bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance Organohydrogel Artificial Muscle with Compartmentalized Anisotropic Actuation Under Microdomain Confinement
Authors: Zhang Longhao , Yan Hao , Zhou JiaJia , Zhao Ziguang , Huang Jin , Chen Lie , Ru Yunfei , Liu Mingjie
Published: December 2022

Current hydrogel actuators mostly suffer from weak actuation strength and low responsive speed owing to their solvent diffusion‐induced volume change mechanism. Here a skeletal muscle‐inspired organohydrogel actuator is reported in which solvents are confined in hydrophobic microdomains. Organohydrogel actuator is driven by compartmentalized directional network deformation instead of volume change, avoiding the limitations that originate from solvent diffusion. Organohydrogel actuator has an actuation frequency of 0.11 Hz, 110 times that of traditional solvent diffusion‐driven hydrogel actuators (<10−3 Hz), and can lift more than 85 times their own weight. This design achieves the combination of high responsive speed, high actuation strength, and large material size, proposing a strategy to fabricate hydrogel actuators comparable with skeletal muscle performance.
Tuning of Polar Domain Boundaries in Nonpolar Perovskite
Authors: An Zheyi , Yokota Hiroko , Kurihara Kyomaru , Hasegawa Nozomu , Marton Pavel , Glazer Anthony Michael , Uesu Yoshiaki , Ren Wei , Ye Zuo‐Guang , Paściak Marek , Zhang Nan
Published: December 2022

Domain boundaries in ferroic materials are found to have various physical properties not observed in the surrounding domains. Such differences can be enhanced and bring promising functionalities when centrosymmetric nonpolar materials encounter polar domain boundaries. In this work, a tunable polar domain boundary is discovered in an antiferroelectric single crystal. Under a small stress or electric field, the density, volume, and polarity of the boundaries are successfully controlled.
Fullerene‐Liquid‐Crystal‐Induced Micrometer‐Scale Charge‐Carrier Diffusion in Organic Bulk Heterojunction
Authors: Zhao Fuwen , He Dan , Zou Can , Li Yawen , Wang Ke , Zhang Jianqi , Yang Shuang , Tu Yingfeng , Wang Chunru , Lin Yuze
Published: December 2022

The short charge‐carrier diffusion length (LD) (100–300 nm) in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) impedes the further improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs), especially for thick‐film (>400 nm) devices matching with industrial solution processing. Here a facile method is developed to efficiently increase LD and then improve PCEs of OSCs via introducing a fullerene liquid crystal, F1, into the active layer. F1 combines the inherent high electron mobility of fullerene and strong self‐assembly capacity of liquid crystal, providing a fast channel for charge‐carrier transport and reducing energetic disorder and trap density in BHJ film via enhancing crystallization. Typically, in PM6:Y6:F1 BHJ, the enhanced charge‐carrier mobility (>10−2 cm−2 V−1 s−1) and prolonged charge‐carrier lifetime (55.3 µs) are acquired to realize the record LD of 1.6 or 2.4 µm for electron or hole, respectively, which are much higher than those of the PM6:Y6 binary sample and comparable to or even better than those values reported for some inorganic/hybrid materials, such as CuInxGa(1−x)Se2 (CIGS) and perovskite thin films. Benefitting from the micrometer‐scale LD, the PM6:Y6:F1 ternary OSCs sustain a remarkable PCE of 15.23% with the active layer thickness approaching 500 nm.
Tunable Full‐Color Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Two Single‐Component Zinc(II)‐Based Coordination Polymers
Authors: Mu Ying , Cao Fang‐Yuan , Fang Xiao‐Yu , Liu Zhong‐Xin , Wang Jun‐Qing , Han Song‐De , Pan Jie , Wei Qi , Li Jin‐Hua , Wang Guo‐Ming
Published: December 2022

Tunable full‐color room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is charming due to its potentials in multiple anticounterfeitings, all‐color displays, and multichannel biomarkers. However, it is a huge challenge to achieve excitation‐dependent continuously adjustable full‐color RTP from a single‐component compound. Herein, two Zn(II)‐based organic coordination polymers are reported, which are the first examples characterized by blue, cyan, green, yellow, orange, and red continuously tunable phosphorescence with decent quantum efficiencies in response to variation of excitation energy at ambient conditions. The unique photoluminescence behavior is induced by the selective formation and decay of multiple triplet excited states, i.e., ligand‐centered 3π–π*, 3(ligand‐to‐ligand charge transfer), 3(halogen‐to‐ligand charge transfer), etc., in the coordination network based on the varying excitations. The population and stabilization of the unusual triplet excitons of Zn(II)‐based organic coordination polymers benefit from heavy atom effect of Br− ions and the restriction of molecular motion by crystallization. Here an insight is contributed for the construction of full‐color RTP materials, and metal‐organic coordination polymers are endowed with fresh features for extensive applications.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Selective B(4)‐H Amidation of o‐Carboranes with Dioxazolones
Authors: Yang Heejin , Noh Hee Chan , Lee Phil Ho
Published: December 2022

A ruthenium‐catalyzed selective B4 amidation of o‐carboranes with a variety of alkyl‐, aryl‐, and heteroaryl‐substituted dioxazolones is developed by carboxylic acid‐assisted B(4)‐H bond activation in o‐carborane acids, affording a multitude of (4)‐amidated o‐carboranes in good yields with the evolution of carbon dioxide. In addition, the two‐fold selective decarboxylative amidation reaction of the cage B(4)‐H bond in o‐carborane was accomplished.
Admixture mapping identifies novel Alzheimer's disease risk regions in African Americans
Authors: Rajabli Farid , Tosto Giuseppe , Hamilton‐Nelson Kara L. , Kunkle Brian W. , Vardarajan Badri N. , Naj Adam , Whitehead Patrice G. , Gardner Olivia K. , Bush William S. , Sariya Sanjeev , Mayeux Richard P. , Farrer Lindsay A. , Cuccaro Michael L. , Vance Jeffrey M. , Griswold Anthony J. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Haines Jonathan L. , Byrd Goldie S. , Reitz Christiane , Beecham Gary W. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Martin Eden R. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC), Collaboration on Alzheimer's Disease Research (CADRE) and Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP)
Published: December 2022

Background

This study used admixture mapping to prioritize the genetic regions associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in African American (AA) individuals, followed by ancestry‐aware regression analysis to fine‐map the prioritized regions.

Methods

We analyzed 10,271 individuals from 17 different AA datasets. We performed admixture mapping and meta‐analyzed the results. We then used regression analysis, adjusting for local ancestry main effects and interactions with genotype, to refine the regions identified from admixture mapping. Finally, we leveraged in silico annotation and differential gene expression data to prioritize AD‐related variants and genes.

Results

Admixture mapping identified two genome‐wide significant loci on chromosomes 17p13.2 (p = 2.2 × 10−5) and 18q21.33 (p = 1.2 × 10−5). Our fine mapping of the chromosome 17p13.2 and 18q21.33 regions revealed several interesting genes such as the MINK1, KIF1C, and BCL2.

Discussion

Our ancestry‐aware regression approach showed that AA individuals have a lower risk of AD if they inherited African ancestry admixture block at the 17p13.2 locus.

Highlights

We identified two genome‐wide significant admixture mapping signals: on chromosomes 17p13.2 and 18q21.33, which are novel in African American (AA) populations.

Our ancestry‐aware regression approach showed that AA individuals have a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) if they inherited African ancestry admixture block at the 17p13.2 locus.

We found that the overall proportion of African ancestry does not differ between the cases and controls that suggest African genetic ancestry alone is not likely to explain the AD prevalence difference between AA and non‐Hispanic White populations.
Experimental Neurotherapeutics: Surfing the Tidal Wave of New Opportunities
Authors: Reoma Lauren B. , Busza Ania , Mouradian M. Maral , Kaufmann Petra , Augustine Erika F. , Frank Samuel , Sutula Thomas P. , Cole Andrew J. , Fitter Heather D. , Meurer William , Nath Avindra , Griggs Robert C.
Published: December 2022

The subspecialty of experimental neurotherapeutics trains neurologists in discovering and developing new treatments for neurologic diseases. Based on development of exciting new treatments for genetic and inflammatory diseases, we predict that there will be many other breakthroughs. The job market has expanded rapidly in academia, the pharmaceutical industry, government, and not‐for‐profit sectors; many new opportunities can be anticipated. The burgeoning opportunities in the field mandate that training address the challenges of overcoming obstacles in therapeutic discovery, implementation science, and development of affordable and equitably available treatments. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:427–430
Advanced Nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ji Chen , Li Junru , Mei Junyang , Su Weiran , Dai Huili , Li Fengqin , Liu Peifeng
Published: December 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. Owing to the high morbidity rate of RCC, there is an urgent need for intensive research on robust materials to diagnose and treat RCC. Nanomaterials have been developed largely in the last three decades because of their numerous advantages, such as high specific surface area, simple surface functionalization, rapid onset of therapeutic action, superior biological activity, and other unique physical–chemical characteristics. Herein, first, various types of nanomaterials used in RCC treatment are introduced, including inorganic nanomaterials, lipid nanomaterials, synthetic polymer nanomaterials, and natural nanomaterials. Second, the different diagnosis and therapeutic mechanisms of nanomaterials in the kidneys are reviewed and these advantages of nanomaterials are highlighted. Furthermore, nanomaterials are investigated for the preclinical and clinical detection and treatment of RCC. Finally, the challenges and outlook of various nanomaterials for RCC diagnostic and treatment are discussed.
Focused Ultrasound Enhances Brain Delivery of Sorafenib Nanoparticles
Authors: Dahis Daniel , Azagury Dana Meron , Obeid Fadi , Dion Michelle Z. , Cryer Alexander M. , Riquelme Mariana Alonso , Dosta Pere , Abraham Ariel William , Gavish Moshe , Artzi Natalie , Shamay Yosi , Azhari Haim
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a universally lethal form of brain cancer. The success of novel treatments is hindered by the blood–brain barrier (BBB), which prevents most drugs from penetrating GBM tumors. Sorafenib (SFB), a proapoptotic multikinase inhibitor, has been investigated for the treatment of GBM; however, survival benefit among patients has not improved. Recently, an indocyanine‐stabilized nanoparticulate form of SFB (SFB NPs) with improved tumor accumulation was developed in comparison to SFB alone. Herein, the benefit of SFB NPs and focused ultrasound (FUS)‐mediated BBB disruption is assessed to enable noninvasive, safe, and reversible BBB permeation for enhanced SFB NPs brain accumulation. Treatment of SFB NPs and FUS yields lower IC50 values (2.7 and 29 μm in 2D and 3D U87 cell models vs 7.5 and 37.1 μm for SFB NPs alone). SFB NPs and FUS with microbubbles improve SFB NPs uptake by U87 cells compared to SFB NPs alone (46% increase; p = 0.0123). In vivo, FUS enhances SFB NPs brain accumulation by 2.5‐fold compared to the contralateral hemisphere, and 3.6‐fold compared to unsonicated brains. In conclusion, SFB NPs are a promising agent for GBM treatment and its therapeutic capacity can be potentially enhanced when combined with FUS‐mediated BBB disruption.
Green synthesis of novel magnetite mixed metal oxides with cationic surfactant nanocomposite: Investigation of its effective removal of Azorubine E122 food dye and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Nabil Gehan M. , Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Makled Sarah O.
Published: December 2022

Design and assembly of novel nanocomposites with multi‐purpose activities including efficient adsorption behavior toward different pollutants and microbial growth inhibition of various active biological species is a challenging aspect. Therefore, the current study is devoted to fabricating a novel nanocomposite of mixed metal oxides (ZrO2 and SiO2) with magnetite (Fe3O4) and cationic surfactants (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide [CTAB] and dodecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide [DoTAB]) via a solvent free microwave methodology to yield ZrSiO4 NPs‐CTAB@Fe3O4 NPs‐DoTAB. The as‐prepared nanocomposite was characterized by SEM to confirm the existence of homogeneous particles (~32.45 nm). The chemical structure of nanocomposite was also confirmed from the energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The surface area of this nanocomposite was also determined by the Brunauer‐ Emmett‐ Teller (BET) method and found to correspond to 6.319 m2 g−1. Remediation of Azorubine E122 food dye was optimized in the presence of a number of controlling parameters. The maximum adsorption capacity was characterized as 66.55 mg g−1 using 50 mg nanocomposite at 20 min. Kinetics and isotherm modeling evaluations referred to the best fitting with pseudo‐second order and Freundlich model, respectively. The antibacterial activity of ZrSiO4 NPs‐CTAB@Fe3O4 NPs‐DoTAB nanocomposite was assessed against Escherichia coli ATCC® 25922™ and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC® 25923™, and the collected data proved efficient growth inhibition (p < 0.05) at considerably low concentrations of the investigated nanocomposite. Therefore, the evaluated ZrSiO4 NPs‐CTAB@Fe3O4 NPs‐DoTAB nanocomposite was concluded to afford excellent antibacterial activity and efficient magnetic removal behavior of organic dyes. Hence, it is recommended as a talented material for purification of water resources containing multi‐chemical and biological pollutants as well. Finally, this study is expected to open new prospects for manufacturing other new nanocomposites with the aim of future applications in the removal of different chemical pollutants as well as viruses and bacteria.
A novel sustainable strategy of upcycled waste polyphenylene sulfide filter bag: From waste polyphenylene sulfide powder to char‐forming agent for flame retardant epoxy
Authors: Wang Hao , Yuan Jun , Zhu Zongmin , Wang Hua , Wang Luoxin
Published: December 2022

Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) filter bag is widely used in the field of high temperature filtration of coal dust because of its high temperature resistance and stable chemical properties. However, as nondegradable solid waste, incineration is main solution for waste PPS filter materials which also brings harm to the environment. To achieve green recycling and efficient utilization of waste PPS filter material, waste PPS is utilized as the charring agent together with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to form a compound flame retardant to improve flame retardancy of epoxy resin (EP). Due to the excellent char‐forming ability of PPS, good performance of EP/APP/PPS composites is obtained in the rigorous combustion test. When the mass ratio of APP and waste PPS is 3:1 and the total load is 15 wt%, EP/IFR3 composite can pass the UL‐94 V‐0 rating, and its LOI increase to 28.1%. Furthermore, cone calorimetry tests presented its peak heat and smoke release rates were reduced by 49.9% and 63.6% compared with neat EP, respectively. Residual carbon analysis shows that this system is mainly a condense‐phase flame‐retardant mechanism. In addition, due to poor dispersion and compatibility, the flexural performance and thermal stability are destroyed to a certain extent.
Job prospects and career pathways for human anatomy graduates from the University of Otago: Implications for student support and professional development
Authors: Corre P. Hanna C. , Alexander Alana , Daniel Ben K. , Wibowo Erik
Published: December 2022

The Department of Anatomy (Anatomy) at the University of Otago delivers programs for students in diverse areas, including clinical anatomy, neuroscience, reproduction and biological anthropology. This study explored the experiences of alumni during their study and career pathways post‐graduation through an online questionnaire distributed to department alumni. Most of the 190 participants studied anatomy as undergraduates (74.2%) and graduated in the past decade (56.8%). Reasons for taking anatomy included finding the topic interesting, a pathway into professional programs, or a degree requirement. Current employment differed between undergraduate (44.7% currently employed in clinical settings) and postgraduate alumni (26.4% currently employed in research, 19.5% in clinical settings). The main pathways for finding jobs were by direct search (38.6%), completing tertiary education (29.2%), and through social network connections (16.4%). Women alumni were less likely to feel that Anatomy prepared them for their careers than men. Themes related to positive and negative experiences included staff, course material/resources, social events, and peers. Suggestions to improve the departmental “sense of community” included increasing departmental events and resources. Alumni suggested that Anatomy should provide more potential career information, make available recent alumni profiles, and organize career fairs and networking opportunities. Postgraduate alumni were more likely to feel a “sense of belonging” in Anatomy than undergraduate alumni. Findings from this research provide an essential data point in the international evaluation of career prospects of anatomy graduates and provide a road map for other institutions to survey their alumni to obtain local insights.
Substituent Effect and Its Halogen‐Atom Dependence of Halogen Bonding Viewed through Electron Density Changes
Authors: Sakai Takanori , Torii Hajime
Published: December 2022

Elucidating how the halogen‐bonding ability and strength are controlled by the substituent effect and how this control depends on halogen atom will be essential for finely‐tuned design of functionally important molecules. Here, this problem is tackled by analyzing the electron density differences/changes for variously substituted halobenzenes. It is shown that the anisotropy of the electron distribution around the halogen atom, which is an important factor for halogen‐bonding ability, is not much affected by the substituent effect and rather simply depends on the halogen atom, while the partial charge on the halogen atom, which is related to the bond dipole of the C−X bond, is significantly modulated by the substituent effect and gives rise to enhancement of the electrostatic potential on the line extended from the C−X bond. The properties related to the polarization effect are also discussed.
Time well spent? Temporal dimensions of study abroad and implications for student experiences and outcomes under the UK Turing Scheme
Authors: Waters Johanna L.
Published: December 2022

This paper reflects on the importance of ‘time spent’ in understanding the international student experience. Short‐term mobility programmes (involving stays of between 1 week and 2 months) attracting less privileged students, such as the relatively new Turing Scheme in the United Kingdom, have been hailed as a potential ‘solution’ to the fact that, traditionally, wealthier individuals have been far more likely to engage in study abroad. However, we do not yet know how short‐term and longer duration programmes compare in terms of the value they confer to students (in relation to their experiences and outcomes). How likely is it that short‐term mobility at undergraduate level is as valuable, according to different measures, as mobility lasting 6 months to several years (as with degree mobility)? This paper reviews some of the evidence to date on shorter duration mobility, addressing how value in international study is constructed and conferred and how this relates to ‘time spent’. The paper concludes by arguing that the picture is mixed: although short‐term mobility will be beneficial to students, those engaging in longer term exchanges (usually more privileged students) are likely to derive greater benefits.
Efficacy of polyarginine peptides in the treatment of stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tahmasbi Fateme , Madani Neishaboori Arian , Mardani Mahta , Toloui Amirmohammad , Komlakh Khalil , Azizi Yaser , Yousefifard Mahmoud
Published: December 2022

Background

Disparities exist regarding an efficient treatment for stroke. Polyarginines have shown promising neuroprotective properties based on available published studies. Thus, the present study aims to systemically review and analyze existing evidence regarding polyarginine's administration efficacy in animal stroke models.

Method

Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched, in addition to manual search. Inclusion criteria were administrating polyarginine peptides in stroke animal models. Exclusion criteria were previous polyarginine administration, lacking a control group, review articles, and case reports. Data were collected and analyzed using STATA 17.0; a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), meta‐regression, and subgroup analyses were presented. Risk of bias, publication bias, and level of evidence were assessed using SYRCLE's tool, Egger's analysis, and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework, respectively.

Results

From the 468 searched articles, 11 articles were included. Analyses showed that R18 significantly decreases infarct size (SMD = –0.65; 95% CI: –1.01, –0.29) and brain edema (SMD = –1.90; 95% CI: –3.28, –0.51) and improves neurological outcome (SMD = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.91) and functional status (SMD = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.85) in stroke animal models. Moreover, R18D significantly decreases infarct size (SMD = –0.75; 95% CI: –1.17, –0.33) and improves neurological outcome (SMD = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.86) and functional status (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.54) in stroke models.

Conclusion

Moderate level of evidence demonstrated that both R18 and R18D administration can significantly improve stroke outcomes in animal stroke models. However, considering the limitations, further pre‐clinical and clinical studies are warranted to substantiate the neuroprotective efficacy of polyarginines for stroke.
Bilateral refractory pneumothorax treated by pleurodesis and bronchial occlusion in a COVID‐19 patient
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Takayama Yoshihiro , Kitou Riiko , Asakawa Ryo , Tobita Satoshi , Ike Akihiro , Kawada Masahiro , Yamamoto Suguru , Ueno Kiyonobu
Published: December 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a worldwide outbreak, and it can cause various symptoms and complications. However, pneumothorax secondary to COVID‐19 is relatively uncommon. We herein report a 60‐year‐old man with bilateral refractory pneumothorax with severe COVID‐19. In patients with poor general health and who are difficult to undergo surgery for pneumothorax post‐COVID‐19, internal treatments such as chest drainage, bronchial occlusion, and pleurodesis are essential to relieving refractory pneumothorax. It also indicates that autologous blood patch pleurodesis is a useful method in terms of efficacy and side effects.
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Stirred Tank with Self‐Priming Jet Impeller
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Hongye , Yuan Jiaxin , Zhang Chengsong , Li Yaxia , Gong Bin
Published: December 2022

Multiple inclined hollow pipes were combined to form a self‐priming jet (SPJ) impeller. The hydrodynamic and mixing characteristics in the tank were studied by numerical simulation. The feasibility of the numerical simulation model was verified by particle distribution experiments. The results showed that the turbulence intensity and vorticity were affected by the installation height and diameter of the impeller; the mixing performance was improved with increasing diameter and installation angle. The study on the enhanced mixing mechanism showed that the self‐priming was generated in the lower part of the impeller, the flow was accelerated in the empty pipe, and the jet was generated in the upper part of the impeller. Self‐priming and jet caused multiple axial internal circulation flows in the SPJ tank.
Optimization of ultrasonic‐assisted extraction and purification of flavonoids with biological activities from Ficus Pumila L.
Authors: Wen Yao , Mai Xueying
Published: December 2022

To optimize the extraction process and activity detection of total flavonoids from Ficus Pumila, a Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology was employed to further optimize ultrasonic‐assisted extraction (UAE) conditions for F. Pumila stems total flavonoids (FPSTF). The results showed that optimized extraction conditions were ultrasonic power of 240 W, solvent concentration of 61%, ultrasonic time of 61 min, and liquid‐solid ratio of 25 mL/g. Under these conditions, the mean experimental value of extraction yield (1.07%) was achieved, which was about 2.14 times that of ethanol leaching extraction. As compared with FPSTF, FPSTF after purification (FPSPTF) had higher purity of 11.09%, which was nearly 4.37 times higher than that of FPSTF(2.54%). As compared with FPSTF, FPSPTF had higher α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory activities as well as DPPH· and ABTS·+ scavenging activities with an IC50 value of 0.005, 0.008, 0.22, and 0.08 mg/mL, which was 6.00, 16.50, 1.68, and 2.50 times higher than that of FPSTF (0.030, 0.132, 0.37, and 0.20 mg/mL), respectively. FPSPTF from F. Pumila could be considered as a multifunctional bioactive ingredient to be used in anti‐hyperglycemic pharmaceutical formulation and antioxidant.
Asymmetric Rubottom‐Type Oxidation Catalyzed by Chiral Calcium Phosphates
Authors: He Hualing , Tummalapalli K. S. Satyanarayana , Zhu Linfei , Chen Minglei , Krishnamurthy Suvratha , Antilla Jon C.
Published: December 2022

A highly efficient catalytic asymmetric Rubottom‐type oxidation is described. Using meta‐chloroperbenzoic acid (m‐CPBA) as the oxidant and chiral calcium phosphate as the catalyst, the facile transformation enables direct hydroxylation of N‐Boc oxindoles and β‐ketoesters in high yields (up to 99 %) and in a highly enantioenriched fashion (up to >99 % ee). The application of the established method was demonstrated by the synthesis of a pharmaceutically important 3‐hydroxyoxindole with excellent enantiocontrol.
Influence of Process Parameters and Particle Size Distribution on Mechanical Properties of Tablets
Authors: Ouazzou Amine Ait , Harshe Yogesh M. , Meunier Vincent , Finke Jan H. , Heinrich Stefan
Published: December 2022

The influence of the particle size distribution of maltodextrin powders with a dextrose equivalent level of 29 as well as two tableting process variables, namely the compression pressure and the dwell time, on the tensile strength, porosity, and pore size distribution of the final tablet was studied. The mechanical strength and porosity of the tablets are assessed in relation to the powder and process parameters. Regarding the process parameter, it was show that the compaction pressure clearly has a more pronounced influence on the tablet porosity and mechanical strength compared to the influence of the dwell time in the range of the study. As a result, the study offers a better understanding of how the properties of a tablet are influenced by the inter‐correlation of powder characteristics and tableting parameters. Therefore, the shelf‐life studies and tablet downstream processing as well as drug product development will benefit greatly from this work.
A risk‐based postresection follow‐up strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Fu Yizhen , Li Xia , Yang Zhenyun , Li Shaoqiang , Pan Yangxun , Chen Jinbin , Wang Juncheng , Hu Dandan , Zhou Zhongguo , Xu Li , Chen Minshan , Zhang Yaojun
Published: December 2022

Background

The optimal intervals for follow‐up after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergo curative liver resection (LR) remain unclear. This study aimed to establish a risk‐based post‐resection follow‐up strategy.

Methods

Patients that were diagnosed with HCC and received LR from three hospitals in China were included. The risk‐based strategy was established based on the random survival forest model and compared with a fixed strategy both internally and externally.

Results

In total, 3447 patients from three hospitals were included. The authors’ strategy showed superiority in the early detection of tumor relapse compared with fixed surveillance. Under fewer total visits, risk‐based strategy achieved analogous survival time compared to the total 20 times follow‐ups based on fixed strategy. Twelve total visits (five, three, one, two, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer T1a stage patients, 13 total visits (five, four, one, two, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for T1b stage patients, 15 total visits (eight, three, three, zero, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for T2 stage patients, and 15 total visits (eight, four, one, one, and one visits in years 1–5, respectively) for T3 stage patients were advocated. The detailed follow‐up arrangements were available to the public through an interactive website (https://sysuccfyz.shinyapps.io/RiskBasedFollowUp/).

Conclusion

This risk‐based surveillance strategy was demonstrated to detect relapse earlier and reduce the total number of follow‐ups without compromising on survival. Based on the strategy and methodology of the authors, surgeons or patients could choose more intensive or flexible schedules depending on the requirements and economic conditions.

Plain language summary

A risk‐based post‐resection follow‐up strategy was established by random survival forest model using a larger hepatocellular carcinoma population

The strategy was demonstrated to detect tumor relapse earlier and reduce the total number of follow‐ups without compromising on survival

Our strategy and methodology could be widely applied by other surgeons and patients
Bis‐Catecholamide‐Based Materials for Uranium Extraction
Authors: Mossand Guillaume , Lelong Evan , Xing Chen , Ndebulia Watchou Frantz , Leydier Antoine , Arrachart Guilhem , Pellet‐Rostaing Stéphane
Published: December 2022

This work reports the synthesis of formo‐phenolic resins containing four catecholamide (CAM) moieties with admixture of phenol, catechol or resorcinol. These chelating resins have been developed to selectively extract U(VI) from seawater. This media is a challenging environment due to a pH around 8.2 and a large excess of alkaline and earth‐alkaline cations. From the various sorption experiments investigated, the results indicate that the synthesized material exhibit good sorbent properties for U(VI) with uptake capacity about 50 mg/g for the more promising resins with a pronounced selectivity for uranium even under saline conditions. Thermodynamic and kinetic adsorption data were determined for the best resin (Langmuir adsorption model and pseudo‐second order model).
Kinetically Stabilized Diarylpnictogenium Ions
Authors: Janssen Marvin , Mebs Stefan , Beckmann Jens
Published: December 2022

The newly prepared and fully characterized stibenium and bismuthenium ions [RindMesE]+ (E=Sb, Bi; Rind=dispiro[fluorene‐9,3′‐(1′,1′,7′,7′‐tetramethyl‐s‐hydrindacen‐4′‐yl)‐5′,9′′‐fluorene) were rigorously compared to the previously communicated phosphenium and arsenium ions (E=P, As) as well as the bis(m‐terphenyl) pnictogenium ions [(2,6‐Mes2C6H3)2E]+ (E=Sb, Bi). It is demonstrated that the choice of the aryl substituents dramatically effects the molecular structures (e. g. the primary E−C bond lengths) and the electronic structures (e. g. the energy of the LUMOs).
One‐Pot Tandem Transformation of Inulin as Fructose‐Rich Platform Towards 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural: Feedstock Advantages, Acid‐Site Regulation and Solvent Effects
Authors: Xiong Jian , Lu Xuebin , Li Wei , Yang Shijie , Zhang Rui , Li Xiaoyun , Han Jinfeng , Li Dan , Yu Zhihao
Published: December 2022

The valorization of non‐grain biomass feedstocks to value‐added chemicals, polymers and alternative fuels is a crucial route for the utilization of renewable resources. Inulin belongs to a type of fructans, which is a pivotal platform bridging upstream fructose‐rich biomass feedstocks typically represented by Jerusalem artichoke and downstream platform molecules such as alcohols, aldehydes and acids. Fructose can be directly obtained from the inulin hydrolysis and further converted into various platform chemicals, which is a more environmentally economical route than the conventional catalytic upgrading of cellulose. Nevertheless, most perspectives over the last decade have focused on the valorization of cellulose‐derived carbohydrates, without much emphasis on the practical importance of one‐pot transformation of inulin. In this review, we aim to demonstrate an efficient one‐pot tandem transformation system of the inulin as fructose‐rich platform towards 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Core concerns are placed on elucidating the contributing roles of acid sites and solvents in enhancing the overall catalytic performance. The perspectives presented in this review may contribute to the innovation in the catalytic refining of fructose‐rich non‐grain biomass and the development of a greener biomass‐based energy system.
Simplified Electrochemical Approaches for Quality Determination of the Wetting Process in Lithium‐Ion Cell Production
Authors: Grundmeier Simon , Schlüter Nicolas
Published: December 2022

Electrolyte filling and wetting are safety‐relevant and time‐ and cost‐intensive processes in lithium‐ion cell production, and are hence critical process steps. Currently, only limited measurement technologies are available that would be suitable for inline monitoring and quality assurance of these process sequences. Herein, two promising electrochemical approaches for monitoring electrolyte wetting are presented, which can be utilized in low‐cost measurement devices. Starting from the introduction of a simplified impedance approach with a straightforward data evaluation, a direct current‐based method is introduced that does not require impedance equipment, and can thus be performed with standard battery cyclers. First, the extended applicability of the simplified impedance measurement is demonstrated by examining the dependence of experimental impedance results on varying electrolyte volumes, also including insufficient amounts. Subsequently, the impedance approach is transferred into the direct current method. The latter mimics impedance signals by utilizing repetitive direct current charge and discharge pulses, which are used to determine the batteries’ internal resistance during the electrolyte wetting. Both introduced approaches yield comparable results and allow the inline monitoring of the electrolyte wetting with basic equipment and with no need for demanding data evaluation.
Oxide‐Based Pseudo‐Solid‐State Hybrid Electrolyte Functionalized by Ionic Liquid for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Park Jeongmok , Jin Hongsoo , Yeon Seongkeun , Kim Hyun Woo , Ko Minseong
Published: December 2022

Solid‐state batteries draw attention as next‐generation batteries that can provide higher energy density and overall stability based on the inherent nonflammability of the solid electrolytes. However, solid electrolytes have a clear limitation of low ionic conductivity due to their high resistance at grain boundaries and interfaces. Herein, oxide‐type solid electrolytes and ionic liquid electrolytes are introduced to reduce the overall resistance and form a clay‐textured composite electrolyte after a hybrid process. This composite electrolyte exhibits a stable state without side reactions and 1.6 ms cm−1 of improved ionic conductivity. This material also demonstrates its high thermal and electrochemical stability by high‐temperature exposure test and the application of bipolar configuration in conventional coin cells with high voltage. Therefore, this original clay‐textured pseudo‐solid‐state hybrid electrolyte is believed to contribute to the studies related to oxide‐type solid electrolytes for advanced solid‐state batteries.
Estimating functional single index models with compact support
Authors: Nie Yunlong , Wang Liangliang , Cao Jiguo
Published: December 2022

The functional single index models are widely used to describe the nonlinear relationship between a scalar response and a functional predictor. The conventional functional single index model assumes that the coefficient function is nonzero in the entire time domain. In other words, the functional predictor always has a nonzero effect on the response all the time. We propose a new compact functional single index model, in which the coefficient function is only nonzero in a subregion. We also propose an efficient method that can simultaneously estimate the nonlinear link function, the coefficient function and also the nonzero region of the coefficient function. Hence, our method can identify the region in which the functional predictor is related to the response. Our method is illustrated by an application example in which the total number of daily bike rentals is predicted based on hourly temperature data. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is investigated by comparing it to the conventional functional single index model in a simulation study
Importance of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in cancer cells
Authors: Hatami Hamed , Sajedi Atefe , Mir Seyed Mostafa , Memar Mohammad Yousef
Published: December 2022

Background

In most regions, cancer ranks the second most frequent cause of death following cardiovascular disorders.

Aim

In this article, we review the various aspects of glycolysis with a focus on types of MCTs and the importance of lactate in cancer cells.

Results and Discussion

Metabolic changes are one of the first and most important alterations in cancer cells. Cancer cells use different pathways to survive, energy generation, growth, and proliferation compared to normal cells. The increase in glycolysis, which produces substances such as lactate and pyruvate, has an important role in metastases and invasion of cancer cells. Two important cellular proteins that play a role in the production and transport of lactate include lactate dehydrogenase and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). These molecules by their various isoforms and different tissue distribution help to escape the immune system and expansion of cancer cells under different conditions.
Reproductive history and breast cancer survival: Findings from the African breast cancer—Disparities in outcomes cohort and implications of Africa's fertility transition on breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Boucheron Pauline , Anele Angelica , Offiah Awa U. , Zietsman Annelle , Galukande Moses , Parham Groesbeck , Pinder Leeya F. , Anderson Benjamin O. , Foerster Milena , Schüz Joachim , dos ‐Santos‐Silva Isabel , McCormack Valerie
Published: December 2022

Reproductive characteristics are known risk factors for breast cancer but, other than recent birth, their role as prognostic factors is less clear, and has not been studied in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). In this setting, we examined whether reproductive factors independently influence breast cancer survival in a subset of the African Breast Cancer—Disparities in Outcomes cohort study. In 1485 women with incident breast cancer recruited between 2014 and 2017, we examined birth cohort changes in reproductive factors, and used Cox models to examine whether reproductive characteristics were associated with all‐cause mortality after adjusting for confounders (age, stage, treatment, HIV, and social factors). Four years after diagnosis, 822 (56%) women had died. Median parity was 4 (IQR = 2, 6) and 209 (28%) of premenopausal women had had a recent birth (<3 years prior to cancer diagnosis). Each pregnancy was associated with a 5% increase (95% CI: 2%, 8%) in mortality rates, which held among postmenopausal women (5%, [1%‐9%]). Pre‐menopausal women with a recent birth had 52% (20%, 92%) higher mortality rates. Fertility trends by birth cohort showed declining parity, increasing age at first birth and declining age at last birth, however the impact of these population‐level changes on future average survival was predicted to be very small (<3% absolute gain).
Childcare attendance and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: A register study based on the Danish childcare database
Authors: Søegaard Signe Holst , Rostgaard Klaus , Kamper‐Jørgensen Mads , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Hjalgrim Henrik
Published: December 2022

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is suggested to result from a dysregulated immune response to infections in children with a preleukaemic state. Childcare in early life supposedly may protect against childhood ALL by facilitating sufficient exposure to infections to stimulate and ensure normal maturation of the immune system. We assessed the association between childcare attendance before age 2 years and risk of childhood ALL in a register‐based cohort study, including all children aged 2 to 14 years born in Denmark during 1991 to 2014 with available childcare information recorded in the Danish Childcare Database (n = 1 116 185). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) comparing children enrolled in childcare and children not enrolled before age 2 years. Further, we assessed the association according to age at enrolment, type of childcare facility and specific ALL subtypes. During 10 460 811 person‐years of follow‐up, 460 children developed ALL at ages 2 to 14 years. Of these, 57 (12.4%) never attended childcare before age 2 years compared with 10.6% in the total cohort. Compared with homecare, childcare attendance before age 2 years was associated with a statistically non‐significantly, marginally decreased risk of childhood ALL with adjusted HR = 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65‐1.16). Risk estimates did neither vary statistically significantly by age at enrolment nor by type of childcare facility and also not between childhood ALL subtypes, including frequently prenatally initiated ALL subtypes. Results from this large, nationwide register‐based study provided no evidence that childcare attendance in the first years of life protects against childhood ALL.
In vitro comparative cytotoxic assessment of pristine and carboxylic functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes on LN18 cells
Authors: Vijayalakshmi Vaniyamparambath , Sadanandan Bindu , Anjanapura Raghu V.
Published: December 2022

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been used in biomedical applications due to their ability to enter the cells. Carboxylic functionalization of MWCNT (MWCNT‐COOH) is used to mitigate the toxicity of MWCNTs. Our study focuses on comparing the toxicity of MWCNT and MWCNT‐COOH on the neuronal cells, LN18. Concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40 µg ml−1 were used for the study, and cytotoxicity was determined at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of incubation. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan Blue, MTT, and Live dead cell assays, and the oxidative stress produced was determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Lipid peroxidation assays. MWCNT‐COOH showed higher cell viability than MWCNT for 20 and 40 µg ml−1 at 24 and 48 h. This was also visually observed in the live dead cell imaging. However, at 48 h, the morphology of the cells appeared more stretched for all the concentrations of MWCNT and MWCNT‐COOH in comparison to the control. A significant amount of ROS production can also be observed at the same concentration and time. Viability and oxidative stress results together revealed that MWCNT‐COOH is less toxic when compared to MWCNT at longer incubation periods and higher concentrations. However, otherwise, the effect of both are comparable. A concentration of 5–10 µg ml−1 is ideal while using MWCNT and MWCNT‐COOH as the toxicity is negligible. These findings can further be extended to various functionalizations of MWCNT for wider applications.
On coloring digraphs with forbidden induced subgraphs
Authors: Steiner Raphael
Published: December 2022

We prove a conjecture by Aboulker, Charbit, and Naserasr by showing that every oriented graph in which the out‐neighborhood of every vertex induces a transitive tournament can be partitioned into two acyclic induced subdigraphs. We prove multiple extensions of this result to larger classes of digraphs defined by a finite list of forbidden induced subdigraphs. We thereby resolve several special cases of an extension of the famous Gyárfás–Sumner conjecture to directed graphs stated by Aboulker et al.
In vivo optogenetic inhibition of striatal parvalbumin‐reactive interneurons induced genotype‐specific changes in neuronal activity without dystonic signs in male DYT1 knock‐in mice
Authors: Schulz Anja , Richter Franziska , Richter Angelika
Published: December 2022

The pathophysiology of early‐onset torsion dystonia (TOR1A/DYT1) remains unclear. Like 70% of human mutation carriers, rodent models with ΔGAG mutation such as DYT1 knock‐in (KI) mice do not show overt dystonia but have subtle sensorimotor deficits and pattern of abnormal synaptic plasticity within the striatal microcircuits. There is evidence that dysfunction of striatal parvalbumin‐reactive (Parv+) fast‐spiking interneurons (FSIs) can be involved in dystonic signs. To elucidate the relevance of these GABAergic interneurons in the pathophysiology of DYT1 dystonia, we used in vivo optogenetics to specifically inhibit Parv+ and to detect changes in motor behavior and neuronal activity. Optogenetic fibers were bilaterally implanted into the dorsal striatum of male DYT1 KI mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates expressing halorhodopsin (eNpHR3.0) in Parv+ interneurons. While stimulations with yellow light pulses for up to 60 min at different pulse durations and interval lengths did not induce abnormal movements, such as dystonic signs, immunohistochemical examinations revealed genotype‐dependent differences. In contrast to WT mice, stimulated DYT1 KI showed decreased striatal neuronal activity, that is, less c‐Fos reactive neurons, and increased activation of cholinergic interneurons after optogenetic inhibition of Parv+ interneurons. These findings suggest an involvement of Parv+ interneurons in an impaired striatal network in DYT1 KI mice, but at least short‐term inhibition of these GABAergic interneurons is not sufficient to trigger a dystonic phenotype, similar to previously shown optogenetic activation of cholinergic interneurons.