bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coherent Control of Wave Beams Via Unidirectional Evanescent Modes Excitation
Authors: Zhong Shuomin , Wang Xuchen , Tretyakov Sergei A.
Published: July 2023

Conventional coherent absorption occurs only when two incident beams exhibit mirror symmetry with respect to the absorbing surface, i.e., the two beams have the same incident angles, phases, and amplitudes. This study proposes a more general metasurface paradigm for coherent perfect absorption with impinging waves from arbitrary asymmetric directions. By exploiting excitation of unidirectional evanescent waves, the output can be fixed at one reflection direction for any amplitude and phase of the control wave. It shows theoretically and confirm experimentally that the relative amplitude of the reflected wave can be tuned continuously from zero to unity by changing the phase difference between the two beams, i.e., switching from coherent perfect absorption to full reflection. It hopes that this study will open up promising possibilities for wave manipulation via evanescent waves engineering with applications in optical switches, optical computing, one‐side sensing, photovoltaics, and radar cross‐section control.
Starfish‐Inspired Cut‐Resistant Hydrogel with Self‐Growing Armor: Where Softness Meets Toughness
Authors: Zhao Yiming , Chen Yue , Song Xiaoyu , Li Yuan , Zhang Limin , Meng Yeqiao , Zhang Xiaolai , Qiu Xiaoyong , Huang Jun
Published: July 2023

Many soft animals like starfish have developed armors to protect their soft bodies in order to survive in harsh environment. Inspired by this fact, special hydrogels with self‐growing protective armors are developed by allowing sodium acetate to crystallize on hydrogel surface. Poly(acrylic acid) chains limit the crystalline region to the surface of the hydrogel by decreasing the pH value and limiting the movement of ions, and then creating a set of tough armor. This armor‐protected hydrogel is able to withstand a high pressure (> 78 MPa) under cutting and prevent the penetration of sharp objects. Interestingly, the unique stimulated‐precipitation mechanism allows the armor to repair itself after damage. Besides, the surface of hydrogel changes from “sticky” to “slippery”, which also helps to improve its protective ability. Moreover, the armor helps to retrain water in hydrogel network, and significantly improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels (maximum compressive stress >18 MPa, compressive strain > 90%). In addition, the hydrogel can keep soft and work durably at extreme temperatures (−50 °C and 80 °C) due to the high salt concentration. This study provides an innovative approach for designing armor‐protected hydrogels with great potential in engineering applications such as actuators and sensors for harsh environments.
Synergistic Amplification of Ferroptosis with Liposomal Oxidation Catalyst and Gpx4 Inhibitor for Enhanced Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yuan Ye , Tian Chunyu , Wang Qi , Qiu Xinyu , Wang Yufang , Jiang Hulin , Hao Jifu , He Yujing
Published: July 2023

As a distinctly different way from apoptosis, ferroptosis can cause cell death through excessive accumulation of lipid peroxide (LPO) and show great potential for cancer therapy. However, efficient strategies for ferroptosis therapy are still facing great challenges, mainly due to insufficient endogenous H2O2 or relatively high pH value for Fenton reaction‐dependent ferroptosis, and the high redox level of tumor cells attenuates the oxidation therapy. Herein, an efficient lipid‐based delivery system to load oxidation catalyst and glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) inhibitor is orchestrated, intending to amplify Fenton reaction‐independent ferroptosis by bidirectional regulation of LPO accumulation. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), Gpx4 inhibitor sorafenib (SF), and unsaturated lipids are constructed into mPEG2K‐DSPE‐modified liposomes (Lip@SF&FAC). Influenced by the high level of intratumoral glutathione, FAC can be converted into Fe2+, and subsequently the formed iron redox pair (Fe2+/Fe3+) catalyzes unsaturated phospholipids of liposomes into LPO via a Fenton reaction‐independent manner. Meanwhile, SF can downregulate LPO reduction by inhibiting Gpx4 activation. In vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments show that Lip@SF&FAC induces massive LPO accumulation in tumor cells and ultimately exhibits strong tumor‐killing ability with negligible side effect. Consequently, this two‐pronged approach provides a new ferroptosis strategy for predominant LPO accumulation and enhanced cancer therapy.
Shape‐Programmable Liquid‐Crystalline Polyurethane‐Based Multimode Actuators Triggered by Light‐Driven Molecular Motors
Authors: Bao Jinying , Wang Zizheng , Song Chenjie , Zhang Yuhan , Li Zhaozhong , Zhang Lanying , Lan Ruochen , Yang Huai
Published: July 2023

In recent years, light‐driven soft actuators have been rapidly developed as enablers in the fabrication of artificial robots and biomimetic devices. However, it remains challenging to amplify molecular isomerization to multiple modes of macroscopic actuation with large amplitude and complex motions. Here, a strategy is reported to build a light‐responsive liquid‐crystalline polyurethane elastomer by phototriggered overcrowded alkene‐based molecular motors. A trifunctional molecular motor modified with an ethylene glycol spacer on the rotor and stator functions as a crosslinker and unidirectional stirrer that amplifies molecular motion into macroscopic movement. The shape‐programmable polymeric film presents superior mechanical properties and characteristic shape‐memory effect. Furthermore, diverse modes of motions including bending, unwinding, and contracting with tunable actuation speed over a wide range are achieved. Such research is hoped to pave a new way for the design of advanced light‐responsive soft actuators and robots.
Core Electron Count as a Versatile and Accurate New Descriptor for Sorting Mechanical Properties of Diverse Transition Metal Compounds
Authors: Zhang Rui , Gu Xinlei , Zhang Kan , Gao Xinxin , Liu Chang , Chen Changfeng
Published: July 2023

Transition‐metal light‐element compounds show superb mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties, and accurate descriptors are important to sorting targeted properties among this vast class of materials. Valence electron concentration (VEC) can track broad trends of mechanical properties, but this widely used descriptor suffers low accuracy with sorted data strongly scattered along trendlines, necessitating an improved sorting strategy. Here, elastic parameters from first‐principles calculations are examined for 81 ternary transition‐metal nitrides (TMN) in cubic structure and 81 ternary transition‐metal diborides (TMB2) in hexagonal structure and identify core electron count (CEC) of the solvent atoms as a new descriptor. Combined with VEC, the composite VEC–CEC descriptor exhibits greatly improved ability to sort elastic parameters of distinct TMN and TMB2 compounds. Unregulated property variations under the VEC description are well‐captured by CEC, which tends to enhance ductility and reduce strength at fixed VEC and rising CEC. By invoking a full‐electron consideration, the VEC–CEC descriptor accounts for the impact on bonding behaviors by both core and valence electrons with much‐improved accuracy and versatility in sorting mechanical properties of diverse TM compounds compared to many other commonly used descriptors, opening a fresh path for rational design and optimization of TM compounds with tailored performance benchmarks.
Quinones for Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Battery: A Prospective on Redox Potential, Solubility, and Stability
Authors: Hasan Fuead , Mahanta Vivekananda , Abdelazeez Ahmed Adel A.
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the potential of quinones as a promising category of electroactive species for use in aqueous organic redox flow batteries. These materials offer tunable properties and the ability to function as both positive and negative electrolytes, making them highly versatile and suitable for a range of applications. Ongoing research has focused on improving the stability, solubility, and performance of quinones, with a particular emphasis on the creation of stable negolytes. The pairing of these advancements with alternate chemistries has created new prospects for commercial applications. However, challenges persist regarding the stability of quinones in high‐potential electrolytes and the limited number of viable quinones available. Despite these obstacles, significant strides have been made, and the potential for quinones to revolutionize energy storage technology is vast. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in this area, with a specific focus on redox potential, solubility, and stability, and offers valuable insights into the future of quinone‐based aqueous organic redox flow batteries.
Exfoliated Transition Metal Dichalcogenide‐Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Minadakis Michail P. , Tagmatarchis Nikos
Published: July 2023

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has proved to be a hard‐to‐overlook impediment for the development of water splitting devices, metal‐air batteries, or photo‐electrochemical cells, to name but a few. Electro‐ and photo‐electrocatalysts, designed using inexpensive materials, that demand low overpotential values to smoothly drive OER in either electrolyzer devices or proton‐exchange membrane cells, as well as withstand harsh conditions and repetitive cycling, are fervently desired by the industry. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), namely MoS2, WS2, MoSe2 and WSe2 as the main representatives, especially when engineered via exfoliation methods, have been highlighted as modular scaffolds for electrocatalytic applications, owed to their ability to have their intrinsic characteristics fine‐tuned. In this review, the goal is to highlight the role of exfoliation, as a means of ability engineering, by presenting significant works where these TMDs constitute the core part for OER‐catalyzing nanohybrid systems.
Recent Advancements in the Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wu Ye , Fu Li , Li Qianqian , Gao Xiang , Zhang Yingjun , Jin Chuanfei , Ding Feiqing , Hong Sheng , Cai Hui , Li Yiliang
Published: July 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. Although it is discovered more than 100 years ago and is the subject of many scientific studies, much is yet to be discovered about many aspects of this disease, including the precise biological changes that cause it, the best approach to its early diagnosis, and effective therapeutic interventions to slow or stop the progression. This article briefly reviews the disease progression, risk factors, and pathogenesis of the disease. In addition, the current early diagnostic and therapeutical strategies for AD are presented.
Variation in fruit and seed dimensions is better explained by dispersal system than by leaf size in a tropical rainforest
Authors: Stevenson Pablo R. , Acosta‐Rojas Diana C. , Cárdenas Sasha , Francisco Henao‐Díaz L.
Published: July 2023

Premise

Variation in fruit and seed traits could originate from selection pressures exerted by frugivores or other ecological factors (adaptive hypotheses) and developmental constraints (by‐product hypotheses) or chance.

Methods

We evaluated fruit and leaf traits for nearly 850 plant species from a rainforest in Tinigua Park, Colombia. Through a series of linear regressions controlling for the phylogenetic signal of the traits (minimum N = 542), we tested (1) whether the allometry between seed width and length depends on seed dispersal system (Mazer and Wheelwright's adaptive hypothesis of allometry for species dispersed in the guts of animals = endozoochory) and (2) whether fruit length is associated with leaf length (i.e., Herrera's by‐product hypothesis derived from the assumption that both organs develop from homologous structures).

Results

We found a strong negative allometric association between seed width and length for seeds of endozoochorous species, as expected; but also, for anemochorous species. We found a positive relationship between fruit and leaf length, but this relationship was not evident for zoochorous species. Fruit size was highly correlated with seed size.

Conclusions

The allometry between seed length and width varied among dispersal systems, supporting that fruit and seed morphology has been modified by interactions with frugivores and by the possibility to rotate for some wind dispersed species. We found some support for the hypothesis on developmental constraints because fruit and leaf size were positively correlated, but the predictive power of the relationship was low (10–15%).
Asymmetric α‐Azidation Reaction of β‐Ketoesters Catalyzed by Chiral Tin Alkoxides
Authors: Yanagisawa Akira , Takagi Kotaro , Horiguchi Moe , Dezaki Kohei , Marui Tomoki , Saito Etsushi , Ebihara Toru , Russell Go M. , Watanabe Takamichi , Midorikawa Koji
Published: July 2023

A catalytic enantioselective α‐azidation reaction of β‐ketoesters with an azidated hypervalent iodine reagent was achieved by using an (R)‐BINOL‐derived chiral tin dibromide possessing 4‐t‐butylphenyl groups at the 3‐ and 3’‐positions as the chiral precatalyst in the presence of sodium ethoxide and ethanol. Optically active α‐azido‐β‐ketoesters having a chiral tertiary carbon were obtained in moderate to high yields under the influence of the chiral tin diethoxide generated in situ.
Obexelimab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Exploration of Response Based on Gene Pathway Co‐Expression Patterns: A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Phase 2 Trial
Authors: Merrill Joan T. , Guthridge Joel , Smith Miles , June Joshua , Koumpouras Fotios , Machua Wambui , Askanase Anca , Khosroshahi Arezou , Sheikh Saira Z. , Rathi Gaurav , Burington Bart , Foster Paul , Matijevic Mark , Arora Sujata , Wang Xiaodong , Gao Minggeng , Wax Stephen , James Judith A. , Zack Debra J.
Published: July 2023

Objective

Obexelimab is an investigational, bifunctional, noncytolytic monoclonal antibody that binds CD19 and FcyRIIb to inhibit B cells, plasmablasts, and plasma cells. This trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of obexelimab in the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

During screening, patients with active, non–organ‐threatening SLE received corticosteroid injections to ameliorate symptoms while immunosuppressants were withdrawn (≤10 mg/day prednisone equivalent and ≤400 mg/day hydroxychloroquine allowed). Patients with improved disease activity were randomized 1:1 to obexelimab 5 mg/kg intravenously or placebo once every 2 weeks until week 32 or loss of improvement (LOI).

Results

In this study, 104 patients were randomized. Analysis of the primary endpoint, proportion of patients reaching week 32 without LOI, used an efficacy‐evaluable (EE) population defined as patients who completed the study or withdrew for flare or treatment‐related toxicity. This endpoint did not reach statistical significance: 21 of 50 obexelimab‐treated patients (42.0%) versus 12 of 42 patients (28.6%) treated with a placebo (P = 0.183). Time to LOI was increased in obexelimab‐treated patients versus patients treated with a placebo in the EE (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, P = 0.025) and intention‐to‐treat (HR 0.59, P = 0.062) populations. In obexelimab‐treated patients, B cells decreased approximately 50%, and trough concentration and inclusion in baseline gene expression clusters with high B cell pathway modules were associated with increased time to LOI. Obexelimab was associated with infusion reactions but was generally safe and well‐tolerated.

Conclusion

Although the primary endpoint was not reached, secondary analysis showed time to LOI was significantly increased in obexelimab‐treated patients, and analysis of patient subsets defined by gene expression patterns at baseline suggests a responding subpopulation.

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Fe3O4 and bimetal–organic framework Zn/Mg composite peroxide‐like catalyze luminol chemiluminescence for specific measurement of atropine in Datura plant
Authors: Mahmoudi Shaida , Chaichi Mohamad Javad , Shamsipur Mojtaba , Nazari Ome Leila , Samadi‐Maybodi Abdolraouf
Published: July 2023

Atropine (AT) is an anticholinergic drug. AT is abundantly in Datura plant seeds. Fe3O4@Zn/Mg MOF (Fe3O4@MOF) composite was synthesized. The compound had a high peroxidase‐like activity in a chemiluminescence (CL) reaction. Addition of AT quenched CL. The linear range and limit of detection were 5–600 μg L−1 and 2 × 10−2 μg L−1. This method is fast, reversible, and selective, without biodegradability effects, high accuracy, and precision for measuring AT in the Datura plant.
Synthesis of epitope‐targeting nanobody based on native protein–protein interactions for FtsZ filamentation suppressor
Authors: Nakazawa Hikaru , Katsuki Taiji , Matsui Takashi , Tsugita Atsushi , Yokoyama Takeshi , Ito Tomoyuki , Kawada Sakiya , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Umetsu Mitsuo
Published: July 2023

Phage display and biopanning are powerful tools for generating binding molecules for a specific target. However, the selection process based only on binding affinity provides no assurance for the antibody's affinity to the target epitope. In this study, we propose a molecular‐evolution approach guided by native protein–protein interactions to generate epitope‐targeting antibodies. The binding‐site sequence in a native protein was grafted into a complementarity‐determining region (CDR) in the nanobody, and a nonrelated CDR loop (in the grafted nanobody) was randomized to create a phage display library. In this construction of nanobodies by integrating graft and evolution technology (CAnIGET method), suitable grafting of the functional sequence added functionality to the nanobody, and the molecular‐evolution approach enhanced the binding function to inhibit the native protein–protein interactions. To apply for biological tool with growth screening, model nanobodies with an affinity for filamenting temperature‐sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) from Staphylococcus aureus were constructed and completely inhibited the polymerization of FtsZ as a function. Consequently, the expression of these nanobodies drastically decreased the cell division rate. We demonstrate the potential of the CAnIGET method with the use of native protein–protein interactions for steady epitope‐specific evolutionary engineering.
Structural brain morphology in young adult women who have been choked/strangled during sex: A whole‐brain surface morphometry study
Authors: Hou Jiancheng , Huibregtse Megan E. , Alexander Isabella L. , Klemsz Lillian M. , Fu Tsung‐Chieh , Rosenberg Molly , Fortenberry James Dennis , Herbenick Debby , Kawata Keisuke
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Being choked/strangled during partnered sex is an emerging sexual behavior, particularly prevalent among young adult women. Using a multiparameter morphometric imaging approach, we aimed to characterize neuroanatomical differences between young adult women (18–30 years old) who were exposed to frequent sexual choking and their choking naïve controls.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study consisted of two groups (choking [≥4 times in the past 30 days] vs. choking‐naïve group). Participants who reported being choked four or more times during sex in the past 30 days were enrolled in the choking group, whereas those without were assigned to the choking naïve group. High‐resolution anatomical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were analyzed using both volumetric features (cortical thickness) and geometric features (fractal dimensionality, gyrification, sulcal depth).

Results

Forty‐one participants (choking n = 20; choking‐naïve n = 21) contributed to the final analysis. The choking group showed significantly increased cortical thickness across multiple regions (e.g., fusiform, lateral occipital, lingual gyri) compared to the choking‐naïve group. Widespread reductions of the gyrification were observed in the choking group as opposed to the choking‐naïve group. However, there was no group difference in sulcal depth. The fractal dimensionality showed bi‐directional results, where the choking group exhibited increased dimensionality in areas including the postcentral gyrus, insula, and fusiform, whereas decreased dimensionality was observed in the bilateral superior frontal gyrus and pericalcarine cortex.

Conclusion

These data in cortical morphology suggest that sexual choking events may be associated with neuroanatomical alteration. A longitudinal study with multimodal assessment is needed to better understand the temporal ordering of sexual choking and neurological outcomes.
Effects of STN‐DBS surgery on cerebral glucose metabolism and distribution of DAT in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Luo Ganhua , Shi Xinchong , Jiang LuLu , Wu Lei , Yi Chang , Xian Wenbiao , Liu Yanmei , Wen Fuhua , Qian Hao , Chen Jie , Fu Xiaoli , Liu Jinlong , Zhang Xiangsong , Chen Ling
Published: July 2023

Introduction

: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be an effective treatment for PD; however, the effects of this surgery on cerebral metabolism and presynaptic dopamine transporter (DAT) distribution are still being studied.

Methods

: In this study, we included 12 PD patients (6 male and 6 female) who underwent STN‐DBS surgery and had both 18F‐FDG and 11C‐CFT PET/CT imaging before and 1 year after the surgery. We used paired t‐tests to identify changes in cerebral metabolism and calculated PD‐related metabolic covariance pattern (PDRP) scores. We also assessed the uptake of 11C‐CFT in the striatum using striatal‐to‐occipital ratios (SORs).

Results

: One year after surgery, we observed significant reductions in tremor, rigidity, akinesia, postural instability/gait disturbance, and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III scores (p < .01, p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, and p < .001, respectively). Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and quality of life (PDQ‐39 SI) were also significantly reduced (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). The mean PDRP score decreased by 37% from 13.0 ± 6.6 to 8.2 ± 7.9 after STN‐DBS surgery (p < .05). We observed decreased 18F‐FDG uptake in several areas, including the temporal lobe (BA22), thalamus, putamen, and cingulate gyrus (BA24), whereas it was increased in the supplementary motor area, postcentral gyrus, lingual gyrus, and precuneus (p < .05). SORs of 11C‐CFT in the bilateral caudate nucleus and ipsilateral posterior putamen were significantly decreased compared to preoperative levels (p < .05).

Conclusion

: Our findings suggest that STN‐DBS surgery modifies the metabolic network of PD patients and improves motor symptoms, depression, and quality of life. However, it does not prevent the decrease of DAT in striatal areas.
Understand intersection of disability harassment and free speech
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: July 2023

Disability harassment is a common problem on campus. However, colleges and universities sometimes have difficulty identifying and addressing such harassment, especially when it involves speech.
Accepting trans woman into sorority leads to breach‐of‐contract claim
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: July 2023

“What is a woman?” This question has gripped popular culture. It has even inspired an eponymous documentary, which itself has been the subject of intense academic debate and social media furor. The question has also come to campus; colleges and universities are having to grapple with how to accommodate transgender students and student‐athletes, while maintaining order and fairness in academics, athletics, and campus life.
Telehealth use and perceptions among prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Chen Luke W. , Usinger Deborah S. , Katz Aaron J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Reasons underlying disparities in telehealth use among cancer survivors are unknown.

Methods

We surveyed a sociodemographically diverse population‐based cohort of 487 prostate cancer survivors regarding their use and perceptions of telehealth during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Overall, only 28.5% of survivors had used telehealth at the time of survey and just 10% felt care through telehealth is comparable to that of an in‐person visit. Still, over 55% felt telehealth is a good option for initial consultations or basic care and 15% felt more likely to use telehealth since the pandemic. After adjusting for other socioeconomic factors, survivors with lower education (≤high school vs. any college) had marginally lower use of telehealth (risk ratio [RR], 0.65 [95% CI, 0.42–1.01]) and lower probability of feeling more likely to use telehealth since the pandemic (RR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.20–0.77]).

Conclusions

Differences in survivor perceptions of telehealth by education level highlight new insights underlying disparities in telehealth use and potential targets for interventions.
Micro‐histology combined with cytology improves the diagnostic accuracy of endometrial lesions
Authors: Wang Yiran , Zhao Lanbo , Zhang Kailu , Liu Yu , Guo Lin , Jing Wei , Hou Huilian , Shi Guizhi , Bin Yadi , Zhang Siyi , Zhang Guanjun , Li Qiling
Published: July 2023

Background

In the study, we aimed to evaluate the ability of micro‐histology combined with cytology to improve the quality of slides and diagnose endometrial lesions.

Methods

Endometrial specimens were collected from Li Brushes. Every specimen was prepared for micro‐histological and cytological slides, using cell block (CB) and liquid‐based cytology (LBC) technologies. Semi‐quantitative scoring system was used to evaluate the qualities of slides. CB slides were assessed by 5‐category scoring system. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated in LBC, CB, and LBC + CB groups based on the histological gold standard. Endometrial atypical hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer were considered positive, whereas others were considered negative.

Results

A total of 167 patients were enrolled. CB slides were inferior to LBC slides only in cellularity (p < 0.001), but superior in the other six parameters (allp < 0.001). The satisfaction rate of micro‐histology accounted for 92.3%. The accuracy index in the CB group was higher than in the LBC group in terms of sensitivity (85.5% vs. 82.7%) and specificity (98.9% vs. 95.7%). The sensitivity and specificity in the LBC + CB group were increased to 94.2% and 99.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

The quality of micro‐histological slides was higher than that of cytological slides. By combining micro‐histology with cytology, higher accuracy was achieved for endometrial lesions diagnosis.
Association between serum uric acid and prostate cancer mortality in androgen deprivation therapy: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lee Yan Hiu Athena , Chan Jeffrey Shi Kai , Leung Chi Ho , Hui Jeremy Man Ho , Dee Edward Christopher , Ng Kenrick , Liu Kang , Liu Tong , Tse Gary , Ng Chi Fai
Published: July 2023

Objective

This population‐based study examined the association between baseline uric acid (UA) and prostate cancer (PCa)‐related mortality amongst PCa patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Methods

Adults with PCa who received ADT in Hong Kong between December 1999 and March 2021 were identified. Patients with missing baseline UA were excluded. Patients were followed up until September 2021. The outcome was PCa‐related mortality.

Results

Altogether, 4126 patients (median follow‐up 3.1[interquartile range 1.4–6.0] years) were included. A J‐shaped association was observed between baseline UA level and PCa‐related mortality risk, with a direct association in those with mean(0.401 mmol/L) or above‐mean baseline UA levels (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation‐increase 1.35 [95% confidence interval 1.21,1.51], p < 0.001), and an inverse association in those with below‐mean baseline UA levels (HR 0.78[0.67,0.92], p = 0.003). The former remained significant on competing risk regression, but not the latter.

Conclusions

A J‐shaped relationship between baseline UA level and PCa‐related mortality risk was identified. This study was mainly limited by potential unmeasured and residual confounders. Further validation studies are warranted.
The relational 3C model for research supervision for counsellors, psychotherapists and counselling psychologists
Authors: Bager‐Charleson Sofie , McBeath Alistair , Challenor Julianna
Published: July 2023

Research supervision remains an undertheorised, under‐regulated and often unsupported profession. This article focuses on what research supervisors and research supervisees regard as “helpful” supervision on doctoral programmes in the field of counselling, psychotherapy and counselling psychology. The paper is based on a mixed methods study consisting of an online survey (N = 226) with closed and open questions and optional interviews (10) analysed by “artfully interpretive reflexive thematic analysis” (Supporting research in counselling and psychotherapy qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research 19–38. Palgrave Macmillan.). In the survey questions, respondents rated “research knowledge” and “empathy” almost equally. The free‐text comments and interview data added, in turn, deeper and more nuanced understandings into what both research “knowledge” and “empathy” might involve for different people—and at different stages of the research process. The analysis of free‐text comments and interviews moved iteratively back and forth across six stages, typical for reflexive thematic analysis, and was influenced by our interests into “narrative knowing.” We started with the free‐text comments and then read the interviews—to return to our free‐text comment themes from new angles, which eventually were shared in a focus group with supervisors in training. The paper describes the development of a suggested “relational 3C model” with clarity, containment and compassion as key supervisory dimensions applied across eight areas with actions from supervisory contracts to research completion.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Indanone Derivatives as Cholinesterase Inhibitors for Potential Use in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Etemadi Aysan , Hemmati Salar , Shahrivar‐Gargari Mohammad , Abibiglue Yasaman Tamaddon , Bavili Ahad , Hamzeh‐Mivehroud Maryam , Dastmalchi Siavoush
Published: July 2023

Indanone derivatives containing meta/para‐substituted aminopropoxy benzyl/benzylidene moieties were designed based on the structures of donepezil and ebselen analogs as the cholinesterase inhibitors. The designed compounds were synthesized and their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were measured. Inhibitory potencies (IC50 values) for the synthesized compounds ranged from 0.12 to 11.92 μM and 0.04 to 24.36 μM against AChE and BChE, respectively. Compound 5 c showed the highest AChE inhibitory potency with IC50 value of 0.12 μM, whereas the highest BChE inhibition was achieved by structure 7 b (IC50=0.04 μM). Structure‐activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that there is no significant difference between meta and para‐substituted derivatives in AChE and BChE inhibition. However, the most potent AChE inhibitor 5 c belongs to meta‐substituted compounds, while the most active BChE inhibitor is para‐substituted derivative 7 b. The order of enzyme inhibition potency based on the substituted amine group is dimethyl amine>piperidine>morpholine. Compounds containing C=C linkage are more potent AChE inhibitors than the corresponding saturated structures. Molecular docking studies indicated that 5 c interacts with AChE in a very similar way to that observed experimentally for donepezil. The introduced indanone‐aminopropoxy benzylidenes could be used in drug‐discovery against Alzheimer's disease.
Engineering a Formate Dehydrogenase for NADPH Regeneration**
Authors: Ma Wei , Geng Qiang , Chen Cheng , Zheng Yu‐Cong , Yu Hui‐Lei , Xu Jian‐He
Published: July 2023

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) constitute major hydrogen donors for oxidative/reductive bio‐transformations. NAD(P)H regeneration systems coupled with formate dehydrogenases (FDHs) represent a dreamful method. However, most of the native FDHs are NAD+‐dependent and suffer from insufficient reactivity compared to other enzymatic tools, such as glucose dehydrogenase. An efficient and competitive NADP+‐utilizing FDH necessitates the availability and robustness of NADPH regeneration systems. Herein, we report the engineering of a new FDH from Candida dubliniensis (CdFDH), which showed no strict NAD+ preference by a structure‐guided rational/semi‐rational design. A combinatorial mutant CdFDH‐M4 (D197Q/Y198R/Q199N/A372S/K371T/▵Q375/K167R/H16L/K159R) exhibited 75‐fold intensification of catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km). Moreover, CdFDH‐M4 has been successfully employed in diverse asymmetric oxidative/reductive processes with cofactor total turnover numbers (TTNs) ranging from 135 to 986, making it potentially useful for NADPH‐required biocatalytic transformations.
Bifunctional Activation of NHC‐Zinc Pre‐Catalyst for Effective Hydroboration of Quinolines and Nitriles
Authors: Ataie Saeed , Baker R. Tom
Published: July 2023

Zinc dihydride complexes supported by bulky N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are efficient catalysts in hydroboration reactions. Herein, a set of zinc complexes with an amino‐pyrrolide chelate (HL1) and the small NHC ligand, 2,3‐dimethyl‐3,4‐dichloroimidazol‐2‐ylidene (DDI) was synthesized and characterized. In particular, Zn(HL1)2(DDI) (Zn4) displayed high activity in catalytic nitrile dihydroboration using 0.01 mol % loading, and quinoline hydroboration using 0.05 mol % loading at room temperature. Stoichiometric reaction of Zn4 with 4 equiv. of pinacolborane (HBpin) produced ZnH2(DDI) (Zn5) and 2 equiv. of dissociated (Bpin)2L1. Complex Zn5, generated in situ by this bifunctional catalyst activation step, was shown to be more active than the bis‐NHC analog ZnH2(DDI)2 and previously reported examples with bulky NHC ligands. In addition, variable time normalization analysis (VTNA) showed first‐order dependence on [quinoline], [HBpin] and [Zn4], revealing that a single Zn−H is involved in the catalytic cycle, as was also observed in the stoichiometric reaction of Zn5 with quinoline. VTNA also indicated that this catalyst faces neither deactivation nor product inhibition.
Chiral Hypoiodite Salt Catalysts for Enantioselective Oxidative Transformations
Authors: Odagi Minami , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: July 2023

Iodine and its hypervalent derivatives have emerged as versatile and environmentally friendly oxidative reagents in organic synthesis, offering efficient ways to form new bonds. However, the use of hypervalent iodine reagents is challenging, as they are unstable, potentially explosive, and costly. Therefore, hypoiodite species derived from onium iodites using safe and inexpensive oxidants are considered more promising for facilitating oxidative transformations. Nevertheless, applications of such catalytic systems are still limited in scope, especially for asymmetric reactions. In this concept paper, we described recent progress in chiral hypoiodite‐catalyzed enantioselective oxidative bond‐forming reactions, focusing on carbon–oxygen, carbon–nitrogen, and carbon–carbon bond formation reactions using ammonium and guanidinium salts as onium iodites.
Understanding the Potential of Hydrogen as a Game‐Changing Energy Source
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Saqib , Abdul Rahim Zulhasni
Published: July 2023

Renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2030 are gaining momentum with the current global economic and political endeavors. Green hydrogen has the potential to give power networks the much‐needed flexibility and acts as a buffer for intermittent renewable power output, both of which might be beneficial for the future of renewable energy grids. If hydrogen proves effective, it might drastically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In this context, knowing the potential advantages of hydrogen is crucial. Between 2016 and 2019, technological progress occupied just 42.86 % of the total time. Innovation in this field is considered disruptive because of its high uniqueness rate (81 %). This article analyzes the most up‐to‐date information on the hydrogen economy (including its key benefits and drawbacks) and the potential implications of hydrogen for several businesses.
An Insight into Synthesis of the Antifreeze Alkaline Hydrogel Electrolyte: Fine‐Tuning Chemistries for Efficient Ion Transport
Authors: Khor Chun Keat , Blackstone Chance Coady , Ignaszak Anna
Published: July 2023

Herein, the chemical compatibility of the hydrogel electrolyte in highly alkaline pH was evaluated. Through simple experiments, we demonstrated that the frequently used polymer compound, acrylamide, is not stable at a high pH. The addition of glycerol as a cryoprotectant in highly alkaline hydrogels was also problematic due to the possible base‐initiated decomposition of glycerol to polyglycerols. Hence, a quick and simple one‐pot synthesis of highly alkaline potassium poly(acrylate) hydrogel with 1 vol % glycerol was proposed. The ionic conductivities of the hydrogel are 46.48 mS/cm and 8.67 mS/cm at 22 and −23 °C, respectively. One important benefit from the addition of the cryoprotectant is that the hydrogel sustained its mechanical features at temperatures as low as −80 °C. We also reported here for the first time the diffusion coefficients (D at ∼10−8 cm2/s), ionic mobilities (μ at ∼10−7 cm2/Vs), and ion density (n at ∼10−7 cm−3) of the hydrogel electrolyte used in flexible alkaline batteries.
Heterocyclic [9]Helicenes Exhibiting Bright Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Warthegau Stefan S. , Hillers‐Bendtsen Andreas E. , Pedersen Stephan K. , Rindom Cecilie , Bræstrup Christoffer , Jensen Jeppe S. , Hammerich Ole , Thomsen Maria S. , Kamounah Fadhil S. , Norman Patrick , Mikkelsen Kurt V. , Brock‐Nannestad Theis , Pittelkow Michael
Published: July 2023

We describe a concise synthetic strategy for the preparation of heterocyclic [9]helicenes and a simple preparative‐scale protocol for the optical resolution of the resulting M‐ and P‐enantiomers. The helicenes were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction along with a range of spectroscopic and computational techniques. A fluorescence quantum yield of up to 65 % was observed, and the chiroptical properties of both M‐ and P‐helicenes revealed large dissymmetry factors. The circularly polarized luminescence brightness reaches up to 17 M−1 cm−1, as measured experimentally and verified computationally, which makes this the highest circularly polarized luminescence brightness among heterocyclic helicenes. We describe how chiroptical properties (both circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence) can be described and predicted using quantum chemical calculations. The synthetic approach also reveals by‐products that originate from internal oxidation reactions, presumably mediated by the close proximity of the π‐surfaces in the helicene structure.
Extraction of niobium in one step from tin slag by NH4F‐HCl leaching process
Authors: Anes Iara Alves , Garjulli Franco , Siqueira de Carvalho Marcelo , Tenório Jorge Alberto Soares , Espinosa Denise Crocce Romano , Coleti Jorge Luís
Published: July 2023

Niobium and tantalum are generally found together in nature in ores such as columbite, tantalite, and pyrochlore. These ores can occasionally associate with cassiterite, the tin ore. The pyrometallurgical processes of cassiterite produces a slag that can contain Nb and Ta from the associated ores. Cassiterite processing for tin extraction has generated a considerable quantity of residue. This work aims to study the extraction of Nb from tin slag while leaving the Ta solid. The process of separation consists in one step by leaching using a combined solution of HCl‐NH4F. The slag was characterized by X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and granulometric analysis. The effect of parameters of the leaching processes was investigated, such as the time of the process, HCl concentration, liquid‐to‐solid ratio, temperature, and salt‐to‐slag ratio. It was possible to recover 100% of Nb and 5% of Ta in liquor of leaching within 4 h, at 85°C, using an L:S ratio of 20:1, NH4F:slag ratio of 0.12 g, and HCl concentration equal to 9.79 mol/L.
Prebiotics: Ignored player in the fight against cancer
Authors: Mishra Parichita , Badiyani Vidhi Manish , Jain Sakshi , Subramanian Sruti , Maharaj Sakshee Vinay , Kumar Ashwini , Singh Bhisham Narayan
Published: July 2023

Background

Prebiotics is a relatively neglected area in cancer research, despite evidence suggesting that it plays a key role in suppressing tumour growth and improving immune function.

Recent Findings

Including prebiotics in the diet has been shown to strengthen the immune system and can better slow down or prevent the growth of tumours. It has also been strongly indicated in various scientific studies that prebiotics can contribute to the sustenance of a healthy microbiome, which in turn plays an important role in increasing the effectiveness and reducing the side effects of cancer treatments.

Conclusion

In the present review article we highlight the mechanisms by which prebiotics like inulin, fructooligosaccharide (FOS), β‐glucan, pectin, and xylooligosaccharide (XOS) function. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of incorporating prebiotics during cancer therapy to improvise gut health and prevent/reverse the damage caused to patients due to chemotherapy has also been elaborated.
A new lossless electroencephalogram compression technique for fog computing‐based IoHT networks
Authors: Kadhum Idrees Ali , Saieed Khlief Marwa
Published: July 2023

The ability to design smarter, more predictive healthcare solutions for use in the community (at work and at home) and in healthcare facilities has been greatly enhanced by recent developments in the Internet of Health Things (IoHT) and cyber physical systems (CPS). These data collected by such medical sensors will be sent in a large quantity to the fog gateway of IoHT networks. These data should be forwarded to far cloud for further analysis and processing. Therefore, sending all of these data over the IoHT network to the data center will impose a significant burden on the IoHT network. This paper proposed a new lossless electroencephalogram (EEG) compression technique (NeLECoT) for fog computing‐based IoHT networks. It encodes the data of the patient at the fog gateway prior to sending it to the data center, thereby reducing the data's size. In the fog node, the NeLECoT combines three efficient techniques: clustering based on density‐based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN), RLE (run length encoding), and Huffman encoding (HE). The clustering based on DBSCAN separates a massive volume of captured data into small groups of closely related (or similar) data. RLE encodes clustered EEG data, and the resulting file is encoded with HE. The fog gateway then transmits the encoded file to the cloud. Numerous simulation experiments were carried out, and the findings demonstrated that the suggested NeLECoT achieved better results than the competing techniques in terms of transmitted data size, compression ratio, compression power, compression time, decompression time, and average compression power.
Flow depth estimates and avulsion behaviour in alluvial stratigraphy (Willwood Formation, Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, USA)
Authors: Foreman Brady Z. , Sutherland Grace M. , Todd Delaney J. , Phillips Kristopher D. , Semeraro Anthony
Published: July 2023

The size and geometry of river channels play a central role in sediment transport and the character of deposition within alluvial basins across spatiotemporal scales spanning the initiation of grain movement to the filling of accommodation generated by subsidence. This study compares several different approaches to estimating palaeoflow depths from fluvial deposits in the early Palaeogene Willwood Formation of north‐west Wyoming, USA. Fluvial story heights (n = 60) and mud plug thicknesses (n = 13) are statistically indistinguishable from one another and yield palaeoflow depth estimates of 4 to 6 m. The vertical relief on bar clinoforms (n = 112) yields smaller flow depths, by a factor of ca 0.3, with the exception that the largest bar clinoforms match story heights and mud plug estimates. This observation is consistent with modern river data sets that indicate unit bar clinoforms do not capture the reach‐mean bank‐full flow depths except in rare circumstances. Future studies should use story heights (i.e. compound bar deposits) and mud plugs to estimate bank‐full flow depths in alluvial strata. Additionally, the thickness of multi‐storied fluvial sandbodies (n = 102) and overbank cycles composed of paired crevasse splay and palaeosol deposits (n = 45) were compared. The two depositional units display statistically indistinguishable mean and median values. Building upon previous depositional models, these observations suggest basin rivers aggraded approximately one flow depth prior to major avulsion. This avulsion process generated widespread crevasse splay deposition across the floodplain. Once the main river channel stem was reestablished, overbank flooding and palaeosol development dominated floodplain settings. The depositional model implies river aggradation autogenically generated topography in the basin that was effectively filled during the subsequent avulsion. This constitutes a meso‐timescale (103–104 years) compensational pattern driven by morphodynamics that may account for the high completeness of fossil and palaeoclimate records recovered from the basin.
Coupling effects of temperature, confining pressure, and pore pressure on permeability and average pore size of Longmaxi shale
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Hongsen , Tan Xue , Li Guoliang , Jiang Hua
Published: July 2023

The evolution due to temperature and pressure of shale reservoir permeability affects the productivity evaluation and development decision of shale gas reservoirs, which is very important for the exploration and development of unconventional gas reservoirs. This study analyzed the coupling effects of temperature (25, 50, and 75°C), effective stress (15 and 30 MPa), and pore pressure (0.5, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 MPa) on the permeability of the shale sample in the Longmaxi Formation. As the temperature and pressure increased, the apparent permeability exhibited a downward trend, and the absolute permeability decreased with the rise of temperature or effective stress. An in‐depth analysis of the gas slippage factors under the conditions of different temperature and pressure was conducted to evaluate the trend of the average pore width with temperature and pressure. The results were then verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results provide new insights into evaluating the permeability of the Longmaxi shale and can be used to enhance the gas recovery rate of deep shale gas reservoirs.