bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaria Prevalence in Forest and Nonforest Areas of Kokrajhar District of Assam
Authors: Nath Dilip C. , Mwchahary Dimacha Dwibrang
Published: January 2012

An analysis of malaria prevalence and its trends in Kokrajhar district of Assam over the last ten years starting from 2001 to 2010 shows that the occurrence of malaria in the forest area is significantly higher than in the nonforest area (). The transmission of malaria parasite takes place through only two Plasmodium species of P. falciparum (PF) and P. vivax (PV) in both the forest and nonforest areas of the district, and the prevalence of P. falciparum has been found higher. The annual blood examination rate (ABER) is relatively lower in forest area than the nonforest area while annual parasite incidence (API) of the former was much higher. Nearly one-third of the population of the district is under high risk of being affected. The malaria API and forest cover of the district during the period are negatively correlated with a coefficient of −0.57. Special measures are necessary to contain the transmission of malaria in forest area.
Analytic Modeling of Trench Waveguides for Channel Plasmon-Polariton Using Full-Hybrid Trial-Field Functions
Authors: Chattopadhyay Sujit , Saha Pradip Kumar
Published: January 2012

A full-hybrid trial-field modeling, which was proposed earlier by the authors for plasmonic structures of rectangular cross-section, has been applied to trench waveguides for channel plasmon polariton. Most of the computed results of complex propagation constant agree well with those obtained by method of lines and effective index method, though the latter two results themselves show some discrepancy. The particular aspect in which there is varying degree of disagreement among the results obtained in the above three methods is the imaginary part of the effective index seen by the plasmon-polariton.
Immunometabolism unveiled: Pioneering breakthroughs in cancer therapeutics
Authors: Eldering Eric , Ricci Jean‐Ehrland
Published: June 2024

The field of immunometabolism cannot be considered ‘emerging’ anymore; it is at the moment one of the most active and rapidly evolving areas of biomedical research. Its hottest zone is cancer immunometabolism. This is partly due to the clinical application of immunotherapy, with either antibodies (checkpoint blockade) or cellular therapies (e.g., CAR‐T cells). In addition, the proliferating tumor cells create a nutrient‐deprived microenvironment that impairs the metabolic fitness and functionality of infiltrating immune cells such as T cells, NK cells, and macrophages. The key concepts are bidirectional metabolic signaling, plus the conviction that a better understanding of these processes will improve current immunotherapies, and foster new tools and targets for treatment. This collection of reviews will address various exciting aspects from junior and established scientists in the field.
An Octopus‐Inspired Stimulus‐Responsive Structural Color Hydrogel for Uterus Cervical Canal Stent
Authors: Zhang Lihao , Ren Lehao , Chen Yufei , Cao Yue , Li Sunlong , Lu Weipeng , Jia Yaoyuan , Li Yachun , Liu Cihui , Li Chen , Dong Qian
Published: June 2024

Soft‐bodied aquatic organisms have exhibited remarkable capabilities in navigating and moving within liquid environments serving as a profound inspiration for the development of bionic robots with intricate movements. Traditional rigid components are being replaced by stimulus‐responsive soft materials such as hydrogels and shape memory polymers, leading to the creation of dynamically responsive soft robots. In this study, the development of a bionic robot inspired by the shape of an octopus and the adsorptive properties of its tentacles, specifically tailored for targeted stimulation and pH sensing in the cervix, are presented. This approach involves the design of a soft, water‐based Janus adhesive hydrogel patch that adheres to specific parts of the cervix and responds to pH changes through external stimuli. The hydrogel patch incorporates inverse opal microstructures mimicking the legs of an octopus, to facilitate efficient and stable locomotion, unidirectional transport of biofluids, and pH‐responsive behavior. This miniature bionic robot showcases controlled adhesion and precise unidirectional fluid transport highlighting its potential for targeted stimulus response and pH sensing in the uterine cervical tract. This breakthrough opens new avenues for medical applications within the expanding field of soft‐bodied robotics.
High‐Performance NIR‐II Fluorescent Type I/II Photosensitizer Enabling Augmented Mild Photothermal Therapy of Tumors by Disrupting Heat Shock Proteins
Authors: Jiang Quanheng , Li Jingyu , Du Zhong , Li Mengyuan , Chen Liying , Zhang Xunwen , Tang Xialian , Shen Yaowei , Ma Dalong , Li Wen , Li Lin , Alifu Nuernisha , Hu Qinglian , Liu Jie
Published: June 2024

NIR‐II fluorescent photosensitizers as phototheranostic agents hold considerable promise in the application of mild photothermal therapy (MPTT) for tumors, as the reactive oxygen species generated during photodynamic therapy can effectively disrupt heat shock proteins. Nevertheless, the exclusive utilization of these photosensitizers to significantly augment the MPTT efficacy has rarely been substantiated, primarily due to their insufficient photodynamic performance. Herein, the utilization of high‐performance NIR‐II fluorescent type I/II photosensitizer (AS21:4) is presented as a simple but effective nanoplatform derived from molecule AS2 to enhance the MPTT efficacy of tumors without any additional therapeutic components. By taking advantage of heavy atom effect, AS21:4 as a type I/II photosensitizer demonstrates superior efficacy in producing 1O2 (1O2 quantum yield = 12.4%) and O2•− among currently available NIR‐II fluorescent photosensitizers with absorption exceeding 800 nm. In vitro and in vivo findings demonstrate that the 1O2 and O2•− generated from AS21:4 induce a substantial reduction in the expression of HSP90, thereby improving the MPTT efficacy. The remarkable phototheranostic performance, substantial tumor accumulation, and prolonged tumor retention of AS21:4, establish it as a simple but superior phototheranostic agent for NIR‐II fluorescence imaging‐guided MPTT of tumors.
Challenges and Opportunities for Single‐Atom Electrocatalysts: From Lab‐Scale Research to Potential Industry‐Level Applications
Authors: Jia Chen , Sun Qian , Liu Ruirui , Mao Guangzhao , Maschmeyer Thomas , Gooding J. Justin , Zhang Tao , Dai Liming , Zhao Chuan
Published: June 2024

Single‐atom electrocatalysts (SACs) are a class of promising materials for driving electrochemical energy conversion reactions due to their intrinsic advantages, including maximum metal utilization, well‐defined active structures, and strong interface effects. However, SACs have not reached full commercialization for broad industrial applications. This review summarizes recent research achievements in the design of SACs for crucial electrocatalytic reactions on their active sites, coordination, and substrates, as well as the synthesis methods. The key challenges facing SACs in activity, selectivity, stability, and scalability, are highlighted. Furthermore, it is pointed out the new strategies to address these challenges including increasing intrinsic activity of metal sites, enhancing the utilization of metal sites, improving the stability, optimizing the local environment, developing new fabrication techniques, leveraging insights from theoretical studies, and expanding potential applications. Finally, the views are offered on the future direction of single‐atom electrocatalysis toward commercialization.
Progress on Coherent Perovskites Emitters: From Light‐Emitting Diodes under High Current Density Operation to Laser Diodes
Authors: Lee Gayoung , Jun Yejin , Lee Hyeonji , Roh Kwangdong
Published: June 2024

Perovskites exhibit appealing optical and electrical properties, making them attractive candidates for efficient luminescent materials with low‐cost and straightforward fabrication processes. Their versatility is highlighted by the ability to deposit perovskite thin films on various substrates, including silicon, glass, sapphire, and flexible substrates, enabling potential monolithic integration on silicon for applications such as photonic integrated circuits, high‐speed communication. Extensive studies on perovskite light‐emitting diodes have shown external quantum efficiencies exceeding 20% across a wide spectral range from deep blue to near‐infrared, with chirality. Additionally, perovskite‐based lasing action has been achieved under pulsed optical excitation and continuous‐wave operation, as well as in functional diode structures. However, realizing electrically driven perovskite laser diodes for practical applications requires the injection of intense current densities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the historical progress in perovskite lasers and light‐emitting didoes, along with important design considerations essential for their development.
Integrated Single‐Cell RNA‐seq and ATAC‐seq Reveals Heterogeneous Differentiation of CD4+ Naive T Cell Subsets is Associated with Response to Antidepressant Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Sun Zuoli , Zhang Bowen , Zhou Jingjing , Luo Yanting , Zhu Xuequan , Wang Yaping , He Yi , Zheng Peng , Zhang Ling , Yang Jian , Wang Gang
Published: June 2024

The mechanism involved in major depressive disorder (MDD) is well‐studied but the mechanistic origin of the heterogeneous antidepressant effect remains largely unknown. Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC‐seq) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 8 healthy individuals and 8 MDD patients before or after 12 weeks of antidepressant treatment is performed. scRNA‐seq analysis reveals a lower proportion of naive T cells, particularly CD4+ naive T cells, in MDD patients compared to controls, and in nonresponders versus responders at the baseline. Flow cytometry data analysis of an independent cohort of 35 patients and 40 healthy individuals confirms the findings. Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated obvious immune activation in responders. A specific activated CD4+ naive T population in responders characterized by enhanced mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway is identified. E‐twenty six (ETS) is proposed as an upstream regulator of the MAPK pathway and heterogeneous differentiation in activated CD4+ naive T population is associated with the response to antidepressant treatment in MDD patients. A distinct immune feature manifested by CD4+ naive T cells during antidepressant treatment in MDD is identified. Collectively, this proposes the molecular mechanism that underlies the heterogeneous antidepressant outcomes for MDD.
Maternal Obesity Induces the Meiotic Defects and Epigenetic Alterations During Fetal Oocyte Development
Authors: Tang Shoubin , Wu Huihua , Chen Qiuzhen , Tang Tao , Li Jiashuo , An Huiqing , Zhu Shuai , Han Longsen , Sun Hongzheng , Ge Juan , Qian Xu , Wang Xi , Wang Qiang
Published: June 2024

It has been widely reported that obesity adversely impacts reproductive performance of females. However, the effects of maternal obesity on fetal germ cells remain poorly understood. In the present study, by employing a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐based mouse model, it is discovered that maternal obesity disrupts the chromosomal synapsis and homologous recombination during fetal oogenesis. Moreover, transcriptomic profiling reveales the potential molecular network controlling this process. Of note, the global hypermethylation of genomic DNA in fetal oocytes from obese mouse is detected. Importantly, time‐restricted feeding (TRF) of obese mice not only ameliorate the meiotic defects, but also partly restore the epigenetic remodeling in fetal oocytes. In sum, the evidence are provided showing the deficit fetal oogenesis in obese mother, implicating a mechanism underlying the intergenerational effects of environmental insults. TRF may represent a potentially effective approach for mitigating fertility issues in obese patients.
Sonosynthetic Cyanobacteria Oxygenation for Self‐Enhanced Tumor‐Specific Treatment
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Shen Xiu , Jin Junyi , Jiang Xiaoyan , Pan Wenqi , Wu Chenyao , Yu Dehong , Li Ping , Feng Wei , Chen Yu
Published: June 2024

Photosynthesis, essential for life on earth, sustains diverse processes by providing nutrition in plants and microorganisms. Especially, photosynthesis is increasingly applied in disease treatments, but its efficacy is substantially limited by the well‐known low penetration depth of external light. Here, ultrasound‐mediated photosynthesis is reported for enhanced sonodynamic tumor therapy using organic sonoafterglow (ultrasound‐induced afterglow) nanoparticles combined with cyanobacteria, demonstrating the proof‐of‐concept sonosynthesis (sonoafterglow‐induced photosynthesis) in cancer therapy. Chlorin e6, a typical small‐molecule chlorine, is formulated into nanoparticles to stimulate cyanobacteria for sonosynthesis, which serves three roles, i.e., overcoming the tissue‐penetration limitations of external light sources, reducing hypoxia, and acting as a sonosensitizer for in vivo tumor suppression. Furthermore, sonosynthetic oxygenation suppresses the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α, leading to reduced stability of downstream SLC7A11 mRNA, which results in glutathione depletion and inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4, thereby inducing ferroptosis of cancer cells. This study not only broadens the scope of microbial nanomedicine but also offers a distinct direction for sonosynthesis.
Leveraging Senescent Cancer Cell Membrane to Potentiate Cancer Immunotherapy Through Biomimetic Nanovaccine
Authors: Yang Chao , Chen Yinglu , Liu Jie , Zhang Wensheng , He Yan , Chen Fangman , Xie Xiaochun , Tang Jie , Guan Shan , Shao Dan , Wang Zheng , Wang Liang
Published: June 2024

Senescent cancer cells are endowed with high immunogenic potential that has been leveraged to elicit antitumor immunity and potentially complement anticancer therapies. However, the efficacy of live senescent cancer cell‐based vaccination is limited by interference from immunosuppressive senescence‐associated secretory phenotype and pro‐tumorigenic capacity of senescent cells. Here, a senescent cancer cell‐based nanovaccine with strong immunogenicity and favorable potential for immunotherapy is reported. The biomimetic nanovaccine integrating a senescent cancer cell membrane‐coated nanoadjuvant outperforms living senescent cancer cells in enhancing dendritic cells (DCs) internalization, improving lymph node targeting, and enhancing immune responses. In contrast to nanovaccines generated from immunogenic cell death‐induced tumor cells, senescent nanovaccines facilitate DC maturation, eliciting superior antitumor protection and improving therapeutic outcomes in melanoma‐challenged mice with fewer side effects when combined with αPD‐1. The study suggests a versatile biomanufacturing approach to maximize immunogenic potential and minimize adverse effects of senescent cancer cell‐based vaccination and advances the design of biomimetic nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy.
Harnessing Disparities in Magnetic Microswarms: From Construction to Collaborative Tasks
Authors: Cao Chuan , Mou Fangzhi , Yang Manyi , Zhang Shuming , Zhang Di , Li Luolin , Lan Tong , Xiao Dunyi , Luo Wei , Ma Huiru , Guan Jianguo
Published: June 2024

Individual differences in size, experience, and task specialization in natural swarms often result in heterogeneity and hierarchy, facilitating efficient and coordinated task accomplishment. Drawing inspiration from this phenomenon, a general strategy is proposed for organizing magnetic micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with apparent differences in size, shape, and properties into cohesive microswarms with tunable heterogeneity, controlled spatial hierarchy, and collaborative tasking capability. In this strategy, disparate magnetic MNRs can be manipulated to show reversible transitions between synchronization and desynchronization by elaborately regulating parameter sets of the rotating magnetic field. Utilizing these transitions, alongside local robust hydrodynamic interactions, diverse heterospecific pairings of disparate magnetic MNRs can be organized into heterogeneous microswarms, and their spatial organization can be dynamically adjusted from egalitarian to leader‐follower‐like hierarchies on the fly, both in open space and complex microchannels. Furthermore, when specializing the disparate MNRs with distinct functions (“division of labor”) such as sensing and drug carrying, they can execute precise drug delivery targeting unknown sites in a collaborative sensing‐navigating‐cargo dropping sequence, demonstrating significant potential for precise tumor treatment. These findings highlight the critical roles of attribute differences and hierarchical organization in designing efficient swarming micro/nanorobots for biomedical applications.
Malleable, Ultrastrong Antibacterial Thermosets Enabled by Guanidine Urea Structure
Authors: Yu Zhen , Li Qiong , Liu Yanlin , Tian Shu , Chen Wanding , Han Yingying , Tang Zhaobin , Zhang Junping
Published: June 2024

Dynamic covalent polymers (DCPs) that strike a balance between high performance and rapid reconfiguration have been a challenging task. For this purpose, a solution is proposed in the form of a new dynamic covalent supramolecular motif—guanidine urea structure (GUAs). GUAs contain complex and diverse chemical structures as well as unique bonding characteristics, allowing guanidine urea supramolecular polymers to demonstrate advanced physical properties. Noncovalent interaction aggregates (NIAs) have been confirmed to form in GUA‐DCPs through multistage H‐bonding and π‐π stacking, resulting in an extremely high Young's modulus of 14 GPa, suggesting remarkable mechanical strength. Additionally, guanamine urea linkages in GUAs, a new type of dynamic covalent bond, provide resins with excellent malleability and reprocessability. Guanamine urea metathesis is validated using small molecule model compounds, and the temperature dependent infrared and rheological behavior of GUA‐DCPs following the dissociative exchange mechanism. Moreover, the inherent photodynamic antibacterial properties are extensively verified by antibacterial experiments. Even after undergoing three reprocessing cycles, the antibacterial rate of GUA‐DCPs remains above 99% after 24 h, highlighting their long‐lasting antibacterial effectiveness. GUA‐DCPs with dynamic nature, tuneable composition, and unique combination of properties make them promising candidates for various technological advancements.
Zeolite Membrane‐Based Low‐Temperature Dehydrogenation of a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier: A Key Step in the Development of a Hydrogen Economy
Authors: Kim Sejin , Lee Seungmi , Sung Suhyeon , Gu Sangseo , Kim Jinseong , Lee Gihoon , Park Jaesung , Yip Alex C. K. , Choi Jungkyu
Published: June 2024

Methylcyclohexane (MCH) dehydrogenation is an equilibrium‐limited reaction that requires high temperatures (>300 °C) for complete conversion. However, high‐temperature operation can degrade catalytic activity and produce unwanted side products. Thus, a hybrid zeolite membrane (Z) is prepared on the inner surface of a tubular support and used it as a wall in a membrane reactor (MR) configuration. Pt/C catalysts is packed diluted with quartz sand inside the Z‐coated tube and applied the MR for MCH dehydrogenation at low temperatures (190–250 °C). Z showed a remarkable H2‐permselectivity in the presence of both toluene and MCH, yielding separation factors over 350. The Z‐based MR achieved higher MCH conversion (75.3% ± 0.8% at 220 °C) than the conventional packed‐bed reactor (56.4% ± 0.3%) and the equilibrium state (53.2%), owing to the selective removal of H2 through Z. In summary, the hybrid zeolite MR enhances MCH dehydrogenation at low temperatures by overcoming thermodynamic limitations and improves the catalytic performance and product selectivity of the reaction.
How to measure quality of surgery as a component of multimodality treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Polkowski Wojciech P. , Gęca Katarzyna , Skórzewska Magdalena
Published: June 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent reasons for cancer‐related death worldwide. The multimodal therapeutic strategies are now pragmatically tailored to each patient, especially in advanced GC. A radical but safe gastrectomy remains the cornerstone of the GC treatment. Moreover, the quality‐of‐life (QoL) outcome measures are now routinely utilized in order to select optimal type of gastrectomy, as well as reconstruction method. Postoperative complications are frequent, and effective diagnosis and treatment of complications is crucial to lower the mortality rates. The postoperative complications prolong hospital stay and may result in poor QoL, thus eliminating the completion of perioperative adjuvant therapy. Therefore, avoiding morbidity is not only relevant for the immediate postoperative course, but can also affect long‐term oncological outcome. Measuring outcome enables surgeons to: monitor their own results; compare quality of treatment between centres; facilitate improvement both for surgery alone and combined treatment; select optimal procedure for an individual patient. Textbook oncological outcome is a composite quality measure representing the ideal hospitalization for gastrectomy, as well as stage‐appropriate (perioperative) adjuvant chemotherapy. Standardized system for recording complications and adherence to multimodality treatment guidelines are crucial for achieving the ultimate goal of surgical quality‐improvement that can benefit patients QoL and long‐term outcomes after fast and uneventful hospitalization for gastrectomy.
Unveiling the exceptional evolution of solute aggregates: From micro to trace, solution to interface
Authors: Wang Weili , Ma Hao , Huang Qiuting , Luo Siheng , Ren Bin , Tian Zhongqun , Liu Guokun
Published: June 2024

Existential state of solutes substantially affects the efficiency and direction of various chemical and biological processes, about which current consensus is still limited at macro and micro levels. At the trace level, solutes assume a pivotal role across a spectrum of critical fields. However, their existential states, especially at interfaces, remain largely elusive. Herein, an exceptional evolution of solute molecules is unveiled from micro to trace, solution to interface, with the aid of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, extinction, DLS and theoretical simulations. Given predominant existence of monomers within the solution, these aggregates dominate the interfacial behavior of solute molecules. Moreover, a universal, aggregate‐controlled mechanism is demonstrated that aggregates triggered by cosolvent, which can dramatically promote efficiency of catalytic reactions. The results provide novel insights into the interaction mechanisms between reactants and catalysts, potentially offering fresh perspectives for the manipulation of multiphase catalysis and related biological processes.
Robotic Antennas Using Liquid Metal Origami
Authors: Mishra Anand K. , Russo Nicholas E. , An Hyeon Seok , Zekios Constantinos L. , Georgakopoulos Stavros V. , Shepherd Robert F.
Published: June 2024

Two of the main challenges in origami antenna designs are creating a reliable hinge and achieving precise actuation for optimal electromagnetic (EM) performance. Herein, a waterbomb origami ring antenna is introduced, integrating the waterbomb origami principle, 3D‐printed liquid metal (LM) hinges, and robotic shape morphing. The approach, combining 3D printing, robotic actuation, and innovative antenna design, enables various origami folding patterns, enhancing both portability and EM performance. This antenna's functionality has been successfully demonstrated, displaying its communication capabilities with another antenna and its ability to navigate narrow spaces on a remote‐controlled wheel robot. The 3D‐printed LM hinge exhibits low DC resistance (200 ± 1.6 mΩ) at both flat and folded state, and, with robotic control, the antenna achieves less than 1° folding angle accuracy and a 66% folding area ratio. The antenna operates in two modes at 2.08 and 2.4 GHz, ideal for fixed mobile use and radiolocation. Through extensive simulations and experiments, the antenna is evaluated in both flat and folded states, focusing on resonant frequency, gain patterns, and hinge connectivity. The findings confirm that the waterbomb origami ring antenna consistently maintains EM performance during folding and unfolding, with stable resonant frequencies and gain patterns, proving the antenna's reliability and adaptability for use in portable and mobile devices.
Cu@CuFe2O4 nanoparticles catalyzed oxidative functionalization of alkynes: Access to α,α‐dichloro ketones
Authors: Wang Huahui , Wu Sichao , Zeng Xianghua , Chen Lu
Published: June 2024

In this study, novel Cu@CuFe2O4 nanoparticles were prepared by virtue of a simple method. By utilizing a compatible system involving N‐chlorosuccinimide (NCS) as the chlorine source and Cu@CuFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) as recyclable catalyst, we present a novel and practical method for directly obtaining aryl α,α‐dichloroketones in aqueous trifluoroethanol (TFE). The catalyst was recovered and reused up to five times with no significant decrease in activity. The current study provides a foundational raw material for the subsequent synthesis of chlorinated functional molecules, which is achieved through a mild transformation of arylalkynes using readily available commercial feedstocks and exhibiting good tolerance with various substituents on the aromatic ring, including the aliphatic alkyne. This novel heterogeneous catalyst may be used in numerous industrial applications because of its merits, such as considerable recyclability, low requirement for catalyst loading, cost‐effectiveness, and ease of handling.
Aroylhydrazone‐based nickel(II) complexes: Synthesis and their structural, density functional theory (DFT), biological and catalytic studies
Authors: Nishana Lahinakillathu , Sakthivel Ayyamperumal , Prathapachandra Kurup Maliyeckal R. , Manoj E. , Kulandaisamy Antonysamy , Murugan Brindha Matharasi , Gnanadesigan Murugesan
Published: June 2024

Nickel(II) complexes of tridentate NNO donor aroylhydrazones, viz., di‐2‐pyridyl ketone‐4‐methoxybenzhydrazone monohydrate (DKMBH·H2O) and 2‐acetylpyrazine‐4‐methoxybenzhydrazone monohydrate (APMBH·H2O), were synthesized and characterized using various methods, including spectral techniques (Fourier transform infrared [FT‐IR], UV–vis) and analytical methods (elemental and X‐ray diffraction [XRD] analysis). Single‐crystal XRD was used to elucidate the crystal structures of nickel(II) complexes 1 and 2. The XRD analysis revealed that the respective ligands coordinated to the Ni(II) center through the deprotonated iminolate form in complex 1 and the neutral amido form in complex 2, resulting in distorted octahedral geometries. The ground state electronic configurations of the complexes were studied using the B3LYP/UB3LYP levels of DFT. Using absorption spectral titration methods, the interactions of complexes with CT‐DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein were examined. The observed data demonstrate that the complexes adopt an intercalative binding mode to bind to CT‐DNA and BSA protein. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the nickel(II) complexes and their ligands was determined using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Complex 2 demonstrated the highest radical scavenging activity of the compounds studied (IC50 = 3.81 mM). Furthermore, molecular docking studies were performed to understand how the complexes can interact with the SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease. The results revealed that complex 2 had the highest docking score (−8.18 kcal/mol) when compared with the other complexes under study. Aside from their biological properties, the nickel complexes heterogenized on functionalized SBA‐15 showed promising catalytic activity, achieving 98% yield in the reduction of nitrobenzene, forming exclusively aniline as the end product.
Spectral, XRD, morphological, DFT, and molecular modeling investigations of newly prepared isatin Schiff base complexes
Authors: Moustafa Bassant S. , Omar Mohamed M. , Qayed Wesam S. , AbdEl‐Halim Hanan F. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: June 2024

The new Schiff base ligand was designed from a condensation reaction of isatin with 5‐amino‐2‐hydroxy benzoic acid. Then, the metal complexes were prepared. The structures of the prepared compounds were framed from thermogravimetric analyses (TG–DTG), mass spectrometry, elemental analyses, 1H‐NMR, IR, electronic spectra, UV–vis, and conductivity measurements. Surface and size morphology have been studied by X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The IR spectra suggested that the ligand acted as bidentate coordinated with metal ions through deprotonated carboxylate oxygen atom and oxygen of phenolic group. With the exception of the complexes of Cr (III), Fe (III), and Cd (II), which were non‐electrolytes, the molar conductivities demonstrated the electrolytic behavior of all the rest complexes. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis patterns for the Schiff base complexes indicated their crystalline nature except the Co (II) complex which had amorphous structure. The ligand and its metal complexes were screened for their antimicrobial activities against two G‐positive, two G‐negative bacteria and against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans fungi. Additionally, the compounds were evaluated against the MFC‐7 breast cancer cell line for their anticancer activity. The outcomes demonstrated their strong antitumor activity. [Fe(HL)Cl2(H2O)2]0.5H2O complex has the lowest IC50 value = 9 μg mL−1. Molecular modeling studies for the ligand and its Co (II) and Fe (III) complexes were accomplished from density functional theory (DFT) analysis. From molecular docking study, the electrophilic moieties in both complexes displayed good binding interactions with the CDK6, aminoglycoside phosphotransferase, and CYP51 targeted proteins.
Copper (II) complexes based on the mixed ligand system: Study of synthesis, characterization, and stopped‐flow kinetics of copper oxidase‐mimicking catalytic activity
Authors: Abo El‐Kheir Dina A. H. , Shaban Shaban Y. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Ramadan Abd El‐Motaleb M. , Fathy Ahmed M.
Published: June 2024

Two copper (II) complexes based on the mixed ligand system were synthesized and structurally characterized. The molecular formulae for complex (1), [Cu2L1L′] and complex (2), [CuL2L′] were determined based on analytical data, molar conductance, and thermal analysis results. The optimized structures of complexes (1) and (2) were determined by magnetic and spectroscopic measurements (FTIR, UV–Vis, and ESR) and confirmed by processing powder X‐ray diffraction data by Expo 2014 software. The geometry index (τ5), determined by ESR spectra and structural analysis based on powder X‐ray, demonstrates the square pyramidal geometry of the Cu (II) center of [Cu2L1L′] and [CuL2L′]. Cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed to elucidate the relationship between the redox properties of (1) and (2) and their oxidase‐mimicking catalytic activity. Catalytic aerobic oxidation of the polyphenols 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐DTBCH2), 4‐nitrocatechol, and 2‐aminophenol (2‐APH3) was studied by stopped‐flow technique. Promising catechol oxidase (COX) and phenoxazinone synthase (PHS) mimetic activity have been demonstrated for (1) and (2). Electrochemical data were used to determine the free energy (ΔG°) or driving force (−λ), and their correlation with the oxidase mimetic activity of(1) and (2) was examined. Several experimental procedures have been performed that have helped describe the catalytic mechanisms of the catalytic reactions taking place.
Investigation of Acoustic Attenuation and Resonances in Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Ultrasound Spectroscopy
Authors: Feiler Simon , Gold Lukas , Hartmann Sarah , Giffin Guinevere A.
Published: June 2024

Ultrasound spectroscopy up to 6 MHz is carried out on a 12 Ah Lithium‐ion battery pouch‐cell. The analysis revealed that the attenuation behavior can be effectively described as having an absorption component and a resonance component. It was demonstrated that the absorption can be modeled as a second order polynomial. Two distinct resonances were identified at 2.2 MHz and 4.4 MHz. The first of these resonances shows a significant almost linear reduction in magnitude with increasing state of charge. By smartly choosing the ultrasound interrogation frequency to coincide with this resonance, an almost linear increase by a factor of more than five was measured in the signal amplitude between between state of charge levels of 0 and 100. This could provide the basis for a robust and straightforward state of charge determination method.
Muscle matters: Skeletal muscle index and body mass index impact on complications and survival in renal cancer
Authors: Hillers Alexander Hintze , Bach Signe Wang , Saito Atena , Azawi Nessn
Published: June 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to independently assess skeletal muscle index (SMI) and body mass index (BMI) as prognostic determinants for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and investigate their correlation with surgical outcomes.

Patients and methods

A retrospective cohort study of 524 RCC patients diagnosed between August 2010 and July 2018 was conducted using data from the Zealand University Hospital Renal Cancer Database in Denmark. Patient information was extracted from electronic patient records and the National Cancer Registry and encompassed demographics, clinical factors, tumour characteristics and surgical details. SMI was calculated from a single third lumbar vertebra (L3) axial computed tomography (CT) image via CoreSlicer software and classified into high using gender‐specific thresholds. Primary outcomes focused on complications within 90 days as well as survival outcomes, and their relation with both SMI and BMI. Multivariable analysis assessed SMI's independent prognostic significance in RCC.

Results

Among 524 patients, 18.5% experienced complications, with high SMI correlating significantly (p = 0.018) with a 72% higher complication risk. High SMI patients had a 22.7% complication rate compared to 14.5% in the low SMI group. High SMI was also linked to prolonged survival (110.95 vs. 94.87 months; p = 0.001), whereas BMI showed no significant survival differences (p = 0.326). Multivariable analysis (n = 522) revealed high SMI associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.738; 95% CI, 0.548–0.994; p = 0.046). Advanced T‐stage significantly impacted mortality (T2: HR = 2.057; T3: HR = 4.361; p < 0.001), and each additional year of age raised mortality risk by 4.3% (HR = 1.043; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Higher SMI increases the risk of postoperative complications, yet it significantly improves overall survival rates. Different BMI categories lack RCC prognostic significance. The increasing incidence in RCC calls for the use of CT scan to assess SMI and aid treatment planning in patients who might benefit from preoperative interventions.
The Hydrogen Evolution Reaction: Using Molecular Design in Transition Metal Complexes to Control Catalytic Microenvironments on Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Trowbridge Logan , Sues Peter E.
Published: June 2024

Hydrogen gas and its production from renewable power sources will be an important part of decreasing global reliance on fossil fuels and developing a sustainable energy economy. Efficient electrocatalysis, however, relies on the delivery of both protons and electrons; ideally in a concerted fashion to avoid high energy intermediates, prevent charge build‐up, and circumvent large kinetic barriers. While this can be achieved using ligand design in homogenous molecular transition metal catalysts (specifically incorporating proton shuttles in the secondary coordination sphere), heterogeneous systems are more desirable from an industrial perspective due to their ease of use and enhanced durability. Supporting transition metal catalysts on electrode surfaces is therefore a promising approach for developing next generation electrocatalysts that retain molecular level control in interfacial environments. This review will first cover key design principles from natural systems, such as hydrogenase enzymes, and then survey some representative examples of synthetic homogeneous hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts that incorporate these important features. We will then discuss transition metal species that have been supported on electrode materials, with a focus on recent advances in the field, and the major challenges that remain.
Assessing screw length impact on bone strain in proximal humerus fracture fixation via surrogate modelling
Authors: Mini Daniela , Reynolds Karen J. , Taylor Mark
Published: June 2024

A high failure rate is associated with fracture plates in proximal humerus fractures. The causes of failure remain unclear due to the complexity of the problem including the number and position of the screws, their length and orientation in the space. Finite element (FE) analysis has been used for the analysis of plating of proximal humeral fractures, but due to computational costs is unable to fully explore all potential screw combinations. Surrogate modelling is a viable solution, having the potential to significantly reduce the computational cost whilst requiring a moderate number of training sets. This study aimed to develop adaptive neural network (ANN)‐based surrogate models to predict the strain in the humeral bone as a result of changing the length of the screws. The ANN models were trained using data from FE simulations of a single humerus, and after defining the best training sample size, multiple and single‐output models were developed. The best performing ANN model was used to predict all the possible screw length configurations. The ANN predictions were compared with the FE results of unseen data, showing a good correlation (R2 = 0.99) and low levels of error (RMSE = 0.51%–1.83% strain). The ANN predictions of all possible screw length configurations showed that the screw that provided the medial support was the most influential on the predicted strain. Overall, the ANN‐based surrogate model accurately captured bone strains and has the potential to be used for more complex problems with a larger number of variables.
Solid‐State Reaction of Alkylamines with CO2 in Ambient Air
Authors: Kiani Aida , Rosaria Acocella Maria , Auriemma Finizia , Guerra Gaetano
Published: June 2024

This paper explores possible procedures to accelerate CO2 capture from ambient air by a crystalline alkylamine surfactant (octadecylamine), leading to the corresponding crystalline ammonium‐carbamate. Conversion of the amine to the carbamate, in different conditions, is studied by four different techniques: WAXD, FTIR, TGA, and DSC. The WAXD study also gives relevant information on the crystal structures of both amine and derived carbamate. Kinetics of reactions of the crystalline amine are mainly studied by DSC scans, by evaluating melting enthalpies of residual amine. The kinetics of conversion of the amine in ambient CO2 is strongly accelerated by ball milling with full conversion achieved after only 4 h, while the reaction kinetics of amine powder simply exposed to ambient CO2 is complete only after nearly 103 h. A substantial increase in kinetics of the solid‐state amine reaction with ambient CO2 can be also achieved by increasing the temperature up to 50 °C, i. e. at a temperature slightly lower than amine melting. However, the time for full conversion remains much higher than for room‐temperature ball‐milled amine (roughly 102 h vs 4 h). Hence, suitable ball‐milling procedures can lead to complete and relatively fast conversion of the crystalline amine to the crystalline ammonium‐carbamate, even with ambient CO2.
A novel design methodology for ultrawideband high‐efficiency hybrid extended continuous inverse class‐F power amplifier
Authors: Liu Guohua , Wang Mingyang , Cheng Zhiqun
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes a design method for designing an ultrawideband and high‐efficiency hybrid extended continuous inverse class‐F power amplifier (PA) based on elliptic low‐pass filtering matching network. This design methodology expands the impedance space by adding free factors to the current equation of traditional inverse class‐F power amplifier (PA). Additionally, an output matching network (OMN) incorporating an elliptical low‐pass filter creates two transmission zeros near the passband and provides a rapid transition to the impedance from passband to stopband. In order to verify the effectiveness and superiority of this design method, an ultrawideband PA working over 0.7–3.7 GHz (136.4%) is designed and fabricated. Over this frequency range, the drain efficiency (DE) is measured as 60.7%–73.4% with the output power of greater than 41 dBm and a large signal gain ranging from 11 to 12.7 dB.
CPHEN‐017: Comprehensive phenotyping of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) on peripheral human neutrophils
Authors: Jones Ceridwyn , La Flamme Anne , Larsen Peter , Hally Kathryn
Published: June 2024

With the recent discovery of their ability to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), neutrophils are increasingly appreciated as active participants in infection and inflammation. NETs are characterized as large, web‐like networks of DNA and proteins extruded from neutrophils, and there is considerable interest in how these structures drive disease in humans. Advancing research in this field is contingent on developing novel tools for quantifying NETosis. To this end, we have developed a 7‐marker flow cytometry panel for analyzing NETosis on human peripheral neutrophils following in vitro stimulation, and in fresh circulating neutrophils under inflammatory conditions. This panel was optimized on neutrophils isolated from whole blood and analyzed fresh or in vitro stimulated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or ionomycin, two known NET‐inducing agonists. Neutrophils were identified as SSChighFSChighCD15+CD66b+. Neutrophils positive for amine residues and 7‐Aminoactinomycin D (7‐AAD), our DNA dye of choice, were deemed necrotic (Zombie‐NIR+7‐AAD+) and were removed from downstream analysis. Exclusion of Zombie‐NIR and positivity for 7‐AAD (Zombie‐NIRdim7‐AAD+) was used here as a marker of neutrophil‐appendant DNA, a key feature of NETs. The presence of two NET‐associated proteins – myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) – were utilized to identify neutrophil‐appendant NET events (SSChighFSChighCD15+CD66b+Zombie NIRdim7‐AAD+MPO+NE+). We also demonstrate that NETotic neutrophils express citrullinated histone H3 (H3cit), are concentration‐dependently induced by in vitro PMA and ionomycin stimulation but are disassembled with DNase treatment, and are present in both chronic and acute inflammation. This 7‐color flow cytometry panel provides a novel tool for examining NETosis in humans.
The effect of internal, external, and holistic focus of attention on standing long jump performance in novice and skilled karatekas
Authors: Noroozi Tooran , Saemi Esmaeel , Doustan Mohammadreza , Singh Harjiv , Aiken Christopher A.
Published: June 2024

An important application for training instructions is found in directing one's attentional focus. This direction can occur in different internal, external, or holistic forms. However, comparison between these three forms of instructions is a relatively recent development rarely reported at different skill levels or various sports including karate. Therefore, the present study attempts to investigate the effects of three forms of instructions on standing long jump performance in skilled and novice karatekas. The participants were 60 skilled and novice karatekas (all females; mean age: 21.32 ± 1.65) who completed 12 standing long jump trials under different focus conditions (3 trials for each condition: internal, external, holistic and control condition) in a counterbalanced order. Our findings suggested significant main effects, indicating that skilled karatekas outperformed the novices. The findings also showed that regardless of skill levels, the participants exhibited similar performance under external and holistic focus conditions while performance in both of these conditions was superior compared to performance under internal focus and control conditions. No difference was observed between the control and internal focus conditions. It seems that skilled and novice karatekas may benefit from holistic and external focus of attention instructions which enhance their motor performance. Thus, it is recommended that coaches should incorporate these two types of attentional focus instructions into their training sessions.
Textile‐based high‐gain bow‐tie antenna using metamaterials for medical applications
Authors: Khajeh‐Khalili Farzad , Shirvani Parisa , Neshati Mohammad H.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a high‐gain wearable circularly polarized bow‐tie antenna (WCPBTA) with metamaterial unit‐cells and 5 pins (5Ps) technique for telemedicine applications such as telemonitoring the elderly or the patients especially for emergency conditions of contagious diseases. The frequency range of the proposed antenna is 5.725–5.850 GHz, which belongs to the unlicensed‐national information infrastructure (U‐NII‐3) for the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) sub‐channels. A light‐weight and flexible felt with dielectric constant εr = 3, thickness 1.27 mm, and tan (δ) = 0.0095 is used as the substrate for patient comfort and wearability. The overall dimensions of the proposed antenna are 64 × 62 × 1.27 mm3 or 0.102 λg3 at 5.8 GHz. The maximum simulated gain at 5.8 GHz is 8.25 dB, which is more than 4 dB compared to that of the original bow‐tie antenna. Besides, the axial ratio (AR) and the specific absorption rate (SAR) are also analyzed, which meet the perfect requirement for medical applications. The fabricated prototype of the antenna shows good compatibility between simulation and measurement results. These characteristics make the proposed WCPBTA a good choice for wireless body area networks (WBANs) in telemonitoring applications especially with the aim of preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
Numerical study of enhanced geothermal systems with supercritical CO2 injection considering reservoir changes
Authors: Xiao Xiaochun , Li Wensheng , Gong Peiyushun , Xu Jun , Ding Xin
Published: June 2024

The injection of supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) into the enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) is a highly intricate thermohydromechanical (THM) coupled process. To improve the realism and accuracy of simulating convective heat transfer characteristics in CO2‐EGS, a coupled model based on discrete fracture network (DFN) theory is established. In this model, the dynamic evolution laws of reservoir porosity and permeability, as well as the nonlinear variations of thermophysical parameters for ScCO2 under the influences of temperature and pressure are considered. The validity of the numerical results was confirmed through a comparative analysis with the analytical solution. The result shows that the ScCO2 can rapidly extracts heat from both the fractures and the adjacent rock matrix. The heat of the rock matrix far away from the fractures cannot be compensated to the fractures immediately, resulting in the high temperature peak effect of the local rock matrix. The injection of ScCO2 can increase the porosity and permeability of reservoir, which is induced by the weakened thermal expansion effect of rock. The alteration of reservoir porosity and permeability also leads to the change of the flow characteristics of ScCO2. Additionally, the thermal parameters of ScCO2 changes with the temperature and pressure conditions of the reservoir. The change of flow rate and heat extraction rate of ScCO2 in EGS is dominated by the decrease of density, specific heat capacity, porosity, permeability, and thermal conductivity.