bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of intermolecular interactions on monoclonal antibody filtration through virus removal membranes
Authors: Billups Matthew , Minervini Mirko , Holstein Melissa , Feroz Hasin , Ranjan Swarnim , Hung Jessica , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: August 2023

The removal of viruses by filtration is a critical unit operation to ensure the overall safety of monoclonal antibody (mAb) products. Many mAbs show very low filtrate flux during virus removal filtration, although there are still significant uncertainties regarding both the mechanisms and antibody properties that determine the filtration behavior. Experiments were performed with three highly purified mAbs through three different commercial virus filters (Viresolve Pro, Viresolve NFP, and Pegasus SV4) with different pore structures and chemistries. The flux decline observed during mAb filtration was largely reversible, even under conditions where the filtrate flux with the mAb was more than 100‐fold smaller than the corresponding buffer flux. The extent of flux decline was highly correlated with the hydrodynamic diameter of the mAb as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The mAb with the lowest filtrate flux for all three membranes showed the largest attractive intermolecular interactions and the greatest hydrophobicity, with the latter determined by binding to a butyl resin in an analytical hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) column. These results strongly suggest that the flux behavior is dominated by reversible self‐association of the mAbs, providing important insights into the design of more effective virus filtration processes and in the early identification of problematic mAbs/solution conditions.
Increased RUNX3 expression mediates tumor‐promoting ability of human breast cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Koyama Yu , Okazaki Hiroya , Shi Yang , Mezawa Yoshihiro , Wang Zixu , Sakimoto Mizuki , Ishizuka Akane , Ito Yasuhiko , Koyama Takumi , Daigo Yataro , Takano Atsushi , Miyagi Yohei , Yokose Tomoyuki , Yamashita Toshinari , Sugahara Keisuke , Hino Okio , Yang Liying , Maruyama Reo , Katakura Akira , Yasukawa Takehiro , Orimo Akira
Published: August 2023

Background

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major stromal component of human breast cancers and often promote tumor proliferation, progression and malignancy. We previously established an experimental CAF (exp‐CAF) cell line equipped with a potent tumor‐promoting ability. It was generated through prolonged incubation of immortalized human mammary fibroblasts with human breast cancer cells in a tumor xenograft mouse model.

Results

Herein, we found that the exp‐CAFs highly express Runt‐related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3), while counterpart fibroblasts do not. In breast cancer patients, the proportion of RUNX3‐positive stromal fibroblast‐like cells tends to be higher in cancerous regions than in non‐cancerous regions. These findings suggest an association of RUNX3 with CAF characteristics in human breast cancers. To investigate the functional role of RUNX3 in CAFs, the exp‐CAFs with or without shRNA‐directed knockdown of RUNX3 were implanted with breast cancer cells subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice. Comparison of the resulting xenograft tumors revealed that tumor growth was significantly attenuated when RUNX3 expression was suppressed in the fibroblasts. Consistently, Ki‐67 and CD31 immunohistochemical staining of the tumor sections indicated reduction of cancer cell proliferation and microvessel formation in the tumors formed with the RUNX3‐suppressed exp‐CAFs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that increased RUNX3 expression could contribute to the tumor‐promoting ability of CAFs through mediating cancer cell growth and neoangiogenesis in human breast tumors.
Gain insight into four key trends in fraternity, sorority life
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2023

BOSTON — Across institutional types, the fraternity and sorority experience has been rapidly changing, according to longitudinal data gathered by the research team at Dyad Strategies LLC. To help you understand these changes so you can be prepared to address them, Gentry McCreary, Ph.D., CEO, and Managing Partner at Dyad Strategies LLC, gave a presentation at the annual conference for NASPA — Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education.
Student mental health worsening, students not seeking care
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2023

During the 2020–2021 academic year, more than 60% of college students in the United States met the criteria for one or more mental health problems. That represents a more than 50% increase in the rate of student mental health problems from 2013, according to the results of a survey published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, published by Elsevier.
Decoding the multifaceted signatures and transcriptomic characteristics of stem cells derived from apical papilla and dental pulp of human supernumerary teeth
Authors: Ning Juan , Zhang Leisheng , Xie Hanjing , Chai Lian , Yao Jun
Published: August 2023

Supernumerary teeth are advantaged sources for high‐quality stem cell preparation from both apical papilla (SCAP‐Ss) and dental pulp (DPSCs). However, the deficiency of the systematic and detailed comparison of the biological and transcriptomic characteristics of the aforementioned stem cells largely hinders their application in regenerative medicine. Herein, we collected supernumerary teeth for SCAP‐S and DPSC isolation and identification by utilizing multiple biological tests (e.g., growth curve, cell cycle and apoptosis, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction). Furthermore, we took advantage of transcriptome sequencing and multifaceted bioinformatic analyses to dissect the similarities and diversities between them. In this study, we found that SCAP‐Ss and DPSCs showed indistinctive signatures in morphology and immunophenotypes, whereas with diversity in cell vitality and multi‐lineage differentiation as well as gene expression profiling and differentially expressed genes‐associated gene ontology and signaling pathways. Collectively, our data indicated the diversity of the multifaceted signatures of human supernumerary teeth‐derived stem cells both at the cellular and molecular levels, which also supplied new references for SCAP‐Ss serving as splendid alternative stem cell sources for regenerative medicine purposes.
Tubercular meningitis and cortical venous thrombosis: A rare but potentially lethal combination—A case report and literature review
Authors: Mehta Kahan , Chandrani Naazmin , Shah Ishani , Mehta Samir , Omar Mohamed A.
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Cortical venous thrombosis is a rare but severe complication of TBM that requires a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. The treatment of CVT in TBM is based on anticoagulant therapy, which is known to improve the outcomes of the patients.

The case report describes an 18‐year‐old male in India with symptoms of tubercular meningitis complicated by cortical venous thrombosis. Tubercular meningitis is a rare but severe form of meningitis caused by tuberculosis bacteria and is a significant public health concern in India. The patient presented to the emergency department with a history of fever, headache, and vomiting for the past month, with a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis test. The patient was started on standard antitubercular therapy and was diagnosed with cortical venous thrombosis via an MRI scan. Treatment included antitubercular therapy, anticoagulation therapy, dexamethasone, and antiemetic drugs. The patient's symptoms improved over 2 weeks of therapy. The case highlights the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention strategies, such as the National Tuberculosis elimination program, in controlling the spread of tuberculosis in India. It also emphasizes the importance of close monitoring for complications in patients with tubercular meningitis, such as cortical venous thrombosis, which can be life‐threatening.
Thermomechanical Modeling of the Stabilization Process for Carbon Fiber Production
Authors: Wolf Jan , Peters Romy , Mädler Jonathan , Wolz Daniel S. , Behnisch Thomas , Sadeghi Bogar Mohsen , Urbas Leon , Gude Maik
Published: August 2023

Within carbon fiber manufacturing, the stabilization process is the most time‐ and energy‐intensive process due to the complexity of chemical structure transformation. Therefore, optimization is strictly required to enable cost‐efficient stabilization processes. For the first time, a hybrid semi‐parametric model for continuous stabilization is developed to prognose stabilization progress and density of the stabilized fiber. The proposed model takes the process parameters like dwell time, stabilization temperature, and fiber stretching as well as precursor properties, such as fiber density, into account. Finally, the proposed hybrid semi‐parametric model offers a novel plant‐transferable optimization solution for model‐based energy optimization in the stabilization process.
Optimizing 3d spin polarization of CoOOH by in situ Mo doping for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Jia Zhichao , Yuan Yang , Zhang Yanxing , Lyu Xiang , Liu Chenhong , Yang Xiaoli , Bai Zhengyu , Wang Haijiang , Yang Lin
Published: August 2023

Transition‐metal oxyhydroxides are attractive catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions (OERs). Further studies for developing transition‐metal oxyhydroxide catalysts and understanding their catalytic mechanisms will benefit their quick transition to the next catalysts. Herein, Mo‐doped CoOOH was designed as a high‐performance model electrocatalyst with durability for 20 h at 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, it had an overpotential of 260 mV (glassy carbon) or 215 mV (nickel foam), which was 78 mV lower than that of IrO2 (338 mV). In situ, Raman spectroscopy revealed the transformation process of CoOOH. Calculations using the density functional theory showed that during OER, doped Mo increased the spin‐up density of states and shrank the spin‐down bandgap of the 3d orbits in the reconstructed CoOOH under the electrochemical activation process, which simultaneously optimized the adsorption and electron conduction of oxygen‐related intermediates on Co sites and lowered the OER overpotentials. Our research provides new insights into the methodical planning of the creation of transition‐metal oxyhydroxide OER catalysts.
Mg‐doped, carbon‐coated, and prelithiated SiOx as anode materials with improved initial Coulombic efficiency for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Jie , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin
Published: August 2023

Silicon suboxide (SiOx, x ≈ 1) is promising in serving as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries with high capacity, but it has a low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) due to the irreversible formation of lithium silicates during the first cycle. In this work, we modify SiOx by solid‐phase Mg doping reaction using low‐cost Mg powder as a reducing agent. We show that Mg reduces SiO2 in SiOx to Si and forms MgSiO3 or Mg2SiO4. The MgSiO3 or Mg2SiO4 are mainly distributed on the surface of SiOx, which suppresses the irreversible lithium‐ion loss and enhances the ICE of SiOx. However, the formation of MgSiO3 or Mg2SiO4 also sacrifices the capacity of SiOx. Therefore, by controlling the reaction process between Mg and SiOx, we can tune the phase composition, proportion, and morphology of the Mg‐doped SiOx and manipulate the performance. We obtain samples with a capacity of 1226 mAh g–1 and an ICE of 84.12%, which show significant improvement over carbon‐coated SiOx without Mg doping. By the synergistical modification of both Mg doping and prelithiation, the capacity of SiOx is further increased to 1477 mAh g–1 with a minimal compromise in the ICE (83.77%).
Tailoring the CO2 Hydrogenation Performance of Fe‐Based Catalyst via Unique Confinement Effect of the Carbon Shell
Authors: He Ruosong , Wang Yang , Li Meng , Liu Jianxin , Gu Yongqiang , Wang Wenhang , Liu Qiang , Tsubaki Noritatsu , Wu Mingbo
Published: August 2023

Even though Fe‐based catalysts have been widely employed for CO2 hydrogenation into hydrocarbons, oxygenates, liquid fuels, etc., the precise regulation of their physicochemical properties is needed to enhance the catalytic performance. Herein, under the guidance of the traditional concept in heterogeneous catalysis‐confinement effect, a core‐shell structured catalyst Na−Fe3O4@C is constructed to boost the CO2 hydrogenation performance. Benefiting from the carbon‐chain growth limitation, tailorable H2/CO2 ratio on the catalytic interface, and unique electronic property that all endowed by the confinement effect, the selectivity and space‐time yield of light olefins (C2=−C4=) are as high as 47.4 % and 15.9 g molFe−1 h−1, respectively, which are all notably higher than that from the shell‐less counterpart. The function mechanism of the confinement effect in Fe‐based catalysts are clarified in detail by multiple characterization and density functional theory (DFT). This work may offer a new prospect for the rational design of CO2 hydrogenation catalyst.
Oxidative Addition and β‐Hydride Elimination by a Macrocyclic Dinickel Complex: Observing Bimetallic Elementary Reactions
Authors: Delaney Andie R , Kroeger Asja A , Coote Michelle L , Colebatch Annie L
Published: August 2023

The dinickel(I) complex Ni2(tBuPONNOPONNO), featuring a planar macrocyclic diphosphoranide ligand tBuPONNOPONNO, offers a unique architectural platform for observing bimetallic elementary reactions. Oxidative addition reactions of alkyl halides produce dinickel(II) complexes of the type Ni2(μ‐R)(μ‐X)(tBuPONNOPONNO). However, when R=Et β‐hydride elimination is observed to form a dinickel monohydride, with the rate dependent on the nature of X. DFT studies suggest a new mechanism for bimetallic β‐hydride elimination, where the rate dependence arises from the steric pressure imposed by the X group on the opposing trans face of the dinickel macrocycle. This work enhances understanding of bimetallic elementary reactions, particularly β‐hydride elimination, which have not been well‐explored for dinuclear systems.
Bioinspired Non‐Heme Mn Catalysts for Regio‐ and Stereoselective Oxyfunctionalizations with H2O2
Authors: Ottenbacher Roman V. , Bryliakova Anna A. , Kurganskii Vladimir I. , Prikhodchenko Petr V. , Medvedev Alexander G. , Bryliakov Konstantin P.
Published: August 2023

In recent years, metalloenzymes‐mediated highly selective oxidations of organic substrates under mild conditions have been inspiration for developing synthetic bioinspired catalyst systems, capable of conducting such processes in the laboratory (and, in the future, in industry), relying on easy‐to‐handle and environmentally benign oxidants such as H2O2. To date, non‐heme manganese complexes with chiral bis‐amino‐bis‐pyridylmethyl and structurally related ligands are considered as possessing the highest synthetic potential, having demonstrated the ability to mediate a variety of chemo‐ and stereoselective oxidative transformations, such as epoxidations, C(sp3)‐H hydroxylations and ketonizations, oxidative desymmetrizations, kinetic resolutions, etc. Furthermore, in the past few years non‐heme Mn based catalysts have become the major platform for studies focused on getting insight into the molecular mechanisms of oxidant activation and (stereo)selective oxygen transfer, testing non‐traditional hydroperoxide oxidants, engineering catalytic sites with enzyme‐like substrate recognition‐based selectivity, exploration of catalytic regioselectivity trends in the oxidation of biologically active substrates of natural origin. This contribution summarizes the progress in manganese catalyzed C‐H oxygenative transformations of organic substrates, achieved essentially in the past 5 years (late 2018–2023).
A review of Znln2S4‐based photocatalysts for producing hydrogen by water splitting under visible light: Fundamentals and recent advancements
Authors: Mia Nasim , Singh Kuljeet , Polson James , Lisi Luciano , Willemsen Evan , Hu Yulin
Published: August 2023

Hydrogen (H2) is a clean energy carrier widely used in oil refineries, fertilizers, chemicals, and steel manufacturing. Presently, the majority of H2 is produced from either steam methane reforming of natural gas or coal gasification; however, these technologies result in a massive amount of CO2 emission. Alternatively, the use of photocatalysts for producing H2 via water splitting is an eco‐friendly and sustainable approach, among which the selection of highly efficient, stable, and cheap photocatalysts is the key. In this review, Znln2S4‐based photocatalysts are thoroughly described in terms of the fundamentals and thermodynamics of water splitting, fabrication methods, and different heterostructure photocatalytic systems. After this, recent developments in the large‐scale implementation of photocatalytic reactors are discussed. Finally, a summary of future research directions and major conclusions is provided. With proper modification, such as heterojunction systems and the selection of proper fabrication methods, Znln2S4‐based photocatalysts could be superior materials for water splitting. In short, this review article could offer meaningful and useful insights and guidance for the development of Znln2S4‐based photocatalysts in water splitting for producing H2 under visible light.
Interfacial dilatational rheology and displacement mechanism of nano‐flooding system
Authors: Guowei Qin , Yong Liu , Qingping Liu , Saisai Sun , Feng Liu , Wenlong Qin , Xiao Wang
Published: August 2023

In the field of crude oil extraction, nano‐flooding technology can significantly improve the oil displacement efficiency and provide important technical support for tertiary oil recovery. Although a host of studies have been carried out in this domain, its dilatational rheology and displacement mechanism are rarely reported. In order to address this gap in the extant literature, as a crucial component of this investigation, the interfacial rheology of the nano‐flooding system and the simulated crude oil was systematically studied with the aid of the JMP2000A interface expansion rheometer. Meanwhile, a micro‐displacement experiment was carried out to elucidate its displacement mechanism. The obtained results show that the nano‐flooding system initially increases as its concentration, solution pH, and aging time increase, after which a decline is observed. However, with the change of salinity, it shows a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. Moreover, according to the multi‐factor test results yielded by the relevant software, the relative error is less than 5%, which fully meets the needs of the field and provides an important basis for the field construction. The findings further suggest that the modulus between the nano‐flooding system and the simulated crude oil can be increased by 84‐fold (i.e., from 0.9271 to 78.0739 mN/m). In addition, during the displacement process, the fingering phenomenon of the displacement fluid can be reduced via piston‐like displacement. The swept volume also improves the oil washing efficiency of crude oil, demonstrating that the proposed strategy achieves the purpose of enhancing oil recovery.
Synthesis of Quinazolin‐2,4,6‐triamine Derivatives as Non‐purine Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors and Exploration of Their Toxicological Potential**
Authors: Lopez‐Sanchez Marcela A. , del Carmen Garcia‐Rodriguez María , Aguayo‐Ortiz Rodrigo , Hernandez‐Cruz Estefani , Figueroa‐Figueroa Diego I. , Hernandez‐Luis Francisco
Published: August 2023

In this work, a new set of quinazolin‐2,4,6‐triamine derivatives were synthesized to explore their potential biological activity as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors, superoxide scavengers and screening of their toxicological profile. Among all the synthesized compounds, B1 exhibited better inhibitory activity against bovine xanthine oxidase (bXO) than allopurinol (IC50=1.56 μM and IC50=6.99 μM, respectively). As superoxide scavengers, B1, B2 and B13 exhibited a better effect than allopurinol (97.3 %, 82.1 %, 87.4 % and 69.4 %, respectively). Regarding the toxicological profile, B1 was less cytotoxic than methotrexate on HCT‐15 cancer cells. Apoptosis results obtained in cells of female and male mice, showed that B1 and B2 presented a similar behaviour to CrO3 (positive control) with respect to the average frequency to induce apoptosis; while B13 apoptosis induced effect was similar to DMSO and control group. Finally, B1, B2, B13 did not induce genotoxicity in a micronuclei murine model compared to CrO3.
A cost‐effectiveness analysis of avelumab plus best supportive care versus best supportive care alone as first‐line maintenance treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in Taiwan
Authors: Su Po‐Jung , Xiao Ying , Lin Amy Y. , Goh Connie , Wu Ethan , Liu Kevin , Chou Patrick , Kuo Kaitlin , Palencia Roberto , Chang Jane , Kearney Mairead , Kapetanakis Venediktos , Benedict Agnes
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma have limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. The JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial showed that avelumab as first‐line maintenance plus best supportive care significantly prolonged overall survival and progression‐free survival versus best supportive care alone in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that had not progressed with first‐line platinum‐containing chemotherapy.

Aims

We assessed whether avelumab plus best supportive care is a cost‐effective treatment option versus best supportive care alone in this patient group in Taiwan.

Methods and Results

A partitioned survival model was used to estimate the costs and effects of avelumab plus best supportive care versus best supportive care alone over a 20‐year time horizon from the perspective of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration. Patient‐level data from JAVELIN Bladder 100 on efficacy, safety, utility, and time on treatment were analyzed to provide parameters for the model. Log‐normal and Weibull distributions were used for overall survival and progression‐free survival, respectively. Costs of healthcare resources, drug acquisition, adverse events, and progression were identified through publicly available data sources and clinician interviews. The model estimated total costs, life years, and quality‐adjusted life years. In the modeled base case, avelumab plus best supportive care increased survival versus best supportive care alone by 0.79 life years (2.93 vs. 2.14) and 0.61 quality‐adjusted life years (2.15 vs. 1.54). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for avelumab plus best supportive care versus best supportive care alone was NT$1 827 680. Most (78%) of the probabilistic sensitivity analyses fell below three times the gross domestic product per capita. Scenario analysis indicated that life year and quality‐adjusted life year gains were most sensitive to alternative survival extrapolations for both avelumab plus best supportive care and best supportive care alone.

Conclusion

Avelumab first‐line maintenance therapy combined with best supportive care was determined as a cost‐effective treatment strategy for patients in Taiwan diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma that had not progressed with platinum‐containing chemotherapy.
Platinum‐DNA Origami Hybrid Structures in Concentrated Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Alarcón‐Correa Mariana , Kilwing Luzia , Peter Florian , Liedl Tim , Fischer Peer
Published: August 2023

The DNA origami technique allows fast and large‐scale production of DNA nanostructures that stand out with an accurate addressability of their anchor points. This enables the precise organization of guest molecules on the surfaces and results in diverse functionalities. However, the compatibility of DNA origami structures with catalytically active matter, a promising pathway to realize autonomous DNA machines, has so far been tested only in the context of bio‐enzymatic activity, but not in chemically harsh reaction conditions. The latter are often required for catalytic processes involving high‐energy fuels. Here, we provide proof‐of‐concept data showing that DNA origami structures are stable in 5 % hydrogen peroxide solutions over the course of at least three days. We report a protocol to couple these to platinum nanoparticles and show catalytic activity of the hybrid structures. We suggest that the presented hybrid structures are suitable to realize catalytic nanomachines combined with precisely engineered DNA nanostructures.
Transmembrane Transporter Constructed from PlatinumMetal‐organic Cage
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Yue Bangkun , Chen Chen , Zong Wei , Li Sisi , Yang Haishen , Hou Yali , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2023

A perylene diimide‐based metal‐organic cage (MOC4c) was found to be an efficient transmembrane transporter for ions and small molecules through the internal cavity of the cage. MOC4c could selectively transport different anions, as evidenced by vesicle‐based fluorescenceassays and planar lipid bilayer‐based current recordings.Furthermore, MOC4c appears tofacilitate calcein transport across the lipid bilayer membrane of a livingcell, suggesting that MOC4c could be used as a biologicaltool for small molecule drugstransmembrane transportation.
The effectiveness of individual schema therapy in older adults with borderline personality disorder: A multiple‐baseline case series design
Authors: Khasho David A. , van Alphen Sebastiaan P. J. , Ouwens Machteld A. , Arntz Arnoud , Heijnen‐Kohl Sylvia M. J. , Videler Arjan C.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of schema therapy (ST) in older adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Methods

Multiple baseline case series design with five BPD patients, with a mean age of 66. After a baseline phase with random length, patients received weekly ST sessions for a year, followed by follow‐up sessions during 6 months. Participants rated the credibility of negative core beliefs weekly; various secondary outcome measures were assessed every 6 months (severity of BPD, early maladaptive schemas, schema modes, personality functioning, maladaptive personality traits, psychological distress and quality of life), and BPD diagnosis was assessed before baseline and after follow‐up. Data were analysed with mixed regression analyses and paired t‐tests.

Results

Results revealed that ST led to a significant decrease in credibility of negative core beliefs, with high effect sizes. All participants remitted from their BPD diagnosis.

Conclusion

This is the first study exploring the effectiveness of ST for BPD in older adults, and it suggests that ST can be a powerful intervention for this group of patients.
The effect of extended cold storage on the functional quality attributes of different potato genotypes
Authors: Tlili Imen , Ilahy Riadh , Ghannem Samir , Romdhane Leila , Mohamed Hatem Ben , Pék Zoltán , Siddiqui Mohammed Wasim , Helyes Lajos , Takács Sándor , Lenucci Marcello Salvatore , Khamassy Nouri
Published: August 2023

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a staple food widely consumed in Tunisia and represents a source of various secondary metabolites with human health benefits. However, cold storage of potato tuber affects their bioactive properties and functional quality. Despite the importance of this fact, few studies have examined the effects of extended cold storage on potato tubers quality. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of cold storage on the main quality traits of different potato genotypes grown in Tunisia. This investigation focused on four cultivated potato varieties including three commercial (Selena, Elbeidha, and Naima) and a selected clone CL27 grown under late cropping season conditions with planting at the beginning of autumn and a winter tuberization. The tubers from this trial were stored for 90 days at 8°C. The results obtained showed that quality traits of potato tubers were strongly influenced by storage at 8°C throughout 90 days. Additionally, disregarding the genotype, total carotenoids, phenolics, and flavonoids contents increased significantly following 90 days storage at 8°C. However, genotypic differences underlying the antioxidant activity in both hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions were detected suggesting their sensibility to cold storage. This study might be useful for breeders working on potato genotypes suitable for extended storage duration and for growers storing their material for extended period under low temperature.
A hybrid bridgeless AC‐DC converter topology
Authors: Zakaria Ahmed , Abdelsalam Ibrahim , Marei Mostafa I. , Mashaly Hussein M.
Published: August 2023

Bridgeless ac‐dc converters are the optimal choice for many applications, as they offer many advantages such as low distorted supply current, high power factor, and improved efficiency. This paper presents a new topology for a single‐phase bridgeless ac‐dc converter. The proposed hybrid topology is based on integrating the inverting and non‐inverting buck‐boost dc‐dc converters that are connected to the ac supply through an LC filter. To insure sinusoidal supply current, the proposed hybrid bridgeless ac‐dc converter is operated in discontinuous current mode. The proposed converter has many merits, such as a reduced number of components, enhanced efficiency, and soft start‐up capability. The operation modes and design of the proposed converter are presented. In addition, a design method is proposed for the input LC filter to minimize the voltage stress across switches. Moreover, a small signal model for the proposed converter is developed. The proposed converter topology is simulated to evaluate the dynamic behavior and verify the accuracy of the presented small signal model. Furthermore, an 850 W prototype is developed to validate the features of the proposed converter experimentally. Tight voltage regulation, sinusoidal supply current, and near‐to‐unity power factor operation are observed from the results, regardless of supply or load disturbances.
Hydrophilic solvent recovery from switched‐on microdroplet dissolution
Authors: Billet Romain , Zeng Binglin , Wu Hongyan , Lockhart James , Gattrell Mike , Zhao Hongying , Zhang Xuehua
Published: August 2023

Switchable hydrophilicity solvents (SHSs) are a unique class of chemical compounds that can be switched between their hydrophobic and hydrophilic forms. The switchable characteristics allow SHSs to be used as emerging, green solvents for sustainable extraction and separation technology. In the production of polymeric microparticles from recycled plastics, SHSs are used to dissolve the polymer and then are switched to the hydrophilic form for separation from the generated polymeric microparticles. However, it is extremely difficult to fully recover the SHS residue from the mixtures. In this work, we will identify the key parameters that determine the level of the solvent residue during the switched‐on dissolution of emulsion microdroplets. The SHS N,N‐dimethylcyclohexylamine from solvent–polymer binary emulsion droplets was switched to the hydrophilic, water‐soluble form, triggered by addition of an acid in the surrounding aqueous phase. By applying a sensitive detection method developed in this work, we compared the levels of SHS residue in polymer microparticles obtained under 30 different dynamical and chemical conditions for the switching processes. The quantitative analysis revealed that residue levels remained constant at varied addition rates and concentration of the trigger solution, but decreased with the increase in organic phase fractions or the decrease in the emulsion temperature. Trapped water in the drops during switched‐on dissolution may have contributed to the high level of solvent residue. The understanding of the new possible mechanism for residual solvent reported in this work may help develop effective approaches for the recovery of switchable solvents in environmentally friendly separation processes.
New insights into the interactions between two‐dimensional ice and two‐dimensional materials
Authors: Thi Quoc Huy , Zhao Jiong , Ly Thuc Hue
Published: August 2023

Water is one of the most essential substances for life on Earth and plays a vital role in both natural and technological processes. Recently, there has been growing interest in studying the behavior of water molecules in confined spaces, particularly in low‐dimensional materials and structures. Regardless of whether it is in the form of gas, liquid, or solid, water can interact and form interfaces with many low‐dimensional structures. Given the current controversial understanding of two‐dimensional (2D) ice and the increasing interplay between water/ice and 2D materials such as graphene and transition‐metal dichalcogenides, we provide a brief overview of recent progresses on the interfaces of 2D ice and 2D van der Waals layered materials. This review highlights their potential contributions to the breakthroughs in tribology, membrane technology, nanofluidic, and nanodevice applications. Of particular interest is the recent discovery of ultrahigh lubricity between 2D ice and 2D layered materials, as well as the ability to modulate the surface adhesion between layers. These findings have the potential to enable new technological advances in both electronics and various industries. Meanwhile, this rapidly evolving field presents its own challenges, and we also discuss future directions for exploiting the interactions between 2D ice and 2D layered materials.
Efficient Synthesis of Fully Substituted and Diversely Functionalized Pyrazoles through p‐TSA Catalyzed One‐Pot Condensation of Cyclic β‐Diketones, Arylglyoxals and Arylhydrazones
Authors: Dhurey Arun , Mandal Subhro , Pramanik Animesh
Published: August 2023

A one‐pot, three‐component, and atom economic synthesis of biologically and pharmaceutically important fully substituted and functionalized pyrazole derivatives has been accomplished under metal‐catalyst‐free benign conditions. The strategy involves early condensation of readily available cyclic β‐diketones (dimidone, 4‐hydroxycoumarin and 2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone) and arylglyoxals to generate a chalcone type intermediate which upon acid catalyzed condensation with ambident nucleophile arylhydrazones produces various aryl and cyclic β‐diketone substituted pyrazole derivatives. The synthesis embraces high functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, excellent yield of the products, short reaction time and operationally simple and mild reaction conditions. The synthesis provides an easy opportunity of incorporating biologically important N‐diarylsulfide/selenide functionality, various enolisable cyclic β‐diketones and other bioactive heterocycles concurrently to pyrazole, which may help in designing and development of pyrazole derivatives of pharmacological significance.
Three‐Dimensional Scaffolds for Light Emission
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Zhang Yahui , Wang Menghan , Gao Yu , Chen Haijun
Published: August 2023

Organic fluorophores with highly efficient luminescence in both solution and solid states have attracted significant attention due to their ability to circumvent the limitations of aggregation‐caused quenching and aggregation‐induced emission type molecules. However, their development and wide‐range applications are hampered by extremely complex synthetic methodologies and limited frameworks with dual‐state emission (DSE) structural characteristics. In sharp contrast to the reported luminogens with big and planar π systems or highly conjugated and twisted structures, we discovered novel three‐dimensional scaffolds in one molecule to achieve DSE. These molecules allowing for rapid access showed completely different molecular packing manners from those of planar conjugated molecules and exhibited excellent optoelectronic properties with diminished intermolecular π−π stacking interactions due to steric hindrance. Our findings should open new avenues for designing DSE molecules with new frameworks, which will enable more successful development of dual‐state emitters for their broad applications in the future.
Unravelling fluvial versus glacial legacy controls on boulder‐bed river geomorphology for semi‐alluvial rivers in Fennoscandia
Authors: Mason Richard J. , Polvi Lina E.
Published: August 2023

River management is founded on predictable self‐organisation between river form and catchment controls in alluvial rivers. However, a substantial proportion of rivers are not fully alluvial. In previously glaciated landscapes, boulder‐rich glacial till influences river channel form and process. Increasing interest in nature‐ and process‐based river restoration requires knowledge of pre‐disturbance natural processes, which does not exist for semi‐ and non‐alluvial rivers in Fennoscandia. We aimed to determine the role of Pleistocene glaciation and subsequent deglaciation versus Holocene fluvial processes in controlling channel form of boulder‐bed rivers in Fennoscandia. We quantified morphological characteristics of northern Swedish boulder‐bed rivers, in which channel morphology was minimally impacted by humans, and used the degree of alluvial signatures to infer fluvial and legacy glacial controls. We conducted surveys of reach‐scale channel geometry, boulder and wood distributions and catchment characteristics for 20 reference reaches (drainage area: 11–114 km2). Reaches ranged in slope from 1% to 8% and were extremely diverse in channel geometry. Rivers showed little self‐organisation at the reach scale; no association exists between channel width and channel slope or bed sediment size. Boulders were rarely clustered into bedforms (e.g., step‐pools) typical of boulder‐bed mountain rivers. Drainage area was positively correlated with channel capacity but not channel width, slope or sediment size. Channel boulder density was best predicted by surveys of terrestrial boulders. Consequently, channel geometry, boulder size and the distribution of boulders were primarily controlled by legacy glacial conditioning rather than current fluvial processes, with some alluvial adjustment of smaller particles within the boulder template. Therefore, restoration of semi‐alluvial rivers should take into account local sediment and geomorphic conditions rather than use management principles built for fully alluvial rivers.
Combination of metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor array and solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for odour classification of brewed coffee
Authors: Hardoyono Fajar , Windhani Kikin
Published: August 2023

Odour analysis of coffee using low‐cost and portable instruments in coffee shops, restaurants and bars is essential to keep the loyalty of coffee consumers. This paper aimed to analyse the performance of a gas sensor array for odour classification of brewed coffee. Five grams of ground coffee sample from five different brands was brewed in 80 mL of hot water at a temperature of 90°C. The gas sensor array then measured the sensor's response to the brewed coffee odour. The recorded data were analysed using a principal component analysis (PCA), a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and a support vector machine (SVM). Solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC‐MS) was used to identify the five coffee samples' volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The visualisation of the PCA score plot shows that the gas sensor array efficiently classifies the brewed coffee based on different odours. The SVM classification using a polynomial kernel obtained an accuracy of 95.21% using training data sets and an accuracy of 96.94% using testing data sets. Meanwhile, for SVM classification using radial basis function kernel, the SVM obtained an accuracy of 100% for training data sets and 93.06% for testing data sets. The SPME‐GC‐MS analysis showed that the abundance of 2‐furanmethanol; 2‐methoxy‐4‐vinyl phenol; phenol, 4‐ethyl‐2‐methoxy‐ and acetic acid contributed to the separation of the first and the second clusters in the principal components coordinate. Based on data analysis, the gas sensor showed high performance as a low‐cost and portable instrument for odour analysis of coffee based on sensory technique.
The impact of undergoing surgical margin evaluation during endoscopic surgery for early‐stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gilja Shivee , Kumar Arvind , Vasan Vikram , Roof Scott A. , Genden Eric M. , Kirke Diana N.
Published: August 2023

Background

The impact of evaluating versus not evaluating surgical margins for early‐stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) has not been evaluated.

Methods

Overall survival was compared between patients who underwent endoscopic surgery for cT1‐2, N0, M0 LSCC and had surgical margins evaluated versus not evaluated versus unevaluable in the National Cancer Database (2010–2019) using multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards analyses.

Results

7597 patients met study eligibility criteria. 4123 (54.3%) patients underwent margin evaluation, 1631 (21.5%) did not undergo margin evaluation, and 1843 (24.3%) had unevaluable margins. Patients undergoing margin evaluation had better overall survival than patients who did not undergo margin evaluation (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–1.00, p = 0.044) and patients with unevaluable margins (HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78–0.98, p = 0.021). Patients undergoing margin evaluation received significantly less adjuvant radiation.

Conclusions

Surgical margin evaluation is an important prognostic factor for patients receiving endoscopic surgery for early‐stage LSCC and should be conducted whenever possible.
Health‐related quality of life, functional outcomes, and complications after sentinel lymph node biopsy and elective neck dissection in early oral cancer: A systematic review
Authors: McDonald Christopher , Kent Samuel , Schache Andrew , Rogers Simon , Shaw Richard
Published: August 2023

Background

Elective neck dissection improves survival in early oral cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may also do this with less morbidity. This systematic review compared health‐related quality of life, functional outcomes, and complications after sentinel lymph node biopsy and elective neck dissection in early oral cancer.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed. Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria.

Results

Results favoring sentinel lymph node biopsy were found in complications, scar length and appearance, length of hospital stay, time to drain removal, and objective shoulder measures at timepoints up to 12 months. Where differences in health‐related quality of life were found, methodological issues make their clinical significance questionable.

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph node biopsy was associated with fewer complications and statistically better outcomes in a number of physical measures. There is as yet no strong evidence to suggest it is associated with better health‐related quality of life outcomes. While a number of health‐related quality of life outcome measures show promise, their interpretation is hampered by methodological concerns. Further rigorous research is required to address this.
Retroperitoneal capillary arteriovenous malformation mimicking a malignant neoplasm
Authors: Yanagida Kazuki , Kaneko Tomoyuki , Saito Koji , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Yamamoto Asako , Yamada Yukio , Nakagawa Tohru
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Retroperitoneal tumors account for 0.2% of all neoplasms. Among these tumors, retroperitoneal vascular malformations are particularly rare, with most previously reported cases being venous malformations.

Case presentation

A 72‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with a retroperitoneal tumor on abdominal computed tomography. The 27‐mm diameter tumor was located away from the right kidney and major vessels in the right perirenal adipose tissue. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously enhanced tumor with well‐defined borders. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed rapid enhancement in the arterial phase and a progressive filling‐in pattern in the delayed phase. Although vascular malformation was suspected, a definitive diagnosis could not be established. The retroperitoneal tumor was excised laparoscopically for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, and the histopathological diagnosis confirmed it as a capillary arteriovenous malformation.

Conclusion

Herein, we presented a rare case of retroperitoneal capillary arteriovenous malformation that was difficult to definitively diagnose preoperatively.
Strategies for water productivity enhancement in maize—A comprehensive review
Authors: Ray Lala Iswari Prasad , Jyothi Kona Sai , Singh Aditya Kumar , Bharti Vijay , Pandey Pramod Kumar
Published: August 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the third most important cereal crop produced globally after wheat and rice and provides the basic raw materials for starch, oil, protein, alcoholic beverages, food sweeteners and fuel. It is grown on an area of 201.98 Mha worldwide, with an average productivity of 5.75 t ha−1. Maize is mostly grown during the rainy season, but it performs better during the winter season with irrigation and resource conservation techniques. The average productivity of maize during the rainy and winter seasons is 4.3 and 6.2 t ha−1, respectively. The total production is as low as 2.7 Mt in Nepal to 362.78 Mt in the USA. Maize performs better under the furrow and drip irrigation methods, and the range of water requirements is between 425–789 and 351–685 mm, respectively. Plastic and straw mulching has enhanced irrigation water use efficiency up to 34.0–47.2 and 15.3–24.1 kg ha−1 mm−1, respectively. The crop coefficients, Kc values, for maize crops ranges between 0.2 and 1.2. Of the different methods of irrigation, the drip irrigation method enhances the maize yield by 28% and plays a great role in corn yield. This paper discusses various strategies for enhancing global maize yield.
A quasi‐experimental study on the effectiveness of a standardized comprehensive sexuality education curriculum for primary school students
Authors: Wang Kai , Xu Shebe Siwei , Liu Zongchao , Wang Wen , Hee Jiayi , Tang Kun
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Although the importance of sexuality education has been recognized, Chinese rural students have limited access to sexual and reproductive information. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized comprehensive sexuality education curriculum package featuring cartoon animation on sexuality‐related knowledge and skills, attitudes, and practices of primary school students.

Methods

This quasi‐experimental study recruited 1725 students in grades 4–6 (aged 9–13) from eight primary schools sampled as school clusters in 2020 in China. Internet‐based questionnaires from three intervention schools' participants were collected after trained schoolteachers had conducted six 45‐min sexuality education sessions. We performed optimal full matching and treatment effects were estimated in the matched sample by outcome regression models that further adjusted the covariates.

Results

Compared with the control group, intervention group students achieved significantly higher scores by 3.35 out of 38 and 2.02 out of 34 in knowledge‐ and skill‐based tests and attitudinal tests, respectively. For the five self‐reported practices on genital care, the experimental group showed significantly better performance than the control group in genital hygiene, by 6.92%, 22.45%, and 30.66% higher rates in the overall prevalence of three proper practices of genital hygiene, with effect sizes larger for boys than girls.

Conclusions

Our sexuality education package effectively improved primary school students' sexuality‐related knowledge, skills, attitudes, and hygiene practices. Our study suggests that the standardized curriculum package could be a promising approach to improving the quality and accessibility of sexuality education in underdeveloped rural China.