bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Cover the Fire” or Live in the Dusk
Authors: Pardue Derek
Published: February 2023

Informed by recent fieldwork with “Muslim youth” in Aarhus, Denmark, West African migrants in Lisbon, Portugal and personal experiences of mobility in both cities, I deploy dusk as a sensorial epistemology and fiction as a complementary aesthetic methodology as I attempt to write the city (creatively) back into the (critical) urban. Forays into fiction are pertinent, because it is through imagination and the creativity of textual expression that many find their voice and emerge from (daily) routine when confronted with the night. The image-texts presented are intended not as momentous highlights but as provocative suggestions of the nocturnal banal in terms of urban presences, borders and human-environment relationships. The overarching premise is that the difference of dusk is not a loss or necessarily a waning, but rather a generative force of meaning and belonging.
Ceci n’est pas un incendie
Authors: Lecuyer Marie
Published: February 2023

À la tombée de la nuit dans l’archipel de Hong Kong, une écologie de spectres – tantôt fantômes (gui 鬼), ancêtres et dieux – se manifestent à la lueur de brasiers allumés en leur mémoire. Cette écologie de spectres et les gestes de soin pyrotechniques qui l’animent, tendent à disparaître sous la pression de l’urbanisation et de campagnes écologiques. Dans cet article, je m’attarde sur ce et ceux que l’extinction de ces feux risque de faire disparaître. Je propose de considérer que ce qui disparait est moins un certain obscurantisme – tel que les campagnes d’éducation du gouvernement, promouvant des enterrements et funérailles écologiques le laissent suggérer – mais davantage un rapport à la nuit, au feu, au récit. Ce qui vient à disparaître en même tant que ces feux, c’est une perspective, celle des morts, qui confronte les vivants à leur propre finitude et devenirs post mortem.
L’ambivalence et le paradoxe de l’exil dans l’écriture de Milan Kundera
Authors: Wan Jin
Published: February 2023

En référence à la réflexion sur l’exil proposée par Edward Saïd et Tzvetan Todorov, nous nous concentrons sur l’ambivalence et le paradoxe de l’exil dans l’écriture de Milan Kundera : les rapports ambigus et compliqués entre l’exil et l’écriture, et les thèmes conjoints tels que la patrie, l’identité, la langue dans ses essais comme dans ses romans. L’exil est perçu comme souffrance et comme champ de fécondité pour l’écrivain tiraillé entre deux patries, deux cultures et deux langues. Correspondant au nomadisme, au pluralisme et à l’esprit d’aventure de l’écrivain, l’exil se transforme ainsi en point positif. Si l’exil soulève inévitablement la question identitaire en lien avec les langues, la patrie, le passé et la mémoire, il métaphorise aussi le destin humain moderne caractérisé par le déracinement et l’instabilité. Sous l’ambiguïté identitaire, l’homme se met à la recherche du vrai chez-soi qu’est l’art, la patrie littéraire. L’écriture de l’exil représente une expression des angoisses identitaires devant les mutations, mais aussi le besoin de dépassement. Correspondant à l’aspiration de l’écrivain à la liberté et à l’éternité en créant des oeuvres résistant à la force du temps, l’art devient la patrie, la littérature, un vrai chez-soi. L’ambivalance de l’exil est un reflet du paradoxe de l’homme qui connaît une reconstruction identitaire, culturelle et axiologique perpétuellement renouvelée. L’écriture de l’exil est un reflet de son parcours visant à trouver le point d’équilibre d’une existence entre la fluidité et l’immutabilité, entre la déconstruction et la reconstruction.
Upper-lower body super-sets vs. traditional sets for inducing chronic athletic performance improvements
Authors: García-Orea Guillermo Peña , Rodríguez-Rosell David , Ballester-Sánchez Ángel , Da Silva-Grigoletto Marzo Edir , Belando-Pedreño Noelia
Published: February 2023

Background

To promote chronic adaptations, resistance training needs the manipulation of different variables, among them, the order of the exercises and sets. Specifically, for velocity-based training, paired exercises alternating upper and/or lower-body muscle groups appear to be a good choice to promote neuromuscular adaptations.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effect of two velocity-based training programs only differing in the set configuration on muscle strength, muscular endurance and jump performance.

Methods

Moderately strength-trained men were allocated into a traditional (TS, n= 8) or alternating sets (AS, n= 9) configuration group to perform a 6-week velocity-based training program using the full squat (SQ) and bench press (BP) exercises. The TS group completed all sets of the full squat (SQ) exercise before performing the bench press (BP) sets, whereas the AS group completed the first set of each exercise in an alternating manner. Training frequency, relative load, number of sets, percentage of velocity loss (%VL) within the set and inter-set rest were matched for both groups. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), load (kg)-velocity relationship, predicted 1RM, and muscular endurance for each exercise were evaluated at pre- and post-training.

Results

The TS and AS groups obtained similar and non-significant improvements in CMJ (3.01 ± 4.84% and 3.77 ± 6.12%, respectively). Both groups exhibited significant and similar increases in muscle strength variables in SQ (6.19–11.55% vs. 6.90-011.76%; p = 0.033–0.044, for TS and AS, respectively), BP (6.19–13.87% and 3.99–9.58%; p = 0.036–0.049, for TS and AS group, respectively), and muscular endurance in BP (7.29 ± 7.76% and 7.72 ± 9.73%; p = 0.033, for the TS and AS group, respectively). However, the AS group showed a greater improvement in muscular endurance in SQ than the TS group (10.19 ± 15.23% vs. 2.76 ± 7.39%; p = 0.047, respectively). Total training time per session was significantly shorter (p = 0.000) for AS compared to TS group.

Conclusions

Training programs performing AS between SQ and BP exercises with moderate loads and %VL induce similar jump and strength improvements, but in a more time-efficient manner, than the traditional approach.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies of Crude Palm Oil Bleaching Using Amansea Clay
Authors: Nkeiruka Nweke Chinenyenwa , Elijah Onu Chijioke , Ositadimma Iheanacho Chamberlain
Published: February 2023

The effectiveness of the bleaching of crude palm oil was carried out using alkaline-activated Amansea clay. The clay sample was sun-dried, ground, sieved and activated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and Potassium hydroxide (KOH). The raw and alkaline-activated clay (AAMC) samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses. The dosage, temperature and contact time of the process were varied to observe the efficiency of the bleaching process. The results of the characterization indicated that the raw and activated clays were kaolinite and the clay changed significantly after activation. The bleaching efficiency improved with an increase in temperature and an increase in the mass of the adsorbent. The highest bleaching efficiency of 83.2% was obtained. The pseudo-second-order model best described the adsorption process at 100 oC. The Temkin isotherm model best fitted the experimental data when compared to the other isotherm models because it gave the highest R2 values of >0.9 at all temperatures. The thermodynamics studies carried out from the experimental data indicated that the process was endothermic with an increase in randomness at the solid/liquid interface. The values of the enthalpy and entropy were evaluated as 6.193 KJ/mol and 173.50 J/mol respectively. The adsorption of crude palm oil became spontaneous at 363 and 373 K due to the negative values of Gibb’s free energy obtained at those temperatures. The experimental result indicates that 83.2% bleaching efficiency can be from bleaching crude palm oil with alkaline-activated Amansea clay.
Mindfulness Skill of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in the Prevention of Suicidal Ideation among Older Farmers of Punjab
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Kaur Harprit , Singh Sarabjeet
Published: February 2023

Objective: The study examines the efficacy of mindfulness skills in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) on older farmers with suicidal ideation, psychological distress, helplessness, hopelessness, and low resilience.  It was hypothesized that the mindfulness skills of DBT would alleviate suicidal ideation, hopelessness, helplessness, and psychological distress and enhance resilience in older farmers of Punjab.

Methods: A total of 46 older farmers (65-82 years old) out of 285 who participated in the study belonged to various villages of Fatehgarh Sahib, Patiala, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, Faridkot, Barnala, Bathinda, and Mansa districts of Punjab were screened based on a threshold score of the Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R, Osman et al., 2001). The 46 older farmers were given intervention over six weeks. The average age was 69.87 years old (65-82).

Results: Paired sample t-test results revealed that the intervention had significantly alleviated suicidal ideation, hopelessness (HOP), helplessness (HLP), psychological distress, and enhanced resilience among the farmers.

Conclusion: The findings suggest the mindfulness skill of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was effective for distressed older farmers and helped them restore their psychological functioning.
Categorical Analysis of Variance on Knowledge, Compliance and Impact of Hand Hygiene among Healthcare Professionals during COVID-19 Outbreak in South-East, Nigeria
Authors: Eze Nnaemeka M. , Ossai Everestus O. , Ohanuba Felix O. , Ezra Precious N. , Ugwu Samson O. , Asogwa Oluchukwu C.
Published: February 2023

This paper examined the knowledge, compliance and impact of hand hygiene among healthcare professionals during COVID-19 outbreak in South-East, Nigeria. The data used in this study were collected from twenty (20) hospitals in South-East, Nigeria using questionnaire with closed-type question forms. A total number of 600 questionnaires were used in this study. Two-way CATANOVA was used to examine the gender and health profession that have well knowledge, compliance and impact experience of hand hygiene during COVID-19 outbreak. The result showed no statistically significant difference in the knowledge, compliance and impact experience of hand hygiene among four major health professions (medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists) and also between the genders at a 5% significance level. The findings showed that the changing of healthcare professional from one health profession to another does not affect the knowledge, compliance and impact experience of hand hygiene. It was noticed that 599(99.8%) healthcare professionals have good knowledge of hand hygiene, 395(65.8%) practice hand hygiene every time, and 507(84.5%) have high impact experience of hand hygiene. There is enhancement in the knowledge, compliance and impact experience of hand hygiene of healthcare professionals as their years of service increase.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on the Quality Parameters in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) under Southern Rajasthan Conditions
Authors: Sharma Heera Lal , Tailor S. P. , Rajawat Kuldeep Singh
Published: February 2023

An experiment on Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) was conducted during Zaid season of 2020-21 and 2021-22, at Agriculture Research Farm, School of Agriculture Science & Technology, Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan (India) to understand the effect of integrated nutrient management at different doses combination on fruit growth, yield and quality of tomato variety Abhilash. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block design. The nutrient sources applied were Biofertilizer [Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) +Azotobector] @ 5kg each per ha; Vermicompost (VC) @ 10t/ha (100%); Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 25 t/ha (100%) and Poultry Manure (PM) @ 8 t/ha (100%). Under the present investigation 12 treatments were prepared with different combination doses of integrated nutrient management mentioned in and replicated thrice. It is clear from the results that the maximum specific gravity under the application of 75% RDF + 25% organic (FYM + VC + PM) (T11) was 1.16 and 1.19 g/cm3, the T.S.S content was 5.45 and 5.67Obrix, the ascorbic acid content was 25.53 and 25.53 mg/100g, and the acidity was 0.620% and 0.650% in both years, respectively. The lowest values for each attribute were noted when receiving control therapy. According to the results of the current experiment, T11 was shown to be the optimum treatment for tomato development and yield, as measured by ascorbic acid, Total soluble solids (T.S.S.), lycopene content, specific gravity, and acidity content among other factors. The investigation's findings support the conclusion that the T11 therapy is appropriate for use in tomato growing.
Effect of Molybdenum and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Summer Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: Tejaswini B. H. , Singh Rajesh , Indu Thakur , Pradhan Akankhya
Published: February 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) to study treatments consisting of three levels of Molybdenum viz. Mo 1 kg, 1.5 kg and 2 kg/ha and three levels of Sulphur viz. 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). Ten treatments were replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment nine (Molybdenum2kg/ha+ Sulphur 30kg/ha) recorded significantly higher plant height (42.54 cm), number of branches/plants (6.93), number of leaves/plants (15.00), plant dry weight (5.27 g), number of nodules/plants (20.60), number of pods/plant (27.6), number of seeds/pod (9.53), seed yield (1.25 t/ha), stover yield (2.87), harvest index (30.3%), gross returns (87500.00), net returns (47281.52)and B:C ratio (1.18) as compared to other treatments.
Assessment of Water Quality to Economic Development: A Quantifying Environmental Kuznets Curve
Authors: Priyanga V. , Thilagavathi M. , Selvaraj K. N.
Published: February 2023

The study intends to investigate the relationship between the growth of the economy and surface water pollutants in Tamil Nadu using the concept of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). The study used cross-sectional time series (panel data) data for water pollutants such as Dissolved oxygen and conductivity, BOD, Total Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms across 16 districts in Tamil Nadu for the period 2003–2019. The findings of the study revealed that there was no indication of an EKC for Dissolved Oxygen and BOD; instead, Dissolved oxygen has a monotonically declining relationship while BOD has a monotonically increasing relationship, and the first turning point is yet to be achieved for both the water quality indices. The relationship between income and conductivity found a U-shaped relationship with the turning point on Rs.131.98 billion. The existence of an Inverted U-shaped EKC relationship for Fecal coliforms and Total Coliforms with the turning point on Rs. 482.22 and Rs. 477.65 billion, respectively.
Cluster Analysis of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Mutant Lines of Using Morphological Parameters
Authors: Prasad Bishun Deo , Kumar Pankaj , Sahni Sangita
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, a large number of crop types have been developed using mutation breeding. In present investigation, gamma irradiated indica rice cultivar Rajendra Mahsuri 1 were morphologically analysed for identify candidate mutants. M3 mutant lines were screened using eleven morphological characteristics. Morphological investigations revealed that gamma irradiation created enough variability for selection of specific traits. We have observed huge variation in maturity (105 and 135 days) and plant height (45 to 160 cm) in M3 mutant lines. The results of morphological analysis showed a great deal of potential for identifying beneficial mutations caused due to gamma irradiation.
Impact of Zinc and Boron on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil under Green Gram Crop in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Anurag Kumar , Thomas Tarence , David Arun Alfred
Published: February 2023

The research entitled “Impact of Zinc and Boron on Soil Health Parameters and Yield Attributes of Green gram in an inceptisol of Prayagraj U.P., India” conducted at the department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P during the Zaid 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatments and three replications with four levels of Zinc and Boron along with NPK as RDF. The non-significant findings that is B.D, P.D, % pore space, water holding capacity, and pH were as, macro- micro nutrients, in soil and also the morphological parameters have significant findings which comprises yellowish brown sandy-loam textured neutral to alkaline soil that is non- saline in nature between all the treatment combination applied. The OC, NPK were founded significantly medium to high in treatment T16 RDF (20:40:20 NPK kg ha-1) + Zinc@6 kg ha-1+ Boron @3 kg ha-1, micro-nutrients such as Zinc, Boron were knowingly medium to high in treatment T16 RDF (20:40:20 NPK kg ha-1) + Zinc@6 kg ha-1+ Boron @3 kg ha-1. the maximum mean value for Bulk density (1.34 Mg m-3), Particle density (2.588 Mg m-3) percent pore space (47.63%), and percent supreme water holding capacity (46.25%) were found. The chemical soil parameters with a cumulative mean of slightly saline soil pH (8.35), average electrical conductivity (0.419 dSm-1), maximum percent O.C. (0.427), high Available N (284.62 kg ha-1), high Available P in T2 (16.60 kg ha-1) due to the antagonistic effect of zinc on Phosphorous, high Available K (206.93 kg ha-1), high Available Zn (1.132 mg kg-1), and high Available B (1.233 mg kg-1) were considered in evaluation to other NPK and micronutrients levels treatments.
Intestinal Parasites in School-Aged Children of Rumuodogo, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Chukwu H. O. , Owhoeli O. , Amuzie C. C.
Published: February 2023

Aim: This epidemiological survey was carried out to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in School aged Children.

Place and Duration of study:  The study was carried out in Rumuodogo Community in Emohua Local Government area of Rivers State, Nigeria between the months of March to June 2019.

Methodology: Microscopic examination of stool samples from 200 school-aged pupils between the ages 3-18 years was carried out using formol-ether concentration and direct wet mount, and stained iodine. Demographic as well as epidemiological data were obtained using a questionnaire.

Results:  The finding reveals an overall prevalence of 49.5%. However, there was a significant difference in the parasite prevalence values between the age groups (P = 0.01). The common intestinal parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides 19.5%, Ancylostoma duodenale 9.5%, Trichuris spp. 6%, Strongyloides spp. 4.5%, Enterobius spp. 1%, Taenia solium, 1.5%, Taenia saginata 1%, Entamoeba histolytica 4.5%, Giardia lamblia 4% and Schistosoma mansoni 2%.  The prevalence of intestinal parasites infections with respect to the available and use of toilet facility revealed that Pit toilet users had the highest prevalence of 62 (56.9%) while no infection was recorded among users of water closet toilet. When age groups were compared, the result showed that age group 3-6 years were significantly more infected than the other age groups (P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between other age groups. The findings however, showed that age groups 6-10 years had the highest prevalence of 55.6%. Maximum of seven children had multiple infections. The male female ration was 62:37 while the percentage for males was 43.2% and 50% for females.

Conclusion: Intestinal parasitic infections are associated with reduced development of children manifested by a reduced physical fitness which may result from vitamin deficiencies, inducing intestinal bleeding, and protein energy malnutrition. Therefore, the high prevalence of intestinal parasites recorded in this study calls for an intensified effort in the control of the infections. Regular deworming of children and environmental sanitation should be carried out to further reduce the prevalence.
Solution of Inhomogeneous Differential Equations with Polynomial Coefficients in Nonstandard Analysis
Authors: Morita Tohru
Published: February 2023

Discussions are presented by Morita and Sato on the problem of obtaining the particular solution of an inhomogeneous differential equation with polynomial coefficients in terms of the Green's function. In the present paper, solution is given without using the Green's function, on the basis of nonstandard analysis. It is applied to the hypergeometric, the Hermite, a simple ordinary and a fractional differential equation.
Single versus Double Layer Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Management of Resistant Infective Corneal Ulcer
Authors: Metaoe Asmaa Reda , Nasef Mohamed Hosny , Ghoniem Ahmed Mohamed , Shorbagy Mohamed Sameh El
Published: February 2023

Background: Infectious keratitis is an important and preventable cause of monocular blindness. It is caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites, It is a potentially sight-threatening disease of  the eye as a result of corneal opacities, persistent epithelial defects, thinning or corneal melting.2

This urgent ophthalmic condition needs to be treated with appropriate antimicrobial agents. However, some ulcers do not respond to conventional antimicrobial treatments and need further intervention 4.

Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) may be a tool to suppress inflammation in infectious keratitis and promote epithelial regeneration after sufficient antibiotic eye medications, thus improving the situation of the eye for subsequent surgeries, such as penetrating keratoplasty (PK).2

Aim of the Study: This prospective, comparative, interventional and randomized study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of single versus double layer amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) in treatment of resistant infectious keratitis.

Patients and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 eyes with resistant infectious keratitis not respond to specific antimicrobials for two weeks (20 eyes treated by single layer of amniotic membrane (group A) and 20 eyes treated by double layer amniotic membrane (group B) .

Results: The mean age of group (A) was (54.250 ± 12.561) years while in group (B) was (52.250 ± 14.722) years. The gender distribution of group (A) was 13 male and 7 female , group (B) was 14 male and 6 female .According  to corneal cultures there were 6 cases (30%) fungal , 3 cases (15%) bacterial and 11 cases (55%) mixed bacterial and fungal infection in group (A),While in group (B) there were 7 cases (35%) fungal and 13 cases (65%) mixed bacterial and fungal infection. The healing time ranged from 3 to 8 weeks with mean 5.214 ± 1.888 weeks in group (A), While in group (B) ranged from 3 to 6 weeks with mean 4.412 ± 0.712 weeks. The study revealed no significant difference in pre-operative and post-operative best correctd visual acuity in both groups as in group A vision improved in 5 cases , remain unchanged in 9 cases and worsened in 6 cases while in group B vision improved in 5 cases, remain unchanged in 12 cases, and worsened in 3 cases. There was significant difference between two groups in healing of sever corneal ulcer as in group A all cases with sever corneal ulcer not achieve successful healing , While in group B successful healing occurred in 83.33% of sever cases.

Conclusion: There is no significant difference between single layer and double layer AMT in management of resistant infectious keratitis especially mild and moderate corneal ulcers .

In sever corneal ulcer it is better to do double layer AMT to restore integrity of corneal stroma and promote healing.
Glioblastoma and Other Primary Brain Malignancies in Adults
Authors: Schaff Lauren R. , Mellinghoff Ingo K.
Published: February 2023

Importance

Malignant primary brain tumors cause more than 15 000 deaths per year in the United States. The annual incidence of primary malignant brain tumors is approximately 7 per 100 000 individuals and increases with age. Five-year survival is approximately 36%.

Observations

Approximately 49% of malignant brain tumors are glioblastomas, and 30% are diffusely infiltrating lower-grade gliomas. Other malignant brain tumors include primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma (7%) and malignant forms of ependymomas (3%) and meningiomas (2%). Symptoms of malignant brain tumors include headache (50%), seizures (20%-50%), neurocognitive impairment (30%-40%), and focal neurologic deficits (10%-40%). Magnetic resonance imaging before and after a gadolinium-based contrast agent is the preferred imaging modality for evaluating brain tumors. Diagnosis requires tumor biopsy with consideration of histopathological and molecular characteristics. Treatment varies by tumor type and often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. For patients with glioblastoma, the combination of temozolomide with radiotherapy improved survival when compared with radiotherapy alone (2-year survival, 27.2% vs 10.9%; 5-year survival, 9.8% vs 1.9%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.6 [95% CI, 0.5-0.7]; P < .001). In patients with anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors with 1p/19q codeletion, probable 20-year overall survival following radiotherapy without vs with the combination of procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine was 13.6% vs 37.1% (80 patients; HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.35-1.03]; P = .06) in the EORTC 26951 trial and 14.9% vs 37% in the RTOG 9402 trial (125 patients; HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.40-0.94]; P = .02). Treatment of primary CNS lymphoma includes high-dose methotrexate-containing regimens, followed by consolidation therapy with myeloablative chemotherapy and autologous stem cell rescue, nonmyeloablative chemotherapy regimens, or whole brain radiation.

Conclusions and Relevance

The incidence of primary malignant brain tumors is approximately 7 per 100 000 individuals, and approximately 49% of primary malignant brain tumors are glioblastomas. Most patients die from progressive disease. First-line therapy for glioblastoma is surgery followed by radiation and the alkylating chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide.
Clinical Cancer Genomic Diagnostics and Modern Diagnostic Pathology
Authors: Roth Katherine , Gruber Stephen B. , McDonnell Kevin
Published: February 2023

Overview

New techniques in next‐generation sequencing, digital pathology, and artificial intelligence have emerged as important tools to inform early detection, clinical and pathologic diagnoses as well as therapeutic decision‐making. This chapter focuses on multiple types of tests that take advantage of next‐generation sequencing for current applications in clinical practice. Genome‐wide mutational signatures are informative at a number of levels, not only linking specific exposures to cancer, but also providing prognostic and predictive information. Digital pathology and analytic approaches with artificial intelligence are also highlighted. Finally, the potential of liquid biopsy is discussed across the spectrum from early detection to monitoring for residual disease, surveillance, and recurrence and treatment planning.
Microtubule Inhibitors
Authors: Galletti Giuseppe , Giannakakou Paraskevi
Published: February 2023

Overview

Central to the ever‐growing list of anticancer therapies is the microtubule inhibitors (MTIs), a class of naturally derived compounds that bind tubulin or microtubules and disrupt the function of the cell's cytoskeleton. The vinca alkaloids were among the first drugs to receive FDA approval for the treatment of cancer, even before the α/β‐tubulin dimer was identified as their target. Today, 60 years from their entry to the clinic, these microtubule‐destabilizing drugs continue to be central in current and widely used chemotherapy regimens. Paclitaxel was the first natural product identified to bind microtubule polymers instead of soluble tubulin dimers, and the prototype of the new class of microtubule‐stabilizing drugs. Together, both destabilizing and stabilizing drugs form the family of MTIs, which continues to expand with the clinical approval of several other plant‐, marine sponge‐ and bacteria‐derived compounds, such as epothilones, halicondrin B, maytansinoids, and auristatins. Even in the current era of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors, MTIs are among the most effective drugs for the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. For decades, these drugs were thought to exert their antitumor activity solely by inhibiting cancer cell division. Current evidence demonstrates that MTIs can effectively kill not only dividing but also nondividing interphase cells, which represent the most abundant cell population in patient tumors. In this chapter, we will discuss MTI mechanism of action or “inaction,” all the way from molecular interactions to cancer cell effects to patient treatment. Fundamental to this chapter is the thesis that MTIs are “targeted therapies,” which is a big departure from the established view that these drugs are nonspecific, generally cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs. Once accepted, this thesis provides previously unrecognized opportunities for precision oncology, taking advantage of the distinct functions and alterations of the MT cytoskeleton in different tumor types and individual patients.
A versatile Topology Optimization Strategy for Devising Low‐Dimensional Architectures with Boosted Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Xue Sikang , Zhou Chuchu , Liang Xiaocong , Shen Min , Ye Xiaoyuan , Yang Can , Zhang Jinshui , Hou Yidong , Shalom Menny , Yu Zhiyang , Wang Xinchen
Published: February 2023

Constructing low‐dimensional heterojunctions via hybridizing 0D, 1D, and 2D building blocks is an effective means to devise higher‐order architectures with excellent photocatalytic reaction activities. Developing a versatile topology optimization strategy paves the way for guiding the rational structural design of a wide range of heterostructures. Herein, taking the ZnO‐CdS hybrids with mixed topology structures (including 0D‐1D, 0D‐0D, and 1D‐1D composites) as a model system, the work unveils a ubiquitous, yet unrecognized, topology dependence of photocatalytic performances and the 0D‐1D topology combination coupled with an annealing treatment gives rise to an optimal photocatalytic redox activity, far exceeding those of 0D‐0D and 1D‐1D counterparts. The 0D‐1D topology integrates the structural merits of both constituent units, where the 1D unit acts as a rigid matrix to allow the uniform dispersity of 0D units for exposing abundant active sites, and a mobile 0D unit contributes to the interfacial reconstruction for forming charge‐migration‐expediated heterointerfaces via thermal‐induced grain rotations. Such thermal‐annealing‐coupled topology optimization methodology shows applicability for a large spectrum of low‐dimensional heterojunctions, offering a prototype for the precise structural design of low‐dimensional heterojunctions with enhanced catalytic performance.
Customizable Supercapacitors via 3D Printed Gel Electrolyte
Authors: Liu Dongna , Wang Zhaoyang , Qian Qilin , Wang Jizhe , Ren Jingbo , Chen Hehao , Xing Wang , Zhou Nanjia
Published: February 2023

New manufacturing strategies toward customizable energy storage devices (ESDs) are urgently required to allow structural designability for space and weight‐sensitive electronics. Besides the macroscopic geometry customization, the ability to fine‐tune the ESD internal architectures are key to device optimization, allowing short and uniform electrons/ions diffusion pathways and increased contact areas while overcoming the issues of long transport distance and high interfacial resistance in conventional devices with planar thick electrodes. ESDs with 2D or 3D electrodes filled with liquid or gel‐like electrolyte have been reported, yet they face significant challenges in design flexibility for 3D ESD architectures. Herein, a novel method of assembling ESDs with the ability to customizing both external and internal architectures via digital light processing (DLP) technique and a facile sequential dip‐coating process is demonstrated. Using supercapacitors as prototype device, the 3D printing of ESDs with areal capacity of 282.7 mF cm−2 which is higher than a reference device with same mass loading employing planar stacked configuration (205.5 mF cm−2) is demonstrated. The printed devices with highly customizable external geometry conveniently allow the ESDs to serve as structural components for various electronics such as watchband and biomimetic electronics which are difficult to be manufactured with previously reported strategies.
Giant Electric Field‐Induced Strain with High Temperature‐Stability in Textured KNN‐Based Piezoceramics for Actuator Applications
Authors: Wang Binquan , Huangfu Geng , Zheng Zhipeng , Guo Yiping
Published: February 2023

Large‐strain (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) based piezoceramics are attractive for next‐generation actuators because of growing environmental concerns. However, inferior performance with poor temperature stability greatly hinders their industrialized procedure. Herein, a feasible strategy is proposed by introducing ‐ defect dipoles and constructing grain orientation to enhance the strain performance and temperature stability of KNN‐based piezoceramics. This textured ceramics with 90.3% texture degree exhibit a giant strain (1.35%) and a large converse piezoelectric coefficient d33* (2700 pm V−1), outperforming most lead‐free piezoceramics and even some single crystals. Meanwhile, the strain deviation at high temperature of 100 °C–200 °C is obviously alleviated from 61% to 35% through texture engineering. From the perspective of practical applications, piezo‐actuators are commonly utilized in the form of multilayer. In order to illustrate the applicability on multilayer actuators, a stack‐type actuator consisted of 5 layers of 0.4 mm thick ceramics is fabricated. It can generate large field‐induced displacement (11.6 µm), and the promising potential in precise positioning and optical modulation are further demonstrated. This work provides a textured KNN‐based piezoceramic with temperature‐stable giant strain properties, and facilitates the lead‐free piezoceramic materials in actuator applications.
Advanced Design of Metal Nanoclusters and Single Atoms Embedded in C1N1‐Derived Carbon Materials for ORR, HER, and OER
Authors: Quílez‐Bermejo Javier , García‐Dalí Sergio , Daouli Ayoub , Zitolo Andrea , Canevesi Rafael L.S. , Emo Mélanie , Izquierdo María T. , Badawi Michael , Celzard Alain , Fierro Vanessa
Published: February 2023

Single atoms and nanoclusters of Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, and Mn are systematically designed and embedded in a well‐defined C1N1‐type material that has internal cavities of ≈0.6 nm based on four N atoms. These N atoms serve as perfect anchoring points for the nucleation of small nanoclusters of different metal natures through the creation of metal‐nitrogen (TM‐N4) bonds. After pyrolysis at 800 °C, TM@CNx‐type structures are obtained, where TM is the transition metal and x < 1. Fe@CNx and Co@CNx are the most promising for oxygen reduction reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, respectively, with a Pt‐like performance, and Ni@CNx is the most active for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with an EOER of 1.59 V versus RHE, far outperforming the commercial IrO2 (EOER = 1.72 V). This systematic and benchmarking study can serve as a basis for the future design of advanced multi‐functional electrocatalysts by modulating and combining the metallic nature of nanoclusters and single atoms.
Iridescence from Total Internal Reflection at 3D Microscale Interfaces: Mechanistic Insights and Spectral Analysis
Authors: Sturniolo Nathaniel E. , Hirsch Krista , Meredith Caleb H. , Beshires Beau C. , Khanna Shawn , Rayes Malak S. , Gallegos Michael A. , McGee Shannon , Kaehr Bryan , Zarzar Lauren D.
Published: February 2023

An experimental investigation and the optical modeling of the structural coloration produced from total internal reflection interference within 3D microstructures are described. Ray‐tracing simulations coupled with color visualization and spectral analysis techniques are used to model, examine, and rationalize the iridescence generated for a range of microgeometries, including hemicylinders and truncated hemispheres, under varying illumination conditions. An approach to deconstruct the observed iridescence and complex far‐field spectral features into its elementary components and systematically link them to ray trajectories that emanate from the illuminated microstructures is demonstrated. The results are compared with experiments, wherein microstructures are fabricated with methods such as chemical etching, multiphoton lithography, and grayscale lithography. Microstructure arrays patterned on surfaces with varying orientation and size lead to unique color‐traveling optical effects and highlight opportunities for how total internal reflection interference can be used to create customizable reflective iridescence. The findings herein provide a robust conceptual framework for rationalizing this multibounce interference mechanism and establish approaches for characterizing and tailoring the optical and iridescent properties of microstructured surfaces.
Phosphomevalonate Kinase Controls β‐Catenin Signaling via the Metabolite 5‐Diphosphomevalonate
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Zhou Xinyi , Zhou Xiaojun , Tang Yi , Lu Mingzhu , Zhao Jianhong , Tian Chenhui , Wu Mingzhi , Liu Yanliang , Prochownik Edward V. , Wang Fubing , Li Youjun
Published: February 2023

β‐catenin signaling is abnormally activated in cancer. Here, this work screens the mevalonate metabolic pathway enzyme PMVK to stabilize β‐catenin signaling using a human genome‐wide library. On the one hand, PMVK‐produced MVA‐5PP competitively binds to CKIα to prevent β‐catenin Ser45 phosphorylation and degradation. On the other hand, PMVK functions as a protein kinase to directly phosphorylate β‐catenin Ser184 to increase its protein nuclear localization. This synergistic effect of PMVK and MVA‐5PP together promotes β‐catenin signaling. In addition, PMVK deletion impairs mouse embryonic development and causes embryonic lethal. PMVK deficiency in liver tissue alleviates DEN/CCl4‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Finally, the small molecule inhibitor of PMVK, PMVKi5, is developed and PMVKi5 inhibits carcinogenesis of liver and colorectal tissues. These findings reveal a non‐canonical function of a key metabolic enzyme PMVK and a novel link between the mevalonate pathway and β‐catenin signaling in carcinogenesis providing a new target for clinical cancer therapy.
Using Wool Keratin as a Structural Biomaterial and Natural Mediator to Fabricate Biocompatible and Robust Bioelectronic Platforms
Authors: Zhu Shuihong , Zhou Qifan , Yi Jia , Xu Yihua , Fan Chaoyu , Lin Changxu , Wu Jianyang , Lin Youhui
Published: February 2023

The design and fabrication of biopolymer‐incorporated flexible electronics have attracted immense interest in healthcare systems, degradable implants, and electronic skin. However, the application of these soft bioelectronic devices is often hampered by their intrinsic drawbacks, such as poor stability, inferior scalability, and unsatisfactory durability. Herein, for the first time, using wool keratin (WK) as a structural biomaterial and natural mediator to fabricate soft bioelectronics is presented. Both theoretical and experimental studies reveal that the unique features of WK can endow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with excellent water dispersibility, stability, and biocompatibility. Therefore, well‐dispersed and electroconductive bio‐inks can be prepared via a straightforward mixing process of WK and CNTs. The as‐obtained WK/CNTs inks can be directly exploited to design versatile and high‐performance bioelectronics, such as flexible circuits and electrocardiogram electrodes. More impressively, WK can also be a natural mediator to connect CNTs and polyacrylamide chains to fabricate a strain sensor with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties. With conformable and soft architectures, these WK‐derived sensing units can be further assembled into an integrated glove for real‐time gesture recognition and dexterous robot manipulations, suggesting the great potential of the WK/CNT composites for wearable artificial intelligence.
Nano Si‐Doped Ruthenium Oxide Particles from Caged Precursors for High‐Performance Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liu Chunxiang , Jiang Yunbo , Wang Teng , Li Qiaosheng , Liu Yuzhou
Published: February 2023

RuO2 is well known as the benchmark acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst, but its practical application has been impeded by its limited durability. Herein, it is presented that the stability of ruthenium oxide can be significantly improved by pretrapping RuCl3 precursors within a cage compound possessing 72 aromatic rings, which leads to well carbon‐coated RuOx particles (Si‐RuOx@C) after calcination. The catalyst survives in 0.5 M H2SO4 for an unprecedented period of 100 hours at 10 mA cm−2 with minimal overpotential change during OER. In contrast, RuOx prepared from similar non‐tied compounds doesn't exhibit such catalytic activity, highlighting the importance of the preorganization of Ru precursors within the cage prior to calcination. In addition, the overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 in acid solution is only 220 mV, much less than that of commercial RuO2. X‐ray absorption fine structure (FT‐EXAFS) reveals the Si doping through unusual Ru–Si bond, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation reveals the importance of the Ru‐Si bond in enhancing both the activity and stability of the catalyst.
Low‐Temperature Potassium Batteries Enabled by Electric and Thermal Field Regulation
Authors: Liu Yanfang , Shi Yating , Gao Caitian , Shi Zude , Ding Hongbo , Feng Yanhong , He Yongmin , Sha Junwei , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: February 2023

Recharging batteries operate at sub‐zero temperature is usually limited by the slow ion diffusion and uneven charge distribution at low temperature. Here, we report a strategy to regulate electric field and thermal field simultaneously, creating a fast and uniform deposition surroundings for potassium ion in potassium metal batteries (PMBs). This regulation is achieved by using a highly ordered 1D nanoarray electrode which provides a dense and flat surface for uniforming the electric field and high thermal conductivity for reducing the temperature fluctuation. Consequently, this electrode could achieve high‐areal capacity of 10 mAh cm−2. Besides, the dependence of potassium nucleation on temperature is unveiled. Furthermore, a full‐cell could steady operate with over 80 % of its room‐temperature capacity at −20 °C. Those respectable performances demonstrate that this strategy is valid, potentially providing guidelines for the rational design of advanced electrodes toward PMBs.
Boradigermaallyl: (4+3) Cycloaddition‐Initiated Boron Insertion into Benzene
Authors: Kern Ralf H. , Schneider Meike , Eichele Klaus , Schubert Hartmut , Bettinger Holger F. , Wesemann Lars
Published: February 2023

The 2π electron 1,3‐dipole boradigermaallyl, valence‐isoelectronic to an allyl cation, is synthesized from a bis(germylene). It reacts with benzene at room temperature by insertion of a boron atom into the benzene ring. Computational investigation of the mechanism shows the boradigermaallyl reacting with a benzene molecule in a concerted (4+3) or [π4s+π2s] cycloaddition reaction. Thus, the boradigermaallyl acts as a highly reactive dienophile in this cycloaddition reaction with nonactivated benzene as diene unit. This type of reactivity provides a novel platform for ligand assisted borylene insertion chemistry.
ATRP Enhances Structural Correlations In Polymerization‐Induced Phase Separation**
Authors: Sicher Alba , Whitfield Richard , Ilavsky Jan , Saranathan Vinodkumar , Anastasaki Athina , Dufresne Eric R.
Published: February 2023

Synthetic methods to control the structure of materials at sub‐micron scales are typically based on the self‐assembly of structural building blocks with precise size and morphology. On the other hand, many living systems can generate structure across a broad range of length scales in one step directly from macromolecules, using phase separation. Here, we introduce and control structure at the nano‐ and microscales through polymerization in the solid state, which has the unusual capability of both triggering and arresting phase separation. In particular, we show that atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) enables control of nucleation, growth, and stabilization of phase‐separated poly‐methylmethacrylate (PMMA) domains in a solid polystyrene (PS) matrix. ATRP yields durable nanostructures with low size dispersity and high degrees of structural correlations. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the length scale of these materials is controlled by the synthesis parameters.
Substrate‐Bound Diarylethene‐Based Anisotropic Metal–Organic Framework Films as Photoactuators with a Directed Response
Authors: Jiang Yunzhe , Liu Yidong , Grosjean Sylvain , Bon Volodymyr , Hodapp Patrick , Kanj Anemar Bruno , Kaskel Stefan , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof , Heinke Lars
Published: February 2023

Molecular machines and responsive materials open a plethora of new opportunities in nanotechnology. We present an oriented crystalline array of diarylethene (DAE)‐based photoactuators, arranged in a way to yield an anisotropic response. The DAE units are assembled, together with a secondary linker, into a monolithic surface‐mounted metal–organic framework (SURMOF) film. By Infrared (IR) and UV/Vis spectroscopy as well as by synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, we show that the light‐induced extension changes of the molecular DAE linkers multiply to yield mesoscopic and anisotropic length changes. Due to the special architecture and substrate‐bonding of the SURMOF, these length changes are transferred to the macroscopic scale, leading to the bending of a cantilever and performing work. This research shows the potential of assembling light‐powered molecules into SURMOFs to yield photoactuators with a directed response, presenting a path to advanced actuators.
Hydride‐containing 2‐Electron Pd/Cu Superatoms as Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Brocha Silalahi Rhone P. , Jo Yongsung , Liao Jian‐Hong , Chiu Tzu‐Hao , Park Eunsaem , Choi Woojun , Liang Hao , Kahlal Samia , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Lee Dongil , Liu C. W.
Published: February 2023

The first hydride‐containing 2‐electron palladium/copper alloys, [PdHCu11{S2P(OiPr)2}6(C≡CPh)4] (PdHCu11) and [PdHCu12{S2P(OiPr)2}5{S2PO(OiPr)} (C≡CPh)4] (PdHCu12), are synthesized from the reaction of [PdH2Cu14{S2P(OiPr)2}6(C≡CPh)6] (PdH2Cu14) with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). X‐ray diffraction reveals that the PdHCu11 and PdHCu12 kernels consist of a central PdH unit encapsulated within a vertex‐missing Cu11 cuboctahedron and complete Cu12 cuboctahedron, respectively. DFT calculations indicate that both PdHCu11 and PdHCu12 can be considered as axially‐distorted 2‐electron superatoms. PdHCu11 shows excellent HER activity, unprecedented within metal nanoclusters, with an onset potential of −0.05 V (at 10 mA cm−2), a Tafel slope of 40 mV dec−1, and consistent HER activity during 1000 cycles in 0.5 M H2SO4. Our study suggests that the accessible central Pd site is the key to HER activity and may provide guidelines for correlating catalyst structures and HER activity.