bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemiluminescence mechanisms of cerium-norfloxacin and its application in urine analysis
Authors: Wei Lijun , Cheng Xianglei , Lin Jin-Ming , Cai Hongping , Huang Fengqi
Published: March 2009

In this article, novel chemiluminescence mechanisms between norfloxacin and cerium(IV) in an acidic medium were studied. Chemiluminescence spectra of the present system were recorded observing three maximum emissions at about 475 nm, 550 nm, and 620 nm, respectively. The results indicate that the chemiluminescence peaks located at 475 nm and 620 nm can be ascribed to the emission of a singlet oxygen, while the chemiluminescence emission at 550 nm occurred in course of the reaction between acidic cerium(IV) and the phenolic intermediate. Under optimum conditions, the chemiluminescence intensity was linear with the concentration of norfloxacin over the range of 2.0 × 10−8−1.0 × 10−5 g mL−1 and the detection limit of 1.0 × 10−8 g mL−1 (S/N = 3). The relative standard deviation was 1.94 % for a 4.0 × 10−7 g mL−1 norfloxacin solution considering eleven repeated measurements. The present chemiluminescence system was successfully applied in the determination of norfloxacin in pharmaceutical preparations and concentration-time profiles in urine.
Radiocarbon Analysis of Carbonaceous Aerosols: Recent Developments
Authors: Szidat Sönke
Published: March 2009

Carbonaceous aerosols are a major fraction of airborne particulate matter. They contribute to climate and health effects of the total aerosol burden of the atmosphere by counteracting the current trend of global warming and inducing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, respectively.
In spite of this general importance, only little is known about composition and sources of carbonaceous aerosols. Analysis of the long-lived radioactive isotope 14C (radiocarbon) is a unique source apportionment tool: it unambiguously separates fossil from non-fossil sources, as
14C has completely decayed in fossil fuels, whereas modern materials have the contemporary radiocarbon level. A novel separation method was developed for the direct determination of 14C in organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), two sub-fractions of total carbon
(TC). The implementation of a gas ion source for measurement with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) made 14C analysis more simple and robust. Based on this technique, all major contributions to the carbonaceous aerosol can be identified, which originate from fossil-fuel, biomass-burning
and biogenic emissions. A survey of results from different field campaigns is shown.
Vertebrae of Developing Fat-1 Mice Have Greater Strength and Lower N-6/N-3 Fatty Acid Ratio
Authors: Lau Beatrice Y. Y. , Ward Wendy E. , Kang Jing X. , Ma David W. L.
Published: March 2009

Incorporation of dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) into bone may optimize bone development. The study objective was to use the fat-1 mouse, a transgenic model that synthesizes n-3 PUFA from n-6 PUFA, to determine if bone mineral density (BMD) and biomechanical bone strength were favourably modulated by lowering the n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in vertebrae. Male and female wild-type and fat-1 mice were fed an AIN93-G diet containing 10% safflower oil from weaning through 12 weeks of age. Vertebrae BMD was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and peak load, a surrogate measure of fracture risk, was measured by a materials testing system. Vertebrae fatty acid composition was measured by gas liquid chromatography. At 12 weeks of age, vertebrae peak load was higher in fat-1 mice compared to wild-type ( P = 0.026). Fat-1 mice also had lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio in vertebrae than wild-type ( P < 0.001) and this ratio was negatively correlated with BMD and peak load ( P = 0.005). Moreover, n-3 PUFA including α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were positively correlated ( P < 0.05) with BMD and peak load. Therefore, a lower vertebrae n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio is associated with stronger vertebrae and suggests a positive role for n-3 PUFA in bone development.
In VitroandIn VivoModulation of Cartilage Degradation by a StandardizedCentella asiaticaFraction
Authors: Hartog Anita , Smit H. Friso , van der Kraan Peter M. , Hoijer Maarten A. , Garssen Johan
Published: March 2009

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease in which focal cartilage destruction is one of the primary features. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of a Centella asiatica fraction on in vitro and in vivo cartilage degradation. Bovine cartilage explants and bovine chondrocytes cultured in alginate were stimulated with IL-1β in the presence or absence of different concentrations (2, 5 and 10 μg/ml) of a standardized Centella asiatica triterpenes (CAT) fraction. The CAT fraction inhibited the IL-1β-induced proteoglycan (PG) release and nitric oxide (NO) production by cartilage explants in a dose-dependent manner. The IL-1β-induced reduction in PG synthesis and proliferation of chondrocytes cultured in alginate were counteracted by the CAT fraction at a concentration of 10 μg/ml. In a zymosan-induced acute arthritis model, the CAT fraction inhibited PG depletion without modulating joint swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated for the first time that the tested Centella asiatica fraction was able to inhibit the zymosan-induced cartilage degradation in vivo without affecting the zymosan-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and joint swelling. The in vitro data indicate that the cartilage protective activity might at least partially be induced by the inhibition of NO production. The overall results indicate a possible disease modifying osteoarthritic activity of the Centella asiatica fraction.
Improvement in Dissolution of Liver Fibrosis in an Animal Model by Tetrathiomolybdate
Authors: Hou Guoqing , Dick Robert , Brewer George J.
Published: March 2009

The background for this study is that we have observed some improvement in cirrhosis in Wilson’s disease patients treated with the anticopper medicine, zinc, and another anticopper drug, tetrathiomolybdate, has completely prevented hepatic fibrosis in the carbon tetrachloride mouse model. We hypothesize that in existing cirrhosis, there may be a fine balance between fibrosis formation and fibrosis dissolution, which may be pushed in the direction of dissolution by anticopper drugs. Thus, in this study, we produced hepatic fibrosis in mice by treatment with carbon tetrachloride, then gave half the fibrotic mice tetrathiomolybdate for 3 months, while the other half of the fibrotic mice received nothing for 3 months and served as controls. Tetrathiomolybdate caused a dramatic and significant reduction in fibrosis as measured by hydroxyproline (the major amino acid constituent of collagen) levels, almost back to baseline levels, compared to controls, who had only a slight and nonsignificant reduction. It is clear from this animal study that dissolution of preexisting fibrosis can be strongly catalyzed by lowering copper levels with tetrathiomolybdate. It now becomes important to evaluate whether this approach will work in the human epidemic of cirrhotic disease resulting from diseases such as alcoholism, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatitis C.
Selection of bifunctional RNAs with specificity for arginine and lipid membranes
Authors: Janas Teresa , Sapoń Karolina , Janas Tadeusz
Published: April 2024

The molecular mechanisms of selective RNA loading into exosomes and other extracellular vesicles are not yet completely understood. In order to show that a pool of RNA sequences binds both the amino acid arginine and lipid membranes, we constructed a bifunctional RNA 10Arg aptamer specific for arginine and lipid vesicles. The preference of RNA 10Arg for lipid rafts was visualized and confirmed using FRET microscopy in neuroblastoma cells. The selection‐amplification (SELEX) method using a doped (with the other three nucleotides) pool of RNA 10Arg sequences yielded several RNA 10Arg(D) sequences, and the affinities of these RNAs both to arginine and liposomes are improved in comparison to pre‐doped RNA. Generation of these bispecific aptamers supports the hypothesis that an RNA molecule can bind both to RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) through arginine within the RBP‐binding site and to membrane lipid rafts, thus facilitating RNA loading into exosomes and other extracellular vesicles.
Kinase activities in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with prognostic and therapeutic avenues
Authors: Vallés‐Martí Andrea , de Goeij‐de Haas Richard R. , Henneman Alex A. , Piersma Sander R. , Pham Thang V. , Knol Jaco C. , Verheij Joanne , Dijk Frederike , Halfwerk Hans , Giovannetti Elisa , Jiménez Connie R. , Bijlsma Maarten F.
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a limited number of known driver mutations but considerable cancer cell heterogeneity. Phosphoproteomics provides a direct read‐out of aberrant signaling and the resultant clinically relevant phenotype. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based proteomics and phosphoproteomics were applied to 42 PDAC tumors. Data encompassed over 19 936 phosphoserine or phosphothreonine (pS/T; in 5412 phosphoproteins) and 1208 phosphotyrosine (pY; in 501 phosphoproteins) sites and a total of 3756 proteins. Proteome data identified three distinct subtypes with tumor intrinsic and stromal features. Subsequently, three phospho‐subtypes were apparent: two tumor intrinsic (Phos1/2) and one stromal (Phos3), resembling known PDAC molecular subtypes. Kinase activity was analyzed by the Integrative iNferred Kinase Activity (INKA) scoring. Phospho‐subtypes displayed differential phosphorylation signals and kinase activity, such as FGR and GSK3 activation in Phos1, SRC kinase family and EPHA2 in Phos2, and EGFR, INSR, MET, ABL1, HIPK1, JAK, and PRKCD in Phos3. Kinase activity analysis of an external PDAC cohort supported our findings and underscored the importance of PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways, among others. Interestingly, unfavorable patient prognosis correlated with higher RTK, PAK2, STK10, and CDK7 activity and high proliferation, whereas long survival was associated with MYLK and PTK6 activity, which was previously unknown. Subtype‐associated activity profiles can guide therapeutic combination approaches in tumor and stroma‐enriched tissues, and emphasize the critical role of parallel signaling pathways. In addition, kinase activity profiling identifies potential disease markers with prognostic significance.
Genetic analysis of IRF2BPL in a Taiwanese dystonia cohort: The genotype and phenotype correlation
Authors: Chen Pin‐Shiuan , Chen Ying‐Fa , Chiu Jian‐Ying , Wu Meng‐Chen , Tai Chun‐Hwei , Chang Yung‐Yee , Lan Min‐Yu , Lee Ni‐Chung , Lin Chin‐Hsien
Published: April 2024

Objective

IRF2BPL mutation has been associated with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder with abnormal movements, including dystonia. However, the role of IRF2BPL in dystonia remains elusive. We aimed to investigate IRF2BPL mutations in a Taiwanese dystonia cohort.

Methods

A total of 300 unrelated patients with molecularly unassigned isolated (n = 256) or combined dystonia (n = 44) were enrolled between January 2015 and July 2023. The IRF2BPL variants were analyzed based on whole exome sequencing. The in silico prediction of the identified potential pathogenic variant was performed to predict its pathogenicity. We also compared the clinical and genetic features to previous literature reports.

Results

We identified one adolescent patient carrying a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant of IRF2BPL, c.379C>T (p.Gln127Ter), who presented with generalized dystonia, developmental regression, and epilepsy (0.33% of our dystonia cohort). This variant resides within the polyglutamine (poly Q) domain before the first PEST sequence block of the IRF2BPL protein, remarkably truncating the protein structure. Combined with other patients with IRF2BPL mutations in the literature (n = 60), patients with variants in the poly Q domain have a higher rate of nonsense mutations (p < 0.001) and epilepsy (p = 0.008) than patients with variants in other domains. Furthermore, as our index patient, carriers with substitutions before the first PEST sequence block have significantly older age of onset (p < 0.01) and higher non‐epilepsy symptoms, including generalized dystonia (p = 0.003), and ataxia (p = 0.003).

Interpretation

IRF2BPL mutation is a rare cause of dystonia in our population. Mutations in different domains of IRF2BPL exhibit different phenotypes.
Assembly of Amorphizing Porous Bimetallic Metal‐Organic Frameworks Spheres with Zn─O─Fe Cluster and Coordination Deficiency via Ligand Competition for Efficient Electro‐Fenton Catalysis
Authors: Xu Zehai , Teng Ruzhao , Xu Lusheng , Zhang Honghua , Lv Bosheng , Zhang Guoliang
Published: April 2024

Electro‐Fenton process stands out as a highly promising approach for generating reactive oxygen‐containing radicals to address the escalating issue of environmental pollution. However, the long‐term goal of application necessitates ongoing pursuit of high‐quality catalysts with both sufficient activity and stability. Herein, a general route is reported for large‐scale synthesis of amorphizing porous bimetallic metal‐organic framework (MOF) spheres with Zn─O─Fe structure and coordination deficiency through facile and low‐cost synthesis of ligand competition. Assisted by a coordination modulator, deprotonation of terephthalic acid is accelerated and rapid synthesis of amorphous bimetallic MOF spheres is successfully achieved at room temperature. As inactive metal Zn is introduced into metal clusters of MOFs, the cycling efficiency of Fe3+/Fe2+ is improved and a secondary building unit of Zn─O─Fe is constructed, greatly accelerating electron conduction rate. Compared to crystalline spindle cMIL‐88B(Fe2Zn) by traditional solvothermal route, amorphous aMIL‐88B(Fe2Zn) has a unique spherical porous structure with larger surface area, higher conductivity, and more exposed active sites. Endowed with unique textural and surface chemistry, aMIL‐88B(Fe2Zn) exhibits superior catalytic activity in the degradation of refractory organic pollutants. The progress offers a feasible way to rational design of iron‐based hybrid MOF materials with tunable structures and enhance properties for various applications.
Wireless Technologies in Flexible and Wearable Sensing: From Materials Design, System Integration to Applications
Authors: Kong Lingyan , Li Weiwei , Zhang Tinghao , Ma Huihui , Cao Yunqiang , Wang Kexin , Zhou Yilin , Shamim Atif , Zheng Lu , Wang Xuewen , Huang Wei
Published: April 2024

Wireless and wearable sensors attract considerable interest in personalized healthcare by providing a unique approach for remote, noncontact, and continuous monitoring of various health‐related signals without interference with daily life. Recent advances in wireless technologies and wearable sensors have promoted practical applications due to their significantly improved characteristics, such as reduction in size and thickness, enhancement in flexibility and stretchability, and improved conformability to the human body. Currently, most researches focus on active materials and structural designs for wearable sensors, with just a few exceptions reflecting on the technologies for wireless data transmission. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the state‐of‐the‐art wireless technologies and related studies on empowering wearable sensors. The emerging functional nanomaterials utilized for designing unique wireless modules are highlighted, which include metals, carbons, and MXenes. Additionally, the review outlines the system‐level integration of wireless modules with flexible sensors, spanning from novel design strategies for enhanced conformability to efficient transmitting data wirelessly. Furthermore, the review introduces representative applications for remote and noninvasive monitoring of physiological signals through on‐skin and implantable wireless flexible sensing systems. Finally, the challenges, perspectives, and unprecedented opportunities for wireless and wearable sensors are discussed.
Liquid‐Metal‐Loaded Hydrogel with Antibacterial Effect and Sustained Release of Growth Factor for Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Bo , Fan Linlin , Cui Ziliang , Feng Weichen , Chen Sen , Shan Xiaohui , Zhu Xiyu , Sun Xuyang , Zhou Gang , Liu Jing
Published: April 2024

Multifunctional medical hydrogels play an important role in wound healing because of their excellent biocompatibility, convenient operation, and drug release capacity. So far, many efforts have been exploited to developing new‐generation hydrogels with distinctive capabilities in promoting wound healing. Herein, the liquid‐metal (LM)‐loaded hydrogels are reported with antibacterial effect under an 808 nm near‐infrared laser irradiation for wound healing therapeutic strategies. The addition of LM droplets enables the hydrogel to control the temperature rise and plays an antibacterial effect with the release of gallium3+ under laser irradiation. Benefiting from the porous network structure of hydrogels, the encapsulated growth factors can be released stably at the wound site. Under the synergistic effect of LM and growth factors in the wound tissue, the hydrogel displays antibacterial features and promotes the regeneration of epithelial tissue and neovascularization, thereby further accelerating wound healing. This hydrogel has proven biosafety and low toxicity in vitro and in vivo. With these advantages, such hydrogel is a promising candidate to be developed as a new medical product for future clinical medicine.
Regulating the Electron Distribution of Metal‐Oxygen for Enhanced Oxygen Stability in Li‐rich Layered Cathodes
Authors: Yin Zijia , Zhao Jun , Luo Dong , Chin Yi‐Ying , Chen Chien‐Te , Chen Huaican , Yin Wen , Tang Yu , Yang Tingting , Ren Jincan , Li Tianyi , Wiaderek Kamila M. , Kong Qingyu , Fan Jun , Zhu He , Ren Yang , Liu Qi
Published: April 2024

Li‐rich Mn‐based layered oxides (LLO) hold great promise as cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their unique oxygen redox (OR) chemistry, which enables additional capacity. However, the LLOs face challenges related to the instability of their OR process due to the weak transition metal (TM)‐oxygen bond, leading to oxygen loss and irreversible phase transition that results in severe capacity and voltage decay. Herein, a synergistic electronic regulation strategy of surface and interior structures to enhance oxygen stability is proposed. In the interior of the materials, the local electrons around TM and O atoms may be delocalized by surrounding Mo atoms, facilitating the formation of stronger TM─O bonds at high voltages. Besides, on the surface, the highly reactive O atoms with lone pairs of electrons are passivated by additional TM atoms, which provides a more stable TM─O framework. Hence, this strategy stabilizes the oxygen and hinders TM migration, which enhances the reversibility in structural evolution, leading to increased capacity and voltage retention. This work presents an efficient approach to enhance the performance of LLOs through surface‐to‐interior electronic structure modulation, while also contributing to a deeper understanding of their redox reaction.
Bipolar Suppression for High Performance n‐Type GeTe‐Based Thermoelectrics
Authors: Yin Liang‐Cao , Liu Wei‐Di , Li Meng , Wang De‐Zhuang , Li Shuai , Li Shu‐Qing , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Wang Yifeng , Zhang Lixiong , Liu Qingfeng , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: April 2024

Stable operation of thermoelectric devices requires both p‐ and n‐type materials with desirable compatibility and similar application temperature range. However, n‐type GeTe‐based materials currently have a lower application temperature range (<525 K) than p‐type GeTe‐based materials (500–800 K) due to the strong bipolar effect. Here, it is demonstrated that the bipolar effect of n‐type GeTe can be inhibited by the combination of bandgap enlargement and minority carrier filtering. Specifically, reducing cation vacancies can enlarge the bandgap, while introducing localized heavy doping areas with relatively large bandgap can generate a minority carrier barrier in the valence band to block the minority carrier transport. Consequently, a record‐high power factor (5.3 µW cm−1 K−2) and figure‐of‐merit (zT) of 0.45 can be obtained at 723 K in n‐type Ge0.46Bi0.17Pb0.37Te0.7Se0.3. This work demonstrates that bipolar suppression is an effective strategy to realize high‐performance n‐type GeTe‐based materials in the mid‐temperature range, and correspondingly extends the applicability.
Discovery, Structure, and Engineering of a cis‐Geranylfarnesyl Diphosphate Synthase
Authors: Li Fang‐Ru , Wang Qingling , Pan Xingming , Xu Hui‐Min , Dong Liao‐Bin
Published: April 2024

cis‐Prenyltransferases (cis‐PTs) catalyze the sequential head‐to‐tail condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) to allylic diphosphates, producing mixed E–Z prenyl diphosphates of varying lengths; however, the specific enzymes synthesizing cis‐C25 prenyl diphosphates have not been identified. Herein, we present the discovery and characterization of a cis‐geranylfarnesyl diphosphate synthase (ScGFPPS) from Streptomyces clavuligerus. This enzyme demonstrates high catalytic proficiency in generating six distinct cis‐polyisoprenoids, including three C25 and three C20 variants. We determined the crystal structure of ScGFPPS. Additionally, we unveil the crystal structure of nerylneryl diphosphate synthase (NNPS), known for synthesizing an all‐cis‐C20 polyisoprenoid. Comparative structural analysis of ScGFPPS and NNPS has identified key differences that influence product specificity. Through site‐directed mutagenesis, we have identified eight single mutations that significantly refine the selectivity of ScGFPPS for cis‐polyisoprenoids. Our findings not only expand the functional spectrum of cis‐PTs but also provide a structural comparison strategy in cis‐PTs engineering.
Electrochemical Synthesis of C(sp3)‐Rich Amines by Aminative Carbofunctionalization of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Liu Wen‐Qiang , Lee Boon Chong , Song NingXi , He Zhenghao , Shen Zi‐An , Lu Yixin , Koh Ming Joo
Published: April 2024

Alkylamines form the backbone of countless nitrogen‐containing small molecules possessing desirable biological properties. Despite advances in amine synthesis through transition metal catalysis and photoredox chemistry, multicomponent reactions that leverage inexpensive materials to transform abundant chemical feedstocks into three‐dimensional α‐substituted alkylamines bearing complex substitution patterns remain scarce. Here, we report the design of a catalyst‐free electroreductive manifold that merges amines, carbonyl compounds and carbon‐based radical acceptors under ambient conditions without rigorous exclusion of air and moisture. Key to this aminative carbofunctionalization process is the chemoselective generation of nucleophilic α‐amino radical intermediates that readily couple with electrophilic partners, providing straightforward access to architecturally intricate alkylamines and drug‐like scaffolds which are inaccessible by conventional means.
Single‐Atom Iron Catalyst as an Advanced Redox Mediator for Anodic Oxidation of Organic Electrosynthesis
Authors: Wang Xin‐Yu , Pan Yong‐Zhou , Yang Jiarui , Li Wen‐Hao , Gan Tao , Pan Ying‐Ming , Tang Hai‐Tao , Wang Dingsheng
Published: April 2024

Homogeneous electrocatalysts can indirect oxidate the high overpotential substrates through single‐electron transfer on the electrode surface, enabling efficient operation of organic electrosynthesis catalytic cycles. However, the problems of this chemistry still exist such as high dosage, difficult recovery, and low catalytic efficiency. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) exhibit high atom utilization and excellent catalytic activity, hold great promise in addressing the limitations of homogeneous catalysts. In view of this, we have employed Fe‐SA@NC as an advanced redox mediator to try to change this situation. Fe‐SA@NC was synthesized using an encapsulation‐pyrolysis method, and it demonstrated remarkable performance as a redox mediator in a range of reported organic electrosynthesis reactions, and enabling the construction of various C−C/C−X bonds. Moreover, Fe‐SA@NC demonstrated a great potential in exploring new synthetic method for organic electrosynthesis. We employed it to develop a new electro‐oxidative ring‐opening transformation of cyclopropyl amides. In this new reaction system, Fe‐SA@NC showed good tolerance to drug molecules with complex structures, as well as enabling flow electrochemical syntheses and gram‐scale transformations. This work highlights the great potential of SACs in organic electrosynthesis, thereby opening a new avenue in synthetic chemistry.
High‐Pressure‐Field Induced Synthesis of Ultrafine‐Sized High‐Entropy Compounds with Excellent Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Liang Ming , Xie Haonan , Chen Biao , Qin Hongye , Zhang Hanwen , Wang Jingyi , Sha Junwei , Ma Liying , Liu Enzuo , Kang Jianli , Shi Chunsheng , He Fang , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin , Zhao Naiqin , He Chunnian
Published: April 2024

Emerging high entropy compounds (HECs) have attracted huge attention in electrochemical energy‐related applications. The features of ultrafine size and carbon incorporation show great potential to boost the ion‐storage kinetics of HECs. However, they are rarely reported because high‐temperature calcination tends to result in larger crystallites, phase separation, and carbon reduction. Herein, using the NaCl self‐assembly template method, by introducing a high‐pressure field in the calcination process, the atom diffusion and phase separation are inhibited for the general formation of HECs, and the HEC aggregation is inhibited for obtaining ultrafine size. The general preparation of ultrafine‐sized (<10 nm) HECs (nitrides, oxides, sulfides, and phosphates) anchored on porous carbon composites is realized. They are demonstrated by combining advanced characterization technologies with theoretical computations. Ultrafine‐sized high entropy sulfides‐MnFeCoCuSnMo/porous carbon (HES‐MnFeCoCuSnMo/PC) as representative anodes exhibit excellent sodium‐ion storage kinetics and capacities (a high rating capacity of 278 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1 for full cell and a high cycling capacity of 281 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 after 6000 cycles for half cell) due to the combining advantages of high entropy effect, ultrafine size, and PC incorporation. Our work provides a new opportunity for designing and fabricating ultrafine‐sized HECs.
Efficiency of novel polyionic liquid toward the chemical separation of petroleum crude oil emulsions
Authors: Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Al‐Lohedan Hamad A. , Faqihi Noorah A.
Published: April 2024

In the present study, a new polyionic liquid, PEST‐BU, were synthesized and characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, pendant drop technique, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The efficiency of PEST‐BU and its parent (PE‐ST) for separating petroleum crude oil emulsion was explored using several affecting parameters, including water ratio, separation time, pH, temperature, and demulsifier concentration. The results indicated that PEST‐BU exhibited higher separation efficiency (SE) than PE‐ST. In addition, the results revealed that the increased water ratio, separation time, temperature, and demulsifier concentration promoted the SE of PE‐ST and PEST‐BU. The data also showed that the optimal pH value to achieve maximum SE is 7; however, the SE of PE‐ST and PEST‐BU in acidic and basic mediums declined, possibly due to the increasing polarity of water droplets in these mediums, which increased electrostatic repulsion between them, increasing oil emulsion stability.
Murder‐suicide in post‐Katrina New Orleans: A perfect storm of multidetermined causes
Authors: Griffies W. Scott
Published: April 2024

This applied psychoanalytic paper explores the phenomenon of murder‐suicide in post‐Katrina New Orleans, focusing on the case of Zack Bowen and Addie Hall. The aftermath of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina often leads to increased mental health issues, including violence and suicide. The author, who lived and practiced psychiatry in the New Orleans French Quarter (FQ), was involved in a documentary about the couple, providing a unique perspective on their tragic story. Zack Bowen, a veteran of Iraq and Kosovo with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and Addie Hall, an artist with a history of abuse, were star‐crossed lovers in the post‐apocalyptic FQ. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, with the higher socioeconomic population evacuated, the city experienced lawlessness, but also a bond between subcultural groups seeking anarchy, freedom, escapism, and avoidance of past troubles. Drawing from excerpts of the documentary and material from a book about the couple entitled Shake the Devil Off, this paper utilizes an object relational framework to understand the multidetermined causes of the murder‐suicide. It highlights how disasters can bring individuals together in desperate situations, destabilize social connections, and exacerbate avoidant defenses through increased substance abuse. Furthermore, it reveals how such traumatic events can reopen past wounds, including PTSD and experiences of abuse, creating a mental health crisis that extends far beyond the initial impact of the storm. It also underscores the significance of interpersonal containment of toxic projections in the aftermath of a disaster, particularly for individuals with intrapsychic vulnerabilities.
Harnessing Ash for Sustainable CO2Absorption: Current Strategies and Future Prospects
Authors: Wu Wen‐Ya , Zhang Mingsheng , Wang Cun , Tao Longgang , Bu Jie , Zhu Qiang
Published: April 2024

This review explores the potential of using different types of ash, namely fly ash, biomass ash, and coal ash etc., as mediums for CO2capture and sequestration. The diverse origins of these ash types – municipal waste, organic biomass, and coal combustion – impart unique physicochemical properties that influence their suitability and efficiency in CO2absorption. This review first discusses the environmental and economic implications of using ash wastes, emphasizing the reduction in landfill usage and the transformation of waste into value‐added products. Then the chemical/physical treatments of ash wastes and their inherent capabilities in binding or reacting with CO2are introduced, along with current methodologies utilize these ashes for CO2sequestration, including mineral carbonation and direct air capture techniques. The application of using ash wastes for CO2capture are highlighted, followed by the discussion regarding challenges associated with ash‐based CO2absorption approach. Finally, the article projects into the future, proposing innovative approaches and technological advancements needed to enhance the efficacy of ash in combating the increasing CO2levels. By providing a comprehensive analysis of current strategies and envisioning future prospects, this review aims to contribute to the field of sustainable CO2absorption and environmental management.
Optimal iterative feedforward parameter tuning for varying trajectory under actuator constraints
Authors: Yang Liangliang , Yu Kaixin , Zhang Hui , Lu Wenqi
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a feedforward control algorithm that combines the benefits of optimal iterative learning control (OILC) and model‐based feedforward control (MFC) using iterative feedforward tuning and input shaping filter (IFT‐ISF) for industrial motion systems. OILC effectively compensates for tracking errors in repeating tasks under actuator constraints. However, its performance deteriorates when the trajectory changes. In contrast, MFC can achieve high performance for varying trajectory tracking tasks, but its performance may degrade for constrained systems if the control force exceeds the actuator saturation boundary. The proposed algorithm aims to overcome these limitations to achieve optimal trajectory tracking performance for varying trajectories under actuator constraints. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves optimal tracking performance while complying with the actuator constraints. The algorithm provides a data‐driven approach without requiring the tedious process of model identification. By combining the benefits of OILC and IFT‐ISF, the proposed algorithm can achieve high‐performance trajectory tracking for both repeating and varying tasks under actuator constraints, making it suitable for industrial motion systems.
A fractional‐order active disturbance rejection control for permanent magnet synchronous motor position servo system
Authors: Wang Shaohua , Li Bolin , Chen Pengchong , Yu Wei , Peng Yibing , Luo Ying
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a novel control scheme for the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) position servo system using a fractional‐order active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) approach. Specifically, a first‐order ADRC is employed in the current loop, while a fractional‐order ADRC is designed for the position loop. In the latter, a linear extended state observer (LESO) is utilized to estimate and compensate for disturbances, while a fractional‐order proportional derivative (FO[PD]) feedback controller is employed to enhance the control performance. Moreover, a parameter tuning method is presented based on frequency domain specifications. This technique utilizes the flat phase constraint as a design constraint to ensure that the phase is flat near the gain crossover frequency, thus ensuring that the closed‐loop system remains robust to loop gain variations. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed fractional‐order ADRC control scheme yields improved dynamic response, disturbance rejection, and robustness to loop gain variations.
Predictive processing of music and language in autism: Evidence from Mandarin and English speakers
Authors: Zhao Chen , Ong Jia Hoong , Veic Anamarija , Patel Aniruddh D. , Jiang Cunmei , Fogel Allison R. , Wang Li , Hou Qingqi , Das Dipsikha , Crasto Cara , Chakrabarti Bhismadev , Williams Tim I. , Loutrari Ariadne , Liu Fang
Published: April 2024

Atypical predictive processing has been associated with autism across multiple domains, based mainly on artificial antecedents and consequents. As structured sequences where expectations derive from implicit learning of combinatorial principles, language and music provide naturalistic stimuli for investigating predictive processing. In this study, we matched melodic and sentence stimuli in cloze probabilities and examined musical and linguistic prediction in Mandarin‐ (Experiment 1) and English‐speaking (Experiment 2) autistic and non‐autistic individuals using both production and perception tasks. In the production tasks, participants listened to unfinished melodies/sentences and then produced the final notes/words to complete these items. In the perception tasks, participants provided expectedness ratings of the completed melodies/sentences based on the most frequent notes/words in the norms. While Experiment 1 showed intact musical prediction but atypical linguistic prediction in autism in the Mandarin sample that demonstrated imbalanced musical training experience and receptive vocabulary skills between groups, the group difference disappeared in a more closely matched sample of English speakers in Experiment 2. These findings suggest the importance of taking an individual differences approach when investigating predictive processing in music and language in autism, as the difficulty in prediction in autism may not be due to generalized problems with prediction in any type of complex sequence processing.
Accelerated generation of gene‐engineered monoclonal CHO cell lines using FluidFM nanoinjection and CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Antony Justin S. , Herranz Anabel Migenda , Mohammadian Gol Tahereh , Mailand Susanne , Monnier Paul , Rottenberger Jennifer , Roig‐Merino Alicia , Keller Bettina , Gowin Claudia , Milla Maria , Beyer Tobias A. , Mezger Markus
Published: April 2024

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are the commonly used mammalian host system to manufacture recombinant proteins including monoclonal antibodies. However unfavorable non‐human glycoprofile displayed on CHO‐produced monoclonal antibodies have negative impacts on product quality, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic efficiency. Glycoengineering such as genetic elimination of genes involved in glycosylation pathway in CHO cells is a viable solution but constrained due to longer timeline and laborious workflow. Here, in this proof‐of‐concept (PoC) study, we present a novel approach coined CellEDIT to engineer CHO cells by intranuclear delivery of the CRISPR components to single cells using the FluidFM technology. Co‐injection of CRISPR system targeting BAX, DHFR, and FUT8 directly into the nucleus of single cells, enabled us to generate triple knockout CHO‐K1 cell lines within a short time frame. The proposed technique assures the origin of monoclonality without the requirement of limiting dilution, cell sorting or positive selection. Furthermore, the approach is compatible to develop both single and multiple knockout clones (FUT8, BAX, and DHFR) in CHO cells. Further analyses on single and multiple knockout clones confirmed the targeted genetic disruption and altered protein expression. The knockout CHO‐K1 clones showed the persistence of gene editing during the subsequent passages, compatible with serum free chemically defined media and showed equivalent transgene expression like parental clone.
Overexpression of YTHDF3 increases the specific productivity of the recombinant protein in CHO cells by promoting the translation process
Authors: Cui Zhao‐ming , Feng Ying‐ying , Gao Yan‐ping , Wang Hai‐tong , Lu Jiang‐tao , Guo Jia‐liang , Xu Hong‐yan , Qiu Le‐le , Wang Tian‐yun , Jia Yan‐long
Published: April 2024

Due to their high‐quality characteristics, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have become the most widely used and reliable host cells for the production of recombinant therapeutic proteins in the biomedical field. Previous studies have shown that the m6A reader YTHDF3, which contains the YTH domain, can affect a variety of biological processes by regulating the translation and stability of target mRNAs. This study investigates the effect of YTHDF3 on transgenic CHO cells. The results indicate that stable overexpression of YTHDF3 significantly enhances recombinant protein expression without affecting host cell growth. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that several genes, including translation initiation factor, translation extension factor, and ribosome assembly factor, were upregulated in CHO cells overexpressing YTHDF3. In addition, cycloheximide experiments confirmed that YTHDF3 enhanced transgene expression by promoting translation in CHO cells. In conclusion, the findings in this study provide a novel approach for mammalian cell engineering to increase protein productivity by regulating m6A.
Survival trends for left and right sided colon cancer using population‐based SEER database: A forty‐five‐year analysis from 1975 to 2019
Authors: Ulanja Mark B. , Asafo‐Agyei Kwabena Oppong , Neelam Vijay , Beutler Bryce D. , Antwi‐Amoabeng Daniel , Governor Samuel B. , Rahman Ganiyu A. , Djankpa Francis T. , Ulanja Reginald N. , Nteim Grace B. , Mabrouk Tarig , Amankwah Millicent , Alese Olatunji B.
Published: April 2024

Background

Survival differences between left‐sided colon cancer (LSCC) and right‐sided colon cancer (RSCC) has been previously reported with mixed results, with various study periods not accounting for other causes of mortality.

Purpose

We sought to assess the trends in colon cancer cause‐ specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) based on sidedness.

Method

Fine‐Gray competing risk and Cox models were used to analyze Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population‐based cohort from 1975 to 2019. Various interval periods were identified based on the timeline of clinical adoption of modern chemotherapy (1975–1989, interval period A; 1990–2004, B; and 2005–2019, C).

Results

Of the 227,637 patients, 50.1% were female and 46.2% were RSCC. RSCC was more common for African Americans (51.5%), older patients (age ≥65; 51.4%), females (50.4%), while LSCC was more common among Whites (53.1%; p < 0.001), younger patients (age 18–49, 64.6%; 50–64, 62.3%; p < 0.001), males (58.1%; p < 0.001). The Median CSS for LSCC and RCC were 19.3 and 16.7 years respectively for interval period A (1975–1989). Median CSS for interval periods B and C were not reached (more than half of the cohort was still living at the end of the follow‐up period). Adjusted CSS was superior for LSCC versus RSCC for the most recent interval period C (HR 0.89; 0.86–0.92; p < 0.001). LSCC consistently showed superior OS for all study periods. Stage stratification showed worse CSS for localized and regional LSCC in the earlier study periods, but the risk attenuated over time. However, left sided distant disease had superior CSS per stage for all interval periods. OS was better for LSCC irrespective of stage, with gradual improvement over time.

Conclusion

LSCC was associated with superior survival compared to right sided tumors. With the adoption of modern chemotherapy regimens, prognosis between LSCC and RSCC became more divergent in favor of LSCC. Colon cancer clinical trials should strongly consider tumor sidedness as an enrollment factor.
Hemodynamics of low‐pressure cardiac tamponade: An illustrative case report
Authors: Thach Rasmey , Blank Robert , Lin Charles
Published: April 2024

A 55‐year‐old male with acute pericarditis presented with low‐pressure cardiac tamponade (LPCT) unresponsive to volume infusion. Subsequent pericardiocentesis resulted in hemodynamic improvement and unmasking of pericardial constriction. This case provides illustrative hemodynamic tracings of LPCT. Additionally, the presence of concurrent pericardial constriction that may indicate a plausible underlying mechanism for the blunted responsiveness to fluid expansion in LPCT. The underlying physiologic processes and the associated hemodynamic tracings are discussed.
Parosteal lipoma of the left femur: A case report
Authors: Waters James P. , Horenstein Sydney , Egger Austin , Johnsen Parker , Kim Tae Won
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Multidisciplinary team collaboration in the diagnosis of rare tumors such as parosteal lipoma is highly important, especially when suspicious of malignancy. The use of radiological and physical examinations is imperative to monitor recurrence and quality of life.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Safety Assessment of 1st‐ and 2nd‐Generation Zinpentraxin Alfa Drug Products in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Mai Tu H. , Yadav Rajbharan , Arjomandi Audrey , Jung Christine , Meier Monika M. , Donaldson Francis , Zhao Rui , Ding Han‐Ting , Hsu Joy C. , Kamath Nikhil , Pan Lin
Published: April 2024

Zinpentraxin alfa is a recombinant form of the human pentraxin‐2 that was studied in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To improve the purity and yield of the drug material, a 2nd‐generation drug product was developed. To characterize and compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of the 1st‐ and 2nd‐generation zinpentraxin alfa, PK studies were conducted in healthy volunteers (HVs). In a phase 1 randomized, double‐blind, 2‐sequence crossover, sequential 2‐stage study (ISRCTN59409907), single intravenous (IV) doses of 1st‐ and 2nd‐generation zinpentraxin alfa at 10 mg/kg were studied with a blinded interim analysis (IA) at the end of stage 1. Bioequivalence (BE) was achieved for the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax), but the overall exposure was higher for the 2nd‐ compared to the 1st‐generation zinpentraxin alfa. The study was stopped after stage 1 as the gating criteria were met based on the result of the blinded IA. Safety profiles were similar for the 1st‐ and 2nd‐generation drug products, and antidrug antibody (ADA) was not observed in this study.
OMIP‐104: A 30‐color spectral flow cytometry panel for comprehensive analysis of immune cell composition and macrophage subsets in mouse metabolic organs
Authors: Lambooij Joost M. , Tak Tamar , Zaldumbide Arnaud , Guigas Bruno
Published: April 2024

Obesity‐induced chronic low‐grade inflammation, also known as metaflammation, results from alterations of the immune response in metabolic organs and contributes to the development of fatty liver diseases and type 2 diabetes. The diversity of tissue‐resident leukocytes involved in these metabolic dysfunctions warrants an in‐depth immunophenotyping in order to elucidate disease etiology. Here, we present a 30‐color, full spectrum flow cytometry panel, designed to (i) identify the major innate and adaptive immune cell subsets in murine liver and white adipose tissues and (ii) discriminate various tissue‐specific myeloid subsets known to contribute to the development of metabolic dysfunctions. This panel notably allows for distinguishing embryonically‐derived liver‐resident Kupffer cells from newly recruited monocyte‐derived macrophages and KCs. Furthermore, several adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) subsets, including perivascular macrophages, lipid‐associated macrophages, and pro‐inflammatory CD11c+ ATMs, can also be identified. Finally, the panel includes cell‐surface markers that have been associated with metabolic activation of different macrophage and dendritic cell subsets. Altogether, our spectral flow cytometry panel allows for an extensive immunophenotyping of murine metabolic tissues, with a particular focus on metabolically‐relevant myeloid cell subsets, and can easily be adjusted to include various new markers if needed.
Deposition of shear‐thinning viscoelastic fluids by an elongated bubble in a circular channel regarding the weakly elastic regime
Authors: Chun SungGyu , Yang Zhengyu , Feng Jie
Published: April 2024

Thin‐film deposition of fluids is ubiquitous in a wide range of engineering and biological applications, such as surface coating, polymer processing, and biomedical device fabrication. While the thin viscous film deposition in Newtonian fluids has been extensively investigated, the deposition dynamics in frequently encountered non‐Newtonian complex fluids remain elusive, with respect to predictive scaling laws for the film thickness. Here, we investigate the deposition of thin films of shear‐thinning viscoelastic fluids by the motion of a long bubble translating in a circular capillary tube. Considering the weakly elastic regime with a shear‐thinning viscosity, we provide a quantitative measurement of the film thickness with systematic experiments. We further harness the recently developed hydrodynamic lubrication theory to quantitatively rationalize our experimental observations considering the effective capillary number and the effective Weissenberg number , which describe the shear‐thinning and the viscoelastic effects on the film formation, respectively. The obtained scaling law agrees reasonably well with the experimentally measured film thickness for all test fluids. Our work may potentially advance the fundamental understanding of the thin‐film deposition in a confined geometry and provide valuable engineering guidance for processes that incorporate thin‐film flows and non‐Newtonian fluids.