bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Kirigami Multi‐Stable Flexible Gripper with Energy‐Free Configurations Switching
Authors: Qi Zhifeng , Sun Xiuting , Xu Jian
Published: April 2024

Inspired by the kirigami and recombination mechanism, a kirigami flexible gripper is presented. The configuration variation behaviors are realized by recombinant kirigami segments, and thus, with only head segment actuation, the gripper slickly deforms among different configurations. Revolutionizing the conventional deployable systems, the proposed design methodology can realize configuration variation‐locking integration, and reusing of multi‐stability property. To realize rapid configuration switching with the lowest energy input, a nested origami actuation, called trigger structure, is given. Furthermore, advanced design for the trigger structure is carried out, broadening the bistable state to four‐stable geometric configurations for enhanced reachable space of the flexible gripper. By combining the design of the advanced trigger structure, the flexible gripper enables an energy‐free switching behavior between deployed and curled configurations in symmetrical and asymmetrical planes. The asymmetrical configurations, induced by the multi‐stability property of the advanced trigger structure, make the flexible gripper appropriate for various moving velocities capture. The proposed kirigami multi‐stable flexible gripper has significant capture capability for moving targets with different types and motion attitudes. Summarily, the proposed kirigami multi‐stable flexible gripper opens a new avenue for flexible robots, with potential applications in space exploration, grippers, and beyond.
Volume Transfer: A New Design Concept for Fabric‐Based Pneumatic Exosuits
Authors: Liu Chendong , Yang Dapeng , Chen Jiachen , Dai Yiming , Jiang Li , Liu Hong
Published: April 2024

The fabric‐based pneumatic exosuit is now a hot research topic because it is lighter and softer than traditional exoskeletons. Existing research focuses more on the mechanical properties of the exosuit (e.g., torque and speed), but less on its wearability (e.g., appearance and comfort). This work presents a new design concept for fabric‐based pneumatic exosuits: volume transfer, which means transferring the volume of pneumatic actuators beyond the garment's profile to the inside. This allows for a concealed appearance and a larger stress area while maintaining adequate torques. In order to verify this concept, a fabric‐based pneumatic exosuit is developed for knee extension assistance. Its profile is only 26 mm and its stress area wraps around almost half of the leg. A mathematical model and simulation is used to determine the parameters of the exosuit, avoiding multiple iterations of the prototype. Experiment results show that the exosuit can generate a torque of 7.6 Nm at a pressure of 90 kPa and produce a significant reduction in the electromyography activity of the knee extensor muscles. It is believed that volume transfer can be utilized prevalently in future fabric‐based pneumatic exosuit designs to achieve a significant improvement in wearability.
Meter‐Scale Distance Manipulation of Diverse Objects with Jet‐Induced Airflow Field
Authors: Haeri Shahriar , Kopitca Artur , Kandemir Hakan , Zhou Quan
Published: April 2024

In nature, wind can transport objects of diverse shapes and materials over long distances spanning meters or beyond. In contrast, most noncontact manipulation methods are effective only over centimeter‐scale distances and require the manipulated objects to have specific magnetic, electrical, or other material properties and shapes. Herein, a meter‐scale distance manipulation method is presented for controlling the motion of objects of diverse shapes and materials on a plane surface using a jet‐induced airflow field. The airflow field is varied by controlling the direction of a single air jet projected onto a surface based on the positions of objects to steer the objects to follow desired trajectories up to 2.7 m away. A wide variety of objects can be automatically manipulated, from regularly shaped polystyrene hemispheres and sticks to irregularly shaped cotton wads and face masks as well as deformable tissue papers and plastic bags. The method is also robust, effectively manipulating objects under challenging conditions, e.g., external airflow disturbances, surface obstacles, and air–water interface. Finally, three application cases are demonstrated: collecting diverse objects into a target receptacle, hooking and retrieving heavy objects with a tethered mobile agent, and closing an electrical circuit with an untethered soft agent.
Atrophy links lower novelty‐related locus coeruleus connectivity to cognitive decline in preclinical AD
Authors: Schneider Christoph , Prokopiou Prokopis C. , Papp Kathryn V. , Engels‐Domínguez Nina , Hsieh Stephanie , Juneau Truley A. , Schultz Aaron P. , Rentz Dorene M. , Sperling Reisa A. , Johnson Keith A. , Jacobs Heidi I. L.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Animal research has shown that tau pathology in the locus coeruleus (LC) is associated with reduced norepinephrine signaling, lower projection density to the medial temporal lobe (MTL), atrophy, and cognitive impairment. We investigated the contribution of LC‐MTL functional connectivity (FCLC‐MTL) on cortical atrophy across Braak stage regions and its impact on cognition.

METHODS

We analyzed functional magnetic resonance imaging and amyloid beta (Aβ) positron emission tomography data from 128 cognitively normal participants, associating novelty‐related FCLC‐MTL with longitudinal atrophy and cognition with and without Aβ moderation.

RESULTS

Cross‐sectionally, lower FCLC‐MTL was associated with atrophy in Braak stage II regions. Longitudinally, atrophy in Braak stage 2 to 4 regions related to lower baseline FCLC‐MTL at elevated levels of Aβ, but not to other regions. Atrophy in Braak stage 2 regions mediated the relation between FCLC‐MTL and subsequent cognitive decline.

DISCUSSION

FCLC‐MTL is implicated in Aβ‐related cortical atrophy, suggesting that LC‐MTL connectivity could confer neuroprotective effects in preclinical AD.

Highlights

Novelty‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) LC‐medial temporal lobe (MTL) connectivity links to longitudinal Aβ‐dependent atrophy.

This relationship extended to higher Braak stage regions with increasing Aβ burden.

Longitudinal MTL atrophy mediated the LC‐MTL connectivity–cognition relationship.

Our findings mirror the animal data on MTL atrophy following NE signal dysfunction.
A multistimuli‐responsive recyclable poly(vinyl alcohol)/perylene imide hydrogel of high‐performance piezoresistive sensors for human wearable devices
Authors: Ji Ao , Luo Xingqi , Yang Xinguo
Published: April 2024

Multiple factors stimulate human beings in their daily lives, but uniformly collecting these signals is challenging. This study proposes a physically cross‐linked method that employs hydrogen bonding interactions to prepare poly(vinyl alcohol)/perylene imide (PVA/PI) hydrogels. The prepared PVA/PI hydrogels demonstrate favorable compressive strength (45–75 kPa) and adhesion properties. At room temperature, elongation reaches approximately 400%. Additionally, the PVA/PI hydrogels exhibit strong mechanical properties, with a maximum elongation of 200%, and high ionic‐electronic conductivity of 29.6 S m−1, even after being soaked in a 2 M HCl solution for 24 h. The water‐soluble PI in the PVA/PI hydrogels is environmentally responsive, resulting in a current response time of 100 ms under 365 nm irradiation, as well as reversible fluorescence changes across different pH levels. Both the PVA5/PI1 and PVA5/PI1/HCl2 (the concentrations were 5 wt%, 1 mg mL−1 and 2 mol L−1, respectively) hydrogels demonstrate high sensitivity (0.49 and 7.88 kPa−1) and a wide pressure monitoring range (0.088–30.67 kPa and 0.088–18.67 kPa, respectively) as pressure sensors. The first developed recyclable PVA/PI hydrogel shows promise for use in wearable sensing devices and is expected to be applied in complex environments.
Evaluation of elastomer suitability for CCUS: Chemical compatibility and rapid gas decompression in supercritical CO2
Authors: Yun Jushik , Zolfaghari Alireza , Marya Manuel
Published: April 2024

The equipment of carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) infrastructure demands a range of elastomers fully compatible with CO2 phases. In this paper, the typical oilfield elastomers, perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), fluoroelastomer (FKM), tetrafluoroethylene propylene elastomer (FEPM), and hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR), were studied for their chemical compatibility and rapid gas decompression (RGD) in 100% supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2). At a given test condition, all selected oilfield compounds passed the ISO 23936‐2 acceptance compatibility criteria after 28‐day aging at 100 C and 34.5 MPa in sCO2. After aging, the elongations at break of the FFKM and FEPM compounds increased; tensile strength for FEPM decreased. In contrast to FFKM and FEPM, FKM and HNBR exhibited both lower elongations at break and lower tensile strengths. The moduli of the various elastomers consistently decreased after the sCO2 aging. The RGD testing revealed that all compounds were capable of passing the RGD ISO 23936‐2 criteria. Complementary material analyses by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry along with surface morphology analyses were also conducted to gain additional insight into the suitability of the selected elastomers for sCO2 service.
Synergistic effects of silane‐modified carbon black and nano‐silica hybrid fillers on the performance of natural rubber compounds
Authors: Mofrad Farzaneh Jaberi , Ahmadpour Ali , Movahed Saeed Ostad
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the efficiency of already developed surface‐modified carbon black (CB), both independently and in conjunction with nano‐silica, as a hybrid filler, to the properties of natural rubber (NR) compounds. The modification process, followed by coupling agent treatment, enhanced cross‐link density and curing characteristics, though the inclusion of nano‐silica alone negatively affected curing due to its inherent polarity and tendency to agglomerate. The filled compounds with modified CB exhibited significant improvements in mechanical properties, notably tear resistance. Moreover, the combination of nano‐silica with modified CB yielded compounds with superior tear resistance, attributed to synergistic effects. CB surface modification exhibited varying effects on the glass transition temperature, with enhancements observed in tan δ at lower temperatures, indicating improved ice and wet grip potential. Also, it reduced rolling resistance after treatment with a coupling agent. While thermal stability remained consistent across the studied compounds, swelling resistance varies with filler type and ratio. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the positive impact of CB surface modification on the elasticity and chain mobility of the investigated rubber compounds. It was concluded that the strategic selection of fillers and modification approaches were essential for achieving optimal results in the rubber compound's performance and application.
Visible Light‐Catalyzed Reactions of Polysulfide (DBSPS) with Aryldiazonium
Authors: Tang Ling‐Juan , Zhu Wei‐Chen , Deng Hong‐He , Jiang Yi‐Fan , Liu Xin‐Yu , Rao Weidong , Shen Shu‐Su , Song Ping , Wang Shun‐Yi
Published: April 2024

A visible light‐catalyzed radical coupling reaction of polysulfide reagents with aryldiazonium was developed, which gave thiosulfonates under mild conditions. In this reaction, the thiosulfonates were isolated in good yields with a broad tolerance to functional groups. And the synthesis of diaryl monosulfides were achieved through a step‐by‐step reaction of two molecular aryldiazonium with DBSPS, where the sulfur source was provided by DBSPS. It was worth noting that the reaction of this monosulfides could also be achieved by a one pot two‐step process. The described polysulfide reagents were able to produce three new radicals: sulfonyl radicals, sulfur‐sulfonyl radicals and sulfur‐sulfur‐sulfonyl radicals.
Efficient Radical‐Mediated Intermolecular α‐Alkylation Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds with Nonactivated Alkenes
Authors: Yamashita Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Shū
Published: April 2024

Alkylation reactions are fundamental carbon‐carbon bond‐forming reactions in synthetic organic chemistry. Among them, intermolecular α‐alkylation reactions of carbonyl compounds with alkenes are important because they are more atom‐economical than the equivalent processes using alkyl halides. However, intermolecular reactions with nonactivated alkenes such as 1‐hexene, which can allow the use of a wide range of valuable substrates, have been considered to be very challenging for a long time. In this review, radical‐mediated intermolecular α‐alkylation reactions of carbonyl compounds with nonactivated alkenes are discussed. The examples are grouped into three types of reactions: peroxide‐mediated reactions, metal‐oxidant‐mediated reactions, and photoactivated reactions. Photoredox‐catalyzed alkylation reactions under visible‐light irradiation are discussed as a particularly promising recent hot topic. This review provides brief history and new prospects on the α‐alkylation process with nonactivated alkenes using α‐carbonyl radical species.
Real‐time coded measures in natural language samples capture change over time in minimally verbal autistic children
Authors: La Valle Chelsea , Shen Lue , Shih Wendy , Kasari Connie , Lord Catherine , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: April 2024

Prior research supports the use of natural language sampling (NLS) to assess the rate of speech utterances (URate) and the rate of conversational turns (CTRate) in minimally verbal (MV) autistic children. Bypassing time‐consuming transcription, previous work demonstrated the ability to derive URate and CTRate using real‐time coding methods and provided support for their strong psychometric properties. (1) Unexplored is how URate and CTRate using real‐time coding methods capture change over time and (2) whether specific child factors predict changes in URate and CTRate in 50 MV autistic children (40 males; M = 75.54, SD = 16.45 (age in months)). A NLS was collected at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2) (4.5 months between T1 and T2) and coding was conducted in ELAN Linguistic Annotator software using a real‐time coding approach to derive URate and CTRate. Findings from paired samples Wilcoxon tests revealed a significant increase in child URate (not examiner URate) and child and examiner CTRate from T1 to T2. Child chronological age, Mullen expressive language age equivalent scores, and URate and CTRate at T1 were predictive of URate and CTRate at T2. Findings support using NLS‐derived real‐time coded measures of URate and CTRate to efficiently capture change over time in MV autistic children. Identifying child factors that predict changes in URate and CTRate can help in the tailoring of goals to children's individual needs and strengths.
Scalable Fabrication of Flexible Supercapacitor Electrodes Using Sustainable Water‐Based Onion‐like Carbon Inks
Authors: Bauer Christian , Neff Tobias , Day Adam , Krueger Anke
Published: April 2024

The increasing usage of electrical energy storage solutions demands for cost effective, scalable and sustainable manufacturing technologies. Deposition of functional inks, carrying electrochemically active materials is a suitable technique as it delivers material with selected properties only to required locations. However, the production of stable dispersions featuring high concentrations of active material ‐ necessary for effective deposition ‐ is challenging. Here we present an approach to print supercapacitor electrodes with onion‐like carbon as active material, using a simple, cost‐effective process as well as a water‐based ink. The ink is highly stable and can be deposited by spray and inkjet techniques. The fabricated electrodes offer a capacitance of up to 14 mF cm−2 (27 F g−1) and retained 97 % of their initial capacitance after 5000 cycles, demonstrating excellent performance and stability of the coating.
Effects of script‐fading on social initiations during discrete‐trial teaching with children with autism
Authors: Freeman Amanda S. , Reeve Sharon A. , MacDuff Gregory S. , Reeve Kenneth F. , DeBar Ruth M.
Published: April 2024

The present study evaluated the use of auditory scripts and script‐fading procedures to teach three children with autism to request additional instruction, select teaching materials, and solicit confirmation during discrete‐trial teaching. Scripts were placed on instructional materials to evoke initiations, and script fading strategies were used to transfer stimulus control to the materials used for each discrete‐trial activity. A multiple‐probe across‐activities design was used. Generalization of initiations was promoted by teaching to multiple exemplars, including common stimuli, and using naturally maintaining contingencies. The results showed that scripts and script‐fading procedures were effective in increasing the number of initiations made during discrete‐trial teaching, and generalization across activities, settings, and instructors. These procedures provide a way to increase the number of opportunities for initiations during discrete‐trial teaching in place of passively waiting between instructor‐initiated trials.
Evaluation of online text‐based information resources of gynaecological cancer symptoms
Authors: DiSipio Tracey , Scholte Cate , Diaz Abbey
Published: April 2024

Background

Gynaecological cancer symptoms are often vague and non‐specific. Quality health information is central to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate the quality of online text‐based patient information resources regarding gynaecological cancer symptoms.

Methods

A targeted website search and Google search were conducted to identify health information resources published by the Australian government and non‐government health organisations. Resources were classified by topic (gynaecological health, gynaecological cancers, cancer, general health); assessed for reading level (Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, SMOG) and difficulty (Flesch Reading Ease, FRE); understandability and actionability (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, PEMAT, 0–100), whereby higher scores indicate better understandability/actionability. Seven criteria were used to assess cultural inclusivity specific for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; resources which met 3–5 items were deemed to be moderately inclusive and 6+ items as inclusive.

Results

A total of 109 resources were identified and 76% provided information on symptoms in the context of gynaecological cancers. The average readability was equivalent to a grade 10 reading level on the SMOG and classified as ‘difficult to read’ on the FRE. The mean PEMAT scores were 95% (range 58–100) for understandability and 13% (range 0–80) for actionability. Five resources were evaluated as being moderately culturally inclusive. No resource met all the benchmarks.

Conclusions

This study highlights the inadequate quality of online resources available on pre‐diagnosis gynaecological cancer symptom information. Resources should be revised in line with the recommended standards for readability, understandability and actionability and to meet the needs of a culturally diverse population.
In vitro Evaluation of Fungal Susceptibility and Inhibition of Virulence by Diosgenin
Authors: do Socorro Costa Maria , da Silva Ana Raquel Pereira , Santos Araújo Juliana , dos Santos Antonia Thassya Lucas , Fonseca Victor Juno Alencar , Gonçalves Alencar Gabriel , Moura Talysson Felismino , Gonçalves Sheila Alves , Filho José Maria Barbosa , Morais‐Braga Maria Flaviana Bezerra , Andrade‐Pinheiro Jacqueline Cosmo , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo
Published: April 2024

Fungal infections are a public health problem that mainly affects immunosuppressed people, Candida spp. have been responsible for most sources of contamination and invasive fungal infections described around the world. The need arises to find new therapeutic approaches to combat growing infections. Plants and natural products have been considered a valuable source for discovering new molecules with active ingredients. Diosgenin is a sapogenin found in the families of Leguminosae and Dioscoreaceae, it is obtained mainly from the dioscin saponin through the hydrolysis method, it is a phytochemical that has been highlighted in the treatment of various diseases, as well as in combating microbial resistance. The present study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of fungal strains to diosgenin, as well as verify the association with the reference drug and evaluate the inhibition of the virulence factor through morphological changes in the yeast state to the filamentous form of hyphae and pseudohyphae in strains of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei using the broth microdilution method and microculture technique. Antifungal assays revealed that diosgenin was not able to inhibit the growth of the tested strains. However, it was able to inhibit the fungal dimorphism of the strains evaluated, however further studies are recommended to verify its effectiveness against other virulence factors.
Effectiveness of late coronary angioplasty in restoring sinus rhythm in inferior wall myocardial infarction with complete AV block
Authors: Liegise Avitso , Naro Lanu
Published: April 2024

An elderly gentleman presenting late with inferior wall myocardial infarction and complete heart block underwent revascularization of an occluded proximal right coronary artery more than 4 days after the onset of symptoms and recovered sinus rhythm within 48 h of the procedure. There are no clear guidelines for time to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in late‐presenting myocardial infarction with complete atrioventricular blocks (CAVB), and studies looking at outcomes of primary PCI in this situation appear to be scarce. The case presented here is a good example of the relevance of late PCI.
Serum brain natriuretic peptide levels may be a useful marker for early diagnosis of cardiomyopathy secondary to neuroblastoma: A case report
Authors: Fujiyama Natsumi , Matsuo Osamu , Yamashita Takahiro , Kohrogi Kensaku , Miyamura Fumiya , Anan Tadashi , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Cardiomyopathy is a rare but serious complication associated with neuroblastoma. The brain natriuretic peptide level led to a diagnosis of secondary dilated cardiomyopathy before the worsening of heart failure symptoms.
Sublingual administration of atropine eye drops for treating organophosphorus poisoning
Authors: Hirayama Ichiro , Kamijo Yoshito , Nonaka Minaho , Yano Tetsuhiro , Ishii Mitsuru , Tominaga Yoshiteru
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

An 89‐year‐old patient with fenitrothion toxicity received sublingual atropine eye drops, reducing the intravenous atropine requirement. This alternative method enabled rapid rehabilitation, and he walked unaided, leading to discharge.
Successful haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with severe pancytopenia developed after long‐term aplastic anemia treatment
Authors: Sakurai Kazuki , Saito Kei , Hatta Shunsuke , Katsuoka Yuna , Meguro Kuniaki , Yokoyama Hisayuki , Izumi Toru
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with posttransplant cyclophosphamide is an alternative treatment for aplastic anemia–paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) syndrome with poor prognostic factors. Ravulizumab treatment for PNH before HSCT might have a beneficial effect.
Potential diagnostic challenges of intracerebral hemorrhage as an index presentation of metastatic choriocarcinoma: A case series
Authors: Kyei‐Fram Seth , Asamoah Osei Yaw , Agyei Martin , Opare‐Addo Priscilla Abrafi
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

In young women presenting with atypical features of intracerebral hemorrhage, metastatic choriocarcinoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis. In resource‐poor settings, a high index of suspicion and serum β‐hCG are crucial for diagnosis.

Intracerebral hemorrhage in the young is rarely caused by metastatic choriocarcinoma. Diagnosis of this condition may be particularly challenging in resource‐poor settings where access to diagnostic technologies may be limited. We present a case series of three young females diagnosed with metastatic choriocarcinoma after initially presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage, each demonstrating unique clinical manifestations. We aim to highlight the diagnostic considerations in the management of this infrequently encountered cause of intracerebral hemorrhage, especially in resource‐constrained settings. Case 1 involved a 21‐year‐old woman who was initially diagnosed with intracerebral hemorrhage likely of tumoral origin from an unknown primary source. Further evaluation revealed extremely high levels of β‐hCG and features suggestive of an intrauterine malignancy, which led to a diagnosis of metastatic choriocarcinoma. This further became complicated by pulmonary embolism. Unfortunately, she succumbed to respiratory failure during treatment. Case 2 is a young woman who presented to the emergency unit and was managed as a case of lobar intracerebral hemorrhage. Further checks revealed a previous history of hysterectomy done on account of placental site trophoblastic tumor, which promoted an evaluation for choriocarcinoma. Case 3 involved a 20‐year‐old patient who initially presented with headache and vomiting. An enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed a large subacute right temporal occipital subependymal hemorrhage with mass effect. After probing further, we discovered that she underwent exploratory laparotomy for suspected ruptured ectopic gestation, which later turned out to be a gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. After further evaluation a diagnosis of choriocarcinoma with brain metastasis. Our case series emphasizes the importance of having a high index suspicion in young females who present with atypical features of ICH. The varied clinical scenarios highlight the challenges in diagnosing young females. It also underscores the critical role of serum ‐hCG, especially in resource‐limited settings where biopsies are not readily available. Building a repository of these diverse manifestations is essential for increasing the index of suspicion and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Exploration of an atomic‐scale boron additive in SiAlON ceramics
Authors: McGarrity Kade A. , Tumurugoti Priyatham , Ning Kaijie , George Christy , Yan Yonggang , Wang Kun , Shulman Holly
Published: April 2024

SiAlON ceramics are of interest for high‐risk applications such as biomedical implants and combustion engine turbines. This work is part of a larger study aimed at leveraging atomic‐ or molecular‐scale additives to control the densification, microstructures, and ultimate structural properties of SiAlONs. Here, we investigate the effects of boron in silicon nitride‐based ceramics. The present work demonstrates a possible chemical method for controlling the microstructural development of SiAlONs by incorporating boric acid (H3BO3) into the starting powder blend. Raman spectroscopy and 11B solid‐state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance cooperatively indicate that after sintering, boron exists in threefold coordination with nitrogen in the turbostratic boron nitride (t‐BN) structure. The results of this work indicate that the incorporation of boron and generation of t‐BN bonding in the SiAlON system result in a narrower grain size distribution, a suppression of second phases such as yttrium aluminosilicates, and ultimately, increased flexure strength. A separate fractographic study showed that SiAlONs fabricated with 3 wt% boric acid exhibited fracture origins such as subtle surface flaws or cracks, while lower dopant levels and undoped SiAlONs typically failed from flaws such as inclusions or large grains. It is argued that the modification of the intergranular glass chemistry and resulting generation of t‐BN reduces atomic diffusion through the grain boundary phase and inhibits the crystallization of second phases as well as exaggerated grain growth that often characterizes the development of β′‐SiAlON.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Cyclic Trimer of a Chiral Spirosilabifluorene
Authors: Nakazono Rina , Hu Weizhe , Hirose Takashi , Amaya Toru
Published: April 2024

A chiral shape‐persistent macrocyclic compound (Si‐[3]), designed by the C/Si substitution in the spiro‐atom of spirobifluorene in the cyclic trimer (C‐[3]), has been successfully synthesized in this study. The C/Si substitution made the spiro‐conjugation and energy levels of HOMO and LUMO decrease. Due to the silicon substitution, the macrocyclic compound Si‐[3] was able to be degraded by fluoride ions, but its reaction rate was slower than that of the unsubstituted spirosilabifluorene, showing the chemical stability of Si‐[3]. Furthermore, the chiroptical properties of Si‐[3] with D3‐symmetric macrocyclic structure were investigated, and (P,P,P)‐Si‐[3] showed a high emission quantum yield (Φf=80 %) and moderate dissymmetry factor of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) (glum,exp=−1.2×10−3). According to the time‐dependent density‐functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations using polarizable continuum model (PCM), the bright CPL from Si‐[3] was explained by a planarization of one bisilafluorenyl moiety at the excited state, which is responsible for the almost fully‐allowed radiative transition with a short emission lifetime of τf=1.89 ns.
Microstructure‐based modeling of primary cilia mechanics
Authors: Mostafazadeh Nima , Resnick Andrew , Young Y.‐N. , Peng Zhangli
Published: April 2024

A primary cilium, made of nine microtubule doublets enclosed in a cilium membrane, is a mechanosensing organelle that bends under an external mechanical load and sends an intracellular signal through transmembrane proteins activated by cilium bending. The nine microtubule doublets are the main load‐bearing structural component, while the transmembrane proteins on the cilium membrane are the main sensing component. No distinction was made between these two components in all existing models, where the stress calculated from the structural component (nine microtubule doublets) was used to explain the sensing location, which may be totally misleading. For the first time, we developed a microstructure‐based primary cilium model by considering these two components separately. First, we refined the analytical solution of bending an orthotropic cylindrical shell for individual microtubule, and obtained excellent agreement between finite element simulations and the theoretical predictions of a microtubule bending as a validation of the structural component in the model. Second, by integrating the cilium membrane with nine microtubule doublets and simulating the tip‐anchored optical tweezer experiment on our computational model, we found that the microtubule doublets may twist significantly as the whole cilium bends. Third, besides being cilium‐length‐dependent, we found the mechanical properties of the cilium are also highly deformation‐dependent. More important, we found that the cilium membrane near the base is not under pure in‐plane tension or compression as previously thought, but has significant local bending stress. This challenges the traditional model of cilium mechanosensing, indicating that transmembrane proteins may be activated more by membrane curvature than membrane stretching. Finally, we incorporated imaging data of primary cilia into our microstructure‐based cilium model, and found that comparing to the ideal model with uniform microtubule length, the imaging‐informed model shows the nine microtubule doublets interact more evenly with the cilium membrane, and their contact locations can cause even higher bending curvature in the cilium membrane than near the base.
Investigating the Serum Albumin Binding Behavior of Naphthalimide Based Fluorophore Conjugates: Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Approach
Authors: Gupta Rohini , Paul Kamaldeep
Published: April 2024

In the present study, naphthalimide‐pyrazole‐benzothiazole based fluorescent analogs were synthesized by substituting different primary and secondary amines on the naphthalimide nucleus and were evaluated for their sensitivity and selectivity towards serum albumin. Among various synthesized analogues compound 25 showed the most significant change with serum albumin and was further studied for selective detection and mode of interaction with serum albumin. Here, we compared the binding interaction of fluorescent probe 25 for variation/detection of two 76 % structurally resembling proteins HSA and BSA, by spectroscopic experiments. The compound shows more selectivity for HSA and BSA with a higher binding constant and evident visible change in the emission spectra of two serum albumins among different bioanalytes. The mode of interaction of 25 with human serum albumin and bovine serum albumin was investigated by FT‐IR, circular dichroism, and DLS techniques to find out the change in the microenvironment and variation in the structure of serum albumin proteins. Higher binding affinity and specific selectivity of 25 with a limit of detection of 0.69 μM and 1.4 μM towards HSA and BSA compared to other bioanalytes make it a significant fluorescent probe for quantitatively detecting serum albumins at the very early stage of many fatal diseases.
Bringing proton therapy to India: The recent article from Gupta et al. on revolutionizing cancer treatment in India
Authors: Mendenhall Nancy P.
Published: April 2024

Gupta et al. have outlined a rational approach for bringing the promising emerging technology of proton therapy to India. Their roadmap is based on consensus‐driven prioritization systems (American Society for Radiation Oncology guidelines), careful assessment of population needs, and careful consideration of economics.
Neurodegenerative disease pathways are perturbed in patients with cancer who self‐report cognitive changes and anxiety: A pathway impact analysis
Authors: Oppegaard Kate R. , Mayo Samantha J. , Armstrong Terri S. , Dokiparthi Vasuda , Melisko Michelle , Levine Jon D. , Olshen Adam B. , Anguera Joaquin A. , Roy Ritu , Paul Steven , Cooper Bruce , Conley Yvette P. , Hammer Marilyn J. , Miaskowski Christine , Kober Kord M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Cancer‐related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and anxiety co‐occur in patients with cancer. Little is known about mechanisms for the co‐occurrence of these two symptoms. The purposes of this secondary analysis were to evaluate for perturbed pathways associated with the co‐occurrence of self‐reported CRCI and anxiety in patients with low versus high levels of these two symptoms and to identify potential mechanisms for the co‐occurrence of CRCI and anxiety using biological processes common across any perturbed neurodegenerative disease pathways.

Methods

Patients completed the Attentional Function Index and the Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory six times over two cycles of chemotherapy. Based on findings from a previous latent profile analysis, patients were grouped into none versus both high levels of these symptoms. Gene expression was quantified, and pathway impact analyses were performed. Signaling pathways for evaluation were defined with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database.

Results

A total of 451 patients had data available for analysis. Approximately 85.0% of patients were in the none class and 15.0% were in the both high class. Pathway impact analyses identified five perturbed pathways related to neurodegenerative diseases (i.e., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington disease, Parkinson disease, prion disease, and pathways of neurodegeneration–multiple diseases). Apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress were common biological processes across these pathways.

Conclusions

This study is the first to describe perturbations in neurodegenerative disease pathways associated with CRCI and anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy. These findings provide new insights into potential targets for the development of mechanistically based interventions.
DEVS: Secure and optimal decentralized energy trading scheme for Electric Vehicle and Charging Station using game theory
Authors: Kakkar Riya , Agrawal Smita , Tanwar Sudeep
Published: April 2024

With the advent and popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the intelligent transportation system has adopted them as an alternative to fossil fuel or gasoline vehicles owing to their benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, it becomes critical to schedule the vast EVs at the charging station (CS) efficiently while maintaining security, privacy, and optimality during the energy trading. Therefore, we propose a blockchain and zero‐sum game theory‐based energy trading scheme, that is, DEVS, for optimal and secure EV charging at the CS. We incorporate the Interplanetary File System with the blockchain to ameliorate the cost‐efficiency and reliability of EV energy trading. Furthermore, we implement the zero‐sum game theory between players EV and CS to yield an optimal payoff based on pure and mixed strategies during the energy trading procedure. Moreover, we deploy and execute the smart contract (SC) of the blockchain‐based proposed DEVS scheme in the Remix integrated development environment to secure EV energy trading transactions. Additionally, the security of the proposed DEVS scheme is checked and analyzed using a fuzzing‐based Echidna tool for protected energy trading. Finally, the performance evaluation of the proposed DEVS scheme is analyzed using various standard metrics such as profit comparison based on strategies, energy price comparison, CS profit comparison for pure strategy (based on arrival time), convergence comparison, and profit (EV and CS) at saddle point and mixed strategy to avail preserved and optimal energy trading for EVs.
Adsorption Structures, Vibrational Raman Spectra and Chemical Binding Properties of Thioglycolic Acid on Cu(111) Surfaces: A DFT Study
Authors: Chen Lai‐Ke , Xiao Yuan‐Hui , Lin Jian‐De , Sajid Zubia , Zhou Jian‐Zhang , Wu De‐Yin , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: April 2024

Copper is widely used in everyday life and industrial production because of its good electrical and thermal conductivity. To overcome copper oxidation and maintain its good physical properties, small organic molecules adsorbed on the surface of copper make a passivated layer to further avoid copper corrosion. In this work, we have investigated thioglycolic acid (TGA, another name is mercaptoacetic acid) adsorbed on copper surfaces by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and a periodical slab model. We first get five stable adsorption structures, and the binding interaction between TGA and Cu(111) surfaces by using density of states (DOS), indicating that the most stable configuration adopts a triple‐end binding model. Then, we analyze the vibrational Raman spectra of TGA adsorbed on the Cu(111) surface and make vibrational assignments according to the vibrational vectors. Finally, we explore the temperature effect of the thermodynamically Gibbs free energy of TGA on the Cu(111) surface and the antioxidant ability of the small organic molecular layer of copper oxidation on the copper surface. Our calculated results further provide evidences to interpret the stability of adsorption structures and antioxidant properties of copper.
Viral Kinetics Model of SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection Informs Drug Discovery, Clinical Dose, and Regimen Selection
Authors: Claas Allison M. , Lee Meelim , Huang Pai‐Hsi , Knutson Charles G. , Bullara Domenico , Schoeberl Birgit , Gaudet Suzanne
Published: April 2024

Quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) has been an important tool to project safety and efficacy of novel or repurposed therapies for the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus. Here, we present a QSP modeling framework to predict response to antiviral therapeutics with three mechanisms of action (MoA): cell entry inhibitors, anti‐replicatives, and neutralizing biologics. We parameterized three distinct model structures describing virus‐host interaction by fitting to published viral kinetics data of untreated COVID‐19 patients. The models were used to test theoretical behaviors and map therapeutic design criteria of the different MoAs, identifying the most rapid and robust antiviral activity from neutralizing biologic and anti‐replicative MoAs. We found good agreement between model predictions and clinical viral load reduction observed with anti‐replicative nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid®) and neutralizing biologics bamlanivimab and casirivimab/imdevimab (REGEN‐COV®), building confidence in the modeling framework to inform a dose selection. Finally, the model was applied to predict antiviral response with ensovibep, a novel DARPin therapeutic designed as a neutralizing biologic. We developed a new in silico measure of antiviral activity, area under the curve (AUC) of free spike protein concentration, as a metric with larger dynamic range than viral load reduction. By benchmarking to bamlanivimab predictions, we justified dose levels of 75, 225, and 600 mg ensovibep to be administered intravenously in a Phase 2 clinical investigation. Upon trial completion, we found model predictions to be in good agreement with the observed patient data. These results demonstrate the utility of this modeling framework to guide the development of novel antiviral therapeutics.
B‐ and T‐Lymphocyte Attenuator in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Vendel Andrew C. , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Linnik Matthew D. , Godzik Adam
Published: April 2024

B‐ and T‐lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA; CD272) is an immunoglobulin superfamily member and part of a family of checkpoint inhibitory receptors that negatively regulate immune cell activation. The natural ligand for BTLA is herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM; TNFRSF14), and binding of HVEM to BTLA leads to attenuation of lymphocyte activation. In this study, we evaluated the role of BTLA and HVEM expression in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multisystem autoimmune disease. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers (N = 7) were evaluated by mass cytometry by time‐of‐flight to establish baseline expression of BTLA and HVEM on human lymphocytes compared with patients with SLE during a self‐reported flare (N = 5). High levels of BTLA protein were observed on B cells, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in healthy participants. HVEM protein levels were lower in patients with SLE compared with healthy participants, while BTLA levels were similar between SLE and healthy groups. Correlations of BTLA‐HVEM hub genes' expression with patient and disease characteristics were also analyzed using whole blood gene expression data from patients with SLE (N = 1,760) and compared with healthy participants (N = 60). HVEM, being one of the SLE‐associated genes, showed an exceptionally strong negative association with disease activity. Several other genes in the BTLA‐HVEM signaling network were strongly (negative or positive) correlated, while BTLA had a low association with disease activity. Collectively, these data provide a clinical rationale for targeting BTLA with an agonist in SLE patients with low HVEM expression.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Hollow Nanoparticles via Anodic Transformation of Metastable Core‐Shell Precursors
Authors: Park Joon Ho , Kang Taeyeon , Ahn Hyun S.
Published: April 2024

Recent advances in electrosynthesis of nanomaterials expanded structural and compositional variations accessible by the electrochemical method; however, reliably synthesizable morphological variety fall shy of that available by conventional solvothermal synthesis. In this communication, electrochemical preparation of surfactant‐free hollow nanoparticles is demonstrated. By anodic conversion of core‐shell precursors with metastable cores, hollowed nickel nanoparticles with uniform dimensions were synthesized and characterized. Implementation of TEM grids as the working electrodes, identical location tracking of the morphological evolution of single particles to anodic stimulus has been demonstrated. The synthesized nanoparticles were employed as catalysts for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction and exhibited catalytic rates that compare favorably to the Pt/C benchmark. This marks the first pure electrochemical synthesis of hollow nanoparticles and shall contribute to the structural diversification of electrosynthesized nanomaterials.
Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging reveals abnormal white matter and glymphatic function in active young boxers
Authors: Huang Wenjing , Ma Laiyang , Yan Jiahao , Hu Wanjun , Liu Guangyao , Wang Rui , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2024

The neurological effects and underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of sports‐related concussion (SRC) in active young boxers remain poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the impairment of white matter microstructure and assess changes in glymphatic function following SRC by utilizing neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) on young boxers who have sustained SRC. A total of 60 young participants were recruited, including 30 boxers diagnosed with SRC and 30 healthy individuals engaging in regular exercise. The assessment of whole‐brain white matter damage was conducted using diffusion metrics, while the evaluation of glymphatic function was performed through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis along the perivascular space (DTI‐ALPS) index. A two‐sample t‐test was utilized to examine group differences in DTI and NODDI metrics. Spearman correlation and generalized linear mixed models were employed to investigate the relationship between clinical assessments of SRC and NODDI measurements. Significant alterations were observed in DTI and NODDI metrics among young boxers with SRC. Additionally, the DTI‐ALPS index in the SRC group exhibited a significantly higher value than that of the control group (left side: 1.58 vs. 1.48, PFDR = 0.009; right side: 1.61 vs. 1.51, PFDR = 0.02). Moreover, it was observed that the DTI‐ALPS index correlated with poorer cognitive test results among boxers in this study population. Repetitive SRC in active young boxers is associated with diffuse white matter injury and glymphatic dysfunction, highlighting the detrimental impact on brain health. These findings highlight the importance of long‐term monitoring of the neurological health of boxers.
Electrochemical sensing strategies for on‐site testing of pathogenic nucleic acids
Authors: Kanno Yusuke , Masui Shuzo , Ota Yusuke , Saito Ryoichi , Nisisako Takasi
Published: April 2024

Rapid and reliable on‐site pathogen testing is crucial for diagnosing and managing human health. Nucleic acids (NAs) containing genetic information are valuable target molecules for pathogen testing, and sensitive and rapid detection of NAs using electrochemical approaches has been intensively investigated. Detection approaches for NAs are diverse and compatible with current gene amplification methods and continue to expand with the development of novel functional materials and molecules. The variety of electrochemical sensing devices also continues to expand, and more practical testing is being pursued. This review outlines the latest detection approaches and basic guidelines for NA detection. Furthermore, this review provides an overview of electrochemical sensing devices that utilize novel and unique materials and functions and comprehensively discusses their advantages.