bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Based Biosensor from Thermophilic Bacterial Periplasmic Binding Protein to Measure Branched-chain and Aromatic Amino Acids
Authors: Kabir Md. Mohiuddin , Imam Md. Rayhan , Hossain Chowdhury Faiz , Sultana Gazi Nurun Nahar
Published: September 2022

Aim: Exploring the ligand binding capacity of leucine-isoleucine-valine binding protein from Thermotoga maritima.

Background: The Fischer ratio, ratio of concentrations between branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, has been considered as an indicator of hepatic disease involving metabolic dysfunctions since its instigation in the 1970's. These amino acids are usually measured by high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and enzymatic spectrophotometry. Considering the future potential of periplasmic binding proteins in clinical diagnosis, leucine-isoleucine-valine binding protein from a thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima was purified and characterized, and evaluated its binding properties with twenty amino acids. The protein's stereo-specificity was also tested due to its importance in astrobiology research. Amino acids and carbohydrates are both known to exist in extraterrestrial environments, and stereo-chemistry is the key aspect for distinguishing between abiotic and biotic origin.

Results: Single amino acid substitutions were generated by overlapping polymerase chain reaction mediated mutagenesis using mutagenic primers to construct two mutants of leucine-isoleucine-valine binding protein (LIVBP). The first mutant of LIVBP in which phenylalanine (F) at 118 position was replaced with cysteine (C) was termed as LIVBP-F118C and the resultant plasmid was named as pKM242. Another mutant of LIVBP in which aspartic acid (D) at 221 position was replaced with cysteine was termed as LIVBP-D221C and the resultant plasmid was named as pKM244. Since the LIVBP-F118C showed higher labeling and fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiency compared to that of D221C, the LIVBP-F118C was used for further study.

Conclusion: Fluorescence resonance energy transfer technology was applied to measure dissociation constant (Kd) where chimeric isoleucine-valine binding protein (LIVBP) was engineered to conjugate a donor fluorophore at amino-terminal and an acceptor fluorophore at the incorporated cysteine residue. Ligand binding studies revealed that LIVBP from Thermotoga maritima was able to bind with fourteen amino acids out of twenty including branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and aromatic amino acids (AAAs) with Kd values ranging from 10-6 to 10-9 M. The Kd values of BCAAs, AAAs, methionine and cysteine were observed at nM level. Highest Kd value was observed for L-leucine (37.2 nM) and L-phenylalanine (44.6 nM). These results indicated that LIVBP from Thermotoga maritima has a broader substrate specificity than previously reported for LIVBP from other organisms, which might be helpful for the development of a miniaturized and noninvasive biosensor to measure BCAAs and AAAs.
Estimating the Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders in the US Using the Benchmark Multiplier Method
Authors: Mojtabai Ramin
Published: September 2022

Importance

Prevalence estimates of substance use disorders in the US rely on general population surveys. However, major population groups, such as homeless individuals and institutionalized individuals, are not captured by these surveys, and participants may underreport substance use.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of substance use disorders in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The benchmark multiplier method was used to estimate the prevalence of alcohol, cannabis, opioid, and stimulant use disorders based on data from the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) (the benchmark) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (the multiplier) for 2018 and 2019. T-MSIS collects administrative data on Medicaid beneficiaries 12 years and older with full or comprehensive benefits. NSDUH is a nationally representative annual cross-sectional survey of people 12 years and older. Data were analyzed from February to June 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of substance use disorders was estimated using the benchmark multiplier method based on T-MSIS and NSDUH data. Confidence intervals for the multiplier method estimates were computed using Monte Carlo simulations. Sensitivity of prevalence estimates to variations in multiplier values was assessed.

Results

This study included Medicaid beneficiaries 12 years and older accessing treatment services in the past year with diagnoses of alcohol (n = 1 017 308 in 2018; n = 1 041 357 in 2019), cannabis (n = 643 737; n = 644 780), opioid (n = 1 406 455; n = 1 575 219), and stimulant (n = 610 858; n = 657 305) use disorders and NSDUH participants with 12-month DSM-IV alcohol (n = 3390 in 2018; n = 3363 in 2019), cannabis (n = 1426; n = 1604), opioid (n = 448; n = 369), and stimulant (n = 545; n = 559) use disorders. The benchmark multiplier prevalence estimates were higher than NSDUH estimates for every type of substance use disorder in both years and in the combined 2018 to 2019 sample: 20.27% (95% CI, 17.04-24.71) vs 5.34% (95% CI, 5.10-5.58), respectively, for alcohol; 7.57% (95% CI, 5.96-9.93) vs 1.68% (95% CI, 1.59-1.79) for cannabis; 3.46% (95% CI, 2.97-4.12) vs 0.68% (0.60-0.78) for opioid; and 1.91% (95% CI, 1.63-2.30) vs 0.85% (95% CI, 0.75-0.96) for stimulant use disorders. In sensitivity analyses, the differences between the benchmark multiplier method and NSDUH estimates persisted over a wide range of potential multiplier values.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings in this study reflect a higher national prevalence of substance use disorders than that represented by NSDUH estimates, suggesting a greater burden of these conditions in the US.
A Proposed Framework for Measuring Access to Surgical Care in the United States
Authors: Taylor Kathryn K. , Ibrahim Andrew M. , Scott John W.
Published: September 2022

In this Viewpoint, the authors evaluate access to surgical care using the domains of timeliness, workforce density, infrastructure, safety, and affordability and discuss how such a framework could be applied in the United States.
A Novel Approach to Assessment of US Pediatric Trauma System Development
Authors: Fallat Mary E. , Treager Colin , Humphrey Sophie , Gumer Lindsey , Jawad Kahir , Butler Elissa , Rogers Frederick B. , Rivara Frederick P. , Collings Amelia T.
Published: September 2022

Importance

Mature trauma systems are critical in building and maintaining national, state, and local resilience against all-hazard disasters. Currently, pediatric state trauma system plans are not standardized and thus are without concrete measures of potential effectiveness.

Objective

To develop objective measures of pediatric trauma system capability at the state level, hypothesizing significant variation in capabilities between states, and to provide a contemporary report on the status of national pediatric trauma system planning and development.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A national survey was deployed in 2018 to perform a gap analysis of state pediatric trauma system capabilities. Four officials from each state were asked to complete the survey regarding extensive pediatric-related or specific trauma system parameters. Using these parameters, a panel of 14 individuals representing national stakeholder sectors in pediatric trauma care convened to identify the essential components of the ideal pediatric trauma system using Delphi methodology. Data analysis was conducted from March 16, 2019, to February 23, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Based on results from the national survey and consensus panel parameters, each state was given a composite score. The score was validated using US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) fatal injury database.

Results

The national survey had less than 10% missing data. The consensus panel reached agreement on 6 major domains of pediatric trauma systems (disaster, legislation/funding, access to care, injury prevention/recognition, quality improvement, pediatric readiness) and was used to develop the Pediatric Trauma System Assessment Score (PTSAS) based on 100 points. There was substantial variation across states, with state scores ranging from 48.5 to 100. Based on US CDC WONDER data, for every 1-point increase in PTSAS, there was a 0.12 per 100 000 decrease in mortality (95% CI, −0.22 to −0.02; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that a more robust pediatric trauma system has a significant association with pediatric injury mortality. This study assessed the national landscape of capability and preparedness to provide pediatric trauma care at the state level. These parameters can tailor the maturation of children’s interests within a state trauma system and assist with future state, regional, and national planning.
Changes in the TCR repertoire of T‐cell subsets during culture of cytokine‐induced killer cells
Authors: Liang Guozheng , Feng Gang , Chen Hui , Li Ling , Hu Jicong , Zhou Chuandong , Li Jiawen , Shen Han , Wu Fenglin , Tao Changli , Liu Yan , Zhang Wenfeng , Shao Hongwei
Published: September 2022

Cytokine‐induced killer (CIK) cells are a group of highly heterogeneous T cells expressing diverse T‐cell antigen receptors (TCRs), but possessing wide major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐unrestricted antitumour activity, which have been used in the treatment of many tumours. However, the clonal diversity of different T‐cell subsets and whether there is a certain clonal preference during CIK culture remains to be clarified. We found that the proportion of oligoclones seen in some subfamilies of freshly isolated T cells decreased in varying degrees after culturing. This indicates that the diversity of T‐cell clones had been restored to a certain extent. The diversity differed among different T‐cell subsets, as some TCR subfamily oligoclones mainly appeared in CD3+CD56+ cells, which also indicates the heterogeneity of the CIK cell composition.
Thermophysical Properties in the YNbO4─ZrO2Pseudo‐Binary Phase Diagram with YNbO4‐Rich End
Authors: Wu Peng , Chen Lin , Li Hongxia , Wang Gang , Zhao Shixian , Feng Jing
Published: September 2022

The matrix YNbO4ceramics with a series of content of ZrO2is synthesized by the conventional solid‐state reaction method in the present article. Owing to the similarity in structure, the YNbO4parent lattice is capable of solubilizing a large number of Zr atoms until its content exceeds 30 mol%. Lattice distortion introduced by the dopant leads to the shift of X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) and the increase of full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the Raman‐active peak. The results of the scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy reveal that the ZrO2that exists in the YNbO4matrix as a second phase can significantly enhance polycrystalline sintering resistance, presenting minimum grain size under the same sintering condition. The results of thermophysical properties indicate that the investigated compositions in the YNbO4─ZrO2pseudo‐binary phase show lower thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity than that of both pure phases. The minimum thermal conductivity is 1.5 W m−1 K−1, which is lower than that of 8YSZ. Furthermore, its heat transfer obeys phonon to phonon and phonon to defect scattering mechanisms.
Stable Sodium‐Metal Batteries in Carbonate Electrolytes Achieved by Bifunctional, Sustainable Separators with Tailored Alignment
Authors: Wang Jing , Xu Zhen , Zhang Qicheng , Song Xin , Lu Xuekun , Zhang Zhenyu , Onyianta Amaka J. , Wang Mengnan , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Eichhorn Stephen J.
Published: September 2022

Sodium (Na) is the most appealing alternative to lithium as an anode material for cost‐effective, high‐energy‐density energy‐storage systems by virtue of its high theoretical capacity and abundance as a resource. However, the uncontrolled growth of Na dendrites and the limited cell cycle life impede the large‐scale practical implementation of Na‐metal batteries (SMBs) in commonly used and low‐cost carbonate electrolytes. Herein, the employment of a novel bifunctional electrospun nanofibrous separator comprising well‐ordered, uniaxially aligned arrays, and abundant sodiophilic functional groups is presented for SMBs. By tailoring the alignment degree, this unique separator integrates with the merits of serving as highly aligned ion‐redistributors to self‐orientate/homogenize the flux of Na‐ions from a chemical molecule level and physically suppressing Na dendrite puncture at a mechanical structure level. Remarkably, unprecedented long‐term cycling performances at high current densities (≥1000 h at 1 and 3 mA cm−2, ≥700 h at 5 mA cm−2) of symmetric cells are achieved in additive‐free carbonate electrolytes. Moreover, the corresponding sodium–organic battery demonstrates a high energy density and prolonged cyclability over 1000 cycles. This work opens up a new and facile avenue for the development of stable, low‐cost, and safe‐credible SMBs, which could be readily extended to other alkali‐metal batteries.
Thermally Annealed Molecular Layer‐Deposited Indicone: Structural Analysis and Area Selective Deposition Application
Authors: Lee Seunghwan , Baek GeonHo , Yang Hae Lin , Ngoc Van Tran Thi , Kim Seung‐Woo , Kim Young‐Kwan , Shong Bonggeun , Park Jin‐Seong
Published: September 2022

Semiconductor devices have become smaller, more complicated, and structuralized in three dimensions. Area selective deposition is one of the promising bottom‐up process techniques for self‐alignment or improved overlay to achieve errorless alignment. The surface chemistry is crucial to adjust precursor adsorption. In this research, graphitic carbon fabricated by molecular layer deposition is utilized for inhibiting precursor adsorption. An indicone film, which has an indium‐based metalcone structure, is fabricated using bis(trimethysily)‐amidodiethylindium and hydroquinone. The structure of the indicone film is reconstructed to graphitic carbon with a small oxygen content on the surface by a thermal annealing process. The atomic structures of as‐dep and thermally‐annealed indicone films are analyzed. The organic structure is transformed to graphitic carbon above an annealing temperature of 450 °C, where indium is completely removed with annealing temperatures above 600 °C. The thermally‐annealed indicone is used for deactivating film growth, which can delay 60 cycles of ZnO growth (equivalent to a thickness of ≈11 nm). In addition, to energetically demonstrate precursor adsorption on graphitic carbon, the density functional theory is utilized. Finally, ZnO as a blocking layer is selectively deposited on a grated line pattern to interconnect the SiO2 line pattern by transferring a hard mask.
Mn‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Peroxidation of Cyclobutanols: A Method for the Synthesis of 4‐Oxo Peroxides
Authors: Lou Chenhao , Lv Leiyang , Li Zhiping
Published: September 2022

A manganese‐catalyzed regioselective ring‐opening peroxidation of cyclobutanols has been disclosed. With this protocol, the C(sp3)−OOBu‐t bond could be efficiently constructed via the radical‐mediated C−C bond cleavage/coupling, allowing the facile access to a variety of 4‐oxo peroxides. Besides, the obtained peroxidation products could be readily transformed into other synthetically attractive skeletons.

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Strecker Reactions of Formaldehyde with TMSCN, Catalyzed by TBAF and Formic Acid: N‐Monocyanomethylation of Primary Amines
Authors: Liu Yunting , Zhang Jing , Zhang Jianyu , Pei Hongyan , Liu Xuegui , Jin Hui , Ryu Do Hyun , Zhang Lixin
Published: September 2022

A set of conditions for the Strecker reaction of formaldehyde, amines, and TMSCN that affords three‐component coupling adducts as the major products is reported. HCOOH and TBAF are used as cocatalysts and the TMSCN functions as both cyanide source and protecting reagent for amines. As a result, the side reactions were suppressed efficiently and a broad range of aromatic and aliphatic amines were mono‐cyanomethylated in 52–99% yield. Furthermore, this protocol was successfully applied toward the synthesis of meta‐diamide insecticides.

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Assessment of Spherical Graphite for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Techniques, China's Status, Production Market, and Recommended Policies for Sustainable Development
Authors: Huang Shanyan , Wang Wen , Cui Qingqing , Song Wei‐Li , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: September 2022

With the increasing application of natural spherical graphite in lithium‐ion battery negative electrode materials widely used, the sustainable production process for spherical graphite (SG) has become one of the critical factors to achieve the double carbon goals. The purification process of SG employs hydrofluoric acid process, acid–alkali process, high‐temperature process, and chlorination roasting process in the latter process. Currently, the most widely used processes in China are the hydrofluoric acid process and the acid–alkali process, but the implementation of China's new environmental protection policy has claimed higher demands on SG production. Aimed at China's environmental policies and the production situation, this article introduces the purification principles and compares processing technology characteristics of the four processes, respectively. A model of the four SG purification processes under the same production capacity is simulated to analyze the main constraints of production including pollutant emissions, raw materials, and energy used. Based on the analysis of the sustainability of the four purification processes, it can be concluded that the high temperature roasting process is the best way to maintain sustainable projects under the condition of overcoming its high cost, according to China.
Heterozygous deletion of the VEGFC gene in 4q34.3 is associated with Milroy‐like lymphedema: First prenatal case report
Authors: Huynh Minh‐Tuan , Degre Sophie , Joly‐Helas Géraldine , Bréon Cathy , Potel Stéphanie , Chambon Pascal , Bouligand Jérôme , Layet Valérie
Published: September 2022

Deleterious variants in the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) gene have been recently associated with Milroy‐like primary lymphedema, an autosomal dominant disorder, characterized mainly by swelling of the lower limbs due to functional impairment of the lymphatic vessels. To date, only 26 patients with congenital lymphedema harboring VEGFC pathogenic variants were documented. Here, we describe the first prenatal case of a fetus with Milroy‐like disease. Fetal ultrasound showed bilateral foot swelling. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed a 137‐kb copy number loss in 4q34.3 including only VEGFC gene in the propositus fetus. Segregation analysis showed that the deletion was inherited from the affected mother and grandmother. Taken together, our study highlights the important role of microarray analysis to detect subtle chromosomal imbalances in the prenatal setting and contributes to delineate the fetal phenotype of VEGFC‐related primary congenital lymphedema.
One step forward, two steps backward: The frailty of howler monkey conservation in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico
Authors: Dias Pedro A. D. , Rangel Negrín Ariadna
Published: September 2022

Most primate taxa are threatened by extinction and their populations are decreasing. The persistence of primates is thus conditional on conservation actions aimed at protecting them and their habitat. Here, we focus on the conservation of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Following the creation of the reserve in 1998, habitat availability and howler monkey abundance increased, suggesting that progress was being made in terms of the conservation of this species. Recent events, however, suggest otherwise, as mantled howler monkey habitat within the biosphere reserve is being disturbed by mining operations endorsed by the Mexican government. We report this case to raise awareness about the challenges for primate and habitat conservation in protected areas.
Thermal degradation of glycidyl esters in monoglycerides and mono‐ and diglyceride blends
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Sparsoe Flemming Vang , Bagger‐Jørgensen Rico , From Thomas Norup , Keskin Anna Kjaer , Miller Rasmus Leth
Published: September 2022

As side products of concern, glycidyl fatty acid esters (GE) are an unwanted impurity in food emulsifier production. This study investigates the reduction of the GE content in such monoglycerides and their blends with diglycerides (mono‐/diglycerides) by thermal post‐treatment. The results indicate that the kinetics of GE reduction and equilibrium concentrations largely depend on the specific temperatures applied. For instance, while reaching equilibrium levels of GE can take several weeks at 80°C, they can be reached within hours at 150°C. The thermal treatment can have, however, also negative impact on other quality parameters, like the content of monoglycerides in both, distilled monoglycerides and mono‐/diglycerides. Based on 47 laboratory and pilot trials the influence of post‐treatment temperatures between 80 and 200°C on reducing GE levels has been systematically investigated. The obtained data were analyzed by mathematical modeling.
Systemic Metabolic Alteration Dependent on the Thyroid‐Liver Axis in Early PD
Authors: Miyamoto Kengo , Saiki Shinji , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Suzuki Ayami , Yamashita Yuri , Iseki Tatou , Ueno Shin‐Ichi , Shiina Kenta , Kataura Tetsushi , Kamagata Koji , Imamichi Yoko , Sasazawa Yukiko , Fujimaki Motoki , Akamatsu Wado , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: September 2022

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by initial involvement of the olfactory bulb/amygdala or autonomic nerves followed by nigral degeneration. Although autonomic innervation strictly regulates multiorgan systems, including endocrine functions, circulation, and digestion, how dysautonomia in PD affects systemic metabolism has not been identified. In this study, we tried to estimate the pathogenic linkage of PD by nuclear medicine techniques, trans‐omic analysis of blood samples, and cultured cell experiments.

Methods

Thyroid mediastinum ratio of 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy was measured in 1,158 patients with PD. Furthermore, serum exosome miRNA transcriptome analysis and plasma metabolome analysis followed by trans‐omic analysis were performed in patients with de novo PD and age‐matched healthy control persons. Additionally, thyroid hormone was administered to skeletal muscle and liver derived cells to evaluate the effect of hypothyroidism for these organs.

Results

Sympathetic denervation of thyroid correlating with its cardiac denervation was confirmed in 1,158 patients with PD by MIBG scintigraphy. Among patients with drug‐naïve PD, comprehensive metabolome analysis revealed decreased levels of thyroxine and insufficient fatty acid β‐oxidation, which positively correlate with one another. Likewise, both plasma metabolome data and transcriptome data of circulating exosomal miRNAs, revealed specific enrichment of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPARα) axis. Finally, association of thyroid hormone with PPARα‐dependent β‐oxidation regulation was confirmed by in vitro experiments.

Interpretation

Our findings suggest that interorgan communications between the thyroid and liver are disorganized in the early stage of PD, which would be a sensitive diagnostic biomarker for PD. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:303–316
Exceeding 30 % External Quantum Efficiency in Non‐doped OLEDs Utilizing Solution Processable TADF Emitters with High Horizontal Dipole Orientation via Anchoring Strategy
Authors: Zhao Guimin , Liu Dan , Wang Panpan , Huang Xinping , Chen Haowen , Zhang Yuewei , Zhang Dongdong , Jiang Wei , Sun Yueming , Duan Lian
Published: September 2022

Strategies to enhance the ratio of the molecular horizontal emitting dipole orientation (Θ∥) for thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have unlocked the full potential of efficiencies for the evaporated devices, which, however, remain elusive for the solution‐processed ones. Here, a strategic molecular design for solution processable TADF emitters featuring high Θ∥s is proposed by attaching flexible chains ended with bipolar 9,9′‐spirobi[fluorene] subunits as anchoring groups onto TADF emitting core. It's unveiled that the anchoring groups not only enhance the horizontal orientation via enlarging molecular planarity, but also benefit the high photoluminescence in pristine films. The corresponding non‐doped solution processable OLEDs substantiate an unprecedented maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax)>30 %. Meanwhile, combining these compounds as TADF sensitizers, and multiple resonance final emitter, solution‐processed OLEDs achieve an EQEmaxof 25.6 % with a narrow full width at half maximum of 29 nm.
Ligational behavior of a new bis (bidentate NO) donor hydrazone towards Co (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II) ions: Preparation, spectral, thermal, biological, docking, and theoretical studies
Authors: Samy Fatma , Shebl Magdy
Published: September 2022

Reaction of 4,6‐bis(1‐hydrazonoethyl)benzene‐1,3‐diol with 3‐nitrobenzaldehyde gave the new bis (bidentate) hydrazone ligand; 4,6‐bis(3‐nitrobenzalen‐1‐yl)methylene)hydrazono)ethyl)benzene‐1,3‐diol (H2L; H2BisBD). Binuclear Co (II), Ni (II), and Cu (II) complexes of general formula ([M2BisBD(H2O)x (EtOH)y].nH2O; M = Co, Ni or Cu, x = 4 or 6, y = 2 or 0; n = 1 or 0) have been successfully prepared. The structures of H2BisBD and its complexes have been characterized by means of analytical, spectroscopic (infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, mass, UV–Vis, and electron spin resonance), molar conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility measurements and thermal gravimetric analysis. Octahedral geometrical structures were proposed for all complexes in which the hydrazone ligand behaves as a bis (monoanionic bidentate) via azomethine nitrogen and phenolic oxygen donor atoms. The scanning electron microscopy refers that the copper (II) complex is in the nano scale. The ligand and its complexes showed antitumor activity against Hepatocellular carcinoma. Complexation process improved the antitumor activity, and copper (II) complex showed a promising activity, which agree with docking data. Theoretical studies for the prepared compounds were calculated using Hyperchem program at PM3.
Effect of annealing on thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Zennaki Assia , Zair Latifa , Arabeche Khadidja , Benkraled Lina , Maschke Ulrich , Berrayah Abdelkader
Published: September 2022

Effects of annealing temperature (Ta: 80–140°C) and time (ta: 3‐30 h) on the crystalline phase transition in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In the DSC curves, the sample annealed at Ta = 80°C with time interval (ta: 10–30 h) demonstrates a peculiarly small exothermal peak (Texo) around 130°C, just prior to the melting point, corresponding to the disorder‐to‐order (α’‐to‐α) phase transition, while the sample annealed at temperature (Ta: 90–110°C) shows a double melting behavior considered as the α’‐α phase transition. Towards low temperatures, the glass modulus Eg reported by DMA thermograms, shows an important increase (~30,000 MPa) at Ta = 80°C for ta = 3 h, due to the extremely high self‐nucleation density in low‐crystallized PLA materials. After a sharp drop to 3600 MPa at Ta = 110°C, a marked improvement of Eg (15,900 MPa) is observed around Ta = 120°C for all samples, regardless of time ta. This interesting effect (improvement of Eg in the range Ta = 100–120°C) can be correlated with the grow of crystallinity in the same domain of Ta, and the α’‐α phase transition Ta (Ta: 90–110°C) determined by the double Tm melting DSC peak, which is confirmed by the increase of Tg for Ta = 90–110°C.
Preparation and properties evaluation of shape memory epoxy asphalt composites with high toughness and damping
Authors: Zhang Fenglei , Huang Wei , Zhang Lei , Liu Xiaodong , Muhammad Yaseen
Published: September 2022

Shape memory materials have received great scientific attention for engineering applications because of their unique memory recoverable properties. In this study, high toughness and strong damping shape memory epoxy asphalt composites (SMEAC) were prepared, which can be widely used in the fields of bridge self‐repairing expansion joints, crack sealants, vibration control, and damping devices in earthquake engineering. The mechanical properties, shape memory properties, and shape memory mechanism of SMEAC were analyzed by macroscopic and microscopic tests. The direct tensile tests showed that SMEAC has excellent toughness and strength. The temperature sweep test revealed that SMEAC has good damping properties. The shape memory recovery performance of SMEAC was analyzed by thermomechanical analyzer, and X‐ray diffraction showed the change of full width at half maxima in SMEAC before and after deformation at microscopic level. Infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy indicated that the asphalt phase in SMEAC could participate in the curing reaction, which enhanced the miscibility between the asphalt phase and the epoxy resin phase. Finally, the curing mechanism of epoxy asphalt composites was derived by combining infrared spectral analysis. This work provides a theoretical reference for developing new shape memory materials and open up a new application mode for epoxy asphalt.
A rheological method to characterize the molecular weight changes of polyamide 1012 during solid state polymerization
Authors: Liu Xinran , Wang Yu , Pang Yongyan , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: September 2022

In this study, a fast and convenient method that can characterize the molecular weight (MW) and its distribution (PDI) of polyamide 1012 after the solid‐state polymerization (SSP) was proposed with the rheological technique. Conventionally, polyamides have to be chemically modified to become soluble in an organic solvent suitable for the Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) measurement. Herein, to avoid the complex operation of chemical modification, the quantitative correlations between the rheological properties such as zero‐shear viscosity, complex viscosity, the frequency and modulus at the crossover point between the storage and loss modulus curves, and the obtained MW and PDI were established. Thus, without chemical modifications, the characterization of PA1012 during SSP becomes convenient and time saving, which is more approach to the real “on‐line” control of SSP. The lamellar thickening and SSP occur simultaneously above Tg during SSP. Its influence on the final results of SSP was studied. Furthermore, the impact of crystallinity of the raw materials on the SSP behavior was also investigated. The higher crystallinity can lead to a decrease in the SSP rate and final molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.
Properties of composite film based on sucrose polyaldehyde cross‐linked polyhydroxyethyl acrylate and starch
Authors: Zhuang Xuechen , Zhang Shufen , Ma Wei
Published: September 2022

Composite films composed of biocompatible polymers are used widely in biomedical and food packaging areas. In this work, a new composite film with superior mechanical properties and biodegradability is prepared. The film is composed of biocompatible polyhydroxyethyl acrylate (PHEA) and starch, whose molecular chains are cross‐linked using sucrose polyaldehyde (SPA), a green sucrose derivative. The composite film exhibits an optimal tensile strength and tensile strain of 11.5 MPa and 147.7%, respectively, which can be ascribed to the chemical cross‐linking and hydrogen bond interactions between PHEA and starch. The tests confirm that the composite film shows satisfactory mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability, and thus should have wide applicability in biomedicine, food packaging, and other fields.
Parameter optimization of moving horizon estimation based on hybrid intelligent algorithm
Authors: Zhang Bo , Jiang Aipeng , Qi Yanying , Jiang Jiaji , Wang Haokun , Kong Jundong
Published: September 2022

In the application of moving horizon estimation (MHE) algorithm, the window length will affect the estimation accuracy and the computing efficiency. For this kind of problem, a method of parameter optimization is proposed to obtain suitable window length. Firstly, in order to facilitate online solution, the optimization problem involved in the algorithm is transformed into a quadratic programming (QP) problem in matrix form. Secondly, for the time index and the estimated residual index that measure different properties, the normalization idea is adopted to incorporate them into the same dimension to design the fitness function, and a genetic optimization algorithm based on simulated annealing mechanism is given to search for the optimal window length. Finally, the proposed parameter optimization method is verified by two cases. The results show that the parameter optimization method has the advantages of excellent local search ability and sufficient convergence, and the window length obtained by this method can better take into account the two performance indexes of the MHE algorithm and improve the estimation performance.
Robust tracking control for operator‐based uncertain micro‐hand actuator with Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis
Authors: Li Xiaoyong , Bu Ni , Zhang Yuyi
Published: September 2022

Since the hysteresis property inherently exists in the rubber material, it is necessary to deal with the control issues for the micro‐hand by considering the hysteresis property. Therefore, in this paper, the robust tracking control for the micro‐hand systems is discussed from the aspect of the Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis property which is more applicable for the real applications. Firstly, a new model is obtained by combining the dynamic model of the micro‐hand with Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis property. Secondly, a new stability condition based on bounded input and bounded output stability is proposed for the Prandtl–Ishlinskii hysteresis modeled micro‐hand system from two different cases. Thirdly, by designing the robust controllers based on the internal model control method, the tracking performance can be improved by eliminating the effect from the disturbance. Finally, simulation is used to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme.
Metabolic engineering of Mannheimia succiniciproducens for malic acid production using dimethylsulfoxide as an electron acceptor
Authors: Lee Jong An , Ahn Jung Ho , Kim Gi Bae , Choi Sol , Kim Ji Yeon , Lee Sang Yup
Published: September 2022

Microbial production of various TCA intermediates and related chemicals through the reductive TCA cycle has been of great interest. However, rumen bacteria that naturally possess strong reductive TCA cycle have been rarely studied to produce these chemicals, except for succinic acid, due to their dependence on fumarate reduction to transport electrons for ATP synthesis. In this study, malic acid (MA), a dicarboxylic acid of industrial importance, was selected as a target chemical for mass production using Mannheimia succiniciproducens, a rumen bacterium possessing a strong reductive branch of the TCA cycle. The metabolic pathway was reconstructed by eliminating fumarase to prevent MA conversion to fumarate. The respiration system of M. succiniciproducens was reconstructed by introducing the Actinobacillus succinogenes dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) reductase to improve cell growth using DMSO as an electron acceptor. Also, the cell membrane was engineered by employing Pseudomonas aeruginosa cis‐trans isomerase to enhance MA tolerance. High inoculum fed‐batch fermentation of the final engineered strain produced 61 g/L of MA with an overall productivity of 2.27 g/L/h, which is the highest MA productivity reported to date. The systems metabolic engineering strategies reported in this study will be useful for developing anaerobic bioprocesses for the production of various industrially important chemicals.
Rapid and sensitive HPLC–MS/MS method for the quantification of dopamine, GABA, serotonin, glutamine and glutamate in rat brain regions after exposure to tobacco cigarettes
Authors: Alhusban Ala A. , Hammad Alaa M. , Alzaghari Lujain F. , Shallan Aliaa I. , Shnewer Khaldoun
Published: September 2022

Tobacco smoking is a preventable main cause of fatal diseases. Accurate measurements of the effects it has on neurotransmitters are essential in developing new strategies for smoking cessation. Moreover, measurements of neurotransmitter levels can aid in developing drugs that counteract the effects of smoking. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a fast, simultaneous and sensitive method for measuring the levels of neurotransmitters in rat brain after the exposure of tobacco cigarettes. The selected neurotransmitters include dopamine, GABA, serotonin, glutamine and glutamate. The method is based on high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation was achieved within 3 min using a Zorbax SB C18column (3.0 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm particle size). The mobile phase consisted of HPLC‐grade water and acetonitrile each containing 0.3% heptafluorobutyric acid and 0.5% formic acid at gradient conditions. The linear range was 0.015–0.07, 825–7,218, 140–520, 63.42–160.75 and 38.25 × 103to 110.35 × 103 ng/ml for dopamine, GABA, serotonin, glutamine and glutamate, respectively. Inter‐ and intra‐run accuracy were in the range 97.82–103.37% with a precision (CV%) of ≤0.90%. The results revealed that 4 weeks of cigarette exposure significantly increased neurotransmitter levels after exposure to tobacco cigarettes in various brain regions, including the hippocampus and the amygdala. This increase in neurotransmitters levels may in turn activate the nicotine dependence pathway.
Liver transplantation in rare late‐onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency with central nervous system injury: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jin Xin , Zeng Xinchen , Zhao Dong , Jiang Nan
Published: September 2022

Background

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is a genetic metabolic disease. Its clinical manifestations are mainly central nervous system dysfunction caused by high blood ammonia. Late‐onset OTCD combined with central nervous system injury has a poor therapeutic response, which is one of the main factors affecting the prognosis and quality of life of patients. liver transplantation (LT) has gradually become a radical treatment for OTCD, which has achieved good results. However, there is no consensus on the timing of LT and problems of nervous system damage and repair.

Methods

We report the development of late‐onset OTCD with central nervous system injury in an 11‐year‐old child who received liver transplantation at our transplant center. His first symptoms were nonprojectile vomiting, followed by irritability and disturbance of consciousness, after which the disease progressed rapidly and finally resulted in a coma. After liver transplantation, the child's consciousness returned to normal, muscle strength of the limbs gradually recovered from grade 0 to grade 4, and muscle tone gradually recovered from grade 4 to grade 1, suggesting that the motor nerves had gradually recovered. However, the child is currently mentally retarded, and the language center has not yet fully recovered.At the same time, we made a literature review of OTCD.

Conclusion

For OTCD patients with central nervous system injury, liver transplantation can fundamentally solve the problem of ammonia metabolism in the liver and avoids further damage to the central nervous system caused by hyperammonemia. At the same time, children's nervous systems are in the developmental stage when neuroplasticity is greatest. If liver transplantation is performed as soon as possible, nerve repair is still possible.
Herpes zoster prophylaxis: Essential for treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Lin Wen‐Ying , Tsai Chun‐Kuang , Yeh Chiu‐Mei , Chian Tin , Liu Yao‐Chung , Wang Hao‐Yuan , Ko Po‐Shen , Lin Ting‐An , Hsiao Liang‐Tsai , Chen Po‐Min , Gau Jyh‐Pyng , Liu Chia‐Jen
Published: September 2022

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is known for its immune disturbance and patients suffering from MM are thus vulnerable to opportunistic infections, including herpes zoster (HZ). As HZ infection remarkably affects patients' quality of life and poses huge economic burdens on the health system, we aim to identify the risk factors of HZ infection and evaluate the effects of different dosages, types, and durations of anti‐HZ prophylaxis drugs to prevent HZ infection.

Methods

551 MM patients at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2021 were restrospectively analyzed. The patients' baseline characteristics were recorded. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of HZ infection among the studied patient population. Due to the lack of cost coverage from Taiwanese public health insurance on HZ prophylaxis drugs, the use of anti‐HZ drugs mainly depends on physicians' preferences and patients' choices.

Results

In our study, prophylaxis was given to 283 of the patients. In the multivariate analysis, we included non‐prophylaxis, age ≥ 60, corrected serum calcium ≥12 mg/dl, serum creatinine ≥2 mg/dl, serum β2‐microglobulin ≥5500 mg/L, autologous stem cell transplant (SCT), and allogeneic SCT for analysis. Our results demonstrated that the non‐prophylaxis group (HR: 2.37, 95% CI 1.57–3.57) and patients receiving autologous SCT (HR: 2.22, 95% CI 1.28–3.86) and allogeneic SCT (HR: 5.12, 95% CI 1.13–23.22) had higher risk of HZ infection. The difference in dosage and types of anti‐HZ drugs showed similar protective effects. In patients who stopped anti‐HZ prophylaxis before active cancer‐related treatment, a higher risk of getting HZ infection compared to the corresponding group was also observed (adjusted HR 3.09, 95% CI 1.35–7.07, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

We concluded that MM patients should receive HZ prophylaxis drugs while receiving active cancer‐related treatment. Patients receiving SCT are also at high risk of getting HZ infection, even under prophylaxis.
Risk of metachronous contralateral breast cancer in patients with primary invasive lobular breast cancer: Results from a nationwide cohort
Authors: Akdeniz Delal , Kramer Iris , van Deurzen Carolien H. M. , Heemskerk‐Gerritsen Bernadette A. M. , Schaapveld Michael , Westenend Pieter J. , Voogd Adri C. , Jager Agnes , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Sleijfer Stefan , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Hooning Maartje J.
Published: September 2022

Lobular primary breast cancer (PBC) histology has been proposed as a risk factor for contralateral breast cancer (CBC), but results have been inconsistent. We investigated CBC risk and the impact of systemic therapy in lobular versus ductal PBC. Further, CBC characteristics following these histologic subtypes were explored. We selected 74,373 women diagnosed between 2003 and 2010 with stage I‐III invasive PBC from the nationwide Netherlands Cancer Registry. We assessed absolute risk of CBC taking into account competing risks among those with lobular (n = 8903), lobular mixed with other types (n = 3512), versus ductal (n = 62,230) histology. Hazard ratios (HR) for CBC were estimated in a cause‐specific Cox model, adjusting for age at PBC diagnosis, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and/or endocrine therapy. Multivariable HRs for CBC were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.04–1.33) for lobular and 1.37 (95% CI: 1.16–1.63) for lobular mixed versus ductal PBC. Ten‐year cumulative CBC incidences in patients with lobular, lobular mixed versus ductal PBC were 3.2%, 3.6% versus 2.8% when treated with systemic therapy and 6.6%, 7.7% versus 5.6% in patients without systemic therapy, respectively. Metachronous CBCs were diagnosed in a less favourable stage in 19%, 26% and 23% and less favourable differentiation grade in 22%, 33% and 27% than the PBCs of patients with lobular, lobular mixed and ductal PBC, respectively. In conclusion, lobular and lobular mixed PBC histology are associated with modestly increased CBC risk. Personalised CBC risk assessment needs to consider PBC histology, including systemic treatment administration. The impact on prognosis of CBCs with unfavourable characteristics warrants further evaluation.
Financial toxicity of patients with lung cancer in China: Results from a National Survey Study
Authors: Liu Meicen , Huang Dengmin , Liu Yuanli
Published: September 2022

Objective

To develop a comprehensive understanding of financial toxicity (FT) among patients with lung cancer in China and the major factors affecting FT.

Methods

Drawing from a national cross‐sectional survey, which used the validated comprehensive score for financial toxicity (COST) questionnaire, we estimated the prevalence and degree of FT. Patient coping actions were investigated. Pearson's chi tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to evaluate the predictors of FT in patients with lung cancer.

Results

The median score of FT was 20 (scored on a range of 0–44, with lower scores indicating more severe toxicity). Altogether, 77% of the sample patients had FT (COST <26), 54.5% had mild FT (COST 14–25), and 22.5% had moderate and severe FT (COST 0–13). Living in the less‐developed western region of China, being male, having a lower educational level, lower annual family income, and advanced stage or worse self‐reported health status were significantly related to higher FT than their counterparts (p < 0.05). Patients with higher FT tended to have a lower level of medical compliance, a higher risk of incurring debts, and reduced living expenditures relative to those with lower FT.

Conclusion

Despite China's remarkable progress in the past two decades with regard to Universal Healthcare Coverage, FT still presents a serious challenge for patients with lung cancer. Keen attention must be paid to reducing the disproportionate high financial risks of patients with low socioeconomic status.
Phenolic Glucosides from the Leaves of Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia
Authors: Sun Jing , Li Manman , Wang Yongru , Chang Chuang , Pei Yujie , Zeng Kewu , Zhao Yunfang , Zheng Jiao , Song Yuelin , Tu Pengfei , Huo Huixia , Li Jun
Published: September 2022

Four new phenolic glucosides, cannabifolins G–J (1–4), together with four known ones (5–8), were isolated from the leaves of Vitex negundo var. cannabifolia. Their structures were established by comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data and comparison of their spectroscopic and physical data with the literature values. Compound 7 exhibited weak inhibition of nitric oxide production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in BV‐2 microglial cells with IC50 value of 132.8 μM.
LaCoxFe1‐xO3‐δ‐QDs/CNTs Composite as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yang Haidong , Wang Qianyi , Ren Jiajia , Chang Shan , Zhang Yongfeng
Published: September 2022

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical half‐reaction in the process of electrochemical water splitting, which has been researched a lot in last few years. Nevertheless, OER has high overpotential and sluggish reaction kinetics. Therefore, preparing non‐noble metal catalysts with high surface activity to decrease the activation energy of the reaction is the key to solving these problems. Herein, we report a facile development of an electrocatalyst for OER. The composites of perovskite oxide quantum dots with abundant oxygen vacancies attached to oxidized carbon nanotubes (LaCoxFe1‐xO3‐δ‐QDs/CNTs) were manufactured by sodium borohydride reduction method. The results evidence that the optimized LaCo0.5Fe0.5O2.603‐QDs/CNTs sample exhibits optimal electrocatalytic performance (with an overpotential of 210 mV at 10 mA/cm2) and prominent stability towards OER. It should attribute to quantum dots structure, suitable Co/Fe ratio, fitting calcination temperature, appropriate oxygen vacancy concentration. This work will offer novel inspiration for the research and evolution of non‐precious metal catalysts with improved performance.