C} and i, i+3 {C=O−H−N} H‐bonds) formed by a heteromeric 1 : 1 sequence of α‐ and δ‐amino acids, and demonstrate the application of this framework towards catalysis. Whilst intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IMHBs) are the clear driver of helix formation in this system, we also observe an apolar interaction between the ethyl residue of one δ‐amino acid and the cyclohexyl group of the next δ‐residue in the sequence that seems to stabilize one type of helix over another. To the best of our knowledge this type of additional stabilization leading to a specific helical preference has not been observed before. Critically, the helix type realized places the α‐residue functionalities in positions proximal enough to engage in bifunctional catalysis as demonstrated in the application of our system as a minimalist aldolase mimic.
Annulative π‐Extension by Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Ketone‐Directed C−H Activation: Rapid Access to Pyrenes and Related Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Sk Md Raja , Bhattacharyya Arya , Saha Shuvendu , Brahma Arpita , Maji Modhu Sudan
Published: May 2023

Annulative π‐extension (APEX) reaction has become a powerful tool for the precise synthesis of well‐defined polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as nanographene, graphene, and other PAHs possessing unique structure. Herein, an APEX reaction has been realized at the masked bay‐region for the efficient and rapid synthesis of valuable PAH, pyrene, bearing substitutions at the most challenging K‐region. RhIII‐catalyzed ketone‐directed C−H activation at the peri‐position of a naphthyl‐derived ketone, alkyne‐insertion, intramolecular nucleophilic attack at the carbonyl‐group, dehydration, and aromatization steps occurred in one‐pot to effectuate the protocol. Employing this strategy, a two‐fold APEX reaction on enantiopure BINOL‐derived ketones provided access to axially‐chiral bipyrene derivatives. The detailed DFT study to support proposed mechanism, and synthesis of helical PAHs like dipyrenothiophene and dipyrenofuran are other highlights of the present study.
A lack of efficacy of continuous theta burst stimulation over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in autism: A double blind randomized sham‐controlled trial
Authors: Ni Hsing‐Chang , Chen Yi‐Lung , Chao Yi‐Ping , Wu Chen‐Te , Chen Rao‐Shayn , Chou Tai‐Li , Gau Susan Shur‐Fen , Lin Hsiang‐Yuan
Published: May 2023

Although previous open‐label trials suggest the therapeutic potential of inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), methodological caveats exist. We conducted an 8‐week randomized, double‐blind sham‐controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of inhibitory continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS, a variant of rTMS) over the left DLPFC in individuals with ASD. Sixty children, adolescents and young adults (aged 8–30 years) with ASD without co‐occurring intellectual disabilities were randomized to a 16‐session 8‐week cTBS versus sham stimulation course, with a follow‐up 4 weeks after the trial. The Active group was not superior to the Sham group in any clinical or neuropsychological metrics at Week 8 or Week 12. Time effects of 8‐week cTBS on symptoms and executive function were remarkable in both Active and Sham groups, with comparable response rates and effect sizes of changes in symptoms/cognition between groups. Our results from a sufficiently powered sample do not endorse the superior efficacy of cTBS over the left DLPFC to the shamed stimulation for children, adolescents and adults with ASD. These findings suggest that earlier positive open‐label trial findings may be generalized by generalized/placebo effects. This highlights the urgent need for more rTMS/TBS studies with rigorous trial designs in ASD.
What is specific about employment status, workplace experiences and requirements in individuals with autism in Germany?
Authors: Espelöer Julia , Proft Julia , Kemmer Phyllis , Falter‐Wagner Christine M. , Vogeley Kai
Published: May 2023

The challenge of sustainably integrating highly educated individuals with ASD without intellectual disabilities in the first labor market is repeatedly described in literature. In a retrospective study, a group of 197 clinically late‐diagnosed adults with ASD without intellectual disabilities was compared to a closely matched group of 501 individuals who did not meet the criteria for the diagnosis of ASD within a utilization population of the Cologne Autism Outpatient Clinic. Results indicated that the pronounced demand for reduction of social and interpersonal requirements at the workplace (including planned or limited contact with colleagues and customers) as well as the experience of difficulties following unexpected changes in the daily routine were specific for ASD. In addition, individuals with ASD reported greater difficulties in finding a suitable job and being able to live on their wages, taking age and educational qualification into account. Supported employment measures were provided significantly more frequently to individuals in the ASD group. In conclusion, impairments in social skills emerged as one of the main obstacles of workplace performance for individuals with ASD emphasizing the necessity to develop and apply ASD‐specific support services.
Effect of spray aeration on unregulated drinking water disinfection byproducts
Authors: Beaudoin Kathleen R. , VanBriesen Jeanne M. , Dzombak David A.
Published: May 2023

Spray aeration is a comparatively low‐cost option to reduce trihalomethane (THM) concentrations in distribution system storage. The effect of spray aeration on unregulated, toxic disinfection by‐products was investigated in a bench‐scale apparatus in closed‐tank and open‐tank experiments. In the closed‐tank experiments, initially over 90% of THMs, trichloroacetonitrile, and chloropicrin were removed, while 36% of dihaloacetonitriles were removed. However, due to the buildup of concentrations in the tank headspace, removal rates for all compounds decreased significantly with time, falling to 44% removal of THMs, 76% removal of trichloroacetonitrile, and 58% removal of chloropicrin. Removal of dihaloacetonitriles decreased to zero. In the open‐tank experiments, THM removal rates were high and did not decrease with time. Considering the results with open and closed tanks as approximate bounds for performance expected under real‐world conditions in storage tanks, the findings suggest that spray aeration may not significantly reduce haloacetonitrile‐related toxicity while halonitromethane‐related toxicity may be reduced.
Synthesis of ultra‐small gold nanorods: Effect of reducing agent on reaction rate control
Authors: Yoo Sunghoon , Youn Goeun , Lee Hyunseung , Kwon Jae‐Sung , Lee Youngbok , Lee Seunghyun
Published: May 2023

Recently, anisotropic plasmonic nanoparticles with unique optical properties have seen applications in nanomedicine ranging from optical biosensing to bioimaging and drug delivery. For these uses, uniform gold nanoparticles with a very small size and appropriate aspect ratio that maintain optical properties in near‐IR region are desirable. In this study, we synthesized uniform ultra‐small gold nanorods with high yield, using hydroquinone as the reducing agent in the growth solution via the seed‐mediated method. We were able to control the rate of reduction of gold ions by adjusting the volume of hydroquinone, resulting in the controlled growth rate of gold nanorods. Moreover, by adjusting the volume of the gold precursor, we synthesized ultra‐small gold nanorods with dimensions of 16.3 (±2.24) × 5.85 (±0.54) nm (length and diameter). We characterized the ultra‐small gold nanorods by UV–visible‐NIR spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and fast Fourier transform techniques.
RAIF: A deep learning‐based architecture for multi‐modal aesthetic biometric system
Authors: Iffath Fariha , Gavrilova Marina
Published: May 2023

Human aesthetics play a significant role in video game development, emotional‐aware robot design, online recommender systems, digital human, and other domains of research focusing on human‐computer interactions. Social network user recognition based on aesthetic preferences is an emerging research domain. In this paper, a novel deep learning architecture is proposed for multi‐modal audio‐visual person identification that combines audio and visual aesthetic features. A pre‐trained ResNet architecture is utilized to extract high‐level features from a set of user‐preferred audio and image samples. A novel deep learning‐based fusion technique called residual‐aided intermediate fusion (RAIF) is introduced in order to effectively merge the audio and visual features. The proposed RAIF method achieved an accuracy of 98% and a loss of 0.01 on a proprietary multi‐modal dataset, indicating its effectiveness in fusing audio and visual information.
Hydrogels with Reversible Crosslinks for Improved Localised Stem Cell Retention: A Review
Authors: Princen Ken , Marien Neeve , Guedens Wanda , Graulus Geert‐Jan , Adriaensens Peter
Published: May 2023

Successful stem cell applications could have a significant impact on the medical field, where many lives are at stake. However, the translation of stem cells to the clinic could be improved by overcoming challenges in stem cell transplantation and in vivo retention at the site of tissue damage. This review aims to showcase the most recent insights into developing hydrogels that can deliver, retain, and accommodate stem cells for tissue repair. Hydrogels can be used for tissue engineering, as their flexibility and water content makes them excellent substitutes for the native extracellular matrix. Moreover, the mechanical properties of hydrogels are highly tuneable, and recognition moieties to control cell behaviour and fate can quickly be introduced. This review covers the parameters necessary for the physicochemical design of adaptable hydrogels, the variety of (bio)materials that can be used in such hydrogels, their application in stem cell delivery and some recently developed chemistries for reversible crosslinking. Implementing physical and dynamic covalent chemistry has resulted in adaptable hydrogels that can mimic the dynamic nature of the extracellular matrix.
Fecundity and maternal effects on Palmer amaranth height following season‐long interference in corn, cotton, and peanut
Authors: Mahoney Denis J. , Jordan David L. , Leon Ramon , Oreja Fernando H. , Roma‐Burgos Nilda
Published: May 2023

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri Watson) is one of the most difficult‐to‐control weeds in several economically important crops in the United States. Growth characteristics of Palmer amaranth can be affected by the cropping system. Research was conducted in North Carolina in 2019 to determine height and seed production of Palmer amaranth grown season long in the presence of corn (Zea mays L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Research was also conducted to determine transgenerational effects due to interference from these crops. Palmer amaranth produced more seed when grown with cotton (17 times greater) and peanut (12 times greater) compared with corn; no difference was noted between cotton and peanut. Palmer amaranth height in the field at physiological maturity was similar in corn (80 inches) and cotton (77 inches) and taller in height than peanut (63 inches). When progeny from plants in the field were grown in the greenhouse in the absence of crop interference, differences in the height of progeny and height of the mother plant in the presence of crop interference were ranked similarly with respect to crop. Palmer amaranth height in the presence of corn and cotton was similar (57 and 58 inches, respectively) and it exceeded height when the weed was grown with peanut (51 inches). These results demonstrate transgenerational effects due to previous crop (e.g., corn, cotton, and peanut) for Palmer amaranth.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Simplified Ansellone Analogues with Lipophilic Side Chains as HIV Latency‐Reversing Agents
Authors: Yanagihara Mizushi , Kishimoto Naoki , Nakahara Kanae , Abe Towa , Miura Satoshi , Lin Bangzhong , Fumimoto Megumi , Haruta Junichi , Misumi Shogo , Arisawa Mitsuhiro , Murai Kenichi
Published: May 2023

Structurally simplified analogues of ansellone A, in which the decalin skeleton is replaced with a lipophilic chain, were prepared and their HIV latency‐reversing activities biologically evaluated. In particular, two analogues bearing ether and alkenyl side chains, respectively, showed comparable activities to that of ansellone A. Each of the simplified compounds was easily synthesized using Prins cyclisation chemistry.
Use of Biomass Glycerol as a Reducing Agent for Photocatalytic Deprotection of Pyridine N‐Oxides in an Aqueous Suspension of Titanium(IV) Oxide
Authors: Kominami Hiroshi , Akamata Reo , Tanaka Atsuhiro
Published: May 2023

Deprotection of pyridine N‐oxides under mild conditions with an inexpensive and environmentally friendly reducing reagent is an important chemical procedure. The use of biomass waste as the reducing reagent, water as the solvent and solar light as the energy source is one of the most promising approaches with minimal impact on the environment. Therefore, a TiO2 photocatalyst and glycerol are suitable components of this type of reaction. Stoichiometric deprotection of pyridine N‐oxide (PyNO) with a minimal amount of glycerol (PyNO:glycerol= 7 : 1) was achieved, with only CO2 being produced as the final oxidation product of glycerol. The deprotection of PyNO was thermally accelerated. Under solar light, the temperature of the reaction system increased to 40–50 °C and PyNO was also quantitatively deprotected, indicating that solar energy, i. e., UV light and thermal energy, can be effectively used. The results provide a new approach in the fields of organic chemistry and medical chemistry using biomass waste and solar light.
A Novel Approach to α‐Arylacetonitrile Skeletons via para‐Selective Alkylation of Protected Anilines
Authors: Deng Zefeng , Fan Weitai , Liu Jian , Tu Guangliang , Huang Pengcheng , Xu Xu , Tan Jie , Ji Shun‐Jun , Zhao Yingsheng
Published: May 2023

A ruthenium‐catalyzed para‐selective alkylation of protected anilines to construct α‐arylacetonitrile skeletons has been reported. We firstly disclosed the ethyl 2‐bromo‐2‐cyanopropanoate was an effective alkylating reagent in ruthenmuim‐catalyzed remote‐selective C−H functionalization. A wide variety of α‐arylacetonitrile skeletons can be directly obtained with moderate to good yields. Importantly, the products contain both nitrile and ester groups guaranteeing its direct transformation into other useful synthetic units, indicating the synthetic importance of this method.
An Amphiphilic Peptide Carrier for HCl Transport
Authors: Kar Sabnam , Madhavan Nandita
Published: May 2023

Single molecules that co‐transport cations as well as anions across lipid membranes are few despite their high biological utility. The elegant yet simple lipidomimmetic peptide design herein enables efficient HCl transport without the use of any external additives for proton transport. The carboxylic acids in the dipeptide scaffold provide a handle to append two long hydrophobic tails and also provide a polar hydrophilic carboxylate group. The peptide central unit also provides NH sites for anion binding. Protonation of the carboxylate group coupled with the weak halide binding of the terminal NH group results in HCl transport with transport rates of H+>Cl−. The lipid‐like structure also facilitates seamless membrane integration and flipping of the molecule. The biocompatibility, design simplicity, and potential pH regulation of these molecules open up several avenues for their therapeutic use.
Kinetically Controlled Star Copolymer Self‐Assembly for Rapid Fabrication of Nanoparticles with High Encapsulation Capacity
Authors: Sun Yawei , Zhang Jiaqi , Liu Feng , Zhang Qilu
Published: May 2023

Rapid and scalable self‐assembly of an amphiphilic 21‐arm star copolymer, (polystyrene‐block‐polyethylene glycol)21 [(PS‐b‐PEG)21] in aqueous solution has been performed by reverse solvent exchange procedure. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) reveal the formation of nanoparticles with narrow size distribution. Further investigation indicates a kinetically controlled self‐assembly mechanism of the copolymers, in which the star topology of the amphiphilic copolymer and deep quenching condition by reverse solvent exchange are key to accelerate intrachain contraction of the copolymer during phase separation. When interchain contraction dominant over interchain association, nanoparticles with low aggregation number could be formed. Thanks to the high hydrophobic contents of the (PS‐b‐PEG)21 polymers, the resulted nanoparticles could encapsulate a high capacity of hydrophobic cargo up to 19.84 %. The kinetically controlled star copolymer self‐assembly process reported here provides a platform for the rapid and scalable fabrication of nanoparticle with high drug loading capacity (LC), which may find broad range of applications in, for example drug delivery, nanopesticide.
Application of artificial neural network for prediction of 10 crude oil properties
Authors: Alizadeh Shahla , Ta Souvik , Samavedham Lakshminarayanan , Ray Ajay K.
Published: May 2023

This study aims to develop an industrially reliable and accurate method to estimate crude oil properties from their Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra. We used the complete FTIR spectral data of selected crude oil samples from seven different Canadian oil fields to predict 10 important crude oil properties using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The predicted properties include specific gravity, kinematic viscosity, total acid number, micro carbon content, and production of light and heavy naphtha, Kero, and distillate in oil refineries. The 107 different (65 light oil and 42 heavy/medium oil samples) crude oil samples used in this study came from seven oil fields and reservoirs across Canada. In line with standard practice, we used 80% of the dataset for training the ANN models and used the remaining 20% of the crude oil samples to test the models. In the ANN analysis, the mean squared error (MSE) was used as the loss function in models, and the mean absolute prediction error (MAPE) was used as a reference to compare the performance of different neural networks constructed with different numbers of layers. This work demonstrates that FTIR spectroscopy is a promising technique that provides rapid and accurate estimates for the oil properties of interest to the industry. A comparison of the values predicted by the validated ANN models and their corresponding measured (actual) values showed excellent prediction with the acceptable range of error (below 15%) aimed for by our industry partner for all properties except viscosity, for which building models based on the natural logarithmic values of measured viscosities significantly improved the results.
Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with autoimmune disease: A propensity score matching study based on the China Atrial Fibrillation Registry
Authors: Gao Ming‐Yang , Huang Li‐Hong , Lai Yi‐Wei , Guo Qi , Guo Xue‐Yuan , Li Song‐Nan , Jiang Chen‐Xi , Liu Nian , He Liu , Li Xu , Tang Ri‐Bo , Du Xin , Long De‐Yong , Sang Cai‐Hua , Dong Jian‐Zeng , Ma Chang‐Sheng
Published: May 2023

Background

Evidence on outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with autoimmune disease (AD) is limited.

Hypothesis

Patients with AD had worse outcomes after CA procedures for AF.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in patients undergoing AF ablation between 2012 and 2021. The risk of recurrence after ablation was investigated in patients with AD and a 1:4 propensity score matched non‐AD group.

Results

We identified 107 patients with AD (64 ± 10 years, female 48.6%) who were matched with 428 non‐AD patients (65 ± 10 years, female 43.9%). Patients with AD exhibited more severe AF‐related symptoms. During the index procedure, a higher proportion of AD patients received nonpulmonary vein trigger ablation (18.7% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.002). Over a median follow‐up of 36.3 months, patients with AD experienced a similar risk of recurrence with the non‐AD group (41.1% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.21, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86–1.76) despite a higher incidence of early recurrences (36.4% vs. 13.5%, p = 0.001). Compared with non‐AD patients, patients with connective tissue disease were at an increased risk of recurrence (46.3% vs. 36.2%, p = 0.049, HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.00–2.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the duration of AF history and corticosteroid therapy were independent predictors of postablation recurrence in patients with AD.

Conclusions

In patients with AD, the risk of recurrence after ablation for AF during the follow‐up was comparable with non‐AD patients, but a higher risk of early recurrence was observed. Further research into the impact of AD on AF treatment is warranted.
Response‐Based Dosing for Ponatinib: Model‐Based Analyses of the Dose‐Ranging OPTIC Study
Authors: Hanley Michael J. , Diderichsen Paul , Rich Benjamin , Largajolli Anna , Schindler Emilie , Vorog Alexander , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Gupta Neeraj
Published: May 2023

Optimizing Ponatinib Treatment in CP‐CML (OPTIC) was a randomized, phase II dose‐optimization trial of ponatinib in chronic phase‐chronic myeloid leukemia (CP‐CML) resistant to ≥ 2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors or with T315I mutation. Patients were randomized to starting doses of 45‐, 30‐, or 15‐mg ponatinib once daily. Patients receiving 45‐ or 30‐mg reduced to 15‐mg upon achievement of ≤ 1% BCR::ABL1IS (≥ molecular response with 2‐log reduction (MR2)). The exposure‐molecular response relationship was described using a four‐state, discrete‐time Markov model. Time‐to‐event models were used to characterize the relationship between exposure and arterial occlusive events (AOEs), grade ≥ 3 neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Increasing systemic exposures were associated with increasing probability of transitioning from no response to ≥ MR1, and from MR1 to ≥ MR1, with odds ratios of 1.63 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06–2.73) and 2.05 (95% CI, 1.53–2.89) for a 15‐mg dose increase, respectively. Ponatinib exposure was a significant predictor of AOEs (hazard ratio (HR) 2.05, 95% CI, 1.43–2.93, for a 15‐mg dose increase). In the exposure‐safety models for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, exposure was a significant predictor of grade ≥ 3 thrombocytopenia (HR 1.31, 95% CI, 1.05–1.64, for a 15‐mg dose increase). Model‐based simulations predicted a clinically meaningful higher rate of ≥ MR2 response at 12 months for the 45‐mg starting dose (40.4%) vs. 30‐mg (34%) and 15‐mg (25.2%). The exposure–response analyses supported a ponatinib starting dose of 45 mg with reduction to 15 mg at response for patients with CP‐CML.
Echocardiographic pattern of left ventricular function recovery in tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy patients
Authors: Serban Teodor , du Fay de Lavallaz Jeanne , Mannhart Diego , Pfister Otmar , van der Stouwe Jan Gerrit , Kaufmann Beat A. , Knecht Sven , Kühne Michael , Sticherling Christian , Badertscher Patrick
Published: May 2023

Aims

Tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TCM) represents a partially reversible type of cardiomyopathy (CM) that is often underdiagnosed and cardiac chamber remodelling in TCM remains incompletely understood. We aim to explore differences in the dimensions of the left ventricle and functional recovery in patients with TCM compared with patients with other forms of CM.

Methods and results

We identified patients with reduced ejection fraction (≤50%) and/or atrial fibrillation or flutter with a left ventricular ejection fraction that improved from baseline (≥15% in left ventricular ejection fraction at follow‐up or normalization of cardiac function with at least 10% improvement). Patients were then divided into two groups: (A) TCM patients and (B) patients with other forms of CM (controls). Two hundred thirty‐eight patients were included (31% female, 70 years median age), 127 patients had TCM, and 111 had other forms of CM. Patients with TCM did not significantly improve indexed left ventricular volume (LVEDVI) after treatment (60 [45, 84] mL/m2 versus 56 [45, 70] mL/m2, P = ns) compared with controls (67 [54, 81] mL/m2 versus 52 [42, 69] mL/m2, P < 0.001). Patients with TCM patients had significantly worse fractional shortening at baseline than controls (15.5 [12, 23] vs. 20 [13, 30], P = 0.01) and higher indexed left atrial volume (LAVI) at baseline than controls (48 [37, 58] vs. 41 [33, 51], P = 0.01) that remained dilated at follow‐up (follow‐up LAVI 41 [33, 52] mL/m2). Good predictors of TCM were: normal LVEDVI (LVEDVI < 58 mL/m2 (M) and < 52 mL/m2 (F)) (odds ratio [OR] 5.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2–13.3, P < 0.001), fractional shortening < 30% (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4–9.2, P = 0.009), LAVI >40 mL/m2 (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6–7.3, P = 0.001) and normal wall thickness left ventricle (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.4–7.8, P = 0.008). 54% of patients with TCM demonstrated diastolic dysfunction at follow‐up, without differences from controls (54% vs. 43%, P = ns). 21% of patients with TCM showed persistent heart failure symptoms at follow‐up compared with 4.5% of controls, P = 0.004.

Conclusions

TCM patients have a specific pattern of functional recovery with persistent remodelling of the left atria and left ventricle. Several echocardiographic parameters might help identify TCM before treatment.
Dune toe dynamics along the urbanised macro‐tidal coast of Belgium
Authors: Strypsteen Glenn , Dan Sebastian , Verwaest Toon , Roest Bart , De Wulf Alain , Bonte Dries , Rauwoens Pieter
Published: May 2023

The dynamics of the dune toe along the urbanised 65 km macro‐tidal coast of Belgium has been examined based on (bi‐)annual cross‐shore profiles derived from airborne LiDAR surveys conducted between 2000 and 2019. Results indicate that the average dune toe level is located at +5.9 m Tweede Algemene Waterpassing (TAW, Belgian Ordnance Datum), which is 1 m lower than the conventional dune toe level. However, this level is not static but rather increasing over time with an average rate of 2.3 cm/year, making it comparable with coastal areas along western Europe. Both landward retreat and seaward progradation of the dune toes are observed, with rates up to 2 m/year. The analysis revealed that dune growth is primarily facilitated by the development of incipient or embryonic dunes, new foredunes and modifications to the stoss slope of the original dune profile. Half of the sea‐fronting dunes were observed to be developed by brushwood fences, which had a positive effect on dune growth. At some locations, incipient dune development and shoreline progradation were observed seaward of old foredunes. Other dune regions were characterised by natural dune blowouts and management activities for recreational purposes. Dune toe reinforcements were implemented in the west to stabilise the dune toe and prevent erosion by waves. However, it was noted that if the adjacent beach accreted because of natural growth or periodic nourishment, incipient dunes could form in front of the reinforcement.
Antiviral foods in the battle against viral infections: Understanding the molecular mechanism
Authors: Azam Md. Shofiul , Islam Md. Nahidul , Wahiduzzaman Md. , Alam Mahabub , Dhrubo Akib Atique Khan
Published: May 2023

Viruses produce a variety of illnesses, which may also cause acute respiratory syndrome. All viral infections, including COVID‐19, are associated with the strength of the immune system. Till now, traditional medicine or vaccines for most viral diseases have not been effective. Antiviral and immune‐boosting diets may provide defense against viral diseases by lowering the risk of infection and assisting rapid recovery. The purpose of this review was to gather, analyze, and present data based on scientific evidence in order to provide an overview of the mechanistic insights of antiviral bioactive metabolites. We have covered a wide range of food with antiviral properties in this review, along with their potential mechanism of action against viral infections. Additionally, the opportunities and challenges of using antiviral food have been critically reviewed. Bioactive plant compounds, not only help in maintaining the body's normal physiological mechanism and good health but are also essential for improving the body's immunity and therefore can be effective against viral diseases. These agents fight viral diseases either by incorporating the body's defense mechanism or by enhancing the cell's immune system. Regular intake of antiviral foods may prevent future pandemic and consumption of these antiviral agents with traditional medicine may reduce the severity of viral diseases. Therefore, the synergistic effect of antiviral foods and medication needs to be investigated.
Increased MYB alternative promoter usage is associated with relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Fehr André , Arvidsson Gustav , Nordlund Jessica , Lönnerholm Gudmar , Stenman Göran , Andersson Mattias K.
Published: May 2023

Therapy‐resistant disease is a major cause of death in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Activation of the MYB oncogene is associated with ALL and leads to uncontrolled neoplastic cell proliferation and blocked differentiation. Here, we used RNA‐seq to study the clinical significance of MYB expression and MYB alternative promoter (TSS2) usage in 133 pediatric ALLs. RNA‐seq revealed that all cases analyzed overexpressed MYB and demonstrated MYB TSS2 activity. qPCR analyses confirmed the expression of the alternative MYB promoter also in seven ALL cell lines. Notably, high MYB TSS2 activity was significantly associated with relapse (p = 0.007). Moreover, cases with high MYB TSS2 usage showed evidence of therapy‐resistant disease with increased expression of ABC multidrug resistance transporter genes (e.g., ABCA2, ABCB5, and ABCC10) and enzymes catalyzing drug degradation (e.g., CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP3A5). Elevated MYB TSS2 activity was further associated with augmented KRAS signaling (p < 0.05) and decreased methylation of the conventional MYB promoter (p < 0.01). Taken together, our results suggest that MYB alternative promoter usage is a novel potential prognostic biomarker for relapse and therapy resistance in pediatric ALL.
Schwann cells as a target cell for the treatment of cancer pain
Authors: Zhang Wen‐jun , Wu Chang‐lei , Liu Ji‐peng
Published: May 2023

Tumor erosion and metastasis can invade surrounding tissues, damage nerves, and sensitize the peripheral primary receptors, inducing pain, which can potentially worsen the suffering of patients with cancer. Reception and transmission of sensory signal receptors, abnormal activation of primary sensory neurons, and activation of glial cells are involved in cancer pain. Therefore, exploring promising therapeutic methods to suppress cancer pain is of great significance. Various studies have found that the use of functionally active cells is a potentially effective way to relieve pain. Schwann cells (SCs) act as small, biologically active pumps that secrete pain‐relieving neuroactive substances. Moreover, SCs can regulate the progression of tumor cells, including proliferation and metastasis, through neuro‐tumor crosstalk, which emphasizes the critical role of SCs in cancer and cancer pain. The mechanisms by which SCs repair injured nerves and exert analgesia include neuroprotection, neurotrophy, nerve regeneration, neuromodulation, immunomodulation, and enhancement of the nerve‐injury microenvironment. These factors may ultimately restore the damaged or stimulated nerves and contribute to pain relief. Strategies for pain treatment using cell transplantation mainly focus on analgesia and nerve repair. Although these cells are in the initial stages of nerve repair and pain, they open new avenues for the treatment of cancer pain. Therefore, this paper discusses, for the first time, the possible mechanism of SCs and cancer pain, and new strategies and potential problems in cancer pain treatment.
Preferential signal pathways during the perception and imagery of familiar scenes: An effective connectivity study
Authors: Tullo Maria Giulia , Almgren Hannes , Van de Steen Frederik , Boccia Maddalena , Bencivenga Federica , Galati Gaspare
Published: May 2023

The perception and imagery of landmarks activate similar content‐dependent brain areas, including occipital and temporo‐medial brain regions. However, how these areas interact during visual perception and imagery of scenes, especially when recollecting their spatial location, remains unknown. Here, we combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), resting‐state functional connectivity (rs‐fc), and effective connectivity to assess spontaneous fluctuations and task‐induced modulation of signals among regions entailing scene‐processing, the primary visual area and the hippocampus (HC), responsible for the retrieval of stored information. First, we functionally defined the scene‐selective regions, that is, the occipital place area (OPA), the retrosplenial complex (RSC) and the parahippocampal place area (PPA), by using the face/scene localizer, observing that two portions of the PPA—anterior and posterior PPA—were consistently activated in all subjects. Second, the rs‐fc analysis (n = 77) revealed a connectivity pathway similar to the one described in macaques, showing separate connectivity routes linking the anterior PPA with RSC and HC, and the posterior PPA with OPA. Third, we used dynamic causal modelling to evaluate whether the dynamic couplings among these regions differ between perception and imagery of familiar landmarks during a fMRI task (n = 16). We found a positive effect of HC on RSC during the retrieval of imagined places and an effect of occipital regions on both RSC and pPPA during the perception of scenes. Overall, we propose that under similar functional architecture at rest, different neural interactions take place between regions in the occipito‐temporal higher‐level visual cortex and the HC, subserving scene perception and imagery.
Head and neck solitary fibrous tumors: A review of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Abiri Arash , Nguyen Cecilia , Latif Kareem , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Torabi Sina J. , Birkenbeuel Jack L. , Kuan Edward C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Head and neck solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare neoplasms, with few large‐scale studies describing this entity. We evaluated the demographics and correlates of survival in a large series of SFT patients.

Methods

The 2004–2017 National Cancer Database was queried for head and neck SFT patients receiving definitive surgery. Cox proportional‐hazards and Kaplan–Meier analyses assessed overall survival (OS).

Results

Of 135 patients, sinonasal (33.1%) and orbital (25.9%) SFTs were most common. Approximately 93% of SFTs were invasive and 64% were classified as hemangiopericytomas. The 5‐year OS of skull base SFTs (84.5%) was lower than sinonasal (98.7%) and orbital (90.7%) SFTs (all p < 0.05). Government insurance exhibited higher mortality (HR 5.116; p < 0.001) and lower OS (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Head and neck SFTs presented with distinct prognoses based on anatomical origin. Overall survival was particularly worse in patients with skull base SFTs or government insurance. Prognostically, hemangiopericytomas were indistinct from other SFTs.