bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modernização Política e Questão Social - Diagramas do Poder Local.
Authors: Barreira Irlys Alencar Firmo
Published: August 2022

O artigo discute as transformações recentes na política cerense vigentes no âmbito das últimas gestões estaduais de Tasso Jereissati e Ciro Gomes. Analisa, a partir da indagação sobre o que há de novo na politica cearense as especificidades existentes no campo político que demarcam mudanças em relação às formas tradicionais do sistema coronelista. Com base em discussões teóricas sobre a modernidade e exclusão social, discute os paradoxos da transformação politica em uma região marcada por desigualdades sociais. Menos que uma avaliação sistemática das mudanças políticas nos vários espaços da vida social, o artigo constitui um ensaio preliminar, a partir do qual emergem questões necessários ao desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas. Political Modernization and Social Question - Diagrams of Local Power Irlys Alencar Firmo Barreira This article discusses the changes in Ceara's politics enacted during Tasso Jereissati and Ciro Gomes' terms in the state government. Asking "what is new in Ceara's politics', it analyzes the existing specificities in the political field which demarcate changes in relation to the traditional 'coronelista' forms. Based on theoretical discussions of the question of modernity and social exclusion, it also delineates the paradoxes of political transformation in a region marked by deep social inequalities. This article should not be seen as a systemmatic evaluation of the political changes implemented in the different spheres of social life in Ceará, but rather as a preliminary essay from which emerge new questions necessary for the development of further research. Publicação Online do Caderno CRH:http://www.cadernocrh.ufba.br
Editorial
Authors: O'Connor John , Woodard Wiremu
Published: August 2022

The environment, both physical and emotional, within which we all live, work, love and hate, is increasingly disturbing, if not unbearably undoing. The relentlessness of the Covid 19 pandemic, the ongoing nuclear threat and catastrophic horror generated by the war in Ukraine, and the evermore urgent climate crisis with which we are all faced, produces states of mind within us all that are often terrifying. To be able to feel and think in such circumstances is perhaps an impossible challenge, and yet an absolutely necessary one for us all to face, if we are to act with wisdom, courage and care, in the face of these multiple and unavoidable terrors. In these very difficult circumstances, does psychotherapy and its accumulated wisdom have anything to offer? We suggest it does.
Strategies for dating earliest memories
Authors: Peterson Carole , Wang Qi , Lillington N. Brandon , Hallett Darcy
Published: August 2022

Young adults recalled and dated their five earliest memories, and dates compared with independent parental dates. Participants also provided information about how they derived dates through a “thinking aloud” procedure. All participants were also asked if they had experienced various landmark events when young. One group, the Priming cohort, was asked about potential landmark events prior to memory retrieval while the other group, the No Priming cohort, was asked after memory retrieval. The most frequently used dating strategies were seasons, landmark events, school year, special occasions, known dates, and guessing. Of these, only landmarks and known dates improved dating accuracy in both groups. Furthermore, priming landmarks led to more memories with known dates and a tendency to increase landmark use. This study was the first to show how people attempt to date their earliest memories, and suggests that dating accuracy may be able to be improved.
Using Data‐Driven Approaches to Classify and Predict Health Care Spending in Patients With Gout Using Urate‐Lowering Therapy
Authors: Lauffenburger Julie C. , Lu Zhigang , Mahesri Mufaddal , Kim Erin , Tong Angela , Kim Seoyoung C.
Published: August 2022

Objective

Despite increasing overall health care spending over the past several decades, little is known about long‐term patterns of spending among US patients with gout. Current approaches to assessing spending typically focus on composite measures or patients agnostic to disease state; in contrast, examining spending using longitudinal measures may better discriminate patients and target interventions to those in need. We used a data‐driven approach to classify and predict spending patterns in patients with gout.

Methods

Using insurance claims data from 2017–2019, we used group‐based trajectory modeling to classify patients ages 40 years or older diagnosed with gout and treated with urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) by their total health care spending over 2 years. We assessed the ability to predict membership in each spending group using logistic and generalized boosted regression with split‐sample validation. Models were estimated using different sets of predictors and evaluated using C statistics.

Results

In 57,980 patients, the mean ± SD age was 71.0 ± 10.5 years, and 17,194 patients (29.7%) were female. The best‐fitting model included the following groups: minimal spending (13.2%), moderate spending (37.4%), and high spending (49.4%). The ability to predict groups was high overall (e.g., boosted C statistics with all predictors: minimal spending [0.89], moderate spending [0.78], and high spending [0.90]). Although average adherence was relatively high in the population, for the high‐spending group, the most influential predictors were greater gout medication adherence and diabetes melllitus diagnosis.

Conclusion

We identified distinct long‐term health care spending patterns in patients with gout using ULT with high accuracy. Several clinical predictors could be key areas for intervention, such as gout medication use or diabetes melllitus.
Nerve Growth Factor‐Binding Engineered Silk Films Promote Neuronal Attachment and Neurite Outgrowth
Authors: Baker Lizzy A. , Xu Lingling , Badichi Akher Farideh , Robertson Madelaine K. , Pugsley‐DeBruyn Lauren , Ma Chloe Xiaoyi , Liu Xiang‐Qin , Frampton John P. , Rainey Jan K.
Published: August 2022

Spider silks have outstanding potential as biomaterials due to their sought‐after mechanical properties and low immunogenicity. The toughest spider silk is aciniform silk, which is used by spiders to wrap prey and produce egg sacs. A variety of recombinant aciniform silk constructs are now been developed, including hybrid silks with domains from multiple spider silk proteins fused together. In this study, an engineered aciniform silk construct, termed NBSilk, fused both N‐ and C‐terminally to heptapeptide motifs that bind the neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor‐β (NGF) is introduced. NBSilk is shown to be amenable to casting into robust films that remain intact while sequestering and maintaining bioactive NGF at the film surface for at least 7 days. These films support cell survival while enhancing differentiation and neurite density and outgrowth in neuron‐like PC12 cells, with elevation of signaling through both the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways. Strikingly, preloading of NBSilk films with NGF enhances neuritogenesis even over conditions where cells are grown with NGF supplementation in the culture medium. NBSilk scaffolds, thus, warrant future development and evaluation as biomaterials for nerve regeneration.
Multifunctional MXene‐Bonded Transport Network Embedded in Polymer Electrolyte Enables High‐Rate and Stable Solid‐State Zinc Metal Batteries
Authors: Feng Juan , Ma Dingtao , Ouyang Kefeng , Yang Ming , Wang Yanyi , Qiu Jimin , Chen Tingting , Zhao Jinlai , Yong Bo , Xie Yangsu , Mi Hongwei , Sun Lingna , He Chuanxin , Zhang Peixin
Published: August 2022

Sluggish transport kinetics and unstable electrode–electrolyte interface are the main obstacles that greatly impair the electrochemical performance of solid‐state Zn metal batteries. Herein, the concept of multifunctional MXene bonded transport network‐embedded poly(vinylidene fluoride co‐hexafluoropropylene)/Zn(OTf)2 solid polymer electrolyte (PH/MXene SPE) is proposed as “all‐in‐one” strategy for designing robust SPE. In order to uncover the mechanism of such rational designed SPE on regulating the ion transport, as well as the interphase chemistry and Zn deposition, comprehensive research including density functional theory calculation, simulation, and multiple characterization techniques are carried out. As the results indicate, the formation of hydrogen bond network between the MXene nanofiller and PH polymer benefits fast and homogeneous ion transport. Then, the in situ formation of stable organic/inorganic hybrid interphase is capable to ensure the efficient interfacial transport kinetics and uniform Zn deposition. When such PH/MXene SPE is applied, ultrastable Zn plating/stripping behavior with small polarization voltage can be realized. In addi, solid‐state Zn/VO2 batteries with significantly improved rate performance and cyclic stability also can be demonstrated. The unique strategy proposed in this study offer a new insight into SPE design and the development of high‐performance solid‐state Zn metal batteries.
Etching Bulk Covalent Organic Frameworks into Nanoparticles of Uniform and Controllable Size by the Molecular Exchange Etching Method for Sonodynamic and Immune Combination Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Wang Dianwei , Lin Lin , Li Tong , Meng Meng , Hao Kai , Guo Zhaopei , Chen Jie , Tian Huayu , Chen Xuesi
Published: August 2022

To improve the therapeutic effect of sonodynamic therapy (SDT), more effective and stable sonosensitizers and therapeutic strategies are still required. A covalent organic framework (COF) sonosensitizer is developed by using a new nanoscale COF preparation strategy. This strategy uses molecular etching based on the imine exchange reaction to etch the bulk COF into nanoparticles and has universal applicability to imine‐bond‐based COF. The regular COF structure can prevent the loss of sonodynamic performance caused by the aggregation of porphyrin molecules and improve the chemical stability of the porphyrin unit. In addition, the coordination of Fe3+ to COF endows the nanoparticle with chemodynamic therapy performance and glutathione consumption ability. The combination of enhanced SDT and α‐PD‐L1 antibody achieves a good antitumor effect. The innovative nanoscale COF sonosensitizer preparation strategy provides a new avenue for clinical antitumor therapy.
Laser‐Engineered Multifunctional Graphene–Glass Electronics
Authors: Rodriguez Raul D. , Fatkullin Maxim , Garcia Aura , Petrov Ilia , Averkiev Andrey , Lipovka Anna , Lu Liliang , Shchadenko Sergey , Wang Ranran , Sun Jing , Li Qiu , Jia Xin , Cheng Chong , Kanoun Olfa , Sheremet Evgeniya
Published: August 2022

Glass electronics inspire the emergence of smart functional surfaces. To evolve this concept to the next level, developing new strategies for scalable, inexpensive, and electrically conductive glass‐based robust nanocomposites is crucial. Graphene is an attractive material as a conductive filler; however, integrating it firmly into a glass with no energy‐intensive sintering, melting, or harsh chemicals has not been possible until now. Moreover, these methods have very limited capability for fabricating robust patterns for electronic circuits. In this work, a conductive (160 OΩ sq−1) and resilient nanocomposite between glass and graphene is achieved via single‐step laser‐induced backward transfer (LIBT). Beyond conventional LIBT involving mass transfer, this approach simultaneously drives chemical transformations in glass including silicon compound formation and graphene oxide (GO) reduction. These processes take place together with the generation and transfer of the highest‐quality laser‐reduced GO (rGO) reported to date (Raman intensity ratio ID/IG = 0.31) and its integration into the glass. The rGO‐LIBT nanocomposite is further functionalized with silver to achieve a highly sensitive (10−9 m) dual‐channel plasmonic optical and electrochemical sensor. Besides the electrical circuit demonstration, an electrothermal heater is fabricated that reaches temperatures above 300 °C and continuously operates for over 48 h.
Bonding‐Enhanced Interfacial Thermal Transport: Mechanisms, Materials, and Applications
Authors: Zhang Xu‐Dong , Yang Guang , Cao Bing‐Yang
Published: August 2022

Rapid advancements in nanotechnologies for energy conversion and transport applications urgently require a further understanding of interfacial thermal transport and enhancement of interfacial thermal conductance (ITC). Sandwiching an intermediate material between two materials has led to a new insight on enhancing electron and phonon transportation, and is enabling the possible regulation of ITC, which has attracted increasing interest over the past decades. Herein, this strategy is named as thermal bonding, following the terminology of mechanical bonding and electrical bonding in microelectronics. The authors systematically summarize the interfacial thermal transport enhanced by thermal bonding from the category of interfacial thermal transport mechanisms, thermal bonding materials (TBMs), related applications, and potential challenges. Especially, the influence factors of interfacial heat transfer are highlighted, from three points, including interaction forces (van der Waals force, hydrogen bond, covalent bond, and metal bond), electron density, and phonon vibration density of states. The authors also outline and classify TBMs into metal bonding materials, organic bonding materials, and inorganic nonmetal bonding materials. As a novel and promising interface science and engineering field, it is believed that thermal bonding strategy will provide scientists and engineers more inspiration to understand interfacial thermal transport and solve the interfacial thermal challenges.
Waste Biomass Valorisation for the Development of Sustainable Cellulosic Aerogels and their Sound Absorption Properties
Authors: Benito‐González Isaac , Cucharero Jose , Al Haj Yazan , Hänninen Tuomas , Lokki Tapio , Martínez‐Sanz Marta , López‐Rubio Amparo , Martínez‐Abad Antonio , Vapaavuori Jaana
Published: August 2022

Novel and more sustainable sound absorbing materials are produced through the valorization of waste biomass sources by following circular economy principles. Cellulosic nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from Posidonia oceanica dead leaves, spent barely grains, and kale stems using a simplified purification protocol. These nanocrystals are used to prepare cellulosic aerogels, evaluating the effect of three parameters, namely, concentration (0.5–4%), CaCl2 and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) incorporation (hybrid aerogels), on their sound absorption properties. Aerogels from 4% suspensions show the highest sound absorption, outperforming benchmark rockwool and polyester—two modern commonly‐used sound absorbers. Moreover, PLA coating also improves the sound absorption performance of the most aerogels. CNC from KS aerogels are selected as the optimum at both high (500–6000 Hz) and low (100–1500 Hz) frequency ranges. Overall, these results represent a new proof‐of‐concept of waste biomass conversion to high‐performance cellulosic aerogels that have excellent sound absorbing properties.
Energy Harvest in Ferromagnet‐Embedded Surface Acoustic Wave Devices
Authors: Chen Chong , Fu Sulei , Han Lei , Su Rongxuan , Liu Peisen , Chen Ruyi , Zhu Wenxuan , Liao Liyang , Pan Feng , Song Cheng
Published: August 2022

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters are at the center of the radio frequency module in mobile terminals. With the increase of SAW frequency and the miniaturization of devices, the heat generation becomes prominent in SAW devices, providing a potential platform for thermal energy harvesting. Here ferromagnetic materials are embedded into SAW delay lines to demonstrate that thermal energy can be harvested to generate robust transverse electrical signals via anomalous Nernst effect, which are comparable with the anomalous Hall signals when an electric current is intensively applied. The transverse voltage exhibits nonreciprocal features, both amplitude and polarity are dependent on the propagation direction of SAW in contrast to its longitudinal counterpart, which only changes the amplitude but remains polarity with opposite SAW direction. The finding provides a different platform for thermoelectric energy conversion and opens a window for thermal energy harvesting and acoustic or heat flow sensing in SAW devices.
Choice effects associated with banning the word “meat” on alternative protein labels
Authors: DeMuth Benjamin , Malone Trey , McFadden Brandon R. , Wolf Christopher A.
Published: August 2022

There is debate about whether meat labeling regulations might prevent consumer confusion or simply reduce the substitution between competing products. Using a between‐subjects experiment with a sample of 1504 U.S. households, we tested whether U.S. consumers could accurately identify the nutrition content and ingredients in traditional and nontraditional meat. We then conducted a discrete choice experiment to test for likely changes in choices between traditional and nontraditional meat products. Results suggest that more than 30% of consumers cannot accurately distinguish between the two. We find that labeling restrictions do not decrease consumer confusion and are unlikely to substantially affect how consumers substitute between traditional and nontraditional meat.
Atmospheric‐pressure scanning microprobe matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging of Neospora caninum‐infected cell monolayers
Authors: Anschütz Nils H. , Gerbig Stefanie , Ventura Alejandra M. Peter , Silva Liliana M. R. , Larrazabal Camilo , Hermosilla Carlos , Taubert Anja , Spengler Bernhard
Published: August 2022

Neospora caninum is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite of the phylum Alveolata (subphylum Apicomplexa) which has not been studied extensively in a biochemical context. N. caninum is a primary cause of reproductive disorders causing mummification and abortion not only in cattle but also in other small ruminant species resulting in a substantial economic impact on the livestock industry. In canids, which are the final hosts of N. caninum, clinical disease includes neuromuscular symptoms, ataxia, and ascending paralysis. Fatal outcomes of neosporosis have also been reported depending on the host species, age and immune status, however, its zoonotic potential is still uncertain. Therefore, N. caninum should be thoroughly investigated. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) and MS imaging (MSI) were used, combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to investigate these intracellular parasites. The aim of this study was to identify molecular biomarkers for N. caninum tachyzoite‐infected host cells and to further clarify their functions. By atmospheric‐pressure scanning microprobe MALDI MS(I), sections of N. caninum‐infected and non‐infected host cell pellets were examined in order to determine potential markers. In vivo, N. caninum infects different types of nucleated cells, such as endothelial cells which represent a highly immunoreactive cell type. Therefore, primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells were here used as a suitable infection system. For comparison, the permanent MARC‐145 cell line was used as an additional, simplified in vitro cell culture model. HPLC‐tandem MS (HPLC‐MS/MS) experiments combined with database search were employed for structural verification of markers. The statistically relevant biomarkers found by MS and identified by HPLC‐MS/MS measurements were partly also found in infected monolayers. Marker signals were imaged in cell layers of N. caninum‐infected and non‐infected host cells at 5 µm lateral resolution.
Investigation of α‐Synuclein and Amyloid‐β(42)‐E22Δ Oligomers Using SiN Nanopore Functionalized with L‐Dopa
Authors: Abrao‐Nemeir Imad , Bentin Jeremy , Meyer Nathan , Janot Jean‐Marc , Torrent Joan , Picaud Fabien , Balme Sebastien
Published: August 2022

Solid‐state nanopores are an emerging technology used as a high‐throughput, label‐free analytical method for the characterization of protein aggregation in an aqueous solution. In this work, we used Levodopamine to coat a silicon nitride nanopore surface that was fabricated through a dielectric breakdown in order to reduce the unspecific adsorption. The coating of inner nanopore wall by investigation of the translocation of heparin. The functionalized nanopore was used to investigate the aggregation of amyloid‐β and α‐synuclein, two biomarkers of degenerative diseases. In the first application, we demonstrate that the α‐synuclein WT is more prone to form dimers than the variant A53T. In the second one, we show for the Aβ(42)‐E22Δ (Osaka mutant) that the addition of Aβ(42)‐WT monomers increases the polymorphism of oligomers, while the incubation with Aβ(42)‐WT fibrils generates larger aggregates.
Holzsperren – Entwurf und Konstruktion
Authors: Suda Jürgen , Krättli Walter , Schwarz Massimiliano
Published: August 2022

Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird auf die wichtigsten konstruktiven Vorgaben zur Konstruktion von möglichst dauerhaften Holzsperren eingegangen. Da Holz ein biogener Werkstoff ist, ist beim Entwurf und bei der Ausführung die Problematik des biogenen Holzabbaus zu berücksichtigen. Des Weiteren sind durch Abrasion stark beanspruchte Bereiche leicht austauschbar zu gestalten. Der korrekten Ausgestaltung der Abflusssektion, den Verbindungen des Holzkastens und den Ausfachungen ist besonderes Augenmerk zu schenken. Im Aufsatz sind die dafür relevanten konstruktiven Lösungen aus der Literatur und aus den Ergebnissen eines Expertenseminars zusammengestellt.
Long noncoding RNA NEAT1 decreases polycystic ovary syndrome progression via the modulation of the microRNA‐324‐3p and BRD3 axis
Authors: Wu Le , Tu Zhijian , Bao Ying , Zhai Qi , Jin Lixu
Published: August 2022

Long noncoding RNA nuclear‐enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) is believed to be involved in many gynecological and obstetrics disorders. Nevertheless, the role of NEAT1 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is scarcely investigated. Our study aimed to investigate the role of NEAT1, microRNA (miR)‐324‐3p, and bromodomain containing 3 (BRD3) in PCOS. First, 80 women with PCOS and 80 healthy (non‐PCOS) women were included, and their serum hormone levels were tested. Next, the PCOS mouse model was established by dehydroepiandrosterone injection, and then NEAT1, miR‐324‐3p, and BRD3 expression levels were detected in the PCOS mice. Lentivirus carrying short hairpin‐NEAT1 or miR‐324‐3p agomir was injected into the PCOS mice to determine the change in biochemical indices and pathology. Moreover, a rescue experiment was conducted, after which, the binding relationships among NEAT1, miR‐324‐3p, and BRD3 were analyzed. NEAT1 and BRD3 were expressed at a high level while miR‐324‐3p was expressed at a low level in women with PCOS and PCOS mice. Reduced levels of NEAT1 or elevated levels of miR‐324‐3p mitigated metabolic disorders and alleviated ovarian pathological changes in PCOS mice. Mechanistically, NEAT1 sponged miR‐324‐3p and miR‐324‐3p targeted BRD3. In the rescue experiment, elevated miR‐324‐3p or reduced BRD3 level reversed the effects of the enhanced NEAT1 on metabolic disorders and ovarian pathological changes in PCOS mice. NEAT1 exacerbates metabolic disorders and ovarian pathological changes in PCOS mice by downregulating miR‐324‐3p and upregulating BRD3. This study gives a novel direction in PCOS treatment.
Effect of low‐temperature plasma treatment on the microbial inactivation and physicochemical properties of the oat grain
Authors: Liu Shuyang , He Ting , Rafique Hamad , Zou Liang , Hu Xinzhong
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives

Naked oat grain is easily contaminated by microorganisms, and it needs pretreatment to extend its shelf life. Low‐temperature plasma treatment (LTPT) has the advantages of less energy consumption, safety, and convenience, and its applications in grain include microbial inactivation and flour modification. Therefore, we studied the changes in oat microbes and the physicochemical properties of oats at different plasma treatment times (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min at an output discharge voltage of 60 kV).

Findings

The results demonstrated that LTPT significantly decreased the number of microorganisms with the increase in treatment time, especially at 20 min. LTPT increased the L* and b* values and decreased the a* value of oat flour. Proper treatment time (5–10 min) did not affect the germination rate of the grain. Compared to the control sample, LTPT increased the water‐binding capacity and swelling power of flour and decreased the peak viscosity, final viscosity, and setback value. However, LTPT did not change the crystal structure. Besides, by fitting the peak of the amide region in Fourier transfer infrared analysis, it was found that the β‐sheet and α‐helix increased after treatment for 5–10 min.

Conclusions

These results indicated that LTPT (20 min) can effectively reduce the microbial count of oats and proper time treatment (5–10 min) can regulate the function of the flour and improve its quality.

Significance and Novelty

LTPT as a new nonheat treatment technology can not only effectively reduce the microbial content of the grain but also improve the quality of the flour, which is a better pretreatment method for oat flour.
Investigation and Modeling of Fluoride Ion Adsorption on an Azospirillum Biofertilizer
Authors: Kulkarni Kavita , Bhogle Jayant , Kulkarni Rahul , Bari Atul
Published: August 2022

The process of fluoride removal from water using an Azospirillum biofertilizer as adsorbent was modeled. Experiments were performed in a column with varying flow rates and bed depths, at constant initial fluoride concentration. The experimental data obtained from the column studies were correlated employing different models: Thomas, Yoon‐Nelson, Adams‐Bohart, Clark, and BDST (bed depth service time). The Thomas and Yoon‐Nelson models were found most suitable for describing the dynamic adsorption process with respect to key operating variables. Breakthrough curves were obtained from the modeled equations. The calculated and modeled breakthrough curves were in agreement with each other.
A Reversibly Porous Supramolecular Peptide Framework**
Authors: Brightwell Dominic F. , Truccolo Giada , Samanta Kushal , Fenn Elliott J. , Holder Simon J. , Shepherd Helena J. , Hawes Chris S. , Palma Aniello
Published: August 2022

The ability to use bio‐inspired building blocks in the assembly of novel supramolecular frameworks is at the forefront of an exciting research field. Herein, we present the first polyproline helix to self‐assemble into a reversibly porous, crystalline, supramolecular peptide framework (SPF). This framework is assembled from a short oligoproline, adopting the polyproline II conformation, driven by hydrogen‐bonding and dispersion interactions. Thermal activation, guest‐induced dynamic porosity and enantioselective guest inclusion have been demonstrated for this novel system. The principles of the self‐assembly associated with this SPF will be used as a blueprint allowing for the further development of helical peptide linkers in the rational design of SPFs and metal‐peptide frameworks.
Highly Chemoselective Catalytic Photooxidations by Using Solvent as a Sacrificial Electron Acceptor
Authors: Obertík Róbert , Chudoba Josef , Šturala Jiří , Tarábek Ján , Ludvíková Lucie , Slanina Tomáš , König Burkhard , Cibulka Radek
Published: August 2022

Catalyst recovery is an integral part of photoredox catalysis. It is often solved by adding another component‐a sacrificial agent‐whose role is to convert the catalyst back into its original oxidation state. However, an additive may cause a side reaction thus decreasing the selectivity and overall efficiency. Herein, we present a novel approach towards chemoselective photooxidation reactions based on suitable solvent‐acetonitrile acting simultaneously as an electron acceptor for catalyst recovery, and on anaerobic conditions. This is allowed by the unique properties of the catalyst, 7,8‐dimethoxy‐3‐methyl‐5‐phenyl‐5‐deazaflavinium chloride existing in both strongly oxidizing and reducing forms, whose strength is increased by excitation with visible light. Usefulness of this system is demonstrated in chemoselective dehydrogenations of 4‐methoxy‐ and 4‐chlorobenzyl alcohols to aldehydes without over‐oxidation to benzoic acids achieving yields up to 70 %. 4‐Substituted 1‐phenylethanols were oxidized to ketones with yields 80–100 % and, moreover, with yields 31‐98 % in the presence of benzylic methyl group, diphenylmethane or thioanisole which are readily oxidized in the presence of oxygen but these were untouched with our system. Mechanistic studies based on UV‐Vis spectro‐electrochemistry, EPR and time‐resolved spectroscopy measurements showed that the process involving an electron release from an excited deazaflavin radical to acetonitrile under formation of solvated electron is crucial for the catalyst recovery.
Biomolecular Interactions of Cytotoxic Ruthenium Compounds with Thiosemicarbazone or Benzothiazole Schiff Base Chelates
Authors: Maikoo Sanam , Xulu Bheki , Mambanda Allen , Mkhwanazi Ntando , Davison Candace , de la Mare Jo‐Anne , Booysen Irvin Noel
Published: August 2022

Herein we illustrate the formation and characterization of new paramagnetic ruthenium compounds, trans‐P‐[RuCl(PPh3)2(pmt)]Cl (1) (Hpmt=1‐((pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide), trans‐P‐[RuCl(PPh3)2(tmc)]Cl (2) (Htmc=1‐((thiophen‐2‐yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide) and a diamagnetic ruthenium complex, cis‐Cl, trans‐P‐[RuCl2(PPh3)2(btm)] (3) (btm=2‐((5‐hydroxypentylimino)methyl)benzothiazole). Agarose gel electrophoresis experiments of the metal compounds illustrated dose‐dependent binding to gDNA by 1–3, while methylene blue competition assays suggested that 1 and 2 are also DNA intercalators. Assessment of the effects of the compounds on topoisomerase function indicated that 1–3 are capable of inhibiting topoisomerase I activity in terms of the ability to nick supercoiled plasmid DNA. The cytotoxic activities of the metal complexes were determined against a range of cancer cell lines versus a non‐tumorigenic control cell line, and the complexes were, in general, more cytotoxic towards the cancer cells, displaying IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Time‐dependent stability studies showed that in the presence of strong nucleophilic species (such as DMSO), the chloride co‐ligands of 1–3 are rapidly substituted by the former as proven by the suppression of the substitution reactions in the presence of an excess amount of chloride ions. The metal complexes are significantly stable in both DCM and an aqueous phosphate buffer containing 2 % DMSO.
Myeloma, melphalan, and the taste of transplantation
Authors: Banerjee Rahul
Published: August 2022

In this issue of Cancer, Scordo et al. report the results of their study of chemical gustometry assessments for patients with multiple myeloma receiving high‐dose melphalan chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. Their study proves the feasibility of this approach, but further research will be needed to ascertain the gold standard for quantifying dysgeusia during transplantation and the clinical utility thereof.
Construction of Pillar[5]arene‐based Nanochannels with Chiral‐enhanced DNA Translocation Ability
Authors: Yang Lei , Zhang Fan , Quan Jiaxin , Li Jia , Li Haibing
Published: August 2022

Chirality is an intrinsic feature of nature and plays a crucial role in molecular translocation. However, how chirality affects or even more strongly affects DNA translocation remains largely unknown. Here, a facile and feasible strategy was contributed for the construction of chiral pillar[5]arene‐modified nanochannels (D/L‐Phe‐P5 nanochannels) that can enhance recognition and accelerate DNA translocation. The results showed the L‐Phe‐P5 nanochannel elevated the DNA translocation efficiency by about 6.59‐fold compared to the Mono‐L‐Phe‐P5 channel. Furthermore, the translocation efficiency of the L‐Phe‐P5 nanochannel with multi‐chiral centers was 3.06‐fold higher than that of the D‐Phe‐P5 nanochannel, and this value was 2.25‐fold higher than the ratio of the translocation efficiency between the Mono‐L‐Phe‐P5 channel and Mono‐D‐Phe‐P5 channel. Finally, the theoretical simulation and analysis of the translocation mechanism were performed by COMSOL Multiphysics software. This research not only enriches the basic theory research related to the influence of chirality on DNA translocation, but also has great reference value for the further development of DNA application. More importantly, the chiral amplification strategy could also extend to the selectivity of other chiral biomolecules, which may have potentially far‐reaching implications.
Influence of cooling speed on the physical and mechanical properties of granite in geothermal‐related engineering
Authors: Deng Longchuan , Li Xiaozhao , Wu Yun , Li Fuqing , Huang Zhen , Ji Yukun , Zou Chunjiang , Liu Zuxi
Published: August 2022

In deep‐earth engineering, the high earth temperature can significantly affect the rock's mechanical properties, especially when the rock is cooled during the construction process. Accordingly, whether the cooling speed affects the mechanical and physical properties of rocks is worth to be investigated. The present study explored the influence of the cooling rate on the physical and chemical properties of granite heated at 25–800 °C. The mechanical and physical properties involved in this study included uniaxial compression strength, peak strain, modulus, P‐wave velocity, mass and volume, the change of which could reflect the sensitivity of granite to the cooling rate. Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring, microscopic observation, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) are used to analyze the underlying damage mechanism. It is found that more AE signals and large‐scale cracks are accounted for based on the b‐value method when the specimens are cooled by water. Furthermore, the microscopic observation by polarized light microscopy indicates that the density, opening degree, and connectivity of the cracks under water cooling mode are higher than that under natural cooling mode. In addition, the XRD illustrates that there is no obvious change in mineral content and diffraction angle at different temperatures, which confirms that the change of mechanical properties is not related to the chemical properties. The present conclusion can provide a perspective to assess the damage caused by different cooling methods to hot rocks.
Context‐dependency in carnivore co‐occurrence across a multi‐use conservation landscape
Authors: Curveira‐Santos Gonçalo , Gigliotti Laura , Sutherland Chris , Rato Daniela , Santos‐Reis Margarida , Swanepoel Lourens H.
Published: August 2022

Carnivore intraguild dynamics depend on a complex interplay of environmental affinities and interspecific interactions. Context‐dependency is commonly expected with varying suites of interacting species and environmental conditions but seldom empirically described. In South Africa, decentralized approaches to conservation and the resulting multi‐tenure conservation landscapes have markedly altered the environmental stage that shapes the structure of local carnivore assemblages. We explored assemblage‐wide patterns of carnivore spatial (residual occupancy probability) and temporal (diel activity overlap) co‐occurrence across three adjacent wildlife‐oriented management contexts—a provincial protected area, a private ecotourism reserve, and commercial game ranches. We found that carnivores were generally distributed independently across space, but existing spatial dependencies were context‐specific. Spatial overlap was most common in the protected area, where species occur at higher relative abundances, and in game ranches, where predator persecution presumably narrows the scope for spatial asymmetries. In the private reserve, spatial co‐occurrence patterns were more heterogeneous but did not follow a dominance hierarchy associated with higher apex predator densities. Pair‐specific variability suggests that subordinate carnivores may alternate between pre‐emptive behavioral strategies and fine‐scale co‐occurrence with dominant competitors. Consistency in species‐pairs diel activity asynchrony suggested that temporal overlap patterns in our study areas mostly depend on species' endogenous clock rather than the local context. Collectively, our research highlights the complexity and context‐dependency of guild‐level implications of current management and conservation paradigms; specifically, the unheeded potential for interventions to influence the local network of carnivore interactions with unknown population‐level and cascading effects.
Combining Quantum Dot and Perovskite Photovoltaic Cells for Efficient Photon to Electricity Conversion in Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Johansson Erik M. J. , Andruszkiewicz Aneta
Published: August 2022

Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, are increasingly important today to reduce emissions from fossil‐based energy sources. However, the electricity from wind and solar power varies over time and depends on weather conditions and the time of the day. Therefore, to include a large fraction of electricity from these energy sources in the electricity grid, large‐scale and low‐cost energy storage is needed. Herein, it is investigated how a combination of quantum dot based photovoltaic cells and perovskite‐based photovoltaic cells can be used to increase the energy conversion efficiency and increase the working range of energy storage devices based on conversion between heat, light, and electricity. The results show that these new types of photovoltaic materials have very promising properties for efficient utilization in energy storage devices, which have the potential for large‐scale and low‐cost energy storage.
State of charge estimation of lithium‐ion battery based on extended Kalman filter and unscented Kalman filter techniques
Authors: Priya Rajbala Purnima , R Sanjay , Sakile Rajakumar
Published: August 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the most widely used energy storage technologies in electric vehicles (EVs) due to their higher power density, greater energy density, longer life, fast charging capabilities, and low discharge rate. The brain of rechargeable batteries is referred to be the battery management system (BMS). The operation of the battery is monitored & regulated by an electronic system called BMS. Most significantly, it prevents the battery from exceeding its safety limits. One of the important parameters of BMS is the state of charge (SOC); it determines the battery's remaining capacity of accessible stored energy, battery lifespan, and cell balancing. As a result, an accurate SOC calculation is essential for BMS, and it is used for safer operations that avoid overcharging and discharging for the optimum battery life. The primary ambition of this article is to find an accurate and robust SOC estimation based on extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) techniques. RMS error, average error, minimum error, and maximum error are used to compare the EKF method and UKF method. Two resistor‐capacitor (2RC) equivalent circuit model has been considered for the dynamic performance of the battery. The waveforms are displayed, and errors are simulated for SOC estimate using the EKF and UKF algorithms, taking the same initial SOC into consideration at a time. The UKF algorithm outperforms the EKF approach in terms of dynamic results when comparing the two methods.
Carrageenan‐vermiculite‐dimethyl methyl phosphate ternary hybrid hydrogels for firefighting
Authors: Wang Chenyu , Shi Hu , Wang Xin , Song Lei , Hu Yuan
Published: August 2022

An eco‐friendly and bio‐based ternary hybrid hydrogel consisting of carrageenan, vermiculite, and dimethyl methyl phosphate (DMMP) was prepared through a facile one‐pot method. Rheological tests showed that this ternary hybrid hydrogel was a power‐law fluid. The formulation of the ternary hybrid hydrogel was also screened, and the optimal formulation was found to be the ternary hybrid hydrogel containing 1 wt% carrageenan, 2 wt% DMMP, and 4 wt% vermiculite. Firefighting experiments showed that the ternary hybrid hydrogel could stop the chain reaction and rapidly reduce the temperature of combustion. Compared to water, the extinguishing time of the ternary hybrid hydrogel was shortened by 46.6%, and the volume consumed was reduced by 43.3%. The superior fire extinguishing efficiency of the ternary hybrid hydrogel could be attributed to the combined effect of each component: carrageenan provides viscosity, making the hydrogel firmly cover the burning surface; DMMP works as a free radical scavenger that can stop chain reactions; and vermiculite acts as a barrier layer, which helps to insulate air and heat and prevent resurgence. This work provides an environmentally‐friendly, cost‐effective, and bio‐based hybrid hydrogel for firefighting.
Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase gene expression and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio correlation with nasopharyngeal carcinoma progression and survival
Authors: Souissi Sameh , Ghedira Randa , Macherki Yosra , Ben‐Haj‐Ayed Ahlem , Gabbouj Sallouha , Remadi Yasmine , Sfar Imen , Chadli Zohra , Aouam Karim , Hassine Mohsen , Bouaouina Noureddine , Zakhama Abdelfattah , Hassen Elham
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) is an immunosuppressive tryptophan‐depleting enzyme expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tissue. However, IDO has not been reported in the peripheral blood of NPC patients. The aim of this study was to analyze, IDO1 and IDO2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, the kynurenine (Kyn) and tryptophan (Trp) plasma levels, their clinical values and their relationship with cytokine levels in NPC.

Methods

We evaluated IDO1 and IDO2 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by quantitative real‐time PCR, plasma Trp and Kyn levels by HPLC, and cytokine levels by ELISA in 75 NPC patients and 51 healthy controls.

Results

Compared to controls, IDO1 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated and IDO2 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in PBMC of patients. Also compared to controls, plasma Kyn levels and Kyn/Trp ratio were significantly higher in patients. At the time of diagnosis, the plasma Kyn/Trp ratio was associated with advanced cancer status and was an independent prognostic factor for worse disease‐specific survival. According to cancer stages, IDO1 mRNA expression was positively correlated with plasma Kyn/Trp ratio in patients with earlier stages (I–II–III) but negatively correlated in patients with the late‐stage cancer (IV). Tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Moreover, and despite treatment, patients simultaneously carrying high plasma Kyn/Trp ratio and high plasma IL‐6 and IL‐10 levels at diagnosis died approximately 1 year after first diagnosis.

Conclusion

Measuring blood IDO mRNA expression and Kyn/Trp ratio at diagnosis could be a potential marker to evaluate NPC progression and predict survival outcome.
Ibrutinib and rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone in patients with previously untreated non‐germinal centre B‐cell‐like diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A Chinese subgroup analysis of the phase III PHOENIX trial
Authors: Zhu Jun , Hong Xiaonan , Song Yu Qin , Hodkinson Brendan , Balasubramanian Sriram , Wang Songbai , Zhang Qingyuan , Shi Yuankai , Huang Huiqiang , Zhang Huilai , Zhu Yan , Shreeve Stephen Martin , Sun Steven , Wang Ze , Wang Xiaocan , Fan Yue , Wilson Wyndham , Vermeulen Jessica
Published: August 2022

In this post hoc subgroup analysis of 200 patients enrolled in China from the phase III PHOENIX trial (N = 838, NCT01855750), addition of ibrutinib to rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP) did not improve event‐free survival (EFS) versus placebo+R‐CHOP in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT; n = 200, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0·509–1.349; p = 0.4495) or activated B‐cell‐like (ABC; n = 141 [based on available gene‐expression profiling data], HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.467–1.570; p = 0.6160) subpopulations. However, ibrutinib+R‐CHOP improved EFS (HR = 0·50, 95% CI: 0.251–1.003) and progression‐free survival (PFS; HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.228–1.009) versus placebo+R‐CHOP in patients aged <60 but not ≥60 years. Grade ≥3 serious treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred more with ibrutinib+R‐CHOP (45·6% vs. 31·3%). The percentage of patients receiving ≥6 cycles of R‐CHOP was similar across treatment arms in those <60 years. A numerical trend was seen towards improved EFS and PFS with ibrutinib+R‐CHOP versus placebo+R‐CHOP in patients with MYC‐high/BCL2‐high co‐expression. In this slightly younger Chinese subgroup, ibrutinib+R‐CHOP did not improve EFS in the ITT and ABC subpopulations but improved outcomes with manageable safety in patients <60 years, consistent with overall PHOENIX study outcomes.
Broadly neutralizing antibodies recognizing different antigenic epitopes act synergistically against the influenza B virus
Authors: Zhai Linlin , Zhang Limin , Jiang Yushan , Li Baisheng , Yang Minghui , Victorovich Khrustalev Vladislav , Aleksandrovna Khrustaleva Tatyana , Li Mengjun , Wang Yuelin , Huang Dong , Zeng Zhujun , Ren Zuning , Cao Hua , Zhu Li , Wu Qinghua , Xiao Weiwei , Zhang Bao , Wan Chengsong , Wang Fuxiang , Xia Ningshao , Zhao Wei , Chen Yixin , Shen Chenguang
Published: August 2022

The discovery of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against influenza viruses has raised hope for the successful development of new antiviral drugs. However, due to the speed and variety of mutations in influenza viruses, single‐component antibodies that recognize specific epitopes are susceptible to viral escape and have limited efficacy when administration is delayed. Hence, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies with better antiviral activity. Influenza B virus infection can cause severe illness in children and the elderly. Commonly used anti‐influenza drugs have low clinical efficacy against influenza B virus. In this study, we investigated the antiviral efficacy of combinations of representative monoclonal antibodies targeting different antigenic epitopes against the influenza B virus. We found that combinations of antibodies recognizing the hemagglutinin (HA) head and stem regions showed a stronger neutralizing activity than single antibodies and other antibody combinations in vitro. In addition, we found that pair‐wise combinations of antibodies recognizing the HA head region, HA stem region, and neuraminidase enzyme‐activated region showed superior antiviral activity than single antibodies in both mouse and ferret in vivo protection assays. Notably, these antibody combinations still displayed good antiviral efficacy when treatment was delayed. Mechanistic studies further revealed that combining antibodies recognizing different epitope regions resulted in extremely strong antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, which may partly explain their superior antiviral effects. Together, the findings of this study provide new avenues for the development of better antiviral drugs and vaccines against influenza viruses.
An ERA5 global climatology of tropical cyclone size asymmetry
Authors: Zhang Kailin , Chan Kelvin T. F.
Published: August 2022

The size of tropical cyclone (TC), defined as the radius of gale‐force (34‐kt) 10‐m winds (R34) from a TC centre, is often asymmetric but received limited attention. Understanding the asymmetry of TC size is particularly essential to enhance the applicability, predictability, and preparedness for the parties in the coastal regions. In this study, the ERA5 reanalysis data are first validated by the QuikSCAT satellite data. Results demonstrate that the radius of ERA5 32‐kt 10‐m winds estimates best R34 in the QuikSCAT satellite data with a promising linear relationship (r = .75). A 41‐year (1979–2019) homogeneous ERA5 global climatology of TC size asymmetry is hence established based on this linear regression model. Both the temporal and spatial characteristics of the TC size asymmetry are investigated and discussed. This study lays the important groundwork for future sophisticated research on TC size.