bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Characterization of Graphene/Al2O3‐Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Nipu Shah Md Ashiquzzaman , Rahman Md Zillur , Alam Shadman Sharar , Dev Barshan
Published: July 2024

This work investigates the hybrid nanocomposites manufactured by direct mixing by dispersing varying weight percentages (wt.%) of graphene nanoparticles (GNPs) and Al2O3 NPs in epoxy resin. Their properties are then obtained using various mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness) and thermal (thermogravimetric) analyses. Furthermore, their microstructure and functional groups are studied by SEM and FTIR, respectively. The hybrid nanocomposite, which contains 1.5 wt.% GNPs and 8.5 wt.% Al2O3 NPs, has excellent mechanical properties. Compared to a composite without GNPs, the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and shore D hardness improve by 95.12, 90.01, 171.43, and 19.75%, respectively. It is also found that hybrid nanocomposite exhibits enhanced thermal stability as GNPs increase, particularly at lower wt.% of Al2O3. The SEM of tensile fractured specimens of GNPs/Al2O3 epoxy hybrid nanocomposites reveals prominent failure mechanisms, including agglomeration of GNPs and debonding between the GNPs/Al2O3 and epoxy. The FTIR spectroscopy analysis reveals distinctive spectral peaks indicating successful incorporation of Al2O3 and GNPs into the epoxy‐based composite, with observed peaks corresponding to functional groups and bonds characteristic of each component. These findings suggest that the manufactured nanocomposite holds promise as a component in structural applications, particularly in automobiles, aerospace components, and sports equipment.
Real‐Time Monitoring of Particle Size in Emulsion Polymerization: Simultaneous Turbidity and Photon Density Wave Spectroscopy
Authors: Aspiazu Usue Olatz , Gómez Susana , Paulis Maria , Leiza Jose Ramon
Published: July 2024

Particle size evolution in seeded semibatch emulsion polymerization is monitored by two real‐time monitoring techniques: online turbidity spectroscopy (TUS) and inline photon density wave spectroscopy (PDWS). An automatic dilution system that withdraws a sample from the reactor and upon dilution transfers to the measurement cell is used for the online TUS analysis. A PDWS probe is immersed in the reactor and collects inline the scattered light directly from the reacting latex. The particle sizes retrieved from TUS and PDWS are compared to offline dynamic light scattering (DLS) values. The particle size obtained by TUS is close to the intensity‐average particle size obtained offline by DLS, while the particle size obtained by PDWS lies closer to the number‐average particle size from DLS.
High‐performance balanced dual‐band bandpass filter with controllable bandwidth and frequency ratio
Authors: Zhao Shipeng , Wang Zhongbao , Liu Hongmei , Gao Mingming , Fang Shaojun
Published: July 2024

In this study, a novel high‐performance balanced dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) with controllable bandwidth and frequency ratio is proposed. The symmetrical dual‐band bandpass characteristics on both sides of the center frequency f0 can be achieved by cascading two one‐wavelength edge‐coupled ring resonators through coupling. To suppress the common‐mode (CM) noises, a high‐performance balanced dual‐band BPF is designed and analyzed. The elements affecting the controllable filtering bandwidth and frequency ratio are discussed. For practical verification, a microstrip prototype for GPS applications is manufactured and measured with great out‐of‐band rejection and excellent CM suppression.
Automatic quality assessment of knee radiographs using knowledge graphs and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Qian , Han Xiao , Song Liangliang , Zhang Xin , Zhang Biao , Gu Zongyun , Jiang Bo , Li Chuanfu , Li Xiaohu , Yu Yongqiang
Published: July 2024

Background

X‐ray radiography is a widely used imaging technique worldwide, and its image quality directly affects diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, X‐ray image quality control (QC) is essential. However, subjectively assessing image quality is inefficient and inconsistent, especially when large amounts of image data are being evaluated. Thus, subjective assessment cannot meet current QC needs.

Purpose

To meet current QC needs and improve the efficiency of image quality assessment, a complete set of quality assessment criteria must be established and implemented using artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Therefore, we proposed a multi‐criteria AI system for automatically assessing the image quality of knee radiographs.

Methods

A knee radiograph QC knowledge graph containing 16 “acquisition technique” labels representing 16 image quality defects and five “clarity” labels representing five grades of clarity were developed. Ten radiographic technologists conducted three rounds of QC based on this graph. The single‐person QC results were denoted as QC1 and QC2, and the multi‐person QC results were denoted as QC3. Each technologist labeled each image only once. The ResNet model structure was then used to simultaneously perform classification (detection of image quality defects) and regression (output of a clarity score) tasks to construct an image QC system. The QC3 results, comprising 4324 anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs, were used for model training (70% of the images), validation (10%), and testing (20%). The 865 test set data were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the AI model, and an AI QC result, QC4, was automatically generated by the model after training. Finally, using a double‐blind method, the senior QC expert reviewed the final QC results of the test set with reference to the results QC3 and QC4 and used them as a reference standard to evaluate the performance of the model. The precision and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to evaluate the quality of all the labels in relation to the reference standard.

Results

For the 16 “acquisition technique” features, QC4 exhibited the highest weighted average precision (98.42% ± 0.81%), followed by QC3 (91.39% ± 1.35%), QC2 (87.84% ± 1.68%), and QC1 (87.35% ± 1.71%). For the image clarity features, the MAEs between QC1, QC2, QC3, and QC4 and the reference standard were 0.508 ± 0.021, 0.475 ± 0.019, 0.237 ± 0.016, and 0.303 ± 0.018, respectively.

Conclusions

The experimental results show that our automated quality assessment system performed well in classifying the acquisition technique used for knee radiographs. The image clarity quality evaluation accuracy of the model must be further improved but is generally close to that of radiographic technologists. Intelligent QC methods using knowledge graphs and convolutional neural networks have the potential for clinical applications.
Nonlinear response of a multidirectional negative‐stiffness isolation system via semirecursive multibody dynamic approach
Authors: Dai Wei , Carboni Biagio , Quaranta Giuseppe , Pan Yongjun , Lacarbonara Walter
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates an innovative negative‐stiffness device (NSD) that modifies the apparent stiffness of the supported structure for seismic isolation. The NSD comprises a lower base on the bottom and a cap on the top, together with a connecting rod, vertical movable wall, and compressed elastic spring, as well as circumferentially arranged, pretensioned external ropes, and inclined shape memory wires. This configuration can deliver negative stiffness and energy dissipation in any direction within the horizontal plane. A numerical model of the device is developed through a two‐step semirecursive method to obtain the force–displacement characteristic relationship. Such a model is first validated through comparison with the results obtained via the commercial software ADAMS. Finally, a large parametric study is performed to assess the role and the influence of each design variable on the overall response of the proposed device. Useful guidelines are drawn from this analysis to guide the system design and optimization.
Hotspots and frontiers in cervical cancer research: A bibliometric and visualization analysis from 2013 to 2022
Authors: Zhang Haomeng , Xie Yunkai , Chen Shuning , Piao Chunjie , Zhang Chu , Kong Weimin
Published: July 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is a highly aggressive cancer that seriously affects the physical and mental health and quality of life of women, especially for women in developing countries. Therefore, cervical cancer has always been the focus of research, and in recent years, various studies on cervical cancer have emerged one after another.

Methods

Our study aimed to illustrate the development trends in cervical cancer research in China from 2013 to 2022 and compare the findings with studies in other parts of the world during the same period by using bibliometric analysis and the Science Citation Index Expanded. Literature data were analyzed and visualized by using CiteSpace and VOSviewer.

Results

The results show that the number of articles on cervical cancer has increased in recent years, among which articles on the pathogenesis and epidemiological characteristics of cervical cancer account for the majority. The research in China has developed rapidly in recent years, but there is still a certain gap compared with other developed countries.

Conclusion

Bibliometric and visualization analyses offer a unique and objective perspective in the field of cervical cancer and may assist scholars in identifying new research directions.
Analytical modeling and experiments on soft soil consolidation with vacuum preloading‐airbag pressurization
Authors: Meng Hongping , Qin Aifang , Jiang Lianghua , Wu Yajun
Published: July 2024

This study aims to provide substantial theoretical support for employing vacuum preloading‐airbag pressurization (VP‐AP) to enhance soft soil foundations. By integrating the airbags and prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) within the analytical framework, the consolidation models are developed to accommodate double smear zones and well resistance. Analytical solutions for various airbag pressurization scenarios are derived under the equal‐strain assumption. A model test is subsequently conducted to investigate the settlement process of soft soil using the VP‐AP method. The validity of the proposed theoretical model is corroborated through comparison with existing analytical solutions and experimental data. The accuracy of the predictive model is further substantiated by the model test results. Lastly, this research offers an in‐depth analysis of soil consolidation behavior under diverse influencing factors. The findings indicate that the VP‐AP method demonstrates superior efficacy over conventional vacuum‐surcharge preloading when the airbag pressure matches the external load pressure. Additionally, an increase in the radius of airbags enhances the soil consolidation efficiency. The analytical model presented in this study elucidates the consolidation mechanisms of the VP‐AP method, with experimental research confirming the efficacy of this approach and the predictive model established herein.
Three network design problems for community energy storage
Authors: Ghaddar Bissan , Ljubić Ivana , Qiu Yuying
Published: July 2024

In this article, we develop novel mathematical models to optimize utilization of community energy storage (CES) by clustering prosumers and consumers into energy sharing communities/microgrids in the context of a smart city. Three different microgrid configurations are modeled using a unifying mixed‐integer linear programming formulation. These configurations represent three different business models, namely: the island model, the interconnected model, and the Energy Service Companies model. The proposed mathematical formulations determine the optimal households' aggregation as well as the location and sizing of CES. To overcome the computational challenges of treating operational decisions within a multi‐period decision making framework, we also propose a decomposition approach to accelerate the computational time needed to solve larger instances. We conduct a case study based on real power consumption, power generation, and location network data from Cambridge, MA. Our mathematical models and the underlying algorithmic framework can be used in operational and strategic planning studies on smart grids to incentivize the communitarian distributed renewable energy generation and to improve the self‐consumption and self‐sufficiency of the energy sharing community. The models are also targeted to policymakers of smart cities, utility companies, and Energy Service Companies as the proposed models support decision making on renewable energy related projects investments.
High‐fidelity digital twins: Detecting and localizing weaknesses in structures
Authors: Löhner Rainald , Airaudo Facundo , Antil Harbir , Wüchner Roland , Meister Fabian , Warnakulasuriya Suneth
Published: July 2024

An adjoint‐based procedure to determine weaknesses, or, more generally, the material properties of structures is developed and tested. Given a series of load cases and corresponding displacement/strain measurements, the material properties are obtained by minimizing the weighted differences between the measured and computed values. The present paper proposes and tests techniques to minimize the number of load cases and sensors. Several examples show the viability, accuracy and efficiency of the proposed methodology and its potential use for high fidelity digital twins.
Postoperative Radiotherapy in Advanced Stage Squamous Cell Carcinoma Requiring Maxillectomy
Authors: Harley Randall J. , Spector Matthew E. , Wilke Christopher T. , Sridharan Shaum
Published: July 2024

Objective

To evaluate whether postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) improves survival among patients who received maxillectomy for pT4aN0 maxillary gingival or hard palate squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with respect to tumor size.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2019.

Methods

Included adult patients who received maxillectomy (partial, subtotal, or total) and neck dissection for treatment‐naive margin negative pT4aN0 SCC of the maxillary gingiva or hard palate. Adjusted for age, gender, race, insurance status, income, education, urban/rural, facility type, region, comorbidity index, tumor grade, and tumor extension. Inverse probability weights were incorporated into a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. A priori post hoc subgroup analysis was performed according to tumor size.

Results

We included 416 patients who underwent maxillectomy for pT4aN0 SCC of the maxillary gingiva or hard palate (mean [standard deviation] age, 71.5 [11.3] years; male, 190 [45.7%]; tumor size 2 cm, 362 [87%]). Overall, 49.3% of patients received PORT (205 patients). PORT was associated with a 50% improvement in survival compared to surgery alone (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.32‐0.81). On subgroup analysis, PORT was associated with improved survival for tumors 2 cm (aHR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.77), but not for tumors < 2 cm (aHR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.33‐4.08).

Conclusion

The vast majority of patients with pT4aN0 bone‐invading SCC of the maxillary gingiva and hard palate benefit from PORT. Patients with tumors < 2 cm did not demonstrate a survival benefit from adjuvant treatment, suggesting that bony invasion alone may not be sufficient criteria for treatment escalation.
Myringoplasty Using Human Birth Tissue Allografts to Repair Large Tympanic Membrane Perforations
Authors: Alsup Nickolas A. , Davis Kyle P. , Richter Gresham T. , Hartzell Larry D.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Examine outcomes among a series of pediatric patients who underwent myringoplasty using human birth tissue (BT) for repair of large tympanic membrane (TM) perforations.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Single‐institution pediatric hospital.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients treated with BT during a 4‐year study period. Subjects who underwent myringoplasty for large (size 40% or greater) TM perforations were included for this study. Patients with a stable perforation of at least 1 month's duration preoperatively who then followed up for at least 3 months postoperatively met inclusion criteria.

Results

Six subjects were included in this study. One subject underwent bilateral repair; thus, this series includes a total of 7 perforations. TM perforations ranged from 40% to 70% of the TM. At initial follow‐up (median of 2 months), 5 of the 7 perforations had healed. One of these 5 had evidence of a 10% recurrent perforation at 5 months, which subsequently healed. Of the 2 patients not healed at initial follow‐up, 1 had only a residual pinpoint perforation that subsequently healed; the other had a persistent 30% perforation that was possibly related to their postoperative recovery period, which was complicated by a respiratory viral illness.

Conclusion

For large TM perforations, myringoplasty with BT grafts may be a viable alternative to longer, more invasive procedures like tympanoplasty. Larger, randomized, prospective studies are needed.
Risk Factors for Replacement of Tympanostomy Tubes After Surgical Removal for Pediatric Patients
Authors: Wie Kathryn , Shah Shalini , Allen Paul , Castle Michael , McKenna Margo , Faria John
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Ear tube removal and patch myringoplasty are frequently performed. The indication and timing for surgery varies among otolaryngologists. This study identifies risk factors associated with the need for the replacement of tympanostomy tubes after tube removal and myringoplasty.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Single institution academic otolaryngology practice.

Methods

Patients younger than 12 years of age who underwent tympanostomy tube removal and myringoplasty at the University of Rochester Medical Center from March 2011 to September 2019. Patients with tympanostomy tube removal due to chronic otorrhea were excluded.

Results

One hundred sixty‐one patients (230 ears) met inclusion criteria and had sufficient follow‐up. Myringoplasty success after tube removal was 94.8%. Successful myringoplasty was associated with shorter tube duration (32 months) versus unsuccessful myringoplasty (40 months) (P = .02). Replacement tympanostomy tubes after myringoplasty occurred in 9.6% of ears. There was no difference in average patient age (P = .96) or duration of tubes (P = .74) in patients who required replacement of tympanostomy tubes versus patients who did not require tube replacement. Patients with a cleft abnormality were more likely to require tympanostomy tube replacement (P < .001).

Conclusions

Most children do not need tubes replaced after removal. This study identified cleft abnormality as a factor that increased the need for replacement tubes. Longer tube durations of over 3 years negatively impacted myringoplasty success. Tympanostomy tube removal should be considered 2 to 3 years after placement in most patients with longer tube durations considered in children with a repaired cleft palate.
Photoconductivity of explosive percolation in conductive polymer/graphene oxide nanocomposite films
Authors: Telfah Ahmad D. , Al‐Bataineh Qais M. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Aljarrah Ihsan , Al‐Essa Khansaa , Houshmand Milad , Etzkorn Johannes , Appel Tamara
Published: July 2024

In this study, we explored the behavior of protonated polyaniline/graphene oxide (PANI‐CSA/GO) nanocomposite films with varying GO concentrations, focusing on the novel phenomenon of explosive percolation. We observed a significant increase in electrical conductivity at the explosive percolation threshold, attributed to the emergence of a percolating metallic pathway. This discovery positions PANI‐CSA/GO films as promising materials for various electronic and electrical engineering applications. Additionally, the films demonstrated consistent and repeatable photoconductivity, showing potential for use in high‐performance UV‐photodetectors, photoactive layers in solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and energy storage devices. Structural analyses using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed successful GO incorporation within the PANI‐CSA matrix. Different morphological features were observed depending on the GO volume fraction, with increased GO enhancing thermal stability in the conductive zone. Our findings highlight the immense potential of PANI‐CSA/GO nanocomposite films in advanced electronic applications, emphasizing their novel conductive and photoconductive properties and improved thermal stability.
Experimental study on compression properties of composite aluminum honeycomb sandwich structures
Authors: Niu Weijing , Yan Xiaopeng , He Qi , Guo Zhangxin
Published: July 2024

The mechanical properties of the carbon fiber and glass fiber composite honeycomb sandwich structure were studied through compression experiments. The influence of different aluminum honeycomb edge lengths, upper and lower panel thickness, aluminum honeycomb thickness, and loading speed on the compression failure load of carbon fiber composite laminates sandwich structure is analyzed. The influence of different aluminum honeycomb edge lengths and thicknesses on the compression failure load of glass fiber composite laminates sandwich structure was studied. The results show that the thickness of the panel has a significant effect on the failure load of the carbon fiber composite laminate sandwich structure, and the loading speed has a significant effect on the failure load of the carbon fiber composite laminate sandwich structure. The greater the loading speed, the greater the value of the failure load. The edge length and thickness of the aluminum honeycomb have a certain effect on the damage load of the carbon fiber composite laminates sandwich structure, but the influence on the mechanical properties of the glass fiber composite laminates sandwich structure is much greater.

Highlights

The compression performance of composite sandwich structures was experimentally studied.

The influence of composite panel thickness was studied.

The influence of aluminum honeycomb edge length and thickness was studied.

The influence of loading speed was studied.
Effect of impact position on the mechanical response and viscoelastic behavior of double‐blade composite stiffened structures
Authors: Hu Chunxing , Xu Zhonghai , Cai Chaocan , Wu Shibao , Wang Rongguo , He Xiaodong
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on the mechanical response and viscoelastic properties of double‐blade composite stiffened structure (DCSS) under low‐velocity impact (LVI). Firstly, the impact resistance and viscoelastic behavior of the DCSS are revealed by LVI testing at four different locations using the same initial velocity. Next, the damage morphologies at the impact locations are observed with ultrasonic A‐ and C‐scan equipment and optical microscopy. At last, the DCSS containing impact damage is implemented for axial compression and the strain values of the DCSS surface are obtained using a strain testing system to reveal its residual properties and buckling behavior. The results show that there are significant differences in the impact damage modes at the four different locations. The maximum impact resistance is observed at location D, while location A has the opposite. The DCSS has a certain viscoelastic behavior at LVI and conforms to an exponential decay model. Moreover, position B presents interface debonding damage due to stiffness discontinuities at the flange and skin bonding and severely weakens the load carrying performance of the DCSS.

Highlights

The impact resistance of different positions is analyzed by LVI experimental results.

Viscoelastic properties exist at different impact locations and obey the exponential decay model.

Impact damage alters the buckling load and residual strength of the DCSS.

The damage mechanism of the triangular zone is revealed by damage morphology.
Registration of ‘Black Pearl’ black bean
Authors: Gomez Francisco E. , Kelly James. D. , Wright Evan M. , Awale Halima E. , Bales Scott
Published: July 2024

‘Black Pearl’ black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐362, PI 705445), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2023 as an upright, full‐season cultivar with anthracnose resistance and superior canning quality. Black Pearl was developed using pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 5 years of field trials, Black Pearl yielded 3372 kg ha−1, flowered in 47 days, and matured in 98 days on average. Plants averaged 46 cm in height, with lodging resistance score of 1.8 and seed weight of 21.9 g 100 seed−1. Black Pearl combines high yield potential with upright architecture and full‐season maturity in a black seed type. Black Pearl has resistance to lodging and high pod placement within the plant making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow row production systems. Black Pearl is resistant to races 7 and 73 of anthracnose, resistant to Bean common mosaic virus, and has shown better resistance to Rhizoctonia root rot than other black bean cultivars. Black Pearl produces seed that meets industry standards for export and packaging and was rated the highest in canned bean color in the black bean market class.
Combining SDS‐PAGE to capillary zone electrophoresis‐tandem mass spectrometry for high‐resolution top‐down proteomics analysis of intact histone proteoforms
Authors: Fang Fei , Gao Guangyao , Wang Qianyi , Wang Qianjie , Sun Liangliang
Published: July 2024

Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based top‐down proteomics (TDP) analysis of histone proteoforms provides critical information about combinatorial post‐translational modifications (PTMs), which is vital for pursuing a better understanding of epigenetic regulation of gene expression. It requires high‐resolution separations of histone proteoforms before MS and tandem MS (MS/MS) analysis. In this work, for the first time, we combined SDS‐PAGE‐based protein fractionation (passively eluting proteins from polyacrylamide gels as intact species for mass spectrometry, PEPPI‐MS) with capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE)‐MS/MS for high‐resolution characterization of histone proteoforms. We systematically studied the histone proteoform extraction from SDS‐PAGE gel and follow‐up cleanup as well as CZE‐MS/MS, to determine an optimal procedure. The optimal procedure showed reproducible and high‐resolution separation and characterization of histone proteoforms. SDS‐PAGE separated histone proteins (H1, H2, H3, and H4) based on their molecular weight and CZE provided additional separations of proteoforms of each histone protein based on their electrophoretic mobility, which was affected by PTMs, for example, acetylation and phosphorylation. Using the technique, we identified over 200 histone proteoforms from a commercial calf thymus histone sample with good reproducibility. The orthogonal and high‐resolution separations of SDS‐PAGE and CZE made our technique attractive for the delineation of histone proteoforms extracted from complex biological systems.
Molecular dynamics research on piperazine‐ and renewable cross‐linker‐based polyurethanes. Dielectric study of relaxation behavior
Authors: Potolinca Violeta Otilia , Asandulesa Mihai , Oprea Stefan
Published: July 2024

By using broadband dielectric spectroscopy over a wide frequency and temperature range, the effect of the chain extender and cross‐linkers on molecular dynamics of polyurethanes based on piperazine as a heterocyclic compound was assessed. Three relaxations attributed to local motions of polar side groups and small segments of the polyurethane chain (β, γ‐mode) and glass transition (α‐mode) were detected with the increase in temperature from −120 to 100 °C, along with the conductivity process at high temperatures and low frequencies. Experimental data were examined using the impedance and electric modulus for the conductivity study. Due to the presence of dipole polarization of functional groups in the hard segments, cross‐linked polyurethanes are characterized by higher dielectric constant value (≈11 at 1 kHz and 25 °C) compared to the linear ones (≈6–7 at 1 kHz and 25 °C). High conductivity was achieved for the Tween 20‐cross‐linked polyurethanes. The activation energy for the secondary γ relaxation was in the range of 34–37 kJ mol−1 for all polyurethanes, regardless of the chain extender or cross‐linker used. Piperazine‐based polyurethanes had lower activation energies for α relaxation and high conductivity compared to cyclohexane‐based polyurethanes. This indicates that α relaxation is more vulnerable to structural alterations.
Dupilumab 200 mg was efficacious in children (6–11 years) with moderate‐to‐severe asthma for up to 2 years: EXCURSION open‐label extension study
Authors: Phipatanakul Wanda , Vogelberg Christian , Bacharier Leonard B. , Dell Sharon , Altincatal Arman , Gall Rebecca , Ledanois Oliver , Sacks Harry , Jacob‐Nara Juby A. , Deniz Yamo , Rowe Paul J.
Published: July 2024

Background

The phase 3 VOYAGE (NCT02948959) and open‐label extension EXCURSION (NCT03560466) studies evaluated dupilumab in children (6–11 years) with uncontrolled moderate‐to‐severe asthma. This post hoc analysis assessed the efficacy and safety of add‐on dupilumab 200 mg every 2 weeks (q2w), the largest dose cohort in both studies, in children from VOYAGE who participated in EXCURSION.

Methods

Annualized rate of severe asthma exacerbations (AERs), change in prebronchodilator percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (ppFEV1), and treatment‐emergent adverse events were assessed in children with moderate‐to‐severe asthma who received dupilumab 200 mg q2w in VOYAGE and EXCURSION (dupilumab/dupilumab arm) and those who received placebo in VOYAGE and dupilumab 200 mg q2w in EXCURSION (placebo/dupilumab arm). These endpoints were also assessed in children with moderate‐to‐severe type 2 asthma (defined as blood eosinophil count ≥150 cells/µL or FeNO ≥20 ppb at the parent study baseline [PSBL]).

Results

In the overall population, dupilumab reduced AER and improved prebronchodilator ppFEV1 in the dupilumab/dupilumab arm (n = 158) for up to 2 years. Children receiving placebo/dupilumab (n = 85) showed similar reductions after initiation of dupilumab 200 mg q2w in EXCURSION. Similar results were observed for children with type 2 asthma at PSBL. The safety profile was consistent with the known safety profile of dupilumab.

Conclusion

In children (6–11 years) with uncontrolled moderate‐to‐severe type 2 asthma, dupilumab 200 mg reduced exacerbation rates and improved lung function for up to 2 years and showed safety consistent with the known dupilumab safety profile.
Identification and verification of KEAP1‐related genes and targets regulated by potential ingredients in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Li Fei , Zhu Zhi Min , Wang Kun , Xu Xiao‐Na , Li Feng‐Qian
Published: July 2024

As one of the most prevalent tumors, colorectal cancer (CRC) owns complex pathogenesis and the high recurrence rate significantly influence the prognosis of patients with KRAS mutant CRC, to discovery the crosstalk among KEAP1‐NFE2L2 and oncogenic KRAS as the potential prognostic biomarkers in CRC, which might be used to develop novel and effective therapeutics. By using bioinformatics analysis, we explored and identified key genes as the predicted targets in the crosstalk among KEAP1 oncogenic signatures of KRAS mutation that were linked with development, metastasis, and poor prognosis in CRC. We further investigated the correlations between the clinical characteristics and expressions of prognostic genes among the KRAS and KEAP1‐related key hub genes in CRC, which as predicted targets to find the potential herbal ingredients in HERB database, further to verify the active herbal ingredients could regulate the key targets that related to KEAP1‐NFE2L2 in KRAS mutant CRC. The newest TCGA data reveals that the mutation of KRAS is found in 44% of CRC patients. In total, 28 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the hub genes such as CDKN2A, SPP1, FOS, BCL2L11, and HPSE were verified. Results indicated that key genes (SOX9, SPP1) significant correlation with the target prediction of the active herbal ingredients by molecular docking analysis. Furthermore, KEAP1, NFE2L2, SOX9 expression were decreased significantly with the treatment of potential ingredients. Furthermore, cyclopamine could enhance the sensitivity of HCT116 cells, downregulated the expression of SPP1, and induced activation of KEAP1‐NFE2L2 pathway, which cell death are characteristic features of apoptosis, and enhanced anticancer effect. Therefore, KEAP1‐related genes might be important oncogenic signatures in KRAS mutant CRC cells and cyclopamine was identified as a potential ingredient and regulated the predict targets of SOX9 and SPP1, may be expand the efficacy and range of novel and effective therapeutics.
Robotic versus open mini‐incision living donor nephrectomy: Single centre experience
Authors: Lee Seung Duk , Savsani Kush , Wang Sarah Ziqi , Bhati Chandra , Sambommatsu Yuzuru , Imai Daisuke , Khan Aamir , Saeed Irfan , Sharma Amit , Kumaran Vinay , Cotterell Adrian , Levy Marlon , Bruno David A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Robotic surgery is associated with less tissue manipulation and earlier recovery with minimal incision. The aim of this study was to compare the short‐term clinical outcomes between robotic‐assisted donor nephrectomy (RDN) and open mini‐incision donor nephrectomy (ODN).

Methods

From 2016 to 2019, 141 cases involving RDN were analysed. Patient outcomes were compared with those of 191 patients who underwent ODN from 2010 to 2015. Demographics, operation factors, perioperative outcomes, and complications were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

The RDN group presented with less blood loss than the ODN group (p = 0.023). The length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the RDN group than in the ODN group (p < 0.005). The overall rate of complications was low and there was no significant difference in complication rates between the groups.

Conclusion

The robotic approach has benefits over the traditional open approach, including shorter length of hospital stay and reduced intraoperative blood loss.
Adaptive quantized control based on output feedback for nonlinear systems with sensor faults under intermittent DoS attacks
Authors: Gao Zhen , Song Yongduan
Published: July 2024

Quantized signal control has been widely recognized as an effective means for conserving communication resources. However, ensuring stability of quantization‐driven nonlinear systems becomes particularly challenging in the presence of intermittent denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks and sensor failures. This article explores the stable control problem of quantized nonlinear systems subject to DoS attacks. When an attack exists, all signals are unmeasurable. During the dormant phase of a DoS attack, only the quantized output signal is measurable, while there is a deviation between the received signal and the ideal signal due to sensor failure. To address these challenges, a switch‐type quantized observer is designed in this article to estimate unmeasurable state signals. In addition, we integrate the first‐order dynamic filter into the back‐stepping design process, which not only avoid the obstacles arisen from non‐differentiable output signals, but also simplifies the design process. Furthermore, this article adopts a more flexible sector quantizer and derives a set of adaptive laws to compensate for unknown quantization parameters. It is shown that, by utilizing the estimated signal, the proposed quantized adaptive control is able to effectively fight against DoS attacks and also is fault‐tolerant to sensor failures, guaranteeing semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded for all closed‐loop signals. Finally, simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed theory.
Efficacy of fertilizer nitrogen source, stabilizer, and application timing for corn nitrogen nutrition
Authors: Nattrass Michael , Varco Jac J. , Dhillon Jagman
Published: July 2024

Enhancing fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in corn (Zea mays L.) production is critical for closing yield gaps, increasing producer profitability, and promoting environmental stewardship. In 2014 and 2015, a field experiment was conducted to determine the potential for fertilizer N stabilizer products to improve NUE of granular urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solution applied to strip‐till corn. A urease inhibitor (UI) or nitrification inhibitor (NI) or both were added at labeled rates to urea or UAN solution for a target rate of 180 kg N ha−1. At V3, a single application of broadcast granular urea and subsurface banded UAN solution with and without fertilizer N stabilizers was made. A split application (50% at V3; 50% at V6) of subsurface banded UAN solution served as a control representing a standard grower practice. Fertilizer N stabilizers improved components of NUE, such as grain N recovery efficiency (GNRE) and partial factor productivity (PFP). A single full rate UAN application did not differ in terms of grain yield each year but did result in less PFP and GNRE in 2015 as compared to the grower standard practice. A timely one‐time full season N rate subsurface banded application of UAN treated with UI and NI to improve NUE could be a viable substitute for the practice of multiple fertilizations. Untreated broadcast urea was inferior to UAN as a N source for corn, but when treated with both a UI and NI, NUE was improved.
Green Synthesis of Au‐Ag@TiO2 Nanocomposite for Photocatalytic Oxidation of Substituted Benzyl Alcohols
Authors: Hazarika Biswajyoti , Ahmed Md. Juned K.
Published: July 2024

The scaling‐up of methodologies in the oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds faced widespread hindrance in industries due to large‐scale use of toxic and expensive metal oxidants. Novel, cost‐effective and eco‐friendly approaches need to be developed to address these problems. Bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) show synergistic effects at atomic level, which makes them excellent catalysts for organic transformations. Transition metal nanocomposite with unique physicochemical properties and high surface area offers a promising alternative to traditional catalysts. Herein, an environment‐friendly methodology was adopted for the synthesis of Au−Ag BMNPs using phenolic‐rich Ocimum basilicum (L.) leaf extract, which was then incorporated into TiO2 matrix for the synthesis of plasmonic Au−Ag@TiO2 nanocomposite. The formation of the nanocomposite was confirmed through analytical characterizations, such as UV–Vis. DRS, FT‐IR, PL, SEM, TEM and XRD. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the selective oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols in aqueous media using H2O2 as an oxidant under visible light irradiation at room temperature. The nanocomposite also demonstrated good reusability of 84 % in the fifth cycle, which established its promising candidature for wide‐scale applications. This work holds significant relevance for industries dealing with pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and thus, offers sustainable solution for organic transformations.
Development of Novel Pyridine and Pyrimidine Clubbed Bisindoles as Inhibitors of AKT Pathway
Authors: Poonacha Lisha K. , Metri Prashant K , Xi Zhang , Ravish Akshay , Nagaraja Omantheswara , Kumar Arun M. , Parameshwaraiah Sindhu M. , Swamy Shivananju Nanjunda , Madegowda Mahendra , Lobie Peter E. , Babu Shubha Priya , Pandey Vijay , Basappa Basappa
Published: July 2024

Indoles and their derivatives have long been studied for their anticancer properties. Breast cancer has been treated using indole‐3‐carbinol, Indirubins, and many other naturally occurring indoles as well as their synthesized equivalents. It has been determined that the AKT pathway is a prospective target for therapeutic strategies in the treatment of breast cancer. The dysregulation of AKT pathway frequently promotes cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to apoptosis. We synthesized a novel group of bisindole clubbed pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives 5(a–l) using water as the solvent and thiamine hydrochloride as the catalyst. Compounds 5 a, 5 c, 5 d, 5 e, and 5 f are the most active against MCF‐7 cells, with an IC50 values of 2.48±0.39, 1.35±0.13, 3.36±0.53, 4.05±0.61 and 1.91±0.28 μM, respectively. Further, in silico docking of the active compound 5 c had the highest binding energy of −10.59 kcal/mol. Additionally, molecular dynanamics simulations were performed for better understanding the mode of interaction of ligand and protein. In conclusion, we have synthesized bisindoles using thiamine hydrochloride as a catalyst that target AKT pathway in breast cancer cells.
Synthesis of Substituted Benzimidazoles and Benzoxazoles by Iron‐catalysed Reductive Carbonylation of Aryl Iodides
Authors: Markandeya Sarma V. , Lakshmi Parvathi K. , Sridhar Chidara , Rao B Venkateswara , Akkineni Rajesh
Published: July 2024

This work describes a novel iron‐catalysed approach for the synthesis of aryl‐substituted benzimidazoles and benzoxazoles. The methodology employs reductive carbonylation using readily available aryl iodides and aryl amines as precursors, with carbon monoxide serving as the efficient carbonyl source. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions with the addition of hydrosilanes and bases. Notably, aryl aldehydes are generated in situ from the aryl iodides, which subsequently react with o‐phenylenediamine or 2‐aminophenol to afford the desired products in high yields. The structures of the synthesized benzimidazoles and benzoxazoles were confirmed using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
Unveiling Optical Nonlinearity: Exploring Nickel‐Curcumin Complexes through Z‐Scan and Degenerate Four Wave Mixing Techniques
Authors: Nawaz S. Shakeel , Manjunatha K. B. , Ranganatha S. , Supriya S. , Rajendrachari Shashanka , Dileep R.
Published: July 2024

Two Curcumin (Cur) based mixed ligand complexes of Nickel have been investigated for their optical nonlinearity (NLO). Physicochemical characterization of two nickel precursors and their interaction with curcumin produced two molecules, namely Ni(C3S5)(Cur).2H2O (abbreviated as NiThCur) and NiCl(Cur)(PPh3) (abbreviated as NiTppCur). Additionally the Conceptual‐Density‐Functional‐Theory (CDFT) studies were performed. CDFT‐based optimization parameters of both molecules are theoretically interpreted. HOMO‐LUMO energy gap of NiThCur and NiTppCur were calculated 1.474 eV and 2.744 eV respectively. Both molecules demonstrated good NLO activities, studied by a Z‐scan approach and additionally with a Differential Four wave Mixing (DFWM) technique. Preliminarily investigations showed that the molecules can be potential optical limiters (OL). These studies divulge the exhibition of a 3‐photon absorption (3PA) mechanism by the synthesized molecules. NLO absorption 3PA coefficient (γ) value of 1.34×10−24 m3/W2, third‐order optical susceptibility (χ(3)) value of 1.543×10−11 esu, and the figure of merit 6.64×10−14 esu was observed for the NiThCur complex and γ=3.61×10−24 m3/W2, χ(3)=1.521×10−11 esu, and FoM=5.61×10−14 esu for NiTppCur with Z‐scan (γ and χ(3)) and DFWM methods, respectively. Normalized transmittance (NT) exhibited a decrease to 78.5 % from 100 % in NiThCur and to 69.5 % in NiTppCur. Optical limiting calculations are also presented.
Solidification and Stabilization of Fluorine and Phosphorus in Phosphate Mine Tailings and the Mechanism of F and P Fixation During Soilization
Authors: Li Hailin , Yang Jieqian , Qu Guangfei , Jin Caiyue , Chen Bangjin , Liu Xinxin , Wu Fenghui , Kuang Lingrui , Liu Ye
Published: July 2024

Researching methods for harmless and resourceful utilization of phosphate mine tailings presents a new approach to addressing phosphate mine tailings pollution. This study selected a formulation of agents for solidifying fluorine and phosphorus in phosphate mine tailings, investigating the solidification effects of phosphorus and fluorine under different temperatures and time, as well as the changes in the physicochemical properties of phosphate mine tailings. Solidified phosphate mine tailings soilization results showed that phosphate mine tailings: polymerized aluminum sulfate: ferrous sulfate=96.5 : 1.75 : 1.75 worked well, with a leaching toxicity of fluorine of 0.9569 mg/L, a fixation rate of 74.92 %, and a retention of water‐soluble phosphorus of up to 82.75 %. At 25 °C and 28 days of cultivation, the leaching toxicity of phosphate mine tailings treated with the solidifying agent was less. Solidified phosphate mine tailings were again added with solidifying agent to solidify phosphorus and fluorine, and the stabilization rate of fluorine reached 90.08 %. The “soil” cultivated for 28 days had an optimal structure of nutrients, and the germination rate of cabbage seeds was 83.33 %. This study demonstrates the possibility of using phosphate mine tailings as planting soil, and provides a useful theoretical basis for the fluoride fixation mechanism in phosphate mine tailings.
Achieving a Rapid Na+ Migration and Highly Reversible Phase Transition of NASICON for Sodium‐Ion Batteries with Suppressed Voltage Hysteresis and Ultralong Lifespan
Authors: Wu Qiao , Ma Yuanzhen , Zhang Shengqiang , Chen Xin , Bai Jinbo , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojie
Published: July 2024

Sodium ion batteries have attracted great attention for large scale energy storage devices to replace lithium‐ion batteries. As a promising polyanionic cathode material of sodium‐ion batteries, Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) belonging to NASICON exhibits large gap space and excellent structural stability, leading to a high energy density and ultralong cycle lifespan. To improve its stability and Na ion mobility, K+ cations are introduced into NVPF crystal as in situ partial substitution for Na+. The influence of K+ in situ substitution on crystal structure, electronic properties, kinetic properties, and electrochemical performance of NVPF are investigated. Through ex situ examination, it turns out that K+ occupied Na1 ion, in which the K+ does not participate in the charge–discharge process and plays a pillar role in improving the mobility of Na+. Moreover, the doping of K+ cation can reduce the bandgap energy and improve the electronic conductivity. Besides, the optimal K+ doping concentration in N0.92K0.08VPF/C is found so as to achieve rapid Na+ migration and reversible phase transition. The specific capacity of N0.92K0.08VPF/C is as high as 128.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, and at 10 C its rate performance is excellent, which shows a capacity of 113.3 mAh g−1.
Sustainable synthesis of carbon dots via bio‐waste recycling for biomedical imaging
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Chae Matthew , Oh Teak‐Jung , Qiu Kangqiang , Mehta Kritika , Tan Adrian , Tsai Nien‐Pei , Shi Donglu , Zhang Kai , Diao Jiajie
Published: July 2024

Bio‐waste is a side product of biomedical research containing carbon, which can be utilized for developing carbon dots (CDs). CDs are known to be useful for a variety of applications because of their unique photoluminescence, low toxicity, and straightforward synthesis. In this paper, we employed a one‐step hydrothermal method to prepare CDs from bio‐waste as the only reactant. The as‐synthesized Cell‐CDs were found to be chemically stable and biocompatible. In addition, the spectra of Cell‐CDs’ emissions covered the visible light, which is ideal for super‐resolution imaging. Particularly, dual‐color imaging can be achieved, for example, by staining the plasma membrane with Cell‐CDs emitting one color and staining cytosolic organelles with Cell‐CDs emitting a different color of fluorescence. Here, we demonstrate such applications by studying the subcellular dynamics of live cells.