bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing the Perfluoronaphthalene Radical Cation as a Selective Deelectronator to Access a Variety of Strongly Oxidizing Reactive Cations
Authors: Sellin Malte , Willrett Julie , Röhner David , Heizmann Tim , Fischer Julia , Seiler Matthis , Holzmann Celia , Engesser Tobias A. , Radtke Valentin , Krossing Ingo
Published: June 2024

A selective deelectronation reagent with very high potential of +2.00 (solution)/+2.41 V (solid‐state) vs. Fc+/0 and based on a room temperature stable perfluoronaphthalene (naphthaleneF) radical cation salt was developed and applied. The solid‐state deelectronation of commercial naphthaleneF with [NO]+[F{Al(ORF)3}2]− generates [naphthaleneF]+⋅[F{Al(ORF)3}2]− (ORF=OC(CF3)3) in gram scale. Thermochemical analysis unravels the solid‐state deelectronation potential of the starting [NO]+‐reagent to be +2.34 V vs. Fc+/0 with [F{Al(ORF)3}2]− counterion, but only +1.14 V vs. Fc+/0 with the small [SbF6]− ion. Selective reactions demonstrate the selectivity of [naphthaleneF]+⋅ for deelectronation of a multitude of organ(ometall)ic molecules and elements in solution: providing the molecular structures of the acene dications [tetracene]2+, [pentacene]2+ or spectroscopic evidence for the carbonyl complex of the ferrocene dication [Fc(CO)]2+, the [P9]+ cation from white phosphorus, the solvent‐free copper(I) salt starting from copper metal and the dicationic Fe(IV)‐scorpionate complex [Fe(sc)2]2+.
Statistical investigation of the experimental variables in the hydrosilylation reaction of a trimethylsiloxy‐terminated poly (methylhydro‐dimethyl)siloxane copolymer and an unsaturated polyethylene glycol using response surface methodology
Authors: Kamrani Soheila Nakhjiri , Barati Ali , Joshaghani Mohammad
Published: June 2024

The hydrosilylation reaction is a suitable route to prepare efficient, transparent, and low‐viscose silicone surfactants with low surface tension. Initial materials, the catalyst used, and experimental conditions are highly effective variables to achieve the maximum efficiency of the reaction, reduce the consumption of the catalyst, and prevent side reactions. To draw a comprehensive conclusion on the effect of these variables, a series of trimethylsiloxy‐terminated poly (methylhydro‐dimethyl)siloxanes copolymer (abbreviated as RSiH with different preceding numbers) and two unsaturated polyethylene glycols (UPEG200 and UPEG400) were selected, and the reactions in the presence of two platinum‐based catalysts, namely, hexachloroplatinic acid and ammonium hexachloroplatinate, were statistically studied by Design of Experiment. After initial pre‐investigations, the amounts of reactant and catalyst were subjected to analysis of variance using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the results, low‐viscose and low‐surface tension silicone surfactants were obtained using UPEG400, RSiH105, and (NH4)2PtCl6 as catalysts, at temperatures over 170 °C. The best results were obtained with a relatively low concentration of the catalyst between 2.57 × 10−6 and 2.72 × 10−6 equivalent catalyst per UPEG. The relative equivalent ratio of [UPEG]/[RSiH] at the optimum condition was 1.6, which provided a surface tension below 21 mN/m together with a minimum amount of unreacted RSiH (less than 3%). The silicone surfactant was characterized as a pure product by a series of spectroscopic methods, such as FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopies, as well as bromine number index. These excellent properties make this compound a new alternative in various industries.
Enzymatic glycerolysis production of flaxseed oil‐based diacylglycerol in a bubble column reactor and its heat treatment stability
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Ke Wanting , Lee Yee‐Ying , Cheng Jianqiang , Wang Yong
Published: June 2024

Structured lipid diacylglycerol (DAG) synthesis employing bubble column reactor (BCR) is a recent and promising approach used to replace the conventional stirred tank reactor for upscaling purpose. BCR offers great economic benefits in the long run. In the present study, a screened Lecitasse® Ultra (LU) lipase was immobilized (LXTE‐LU) and used repetitively in both BCR and stirring system reactor (STR) to catalyze the glycerolysis of flaxseed oil for the preparation of DAG. The BCR system was found to prolong the lipase shelf life, maintaining 69% of catalytic activity after 10 cycles. The reaction products were purified by molecular distillation to obtain DAG‐40 and DAG‐80. Monitoring of processing contaminants and phytonutrients during the heat treatment of flaxseed oil and flaxseed oil DAG products revealed that prolonged heat treatment significantly increased glycidyl esters levels while short‐term stir‐frying did not significantly affect the levels of processing contaminants levels. However, prolonged heat treatment destroyed phytonutrients. Meanwhile, the oxidation kinetic study showed that the DAG samples fitted well with the zero‐order reaction kinetic model, and the oxidation rate of DAG was lower than that of flaxseed oil. Additionally, the antioxidant effect increased with higher DAG content, indicating that DAG could effectively retard lipid oxidation and improve the stability of the oxidation process. These stabilities suggest the potential application of polyunsaturated DAG in food processing systems.
Screening of vegetable drying oils as potential self‐healing agents for smart anticorrosive coatings
Authors: Nunes F. G. , Bendinelli E. V. , Aoki I. V.
Published: June 2024

The microencapsulation of vegetable drying oils is an established strategy to develop smart coatings with self‐healing properties. The literature has mostly focused on evaluating linseed oil (LO) and tung oil (TO) as self‐healing agents. There is a lack of studies regarding the application of other drying oils in smart coatings and a comparison between different vegetable oils as self‐healing agents has yet to be carried out. In this work, the self‐healing potential of different seed oils was assessed in terms of their drying and anticorrosive properties. The investigation was focused on chia oil (CO), dehydrated castor oil (DCO), LO, and TO. Drying times were assessed under different cobalt (Co) drier contents. Drying kinetics was carried out by monitoring changes in viscosity with time and following the evolution of infrared spectra during drying. Barrier properties of the polymerized oil‐based coatings were assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of carbon steel coated samples during immersion in 0.1 mol/L NaCl solution. It was found that the type of oil and concentration of drier play an important role on favoring the self‐healing effect. The concentration of 0.2 wt% Co was found optimum for encapsulation to accelerate self‐healing, as oils dry up to three times faster in comparison with the lowest drier content studied (0.025 wt% Co). TO obtained the best drying properties, with set‐to‐touch times around 1 h and rapidly forming a tack‐free film, however, TO coatings ended up being extremely cracked, which compromised its barrier properties. LO obtained the slowest drying, while CO and DCO exhibited intermediate drying between TO and LO. DCO showed the best anticorrosive properties among investigated oils, as its coating was the only one that did not show any decrease in impedance with time, whereas TO and LO coatings presented a decrease in up to one order of magnitude in impedance. Overall, the good drying and barrier properties of DCO strongly stimulate its use as feedstock for self‐healing coatings. Results are discussed in terms of fatty acid composition and oxidative polymerization mechanisms. Conclusions help with the selection of seed oils as self‐healing agents that can further extend the lifetime of anticorrosive coatings.
Blue fluorescent waterborne polyurethane‐based transition metal complexes with antibacterial activity
Authors: Hu Hongrui , Cheng Bo , Yang Mingdi , Zhang Kehua , Chen Jianli , Wang Ping , Yang Yuqing , Ding Yunsheng , Gong Chengbing , Hu Xianhai
Published: June 2024

Efficient and stable blue fluorescent materials are the key components of light‐emitting devices and have received wide attention. Herein, transition metal complexes Zn(5‐AQ)2, Cu(5‐AQ)2, and Cd(5‐AQ)2 are prepared by using 5‐aminoquinoline (5‐AQ) as ligand and Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ as the central ions, respectively. Then, waterborne polyurethane (WPU)‐based transition metal complexes Zn(5‐AQ)2‐WPU, Cu(5‐AQ)2‐WPU, and Cd(5‐AQ)2‐WPU with different emission wavelengths of blue fluorescence are prepared by bonding Zn(5‐AQ)2, Cu(5‐AQ)2, and Cd(5‐AQ)2 to polyurethane chains as chain extenders, respectively. Noteworthily, with the increase of transition metal ion radius (Zn2+ < Cu2+ < Cd2+), the fluorescence emission wavelengths of the complexes showed different degrees of blue‐shift, and the blue‐shifted wavelengths showed a decreasing trend. Importantly, their fluorescence colors are blue‐shifted from blue‐green to blue with different emission wavelengths after accessing the polyurethane backbone, which has potential applications in the field of tuning white LED materials. The thermal decomposition temperatures of Zn(5‐AQ)2‐WPU, Cu(5‐AQ)2‐WPU, and Cd(5‐AQ)2‐WPU are above 220°C with good thermal stability, and their fluorescence lifetimes are prolonged by 8.817, 8.896, and 6.489 ns, respectively, compared with the complexes. Furthermore, WPU transition metal complexes with water as a dispersive medium have an antibacterial efficiency of up to 100% against Escherichia coli, which is an environmentally friendly antibacterial material with broad application prospects.
Forging a successful preschool policy coalition: The China experience
Authors: Fan Xin , Nyland Chris , Nyland Berenice , Long Yi
Published: June 2024

In 2010, Chinaʼs government promulgated policies that, within a decade, saw early childhood education universalised across China. In this mixed‐method study, we examine how a preschool advocacy coalition convinced the government to embrace these policies at a time when China was classified as a low and middle‐income country by the World Bank. We posit that, in large part, this was because advocates combined both moral and economic development arguments and, by so doing, built a coalition that included educators, parents and actors with the influence and political skills required to provide coordinated leadership and governance.
Addition of quantitative MRI to the routine clinical care of patients with multiple sclerosis—Results from the MAGNON project
Authors: Leussink Verena Isabell , Jankovic Manda , Groth Marie , Schuh Katrin , Sauerbeck Inessa Schwab , Hoffmann Olaf
Published: June 2024

Background

The revised Lublin classification offers a framework for categorizing multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the clinical course and imaging results. Diagnosis of secondary progressive MS (SPMS) is often delayed by a period of uncertainty. Several quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) markers are associated with progressive disease states, but they are not usually available in clinical practice.

Methods

The MAGNON project enrolled 629 patients (early relapsing‐remitting MS (RRMS), n = 51; RRMS with suspected SPMS, n = 386; SPMS, n = 192) at 55 centers in Germany. Routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at baseline and after 12 months were analyzed using a centralized automatic processing pipeline to quantify lesions and normalized brain and thalamic volume. Clinical measures included relapse activity, disability, and MS phenotyping. Neurologists completed questionnaires before and after receiving the qMRI reports.

Results

According to the physicians’ reports, qMRI results changed their assessment of the patient in 31.8% (baseline scan) and 27.6% (follow‐up scan). For ∼50% of patients with RRMS with suspected SPMS, reports provided additional information that the patient was transitioning to SPMS. In >25% of all patients, this information influenced the physicians’ assessment of the patient's current phenotype. However, actual changes of treatment were reported only in a minority of these patients.

Conclusions

The MAGNON results suggest that standardized qMRI reports may be integrated into the routine clinical care of MS patients and support the application of the Lublin classification as well as treatment decisions. The highest impact was reported in patients with suspected SPMS, indicating a potential to reduce diagnostic uncertainty.
Visual search for real‐world scenes in patients with Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Akkoyun Müge , Koçoğlu Koray , Eraslan Boz Hatice , Tüfekci Işıl Yağmur , Ekin Merve , Akdal Gülden
Published: June 2024

Background

Visual attention‐related processes that underlie visual search behavior are impaired in both the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which is considered a risk factor for AD. Although traditional computer‐based array tasks have been used to investigate visual search, information on the visual search patterns of AD and MCI patients in real‐world environments is limited.

Aim

The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in visual search behaviors among individuals with AD, aMCI, and healthy controls (HCs) in real‐world scenes.

Materials and Methods

A total of 92 participants were enrolled, including 28 with AD, 32 with aMCI, and 32 HCs. During the visual search task, participants were instructed to look at a single target object amid distractors, and their eye movements were recorded.

Results

The results indicate that patients with AD made more fixations on distractors and fewer fixations on the target, compared to patients with aMCI and HC groups. Additionally, AD patients had longer fixation durations on distractors and spent less time looking at the target than both patients with aMCI and HCs.

Discussion

These findings suggest that visual search behavior is impaired in patients with AD and can be distinguished from aMCI and healthy individuals. For future studies, it is important to longitudinally monitor visual search behavior in the progression from aMCI to AD.

Conclusion

Our study holds significance in elucidating the interplay between impairments in attention, visual processes, and other underlying cognitive processes, which contribute to the functional decline observed in individuals with AD and aMCI.
Rationale for issuing neuroimaging requests for patients with primary headaches in China
Authors: Zhong X. M. , Zhao L. C. , Peng L. L. , Li L. , Li C. Q.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of neuroimaging in patients with primary headaches and the clinician‐based rationale for requesting neuroimaging in China.

Data sources and study setting

This study included patients with primary headaches admitted to hospitals and clinicians in China. We identified whether neuroimaging was requested and the types of neuroimaging conducted.

Study design

This was a cross‐sectional study, and convenience sampling was used to recruit patients with primary headaches. Clinicians were interviewed using a combination of personal in‐depth and topic‐selection group interviews to explore why doctors requested neuroimaging.

Data collection:

We searched for the diagnosis of primary headache in the outpatient and inpatient systems according to the International Classification of Diseases‐10 code of patients admitted to six hospitals in three provincial capitals by 2022.We selected three public and three private hospitals with neurology specialties that treated a corresponding number of patients.

Principle findings

Among the 2263 patients recruited for this study, 1942 (89.75%) underwent neuroimaging. Of the patients, 1157 (51.13%) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 246 (10.87%) underwent both head computed tomography (CT) and MRI, and 628 (27.75%) underwent CT. Fifteen of the 16 interviewed clinicians did not issue a neuroimaging request for patients with primary headaches. Furthermore, we found that doctors issued a neuroimaging request for patients with primary headaches mostly, to exclude the risk of misdiagnosis, reduce uncertainty, avoid medical disputes, meet patients’ medical needs, and complete hospital assessment indicators.

Conclusions

For primary headaches, the probability of clinicians requesting neuroimaging was higher in China than in other countries. There is considerable room for improvement in determining appropriate strategies to reduce the use of low‐value care for doctors and patients.
Synthesis of C3′‐Foused Aryl/Penta‐1,4‐Dien‐3‐One/Amine Hybrids as HSP90C‐Terminal Inhibitors
Authors: Zheng Chun‐Xia , Liao Yu‐Ting , Wang Hua‐Xiang , Yang Chen , Li Dashan , Shao Li‐Dong
Published: June 2024

24 C3′‐focused hybrids of aryl/penta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐one/amine (APDA) were designed and synthesized. Of these hybrids, 2 n demonstrated improved antiproliferative effects on HER2‐positive breast cancer cells (SKBr3 and BT474) and triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells (MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468) with IC50 values ranging from 7.45 to 10.75 μM, but less toxicity to normal breast cells MCF‐10A than the first generation of hybrid 1. Additionally, 2 n retained its ability to inhibit HSP90C‐terminus, leading to the degradation of HSP90 client proteins HER2, EGFR, pAKT, AKT, and CDK4, without inducing a heat‐shock response. Notably, 2 n also demonstrated improved thermostability compared to 1 and maintained in vitro metabolic stability in simulated intestinal fluid. These findings will provide a scientific basis for developing HSP90C‐terminal inhibitors in the future.
Acute patellar dislocation during isokinetic knee strength testing: A case report
Authors: Mihailo Obrenovic , François Luthi
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Isokinetic testing is a maximal muscle strength test which requires adequate patient's preparation and observer's care. While the available data suggests that isokinetic devices are safe, their use may rarely cause severe injuries. The screening of predisposing anatomical factors could help preventing injuries before testing.

A 29‐year‐old athletic man presented an acute patellar dislocation on a healthy right knee during isokinetic muscle strength testing, which was conducted in the setting of an intensive physical rehabilitation program, for persistent left knee pain after arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tear. This is the first case to occur in an adult male without clear risk factors such as patellar dysplasia. Predisposing factors may include slightly elevated patellar tilt and lateral shift compared to the contralateral knee (researched from subsequent review of pre‐injury X‐rays), and an elevated quadricipital strength in the context of recreational bodybuilding. The dislocation occurred during eccentric extension phase of testing. Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction was conducted 6 months later. Isokinetic muscle strength testing is generally considered as a safe method, despite limited data on the devices' safety. Since severe injuries might rarely occur, adequate patient preparation is needed, as well as the screening of predisposing factors.
Design of Single‐Atom Catalysts on C5N2 for Nitrogen Fixation at Ambient Conditions: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Pan Liying , Kang Xuxin , Gao Shan , Duan Xiangmei
Published: June 2024

Single atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit the flexible coordination structure of the active site and high utilization of active atoms, making them promising candidates for nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) under ambient conditions. By the aid of first‐principles calculations based on DFT, we have systematically explored the NRR catalytic behavior of thirteen 4d‐ and 5d‐transition metal atoms anchored on 2D porous graphite carbon nitride C
N
. With high selectivity and outstanding activity, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ta, W and Re‐doped C
N
are identified as potential nominees for NRR. Particularly, Mo@C
N
possesses an impressive low limiting potential of −0.39 V (corresponding to a very low temperature and atmospheric pressure), featuring the potential determining step involving *N−N transitions to *N−NH via the distal path. The catalytic performance of TM@C
N
can be well characterized by the adsorption strength of intermediate *N
H. Moreover, there exists a volcanic relationship between the catalytic property U
and the structure descriptor
, which validates the robustness and universality of
, combined with our previous study. This work sheds light on the design of SACs with eminent NRR performance.
Indoloquinoline Alkaloids as Antimalarials: Advances, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Parvatkar Prakash T. , Diagne Khaly , Zhao Yingzhao , Manetsch Roman
Published: June 2024

Malaria infections affect almost half of the world‘s population, with over 200 million cases reported annually. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, a plant native to West Africa, has long been used across various regions of Africa for malaria treatment. Chemical analysis has revealed that the plant is abundant in indoloquinolines, which have been shown to possess antimalarial properties. Cryptolepine, neocryptolepine, and isocryptolepine are well‐studied indoloquinoline alkaloids known for their potent antimalarial activity. However, their structural rigidity and associated cellular toxicity are major drawbacks for preclinical development. This review focuses on the potential of indoloquinoline alkaloids (cryptolepine, neocryptolepine, and isocryptolepine) as scaffolds in drug discovery. The article delves into their antimalarial effects in vitro and in vivo, as well as their proposed mechanisms of action and structure‐activity relationship studies. Several studies aim to improve these leads by reducing cytotoxicity while preserving or enhancing antimalarial activity and gaining insights into their mechanisms of action. These investigations highlight the potential of indoloquinolines as a scaffold for developing new antimalarial drugs.
Long‐term efficacy of neoadjuvant–adjuvant targeted therapy in borderline resectable stage IIIB–D and IV melanoma
Authors: Czarnecka Anna M. , Ostaszewski Krzysztof , Błoński Piotr J. , Szumera‐Ciećkiewicz Anna , Świtaj Tomasz , Kozak Katarzyna , Koseła‐Patreczyk Hanna , Rogala Paweł , Kalinowska Iwona , Zaborowski Konrad , Krotewicz Maria , Borkowska Aneta , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: June 2024

Background

Neoadjuvant–adjuvant therapy for locally advanced or potentially resectable metastatic melanoma was expected to improve operability and clinical outcomes over upfront surgery and adjuvant treatment only.

Methods

Forty‐seven consecutive patients were treated with neoadjuvant–adjuvant BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi)/MEK inhibitors (MEKi) and surgery.

Results

Twelve (26%) patients achieved a pathological complete response and 10 (21%) patients achieved a near‐complete response. In the whole group, median recurrence‐free survival was 19.4 months and median distant metastasis‐free survival (mDMFS) was 21.9 months. In patients with a pathological complete response (pCR)/near‐pCR median recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) were significantly longer than in patients with minor pathological response with hazard ratio (HR) = 0.37 (p = .005) for RFS and HR = 0.33 (p = .002) for DMFS. After median follow‐up of 52.5 months, median progression‐free survival since BRAFi/MEKi therapy initiation was 25.1 months. The median time‐to‐treatment‐failure since initiation of neoadjuvant therapy was 22.2 months and was significantly longer in patients with pCR/near‐pCR (HR = 0.45; p = .022). Neoadjuvant therapy did not result in any new specific complications of surgery. After 48 months, RFS and overall survival were 36.3% and 64.8% or 20% and 37.4% in patients with pCR/near‐pCR and pathological partial response/pathological nonresponse, respectively.

Conclusions

The authors confirmed that BRAFi/MEKi combination is an effective and safe regimen in the perioperative treatment of stage III/IV melanoma. Major pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment is a surrogate marker of recurrence including DMFS in these patients.

Plain Language Summary

Our study presents a large comprehensive analysis of neoadjuvant‐adjuvant systemic therapy in patients diagnosed with marginally resectable stage III or IV melanoma.

Neoadjuvant therapy effectively reduced the volume of the disease, which facilitated subsequent surgical resection.

After median follow‐up of 52.5 months, median progression‐free survival since therapy initiation was 25.1 months. Twelve patients had complete pathological response and 10 patients had a near‐complete pathological response—and together they had median recurrence‐free survival and distant metastasis‐free survival significantly longer than in patients with pathological partial response or nonresponse.

Complete/near‐complete pathological response to neoadjuvant treatment is a surrogate marker of recurrence‐free, including distant metastasis‐free, survival in these patients.
The story of how cancer got its name
Authors: Panegyres Konstantine
Published: June 2024

The disease called cancer was named after the animal known as the crab. According to ancient tradition, cancer was named after the crab because of the aggressivity or obstinacy of the crab or because of the appearance of the crab’s tangled legs.
Cs2CO3‐Promoted Alkylation of 3‐Cyano‐2(1H)‐Pyridones: Anticancer Evaluation and Molecular Docking
Authors: Salamanca‐Perdigón Kevin , Hurtado‐Rodríguez Diana , Portilla Jaime , Iriepa Isabel , Rojas Hugo , Becerra Diana , Castillo Juan‐Carlos
Published: June 2024

Herein, a Cs2CO3‐promoted N‐alkylation of 3‐cyano‐2(1H)‐pyridones containing alkyl groups with diverse alkyl halides to synthesize N‐alkyl‐2‐pyridones over O‐alkylpyridines is reported. The use of alkyl dihalides resulted in complex mixtures of N‐ and O‐alkylated products. The primary factor influencing regioselectivity in these reactions is the electronic effects of substituents on the 2(1H)‐pyridone ring, as evidenced by the preferential formation of O‐alkylpyridines upon the introduction of aryl groups. Remarkably, we efficiently employed CuAAC and Ti(Oi‐Pr)4‐catalyzed amidation reactions to functionalize N‐alkyl‐2‐pyridones containing propargyl and ester groups, leading to the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles and amides, respectively. Moreover, O‐alkylpyridines 10 b and 10 d displayed remarkable selectivity toward the A‐498 renal cancer cell line with growth inhibition percentages (%GI) of 54.75 and 67.64, respectively. The binding modes of compounds 10 b and 10 d to the PIM‐1 kinase enzyme were determined through molecular docking studies.
Intervertebral disc degeneration and regenerative medicine
Authors: Farag Mariam , Rezk Rogina , Hutchinson Hunter , Zankevich Alina , Lucke‐Wold Brandon
Published: June 2024

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a common phenomenon that affects patients with increasing prevalence with increasing age. Both conservative treatments, such as the use of pain medication or physical therapy, and surgical treatments, such as fusion or disc replacement therapies, are offered to patients. Both non‐invasive and invasive treatments have been shown to improve pain and quality of life for patients. This review explores the role of regenerative medicine techniques as a promising therapeutic intervention that can be used before or in combination with conservative therapy and surgery to enhance the treatment process in patients with IVD degeneration or disc pathology. Currently, there are four major modules of regenerative medicine: genetic therapy, platelet‐rich plasma therapy, stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering. Several research studies have shown promising outcomes of stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering when combined with either surgical or conservative treatment, resulting in improved pain outcomes. The additional benefit of regenerative medicine techniques, specifically stem cell transplantation, is the potential for treating the root pathology of degeneration. Regenerative medicine techniques also have the potential to either halt or reverse degeneration as opposed to current standards of care for managing symptoms. There is a plethora of current research highlighting the benefits of regenerative medicine techniques; however, there remains clinical concerns and ethical concerns regarding the use of regenerative therapy techniques such as stem cell transplantation in the context of IVD degeneration.
Optofluidic time‐stretch imaging flow cytometry with a real‐time storage rate beyond 5.9 GB/s
Authors: Hou Dan , Zhou Jiehua , Xiao Ruidong , Yang Kaining , Ding Yan , Wang Du , Wu Guoqiang , Lei Cheng
Published: June 2024

Optofluidic time‐stretch imaging flow cytometry (OTS‐IFC) provides a suitable solution for high‐precision cell analysis and high‐sensitivity detection of rare cells due to its high‐throughput and continuous image acquisition. However, transferring and storing continuous big data streams remains a challenge. In this study, we designed a high‐speed streaming storage strategy to store OTS‐IFC data in real‐time, overcoming the imbalance between the fast generation speed in the data acquisition and processing subsystem and the comparatively slower storage speed in the transmission and storage subsystem. This strategy, utilizing an asynchronous buffer structure built on the producer‐consumer model, optimizes memory usage for enhanced data throughput and stability. We evaluated the storage performance of the high‐speed streaming storage strategy in ultra‐large‐scale blood cell imaging on a common commercial device. The experimental results show that it can provide a continuous data throughput of up to 5891 MB/s.
Resource allocation strategy of space cloud network based on resource clustering
Authors: Liu Jun , Wang Yufei , Dai Fucheng , Wang Chuang
Published: June 2024

Space information network (SIN) is difficult to fully utilize the limited on‐board resource due to its dynamic and heterogeneous nature, while the traditional resource management methods cannot adapt to the increasingly diverse task requirements. Space cloud network architecture is an effective technology to reduce the pressure on satellite resources. To effectively manage the space cloud network resources, we design a resources allocation strategy based on resource clustering. Firstly, we propose the space cloud network architecture. Then, we propose a genetic algorithm to cluster the space cloud resources. Finally, we propose a dynamic resource allocation method based on reinforcement learning for the dynamic characteristics of space cloud resources. The method improves the reinforcement learning algorithm through dynamic objective optimization to complete the optimization of multiple objectives in the process of space cloud resources allocation. The simulation results show that the algorithm proposed in this paper reduces the task execution delay by an average of 10.5% compared with the original DQN algorithm and increases the execution success rate by 2.17%.
Water droplets play a role in Internet of Things applications
Authors: Wen Feng , Lee Chengkuo
Published: June 2024

Water droplets help life in nature survive, thrive, and evolve. With water droplet serving as one of the indispensable elements in the Internet of Things (IoT), many droplet‐oriented technologies, such as microfluidics, droplet manipulation, electrowetting, and energy harvesting, make rapid progress driven by material science, computer science, and medicine. Droplet‐based wearable devices are endowed with advantages such as flexibility, sensing ability, and automation for various parameter detection. Besides, the continuous exploration of droplet manipulation has led to the emergence of a wide variety of manipulation methods. Meanwhile, electrowetting that utilizes external fields modifying liquid–solid surfaces has found its applications in various areas, including droplet transportation, microfabrication, and healthcare. The energy generation from water droplets also presents exciting opportunities for the development of novel electricity generators. These approaches for droplet utilization underscore the immense potentials and versatilities of droplet‐based technologies in the IoT landscape. Hence, this mini review presents the fundamental droplet‐based technologies by summarizing their working mechanisms and methods, device structures, and applications. Given the challenges in materials, fabrication, and system integration, this review shows the overall development roadmap in terms of improved functionality and performance and highlights the opportunities toward multifunctional, self‐sustainable, and intelligent systems, which is called for IoT construction.
AC breakdown characteristics of ultra violet curable epoxy resin with nitrogen fine bubbles
Authors: Araoka Nobutaka , Takamura Norimitsu , Inoue Tsubasa , Hanai Masahiro
Published: June 2024

We investigated AC breakdown characteristics of ultra violet curable epoxy resin (UV‐EP) with nitrogen fine bubbles (FBs) in order to improve insulating properties of UV‐EP. As a result, it was found that self‐made FB generator mainly add FBs with a diameter between 60 and 150 nm to FB‐EP before curing. In addition, SEM images revealed that FB‐EP has FBs after curing. Bubble diameter in FB‐EP after curing was estimated between 55 and 140 nm due to resin shrinkage. Furthermore, partial discharge inception voltage and electric strength of FB‐EP with FB addition for 10 min were almost the same as No FB‐EP.
Prognostic utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing with simultaneous exercise echocardiography in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Naito Ayami , Kagami Kazuki , Yuasa Naoki , Harada Tomonari , Sorimachi Hidemi , Murakami Fumitaka , Saito Yuki , Tani Yuta , Kato Toshimitsu , Wada Naoki , Adachi Takeshi , Ishii Hideki , Obokata Masaru
Published: June 2024

Aims

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) combined with exercise echocardiography (CPETecho) allows simultaneous assessments of cardiac, pulmonary, and ventilation in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study sought to determine whether simultaneous assessment of CPET variables could provide additive predictive value over exercise stress echocardiography in patients with dyspnoea.

Methods and results

CPETecho was performed in 443 patients with suspected HFpEF (240 HFpEF and 203 controls without HF). Patients with HFpEF were divided based on peak oxygen consumption (VO2, ≥10 or <10 ml/min/kg) or the slope of minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production (VE vs. VCO2 slope ≥45.0 or <45.0). The primary endpoint was defined as a composite of all‐cause mortality, HF hospitalization, unplanned hospital visits requiring intravenous diuretics, or intensification of oral diuretics. During a median follow‐up of 399 days, the composite outcome occurred in 57 patients. E/e' ratio during peak exercise was associated with adverse outcomes. Patients with HFpEF and lower peak VO2 had increased risks of the composite event (hazard ratio [HR] 5.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.65–9.62, p < 0.0001 vs. controls; HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.69–5.84, p = 0.0003 vs. HFpEF with higher peak VO2). Elevated VE versus VCO2 slope was also associated with adverse events in HFpEF. The addition of either the presence of abnormal peak VO2 or VE versus VCO2 slope increased the predictive ability over the model based on age, sex, atrial fibrillation, left atrial volume index, and exercise E/e' (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

These data provide new insights into the role of CPETecho in patients with HFpEF.
Understanding Gold‐Alkyne Activation from Bond Dissociation Energies of Gold‐Alkyne Complexes
Authors: Gatineau David , Lesage Denis , Guéret Rodolphe , Mador Samuel Danladi , Milet Anne , Gimbert Yves
Published: June 2024

A detailed approach into electronic effects of ligands on gold‐alkyne interactions has been carried out in the gas phase using tandem mass spectrometry. A semi‐empirical method coupled to DFT calculations was used to quantify ligands effects on Au−CC bond strength. To this end, the critical energies of 16 [L−Au‐hex‐3‐yne]+ complexes with different L ligands were determined through collision induced dissociation. It was observed that electron‐rich ligands destabilize the gold‐alkyne bond, whereas phosphites and carbenes strengthened it. The influence of alkyne electronic effects on the gold‐alkyne bond has also been studied by dissociation in tandem mass spectrometry on four different alkynes. In an original approach, two successive ion‐molecule reactions within the mass spectrometer were used to measure the relative affinity of gold to an alkyne by exchange reactions. The result is that the more electron‐rich the alkyne, the stronger the gold‐alkyne bond.
The role of graphene and molybdenum disulfide in rechargeable energy storage systems: Perspective and challenges
Authors: A Preethi , S Dawnee , T D Senthilkumar , Atla Rushita
Published: June 2024

To offset the intermittent nature, renewable energy sources must be paired with energy storage systems (ESS) to cater to the demand for clean energy solutions. The performance characteristics requirements of these ESS are application‐specific, say batteries are characterized by their high energy capacity while supercapacitors offer greater power density. Currently, the research concentration in this domain is on improving the performance parameters of proven energy storage chemistries. Two‐dimensional (2D) materials characterized by high specific surface area, and tunable physical and electrical properties are explored extensively to enhance ESS performance. This review comprehends the progress made by two typical 2D materials, Graphene and Molybdenum disulfide, to enhance the energy/ power capacity, and life span of a few chosen rechargeable storage chemistries, lithium‐ion, lithium‐sulfur batteries, supercapacitors, and flow batteries. Further the review presents the current state of ESS, the challenges identified so far which restrict their capacity and life span, and the solutions employed to date. Finally, the challenges associated with these solutions are critically analyzed to suggest future directions and research perspectives in this domain.
Natural Gas and Electric Market Coordination a Top Priority for NAESB, Regulators, and the Industry in 2024
Authors: Trum Caroline , Nagi Amrit
Published: June 2024

Given the current energy outlook in the United States, it is hard to believe that less than 50 years ago concerns over diminishing domestic supplies of oil and natural gas and the country's energy security led the U.S. Congress to enact the Powerplant and Industrial Fuel Use Act (Fuel Use Act), placing restrictions on the construction of baseload power plants utilizing natural gas as a primary fuel source for generation. Today, the US produces more crude oil than any other country, ever, leads the world in natural gas production by a very wide margin, and has overtaken Qatar and Australia as the largest exporter of liquified natural gas. And according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) there is enough technically recoverable natural gas available domestically to continue production at this rate for nearly another century.1
Development of a plant‐based surgical training model for fluorescence‐guided cancer surgery
Authors: Shigeyama Mayu , Nishio Naoki , Wada Akihisa , Mitani Sohei , Morimoto Gaku , Yokoi Sayaka , Mukoyama Nobuaki , Yokoi Mai , van Keulen Stan , Rosenthal Eben , Sone Michihiko
Published: June 2024

Background

Fluorescence‐guided surgery (FGS) can help surgeons to discriminate tumor tissue from adjacent normal tissues using fluorescent tracers.

Methods

We developed a surgical training model, manufactured using sustainable vegetable organic material with indocyanine green (ICG)‐containing “tumor.” Surgeons evaluated the model with both the closed‐field and endoscopic fluorescence imaging devices and assessed its efficacy to identify residual tumor after enucleation using electrocautery.

Results

Strong correlations of fluorescence were obtained at all working distance (3, 5, 7, and 10 cm), showing the robustness of fluorescence signal for the closed‐field and endoscopic fluorescence imaging devices. The higher fluorescence signals were obtained in the wound bed in the closed‐field fluorescence imaging device and the residual tumor could be clearly identified by fluorescence endoscopy.

Conclusions

Our FGS training model may provide experience for surgeons unfamiliar with optical surgery and subsequent tissue interactions. The model seemed particularly helpful in teaching surgeons the principles of FGS.
Meeting new expertise needs throughout careers: A group model building approach in the field of HR/D
Authors: Frie Lonneke S. , Korzilius Hubert P. L. M. , Dobbinga Sjoerd , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Sjoer Ellen
Published: June 2024

Organizational and societal transitions require workers to upskill and reskill their expertise within and across the boundaries of their current domain(s). This may also require them to materialize their renewed expertise in novel settings in interaction with stakeholders who hold different expectations regarding their know‐how and contributions. To stay employable, workers need to deal with shifting expertise needs by creating beneficial outcomes for themselves and their stakeholders, as captured by the so‐called flexpertise concept. Thus far, expertise research left largely unaddressed how workers adapt through intra‐individual changes over time and social interactions in naturalistic settings in which they encounter various new expertise needs. To increase our understanding of the dynamic nature of workers' adaptation processes, we conducted a Group Model Building study with HR/D practitioners. Through this structured group facilitation method, these practitioners cocreated a dynamic process model, based upon their varied experiences in practice regarding the flexpertise phenomenon. The newly developed model portrays how workers make balanced decisions to adapt, go through loops of learning‐by‐mistakes and ‐successes, and ultimately turn their new know‐how into outcomes, with or without impact, leading to new adaptation cycles. Furthermore, the practitioners defined leverage points where HR/D practices can stimulate individual adaptivity. This GMB study may set the agenda for future expertise and employability research and provides the foundation for designing bundles of HR/D practices to foster flexpertise.
Is temporary clamping of the bilateral common iliac artery beneficial in reducing intraoperative blood loss in patients with segmental resected anterior placenta percreta?: A prospective observational study
Authors: Özcan Hüseyin Çağlayan , Barut Mustafa Baturalp , Sucu Seyhun , Bademkiran Muhammed Hanifi , Tepe Neslihan Bayramoğlu , Özcan Zeynep Özer , Kazaz Tanyeli Güneyligil
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate whether temporary clamping of the bilateral common iliac artery (BCIA) has a role in reducing intraoperative blood loss in patients with segmentally resected anterior placenta percreta or not.

Methods

This prospective observational study included patients with anterior placenta percreta who underwent cesarean segmental resection either with BCIA temporary clamping or without clamping between October 2022 and September 2023.

Results

A comparison of demographic, obstetric, and surgical parameters and the need for transfusion (except for postoperative erythrocyte suspension transfusion) between the two groups revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05). In contrast, the amount of intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001) (1974 ± 749 mL vs 2702 ± 615 mL) and postoperative erythrocyte suspension transfusion (P = 0.046) in patients who underwent BCIA temporary clamping were significantly lower than in those who did not undergo BCIA temporary clamping.

Conclusion

Temporary clamping of BCIA plays a significant favorable role both in reducing blood loss and the need for postoperative transfusion in patients with placenta percreta who underwent segmental uterine resection.
Heterotopic twin pregnancy in unicornuate uterus and non‐communicating rudimentary horn with survival of both fetuses: Magnetic resonance imaging and 3D reconstructions findings
Authors: Elito Júnior Julio , Goldman Suzan Menasce , Castro Pedro Teixeira , Werner Heron , Sanchez Victor Hugo Saucedo , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: June 2024

We reported a case of heterotopic twin pregnancy in a unicornuate uterus with a non‐communicating rudimentary horn with survival of both fetuses. The diagnosis was made late at 28 weeks of gestation, with suspicion raised by ultrasound and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During hospitalization, obstetric ultrasound with color Doppler was performed every 2 days to assess fetal well‐being and myometrial thickness, which was determined by measurements of the uterine wall at the accessory horn. Elective cesarean section was performed at 33 + 5 weeks of gestation. Delivery started with the fetus in the rudimentary horn, with subsequent extraction of the fetus in the unicornate uterus. Three‐dimensional virtual reconstruction allowed a spatial view of the both uterus and fetuses with better understanding of the obstetrical condition by the parents and interactive discussion by the multidisciplinary medical team.
Analyzing noncovalent interactions between notoginseng saponins and lysozyme by deposition scanning intensity fading MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhao Xintong , Ren Juan , Wang Ze , Chen Xiangfeng
Published: June 2024

Analysis of noncovalent interactions between natural products and proteins is important for rapid screening of active ingredients and understanding their pharmacological activities. In this work, the intensity fading MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry (IF‐MALDI‐MS) method with improved reproducibility was implemented to investigate the binding interactions between saponins from Panax notoginseng and lysozyme. The benchmark IF‐MALDI‐MS experiment was established using N,N′,N″‐triacetylchitotriose‐lysozyme as a model system. The reproducibility of ion intensities in IF‐MALDI‐MS was improved by scanning the whole sample deposition with a focused laser beam. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of deposition scanning IF‐MALDI‐MS is 5.7%. Similar decay trends of the relative intensities of notoginseng saponins against increasing amounts of lysozyme were observed for all six notoginseng saponins. The half‐maximal fading concentration (FC50) was calculated to quantitatively characterize the binding affinity of each ligand based on the decay curve. According to the FC50 values obtained, the binding affinities of the six notoginseng saponins were evaluated in the following order: notoginsenoside S > notoginsenoside Fc > ginsenoside Rb1 > ginsenoside Rd > notoginsenoside Ft1 > ginsenoside Rg1. The binding order was in accordance with molecular docking studies, which showed hydrogen bonding might play a key role in stabilizing the binding interaction. Our results demonstrated that deposition scanning IF‐MALDI‐MS can provide valuable information on the noncovalent interactions between ligands and proteins.