bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Triply Negatively Charged Nanographene Bilayer with Spin Frustration
Authors: Wang Wenqing , Ma Xiao‐Hui , Liu Min , Tang Shuxuan , Ding Xuguang , Zhao Yue , Tan Yuan‐Zhi , Kertesz Miklos , Wang Xinping
Published: December 2022

We report on the largest open‐shell graphenic bilayer and also the first example of triply negatively charged radical π‐dimer. Upon three‐electron reduction, bilayer nanographene fragment molecule (C96H24Ar6)2(Ar=2,6‐dimethylphenyl) (12) was transformed to a triply negatively charged species123.−, which has been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and magnetic properties on a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID).123.−features a 96‐center‐3‐electron (96c/3e) pancake bond with a doublet ground state, which can be thermally excited to a quartet state. It consists of 34 π‐fused rings with 96 conjugatedsp2carbon atoms. Spin frustration is observed with the frustration parameterf>31.8 at low temperatures in123.−, which indicates graphene upon reduction doping may behave as a quantum spin liquid.
Centro‐symmetric copper complex as a novel antitumor drug for therapeutic applications: Fabrication, structure, theoretical calculations, cytotoxicity, DNA binding/cleavage, and molecular docking
Authors: Zekrallah Marwa , Mashaly Mahmoud M. , Saif Mona , Fouad Rania
Published: December 2022

This study presents the fabrication and structural analysis of the newly synthesized Cu(AHC)2 complex to explore its biological functionalities such as cytotoxicity, DNA binding, and DNA cleavage. For the Cu(AHC)2 complex synthesis, the bioactive 3‐acetyl‐4‐hydroxy coumarin (AHC) has been used as a ligand. The complex has been investigated using analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The resultant data have demonstrated that the AHC is coordinated to the metal ion in a monoanionic form with bidentate through O, O donor atoms forming a square planner coordinated compound. X‐ray diffraction and transmittance electron microscope analysis have shown that Cu(AHC)2 complex has hybrid morphology of irregular nano‐sphere (5 nm) and irregular sheets arranged in the format of a cluster with crystallinity form. The Cu(AHC)2 complex has been screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG‐2 cell line. If it compared with different standard drugs, copper complex, it can be said, has excellent cytotoxicity (IC50 = 6.8 μg ml−1). Furthermore, the binding properties of Cu(AHC)2 complex with herring sperm DNA has been detected via UV–Vis spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The electronic absorption spectroscopic data have revealed that the prepared Cu(AHC)2 complex strongly binds to herring sperm DNA through intercalative mode with Kb of 0.19 × 106 M−1. Confirming previously obtained spectroscopy data, the interaction of Cu(AHC)2 complex with DNA has also been explored via molecular docking analysis. DNA cleavage study has been, moreover, carried out by agarose gel electrophoresis. The data have shown that the complex has a good ability to destroy DNA. In supporting experimental data, theoretical calculations and optimized Cu(AHC)2 complex structure have been obtained from density functional theory calculations. The calculated results are consistent with the experimental findings. In conclusion, the data discussed above may offer helpful information that helps in the design of a novel copper complex that can function as a potent pharmaceutical agent.
Cyclobutadiene platinum complex as a new type of precatalyst for hydrosilylation of alkenes and alkynes
Authors: Shvydkiy Nikita V. , Rimskiy Klimentiy V. , Perekalin Dmitry S.
Published: December 2022

The readily available cyclobutadiene platinum complex [(C4Et4)PtCl2] catalyzes hydrosilylation of alkenes and alkynes. The reaction typically proceeds at room temperature and does not require any solvent. The target products are obtained from both terminal and internal alkynes, as well as from terminal alkenes in 43–99% yields. The scope of silanes includes various tertiary silanes (Et3SiH, (EtO)3SiH, Ph3SiH) and the disubstituted silane Ph2SiH2. The hydrosilylation proceeds with typical anti‐Markovnikov regioselectivity giving mainly β(E)‐vinylsilanes from alkynes and linear alkyl silanes from alkenes.
The Use of Redox Mediators in Electrocatalysis and Electrosynthesis
Authors: Shao Weide , Lu Biao , Cao Jinpeng , Zhang Jianing , Cao Hairu , Zhang Feifei , Zhang Chunling
Published: December 2022

Electrocatalysis and electrosynthesis, which convert the electrical energy and store them in the chemical forms, have been considered as promising technologies to utilize green renewable energy sources. Most of the studies focused on developing novel active molecules or advanced electrodes to improve the performance. However, the direct acquisition and electron transferring will be limited by the intrinsic characters of the electrodes. The introduce of redox mediators, which are served as the intermediate electron carriers or reservoirs without changing the final products, provide a unique approach to accelerate the electrochemical performance of these energy conversions. This review provides an overview of the recent development of electrocatalysis and electrosynthesis by using redox mediators, and provides a comprehensive discussion toward focusing on the principles and construction of these systems.
1D Chiral Lead Bromide Perovskite with Superior Second‐Order Optical Nonlinearity, Photoluminescence, and High‐Temperature Reversible Phase Transition
Authors: Peng Xin‐Lin , Han Rui‐Rui , Tang Yun‐Zhi , Tan Yu‐Hui , Fan Xiao‐Wei , Wang Fang‐Xin , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

Multifunctional materials are an attractive research area. Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites are widely used in the design of these materials due to their rich properties and flexible composition. It is easy to obtain more photoelectric properties by introducing chiral groups as ligands. In this work, we synthesized chiral one‐dimensional organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites, namely (R/S‐3‐HP)PbBr3 (1R/1S) (3‐HP=3‐hydroxy‐piperidine). The enantiomer compounds undergo reversible phase transition at 349/336 K. Under the excitation light of 339 nm, 1R and 1S have a wide emission peak at 635 nm, showing orange light. In addition, the indirect bandgap is 3.29 eV and the SHG intensity is comparable to that of KDP. This work provides a way to design multifunctional chiral perovskite materials.
Production cell analysis and compound‐based boosting of small extracellular vesicle secretion using a generic and scalable production platform
Authors: Keysberg Christoph , Schneider Helga , Otte Kerstin
Published: December 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a novel format of advanced therapeutical medicinal products (ATMPs). They can act regenerative or immune‐modulatory as cell therapy substitutes or as a platform for designer exosomes. The biotechnological production of therapeutic EVs is still very much uncharted territory so standardized host cells, production setups, and isolation methods are not yet implemented. In this work, we present a tangential flow filtration (TFF) and fast‐performance liquid chromatography (FPLC)‐based size exclusion chromatography (SEC) purification setup that is compatible for industry applications. Moreover, we evaluated a series of potential host cell lines regarding their EV productivity, characteristics, and biological functionality. It was found that telomerase‐immortalized Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stromal cells (WJ‐MSC/TERT273) secrete high amounts of EVs per cell with regenerative capabilities. On the other hand, Cevec's amniocyte producer cells® (CAP®) and human embryonic kidney (HEK293) suspension cells are suitable platforms for designer EVs with high yields. Finally, we aimed to boost the EV secretion of HEK293 cells via chemical adjuvants and verified four compounds that heighten cellular EV secretion in a presumably cAMP‐dependent manner. A combination of fenoterol, iodoacetamide, and dinitrophenol increased the EV yield in HEK293 cells threefold and cellular secretion rate fivefold.
Application of isothermal chemical denaturation to early‐stage formulation development of fibrinogen
Authors: Son Jae Woon , Son Jong Mun , Hur Ki Ho , Lee Wonhwa , Song Im‐Sook , Na Dong Hee
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to develop fibrinogen formulation using isothermal chemical denaturation (ICD), which is a technique that measures the conformational stability of proteins through structure perturbation by denaturants such as urea. Fibrinogen has been used to treat various congenital and acquired human fibrinogen‐related disorders that represent a group of rare conditions. In this study, 10 formulations of fibrinogen were initially prepared and appropriate formulations were screened via automated, high‐throughput ICD measurements. The optimal formulation selection process was further performed through osmolality measurements and accelerated stability study at 40°C and 75% relative humidity. The fibrinogen formulation was optimized with 20 mg/ml fibrinogen, 16 mg/ml L‐arginine, 10 mg/ml glycine, 1.2 mg/ml tri‐sodium citrate dihydrate, and 3.5 mg/ml sodium chloride at pH 7.0. This study demonstrates that ICD‐based formulation screening approach is highly applicable to early‐stage formulation development of fibrinogen.
Oxidative stress disrupts the cytoskeleton of spinal motor neurons
Authors: Chen Jian , Chen Tianyu , Wang Yeyang , Meng Juanjuan , Tan Guangjiao , Zhao Qiurong , Feng Shilong , Xu Lixin , Pei Qinqin
Published: December 2022

Background and aim

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common and devastating central nervous disease, the treatment of which faces many challenges to the medical community and society as a whole. Treatment measures based on oxidative stress of spinal motor neurons during SCI are expected to help restore biological functions of neurons under injury conditions. However, to date, there are no systematic reports regarding oxidative stress on spinal motor neuron injury. Our aim is to better understand and explain the influences and mechanisms of oxidative stress on spinal motor neurons during SCI.

Methods

We first exposed VSC4.1 motor neurons to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and evaluated the effects on cell viability, morphology, cycling, and apoptosis, with an emphasis on the changes to the cytoskeleton and the effect of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) on these changes. Then, we investigated the effects of NAC on these cytoskeletal changes in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We found that H2O2 caused severe damage to the normal cytoskeleton, leading to a reduction in neurite length and number, rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton, and disorder of the microtubules and neurofilaments in VSC4.1. Importantly, NAC attenuated the oxidative damage of spinal motor neurons in vitro and in vivo, promoting the recovery of hindlimb motor ability in mice with SCI at the early stage of injury.

Conclusion

This study shows that oxidative stress plays an important role in the cytoskeleton destruction of spinal motor neurons in SCI, and treatment of SCI on this basis is a promising strategy. These findings will help to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in spinal motor neuron injury in SCI and provide references for further research into the study of the pathology and underlying mechanism of SCI.
Dual‐functional ZnO/LiF layer protected lithium metal for stable Li10GeP2S12‐based all‐solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Chang Xinshuang , Liu Gaozhan , Wu Ming , Chang Mingyuan , Zhao Xiaolei , Chen George Z. , Fow Kam Loon , Yao Xiayin
Published: December 2022

All‐solid‐state lithium battery has become one of the most promising secondary batteries due to their high energy density and excellent safety. However, the growth of lithium dendrites and side reactions between lithium metal and solid electrolytes hinder the practical application of all‐solid‐state lithium batteries. Herein, a dual‐functional layer of ZnO and LiF is fabricated at the interface between lithium metal and Li10GeP2S12 solid electrolyte by a magnetic sputtering technique. The ZnO/LiF dual‐functional layer can suppress severe Li10GeP2S12/lithium metal interface side reactions and has a high interface energy against lithium which can block the growth of lithium dendrites. The symmetric cell of Li@ZnO/LiF‐Li10GeP2S12‐Li@ZnO/LiF demonstrates stable lithium plating/striping cycling for 2000 h with a small overpotential of 200 mV at 0.1 mA cm−2 and 0.1 mAh cm−2. The full cell of Li@ZnO/LiF‐Li10GeP2S12‐LiCoO2@LiNbO3 shows stable cycling stability for 500 cycles with a high reversible specific capacity of 80 mAh g−1 at 1.0 C.
Preventing eating disorders and disordered eating in genetically vulnerable, high‐risk families
Authors: Levine Michael P. , Sadeh‐Sharvit Shiri
Published: December 2022

Objective

To close the chasm between theory about families containing a parent with an eating disorders (EDs) history and lack of selective or indicated prevention programming for such families with an older child or adolescent who is, genetically, at high risk.

Method

A search of four major databases for January 2000 through September 2022 yielded no publications that (a) identified genetically high‐risk families with offspring ages 10 through 18; (b) devised a prevention program for the family; and (c) evaluated program effects on risk/protective factors. To rectify this gap, research on three lines of family‐based prevention is reviewed: (1) programs for adolescents at genetic risk for depression or anxiety; (2) the Stanford‐Dresden project for adolescents at high risk for anorexia nervosa; and (3) Sadeh‐Sharvit et al.'s work concerning the Parent‐Based Prevention program for mothers with an EDs history and a child under age 5.

Results

The significant challenges for innovative prevention programming should be addressed by experts in effective EDs, depression, and anxiety prevention, and in family‐based treatment (FBT) for EDs, collaborating with people from genetically vulnerable families. Innovative programming should focus on robust risk factors for EDs, adaptive expression of non‐specific risk factors (e.g., temperament), and strengthening family functioning.

Discussion

The field is overdue for development of prevention programs designed for older children or adolescents who are at risk because a parent has an ED. Evidence‐based prevention programs for EDs and for depression and anxiety, as well as parent‐based prevention informed by FBT, provide a springboard for addressing this gap.

Public Significance

The foundation of theory and research is available for stakeholders to develop prevention programming that closes the huge gap between theory and research about families that are genetically vulnerable for eating disorders versus the complete lack of prevention programming for such families that have an older child or adolescent at high risk.
Grassland productivity responds unexpectedly to dynamic light and soil water environments induced by photovoltaic arrays
Authors: Sturchio Matthew A. , Macknick Jordan E. , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Chen Anping , Alderfer Cavin , Condon Kathleen , Hajek Olivia L. , Miller Benjamin , Pauletto Benjamin , Siggers J. Alexander , Slette Ingrid J. , Knapp Alan K.
Published: December 2022

Agrivoltaic (AV) systems are designed to coproduce photovoltaic (PV) energy on lands simultaneously supporting agriculture (food/forage production). PV infrastructure in agroecosystems alters resources critical for plant growth, and water‐limited agroecosystems such as grasslands are likely to be particularly sensitive to the unique spatial and temporal patterns of incident sunlight and soil water inherent within AV systems. However, the impact of resource alteration on forage production, the primary ecosystem service from managed grasslands, is poorly resolved. Here, we evaluated seasonal patterns of soil moisture (SM) and diurnal variation in incident sunlight (photosynthetic photon flux density [PPFD]) in a single‐axis‐tracking AV system established in a formerly managed semiarid C3 grassland in Colorado. Our goals were to (1) quantify dynamic patterns of PPFD and SM within a 1.2 MW PV array in a perennial grassland, and (2) determine how aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and photosynthetic parameters responded to the resource patterns created by the PV array. We hypothesized that spatial variability in ANPP would be strongly related to SM patterns, typical of most grasslands. We measured significant reductions in ANPP directly beneath PV panels, where SM and PPFD were both low. However, in locations with significantly increased SM from the shedding and redistribution of precipitation by PV panels, ANPP was not increased. Instead, ANPP was greatest in locations where plants were shaded in the afternoon but received high levels of PPFD in the morning hours, when air temperatures and vapor pressure deficits were relatively low. Thus, contrary to expectations, we found relatively weak relationships between SM and ANPP despite significant spatial variability in both. Further, there was little evidence that light‐saturated photosynthesis (Asat) and quantum yield of CO2 assimilation (ϕCO2) differed for plants growing directly beneath (lowest PPFD) versus between (highest PPFD) PV panels. Overall, the AV system established in this semiarid managed grassland did not alter patterns of ANPP in ways predictable from past studies of controls of ANPP in open grasslands. However, our results suggest that the diurnal timing of low versus high periods of PPFD incident on plants is an important determinant of productivity patterns in grasslands.
Singular Time‐Dependent Photoconductivity Response of MAPbI3 Samples Deposited by Vacuum Processing on Different Substrates
Authors: Palechor-Ocampo Anderzon F. , Caram Jorge , Hierrezuelo-Cardet Pedro , Ventosinos Federico , Pérez-del-Rey Daniel , Bolink Henk J. , Schmidt Javier A.
Published: December 2022

Organo–inorganic halide perovskites continue to generate enormous interest for their potential use in various optoelectronic devices. Among the different fabrication methods, vacuum thermal deposition allows uniform films over large areas, providing good material quality without using organic solvents. However, the influence of the substrate on the properties of the material deposited by vacuum processing is a point that deserves further investigation. Herein, time‐dependent photoconductivity measurements are used to investigate the dynamics of charge carriers under illumination in planar films of CH3NH3PbI3. The samples are deposited by thermal sublimation on different substrates: PbI2, TaTm, C60, and glass. Experimentally, it is shown that the substrate has a profound effect on perovskite behavior and that photoconductivity is sensitive enough to probe these behaviors. Furthermore, a model based on Shockley–Read–Hall statistics is proposed, explaining the different photoconductivity responses by changing only the relative values of the different capture coefficients and the position of the Fermi level. It is argued that the substrate changes the stoichiometry of the evaporated material, affecting the transient photoconductivity response.
Cs2XI2Cl2 (X = Pb, Sn) All‐Inorganic Layered Ruddlesden–Popper Mixed Halide Perovskite Single Junction and Tandem Solar Cells: Ultra‐High Carrier Mobility and Excellent Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Saffari Mohaddeseh , Zarei Mohammad , Bagheri Tagani Meysam , Soleimani H. Rahimpour
Published: December 2022

Layered pseudo‐2D perovskites are new and emerging candidates for optoelectronic applications, exhibiting excellent physical properties and very high stability compared to bulk perovskite structures. Herein, two synthesized inorganic layered perovskites with Ruddlesden–Popper phase Cs2XI2Cl2 (X = Pb, Sn) are investigated. The optoelectronic properties of these structures are calculated using density‐functional theory (DFT). In addition, single junction solar cells and a Cs2PbI2Cl2/Cs2SnI2Cl2 tandem cell, are investigated using the finite‐difference time‐domain method and drift‐diffusion model. The optimal absorption coefficient and suitable bandgap for solar cells are indicated by the results obtained from DFT. Based on the deformation potential theory, the ultrahigh charge‐carrier mobility of 104 order are predicted for these structures, which is much higher than the mobility of 3D known organic perovskites. Remarkable power conversion efficiencies of 24.09% and 21.94% for Cs2SnI2Cl2 and Cs2PbI2Cl2 solar cells, respectively, are shown in the calculated results, which are among highest reported efficiencies for layered perovskite solar cells. Also, the simulated tandem cell achieves a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.68 V, which is higher than the Voc of single‐junction cells. The high potential of inorganic layered perovskites in optoelectronic devices with excellent efficiency and long‐term stability is implied by the obtained results.
Damping‐dependent correlations between response spectral ordinates
Authors: Poulos Alan , Miranda Eduardo
Published: December 2022

Correlations between response spectral ordinates at different periods are used in several seismic hazard computations, such as for the construction of conditional mean spectra and conditional spectra. Conventionally, these correlations have been computed and reported only for a damping ratio of 5%; however, structures may have damping ratios substantially lower or higher than 5%. Therefore, in those cases, one requires correlations of spectral ordinates at different periods but having the same damping ratios that are different than 5%, correlations of spectral ordinates at the same period but having different damping ratios, or the general case of correlation between spectral ordinates of two oscillators having different damping ratios and different periods. This work computes such damping‐dependent correlations by using the NGA‐West2 ground motion database. In general, it is found that correlations increase as the damping ratio of any of the two spectral ordinates increases and as the ratio of periods of vibration of the two oscillators departs from one. A nonlinear regression model is fitted to the resulting damping‐dependent correlations to simplify future computations. Finally, the use of the new damping‐dependent correlations is illustrated by computing example conditional spectra for damping ratios differing from 5%. The results show that using 5%‐damped correlations for the construction of condition mean spectra, overestimates spectral ordinates for damping ratios lower than 5% and underestimates spectral ordinates for damping ratios higher than 5%.
Efficient target monitoring withfault‐tolerantconnectivity in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Deepa Rajasekar , Revathi Venkataraman
Published: December 2022

Sensing coverage with fault‐tolerant connectivity is considered as a recent research challenge, which measures the Quality of Service (QoS) in wireless sensor networks. QoS is determined based on the set of deployed sensor nodes that monitor all available discrete targets lying at the given point of interest and at the same time have to retain reliable connectivity with the base station. In this article, we focus on two phases namely, monitoring targets in the given sensing area by splitting the sensor network into set covers, which is considered as a nondeterministic polynomial‐time complete problem and optimal deployment of intelligent nodes. At first, achieving full coverage with deployed sensors by covering all discrete targets to prolong the network lifetime. On the other hand, a novel S2(sensors‐spine) node approach was used to place an optimal number of intelligent nodes using a nature‐inspired algorithm named moth flame optimization to overcome the fault among the disjoints sets such that the entire network was fully connected and ensure that sensed data from each target points are collected by the sink node. To evaluate our proposed design, extensive simulations were conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed mechanism that outperforms other existing techniques found in the literature in terms of prolonged network lifetime and there is no failure in the transmission path during data transmission to the sink node at everyt s, such that the entire network was fully connected.
Failure of double filtration plasmapheresis to treat severe pemphigus vulgaris: A case report
Authors: Liu Yangai , Wang Fei
Published: December 2022

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic, mucocutaneous, autoimmune bullous disease. Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) may be effective when PV fails to be controlled by conventional corticosteroid treatment. The patient was a 64‐year‐old man with erythema, blisters, and erosions on his head, face, mouth, trunk, limbs, and scrotum for over a month. He was diagnosed with severe PV, and the original rash area continued to expand after treatment with systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and intravenous immunoglobulin, with massive exudate and ≥5 new blisters and macules still occurring daily. Subsequently, the patient completed three sessions of DFPP. After the first DFPP, the original erosion surface exudate was significantly reduced and gradually healed. After the second DFPP, the erosion area and exudate increased compared with the previous one. After the third DFPP, the rash did not improve further and had a tendency to continue to progress. During the entire three sessions of DFPP, the patient had new blisters and bullae on his limbs every day. The Nikolsky's sign of the limbs turned negative at the initial stage, and then the trunk and limbs Nikolsky's sign became positive again. The titer of autoantibodies did not decrease significantly after the plasmapheresis. The patient eventually died of secondary lung infection and septic shock. The efficacy of DFPP in this patient with refractory severe PV was poor.
A Phase 1 Drug‐Drug Interaction Study Between Brigatinib and the CYP3A Substrate Midazolam in Patients With ALK‐Positive or ROS1‐Positive Solid Tumors
Authors: Hanley Michael J. , D'Arcangelo Manolo , Felip Enriqueta , Garrido Pilar , Zhu Jiaxi , Ye Meng , Vranceanu Florin , Gupta Neeraj
Published: December 2022

Brigatinib is a next‐generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor approved for the treatment of patients with ALK‐positive (ALK+) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A phase 1 drug‐drug interaction study was conducted to evaluate the effect of multiple‐dose administration of brigatinib on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of midazolam, a sensitive cytochrome P450 3A substrate. In cycle 1, patients with ALK+ or ROS1+ solid tumors, including NSCLC, received a single 3‐mg dose of midazolam as an oral solution alone on day 1 and then coadministered with brigatinib on day 21 (brigatinib 90 mg once daily on days 2‐8; 180 mg once daily on days 9‐28). After cycle 1, patients could continue to receive brigatinib in 28‐day treatment cycles. The primary study objective was to characterize the effect of brigatinib 180 mg once daily on midazolam pharmacokinetics. The secondary objective was to assess safety. Exploratory efficacy endpoints included objective response rate and progression‐free survival. Brigatinib was generally well tolerated, and safety data were consistent with the known safety profile. Among the 10 patients with ALK+ NSCLC, the confirmed objective response rate was 30% and median progression‐free survival was 7.2 months. Coadministration of brigatinib reduced midazolam maximum observed plasma concentration by ≈16% (geometric least‐squares mean ratio, 0.836 [90%CI, 0.662‐1.056]) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity by ≈26% (geometric least‐squares mean ratio, 0.741 [90%CI, 0.600‐0.915]). Thus, brigatinib is a weak inducer of cytochrome P450 3A in vivo.
U‐shaped relationship between subcutaneous adipose tissue index and mortality in liver cirrhosis
Authors: Zhu Menghua , Li Hongyu , Yin Yue , Ding Min , Philips Cyriac Abby , Romeiro Fernando Gomes , Qi Xingshun
Published: December 2022

Background

Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues are important body components, but their effects on the mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis remain controversial based on the current evidence.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 372 eligible patients in whom subcutaneous adipose tissue index (SATI) and visceral adipose tissue index (VATI) could be measured by computed tomography images at the third lumbar vertebra. The association of SATI and VATI with the risk of death was evaluated on a continuous scale with restricted cubic spline curves based on Cox proportional hazards models. Cumulative probability of mortality was estimated by Nelson–Aalen cumulative risk curve analyses. Independent predictors of death were evaluated by competing risk analyses after adjusting for age, sex, and model for end‐stage liver disease score.

Results

Majority of patients were male (69.4%) with a mean age of 55.40 ± 10.68 years. SATI had a U‐shaped association with mortality (P for non‐linearity <0.001). Cutoff values of SATI were 19.7 and 51.8 cm2/m2 at the points where hazard ratios were just <1.2. SATI was categorized as low (<19.7 cm2/m2), moderate (19.7–51.8 cm2/m2), and high (>51.8 cm2/m2) level. There was no significant difference in the cumulative probability of mortality between low versus moderate SATI groups (Gray's test, P = 0.052) and high versus moderate SATI groups (Gray's test, P = 0.054). Competing risk analyses demonstrated that low SATI could increase the mortality compared with moderate SATI (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] = 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.992–2.78, P = 0.054) and was an independent predictor of death (sHR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.059–3.28, P = 0.031). Competing risk analyses also demonstrated that high SATI could significantly increase the mortality compared with moderate SATI (sHR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1–2.54, P = 0.049), and was an independent predictor of death (sHR = 2.007, 95% CI: 1.195–3.37, P = 0.0085). VATI had an irregularly shaped association with mortality (P for non‐linearity <0.001). Cutoff values of VATI were 9.8 and 40.2 cm2/m2 at the points where hazard ratios were just <1.2. VATI was categorized as low (<9.8 cm2/m2), moderate (9.8–40.2 cm2/m2), and high (>40.2 cm2/m2) level. There was no significant difference in the cumulative probability of mortality between low versus moderate VATI groups (Gray's test, P = 0.381) and high versus moderate VATI groups (Gray's test, P = 0.787). Competing risk analyses demonstrated that neither low (sHR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.599–2.7, P = 0.53) nor high VATI (sHR = 0.848, 95% CI: 0.539–1.34, P = 0.48) was an independent predictor of death compared with moderate VATI.

Conclusions

Both excessive deficiency and accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissues negatively influence the outcomes of cirrhotic patients.
Photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized from zinc nitrate and botanical extracts of neem, chrysanthemum, Mexican marigold and shiitake mushroom
Authors: López‐López Juan R. , Tejeda‐Ochoa Armando , Cervantes‐Gaxiola Maritza E. , Herrera‐Ramirez José M. , Méndez‐Herrera Perla F.
Published: December 2022

Background

Green synthesis emerges as a need to obtain functional materials, but this also involves following certain principles that imply methods and inputs that are friendlier to health and the environment. A wide variety of materials can be synthesized under these principles, one of them being ZnO, which can be used for environmental, electronic and biomedical applications to mention a few. In this work, ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using aqueous extracts of neem, chrysanthemum, Mexican marigold and shiitake mushroom and subsequently used to degrade methylene blue (MB) under solar light irradiation. The NPs were characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis to investigate the structural, optical and electronic properties of the NPs.

Results

The results indicate the formation of hemispherical NPs with aggregates in a size range of 5.38–28.37 nm. All the samples presented a hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure. The best photocatalytic performance for MB degradation was shown by ZnO NPs obtained using Mexican marigold (0.0873 ± 0.008 min−1) followed by those obtained using shiitake mushroom (0.0602 ± 0.002 min−1), neem (0.0365 ± 0.02 min−1) and chrysanthemum (0.0357 ± 0.01 min−1).

Conclusions

Botanical aqueous extracts have the potential to be used in the synthesis of semiconductor materials, as they allow the modification of the size and band gap. Many of the phytochemicals present in the extracts help to improve the interaction between catalyst and pollutants, in this case MB, and therefore have a positive impact on the degradation of textile pollutants. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
ECHOprovides layer‐specific insight of both myocardial deformation and microcirculation dysfunction in dilated cardiomyopathy patients: Clinical value of combined application of left ventricular layer‐specific strain and myocardial contrast echocardiography
Authors: Tang Sha , Guan Lina , Tayier Baihetiya , Mu Yuming
Published: December 2022

Aim

To investigate the pattern of left ventricular (LV) function and myocardial perfusion and their relationship in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients using layer‐specific speckle tracking imaging (STI) and layer‐specific myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE).

Material and Methods

Thirty DCM patients and 30 controls were recruited and underwent STI and MCE examination. The peak values of longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS) of each layer of LV were recorded and compared between groups. Additionally, cross‐sectional area of a microvessel (A) and average myocardial microvascular lesion (β) of each layer were measured, myocardial blood flow (MBF) was estimated using A × β, above parameters were compared between two groups.

Results

The LS of endo‐ (LSendo), mid‐ (LSmid) and epicardium (LSepi), as well as CS of endo‐ (RSendo), mid‐ (RSmid), (LSepi) epicardium and LS endo/epi, CS endo/epi were significantly decreased in DCM patients. More importantly, DCM patients demonstrated decreased A, β and A × β in all three myocardium layers and A endo/epi, β endo/epi, A × β endo/epi compared to the controls. The time to peak and the cardiac cycle required to reach the peak were prolonged in DCM patients (p < 0.05). Longitudinal strain parameters of each layer had a negative relationship with perfusion parameter A and this relationship was strongest between LSendo and Aendo (r = 0.690,p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The cardiac strain and, more importantly, coronary microcirculation perfusion was impaired in each layer in DCM patients. The longitudinal function of the LV myocardium was closely related to changes in myocardial microcirculation perfusion.
Validation of bioelectrical impedance analysis in the evaluation of body composition in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Baş Dilşat , Arıbal Mustafa Erkin , Vardareli Erkan , Sönmez Özlem , Oyan Başak , Özden Burcu Çelet , Sonkaya Alper
Published: December 2022

Background

The evaluation of body composition is an essential parameter for preventing obesity and sarcopenic obesity, which are prognostic factors in breast cancer. This study aims to validate the bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) of women who are breast cancer survivors by using the dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement method.

Methods

This validation study included 104 women without metastasis between 32 and 72 years old (mean 47.03 ± 8.59) whose treatment was completed 6 months prior. Body composition analysis was performed sequentially using both measurements and when participants were hungry.

Results

Meaningful differences were found in fat‐free mass (FFM) (BIA: 46.57 ± 5.54 kg; DXA: 41.06 ± 5.11 kg), body fat percentage (%BF) (BIA: 34.28% ± 6.24%; DXA: 43.91% ± 5.58%), body fat mass (FM) (BIA: 25.37 ± 8.84 kg; DXA: 31.24 ± 9.09 kg), and lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) (BIA: 4.42 ± 5.66 kg; DXA: 38.75 ± 4.98 kg) (P < 0.001). Powerful associations for body FM and strong associations for other parameters were seen. A constant and/or proportional error was found between the two devices within the direction of strong and solid components. Compared with DXA, the BIA measurement gives a lower estimate of %BF and FM and a higher estimate of LSTM and FFM.

Conclusions

By the mathematical relationship between the two measurement methods, it seems possible to adapt the body composition parameters obtained from BIA of patients with breast cancer to DXA results. In the future, there will be a need to evaluate these two devices with more extensive studies.
Construction of membrane formation system with low critical solution temperature for preparing hydrophilic polysulfone membrane via modified reverse thermally induced phase separation process
Authors: Yang Jing , Wei Yong‐Ming , Zhang Jun‐Jun , Wang Fang , Liu Min , Zhou Quan
Published: December 2022

This paper presents a novel method to construct a membrane formation system featuring a low critical solution temperature (LCST) by incorporating hydroxy terminated hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) into polysulfone (PSF) casting solution. PSF membranes were developed by modified reverse thermally induced phase separation (m‐RTIPS) process while the introduction of HBPE improved the hydrophilicity of the membrane. The critical properties of the flat‐sheet PSF membranes were discussed in detail. The cloud point decreased as the HBPE concentration was increased. When membranes were prepared via m‐RTIPS, the region of bicontinuous finger‐like pores in the sublayer gradually broadened. The membranes showed better permeation properties, larger pore size, and better mechanical properties than those of the membranes prepared via non‐solvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) process. Furthermore, no matter the enhanced hydrophilicity of membrane or m‐RTIPS membrane‐forming mechanism was beneficial to the anti‐fouling properties. In general, the membrane MPSF‐8‐b had relatively high flux, good hydrophilicity and excellent mechanical properties at 0.8 wt.% HBPE content, and the pure water flux recovery of the membrane was increased to 55.2%.
Co‐ and Nd‐Codoping‐Induced High Magnetization in Layered MoS2 Crystals
Authors: Ahmed Sohail , Murmu Peter P. , Sathish Clastinrusselraj Indirathankam , Guan Xinwei , Geng Rex , Bao Nina , Liu Rong , Kennedy John , Ding Jun , Peng Mingli , Vinu Ajayan , Yi Jiabao
Published: December 2022

Magnetic 2D‐layered materials are promising for the applications of spintronic devices and compact magnetic devices. There are only a few reported intrinsic 2D‐based magnetic materials. Therefore, introducing magnetic element into 2D‐layered materials is an effective strategy to synthesize 2D‐layered magnetic materials. Recently, ferromagnetism has been realized by doping single transition‐metal or rare‐earth element, whereas, there is no report by codoping of both transition‐metal and rare‐earth elements. Herein, Co and Nd are codoped into MoS2‐layered crystals by ion implantation. An extremely high magnetization of 6916.3 emu cm−3 at 10 K and 80.3 emu cm−3 at 300 K is achieved. The high magnetization is attributed to the contribution from both transition‐metal and rare‐earth elements as well as defects, such as vacancy of cation ions, anions, or interstitials. Hence, herein, a useful strategy may be opened to develop high‐performance magnetic materials based on 2D‐layered materials.
Bug detection in Java code: An extensive evaluation of static analysis tools using Juliet Test Suites
Authors: Amankwah Richard , Chen Jinfu , Song Heping , Kudjo Patrick Kwaku
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of employing automated static analysis tools (ASAT) and techniques to detect security bugs in software systems. However, these studies are usually focused on analyzing the effectiveness of the tools using open‐source tools based on C/C++ source code. The choice for making an appropriate decision on the most suitable tool for bug detection in Java code software remains a relatively unexplored domain. To address this deficiency, this study empirically evaluates eight widely used ASATs, namely, Findbug, PMD, YASCA, LAPSE+, JLint, Bandera, ESC/Java, and Java Pathfinder using the Juliet Test Suite (Test Suite v1.2). Additionally, we assessed the performance of the detection capabilities for the aforementioned bug detection tools using robust performance measures such as precision, recall, Youden index, and the OWASP web benchmark evaluation (WBE). The experimental results show that the tools obtain precision values ranging from 83% to 90.7% based on the studied datasets. Specifically, the Java Pathfinder achieves the best precision score of 90.7%, followed by YASCA and Bandera with a precision score of 88.7% and 83%, respectively. Similarly, Bandera, ESC/Java, and Java Pathfinder obtain a Youden index of 0.8, which indicates the effectiveness of the tools in detecting security bugs in Java source code.
Development and validation of stability indicating thin‐layer chromatography methods for simultaneous estimation of Bisoprolol Fumarate and Hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Aayushi Patel , Shah Ketan
Published: December 2022

For the simultaneous estimation of Bisoprolol Fumarate and Hydrochlorothiazide in combined pharmaceutical dosage form, a simple, selective, rapid, and precise stability indicating high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography method has been developed and validated.

The proposed high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography technique includes the usage of high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography plates (Merck) pre‐coated with silica gel 60F254 on aluminum sheets and a cellular segment comprising of methanol:acetonitrile (8:2, v/v). The densiometric measurement of both drugs was performed in the absorbance mode at 223 nm. The method has been used to accurately estimate Bisoprolol Fumarate and Hydrochlorothiazide in a combined tablet dosage form. Both the drugs had been subjected to acid‐alkali hydrolysis, photolytic, thermal, and oxidation degradation and each of them had been discovered to be prone to acid‐alkali hydrolysis, photolytic, thermal, and oxidation degradation. The developed stability‐indicating analytical method was validated. The various validation parameters checked are linearity, inter‐day and intra‐day precision, robustness, accuracy, and so forth.

The degradation products obtained were well resolved from the pure drugs with significantly different Rf values. The method can be utilized for stability‐indicating analysis since it successfully separates the drug from its degradation products. The method was successfully validated and validation results are within the acceptable range of International Council for Harmonization guidelines.
An effective ultra‐performance liquid chromatography and derivatization method for the quantification of potential genotoxic impurity Hydrazine in Gliclazide and its formulation – Robustness study by the design of experiments
Authors: Nakka Srinivas , Katari Naresh Kumar , Babu Manubolu Surya Surendra , Muchakayala Siva Krishna
Published: December 2022

The current study presents an accurate, precise, and highly selective ultra‐performance liquid chromatography derivatization method for the quantification of Hydrazine in Gliclazide and its formulations. Gliclazide, derivatizing agent‐ 3,4,5‐trimethoxy benzaldehyde, and Hydrazine derivatives were separated on YMC Pack pro C18 column (50 × 3.0 mm id, 2 μm), column oven temperature maintained at 40°C, with flow rate 0.6 ml/min on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography system with gradient elution monitored at 333 nm. 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid and acetonitrile were used as mobile phase‐A and mobile phase‐B. Evaluated the robustness of the optimized method by employing a quality‐by‐design‐based design of experiments. The method was successfully validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization Q2 (R1) guideline and the United States Pharmacopeia < 1225 > general chapter. The United States Pharmacopeia resolution between the Gliclazide and Hydrazine derivative was 3.6. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for Hydrazine derivative are 0.10 μg/ml and 0.30 μg/ml, respectively. The obtained regression coefficient (R2) was > 0.9998, and the %recoveries from the limit of quantitation to 150% level were 96.9%–100.8% from the linearity and accuracy studies, respectively. The method validation data and quality‐by‐design‐based robustness study indicate that the developed derivatization method is suitable for routine use in Quality Control laboratories.
“I Don't Let What I Don't Know Stop What I Can do”—How Monolingual English Teachers Constructed a TranslanguagingPre‐KClassroom in China
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Rolstad Kellie
Published: December 2022

Guided by translanguaging pedagogy, this study examines how monolingual English teachers in a Pre‐K school in China navigate between English and Chinese to construct a translanguaging classroom. Findings based on classroom observations and interviews reveal that, despite being constrained by their monolingualism, the English teachers enacted translanguaging in multiple ways creating three translanguaging components: translanguaging assistance, translanguaging assessment, and translanguaging showcases. Translanguaging assistance enables children to learn English with the assistance of their first language; translanguaging assessment evaluates children's English language skills within a spectrum of multilingual funds of knowledge, and translanguaging showcases define strategic activities to unlock children's full linguistic repertoires, activate their creative voices, and let their bilingualism shine. This study provides pedagogical guidelines that balance the goal of learning a language and developing children's bilingualism through an iterative enactment of the three translanguaging components.
Behavioral Perspectives on B Corps
Authors: Tudor Maria Cristiana , Bernardic Ursa , Sooter Nina M. , Ugazio Giuseppe
Published: December 2022

The values driving entrepreneurs are evolving from shareholder wealth maximization towards a more holistic approach wherein business impacts on all stakeholders are considered. This change has been driven in part by a societal cultural shift focused on promoting a sustainable future. To meet this cultural change demanding a balance of profit and ethics, novel entities (e.g., B Corps) have emerged in the private sector. In this chapter, we engage with behavioral perspectives to explore B Corps’ achievements, opportunities, and challenges. We first outline the transition from shareholder to stakeholder considerations, as we believe it constitutes the philosophical ethos of social enterprises. We then focus in turn on four of the five areas used by B Lab’s Impact Assessment—governance, workers, customers and consumers, and community—as they are most appropriate for an exploratory analysis of their interaction with human behavior. Specifically, in governance, we approach the topic of corporate ethics and transparency, as well as how the values of social entrepreneurs shape a firm’s culture. We then outline the relationship between purposeful work and employee performance and examine how B Corps have applied effective practices on social inclusion and employee well-being, in the workers’ section. Concerning customers and consumers, we explore a range of perspectives, including consumer motivations to purchase from B Corps, caveats of ethical consumerism, and how B Corps can capitalize on decision-making research to inspire consumer change. Additionally, we present our research on public awareness and perceptions of B Corp trustworthiness and greenwashing. Finally, the last section—community—highlights B Corps’ civic engagement and communication with their communities through social media, corporate volunteering, and charity work, among others.