bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Hospital Incentive Care Management Partnerships for Uninsured Patients With Emergency Department Utilization
Authors: Gareau Sarah , López-De Fede Ana , Chen Zhimin , Bell Nathaniel , Mayfield-Smith Kathy
Published: July 2023

Importance

The South Carolina (SC) Healthy Outcomes Plan (HOP) program aimed to expand access to health care to individuals without insurance; it remains unknown whether there is an association between the SC HOP program and emergency department (ED) use among patients with high health care costs and needs.

Objectives

To determine whether participation in the SC HOP was associated with reduced ED utilization among uninsured participants.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included 11 684 HOP participants (ages 18-64 years) with at least 18 months of continuous enrollment. Generalized estimating equations and segmented regression of interrupted time-series analyses of ED visits and charges were conducted from October 1, 2012, to March 31, 2020.

Exposures

Time intervals related to the HOP were 1 year before and 3 years after participation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

ED visits per 100 participants per month and ED charges per participant per month overall and by subcategory.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the 11 684 participants in the study was 45.2 (10.9) years; 6293 (54.5%) were women; 5028 (48.4%) were Black participants and 5189 (50.0%) were White participants. Over the study period, the mean (SE) number of ED visits decreased by 44.1%, from 48.1 (5.2) to 26.9 (2.8) per 100 participants per month. The mean (SE) ED charges were reduced to $858 ($46) per participant per month, a decrease from a mean (SE) of $1583 ($88) per participant per month 1 year before HOP implementation. There was an immediate level decrease of 40% (relative risk [RR], 0.61; 99.5% CI, 0.48-0.76; P < .001) from the preenrollment period, with a sustained reduction trend of 8% (RR 0.92; 99.5% CI, 0.89-0.95; P < .001) during the postenrollment period. A level change for ED charges was detected, at a decrease of 40% (RR 0.60; 99.5% CI, 0.47-0.77; P < .001) directly after HOP enrollment with a subsequent downward trend of 10% (RR 0.90; 99.5% CI, 0.86-0.93; P < .001) for the postenrollment period.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study, proportions and charges of ED visits by uninsured patients saw immediate and sustained decreases after HOP enrollment. Reducing ED charges may have been driven by decreasing the ED as the primary point of patient care, especially for high-frequency users. These findings have implications for other nonexpansion states seeking to maximize uninsured compensation for low-income populations through improved outcomes.
Association of Racial Discrimination With Adiposity in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Cuevas Adolfo G. , Krobath Danielle M. , Rhodes-Bratton Brennan , Xu Shu , Omolade Jesulagbarami J. , Perry Aniyah R. , Slopen Natalie
Published: July 2023

Importance

Childhood obesity is a major public health issue and is disproportionately prevalent among children from minority racial and ethnic groups. Personally mediated racism (commonly referred to as racial discrimination) is a known stressor that has been linked to higher body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) in adults, but little is known about the association of racial discrimination and childhood and adolescent adiposity.

Objective

To assess the prospective association between self-reported experiences of racial discrimination and adiposity (BMI and waist circumference) in a large sample of children and adolescents in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used complete data from the ABCD study (2017 to 2019), involving a total of 6463 participants. The ABCD study recruited a diverse sample of youths from across the US, with rural, urban, and mountain regions. Data were analyzed from January 12 to May 17, 2023.

Exposure

The child-reported Perceived Discrimination Scale was used to quantify racial discrimination, reflecting participants’ perceptions of being treated unfairly by others or unaccepted by society based on their race or ethnicity.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured by trained research assistants. BMI z scores were computed by applying the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s age and sex-specific reference standards for children and adolescents. Waist circumference (inches) was quantified as the mean of 3 consecutive measures. Measurements were taken from time 1 (ie, 2017 to 2019) and time 2 (ie, 2018 to 2020).

Results

Of the 6463 respondents with complete data, 3090 (47.8%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 9.95 (0.62) years. Greater racial discrimination exposure at time 1 was associated with higher BMI z score in both unadjusted (β, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02-0.08) and adjusted regression models (β, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.08). Discrimination at time 1 was associated with higher waist circumference in unadjusted (β, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.15-0.54) and adjusted (β, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.04-0.44) models.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of children and adolescents, racial discrimination was positively associated with adiposity, quantified by BMI z score and waist circumference. Interventions to reduce exposure to racial discrimination in early life may help reduce the risk of excess weight gain across throughout life.
Association of Core Biopsy With Extranodal Extension in Surgically Treated Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Vivian L. , Rand Dayton R. , Arnold Kiranya E. , Pagedar Nitin A. , Bayon Rodrigo , Buchakjian Marisa R.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Extranodal extension (ENE) is an adverse feature in human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and is an indication for adjuvant treatment escalation. Preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) may cause lymph node capsule disruption related to ENE development; however, evidence regarding this association in OPSCC is lacking.

Objective

To assess whether preoperative nodal CNB is associated with presence of ENE in final pathology findings among patients with HPV-associated OPSCC targeted for primary surgical resection.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single academic tertiary care center from 2012 to 2022. All patients with OPSCC treated with transoral robotic surgery were assessed for eligibility, and primary surgical patients with HPV-associated OPSCC and node-positive disease confirmed on neck dissection were included in analyses. Data were analyzed from November 28, 2022, to May 21, 2023.

Exposure

Preoperative nodal CNB.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was presence of ENE in final pathology findings. Secondary outcomes included adjuvant chemotherapy and recurrence rates. Outcomes of interest were investigated against patient demographic, clinical, and pathologic features.

Results

Of 106 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.2 [10.9] years; 99 [93.4%] men) included in analyses, 23 patients (21.7%) underwent CNB. Mean (range) preoperative node size was 3.0 (0.9-6.0) cm. Pathologic node class was pN1 in 97 patients (91.5%) and pN2 in 9 patients (8.5%). A total of 49 patients (46.2%) had ENE identified in final pathology analysis. Of 94 patients who received adjuvant therapy, 58 (61.7%) underwent radiation therapy and 36 (38.3%) underwent chemoradiation therapy. There were 9 recurrences (8.5%). In univariate analysis, CNB was associated with ENE (odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.08), but there was no association in a multivariable model including pN class and preoperative node size (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 0.97-7.27). Compared with pN1 class, pN2 class was associated with ENE (OR, 10.93; 95% CI, 1.32-90.80). There were no associations of ENE with preoperative node size, presence of cystic or necrotic nodes, fine needle aspiration, tobacco or alcohol exposure, pathologic T class, prior radiation, or age. Furthermore, use of CNB was not associated with macroscopic ENE, adjuvant chemotherapy, or recurrence.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study of patients with HPV-associated OPSCC found that preoperative nodal CNB was strongly associated with ENE in final pathology, supporting the possibility of an artifactual ENE component in this population.
The role of priming in anticipatory thinking
Authors: Hiatt Laura M.
Published: July 2023

Anticipatory thinking is the act of identifying problems that may arise in the future, and preparing for them in order to mitigate the risk of (or opportunity for) positive or negative impacts occurring. In this paper, we argue that a critical underlying process of anticipatory thinking is cognitive priming, where one's current thoughts influence the next without conscious intention. We make this argument in terms of two aspects of human cognition that are related to anticipatory thinking: context and creativity. We then use the parallels between context, creativity, and anticipatory thinking to support our belief that cognitive priming plays a key role in various aspects of anticipatory thinking. As part of this analysis, we also discuss its broader implications, including how it can be used to improve computational systems that do anticipatory thinking, as well as how it can be leveraged to improve anticipatory thinking in people.
Commissioning and validation of a Monte Carlo algorithm for spine stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Knill Cory , Sandhu Raminder , Loughery Brian , Lin Lifeng , Halford Robert , Drake Doug , Snyder Michael
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A 6FFF Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation algorithm was commissioned for spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Model generation, validation, and ensuing model tuning are presented.

Methods

The model was generated using in‐air and in‐water commissioning measurements of field sizes between 10 and 400 mm2. Commissioning measurements were compared to simulated water tank MC calculations to validate output factors, percent depth doses (PDDs), profile sizes and penumbras. Previously treated Spine SRS patients were re‐optimized with the MC model to achieve clinically acceptable plans. Resulting plans were calculated on the StereoPHAN phantom and subsequently delivered to the microDiamond and SRSMapcheck to verify calculated dose accuracy. Model tuning was performed by adjusting the model's light field offset (LO) distance between physical and radiological positions of the MLCs, to improve field size and StereoPHAN calculation accuracy. Following tuning, plans were generated and delivered to an anthropomorphic 3D‐printed spine phantom featuring realistic bone anatomy, to validate heterogeneity corrections. Finally, plans were validated using polymer gel (VIPAR based formulation) measurements.

Results

Compared to open field measurements, MC calculated output factors and PDDs were within 2%, profile penumbra widths were within 1 mm, and field sizes were within 0.5 mm. Calculated point dose measurements in the StereoPHAN were within 0.26% ± 0.93% and −0.10% ± 1.37% for targets and spinal canals, respectively. Average SRSMapcheck per‐plan pass rates using a 2%/2 mm/10% threshold relative gamma analysis was 99.1% ± 0.89%. Adjusting LOs improved open field and patient‐specific dosimetric agreement. Anthropomorphic phantom measurements were within −1.29% ± 1.00% and 0.27% ± 1.36% of MC calculated for the vertebral body (target) and spinal canal, respectively. VIPAR gel measurements confirmed good dosimetric agreement near the target‐spine junction.

Conclusion

Validation of a MC algorithm for simple fields and complex SRS spine deliveries in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms has been performed. The MC algorithm has been released for clinical use.
Recent Advances in Engineering Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting
Authors: Wang Haonan , Bi Shihao , Shi Bingbing , Ma Junchi , Lv Xiangwei , Qiu Jianfeng , Wei Yunyun
Published: July 2023

The 3D bioprinting can controllably deposit bioink containing cells and fabricate complex bionic tissue structures in a fast and scalable way, which is expected to completely change the scenario of clinical organ transplantation. Bioprinting holds broad application prospect in tissue engineering, life sciences, and clinical medicine. In the process of 3D bioprinting, bioink, as the carrier of cells and bioactive substances, influences cell activity and accuracy of organ structure after printing. To better understand and design bioink, in this review, the concept, development, and basic composition of bioink are introduced, while focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of various biomaterials, and the use of common cells and biomolecules that constitute bioink. In addition, the properties and applications of various stimuli‐responsive smart materials for 4D bioprinting are mentioned. The challenges and development trends of bioink are also summarized.
Site‐Selective Direct Intermolecular C(sp3)−H Alkylation of Saccharides and Switching of Reaction Sites by Changing Photocatalysts
Authors: Li Yanru , Kuninobu Yoichiro
Published: July 2023

We developed a site‐selective intermolecular C(sp3)−H alkylation of saccharides with electron‐deficient alkenes using photocatalysis by anthraquinone and tetrabutylammonium decatungstate (TBADT). The main reaction site of anthraquinone‐catalyzed C(sp3)−H alkylation is determined by the weakness of the C−H bond. The reaction site can be switched by changing the photocatalyst to TBADT, and the site‐selectivity is controlled by the steric hindrance between the bulkier TBADT photocatalyst and the substituents of the saccharides. The reaction is compatible with several electron‐deficient alkenes and saccharides, and provides C‐saccharides in good yields. Furthermore, the monoalkylated product was obtained in excellent yield, even on the gram scale, under TBADT photocatalysis. Applicability was demonstrated by site‐selective C(sp3)−H alkylation of glycosyl derivatives. The reactions proceed via a site‐selective hydrogen atom transfer between the photocatalyst and saccharide, and the generated carbon radical reacts with an electron‐deficient alkene to give alkylated products.
A Modular Antibody‐Oligomer T Cell Engager for Applications in Local Therapies
Authors: Marple April S. T. , Jesmer Alexander H. , Lake Ben P. M. , Rullo Anthony F. , Wylie Ryan G.
Published: July 2023

Immunotherapeutics, such as bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs), have shown promise in cancer therapies, however their efficacy against solid tumors is hindered by transport barriers. Local therapies are being investigated to improve solid tumor immunotherapies and minimize systemic toxicity. Because local therapies bypass the circulatory system, drug properties can be optimized to further enhance local efficacy. Herein, the use of a larger BiTE‐like antibody‐oligomer conjugate is investigated, modular T cell engagers (MoTEs), to extend the duration of activity within local tissue mimics. Specifically, an anti‐CD3 antibody is modified with heterobifunctional ethylene oxide ((EO)4‐12) linkers, which are subsequently modified with cancer targeting ligands (CTLs). The (EO)x molecular weight and CTL grafting densities are optimized to achieve targeted cytotoxicity within in vitro co‐cultures against prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive cancer cells. In local tissue models comprised of embedded PSMA positive spheroids in collagen‐hyaluronic acid hydrogels with T cells, it is demonstrated that MoTEs resulted in ≈2.5‐fold greater cytotoxicity toward cancer spheroids than a PSMA targeting BiTE at longer 12‐day timepoints. MoTEsmay therefore prove beneficial for local therapies by extending the duration of action after single‐dose administration and establishing simple synthetic protocols to target various cancer antigens.
High‐Speed Optoelectronic Graphene Sampler at 1.55 µm Reaching Intrinsic Performances
Authors: Tharrault M. , Grimaldi E. , Pommier D. , Hamidouche L. , Berger P. , Combrie S. , Baili G. , Rostischer M. , Taniguchi T. , Watanabe K. , Plaçais B. , Baudin E. , Legagneux P.
Published: July 2023

Optoelectronic sampling is the ultimate method to perform ultra‐high frequency analog‐to‐digital conversion. Thanks to the ps photo‐thermo‐bolometric effect in high mobility hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) encapsulated graphene, a state‐of‐the‐art optoelectronic sampler over a 40 GHz bandwidth using a 4 ps pulsed laser is demonstrated. The superior transport and optoelectronic linearities of this graphene sampler lead to very high harmonic rejections below –43 dB above 20 GHz. With a physics‐based microscopic model, it is shown that harmonics are generated by optoelectronics saturation effects and only appear when carrier energy reaches that of optical phonons, which is very high in h‐BN encapsulated graphene. This device is the first ultra‐fast optoelectronic sampler based on the bolometric effect.
Turner syndrome may be associated with hepatic adenoma
Authors: Ching Alisha S. , Zhang Xiao , Furuya Katryn N. , Benoy Megan E. , Bartlett Heather L.
Published: July 2023

Turner syndrome, caused by complete or partial loss of an X chromosome, is marked by a range of clinical manifestations including short stature, cardiovascular and renal disease. Hepatic involvement is an increasingly recognized concern. Steatosis and elevated transaminases are commonly observed in this population, but case reports have also described hepatic adenoma. Hepatic adenomas are rare, occurring in one per million people in the general population. They are typically benign but malignant transformation or rupture can occur. We sought to investigate whether Turner syndrome is associated with hepatic adenoma. Patients with Turner syndrome encountered at a single, academic institution between 2006 and 2020 were identified using ICD‐10 codes and demographic, medication, laboratory, and imaging data were analyzed. Of the 228 patients identified, 46.9% had liver function testing, which were abnormal in 48.6%. Five of 77 patients with hepatic imaging had abnormalities. Three patients (1.3%) had hepatic adenoma, one after presenting in hemorrhagic shock due to rupture. These findings suggest that patients with Turner syndrome may have an increased risk for developing hepatic adenoma. Annual monitoring of liver function tests is already recommended in Turner syndrome. The addition of periodic hepatic imaging may also be beneficial.
Impact of Electrostatic Interaction on Non‐radiative Recombination Energy Losses in Organic Solar Cells Based on Asymmetric Acceptors
Authors: Cui Yongjie , Zhu Peipei , Hu Huawei , Xia Xinxin , Lu Xinhui , Yu Shicheng , Tempeld Hermann , Eichel Rüdiger‐A. , Liao Xunfan , Chen Yiwang
Published: July 2023

Reducing non‐radiative recombination energy loss (ΔE3) is one key to boosting the efficiency of organic solar cells. Although the recent studies have indicated that the Y‐series asymmetric acceptors‐based devices featured relatively low ΔE3, the understanding of the energy loss mechanism derived from molecular structure change is still lagging behind. Herein, two asymmetric acceptors named BTP‐Cl and BTP‐2Cl with different terminals were synthesized to make a clear comparative study with the symmetric acceptor BTP‐0Cl. Our results suggest that asymmetric acceptors exhibit a larger difference of electrostatic potential (ESP) in terminals and semi‐molecular dipole moment, which contributes to form a stronger π–π interaction. Besides, the experimental and theoretical studies reveal that a lower ESP‐induced intermolecular interaction can reduce the distribution of PM6 near the interface to enhance the built‐in potential and decrease the charge transfer state ratio for asymmetric acceptors. Therefore, the devices achieve a higher exciton dissociation efficiency and lower ΔE3. This work establishes a structure‐performance relationship and provides a new perspective to understand the state‐of‐the‐art asymmetric acceptors.
Pathway Control of π‐Conjugated Supramolecular Polymers by Incorporating Donor‐Acceptor Functionality
Authors: Wang Fan , Liao Rui , Wang Feng
Published: July 2023

Controlling the nanoscale orientation of π‐conjugated systems remains challenging due to the complexity of multiple energy landscapes involved in the supramolecular assembly process. In this study, we have developed an effective strategy for programming the pathways of π‐conjugated supramolecular polymers, by incorporating both electron‐rich methoxy‐ or methanthiol‐benzene as donor unit and electron‐poor cyano‐vinylenes as acceptor units on the monomeric structure. It leads to the formation of parallel‐stacked supramolecular polymers as the metastable species through homomeric donor/acceptor packing, which convert to slip‐stacked supramolecular polymers as the thermodynamically stable species facilitated by heteromeric donor‐acceptor packing. By further investigating the external seed‐induced kinetic‐to‐thermodynamic transformation behaviors, our findings suggest that the donor‐acceptor functionality on the seed structure is crucial for accelerating pathway conversion. This is achieved by eliminating the initial lag phase in the supramolecular polymerization process. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into designing molecular structures that control aggregation pathways of π‐conjugated nanostructures.
Self‐Growing Organic Materials
Authors: Xiong Xinhong , Wang Hong , Xue Lulu , Cui Jiaxi
Published: July 2023

The growth of living systems is ubiquitous. Living organisms can continually update their sizes, shapes, and properties to meet various environmental challenges. Such a capability is also demonstrated by emerging self‐growing materials that can incorporate externally provided compounds to grow as living organisms. In this Minireview, we summarize these materials in terms of six aspects. First, we discuss their essential characteristics, then describe the strategies for enabling crosslinked organic materials to self‐grow from nutrient solutions containing polymerizable compounds. The developed examples are grouped into five categories based on their molecular mechanisms. We then explain the mechanism of mass transport within polymer networks during growth, which is critical for controlling the shape and morphology of the grown products. Afterwards, simulation models built to explain the interesting phenomena observed in self‐growing materials are discussed. The development of self‐growing materials is accompanied by various applications, including tuning bulk properties, creating textured surfaces, growth‐induced self‐healing, 4D printing, self‐growing implants, actuation, self‐growing structural coloration, and others. These examples are then summed up. Finally, we discuss the opportunities brought by self‐growing materials and their facing challenges.
Chemically Fueled Communication Along a Scaffolded Nanoscale Array of Squaramides
Authors: Martínez‐Crespo Luis , Vitórica‐Yrezábal Iñigo J. , Whitehead George F. S. , Webb Simon J.
Published: July 2023

Relaying conformational change over several nanometers is central to the function of allosterically regulated proteins. Replicating this mechanism artificially would provide important communication tools, but requires nanometer‐sized molecules that reversibly switch between defined shapes in response to signaling molecules. In this work, 1.8 nm long rigid rod oligo(phenylene‐ethynylene)s are scaffolds for switchable multi‐squaramide hydrogen‐bond relays. Each relay can adopt either a parallel or an antiparallel orientation relative to the scaffold; the preferred orientation is dictated by a director group at one end. An amine director responded to proton signals, with acid‐base cycles producing multiple reversible changes in relay orientation that were reported by a terminal NH, which is 1.8 nm distant. Moreover, a chemical fuel acted as a dissipative signal. As the fuel was consumed, the relay reverted to its original orientation, illustrating how information from out‐of‐equilibrium molecular signals can be communicated to a distant site.
Voltage‐Mediated Water Dynamics Enables On‐Demand Transport of Sugar Molecules in Two‐Dimensional Channels
Authors: Zhu Shanyi , Zhao Xiaoli , Shi Yayun , Wu Yuchen , Zhang Bowen , Liu Congcong , Pan Zhenghui , Zuo Zhijun , Yang Xiaowei
Published: July 2023

The constructing of artificial channels with gating functions is an important undertaking for gaining insight into biological process and achieving efficient bionic functions. Typically, controllable transport within such channels relies on either electrostatic or specific interactions between the transporting species and the channel. However, for molecules with weak interactions with the channel, achieving precise gating of the transport remains a significant challenge. In this regard, this study proposes a voltage gating membrane of two‐dimensional channels that selectively transport of neutral molecules glucose with a dimension of 0.60 nm. The permeation of glucose is switched on/off by electrochemically manipulating the water dynamics in the nanochannel. Voltage driven‐intercalation of ion into the two‐dimensional channel causes water to stratify and move closer to the channel walls, thereby resulting in the channel center being emptier for glucose diffusion. Due to the sub‐nanometer size dimension of the channel, selective permeation of glucose over sucrose is also achieved in this approach.
Artificial Urinary Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Acute Renal Allograft Rejection
Authors: Cheng Penghui , Wang Rending , He Shasha , Yan Pengpeng , Huang Hongfeng , Chen Jianghua , Shen Jia , Pu Kanyi
Published: July 2023

Acute renal allograft rejection (ARAR) after kidney transplantation associated with reduced graft survival and eventual graft failure is poorly diagnosed in hospitals. Here, we report the development of Artificial bioMarker Probes (AMPros) for sensitive urinalysis of ARAR in murine models. AMPros spontaneously go to the kidneys after systemic administration, specifically react with the prodromal immune biomarkers to activate their near‐infrared fluorescence signals to report cell‐mediated rejection, and efficiently undergo renal excretion into urine. Thus, AMPros enable convenient optical urinalysis that detects ARAR prior to histological manifestation of rejection, which is also earlier than current diagnostic methods measuring proinflammatory cytokines and peripheral blood lymphocyte mRNAs. Due to the high kidney specificity, AMPros‐based urinalysis discriminates allograft rejection against other non‐alloimmune specific diseases, which is unattainable by measurement of serological biomarkers. Such a noninvasive and sensitive urine test holds great promise in continuous monitoring of renal allograft conditions at low resource settings for timely clinical interventions.
Polymerization Induced Microphase Separation for the Fabrication of Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Lee Kenny , Corrigan Nathaniel , Boyer Cyrille
Published: July 2023

Polymerization induced microphase separation (PIMS) is a strategy used to develop unique nanostructures with highly useful morphologies through the microphase separation of emergent block copolymers during polymerization. In this process, nanostructures are formed with at least two chemically independent domains, where at least one domain is composed of a robust crosslinked polymer. Crucially, this synthetically simple method is readily used to develop nanostructured materials with the highly coveted co‐continuous morphology, which can also be converted into mesoporous materials by selective etching of one domain. As PIMS exploits a block copolymer microphase separation mechanism, the size of each domain can be tightly controlled by modifying the size of block copolymer precursors, thus providing unparalleled control over nanostructure and resultant mesopore sizes. Since its inception 11 years ago, PIMS has been used to develop a vast inventory of advanced materials for an extensive range of applications including biomedical devices, ion exchange membranes, lithium‐ion batteries, catalysis, 3D printing, and fluorescence‐based sensors, among many others. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the PIMS process, summarize latest developments in PIMS chemistry, and discuss its utility in a wide variety of relevant applications.
Association of Radical Chemistry with LanD Flavoprotein Activity for C‐Terminal Macrocyclization of a Ribosomal Peptide by Formation of an Unsaturated Thioether Residue
Authors: Cheng Botao , Huang Jiwu , Duan Yuting , Liu Wen
Published: July 2023

LanD flavoproteins catalyze oxidative decarboxylation of the C‐terminal Cys residue of a peptide to produce an enethiol. This enethiol is highly reactive and can be coupled with an upstream dehydroamino acid through Michael addition to form S‐[2‐aminovinyl](3‐methyl)cysteine, an unsaturated thioether residue known to be characteristic of an array of C‐terminally macrocyclized, ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides (RiPPs). Based on a two‐stage bioinformatics mining of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) related to C‐terminal Cys processing, we report herein that LanD activity can couple with radical S‐adenosylmethionine chemistry to provide a new unsaturated thioether residue, S‐[2‐aminovinyl]‐3‐carbamoylcysteine, by conjugating the resultant enethiol with Cβ of the Asn residue in the C‐terminal NxxC motif of a peptide for macrocyclization. This study furthers our understanding of the variety of PTMs involved in creating the structure diversity of macrocyclic RiPPs.
Translating Imaging Nanoprobes Design to the Clinic
Authors: Sun Wenbo , Tian Geng , Lu Lehui
Published: July 2023

The use of nanoprobes has revolutionized the way we approach medical diagnosis and treatment. These tiny particles are designed to target specific cells or tissues within the body, allowing doctors to visualize and monitor disease progression in real‐time. The paramount consideration in the utilization of nanoprobes is their safety. Unlike traditional contrast agents, which can cause adverse reactions in some patients, these probes are specifically engineered to minimize any potential harm. And it can promote the rapid development of new biological imaging techniques in various fields such as biological structure and functional imaging, disease diagnosis, in situ imaging, and real‐time dynamic imaging at the in vivo level. Based on the principles and mechanisms of imaging, this study focuses on the recent applications of nanoprobes for several typical imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography imaging, fluorescence imaging, and acoustic imaging) with the aim of providing researchers with a fresh perspective on precise disease diagnosis and treatment through the development of nanoprobes.
The effect of mercerization on water conductivity in cotton fabrics and its regulation
Authors: Ke Yushi , Guo Heng , Huang Hongbo , Wang Yunli , Xu Weilin
Published: July 2023

Mercerization had been widely used in the textile industry because of its simplicity and ability to improve the luster, strength, and dyeing properties of cotton fabrics. However, the water transfer behavior of mercerized cotton fabrics had not been systematically investigated. In this work, cotton fabrics were treated with different concentrations of alkali (130 and 260 g/L) for structural characterization (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], Fourier transform infrared [FTIR]), water absorption (vertical wicking height), moisture absorption (moisture return rate), water retention, and so forth, and were compared with industrial mercerized cotton. It meant that water absorbency and water holding capacity of mercerized cotton textiles were improved by reducing surface impurity, increasing amorphous region, and increasing the number of free hydroxyl groups. It was easier for water molecules to move through the fabric as the vertical wicking height increased. Research showed that the water absorption and water transfer properties of cotton fabrics were related to the alkali concentration in the mercerized treatment, and a comparison with industrial mercerized cotton also proved this point. It also showed that the amount of tension had an effect on water transfer in the fabric, which provided further precision in regulating the mercerization process, improving the thermal comfort of mercerized fabrics, and achieving the aim of regulating the mercerization process according to market demand and environmental influences.
Fluid protein fold space and its implications
Authors: Porter Lauren L.
Published: July 2023

Fold‐switching proteins, which remodel their secondary and tertiary structures in response to cellular stimuli, suggest a new view of protein fold space. For decades, experimental evidence has indicated that protein fold space is discrete: dissimilar folds are encoded by dissimilar amino acid sequences. Challenging this assumption, fold‐switching proteins interconnect discrete groups of dissimilar protein folds, making protein fold space fluid. Three recent observations support the concept of fluid fold space: (1) some amino acid sequences interconvert between folds with distinct secondary structures, (2) some naturally occurring sequences have switched folds by stepwise mutation, and (3) fold switching is evolutionarily selected and likely confers advantage. These observations indicate that minor amino acid sequence modifications can transform protein structure and function. Consequently, proteomic structural and functional diversity may be expanded by alternative splicing, small nucleotide polymorphisms, post‐translational modifications, and modified translation rates.
What Comes Around, Goes Around: Boards Need to Get Succession Planning Right to Avoid Boomerang CEOs
Authors: Santora Joseph C.
Published: July 2023

Dr. Joseph C. Santora is the founder of TST, Inc., a management consulting company, editor of the International Leadership Journal (internationalleadershipjournal.com), and an executive educator. In this article, he explores the critical role that boards play in an organization's succession planning.
Pharmacognostic standardization and machine learning–based investigations on Akebia quinata and Akebia trifoliata
Authors: Qiu Junjie , Shi Menglin , Shi Senlin , Wu Suxiang
Published: July 2023

Currently, Akebiae Caulis is being used in clinical practice, but there are few reseaches on its different varieties. To ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of clinical practice, this study distinguished the Akebia quinata (Thunb.) Decne. and Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz, using organoleptic evaluation, microscopic observation, fluorescence reaction, physicochemical properties, thin‐layer chromatography, IR spectroscopy, HPLC, four machine learning models, and in vitro antioxidant methods. Analysis of the powders of these two varieties using optical microscopy revealed the presence of starch granules, cork cells, crystal fibers, scalariform vessels, and wood fibers. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of scalariform vessels, pitted vessels, wood fibers, and calcium oxalate crystals. Several tissues, including the cork layer, fiber population, cortex, phloem, pith, xylem, and ray, were found in the transverse section. In addition, thin‐layer chromatography was used to identify two components: oleanolic acid and calceolarioside B; 11 common peaks were identified in 15 batches of SAQ and 5 batches of SAT by using HPLC. Support vector machine, BP neural networks, and GA‐bp neural networks were able to predict 100% accurately of the different origins of stem of Akebia quinate (Thunb.) Decne (SAQ) and Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz (SAT). Extreme learning machine achieved a correct rate of 87.5%. Meanwhile, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy fingerprint identified nine characteristic absorption peaks of the secondary metabolites of SAQ and SAT. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐1‐picrylhydrazyl experiment revealed that the IC50 values of SAQ and SAT extracts were 155.49 and 128.75 μg/ml, respectively. For the 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) assay, the IC50 value of SAT extract was found to be 269.24 μg/ml, which was lower than that of SAQ extract (IC50 = 358.99 μg/ml). This study successfully used different methods to differentiate between A. quinata (Thunb.) Decne. and A. trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz., to help decide on which type to use for clinical application.
Believing in change: The role of implicit theory on consumer's perception of the brand's corporate social responsibility message
Authors: Kim Terry Haekyung , Kim Naeun Lauren
Published: July 2023

With the sustainable consumption paradigms, corporate social responsibilities (CSR) across industries have been under scrutiny. However, little research exists on how brand's business model and consumers' characteristics are intertwined to influence CSR evaluation. Our study aims to examine how the brand type (e.g., fast vs. slow business model) influences the relationships among CSR‐brand fit, authenticity, and skepticism, thus improving attitudes toward the brand. In addition, based on the implicit theory, how the consumer's incremental mindset (vs. entity) influences a brand's CSR evaluations are studied. Through two studies, our findings demonstrate consumers perceived a higher CSR‐brand fit for the slow fashion/food brand than the fast fashion/food brand. A higher CSR‐brand fit heightened the CSR authenticity and alleviated skepticism, which in turn resulted in positive brand evaluations. Importantly, incremental mindsets weakened the effect of brand type on CSR‐brand fit. As one of the first studies to examine the relationship between consumers' implicit theory orientation and a brand's CSR message, our findings demonstrate that an incremental mindset is a powerful consumer characteristic in evaluating a brand's CSR activities that are less congruent with the brand's established business model.
Improving access to transcatheter aortic valve implantation across Europe by restructuring cardiovascular services: An expert council consensus statement
Authors: Zamorano José Luis , Appleby Clare , Benamer Hakim , Frankenstein Lutz , Musumeci Giuseppe , Nombela‐Franco Luis
Published: July 2023

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is recommended for a growing range of patients with severe aortic stenosis in the European Society of Cardiology and European Association for Cardio‐Thoracic Surgery (ESC/EACTS) 2021 Guidelines update. However, guideline implementation programs are needed to ensure the application of clinical recommendations which will favorably influence disease outcomes. An Expert Council was convened to identify whether cardiology services across Europe are set up to address the growing needs of patients with severe aortic stenosis for increased access to TAVI by identifying the key challenges faced in growing TAVI programs and mapping associated solutions. Wide variation exists across Europe in terms of TAVI availability and capacity to deliver the increased demand for TAVI in different countries. The recommendations of this Expert Council focus on the short‐to‐medium‐term aspects where the most immediate, actionable impact can be achieved. The focus on improving procedural efficiency and optimizing the patient pathway via clinical practice and patient management demonstrates how to mitigate the current major issues of shortfall in catheterization laboratory, workforce, and bed capacity. Procedural efficiencies may be achieved through steps including streamlined patient assessment, the benchmarking of standards for minimalist procedures, standardized approaches around patient monitoring and conduction issues, and the implementation of nurse specialists and dedicated TAVI coordinators to manage organization, logistics, and early mobilization. Increased collaboration with wider stakeholders within institutions will support successful TAVI uptake and improve patient and economic outcomes. Further, increased education, collaboration, and partnership between cardiology centers will facilitate sharing of expertise and best clinical practice.
The effect of minimally invasive suturectomy with postoperative cranial remolding orthotic treatment for an infant with bilateral coronal craniosynostosis
Authors: Taheri Zahra , Babaee Taher , Mohammadi Hassan Reza , Hajiaghaei Behnam , Khani Alireza
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Minimally invasive suturectomy has been reported to significantly decrease the economic cost of treating infants with craniosynostosis. Nonetheless, treatment should be accompanied by a cranial remolding orthosis to maintain the constant correction and reshaping of the skull throughout the infant's development.
Smoothing and differentiation of data by Tikhonov and fractional derivative tools, applied to surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of crystal violet dye
Authors: Lemes Nelson H. T. , Santos Taináh M. R. , Tavares Camila A. , Virtuoso Luciano S. , Souza Kelly A. S. , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: July 2023

All signals obtained as instrumental response of analytical apparatus are affected by noise, as in Raman spectroscopy. Whereas Raman scattering is an inherently weak process, the noise background may lead to misinterpretations. Although surface amplification of the Raman signal using metallic nanoparticles has been a strategy employed to partially solve the signal‐to‐noise problem, the preprocessing of Raman spectral data through the use of mathematical filters has become an integral part of Raman spectroscopy analysis. In this paper, a Tikhonov modified method to remove random noise in experimental data is presented. In order to refine and improve the Tikhonov method as a filter, the proposed method includes Euclidean norm of the fractional‐order derivative of the solution as an additional criterion in Tikhonov function. In the strategy used here, the solution depends on the regularization parameter,
, and on the fractional derivative order,
. As will be demonstrated, with the algorithm presented here, it is possible to obtain a noise‐free spectrum without affecting the fidelity of the molecular signal. In this alternative, the fractional derivative works as a fine control parameter for the usual Tikhonov method. The proposed method was applied to simulated data and to surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of crystal violet dye in Ag nanoparticles colloidal dispersion.
Peptide self‐assembly as a strategy for facile immobilization of redox enzymes on carbon electrodes
Authors: Grinberg Itzhak , Ben‐Zvi Oren , Adler‐Abramovich Lihi , Yacoby Iftach
Published: July 2023

Redox–enzyme‐mediated electrochemical processes such as hydrogen production, nitrogen fixation, and CO2 reduction are at the forefront of the green chemistry revolution. To scale up, the inefficient two‐dimensional (2D) immobilization of redox enzymes on working electrodes must be replaced by an efficient dense 3D system. Fabrication of 3D electrodes was demonstrated by embedding enzymes in polymer matrices. However, several requirements, such as simple immobilization, prolonged stability, and resistance to enzyme leakage, still need to be addressed. The study presented here aims to overcome these gaps by immobilizing enzymes in a supramolecular hydrogel formed by the self‐assembly of the peptide hydrogelator fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl‐diphenylalanine. Harnessing the self‐assembly process avoids the need for tedious and potentially harmful chemistry, allowing the rapid loading of enzymes on a 3D electrode under mild conditions. Using the [FeFe] hydrogenase enzyme, high enzyme loads, prolonged resistance against electrophoresis, and highly efficient hydrogen production are demonstrated. Further, this enzyme retention is shown to arise from its interaction with the peptide nanofibrils. Finally, this method is successfully used to retain other redox enzymes, paving the way for a variety of enzyme‐mediated electrochemical applications.
Three Oxidative Addition Routes of Alkali Metal Aluminyls to Dihydridoaluminates and Reactivity with CO2
Authors: Banerjee Sumanta , Ballmann Gerd M. , Evans Matthew J. , O'Reilly Andrea , Kennedy Alan R. , Fulton J. Robin , Coles Martyn P. , Mulvey Robert E.
Published: July 2023

Three distinct routes are reported to the soluble, dihydridoaluminate compounds, AM[Al(NONDipp)(H)2] (AM=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; [NONDipp]2−=[O(SiMe2NDipp)2]2−; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) starting from the alkali metal aluminyls, AM[Al(NONDipp)]. Direct H2 hydrogenation of the heavier analogues (AM=Rb, Cs) produced the first examples of structurally characterized rubidium and caesium dihydridoaluminates, although harsh conditions were required for complete conversion. Using 1,4‐cyclohexadiene (1,4‐CHD) as an alternative hydrogen source in transfer hydrogenation reactions provided a lower energy pathway to the full series of products for AM=Li−Cs. A further moderation in conditions was noted for the thermal decomposition of the (silyl)(hydrido)aluminates, AM[Al(NONDipp)(H)(SiH2Ph)]. Probing the reaction of Cs[Al(NONDipp)] with 1,4‐CHD provided access to a novel inverse sandwich complex, [{Cs(Et2O)}2{Al(NONDipp)(H)}2(C6H6)], containing the 1,4‐dialuminated [C6H6]2− dianion and representing the first time that an intermediate in the commonly utilized oxidation process of 1,4‐CHD to benzene has been trapped. The synthetic utility of the newly installed Al−H bonds has been demonstrated by their ability to reduce CO2 under mild conditions to form the bis‐formate AM[Al(NONDipp)(O2CH)2] compounds, which exhibit a diverse series of eyecatching bimetallacyclic structures.
Sequential Water Sorption/Desorption of a Nonporous Adaptive Organic Ligand Bridged Coordination Polymer for Atmospheric Moisture Harvesting
Authors: Meng Liao , Lan Jian‐Hui , Huang Zhi‐Wei , Liu Yang , Hu Kong‐Qiu , Yuan Li‐Yong , Wang Xin‐Peng , Chai Zhi‐Fang , Mei Lei , Shi Wei‐Qun
Published: July 2023

Moisture harvesters with favourable attributes such as easy synthetic availability and good processability as alternatives for atmospheric moisture harvesting (AWH) are desirable. This study reports a novel nonporous anionic coordination polymer (CP) of uranyl squarate with methyl viologen (MV2+) as charge balancing ions (named U‐Squ‐CP) which displays intriguing sequential water sorption/desorption behavior as the relative humidity (RH) changes gradually. The evaluation of AWH performance of U‐Squ‐CP shows that it can absorb water vapor under air atmosphere at a low RH of 20 % typical of the levels found in most dry regions of the world, and have good cycling durability, thus demonstrating the capability as a potential moisture harvester for AWH. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on non‐porous organic ligand bridged CP materials for AWH. Moreover, a stepwise water‐filling mechanism for the water sorption/desorption process is deciphered by comprehensive characterizations combining single‐crystal diffraction, which provides a reasonable explanation for the special moisture harvesting behaviour of this non‐porous crystalline material.
Filtrationsmembranen und spezifische Adsorber auf der Basis von maßgeschneiderten selbst‐organiserenden Blockcopolymeren
Authors: Abetz Volker
Published: July 2023

Blockcopolymere bieten aufgrund ihrer Fähigkeit, selbstorganisierte Strukturen zu bilden, verschiedene Möglichkeiten für die Stofftrennung. Flach‐ und Hohlfadenmembranen mit regelmäßig angeordneten Poren gleichen Durchmessers und hoher Porenzahldichte können aus selbstorganisierenden Blockcopolymeren hergestellt werden. Die Porengrößen und Funktionalitäten dieser Membranen und damit deren Einsatzmöglichkeiten in der Stofftrennung können auf verschiedenen Wegen eingestellt werden, wobei die Einstellung dieser Parameter an fertigen Membranstrukturen besonders interessant ist. Weiterhin können maßgeschneiderte amphiphile Blockcopolymere zur spezifischen Extraktion von Stoffen aus wässrigen (hydrophilen) Lösungen in organische (hydrophobe) Lösungen eingesetzt werden.