bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schlenk's Legacy—Methyllithium Put under Close Scrutiny
Authors: Lebon Jakob , Mortis Alexandros , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Manßen Manfred , Sirsch Peter , Anwander Reiner
Published: November 2022

Commercially available stock solutions of organolithium reagents are well‐implemented tools in organic and organometallic chemistry. However, such solutions are inherently contaminated with lithium halide salts, which can complicate certain synthesis protocols and purification processes. Here, we report the isolation of chloride‐free methyllithium employing K[N(SiMe3)2] as a halide‐trapping reagent. The influence of distinct LiCl contaminations on the 7Li‐NMR chemical shift is examined and their quantification demonstrated. The structural parameters of new chloride‐free monomeric methyllithium complex [(Me3TACN)LiCH3], ligated by an azacrown ether, are assessed by comparison with a halide‐contaminated variant and monomeric lithium chloride [(Me3TACN)LiCl], further emphasizing the effect of halide impurities.
J‐Aggregates Formed by NaCl Treatment of Aza‐Coating Heptamethine Cyanines and Their Application to Monitoring Salt Stress of Plants and Promoting Photothermal Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Ma Xiaoxie , Huang Yurou , Chen Weijie , Liu Jia , Liu Sheng Hua , Yin Jun , Yang Guang‐Fu
Published: November 2022

The cationic nature of heptamethine cyanines gives them the capacity to form aggregates with salts by electrostatic interactions. In this work, NaCl promoted J‐aggregate formation of aza‐coating heptamethine cyanines is explored. NaCl can induce theN‐benzyloxycarbonylCy‐CO2Bzto assemble into a J‐aggregate having an absorption at 890 nm. Its excellent fluorescence response to NaCl implies that it has great potential for use as a probe for tracing salt stress in plants. Moreover, NaCl also promotes formation of J‐aggregates from the N‐ethyloxycarbonylCy‐CO2Et. The aggregate shows an intense absorption at 910 nm compared to the monomer which absorbs at 766 nm. Its J‐aggregated form can serve as a photothermal agent. And the photothermal conversion efficiency is increased from 29.37 % to 57.59 %. This effort leads to the development of two applications of new cyanine J‐aggregates including one for tracing salt stress of plants and the other for promoting photothermal therapy of tumors.
Synthesis of zeolite W from alkali fusion activated K‐feldspar by gel‐like‐solid phase method
Authors: Sui Yujia , Yang Kai , Li Yun , Cao Jilin
Published: November 2022

Zeolite W with the spindle morphology has been rapidly synthesized from alkali fusion activated K‐feldspar via gel‐like‐solid phase method after supplementing a small amount of silica‐aluminum xerogel. The effects ofn(H2O)/n(SiO2),m(activation product)/m(xerogel), and crystallization time on the synthesis of zeolite W were investigated. The optimal synthesis conditions werem(activation product)/m(xerogel) of 3.92,n(H2O)/n(SiO2) of 25.8, and crystallization time of 12 h. The synthesized zeolite W was used to extract K+ion from the simulated seawater. The synthesized zeolite W with the fluffier spindle morphology exhibited a higher K+extraction capacity. The maximum exchange capacity of zeolite W for K+ion reached 49.57 mg·g−1. The zeolite W synthesized by the gel‐like‐solid phase method possessed a superior K+extraction capacity than that synthesized by the hydrothermal method when K‐feldspar was used as the raw material and an approximate K+extraction capacity with that synthesized from chemical reagents. In addition, the recycling process of the mother liquor was designed. This work provides an effective way for the zeolite W synthesis and the resource utilization of K‐feldspar with advantages of high raw material utilization, low water content in the synthesis system, short crystallization time, and recyclable mother liquor after synthesis of zeolite W.
Morphology biased pharmacological and mechanical properties of nanosized block copolymers of PNIPAM with polyethylene oxide and polyaminoacids in presence of polycaprolactone
Authors: Bharatiya Debasrita , Parhi Biswajit , Swain Sarat K.
Published: November 2022

This work targets to develop amphiphilic self‐assembled PEO‐b‐PAAs‐b‐PNIPAM and PEO‐b‐PAAs‐b‐PNIPAM@PCL nanosized block copolymers (NBCPs) of poly N‐isopropyl acrylamide (PNIPAM) with polyethylene oxide (PEO), and poly amino acids (PAAs) with and without polycaprolactone (PCL) via ring‐opening and condensation polymerization methods. The interesting ring necklace and petunia bell‐shaped flower‐like morphology play an important role in both mechanical behavior and pharmacological actions. The PEO‐b‐PAAs‐b‐PNIPAM@PCL NBCP exhibits a notable antibacterial activity against gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) with ZOI of 20 ± 4 mm and 18 ± 3 mm, respectively, with MIC 250 μg/ml. The mechanical properties of the NBCPs are measured at room temperature. The PEO‐b‐PAAs‐b‐PNIPAM@PCL NBCP possesses a higher value in each case compared to the neat polymer with the UTS 1.4651 MPa, Y 0.0050 MPa, Tensile strength at yield (1.4048 MPa), TS at break (1.4640 MPa), % elongation at yield (23.5%), elongation % at break (124%) and proportional limit (1.0082 MPa at 8%), respectively. With the improved mechanical strength, effective antibacterial activities along with sustainable drug release rate, the designed material can be used as a potential material for different biomedical applications.
Improving glass‐fiber epoxy composites via interlayer toughening with polyacrylonitrile/multiwalled carbon nanotubes electrospun fibers
Authors: Narváez‐Muñoz Christian , Zamora‐Ledezma Camilo , Ryzhakov Pavel , Pons‐Prats Jordi , Elango Jeevithan , Mena Carlos , Navarrete Freddy , Morales‐Flórez Víctor , Cano‐Crespo Rafael , Segura Luis Javier
Published: November 2022

The development of innovative engineered epoxy composites aiming to manufacture cost‐efficient materials with reduced weight and enhanced physical properties remains as a current industrial challenge. In this work we report an original procedure for manufacturing glass‐fiber epoxy reinforced nanocomposites (GFECs) by employing electrospun fiber‐mats as a reinforcing phase. These fibers have been produced from polyacrylonitrile and multiwalled carbon nanotubes solutions. Optimal protocols are designed by combining Taguchi method with the morphological, structural and mechanical properties obtained by scanning electron microscopy, profilometry and tensile tests. It is demonstrated that GFECs fabricated using GF800 glass fiber show an improvement/enhancement of the mechanical properties with a fracture strain up to 500 MPa (around 20% higher than the non‐reinforced epoxy composite counterpart). It is also shown that GFECs fabricated using GF3M glass fiber exhibited a reduction of the roughness up to 56%, which corresponds with a roughness improvement from N8 to N7 following the guidelines provided by the ISO 1302. These results suggest that this type of nanocomposites would be suitable to be used in the aeronautics and automotive industries.
Simple fabrication of an electrospun polystyrene microfiber filter that meetsN95filtering facepiece respirator filtration and breathability standards
Authors: Jensen Madeline G. , O'Shaughnessy Patrick T. , Shaffer Marlee , Yu Sooyoun , Choi Yun Young , Christiansen Megan , Stanier Charles O. , Hartley Michael , Huddle Joey , Johnson Jed , Bibby Kyle , Myung Nosang V. , Cwiertny David M.
Published: November 2022

During the global spread of COVID‐19, high demand and limited availability of melt‐blown filtration material led to a manufacturing backlog of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). This shortfall prompted the search for alternative filter materials that could be quickly mass produced while meeting N95 FFR filtration and breathability performance standards. Here, an unsupported, nonwoven layer of uncharged polystyrene (PS) microfibers was produced via electrospinning that achieves N95 performance standards based on physical parameters (e.g., filter thickness) alone. PS microfibers 3–6 μm in diameter and deposited in an ~5 mm thick filter layer are favorable for use in FFRs, achieving high filtration efficiencies (≥97.5%) and low pressure drops (≤15 mm H2O). The PS microfiber filter demonstrates durability upon disinfection with hydroxyl radicals (•OH), maintaining high filtration efficiencies and low pressure drops over six rounds of disinfection. Additionally, the PS microfibers exhibit antibacterial activity (1‐log removal ofE. coli) and can be modified readily through integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during electrospinning to enhance their activity (≥3‐log removal at 25 wt% AgNP integration). Because of their tunable performance, potential reusability with disinfection, and antimicrobial properties, these electrospun PS microfibers may represent a suitable, alternative filter material for use in N95 FFRs.
Effect of accelerated aging on properties of biobased polymer films applicable in printed electronics
Authors: Luoma Enni , Välimäki Marja , Immonen Kirsi
Published: November 2022

The growing interest in sustainable, lightweight, bendable roll‐to‐roll manufactured printed electronics applied to packaging, textiles or medical healthcare has led to the need for materials that can withstand various environmental conditions. In this work, the studied materials were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), typically used as a substrate for printed electronics, and it was compared to biobased polymeric substrates bio‐PET, polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP) and regenerated cellulose film Natureflex™. Films were exposed for 500 h to heat (50.5°C); heat and humidity (50 RH%); heat, humidity, and light (UV‐A 300–400 nm, 42 W/m2) and temperature cycles in the range of −45°C to 65°C. Changes in film transparency and mechanical properties were analyzed. The main findings were that during the exposure to only elevated temperature and temperature with humidity, the analyzed properties were retained in all film materials. UV‐A caused less or no changes in Natureflex™, bio‐PET and PLA. The most stable in thermal cycling was Natureflex™, CAP, and PET. These results may open new possibilities for biopolymers in printed electronics applications.
Fabrication of flexible carbon dioxide gas sensor with conductive polymer/reduced graphene oxide hybrids: Effects of substrate type and mass ratio
Authors: Jee Chong Eu , Chow Mei Kei , Yeap Swee Pin
Published: November 2022

Flexible gas sensors made of polyaniline (PANI)‐reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite were prepared using three different substrates, namely filter paper, cotton fabric, and weighing paper, through in‐situ reduction of GO and in‐situ polymerization of aniline. Preliminary analysis showed that the PANI/rGO coated on filter paper possesses a superior electrical conductance than PANI/rGO coated on cotton fabric and weighing paper. Such observation was attributed to the good attachment of the PANI/rGO nanocomposites onto the high‐density mesh‐like structure of the filter paper with rough surfaces. In contrast, PANI/rGO coated onto weighing paper and cotton fabric of different surface structures presented lower‐to‐almost negligible conductance. Accordingly, PANI/rGO filter paper was selected for the subsequent evaluation of gas sensing properties. The gas‐sensing performances of the PANI/rGO filter paper sensors indicated that the 5 wt% PANI/rGO (i.e., 5 wt% rGO) sample exhibited the best response of 306% for 500 ppm carbon dioxide (CO2) gas at room temperature with a recovery rate of 41.5%. On the other hand, the optimum recovery rate of 59.5% was identified at 0.5 wt% PANI/rGO sample which exhibited a response of 155%. Owing to the synergy effect, the PANI/rGO sensor outperformed the sensor made of pure PANI or pure rGO.
Preparation of DOPO‐derived magnesium phosphate whisker and its synergistic effect with ammonium polyphosphate on the flame retardancy and mechanical property of epoxy resin
Authors: Wang Song , Wu Weidong , Chen Qi , Ding Zhan , Li Sanxi , Zhang Ailing , Tang Tao , Liu Jie , Okoye Patrick U.
Published: November 2022

In this study, a magnesium phosphate whisker (DPM‐H) was synthesized by the acid–base neutralization reaction between magnesium hydroxide and 10‐hydroxy‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO‐OH) at 120°C. A new synergistic intumescent flame retardant (IFR) for epoxy resin (EP), which was composed of DPM‐H and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) was thoroughly studied. When the IFR loading was 8%, with the DPM‐H to APP weight ratio at 1:7, the prepared flame‐retardant EP (EPDA‐2) passed the vertical burning tests (UL‐94) V‐0 rating and obtained the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 29.3%. Microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) results showed that the total heat release (THR) of EPDA‐2 reduced by 32.1% compared with pure EP. Meanwhile, the addition of DPM‐H can partially solve the problem of the decrease of the EP mechanical property caused by the addition of APP. Compared with the flame‐retardant EP with the 8% loading of APP, the impact strength of EPDA‐2 increased 152.3%.
Simultaneous stabilization of nonlinear systems with different and multiple time‐varying delays
Authors: Dastaviz Abbas , Binazadeh Tahereh
Published: November 2022

The simultaneous stabilization is addressed for a collection of nonlinear systems with multiple time‐varying delays. The time delays vary not only from one system to the other but even from one state to another within a system. The nonlinear functions may also be different for each system of the collection. A delay‐independent simultaneously stabilizing control law is presented by developing a Control Lyapunov‐Krasovskii Functional (CLKF) method. This controller has a unified structure for all the systems and, despite differences in nonlinearities and delays, leads to the stabilization of all the systems, simultaneously. During the design procedure, first, a systematic approach is provided to construct a CLKF of a particular form for each system. Second, a simultaneously stabilizing control law is defined based on the constructed CLKFs. Finally, a practical example is given to verify the efficiency and applicability of the given method.
Preparation of gastrodin‐modified dendrimer‐entrapped gold nanoparticles as a drug delivery system for cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Huang Wenqiang , Wang Lanlin , Zou Yanghong , Ding Xiangqian , Geng Xin , Li Jinghui , Zhao Hexiang , Qi Renli , Li Shipeng
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of multifunctional gastrodin (GAS)‐containing nano‐drug carrier system against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI).

Methods

The drug‐loaded nanocomposite (Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS) with certain encapsulation efficiency (EE) was prepared by physical adsorption method using different proportions of GAS and drug‐carrying system (Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS). High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the drug loading and EE. Cultured rat astrocytes and hypothalamic neurons were assigned into four groups: PBS, Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS, Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS, and GAS. CCK‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and quantitative real‐time PCR were performed to examine the cell viability, apoptosis, and the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, and IL‐6 in the astrocytes and hypothalamic neurons, respectively. Cellular uptake of GAS and Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS was analyzed by using Hoechst 33342 staining. The animal model with focal cerebral ischemia was generated by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, and pathological changes of brain tissue and major organs in the rats were identified by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Apoptosis in rat astrocytes and hypothalamic neurons was detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry.

Results

Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS had a spherical shape with a uniform size of 157.3 nm. Among the nanoparticles, Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS with an EE of 70.3% displayed the best release delay effect. Moreover, we observed that in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS were higher than those of GAS, whereas the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 was significantly downregulated in Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS group as compared to G5.NHAc‐PS group. Notably, HE staining revealed that although Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS/GAS had no toxic and side effects on the main organs of rats, it alleviated the damage of brain tissue in the MCAO rats. Besides, Au‐G5.NHAc/GAS markedly reduced MCAO‐induced apoptosis.

Conclusion

Au‐G5.NHAc‐PS showed favorable surface morphology, sustained drug release ability, no measurable toxicity, and good biocompatibility, indicating that GAS exerts anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects on CIRI.
A postpartum enriched environment rescues impaired cognition and oxidative markers in aged mice with gestational inflammation
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Xin , Wei Qi‐Yao , Wang Ya‐Tao , Zeng Li‐Ping , Sun Shi‐Yu , Wu Yong‐Fang , Ren Chong‐Yang , Wang Fang , Chen Gui‐Hai , Cao Lei
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that gestational inflammation can accelerate age‐associated cognitive decline (AACD) in maternal mice; enriched environments (EEs) have been reported to protect normally aging mice from AACD and improve mitochondrial function. However, it is unclear whether the nitrosative stress‐related proteins tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) and S‐nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR) are involved in the accelerated aging process of gestational inflammation and whether EEs can slow this process.

Methods

In this study, CD‐1 female mice on the 15th day of pregnancy were injected with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (50 μg/kg; LPS group) or an equivalent amount of normal saline (CON group) from the abdominal cavity for 4 consecutive days. Twenty‐one days after delivery, half of the LPS‐treated mice were randomly selected for EE until the end of the behavioral experiment (LPS‐E group). When the female rats were raised to 6 months and 18 months of age, the Morris water maze (MWM) was used to detect spatial learning and memory ability; RT‐PCR and Western blots were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR.

Results

As for the control group, compared with 6‐month‐old mice, the spatial learning and memory ability of 18‐month‐old mice decreased, and the hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR mRNA and protein levels were decreased. Gestational inflammation exacerbated these age‐related changes, but an EE alleviated the effects. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that performance during the learning and memory periods in the MWM correlated with the levels of hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that gestational inflammation accelerates age‐related learning and memory impairments and that postpartum EE exposure could alleviate these changes. These effects may be related to hippocampal TET1 and GSNOR expression.
Changes in functional connectivity in newly diagnosed self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and cognitive impairment: An MEG study
Authors: Li Yihan , Chen Jinan , Sun Jintao , Jiang Ping , Xiang Jing , Chen Qiqi , Hu Zheng , Wang Xiaoshan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Our purpose was to explore the relationship between cognitive impairment and neural network changes in patients newly diagnosed with self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS).

Methods

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition was used to divide all SeLECTS patients into two groups: patients with full‐scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) below 80 that corresponded to cognitive impairment, and patients with FSIQ above 80 that corresponded to a normal cognitive function. The data on the resting state were recorded using magnetoencephalography. The properties of the networks were analyzed using graph theory (GT) analysis.

Results

The functional connectivity (FC) of the frontal cortex in patients with FSIQ < 80 was reduced in the 12–30 Hz frequency band, and the FC of the posterior cingulate cortex was reduced in the 80–250 and 250–500 Hz frequency bands. The GT analysis showed that patients in the FSIQ < 80 group had higher strength in the 8–12 and 12–30 Hz frequency bands than those in the healthy control and FSIQ > 80 group. However, the path length was reduced in the 80–250 Hz band, and the clustering coefficient was reduced in the 12–30, 80–250, and 250–500 Hz frequency bands. Moreover, the receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that the clustering coefficient in the 12–30 and 80–250 Hz frequency bands, as well as the path length in the 80–250 Hz frequency band possessed a good discriminative ability in distinguishing the FSIQ > 80 group.

Conclusions

SeLECTS patients with cognitive impairment in the early stage of the disease developed disordered networks in cognitive‐related brain regions. The clustering coefficient in the 12–30 and 80–250 Hz frequency bands as well as the path length in the 80–250 Hz frequency band might be good indicators to distinguish the cognitive impairment of SeLECTS patients at the early stage.
Rational design of a genome‐based insulated system in Escherichia coli facilitates heterologous uricase expression for hyperuricemia treatment
Authors: He Lina , Tang Wei , Huang Ling , Zhou Wei , Huang Shaojia , Zou Linxuan , Yuan Lisha , Men Dong , Chen Shiyun , Hu Yangbo
Published: November 2022

Hyperuricemia is a prevalent disease worldwide that is characterized by elevated urate levels in the blood owing to purine metabolic disorders, which can result in gout and comorbidities. To facilitate the treatment of hyperuricemia through the uricolysis, we engineered a probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) named EcN C6 by inserting an FtsP‐uricase cassette into an “insulated site” located between the uspG and ahpF genes. Expression of FtsP‐uricase in this insulated region did not influence the probiotic properties or global gene transcription of EcN but strongly increased the enzymatic activity for urate degeneration, suggesting that the genome‐based insulated system is an ideal strategy for EcN modification. Oral administration of EcN C6 successfully alleviated hyperuricemia, related symptoms and gut microbiota in a purine‐rich food‐induced hyperuricemia rat model and a uox‐knockout mouse model. Together, our study provides an insulated site for heterologous gene expression in EcN strain and a recombinant EcN C6 strain as a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for hyperuricemia treatment.
Increased risk of death from pneumonia among cancer survivors: A propensity score‐matched cohort analysis
Authors: Tanaka Shiori , Inoue Manami , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Minami Tetsuji , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie ,   the JPHC Study Group
Published: November 2022

Background

The repeated global pandemic of the new virus has led to interest in the possibility of severe pneumonia among cancer patients and survivors. Here, we aimed to assess the association between incident cancer and risk of death from pneumonia in Japanese in a large population‐based cohort study.

Methods

We used the data from The Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study (JPHC Study), which enrolled subjects aged 40 to 69 between 1990 and 1994 and followed their cancer incidence and mortality until 2013. After identifying 103,757 eligible subjects for analysis and imputing missing data on covariates by the chained equations approach, we conducted propensity score‐matched analysis for 1:4 matching, leaving 14,520 cases diagnosed with cancer and 48,947 controls without cancer during the study period for final analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding confidence interval (CI) for the risk of death from pneumonia with comparison of cancer cases and cancer‐free controls.

Results

Compared to cancer‐free individuals, risk of death from pneumonia was significantly higher among those who had any diagnosed cancer (HR, 1.41; 95%CI, 1.08–1.84); those within 1 year of diagnosis (HR, 23.0; 95% CI, 2.98–177.3); within 1 to <2 years (HR, 3.66; 95% CI, 1.04–12.9); and those with regional spread or distant metastatic cancer at initial diagnosis (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.26–3.21). A history of lung, oesophageal, and head and neck cancer conferred the higher risk among site‐specific cancers.

Conclusion

We found a positive association between incident cancer and risk of death from pneumonia in this study. These results imply the possibility that the immunocompromised status and respiratory failure due to antitumor treatment may have resulted in a more severe outcome from pneumonia among cancer survivors than the general population.
Struct2Hair: A hair shape descriptor for hairstyle modeling
Authors: Zhang Wenshu , Nie Yinyu , Guo Shihui , Chang Jian , Zhang Jianjun , Tong Ruofeng
Published: November 2022

In recent years, it becomes possible to extract hair information for hair reconstruction from multiple cameras or monocular camera. Using a single image as the input avoids the high cost setups and complex calibration compared to multiviewed reconstruction. Taking advantage of an extendible hairstyle database, this paper introduced Struct2Hair, a novel single‐viewed hair modelling approach by extracting hair shape descriptor (HSD). The HSD is defined as the fundamental structure‐aware feature, which is a combination of critical shapes in a hairstyle. A complete dataset of critical hair shapes is constructed from a known database of three‐dimensional (3D) hair models. We first analyze the input two‐dimensional (2D) image to extract the orientation information and 2D hair sketch automatically. The extracted information is then used to retrieve the corresponding critical shapes with optimization to build the robust HSD. Finally, the HSD constructs a weighted 3D hair orientation field to guide full‐head hair model generation. Our method can preserve local geometric features of hair and retain the whole shape of the hairstyle globally owing to the HSD, which will benefit further hair editing and stylization.
A novel pharmacological treatment concept for neuroprotection in severe traumatic brain injury—Two case reports
Authors: Trimmel Helmut , Herzer Guenther , Derdak Christoph , Kettenbach Joachim , Grgac Ivan
Published: November 2022

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in a significant individual and socioeconomic burden. Current treatment guidelines do not include any recommendations for neuroprotective or neuoregenerative drugs. Here, we present a combined treatment with Cerebrolysin and Citicoline in two cases. Both drugs are experimentally better than clinically proven in their own effectiveness, but there is almost no clinical data on the combination of the two. Our case study hints at a promising approach that may improve neurological outcome after sTBI. The first patient was a 29 years male motorcyclist suffered polytrauma in a high‐speed accident. He had severe bilateral chest trauma and fractures in both thighs and an sTBI. In addition to surgical and standard neurocritical care according to the evidence‐based guidelines, he was given neuroprotective therapy with Cerebrolysin (50 ml/day) and Citicoline (3 g/day), by continuous intravenous infusion (IV), for 21 days. The second patient was a 30 years male ski mountaineer who had suffered a fall over 300 m in open terrain. In addition to the sTBI, he had fractures in the cervical spine, ribs, pelvis, and lower extremities, as well as lung contusions and massive soft tissue trauma. After initial treatment in a local hospital, he was transferred to our department and received the same neuroprotective drugs, like all of our patients with sTBI. Considering the severity of the injuries (Injury Severity Score [ISS]: 43/50, Revised Trauma Score [RTS: 5.0304, 2.7794]) and the unfavorable outcome probability (Hukkelhoven Score) of 93.1% and 82.6%, the outcomes of both patients are surprisingly encouraging 1 year after the accident. They achieved a Glasgow Outcome Score of 6 and 5 and grades 2 and 4 on the modified Rankin Scale, respectively. Currently, both are able to take care of themselves in activities of daily life to a large extent. Neuroprotective drugs may improve the regeneration of cell membranes, improve blood brain barrier integrity, and reduce neuroinflammation leading to secondary damage to the injured brain. Our clinical experience and data suggest that the combined administration of Citicoline and Cerebrolysin may contribute to better recovery, without relevant side effects. However, it would be important to validate these results by means of a controlled, prospective study.
Assembly of Helical Nanostructures: Solvent‐Induced Morphology Transition and Its Effect on Cell Adhesion
Authors: He Sijia , Zhang Yaqian , Zhao Changli , Wang Xueqian , Baddi Sravan , Wu Beibei , Dou Xiaoqiu , Feng Chuanliang
Published: November 2022

Being able to precisely manipulate both the morphology and chiroptical signals of supramolecular assemblies will help to better understand the natural biological self‐assembly mechanism. Two simplel/d‐phenylalanine‐based derivatives (L/DPFM) have been designed, and their solvent‐dependent morphology evolutions are illustrated. It was found that, as the content of H2O in aqueous ethanol solutions was increased, LPFM self‐assembles first into right‐handed nanofibers, then flat fibrous structures, and finally inversed left‐handed nanofibers. Assemblies in ethanol and H2O exhibit opposite conformations and circular dichroism (CD) signals even though they are constructed from the same molecules. Thus, the morphology‐dependent cell adhesion and proliferation behaviors are further characterized. Left‐handed nanofibers are found to be more favorable for cell adhesion than right‐handed nanostructures. Quantitative AFM analysis showed that the L929 cell adhesion force on left‐handed LPFM fibers is much higher than that on structures with inversed handedness. Moreover, the value of cell Young's modulus is lower for left‐handed nanofibrous films, which indicates better flexibility. The difference in cell‐substrate interactions might lead to different effects on cell behavior.
Energy Level, Crystal Morphology and Fluorescence Emission Tuning in Cocrystals via Molecular‐Level Engineering
Authors: Zhang Jing , Chen Jinqiu , Yang Bo , Ma Shuang , Yin Lina , Liu Zhiqi , Xiang Wenxin , Liu Hongguang , Zhao Jianfen , Sheng Peng
Published: November 2022

Organic donor‐acceptor complexes as new organic semiconductor class have attracted wide attention, due to their potential applications in functional optoelectronics. Herein, we present two new charge transfer cocrystals of di‐cyanodiazafluorene ‐perylene (DCPE) and di‐cyanodiazaflfluorene‐pyrene (DCPY) through a rational cocrystal‐engineering strategy. Although they are both 1 : 1 mixed stacking cocrystals with similar chemical structures, the DCPE cocrystal possesses a non‐centrosymmetric space group and narrower band gap compared to DCPY cocrystal, because of the non‐covalent bonding variation. The electrostatic potential accumulated in the lateral facets leads to highly twisted DCPE nanobelts, and the small band gap causes near infrared fluorescence. Meanwhile, the DCPY crystals with centrosymmetric space groups and weaker intermolecular interactions exhibited an untwisted morphology and red emission. This study will be helpful for the design and understanding of functional cocrystal materials that can be used in flexible micro/nano‐mechanics, mechanical energy, and optical devices.
Oxidative Cleavage of β‐O‐4 Linkage in Lignin via Co Nanoparticles Embedded in 3DNG as Catalyst**
Authors: Zhang Jiali , Lei Puyi , Yu Daobo , Li Yanfang , Zhong Min , Shen Wenzhuo , Guo Shouwu
Published: November 2022

The cleavage of β‐O‐4 linkage in lignin is one of the key steps for oxidative conversion of lignin to low‐molecular‐weight aromatics. Herein, Co nanoparticles embedded in three‐dimensional network of nitrogen‐doped graphene (Co/NG@3DNG‐X) were prepared through an immersion‐pyrolysis procedure, in which X denotes the pyrolysis temperature. The detailed characterization of Co/NG@3DNG‐X shows that the Co nanoparticles are coated with a few layers of nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) sheets that are further embedded in 3DNG matrix. The catalytic activities of the Co/NG@3DNG‐X for the oxidative cleavage of β‐O‐4 linkage in lignin model compounds with O2 as oxidant are explored. It is demonstrated that catalytic activities of as‐prepared Co/NG@3DNG‐X can be tuned by varying the pyrolysis condition, and the Co/NG@3DNG‐900 shows the highest catalytic activity, which is attributed to the enriched Co‐Nx species, the strong surface basicity, the high specific surface and the mesoporous motif of 3DNG network. More pronouncedly, the Co/NG@3DNG‐900 can also effectively catalyze the oxidative cleavage of organosolv lignin, generating certain monomeric aromatics. Additionally, the intrinsic magnetic property of Co nanoparticles makes the Co/NG@3DNG‐X be easily recovered from the reaction mixture, and the as‐coated thin NG layer can protect Co nanoparticle from oxidation condition, which putting together afford the Co/NG@3DNG‐X with good reusability and stability.
The Brownian Castle
Authors: Cannizzaro Giuseppe , Hairer Martin
Published: November 2022

We introduce a 1+1‐dimensional temperature‐dependent model such that the classical ballistic deposition model is recovered as its zero‐temperature limit. Its ∞‐temperature version, which we refer to as the 0‐Ballistic Deposition (0‐BD) model, is a randomly evolving interface which, surprisingly enough, does not belong to either the Edwards–Wilkinson (EW) or the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang (KPZ) universality class. We show that 0‐BD has a scaling limit, a new stochastic process that we call Brownian Castle (BC) which, although it is “free”, is distinct from EW and, like any other renormalisation fixed point, is scale‐invariant, in this case under the 1:1:2 scaling (as opposed to 1:2:3 for KPZ and 1:2:4 for EW). In the present article, we not only derive its finite‐dimensional distributions, but also provide a “global” construction of the Brownian Castle which has the advantage of highlighting the fact that it admits backward characteristics given by the (backward) Brownian Web (see [37, 16]). Among others, this characterisation enables us to establish fine pathwise properties of BC and to relate these to special points of the Web. We prove that the Brownian Castle is a (strong) Markov and Feller process on a suitable space of càdlàg functions and determine its long‐time behaviour. Finally, we give a glimpse to its universality by proving the convergence of 0‐BD to BC in a rather strong sense. © 2022 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Computational Studies on the Reactivity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Su Yingwei , Ren Qing , Zhang Wen‐Yan , Chen Feiwu
Published: November 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely present in the environment as toxic pollutants. In this study, quantum chemistry methods are used to study reactions of PAHs in both particle and gas phases. Seven theoretical methods are exploited to predict the reactive sites of 15 PAHs in the particle phase. Among these methods, the performance of the condensed Fukui function (CFF) is optimum. The gas‐phase reactions of eight PAHs are also investigated. Except for fluorene, CFF predicts correctly the gas‐phase mono‐nitro products for seven systems. The products of fluorene predicted by CFF are 1‐nitrofluorene and 3‐nitrofluorene, which is however inconsistent with the experimental results. Transition state theory is then used to investigate the reaction mechanism of fluorene. Calculated rate constants for 3‐nitrofluorene and 2‐nitrofluorene formation are much bigger than that for 1‐nitrofluorene formation, which is in agreement with the experimental results.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of compassion focused imagery in improving psychological outcomes in clinical and non‐clinical adult populations
Authors: Maner Safir , Morris Paul Graham , Flewitt Bethany Iona
Published: November 2022

Background

Compassion‐focused imagery (CFI) is a technique used to facilitate self‐compassion by constructing and exploring imagery of a compassionate ideal. It is commonly used in Compassionate Mind Training, as part of a wider skills training intervention. This review aimed to explore the effectiveness of CFI on psychological outcomes when used as a brief standalone intervention across clinical and non‐clinical adult populations. Population‐specific effects were also explored.

Methods

Following an extensive literature search, 20 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. Quality and risk of bias assessment were completed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool. Where available, effect sizes were calculated for outcome measures of self‐compassion, self‐criticism and shame. Study findings were qualitatively synthesized.

Results

Most of the studies reported improvements in psychological outcomes, such as improvements in self‐compassion and positive affect, reduction in self‐criticism, shame and paranoia. Across measures of self‐compassion, self‐criticism and shame, the effect sizes ranged between 0.02 and 1.1 and estimated treatment effects range between 0.09 and 1.39. Preliminary evidence is promising, with most studies reporting improvements in psychological outcomes; however, the evidence is limited by the methodological challenges and heterogeneity within the literature. Studies that implemented CFI in severe head injury samples reported limited improvements. Improvements in paranoia measures were more consistently reported in non‐clinical samples, when compared to studies using clinical samples. High levels of self‐criticism emerged as an important potential barrier in individuals' ability to engage with CFI tasks.
A Semi‐mechanistic Model to Characterize the Long‐Term Dynamics of Hepatitis B Virus Markers During Treatment With Lamivudine and Pegylated Interferon
Authors: El Messaoudi Selma , Lemenuel‐Diot Annabelle , Gonçalves Antonio , Guedj Jérémie
Published: November 2022

Antiviral treatments against hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppress viral replication but do not eradicate the virus, and need therefore to be taken lifelong to avoid relapse. Mathematical models can be useful to support the development of curative anti‐HBV agents; however, they mostly focus on short‐term HBV DNA data and neglect the complex host‐pathogen interaction. This work aimed to characterize the effect of treatment with lamivudine and/or pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) in 1,300 patients (hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)–positive and HBeAg‐negative) treated for 1 year. A mathematical model was developed incorporating two populations of infected cells, namely , with a high transcriptional activity, that progressively evolve into , at a rate , representing cells with integrated HBV DNA that have a lower transcriptional activity. Parameters of the model were estimated in patients treated with lamivudine or Peg‐IFN alone (N = 894), and the model was then validated in patients treated with lamivudine plus Peg‐IFN (N = 436) to predict the virological response after a year of combination treatment. Lamivudine had a larger effect in blocking viral production than Peg‐IFN (99.4–99.9% vs. 91.8–95.1%); however, Peg‐IFN had a significant immunomodulatory effect, leading to an enhancement of the loss rates of (×1.7 in HBeAg‐positive patients), (> ×7 irrespective of HBeAg status), and (×4.6 and ×2.0 in HBeAg‐positive and HBeAg‐negative patients, respectively). Using this model, we were able to describe the synergy of the different effects occurring during treatment with combination and predicted an effect of 99.99% on blocking viral production. This framework can therefore support the optimization of combination therapy with new anti‐HBV agents.
Effect of nitrogen reduction on the remobilization of post‐anthesis assimilates to grain and grain‐filling characteristics in a drip‐irrigated spring wheat system
Authors: Ouyang Xueying , Jiang Guiying , Liu Jianguo , Wang Haiqi , Wang Rongrong
Published: November 2022

Drip‐irrigation is a cultivation mode that uses water and fertilizer efficiently and is the main cultivation technique for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China. The amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer used in drip‐irrigated wheat production is strongly connected to land productivity. However, the effect of reduced N application on the translocation of assimilates to grains and grain‐filling in wheat under drip irrigation is unknown. A 2‐yr field experiment (2018–2019) was conducted in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with two varieties of spring wheat (Xinchun 38 [XC38] and Xinchun 49 [XC49]) and five N application levels (300 [N1], 275 [N2], 250 [N3], 225 [N4], and 0 [N0] kg hm−2). The results showed that N application significantly affected the dry matter accumulation, transport amount, transport rate, and the contribution rate of wheat (stem sheaths, leaves, and spikes). The maximum values of the above parameters of XC38 and XC49 were observed in response to N3 and N4, respectively. In addition, N affected the dry weight and grain‐filling characteristic parameters. Nitrogen affected the rate of grain‐filling during the three periods, with N3 and N4 being the best treatments for XC38 and XC49, respectively. The results of this study provide an understanding of the translocation of assimilates and the grain‐filling characteristics of spring wheat, and the optimum N application levels were different for XC38 and XC49. Among the N treatments in this study, the optimum nitrogen levels were 250 and 225 kg hm−2 for XC38 and XC49, respectively.
Intersymbol interference resilient interleaving architecture for multi‐stream interleaved frequency division multiple access system
Authors: Kumar J. Arun , Stuwart S. Lenty
Published: November 2022

A multi‐stream cyclic interleaving architecture for an interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA) system is proposed. The proposed scheme exploits the full benefits of maximal length sequence (
‐sequence), in contrast to single data stream transmission scheme proposed in earlier works, thereby allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams by each user. The cyclic spreading allows the separation of multiple data streams for each user in addition to intersymbol interference (ISI) minimization. The assignment of orthogonal subcarriers to each user compensates multiuser interference (MUI). The increase in the number of data stream transmission improves the data rate of the system. The proposed scheme employs maximal ratio combining (MRC) to maximize the instantaneous signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of the multipath signal. The performances of the proposed interleaving scheme are compared with the minimum mean square error frequency domain equalization (MMSE‐FDE)‐based conventional interleaving scheme. Despite the simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams, the proposed scheme retains the performance of single data stream transmission.
Alcohol use disorder is associated with higher risks of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: A study of US insurance claims data
Authors: Zhang Pengyue , Edenberg Howard J. , Nurnberger John , Lai Dongbing , Cheng Feixiong , Liu Yunlong
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is on the ascendancy in the US older adult population. The association between AUD and adverse brain outcomes remains inconclusive.

Method

In a retrospective cohort design using US insurance claim data (2007–2020), 129,182 individuals with AUD were matched with 129,182 controls by age, sex, race, and clinical characteristics. We investigated the association between AUD and adverse brain outcomes using Cox analysis, Kaplan–Meier analysis, and log‐rank test.

Results

After adjusting for covariates, AUD was associated with a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (female adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68–1.90, p < 0.001; male adjusted HR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.71–1.91, p < 0.001) and a higher risk of Parkinson's disease (female adjusted HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.32–1.68, p < 0.001; male adjusted HR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.32–1.52, p < 0.001) in the overall sample. In separate analyses of Black, White, and Hispanic individuals, those with AUD had higher risk of Alzheimer's disease (adjusted HRs ≥1.58; Ps ≤ 0.001). A significantly elevated risk for Parkinson's disease was found only in the White subpopulation (female adjusted HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.36–1.77, p < 0.001; male adjusted HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.33–1.57, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

AUD is associated with Alzheimer's disease. AUD is associated with Parkinson's disease in White people. Cognitive screening and neurological examination among older adults with AUD hold the promise for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

HIGHLIGHTS

Alcohol use disorder is associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Alcohol use disorder is associated with Parkinson's disease in White people.
Habitual night waking associates with dynamics of waking cortical theta power in infancy
Authors: Gossé Louisa K. , Wiesemann Frank , Elwell Clare E. , Jones Emily J. H.
Published: November 2022

The implications of the substantial individual differences in infant sleep for early brain development remain unclear. Here, we examined whether night sleep quality relates to daytime brain activity, operationalized through measures of EEG theta power and its dynamic modulation, which have been previously linked to later cognitive development. For this longitudinal study, 76 typically developing infants were studied (age: 4–14 months, 166 individual study visits) over the course of 6 months with one, two, three, or four lab visits. Habitual sleep was measured with a 7‐day sleep diary and actigraphy, and the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Twenty‐channel EEG was recorded while infants watched multiple rounds of videos of women singing nursery rhymes; oscillatory power in the theta band was extracted. Key metrics were average theta across stimuli and the slope of change in theta within the first novel movie. Both objective and subjective sleep assessment methods showed a relationship between more night waking and higher overall theta power and reduced dynamic modulation of theta over the course of the novel video stimuli. These results may indicate altered learning and consolidation in infants with more disrupted night sleep, which may have implications for cognitive development.