bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Complete Tumor Clearance: A Minimalist Manganese Hydrogel for Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Guided Synergetic Microwave Ablation and Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhou Yan , Shu Gang , Luo Ying , Wang Fengmei , Jing Xiang , Pan Jinbin , Sun Shao‐Kai
Published: December 2023

The combination of microwave ablation (MWA) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) presents a promising strategy for complete eradication of residual tumor after MWA. However, it remains challenging and urgent to develop a facile, biocompatible, and imaging‐guided platform for the achievement of this goal. Herein, a minimalist manganese hydrogel (ALG‐Mn hydrogel) is proposed for synergistic MWA and CDT to completely eradicate tumor in vivo. The ALG‐Mn hydrogel is prepared using a simple mixing method and exhibits excellent syringeability, remarkable microwave sensitivity, and potent Fenton‐like activity. By assisting in MWA procedures, the ALG‐Mn hydrogel enables both elimination of primary tumor mass through enhanced MWA efficacy and eradication of potential residual tumor tissues via robust CDT. This approach achieves complete tumor clearance without additional drug loading. Furthermore, the paramagnetic Mn2+ component allows real‐time dynamic visualization of the ALG‐Mn hydrogel at the tumor site via magnetic resonance imaging. To the best of knowledge, the proposed ALG‐Mn hydrogel represents the minimalist biocompatible platform for imaging‐guided synergistic MWA and CDT toward achieving complete tumor clearance.
Sr‐Stabilized IrMnO2 Solid Solution Nano‐Electrocatalysts with Superior Activity and Excellent Durability for Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Acid Media
Authors: Kuang Jianren , Deng Binglu , Jiang Zhongqing , Wang Yongjie , Jiang Zhong‐Jie
Published: December 2023

The development of cost‐effective catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media is of paramount importance. This work reports that Sr‐doped solid solution structural ultrafine IrMnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) (≈1.56 nm) on the carbon nanotubes (Sr‐IrMnO2/CNTs) are efficient catalysts for the acidic OER. Even with the Ir use dosage 3.5 times lower than that of the commercial IrO2, the Sr‐IrMnO2/CNTs only need an overpotential of 236.0 mV to drive 10.0 mA cm−2 and show outstanding stability for >400.0 h. Its Ir mass activity is 39.6 times higher than that of the IrO2 at 1.53 V. The solid solution and Sr‐doping structure of Sr‐IrMnO2 are the main origin of the high catalytic activity and excellent stability of the Sr‐IrMnO2/CNTs. The density function theory calculations indicate that the solid solution structure can promote strong electronic coupling between Ir and Mn, lowering the energy barrier of the OER rate‐determining step. The Sr‐doping can enhance the stability of Ir against the chemical corrosion and demetallation. Water electrolyzers and proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers assembled with the Sr‐IrMnO2/CNTs show superb performance and excellent durability in the acid media.
Tetrazine‐Linked Covalent Organic Frameworks With Acid Sensing and Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zadehnazari Amin , Khosropour Ahmadreza , Altaf Ataf Ali , Rosen Andrew S. , Abbaspourrad Alireza
Published: December 2023

The first synthesis and comprehensive characterization of two vinyl tetrazine‐linked covalent organic frameworks (COF), TA‐COF‐1 and TA‐COF‐2, are reported. These materials exhibit high crystallinity and high specific surface areas of 1323 and 1114 m2 g−1. The COFs demonstrate favorable band positions and narrow band gaps suitable for light‐driven applications. These advantages enable TA‐COFs to act as reusable metal‐free photocatalysts in the arylboronic acids oxidation and light‐induced coupling of benzylamines. In addition, these TA‐COFs show acid sensing capabilities, exhibiting visible and reversible color changes upon exposure to HCl solution, HCl vapor, and NH3 vapor. Further, the TA‐COFs outperform a wide range of previously reported COF photocathodes. The tetrazine linker in the COF skeleton represents a significant advancement in the field of COF synthesis, enhancing the separation efficiency of charge carriers during the photoreaction and contributing to their photocathodic properties. TA‐COFs can also degrade 5‐nitro‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐one (NTO), an insensitive explosive present in industrial wastewater, in 20 min in a sunlight‐driven photocatalytic process; thus, revealing dual functionality of the protonated TA‐COFs as both photodegradation and Brønsted acid catalysts. This pioneering work opens new avenues for harnessing the potential of the tetrazine linker in COF‐based materials, facilitating advances in catalysis, sensing, and other related fields.
Leveraging the Snap Buckling of Bistable Magnetic Shells to Design a Refreshable Braille Dot
Authors: Abbasi Arefeh , Chen Tian , Aymon Bastien F.G. , Reis Pedro M.
Published: December 2023

A design concept is proposed for the building block, adot, of programmable braille readers utilizing bistable shell buckling, magnetic actuation, and pneumatic loading. The design process is guided by Finite Element simulations, which are initially validated through precision experiments conducted on a scaled‐up, single‐shell model system. Then, the simulations are leveraged to systematically explore the design space, adhering to the standardized geometric and physical specifications of braille systems. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of selecting design parameters that satisfy both geometric requirements and blocking forces under moderate magnetic fields, facilitated by pneumatic loading to switch between the two stable states. While the study is focused on experimentally validated numerical simulations, it is also identify several manufacturing challenges that need to be resolved for future physical implementations .
Biocompatible 3D Printed MXene Microlattices for Tissue‐Integrated Antibiotic Sensing
Authors: Tiwari Anand P. , Panicker Sreejith S. , Huddy Julia E. , Rahman Md Saifur , Hixon Katherine R. , Scheideler William J.
Published: December 2023

3D continuous mesoscale architectures of nanomaterials possess the potential to revolutionize real‐time electrochemical biosensing through higher active site density and improved accessibility for cell proliferation. Herein, 3D microporous Ti3C2TX MXene biosensors are fabricated to monitor antibiotic release in tissue engineering scaffolds. The Ti3C2TX‐coated 3D electrodes are prepared by conformal MXene deposition on 3D‐printed polymer microlattices. The Ti3C2TX MXene coating facilitates direct electron transfer, leading to the efficient detection of common antibiotics such as gentamicin and vancomycin. The 3D microporous architecture exposes greater electrochemically active MXene surface area, resulting in remarkable sensitivity for detecting gentamicin (10–1 mM) and vancomycin (100–1 mM), 1000 times more sensitive than control electrodes composed of 2D planar films of Ti3C2TX MXene. To characterize the suitability of 3D microporous Ti3C2TX MXene sensors for monitoring drug elution in bone tissue regeneration applications, osteoblast‐like (MG‐63) cells are seeded on the 3D MXene microlattices for 3, 5, and 7 days. Cell proliferation on the 3D microporous MXene is tracked over 7 days, demonstrating its promising biocompatibility and its clinical translation potential. Thus, 3D microporous Ti3C2TX MXene can provide a platform for mediator‐free biosensing, enabling new applications for in vivo monitoring of drug elution.
Tunable Multifunctional Metamaterial Sandwich Panel with Quasi‐Zero Stiffness Lattice Cores: Load‐Bearing, Energy Absorption, and Vibration Isolation
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Wu Lingling , Sun Jingbo , Zhou Ji
Published: December 2023

The interest in novel mechanical metamaterials that offer advanced functionalities and mechanical tunability for highly compatible multifunctional performance in state‐of‐the‐art engineering applications is growing. Here, a novel tunable multifunctional mechanical metamaterial, also known as a metamaterial sandwich panel, which can achieve load‐bearing, energy absorption, and low‐frequency vibration isolation properties simultaneously, is reported. The designed metamaterial sandwich panel is composed of a quasi‐zero stiffness (QZS) lattice core and two kirigami‐style surfaces, which endow the metamaterial sandwich panel with multi‐function performance and tunable properties. As a proof‐of‐concept, the mechanical properties and tunable multifunctional performance of the proposed metamaterial sandwich panel are demonstrated both in simulations and experiments. This work provides a new alternative for designing novel mechanical metamaterials with tunable multifunctional performance and may have potential applications in a variety of engineering applications, such as medical transportation, marine systems, and aerospace applications.
Flexible Bioinspired Healable Antibacterial Electronics for Intelligent Human‐Machine Interaction Sensing
Authors: Liu Kuo , Wang Mingcheng , Huang Chenlin , Yuan Yue , Ning Yao , Zhang Liqun , Wan Pengbo
Published: December 2023

Flexible electronic sensors are receiving numerous research interests for their potential in electronic skins (e‐skins), wearable human‐machine interfacing, and smart diagnostic healthcare sensing. However, the preparation of multifunctional flexible electronics with high sensitivity, broad sensing range, fast response, efficient healability, and reliable antibacterial capability is still a substantial challenge. Herein, bioinspired by the highly sensitive human skin microstructure (protective epidermis/spinous sensing structure/nerve conduction network), a skin bionic multifunctional electronics is prepared by face‐to‐face assembly of a newly prepared healable, recyclable, and antibacterial polyurethane elastomer matrix with conductive MXene nanosheets‐coated microdome array after ingenious templating method as protective epidermis layer/sensing layer, and an interdigitated electrode as signal transmission layer. The polyurethane elastomer matrix functionalized with triple dynamic bonds (reversible hydrogen bonds, oxime carbamate bonds, and copper (II) ion coordination bonds) is newly prepared, demonstrating excellent healability with highly healing efficiency, robust recyclability, and reliable antibacterial capability, as well as good biocompatibility. Benefiting from the superior mechanical performance of the polyurethane elastomer matrix and the unique skin bionic microstructure of the sensor, the as‐assembled flexible electronics exhibit admirable sensing performances featuring ultrahigh sensitivity (up to 1573.05 kPa−1), broad sensing range (up to 325 kPa), good reproducibility, the fast response time (≈4 ms), and low detection limit (≈0.98 Pa) in diagnostic human healthcare monitoring, excellent healability, and reliable antibacterial performance.
Ordered Mesoporous High‐Entropy Intermetallics for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yanzhi , Zhang Xin‐Yu , He Hangjuan , Chen Jie‐Jie , Liu Ben
Published: December 2023

High‐entropy alloys (HEAs) have offered wide opportunities for materials discovery, property optimization, and application exploration. In spite of some encouraging progress, manipulating HEAs with functional morphology/mesostructure and controlled chemical orderliness remains a big challenge. In this manuscript, a powerful and general strategy to synthesizing libraries of mesoporous high‐entropy intermetallics (MHEIs) with controlled orderliness in both mesoscopic and atomic levels is reported for the first time. Final products feature an ordered polyhedral morphology and double‐gyroid mesostructure as well as long‐range L10 intermetallic phase and HEA composition, delivering multiple advantages for enhancing electrochemical performance in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and single rechargeable zinc–air battery. Specifically, MHEI‐PtPdFeCoNi affords remarkable ORR activity (0.63 A mg−1 for mass activity and 1.01 mA cm−2 for specific activity) and superior stability (≈87% activity retained for 50 000 cycles and chronoamperometry tests) compared with the MHEAs with disordered atomic arrangement and commercial Pt/C. The excellent performance comes from the optimized surface HEA multimetallization as well as ordered intermetallic and mesoporous structure that changes the chemisorption of O*/OH* intermediates and lowers the overall energy barrier of oxygen reduction.
Accelerating charging dynamics using self‐driven optimizing porous structures
Authors: Huang Pan , Tao Haolan , Liu Honglai , Lian Cheng
Published: December 2023

Relating the complex structures of electrodes to their charging dynamics is crucial for optimizing supercapacitors, which remains an experimental and theoretical challenge. Here, we construct a pore network model (PNM) that can be downward‐transformed into a well‐known transmission‐line model and a stack‐electrode model to describe the disordered porous structure of carbon‐based electrodes. A mathematical expression is derived using an equivalent circuit model of the PNM to quantify the relaxation times of the potential and concentration. The expression is then verified using numerical solutions based on the simplified Poisson–Nernst–Planck equations and experimental data. The structure of the PNM for experimental verification is directly extracted from a porous electrode reconstructed using a scanning electron microscopic image. A self‐driven optimization framework is proposed by coupling the derived expression with a genetic algorithm to generate an optimal porous structure that can be used to investigate the changing dynamics of the electrode. Our framework provides a general image–structure–performance optimization platform for understanding and accelerating charging dynamics in porous electrodes.
Synergy of carbanion siting and hydrogen bonding in super‐nucleophilic deep eutectic solvents for efficient CO2 capture
Authors: Chen Meisi , Xiong Wenjie , Chen Weida , Li Shangyu , Zhang Feng , Wu Youting
Published: December 2023

Carbanion‐based ionic liquids are proposed and utilized as the key components for the construction of five super‐nucleophilic deep eutectic solvents (SNDESs) in the paper. The super‐nucleophilic nature of carbanion‐based ionic liquids (ILs) is found to enable the capture of CO2 with large absorption capacity. However, the absorption is very slow in the IL due to high viscosity. The synergy of carbanion siting and hydrogen bonding is found to enable high and fast absorption of CO2 in [N2222][CH(CN)2]‐ethylimidazole (Eim), and a synergistic absorption mechanism is proposed and validated from spectroscopic analyses and quantum calculations. The enthalpy change of CO2 absorption in [N2222][CH(CN)2]‐Eim is calculated to be −39.6 kJ mol−1 according to the thermodynamic model, and the moderate value implies that both absorption and desorption of CO2 in the DES are favored and well balanced. The carbanion and hydrogen bond mediated by SNDESs provides a novel insight into the efficient CO2 capture.
Structural insights into variation of intramolecular acid site using phase transition experiments and computation
Authors: Fu Dali , Wang Haodong , Wang Tan , Xu Chunming , Han Yehua
Published: December 2023

Mass transfer from liquid to gas phase is a crucial process in chemical engineering. Due to the heterogeneity and dynamic nature of the phase transition process, monitoring the structural changes of compounds during this process is challenging. In this work, a combining of the mass spectrometry‐based method and quantum chemistry calculations was used to study the structural changes during liquid‐to‐gas phase transitions. Electrospray is used to induce the transition of phenolic acid molecules from the liquid phase to the gas phase. The deprotonated structures were captured and separated using ion mobility mass spectrometry. Deprotonated structures helped to identify the most acidic functional group within the molecule. These deprotonated structures were confirmed by collision‐induced dissociation and molecular collision cross‐section measurements. Quantum chemistry calculations revealed the mechanisms about the variation of intramolecular acid site and “kinetic trapping.” Three liquid‐to‐gas phase transformation models were proposed, demonstrating that the variation in free energy among different deprotonated structures governs the thermodynamic/kinetic process of the liquid‐to‐gas phase conversion.
A case of MBTPS1‐related disorder due to compound heterozygous variants in MBTPS1 gene: Genotype–phenotype expansion and the emergence of a novel syndrome
Authors: Liaqat Khurram , Treat Kayla , Mantcheva Lili , Nasir Abdul , Weaver David D. , Conboy Erin , Vetrini Francesco
Published: December 2023

MBTPS1 (NM_003791.4) encodes Site‐1 protease, a serine protease that functions sequentially with Site‐2 protease regulating cholesterol homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum stress response. MBTPS1 pathogenic variants are associated with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, Kondo‐Fu type (MIM:618392; cataract, alopecia, oral mucosal disorder, and psoriasis‐like syndrome, and Silver–Russell‐like syndrome). In this report, we describe a 14‐year‐old female with a complex medical history including white matter volume loss, early‐onset cataracts, retrognathia, laryngomalacia, inguinal hernia, joint hypermobility, feeding dysfunction, and speech delay. Additionally, features of ectodermal dysplasia that she has include decreased sweating, heat intolerance, dysplastic nails, chronically dry skin, and abnormal hair growth issues. Exome sequencing analysis identified compound heterozygous variants in the MBTPS1 gene: c.2255G > T p.(Gly752Val) predicted to affect important function of the protein, which was inherited from the mother, and a splice site variant c.2831 + 5G > T, which was inherited from the father. The RNA‐seq analysis of the splice variant showed skipping of exon 21, predicted to result in frameshifting p.(Ser901fs28*) leading to non‐sense mediated decay. To our knowledge, only eight studies have been published that described the MBPTS1‐related disorders. Interestingly, we observed the features of ectodermal dysplasia in our patient that further expands the phenotypic spectrum of MBTPS1 gene‐related disorders.
Cross‐domain Chirality Transfer in Self‐Assembly of Chiral Block Copolymers
Authors: Yuan Jun , Chiu Po‐Ting , Liu Xiang , Zhou Jiajia , Wang Yingying , Ho Rong‐Ming , Wen Tao
Published: December 2023

Chirality transfer is essential to acquire helical hierarchical superstructures from the self‐assembly of supramolecular materials. By taking advantage of chirality transfers at different length scales through intra‐chain and inter‐chain chiral interactions, helical phase (H*) can be formed from the self‐assembly of chiral block copolymers (BCPs*). In this study, chiral triblock terpolymers, polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) (PS‐PEO‐PLLA), and polystyrene‐b‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐b‐poly(L‐lactide) (PS‐P4VP‐PLLA) are synthesized for self‐assembly. For PS‐PEO‐PLLA with an achiral PEO mid‐block that is compatible with PLLA (chiral end‐block), H* can be formed while the block length is below a critical value. By contrast, for the one with achiral P4VP mid‐block that is incompatible with PLLA, the formation of H* phase would be suppressed regardless of the length of the mid‐block, giving cylinder phase. Those results elucidate a new type of chirality transfer across the phase domain that is referred as cross‐domain chirality transfer, providing complementary understanding of the chirality transfer at the interface of phase‐separated domains.
An efficient and template‐free synthesis of mesoporous silica from coal fly ash
Authors: Liu Dandan , Qiao Huimin , Qin Shiyao , Xing Xin , Yan Kezhou
Published: December 2023

In the study, the desilication liquids and acid‐leached residues derived from the “alumina extraction process” of coal fly ash (CFA) were used as raw materials to prepare sodium silicate precursor. Then, the mesoporous silica with controllable pore structure properties was synthesized by an efficient, template‐free process from obtained sodium silicate. The effect of the sodium silicate properties and synthesis conditions on the pore structure properties of disordered mesoporous silica were investigated. The resulting material was characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and tested as an adsorbent for removal of lead ions (Pb2+). The results showed that the precursor with high modulus (3.0) and concentration (60 g·L−1) was beneficial for the synthesis of mesoporous silica with high specific surface area. The mesoporous silica with specific surface area of 690 m2·g−1 and pore volume of 1.28 cm3·g−1 was synthesized at mild aging temperature (40°C) and pH value of 8. Moreover, the materials possessed an adsorption capacity of 303 mg·g−1 for lead ions after amino modification. The adsorption efficiencies for lead ions were maintained at ~90% after five recovery cycles. Overall, the utilization efficiency of SiO2 in CFA reached up to 93%.
Interface, thermal, and Fourier transform—infrared spectroscopy investigation on polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate composites with silane‐treated aluminum particles and intercalated montmorillonite inclusions for semiconductor devices
Authors: Shanmugasundram HariprashanthPalaniVelayuda , Jayamani Elammaran , Soon Kok Heng
Published: December 2023

In this investigation, the dielectric properties of silane‐influenced aluminum conductive particles in polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and intercalated montmorillonite (MMT) composite were assessed for enhancing the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and AC conductivities. Eight different sets of samples were fabricated with untreated and silane‐treated batches of biopolymer composites where the highest recorded dielectric constant was 3.98 at relaxation frequency of 10 kHz. One of the notable observations in the dielectric loss was with PLA/PHA/iMMT/Al (10 wt%) (silane‐treated) composites exhibited the lowest losses past relaxation frequencies. Furthermore, FT‐IR spectra were conducted on the samples to identify stretching and bonds created by silane and aluminum particles. The IR spectra confirm the formation of the SiOAl bond when treated with 3‐glycidyloxypropyl‐trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) solution and confirm the bond of AlOH hydroxyl bonds in the untreated composite samples. Other IR spectra information that was gathered would include carbonyl group stretching at 1750 cm−1 and absorption bands of hydroxy acids, between 3511 and 3640 cm−1, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy was performed on the sample to observe the formation of matrix cracks and exfoliation. A rough surface can be seen on PLA/PHA blends and the crystallization of these polymer blends regions can be vividly seen from the micrographs. Lastly, thermogravimetry analysis on the composite samples shows a predominant mass loss at 300°C before complete degradation and the notable composite with the lowest mass loss would be PLA/PHA/iMMT/Al (10 wt%) (ST) composite samples and with the inclusion of a constant 5 wt% organoclay MMT fillers imposed a high‐onset degradation temperature, which was remarkable for composites that were fabricated through standard hot‐press compression molding and cooling procedures.
Phosphorus‐containing benzoxazine modified epoxy resin: High flame retardancy, low dielectric, and low water absorption
Authors: Liu Jiuhong , Liu Jie , Yu Guangrui , Li Yueqiu , Yu Qing , Han Yuxi , Wang Zhongwei , Hou Jijin
Published: December 2023

A phosphorous‐containing benzoxazine, (3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐yl)diphenylphosphine oxide (DPOBH), was synthesized and used as flame retardant and co‐curing agent in the presence of 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) for diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) epoxy resin. The flame retardancy, thermal stability, Tg, dielectric properties, and water absorption properties of epoxy resins (EP) were investigated and compared. The incorporation of DPOBH results in ca. 40%–45% increase of limiting oxygen index (LOI) values. UL‐94 V‐0 rating could be achieved for EP/DPOBH1.2 sample with the LOI value of 35.1%. Compared with EP, ca. 47% decrease of peak heat release rate (PHRR) could be obtained for EP/DPOBH1.2. According to the results of cone calorimetry tests (CCT), DPOBH could play roles in both gas and condensed phases. Moreover, the incorporation of DPOBH could reduce the water absorption rate, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss. All results suggest that DPOBH is a type of flame retardant suitable for EP used in electronic fields.
Generalized Perturbation Theory for Weakly Deformed Microdisk Cavities
Authors: Zhang Xuenan , Liu Bin , Zhou Xue , Yan Xin , Wang Fang , Yu Zongfu , Cheng Tonglei
Published: December 2023

A perturbation treatment is derived for weakly deformed microdisk cavities in a more generalized scenario, where both resonant and non‐resonant surface scattering processes coexist. It is proved that the originally developed nondegenerate and degenerate perturbation theories are simplified forms of the generalized theory in special cases. The validity of the perturbation theory is verified by the comparison with a full numerical method for two generic classes of deformed microdisk cavities: locally notched microdisks and smooth globally deformed microdisks. The simulation of these two classes of microdisk cavities using the perturbation theory unveils the distinct characteristics of optical modes from the ones predicted by the original nondegenerate and degenerate perturbation theories in the generalized scenario. Furthermore, a hybrid‐scattering‐based exceptional point is introduced for deformed microdisk cavities in the generalized scenario by using the perturbation theory. The exceptional point exhibits higher nonorthogonality over the originally proposed resonant‐scattering‐based exceptional point, as non‐resonant scattering processes provide an additional degree of freedom. Full numerical simulations demonstrate that the exceptional point is more robust against random surface roughness at cavity boundary than the resonant‐scattering‐based exceptional point.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence from Schiff‐base [4]Helicene Boron Complexes
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Watanabe Shinya , Suzuki Seika , Kitahara Maho , Imai Yoshitane , Tsuno Takashi
Published: December 2023

Boron complexes with Schiff‐base [4]helicene ligands were synthesized. These complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and their helical molecular structures were unequivocally established by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The helical boron complexes exhibited efficient photoluminescence under UV irradiation, and the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties were investigated for optically pure samples. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to further understand their photophysical properties including chiroptical responses.
Lignin activated carbon obtained by a environmentally friendly green production process using deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Aydemir Deniz , Ergun Mehmet Emin , Gulsoy, Sezgin Koray , Ozan Zeynep Eda , Gunduz Gokhan
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to produce activated carbon (AC) from lignin obtained with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) of choline chloride–lactic acid. For this, lignin particles were produced using the DES. The DES lignin (DES‐Lig) was modified with zinc dichloride, and the lignin activated carbon (lig‐AC) was produced by carbonization at 600 and 900 °C. In this study, the AC obtained from the commercial lignin was also used to determine the changes in the lig‐AC from the lignin obtained with the DES. The material properties were investigated using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the structural properties were investigated with X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) of the lig‐ACs. The commercial and DES‐Lig exhibited different microscopic morphologies. The surface area of the samples generally ranged from 504 to 698 g/cm2, and they included both micro‐ and mesopores according to SEM characterization. The XRD analysis showed that the ACs obtained have an amorphous structure, and thermogravimetric analysis of the ACs exhibited similar thermal behavior to that in the literature. The best morphological structure was found in the ACs prepared from lignin with the DES at 900 °C according to the results of SEM, TGA, XRD and BET analysis. The proximate analysis showed that the best ACs contain 1.5% moisture, 6.5% volatile matter, 5.5% ash content and 86.5% fixed carbon. According to the elemental analysis, the amounts of essential elements, including C, H, N and O were investigated, and the best activated carbon was determined to be the DES‐Lig at 900 °C according to BET and the proximate fixed carbon results.
Significance of the anterior cingulate cortex in neurogenesis plasticity: Connections, functions, and disorders across postnatal and adult stages
Authors: Naffaa Moawiah M.
Published: December 2023

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a complex and continually evolving brain region that remains a primary focus of research due to its multifaceted functions. Various studies and analyses have significantly advanced our understanding of how the ACC participates in a wide spectrum of memory and cognitive processes. However, despite its strong connections to brain areas associated with hippocampal and olfactory neurogenesis, the functions of the ACC in regulating postnatal and adult neurogenesis in these regions are still insufficiently explored. Investigating the intricate involvement of the ACC in neurogenesis could enhance our comprehension of essential aspects of brain plasticity. This involvement stems from its complex circuitry with other relevant brain regions, thereby exerting both direct and indirect impacts on the neurogenesis process. This review sheds light on the promising significance of the ACC in orchestrating postnatal and adult neurogenesis in conditions related to memory, cognitive behavior, and associated disorders.
Characterization of an oligometastatic state in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma undergoing systemic chemotherapy
Authors: de Ortiz de Choudens Saryleine , Visotcky Alexis , Banerjee Anjishnu , Aldakkak Mohammed , Tsai Susan , Evans Douglas B. , Christians Kathleen K. , Clarke Callisia N. , George Ben , Shreenivas Aditya , Kamgar Mandana , Chakrabarti Sakti , Dua Kulwinder S. , Khan Abdul Haq , Madhavan Srivats , Erickson Beth A. , Hall William A.
Published: December 2023

Purpose/Objectives

Most patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) will present with distant metastatic disease at diagnosis. We sought to identify clinical characteristics associated with prolonged overall survival (OS) in patients presenting with metastatic PDAC.

Materials/Methods

Patients presenting with metastatic PDAC that received treatment at our institution with FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine‐based chemotherapies between August 1, 2011 and September 1, 2017 were included in the study. Metastatic disease burden was comprehensively characterized radiologically via individual diagnostic imaging segmentation. Landmark analysis was performed at 18 months, and survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between groups via the log‐rank test. ECOG and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were calculated for all patients.

Results

121 patients were included with a median age of 62 years (37–86), 40% were female, 25% had ECOG 0 at presentation. Of the 121 patients included, 33% (n = 41) were alive at 12 months and 25% (n = 31) were alive at 18 months. Landmark analysis demonstrated a significant difference between patients surviving <18 months and ≥18 months regarding the presence of lung only metastases (36% vs. 16%, p = 0.04), number of organs with metastases (≥2 vs. 1, p = 0.04), and disease volume (mean of 19.1 cc vs. 1.4 cc, p = 0.04). At Year 1, predictors for improved OS included ECOG status at diagnosis (ECOG 0 vs. ECOG 1, p = 0.04), metastatic disease volume at diagnosis (≤0.1 cc vs. >60 cc, p = 0.004), metastasis only in the liver (p = 0.04), and normalization of CA 19‐9 (p < 0.001). At Year 2, the only predictor of improved OS was normalization of the CA 19‐9 (p = 0.03). In those patients that normalized their CA 19‐9, median overall survival was 16 months.

Conclusions

In this exploratory analysis normalization of CA‐19‐9 or volumetric metastatic disease burden less than 0.2 cc demonstrated a remarkable OS, similar to that of patients with non‐metastatic disease. These metrics are useful for counseling patients and identifying cohorts that may be optimal for trials exploring metastatic and/or local tumor‐directed interventions.
Targeted therapies in children with renal cell carcinoma (RCC): An International Society of Pediatric Oncology—Renal Tumor Study Group (SIOP‐RTSG)‐related retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Sprokkerieft Julia , van der Beek Justine N. , Spreafico Filippo , Selle Barbara , Thebaud Estelle , Chowdhury Tanzina , Brok Jesper , Ottóffy Gábor , Sun Xiaofei , Ramírez Villar Gema L. , Sagoyan Garik , Segers Heidi , Doganis Dimitrios , Serra Annalisa , Lemelle Lauriane , Graf Norbert , Verschuur Arnauld C. , Tytgat Godelieve A. M. , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a very rare pediatric renal tumor. Robust evidence to guide treatment is lacking and knowledge on targeted therapies and immunotherapy is mainly based on adult studies. Currently, the International Society of Pediatric Oncology–Renal Tumor Study Group (SIOP‐RTSG) 2016 UMBRELLA protocol recommends sunitinib for metastatic or unresectable RCC.

Methods

This retrospective study describes the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD‐(L)1) monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapeutic regimens in advanced‐stage and relapsed pediatric RCC.

Results

Of the 31 identified patients (0–18 years) with histologically proven RCC, 3/31 presented with TNM stage I/II, 8/31 with TNM stage III, and 20/31 with TNM stage IV at diagnosis. The majority were diagnosed with translocation type RCC (MiT‐RCC) (21/31) and the remaining patients mainly presented with papillary or clear‐cell RCC. Treatment in a neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, or upon relapse or progression, included mono‐ or combination therapy with a large variety of drugs, illustrating center specific choices in most patients. Sunitinib was often administered as first choice and predominantly resulted in stable disease (53%). Other frequently used drugs included axitinib, cabozantinib, sorafenib, and nivolumab; however, no treatment seemed more promising than sunitinib. Overall, 15/31 patients died of disease, 12/31 are alive with active disease, and only four patients had a complete response. The sample size and heterogeneity of this cohort only allowed descriptive statistical analysis.

Conclusion

This study provides an overview of a unique series of clinical and treatment characteristics of pediatric patients with RCC treated with targeted therapies.
Correlation of multiple endpoints in the first‐line chemotherapy of advanced gastric cancer: Pooled analysis of individual patient data from Japanese Phase III trials
Authors: Arai Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Madoka , Ichikawa Wataru , Shitara Kohei , Sunakawa Yu , Oba Koji , Koizumi Wasaburo , Sakata Yuh , Furukawa Hiroshi , Yamada Yasuhide , Takeuchi Masahiro , Fujii Masashi
Published: December 2023

Background

Individual‐level surrogates are important for management in patients treated for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the correlation of multiple clinical endpoints in the first‐line chemotherapy of AGC.

Methods

Individual patient data (IPD) were collected from four Japanese Phase III trials comparing S‐1‐based first‐line chemotherapies (SPIRITS, START, GC0301/TOP‐002, and G‐SOX trials). Patients without Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST)‐based radiological assessments were excluded. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was tested for correlation among overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and postprogression survival (PPS). OS, PFS, and PPS were compared between responders (best response: complete response or partial response) and nonresponders (best response: stable disease or progressive disease).

Results

The study included a total of 1492 patients. Eighty percent of the patients (n = 1190) received subsequent chemotherapies after the failure of each trial's treatment protocol. PFS moderately correlated with OS (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.66, p < 0.005), whereas the correlation between PPS and OS was strong (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.87, p < 0.005). Responders had significantly longer OS (median, 17.7 vs. 9.1 months, p < 0.005), PFS (median, 6.9 vs. 2.8 months, p < 0.005), and PPS (median, 10.5 vs. 6.0 months, p < 0.005) than nonresponders.

Conclusions

Our results reacknowledged the mild surrogacy of PFS and importance of postprogression treatments in patients with AGC receiving first‐line chemotherapy. Consistent longer survival outcomes in better RECIST categories suggested that tumor response might be a useful individual‐level surrogate.
Desensitization in patients with hypersensitivity to platinum and taxane in gynecological cancers
Authors: Zwimpfer Tibor A. , Scherer Kathrin , Schötzau Andreas , Heinzelmann‐Schwarz Viola , Hartmann Karin , Vetter Marcus , Montavon Céline
Published: December 2023

Background

Exposure to paclitaxel and carboplatin has the risk of developing hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs), which could necessitate using less effective treatments to avoid anaphylaxis. Desensitization to platinum and taxane HSRs can be used to complete chemotherapy according to the standard regimen; therefore, this study investigated rates and benefits of successful desensitization in patients with gynecologic cancers (GC).

Methods

We collected data from 241 patients with GC who had at least one cycle of platinum or taxane chemotherapy. The rate of HSRs and successful desensitization were evaluated, and an outcome analysis was conducted.

Results

The rate of HSRs to platinum and taxane was 6.39% and 13.07%, respectively. We observed a 100% success rate of desensitization in our cohort. Patients with HSR were significantly younger (57.1 vs. 64.9 years, p = 0.030) in the taxane cohort. Importantly, the overall survival (OS) of patients with platinum and taxane HSRs who underwent desensitization was comparable to that of patients with no HSRs (platinum vs. controls; median OS 60.36 vs. 60.39 months, p = 0.31; taxane vs. controls; OS 80.29 vs. 60.00 months, p = 0.59).

Conclusion

Thus, we show that desensitization for platinum and taxane HSRs is safe and effective, resulting in an outcome that is well comparable to patients without HSR. Based on these observations, desensitization procedures might be considered as standard of care before switching to less effective treatment for patients with GC.
Rates of newly diagnosed breast cancer at commission on cancer facilities during the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fefferman Marie , Kuchta Kristine , Wang Chi‐Hsiung , Nicholson Kyra , Kopkash Katherine , Pesce Catherine , Poli Elizabeth , Smith Thomas W. , Yao Katharine
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the early part of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases at Commission on Cancer (CoC)‐accredited facilities relative to the United States (U.S.) population.

Methods

We examined the incidence of breast cancer cases at CoC sites using the U.S. Census population as the denominator. Breast cancer incidence was stratified by patient age, race and ethnicity, and geographic location.

Results

A total of 1,499,806 patients with breast cancer were included. For females, breast cancer cases per 100,000 individuals went from 188 in 2015 to 203 in 2019 and then dropped to 176 in 2020 with a 15.7% decrease from 2019 to 2020. Breast cancer cases per 100,000 males went from 1.7 in 2015 to 1.8 in 2019 and then declined to 1.5 in 2020 with a 21.8% decrease from 2019 to 2020. For both females and males, cases per 100,000 individuals decreased from 2019 to 2020 for almost all age groups. For females, rates dropped from 2019 to 2020 for all races and ethnicities and geographic locations. The largest percent change was seen among Hispanic patients (−18.4%) and patients in the Middle Atlantic division (−18.6%). The stage distribution (0–IV) for female and male patients remained stable from 2018 to 2020.

Conclusion

The first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with a decreased number of newly diagnosed breast cancer cases at Commission on Cancer sites.
Online psychoeducation groups for mental health promotion: Perceptions of Brazilian university students
Authors: da Silva Grasiele Cristina Lucietto , Pereira Debora Cristina dos Santos , Sousa Dália Passos , de Souza Deise Coelho , Correia‐Zanini Marta Regina Gonçalves , Scorsolini‐Comin Fabio
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study aimed to understand the perceptions of university students regarding participation in an online psychoeducation group to promote mental health.

Method

This was a qualitative study that followed two groups over 8 weeks, carried out with 20 nursing students from a Brazilian public university during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

The online psychoeducation group was considered an efficient strategy for mental health promotion and an important resource for the provision of assistance to this population, especially in the pandemic scenario. The remote environment was considered welcoming and comfortable to share personal issues, and dispensing with commutes eased participation. On the contrary, some participants mentioned a lack of physical contact and difficulties with adherence/attendance, as well as the need for more meetings.

Final considerations

For this population, highly impacted by the pandemic, the online psychoeducation group was configured as a space for sharing life experiences, self‐knowledge and was designed to offer a welcoming environment, contributing to the construction of support networks in a social isolation scenario. It is recommended that these online group interventions continue to be investigated after the pandemic, especially by communicating about strengthening the welcoming actions in higher education.
Activation of Coq6p, a FAD Monooxygenase Involved in Coenzyme Q Biosynthesis, by Adrenodoxin Reductase/Ferredoxin
Authors: Gonzalez Lucie , Chau‐Duy Tam Vo Samuel , Faivre Bruno , Pierrel Fabien , Fontecave Marc , Hamdane Djemel , Lombard Murielle
Published: December 2023

Adrenodoxin reductase (AdxR) plays a pivotal role in electron transfer, shuttling electrons between NADPH and iron/sulfur adrenodoxin proteins in mitochondria. This electron transport system is essential for P450 enzymes involved in various endogenous biomolecules biosynthesis. Here, we present an in‐depth examination of the kinetics governing the reduction of human AdxR by NADH or NADPH. Our results highlight the efficiency of human AdxR when utilizing NADPH as a flavin reducing agent. Nevertheless, akin to related flavoenzymes such as cytochrome P450 reductase, we observe that low NADPH concentrations hinder flavin reduction due to intricate equilibrium reactions between the enzyme and its substrate/product. Remarkably, the presence of MgCl2 suppresses this complex kinetic behavior by decreasing NADPH binding to oxidized AdxR, effectively transforming AdxR into a classical Michaelis‐Menten enzyme. We propose that the addition of MgCl2 may be adapted for studying the reductive half‐reactions of other flavoenzymes with NADPH. Furthermore, in vitro experiments provide evidence that the reduction of the yeast flavin monooxygenase Coq6p relies on an electron transfer chain comprising NADPH‐AdxR‐Yah1p‐Coq6p, where Yah1p shuttles electrons between AdxR and Coq6p. This discovery explains the previous in vivo observation that Yah1p and the AdxR homolog, Arh1p, are required for the biosynthesis of coenzyme Q in yeast.
Stacked Covalent Organic Ribbons Perpendicular to Graphene Oxide Sheets; a 1D‐p‐2D Design for Photocatalytic Tandem Reactions
Authors: Khazaee Zeynab , Ouyang Yi , Zhang Yan , Bogojevic Oliver , Jess Plesner Thea , Guo Zheng
Published: December 2023

Development of one dimensional covalent organic frameworks (1D‐COFs) with potential in light absorption and catalysis is still challenging, due to their rapid interpenetration to form 2D and 3D porous structures. Here we report a successful synthesis of imine‐linked 1D covalent organic ribbons (COR), using two simple linear building blocks 1,4‐Benzenediamine (Bda) and [2,2′‐Bipyridine]‐5,5′‐dicarbaldehyde (Bpy). The obtained 1D structure with nanorod morphology could keep its physicochemical characteristic properties when it is perpendicular to the surface of graphene oxide (GO) sheets (1D‐p‐2D structure). Due to an AB π–π stacking and efficient charge transfer between perpendicular 1D COR and GO sheets, the obtained nanocomposite showed strong visible light absorbance (400–700 nm) with coefficient of 4.400 M−1 cm−1 and decreased recombination rate of photogenerated reactive species by 92 %. The strategy of 1D‐p‐2D light driven system greatly enhanced the photocatalytic activity in practical applications such as both oxidation and hydrogenation tandem reactions to a rate constant of higher than 0.02 min−1. This study presents the first case of 1D covalent organic polymers grown perpendicularly on a carbon‐based layer for boosting electron mobility through the junction between the two components.
Deep reinforcement learning‐based resource allocation in multi‐access edge computing
Authors: Khani Mohsen , Sadr Mohammad Mohsen , Jamali Shahram
Published: December 2023

Network architects and engineers face challenges in meeting the increasing complexity and low‐latency requirements of various services. To tackle these challenges, multi‐access edge computing (MEC) has emerged as a solution, bringing computation and storage resources closer to the network's edge. This proximity enables low‐latency data access, reduces network congestion, and improves quality of service. Effective resource allocation is crucial for leveraging MEC capabilities and overcoming limitations. However, traditional approaches lack intelligence and adaptability. This study explores the use of deep reinforcement learning (DRL) as a technique to enhance resource allocation in MEC. DRL has gained significant attention due to its ability to adapt to changing network conditions and handle complex and dynamic environments more effectively than traditional methods. The study presents the results of applying DRL for efficient and dynamic resource allocation in MEC Computing, optimizing allocation decisions based on real‐time environment and user demands. By providing an overview of the current research on resource allocation in MEC using DRL, including components, algorithms, and the performance metrics of various DRL‐based schemes, this review article demonstrates the superiority of DRL‐based resource allocation schemes over traditional methods in diverse MEC conditions. The findings highlight the potential of DRL‐based approaches in addressing challenges associated with resource allocation in MEC.
Research on cloud robot security strategy based on chaos encryption
Authors: Tang Yongwei , Ding Wei , Zhou Jun , Yu Yonghao , Hao Huijuan
Published: December 2023

This article proposes a security strategy based on chaos encryption for the transmission of robot data on cloud platforms. Based on chaos encryption technology, the data information collected by the robot is encrypted before transmission. After receiving the request, the cloud platform server uses chaos decryption technology to analyze the ciphertext information and obtain the original relevant data information. The security strategy proposed in this article is simple and feasible, and can resist all kinds of security attacks.