bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the Prognostic and Predictive Value of Thymidylate Synthase, p53, and Ki-67 in Patients With Locally Advanced Colon Cancer
Authors: Allegra Carmen J. , Parr Allyson L. , Wold Lester E. , Mahoney Michelle R. , Sargent Daniel J. , Johnston Patrick , Klein Pam , Behan Katie , O’Connell Michael J. , Levitt Ralph , Kugler John W. , Tria Tirona Maria , Goldberg Richard M.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of thymidylate synthase (TS), Ki-67, and p53 as prognostic markers in patients with Dukes’ B2 and C colon carcinoma.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of TS, Ki-67, and p53 in 465 patients with Dukes’ B2 (220 patients) or Dukes’ C (245 patients) colon carcinoma. Patients represent a nonrandom subset obtained from five randomized phase III trials and were treated with either surgery alone (151 patients) or surgery plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (314 patients). All three markers were assayed using immunohistochemical techniques.

RESULTS: With a minimum follow-up of 5 years, our retrospective analysis failed to demonstrate a consistent and significant association between TS, Ki-67, or p53 and either disease-free survival or overall survival. Exploratory analyses did not reveal a convincing explanation for these results that are in conflict with the published literature. Notable interactions were observed. In particular, high Ki-67 levels were associated with increased (decreased) survival in patients with low (high) TS intensity. Patients whose tumors stained positively for p53 seemed to benefit substantially from the use of adjuvant chemotherapy compared with those who were not treated (P = .05).

CONCLUSION: This retrospective investigation failed to demonstrate a significant association between TS, Ki-67, or p53 staining and clinical outcome.
Adjuvant Immunotherapy of Resected, Intermediate-Thickness, Node-Negative Melanoma With an Allogeneic Tumor Vaccine: Overall Results of a Randomized Trial of the Southwest Oncology Group
Authors: Sondak Vernon K. , Liu P.-Y. , Tuthill Ralph J. , Kempf Raymond A. , Unger Joseph M. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Thompson John A. , Weiss Geoffrey R. , Redman Bruce G. , Jakowatz James G. , Noyes R. Dirk , Flaherty Lawrence E.
Published: July 2002

PURPOSE: Patients with clinically negative nodes constitute over 85% of new melanoma cases. There is no adjuvant therapy for intermediate-thickness, node-negative melanoma patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Southwest Oncology Group conducted a randomized phase III trial of an allogeneic melanoma vaccine for 2 years versus observation in patients with intermediate-thickness (1.5 to 4.0 mm or Clark’s level IV if thickness unknown), clinically or pathologically node-negative melanoma (T3N0M0).

RESULTS: Six hundred eighty-nine patients were accrued over 4.5 years; 89 patients (13%) were ineligible. Surgical node staging was performed in 24%, the remainder were clinical N0. Thirteen eligible patients refused assigned treatment: seven on the observation arm and six on the vaccine arm. Most vaccine patients experienced mild to moderate local toxicity, but 26 (9%) experienced grade 3 toxicity. After a median follow-up of 5.6 years, there were 107 events (tumor recurrences or deaths) among the 300 eligible patients randomized to vaccine compared with 114 among the 300 eligible patients randomized to observation (hazard ratio, 0.92; Cox-adjusted P2 = 0.51). There was no difference in vaccine efficacy among patients with tumors ≤ 3 mm or > 3 mm.

CONCLUSION: This represents one of the largest randomized, controlled trials of adjuvant vaccine therapy in human cancer reported to date. Compliance with randomization was excellent, with only 2% refusing assigned therapy. There is no evidence of improved disease-free survival among patients randomized to receive vaccine, although the power to detect a small but clinically significant difference was low. Future investigations of adjuvant vaccine approaches for patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma should involve larger numbers of patients and ideally should include sentinel node biopsy staging.
Challenges in the establishment of a rare plant species monitoring program using community science volunteers
Authors: Gibson David J. , Benda Christopher D. , Felsl Ingrid , Kiefer Gretel
Published: November 2024

Community science programs enable the collection of large amounts of important data and enhance the appreciation of science among members of the public. However, there are challenges in the establishment of successful community science programs.

We report the challenges associated with the recent establishment of a community science program to monitor rare plants in the geographically diverse southern Illinois, USA region.

Over the first 3 years, our program has been successful in the collection of over 250 monitoring records for rare species through the recruitment of a group of passionate volunteers. However, our volunteers are predominantly middle‐income, college educated, white females who are not representative of the population at large of the region. We propose a recruitment strategy to broaden the diversity of our volunteers by better engaging community members who are not typically involved with plant monitoring but are interested in hiking, walking in natural areas, gardening, and restoration activities, and others who would like the opportunity to collaborate with scientists and researchers in addressing an environmental issue.

Practical implication: Community science plant monitoring programs face challenges in recruitment, retention, remoteness of field sites and data quality. Addressing these challenges through targeted recruitment strategies aimed at reducing structural and cultural barriers to participation, along with frequent program assessment, is necessary to enhance the success of these programs.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS FOR PLANAR HIGH‐FREQUENCY CIRCUITS
Authors: Rautio James C.
Published: December 2024

Numerical electromagnetics entered mainstream high‐frequency and microwave design starting about 1990. Today, with much faster computers and more powerful algorithms and design flows, numerical electromagnetics is now considered a required part of nearly all high‐frequency design. This chapter discusses the impact of numerical electromagnetics on design of planar circuits at high frequency, including silicon and gallium arsenide‐integrated radiofrequency‐integrated circuits (RFICs), and low‐temperature‐cofired ceramic (LTCC) circuits.
COULOMB GAUGE IN ELECTROMAGNETICS
Authors: Nevels Robert D. , Michalski Krzysztof A.
Published: December 2024

Problems in high frequency electromagnetic scattering and diffraction, where the fields are expressed in terms of magnetic vector and scalar potentials, have in the past almost exclusively been solved with the Lorenz gauge. However, in this chapter it will be shown that any wave guidance or scattering problem that can be found through an application of the Lorenz gauge can as well be solved subject to the Coulomb gauge. It will be shown that the Coulomb gauge formulation displays some unique mathematical characteristics that provide insight into the meaning and structure of potentials. Also, the component parts of the mathematical expressions for the field arising from an application of the Coulomb gauge provide a way of directly determining how the field changes with a change in frequency.
SPICE
Authors: Cheng Chung‐Kuan , Ho Chia‐Tung , Holtz Chester
Published: December 2024

SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) is a program for electronic circuit design simulation and is one of the most successful academic products. Integrated circuit (IC) designers often use SPICE to check functionality, integrity, and power integrity before physical implementation (i.e., layout design) and tape‐out. Using SPICE to verify IC designs is essential for circuit validation due to the high cost of photolithographic masks and other manufacturing processes. The input to SPICE is a design “netlist,” which is composed of electronic components, such as resistance, transistor, capacitance, and sources. After the SPICE simulation, users can inspect the signal waveform or perform measurements virtually on the probing nodes in the netlist. Nowadays, there are open‐source and commercial SPICE programs for designers or researchers to incorporate SPICE into their projects. Active electronic components are usually described in the device model to reflect the current and voltage behaviors. According to user requirements, SPICE is capable of performing several types of analysis (e.g., DC, AC, transient, and DC sweep) and provides a bridge between time and frequency domain. Facing future challenges, many emerging methods and algorithms have been proposed to address the growing complexity of circuit designs and performance bottlenecks. Additionally, as technology evolves, SPICE continues to add device models to accurately capture the electronic component behavior in advanced technology nodes, such as the TSMC Interface and the Open Model Interface models.
RESONANT TUNNELING DIODES
Authors: Maezawa Koichi
Published: December 2024

Resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) exploit the quantum tunneling effect emerging in nanometer‐scale thin semiconductor heterostructures. The RTDs feature strong nonlinear current–voltage characteristics exhibiting negative differential resistance and also extremely high operation frequency. These features make the RTDs extremely useful for nonlinear microwave/millimeter‐wave circuits as well as high‐speed digital circuits. The features of RTDs and their applications to high‐frequency circuits are discussed.
RADIO‐FREQUENCY‐INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
Authors: Chongcheawchamnan M. , Karacaoglu U. , Amsdon T. J. , Robertson I. D.
Published: December 2024

This chapter gives an overview of the technology and design of radiofrequency (RF)‐integrated circuits in silicon technology. These circuits have transformed the field of wireless communications, forming the heart of sophisticated multiple‐input, multiple‐output RF transceivers for use in cellular handsets. The technology is now starting to transform new fields in the millimeter‐wave frequency range, enabling it to be used for new consumer applications such as radars for autonomous cars. The chapter describes the key active device technologies and passive components before going on to describe the state of the art in circuit design techniques. There are separate sections dedicated to the design of amplifiers, oscillators, mixers and modulators, and integrated transceivers. A final section gives an introduction to the importance of taking the packaging into account at the chip design and layout stage, as well as describing the rapidly emerging field of RF system‐in‐package technology, where sophisticated millimeter‐wave antenna arrays can be integrated with active circuits. The chapter includes 180 references to research papers describing advanced techniques developed in both industry and academia.
ANTENNA BOOSTER TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Anguera Jaume , Andújar Aurora
Published: December 2024

Small and multiband antennas are always playing a predominant role in wireless communications to provide range, connectivity, and ensure battery life. In this regard, antenna booster technology features small size (∼λ/30), multiband, and multi‐radio behavior and at the same time easy to be embedded into a wireless device due to its chip‐like nature. The design of antenna systems radically differs from those based on conventional antenna design relying on shaping the geometry of the antenna to determine the frequencies of operation. On the contrary, with the antenna booster technology approach, the frequencies of operation are determined by the designer thanks to the combination of an antenna booster and a matching network. By doing so, all the complexity in the antenna part is removed and most of the intelligence is translated into the matching network. This enables making an antenna booster 10 times smaller than other antennas while flexibly adapting to any wireless protocol and device. Besides, reconfigurability can be combined with the matching network increasing the flexibility to adapt to any frequency band. Antenna booster technology is finding its applications in the design of wireless devices needing operation in the frequency range from 0.4 to 10 GHz.
COLLABORATIVE SPECTRUM SHARING
Authors: Pham Quan , Shea John M. , Wong Tan F.
Published: December 2024

Explosion of the multitude of current and future wireless services has motivated the search for more efficient ways to allocate spectrum than fixed channel allocations enforced by regulatory agencies. In particular, dynamic spectrum‐sharing techniques allow spectrum to be assigned or selected for use based on the users and demand in a given geographic region. In this chapter, we consider collaborative spectrum sharing (CSS), in which users or networks share information about their spectrum needs and usage to facilitate efficient use of spectrum resources. We provide an ontology of CSS approaches and give an overview of previous CSS research. Then, we provide a more in‐depth discussion of the roles of CSS in two different example systems. The first is the Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), which is a system established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, and which uses a centralized, hierarchical approach to CSS. The second is the Spectrum Collaboration Challenge (SC2), which was a competition run by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the United States to develop intelligent radios systems for CSS. In contrast to CBRS, the SC2 enforces a distributed, unified approach to CSS. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of the progress and challenges in implementing CSS.
Chytridiomycosis in a colony of hellbenders Cryptobranchus alleganiensis
Authors: Novotny L. , Powers C. M. , Royal S. M. , Preston A. K. , Hendrix G. K. , Sola M. F.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The hellbender Cryptobranchus alleganiensis is a fully aquatic, long-lived, and state endangered salamander endemic to the eastern and central United States. Chytridiomycosis is a fungal skin disease of salamanders that can be caused by either Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) or by recently described B. salamandrivorans. B. salamandrivorans is responsible for massive mortality of salamanders in Europe but, to date, has not been reported in the United States, in contrast to Bd. Common signs of Bd infection in salamanders are excessive skin shedding; cutaneous discoloration; mainly in ventral parts of the abdomen and thighs; and eventually death as a result of osmotic imbalance.

Methods

Eastern hellbenders C. a. alleganiensis in the Aquaculture Research Laboratory at Purdue University experienced 33% mortality. Three of the deceased animals were autopsied, and samples for histopathology, microbiology, and Taqman quantitative polymerase chain reaction were taken.

Result

Autopsy revealed an abundant, thick, yellow to green mucoid material on the surface of the skin, mainly on the tail and flanks. Histopathology of the skin samples revealed infection with chytrid fungus consistent with chytridiomycosis. Taqman quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed presence of Bd, and bacterial culture confirmed co-infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Infected hellbenders were treated with ciprofloxacin, itraconazole, and ceftazidime.

Conclusion

The chytridiomycosis outbreak was most likely caused by sudden environmental stress due to filtration failure and secondary bacterial infection. The surviving animals have not shown any clinical signs of chytridiomycosis for more than 1 year after the treatment and were released the wild river system.
Exponential Input‐To‐State Stability of Quaternion‐Valued Memristive Neural Networks: Continuous and Discrete Cases
Authors: Li Ruoxia , Cao Jinde , Abdel‐Aty Mahmoud
Published: November 2024

This article focuses on the input‐to‐state stability (ISS) issue of quaternion‐valued memristive networks. Employing the quaternion norm tool and the Lyapunov method, two improved conclusions are developed for the continuous networks. After that, via the semidiscretization technique, a new discrete model is designed, and its ISS performance is discussed and subsequently recur to a nonlinear scalarization approach. Less conservative results are obtained since the nonlinear scalarization approach makes the quaternion interval meaningful. Simulations are presented to verify the validity of the outcomes.
Adsorption‐Based Electrochemical Sensor Design for the Aqueous Detection of Paracetamol
Authors: De Smedt Pieter J. , Lauwers Aline , Vereecken Philippe M. , De Vos Dirk E. , Ameloot Rob
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the critical role of adsorption in the development of electrochemical sensors, focusing on carbon (Vulcan XC72R, acetylene black, and graphite) and zeolite (high‐silica ZSM‐5 and all‐silica zeolite β) materials. Based on the paracetamol adsorption characteristics of these materials, an optimized disposable electrochemical sensor is created. This sensor exhibits a linear range of up to 5 μM and a remarkable detection limit of 150 nM (S/N = 3), ≈1000‐time improvement over the blank sensor. Moreover, paracetamol can be measured selectively because glucose has no adsorption affinity for the selected sensor materials. These findings underscore the significance of adsorption properties in sensor material selection in enhancing sensitivity and robustness against interfering species.
Ligand‐Mediated Quantum Yield Enhancement in 1‐D Silver Organothiolate Metal–Organic Chalcogenolates
Authors: Aleksich Mariya , Cho Yeongsu , Paley Daniel W. , Willson Maggie C. , Nyiera Hawi N. , Kotei Patience A. , Oklejas Vanessa , Mittan‐Moreau David W. , Schriber Elyse A. , Christensen Kara , Inoue Ichiro , Owada Shigeki , Tono Kensuke , Sugahara Michihiro , Inaba‐Inoue Satomi , Vakili Mohammad , Milne Christopher J. , DallAntonia Fabio , Khakhulin Dmitry , Ardana‐Lamas Fernando , Lima Frederico , Valerio Joana , Han Huijong , Gallo Tamires , Yousef Hazem , Turkot Oleksii , Macias Ivette J. Bermudez , Kluyver Thomas , Schmidt Philipp , Gelisio Luca , Round Adam R. , Jiang Yifeng , Vinci Doriana , Uemura Yohei , Kloos Marco , Mancuso Adrian P. , Warren Mark , Sauter Nicholas K. , Zhao Jing , Smidt Tess , Kulik Heather J. , Sharifzadeh Sahar , Brewster Aaron S. , Hohman J. Nathan
Published: December 2024

X‐ray free electron laser (XFEL) microcrystallography and synchrotron single‐crystal crystallography are used to evaluate the role of organic substituent position on the optoelectronic properties of metal–organic chalcogenolates (MOChas). MOChas are crystalline 1D and 2D semiconducting hybrid materials that have varying optoelectronic properties depending on composition, topology, and structure. While MOChas have attracted much interest, small crystal sizes impede routine crystal structure determination. A series of constitutional isomers where the aryl thiol is functionalized by either methoxy or methyl ester are solved by small molecule serial femtosecond X‐ray crystallography (smSFX) and single crystal rotational crystallography. While all the methoxy examples have a low quantum yield (0‐1%), the methyl ester in the ortho position yields a high quantum yield of 22%. The proximity of the oxygen atoms to the silver inorganic core correlates to a considerable enhancement of quantum yield. Four crystal structures are solved at a resolution range of 0.8–1.0 Å revealing a collapse of the 2D topology for functional groups in the 2‐ and 3‐ positions, resulting in needle‐like crystals. Further analysis using density functional theory (DFT) and many‐body perturbation theory (MBPT) enables the exploration of complex excitonic phenomena within easily prepared material systems.
Air‐Stable and Flexible Photodiode for X‐Rays Detection Based on a Hybrid Perovskite Active Layer and Organic Interlayers
Authors: Natali Marco , Ciavatti Andrea , Verdi Matteo , Taddei Margherita , Corticelli Franco , Prosa Mario , Seri Mirko , Ruani Giampiero , Muccini Michele , Toffanin Stefano , Bolognesi Margherita , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: December 2024

Solution‐processed organic and hybrid semiconductor materials have great potential for ionizing radiation direct detection, as they combine high sensitivity, low‐power consumption, and flexibility. There is, however, an open challenge related to the stability in ambient/operational conditions of this class of devices. In this work, an air‐stable, solution‐processed and flexible X‐ray detector is reported, based on the integration of hybrid perovskite and organic thin films used as active layer and functional interlayers, respectively. The diode architecture and the engineering of the interface between the hybrid perovskite and the organic hole transporting material (solvent‐modified poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate) is the key to achieve enhanced detector's air stability and performance. The unencapsulated flexible device, measured in air and in passive operation (0 V), shows a limit‐of‐detection of 0.37 ± 0.04 µGy s−1 and a sensitivity as high as 5.2 µC Gy−1 cm−2, which is retained within 25% after 42 days exposure to ambient conditions.
Copper‐Mediated C−H Functionalization of Amines, Imines, and Amides: Recent Developments and Synthetic Applications
Authors: Nath Priyanka , Boruah Aditi , Deb Mohit L. , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: November 2024

Copper‐mediated C−H functionalization has emerged as a powerful strategy for the selective modification of nitrogen‐containing molecules, offering significant advancements in organic synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in copper‐catalyzed C−H functionalization reactions of amines, imines, and amides, from 2013 to present, emphasizing their synthetic applications and mechanistic insights. It also discusses the impact of these methodologies on the construction of complex molecular architectures, including pharmaceuticals and natural products. This review aims to provide valuable guidance for researchers seeking to leverage copper‐mediated strategies in their synthetic endeavors by creating current knowledge and identifying future directions. We have highlighted the new bonds formed through C−H functionalizations for the convenience of readers.
Photoredox‐Catalyzed Minisci‐Type Acylation of Heterocyclic C−H Bonds with Amino Acid‐Tethered Dihydropyridines
Authors: Yang Heesang , Shin Hyungjin , Lee Yeonhee , Lim Dabeen , Kwon Na Yeon , Rakshit Amitava , Singh Pargat , Kim Hyun Jin , Moon Kyeongwon , Kim In Su
Published: November 2024

Conjugation of amino acids to bioactive molecules has emerged as a promising strategy for optimizing pharmacological profiles of lead candidates in drug discovery. This study describes a photocatalytic Minisci‐type transfer reaction of N‐acyl amino acids into various N‐heterocycles. Notably, this protocol enables direct conjugation of amino acids into heterocyclic C−H bonds, eliminating the need for prefunctionalized substrates. A diverse array of N‐heterocycles, amino acids, oligopeptides, and drugs were used to demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach. In addition, the importance of this approach is demonstrated through its application in the DNA‐encoded library chemistry. Various synthetic transformations and preliminary mechanistic investigations were also explored.
Assessing agronomic and physiological traits during reproductive developmental stages for breeding upland drought‐tolerant cotton
Authors: Witt Travis W. , Habimana Aimable , Sanchez Jacobo , Ulloa Mauricio
Published: November 2024

Increasing crop production in a changing climate is one of the challenges facing the agricultural research community. The goal of this study was to identify and evaluate specific determinant traits for improving water stress resiliency of cultivated upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Two genotypes (PhytoGen 72 [PHY72] and Stoneville 474 [STV474]) representing different production regions of the US were evaluated for water stress resiliency under greenhouse conditions. More than 20 vegetative and reproductive traits were evaluated through six physiological reproductive stages, from plant emergence to open bolls and under two irrigation levels. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between irrigation levels for most traits within each genotype. PHY72 had rapid increases in plant height under regular water and limited water conditions (RW and LW). RW approximated daily evapotranspiration rates, while LW rate provided 50% less water by mass. However, by the fourth stage, peak blooming, the two genotypes were the same height, indicating that early and rapid vegetative plant growth from emergence to first reproductive stage was not a good indicator of improved growth and boll production under diverse irrigation levels. Some traits, such as leaf temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence yield, leaf and boll number, as well as leaf and reproductive fresh weight, showed clear differences between the two genotypes in one or both irrigation rates. Cotton breeders/geneticists currently cannot predict end‐of‐season productivity based on early‐season evaluations under water stress conditions. Early season, controlled environment screening before field testing may reveal the genetic potential of breeding lines for water stress resiliency.
A Self‐Adjuvanting Large Pore 2D Covalent Organic Framework as a Vaccine Platform
Authors: Wijesundara Yalini H. , Arora Niyati , Ehrman Ryanne N. , Howlett Thomas Sinclair , Weyman Trevor M. , Trashi Ikeda , Trashi Orikeda , Kumari Sneha , Diwakara Shashini D. , Tang Wendy , Senarathna Milinda C. , Drewniak Katarzyna H. , Wang Ziqi , Smaldone Ronald A. , Gassensmith Jeremiah J.
Published: December 2024

Vaccines are one of the greatest human achievements in public health, as they help prevent the spread of diseases, reduce illness and death rates, saving thousands of lives with few side effects. Traditional vaccine development is centered around using live attenuated or inactivated pathogens, which is expensive and has resulted in vaccine‐associated illnesses. Advancements have led to the development of safer subunit vaccines, which contain recombinant proteins isolated from pathogens. Their short half‐life and small size make most subunit vaccines less immunogenic. Here, we introduce a large pore 2D covalent organic framework (COF), PyCOFamide, as a promising solution for an effective subunit platform. Our study demonstrates that simple adsorption of a model antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), onto PyCOFamide (OVA@COF) significantly enhances humoral and cell‐mediated immune response compared to free OVA. OVA@COF exhibited heightened immune cell activation and acts as an antigen reservoir, facilitating antigen‐presenting cell trafficking to the draining lymph nodes, amplifying the humoral immune response. Additionally, the breakdown of the COF releases monomers that adjuvant the activation of immune cells vital to creating strong immunity. This platform offers a potential avenue for safer, more effective subunit vaccines.
Modular Access to C2’‐Aryl/Alkenyl Nucleosides with Electrochemical Stereoselective Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Wang Jia‐Bao , Shen Yu , Yan Qing‐Long , Kong Wei‐Jun , Nian Yong , Shang Ming
Published: December 2024

Chemically modified oligonucleotides have garnered significant attention in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and synthetic biology due to their enhanced stability in vivo compared to naturally occurring oligonucleotides. However, current methods for synthesizing modified nucleosides, particularly at the C2’‐position, are limited in terms of efficiency, modularity, and selectivity. Herein, we report a new approach for the synthesis of highly functionalized C2’‐α‐aryl/alkenyl nucleosides via an electrochemical nickel‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of 2’‐bromo nucleosides with a variety of (hetero)aryl and alkenyl iodides. This method affords a diverse array of C2’‐ α‐aryl/alkenyl nucleosides with excellent stereoselectivity, broad substrate scope, and good functional group compatibility. We further synthesized oligonucleotides incorporating C2’‐aryl‐modified thymidine moieties and demonstrated that their annealed double‐stranded DNAs exhibit decreased melting temperatures (Tm). Additionally, oligonucleotides with C2’‐aryl modifications at the 3’ end showed enhanced resistance to 3’‐exonuclease degradation and C2’‐aryl modifications did not impede the cellular uptake process, highlighting the potential of these modified oligonucleotides for therapeutic applications.
The Inhibitory Effect of Low Phosphorus and Low Molecular Weight Terpolymer Scale Inhibitor on Calcium Scale in Oilfields
Authors: Chen Wenxin , Si Yangying , Wu Xia , Hu Zhijie , Ren Zhipeng , Ma Jie , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2024

The study utilized itaconic acid (IA), N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAA), and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) as starting materials for a free radical polymerization process. This process resulted in creating a new type of low‐phosphorus terpolymer scale inhibitor called P(IA‐HEAA‐SHP). Its primary application was as an effective scale inhibitor to block CaCO3 and CaSO4. FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR were used to characterize the synthesized copolymer structures, and it was confirmed that the synthesized products had the desired structures. The synthesis conditions have been optimized using the static scale inhibition approach, which involved adjusting the monomer ratio, initiator dosage, and reaction time. This resulted in the synthesis of polymeric scale inhibitors with outstanding scale inhibition properties. Additionally, GPC was employed to examine the correlation of the molecular weight of the polymers with their scale inhibition properties at various reaction times. The results showed that when the monomer ratio n(IA):n(HEAA) = 1.5:1, the SHP dosage mass fraction was 15%, the ammonium persulfate initiator dosage was 10%, the reaction temperature was 90°C, and the reaction time was 4 h. At a measured dose of 30 mg L−1, the scale inhibition impact on CaCO3 is 86.63%, while the scale inhibition impact on CaSO4 is 96.83%. The thermal properties of the copolymers, the crystal structure, and the micro‐morphology of the scale samples were analyzed by TGA, XRD, and SEM, and the scale inhibition mechanism was discussed in conjunction with the zeta potential analysis.
Mass‐Loss, Composition and Observational Signatures of Stellar Winds From X‐Ray Bursts
Authors: Herrera Yago , Muñoz Vela Daniel , Sala Gloria , José Jordi , Cavecchi Yuri
Published: November 2024

X‐Ray bursts (XRBs) are powerful thermonuclear events on the surface of accreting neutron stars (NSs), which can synthesize intermediate‐mass elements. Although the high surface gravity prevents an explosive ejection, a small fraction of the envelope may be ejected by radiation‐driven winds. In our previous works, we have developed a non‐relativistic radiative wind model and coupled it to an XRB hydrodynamic simulation. We now apply this technique to another model featuring consecutive bursts. We determine the mass‐loss and chemical composition of the wind ejecta. Results show that, for a representative XRB, about of the envelope mass is ejected per burst, at an average rate of . Between and of the ejecta composition is 60Ni, 64Zn, 68Ge, 4He and 58Ni. We also report on the evolution of observational quantities during the wind phase and simulate NICER observations that resemble those of 4 U 1820–40.
Development of a SiPM‐Based Water‐Cherenkov Detector for Astrophysics
Authors: Fauth Anderson Campos , Machado Ana Amelia , do Lago Pimentel Vinicius , Segreto Ettore , dos Santos Roberto Ferreira
Published: November 2024

The Cherenkov effect is widely employed in experiments involving cosmic rays and neutrinos that utilize large sensitive volumes. The water is widely employed as the sensitive medium, with the primary particle to be detected being the muon. In this work, we present the development of a new water‐Cherenkov detector that utilizes a photon trapping system and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to record the detector signals, which has been named C‐Arapuca. The utilization of SiPMs presents advantages over the traditional photomultiplier tube, PMT, such as a much lower operating voltages and the construction of more compact devices with greater geometric freedom. To study the performance of the C‐Arapuca, a tank containing 550 L of ultra‐pure water was utilized. The confinement of Cherenkov photons is achieved through a dichroic filter in the optical window and a light guide that shifts the photons wavelength and guide them to the eight SiPMs positioned along its sides. The results of the efficiency of muon detection from local cosmic radiation are presented, indicating the feasibility of employing the C‐Arapuca in future astroparticle experiments.
Anatomical study of trigeminal‐facial nerve communications: Application to facial transplant surgery
Authors: Iwai Haruki , Mine Kazuharu , Shimotakahara Rie , Shimada Kazuyuki , Tamatsu Yuichi
Published: December 2024

Understanding the distribution of nerves in the superficial layer of the face and the communication (nerve anastomosis) between them is essential for preventing paralysis during tumor removal and for planning during nerve grafting. However, communication between the peripheral branches of the trigeminal and facial nerves has not been fully elucidated owing to the delicacy of their structures and the ambiguity of definitions in previous reports. In this study, we used whole‐mount nerve staining to differentiate between the two types of interaction between the trigeminal and facial nerves. “Nerve communication” is defined as an exchange of fibers between the two nerves, while “nerve crossing” indicates that only the epineuria are in close contact, with no exchange of fibers. The skin and soft tissues of six human faces were excised, and the nerves were stained using Sihler's method. The peripheral branches of the ophthalmic nerve showed no communication with the facial nerve. In half of the cases (3/6), the infraorbital nerve, representing the peripheral branch of the maxillary nerve, communicated with the facial nerve. Peripheral branches of the mandibular nerve communicated with the facial nerve via the auriculotemporal (6/6), buccal (6/6), and mental (3/6) nerves. Our findings demonstrate moderate communication between the peripheral branches of the trigeminal and facial nerves in the maxillary nerve region but more concentrated communication in the mandibular nerve region.
Anemia Risk Prediction Model for Osteosarcoma Patients Post‐Chemotherapy Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Su Zhiping , Nong Zhiwei , Huang Feihong , Zhou Chengxing , Yu Chaojie
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to develop a machine learning model for predicting anemia post‐chemotherapy in osteosarcoma patients.

Methods

Clinical data from 631 osteosarcoma patients were collected, and after data filtering, a training set and validation set were created. Various statistical tests were conducted on the data, and single‐factor and multiple‐factor logistic regression analysis, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to construct risk prediction models. A new model was created by intersecting the above models to identify common risk factors, and a nomogram was developed to display the new model. The model's performance was validated using the validation set.

Results

Twenty‐five risk factors were identified in the anemia group compared to the non‐anemia group (p < 0.05). Single‐factor logistic regression analysis identified 22 risk factors (AUC 0.895), whereas multiple‐factor logistic regression analysis identified 8 risk factors (AUC 0.872), RF identified 7 risk factors (AUC 0.851), SVM identified 16 risk factors (AUC 0.851), and LASSO identified 19 risk factors (AUC 0.902). Five common risk factors (ALB, Ca, CREA, D‐dimer, and ESR) were identified through model intersection, yielding a new model with an AUC of 0.85. Internal validation of the new model showed an AUC of 0.802, indicating high predictive ability. A web model application was created (https://anemic‐prediction‐of‐osteosarcoma.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/).

Conclusion

The developed risk prediction model based on clinical and laboratory data can aid in individualized diagnosis and treatment of anemia in osteosarcoma patients post‐chemotherapy.
Ultrasonic‐Assisted Extraction, Structural Characteristics, and Activity of Polysaccharides From Gymnocladus chinensis Baill
Authors: Meng Rui , Wan Zhi‐Wen , Yang Hua‐Yuan , Wu Lv , Yaseen Aftab , Li Bin , Zhang Xia
Published: December 2024

In this study, the response surface method (RSM) was used to determine the optimal parameters of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of Gymnocladus chinensis Baill. polysaccharides (GCBPs). The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: a liquid–solid ratio of 50.4 mL/g, an extraction temperature of 60°C, an extraction time of 43 min, and an extraction power of 240 W. Under these conditions, the extraction rate of GCBP reached 50.1%. Three fractions of GCBP‐40, GCBP‐60, and GCBP‐80 with sugar contents of 64.33%, 59.16%, and 59.46% were obtained by different concentrations of ethanol purification. All the three fractions consisted of six monosaccharides with different ratios, namely, Man, Rha, Gal, Glu, Ara, and Xyl. From Congo red test, it is confirmed that all three fractions could have a triple helix structure. In addition, the antioxidant and hypoglycemic experiments showed that all three components had excellent antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] free‐radical scavenging activity, 2,2‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) [ABTS] free‐radical scavenging activity, and OH− free‐radical scavenging activity) and hypoglycemic activity (α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity).
Four New Caryophyllene Sesquiterpenoids Isolated From Hypholoma capnoides 819
Authors: Wang Yu‐Ting , Dong Yuan , Wang Fang , Zhu Shuai‐Ming , Zhang Yang , Yang Yu , Xu Rui , Dong Cai‐Hong , Zhang You‐Zhi , Li Chang‐Wei
Published: November 2024

Four previously undescribed caryophyllene sesquiterpenoids (1–4) along with one known drimane sesquiterpenoid (5) were isolated from the fermentation products of the mushroom Hypholoma capnoides 819. The structures of 1–4 with rare tricyclic skeleton (6/5/4) or bicyclic skeletons (9/4) were determined on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis, calculated NMR, ORD data, and their biosynthetic pathways. Compounds 1–5 only showed very weak cytotoxicity toward mouse microglial cells (BV2), breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), and human lung cancer cells (A549) at 40 µM. In addition, none of the compounds demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli at 128 µg/mL.
Q Fever Endocarditis: A Challenging Diagnosis in a Patient Referring Weight Loss and Anorexia, and With Granulomas in Gastric Biopsy Specimens
Authors: Lago‐Rodriguez Ana Elena , Fraile‐Ribot Pablo Arturo , Amengual‐Antich Isabel , Gual‐Capllonch Francisco , Garcia‐Gasalla Mercedes
Published: November 2024

Diagnosis of Q fever endocarditis is challenging since clinical findings are non‐specific and diagnosis is mainly made by indirect methods such as serology. A progressive constitutional syndrome, severe asthenia, anorexia with no fever and histopathological findings of non‐necrotizing gastric granulomas in a gastric biopsy were found preceding a cardiac failure in our case report. Prolonged treatment with doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine is mandatory, and cardiac valve surgery may be needed.
Factor XIII Deficiency Presenting With Duodenal Hematoma in a 3‐Year‐Old Female: A Comprehensive Radiological Assessment
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Khubaib , Khan Faheemullah , Aman Muhammad , Zafar Uffan , Irfan Muhammad , Khandwala Kumail , Nadeem Naila , Ahmad Izaz , Nadeem Arsalan , Khan Noman
Published: November 2024

In the pediatric age group, FXIII deficiency can present as abnormal or delayed bleeding from the umbilical stump, soft tissue and subcutaneous bleeding, intracerebral hemorrhages, intraoral bleeding, and poor wound healing. This case report describes an atypical presentation of FXIII deficiency in a 3‐year‐old female who presented to the emergency department with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting. She was managed conservatively under the care of the pediatric surgery team.
A Comprehensive Case Report on Familial Multiple Lipomatosis
Authors: Raza Fatima Ali , Monawwer Syed Abdullah , Husnain Muhammad , Golubeva Darja , Fatima Laveeza , Haque Md Ariful
Published: November 2024

Familial multiple lipomatosis (FML) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the progressive development of encapsulated nodules predominantly on the trunk and extremities. Its genetic basis is linked to HMGA‐2 gene over‐expression. The condition is diagnosed via clinical history, ultrasound findings, and histological studies, and management mainly comprises surgical excision. This case report highlights the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and management of FML in a 38‐year‐old male.
Advances in 3D Materials‐Based Hydrovoltaic Generators and Synergistic Energy Conversion
Authors: Jiao Kai , Ma Boxuan , Liu Xinxi , Chen Bohao , Wang Qiuwang , Zhao Cunlu
Published: December 2024

Covering approximately 71 % of Earth's surface and absorbing almost 70 % of the solar radiation energy, water presents a tremendous opportunity for hydropower generation, revealing considerable promise for future applications. Benefited from the low cost, negligible pollution, and the characteristic of solely utilizing ambient thermal energy, hydrovoltaic (HV) technology has garnered significant attention in recent years for its substantial contributions to energy harvesting and conversion. While traditional hydrovoltaic generators (HVGs) have predominantly utilized two‐dimensional (2D) structures, the emergence of three‐dimensional (3D) HV materials signifies a pivotal shift due to superior specific surface areas, intricate porous architectures and enhanced mechanical strength. Herein, we summarized the development of 3D HVGs, categorizing them into flow‐induced, moisture‐induced, and evaporation‐induced types. We explored their working mechanisms, evolutions, strategies for electricity output enhancement and the limitations they face. Moreover, we discussed the integration of HVGs with other energy conversion technologies and the development of comprehensive HVG systems that exploit various water sources for energy generation. At last, we highlighted the challenges confronting 3D HVGs and anticipated future directions for this burgeoning field.
Planting date and maturity groups effects on soybean yield in Wisconsin
Authors: Malcomson Andrew , Mourtzinis Spyridon , Gaska John , Roth Adam , Silva Tatiane Severo , Conley Shawn
Published: November 2024

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting date (PD) and maturity group (MG) selection are critical decisions for optimizing crop development and enhancing yield potential. This study examines the interaction effects of PDs and MGs on soybean yield in southern Wisconsin, utilizing a fractional replication experimental design across two growing seasons (2022 and 2023). Five PDs in 2022 and six in 2023 were tested, with 50 soybean cultivars per PD, encompassing MGs ranging from 0.3 to 2.9. Results reveal that optimal soybean yield occurred with early planting, particularly before May 20, with MGs between 1.5 to 2.9 performing best. Delayed planting led to diminished significance in MG selection for yield, but overall yield declined consistently, roughly 20 bu/acre, every 20 days beyond the May 20 PD. Practical implications suggest early planting to maximize sunlight capture and extend the seed fill period, alongside the selection of cultivars within the appropriate MG range. While this study is limited to a single location and 2‐year duration, future collaborative efforts across multiple sites could provide a more comprehensive understanding of PD and MG interactions, benefiting soybean cultivation practices in diverse environments. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights for southern Wisconsin soybean farmers seeking to optimize yield and profitability in their operations.
Unraveling Mechanism and Enhancing Selectivity of a RuII‐bis‐bipyridyl‐morphocumin Complex with RAFT‐Generated Glycopolymer Exploiting Warburg Effect in Cancer
Authors: Roy Souryadip , Paul Soumya , Mukherjee Sujato , De Priyadarsi , Mukherjee Arindam
Published: November 2024

The Warburg effect, which generates increased demand of glucose in cancer cells is a relatively underexplored phenomenon in existing commercial drugs to enhance uptake in cancer cells. Here, we present a chemotherapeutic strategy employing a Ru(II)‐bis‐bipyridyl‐morphocumin complex (2) encapsulated in a self‐assembling glucose‐functionalized copolymer P(G‐EMA‐co‐MMA) (where G=glucose; MMA=methyl methacrylate; EMA=ethyl methacrylate), designed to exploit this effect for enhanced selectivity in cancer treatment. The P(G‐EMA‐co‐MMA) polymer, synthesized via reversible‐addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, has a number average molecular weight (Mn,NMR) of 8000 g/mol. Complex 2, stable in aqueous media, selectively releases a cytotoxic, lysosome‐targeting compound, morphocumin, in the presence of excess hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) prevalent in tumor microenvironments. Additionally, complex 2 promotes ROS accumulation, which may further enhance morphocumin release through a synergistic domino effect. Comparative studies reveal that 2 outperforms its curcumin Ru(II) complex (1) analog in solution stability, organelle specificity, and cellular mechanisms. Both 1 and 2 exhibit phototherapeutic effects under low‐intensity visible light, but their chemotoxicity significantly increases with incubation time in the dark, highlighting the superior chemotherapeutic efficacy of the O,O‐coordinating Ru(II) ternary polypyridyl complexes. Complex 2 induces apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway and shows a 9‐fold increase in selectivity for pancreatic cancer cells (MIA PaCa‐2) over non‐cancerous HEK293 cells when encapsulated in the glucose‐conjugated polymer (DP@2). Glucose deprivation in the culture medium further enhances drug efficacy by an additional 5‐fold. This work underscores the potential of glucose‐functionalized polymers and ROS‐responsive Ru(II) complexes in targeted cancer therapy.
Olikomycin A–A Novel Calcium‐Dependent Lipopeptide with Antibiotic Activity Against Multidrug‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Makitrynskyy Roman , Keller Lena , Kaur Amninder , Tsypik Olga , Munz Luisa , Bechthold Andreas , Müller Rolf
Published: December 2024

Research into new antibiotics is becoming increasingly important as antibiotic resistance increases worldwide. The genus Streptomyces in particular is able to produce a wide range of antimicrobial products due to the large number of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in its genome. However, not all BGCs are expressed under laboratory conditions. In this work, deletion of the gene wblA, encoding a global regulator of natural product biosynthesis and morphogenesis in Streptomyces, led to the production of a novel natural product, olikomycin A, in Streptomyces ghanaensis ATCC 14672. Complete structure elucidation revealed that olikomycin A belongs to a class of calcium‐dependent antibiotics known as non‐ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)‐encoded acidic lipopeptides. These compounds exhibit remarkable antimicrobial activity in the presence of calcium. Insights into olikomycin A biosynthesis were provided by whole genome sequencing and gene inactivation studies, while bioactivity assays showed strong inhibition of the growth of multidrug‐resistant Gram‐positive pathogens via disrupting cell membrane integrity. Olikomycin A shows an antibiotic profile similar to that of daptomycin, which is already in clinical use.