bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Nickel‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation
Authors: Li Liubo , Wang Xinyi , Fu Niankai
Published: March 2024

Olefin hydrogenation is one of the most important transformations in organic synthesis. Electrochemical transition metal‐catalyzed hydrogenation is an attractive approach to replace the dangerous hydrogen gas with electrons and protons. However, this reaction poses major challenges due to rapid hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of metal‐hydride species that outcompetes alkene hydrogenation step, and facile deposition of the metal catalyst at the electrode that stalls reaction. Here we report an economical and efficient strategy to achieve high selectivity for hydrogenation reactivity over the well‐established HER. Using an inexpensive and bench‐stable nickel salt as the catalyst, this mild reaction features outstanding substrate generality and functional group compatibility, and distinct chemoselectivity. In addition, hydrodebromination of alkyl and aryl bromides could be realized using the same reaction system with a different ligand, and high chemoselectivity between hydrogenation and hydrodebromination could be achieved through ligand selection. The practicability of our method has been demonstrated by the success of large‐scale synthesis using catalytic amount of electrolyte and a minimal amount of solvent. Cyclic voltammetry and kinetic studies were performed, which support a NiII/0 catalytic cycle and the pre‐coordination of the substrate to the nickel center.
Asymmetric, Remote C(sp3)−H Arylation via Sulfinyl‐Smiles Rearrangement
Authors: Hu Yawen , Hervieu Cédric , Merino Estíbaliz , Nevado Cristina
Published: March 2024

An efficient asymmetric remote arylation of C(sp3)−H bonds under photoredox conditions is described here. The reaction features the addition radicals to a double bond followed by a site‐selective radical translocation (1,n‐hydrogen atom transfer) as well as a stereocontrolled aryl migration via sulfinyl‐Smiles rearrangement furnishing a wide range of chiral α‐arylated amides with up to >99 : 1 er. Mechanistic studies indicate that the sulfinamide group governs the stereochemistry of the product with the aryl migration being the rate determining step preceded by a kinetically favored 1,n‐HAT process.
Postsynthetically Modified Alkoxide‐Exchanged Ni2(OR)2BTDD: Synergistic Interactions of CO2 with Open Metal Sites and Functional Groups
Authors: Yu Sumin , Kim Namju , Choe Jong Hyeak , Kim Hyojin , Kim Dae Won , Youn Jeongwon , Lee Yong Hoon , Hong Chang Seop
Published: March 2024

Postsynthetic modifications (PSMs) of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) play a crucial role in enhancing material performance through open metal site (OMS) functionalization or ligand exchange. However, a significant challenge persists in preserving open metal sites during ligand exchange, as these sites are inherently bound by incoming ligands. In this study, for the first time, we introduced alkoxides by exchanging bridging chloride in Ni2Cl2BTDD (BTDD=bis (1H‐1,2,3,–triazolo [4,5‐b],–[4′,5′‐i]) dibenzo[1,4]dioxin) through PSM. Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X‐ray diffraction data indicated that the alkoxide oxygen atom bridges Ni(II) centers while the OMSs of the MOF are preserved. Due to the synergy of the existing OMS and introduced functional group, the alkoxide‐exchanged MOFs showed CO2 uptakes superior to the pristine MOF. Remarkably, the tert‐butoxide‐substituted Ni_T exhibited a nearly threefold and twofold increase in CO2 uptake compared to Ni2Cl2BTDD at 0.15 and 1 bar, respectively, as well as high water stability relative to the other exchanged frameworks. Furthermore, the Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations for Ni_T suggested that CO2 interacts with the OMS and the surrounding methyl groups of tert‐butoxide groups, which is responsible for the enhanced CO2 capacity. This work provides a facile and unique synthetic strategy for realizing a desirable OMS‐incorporating MOF platform through bridging ligand exchange.
Enhanced Proximity of Rh1,2‐Rhn Ensembles Encaged in UiO‐67 Boosting Catalytic Conversion of Syngas to Oxygenates
Authors: Yu Jun , Liu Tingting , Gu Qingqing , Wang Jia , Han Ying , Li Gonghui , Guo Qiangsheng , Gu Ye , Wu Xinping , Gong Xueqing , Yang Bing , Mao Dongsen
Published: March 2024

Maintaining high conversion under the premise of high oxygenates selectivity in syngas conversion is important but a formidable challenge in Rh catalysis. Monometallic Rh catalysts provide poor oxygenate conversion efficiency, and efforts have been focused on constructing adjacent polymetallic sites; however, the one‐pass yields of C2+ oxygenates over the reported Rh‐based catalysts were mostly <20 %. In this study, we constructed a monometallic Rh catalyst encapsulated in UiO‐67 (Rh/UiO‐67) with enhanced proximity to dual‐site Rh1,2‐Rhn ensembles. Unexpectedly, this catalyst exhibited high efficacy for oxygenate synthesis from syngas, giving a high oxygenate selectivity of 72.0 % with a remarkable CO conversion of 50.4 %, and the one‐pass yield of C2+ oxygenates exceeded 25 %. The state‐of‐the‐art characterizations further revealed the spontaneous formation of an ensemble of Rh single atoms/dimers (Rh1,2) in the proximity of ultrasmall Rh clusters (Rhn) confined within the nanocavity of UiO‐67, providing adjacent Rh+‐Rh0 dual sites dynamically during the reaction that promote the relay of the undissociated CHO species to the CHx species. Thus, our results open a new route for designing highly efficient Rh catalysts for the conversion of syngas to oxygenates by precisely tuning the ensemble and proximity of the dual active sites in a confined space.
Supercritical foaming of novel poly(ether‐b‐amide) elastomer and compression property characterization
Authors: Qiu Chao , Zhu Ping , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: March 2024

Lightweight foam made of poly(ether‐b‐amide) (PEBA) elastomer has been widely used in sport shoes due to its superior rebounding and supporting properties. Novel PEBA with polyamide 1012 as hard segments and poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO) as soft segments was foamed by supercritical CO2. The influence of foaming process parameters, that is saturation temperature, pressure on the morphology of cellular structure was systematically studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wide‐angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD). By controlling the viscoelastic behavior of PEBA at certain temperatures and pressures, foams with low density and energy loss coefficient can be fabricated. The cell density of 4.5 × 109 cells/cm3and expansion ratio of 16.0 of the foams can be obtained respectively. Cyclic compression performance of foams was systematically studied. For the foams with the highest expansion ratio, the energy loss coefficient of 11.9% in the first cycle and 3.5% after equilibrium were observed, which were less than those of former reported PEBA foams. The relationship between the Young's modulus and expansion ratio is in line with the Gibson–Ashby relationship.
No place to call home: Distribution patterns of the tufted ghost crab, Ocypode cursor, populations in nature reserves, Israel, Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Galil Bella S. , Goren Menachem , Gayer Kfir , Bronstein Omri
Published: March 2024

The once plentiful population of the tufted ghost crab, Ocypode cursor, a legally protected species, suffered a steep decline along the densely populated Mediterranean coast of Israel.

Here we assessed the effects of recreational disturbance on crab populations in three sandy shore nature reserves and adjacent bathing beaches with differing accessibility during the summers of 2020–2021, employing burrow counts and burrow opening diameter as proxies for population abundance and population size structure.

A total 6270 burrows were identified, counted and their opening diameter measured during the study period. The number of burrows was greatest close by the waterline and diminished landwards; this landwards decline was notable in the smallest burrows (<20 mm), representing the youngest population fraction. Comparison of population abundance between the surveyed nature reserves and adjacent bathing beaches revealed greater numbers in the former. However, a pronounced postweekend reduction in the number of burrows was apparent in nature reserves during both survey years, across sites and months and clearly indicates elevated recreational activity. The number of burrows in the nature reserve nearest to main population centres and abutting a popular bathing beach was smaller compared with the peripheral nature reserves.

We observed no postsunrise activity of adult crabs, though in strictly access‐restricted beaches, crabs were active diurnally. We thus suggest that the crabs shifted their diel activity patterns as avoidance response to chronic anthropogenic disturbance, enduring a forced curfew and a temporal habitat loss.

If the sandy nature reserves are to function as true refugia for the tufted ghost crab, restorative management is to include significant conservation and mitigation intervention measurements/actions.
The skull of Liolaemus huayra compared to other species of Liolaemus and Phymaturus (Squamata, Liolaemidae)
Authors: Assad Esteban Eduardo , Abdala Cristian Simón , Montero Ricardo
Published: March 2024

Despite the extensive study of various aspects of the genus Liolaemus, there remains a scarcity of information regarding the osteology of species. In the last two decades, over 100 species have been described within the genus, but still less than 10% of the Liolaemus species includes any osteological data. In this study, we provide a description of the skull of Liolaemus huayra, a taxon closely related to the L. dorbignyi clade (a subset of the L. montanus group). The species was originally described in 2008 based on a few specimens from the Sierra de Quilmes, Tucumán. By obtaining new specimens from a nearby locality (La Ovejería, Catamarca), we were able to prepare the skulls of two males and two females specimens. Despite the limited sample size, we observed intra‐specific variability in characters such as postorbital and nasal shape, as well as mandibular curvature. We also document some inter‐specific differences based on the scarce osteological information available from other species within the genus. This description constitutes a significant contribution to the osteology of the Liolaemidae clade. We emphasize the importance of detailed descriptions that provide morphological characters suitable for inclusion in comprehensive phylogenetic analyses.
Brain atlas of the annual Garcialebias charrua fish
Authors: Torres‐Pérez Maximiliano , Herrera María Laura , Rosillo Juan Carlos , Berrosteguieta Inés , Casanova Gabriela , Olivera‐Bravo Silvia , Fernández Anabel Sonia
Published: March 2024

Annual fish have become attractive study models for a wide range of disciplines, including neurobiology. These fish have developed different survival strategies. As a result, their nervous system is under considerable selective pressure when facing extreme environmental situations. Fish from the Austrolebias group exhibit rapid neurogenesis in different brain regions, possibly as a result of the demanding conditions of a changing habitat. Knowledge of cerebral histology is essential for detecting ontogenic, anatomical, or cytoarchitectonic changes in the brain during the short lifespan of these fish, such as those reflecting functional adaptive plasticity in different systems, including sensory structures. The generation of an atlas of Garcialebias charrua (previously known as Austrolebias charrua) establishes its anatomical basis as a representative of a large group of fish that share similarities in their way of life. In this work, we present a detailed study of both gross anatomy and microscopic anatomy obtained through serial sections stained with the Nissl technique in three orientations: transverse, horizontal, and parasagittal planes. This atlas includes accurate drawings of the entire adult brain of the male fish Garcialebias charrua, showing dorsal, ventral, and lateral views, including where emergence and origin of cranial nerves. This brain atlas allows us to understand histoarchitecture as well as the location of neural structures that change during adult neurogenesis, enabling comparisons within the genus. Simultaneously, this atlas constitutes a valuable tool for comparing the brains of other fish species with different behaviors and neuroecologies.
Analysis of Solvent‐Free Intensive‐Dry‐Mixed NMC‐Based Lithium‐Ion Battery Cathodes: Numerical Investigations on Performance Determinants
Authors: Chauhan Anshuman , Lischka Clemens , Nirschl Hermann
Published: March 2024

A numerical investigation on the implications of intensive‐dry mixing on the resulting cathode microstructure and hence, the electrochemical performance has been presented in this contribution. In this regard, characterization as well as scale‐resolving electrochemical performance simulations were carried out. The basis for these numerical investigations were computer generated cathode geometries, generated by means of a discrete element method simulation model, presented in our previous work. Consequently, three different stages of comminution of the conductivity additive during intensive dry mixing with nickel rich active material were incorporated into computational half cells and classified based on the simple quality parameter, bulk density. Furthermore, the possible coating phenomenon occurring during the process, to which the bulk density measurements are not susceptible, was modelled with the help of a numerical parameter called the coating factor. It was found that bulk density of cathode blends, which is a rather trivial parameter to measure from intensive dry mixed blends, could be strongly correlated to cathode performance under the consideration of solvent free manufacturing. The findings suggest that, while considering limited volume during cell design, higher bulk density of dry cathode components delivers the best performance under higher energy and low current conditions. At high power and high current condition however, a compromise between energy and power dictates the choice. Conversely, if the material mass is the constraining factor, the lower bulk density tends to perform the best due the best utilisation of the available energy.
Drying kinetics and mathematical modeling of seeds of two mango varieties at different temperatures and with different pretreatments
Authors: Gebre Getachew D. , Keneni Yadessa G. , Gebremariam Shemelis N. , Marchetti Jorge M.
Published: March 2024

Increasing global waste generation is not only a threat but also an opportunity to address energy insecurity and pollution using green valorization techniques. However, this requires pretreatment of waste and byproducts and optimization of drying to obtain high‐quality biofuels. Hence, this study aims to analyze the performance of currently used drying models, the influence of different drying temperatures, drying time, and seed pretreatment on the drying kinetics of two varieties of mango seed. Accordingly, whole seeds and crushed seeds were exposed to five drying temperatures (313–353 K) in a heating furnace. Weight loss was recorded systematically, converted into moisture ratio, and then fitted to four semitheoretical mathematical models, namely: (i) Lewis, (ii) Henderson and Pabis, (iii) Page, and (iv) Avhad and Marchetti models. The fitness of these models was compared using statistical parameters, such asR2,X2, root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The results showed that seed pretreatment and increasing the drying temperature led to an increase in the rate of moisture evaporation and reduced the time required for drying. Among all models, the Avhad and Marchetti model provided higherR2values of 0.9994 and 0.9991 for local and hybrid mango at 313 K, and 0.9977, and 0.9970 for local and hybrid crushed mango seeds at 353 K and 313 K, respectively; hence, it showed the best performance. The activation energy (Ea) showed a slight differences for both varieties of mango seed and among pretreatments in all mathematical models. The mean Ea values for local and hybrid mango seeds were 41.18 kJ mol−1and 46.21 kJ mol−1, respectively. For whole and crushed local and hybrid mango varieties, the mean Ea values were 31.37 kJ mol−1, 40.80 kJ mol−1, 50.99 kJ mol−1, and 51.61 kJ mol−1. The likely reason for this variation might be differences in variety, chemical composition, growing conditions, and cellular structure of the seed varieties.
Conserved immuno‐collagenic subtypes predict response to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Mei Jie , Cai Yun , Xu Rui , Li Qing , Chu Jiahui , Luo Zhiwen , Sun Yaying , Shi Yuxin , Xu Junying , Li Di , Liang Shuai , Jiang Ying , Liu Jiayu , Qian Zhiwen , Zhou Jiaofeng , Wan Mengyun , Yang Yunlong , Zhu Yichao , Zhang Yan , Yin Yongmei
Published: March 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the treatment of various cancer types. Despite significant preclinical advancements in understanding mechanisms, identifying the molecular basis and predictive biomarkers for clinical ICB responses remains challenging. Recent evidence, both preclinical and clinical, underscores the pivotal role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in modulating immune cell infiltration and behaviors. This study aimed to create an innovative classifier that leverages ECM characteristics to enhance the effectiveness of ICB therapy.

Methods

We analyzed transcriptomic collagen activity and immune signatures in 649 patients with cancer undergoing ICB therapy. This analysis led to the identification of three distinct immuno‐collagenic subtypes predictive of ICB responses. We validated these subtypes using the transcriptome data from 9,363 cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and 1,084 in‐house samples. Additionally, novel therapeutic targets were identified based on these established immuno‐collagenic subtypes.

Results

Our categorization divided tumors into three subtypes: “soft & hot” (low collagen activity and high immune infiltration), “armored & cold” (high collagen activity and low immune infiltration), and “quiescent” (low collagen activity and immune infiltration). Notably, “soft & hot” tumors exhibited the most robust response to ICB therapy across various cancer types. Mechanistically, inhibiting collagen augmented the response to ICB in preclinical models. Furthermore, these subtypes demonstrated associations with immune activity and prognostic predictive potential across multiple cancer types. Additionally, an unbiased approach identified B7 homolog 3 (B7‐H3), an available drug target, as strongly expressed in “armored & cold” tumors, relating with poor prognosis.

Conclusion

This study introduces histopathology‐based universal immuno‐collagenic subtypes capable of predicting ICB responses across diverse cancer types. These findings offer insights that could contribute to tailoring personalized immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with cancer.
Transcriptional profile and immune infiltration in colorectal cancer reveal the significance of inducible T‐cell costimulator as a crucial immune checkpoint molecule
Authors: Chu Jian , Wu Yinghang , Qu Zhanbo , Zhuang Jing , Liu Jiang , Han Shugao , Wu Wei , Han Shuwen
Published: March 2024

Background

Emergence of novel immuno‐therapeutics has shown promising improvement in the clinical outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC).

Objective

To identify robust immune checkpoints based on expression and immune infiltration profiles of clinical CRC samples.

Methods

One dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and two from Gene Expression Omnibus were independently employed for the analysis. Genes associated with overall survival were identified, and distribution of each immune checkpoint with respect to different clinical features was determined to explore key immune checkpoints. Multiple staining methods were used to verify the correlation between key immune checkpoint ICOS and clinical pathological features. Differentially expressed mRNA and long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) were then detected for gene set enrichment analysis and gene set variation analysis to investigate the differentially enriched biological processes between low‐ and high‐expression groups. Significant immune‐related mRNAs and lncRNA were subjected to competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis. Correlation of inducible T‐cell costimulator (ICOS) and top 10 genes in ceRNA network were further considered for validation.

Results

ICOS was identified from 14 immune checkpoints as the most highly correlated gene with survival and clinical features in CRC. The expression of ICOS protein in the poorly differentiated group was lower than that in the moderately differentiated group, and the expression in different pathological stages was significant. In addition, the expressions of ICOS were negatively correlated with Ki67. A conspicuous number of immune‐related pathways were enriched in differentially expressed genes in the ICOS high‐ and low‐expression groups. Integration with immune infiltration data revealed a multitude of differentially expressed immune‐related genes enriched for ceRNA network. Furthermore, expression of top 10 genes investigated from ceRNA network showed high correlation with ICOS.

Conclusion

ICOS might serve as a robust immune checkpoint for prognosis with several genes being potential targets of ICOS‐directed immunotherapy in CRC.
“Better at home”: Mixed methods report of intricacies in pediatric febrile neutropenia management
Authors: Smeallie Eleanor T. , Choi Sung W. , Mody Rajen , Guetterman Timothy C. , Nessle Charles N.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Many febrile neutropenia (FN) episodes are low risk (LR) for severe outcomes and can safely receive less aggressive management and early hospital discharge. Validated risk tools are recommended by the Children's Oncology Group to identify LR FN episodes. However, the complex dynamics of early hospital discharge and burdens faced by caregivers associated with the FN episode have been inadequately described.

Methods

An adapted quality‐of‐life (QoL) survey instrument was administered by a convergent mixed methods design; qualitative and quantitative data from two sources, the medical record and the mixed methods survey instrument, were independently analyzed prior to linkage and integration. Code book was informed by conceptual framework; open coding was used. Mixed methods analysis used joint display of results to determine meta‐inferences.

Results

Twenty‐eight patient–caregiver dyads participated with a response rate of 87%. Of the 27 FN episodes, 51.8% (14/27) were LR and 40.7% (11/27) had an early hospital discharge. The LR and early hospital discharge groups had higher mean QoL scores comparatively. Meta‐inferences are reciprocal influencers and expand the complex situation; FN negatively affects the entire family, and the benefits of hospital management were outweighed by risks and worsened symptoms, so an individualized approach to management and care at home was preferred.

Conclusion

Early discharge of LR FN episodes positively impacts QoL, yet risk‐stratified management for FN is intricately complex. Optimal FN management should prioritize the patient's overall health; shared decision‐making is recommended and can improve care delivery. These results should be confirmed in a larger, more heterogeneous population.
Scaffold‐Oriented Asymmetric Catalysis: Conformational Modulation of Transition State Multivalency during a Catalyst‐Controlled Assembly of a Pharmaceutically Relevant Atropisomer
Authors: Tampellini Nicolò , Mercado Brandon Q. , Miller Scott J.
Published: March 2024

A new class of superbasic, bifunctional peptidyl guanidine catalysts is presented, which enables the organocatalytic, atroposelective synthesis of axially chiral quinazolinediones. Computational modeling unveiled the conformational modulation of the catalyst by a novel phenyl urea N‐cap, that preorganizes the structure into the active, folded state. A previously unanticipated noncovalent interaction involving a difluoroacetamide acting as a hybrid mono‐ or bidentate hydrogen bond donor emerged as a decisive control element inducing atroposelectivity. These discoveries spurred from a scaffold‐oriented project inspired from a fascinating investigational BTK inhibitor featuring two stable chiral axes and relies on a mechanistic framework that was foreign to the extant lexicon of asymmetric catalysis.
Health‐related quality of life among patients with esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Degu Amsalu , Karimi Peter N. , Opanga Sylvia A. , Nyamu David G.
Published: March 2024

Background

Despite the advancement of modern treatment approaches, several studies indicated a diminished health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. However, there is insufficient data about the HRQoL of gastrointestinal cancer patients in Kenya.

Aims

The study aimed to investigate HRQoL and its determinants in gastrointestinal cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was employed among 160 esophageal, 103 gastric, and 96 colorectal cancer patients. The patient list, identified by unique hospital identification numbers, was obtained from records. Eligibility was assessed based on predetermined criteria, and the hospital identification numbers were reshuffled. Study participants were then randomly selected daily during the data collection period. Data were collected using a researcher‐administered European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire. The data entry and analysis were carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 26.0 statistical software. A bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate determinants of HRQoL at a 0.05 level of significance.

Results

Most esophageal (N = 118, 73.7%), gastric (N = 75, 72.8%), and colorectal (N = 72, 75%) cancer patients had poor overall HRQoL. In the social (p = .04) and cognitive (p = .02) domain of HRQoL, esophageal cancer patients had a significantly lower mean score as compared to gastric cancer patients. Colorectal cancer patients had the highest mean score in physical functioning (p = .01) as compared with gastric cancer patients. Nonetheless, gastric cancer patients had the highest mean score in emotional functioning domains of quality of life as compared to esophageal (p = .04) and colorectal (p < .001) cancer patients The study revealed a low mean HRQoL score in the majority of the symptom domains of quality of life. A statistically significant difference in all domains of HRQoL was not observed in various treatment modalities of gastrointestinal cancer. Advanced‐stage (stages III and IV) and co‐morbidities were significant determinants of poor HRQoL.

Conclusions

The overall HRQoL of gastrointestinal cancer patients was poor. Advanced‐stage cancer and co‐morbidities were significant determinants of poor HRQoL. Therefore, intensification of routine monitoring of the disease and the treatments should be actively implemented to improve the HRQoL.
Laser‐Induced Preparation of Anderson‐Type Polyoxometalate‐Derived Sulfide/Oxide Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Jin Man , Zou Yan , Shi Bo‐Cong , Liu Ting‐Ting , Tang Yu‐Jia
Published: March 2024

Developing cost‐effective and high‐active electrocatalysts is vital to enhance the electrocatalytic performance for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, traditional pyrolysis methods require complicated procedures, exact temperatures, and long reaction times, leading to high costs and low yields of electrocatalysts in potential industrial applications. Herein, a rapid and economic laser‐induced preparation strategy is proposed to synthesize three bimetallic sulfide/oxide composites (MMoOS, M=Fe, Co, and Ni) on a nickel foam (NF) substrate. A focused CO2 laser with high energy is applied to decompose Anderson‐type polyoxometalate (POM)‐based precursors, enabling the creation of abundant heteropore and defective structures in the MMoOS composites that have multi‐components of MS/Mo4O11/MoS2. Remarkably, owing to the structural interactions between the active species, FeMoOS shows superior electrocatalytic performance for OER in an alkaline medium, exhibiting a low overpotential of 240 mV at 50 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 79 mV dec−1, and good durability for 80 h. Physical characterizations after OER imply that partially dissolved Mo‐based species and new‐formed NiO/NiOOH can effectively uncover abundant active sites, fasten charge transfer, and modify defective structures. This work provides a rapid laser‐induced irradiation method for the synthesis of POM‐derived nanocomposites as promoted electrocatalysts.
Facile Synthesis of Dithienobenzothiadiazoles and D18−Cl Polymer via Na2S‐Mediated Rapid Thiophene‐Annulations for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Kang Junmo , Kim Shin Yeong , Zong Kyukwan
Published: March 2024

We present a novel synthetic route for the rapid construction of dithieno[3′,2′:3,4;2′′,3′′:5,6]benzo[1,2‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazoles via Na2S‐promoted thiophene annulation. This method facilitated the synthesis of D18−Cl polymer, known for its efficacy as a polymer donor in bulk‐heterojunction polymer solar cells. Starting from commercially available 4,7‐dihalo‐5,6‐difluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole, various 4,7‐dialkynylated compounds were obtained through Sonogashira reaction conditions. Subsequent Na2S‐promoted thiophene annulations yielded DTBT and its derivatives in excellent yields within 10 minutes. DTBT was then utilized as a precursor for the concise synthesis of D18−Cl, benefiting from reduced synthetic steps, mild reaction conditions, decreased complexity, and high overall yields. In another route, a space group‐bridged DTBT was directly constructed via Na2S‐promoted thiophene annulations and converted into D18−Cl through a couple of steps. This developed protocol offers a straightforward and reliable synthetic tool, conducive to reducing complexities in the production of DTBT‐based organic electronic materials, thereby advancing the potential commercialization of organic solar cells.
Interleukin‐2/anti‐interleukin‐2 immune complex attenuates cold ischemia‐reperfusion injury after kidney transplantation by increasing renal regulatory T cells
Authors: Jang Joon Young , Kim Hyung Woo , Yan Ji‐Jing , Kang Tae Kyeom , Lee Wook‐Bin , Kim Beom Seok , Yang Jaeseok
Published: March 2024

Background

Cold ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is an unavoidable complication of kidney transplantation. We investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in cold IRI and whether the interleukin (IL)‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex (IL‐2C) can ameliorate cold IRI.

Methods

We developed a cold IRI mouse model using kidney transplantation and analyzed the IL‐2C impact on cold IRI in acute, subacute and chronic phases.

Results

Treg transfer attenuated cold IRI, while Treg depletion aggravated cold IRI. Next, IL‐2C administration prior to IRI mitigated acute renal function decline, renal tissue damage and apoptosis and inhibited infiltration of effector cells into kidneys and pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression on day 1 after IRI. On day 7 after IRI, IL‐2C promoted renal regeneration and reduced subacute renal damage. Furthermore, on day 28 following IRI, IL‐2C inhibited chronic fibrosis. IL‐2C decreased reactive oxygen species‐mediated injury and improved antioxidant function. When IL‐2C was administered following IRI, it also increased renal regeneration with Treg infiltration and suppressed renal fibrosis. In contrast, Treg depletion in the presence of IL‐2C eliminated the positive effects of IL‐2C on IRI.

Conclusion

Tregs protect kidneys from cold IRI and IL‐2C inhibited cold IRI by increasing the renal Tregs, suggesting a potential of IL‐2C in treating cold IRI.

Key Points

Interleukin (IL)‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex attenuated acute renal injury, facilitated subacute renal regeneration and suppressed chronic renal fibrosis after cold ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) by increasing the renal Tregs.

IL‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex decreased reactive oxygen species‐mediated injury and improved antioxidant function.

This study suggests the therapeutic potential of the IL‐2/anti‐IL‐2 antibody complex in kidney transplantation‐associated cold IR.
Sex‐ and age‐related differences in kinetics and tibial accelerations during military‐relevant movement tasks in U.S. Army trainees
Authors: Johnson Caleb D. , Sara Lauren K. , Bradach Molly M. , Zeppetelli David J. , Dæhlin Torstein E. , Mullineaux David R. , Foulis Stephen A. , Hughes Julie M. , Davis Irene S.
Published: March 2024

Lower extremity injuries are prevalent in military trainees, especially in female and older trainees. Modifiable factors that lead to higher injury risk in these subgroups are not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify whether external loading variables during military‐relevant tasks differ by age and sex in U.S. Army trainees. Data was collected on 915 trainees in the first week of Basic Combat Training. Participants performed running and ruck marching (walking with 18.1 kg pack) on a treadmill, as well as double‐/single‐leg drop landings. Variables included: vertical force loading rates, vertical stiffness, first peak vertical forces, peak vertical and resultant tibial accelerations. Comparisons were made between sexes and age groups (young, ≤19 years; middle, 20–24 years; older, ≥25 years). Significant main effects of sex were found, with females showing higher vertical loading rates during ruck marching, and peak tibial accelerations during running and ruck marching (p ≤ 0.03). Males showed higher vertical stiffness during running and peak vertical tibial accelerations during drop landings (p < 0.01). A main effect of age was found for vertical loading rates during running (p = 0.03), however no significant pairwise differences were found between age groups. These findings suggest that higher external loading may contribute to higher overall injury rates in female trainees. Further, higher stiffness during running may contribute to specific injuries, such as Achilles Tendinopathy, that are more prevalent in males. The lack of differences between age groups suggests that other factors contribute more to higher injury rates in older trainees.
A review of SDN‐enabled routing protocols for Named Data Networking
Authors: Yassine Sembati , Najib Naja , Abdellah Jamali
Published: March 2024

Named Data Networking is a novel network architecture for the future internet in which data is named rather than addressed. This enables routers to forward data more efficiently based on its name, outperforming IP‐based routing. Another networking architecture that divides the control plane and the data plane is software‐defined networking (SDN). In an SDN network, the control plane decides on routing while the data plane forwards data packets. This separation increases routing flexibility and scalability. Numerous techniques to improve routing can be achieved with NDN and SDN integration. This paper provides an in‐depth examination of routing approaches in NDN based on SDN, emphasizing design principles, algorithms, and performance measures. We begin by summarizing the NDN architecture and delving into its essential components. We next go into the core routing ideas in NDN and categorize and study several routing solutions based on Software Defined Networks. Finally, we highlight the need for scalable, effective, and secure routing systems that may satisfy the expanding requirements of the contemporary internet. We also suggest open research topics in NDN routing based on SDN. This review provides an extensive overview of current centralized routing approaches in NDN, including their limitations and future possibilities.
Next‐Generation Proton‐Exchange Membranes in Microbial Fuel Cells: Overcoming Nafion's Limitations
Authors: Sharma Akshat , Đelević Lara , Herkendell Katharina
Published: March 2024

The adoption of microbial fuel cell (MFC) technology hinges on the development of efficient proton‐exchange membranes (PEMs), which significantly influences fuel cell performance and cost. PEMs have a critical role in preventing oxygen crossover, maintaining electrochemical neutrality, and supporting microorganisms within MFCs. Nafion, the current industry‐standard PEM, grapples with environmental, cost, and performance issues. Although improvements to Nafion have been reported using additives, immersion in heteropolyacids, different pretreatment methods, and UV irradiation, many of the challenges still remain. Herein, the recent developments in the area of alternative PEMs are reviewed and analyzed. Among them, sulfonated aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly sulfonated polyether ether ketone, have emerged as top contenders in terms of scale up and commercial viability. At the same time, membranes based on polyvinyl alcohol, ionic liquids, and natural materials are also being actively researched for various MFC applications. Since most studies are short term and lab scale, there is a need evaluate long‐term stability and economic cost of PEMs in terms of standardized parameters such as power‐to‐cost and normalized energy recovery. Additionally, for emerging low‐energy‐density MFC applications like biosensors and in vivo power sources, PEM properties and design need to be tailored carefully.
Brain network entropy, depression, and quality of life in people with traumatic brain injury and seizure disorders
Authors: Allendorfer Jane B. , Nenert Rodolphe , Goodman Adam M. , Kakulamarri Pranav , Correia Stephen , Philip Noah S. , LaFrance W. Curt , Szaflarski Jerzy P.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often precedes the onset of epileptic (ES) or psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) with depression being a common comorbidity. The relationship between depression severity and quality of life (QOL) may be related to resting‐state network complexity. We investigated these relationships in adults with TBI‐only, TBI + ES, or TBI + PNES using Sample Entropy (SampEn), a measure of physiologic signals complexity.

Methods

Adults with TBI‐only (n = 60), TBI + ES (n = 21), or TBI + PNES (n = 56) completed the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II; depression symptom severity) and QOL in Epilepsy (QOLIE‐31) assessments and underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). SampEn values derived from six resting state functional networks were calculated per participant. Effects of group, network, and group‐by‐network‐interactions for SampEn were investigated with a mixed‐effects model. We examined relationships between BDI‐II, QOL, and SampEn of each of the networks.

Results

Groups did not differ in age, but there was a higher proportion of women with TBI + PNES (p = 0.040). TBI + ES and TBI‐only groups did not differ in BDI‐II or QOLIE‐31 scores, while the TBI + PNES group scored worse on both measures. The fixed effects of the model revealed significant differences in SampEn values across networks (lower SampEn for the frontoparietal network compared to other networks). The likelihood ratio test for group‐by‐network‐interactions was significant (p = 0.033). BDI‐II was significantly negatively associated with Overall QOL scale scores in all groups, and significantly negatively associated with network SampEn values only in the TBI + PNES group.

Significance

Only TBI + PNES had significant relationships between depression symptom severity and network SampEn values indicating that the resting state network complexity is related to depression severity in this group but not in TBI + ES or TBI‐only.

Plain Language Summary

The brain has a complex network of internal connections. How well these connections work may be affected by TBI and seizures and may underlie mental health symptoms including depression; the worse the depression, the worse the quality of life. Our study compared brain organization in people with TBI, people with epilepsy after TBI, and people with nonepileptic seizures after TBI. Only people with nonepileptic seizures after TBI showed a relationship between how organized their brain connections were and how bad was their depression. We need to better understand these relationships to develop more impactful, effective treatments.
Seasonal water sources and response to precipitation events of Calligonum mongolicum at the oasis margin in the Hexi River Corridor
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Chen Guopeng , Feng Xiangyan , Zhou Hai , Yang Qiyue
Published: March 2024

Calligonum mongolicum is often planted as a windbreak and for sand stabilization on mobile and semi‐mobile sand dunes in extremely arid regions. However, water availability remains a key limiting factor for its survival and population expansion, and water use strategies and responses to precipitation events of this species are unknown. Here, we determined water use strategy of C. mongolicum under extreme arid conditions by measuring the oxygen stable isotopes (δD and δ18O) in xylem water and in potential water sources (precipitation, soil water, and groundwater). We used the IsoSource model to determine the relative contributions of different water sources to water utilization by C. mongolicum. Our results showed that: (1) water sources used by C. mongolicum exhibited seasonal variability, with shallow soil water accounting for 42% of utilization during early spring (April), and deep soil water and groundwater being predominantly used during the summer and autumn and accounting for 61%–84% of utilization, (2) C. mongolicum did not respond to small precipitation events, but responded significantly to large precipitation events. C. mongolicum maintained the utilization of soil water in all layers at 74%–81% of deep soil water and groundwater before a 5.8 mm precipitation event. A precipitation event of 18.8 mm increased the contribution of surface water from 4% before to 17% after precipitation, indicating that C. mongolicum has a strong capacity for self‐regulation and adaptation; namely, C. mongolicum is capable of developing an optimal phenotype through self‐regulation, thereby maximizing water acquisition.
Effects of therapeutic hypercapnia on the expression and function of γδT cells in transplanted lungs in rats
Authors: Xie Qing , Lu Jia , Cui XiaoGuang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the effect of therapeutic hypercapnia on the expression and function of gamma delta T (γδ T) cells during ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) after lung transplantation.

Methods

We randomly divided male Wistar rats into three groups (n = 6 in each group), the control group (group N), the IRI group (group I), and the therapeutic hypercapnia group (group H). We then assessed pulmonary edema, neutrophil infiltration, wet‐to‐dry (W/D) weight ratio, and microscopic histopathology and separately measured the levels of γδT cell surface antigen (TCR) and Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) using flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

Results

The infiltration of neutrophils and the expression of TCR and IL‐17 were significantly increased in the I group compared to the control, and the biopsy edema in group I was more severe. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) was decreased after reperfusion in group I compared with the control group. W/D weight ratio, neutrophil infiltration, and the expression of TCR and IL‐17 decreased drastically in the H group compared to the I group.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that γδ T lymphocytes were directly involved in lung injury. In addition, therapeutic hypercapnia effectively reduced the expression of γδ T cells and IL‐17, and this has the potential to become a treatment strategy for IRI and an intervention to improve lung function.
Long‐term prediction by DNA methylation of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: Results of the ARTISTIC cohort
Authors: Gilham Clare , Nedjai Belinda , Scibior‐Bentkowska Dorota , Reuter Caroline , Banwait Rawinder , Brentnall Adam R. , Cuzick Jack , Peto Julian , Lorincz Attila T.
Published: March 2024

Methylation markers have shown potential for triaging high‐risk HPV‐positive (hrHPV+) women to identify those at increased risk of invasive cervical cancer (ICC). Our aim was to assess the performance of the S5 DNA methylation classifier for predicting incident high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and ICC among hrHPV+ women in the ARTISTIC screening trial cohort. The S5 classifier, comprising target regions of tumour suppressor gene EPB41L3 and L1 and L2 regions of HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, and HPV33, was assayed by pyrosequencing in archived hrHPV+ liquid‐based samples from 343 women with high‐grade disease (139 CIN2, 186 CIN3, and 18 ICC) compared to 800 hrHPV+ controls. S5 DNA methylation correlated directly with increasing severity of disease and inversely with lead time to diagnosis. S5 could discriminate between hrHPV+ women who developed CIN3 or ICC and hrHPV+ controls (p <.0001) using samples taken on average 5 years before diagnosis. This relationship was independent of cytology at baseline. The S5 test showed much higher sensitivity than HPV16/18 genotyping for identifying prevalent CIN3 (93% vs. 61%, p = .01) but lower specificity (50% vs. 66%, p <.0001). The S5 classifier identified most women at high risk of developing precancer and missed very few prevalent advanced lesions thus appearing to be an objective test for triage of hrHPV+ women. The combination of methylation of host and HPV genes enables S5 to combine the predictive power of methylation with HPV genotyping to identify hrHPV‐positive women who are at highest risk of developing CIN3 and ICC in the future.
Skin lesion classification based on hybrid self‐supervised pretext task
Authors: Yang Dedong , Zhang Jianwen , Li Yangyang , Ling Zhiquan
Published: March 2024

The combination of observation of skin lesion and digital image technology contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. To solve the problems of large variation of target size and shape in skin disease images, small difference between disease images and normal images, and difficulty of label acquisition, we propose a classification algorithm for skin lesion based on hybrid self‐supervised pretext tasks. We combine the discriminative self‐supervised relational reasoning task with the generative self‐supervised mutual information maximization task and design the loss function. Experiments show that the generative‐discriminative self‐supervised co‐training algorithm can identify images with small differences and learn discriminative features and achieve a classification accuracy of 82.6% on the DermaMNIST dataset.
Integrating learners into research and quality improvement projects: A joint opinion of the Adult Medicine and Education and Training Practice Research Networks of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Authors: Steuber Taylor D. , Gonzalez Jimmy , Isaacs Alex N. , Kelley Kristi W. , Nisly Sarah A. , Szwak Jennifer A. , Hong Lisa , Howard Meredith L.
Published: March 2024

Research plays a vital role in advancing the pharmacy profession and improving patient care. It is a fundamental skill for learners to develop during their training under guided mentorship. Incorporating learners into research and quality improvement (QI) projects can yield numerous benefits for the learner, mentor, and institution. Despite this, there are barriers to integrating learners into research and QI projects which may stem from institutions and individuals. To ensure success when engaging in the research process, strategies centered around clear communication and illustrating the value should be implemented. Successful research programs require planning strategically, setting clear expectations, providing mentorship, and remaining adaptable to overcome barriers encountered during the process. The purpose of this paper is to discuss barriers to incorporating learners into research and QI projects and provide both mentors and learners strategies, tips and examples for success with perspectives and opinions from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Adult Medicine and Education and Training Practice Research Networks.