bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Tumor Calcification‐Guided Early Diagnosis and Eradication of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Bai Shuang , Chen Hu , Fu Shiying , Liu Chao , Gao Xing , Li Shuo , Chen Yulun , Lan Yulu , Xia Yutian , Dai Qixuan , He Pan , Zhang Yang , Zhao Qingliang , Mao Jingsong , Lu Zhixiang , Liu Gang
Published: January 2024

Tumor calcification is found to be associated with the benign prognostic, and which shows considerable promise as a somewhat predictive index of the tumor response clinically. However, calcification is still a missing area in clinical cancer treatment. A specific strategy is proposed for inducing tumor calcification through the synergy of calcium peroxide (CaO2)‐based microspheres and transcatheter arterial embolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistent calcium stress in situ specifically leads to powerful tumor calcioptosis, resulting in diffuse calcification and a high‐density shadow on computed tomography that enables clear localization of the in vivo tumor site and partial delineation of tumor margins in an orthotopic HCC rabbit model. This osmotic calcification can facilitate tumor clinical diagnosis, which is of great significance in differentiating tumor response during early follow‐up periods. Proteome and phosphoproteome analysis identify that calreticulin (CALR) is a crucial target protein involved in tumor calcioptosis. Further fluorescence molecular imaging analysis also indicates that CALR can be used as a prodromal marker of calcification to predict tumor response at an earlier stage in different preclinical rodent models. These findings suggest that upregulated CALR in association with tumor calcification, which may be broadly useful for quick visualization of tumor response.
Assessment of Critical Stack Pressure and Temperature in Li‐Garnet Batteries
Authors: Klimpel Matthias , Zhang Huanyu , Paggiaro Giulia , Dubey Romain , Okur Faruk , Jeurgens Lars P.H. , Kravchyk Kostiantyn V. , Kovalenko Maksym V.
Published: January 2024

Stack pressure and temperature serve as effective means to induce deformation of the lithium metal anode toward the Li/solid‐state‐electrolyte interface, thereby mitigating the well‐known issue of void formation during high‐current‐density stripping. In this study, a compelling methodology is systematically assessed for determining the critical stack pressure and temperature of Li metal anode in conjunction with Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) solid‐state electrolyte, which is the minimum set of values required to maintain conformal contact between Li and LLZO at a given current density. The methodology is based on the analysis of the second derivatives of the voltage profiles of identical Li/LLZO/Li symmetric cells measured during one half‐cycle (3 mAh cm‐2) at the same current density but different stack pressures. The effectiveness of the presented approach in assessing conditions for mitigating void formation during Li stripping is evaluated through cycle stability tests performed on Li/LLZO/Li symmetric cells.
Toward Printing the Brain: A Microstructural Ground Truth Phantom for MRI
Authors: Woletz Michael , Chalupa‐Gantner Franziska , Hager Benedikt , Ricke Alexander , Mohammadi Siawoosh , Binder Stefan , Baudis Stefan , Ovsianikov Aleksandr , Windischberger Christian , Nagy Zoltan
Published: January 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the prime imaging technique for in vivo examination of the brain. In addition to anatomical and functional MRI, diffusion MRI (dMRI) is widely used in both clinics and research to assess tissue structure and fiber directions, particularly in the nervous system. While diffusion tensor imaging is the most widespread approach for assessing orientation measures, other, more sophisticated models have also been proposed. Validation of dMRI is, however, a challenging endeavor that requires specialized test samples. Here it is shown that two‐photon polymerization (2PP) 3D printing allows for manufacturing such test objects, a.k.a. phantoms. After upscaling the 2PP fabrication process, 3D structures at high spatial resolution and sufficient size to image in a human 7T MRI scanner are created. These phantoms reliably mimic human white matter and thus enable the systematic validation and verification of dMRI data and their analyses. The 3D‐printed structures include up to 51 000 microchannels that mimic the diffusion behavior of larger axons, with a cross‐section of 12 × 12 µm2 each, in parallel and crossing arrangements. The acquired dMRI data demonstrates and verifies the utility of these novel brain phantoms.
In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Observation of Electrochemical Process Between Li–C Nanocomposites and Multilayer Graphene
Authors: Lin Wei Ming , Suresh Giri , Gupta Vikaskumar Pradeepkumar , Tomida Shota , Oyama Kento , Yaakob Yazid , Asaka Toru , Sonoyama Noriyuki , Yusop Mohd Zamri Mohd , Tanemura Masaki
Published: January 2024

Portable power supplies, particularly lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), will play a key role in achieving sustainable development goals, and electrode active materials for the next generation of LIBs with higher energy density and longer life time is highly demanded. For this, in situ visualization of Li behavior during the charge/discharge process is essential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) will be promising for this purpose. Here, a quite simple experimental setup consisting of a newly developed Li–C nanocomposite film sputter‐deposited onto Au nanoprotrusions at room temperature and graphene synthesized on a W probe at 500 °C for the in situ TEM observation of the battery reaction is proposed. The preservation of the metallic Li in the Li–C film that is transferred to TEM without using any transfer vessels under atmospheric conditions is confirmed by high resolution TEM before the in situ electrochemical process in TEM. After the one cycle of the in situ electrochemical process, the intercalation of Li ions into graphene (lithiation) is clearly observed. Thus, it is concluded that the metallic Li stored in the Li–C film works well as the anode active material in the electrochemical process for solid state LIBs, implying the developed in situ experimental system is promising.
Piezoelectric Nanocomposite‐Based Multifunctional Wearable Bioelectronics for Mental Stress Analysis Utilizing Physiological Signals
Authors: Kim Mookyum , Joe Daniel J. , Doh Il , Cho Young‐Ho
Published: January 2024

This study multifunctional wearable bioelectronics (MWBs) integrated with a piezoelectric sensor and a micropatterned temperature sensor for accurate detection of human physiological signals. Piezoelectric nanocomposite uniformity, stretchability, and adhesion is improved through the functionalization of nanoparticles with glycidyl silane and nonionic surfactants dispersion in the organic polymer matrix. Additionally, crack‐free nanometal layers are deposited on the nanocomposite interface with high adhesion by thiol silane functionalization and oxygen plasma treatment. The MWBs exhibit a temperature sensitivity of 7.1 Ω °C−1 (R2 of 0.999) between 30 °C to 40 °C, a pressure sensitivity of 72 mV kPa−1 (R2 of 0.998) within 0.5 kPa to 10 kPa, and a stable mechanical durability. MWBs have demonstrated to detect subtle pulse waveforms at an arm‐mimicking phantom and human skin, respectively. Furthermore, MWBs are applied to analyze physiological signal characteristics caused by human stress, demonstrating its potential for use in healthcare electronics in various medical applications.
An Enzyme‐Encapsulated Metal‐Organic Frameworks Nanomesh Biosensor for Salivary Glucose Detection
Authors: Wang Muxue , Wang Han , Cheng Jing
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus has become a serious public health problem worldwide. Current home‐based glucose testing, including fingerstick blood testing and continuous glucose monitoring, suffers from low compliance and potential infection. Non‐invasive glucose detection, with the advantages of pain‐free, easy‐to‐operate, and low‐cost, is expected to significantly improve the experience of glucose testing at home for diabetic patients. Here, an enzymatic biosensing platform with high sensitivity and high stability is developed based on a conductive nanomesh composed of interconnected metal‐organic frameworks (MOF). The as‐prepared enzyme‐encapsulated MOF nanomesh exhibits uniform morphology, regular structure, superior catalytic performance, and outstanding electrical conductivity. The glucose sensor modified by enzyme‐encapsulated MOF nanomesh demonstrates a considerably high sensitivity of 86.86 µA mm−1 cm−2 with a limit of detection of 16.57 µm, and remains stable for 16 days of usage. Detection of real saliva samples matches well with the commercial salivary glucose assay kit with an accuracy >93%, and a high correlation with blood glucose with Pearson's r > 0.7. Therefore, the presented enzyme‐encapsulated MOF nanomesh biosensor holds great potential in salivary glucose testing and provides a novel strategy for noan‐invasive glucose detection.
AAV‐Mediated Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Patients with DFNB9 Deafness
Authors: Qi Jieyu , Tan Fangzhi , Zhang Liyan , Lu Ling , Zhang Shanzhong , Zhai Yabo , Lu Yicheng , Qian Xiaoyun , Dong WenXiu , Zhou Yinyi , Zhang Ziyu , Yang Xuehan , Jiang Lulu , Yu Chaorong , Liu Jiancheng , Chen Tian , Wu Lianqiu , Tan Chang , Sun Sijie , Song Huaien , Shu Yilai , Xu Lei , Gao Xia , Li Huawei , Chai Renjie
Published: January 2024

Mutations in OTOFERLIN (OTOF) lead to the autosomal recessive deafness 9 (DFNB9). The efficacy of adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated OTOF gene replacement therapy is extensively validated in Otof‐deficient mice. However, the clinical safety and efficacy of AAV‐OTOF is not reported. Here, AAV‐OTOF is generated using good manufacturing practice and validated its efficacy and safety in mouse and non‐human primates in order to determine the optimal injection dose, volume, and administration route for clinical trials. Subsequently, AAV‐OTOF is delivered into one cochlea of a 5‐year‐old deaf patient and into the bilateral cochleae of an 8‐year‐old deaf patient with OTOF mutations. Obvious hearing improvement is detected by the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and the pure‐tone audiometry (PTA) in these two patients. Hearing in the injected ear of the 5‐year‐old patient can be restored to the normal range at 1 month after AAV‐OTOF injection, while the 8‐year‐old patient can hear the conversational sounds. Most importantly, the 5‐year‐old patient can hear and recognize speech only through the AAV‐OTOF‐injected ear. This study is the first to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of AAV‐OTOF in patients, expands and optimizes current OTOF‐related gene therapy and provides valuable information for further application of gene therapies for deafness.
In Situ Probing the Crystallization Kinetics in Gas‐Quenching‐Assisted Coating of Perovskite Films
Authors: Qiu Shudi , Majewski Martin , Dong Lirong , Jang Dongju , Corre Vincent M. Le , Cerrillo José Garcia , Ronsin Olivier J. J. , Yang Fu , Guo Fei , Zhang Kaicheng , Lüer Larry , Harting Jens , Du Tian , Brabec Christoph J. , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim
Published: January 2024

The pursuit of commercializing perovskite photovoltaics is driving the development of various scalable perovskite crystallization techniques. Among them, gas quenching is a promising crystallization approach for high‐throughput deposition of perovskite films. However, the perovskite films prepared by gas‐quenching assisted blade coating are susceptible to the formation of pinholes and frequently show inferior crystallinity if the interplay between film coating, film drying, and crystallization kinetics is not fully optimized. That arguably requires a thorough understanding of how single processing steps influence the crystallization kinetics of printed perovskite films. Here, in situ optical spectroscopies are integrated into a doctor‐blading setup that allows to real‐time monitor film formation during the gas‐quenching process. It is found that the essential role of gas quenching treatment is in achieving a smooth and compact perovskite film by controlling the nucleation rate. Moreover, with the assistance of phase‐field simulations, the role of excessive methylammonium iodide is revealed to increase grain size by accelerating the crystal growth rate. These results show a tailored control of crystal growth rate is critical to achieving optimal film quality, leading to fully printed solar cells with a champion power conversion efficiency of 19.50% and mini solar modules with 15.28% efficiency are achieved.
Soil texture and organic matter prediction using Mehlich‐3 extractable nutrients
Authors: Drescher Gerson L. , Slaton Nathan A. , Roberts Trenton L. , Smartt Alden D.
Published: January 2024

Soil organic matter (SOM) and texture are key properties influencing soil nutrient and water dynamics but are time‐consuming procedures for analytical laboratories. Our objective was to evaluate SOM and soil texture predictions using Mehlich‐3 nutrients and pH in Arkansas soils. Particle size was determined by the hydrometer method (2‐ and 8‐h readings) and SOM by loss on ignition. Two datasets were used to calibrate clay and sand (n = 409) and SOM (n = 1019) prediction models using simple and multiple regression. Estimated cation exchange capacity was highly correlated with clay, resulting in significant prediction models alone or combined with phosphorus (P); pH and copper (Cu); or pH, sodium (Na), and Cu (R2 = 0.84, 0.88, 0.89, and 0.90; p < 0.0001, respectively). Soil nutrients were weakly correlated with sand, resulting in a prediction model with moderate accuracy when using Mehlich‐3 P, calcium (Ca), Na, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) (R2 = 0.49; p < 0.0001). Clay and sand prediction models presented comparable accuracy when validated on a new dataset (n = 103). Predicted sand and clay showed good accuracy in grouping soils into medium (65%) and fine (96%) textural categories but had limited ability to define the coarse‐textural group (9%). SOM had moderate goodness‐of‐fit statistics for calibration and validation datasets using pH, P, Ca, Na, Mn, and zinc (R2 = 0.65 and 0.70, respectively; p < 0.0001). Mehlich‐3 nutrients can be used to estimate soil texture and assist with crop management decisions, but further research is needed to improve SOM prediction.
The first Turkish family with a novel biallelic missense variant of the ALKBH8 gene: A study on the clinical and variant spectrum of ALKBH8‐related intellectual developmental disorders
Authors: Yılmaz Mustafa , Kamaşak Tülay , Teralı Kerem , Çebi Alper Han , Türkyılmaz Ayberk
Published: January 2024

ABH8, the protein encoded by the ALKBH8 gene, modifies tRNAs by methylating their anticodon wobble uridine residues. The variations in the ALKBH8 gene are associated with the “intellectual developmental disorder, autosomal recessive type 71” (MIM: 618504) phenotype in the OMIM database. This phenotype is characterized by global developmental delay, facial dysmorphic features, and psychiatric problems. To date, 12 patients from five distinct families carrying variants of the ALKBH8 gene have been reported in the literature. In the present study, we report the first Turkish family harboring a novel homozygous missense variant, NM_138775.3:c.1874G > C (p.Arg625Pro), in the last exon of the ALKBH8 gene. Two affected siblings in this family showed signs of global developmental delay and intellectual disability. Based on the dysmorphological assessment of the cases, fifth finger clinodactyly and fetal fingertip pads were prominent, in addition to the dysmorphic findings similar to those reported in previous studies. Minor dysmorphic limb anomalies in relation to this phenotype have not yet been previously reported in the literature. Our computational studies revealed the potential deleterious effects of the Arg‐to‐Pro substitution on the structure and stability of the ABH8 methyltransferase domain. In the present report, the first Turkish family with an ultrarare disease associated with the ALKBH8 gene was reported, and a novel deleterious variant in the ALKBH8 gene and additional clinical features that were not reported with this condition have been reported.
Synthesis of 2‐(β‐Trifluoromethyl‐β‐arylethylthio)pyridine through DBU‐Mediated Regioselective Addition of Pyridine‐2(1H)‐thione Onto α‐(Trifluoromethyl)styrenes
Authors: Zheng Pai , Deng Yupian , He Jingjing , Sun Zhudi , Liu Ying , Fan Xutong , Cao Song
Published: January 2024

An efficient and practical method for the synthesis of (β‐trifluoromethyl‐β‐aryl)ethyl 2‐pyridyl thioethers via hydrothiolation of α‐(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with pyridine‐2(1H)‐thione was reported. The reaction proceeded smoothly and regioselectively in an anti‐Markovnikov manner with the assistance of DBU and afforded a variety of trifluoromethyl‐containing 2‐pyridyl thioethers in moderate to good yields.
Intramolecular Carboamination of Aminodienes to N‐Heterocycles via C−N Bond Activation
Authors: Yan Xuyang , Yu Bangkui , Liu Hongchi , Huang Hanmin
Published: January 2024

The catalytic transformation of ubiquitous but inert C−N bonds is highly appealing in synthetic chemistry, but the efficient cleaving inert C−N bond and simultaneous incorporation of both the cleaved C‐moiety and N‐moiety into the desired products has been a long‐standing formidable challenge so far. Here, we developed a radical‐addition triggered cyclization and C−N bond cleavage process enabled by the unique I2/Ni or benzyl halide/Ni‐catalytic system, allowing the formal insertion of diene into the inert C−N bond. This reaction features high atom economy and enables an expedient annulative carboamination of aminodienes to diverse pyrrolidines, piperidines, and tetrahydroisoquinolines. Mechanistic studies have revealed that the reaction is initiated via the generation of a benzyl radical and the formation of quaternary ammonium salt is key for the C−N bond cleavage.
Stabilizing *CO2 Intermediates at the Acidic Interface using Molecularly Dispersed Cobalt Phthalocyanine as Catalysts for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Feng Shijia , Wang Xiaojun , Cheng Dongfang , Luo Yao , Shen Mengxin , Wang Jingyang , Zhao Wei , Fang Susu , Zheng Hongzhi , Ji Liyao , Zhang Xing , Xu Weigao , Liang Yongye , Sautet Philippe , Zhu Jia
Published: January 2024

CO2 electroreduction (CO2R) operating in acidic media circumvents the problems of carbonate formation and CO2 crossover in neutral/alkaline electrolyzers. Alkali cations have been universally recognized as indispensable components for acidic CO2R, while they cause the inevitable issue of salt precipitation. It is therefore desirable to realize alkali‐cation‐free CO2R in pure acid. However, without alkali cations, stabilizing *CO2 intermediates by catalyst itself at the acidic interface poses as a challenge. Herein, we first demonstrate that a carbon nanotube‐supported molecularly dispersed cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc@CNT) catalyst provides the Co single‐atom active site with energetically localized d states to strengthen the adsorbate‐surface interactions, which stabilizes *CO2 intermediates at the acidic interface (pH=1). As a result, we realize CO2 conversion to CO in pure acid with a faradaic efficiency of 60 % at pH=2 in flow cell. Furthermore, CO2 is successfully converted in cation exchanged membrane‐based electrode assembly with a faradaic efficiency of 73 %. For CoPc@CNT, acidic conditions also promote the intrinsic activity of CO2R compared to alkaline conditions, since the potential‐limiting step, *CO2 to *COOH, is pH‐dependent. This work provides a new understanding for the stabilization of reaction intermediates and facilitates the designs of catalysts and devices for acidic CO2R.
Competitive Coordination Structure Regulation in Deep Eutectic Electrolyte for Stable Zinc Batteries
Authors: Deng Wenjing , Deng Zhiping , Chen Yimei , Feng Renfei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: January 2024

Rechargeable zinc‐based batteries are finding their niche in energy storage applications where cost, safety, scalability matter, yet they are plagued by rapid performance degradation due to the lack of suitable electrolytes to stabilize Zn anode. Herein, we report a competitive coordination structure to form unique quaternary hydrated eutectic electrolyte with ligand‐cation‐anion cluster. Unraveled by experiment and calculation results, the competing component can enter initial primary coordination shell of Zn2+ ion, partially substituting Lewis basic eutectic ligands and reinforcing cation‐anion interaction. The hydration‐deficient complexes induced between competing eutectic as hydrogen bond donor‐accepter and water also broaden the electrochemical window and confine free water activity. The altered coordination further leads to robust hybrid organic‐inorganic enriched solid electrolyte interphase, enabling passivated surface and suppressed dendrite growth. Noticeably, stable Zn plating/stripping for 8000 cycles with high Coulombic efficiencies of 99.6 % and long cycling life of 10000 cycles for Zn‐organic batteries are obtained. Even under harsh conditions (small N/P ratio, low temperature), the profits brought by the competitive eutectic electrolyte are still very prominent. This design principle leveraged by eutectic electrolytes with competitive coordination offers a new approach to improve battery performance.
Influence of ionomer concentration and membrane thickness on membrane electrode assembly in alkaline fuel cell performance
Authors: Saidin Nur Ubaidah , Jehan Omar Syah , Leong Kok Seng , Choo Thye Foo , Wong Wai Yin , Loh Kee Shyuan , Yunus Rozan Mohamad
Published: January 2024

The alkaline fuel cell is subject to extensive research owing to its fast kinetic response relative to acidic media. However, the efficiency of the catalytic layer at the electrodes depends on the amount and distribution of ionomers present there. It is crucial to have the right ionomer concentration to have the best cell performance. Additionally, the membrane thickness is a significant parameter that affects the system performance in alkaline fuel cells. This research studies the best alkaline fuel cell performance using the membrane electrode assembly preparation parameters. The prepared membrane electrode assembly consists of catalyst layers containing Fumion, a commercial anion exchange ionomer, as a binding agent, sandwiched a Fumasep, a well‐known commercial anion exchange membrane. This work elucidates the single‐cell alkaline fuel cell performance by quantifying the influence of Fumion concentrations (~20–60 wt.%) within the catalytic layer and Fumasep thicknesses (30, 75 and 130 μm). The best concentration of Fumion was found to be 50 wt.%, culminating in the maximum peak power density of 67 mW cm−2 achieved by the FAA‐3‐PK‐75. Meanwhile, FAA‐3‐PK‐130 exhibited the highest open‐circuit potential with lowest power density at 53 mW cm−2. These findings may serve as a valuable guide for membrane electrode assembly preparation in alkaline fuel cells.
Socio‐technical issues in the platform‐mediated gig economy: A systematic literature review: An Annual Review of Information Science and Technology (ARIST) paper
Authors: Dedema Meredith , Rosenbaum Howard
Published: January 2024

The gig economy and gig work have grown quickly in recent years and have drawn much attention from researchers in different fields. Because the platform mediated gig economy is a relatively new phenomenon, studies have produced a range of interesting findings; of interest here are the socio‐technical issues that this work has surfaced. This systematic literature review (SLR) provides a snapshot of a range of socio‐technical issues raised in the last 12 years of literature focused on the platform mediated gig economy. Based on a sample of 515 papers gathered from nine databases in multiple disciplines, 132 were coded that specifically studied the gig economy, gig work, and gig workers. Three main socio‐technical themes were identified: (1) the digital workplace, which includes information infrastructure and digital labor that are related to the nature of gig work and the user agency; (2) algorithmic management, which includes platform governance, performance management, information asymmetry, power asymmetry, and system manipulation, relying on a diverse set of technological tools including algorithms and big data analytics; (3) ethical design, as a relevant value set that gig workers expect from the platform, which includes trust, fairness, equality, privacy, and transparency. A social informatics perspective is used to rethink the relationship between gig workers and platforms, extract the socio‐technical issues noted in prior research, and discuss the underexplored aspects of the platform mediated gig economy. The results draw attention to understudied yet critically important socio‐technical issues in the gig economy that suggest short‐ and long‐term opportunities for future research directions.
Australian senior‐secondary teachers’ perceptions of leadership and policy for differentiated instruction
Authors: Porta Tom , Todd Nicole , Gaunt Lorraine
Published: January 2024

Differentiated instruction (DI) is an educational praxis that is built on the premise that all students can be engaged in learning and achieve positive academic outcomes. Previous research in secondary schools has shown promise in the success of DI practices and outlines the importance of sustained professional development (PD) for teachers. There is, however, little research on DI within senior‐secondary classrooms in the Australian context. This research is part of a larger study which recruited 12 participants from three schools across two states in Australia, and aimed to investigate teachers’ perceptions of school leadership and support in implementing DI in their classrooms as well as awareness of relevant policies. Findings indicated that when teachers were aware of policies involving DI, they tended to describe policies relating to special education. This suggests that DI is viewed by these teachers as an approach for students with additional needs rather than seen as a whole class philosophy. Similarly, the results indicated that when teachers said that leadership supported them in using DI, this support was commonly reported as isolated professional development in supporting students with additional needs. Discrepancies around awareness of DI policies were also found between teachers at the same school, with those in leadership roles indicating that requirements to utilise DI were embedded in their general teaching and learning policy. Implications for future practice and policy are discussed.
Factors influencing receipt and time to treatment of immunotherapy relative to chemotherapy in stage III and stage IV melanoma
Authors: Dhaliwal Gurman S. , Shahin Ahmad B. , Lim Elisabeth S. , Mi Lanyu , Mangold Aaron R. , Swanson David L. , Costello Collin M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Immunotherapies have changed the landscape of late‐stage melanoma; however, data evaluating timely access to immunotherapy are lacking.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Cancer Database was conducted. Stage III and IV melanoma cases diagnosed between 2011 and 2018 that received systemic treatment with either immunotherapy or chemotherapy were included. Chemotherapy included BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Multivariable logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate factors associated with the likelihood of receiving immunotherapy as primary systemic treatment relative to chemotherapy; additionally, Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to incorporate time from diagnosis to primary systemic therapy into the analysis.

Results

The study population was comprised of 14,446 cases. The cohort included 12,053 (83.4%) immunotherapy and 2393 (16.6%) chemotherapy cases. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with immunotherapy receipt included population density, circle distance, year of diagnosis, Breslow thickness, and cancer stage. Immunotherapy timing was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Minorities were less likely to receive timely immunotherapy than non‐Hispanic Whites (HR 0.83, CI 0.74–0.93, p = 0.001). Patients at circle distances of 10–49 miles (HR 0.94, CI 0.89–0.99, p = 0.02) and ≥50 miles (HR 0.83, CI 0.77–0.90, p < 0.001) were less likely to receive timely immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Patients traveling ≥10 miles and minorities have a decreased likelihood of receiving timely immunotherapy administration for primary systemic treatment. Future research is needed to identify what barriers and approaches can be leveraged to address these inequities.
Uncovering potential diagnostic and pathophysiological roles of α‐synuclein and DJ‐1 in melanoma
Authors: Quesnel Agathe , Martin Leya Danielle , Tarzi Chaimaa , Lenis Vasileios P. , Coles Nathan , Islam Meez , Angione Claudio , Outeiro Tiago F. , Khundakar Ahmad A. , Filippou Panagiota S.
Published: January 2024

Background

Melanoma, the most lethal skin cancer type, occurs more frequently in Parkinson's disease (PD), and PD is more frequent in melanoma patients, suggesting disease mechanisms overlap. α‐synuclein, a protein that accumulates in PD brain, and the oncogene DJ‐1, which is associated with PD autosomal recessive forms, are both elevated in melanoma cells. Whether this indicates melanoma progression or constitutes a protective response remains unclear. We hereby investigated the molecular mechanisms through which α‐synuclein and DJ‐1 interact, suggesting novel biomarkers and targets in melanoma.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) expression profiles derived from UCSC Xena were used to obtain α‐synuclein and DJ‐1 expression and correlated with survival in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). Immunohistochemistry determined the expression in metastatic melanoma lymph nodes. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) and molecular docking assessed protein binding and affinity with chemotherapeutic drugs. Further validation was performed using in vitro cellular models and ELISA immunoassays.

Results

α‐synuclein and DJ‐1 were upregulated in primary and metastatic SKCM. Aggregated α‐synuclein was selectively detected in metastatic melanoma lymph nodes. α‐synuclein overexpression in SK‐MEL‐28 cells induced the expression of DJ‐1, supporting PPI and a positive correlation in melanoma patients. Molecular docking revealed a stable protein complex, with differential binding to chemotherapy drugs such as temozolomide, dacarbazine, and doxorubicin. Parallel reduction of both proteins in temozolomide‐treated SK‐MEL‐28 spheroids suggests drug binding may affect protein interaction and/or stability.

Conclusion

α‐synuclein, together with DJ‐1, may play a role in melanoma progression and chemosensitivity, constituting novel targets for therapeutic intervention, and possible biomarkers for melanoma.
A Novel Ultrafiltrate Extract of Propolis Exerts Anti‐inflammatory Activity through Metabolic Rewiring
Authors: Wu Yong‐Lin , Zhu An‐Qi , Zhou Xiao‐Ting , Zhang Ke‐Wei , Yuan Xu‐Jiang , Yuan Min , He Jian , Pineda Miguel A. , Li Kun‐Ping
Published: January 2024

Thousands of years ago, humans started to use propolis because of its medicinal properties, and modern science has successfully identified several bioactive molecules within this resinous bee product. However, a natural propolis extract which has been removed the adhesive glue and preserved propolis bioactive compounds is urgently needed to maximise the therapeutic opportunities. In this study, a novel ultrafiltrate fraction from Brazilian green propolis, termed P30K, was demonstrated with anti‐inflammatory properties, both in vitro and in vivo. Total flavonoids and total phenolic acids content in P30K were 244.6 mg/g and 275.8 mg/g respectively, while the IC50 value of inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) was 8.30 μg/mL. The anti‐inflammatory activity of P30K was furtherly corroborated in experimental models of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced acute liver and lung injury. Mechanistically, integrated GC−MS and LC−MS based serum metabolomics analysis revealed that P30K modulated citrate cycle (TCA), pyruvate, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism pathways to inhibit secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Results of network pharmacology and molecular docking suggested that P30K targeted catechol‐O‐methyltransferases (COMT), 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD11B1), and monoamine oxidases (MAOA and MAOB) to promote cellular metabolomic rewiring. Collectively, our work reveals P30K as an efficient therapeutic agent against inflammatory conditions and its efficacy is related to metabolic rewiring.
Core‐shell Co3O4@CoO Nanoparticles for Enhanced OER Activity
Authors: Saddeler Sascha , Hagemann Ulrich , Bendt Georg , Schulz Stephan
Published: January 2024

Core‐shell Co3O4@CoO nanoparticles were prepared by calcination of rock‐salt CoO and fully characterized by PXRD, TEM and XPS measurements. XPS studies showed that the Co(III) cation concentration steadily increased and the OER activity of the resulting core‐shell Co3O4@CoO nanoparticles decreased with increasing calcination time, which was attributed to the increasing presence of catalytically inactive Co(III) cations. The decrease in OER activity was also observed for untreated CoO nanoparticles (1) after chronopotentiometric (CP) treatment at 10 mA cm−2 for 18 h. The IR and EEL spectra of the resulting nanoparticles are comparable to those of a fully oxidized Co3O4 sample (1–300), that was prepared by calcining of the CoO sample (1) for 1 h at 300 °C.
The Effect of Slicer Infill Pattern on the Electrochemical Performance of Additively Manufactured Electrodes
Authors: Bernalte Elena , Crapnell Robert D. , Messai Ouissal M. A. , Banks Craig E.
Published: January 2024

In this work we report the dramatic effects that changing the infill pattern has on the electrochemical performance of an additively manufactured electrode made from commercial filament. Electrodes were produced using six different slicing patterns and imaged to confirm how the infill pattern altered the working electrode surface. These electrodes were then electrochemically characterised against the near‐ideal outer sphere redox probe [Ru(NH3)6]3+, the common inner sphere probe [Fe(CN)6]3−, and then used for the electroanalytical determination of acetaminophen. It was found that changing the infill pattern had a dramatic effect on the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. Over the course of the manuscript, it can be seen that Aligned Rectilinear and Rectilinear infill patterns perform consistently well and offer good reproducibility. On the other hand, Concentric infill pattern had noticeably poor inter‐electrode reproducibility and the Hilbert Curve infill was one of the worst performing electrodes in many categories. For future work in this field, we recommend the infill pattern is always reported within the experimental section to allow other researchers to repeat work properly. Additionally, when optimising an electroanalytical sensing platform, we encourage researchers to optimise the infill pattern as it has direct influence on the analytical parameters.
A revision of the multiple‐path particle dosimetry model focusing on tobacco product aerosol dynamics
Authors: Mori Akina , Ito Shigeaki , Sekine Takashi
Published: January 2024

To assess the health impact of inhaled aerosols, it is necessary to understand aerosol dynamics and the associated dosimetry in the human respiratory tract. Although several studies have measured or simulated the dosimetry of aerosol constituents, the respiratory tract focus areas have been limited. In particular, the aerosols generated from tobacco products are complex composites and simulating their dynamics in the respiratory tract is challenging. To assess the dosimetry of the aerosol constituents of tobacco products, we developed a revised version of the Multiple‐Path Particle Dosimetry (MPPD) model, which employs (1) new geometry based on CT‐scanned human respiratory tract data, (2) convective mixing in the oral cavity and deep lung, and (3) constituent partitioning between the tissue and air, and clearance. The sensitivity analysis was conducted using aerosols composed of four major constituents of electronic cigarette (EC) aerosols to investigate the parameters that have a significant impact on the results. In addition, the revised model was run with 4 and 10 constituents in ECs and conventional cigarettes (CCs), respectively. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the new modeling and the physicochemical properties of constituents had a considerable impact on the simulated aerosol concentration and dosimetry. The simulations could be carried out within 3 min even when 10 constituents of CC aerosols were analyzed simultaneously. The revised model based on MPPD is an efficient and easy‐to‐use tool for understanding the aerosol dynamics of CC and EC constituents and their effect on the human body.
A pneumatic reconfigurable socket for transtibial amputees
Authors: Mollaee Saeed , Fuentes‐Aguilar Rita Q. , Huegel Joel C. , Budgett David M. , Taberner Andrew J. , Nielsen Poul M. F.
Published: January 2024

Many transtibial amputees rate the fit between their residual limb and prosthetic socket as the most critical factor in satisfaction with using their prosthesis. This study aims to address the issue of prosthetic socket fit by reconfiguring the socket shape at the interface of the residual limb and socket. The proposed reconfigurable socket shifts pressure from sensitive areas and compensates for residual limb volume fluctuations, the most important factors in determining a good socket fit. Computed tomography scan images are employed to create the phantom limb of an amputee and to manufacture the reconfigurable socket. The performance of the reconfigurable socket was evaluated both experimentally and numerically using finite element modelling. The study showed that the reconfigurable socket can reduce interface pressure at targeted areas by up to 61%.
Efficient Nitrogen Reduction on Weyl Antiferromagnet Mn3Sn
Authors: Chen Xi , Lin Zheng‐Zhe
Published: January 2024

Topological semimetals have gradually emerged as excellent catalysts owing to their robust surface states. Recently, Mn3X (X=Sn, Ge, and Ir), which exhibits noncollinear antiferromagnetic phases at room temperature, has been found to possess energy bands that are characteristic of Weyl semimetals. In this study, we demonstrate that the perfect Mn3Sn (001) surface is favorable for N2 reduction with a low onset potential. According to a theoretical criterion, the catalytic performance of the (001) surface of Mn3Sn is higher than that of the (001) surfaces of the homologues Cr3Sn and Mo3Sn. The construction and catalytic performance of other types of Mn3Sn surfaces are also investigated. Our findings highlight the feasibility of applying topological Weyl semimetals as electrocatalysts for N2 reduction.
Predictive direct power control with phase‐locked loop technique of three‐level neutral point clamped inverter based shunt active power filter for power quality improvement
Authors: Debdouche Naamane , Benbouhenni Habib , Deffaf Brahim , Anwar Guessabi , Zarour Laid
Published: January 2024

In this study, an improved anti‐windup proportional‐integral predictive direct power control strategy with a phase‐locked loop (PLL) is proposed and applied to a three‐level shunt active power filter (SAPF) neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter using space vector modulation (SVM) technique. The SAPF has to ensure sinusoidal waveforms and unity power factor in the grid side, by eliminating harmonic currents and compensating reactive power of the nonlinear loads. Active and reactive powers as well as the DC bus voltage controls are performed using anti‐windup proportional and integral actions with a predictive algorithm, without a need for an exhaustive mathematical model. The control law is modulated using the SVM technique allowing fixed switching frequency and low power ripples. The performances of the suggested control have been verified through an electronic STM32F407 card under diverse and severe conditions. The obtained results confirmed the expected objectives in terms of current and voltage quality, robustness, and dynamic response.
Offshore high‐grade limemud resources of west coast of India: Economic potential and industrial applications
Authors: Adukadukkam Anil Kumar , Pillai Rachna , Puthiyathara Kanakamma Mamatha
Published: January 2024

Limestone is one of the essential raw materials in the cement, paint, steel, ceramic, glass, chemical, pharmaceutical, paper, and fertilizer industries. In India, only 8% of the limestone resources are placed under the reserve category, of which 97% is of cement grade. Thus, India depends on imports to bridge the demand‐supply gap of steel, blast furnace, and chemical‐grade limestone. Efforts of Geological Survey of India (GSI) to locate alternate sources for limestone led to the discovery of enormous quantities of carbonate minerals called limemud from the continental shelf margin of the west coast of India. GSI carried out systematic studies to explore the nature of the disposition, quality, quantity, and suitability of the offshore limemud for various industrial applications. A preliminary estimate of resources using high‐resolution subbottom profiling and sediment core sample studies established the occurrence of more than 172 billion tonnes of high‐grade (The content of CaCO3 is greater than 80 wt%) limemud in 0.4–28.0 m thick stratified sediment layers spread over an area of 18 000 km2. Chemical, physical, mineralogical, beneficiation, and agglomeration studies found the offshore limemud as a potential replacement for limestone in the cement, filler, blast furnace, steel melting shop, lime production, paint, and Grade‐I steel industries. An assessment of mining and transportation costs indicates that the offshore limemud (USD 5–6/ton) is more cost‐effective than that imported from other countries (USD16‐18/ton). With several advantageous factors like low impurity, mode of occurrence in overburden‐free stratified form, fine‐grained slurry nature, and shallow water depth, sustainable mining of offshore limemud could be a future reality with controllable technological, economic, and environmental challenges.
Ecologically informed priors improve Bayesian model estimates of species richness and occupancy for undetected species
Authors: Beasley Emily M.
Published: January 2024

Detection error can bias observations of ecological processes, especially when some species are never detected during sampling. In many communities, the probable identity of these missing species is known from previous research and natural history collections, but this information is rarely incorporated into subsequent models. Here, I present prior aggregation as a method for including information from external sources in Bayesian hierarchical detection models. Prior aggregation combines information from multiple prior distributions, in this case, an ecologically informative, species‐level prior, and an uninformative community‐level prior. This approach incorporates external information into the model without sacrificing the advantages of modeling species in the context of the community. Using simulated data supplied to a multispecies occupancy model, I demonstrated that prior aggregation improves estimates of (1) metacommunity richness and (2) environmental covariates were associated with species‐specific occupancy probabilities. When applied to a dataset of small mammals in Vermont, prior aggregation allowed the model to estimate occupancy correlates of the Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus, a species observed at several sites in the region but never captured. Prior aggregation can be used to improve the analysis of several important metrics in population and community ecology, including abundance, survivorship, and diversity.
yEvo: A modular eukaryotic genetics and evolution research experience for high school students
Authors: Taylor M. Bryce , Warwick Alexa R. , Skophammer Ryan , Boyer Josephine M. , Geck Renee C. , Gunkelman Kristin , Walson Margaux , Rowley Paul A. , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: January 2024

The resources for carrying out and analyzing microbial evolution experiments have become more accessible, making it possible to expand these studies beyond the research laboratory and into the classroom. We developed five connected, standards‐aligned yeast evolution laboratory modules, called “yEvo,” for high school students. The modules enable students to take agency in answering open‐ended research questions. In Module 1, students evolve baker's yeast to tolerate an antifungal drug, and in subsequent modules, investigate how evolved yeasts adapted to this stressful condition at both the phenotype and genotype levels. We used pre‐ and post‐surveys from 72 students at two different schools and post‐interviews with students and teachers to assess our program goals and guide module improvement over 3 years. We measured changes in student conceptions, confidence in scientific practices, and interest in STEM careers. Students who participated in yEvo showed improvements in understanding of activity‐specific concepts and reported increased confidence in designing a valid biology experiment. Student experimental data replicated literature findings and has led to new insights into antifungal resistance. The modules and provided materials, alongside “proof of concept” evaluation metrics, will serve as a model for other university researchers and K − 16 classrooms interested in engaging in open‐ended research questions using yeast as a model system.
Behavioral interactions are modulated by facilitation along a heterotrophic succession
Authors: Naves‐Alegre Lara , Sebastián‐González Esther , Sánchez‐Zapata José Antonio
Published: January 2024

Competition and facilitation drive ecological succession but are often hard to quantify. In this sense, behavioral data may be a key tool to analyze interaction networks, providing insights into temporal trends in facilitation and competition processes within animal heterotrophic succession. Here, we perform the first in‐depth analysis of the factors driving temporal dynamics of carcass consumption by analyzing behavioral patterns (i.e., interactions) and community dynamics metrics (i.e., species richness, abundance, turnover, and diversity) in a Neotropical scavenger guild. For this purpose, we monitored goat carcasses using automatic cameras. From 573 reviewed videos, we registered 1784 intraspecific and 624 interspecific interactions, using intraspecific and interspecific aggressions (n = 2048) as a behavioral proxy of competition intensity. Our results show that resource availability shapes behavioral interactions between vultures, with a specific effect of the different species on behavioral and competition dynamics, showing the existence of a hierarchy between species. Furthermore, behavioral processes linked to carcass opening tended to be facilitative, related to moments of higher tolerance (i.e., lower aggressiveness), thus reducing competition intensity and also affecting community structure and dynamics. This novel framework demonstrates complex ephemeral successional processes characterized by a fluctuation in facilitation and competition intensity during the consumption of an unpredictable resource linked to key ecosystem processes.
C‐Centered radical intermediates for C(sp3)‐H bonds functionalization: An emerging approach towards alkyl thiocyanates
Authors: Buttard Floris , Vigier Jordan , Lebel Hélène , Besset Tatiana
Published: January 2024

Organic thiocyanates are an important class of compounds because they are present in several bioactive molecules and can be used as key synthetic intermediates to access biorelevant sulfur‐containing scaffolds. Although the chemistry of organothiocyanates has been studied for decades, a recent resurgence of interest in the field has led to major advances in the synthesis of new molecules bearing a thiocyanate moiety. An emerging and powerful strategy consists in the selective functionalization of C(sp3)‐H bonds through the formation of a key C‐centered radical intermediate. This review highlights the recent work that has been reported to access novel alkylthiocyanate scaffolds through this promising approach.