bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic Variation in the Prevalence of Macular Disease Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries in Kansas
Authors: Holcomb Carol Ann , Lin Mu-Chuan
Published: January 2005

This study used Medicare Part B claims and enrollment data to estimate the prevalence of macular disease in Kansas at county and area levels. Spatial analysis by aggregated county clusters was assessed with standardized prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals, and a thematic map was produced to illustrate geographic distribution. A total of 17888 unduplicated claims were identified among 335132 beneficiaries older than age 64 years. Compared with the state prevalence of 5.34%, the central agricultural area showed a disproportionately high macular disease prevalence.
Addressing the Growing Burden of Trauma and Injury in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Hofman Karen , Primack Aron , Keusch Gerald , Hrynkow Sharon
Published: January 2005

Low- and middle-income countries suffer disproportionately from reduced life expectancy and quality of life. Injuries are overlooked as contributors to global inequities in health, yet the long-term disabilities they frequently produce represent a significant burden.

The Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health convened a panel of experts in trauma and injury from the United States and low- and middle-income nations to identify research gaps in this area and opportunities to create new knowledge. Panel members identified sustainable programs of research established through stable linkages between institutions in high-income nations and those in low- and middle-income nations as a priority.

The resulting benefits of addressing the growing burden of trauma and injury to communities in resource-constrained settings around the world would be substantial.
Stress Markers, Executive Functioning, and Resilience Among Early Adolescents With Complex Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: von Werdt Lilian , Binz Tina M. , O’Gorman Ruth Tuura , Schmid Alenka , Naef Nadja , Rousson Valentin , Kretschmar Oliver , Liamlahi Rabia , Latal Bea , Ehrler Melanie
Published: February 2024

Importance

Infants with complex congenital heart disease (cCHD) may experience prolonged and severe stress when undergoing open heart surgery. However, little is known about long-term stress and its role in neurodevelopmental impairments in this population.

Objective

To investigate potential differences between early adolescents aged 10 to 15 years with cCHD and healthy controls in physiological stress markers by hair analysis, executive function (EF) performance, and resilience.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center, population-based case-control study was conducted at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Switzerland. Patients with different types of cCHD who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass surgery during the first year of life and who did not have a genetic disorder were included in a prospective cohort study between 2004 and 2012. A total of 178 patients were eligible for assessment at ages 10 to 15 years. A control group of healthy term-born individuals was cross-sectionally recruited. Data assessment was between 2019 and 2021. Statistical analysis was performed from January to April 2023.

Exposure

Patients with cCHD who underwent infant open heart surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Physiological stress markers were quantified by summing cortisol and cortisone concentrations measured with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry in a 3-centimeter hair strand. EFs were assessed with a neuropsychological test battery to produce an age-adjusted EF summary score. Resilience was assessed with a standardized self-report questionnaire.

Results

The study included 100 patients with cCHD and 104 controls between 10 and 15 years of age (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [1.3] years); 110 (53.9%) were male and 94 (46.1%) were female. When adjusting for age, sex, and parental education, patients had significantly higher sums of hair cortisol and cortisone concentrations (β, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.12 to 0.43]; P < .001) and lower EF scores (β, −0.36 [95% CI, −0.49 to −0.23]; P < .001) than controls. There was no group difference in self-reported resilience (β, −0.04 [95% CI, −0.23 to 0.12]; P = .63). A significant interaction effect between stress markers and EFs was found, indicating a stronger negative association in patients than controls (β, −0.65 [95% CI, −1.15 to −0.15]; P = .01). The contrast effects were not significant in patients (β, −0.21 [95% CI, −0.43 to −0.00]; P = .06) and controls (β, 0.09 [95% CI, −0.11 to 0.30]; P = .38).

Conclusions and Relevance

This case-control study provides evidence for altered physiological stress levels in adolescents with cCHD and an association with poorer EF. These results suggest that future studies are needed to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms and timing of alterations in the stress system and its role in neurodevelopment.
Commissioning and implementing a Quality Assurance program for dedicated radiation oncology MRI scanners
Authors: Poulin Eric , Lacroix Frederic , Archambault Louis , Jutras Jean‐David
Published: February 2024

Purpose

ACR and AAPM task group's guidelines addressing commissioning for dedicated MR simulators were recently published. The goal of the current paper is to present the authors' 2‐year experience regarding the commissioning and introduction of a QA program based on these guidelines and an associated automated workflow.

Methods

All mandatory commissioning tests suggested by AAPM report 284 were performed and results are reported for two MRI scanners (MAGNETOM Sola and Aera). Visual inspection, vendor clinical or service platform, third‐party software, or in‐house python‐based code were used. Automated QA and data analysis was performed via vendor, in‐house or third‐party software. QATrack+ was used for QA data logging and storage. 3D geometric distortion, B0 inhomogeneity, EPI, and parallel imaging performance were evaluated.

Results

Contrasting with AAPM report 284 recommendations, homogeneity and RF tests were performed monthly. The QA program allowed us to detect major failures over time (shimming, gradient calibration and RF interference). Automated QA, data analysis, and logging allowed fast ACR analysis daily and monthly QA to be performed in 3 h. On the Sola, the average distortion is 1 mm for imaging radii of 250 mm or less. For radii of up to 200 mm, the maximum, average (standard deviation) distortion is 1.2  and 0.4 mm (0.3 mm). Aera values are roughly double the Sola for radii up to 200 mm. EPI geometric distortion, ghosting ratio, and long‐term stability were found to be under the maximum recommended values. Parallel imaging SNR ratio was stable and close to the theoretical value (ideal g‐factor). No major failures were detected during commissioning.

Conclusion

An automated workflow and enhanced QA program allowed to automatically track machine and environmental changes over time and to detect periodic failures and errors that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. The Sola is more geometrically accurate, with a more homogenous B0 field than the Aera.
NY needs all rescue medications in formulary in fentanyl era
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2024

Stories of overdose deaths greatly outnumber stories of withdrawal precipitated by the use of rescue medications such as naloxone. In fact, the illicit fentanyl supply is so strong that the standard dose of intranasal naloxone — 4 milligrams — is no longer enough in most cases, unless there is oxygen supplementation (see FDA urges reevaluating naloxone dosing in fentanyl era, ADAW Jan. 29; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.34010). Most reversals of overdose require at least two doses and waiting in between those doses can be fatal. Brain damage from oxygen loss can also occur. Yet the harm reduction community continues to fret about naloxone and other rescue medications causing precipitated withdrawal.
Revealing the Hidden Role of Radical Scavengers: Unraveling the Key to Tailoring the Formation of the hcp PdHx Phase in Graphene Liquid Cells
Authors: Hong Jaeyoung , Kim Juyoung , Bae Jee‐Hwan , Jin Haneul , Lee Su Kyong , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Lee Young‐Su , Chun Dong Won
Published: February 2024

Radiation chemistry enables the synthesis of colloidal nanoparticles without chemical reducing agents, yielding metal nanoparticles via simple and direct processes. Aliphatic alcohols are widely used to promote the formation of nanoparticles in radiolytic synthesis by inhibiting the reoxidation of these metal nanoparticles by scavenging hydroxyl radicals. However, the role of the scavenger has been limited to simply accelerating the formation of the nanoparticles without altering their nature. Herein, the role of radical scavengers is investigated in determining the type of metal nanoparticles formed, with the scavenger concentration playing a crucial role. It is found that the addition of isopropyl alcohol controls the formation of hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) palladium hydride (PdHx) nanoparticles that are previously synthesized for the first time via radiation chemistry by increasing the concentrations of hydrated electrons and hydrogen radicals. This discovery reveals a more active role for radical scavengers in radiolytic syntheses, and this strategy can be used for the cost‐effective mass production of hcp PdHx nanoparticles.
Enhanced Ferromagnetism in Atomically Thin Oxides Achieved by Interfacial Reconstruction
Authors: Yi Di , Tang Aihua , Kane Margaret M. , Xu Liubin , Liu Jingchun , Cheng Zhiying , Klewe Christoph , N'Diaye Alpha T. , Shafer Padraic , Yu Pu , Yu Rong , Xu Haixuan , Lin Yuanhua , Nan Cewen , Suzuki Yuri
Published: February 2024

Discoveries of ferromagnetic materials with ultrathin thickness are of great importance for both fundamental science and technological applications. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) provide promising candidates in the context of next‐generation spintronics, despite the severe decay of ferromagnetism as the thickness reduces to the nanometer regime. Here, an efficient strategy to eliminate the magnetic dead layer in atomically thin oxides is presented, by using the epitaxial interface of 3d and 5d oxide monolayers that reconciles both strong exchange interaction and large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. Combining multiple experimental methods, a ferromagnetic transition in an ultrathin oxide heterostructure comprised of only one La0.2Sr0.8MnO3 monolayer sandwiched by SrIrO3 monolayer (total thickness of three unit‐cells) is unambiguously demonstrated. Remarkably, a largely enhanced saturation magnetization (2 µB Mn−1) and Curie temperature (80 K) are observed for the single manganite monolayer, as compared to previously reported ferromagnetic monolayer oxides. The results demonstrate a general strategy for creating robust ferromagnetism in ultrathin TMOs, potentially enabling novel oxide spin‐orbitronic devices.
Introducing HaNTr – Halloysite Nanotubes Targeting System for The Selective Delivery of Antibiotics
Authors: Prinz Setter Ofer , Gilboa Alva , Shalash Ghazal , Refael Gil , Tarazi Riess Hila , Shani Levi Carmit , Lesmes Uri , Segal Ester
Published: February 2024

Antibiotics have been established to induce indiscriminate detrimental effects on the gut commensal bacteria which are vital for human health. This study unprecedently reports the mitigation of this challenge through the targeted delivery of antibiotics to a specific intestinal model pathogen using naturally occurring nanoclay. The designed Halloysite nanotubes targeting (HaNTr) system employs intrinsically mesoporous clay particles, functionalized with antibodies against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Loaded with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP), the HaNTr particles demonstrate enhanced selectivity of their payload in a human microbiome ex vivo system, preserving the composition of non‐target populations. Furthermore, the HaNTr system exhibits up to a 10‐fold increase in selectivity against E. coli, compared to neat CIP, in a heterogenous culture. This enhanced selectivity is attributed to the sustained and localized release of CIP from the HaNTr particles (≈0.8 ng CIP min−1 mg−1), following their specific binding to target bacteria, as quantitatively measured by high‐throughput imaging flow cytometry. Importantly, HaNTr particles are also shown to be biocompatible with Caco‐2 cells, mimicking the intestinal epithelium. This work highlights the prominent capability of the HaNTr system in alleviating antibiotic‐associated dysbiosis by the targeted delivery of antimicrobials to potentially any microorganism against which the immobilized capture probe can be customized.
Fe3O4‐Incorporated Metal‐Organic Framework for Chemo/Ferroptosis Synergistic Anti‐Tumor via the Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Xu Yuliang , Wang Sihan , Xiong Jincheng , Zheng Pimiao , Zhang Huixia , Chen Shiqi , Ma Qiang , Shen Jianzhong , Velkov Tony , Dai Chongshan , Jiang Haiyang
Published: February 2024

Metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based drug delivery nanomaterials for cancer therapy have attracted increasing attention in recent years. Here, an enhanced chemodynamic anti‐tumor therapy strategy by promoting the Fenton reaction by using core‐shell zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8)@Fe3O4 as a therapeutic platform is proposed. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is used as a stabilizer of Fe3O4, which is then decorated on the surface of ZIF‐8 via the electrostatic interaction and serves as an efficient Fenton reaction trigger. Meanwhile, the pH‐responsive ZIF‐8 scaffold acts as a container to encapsulate the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The obtained DOX‐ZIF‐8@Fe3O4/CMC (DZFC) nanoparticles concomitantly accelerate DOX release and generate more hydroxyl radicals by targeting the lysosomes in cancer cells. In vitro and in vivo studies verify that the DZFC nanoparticles trigger glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4)‐dependent ferroptosis via the activation of the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK) signaling pathway, following to achieve the chemo/ferroptosis synergistic anti‐tumor efficacy. No marked toxic effects are detected during DZFC treatment in a tumor‐bearing mouse model. This composite nanoparticle remarkably suppresses the tumor growth with minimized systemic toxicity, opening new horizons for the next generation of theragnostic nanomedicines.
Fast and Stable Antibacterial Coating of Photosensitive Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens for Disinfection on Medical Devices
Authors: Chen Mian , Dong Ruihua , Song Jiayi , Qi Jie , Zhang Jiangjiang , Zhao Zheng , Zhang Wentian , Li Ying , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2024

Aggregation‐induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) are promising photosensitizers that have exhibited excellent antibacterial ability with abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. TTCPy‐PF6 and TTCPy‐Br are deposited on the surface of diverse solid substrates through plasma‐assistant electrostatic self‐assembly. The AIEgens‐covered coating can effectively eliminate different pathogenic Gram‐positive (G+) bacteria and even their multidrug‐resistant (MDR) mutants with negligible side effects such as cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and inflammation. Moreover, the AIEgen‐coated surface can maintain high stability for long‐time antibacterial usage, which is dependent on the ROS‐mediated disruption of the attached bacteria. The AIEgen‐based coatings with broad surface applicability have many advantages in high antibacterial ability, great biocompatibility, and low possibility of antibiotic pollution. The robust antibacterial ability and excellent biological safety of the AIEgen‐based coatings would be helpful for the disinfection of medical devices.
Natural Polymer‐Polyphenol Bioadhesive Coacervate with Stable Wet Adhesion, Antibacterial Activity, and On‐Demand Detachment
Authors: Sacramento Margarida M. A. , Oliveira Mariana B. , Gomes José R.B. , Borges João , Freedman Benjamin R. , Mooney David J. , Rodrigues João M. M. , Mano João F.
Published: February 2024

Medical adhesives are emerging as an important clinical tool as adjuvants for sutures and staples in wound closure and healing and in the achievement of hemostasis. However, clinical adhesives combining cytocompatibility, as well as strong and stable adhesion in physiological conditions, are still in demand. Herein, a mussel‐inspired strategy is explored to produce adhesive coacervates using tannic acid (TA) and methacrylate pullulan (PUL‐MA). TA|PUL‐MA coacervates mainly comprise van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. The methacrylic groups in the PUL backbone increase the number of interactions in the adhesives matrix, resulting in enhanced cohesion and adhesion strength (72.7 Jm−2), compared to the non‐methacrylated coacervate. The adhesive properties are kept in physiologic‐mimetic solutions (72.8 Jm−2) for 72 h. The photopolymerization of TA|PUL‐MA enables the on‐demand detachment of the adhesive. The poor cytocompatibility associated with the use of phenolic groups is here circumvented by mixing reactive oxygen species‐degrading enzyme in the adhesive coacervate. This addition does not hamper the adhesive character of the materials, nor their anti‐microbial or hemostatic properties. This affordable and straightforward methodology, together with the tailorable adhesivity even in wet environments, high cytocompatibility, and anti‐bacterial activity, enables foresee TA|PUL‐MA as a promising ready‐to‐use bioadhesive for biomedical applications.
Actuating Liquid Crystals Rapidly and Reversibly by Using Chemical Catalysis
Authors: Yu Huaizhe , Gold Jake I. , Wolter Trenton J. , Bao Nanqi , Smith Evangelos , Zhang Hanyu Alice , Twieg Robert J. , Mavrikakis Manos , Abbott Nicholas L.
Published: February 2024

Microtubules and catalytic motor proteins underlie the microscale actuation of living materials, and they have been used in reconstituted systems to harness chemical energy to drive new states of organization of soft matter (e.g., liquid crystals (LCs)). Such materials, however, are fragile and challenging to translate to technological contexts. Rapid (sub‐second) and reversible changes in the orientations of LCs at room temperature using reactions between gaseous hydrogen and oxygen that are catalyzed by Pd/Au surfaces are reported. Surface chemical analysis and computational chemistry studies confirm that dissociative adsorption of H2on the Pd/Au films reduces preadsorbed O and generates 1 ML of adsorbed H, driving nitrile‐containing LCs from a perpendicular to a planar orientation. Subsequent exposure to O2leads to oxidation of the adsorbed H, reformation of adsorbed O on the Pd/Au surface, and a return of the LC to its initial orientation. The roles of surface composition and reaction kinetics in determining the LC dynamics are described along with a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of microactuation of beads. These results provide fresh ideas for utilizing chemical energy and catalysis to reversibly actuate functional LCs on the microscale.
Underpotential Deposition of 3D Transition Metals: Versatile Electrosynthesis of Single‐Atom Catalysts on Oxidized Carbon Supports
Authors: Meese Aidan Francis , Napier Cade , Kim David J. , Rigby Kali , Hedtke Tayler , Leshchev Denis , Stavitski Eli , Parent Lucas R. , Kim Jae‐Hong
Published: February 2024

Use of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) has become a popular strategy for tuning activity and selectivity toward specific pathways. However, conventional SAC synthesis methods require high temperatures and pressures, complicated procedures, and expensive equipment. Recently, underpotential deposition (UPD) has been investigated as a promising alternative, yielding high‐loading SAC electrodes under ambient conditions and within minutes. Yet only few studies have employed UPD to synthesize SACs, and all have been limited to UPD of Cu. In this work, a flexible UPD approach for synthesis of mono‐ and bi‐metallic Cu, Fe, Co, and Ni SACs directly on oxidized, commercially available carbon electrodes is reported. The UPD mechanism is investigated using in situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and, finally, the catalytic performance of a UPD‐synthesized Co SAC is assessed for electrochemical nitrate reduction to ammonia. The findings expand upon the usefulness and versatility of UPD for SAC synthesis, with hopes of enabling future research toward realization of fast, reliable, and fully electrified SAC synthesis processes.
Machine Learning‐Enabled Precision Position Control and Thermal Regulation in Advanced Thermal Actuators
Authors: Mirvakili Seyed Mo , Haghighat Ehsan , Sim Douglas
Published: February 2024

With their unique combination of characteristics – an energy density almost 100 times that of human muscle, and a power density of 5.3 kW kg−1, similar to a jet engine's output – Nylon artificial muscles stand out as particularly apt for robotics applications. However, the necessity of integrating sensors and controllers poses a limitation to their practical usage. Here, a constant power open‐loop controller is reported based on machine learning. It shows that the position of a nylon artificial muscle without external sensors can be controlled. To this end, a mapping is constructed from a desired displacement trajectory to a required power using an ensemble encoder‐style feed‐forward neural network. The neural controller is carefully trained on a physics‐based denoised dataset and can be fine‐tuned to accommodate various types of thermal artificial muscles, irrespective of the presence or absence of hysteresis. This neural network effectively endows the artificial muscles with “muscle memory”, allowing them to replicate complex movements reliably.
Iron‐Single‐Atom Nanozyme with NIR Enhanced Catalytic Activities for Facilitating MRSA‐Infected Wound Therapy
Authors: Liu Qian , Liu Xueliang , He Xiaojun , Wang Danyan , Zheng Chen , Jin Lin , Shen Jianliang
Published: February 2024

Patients with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections may have higher death rates than those with non‐drug‐resistant infections. Nanozymes offer a promising approach to eliminating bacteria by producing reactive oxygen species. However, most of the conventional nanozyme technologies encounter significant challenges with respect to size, composition, and a naturally low number of active sites. The present study synthesizes a iron‐single‐atom structure (Fe‐SAC) via nitrogen doped‐carbon, a Fe‐N5 catalyst (Fe‐SAC) with a high metal loading (4.3 wt.%). This catalyst permits the development of nanozymes consisting of single‐atom structures with active sites resembling enzymes, embedded within nanomaterials. Fe‐SAC displays peroxidase‐like activities upon exposure to H2O2. This structure facilitates the production of hydroxyl radicals, well‐known for their strong bactericidal effects. Furthermore, the photothermal properties augment the bactericidal efficacy of Fe‐SAC. The findings reveal that Fe‐SAC disrupts the bacterial cell membranes and the biofilms, contributing to their antibacterial effects. The bactericidal properties of Fe‐SAC are harnessed, which eradicates the MRSA infections in wounds and improves wound healing. Taken together, these findings suggest that single Fe atom nanozymes offer a novel perspective on the catalytic mechanism and design, holding immense potential as next‐generation nanozymes.
Achieving a Quasi‐Solid‐State Conversion of Polysulfides via Building High Efficiency Heterostructure for Room Temperature Na–S Batteries
Authors: Zhang Shengqiang , Huang Miao , Wang Yangyang , Wang Zeping , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojie
Published: February 2024

The practical application of room temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries are prevented by the sulfur insulation, the severe shuttling effect of high‐order sodium polysulfides (Na2Sn, 4 ≤ n ≤ 8), and the sluggish reaction kinetics. Therefore, designing an ideal host material to suppress the polysulfides shuttle process and accelerate the redox reactions of soluble NaPSs to Na2S2/Na2S is of paramount importance for RT Na–S batteries. Here, a quasi‐solid‐state transformation of NaPSs is realized by building high efficiency MoC‐W2C heterostructure in freestanding multichannel carbon nanofibers via electrospinning and calcination methods (MoC‐W2C‐MCNFs). The multichannel carbon nanofibers are interlinked micro‐mesoporous structures that can accommodate volume change of electrode materials and confine the entire redox process of NaPSs (restraining the polysulfides shuttle process). Meanwhile, the MoC‐W2C heterostructure with abundant heterointerfaces can facilitate electron/ion transport and accelerate conversion of NaPSs. Consequently, the S/MoC‐W2C‐MCNFs cathode delivers a high capacity of 640 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and an excellent reversible performance of 200 mAh g−1 after ultralong 3500 cycles at 4 A g−1. What's more, the heterostructure catalytic mechanism (a quasi‐solid‐state transformation) is proposed and confirmed in carbonate electrolyte by combining experimentally and theoretically.
Brain artery diameters and risk of dementia and stroke
Authors: Melgarejo Jesus D. , Gurel Kursat , Compton Cassidy Rose , Liu Minghua , Guzman Vanessa , Assuras Stephanie , Levin Bonnie E. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Ikram M. Kamran , Kavousi Maryam , Ikram M. Arfan , Wright Clinton , Crivello Fabrice , Laurent Alexandre , Tzourio Christophe , Vernooij Meike W. , Rundek Tatjana , Zhang Zhen‐Yu , Bos Daniel , Gutierrez Jose
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

We tested the association of brain artery diameters with dementia and stroke risk in three distinct population‐based studies using conventional T2‐weighted brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images.

METHODS

We included 8420 adults > 40 years old from three longitudinal population‐based studies with brain MRI scans. We estimated and meta‐analyzed the hazard ratios (HRs) of the brain and carotids and basilar diameters associated with dementia and stroke.

RESULT

Overall and carotid artery diameters > 95th percentile increased the risk for dementia by 1.74 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.68) and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.12–1.96) fold, respectively. For stroke, meta‐analyses yielded HRs of 1.59 (95% CI, 1.04–2.42) for overall arteries and 2.11 (95% CI, 1.45–3.08) for basilar artery diameters > 95th percentile.

DISCUSSION

Individuals with dilated brain arteries are at higher risk for dementia and stroke, across distinct populations. Our findings underline the potential value of T2‐weighted brain MRI‐based brain diameter assessment in estimating the risk of dementia and stroke.
Diphosphine‐Protected IrAu12 Superatom with Open Site(s): Synthesis and Programmed Stepwise Assembly
Authors: Fukumoto Yuto , Omoda Tsubasa , Hirai Haru , Takano Shinjiro , Harano Koji , Tsukuda Tatsuya
Published: February 2024

One or two phenylacetylide (PA) ligand(s) were successfully removed from the IrAu12 superatomic core of [IrAu12(dppe)5(PA)2]+ (dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) by reaction with controlled amounts of tetrafluoroboric acid. Optical and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies and density functional theory calculations revealed the formation of open Au site(s) on the IrAu12 core of [IrAu12(dppe)5(PA)1]2+ and [IrAu12(dppe)5]3+ with the remaining structure intact. Isocyanide was efficiently trapped at the open electrophilic site on [IrAu12(dppe)5(PA)1]2+, whereas a dimer or trimer of the IrAu12 superatoms was formed using diisocyanide as a linker. These results open the door to designed assembly of chemically modified metal superatoms.
Regulating Ion‐Dipole Interactions in Weakly Solvating Electrolyte towards Ultra‐Low Temperature Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Hengyi , Huang Yaohui , Hu Wei , Song Zihao , Wei Xiangshuai , Geng Jiarun , Jiang Zhuoliang , Qu Heng , Chen Jun , Li Fujun
Published: February 2024

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are recognized as promising energy storage devices. However, they suffer from rapid capacity decay at ultra‐low temperatures due to high Na+ desolvation energy barrier and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, a weakly solvating electrolyte (WSE) with decreased ion‐dipole interactions is designed for stable sodium storage in hard carbon (HC) anode at ultra‐low temperatures. 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran with low solvating power is incorporated into tetrahydrofuran to regulate the interactions between Na+ and solvents. The reduced Na+‐dipole interactions facilitate more anionic coordination in the first solvation sheath, which consistently maintains anion‐enhanced solvation structures from room to low temperatures to promote inorganic‐rich SEI formation. These enable WSE with a low freezing point of −83.3 °C and faster Na+ desolvation kinetics. The HC anode thus affords reversible capacities of 243.2 and 205.4 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 at −40 and −60 °C, respectively, and the full cell of HC||Na3V2(PO4)3 yields an extended lifespan over 250 cycles with high capacity retention of ~100 % at −40 °C. This work sheds new lights on the ion‐dipole regulation for ultra‐low temperature SIBs.
Te Vacancy‐Driven Anomalous Transport in ZrTe5 and HfTe5
Authors: Peterson Elizabeth A. , Lane Christopher , Zhu Jian‐Xin
Published: February 2024

The strongly sample‐dependent anomalous transport properties observed in the layered Dirac materials ZrTe5 and HfTe5 are known to strongly correlate with the presence of Te vacancies. One phenomenon, a negative longitudinal magnetoresistance (NLMR), is widely speculated to be a signature of broken chiral symmetry. However, the role of electronic structure in the sample dependence of the transport properties of these materials is poorly understood. This prompts the question as to whether the NLMR is a genuine signature of the chiral anomaly in ZrTe5 and HfTe5. In this work, the effect of Te vacancies on the electronic structure of ZrTe5 and HfTe5 is investigated via first‐principles calculations. Te vacancies serve two purposes: modification of the cell volume via effective compressive strain and production of local changes to the electronic structure. The reorganization of the electronic structure near the Fermi energy indicates that Te vacancies can rationalize conflicting reports in spectroscopic and transport measurements that have remained elusive in prior first‐principles studies. These results show that Te vacancies contribute, in part, to the anomalous transport properties of ZrTe5 and HfTe5 but, critically, do not eliminate the possibility of a genuine manifestation of the chiral anomaly in these materials.
Cu/MgO Reverse Water Gas Shift Catalyst with Unique CO2 Adsorption Behaviors
Authors: Tsai Ding‐Huei , Wu Tung‐Ta , Lin Hung‐Chin , Chueh Lu‐Yu , Lin Kun‐Han , Yu Wen‐Yueh , Pan Yung‐Tin
Published: February 2024

Activation of inert CO2 molecules for the reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction is tackled by incorporating magnesium oxide as a support material for copper, forming a Cu/MgO supported catalyst. The RWGS performance is greatly improved when compared with pure Cu or carbon supported Cu (Cu/C). Operating under a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 300,000 mL ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1, the Cu/MgO catalyst demonstrates high activity, maintaining over 70 % equilibrium conversion and nearly 100 % CO selectivity in a temperature range of 300–600 °C. In contrast, both Cu/C and commercial Cu, even at ten‐times lower WHSV, can only achieve up to 40 % of the equilibrium conversion and quickly deactivated due to sintering. Based on the studies of in‐situ temperature resolved infrared spectroscopy and temperature programmed desorption, the improved RWGS performance is attributed to the unique adsorption behavior of CO2 on Cu/MgO. Density functional theory studies provides a plausible explanation from a surface reaction perspective and reveals the spill‐over property of CO2 from MgO to Cu being critical.
The dopamine D2 receptors antagonist Veralipride inhibits carbonic anhydrases: solution and crystallographic insights on human isoforms
Authors: Angeli Andrea , Ferraroni Marta , Capasso Clemente , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: February 2024

The inhibitory effects of veralipride, a benzamide‐class antipsychotic acting as dopamine D2 receptors antagonist incorporates a primary sulfonamide moiety and was investigated for its interactions with carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms. In vitro profiling using the stopped‐flow technique revealed that veralipride exhibited potent inhibitory activity across all tested hCA isoforms, with exception of hCA III. Comparative analysis with standard inhibitors, acetazolamide (AAZ), and sulpiride, provided insights for understanding the relative efficacy of veralipride as CA inhibitor. The study reports the X‐ray crystal structure analysis of the veralipride adduct with three human (h) isoforms, hCA I, II, and CA XII mimic, allowing the understanding of the molecular interactions rationalizing its inhibitory effects against each isoform. These findings contribute to our understanding of veralipride pharmacological properties and for the design of structural analogs endowed with polypharmacological properties.
Neural correlates of audiovisual narrative speech perception in children and adults on the autism spectrum: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Ross Lars A. , Molholm Sophie , Butler John S. , Del Bene Victor A. , Brima Tufikameni , Foxe John J.
Published: February 2024

Autistic individuals show substantially reduced benefit from observing visual articulations during audiovisual speech perception, a multisensory integration deficit that is particularly relevant to social communication. This has mostly been studied using simple syllabic or word‐level stimuli and it remains unclear how altered lower‐level multisensory integration translates to the processing of more complex natural multisensory stimulus environments in autism. Here, functional neuroimaging was used to examine neural correlates of audiovisual gain (AV‐gain) in 41 autistic individuals to those of 41 age‐matched non‐autistic controls when presented with a complex audiovisual narrative. Participants were presented with continuous narration of a story in auditory‐alone, visual‐alone, and both synchronous and asynchronous audiovisual speech conditions. We hypothesized that previously identified differences in audiovisual speech processing in autism would be characterized by activation differences in brain regions well known to be associated with audiovisual enhancement in neurotypicals. However, our results did not provide evidence for altered processing of auditory alone, visual alone, audiovisual conditions or AV‐ gain in regions associated with the respective task when comparing activation patterns between groups. Instead, we found that autistic individuals responded with higher activations in mostly frontal regions where the activation to the experimental conditions was below baseline (de‐activations) in the control group. These frontal effects were observed in both unisensory and audiovisual conditions, suggesting that these altered activations were not specific to multisensory processing but reflective of more general mechanisms such as an altered disengagement of Default Mode Network processes during the observation of the language stimulus across conditions.
Circular supply chains in manufacturing—Quo vadis? Accomplishments, challenges and future opportunities
Authors: Bhattacharya Arijit , Srivastava Shefali , Majumdar Abhijit
Published: February 2024

Circular approach in manufacturing supply chain (SC) operations yields multiple benefits through optimal utilisation and consumption of resources. This study maps the scope and structure of circularity in the manufacturing SC discipline and explores the evolution of the domain over time. We review 946 journal articles published between 2013 and September 2023. Our study identifies key drivers and barriers to circular economy (CE) deployment in manufacturing SC operations, bibliometric parameters, emerging research themes, decision support tools, theories and applications. Using the theory extension approach, we propose a strategic framework to fortify the deployment of circularity in SCs. This comprehensive study renders a methodological contribution through combined descriptive content analysis and bibliometric and network analyses to evaluate the circular manufacturing SC operations concepts, theories and applications. We posit that manufacturing firms require to deploy innovation‐led approaches to embed the CE strategies in their SC operations. We find that the studies investigating green skill development and circularity‐culture adoption can facilitate manufacturers to understand the efficacy of circularity in their SC operations. The findings of this study can facilitate the practitioners to identify the links between the CE approaches and their strategic implications and examine CE implementation at the strategic level.
Exploring Culture Media Diversity to Produce Fungal Secondary Metabolites and Cyborg Cells
Authors: Geris Regina , Teles de Jesus Vitória Evelyn , Ferreira da Silva Antonio , Malta Marcos
Published: February 2024

Fungi are microorganisms of significant biotechnological importance due to their ability to provide food and produce several value‐added secondary metabolites and enzymes. Its products move billions of dollars in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and additives sectors. These microorganisms also play a notable role in bionanotechnology, leading to the production of hybrid biological‐inorganic materials (such as cyborg cells) and the use of their enzyme complex in the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. In this sense, optimizing the fungal growth process is necessary, with selecting the cultivation medium as one of the essential factors for the microorganism to reach its maximum metabolic expression. The culture medium‘s composition can also impact the nanomaterial's stability and prevent the incorporation of nanoparticles into fungal cells. Therefore, our main objectives are the following: (1) compile and discuss the most commonly employed culture media for the production of fungal secondary metabolites and the formation of cyborg cells, accompanied by preparation methods; (2) provide a six‐step guide to investigating the fungal metabolomic profile and (3) discuss the main procedures of microbial cultivation to produce fungal cyborg cells.
Hernandulcin Production in Elicited Hairy Roots of Phyla scaberrima: Toward Sustainable Production of a Non‐Caloric Sweetener with Nutraceutical Properties
Authors: Castro‐Juárez Carlos Jonnathan , Luna‐Suárez Silvia , de Fátima Rosas‐Cárdenas Flor , Villa‐Ruano Nemesio
Published: February 2024

Herein we report on the generation of hairy root lines of P. scaberrima able to produce hernandulcin (HE), a non‐caloric sweetener with nutraceutical properties. From ten different lines analyzed, three synthesized up to 100 mg ⋅ L−1 HE under the batch culture conditions standardized in this investigation. Adding elicitors (salicylic acid, chitin, Glucanex, polyethylene glycol) and biosynthetic precursors (farnesol and (+)‐epi‐alpha‐bisabolol) significantly altered HE accumulation. Chitin and Glucanex enhanced HE production from 130 to 160 mg ⋅ L−1, whereas farnesol and (+)‐epi‐alpha‐bisabolol from 165 to 200 mg ⋅ L−1without dependence on biomass accumulation. Improved batch cultures containing liquid Murashige & Skoog medium (MS; pH 7), added with 4 % sucrose, 0.5 mg ⋅ L−1 naphthaleneacetic acid, 100 mg ⋅ L−1 Glucanex, 150 mg ⋅ L−1 chitin, 250 mg ⋅ L−1 farnesol, and 150 mg ⋅ L−1 (+)‐epi‐alpha‐bisabolol at 25 °C (12 h light/12 h darkness), triggered HE accumulation to 250 mg ⋅ L−1 in 25 days. The efficiency of each recombinant line is discussed.
The resiliency of urban community college students: Implications for practice
Authors: Campagna Michele
Published: February 2024

Community colleges are vital sources of educational and economic opportunities in urban areas. This chapter provides readers with a review of the research on students served by these institutions. While the experiences of this population are similar in many ways to those of community college students across the country, the influence of their urban environment makes their lived experiences quite distinct. This chapter highlights that although a great deal of emphasis in the literature has been placed on the economic, educational, personal, and social struggles faced by urban community college students, resiliency is also a prominent positive characteristic of this population. The chapter concludes with recommendations for evidence‐based strategies that affirm these students’ cultural capital and are proven to be effective approaches to enhancing the resiliency and success of urban community college students.
How long will it take? Commuting time and differential access to an urban community college
Authors: Cortes Juan B. , Smith‐Onyewu Zyrashae , Kim‐Christian Paula , Dewey Nathaniel , Stein Marc L.
Published: February 2024

In this chapter, we examine how spatial access, the extent to which individuals must traverse space or time to reach a community college, varies by time of day across socio‐demographic groups. We specifically measure spatial access as the time required to travel to a community college by public transit, a common mode of transportation for many urban residents. Our findings revealed substantive variation in travel times between socio‐demographic groups suggesting varying levels of spatial access. They also highlight how public transit infrastructure, residential patterns, and community college locations interact to influence how long students must travel to access postsecondary opportunities.
Vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome: A null COL3A1 variant found in a patient with loin pain without marked cutaneous features (case report)
Authors: Subramaniam Shreenidhi Ranganatha , Yeung Lam Fung , Choy L. Y. Lois , Kwok Jeffrey Sung Shing
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Patients with null variants may have milder vascular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome, presenting with seemingly non‐specific complaints and subtle cutaneous features that may be missed. A high index of suspicion and early genetic testing (aided by next‐generation sequencing) were crucial for prevention of life‐threatening complications in the patient and family members.
In‐Situ Characterization Technologies for Electrocatalytic Reduction nitrate to Ammonia on Copper‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Fu Chunhong , Sun Jiangli , Du Yingying , Zhou Minghua
Published: February 2024

The excess nitrate (NO3−) in water mainly comes from agricultural fertilization and industrial wastewater, which breaks the nitrogen balance and poses a serious threat to the environment and human health. Driven by renewable energy, the electrocatalytic NO3− reduction to ammonia (NH3) (ENO3RA) is an environmentally friendly and sustainable technology. Due to its special structure, copper (Cu) is currently one of the best catalysts for ENO3RA, but the reaction mechanism and the structure–activity relationships of catalysts are still not clear enough. In‐situ characterization is a powerful tool to gain insight into the reaction process. This review introduces several types of in‐situ techniques such as in‐situ XAS, in‐situ FTIR and in‐situ DEMS, summarizes five pathways for converting *NO as the key intermediate to NH3 during ENO3RA on Cu‐based catalysts. The research progress of Cu‐based electrocatalysts in recent years is sorted out from the aspects of composition and structure, and the catalytic mechanisms are discussed with the help of in‐situ characterization technologies. This review would be of help to provide reference characterization methods for exploring the mechanism and the design of electrocatalysts for ENO3RA.
Affine combination‐based over‐sampling for imbalanced regression
Authors: Li Zhen‐Zhen , Huang Niu , Yi Lun‐Zhao , Fu Guang‐Hui
Published: February 2024

Imbalanced domain prediction analysis is currently one of the hot research topics. Many real‐world data mining analyses involve using imbalanced data to obtain predictive models. In the context of imbalance, research on classification problems has been extensive, but research on regression problems is negligible. Rare values rarely occur in imbalanced regression problems, but the focus is on accurately predicting the continuous target variables of rare instances. One of the challenges in imbalanced regression is finding a suitable strategy to rebalance the original dataset in order to improve the predictive performance of the model in rare instances. In this study, two algorithms are proposed: sigma nearest over‐sampling based on convex combination for regression (SNOCCR) and affine combination‐based over‐sampling (ACOS). ACOS rebalances the original dataset by generating new instances through the affine combinations of the original examples. The region where the new instances are generated can be adjusted based on the distribution of the data, ensuring that the generated cases better mimic the distribution of the original examples. The comparison among ACOS, SNOCCR, and other preprocessing methods was conducted on 15 datasets to validate the predictive performance of models trained on rebalanced datasets for rare instances. The experimental results indicate that ACOS outperforms other existing methods.
Challenges for the Discovery of Non‐Covalent WRN Helicase Inhibitors
Authors: Heuser Alisa , Abdul Rahman Wassim , Bechter Elisabeth , Blank Jutta , Buhr Sylvia , Erdmann Dirk , Fontana Patrizia , Mermet‐Meillon Fanny , Meyerhofer Marco , Strang Ross , Schrapp Maxime , Zimmermann Catherine , Cortes‐Cros Marta , Möbitz Henrik , Hamon Jacques
Published: February 2024

The Werner Syndrome RecQ helicase (WRN) is a synthetic lethal target of interest for the treatment of cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI). Different hit finding approaches were initially tested. The identification of WRN inhibitors proved challenging due to a high propensity for artefacts via protein interference, i. e., hits inhibiting WRN enzymatic activities through multiple, unspecific mechanisms. Previously published WRN Helicase inhibitors (ML216, NSC19630 or NSC617145) were characterized in an extensive set of biochemical and biophysical assays and could be ruled out as specific WRN helicase probes. More innovative screening strategies need to be developed for successful drug discovery of non‐covalent WRN helicase inhibitors.
Apparent absence of hypothalamic cholinergic neurons in the common ostrich and emu: Implications for global brain states during sleep
Authors: Mazengenya Pedzisai , Lesku John A. , Rattenborg Niels C. , Manger Paul R.
Published: February 2024

We examined the presence/absence and parcellation of cholinergic neurons in the hypothalami of five birds: a Congo grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), a Timneh grey parrot (P. timneh), a pied crow (Corvus albus), a common ostrich (Struthio camelus), and an emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Using immunohistochemistry to an antibody raised against the enzyme choline acetyltransferase, hypothalamic cholinergic neurons were observed in six distinct clusters in the medial, lateral, and ventral hypothalamus in the parrots and crow, similar to prior observations made in the pigeon. The expression of cholinergic nuclei was most prominent in the Congo grey parrot, both in the medial and lateral hypothalamus. In contrast, no evidence of cholinergic neurons in the hypothalami of either the ostrich or emu was found. It is known that the expression of sleep states in the ostrich is unusual and resembles that observed in the monotremes that also lack hypothalamic cholinergic neurons. It has been proposed that the cholinergic system acts globally to produce and maintain brain states, such as those of arousal and rapid‐eye‐movement sleep. The hiatus in the cholinergic system of the ostrich, due to the lack of hypothalamic cholinergic neurons, may explain, in part, the unusual expression of sleep states in this species. These comparative anatomical and sleep studies provide supportive evidence for global cholinergic actions and may provide an important framework for our understanding of one broad function of the cholinergic system and possible dysfunctions associated with global cholinergic neural activity.