bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Adhesion Molecule Esam1 Is a Novel Hematopoietic Stem Cell Marker
Authors: Ooi A. G. Lisa , Karsunky Holger , Majeti Ravindra , Butz Stefan , Vestweber Dietmar , Ishida Tatsuro , Quertermous Thomas , Weissman Irving L. , Forsberg E. Camilla
Published: December 2008

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been highly enriched using combinations of 12–14 surface markers. Genes specifically expressed by HSCs as compared with other multipotent progenitors may yield new stem cell enrichment markers, as well as elucidate self-renewal and differentiation mechanisms. We previously reported that multiple cell surface molecules are enriched on mouse HSCs compared with more differentiated progeny. Here, we present a definitive expression profile of the cell adhesion molecule endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule (Esam1) in hematopoietic cells using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry studies. We found Esam1 to be highly and selectively expressed by HSCs from mouse bone marrow (BM). Esam1 was also a viable positive HSC marker in fetal, young, and aged mice, as well as in mice of several different strains. In addition, we found robust levels of Esam1 transcripts in purified human HSCs. Esam1−/− mice do not exhibit severe hematopoietic defects; however, Esam1−/− BM has a greater frequency of HSCs and fewer T cells. HSCs from Esam1−/− mice give rise to more granulocyte/monocytes in culture and a higher T cell:B cell ratio upon transplantation into congenic mice. These studies identify Esam1 as a novel, widely applicable HSC-selective marker and suggest that Esam1 may play roles in both HSC proliferation and lineage decisions.
The Economic Crisis as of December 2008: The Global Economy Journal Weighs In
Authors: Highfill Jannett
Published: December 2008

The present crisis is too raw to have a catchy title, but while previous work of members of the International Trade and Finance Association and readers of the Global Economy Journal already helps us understand it, I anticipate many future contributions to the GEJ on the subject as well.
A new 122 mm electromechanical drill for deep ice-sheet coring (DISC): 5. Experience during Greenland field testing
Authors: Johnson Jay A. , Mason William P. , Shturmakov Alexander J. , Haman Scott T. , Sendelbach Paul J. , Mortensen Nicolai B. , Augustin Laurent J. , Dahnert Kristina R.
Published: December 2008

The Deep Ice Sheet Coring (DISC) drill developed by Ice Coring and Drilling Services under contract with the US National Science Foundation is an electromechanical ice-drill system designed to take 122mm ice cores to depths of 4000 m. The new drill system was field-tested near Summit camp in central Greenland during the spring/summer of 2006. Testing was conducted to verify the performance of the DISC drill system and its individual components and to determine the modifications required prior to the system’s planned deployment for coring at the WAIS Divide site in Antarctica in the following year. The experiments, results and the drill crew’s experiences with the DISC drill during testing are described and discussed.
EPICA Dome C 2 drilling operations: performances, difficulties, results
Authors: Augustin L. , Panichi S. , Frascati F.
Published: December 2008

The European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) Dome C 2 (EDC2) drilling was concluded on 21 December 2005, a few metres above bedrock. The drilling was stopped both for environmental reasons and because of the drilling difficulties encountered in ‘warm ice’. This paper describes in detail the progress and the performance of the EPICA drill, including the procedures needed to penetrate into ‘warm ice’ and their effects on core quality. Some drill technical data are also presented.
Deep drilling at Vostok station, Antarctica: history and recent events
Authors: Vasiliev N.I. , Talalay P.G. , Bobin N.E. , Chistyakov V.K. , Zubkov V.M. , Krasilev A.V. , Dmitriev A.N. , Yankilevich S.V. , Lipenkov V.Ya.
Published: December 2008

Deep drilling into the ice sheet at Vostok station, Antarctica, was started by specialists of the Leningrad Mining Institute (since 1991, St Petersburg State Mining Institute) in 1970. Five deep holes were cored: hole No. 1 to 952 m; hole No. 2 to 450.4 m; hole No. 3G (3G-1, 3G-2) to 2201.7 m; hole No. 4G (4G-1, 4G-2) to 2546.4 m; and hole No. 5G (5G-1) to 3650.2 m depth. Drilling of hole 5G-1 is not yet complete. The deep drilling at Vostok station has had successes and problems. All the deep holes at Vostok have undergone at least one offset drilling operation because of problems with lost drills. These deviations were made successfully using a thermal drilling technique. Several drilling records have been achieved at Vostok station. The deepest dry hole, No. 1 (952 m), was made during Soviet Antarctic Expedition (SAE) 17 in 1972. The deepest fluid-filled hole, No. 5G-1, made by a thermal drill (TBZS-132), reached 2755 m during SAE 38 in 1993. The deepest fluid-filled hole in ice, No. 5G-1, was drilled with a KEMS-132 electromechanical drill and was stopped above Vostok Subglacial Lake at 3650.2 m depth during Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) 51 in 2006.
Drilling comparison in ‘warm ice’ and drill design comparison
Authors: Augustin L. , Motoyama H. , Wilhelms F. , Johnsen S. , Hansen S.B. , Talalay P. , Vasiliev N.
Published: December 2008

For the deep ice-core drilling community, the 2005/06 Antarctic season was an exciting and fruitful one. In three different Antarctic locations, Dome Fuji, EPICA DML and Vostok, deep drillings approached bedrock (the ice–water interface in the case of Vostok), emulating what had previously been achieved at NorthGRIP, Greenland, (summer 2003 and 2004) and at EPICA Dome C2, Antarctica (season 2004/05). For the first time in ice-core drilling history, three different types of drill (KEMS, JARE and EPICA) simultaneously reached the depth of ‘warm ice’ under high pressure. After excellent progress at each site, the drilling rate dropped and the drilling teams had to deal with refrozen ice on cutters and drill heads. Drills have different limits and perform differently. In this comparative study, we examine depth, pressure, temperature, pump flow and cutting speed. Finally, we compare a few parameters of ten different deep drills.
The meaning of Darwin's “abominable mystery”
Authors: Friedman William E.
Published: December 2008

Charles Darwin's “abominable mystery” has come to symbolize just about all aspects of the origin and early evolution of flowering plants. Yet, there has never been an analysis of precisely what Darwin thought was so abominably mysterious. Here I explicate Darwin's thoughts and frustrations with the fossil record of flowering plants as revealed in correspondence with Joseph Hooker, Gaston de Saporta, and Oswald Heer between 1875 and 1881. I also examine the essay by John Ball that prompted Darwin to write his “abominable mystery” letter to Hooker in July of 1879. Contrary to what is generally believed, Darwin's abominable mystery has little if anything to do with the fossil prehistory of angiosperms, identification of the closest relatives of flowering plants, questions of the homologies (and character transformations) of defining features of flowering plants, or the phylogeny of flowering plants themselves. Darwin's abominable mystery and his abiding interest in the radiation of angiosperms were never driven primarily by a need to understand the literal text of the evolutionary history of flowering plants. Rather, Darwin was deeply bothered by what he perceived to be an abrupt origin and highly accelerated rate of diversification of flowering plants in the mid‐Cretaceous. This led Darwin to create speculative arguments for a long, gradual, and undiscovered pre‐Cretaceous history of flowering plants on a lost island or continent. Darwin also took refuge in the possibility that a rapid diversification of flowering plants in the mid‐Cretaceous might, if real, have a biological explanation involving coevolutionary interactions between pollinating insects and angiosperms. Nevertheless, although generations of plant biologists have seized upon Darwin's abominable mystery as a metaphor for their struggle to understand angiosperm history, the evidence strongly suggests that the abominable mystery is not about angiosperms per se. On the contrary, Darwin's abominable mystery is about his abhorrence that evolution could be both rapid and potentially even saltational. Throughout the last years of his life, it just so happens that flowering plants, among all groups of organisms, presented Darwin with the most extreme exception to his strongly held notion natura non facit saltum, nature does not make a leap.
A Patient With Type 1 Diabetes and Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Machiavello Roman Francisco J. , Azar Marwan M. , Trubin Paul A.
Published: April 2024

A 41-year-old with type 1 diabetes had generalized weakness, muffled voice, and slurred speech. Neck computed tomography showed soft-tissue gas in the nasopharynx and prevertebral fascia; examination of sinus mucosal samples identified numerous broad, nonseptate right-angled hyphae and fruiting bodies. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?
Prevalence of Mental Health Disorders Among Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Barry Rebecca , Anderson Jennifer , Tran Lan , Bahji Anees , Dimitropoulos Gina , Ghosh S. Monty , Kirkham Julia , Messier Geoffrey , Patten Scott B. , Rittenbach Katherine , Seitz Dallas
Published: April 2024

Importance

Several factors may place people with mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, at increased risk of experiencing homelessness and experiencing homelessness may also increase the risk of developing mental health disorders. Meta-analyses examining the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness globally are lacking.

Objective

To determine the current and lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness and identify associated factors.

Data Sources

A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and AMED) was conducted from inception to May 1, 2021.

Study Selection

Studies investigating the prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness aged 18 years and older were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was completed using standardized forms in Covidence. All extracted data were reviewed for accuracy by consensus between 2 independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the prevalence (with 95% CIs) of mental health disorders in people experiencing homelessness. Subgroup analyses were performed by sex, study year, age group, region, risk of bias, and measurement method. Meta-regression was conducted to examine the association between mental health disorders and age, risk of bias, and study year.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Current and lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness.

Results

A total of 7729 citations were retrieved, with 291 undergoing full-text review and 85 included in the final review (N = 48 414 participants, 11 154 [23%] female and 37 260 [77%] male). The current prevalence of mental health disorders among people experiencing homelessness was 67% (95% CI, 55-77), and the lifetime prevalence was 77% (95% CI, 61-88). Male individuals exhibited a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders (86%; 95% CI, 74-92) compared to female individuals (69%; 95% CI, 48-84). The prevalence of several specific disorders were estimated, including any substance use disorder (44%), antisocial personality disorder (26%), major depression (19%), schizophrenia (7%), and bipolar disorder (8%).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings demonstrate that most people experiencing homelessness have mental health disorders, with higher prevalences than those observed in general community samples. Specific interventions are needed to support the mental health needs of this population, including close coordination of mental health, social, and housing services and policies to support people experiencing homelessness with mental disorders.
Self‐Powered and Highly Efficient Ion‐Diffused MAPbBr3 Perovskite Single Crystal‐Based UV–Vis Photodiode
Authors: Perveen Abida , Xu Yubing , Abubakar Syed Muhammad , Sellan Premkumar , Xin Wang , Saeed Fawad , Hussain Sajid , Bae Byung Seong , Zhou Jianming , Zhu Ying , Lei Wei
Published: April 2024

The perovskite single crystals (PSC) produced by solution‐processed metallic ions doping have a thick p–n junction (greater than 10 µm). Meanwhile, to achieve high responsivity, the carrier drift length (µτE) has to be larger than the dimensions of the detector. If the p–n junction is quite thick, a high bias voltage is required. For the practical application of photodiode, it is imperative to find a means to generate a thin p–n junction. A productive technique is suggested for forming a thin p–n junction by diffusing metallic ions, resulting in a longer drift length of the carrier than the depletion width. Thinner p–n junction leads to reduced dark current density (0.5 µA cm−2), low trap density (5.71 × 108 cm−3), high mobility (417 cm2 V−1 s−1), and hence increased responsivity (77.69 A W−1) for 30 µW cm−2 UV illumination under a low applied voltage of −15 V. A quick response time with a rise/fall duration of 22 ms/30 ms under 0 V and long‐term stability for over 3 months in ambient airis achieved. To comprehend the performance with the thinner p–n junction‐based photodiodes, the results under UV–Vis illumination are examined and compared. The outcomes hint at a method that holds promise for producing efficient photodiodes.
Manganese‐Mediated Electrooxidative Ring‐Opening Azidation of Cyclobutanol Derivatives with TMSN3
Authors: Gao Wen‐Chao , Yang Jie , Teng Yong , Li Wen‐Dian , Li Wen‐Guang , Li Ting
Published: April 2024

A Mn‐electrocatalytic ring‐opening azidation of tert‐cyclobutanols has been developed. The regioselective method is applicable for the azidation of a diverse array of cyclobutanols to provide practical γ‐azido ketones in 23–91% yields under chemical oxidants‐free reaction conditions. Detailed mechanistic studies suggest the process of Mn‐mediated alkoxy radical generation followed by β‐scission to form carbon‐centered radical species is possibly involved in this transformation.
Conversion Reaction of the Zinc Sulfate Hydroxide Activated by Voltage Modulation for High‐Performance Aqueous Zn/MnO2 Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhen , Fang Yixing , Shi Jie , Ma Zhihui , Qu Xuanhui , Li Ping
Published: April 2024

The reaction chemistry and degradation mechanism of MnO2‐based cathodes remain controversial, which hinder their applications in energy storage. Herein, a conversion reaction between Zn4SO4·(OH)6·nH2O (ZSH) and ZnxMnO(OH)2 (ZMO) is proposed in ZnSO4‐based electrolytes. The conversion reaction is an important component of the reaction chemistry as well as the Zn2+/H+ intercalation/deintercalation reaction, which not only provides electrochemical capacity but also dominates the degradation of MnO2 cathodes. The massive accumulation of inactive ZMO seriously destroying the dynamic performance of MnO2 cathodes is deemed to be a principal trigger of the degradation mechanism. Intriguingly, the conversion reaction is sensitive to voltage, which can be activated by voltage modulation. Active ZMO generated in the activated conversion reaction is endowed with higher reversibility and electrooxidation, avoiding the accumulation of inactive ZMO and the decline of kinetic performance, which are evidenced by MnO2 and ZSH cathodes. Accordingly, superior cycling stability with a capacity retention of 89.1% after 2000 cycles is achieved at 2 A g−1 for the MnO2 cathode equipped with the activated conversion reaction. Impressively, the conversion reaction activated by voltage modulation is applicable to various crystal forms of MnO2 (α‐, β‐, γ‐, δ‐), which is significant for the ZIBs with a long lifespan.
Dual‐Phase Reaction Sintering for Overcoming the Inherent Sintering Ability of Refractory Electrolytes in Protonic Ceramic Cells
Authors: Kim Junseok , Yun Jiwon , Lee Wanjae , Kim Do‐Hyeong , Guha Puspendu , Hwang Jin‐Ha , Kwon Deok‐Hwang , Yang Sungeun , Lee Jong‐Ho , Yoon Kyung Joong , Son Ji‐Won , Nahm Sahn , Choi Sihyuk , Ji Ho‐Il
Published: April 2024

The proton‐conducting oxides, widely employed as electrolytes in ceramic electrochemical cells, exhibit remarkable proton conductivity that facilitates efficient energy conversion processes. However, their inherent refractory nature poses a challenge in producing chemically stoichiometric and physically dense electrolytes within devices. Here a novel approach is presented, dual‐phase reaction sintering, which can overcome the inherent low sintering ability of the representative BaCeO3‐δ‒BaZrO3‐δ proton conducting oxides. This approach involves the simultaneous transformation of a two‐phase mixture (comprising fast‐sintering and slow‐sintering phases) into a complete single‐phase solid solution compound, along with the densification of the electrolyte, all accomplished within a single‐step heating cycle. During the dual‐phase reaction sintering process, the grains of the fast‐sintering phase experience rapid growth owing to their intrinsic superior sintering ability. Additionally, this growth is augmented by the Ostwald ripening behavior manifested by the smaller slow‐sintering phase. This synergistic strategy is validated using BaCe0.4Zr0.4Y0.1Yb0.1O3‐δ, and its applicability in electrochemical cells is demonstrated, resulting in a significant enhancement in performance. These findings offer insights into streamlining the preparation of refractory ion‐conducting ceramic electrolytes while maintaining their intrinsic properties for practical applications.
The prognostic impact of perioperative dynamic changes in cachexia index in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Akaoka Munetoshi , Haruki Koichiro , Yamahata Yuto , Okazaki Kohei , Furukawa Kenei , Tsunematsu Masashi , Shirai Yoshihiro , Onda Shinji , Matsumoto Michinori , Ikegami Toru
Published: April 2024

Background

The cachexia index (CXI), which consists of skeletal muscle, inflammation, and nutritional status, has been associated with prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We hypothesized that dynamic changes in CXI might be associated with long‐term outcomes in HCC.

Methods

This study comprised 131 patients who had undergone primary hepatic resection for HCC between 2008 and 2019. Preoperative CXI (pre‐CXI) and postoperative CXI (post‐CXI) were calculated by the following formula: skeletal muscle index x serum albumin level / neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. Pre‐ and post‐CXI were classified into two groups (high vs. low). We retrospectively investigated the association of perioperative dynamic changes in CXI with disease‐free and overall survival.

Results

In multivariate analyses, negative HBs‐antigen (p = 0.02), high serum PIVKA‐II level (p < 0.01), poor tumor differentiation (p = 0.02), multiple tumors (p < 0.01), microvascular invasion (p < 0.01), partial resection (p < 0.01), postoperative complications (p < 0.01), and low‐pre‐CXI (p < 0.01) were significant predictors of disease‐free survival, while high ICGR15 (p = 0.01), poor tumor differentiation (p < 0.01), multiple tumors (p = 0.01), postoperative complications (p < 0.01), low‐pre‐CXI (p < 0.01), and low‐post‐CXI (p < 0.01) were significant predictors of overall survival. Low‐post‐CXI was associated with older age (p = 0.045), larger tumor (p < 0.01), longer operation time (p = 0.047), greater intraoperative bleeding (p < 0.01), and intraoperative blood transfusion (p < 0.01). Moreover, dynamic changes in CXI were associated with overall survival in each subgroup of patients with low‐pre‐CXI (p = 0.02) or high‐pre‐CXI (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Not only post‐CXI but also dynamic changes in CXI from pre‐ to post‐hepatectomy can be a prognostic indicator of HCC, providing a compelling rationale for aggressive perioperative nutritional and physical interventions to improve long‐term outcomes.
Attention to Entropic Communication
Authors: Enßlin Torsten , Weidinger Carolin , Frank Philipp
Published: April 2024

The concept of attention has proven to be very relevant in artificial intelligence. Relative entropy (RE, aka Kullback‐Leibler divergence) plays a central role in communication theory. Here, these concepts, attention, and RE are combined. RE guides optimal encoding of messages in bandwidth‐limited communication as well as optimal message decoding via the maximum entropy principle. In the coding scenario, RE can be derived from four requirements, namely being analytical, local, proper, and calibrated. Weighted RE, used for attention steering in communications, turns out to be improper. To see how proper attention communication can emerge, a scenario of a message sender who wants to ensure that the receiver of the message can perform well‐informed actions is analyzed. In case only the curvature of the utility function maxima are known, it becomes desirable to accurately communicate an attention function, in this case a by this curvature weighted and re‐normalized probability function. Entropic attention communication is here proposed as the desired generalization of entropic communication that permits weighting while being proper, thereby aiding the design of optimal communication protocols in technical applications and helping to understand human communication. It provides the level of cooperation expected under misaligned interests of otherwise honest communication partners.
Bio‐evaluation of pyrazolone‐furan derived Schiff base Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) nano‐sized complexes: Design, spectral characterization, antimicrobial efficacy, antioxidant activity, apoptotic activity, and cell cycle analysis
Authors: Hakami Othman , Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M. A. , Zelai Taharh , Albohy Salwa A. H.
Published: April 2024

A tridentate pyrazolone‐furan Schiff's base ligand, [(E)‐4‐(((5‐[2‐fluorophenyl]furan‐2‐yl)methylene)amino)‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrazol‐3‐one] (PFSB), was produced by condensation between compounds 5‐(2‐fluorophenyl)furan‐2‐carbaldehyde and 4‐amino‐1,5‐dimethyl‐2‐phenyl‐1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrazol‐3‐one. Spectroscopic characterization evidence suggested the tridentate nature (ONO) of pyrazolone‐furan Schiff's base ligand (PFSB) and coordinated to the metal (II/III) moieties through nitrogen and oxygen donor sites giving tetra‐ and/or hexa‐coordinated geometry to complexes. The complexes have been supported by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic moments, spectral analyses, EPR, ligand field parameters, XRD, and thermogravimetric measurements. Theoretical optimization employing the density functional theory (DFT) was accomplished on the molecular structures of the compounds in question, and subsequently, the quantum chemical descriptors were computed. Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes were allocated octahedral coordination, while the Cu(II) complex was allocated square‐planar coordination. The SEM, TEM, XRD, AFM, and EDX of the studied complexes unveiled distinct and strong diffraction peaks, signifying their crystalline nature, and providing evidence of their particle sizes being within the nano‐size. The crystal sizes calculated for all complexes were determined to be ranging from 27.73 to 76.39 nm. However, the Cr(III) complex exhibited a particle size exceeding 100 nm. The interactions between metal complexes and calf thymus DNA, and their potential for mimicking insulin activity, were investigated in a controlled lab setting by measuring their ability to inhibit alpha‐amylase. The anti‐microbial potential of the ligand (PFSB) and complexes (C1‐C5) were tested. The viscosity and UV–Vis absorption determinations were utilized to assess the calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) interaction with the nano‐sized metal (II/III) chelates. Our flow cytometry data indicate significant levels of apoptosis and cell cycle arresting in both liver and breast cancer cell lines.
Investigation of collector desorption behavior on the coal surface during flotation conditioning
Authors: Li Fengwei , Zhang Yong , Zhu Hongzheng , Pan Gaochao , Wang Xiaojian , Chen Kun , Ou Zhanbei
Published: April 2024

Mechanical stirring during the flotation conditioning process is a commonly employed and efficient method to enhance the effectiveness of slurry conditioning. However, excessive stirring intensity can lead to the desorption of collectors from the surface of coal slurry particles, compromising the conditioning efficacy. Thus, determining the optimal range of stirring intensity to enhance conditioning performance is necessary. The influence of stirring speed on the adsorption rate of coal oil and the desorption behavior of coal oil on the surface of coal slurry was investigated. Adsorption rates were measured and calculated using a UV spectrophotometer. An in‐house desorption test apparatus and a high‐speed motion capture system were employed to study the contact angle, adsorption area, deformation degree, and the forces acting on the adsorbed oil droplets under stirring conditions. Results indicated that the stirring speed significantly impacted the adsorption rate of the coal slurry. On increasing the stirring speed, the adsorption rate exhibited three distinct phases, that is, an increase, decrease, and stabilization. A maximum adsorption rate of 78.37% was observed at a stirrer rotation speed of 800 r/min, highlighting the crucial role of optimal stirring speed during conditioning. Both excessively high and low speeds were found to be detrimental to the conditioning process. As the stirring speed increased, the contact angle and contact area of the adsorbed oil droplets also increased, leading to an enhanced adsorption effect. Furthermore, the degree of deformation of the oil droplets increased with rising speed, accompanied by a reduction in stability.
An Encyclopedic Compendium on Chemosensing Supramolecular Metal‐Organic Gels
Authors: Sharma Arun , Kaur Navneet , Singh Narinder
Published: April 2024

Chemosensing, an interdisciplinary scientific domain, plays a pivotal role ranging from environmental monitoring to healthcare diagnostics and (inter)national security. Metal‐organic gels (MOGs) are recognized for their stability, selectivity, and responsiveness, making them valuable for chemosensing applications. Researchers have explored the development of MOGs based on different metal ions and ligands, allowing for tailored properties and sensitivities, and have even demonstrated their applications as portable sensors such as paper‐based test strips for practical use. Herein, several studies related to MOGs development and their applications in the chemosensing field via UV‐visible or luminance along with electrochemical approach are presented. These papers explored MOGs as versatile materials with their use in sensing bio or environmental analytes. This review provides a foundational understanding of key concepts, methodologies, and recent advancements in this field, fostering the scientific community.
Reduktion der sommerlichen Überhitzung durch ökologische Innenwände im Holzbau
Authors: Fischer Henriette , Wimmer Werner , Korjenic Azra
Published: April 2024

Aufgrund des Klimawandels steigt die Bedeutung des sommerlichen Hitzeschutzes. Holzleichtbauweisen stellen eine besonders ökologische Bauweise mit geringen Umweltwirkungen dar, obwohl sie immer wieder mit dem Vorurteil zu kämpfen hat, dass sie aufgrund geringerer thermischer Speichermasse keine klimaangepasste Bauweise ist. In dieser Studie wurde untersucht, welchen Einfluss die Wahl der Baumaterialien von Innenwänden auf die sommerliche Überhitzung und auf den Energieverbrauch von Holzgebäuden hat. Dafür wurden in einem Einraummodell in WUFI Plus fünf verschiedene Innenwände in Kombination mit zwei verschiedenen Außenwänden in zwei Szenarien (Ausrichtung Süden ohne Verschattung als „worst case“ und Ausrichtung Norden plus Verschattung als „best case“) simuliert. Durch die Anwendung von ökologischen, wärmespeicherfähigen, hygroskopischen Innenwänden kann die operative Temperatur je nach Ausrichtung und Verschattung um bis zu 1,48 °C reduziert werden, insbesonders werden Temperaturspitzen in den Sommermonaten gesenkt. Sofern ein Innenraumklima unter 25 °C angestrebt wird, bedeutet das eine Reduktion des Kühlbedarfs um maximal 26 %. Die Innenwände aus Stampflehm bzw. Holzmassivkonstruktion mit 3 cm Lehmputz erreichten die größte Reduktion. Insgesamt ist die Holzleichtbauweise in Kombination mit raumseitig ökologischen, speicherfähigen, hygroskopischen Baumaterialien eine zukunftsfähige, klimawandelangepasste Bauweise mit geringen Umweltauswirkungen.
Nanomaterial‐assisted oncolytic bacteria in solid tumor diagnosis and therapeutics
Authors: Zeng Xiangdi , Chen Qi , Chen Tingtao
Published: April 2024

Cancer presents a formidable challenge in modern medicine due to the intratumoral heterogeneity and the dynamic microenvironmental niche. Natural or genetically engineered oncolytic bacteria have always been hailed by scientists for their intrinsic tumor‐targeting and oncolytic capacities. However, the immunogenicity and low toxicity inevitably constrain their application in clinical practice. When nanomaterials, characterized by distinctive physicochemical properties, are integrated with oncolytic bacteria, they achieve mutually complementary advantages and construct efficient and safe nanobiohybrids. In this review, we initially analyze the merits and drawbacks of conventional tumor therapeutic approaches, followed by a detailed examination of the precise oncolysis mechanisms employed by oncolytic bacteria. Subsequently, we focus on harnessing nanomaterial‐assisted oncolytic bacteria (NAOB) to augment the effectiveness of tumor therapy and utilizing them as nanotheranostic agents for imaging‐guided tumor treatment. Finally, by summarizing and analyzing the current deficiencies of NAOB, this review provides some innovative directions for developing nanobiohybrids, intending to infuse novel research concepts into the realm of solid tumor therapy.
Strategies to improve CHO cell culture performance: Targeted deletion of amino acid catabolism and apoptosis genes paired with growth inhibitor supplementation
Authors: Lam Cynthia , Sargon Alyssa , Diaz Camil , Lai Zijuan , Sangaraju Dewakar , Yuk Inn , Barnard Gavin , Misaghi Shahram
Published: April 2024

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the predominant host of choice for recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) expression. Recent advancements in gene editing technology have enabled engineering new CHO hosts with higher growth, viability, or productivity. One approach involved knock out (KO) of BCAT1 gene, which codes for the first enzyme in the branched chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism pathway; BCAT1 KO reduced accumulation of growth inhibitory short chain fatty acid (SCFA) byproducts and improved culture growth and titer when used in conjunction with high‐end pH‐controlled delivery of glucose (HiPDOG) technology and SCFA supplementation during production. Accumulation of SCFAs in the culture media is critical for metabolic shift toward higher specific productivity and hence titer. Here we describe knocking out BCKDHa/b genes (2XKO), which act downstream of the BCAT1, in a BAX/BAK KO CHO host cell line background to reduce accumulation of growth‐inhibitory molecules in culture. Evaluation of the new 4XKO CHO cell lines in fed‐batch production cultures (without HiPDOG) revealed that partial KO of BCKDHa/b genes in an apoptosis‐resistant (BAX/BAK KO) background can achieve higher viabilities and mAb titers. This was evident when SCFAs were added to boost productivity as such additives negatively impacted culture viability in the WT but not BAX/BAK KO cells during batch production. Altogether, our findings suggest that SCFA addbacks can significantly increase productivity and mAb titers in the context of apoptosis‐attenuated CHO cells with partial KO of BCAA genes. Such engineered CHO hosts can offer productivity advantages for expressing biotherapeutics in an industrial setting.
Identifying predictors of COVID‐related delays in cancer‐specific medical care
Authors: Greteman Breanna B. , Del Vecchio Natalie J. , Garcia‐Auguste Crystal J. , Kahl Amanda R. , Gryzlak Brian M. , Chrischilles Elizabeth A. , Charlton Mary E. , Nash Sarah H.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Evidence of the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on cancer prevention and control is growing, but little is known about patient‐level factors associated with delayed care. We analyzed data from a survey focused on Iowan cancer patients' COVID‐19 experiences in the early part of the pandemic.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center's Patients Enhancing Research Collaborations at Holden (PERCH) program. We surveyed respondents on demographic characteristics, COVID‐19 experiences and reactions, and delays in any cancer‐related health care appointment, or cancer‐related treatment appointments. Two‐sided significance tests assessed differences in COVID‐19 experiences and reactions between those who experienced delays and those who did not.

Results

There were 780 respondents (26% response), with breast, prostate, kidney, skin, and colorectal cancers representing the majority of respondents. Delays in cancer care were reported by 29% of respondents. In multivariable‐adjusted models, rural residents (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.03, 2.11) and those experiencing feelings of isolation (OR 2.18; 95% CI 1.37, 3.47) were more likely to report any delay, where experiencing financial difficulties predicted delays in treatment appointments (OR 5.72; 95% CI 1.96, 16.67). Health insurance coverage and concern about the pandemic were not statistically significantly associated with delays.

Conclusion

These findings may inform cancer care delivery during periods of instability when treatment may be disrupted by informing clinicians about concerns that patients have during the treatment process. Future research should assess whether delays in cancer care impact long‐term cancer outcomes and whether delays exacerbate existing disparities in cancer outcomes.
A case of Sjögren's syndrome in which diffuse cystic lung lesions led to an accurate diagnosis
Authors: Mizutani Satomi , Kuribayashi Hidehiko , Saeki Noriyuki , Ito Hideki , Nakamura Yasutaka , Masuda Makoto , Kamio Yoshito , Kawamoto Masashi , Enomoto Tatsuji
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Even in the absence of other symptoms or other pulmonary manifestations suggesting Sjögren's syndrome (SS), it is necessary to include SS in the differential diagnosis of diffuse cystic lung disease (CLD).

A case of SS that presented initially with diffuse CLD is reported. This case is considered rare because diffuse pulmonary cysts were observed in the early stage with few symptoms, only cysts were observed without other lung lesions on imaging, cyst formation was histologically considered to be alveolar loss, and airway lesions not observed on imaging were suspected based on lung function testing. The details of this case provide extremely important information to consider for the diagnosis and management of CLD and SS.
Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxide with Alcohols: A Selective Route to α‐Alkylated Ketones and β‐Alkylated Secondary Alcohols
Authors: Nandi Srabani , Borthakur Ishani , Mandal Adarsha , Kundu Sabuj
Published: April 2024

Herein, we demonstrated an effective protocol for the regioselective ring opening of epoxides with alcohols. By following this strategy, both α‐alkylated ketones and β‐alkylated secondary alcohols were selectively obtained by changing the reaction parameters. Compared to the previously reported protocols, this methodology was operated using considerably lower base at lower temperature. Notably, a wide array of substrates with tolerance of different functional groups was demonstrated. A series of control experiments and deuterium‐labelling experiments were performed to understand this catalytic process.
Predictive value of total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio for chronic kidney disease among adult male and female in Northwest China
Authors: Liu Yanli , Lyu Kang , Liu Shaodong , You Jinlong , Wang Xue , Wang Minzhen , Zhang Desheng , Bai Yana , Yin Chun , Jiang Min , Zheng Shan
Published: April 2024

Background

Studies have found that the ratio of total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL‐C) was associated with the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship in different genders was rarely discussed. The aim of this study was to explore this relationship and assess its predictive power for both males and females.

Methods

Based on a prospective cohort platform in northwest China, 32,351 participants without CKD were collected in the baseline and followed up for approximately 5 years. Cox proportional hazard model and restricted cubic spline regression analysis were performed to investigate the association between TC, HDL‐C, TC/HDL‐C and CKD in adult female and male. The clinical application value of the indicators in predicting CKD was evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic curve.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 2.2 years, 484 males and 164 females developed CKD. After adjusted for relevant confounders, for every one standard deviation increase in TC, HDL‐C and TC/HDL‐C, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for CKD were 1.17 (1.05–1.31), 0.84 (0.71–0.99), and 1.15 (1.06–1.25) for males, 0.94 (0.78–1.13), 0.58 (0.35–0.95), and 1.19 (1.01–1.40) for females, respectively. The results also showed that TC, HDL‐C, and TC/HDL‐C were associated with CKD in a linear dose–response relationship. The TC/HDL‐C had the largest area under the curve (AUC) compared to TC and HDL‐C, and the AUC among the females was larger than that among males.

Conclusions

The TC/HDL‐C was significantly associated with CKD in adult males and females and has better clinical value in predicting CKD than TC and HDL‐C, especially in females.
Steric Effects on Single‐Molecule Conductance in Flat‐Lying Phenanthrene
Authors: Batzinger Kevin , Zhou Qinghai , Ye Xiang , Borguet Eric , Xiao Shengxiong , Smeu Manuel
Published: April 2024

A previous combined experimental and theoretical study found that the position of anchoring groups on a phenanthrene (PHE) backbone played a large role in determining the single‐molecule conductance of the PHE derivative. However, a consistent 0.1 G0 feature was found across all PHE derivatives. To understand this, the previously investigated PHE derivatives were placed flat on a simulated Au substrate with a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) tip over PHE and conductance was calculated using the non‐equilibrium Green's function technique in conjunction with density functional theory (NEGF‐DFT). The location of the tip was varied to find the most conductive and most energetically favorable arrangements, which did not coincide. Furthermore, the variation in conductance found in erect junctions was not present when PHE derivatives were lying flat, with all derivatives calculated to have conductance values around 0.1 G0.
Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Quaternary Isochromanes by Oxidative Aminocatalysis and Gold Catalysis
Authors: Waser Philipp , Faghtmann Jonas , Gil‐Ordóñez Marta , Kristensen Anne , Svenningsen Esben B. , Poulsen Thomas B. , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: April 2024

A novel strategy that combines oxidative aminocatalysis and gold catalysis allows the preparation of chiral α‐quaternary isochromanes, a motif that is prevalent in natural products and synthetic bioactive compounds. In the first step, α‐branched aldehydes and propargylic alcohols are transformed into α‐quaternary ethers with excellent optical purities (>90 % ee) via oxidative umpolung with DDQ and an amino acid‐derived primary amine catalyst. Subsequent gold(I)‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation affords the isochromane products with retention of the quaternary stereocenter. A second approach explores the use of allylic alcohols as reaction partners for the oxidative coupling to furnish α‐quaternary ethers with generally lower enantiopurities. Stereoretentive cyclization to isochromane products is achieved via intramolecular Friedel‐Crafts type alkylation with allylic acetates as a reactive handle. A number of synthetic elaborations and a biological study on these α‐quaternary isochromanes highlight the potential applicability of the presented method.
Preferential Formation of Ethylene via Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction on Mesoporous Cu2O Nanoparticles: Synergistic Effects of Pore Structure Confinement and Surface Amine
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Li Dun , Chen Zhifang , Wang Yingying , Sun Haoyu , Liu Feng , Liu Maochang , Zheng Yiqun , Huang Hongwen
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive Summary

We present a facile synthetic strategy to create mesoporous Cu2O nanocrystals with tunable pore structures and surface functional groups of amine derivatives for efficient and preferable electrochemical conversion of CO2 into ethylene. The structural characteristics of these Cu2O nanocrystals can be manipulated using a set of amine derivatives, such as pyridine, 4,4'‐bipyridine, and hexamethylenetetramine, during the oxidative etching process of Cu nanocrystals by bubbling gaseous oxygen in N,N‐dimethylformamide solution. These amine derivatives not only serve as surface functional groups but also significantly affect the resulting pore structures. The synergistic effect of pore structure confinement and surface amine functionalization leads to the superb Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 51.9% for C2H4, respectively, together with the C2H4 partial current density of –209.4 mA·cm−2 at –0.8 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The relatively high selectivity towards C2H4 was investigated using DFT simulations, where 4,4'‐bipyridine functionalized Cu2O seemed to favor the C2H4 formation with the low free energy of the intermediates. This study provides a feasible strategy to manipulate the pore structure and surface functionalization of mesoporous Cu2O nanocrystals by regulating the oxidative etching process, which sheds light on the rational preparation of high‐performance CO2RR electrocatalysts.
Model‐Informed Assessment of Probability of Phase 3 Success for Ritlecitinib in Patients with Moderate‐to‐Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wojciechowski Jessica , Mukherjee Arnab , Banfield Christopher , Nicholas Timothy
Published: April 2024

Ritlecitinib, an oral Janus kinase 3/tyrosine kinase expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma family inhibitor, was evaluated in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in a phase 2b trial. Model‐informed drug development strategies were applied to bridge observations from phase 2b to predictions for a proposed phase 3 study design to assess the probability of achieving the target efficacy outcome. A longitudinal exposure‐response model of the time course of the 4 Mayo subscores (rectal bleeding, stool frequency, physician's global assessment, and endoscopic subscore) in patients with UC receiving placebo or ritlecitinib was developed using population modeling approaches and an item response theory framework. The quantitative relationships between the 4 Mayo subscores accommodated the prediction of composite endpoints such as total Mayo score and partial Mayo score (key endpoints from phase 2b), and modified clinical remission and endoscopic remission (proposed phase 3 endpoints). Clinical trial simulations using the final model assessed the probability of candidate ritlecitinib dosing regimens (including those tested in phase 2b and alternative) and phase 3 study designs for achieving target efficacy outcomes benchmarked against an approved treatment for moderate‐to‐severe UC. The probabilities of achieving target modified clinical remission and endoscopic improvement outcomes at both weeks 8 and 52 for ritlecitinib 100 mg once daily was 74.8%. Model‐based assessment mitigated some of the risk associated with proceeding to pivotal phase 3 trials with dosing regimens of which there was limited clinical experience.
What Is “Key Information”? Consideration of the Reasons People Do or Do Not Take Part in Research
Authors: Berwanger Kara , Merz Jon F.
Published: April 2024

We performed a qualitative review of 50 consent forms posted on Clinicaltrials.gov, examining the content of key information sections. We found that key information disclosures are typically focused on procedures, risks, potential benefits, and alternatives. Drawing upon reviews of the large literature examining the reasons people do or do not take part in research, we propose that these disclosures should be based more directly on what we know to be the real reasons why people choose to take part or refuse participation. We propose key information language for consideration by researchers and institutional review boards.
Mitral regurgitation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: The interplay of valve, ventricle, and atrium
Authors: Dhont Sebastiaan , van den Acker Gitte , van Loon Tim , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Verwerft Jan , Deferm Sébastien , Churchill Timothy W. , Mullens Wilfried , Lumens Joost , Bertrand Philippe B.
Published: April 2024

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is highly prevalent among patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Despite this combination being closely associated with unfavourable outcomes, it remains relatively understudied. This is partly due to the inherent heterogeneity of patients with HFpEF. To address this gap, dissecting HFpEF into mechanism‐based phenotypes may offer a promising avenue for advancing our comprehension of these complex intertwined conditions. This review employs the validated CircAdapt model to explore the haemodynamic implications of moderate to severe MR across a well‐defined spectrum of myocardial disease, characterized by impaired relaxation and reduced myocardial compliance. Both heart failure and mitral valve disease share overlapping symptomatology, primarily attributed to elevated pulmonary pressures. The intricate mechanisms contributing to these elevated pressures are multifaceted, potentially influenced by diastolic dysfunction, left atrial myopathy, and MR. Accurate evaluation of the haemodynamic and clinical impact of MR necessitates a comprehensive approach, taking into account the characteristics of both the left atrium and left ventricle, as well as their intricate interactions, which may currently be underemphasized in diagnostic practice. This holistic assessment is imperative for enhancing our understanding and refining therapeutic strategies within this patient cohort.
An Atypically Bent Isocyanide at Iron in a Tetrapodal Penta‐Carbene Framework
Authors: Gau Michael R. , Keller Taylor M. , Scepaniak Jeremiah J.
Published: April 2024

Reduction of the previously reported Iron (III) complex PhCC4MeFeCl with sodium naphthalide forms the square pyramidal complex PhCC4MeFe (1), cleanly in moderate yield with short reaction times. The related diamagnetic complex PhCC4MeFe(CNtBu) (2) was prepared by addition of an equivalent of tert‐butylisocyanide to a solution of 1. XRD of 2 reveals a rare bent form of the isocyanide moiety with a C−N−C bond angle of 142.67(18)° consistent with sp2 hybridization at the N‐atom while IR spectroscopy reveals an atypically broadened isocyanide stretch at νCNR=1981 cm−1; taken together these metrics are demonstrative of the excellent donor ability of the dianionic penta‐carbene framework and point to a degree of metal‐to‐ligand π‐backbonding rarely seen at isocyanide complexes of iron.