bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VOLITIONS, PRÉOCCUPATIONS PRUDENTIELLES, ET RÉFLEXIVITÉ DANS LA PSYCHOPATHIE
Authors: Garcia Mathieu
Published: March 2023

Conformément à une tradition faisant des sujets manifestant un fonctionnement psychopathique des êtres moralement aveugles, voire moralement morts, les discussions ayant trait à leur agentivité morale ont pendant longtemps jugé subsidiaire l’analyse des mécanismes volitifs et conatifs, pourtant essentielle pour comprendre leurs agissements immoraux. Partant plus spécifiquement du décalage qui semble, au regard de certaines données récemment publiées, s’opérer chez ceux présentant ce type de personnalité entre jugements moraux et choix moraux, nous proposons dans cet article de discuter tour à tour les théories susceptibles de venir expliquer ce fossé qui sépare ce que le psychopathe reconnait (ou peut, d’une manière générale, reconnaitre) et ce qu’il fait. Après avoir présenté l’hypothèse – problématique en plus d’un sens – en faveur d’une faiblesse de la volonté associant la psychopathie à l’acrasie, nous exposons les apports respectifs des conceptions rationalistes et néosentimentalistes, avant d’interroger le présupposé qu’elles partagent avec les théories de l’incontinence psychopathique. Nous argumentons en effet que chacune de ces trois positions tend implicitement à octroyer à ces individus dyssociaux une propension à recourir à une certaine forme d’activité délibérative peu étayée sur le plan empirique. Une discussion resserrée autour des caractéristiques prudentielles relevées dans la psychopathie nous conduira au contraire à défendre l’idée selon laquelle l’immoralité de ceux qui en sont atteints n’est, dans la plupart des cas, qu’un effet collatéral d’un manque d’appétence pour le processus d’autoévaluation réflexive. Et nous verrons qu’il y a de fortes raisons de croire que cette irréflexivité – qui rend compte d’un grand nombre de facettes du mode d’existence de la conscience psychopathique tout en restant compatible avec les principaux modèles explicatifs aujourd’hui privilégiés pour éclairer les décisions morales qui s’en dégagent – est directement liée à la vie affective (extrêmement pauvre) du psychopathe. Nous terminons en avançant que ce lien entre déficit émotionnel et carence réflexive fait apparaitre de nouvelles perspectives pour penser les différents types de profils moraux retrouvés au sein des diverses formes de psychopathie que nous suggérons de répartir le long d’un continuum sur lequel s’étendent plusieurs niveaux (ou degrés) de déficience expérientielle.
IS DANIEL A MONSTER? REFLECTIONS ON DANIEL A. BELL AND WANG PEI’S “SUBORDINATION WITHOUT CRUELTY” THESIS
Authors: Ebert Rainer , Giroux Valéry , Pepper Angie , Voigt Kristin
Published: March 2023

Daniel Bell and Wang Pei’s recent monograph, Just Hierarchy, seeks to defend hierarchical relationships against more egalitarian alternatives. This paper addresses their argument, offered in one chapter of the book, in favour of a hierarchical relationship between human and nonhuman animals. This relationship, Bell and Pei argue, should conform to what they call “subordination without cruelty:” it is permissible to subordinate and exploit animals for human ends, provided that we do not treat them cruelly. We focus on three aspects of their view: their argument for a hierarchical view; their understanding of cruelty; and their account of the heightened duties they claim we owe to nonhuman animals who are intelligent, domesticated, and/or “cute.” We argue that the reasons that Bell and Pei offer fail to support their conclusions, and that, even if one accepts a hierarchical view, the conclusions that Bell and Pei draw about the permissibility of practices such as killing animals for food do not follow. We conclude by emphasizing philosophers’ responsibility to thoroughly test their arguments and to engage with existing debates, especially when the practices they seek to justify involve harms of great magnitude.
« Génie » de Nouvelle-France : entre altérité et différence dans les relations de voyage jésuites de Paul Lejeune1
Authors: Savart Madeleine
Published: March 2023

Paul Lejeune est l’auteur de la majorité des relations jésuites de Nouvelle-France des années 1630. La publication de ces missives annuelles s’institutionnalise durant cette décennie et elles circulent progressivement hors de la Compagnie de Jésus. Les représentations du peuple innu et de leur altérité spirituelle évoluent alors, d’une description démoniaque à des superstitions remplaçables par la doctrine chrétienne. Pour ce faire, le missionnaire s’appuie principalement sur le sens antique de la notion de génie, mais il nuance rapidement par la suite ce rapprochement historique, puis l’usage même de termes chrétiens. Ainsi, Paul Lejeune laisse transparaître, peut-être malgré lui, la permanence d’une altérité spirituelle et métaphysique, impossible à penser à l’intérieur de l’imaginaire européen.
Behavioral dissection of hunger states in Drosophila
Authors: Weaver KJ , Raju S , Rucker RA , Chakraborty TS , Holt RA , Pletcher SD
Published: March 2023

Hunger is a motivational drive that promotes feeding, and it can be generated by the physiological need to consume nutrients as well as the hedonic properties of food. Brain circuits and mechanisms that regulate feeding have been described, but which of these contribute to the generation of motive forces that drive feeding is unclear. Here, we describe our first efforts at behaviorally and neuronally distinguishing hedonic from homeostatic hunger states in
Drosophila melanogaster
and propose that this system can be used as a model to dissect the molecular mechanisms that underlie feeding motivation. We visually identify and quantify behaviors exhibited by hungry flies and find that increased feeding duration is a behavioral signature of hedonic feeding motivation. Using a genetically-encoded marker of neuronal activity, we find that the mushroom body (MB) lobes are activated by hedonic food environments, and we use optogenetic inhibition to implicate a PAM>α’/β’ MB circuit in hedonic feeding motivation. The identification of discrete hunger states in flies and the development of behavioral assays to measure them offers a framework to begin dissecting the molecular and circuit mechanisms that generate motivational states in the brain.
Microwave assisted synthesis of bismuth titanate nanosheets and its photocatalytic effects
Authors: Correya Adrine Antony , Nampoori V. P. N. , Mujeeb A.
Published: March 2023

Bismuth titanate syntheses using wet chemical methods are comparatively time-consuming and require long durations for completion using the well-studied sol-gel method. In this work, we use microwave initiated combustion method to produce ultra-thin bismuth titanate nanosheets. This method reduces the time required for the synthesis down to minutes, when compared to hours or days in most other methods. The thickness of the synthesized sheets were tuned by adding polyethylene glycol as a capping agent, which in turn affects the band gap and subsequently, their photocatalytic properties. The samples were characterized using x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and absorption spectrophotometry. Photocatalytic effect of the synthesized bismuth titanate nanosheets on methylene blue dye also studied and variation of band gap depending on thickness of the nanosheets were observed.
Quantitative trait loci associated with straighthead-resistance used for marker assisted selection in rice (Oryza sativa L.) RIL populations
Authors: Pan Xuhao , Li Yiting , Li Xiaobai
Published: March 2023

Straighthead is a physiological disorder of rice (Oryza sativa L.) that causes dramatic yield loss in susceptible cultivars. This disorder is found worldwide and is reported to increasingly occur in the southern United States. Genetic resistance breeding has been considered as one of the most efficient methods for straighthead prevention because the traditional prevention method wastes water and costs labor. In this study, we analyzed the genetic effects of five straighthead quantitative trait loci (QTLs), namely, AP3858-1 (qSH-8), RM225 (qSH-6), RM2 (qSH-7), RM206 (qSH-11), and RM282 (qSH-3), on the recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from Jing185/Cocodrie and Zhe733/R312 populations using our five previously identified markers linked to these QTLs. As a result, recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with four resistant alleles at the four loci (AP3858-1, RM225, RM2, and RM206) exhibited the highest straighthead resistance. This result suggests that the four markers could be efficiently used to select the straighthead-resistant recombinant inbred lines (RILs). Furthermore, by using AP3858-1, we successfully obtained five straighthead-resistant recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with more than 50% genetic similarity to Cocodrie. These markers and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) can be used for future straighthead resistance breeding through marker-assisted selection.
Apocynum venetum, a medicinal, economical and ecological plant: a review update
Authors: Xiang Tian , Wu Longjiang , Isah Murtala Bindawa , Chen Chen , Zhang Xiaoying
Published: March 2023

Apocynum venetum L. is an important medicinal perennial rhizome plant with good ecological and economic value. Its leaves have many pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-depression, anti-anxiolytic, etc., while its fibers have the title of “king of wild fibers”. Furthermore, it was suitable for the restoration of degraded saline soil in arid areas. An increasing studies have been published in the past years. A scientometric analysis was used to analyze the publications of Apocynum venetum L. to clearly review the pharmacology, fiber application of Apocynum venetum L. and the potential value with its similar species (Apocynum pictum Schrenk) to the environment.
Morphological Variations of the Lumbricals in Adult Cadaveric Hand: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Muthusamy Sudagar , Bascarane Bavithra , Nagarajan Prithiviraj
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The development of the human hand is unprecedented. Despite being tiny in size, the lumbricals play a far more significant role in the dynamic actions of the fingers. At the Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal joints, they do flexion and extension. Lumbricals also exhibit some variations of developmental anomalies in attachments and morphology. Aim: To classify morphological patterns of the lumbrical muscles and their anatomical variations in the hands and to discuss their clinical implications. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy of Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India, from July 2020 to July 2021 on 50 disarticulated upper limbs during routine dissection of cadavers. In the present study, the limbs were labelled R or L for right or left, M or F for male or female. The variation in origin (including architecture), insertion (including split insertions, misplaced insertions, or absence of muscles, and the lengths of the muscle belly and tendon of all lumbricals were studied and noted. The dissection was carried out based on the steps as per Cunningham’s manual. Analysis of the data was done using Microsoft Excel software 2016. Results: In this study, 86% of the lumbricals were found normal in origin, innervation and insertion. Split insertion in the 3rd lumbrical was seen in 6% of the lumbricals, and a unipennate in the fourth lumbrical was seen in 2% of the total specimens. In 2% of the specimens, the 4th lumbrical was absent, the 1st lumbrical was hypertrophied in 2%, and the accessory belly in the 2nd lumbrical was also observed in 2%. Conclusion: The findings of this research may provide light on the role of the lumbrical muscles in diagnostic and surgical procedures involving the hands.
Association of Stress With Cognitive Function Among Older Black and White US Adults
Authors: Kulshreshtha Ambar , Alonso Alvaro , McClure Leslie A. , Hajjar Ihab , Manly Jennifer J. , Judd Suzanne
Published: March 2023

Importance

Perceived stress can have long-term physiological and psychological consequences and has shown to be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer disease and related dementias.

Objective

To investigate the association between perceived stress and cognitive impairment in a large cohort study of Black and White participants aged 45 years or older.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study is a national population-based cohort of 30 239 Black and White participants aged 45 years or older, sampled from the US population. Participants were recruited from 2003 to 2007, with ongoing annual follow-up. Data were collected by telephone, self-administered questionnaires, and an in-home examination. Statistical analysis was performed from May 2021 to March 2022.

Exposures

Perceived stress was measured using the 4-item version of the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale. It was assessed at the baseline visit and during 1 follow-up visit.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cognitive function was assessed with the Six-Item Screener (SIS); participants with a score below 5 were considered to have cognitive impairment. Incident cognitive impairment was defined as a shift from intact cognition (SIS score >4) at the first assessment to impaired cognition (SIS score ≤4) at the latest available assessment.

Results

The final analytical sample included 24 448 participants (14 646 women [59.9%]; median age, 64 years [range, 45-98 years]; 10 177 Black participants [41.6%] and 14 271 White participants [58.4%]). A total of 5589 participants (22.9%) reported elevated levels of stress. Elevated levels of perceived stress (dichotomized as low stress vs elevated stress) were associated with 1.37 times higher odds of poor cognition after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.22-1.53). The association of the change in the Perceived Stress Scale score with incident cognitive impairment was significant in both the unadjusted model (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.46-1.80) and after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22-1.58). There was no interaction with age, race, and sex.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that there is an independent association between perceived stress and both prevalent and incident cognitive impairment. The findings suggest the need for regular screening and targeted interventions for stress among older adults.
Giant and Nonvolatile Control of Exchange Bias in Fe3GeTe2/Irradiated Fe3GeTe2/MgO Heterostructure Through Ultralow Voltage
Authors: Wu Qingmei , Zhang Yingying , Cui Zhangzhang , Liu Ping , Xiang Bin , Li Zhengcao , Fu Zhengping , Lu Yalin
Published: March 2023

The discovery of van der Waals magnets has provided a new platform for the electrical control of magnetism. Recent experiments have demonstrated that the magnetic properties of van der Waals magnets can be tuned by various gate modulations, although most of them are volatile and require gate voltages no lower than several volts. Here, the realization of nonvolatile control of exchange bias and coercive fields in Fe3GeTe2/MgO heterostructures, and the gate voltage is as low as tens of mV which is two orders of magnitude smaller than those in previous experiments is presented. The discovery of an ionic‐irradiated phase formed in Fe3GeTe2 by MgO sputtering revealed that an exchange bias effect can be obtained in this heterostructure and tuned from ≈700 to 0 Oe through voltages ranging from 5 to 20 mV. Owing to the high stability of oxidized Fe3GeTe2, the voltage‐driven oxygen incorporated into Fe3GeTe2 from the irradiated phase induces a nonvolatile magnetism modulation that can be retained after turning off the gate voltage. These findings demonstrate a methodology to modulate the magnetism of van der Waals magnets, opening new opportunities to fabricate all‐solid, long‐retention, and low‐dissipation nano‐electronic devices using van der Waals materials.
Scalable, Versatile Synthesis of Ultrathin Polyetherimide Films and Coatings via Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Chazot Cécile A. C. , Thrasher Carl J. , Peraire‐Bueno Alexander , Durso Michael N. , Macfarlane Robert J. , Hart A. John
Published: March 2023

Polyetherimides (PEI) are high‐performance thermoplastic polymers featuring a high dielectric constant and excellent thermal stability. In particular, PEI thin films are of increasing interest for use in solid‐state capacitors and membranes, yet the cost and thickness are limited by conventional synthesis and thermal drawing techniques. Here, a method of synthesizing ultrathin PEI films and coatings is introduced based on interfacial polymerization (IP) of poly(amic acid), followed by thermal imidization. Control of transport, reaction, and precipitation kinetics enables tailoring of PEI film morphology from a nanometer‐scale smooth film to a porous micrometer‐scale layer of polymer microparticles. At short reaction times (≈1 min) freestanding films are formed with ≈1 µm thickness, which to our knowledge surpass commercial state‐of‐the‐art films (3–5 µm minimum thickness) made by thermal drawing. PEI films synthesized via the IP route have thermal and optical properties on par with conventional PEI. The use of the final PEI is demonstrated in structurally colored films, dielectric layers in capacitors, and show that the IP route can form nanometer‐scale coatings on carbon nanotubes. The rapid film formation rate and fine property control are attractive for scale‐up, and established methods for roll‐to‐roll processing can be applied in future work.
Comprehensively Strengthened Metal‐Oxygen Bonds for Reversible Anionic Redox Reaction
Authors: Cai Congcong , Li Xinyuan , Hu Ping , Zhu Ting , Li Jiantao , Fan Hao , Yu Ruohan , Zhang Tianyi , Lee Sungsik , Zhou Liang , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2023

Introducing anionic redox in layered oxides is an effective approach to breaking the capacity limit of conventional cationic redox. However, the anionic redox reaction generally suffers from excessive oxidation of lattice oxygen to O2 and O2 release, resulting in local structural deterioration and rapid capacity/voltage decay. Here, a Na0.71Li0.22Al0.05Mn0.73O2 (NLAM) cathode material is developed by introducing Al3+ into the transition metal (TM) sites. Thanks to the strong Al–O bonding strength and small Al3+ radius, the TMO2 skeleton and the holistic TM–O bonds in NLAM are comprehensively strengthened, which inhibits the excessive lattice oxygen oxidation. The obtained NLAM exhibits a high reversible capacity of 194.4 mAh g‐1 at 20 mA g‐1 and decent cyclability with 98.6% capacity retention over 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1. In situ characterizations reveal that the NLAM experiences phase transitions with an intermediate OP4 phase during the charge–discharge. Theoretical calculations further confirm that the Al substitution strategy is beneficial for improving the overlap between Mn 3d and O 2p orbitals. This finding sheds light on the design of layered oxide cathodes with highly reversible anionic redox for sodium storage.
Light‐Induced In Situ Dynamic Ordered Wrinkling with Arbitrarily Tailorable Wrinkling Orientation for Photoresponsive Soft Photonics
Authors: Liu Enping , Li Lele , Wang Juanjuan , Han Xue , Li Xiaopeng , Xu Fan , Cao Yanping , Lu Conghua
Published: March 2023

Spontaneous surface wrinkling provides a simple universal approach to pattern surfaces for a new generation of smart systems. Dynamic programmable manipulation of surface wrinkling especially with on‐demand wrinkling orientation is highly required yet remains a great challenge. Here, an intriguing azopolymer‐based system with a novel polarization‐responsive dynamic oriented wrinkling behavior is reported. During a linearly polarized light illumination, in situ dynamic aligned wrinkling is induced with the wrinkling orientation perpendicular to the polarization direction, irrespective of as‐imposed boundaries. This polarization‐dependent dynamic wrinkling is attributed to the polarized light‐induced photo‐orientation of azopolymer. This fascinating polarization‐dependent dynamic wrinkling characteristic offers a desirable platform to fabricate unprecedented all‐optically reconfigurable hierarchical wrinkling morphologies with arbitrarily tailorable wrinkling orientation and location. As demonstrated, the polarization‐responsive dynamic wrinkling system has wide applications for photoresponsive soft photonics, in particular as an adoptable nonmechanical beam steering device to differentiate/manipulate light propagation in the case of different incident light polarizations/wavelengths/intensities.
Robust Solid‐Liquid Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Mechanisms, Strategies and Applications
Authors: Dong Yang , Wang Nannan , Yang Di , Wang Jian , Lu Wenlong , Wang Daoai
Published: March 2023

Solid‐liquid triboelectric nanogenerators (SL‐TENGs) are a new technology that combines contact electrification (CE) and electrostatic induction to collect clean energy stored in natural water. Considering their unique advantages of high energy density, wide selection of materials and being suitable for large‐scale promotion, they have attracted more and more attention in recent years, and numerous studies have shown their great potential in various applications. Many critical applications of SL‐TENGs inevitably involve sustained and stable high electrical output. To achieve stable output performance and long cycle life in these applications, the adaptability of SL‐TENGs to material selection, structural design, and working environment is necessary. Therefore, the construction of SL‐TENGs matching different applications has become a critical research direction in TENGs. This review provides a historical summary of the development of SL‐TENGs in the past few years and analyzes the key factors affecting their electrical output performance. The exciting achievements of different constructions of SL‐TENGs for practical applications is also demonstrated such as energy harvesting, self‐powered sensing, and self‐powered cathodic protection. Finally, the development prospects of SL‐TENGs and the significant challenges for their further development is discussed.
Enzyme‐Triggered l‐α/d‐Peptide Hydrogels as a Long‐Acting Injectable Platform for Systemic Delivery of HIV/AIDS Drugs
Authors: Coulter Sophie M. , Pentlavalli Sreekanth , Vora Lalitkumar K. , An Yuming , Cross Emily R. , Peng Ke , McAulay Kate , Schweins Ralf , Donnelly Ryan F. , McCarthy Helen O. , Laverty Garry
Published: March 2023

Eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030 is a central goal of the World Health Organization. Patient adherence to complicated dosage regimens remains a key barrier. There is a need for convenient long‐acting formulations that deliver drugs over sustained periods. This paper presents an alternative platform, an injectable in situ forming hydrogel implant to deliver a model antiretroviral drug (zidovudine [AZT]) over 28 days. The formulation is a self‐assembling ultrashort d or l‐α peptide hydrogelator, namely phosphorylated (naphthalene‐2‐ly)‐acetyl‐diphenylalanine‐lysine‐tyrosine‐OH (NapFFKY[p]‐OH), covalently conjugated to zidovudine via an ester linkage. Rheological analysis demonstrates phosphatase enzyme instructed self‐assembly, with hydrogels forming within minutes. Small angle neutron scattering data suggest hydrogels form narrow radius (≈2 nm), large length fibers closely fitting the flexible cylinder elliptical model. d‐Peptides are particularly promising for long‐acting delivery, displaying protease resistance for 28 days. Drug release, via hydrolysis of the ester linkage, progress under physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4, H2O). Subcutaneous administration of Napffk(AZT)Y[p]G‐OH in Sprague Dawley rats demonstrate zidovudine blood plasma concentrations within the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) range (30–130 ng mL−1) for 35 days. This work is a proof‐of‐concept for the development of a long‐acting combined injectable in situ forming peptide hydrogel implant. These products are imperative given their potential impact on society.
Bone‐Targeted Exosomes: Strategies and Applications
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Xiaoqun , Wang Sicheng , Cui Jin , Ren Xiaoxiang , Su Jiacan
Published: March 2023

As the global population ages, bone‐related diseases have increasingly become a major social problem threatening human health. Exosomes, as natural cell products, have been used to treat bone‐related diseases due to their superior biocompatibility, biological barrier penetration, and therapeutic effects. Moreover, the modified exosomes exhibit strong bone‐targeting capabilities that may improve efficacy and avoid systemic side effects, demonstrating promising translational potential. However, a review of bone‐targeted exosomes is still lacking. Thus, the recently developed exosomes for bone‐targeting applications in this review are focused. The biogenesis and bone‐targeting regulatory functions of exosomes, the constructive strategies of modified exosomes to improve bone‐targeting, and their therapeutic effects for bone‐related diseases are introduced. By summarizing developments and challenges in bone‐targeted exosomes, It is striven to shed light on the selection of exosome constructive strategies for different bone diseases and highlight their translational potential for future clinical orthopedics.
Harnessing Nanomaterials for Cancer Sonodynamic Immunotherapy
Authors: Liang Shuang , Yao Jianjun , Liu Dan , Rao Lang , Chen Xiaoyuan , Wang Zhaohui
Published: March 2023

Immunotherapy has made remarkable strides in cancer therapy over the past decade. However, such emerging therapy still suffers from the low response rates and immune‐related adverse events. Various strategies have been developed to overcome these serious challenges. Therein, sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a non‐invasive treatment, has received ever‐increasing attention especially in the treatment of deep‐seated tumors. Significantly, SDT can effectively induce immunogenic cell death to trigger systemic anti‐tumor immune response, termed sonodynamic immunotherapy. The rapid development of nanotechnology has revolutionized SDT effects with robust immune response induction. As a result, more and more innovative nanosonosensitizers and synergistic treatment modalities are established with superior efficacy and safe profile. In this review, the recent advances in cancer sonodynamic immunotherapy are summarized with a particular emphasis on how nanotechnology can be explored to harness SDT for amplifying anti‐tumor immune response. Moreover, the current challenges in this field and the prospects for its clinical translation are also presented. It is anticipated that this review can provide rational guidance and facilitate the development of nanomaterials‐assisted sonodynamic immunotherapy, helping to pave the way for next‐generation cancer therapy and eventually achieve a durable response in patients.
Liquid Metal Droplets‐Based Elastomers from Electric Toothbrush‐Inspired Revolving Microfluidics
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Jinbo , Sun Lingyu , Chen Hanxu , Ye Fangfu , Zhao Yuanjin , Shang Luoran
Published: March 2023

Liquid metal (LM)‐based elastomers have a demonstrated value in flexible electronics. Attempts in this area include the development of multifunctional LM‐based elastomers with controllable morphology, superior mechanical performances, and great stability. Herein, inspired by the working principle of electric toothbrushes, a revolving microfluidic system is presented for the generation of LM droplets and construction of desired elastomers. The system involves revolving modules assembled by a needles array and 3D microfluidic channels. LM droplets can be generated with controllable size in a high‐throughput manner due to the revolving motion‐derived drag force. It is demonstrated that by employing a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) matrix as the collection phase, the generated LM droplets can act as conductive fillers for the construction of flexible electronics directly. The resultant LM droplets‐based elastomers exhibit high mechanical strength, stable electrical performance, as well as superior self‐healing property benefiting from the dynamic exchangeable urea bond of the polymer matrix. Notably, due to the flexible programmable feature of the LM droplets embedded within the elastomers, various patterned LM droplets‐based elastomers can be easily achieved. These results indicate that the proposed microfluidic LM droplets‐based elastomers have a great potential for promoting the development of flexible electronics.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cyclization of a Pyryne Precursor to Higher Pyrenylenes
Authors: Popp Dennis , Elbert Sven M. , Barwig Chantal , Petry Julian , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: March 2023

The palladium catalyzed cyclotrimerization of ortho‐silylaryl triflates as aryne precursors is meanwhile an established method to synthesize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with triphenylene cores. During the palladium‐catalyzed reaction of a pyrene with an o‐silylaryl triflate moiety in the K‐region higher homologues with central eight‐ and ten‐membered rings (the pyrenylenes) were found, besides the expected trimer and a protocol was developed to isolate all members of this series. This unprecedented new class of PAHs was fully investigated by all means, including X‐ray diffraction of single‐crystals, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. Supported by density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations, a mechanism of all higher cyclooligomers is proposed.
Catalyst‐Free Photochemical Activation of Peroxymonosulfate in Xanthene‐Rich Systems for Fenton‐Like Synergistic Decontamination: Efficacy of Proton Transfer Process
Authors: Qin Fanzhi , Almatrafi Eydhah , Zhang Chen , Huang Danlian , Tang Lin , Duan Abing , Qin Deyu , Luo Hanzhuo , Zhou Chengyun , Zeng Guangming
Published: March 2023

Catalyst‐free visible light assisted Fenton‐like catalysis offers opportunities to achieve the sustainable water decontamination, but the synergistic decontamination mechanisms are still unclear, especially the effect of proton transfer process (PTP). The conversion of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) in photosensitive dye‐enriched system was detailed. The photo‐electron transfer between excited dye and PMS triggered the efficient activation of PMS and enhanced the production of reactive species. Photochemistry behavior analysis and DFT calculations revealed that PTP was the crucial factor to determine the decontamination performance, leading to the transformation of dye molecules. The excitation process inducing activation of whole system was composed of low energy excitations, and the electrons and holes were almost contributed by LUMO and HOMO. This work provided new ideas for the design of catalyst‐free sustainable system for efficient decontamination.
A Quenched Size‐Expanded Nucleotide Reports Activity of the Leukemia Biomarker Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT)**
Authors: Pals Mathijs J. , Velema Willem A.
Published: March 2023

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl Transferase (TdT) is a template‐independent DNA polymerase that plays an essential role in the human adaptive immune system and is upregulated in several types of leukemia. It has therefore gained interest as a leukemia biomarker and potential therapeutic target. Herein, we describe a FRET‐quenched fluorogenic probe based on a size‐expanded deoxyadenosine that reports directly on TdT enzymatic activity. The probe enables real‐time detection of primer extension and de novo synthesis activity of TdT and displays selectivity over other polymerase and phosphatase enzymes. Importantly, TdT activity and its response to treatment with a promiscuous polymerase inhibitor could be monitored in human T‐lymphocyte cell extract and Jurkat cells using a simple fluorescence assay. Finally, employing the probe in a high‐throughput assay resulted in the identification of a non‐nucleoside TdT inhibitor.
Lithium Aluminium Hydride and Metallic Iron: A Powerful Team in Alkene and Arene Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Knüpfer Christian , Färber Christian , Langer Jens , Harder Sjoerd
Published: March 2023

Alkenes that normally do not react with LiAlH4 (3‐hexene, cyclohexene, 1‐Me‐cyclohexene), can be reduced to the corresponding alkanes by a mixture of LiAlH4 and Fe0 (the iron was activated by Metal‐Vapour‐Synthesis). This alkene‐to‐alkane conversion with a stoichiometric quantity of LiAlH4/Fe0 does not need quenching with water or acids, implying that both H's originate from LiAlH4. The LiAlH4/Fe0 combination is also a remarkably potent cooperative catalyst for hydrogenation of multi‐substituted alkenes and benzene or toluene. An induction period of circa two hours and the minimally required temperature of 120 °C, suggests that the actual catalyst is a combination of Fe0 and the decomposition product of LiAlH4 (LiH and Al0). A thermally pre‐activated LiAlH4/Fe0 catalyst did not need an induction time and is also active at room temperature and 1 bar H2. A combination of AliBu3 and Fe0 is an even more active hydrogenation catalyst. Without pre‐activation, tetra‐substituted alkenes like Me2C=CMe2 and toluene could be fully hydrogenated.
Lewis‐Pairing‐Induced Electrochemiluminescence Enhancement from Electron Donor‐Acceptor Diads Decorated with Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane as an Electrochemical Protector
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Tahara Keishiro , Ishimatsu Ryoichi , Ono Toshikazu , Cui Luxia , Maeda Momoka , Ozawa Yoshiki , Abe Masaaki
Published: March 2023

This study reports an effective peripheral decoration of organic donor‐acceptor diads with B(C6F5)3 for stabilizing electrogenerated radical ions. By employing a common p‐type organic semiconductor benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) as the donor, tetracoordinate boron complexes showed improved solution electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensity, reaching a 156‐fold increase compared to that of the parent diad. The unprecedented Lewis‐pairing‐induced ECL enhancement is attributed to the multiple roles of B(C6F5)3: 1) redistributing frontier orbitals, 2) facilitating electrochemical excitation, and 3) restricting molecular motions. Furthermore, B(C6F5)3 converted the molecular arrangement of BTBT from conventional 2D herringbones into 1D π‐stacks. This robust, highly ordered columnar nanostructure allowed red‐shifting of the crystalline film ECL with electrochemical doping through the electronic coupling pathways of BTBT. Our approach will facilitate the development of elaborate metal‐free ECL systems.
Effect of feed spacer geometric design in a spiral wound module of reverse osmosis process on the removal of dimethyl phenol from wastewater. Simulation‐based model
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Mudhar A.
Published: March 2023

The reverse osmosis (RO) technology has engaged in the removal of a wide set of pollutants including dimethylphenol at a high rejection. The goal of this research is to explore the influence of spacer geometric design on the performance metrics of an individual spiral wound module of RO process to eliminate dimethylphenol from wastewater. The study entails the embedding of an author's model developed to envisage the performance of a spiral wound membrane‐based wastewater treatment with a detailed model of feed spacer (collected from the open literature) utilised to characterise the pressure drop along the feed channel. A comprehensive simulation study is conducted to observe the impact of feed flow rate on the energy dissipation and mass transfer coefficient of several selected feed spacers of different design characteristics. Accordingly, the consequence of feed spacer design parameters was analysed on the performance metrics of RO process including the dimethylphenol rejection and water recovery. It is found that the angle of flow diversion, voidage, and feed spacer height have a considerable effect on the pressure drop, mass transfer coefficient, and axial velocity, which accordingly affect the overall performance indicators. The results show the success of feed spacers 80MIL‐1 and 80MIL‐2 to gain the highest dimethylphenol rejection and associated water recovery.
Synthesis of spinnable melamine formaldehyde resin prepolymer using ionic liquid and performance regulation of melamine fibers
Authors: Yang Rongtao , Sun Yikai , Wu Yuxing , Wang Binqi , Song Yungang , Sheng Zhaoquan , Yang Chunyu , Gao Hongshuai , Nie Yi
Published: March 2023

In order to address the poor spinnability of melamine formaldehyde (MF) resin spinning dope, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([Emim]DEP)/H2O solution is first used as the solvent to synthesize MF resin prepolymer (pre‐MF) solution. The pre‐MF solution can be directly spun into fibers without any fiber‐forming agent. The influence of synthetic parameters, such as reaction time and temperature, the mass ratio of [Emim]DEP to H2O, and solid content, on the fiber properties are investigated systematically. The results show that [Emim]DEP demonstrates a key role in regulating the molecular weight and distribution of pre‐MF solution, which plays transfer catalyst effect during the synthesis process. Furthermore, programmed heating is the most helpful for the linear growth of the molecular in the initial stage of curing and the formation of the final cross‐linked structure. The fibers obtained under optimal conditions have excellent mechanical properties, with fracture strength of 323.8 MPa and elongation at break of 7.2%. This work provides a novel synthesis method of pre‐MF solution to prepare high‐performance MF fibers.
Cetuximab as third‐line rechallenge plus either irinotecan or avelumab is an effective treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with baseline plasma RAS/BRAF wild‐type circulating tumor DNA: Individual patient data pooled analysis of CRICKET and CAVE trials
Authors: Martini G. , Ciardiello D. , Famiglietti V. , Rossini D. , Antoniotti C. , Troiani T. , Napolitano S. , Esposito L. , Latiano T. P. , Maiello E. , Del Re M. , Lonardi S. , Aprile G. , Santini D. , Masi G. , Avallone A. , Normanno N. , Pietrantonio F. , Pinto C. , Ciardiello F. , Cremolini C. , Martinelli E.
Published: March 2023

The rechallenge strategy is based on the concept that a subset of patients with RAS wild‐type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) could still benefit of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition, after progression to an anti‐EGFR based‐therapy. We performed a pooled analysis of two‐phase II prospective trials to determine the role of rechallenge in third‐line mCRC patients with RAS/BRAF WT baseline circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Individual data of 33 and 13 patients from CAVE and CRICKET trials that received as third‐line therapy cetuximab rechallenge were collected. Overall survival (OS), Progression‐free survival (PFS), Overall response rate (ORR), Stable disease (SD) >6 months were calculated. Adverse events were reported. For the whole 46 patient population, median PFS (mPFS) was 3.9 months (95% Confidence Interval, CI 3.0–4.9) with median OS (mOS) of 16.9 months (95% CI 11.7–22.1). For CRICKET patients, mPFS was 3.9 months (95% CI 1.7–6.2); mOS was 13.1 months (95% CI 7.3–18.9) with OS rates at 12, 18, and 24 months of 62%, 23%, and 0%, respectively. For CAVE patients, mPFS was 4.1 months (95% CI 3.0–5.2); mOS was 18.6 months (95% CI 11.7–25.4) with OS rates at 12, 18, 24 months of 61%, 52%, 21%, respectively. Skin rash was more frequently reported in CAVE trial (87.9% vs. 30.8%; p = 0.001), whereas a increased incidence of hematological toxicities was observed in CRICKET trial (53.8%% vs. 12.1%; p = 0.003). Third‐line cetuximab rechallenge in combination with either irinotecan or avelumab in RAS/BRAF WT ctDNA mCRC patients represents a promising therapy.
Association between rapid renal function deterioration and cancer mortality in the elderly: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kuo I‐Ching , Chu Yi‐Chi , Chen Yen‐Hsu , Chan Ta‐Chien
Published: March 2023

Background

Kidney function is associated with clinical outcomes in patients with cancer.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the association between kidney function decline and cancer‐related mortality among community‐dwelling elderly individuals.

Design

This was a retrospective longitudinal cohort study.

Participants

The 61,988 participants were from an elderly health examination database in Taipei City from 2005 to 2012.

Measurements

Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between baseline covariates and rapidly deteriorating estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In addition, Cox proportional hazards model and the Fine–Gray model were used to quantify the effects of covariates on total cancer mortality and six specific cancer mortalities.

Results

During the follow‐up period, 1482 participants died of cancer. Their baseline average eGFR was 73.8 ± 19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2, and 18.3% had rapid renal function decline (≥5 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year). Rapid renal function decline was positively related to age, baseline eGFR, proteinuria, hypertension, waist circumferences, high log triglyceride levels, and diabetes mellitus (DM) history. In Cox proportional hazard models, participants with rapid eGFR decline had an increased risk of cancer mortality [hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.97 (1.73, 2.24); p < 0.001] compared to those without rapid eGFR decline. In the analysis of site‐specific cancer mortality risk, rapid eGFR decline was associated with six site‐specific cancer mortality, namely gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary, lung, prostate, urinary tract, and hematological malignancies.

Conclusions

Elderly individuals with rapid kidney function decline had higher cancer mortality risks. Serial assessments of dynamic changes in eGFR might provide information relevant for cancer prognosis.
New Isopropyl Chromone and Flavanone Glucoside Compounds from the Leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry and Their Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Production
Authors: Hai Ninh Bui , Thi Dung Duong , Huu Tai Bui , Hai Yen Pham , Xuan Nhiem Nguyen , Thi Thu Hien Truong , Thi Trang Do , Van Tuyen Nguyen , Tuan Anh Le , Thi Hoai Nguyen , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2023

A new isopropyl chromone (1) and a new flavanone glucoside (2) together with eleven known compounds (3–13) were isolated from the leaves of Syzygium cerasiforme (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry. Their structures were elucidated as 5,7‐dihydroxy‐2‐isopropyl‐6,8‐dimethyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (1), 5,7‐dihydroxyflavanone 7‐O‐β‐D‐(6′′‐O‐galloylglucopyranoside) (2), strobopinin (3), demethoxymatteucinol (4), pinocembrin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (5), (2S)‐hydroxynaringenin‐7‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (6), afzelin (7), quercetin (8), kaplanin (9), endoperoxide G3 (10), grasshopper (11), vomifoliol (12), litseagermacrane (13) by the analysis of HR‐ESI‐MS, NMR, and CD spectral data. Compounds 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10 inhibited NO production on LPS‐activated RAW264.7 cells with IC50 values of 12.28±1.15, 8.52±1.62, 7.68±0.87, 9.67±0.57, and 6.69±0.34 μM, respectively, while the IC50 values of the other compounds ranging from 33.38±0.78 to 86.51±2.98 μM, compared to that of the positive control, NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine acetate (L‐NMMA) with an IC50 value of 32.50±1.00 μM.
Transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva: A report of first five cases in Tehran Heart Center, Iran
Authors: Ayati Aryan , Toofaninejad Neda , Hosseinsabet Ali , Hosseini Kaveh , Hajizeinali Alimohammad
Published: March 2023

Ruptured sinus of Valsalva (RSOV) is a potentially lethal lesion requiring prompt intervention. Transcatheter Closure of RSOV is a novel alternative to the standard treatment, which is open‐heart surgery. In this case series, we have reported our center's first five cases of RSOV patients undergoing Transcatheter Closure.
Taguchi Experimental Design Method for the Reuse of Wastewater in Textile Processes
Authors: Yaprak Ridvan Emre , Vergili Ilda
Published: March 2023

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SME) in the textile sector need to take the necessary steps for the reuse of wastewater in a shorter time and at low cost. The Taguchi experimental design method with an L9 (34) array was used to determine the optimum operating conditions and the important factors in the reuse of biologically treated textile wastewater using nanofiltration (NF). The signal‐to‐noise ratios showed that Desal 5DL, 16 bar, 1.5, and 2 L min−1 were the optimum conditions for the factors of NF membrane type, transmembrane pressure, volume reduction factor, and cross‐flow rate, respectively. The NF composite meets the water quality for the purposes of use in the dyeing process, the finishing process, and for general use in the production processes.
Profiling DNA Ligase Substrate Specificity with a Pacific Biosciences Single‐Molecule Real‐Time Sequencing Assay
Authors: Duckworth Alexander T. , Bilotti Katharina , Potapov Vladimir , Lohman Gregory J. S.
Published: March 2023

DNA ligases catalyze the joining of breaks in nucleic acid backbones and are essential enzymes for in vivo genome replication and repair across all domains of life. These enzymes are also critically important to in vitro manipulation of DNA in applications such as cloning, sequencing, and molecular diagnostics. DNA ligases generally catalyze the formation of a phosphodiester bond between an adjacent 5′‐phosphate and 3′‐hydroxyl in DNA, but they exhibit different substrate structure preferences, sequence‐dependent biases in reaction kinetics, and variable tolerance for mismatched base pairs. Information on substrate structure and sequence specificity can inform both biological roles and molecular biology applications of these enzymes. Given the high complexity of DNA sequence space, testing DNA ligase substrate specificity on individual nucleic acid sequences in parallel rapidly becomes impractical when a large sequence space is investigated. Here, we describe methods for investigating DNA ligase sequence bias and mismatch discrimination using Pacific Biosciences Single‐Molecule Real‐Time (PacBio SMRT) sequencing technology. Through its rolling‐circle amplification methodology, SMRT sequencing can give multiple reads of the same insert. This feature permits high‐quality top‐ and bottom‐strand consensus sequences to be determined while preserving information on top‐bottom strand mismatches that can be obfuscated or lost when using other sequencing methods. Thus, PacBio SMRT sequencing is uniquely suited to measuring substrate bias and enzyme fidelity through multiplexing a diverse set of sequences in a single reaction. The protocols describe substrate synthesis, library preparation, and data analysis methods suitable for measuring fidelity and bias of DNA ligases. The methods are easily adapted to different nucleic acid substrate structures and can be used to characterize many enzymes under a variety of reaction conditions and sequence contexts in a rapid and high‐throughput manner. © 2023 New England Biolabs and The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of overhang DNA substrates for ligation

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of ligation fidelity libraries

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of ligation libraries for PacBio Sequel II sequencing

Support Protocol 2: Loading and sequencing of a prepared library on the Sequel II instrument

Basic Protocol 3: Computational processing of ligase fidelity sequencing data