bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial neural network‐based gene screening and immune cell infiltration analysis of osteosarcoma feature
Authors: Shi Shaoyan , Guo Yunshan , Wang Qian , Huang Yansheng
Published: November 2023

Background

The present study aimed to construct an artificial neural network (ANN) model that leverages characteristic genes associated with osteosarcoma (OS) to enable accurate prognostication for OS patients.

Methods

Our research revealed 467 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) via gene expression contrast analysis, consisting of 345 downregulated genes and 122 upregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis illuminated functions primarily encompassing T‐cell activation, secretory granule lumen and antioxidant activity, among others. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, we discovered significant correlations between the DEGs and certain pathways, including phagosome, Staphylococcus aureus infection and human T‐cell leukemia virus 1 infection. We then screened out 30 characteristic DEGs (CDEGs) based on random forest analysis and constructed the ANN model using the gene score matrix. To verify the credibility and accuracy of the ANN model, we performed internal and external validation processes, which affirmed our model's predictive capabilities.

Results

The study further delved into the analysis of immune cell infiltration and its correlation with the target CDEGs, revealing disparities in the infiltration of 22 types of immune cells across different groups and their interrelationships. Moreover, we probed the expression of the two foremost CDEGs (YES1 and MFNG) in OS and normal tissues. We noted a positive relationship between the expression of YES1 and MFNG in OS tissues and the clinicopathological characteristics of OS patients.

Conclusions

Collectively, the findings of the present study validate the effectiveness of the CDEGs‐based ANN model in predicting OS patients, which might facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of OS.
Additional Impact of Aortic Regurgitation on Left Ventricular Strain and Remodeling in Essential Hypertension Patients Evaluated Using MRI
Authors: Yan Wei‐Feng , Yang Zhi‐Gang , Li Xue‐Ming , Tang Si‐Shi , Guo Ying‐Kun , Jiang Li , Min Chen‐Yan , Li Yuan
Published: November 2023

Background

Understanding the impact of aortic regurgitation (AR) on hypertensive patients' hearts is important.

Purpose

To assess left ventricular (LV) strain and structure in hypertensive patients and investigate the relationship with AR severity.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

263 hypertensive patients (99 with AR) and 62 controls, with cardiac MRI data.

Field Strength/Sequence

Balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequence at 3.0T.

Assessment

AR was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on echocardiographic findings. LV geometry was classified as normal, concentric remodeling, eccentric hypertrophy, or concentric hypertrophy based on MRI assessment of LV mass/volume ratio and LV Mass index (LVMI). LV global radial peak strain (GRPS), global circumferential peak strain (GCPS), and global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) were obtained by post‐processing bSSFP cine datasets using commercial software.

Statistical Tests

ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman's correlation coefficients (r), chi‐square test, and multivariable linear regression analysis. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Hypertensive patients with AR had significantly lower LV myocardial strain and higher LVMI than the group without AR (GRPS 26.25 ± 12.23 vs. 34.53 ± 9.85, GCPS −17.4 ± 5.84 vs. −20.57 ± 3.57, GLPS −9.86 ± 4.08 vs. −12.95 ± 2.94, LVMI 90.56 ± 38.56 vs.58.84 ± 17.55). Of the 99 patients with AR, 56 had mild AR, 26 had moderate AR and 17 had severe AR. The degree of AR was significantly negatively correlated to the absolute values of LV GRPS, GCPS and GLPS (r = −0.284 – −0.416). LV eccentric hypertrophy increased significantly with AR severity (no AR 21.3%, mild AR 42.9%, moderate AR 73.1%, severe AR 82.4%). In multivariable analysis, the degree of AR was an independent factor affecting LV global strain and LVMI even after considering confounding factors (β values for global myocardial strain were −0.431 to −0.484, for LVMI was 0.646).

Data Conclusion

Increasing AR severity leads to decreased cardiac function and worse ventricular geometric phenotypes in hypertensive patients.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Aneurysmal bone cysts: A UK wide tumor center experience
Authors: Bavan Luckshman , Eastley Nicholas , Stevenson Jonathan , Mifsud Maximillian , Bayliss Lee , Mahmoud Shady , Baker Gavin , Cusick Laurence , Nail Rebecca , Rankin Kenneth , Crooks Sophie , Cool Paul , Williams Derfel , Kandarakis Georgios , Duncan Roderick , Kothari Alpesh ,   The ABC Study Group
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

This multicenter retrospective series of consecutive extra‐spinal aneurysmal bone cysts aims to identify risk factors for treatment failure.

Methods

Aneurysmal bone cysts treated within seven collaborating centers with over 12‐months follow‐up were eligible for inclusion. Survival analyses were performed to identify variables associated with recurrence using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazard regression.

Results

One hundred and fifteen (M:F 60:55) patients were included. Median age at presentation was 13 years and median follow‐up was 27 months. Seventy‐five patients underwent surgical curettage and 27% of these required further intervention for recurrence. Of the 30 patients who underwent biopsy with limited percutaneous curettage as initial procedure, 47% required no further treatment. Patients under 13 years (log‐rank p = 0.006, HR 2.3, p = 0.011) and those treated who had limited curettage (log‐rank p = 0.001, HR 2.7, p = 0.002) had a higher risk of recurrence/persistence.

Conclusions

There is a high risk of recurrence following surgical treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts and this risk is higher in young patients. However, the cyst heals in a substantial number of patients who have a limited curettage at the time of biopsy.
Human otopathology in scleroderma
Authors: Castillo‐Bustamante Melissa , Roychowdhury Prithwijit , Gandhi Dhrumi , Kozin Elliott D. , Remenschneider Aaron K.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Scleroderma is a complex chronic progressive immune‐mediated disease that causes fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, and vasculopathy.

Ear involvement has been poorly studied in patients with scleroderma. Vasculitic and autoimmune mechanisms are considered as possible etiologies on hearing impairment, however, this etiology still unclear.

Herein, we reviewed three cases of scleroderma from a temporal bone repository.

Methods

The national temporal bone database was reviewed for cases with scleroderma. Clinical case review and correlative otopathologic analysis. Middle and inner ear otopathologic analysis was performed following hematoxylin and eosin staining under light microscopy. Findings were compared to three age‐matched controls.

Results

Two patients (three cases) with a history of serologically confirmed scleroderma were identified. Both individuals reported tinnitus and demonstrated bilateral moderate to severe down‐sloping sensorineural hearing loss on audiometry. Histologically, the incudomallear joint space was diminished and ossicles appeared demineralized. A loss of hyaline cartilage, and obliteration of the incudomallear and incudostapedial joint synovial spaces was observed. Decreased caliber and intimal hyperplasia of arteries adjacent to ossicles was also identified. Mild diffuse atrophy of stria vascularis in the middle and apical turns of cochlea were found. Hair cell populations were normal. Total spiral ganglion neurons were lower in cases of scleroderma (range 29%–51%) compared to age‐matched controls.

Conclusion

Fibrosis, inflammation, and vascular changes were observed in the middle and inner ear in patients with scleroderma. Findings have implications for understanding hearing and vestibular dysfunction in this patient population.

Level of evidence

Retrospective study.
Outcomes of Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy in Tremor Syndromes
Authors: Peters James , Maamary Joel , Kyle Kain , Olsen Nick , Jones Lyndsey , Bolitho Samuel , Barnett Yael , Jonker Benjamin , Tisch Stephen
Published: November 2023

Background

The current literature comparing outcomes after a unilateral magnetic resonance image–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) thalamotomy between tremor syndromes is limited and remains a possible preoperative factor that could help predict the long‐term outcomes.

Objective

The aim was to report on the outcomes between different tremor syndromes after a unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy.

Methods

A total of 66 patients underwent a unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy for tremor between November 2018 and May 2020 at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney. Each patient's tremor syndrome was classified prior to treatment. Clinical assessments, including the hand tremor score (HTS) and Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST), were performed at baseline and predefined intervals to 36 months.

Results

A total of 63 patients, comprising 30 essential tremor (ET), 24 dystonic tremor (DT), and 9 Parkinson's disease tremor (PDT) patients, returned for at least one follow‐up. In the ET patients, at 24 months there was a 61% improvement in HTS and 50% improvement in QUEST compared to baseline. This is in comparison to PDT patients, where an initial benefit in HTS and QUEST was observed, which waned at each follow‐up, remaining significant only up until 12 months. In the DT patients, similar results were observed to the ET patients: at 24 months there was a 61% improvement in HTS and 43% improvement in QUEST compared to baseline.

Conclusion

These results support the use of unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy for the treatment of DT, which appears to have a similar expected outcome to patients diagnosed with ET. Patients with PDT should be warned that there is a risk of treatment failure. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Low‐cost air quality monitoring networks for long‐term field campaigns: A review
Authors: Carotenuto F. , Bisignano A. , Brilli L. , Gualtieri G. , Giovannini L.
Published: November 2023

The application of low‐cost air quality monitoring networks has substantially grown over the last few years, following the technological advances in the production of cheap and portable air pollution sensors, thus potentially greatly increasing the limited spatial information on air quality conditions provided by traditional stations. However, the use of low‐cost air quality sensors still presents many limitations, mostly related to the reliability of their measurements. Despite the increasing number of papers focusing on these issues, some of the challenges connected to the use of low‐cost air quality sensors are still poorly investigated and understood, considering in particular those related to long‐term applications of low‐cost air quality networks and their integration within the reference air quality monitoring system. The present review aims at filling this gap, by analysing the characteristics of low‐cost air quality monitoring networks that were run across long‐term field campaigns, including their geographical location, the pollutants monitored, the type and number of stations employed, and the length of the field campaign, with a particular attention on assessing the aims for their deployment and on the evaluation of their integration within official air quality monitoring networks. Moreover, a critical analysis of the most insightful suggestions and recommendations delivered in the literature, as well as of the relevant critical issues, is presented, highlighting still open research areas and outlining future challenges.
The Intervention of Probiotics on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Animal Models
Authors: Qu Qianyu , He Penggang , Zhang Yuqi , Yang Shujuan , Zeng Peibin
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes accounts for more than 90% of diabetes patients with the incidence and prevalence continuously rising globally. As a prospective therapy strategy for type 2 diabetes, probiotics have shown beneficial effects both in animal experiments and human clinical trials. This review summarizes the commonly used animal models in probiotic intervention research and presents the evidence and mechanism of diabetes intervention with probiotics in these animal models. Probiotics can help maintain glucose homeostasis, improve lipid metabolism, promote the production of short‐chain fatty acids, and reduce inflammatory reactions in animal models. However, the clinical translation of benefits from probiotics is still challenged by intrinsic differences between experimental animal models and humans, and the application of humanized non‐rodent diabetic animal models may contribute to the clinical translation of probiotics in the future.
Manno‐oligosaccharides from Cassia Seed Gum Attenuate Atherosclerosis through Inflammation Modulation and Intestinal Barrier Integrity Improvement in ApoE−/− Mice
Authors: Li Junyi , Zhen Hongmin , Yang Shaoqing , Yan Qiaojuan , Jiang Zhengqiang
Published: November 2023

Scope

Manno‐oligosaccharides from cassia seed gum (CMOS) have demonstrated anti‐inflammatory and regulatory effects on cholesterol metabolism. However, their protective effects against the progression of atherosclerosis (AS) and underlying molecular mechanisms have not been investigated. This study investigates the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of CMOS on ApoE−/− mice.

Methods and results

CMOS are supplemented in atherosclerotic male ApoE−/− mice fed with a high‐fat‐high‐cholesterol diet (HFHCD). After the 12‐week intervention, CMOS at 1200 mg kg−1·bw d−1 significantly decrease the atherosclerotic lesion area by 0.63‐fold and the aortic arch lesion size by 0.63‐fold when compared to the HFHCD group. Moreover, inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions is reduced by CMOS intervention, and the levels of serum lipids and inflammatory cytokines are decreased. The number of goblet cells and the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction proteins in the H‐CMOS group increase, thus indicating that CMOS can restore intestinal barrier integrity in atherosclerotic mice. Furthermore, CMOS reshape the unbalanced gut microbiota in ApoE−/− mice caused by HFHCD, and reduce the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Faecalibaculum that exhibits positive relationships with inflammation.

Conclusion

CMOS inhibit inflammation, alter intestinal barrier integrity, and regulate gut microbiota to attenuate AS in ApoE−/− mice.
A comprehensive review of blockchain integration in remote patient monitoring for E‐health
Authors: Badri Nedia , Nasraoui Leïla , Azouz Saïdane Leïla
Published: November 2023

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with blockchain technology has enabled a significant digital transformation in the areas of E‐health, supply chain, financial services, smart grid, and automated contracts. Many E‐health organizations take advantage of the game‐changing power of blockchain and IoT to improve patient outcomes and optimize internal operational activities. In particular, it proposes a decentralized and evolutive way to model and acknowledge trust and data validity in a peer‐to‐peer network. Blockchain promises transparent and secure systems to provide new business solutions, especially when combined with smart contracts. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of the literature involving blockchain technology applied to E‐health. First, we present a brief background on blockchain and its fundamentals. Second, we review the opportunities and challenges of blockchain in the context of E‐health. We then discuss popular consensus algorithms and smart contracts in blockchain in conjunction with E‐health. Finally, blockchain platforms are evaluated for their suitability in the realm of IoT‐based E‐health, including electronic health records, electronic management records, and personal health records, from the perspective of remote patient monitoring.
Dissipative control of 2‐D discrete‐time switched systems via a point‐dependent convex storage function
Authors: Wang Ruihua , Huang Xiaohui , Jiao Ticao
Published: November 2023

This article explores the dissipative control of two‐dimensional (2‐D) discrete‐time switched Fornasini–Marchesini local state‐space systems under dwell‐time switching. It introduces a new point‐dependent convex storage function to establish the criteria for the asymptotic stability and strict ‐‐dissipativity of the 2‐D switched Fornasini–Marchesini local state‐space model based on LMIs. From these established findings, special cases of dissipative control such as strict passivity and performance can be derived. The article also presents the design of a state feedback point‐dependent convex controller using the proposed storage function approach, along with a sufficient condition for the dissipativity of the closed‐loop system. Finally, several examples are presented to corroborate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Genetic and immune landscape evolution in MMR‐deficient colorectal cancer
Authors: Challoner Benjamin R , Woolston Andrew , Lau David , Buzzetti Marta , Fong Caroline , Barber Louise J , Anandappa Gayathri , Crux Richard , Assiotis Ioannis , Fenwick Kerry , Begum Ruwaida , Begum Dipa , Lund Tom , Sivamanoharan Nanna , Sansano Harold B , Domingo‐Arada Melissa , Tran Amina , Pandha Hardev , Church David , Eccles Bryony , Ellis Richard , Falk Stephen , Hill Mark , Krell Daniel , Murugaesu Nirupa , Nolan Luke , Potter Vanessa , Saunders Mark , Shiu Kai‐Keen , Guettler Sebastian , Alexander James L , Lázare‐Iglesias Héctor , Kinross James , Murphy Jamie , von Loga Katharina , Cunningham David , Chau Ian , Starling Naureen , Ruiz‐Bañobre Juan , Dhillon Tony , Gerlinger Marco
Published: November 2023

Mismatch repair‐deficient (MMRd) colorectal cancers (CRCs) have high mutation burdens, which make these tumours immunogenic and many respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The MMRd hypermutator phenotype may also promote intratumour heterogeneity (ITH) and cancer evolution. We applied multiregion sequencing and CD8 and programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immunostaining to systematically investigate ITH and how genetic and immune landscapes coevolve. All cases had high truncal mutation burdens. Despite pervasive ITH, driver aberrations showed a clear hierarchy. Those in WNT/β‐catenin, mitogen‐activated protein kinase, and TGF‐β receptor family genes were almost always truncal. Immune evasion (IE) drivers, such as inactivation of genes involved in antigen presentation or IFN‐γ signalling, were predominantly subclonal and showed parallel evolution. These IE drivers have been implicated in immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance or sensitivity. Clonality assessments are therefore important for the development of predictive immunotherapy biomarkers in MMRd CRCs. Phylogenetic analysis identified three distinct patterns of IE driver evolution: pan‐tumour evolution, subclonal evolution, and evolutionary stasis. These, but neither mutation burdens nor heterogeneity metrics, significantly correlated with T‐cell densities, which were used as a surrogate marker of tumour immunogenicity. Furthermore, this revealed that genetic and T‐cell infiltrates coevolve in MMRd CRCs. Low T‐cell densities in the subgroup without any known IE drivers may indicate an, as yet unknown, IE mechanism. PD‐L1 was expressed in the tumour microenvironment in most samples and correlated with T‐cell densities. However, PD‐L1 expression in cancer cells was independent of T‐cell densities but strongly associated with loss of the intestinal homeobox transcription factor CDX2. This explains infrequent PD‐L1 expression by cancer cells and may contribute to a higher recurrence risk of MMRd CRCs with impaired CDX2 expression. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Development and characterisation of highly specific monoclonal antibody‐based immunoassays for the detection and quantification of genistein‐7‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐glucopyranoside in Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth.
Authors: Sae‐Foo Worapol , Singkham Sukritta , Srisongkhram Pimsiri , Yusakul Gorawit , Masugarut Pisitchai , Putalun Waraporn
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The stem of the plant species Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (DS) contains genistein‐7‐O‐[α‐rhamnopyranosyl‐(1→6)]‐β‐glucopyranoside (GTG), which is a unique marker. Previous analyses of GTG using antibody‐based immunoassays were compromised because of their high cross‐reactivity with structurally related compounds of DS, thereby limiting their applicability in DS quality control.

Objective

Conjugation of GTG with carrier proteins was achieved using the Mannich reaction to produce a highly specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting GTG (anti‐GTG mAb).

Methods

The anti‐GTG mAb was generated using hybridoma technology and characterised using an indirect competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA). Both lateral‐flow immunoassay (LFIA) and icELISA were developed to detect and quantify GTG in DS raw materials and associated products.

Results

icELISA using the anti‐GTG mAb showed 100% specificity for GTG, with only 1.77% cross‐reactivity with genistin and less than 0.01% cross‐reactivity with other compounds. icELISA demonstrated a linear range for GTG determination between 62.5 and 2000 ng/mL. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification were 49.68 and 62.50 ng/mL for GTG, respectively. The precision of the analysis ranged from 1.28% to 4.20% for repeatability and from 1.03% to 7.05% for reproducibility. The accuracy of the analysis ranged from 101.97% to 104.01% for GTG recovery. GTG levels determined via icELISA were consistent with those confirmed via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (R2 = 0.9903). Moreover, the LOD of LFIA for GTG was 500 ng/mL.

Conclusion

Immunoassays utilising specific anti‐GTG mAbs were successfully developed, including LFIA for rapid GTG detection and icELISA for GTG quantification.
Motivations for English learning discontinuation among Jiangsu Senior High School students: A case study amidst China's new college entrance examination context
Authors: Zhu Kai
Published: November 2023

Utilizing the framework of the L2 motivational self‐system as its theoretical foundation, this study focuses on a total of 52 students who discontinue their English learning within a senior high school in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province. The primary objective of this study is to discern the underlying motivations prompting students to discontinue their English learning through a methodological approach encompassing video‐mediated interviews with the students, subsequently subject to meticulous qualitative scrutiny through the Nvivo software. The analysis focuses on the systematic decoding and recoding of the interview transcripts to discern thematic patterns, hereby unraveling the motivations contributing to students' cessation of English learning. The results indicate a spectrum of negative factors contributing to this phenomenon, including an aversion to the extant English learning milieu and the pressure of English learning, waning interest, diminished academic attainment, cultural disparities vis‐à‐vis English‐speaking regions, and eroded self‐efficacy in mastering the language. Moreover, this study elucidates various factors that collectively contribute to a lack of motivation among students, including the large class sizes, a paucity of English application contexts, the absence of phonetic pedagogy culminating in compromised autonomous learning ability, test‐oriented teaching methods, ineffective English core subject literacy, and an overall substandard learning milieu.
Capillary zone electrophoresis‐high field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry‐tandem mass spectrometry for top‐down characterization of histone proteoforms
Authors: Wang Qianyi , Fang Fei , Wang Qianjie , Sun Liangliang
Published: November 2023

Characterization of histone proteoforms with various post‐translational modifications (PTMs) is critical for a better understanding of functions of histone proteoforms in epigenetic control of gene expression. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based top‐down proteomics (TDP) is a valuable approach for delineating histone proteoforms because it can provide us with a bird's‐eye view of histone proteoforms carrying diverse combinations of PTMs. Here, we present the first example of coupling capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and MS for online multi‐dimensional separations of histone proteoforms. Our CZE‐high‐field asymmetric waveform IMS (FAIMS)‐MS/MS platform identified 366 (ProSight PD) and 602 (TopPIC) histone proteoforms from a commercial calf histone sample using a low microgram amount of histone sample as the starting material. CZE‐FAIMS‐MS/MS improved the number of histone proteoform identifications by about 3 folds compared to CZE‐MS/MS alone (without FAIMS). The results indicate that CZE‐FAIMS‐MS/MS could be a useful tool for comprehensive characterization of histone proteoforms with high sensitivity.
Psychosocial interventions on the posttraumatic growth of adults with cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Vrontaras Nikolaos , Koulierakis Georgios , Ntourou Iliana , Karakatsoulis Georgios , Sergentanis Theodoros Ν. , Kyrou Dimitrios , Kapetanakis Anargyros , Karademas Evangelos , Karamanidou Christina
Published: November 2023

Background

It has been increasingly recognized that some people experience post‐traumatic growth (PTG) as a result of struggling with cancer.

Objective

This systematic review aims to identify psychosocial interventions that might facilitate PTG in adults with cancer.

Methods

A search was conducted in PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest up to 16 September 2022. The PRISMA guidelines were followed; all included interventional studies had to comprise 30 or more adults with cancer, using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, from 1994 forward.

Results

A total of 2731 articles were retrieved, 1028 of those were screened and 37 unique trials were included (46 articles). A large number of studies were published since 2018 (52.4%), were randomized controlled trials (43.2%), and had group interventions (34.8%), including mainly female participants (83.8%) with a single cancer type (54.1%). Most interventions (75.7%) were moderately to highly effective in increasing PTG (d = 0.65, 95% CI 0.39–0.91) with the most effective interventions using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (d = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.05–2.44), Mindfulness‐based (d = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.14–0.94) and Education, Peer Support and Health Coaching interventions (d = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.1–0.46). Expression‐based and Positive Psychology‐based approaches also showed promising results. Notably, the majority of studies had a high risk of bias.

Conclusions

PTG facilitation is a promising field that should be pursued as it not only allows people with cancer to overcome their trauma but also results in them going over and above their pre‐cancer state, enhancing resilience, health, and well‐being.
Robot self‐calibration using actuated 3D sensors
Authors: Peters Arne , Knoll Alois C.
Published: November 2023

Both robot and hand‐eye calibration have been object of research for decades. While current approaches manage to precisely and robustly identify the parameters of a robot's kinematic model, they still rely on external devices such as calibration objects, markers and/or external sensors. Instead of trying to fit recorded measurements to a model of a known object, this paper treats robot calibration as an offline SLAM problem, where scanning poses are linked to a fixed point in space via a moving kinematic chain. As such, we enable robot calibration by using nothing but an arbitrary eye‐in‐hand depth sensor. To the authors' best knowledge the presented framework is the first solution to three‐dimensional (3D) sensor‐based robot calibration that does not require external sensors nor reference objects. Our novel approach utilizes a modified version of the Iterative Corresponding Point algorithm to run bundle adjustment on multiple 3D recordings estimating the optimal parameters of the kinematic model. A detailed evaluation of the system is shown on a real robot with various attached 3D sensors. The presented results show that the system reaches precision comparable to a dedicated external tracking system at a fraction of its cost.
Selection in the third dimension: Using LiDAR derived canopy metrics to assess individual and population‐level habitat partitioning of ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes
Authors: Sergeyev Maksim , Crawford Daniel A. , Holbrook Joseph D. , Lombardi Jason V. , Tewes Michael E. , Campbell Tyler A.
Published: November 2023

Wildlife depends on specific landscape features to persist. Thus, characterizing the vegetation available in an area can be essential for management. The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a federally endangered, medium‐sized felid adapted to woody vegetation. Quantifying the characteristics of vegetation most suitable for ocelots is essential for their conservation. Furthermore, understanding differences in the selection of sympatric bobcats (Lynx rufus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) can provide insight into the mechanisms of coexistence between species. Because of differences in hunting strategy (cursorial vs. ambush) and differences in use of land cover types between species, these three carnivores may be partitioning their landscape as a function of vegetation structure. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing platform capable of quantifying the sub‐canopy structure of vegetation. Using LiDAR data, we quantified the horizontal and vertical structure of vegetation cover to assess habitat selection by ocelots, bobcats, and coyotes. We captured and collared 8 ocelots, 13 bobcats, and 5 coyotes in southern Texas from 2017 to 2021. We used step selection functions to determine the selection of vegetation cover at the population and individual level for each species. Ocelots selected for vertical canopy cover and dense vegetation 0–2 m in height. Bobcats selected cover to a lesser extent and had a broader selection, while coyotes avoided under‐story vegetation and selected areas with dense high canopies and relatively open understories. We observed a high degree of variation among individuals that may aid in facilitating intraspecific and interspecific coexistence. Management for ocelots should prioritize vegetation below 2 m and vertical canopy cover. We provide evidence that fine‐scale habitat partitioning may facilitate coexistence between sympatric carnivores. Differences among individuals may enhance coexistence among species, as increased behavioral plasticity of individuals can reduce competition for resources. By combining accurate, fine‐scale measurements derived from LiDAR data with high‐frequency global positioning system locations, we provide a more thorough understanding of the habitat use of ocelots and two sympatric carnivores.
Catalytic Conversion of Caffeine into Molecules of Valuable Interest Via N‐Demethylation Reaction
Authors: de Almeida Flávio V. M. , Diaz de Tuesta Jose L. , Gomes Helder T. , Guerreiro Mário C.
Published: November 2023

This work aims to apply catalytic processes to promote the conversion of caffeine into valuable dimethylxanthines via N‐demethylation reaction. Thus, we seek to evaluate the products formed and propose the reactions involved and their mechanisms. Reaction conditions were evaluated including different concentrations of Fenton reagent and ascorbic acid to evaluate caffeine oxidation. Theobromine, paraxanthine, and theophylline formation was proven by HPLC‐DAD and mass spectrometry analysis evidencing the N‐demethylation reactions, via radicals, with about 1 % yield. These results open the way for new N‐demethylation reaction routes to be studied with applications for caffeine and other biomolecules in diverse areas such as biochemistry and medicinal chemistry.
A Nanocomposite of ZnO and N,P‐Co‐Doped Carbon Dots for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Various Dyes and their Kinetic Study
Authors: Bhavsar Falguni S. , Mapari Mitesh G. , Tivalekar Shailesh R. , Naz Erum G. , Babar Dipak G.
Published: November 2023

Environmental pollution is becoming more severe by the day, and it is critical to discover an effective method to overcome and reduce pollution. Because nanomaterials are important in all fields, we employed a ZnO‐based N and P doped carbon quantum dots (NPCdots) nanocomposite to degrade multiple dyes including Methylene blue (MB), Methyl orange (MO), and Rhodamine B (RhB). ZnO‐based NPCdots nanocomposite (ZnO‐NPCdots) was synthesized using a single step solvothermal technique, and the resulting nanocomposite was analysed using XRD, HRTEM, and XPS. These analyses unequivocally demonstrate that the ZnO‐NPCdots nanocomposite was successfully formed. The prepared nanocomposite was then used for the photocatalytic degradation of the different dyes under UV light, and it shows an effective catalytic property. In addition, four different kinetic models viz., zero order, pseudo first order, parabolic diffusion model, and modified Freundlich models were used to analyse the reaction‘s kinetics and actual catalytic phenomenon behind the reaction. The modified Freundlich model was found to be effective, indicating the surface phenomenon of the catalyst.
Pseudo‐Crown Ether‐based Host for the Recognition of Pd2+ and Fe3+ ions in Water
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Prabhpreet
Published: November 2023

The development of coordination‐based host for the detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous medium is a challenging task. We report 1,8‐naphthalimide‐based pseudo‐crown ether host which possess hexaethylene glycol chain for the selective binding of Pd2+ and Fe3+ with higher affinity for Pd2+ over Fe3+ ions. The lowest detection limits for Pd2+ and Fe3+ ions are 2.5 nM and 15 nM, respectively. Job's and Hill plot showed 1 : 1 stochiometric complexation between NHG:Mn+ with binding constants of 1.4×104 M−1 (Pd2+) and 1.5×103 M−1 (Fe3+). The CIE plot of NHG showed 90 % blue colour purity in CHCl3 solution. In solid‐state, the CIE plot of NHG showed blue‐green colour with 52.7 % green colour purity and high quantum yield (ϕ=0.0643). The flake‐like aggregates of NHG transformed into spherical structure upon interaction with Pd2+ as confirmed by microscopic and light scattering studies.
Phyto‐synthesized ZnO/ZrO2 binary oxide as a new electro‐catalyst for water splitting application ZnO/ZrO2 for water splitting application
Authors: Zahra Taghazal , Shahzad Ahmad Khuram , Zequine Camila , Gupta Ram K. , Guy Thomas Andrew , Okla Mohammad K. , Saleh Ibrahim A.
Published: November 2023

Examining proficient electro‐catalyst from earth abundant and sustainable material is highly required for clean energy generation and a step toward fuel cell. In this study, ZnO/ZrO2 mixed metal oxide has been synthesized using organic chemicals in a straightforward and environmentally friendly manner. The greener routes are not only employed for the synthesis of nano structured material but they also improve the charge transfer properties of material in term of high surface area. The as prepared nano‐oxides were probed for phase structure, morphology, surface chemistry and optical properties by spectroscopic techniques. The embedded phyto‐functionalized compounds in the prepared nano‐material were probed by FTIR and GC–MS demonstrating the phyto‐functionalization of ZnO/ZrO2 nanomaterial. Thereafter, effects of functionalization were observed on the electrochemical behavior of synthesized material. The electrochemical investigation revealed remarkable catalytic activity of fabricated ZnO/ZrO2 with small overpotential and Tafel slope for current density of 10 mA cm−2. Therefore, current work demonstrated the promising electrocatalytic potential of fabricated mixed metal oxide and paved a cost effective and efficient organic template to synthesize binary or ternary mixed oxide with enhanced electrocatalytic properties.
Water‐Assisted Photoinduced Tautomerization in a Potential Bioactive Semicarbazone Schiff Base
Authors: Singh Piyush , Teena Teena , Ganorkar Kapil , Kumar Ghosh Sujit
Published: November 2023

This article epitomizes the design and synthesis of a potential bioactive Semicarbazone Schiff base (E)‐2‐(4‐(diethylamino)‐2‐hydroxybenzylidene)hydrazine‐1‐carboxamide (DHHC) and its water assisted photoinduced tautomerization. DHHC is feebly emissive in non‐polar solvents but the fluorescence intensity intensifies (at 406 nm) in alcohols possibly due to intermolecular H‐bonding. However, in protic polar water, the scenario is markedly different, the fluorescence intensity decreases a bit as compared to alcohols and the emission maxima shifted from 406 nm to 430 nm probably due to solvent (water) assisted excited state proton transfer reaction (ESPT). In contrast to the reported excited state intramolecular proton transfer reaction (ESIPT) in various compounds, DHHC on photoexcitation loses a proton from its phenolic ‐OH group to the water molecule, which insists a subsequent proton transfer from the hydronium ion to the imine nitrogen of DHHC resulting 24 nm red‐shifted fluorescence emission from the tautomeric species of DHHC, in aqueous media. The mechanism of ESPT reaction is explained theoretically through the reaction kinetics of the DHHC‐water complex (in ratio 1 : 3) in an explicit CPCM solvent model. The illustration of the findings may open up enormous possibilities for Semicarbazone Schiff bases to be used as a probe for water sensing inside biomacromolecules like proteins and enzymes.
Pt/γ‐Al2O3 Catalyst for Liquid‐Phase Hydrogen‐Transfer Hydrodechlorination of 4‐Chlorophenol in Alkaline Isopropanol
Authors: Mena Hesham , Perechodjuk Anna , Springer Armin , Wohlrab Sebastian
Published: November 2023

The mild catalytic hydrogen‐transfer hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 4‐chlorophenol (4‐CP) was studied in heterogeneous batch mode. The applied catalyst was prepared by impregnation of γ‐Al2O3 with preformed Pt nanoparticles (1.0 % w/w). Analytical data of both the Pt nanoparticles and the final catalyst are presented. 96.8 % conversion of 4‐chlorophenol was obtained in isopropanol after 24 h at 82 °C and atmospheric pressure in the presence of potassium tert‐butoxide (tBuOK). Phenol was the only reaction product formed and hydrogenation of the aromatic ring did not occur. The Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst was also evaluated under varying reaction conditions (temperature, base, time) and it shows during 5 hydrodechlorination/regeneration cycles only slight deactivation (24 h at 82 °C, X=87.3 % after the fifth cycle).
Green Synthesis of Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐Silver Nanoparticles Composite Using Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) Fruit Peel Extract and Its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Mohan Kisku Kanta , Mandal Pinaki , Ghosh Samaresh , Sarathi De Partha
Published: November 2023

Greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining attention as potential antimicrobials. We report on the green method for the synthesis of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) – silver nanoparticles (PVA‐AgNPs) composite 1 using Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) fruit peel (KFP) aqueous extract. The use of KFP extract for the synthesis of AgNPs in the composite has been investigated for the first time. UV−visible spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are employed to characterize the prepared AgNPs. The FTIR and 1H NMR spectral analyses reveal the involvement of phytochemicals of the KFP extract in the composite synthesis. The composite exhibits strong antibacterial activity against both Gram‐ negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial pathogens and action increases with AgNPs content.
Imino Phenolic Benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarbohydrazide Conjugate as a AIEgen‐Based Fluorescent Probe for the Detection and Bioimaging of Lipid Droplets in Living Cells**
Authors: Valand Ravinkumar , Pandey Nidhi , Bandaru Sateesh , Sivaiah Areti
Published: November 2023

A new aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) based fluorescent probe (L) has been designed and synthesized by integrating the salicylaldehyde into benzene‐tricarbohydrazide via a condensation reaction for the detection and image of neutral lipid droplets in live cells. The single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD) structure of L has been established. The L exhibited solvent polarity‐dependent aggregation‐induced enhanced fluorescence emission at 535 nm with a very large Stokes shift ~203 nm in a binary mixture of water and THF (9 : 1, v/v %) and this is further observed by visually under UV light of 365 nm. The microscopy study revealed that L exhibits aggregation properties reflected in their morphological features around 1.12 μm to 1.68 μm particle size in H2O‐THF mixture (9 : 1). The biological applicability of probe (L) for the detection of lipid droplets in L929 live cells has been demonstrated and these results support the potential applications of L in order to use for the lipid droplets related diagnosis.
A New Efficient One‐Pot Three‐Component Synthesis of Diverse Pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidines
Authors: Goryaeva Marina V. , Kushch Svetlana O. , Surnina Elena A. , Burgart Yanina V. , Ezhikova Marina A. , Kodess Mikhail I. , Slepukhin Pavel A. , Saloutin Victor I.
Published: November 2023

The pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidine scaffold has great potential for the creation of bioactive substances. Here we propose a simple, cost‐effective, efficient approach to forming this core based on a one‐pot three‐component reaction of commercially available 3‐oxo esters, α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes and 1,3‐diaminopropane. The developed strategy makes it possible to obtain diverse pyrido[1,2‐a]pyrimidines thanks to alternative intramolecular cyclization pathways that depend on the substituent in the 3‐oxo ester. Their diastereomeric structure was determined using NMR spectroscopy and XRD. A mechanism for the formation of new pyrido[1,2‐a]pyridines has been proposed.
Synthesis of Sulfonic Acid Salts and Sulfonic Acids by Advanced Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Vinyl Sulfonates
Authors: Koudelka Jakub , Vosmanská Magda , Tobrman Tomáš
Published: November 2023

The present work describes an advanced cross‐coupling reaction of vinyl sulfonates for the synthesis of sulfonic acid salts and sulfonic acids under mild reaction conditions. The regioselectivity of the double Negishi reaction was achieved by means of the different reactivity of the C−Br and activated C−O bonds. The cross‐coupling reaction leads to a mixture of alkenes and sulfonic acid salts. The separation of alkenes and sulfonic acid salts is achieved through the low solubility of sulfonic acid sodium salts after workup. In addition, the developed procedure is also used for the atom‐economical preparation of cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors (COX‐2).
High Thermal Stability and Low Thermal Resistance of Large Area GaN/3C‐SiC/Diamond Junctions for Practical Device Processes
Authors: Kagawa Ryo , Cheng Zhe , Kawamura Keisuke , Ohno Yutaka , Moriyama Chiharu , Sakaida Yoshiki , Ouchi Sumito , Uratani Hiroki , Inoue Koji , Nagai Yasuyoshi , Shigekawa Naoteru , Liang Jianbo
Published: November 2023

Thermal management is critical in contemporary electronic systems, and integrating diamond with semiconductors offers the most promising solution to improve heat dissipation. However, developing a technique that can fully exploit the high thermal conductivity of diamond, withstand high‐temperature annealing processes, and enable mass production is a significant challenge. In this study, the successful transfer of AlGaN/GaN/3C‐SiC layers grown on Si to a large‐size diamond substrate is demonstrated, followed by the fabrication of GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) on the diamond. Notably, no exfoliation of 3C‐SiC/diamond bonding interfaces is observed even after annealing at 1100 °C, which is essential for high‐quality GaN crystal growth on the diamond. The thermal boundary conductance of the 3C‐SiC‐diamond interface reaches ≈55 MW m−2 K−1, which is efficient for device cooling. GaN HEMTs fabricated on the diamond substrate exhibit the highest maximum drain current and the lowest surface temperature compared to those on Si and SiC substrates. Furthermore, the device thermal resistance of GaN HEMTs on the diamond substrate is significantly reduced compared to those on SiC substrates. These results indicate that the GaN/3C‐SiC on diamond technique has the potential to revolutionize the development of power and radio‐frequency electronics with improved thermal management capabilities.
2D Nanomaterials and Their Drug Conjugates for Phototherapy and Magnetic Hyperthermia Therapy of Cancer and Infections
Authors: Silva Filipa A. L. S. , Chang Hui‐Ping , Incorvia Jean Anne C. , Oliveira Maria J. , Sarmento Bruno , Santos Susana G. , Magalhães Fernão D. , Pinto Artur M.
Published: November 2023

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) using 2D nanomaterials (2DnMat) have recently emerged as promising alternative treatments for cancer and bacterial infections, both important global health challenges. The present review intends to provide not only a comprehensive overview, but also an integrative approach of the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge on 2DnMat for PTT and MHT of cancer and infections. High surface area, high extinction coefficient in near‐infra‐red (NIR) region, responsiveness to external stimuli like magnetic fields, and the endless possibilities of surface functionalization, make 2DnMat ideal platforms for PTT and MHT. Most of these materials are biocompatible with mammalian cells, presenting some cytotoxicity against bacteria. However, each material must be comprehensively characterized physiochemically and biologically, since small variations can have significant biological impact. Highly efficient and selective in vitro and in vivo PTTs for the treatment of cancer and infections are reported, using a wide range of 2DnMat concentrations and incubation times. MHT is described to be more effective against bacterial infections than against cancer therapy. Despite the promising results attained, some challenges remain, such as improving 2DnMat conjugation with drugs, understanding their in vivo biodegradation, and refining the evaluation criteria to measure PTT or MHT effects.
Hierarchically Superstructured Anisotropic Carbon Particles by Multiscale Assembly Driven by Spinodal Decomposition
Authors: Ban Minkyeong , Lee Jisung , Kim Jioh , Shin Seung‐Jae , Kim Taesoo , Jo Changshin , Hwang Jongkook , Kim Seongseop , Lee Jinwoo
Published: November 2023

Hierarchical superstructures have novel shape‐dependent properties, but well‐defined anisotropic carbon superstructures with controllable size, shape, and building block dimensionality have rarely been accomplished thus far. Here, a hierarchical assembly technique is presented that uses spinodal decomposition (SD) to synthesize anisotropic oblate particles of mesoporous carbon superstructure (o‐MCS) with nanorod arrays by integrating block‐copolymer (BCP) self‐assembly and polymer‐polymer interface behaviors in binary blends. The interaction of major and minor phases in binary polymer blends leads to the formation of an anisotropic oblate particle, and the BCP‐rich phase enables ordered packing and unidirectional alignment of carbon nanorods. Consequently, this approach enables precise control over particles’ size, shape, and over the dimensionality of their components. Exploiting this functional superstructure, o‐MCS are used as an anode material in potassium‐ion batteries, and achieve a notable specific capacity of 156 mA h g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, and long‐term stability for 3000 cycles. This work presents a significant advancement in the field of hierarchical superstructures, providing a promising strategy for the design and synthesis of anisotropic carbon materials with controlled properties, offering promising applications in energy storage and beyond.