bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Short‐Periodic Response of Equatorial Electrojet to the Temporal Variations of IMF Bz During Geomagnetic Quiet Time
Authors: Zhang Kedeng , Wang Hui , Liu Jing
Published: April 2024

The equatorial electrojet (EEJ) is an important and intense ionospheric current, flowing in a narrow band along the dip equator. Using the total electron content from Global Navigation Satellite System, electron density from Swarm, EEJ from Tatuoca station, and the corresponding Thermosphere‐Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model simulations, this work investigates the behaviors of quiet‐time EEJ during the temporal oscillations of interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz. It is found that an average relative perturbation of 17.5%, 5.51% and 23.17% could be generated in the quiet time EEJ on August 24 in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. The prominent feature shown in EEJ changes is the short‐periodic oscillations with high frequency and a period of tens of minutes. A power spectrum from wavelet supports that the small‐scale perturbations with high frequency are mainly attributed to the prompt penetration electric field (PPEF). During the temporal oscillations of IMF Bz, a similar spectrum is established between IMF Bz and PPEF. PPEF could be promptly superposed into the zonal equatorial electric field within minutes, producing similar frequent responses in EEJ. The large changes with low frequency are related to the disturbance wind dynamo electric field.
Transition Between Mechanical and Geometric Controls in Glacier Crevassing Processes
Authors: Rousseau Hugo , Gaume Johan , Blatny Lars , Lüthi Martin P.
Published: April 2024

Herein, fast fracture initiation in glacier ice is modeled using a Material Point Method and a simplified constitutive law describing tensile strain softening. Relying on a simple configuration where ice flows over a vertical step, crevasse patterns emerge and are consistent with previous observations reported in the literature. The model’s few parameters allows identification of a single dimensionless number controlling fracture spacing and depth. This scaling law delineates two regimes. In the first one, ice thickness does not play a role and only ice tensile strength controls the spacing, giving rise to numerous surface crevasses, as observed in crevasse fields. In this regime, scaling can recover classical values for ice tensile strength from macroscopic field observations. The second regime, governed by ice bending, produces large‐scale, deep fractures resembling serac falls or calving events.
Vision–language foundation model for echocardiogram interpretation
Authors: Christensen Matthew , Vukadinovic Milos , Yuan Neal , Ouyang David
Published: April 2024

The development of robust artificial intelligence models for echocardiography has been limited by the availability of annotated clinical data. Here, to address this challenge and improve the performance of cardiac imaging models, we developed EchoCLIP, a vision–language foundation model for echocardiography, that learns the relationship between cardiac ultrasound images and the interpretations of expert cardiologists across a wide range of patients and indications for imaging. After training on 1,032,975 cardiac ultrasound videos and corresponding expert text, EchoCLIP performs well on a diverse range of benchmarks for cardiac image interpretation, despite not having been explicitly trained for individual interpretation tasks. EchoCLIP can assess cardiac function (mean absolute error of 7.1% when predicting left ventricular ejection fraction in an external validation dataset) and identify implanted intracardiac devices (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84, 0.92 and 0.97 for pacemakers, percutaneous mitral valve repair and artificial aortic valves, respectively). We also developed a long-context variant (EchoCLIP-R) using a custom tokenizer based on common echocardiography concepts. EchoCLIP-R accurately identified unique patients across multiple videos (AUC of 0.86), identified clinical transitions such as heart transplants (AUC of 0.79) and cardiac surgery (AUC 0.77) and enabled robust image-to-text search (mean cross-modal retrieval rank in the top 1% of candidate text reports). These capabilities represent a substantial step toward understanding and applying foundation models in cardiovascular imaging for preliminary interpretation of echocardiographic findings.
Rapid determination of hippuric acid as an exposure biomarker of toluene using a colorimetric assay and comparison with high-performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Dehghani Fatemeh , Yousefinejad Saeed , Mobaraki Nabiollah , Nekoeinia Mohsen , Hemmateenejad Bahram
Published: April 2024

Occupational exposure to toluene is associated with health risks that require reliable monitoring methods. Hippuric acid (HA), a urinary metabolite of toluene, serves as a valuable biomarker for such exposure. Colorimetric methods for the quantitative determination of HA have gained prominence due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for field application. In the present study, a simple colorimetric technique was optimized for the determination of HA in the urine sample, and compared with a usual HPLC technique. The central composite design (CCD) was applied to examine the effective parameters on the colorimetric determination of HA. The calibration curve for HA was established within the concentration range of 6 to 100 mg L−1 with R2 = 0.97. The detection limit (LOD) and quantification limit (LOQ) were determined to be 1.8 mg L−1 and 6 mg L−1 respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD%) was less than 5%, and the recovery% (R%) was 90.5–100.1. The overall results showed good agreement between the colorimetric and HPLC results. There was a significant relationship between the results obtained from HPLC and colorimetric methods especially for higher concentration levels of HA (≥ 500 mg/g creatinine). In conclusion, our optimized colorimetric method is a simple, cost-effective, and rapid method for determination of HA in occupational exposure, which is comparable with the HPLC technique.
A minimal Fanconi Anemia complex in early diverging fungi
Authors: Barua Drishtee , Płecha Magdalena , Muszewska Anna
Published: April 2024

Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway resolves DNA interstrand cross links (ICL). The FA pathway was initially recognized in vertebrates, but was later confirmed in other animals and speculated in fungi. FA proteins FANCM, FANCL and FANCJ are present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae but, their mechanism of interaction to resolve ICL is still unclear. Unlike Dikarya, early diverging fungi (EDF) possess more traits shared with animals. We traced the evolutionary history of the FA pathway across Opisthokonta. We scanned complete proteomes for FA-related homologs to establish their taxonomic distribution and analyzed their phylogenetic trees. We checked transcription profiles of FA genes to test if they respond to environmental conditions and their genomic localizations for potential co-localization. We identified fungal homologs of the activation and ID complexes, 5 out of 8 core proteins, all of the endonucleases, and deubiquitination proteins. All fungi lack FANCC, FANCF and FANCG proteins responsible for post-replication repair and chromosome stability in animals. The observed taxonomic distribution can be attributed to a gradual degradation of the FA pathway from EDF to Dikarya. One of the key differences is that EDF have the ID complex recruiting endonucleases to the site of ICL. Moreover, 21 out of 32 identified FA genes are upregulated in response to different growth conditions. Several FA genes are co-localized in fungal genomes which also could facilitate co-expression. Our results indicate that a minimal FA pathway might still be functional in Mucoromycota with a gradual loss of components in Dikarya ancestors.
Effects of bipolar irreversible electroporation with different pulse durations in a prostate cancer mouse model
Authors: Kim Song Hee , Kang Jeon Min , Park Yubeen , Kim Yunlim , Lim Bumjin , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: April 2024

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal ablation technique for local tumor treatment known to be influenced by pulse duration and voltage settings, affecting its efficacy. This study aims to investigate the effects of bipolar IRE with different pulse durations in a prostate cancer mouse model. The therapeutic effectiveness was assessed with in vitro cell experiments, in vivo tumor volume changes with magnetic resonance imaging, and gross and histological analysis in a mouse model. The tumor volume continuously decreased over time in all IRE-treated groups. The tumor volume changes, necroptosis (%), necrosis (%), the degree of TUNEL-positive cell expression, and ROS1-positive cell (%) in the long pulse duration-treated groups (300 μs) were significantly increased compared to the short pulse duration-treated groups (100 μs) (all p < 0.001). The bipolar IRE with a relatively long pulse duration at the same voltage significantly increased IRE-induced cell death in a prostate cancer mouse model.
Assessing heavy metal and physiochemical pollution load of Danro River and its management using floating bed remediation
Authors: Majumdar Aditi , Avishek Kirti
Published: April 2024

River Danro in Garhwa (India) plays a vital role as a significant source of surface water and a crucial tributary of the North Koel River, ultimately joining the Ganga River Basin. Serving both urban-industrial and rural areas, the region faces challenges, including sand mining near Belchampa Ghat. This study aimed to assess physicochemical and heavy metals pollution at nine sampling locations, utilizing the Overall Index of Pollution (OIP), Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI), and Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI). OIP values indicated excellent surface water quality (0.71) in non-monsoon and slight pollution (6.28) in monsoon. NPI ranged from 0.10 to 1.74 in non-monsoon and from 0.22 (clean) to 27.15 (heavily polluted) in monsoon. HPI results suggested groundwater contamination, particularly by lead. Principal component analysis (PCA) and geospatial mapping showed similar outcomes, highlighting the influence of adjacent land use on water quality. Recognizing the significance of the Danro River in sustaining life, livelihoods, and economic growth, the study recommends implementing measures like floating bed remediation and regulatory actions for effective river management. The study acknowledges weaknesses in the current practical assessment methods for water contamination. These weaknesses make it difficult to put plans for cleaning up and controlling contamination into action. Because of this, future research on developing new in-place remediation techniques should focus on creating better ways to measure how effective the cleanup is.
Droplet based whole genome amplification for sequencing minute amounts of purified Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA
Authors: Dippenaar Anzaan , Ismail Nabila , Heupink Tim H. , Grobbelaar Melanie , Loubser Johannes , Van Rie Annelies , Warren Robin M.
Published: April 2024

Implementation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for patient care is hindered by limited Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in clinical specimens and slow Mtb growth. We evaluated droplet multiple displacement amplification (dMDA) for amplification of minute amounts of Mtb DNA to enable WGS as an alternative to other Mtb enrichment methods. Purified genomic Mtb-DNA (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5 pg) was encapsulated and amplified using the Samplix Xdrop-instrument and sequenced alongside a control sample using standard Illumina protocols followed by MAGMA-analysis. The control and 5 pg input dMDA samples underwent nanopore sequencing followed by Nanoseq and TB-profiler analysis. dMDA generated 105-2400 ng DNA from the 0.1-5 pg input DNA, respectively. Followed by Illumina WGS, dMDA raised mean sequencing depth from 7 × for 0.1 pg input DNA to ≥ 60 × for 5 pg input and the control sample. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a high number of false positive and false negative variants when amplifying ≤ 0.5 pg input DNA. Nanopore sequencing of the 5 pg dMDA sample presented excellent coverage depth, breadth, and accurate strain characterization, albeit elevated false positive and false negative variants compared to Illumina-sequenced dMDA sample with identical Mtb DNA input. dMDA coupled with Illumina WGS for samples with ≥ 5 pg purified Mtb DNA, equating to approximately 1000 copies of the Mtb genome, offers precision for drug resistance, phylogeny, and transmission insights.
Multimodal neural correlates of dispositional resilience among healthy individuals
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ju , Bang Minji , Pae Chongwon , Lee Sang-Hyuk
Published: April 2024

Resilient individuals are less likely to develop psychiatric disorders despite extreme psychological distress. This study investigated the multimodal structural neural correlates of dispositional resilience among healthy individuals. Participants included 92 healthy individuals. The Korean version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and other psychological measures were used. Gray matter volumes (GMVs), cortical thickness, local gyrification index (LGI), and white matter (WM) microstructures were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry, FreeSurfer, and tract-based spatial statistics, respectively. Higher resilient individuals showed significantly higher GMVs in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), increased LGI in the insula, and lower fractional anisotropy values in the superior longitudinal fasciculus II (SLF II). These resilience’s neural correlates were associated with good quality of life in physical functioning or general health and low levels of depression. Therefore, the GMVs in the IFG, LGI in the insula, and WM microstructures in the SLF II can be associated with resilience that contributes to emotional regulation, empathy, and social cognition.
Dynamic role of CUL4B in radiation-induced intestinal injury-regeneration
Authors: Guo Beibei , Huo Xiaohan , Xie Xueyong , Zhang Xiaohui , Lian Jiabei , Zhang Xiyu , Gong Yaoqin , Dou Hao , Fan Yujia , Mao Yunuo , Wang Jinshen , Hu Huili
Published: April 2024

CUL4B, a crucial scaffolding protein in the largest E3 ubiquitin ligase complex CRL4B, is involved in a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. While previous research has shown that CUL4B participates in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and function, its involvement in facilitating intestinal recovery following ionizing radiation (IR) damage has not been fully elucidated. Here, we utilized in vivo and in vitro models to decipher the role of CUL4B in intestinal repair after IR-injury. Our findings demonstrated that prior to radiation exposure, CUL4B inhibited the ubiquitination modification of PSME3, which led to the accumulation of PSME3 and subsequent negative regulation of p53-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, after radiation, CUL4B dissociated from PSME3 and translocated into the nucleus at phosphorylated histones H2A (γH2AX) foci, thereby impeding DNA damage repair and augmenting p53-mediated apoptosis through inhibition of BRCA1 phosphorylation and RAD51. Our study elucidated the dynamic role of CUL4B in the repair of radiation-induced intestinal damage and uncovered novel molecular mechanisms underlying the repair process, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy of intestinal damage after radiation therapy for cancers.
Microwave-assisted synthesis, characterization and in vitro biomedical applications of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn.-mediated carbon quantum dots
Authors: Yalshetti Shweta , Thokchom Bothe , Bhavi Santosh Mallikarjun , Singh Sapam Riches , Patil Sneha R. , Harini B. P. , Sillanpää Mika , Manjunatha J. G. , Srinath B. S. , Yarajarla Ramesh Babu
Published: April 2024

In recent years, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have garnered considerable attention as a promising material for biomedical applications because of their unique optical and biological properties. In this study, CQDs were derived from the leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. via microwave-assisted technique and characterized using different techniques such as ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transform infrared, fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Subsequently, their potential for biomedical applications was investigated through in vitro assays assessing scratch healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity properties. It was found that the CQDs were fluorescent, polycrystalline, quasi-spherical, ~ 12 nm in size with presence of –OH and –COOH groups on their negatively charged surfaces, and demonstrated good anti-inflammatory by inhibiting protein denaturation, cyclooxygenase-2 and regulating inflammatory cytokines. The CQDs also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus cereus, good biocompatibility, along with excellent promotion of cell proliferation in vitro, indicating their potential as a anti-inflammatory and wound healing material. The properties were more enhanced than their precursor, H. rosa-sinensis leaf extract. Hence, the CQDs synthesized from the leaves of H. rosa-sinensis can serve as a potential biomedical agent.
Usability evaluation of a glove-type wearable device for efficient biometric collection during triage
Authors: Shinozaki Masayoshi , Saito Daiki , Tomita Keisuke , Nakada Taka-aki , Nomura Yukihiro , Nakaguchi Toshiya
Published: April 2024

To efficiently allocate medical resources at disaster sites, medical workers perform triage to prioritize medical treatments based on the severity of the wounded or sick. In such instances, evaluators often assess the severity status of the wounded or sick quickly, but their measurements are qualitative and rely on experience. Therefore, we developed a wearable device called Medic Hand in this study to extend the functionality of a medical worker’s hand so as to measure multiple biometric indicators simultaneously without increasing the number of medical devices to be carried. Medic Hand was developed to quantitatively and efficiently evaluate "perfusion" during triage. Speed is essential during triage at disaster sites, where time and effort are often spared to attach medical devices to patients, so the use of Medic Hand as a biometric measurement device is more efficient for collecting biometric information. For Medic Hand to be handy during disasters, it is essential to understand and improve upon factors that facilitate its public acceptance. To this end, this paper reports on the usability evaluation of Medic Hand through a questionnaire survey of nonmedical workers.
An organic brain-inspired platform with neurotransmitter closed-loop control, actuation and reinforcement learning
Authors: Bruno Ugo , Rana Daniela , Ausilio Chiara , Mariano Anna , Bettucci Ottavia , Musall Simon , Lubrano Claudia , Santoro Francesca
Published: April 2024

Organic neuromorphic platforms have recently received growing interest for the implementation and integration of hybrid systems, acting as a bridge between biological tissue and artificial computing architectures.
Metabolomic approaches to dissect dysregulated metabolism in the progression of pre-diabetes to T2DM
Authors: Ji Wenrui , Xie Xiaomin , Bai Guirong , He Yanting , Li Ling , Zhang Li , Qiang Dan
Published: April 2024

Metabolomics reveals many DEMs associated with pre-diabetes. Integrated analysis of DEMs, ROC and WGCNA modules determined 12 potential biomarkers for pre-diabetes and T2DM, including l-norleucine, 8 of which were l-arginine or its metabolites.
Regulating nanoscale directional heat transfer with Janus nanoparticles
Authors: Xie Chen , Wilson Blake A. , Qin Zhenpeng
Published: April 2024

Janus nanoparticles with heterogeneous interfacial thermal resistance can lead to nanoscale directional heating, particularly under pulsed heating.
External liquid calibration method for iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometry enables quantification of gas-phase per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) dynamics in indoor air
Authors: Davern Michael J. , West Gabrielle V. , Eichler Clara M. A. , Turpin Barbara J. , Zhang Yue , Surratt Jason D.
Published: April 2024

A novel calibration apparatus for I-HR-ToF-CIMS using liquid standard injection enables online quantification of several gas-phase PFAS and measurement of FTOH concentration dynamics in the presence of indoor sources in real time.
Dually crosslinked degradable polyionic micelles for sustained glucose-responsive insulin release
Authors: Ma Yuhong , Xing Yu , Han Fuwei , Xu Jiahao , Qian Hongliang , Chen Wei , Huang Dechun
Published: April 2024

Glucose -sensitive delivery systems hold great promise as a therapeutic approach for high-incidence diabetes owing to their ability to release insulin whenever elevated glycemia is detected.
Porous protein crystals: synthesis and applications
Authors: Jones Alec Arthur , Snow Christopher D.
Published: April 2024

Emerging applications of large pore protein crystals (LPCs), with a focus on catalysis, in vivo delivery of therapeutic biomolecules, and scaffold-assisted structure determination (SASD), are reviewed in detail.
Mixed matrix membranes based on fluorescent coordination polymers for the detection of Cr2O72− in water
Authors: Teng Yu-Kang , Wu Qian , Sun Yao , Wang Chen , Zhang Rui , Lu Zhen-Zhong
Published: April 2024

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) containing fluorescent coordination polymers (CPs) showed high sensitivity and stability for detecting Cr2O72− in water.
Ciprofloxacin salts of benzene mono/di-carboxylate: crystal structures and the improvement of solubility
Authors: Zhu Yujun , Liu Ruoxi , Wang Leyao , Chen Chen , Zhao Yupei , Guo Wei , Zhang Zhihui
Published: April 2024

Ciprofloxacin salts were constructed and structurally characterized through single-crystal X-ray diffractions. The cocrystallization of benzene carboxylates, including salicylate coformers, may significantly improve the solubility of ciprofloxacin.
The electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction on alloys is determined by element-specific adsorption sites rather than d-band properties
Authors: Schalenbach Maximilian , Tesch Rebekka , Kowalski Piotr M. , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: April 2024

HER activities and hydrogen adsorption energies on the surface sites of AuPt alloys are almost neighbor independent. The d-band properties show little impact on the adsorption strengths at the element-specific surface sites.
Can we quantitatively evaluate the mutual impacts of intramolecular metal–ligand bonds the same as intermolecular noncovalent bonds?
Authors: Movafagh Samaneh Sanei , Salehzadeh Sadegh
Published: April 2024

The difference between the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of A–B and A–BC bonds is the same as that of B–C and AB–C bonds, and is equal to the cooperative energies of the bonds.
Selective hydrogenolysis of furfural to 1,2-pentanediol over a Pt–Fe/MT catalyst under mild conditions
Authors: Cao Chen , Guan Weixiang , Liu Qiaoyun , Li Lin , Su Yang , Liu Fei , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2024

A Pt–Fe bimetallic catalyst is developed to produce 1,2-pentanediol from furfural under mild conditions of 140  °C and 0.1 MPa H2, affording by far the highest production rate.
Directly upgrading spent graphite anodes to stable CuO/C anodes by utilizing inherent Cu impurities from spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Kechun , Yu Haoxuan , Huang Meiting , Wang Zhihao , Li Yifeng , Zhou Lei , Yang Liming , Feng Yufa , Chen Liang , Wang Lihua , Wang Longlu , Xu Chenxi , Shao Penghui , Luo Xubiao
Published: April 2024

A straightforward air oxidation strategy was developed to concurrently convert the SG and Cu foil in the anode side to a CuO/RG hybrid, which provides a valuable guidance on the low-cost and large-scale recycling of spent LIBs.
Growth of a CuSbSe2 single crystal by the Bridgman technique and its utility as a photodetector and thermoelectric material
Authors: Parekh Zubin R. , Deshpande M. P. , Bhatt Sandip V. , Kannaujiya Rohitkumar M. , Bhoi Hiteshkumar R. , Joshi Yash V. , Chaki S. H. , Pandya Swati J.
Published: April 2024

Looking at the literature survey, this seems to be the first report on growth of a copper antimony diselenide (CuSbSe2) single crystal with a 5.8 cm length and 1.0 cm diameter by the vertical Bridgman technique.
Introduction to surface engineering of transition metal-based 2D layered materials for anti-corrosion and energy applications
Authors: Kundu Subrata
Published: April 2024

Subrata Kundu introduces the Materials Advances themed collection on Surface engineering of transition metal-based 2D layered materials.
Correction: Kirigami-enabled stretchable laser-induced graphene heaters for wearable thermotherapy
Authors: Chen Junyu , Shi Yichao , Ying Binbin , Hu Yajie , Gao Yan , Luo Sida , Liu Xinyu
Published: April 2024

Correction for ‘Kirigami-enabled stretchable laser-induced graphene heaters for wearable thermotherapy’ by Junyu Chen et al., Mater. Horiz., 2024, 11, 2010–2020, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01884A.
Applications of self-assembled peptide hydrogels in anti-tumor therapy
Authors: Hua Yue , Shen Yang
Published: April 2024

Peptides are a class of active substances composed of a variety of amino acids with special physiological functions.
Direct biogas reforming to turquoise H2 and carbon material in a catalytic fluidised-bed reactor
Authors: L’hospital Valentin , de Araujo Leandro Goulart , Schuurman Yves , Guilhaume Nolven , Farrusseng David
Published: April 2024

Direct conversion of biogas into syngas and carbon materials in a fluidised bed reactor.
A dual template ion-imprinted polymer based on acrylamide monomer/modified graphene oxide for simultaneous adsorption of Ni(ii) and Cd(ii)
Authors: Ghorbani Elahe , Bagheri Renani Samaneh , Zahedi Payam
Published: April 2024

The use of ion-imprinted polymers (IIPs) to target hazardous heavy metal ions is an effective solution for addressing water pollution by recognizing and adsorbing specific metal cations.
In situ formed self-embedded ion/electron conductive skeletons enabling highly stable sodium metal anodes
Authors: Tao Fang-Yu , Xie Dan , Wang Dan-Hong , Diao Wan-Yue , Liu Chang , Wu Xing-Long , Li Wen-Liang , Zhang Jing-Ping
Published: April 2024

The NSN-3D IECF realizes fast Na+ transfer and provides enough space to suppress Na dendrites formation and accommodate metal Na deposition. The excellent affinity between metallic Na and Na15Sn4 promotes compact and uniform Na deposition.
Palladium-catalysed α and β C–H allylation of aryl alkenes
Authors: Liao Yilei , Zhang Xiandie , Li Xiaoli , Liu Xiuying , Chen Jiakai , Shen Chao , He Rui , Zhong Guofu , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2024

This work focuses on α and β C–H allylation of aryl alkenes using allyl carbonates to produce linear and branched 1,4-dienes enabled by chelation-assistance of pyridine-2-carboxamide, which is simply performed with Pd(OAc)2/AcOH in ethanol.
Site-selective C(sp3)–H functionalization of primary aliphatic amines
Authors: Tao Ye , Guo Kaige , Chen Hao , Yan Guobing , Guo Ming
Published: April 2024

C–H bond functionalization represents one of the most efficient and straightforward strategies for diversifying existing molecules.
Switching from gem-difluorovinylation to carboxylation: ligand-enabled palladium-catalyzed Heck annulation of alkene-tethered aryl halides with sodium difluorochloroacetate
Authors: Xia Yu , Li Wenqi , Wei Minzhu , Zhang Yonghong , Wang Bin , Wu Shaofeng , Liu Chenjiang
Published: April 2024

The use of a ligand to tune palladium-catalyzed intramolecular Heck gem-difluorovinylation and carboxylation is reported. Sodium difluorochloroacetate (ClCF2COONa) acts as both a difluorocarbene (:CF2) and carboxyl source.
Regioselective difluoroallylation of alkylidene malonates with trifluoromethyl alkenes: synthesis of gem-difluoro-1,5-dienes and their [2 + 2] photocycloaddition
Authors: Zeng Weidi , Li Mingqiang , Wu Shaofeng , Abdukade Ablimit , Zhou Lei
Published: April 2024

The synthesis of gem-difluoro-1,5-dienes via regioselective SN2′-type reactions of alkylidene malonates with trifluoromethyl alkenes and their subsequent [2 + 2] photocycloaddition for the formation of bicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes are described.
Synthesis and characterization of new composite from modified silica-coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles for removal of tetracycline from aqueous solution
Authors: Banaei Alireza , Saadat Afshin , Gharibzadeh Negar , Ghasemi Parinaz Pargol
Published: April 2024

In this study, a new composite from silica coated MnFe2O4 nanoparticles, diethylenetriamine, 3-chloropropyl trimethoxysilane and Mg–Al Layered Double Hydroxide (Mg–Al LDH/DETA/CPTMS/SCNPs) composite was synthesized.
Understanding charge transport and dielectric relaxation properties in lead-free Cs2ZrCl6 nanoparticles
Authors: Ben Bechir Mohamed , Akermi Mehdi , Alathlawi Hussain J.
Published: April 2024

In the exploration of perovskite materials devoid of lead and appropriate for capturing solar energy, a recent finding has surfaced concerning Cs2ZrCl6.
Coupling catalytic bed fluidization with impeller rotation for improved hydrodynamic characterization of Berty reactors
Authors: Cui Mengmeng , Kulkarni Shekhar R. , Abu-Naaj Yacoub-Yousef , Wagner Stefan , Berger-Karin Claudia , Weber Jan Lennart , Nagy Anton , Castaño Pedro
Published: April 2024

We studied the hydrodynamics in a Berty reactor, integrating several computational fluid dynamic methods. Our results demonstrate that the hydrodynamics are predominantly influenced by impeller rotation, irrespective of the bed.
Sustainable synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted and N-unsubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles using reusable ZnO-CTAB nanocrystals
Authors: Hazarika Priyanuj Krishnann , Gogoi Priyanka , Sarmah Samprity , Das Babulal , Deori Kalyanjyoti , Sarma Diganta
Published: April 2024

In this study, a sustainable and eco-friendly copper-free protocol has been developed for the regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted and N-unsubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles using a zinc-based heterogeneous catalyst.
Hierarchical platinum–nickel@platinum–tin core@shell nanowires achieve efficient fuel cell catalysis
Authors: Wang Liyuan , Zhan Changhong , Yan Wei , Li Yunhua , Bu Lingzheng
Published: April 2024

The advantageous hierarchical core@shell structure endows H-PtNi@PtSn NWs with high MOR and MEA performances for DMFCs, effectively addressing the inherent issues of traditional PtNi nanomaterials such as limited active sites and poor CO-tolerance.
Fast adsorption and kinetic separation of benzene and cyclohexane/cyclohexene in a microporous metal azolate framework
Authors: Qiu Ze-Hao , Li Jing-Hong , He Bai-Xun , Liao Pei-Qin , Zhou Mu-Yang , Li Pei-Xian , Lin Rui-Biao , Zhang Jie-Peng , Chen Xiao-Ming
Published: April 2024

A new microporous metal azolate framework was constructed for ultrafast adsorptive separation of C6H6/C6H12 and C6H6/C6H10. Its adsorptive kinetics was found to be controlled by samples of different particle sizes, leading to interesting adsorption behaviours.
Homologous polydopamine ameliorates haemolysis of melittin for enhancing its anticancer efficacy
Authors: Zheng Yuhan , Wei Qingyun , Han Xuan , Tao Xiangmin , Cao Tao , Chen Tianbao , Cao Peng , Zhan Qichen
Published: April 2024

Despite exhibiting potent anticancer activity, the strong hemolytic properties of melittin (MEL) significantly restrict its delivery efficiency and clinical applications.
Investigation of transcription factor–DNA binding with electrolyte-gated organic transistors
Authors: Sensi Matteo , Ricci Andrea , Rigillo Giovanna , Paradisi Alessandro , Berto Marcello , Gnesutta Nerina , Imbriano Carol , Biscarini Fabio , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto
Published: April 2024

The first electrolyte-gated organic transistor biosensor for the detection of a transcription factor (NF-Y) in buffer and cell lysate.
A novel fluorescent chemosensor enables dual-channel selective “turn-on” detection of Hg2+ and Ag+via distinct thiophilic effects, essential mechanisms, and excellent sensing performance for mercury(ii) in aggregated states
Authors: Ruan Zhijun , Dong Xinyi , Long Tao , Liu Shanshan , Chen Yanmei , Lin Junqi
Published: April 2024

A fluorescent probe enables dual-channel selective “turn-on” detection of Hg2+ and Ag+via distinct thiophilic effects was designed. Mechanisms of this chemosensor and the opposite luminescence behavior of the molecules were carefully explored.
Preparation of a novel violet-excitable Na3YSi2O7:Eu2+ green phosphor via salt-flux assistance and its luminescence properties
Authors: Gao Jinqing , Dong Langping , Lin Yandan , Zhou Pengcheng , Ma Xianchao , Hou Jingshan , Fang Yongzheng
Published: April 2024

A novel violet-excitable Na3YSi2O7:Eu2+ green phosphor for a high-quality white LED was developed via salt-flux assistance.
Relationship Between Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neurotrophin-3 Levels and Hearing Thresholds in Patients With Age-Related Hearing Loss
Authors: Altay Diler Us , Korkmaz Hakan , Korkmaz Mukadder , Noyan Tevfik
Published: April 2024

Background:

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a general term used to describe the sensorineural type of hearing loss occurring in both ears in older adults. Neurotrophins are the most promising candidates for supporting the auditory nerve by increasing neuronal survival. This study aimed to help elucidate the pathophysiology of ARHL by determining whether any relationship exists between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) levels in serum samples from patients diagnosed with ARHL.

Materials and Method:

Seventy-seven individuals, a study group of 41 patients diagnosed with ARHL, and a control group of 36 participants without hearing loss were evaluated. Serum samples were collected and used to measure serum BDNF and NT-3 levels with the new Nepenthe enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.

Results:

Median pure-tone average results in the 2000, 4000, and 6000 Hz ranges were 52.5 (44.3–67.3) dB HL in the ARHL group and 13.5 (11.1–17.1) dB HL in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (
p
= .001). Although NT-3 and BDNF levels were both lower in ARHL patients than in participants without hearing loss, only the BDNF levels were significantly (
p
= .002) lower. Mean left and right ear word recognition scores were also lower in ARHL patients than in control groups. The ARHL group was further divided into two subgroups based on word recognition scores to evaluate significant differences in BDNF and NT-3 levels. No statistically significant difference was observed in BDNF and NT-3 levels between these subgroups. However, there was a significant difference in word recognition scores.

Conclusions:

Low BDNF levels in the ARHL group suggest that BDNF may play a role in the pathogenesis of ARHL. Patients with low (ARHL1) and high (ARHL2) word recognition scores were compared for the first time in the literature in terms of BDNF and NT-3 levels. However, the results were not statistically significant. This article is a preliminary study and was written to provide guidance for our next comprehensive project.
Screening for Bacterial Vaginosis Prior to Delivery: A Cost–Effectiveness Study
Authors: Knochenhauer Hope E. , Lim Stephanie L. , Havrilesky Laura J. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K.
Published: April 2024

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the cost and effectiveness of three strategies for screening and/or treating bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy prior to delivery: (1) the current standard of care was neither test nor treat for BV (Treat None); (2) test all patients for BV at 36 weeks' gestation; treat if positive (Test Treat); and (3) treat all patients undergoing cesarean delivery with intravenous metronidazole at time of surgery (Treat All Cesarean). Effectiveness was defined as avoidance of postpartum surgical site infection (SSI).

Study Design A decision analytic cost–effectiveness model was designed from a third-party payer perspective using clinical and cost estimates obtained from the literature, American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program participant use file (2005–2019), 2019 National Vital Statistics, Medicare costs, and wholesale drug costs. Cost estimates were inflated to 2020 U.S. dollars. For this study, effectiveness was defined as avoidance of postpartum SSIs.

Results The base case analysis that is the current standard of care of not routinely testing and treating patients for BV (Treat None) was the most expensive and least effective strategy, with a mean cost of $59.16 and infection rate of 3.71%. Empirically treating all patients for BV without testing (Treat All Cesarean) was the most effective and the least expensive strategy, with a mean cost of $53.50 and an infection rate of 2.75%. Testing all patients for BV and treating those positive for BV (Test Treat) was also relatively inexpensive and effective, with an infection rate of 2.94% and mean cost of $57.05. Compared with Treat None, we would expect the Treat All Cesarean strategy to reduce the infection rate by 26%.

Conclusion These findings suggest that treating pregnant patients with intravenous metronidazole at time of cesarean delivery could be an effective and cost-saving strategy. Testing and treating for BV could also be considered a reasonable strategy, as it has the added benefit of preserving antibiotic stewardship. In no analysis was the standard of care strategy of neither testing nor treating for BV before delivery the preferred strategy.

Key Points
Solid-State Mechanochemical Clemmensen Reduction
Authors: Bhattacharjee Debjyoti , Jana Sayan K. , Maji Biplab
Published: April 2024

Mechanochemical synthesis has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional organic reactions, offering several advantages, including reduced solvent usage, lower reaction time, lower energy consumption, and enhanced reaction efficiency. In this study, the application of mechanochemistry to Clemmensen reduction, a classic method for converting aldehydes and ketones into alkanes, was explored. By employing ball milling as a mechanical activation, the feasibility and efficacy of mechanochemical Clemmensen reduction in various substrates were demonstrated. The results indicate that this approach offers comparable or improved yields and functional group compatibility compared to conventional methods while minimizing environmental impact. The reaction optimization strategies and scope of substrates are discussed, highlighting the potential of mechanochemical synthesis for sustainable organic transformations.
Evaluation of Quality of Life After Use the Virtual Reality in Patients with Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Malisky Jéssica Spricigo , Cavalcante-Leão Bianca Lopes , Severiano Maria Izabel , dos Santos Geslaine Janaina Bueno , Teive Hélio Augusto Guizoni , José Maria Renata , de Araújo Cristiano Miranda , Zeigelboim Bianca Simone
Published: April 2024

Introduction Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective To evaluate the living standard of patients with SCA, by applying the Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) and Activitiesspecific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) questionnaires.

Methods An uncontrolled clinical trial study was conducted with 28 patients who underwent anamnesis, ENT evaluation, and vestibular assessment and the application of questionnaires VADL and ABC before and after rehabilitation with virtual reality.

Results The vestibular exam was altered in 64.3% of the cases. The result between the correlation of the VADL and ABC questionnaires showed significant results in all cases (p < 0.005). The correlation between the ages and disease length with the VADL and ABC questionnaires was significant in the T3 assessment (p = 0.015). The correlation between the disease length and the VADL questionnaire was significant in all cases (p < 0.005). The comparison of the vestibular rehabilitation result (T1 to T2) showed a significant difference for all the applied games, except for the ski slalom. The comparison of the vestibular rehabilitation result (T1 to T3) showed significant difference for all the applied games (p < 0.005) (1st assessment before the start of rehabilitation designated T1, after 10 rehabilitation sessions, considered T2 and, at the end of 20 rehabilitation sessions, called T3).

Conclusion We can point out a direct improvement in the living standard, reflected by the reduction of falls, better balance, and march, contributing to a higher self-confidence in patients in daily activities.
Limb Ischemic Necrosis Secondary to Microvascular Thrombosis: A Brief Historical Review
Authors: Warkentin Theodore E.
Published: April 2024

Ischemic limb injury can be broadly classified into arterial (absent pulses) and venous/microvascular (detectable pulses); the latter can be divided into two overlapping disorders—venous limb gangrene (VLG) and symmetrical peripheral gangrene (SPG). Both VLG and SPG feature predominant acral (distal) extremity ischemic necrosis, although in some instances, concomitant nonacral ischemia/skin necrosis occurs. Historically, for coagulopathic disorders with prominent nonacral ischemic necrosis, clinician-scientists implicated depletion of natural anticoagulants, especially involving the protein C (PC) system. This historical review traces the recognition of natural anticoagulant depletion as a key feature of nonacral ischemic syndromes, such as classic warfarin-induced skin necrosis, neonatal purpura fulminans (PF), and meningococcemia-associated PF. However, only after several decades was it recognized that natural anticoagulant depletion is also a key feature of predominantly acral ischemic microthrombosis syndromes—VLG and SPG—even when accompanying nonacral thrombosis is not present. These acquired acral limb ischemic syndromes typically involve the triad of (a) disseminated intravascular coagulation, (b) natural anticoagulant depletion, and (c) a localizing explanation for microthrombosis occurring in one or more limbs, either deep vein thrombosis (helping to explain VLG) or circulatory shock (helping to explain SPG). In most cases of VLG or SPG there are one or more events that exacerbate natural anticoagulant depletion, such as warfarin therapy (e.g., warfarin-associated VLG complicating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or cancer hypercoagulability) or acute ischemic hepatitis (“shock liver”) as a proximate factor predisposing to severe depletion of hepatically synthesized natural anticoagulants (PC, antithrombin) in the setting of circulatory shock.
Quantitative Analysis of the Supraorbital, Transorbital Microscopic, and Transorbital Neuroendoscopic Approaches to the Anterior Skull Base and Paramedian Vasculature
Authors: Houlihan Lena Mary , Loymak Thanapong , Abramov Irakliy , Jubran Jubran H. , Staudinger Knoll Ann J. , O'Sullivan Michael G. J. , Lawton Michael T. , Preul Mark C.
Published: April 2024

Objectives Our objective was to compare transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) with open craniotomy and analyze the effect of visualization technology on surgical freedom.

Design Anatomic dissections included supraorbital craniotomy (SOC), transorbital microscopic surgery (TMS), and TONES.

Setting The study was performed in a neurosurgical anatomy laboratory.

Participants Neurosurgeons dissecting cadaveric specimens were included in the study.

Main Outcome Measures Morphometric analysis of cranial nerve (CN) accessible lengths, frontal lobe base area of exposure, and craniocaudal and mediolateral angle of attack and volume of surgical freedom (VSF) of the paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA), terminal ICA, and anterior communicating artery (ACoA).

Results The mean (standard deviation [SD]) frontal lobe base parenchymal exposures for SOC, TMS, and TONES were 955.4 (261.7) mm2, 846.2 (249.9) mm2, and 944.7 (158.8) mm2, respectively. Access to distal vasculature was hindered when using TMS and TONES. Multivariate analysis estimated that accessing the paraclinoid ICA with SOC would provide an 11.2- mm3 increase in normalized volume (NV) compared with transorbital corridors (p < 0.001). There was no difference between the three approaches for ipsilateral terminal ICA VSF (p = 0.71). Compared with TONES, TMS provided more access to the terminal ICA. For the ACoA, SOC produced the greatest access corridor maneuverability (mean [SD] NV: 15.6 [5.6] mm3 for SOC, 13.7 [4.4] mm3 for TMS, and 7.2 [3.5] mm3 for TONES; p = 0.01).

Conclusion SOC provides superior surgical freedom for targets that require more lateral maneuverability, but the transorbital corridor is an option for accessing the frontal lobe base and terminal ICA. Instrument freedom differs quantifiably between the microscope and endoscope. A combined visualization strategy is optimal for the transorbital corridor.
Demystifying metal-assisted chemical etching of GaN and related heterojunctions
Authors: Chan Clarence Y. , Menzel Jan Paul , Dong Yicong , Long Zhuoran , Waseem Aadil , Wu Xihang , Xiao Yixin , Xie Jinqiao , Chow Edmond K. C. , Rakheja Shaloo , Batista Victor S. , Mi Zetian , Li Xiuling
Published: April 2024

GaN and related semiconductors have become an increasingly prominent material for a wide range of active and passive devices from optoelectronics to high frequency and power electronics as well as photocatalysis. Regardless of the application, anisotropic etching is required for micro and nano structuring, currently performed by reactive ion etching (RIE). Alternately, metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) is an open-circuit plasma-free anisotropic etching method that has demonstrated high aspect ratio device structures devoid of plasma-induced damage found in RIE. This paper presents an in-depth study of the ensemble electrochemical mechanisms that govern the photo-enhanced MacEtch process of GaN and related heterojunctions. Through in-depth experimental investigations, modeling and simulations, the effects of local cathode and anode design, energy-band alignments, and solution chemistry on MacEtch are correlated with the underlying electronic mechanisms of carrier generation, annihilation, transport, and extraction, establishing a fundamental framework for parametrized prediction of system behavior. These findings carry profound implications for tailored design of photoelectrochemical processes employed not just for uniformly etching wide/ultrawide bandgap materials but more broadly for semiconductor-based photocatalytic reactions in general. One-pot photo-enhanced MacEtching of AlInGaN multi-heterojunction device structures including superlattices and multi-quantum wells are demonstrated.