bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Ferroptosis‐Inhibitive Polypeptosome for Synergistic Management of Acute Kidney Injury Through Antioxidation and Iron Binding
Authors: Liu Danqing , Zhang Wenqing , Fan Zhen , He Shisheng , Du Jianzhong
Published: August 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical condition with a wide range of triggers that cause heavy burden on public health. Despite its high incidence and mortality, the treatment of AKI still highly relies on hemodialysis, which is costly and usually accompanied by severe complications. Therefore, development of new therapeutic targets and methods for AKI is urgently needed. Herein, a ferroptosis‐targeting strategy for AKI treatment by rationally designed ferroptosis‐inhibitive polypeptide‐based polymersomes (polypeptosomes, FIPs) is proposed. Such FIPs are self‐assembled from poly(glutamic acid)‐block‐poly(methionine‐stat‐tyrosine) [PGA9‐b‐P(Met8‐stat‐PTyr13)]. The ferroptosis‐inhibition function of the FIPs arises from the rationally‐selected amino acid composition: P(Met‐stat‐Tyr) endows the FIPs with a high scavenging efficiency of over 90% toward different reactive oxygen species (ROS); while the glutamate and tyrosine residues, as well as the amide groups, can bind iron ions, thus blocking iron overload and lipid peroxide in cells. In vivo experiments confirm that the FIPs can effectively alleviate oxidative stress, inhibit ferroptosis, and restore kidney functions. Transcriptome sequencing further reveals the therapeutic mechanisms of FIPs. Overall, such polypeptosomes capable of blocking multiple pathways of ferroptosis open a new avenue for AKI treatment and provide fresh insights into the development of generalized therapies for inflammation.
Non‐Centrosymmetric Single Crystalline Biomolecular Nano‐Arrays for Responsive Electronics
Authors: Li Jun , Li Zhiwei , Xie Yi , Cai Tong , Shin Donghoon , Chen Chaojian , Mirkin Chad
Published: August 2024

Herein, a novel strategy is reported for synthesizing libraries of single crystalline amino acid (AA) nanocrystals with control over size, anisotropy, and polymorphism by leveraging dip‐pen nanolithography (DPN) and recrystallization via solvent vapor annealing. The crystals are prepared by first depositing nanoreactors consisting of a solvent with AAs, followed by water vapor‐induced recrystallization. This leads to isotropic structures that are non‐centrosymmetric with strong piezoelectric (g33 coefficients >1000 mVm N−1), ferroelectric, and non‐linear optical properties. However, recrystallizing arrays of isotropic DL‐alanine nanodot features with a binary solvent (water and ethanol) leads to arrays of 1D piezoelectric nanorods with their long axis coincident with the polar axis. Moreover, positioning nanoreactors containing AAs (the nanodot features) between micro electrodes leads to capillary formation, making the reactors anisotropic and facilitating piezoelectric nanorod formation between the electrodes. This offers a facile route to device fabrication. These as‐fabricated devices respond to ultrasonic stimulation in the form of a piezoelectric response. The technique described herein is significant as it provides a rapid way of investigating non‐centrosymmetric nanoscale biocrystals, potentially pivotal for fabricating a new class of stimuli‐responsive devices such as sensors, energy harvesters, and stimulators.
Electrosynthesis of Metal–Organic Framework Interlayer to Realize Highly Stable and Kinetics‐Enhanced Zn Metal Anode
Authors: Jiang Zhenjing , Du Zijuan , Pan Rui , Cui Fuhan , Zhang Guoju , Lei Shuangying , He Guanjie , Yin Kuibo , Sun Litao
Published: August 2024

To facilitate the practical application of aqueous Zn metal batteries, numerous artificial interlayers are designed to mitigate rampant parasitic reactions and uncontrollable dendrite growth on the Zn metal anode. Traditionally, these interlayers are prepared through the doctor blade method. However, the introduced insulting binder generally compromises their interfacial performance. In this study, the metal–organic framework (MOF) interlayer is fabricated on the Zn metal anode by a facile and binder‐free electrosynthesis technique. The electrosynthetic Co‐ZIF‐8 interlayer enables the Zn metal anode to sustain cycles of 1280 h with a low voltage hysteresis. Moreover, the full cells coupled with MnO2 and NH4V4O10 cathodes exhibit exceptional cycling performance, maintaining 89% and 72% of their initial capacity after numerous cycles, respectively. Based on SEM measurements and density functional theory calculations, the densely packed morphology, unimpeded Zn2+ ions transport channels, and affinity of the imidazole ring and Co node within the ZIF‐8 structure to Zn atom are demonstrated to inhibit parasitic reactions, promote Zn2+ ions transport, and realize uniform Zn deposition. The proposed electrosynthesis method for constructing the MOF interlayer provides a straightforward and reliable approach to developing a highly stable Zn metal anode.
Comparison of dairy manure versus compost effects on short‐term nitrogen mineralization and microbial biomass in organic annual forage production system
Authors: Hurisso Tunsisa T. , Davis Jessica G. , Stonaker Frank H. , Goldhamer Daniel A. , Brummer Joe E.
Published: August 2024

Since the adoption of national rules for organic agriculture in the United States, there has been a continued interest in meeting crop nitrogen (N) needs using animal manure. However, a lack of consistent information on the N supplying potential of manure creates uncertainty for farmers and often leads to overapplication, which can negatively impact both crop productivity and environmental sustainability. We investigated short‐term N mineralization and microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) following dairy manure (DM) and its compost (DMC) application to organic annual forage production system. N mineralization was determined based on the change in mineral N during a ≤75‐day in‐field soil core‐resin bag incubation. DM and DMC application rates were targeted to supply 123 and 56 kg potentially plant‐available nitrogen (PAN) ha−1 in the first and second year of application, respectively. Net N mineralization exhibited a range of 42–277 kg N ha−1 in Year 1 and 31–54 kg N ha−1 in Year 2 across amendment treatments and increased over the course of incubation duration in both years. The proportion of total N added that was mineralized in Year 1 was greater from DM than DMC (≤35% vs. ≤7%, respectively), suggesting the inability of DMC to supply optimal levels of N to annual forages in the first crop season. In Year 2, net N mineralization did not differ between DM and DMC, but was significantly less in the unamended control than both amendments. MBC and MBN were more influenced by seasonality and soil sampling depth than by organic amendments.
Organotin (IV) complexes: Synthesis, characterization, DFT, and molecular docking studies unveiling their potential biomedical uses
Authors: Mansour Mohamed S. , Ibrahium Abeer T. , El‐Sherif Ahmed A. , Mahmoud Walaa H.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates organotin (IV) complexes derived from the recently synthesized quinazoline Schiff base ligand (L). The research involves synthesizing and characterizing these complexes, including elemental analysis, UV–visible, FT‐IR, mass spectra, and conductometric measurements. Advanced studies such as density functional theory (DFT) are employed to gain insights into the stable electronic configuration. Specifically, the study explores the proposed geometry, revealing a distorted octahedral structure for the complexes. The findings contribute as critical molecular characteristics of these newly synthesized complexes, paving the way for potential applications in diverse fields, including medicinal chemistry. Through an investigation into the antimicrobial properties, the efficacy of the synthesized compounds was assessed against a diverse range of bacterial and fungal strains. Remarkably, the complexes demonstrated significant antimicrobial activities, showing potential applications in combating various microbial infections. In an extended exploration of their medical utility, the compounds were examined for their antibiotic properties against Helicobacter pylori. The Schiff base and its metal complexes emerged as promising antibiotics with notable efficacy against H. pylori, suggesting their potential in addressing infections associated with this bacterium. Furthermore, the antitumor potential of the synthesized complexes was investigated, focusing on their impact on MCF‐7 (Breast carcinoma) cells. The organotin (IV) Schiff base complexes in this research showed remarkable efficacy, evidenced by their notably low IC50 values (9, 10, 11 μg/mL) in comparison with cisplatin. In addition to their potent antitumor effects, these complexes exhibited reduced cytotoxicity toward normal cells (VERO cells) compared with cisplatin. The investigation extends to molecular docking, where this approach aims to elucidate their interactions with specific protein structures, including (2JFZ, 1SC7, and 6W41). The primary objective is to clarify the potential properties of these compounds, focusing on their antibiotic efficacy, anti‐H. pylori activity, antitumor potential, and anti‐COVID‐19 properties.
Meso‐ and Microporous Metal–Organic Frameworks for Efficient Photo‐Oxidation of Benzylamine
Authors: Liu Lifei , Yang Xiaoqing , Li Pengfei , Zhang Luyuan , Luo Yali , Yan Meng , Deng Yang , An Xia , Zhang Jianling , Wu Xu
Published: August 2024

The construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with desirable structures for high‐performance photocatalysis is attractive but remains challenging. Here, a hierarchically meso‐ and microporous scCu‐MOF‐74 was synthesized in supercritical CO2 (scCO2)/methanol solution. Compared with the conventional microporous Cu‐MOF‐74, the meso‐ and microporous scCu‐MOF‐74 has more exposed and accessible Lewis acid sites derived from the missing‐linker defects. The unique structure endows scCu‐MOF‐74 with superior molecular accessibility, enhanced separation, and transfer efficiency of photogenerated charges. High catalytic activity and reusability can be achieved in photo‐oxidative coupling of amines, reaching a maximum N‐benzylbenzaldimine yield rate of 4.80 mmol g−1 h−1 under mild conditions, that is, air atmosphere and room temperature. This study provides a new idea for improving the intrinsic photocatalytic activities of MOFs.
Synthesis and Luminescent Properties of Zwitterionic Platinum Bis‐Phosphine Complexes Based on a Pendant Closo‐Monocarborane Cluster
Authors: Jin Li , Shen Yunjun , Qiu Hui , Zhang Yuzhen , Bian Hedong
Published: August 2024

The synthesis, structures and photophysical properties of a series of zwitterionic platinum complexes are reported. These cyclometalated complexes have the general structure Pt(C^N)(P^P), where C^N is a cyclometalating ligand with a pendant monocarborane cluster and P^P is a bis‐phosphine ligand (dppe or dppb). Their solid‐state structures have been characterized by x‐ray diffraction, and no Pt–Pt interactions are observed. All complexes are emissive at room temperature in solid states with quantum yields of 0.06–0.58 in PMMA films. The emission energy of these complexes is governed by the nature of the C^N cyclometalated ligands, allowing the emission to be tuned from blue to green. In particular, the introduction of an anionic carborane unit provokes a more than twofold improvement in the photoluminescence quantum yield of [Pt(CB11‐ppy)(dppe)] (3b) compared to the parent cationic complex [Pt(ppy)(dppe)]+. In addition, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the ground states and first triplet excited states of 1a, 2a, and 3a for interpretation of the observed photophysical properties.
The effect of vertical temperature gradient on the equivalent depth in thin atmospheric layers
Authors: De‐Leon Yair , Garfinkel Chaim I. , Paldor Nathan
Published: August 2024

The equivalent depth of an atmospheric layer is of importance in determining the phase speed of gravity waves and characterizing wave phenomena. The value of the equivalent depth can be obtained from the eigenvalues of the vertical structure equation (the vertical part of the primitive equations) where the mean temperature profile is a coefficient. Both numerical solutions of the vertical structure equation and analytical considerations are employed to calculate the equivalent depth, , as a function of the atmospheric layer's thickness, . Our solutions for layers of thickness 100 2000 m show that for baroclinic modes, can be over two orders of magnitudes smaller than . Analytic expressions are derived for in layers of uniform temperature and numerical solutions are derived for layers in which the temperature changes linearly with height. A comparison between the two cases shows that a slight temperature gradient (of say 0.65 K across a 100 m layer) decreases by a factor of 3 (but can reach a factor of 10 for larger gradients) compared with its value in a layer of uniform temperature, while a change of 10 K in the layer's uniform temperature hardly changes . The baroclinic mode exists in all combinations of boundary conditions top and bottom while the barotropic mode only exists when the vertical velocity vanishes at both boundaries of the layer.
Balancing Plk1 activity levels: The secret of synchrony between the cell and the centrosome cycle
Authors: Dwivedi Devashish , Meraldi Patrick
Published: August 2024

The accuracy of cell division requires precise regulation of the cellular machinery governing DNA/genome duplication, ensuring its equal distribution among the daughter cells. The control of the centrosome cycle is crucial for the formation of a bipolar spindle, ensuring error‐free segregation of the genome. The cell and centrosome cycles operate in close synchrony along similar principles. Both require a single duplication round in every cell cycle, and both are controlled by the activity of key protein kinases. Nevertheless, our comprehension of the precise cellular mechanisms and critical regulators synchronizing these two cycles remains poorly defined. Here, we present our hypothesis that the spatiotemporal regulation of a dynamic equilibrium of mitotic kinases activities forms a molecular clock that governs the synchronous progression of both the cell and the centrosome cycles.
Direct 2,2,2‐Trifluoro and 2,2‐Difluoroethoxylation of a Model Macrocyclic Ar−H Substrate via Ni‐Catalysis
Authors: Capdevila Lorena , Derks Max T. G. M. , Montilla Marc , Luis Josep M. , Roithová Jana , Ribas Xavi
Published: August 2024

Herein, we describe the trifluoro‐ and difluoroethoxylation of C(sp2)‐H bonds using nickel(II) complexes incorporating a model macrocyclic arene substrate. Due to the coordinative properties of the macrocyclic substrate, we were able to detect and characterize the just‐formed C(sp2)−OCH2CF3−Ni(II) species by HRMS and IRPD. DFT studies on the C(sp2)−OCH2CF3 bond formation mechanism indicate that it involves a Ni(III)/Ni(I) reductive elimination followed by oxidation to Ni(II) rather than the higher energy barrier Ni(IV)/Ni(II) reductive elimination. This mechanistic investigation deepens the versatile redox abilities of Ni compounds and might help in designing new catalysts for the 2,2,2‐trifluoroethoxylation and 2,2‐difluoroethoxylation of arene C−H bonds.
Oncologists’ role in end‐of‐life chemotherapy and patient‐centered care
Authors: Manz Christopher , Wright Alexi A.
Published: August 2024

George et al. show that patients have a 4‐ to 8‐fold variation in whether they receive systemic therapy at the end of life that is attributable to their oncologist. This editorial discusses how interventions around goals of care and nudging oncologists’ behavior may ensure care is centered around patient preferences.
Influence of structural racism on cancer health disparities: Tailoring measures relevant to multiple myeloma
Authors: Roland Hugh B. , McGuire Cydney M. , Baskin Monica L. , Esposito Michael H. , Baker Elizabeth , Brown Elizabeth E.
Published: August 2024

This commentary highlights a need for comprehensive measures of structural racism tailored to cancer health disparities, in particular Black–White disparities in multiple myeloma (MM). Recent political and social calls and advances in the ability to quantitate structural racism have led to rapidly growing research on the health consequences of structural racism. However, to date, most studies have used unidimensional measures of structural racism that do not capture cumulative influences or enable the identification of factors most responsible for driving disparities. Furthermore, measures may not reflect aspects of structural racism most relevant to underlying disease processes and risks. This study proposes a multifaceted approach to measuring structural racism relevant to MM that includes comprehensive, disease‐ and at‐risk population‐tailored social and environmental data and biomarkers of susceptibility and progression related to underlying biological changes associated with structural racism. Such novel measures of structural racism may improve the ability to assess the influence of structural racism on cancer health disparities, which may advance understanding of disease etiology and differences observed by racialized groups.
Roncoroni Re‐Visited: The Neuronal Intranuclear Rodlet Comes of Age
Authors: Woulfe John , Munoz David
Published: August 2024

Despite myriad technological advances in neuroscience, the nervous system harbors morphological phenomena that continue to defy explanation. First described by the classical microscopists, including Santiago Ramon y Cajal, at the end of the 19th century, the neuronal intranuclear rodlet (INR) has mystified neurohistologists and microscopists for centuries. In this review article, we will provide an overview of the discovery of the INR as well as the subsequent attempts to elucidate its nature and functional significance. We outline our own studies of this structure over the past three decades, focusing on its elusive nature, its interactions with other nuclear organelles, and on disease‐related quantitative changes in Alzheimer's disease. We then describe our somewhat serendipitous discovery that these structures are filamentous aggregates of the nucleotide‐synthesizing metabolic enzyme inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase. The filamentation of metabolic enzymes to form mesoscale cellular structures called “rods and rings” or “cytoophidia” (Greek for “cellular snakes”) is a recently described phenomenon that remains to be systematically investigated in the nervous system. Thus, this review provides an intriguing historical juxtaposition in neuroscience, inculcating the neuronal INR, once a mere morphological curiosity, into one of the most rapidly evolving fields in contemporary cell biology.
Unveiling Na‐ion storage mechanism and interface property of layered perovskite Bi2TiO4F2@rGO anode in ether‐based electrolyte
Authors: Yan Miao , Fang Qi , Ding Rui , Li Yi , Guo Jian , Xie Jinmei , Zhang Yuzhen , He Yuming , Yan Ziyang , Chen Zhiqiang , Sun Xiujuan , Liu Enhui
Published: August 2024

To unveil the charge storage mechanisms and interface properties of electrode materials is very challenging for Na‐ion storage. In this work, we report that the novel layered perovskite Bi2TiO4F2@reduced graphene oxides (BTOF@rGO) serves as a promising anode for Na‐ion storage in an ether‐based electrolyte, which exhibits much better electrochemical performance than in an ester‐based electrolyte. Interestingly, BTOF@rGO possesses a prominent specific capacity of 458.3–102 mAh g−1/0.02–1 A g−1 and a high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 70.3%. Cross‐sectional morphology and depth profile surface chemistry indicate not only a denser reactive interfacial layer but also a superior solid electrolyte interface film containing a higher proportion of inorganic components, which accelerates Na+ migration and is an essential factor for the improvement of ICE and other electrochemical properties. Electrochemical tests and ex situ measurements demonstrate the triple hybridization Na‐ion storage mechanism of conversion, alloying, and intercalation for BTOF@rGO in the ether‐based electrolyte. Furthermore, the Na‐ion batteries assembled with the BTOF@rGO anode and the commercial Na3V2(PO4)2F3@C cathode exhibit remarkable energy densities and power densities. Overall, the work shows deep insights on developing advanced electrode materials for efficient Na‐ion storage.
Efficient and reliable methods for estimating the abundance of keystone coastal macrofauna over large spatial scales
Authors: Reamon Molly , Marcussen Johanna B. , Laugen Ane T. , Korslund Lars M.
Published: August 2024

Coastal bivalves are important ecosystem engineers, and identifying critical habitats can enhance conservation outcomes for threated keystone species as well as determining hotspots for invasive species. As early action is more efficient in both conservation and mitigation of species invasions, efficient and reliable tools for mapping and monitoring species over large scales are essential. We assessed the reliability and efficiency of towed video and quadrat sampling for estimating the abundance of three keystone macrofaunal bivalve species. To assess reliability, we compared the measured density based on each of the two methods to the “true” density estimated by manually surveying an entire transect. We found that both the video and quadrat method caused underestimation of the density of bivalves, but that the amount of underestimation was comparable, and further that both methods took substantially less time than surveying an entire transect manually. The video method underestimated the abundance of Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas), European flat oysters (Ostrea edulis), and blue mussels (Mytilus spp.) by 23%, 24%, and 16%, respectively. The causes of underestimation for the two oyster species were bivalves grouped in clusters, large amounts of small individuals, and generally higher abundances. While Mytilus spp. were underestimated overall, here observer experience was important, with inexperienced observers overestimating and experienced observers underestimating. Our study found both methods to be reliable and efficient for estimating the abundance of three keystone macrofaunal species, suggesting their potential applicability to other sessile or slow‐moving species. We propose that these methods, due to their efficiency, can advance scientific knowledge and enhance conservation outcomes by establishing population baselines, assessing trends over time, and identifying and protecting critical habitats.
Population genetic structure in a self‐compatible hermaphroditic snail is driven by drift independently of its contemporary mating system
Authors: Çetin Cansu , Jokela Jukka , Feulner Philine G. D. , Schlegel Tamara , Tardent Nadine , Seppälä Otto
Published: August 2024

Genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection commonly influence population genetic diversity. In populations of self‐compatible hermaphrodites, the mating system (e.g., self‐fertilization) further reduces individual heterozygosity. Furthermore, selfing, as a form of inbreeding, significantly impacts genetic drift by reducing effective population size (Ne). This can potentially accelerate genetic drift, particularly in small populations where self‐fertilization is likely during founder events. To investigate the roles of genetic drift and contemporary mating system in populations of the freshwater snail Lymnaea stagnalis, we examined their effective population sizes (Ne) and Tajima's D values, which reflect genetic drift over extended time periods, as well as estimates of within‐population selfing rates and pairwise relatedness reflecting contemporary mating system. We used 4054 SNP markers obtained using restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing from individuals in five snail populations originating from geographically closely located ponds. We found strong population genetic structure and differences in genetic diversity among populations. Covariation between genetic diversity and Ne estimates and Tajima's D values suggested drift being an important determinant of genetic diversity and structure in these populations. However, this effect was independent of the contemporary mating system, as indicated by the similarity of selfing rates and relatedness estimates among populations. Thus, founder events (possibly including historical inbreeding) and/or drift due to small sizes of L. stagnalis populations are likely to explain their genetic structure and limit within‐population genetic diversity.
Using convolutional neural networks to count parrot nest‐entrances on photographs from the largest known colony of Psittaciformes
Authors: Zanellato Gabriel L. , Pagnossin Gabriel A. , Failla Mauricio , Masello Juan F.
Published: August 2024

Counting animal populations is fundamental to understand ecological processes. Counts make it possible to estimate the size of an animal population at specific points in time, which is essential information for understanding demographic change. However, in the case of large populations, counts are time‐consuming, particularly if carried out manually. Here, we took advantage of convolutional neural networks (CNN) to count the total number of nest‐entrances in 222 photographs covering the largest known Psittaciformes (Aves) colony in the world. We conducted our study at the largest Burrowing Parrot Cyanoliseus patagonus colony, located on a cliff facing the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of El Cóndor village, in north‐eastern Patagonia, Argentina. We also aimed to investigate the distribution of nest‐entrances along the cliff with the colony. For this, we used three CNN architectures, U‐Net, ResUnet, and DeepLabv3. The U‐Net architecture showed the best performance, counting a mean of 59,842 Burrowing Parrot nest‐entrances across the colony, with a mean absolute error of 2.7 nest‐entrances over the testing patches, measured as the difference between actual and predicted counts per patch. Compared to a previous study conducted at El Cóndor colony more than 20 years ago, the CNN architectures also detected noteworthy differences in the distribution of the nest‐entrances along the cliff. We show that the strong changes observed in the distribution of nest‐entrances are a measurable effect of a long record of human‐induced disturbance to the Burrowing Parrot colony at El Cóndor. Given the paramount importance of the Burrowing Parrot colony at El Cóndor, which concentrates 71% of the world's population of this species, we advocate that it is imperative to reduce such a degree of disturbance before the parrots reach the limit of their capacity of adaptation.
Using rice bran as a press aid during the cold‐pressing of sesame seeds improved the extraction yield and quality of the resultant oil
Authors: Fathollahy Isa , Ghaffari Behnam
Published: August 2024

Simple, cost‐effective, and practical techniques can enhance the shelf life of cold‐pressed oils. This study evaluated sesame seed (SS) cold‐pressed oil with various percentages of rice bran (RB) as press aid, including 0% (control or TSSO), 1% (T1), 2.5% (T2.5), 5% (T5), 7.5% (T7.5), and 10% (T10) w/w. The results demonstrated that adding RB considerably boosted extraction yields (p < .05), with 5% RB constituting the ideal combination. Adding 7.5% and 10% RB to the SS reduced free fatty acid (FFA) levels compared to the control sample. The oxidative stability index (OSI) and peroxide value (PV), however, significantly increased at combination ratios ranging from 2.5% to 10% (p < .05). Rice bran oil (TRBO) had the greatest OSI of all the studied oils, with 18.99 h, while the extracted oils showed an increase in OSI as RB contents rose. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), tocopherols, γ‐oryzanol content, and total antioxidant activity (TAA) increased directly with the RB level. Despite the addition of RB altering the fatty acids concentration, linoleic and oleic acids continued to be the predominant fatty acids in TSSO, TRBO, and other extracted oil samples. Increasing the combination ratio increased the palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linolenic acid content and decreased the stearic and linoleic acid content. In summary, the study demonstrated that the simultaneous cold‐pressing of oil‐bearing seeds and agro‐industrial by‐products is a potentially advantageous technique to increase the extraction yield, qualitative attributes, and shelf life of the extracted oils without the addition of synthetic antioxidants.
Excluding confusable diseases in patients with presumptive diagnosis of interstitial cystitis: A large patient cohort study
Authors: Jeong Hyun Ju , Kang Yu Jin , Choo Min Soo , Jeong Seong Jin , Oh Seung‐June
Published: August 2024

Objective

To analyze the results of excluding confusable diseases in patients with a presumptive diagnosis of interstitial cystitis (IC).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of consecutive patients with IC between October 2005 and December 2019.

Results

Patients with pelvic pain underwent an initial workup. Of these, 646 patients (164 men, 25.4%; 482 women, 74.6%) underwent observational cystoscopy under the suspicion of IC. Fourteen patients had genitourinary tract malignancies (2.2%) (bladder cancer, n = 13; prostate cancer, n = 1). Of the 13 patients with bladder cancer, three were diagnosed during initial observation cystoscopy. The remaining 10 patients were diagnosed during subsequent follow‐up cystoscopic surgery. Urinary tuberculosis was identified in seven (1.1%) of 646 patients during the examination. Five (0.8%) of the six patients with suspected urinary tuberculosis at baseline imaging were positive for tuberculosis in the acid‐fast bacillus test. One patient developed tuberculous granulomas in the bladder tissue after a cystectomy for intractable pelvic pain.

Conclusion

Our results show that continuous efforts to rule out bladder tumors or tuberculosis are still essential in the follow up of patients with suspected IC, even if these diseases are not excluded at the initial examination. Imaging studies are necessary to rule out tuberculosis.
Signatures of top versus bottom illuminations and their predicted implications for infrared transmission microspectroscopy
Authors: Kong Beibei , Blümel Reinhold , Ylä‐Oijala Pasi , Wallén Henrik , Sihvola Ari , Kohler Achim
Published: August 2024

Since both top and bottom illuminations are widely used in infrared transmission measurements, in this paper, we study the effects of different illuminations on the signatures in infrared microspectroscopy. By simulating a series of dielectric samples, we show that their extinction efficiency, , remains unchanged when the direction of the incident plane wave is reversed, even though the field distributions both inside and outside of the sample may be dramatically different. We find features in that are correlated with whispering gallery modes for one beam direction and correspond to completely different field distributions for the opposite beam direction. In addition, by linking the optical theorem and the reciprocity relation of far‐field scattered field, we rigorously prove the invariance of for arbitrary dielectric targets under opposite plane‐wave illuminations. Furthermore, we show the difference in the apparent absorbance spectrum for opposite beam directions when considering numerical apertures.
BURSTING THE CEO BUBBLE
Authors: Wiggins Ty
Published: August 2024

The author draws on his experience as the lead of Russell Reynolds Associates/RRA, CEO & Transitions Practice. He describes how Chief Executive Officers/CEOs operate in a bubble, yet do not always realize that is the case. This “requires adjusting your thinking and behaviors—to create an environment in which people feel comfortable telling you what they’re really thinking and to remove your biases, so you open yourself to the true realities in front of you, rather than trying to confirm to what you think you already know.” He continues that “working on understanding and mitigating your biases is a key aspect of leadership (and human) development. There will be several that will impact the way you think and operate, consciously and subconsciously.” He describes what can happen early in a CEO’s tenure, regarding awareness of relationships with others and what changes occur, and the importance of listening. Executives quoted are: PepsiCo’s CEO Ramon Laguarta, Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer, and Carol Tomé of UPS.

“Your goal as the new CEO,” the author concludes, “or any new senior leader, is to get up to speed and become effective as fast as you possibly can.”
THE BUSINESS PLAN REVIEW—THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR ORGANIZATION
Authors: Collard Debbie , Ireland Susan
Published: August 2024

The authors have first‐hand experience working with Alan Mulally's Our “Working Together”© Leadership and Management System (Mulally is the former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Ford Motor Company). The authors describe the Business Plan Review (BPR), one of the five elements of the system, and note that the other elements are the principles and practices, the governance process, the leadership team, and the creating value roadmap. They describe what the BPR is, how it is used, and “how a typical BPR looks and works.” While the system, and the BPR itself, is probably best known through the two major companies led by Mulally, the authors write that “the BPR approach and structure works in any setting and has been integral to our own business since the beginning. We started as a team of two and have grown to include two more team members. The BPR helps our small team stay on track, focused on our mission, aligned with our values and operating principles, and reinforces our culture.” In the conclusion, they note that “by encouraging open communication, shared objectives, and strong leadership, BPR cultivates a culture of respect where everyone feels valued, empowered, and motivated to contribute to success.”
A Parallel Robot With Remote Centre‐of‐Motion for Eye Surgery: Design, Kinematics, Prototype, and Experiments
Authors: Jian Yinglun , Jin Yan , Price Mark , Moore Johnny
Published: August 2024

Background

Millions of patients suffering from eye disease cannot receive proper treatment due to the lack of qualified surgeons. Medical robots have the potential to solve this problem and have attracted significant attention in the research community.

Method

This paper proposes a novel parallel robot with a remote centre of motion for minimally invasive eye surgery. Kinematics models, singularity and workspace analyses, and dimension optimisation are conducted. A prototype was developed, and experiments were conducted to test its mobility, accuracy, precision and stiffness.

Results

The prototype robot can successfully perform the required motions, and has a precision ranging from 7 ± 2 μm to 30 ± 8 μm, accuracy from 21 ± 10 μm to 568 ± 374 μm, and stiffness ranging from 1.22 ± 0.39 N/mm to 10.53 ± 5.18 N/mm.

Conclusion

The prototype robot has a great potential for performing the minimally invasive surgery. Its stiffness meets the design requirement, but its accuracy and precision need to be further improved.
H2S‐Responsive NIR‐II Fluorescent Nanozyme that Regulates Tumor Microenvironment for Activatable Synergistic CO Therapy/Catalytic Therapy/Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Fangqi , Cao Xiang , Yang Tonglin , Feng Weifang , Tong Qiang , Liu Ketong , Wu Luyan , Lin Huihui , Fan Quli
Published: August 2024

Nanozyme catalytic therapy triggered by the tumor microenvironment (TME)‐responsive enzyme‐like catalytic activities is an emerging approach for tumor treatment. However, the poor catalytic efficiency of nanozymes in tumors and the toxic side effects on normal tissues limit their further development, primarily due to the limited uptake and penetration depth of nanozyme in tumor tissues. Here, a tumor‐targeting TME and electric field stimuli‐responsive nanozyme (AgPt@CaCO3‐FA) is developed, which is capable of catalyzing the generation of ROS to induce cell death and releasing carbon monoxide (CO) specifically in tumor tissues for on‐demand CO therapy and immunotherapy. Benefiting from the endogenous H2S activated NIR‐II fluorescence (FL) imaging guidance, AgPt@CaCO3‐FA can be delivered into the deeper site of tumor tissues resulted from the TME regulation via generated CO during the electrolysis process to improve the catalytic efficiency of nanozymes in tumors. Moreover, CO effectively relieve immunosuppression TME via reeducating tumor‐supportive M2‐like macrophages to tumoricidal M1‐like macrophages and induce mitochondrial dysfunction by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, triggering tumor cells apoptosis. The enzyme‐like activities combined with CO therapy arouse distinct immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect. Therefore, AgPt@CaCO3‐FA permits synergistic CO gas, catalytic therapy and immunotherapy, effectively eradicating orthotopic breast tumors and preventing tumor metastasis and recurrence.
Full Exploitation of Charge Compensation of O3‐type Cathode Toward High Energy Sodium‐Ion Batteries by High Entropy Strategy
Authors: Yan Haotian , Chai Dandan , Li Xiang , Fu Yongzhu
Published: August 2024

O3‐type cathodes with sufficient Na content are considered as promising candidates for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, these cathodes suffer from insufficient utilization of the active elements, restraining the delivered capacity. In this work, a high entropy strategy is applied to a typical O3 cathode NaLi0.1Ni0.35Mn0.55O2 (NLNM), forming a high entropy oxide NaLi0.1Ni0.15Cu0.1Mg0.1Ti0.2Mn0.35O2 (Na‐HE). Results show that the active elements are fully exploited in Na‐HE, with a two‐electron reaction by Ni2+/4+ (further extended to Cu redox and even oxygen redox), vastly different from a one‐electron reaction of Ni2+/3+ in NLNM. The full utilization of the active elements dramatically improves the output capacity of the cathode (122.6 mAh g−1 of Na‐HE versus 81 mAh g−1 of NLNM). Moreover, the detrimental phase transition is well suppressed in Na‐HE. The cathode exhibits high capacity retention of 88.7% after 100 cycles at 130 mA g−1, compared to only 36.4% for NLNM. These findings provide new insight for the design of new cathode materials for SIBs with high energy density and robust stability.
Recent Progress on Flexible Self‐Powered Tactile Sensing Platforms for Health Monitoring and Robotics
Authors: Liu Shu‐Zheng , Guo Wen‐Tao , Chen Hao , Yin Zhi‐Xiang , Tang Xin‐Gui , Sun Qi‐Jun
Published: August 2024

Over the past decades, tactile sensing technology has made significant advances in the fields of health monitoring and robotics. Compared to conventional sensors, self‐powered tactile sensors do not require an external power source to drive, which makes the entire system more flexible and lightweight. Therefore, they are excellent candidates for mimicking the tactile perception functions for wearable health monitoring and ideal electronic skin (e‐skin) for intelligent robots. Herein, the working principles, materials, and device fabrication strategies of various self‐powered tactile sensing platforms are introduced first. Then their applications in health monitoring and robotics are presented. Finally, the future prospects of self‐powered tactile sensing systems are discussed.
Carbon Nanotube Support, Carbon Loricae and Oxygen Defect Co‐Promoted Superior Activities and Excellent Durability of RuO2 Nanoparticles Towards the pH‐Universal H2 Evolution
Authors: Yan Haohao , Wang Yongjie , Xin Yue , Jiang Zhongqing , Deng Binglu , Jiang Zhong‐Jie
Published: August 2024

This work reports a strategy that integrates the carbon nanotube (CNT) supporting, ultrathin carbon coating and oxygen defect generation to fabricate the RuO2 based catalysts toward the pH‐universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with high efficiencies. Specifically, the CNT supported RuO2 nanoparticles with ultrathin carbon loricae and rich oxygen vacancies at the surface (C@OV‐RuO2/CNTs‐325) have been synthesized. The C@OV‐RuO2/CNTs‐325 shows superior activities and excellent durability for the HER. It only requires overpotentials of 36.1, 18.0, and 19.3 mV to deliver −10 mA cm−2 in the acidic, neutral, and alkaline media, respectively. Its HER activities are comparable to that of the Pt/C in the acidic media but higher than those of the Pt/C in the neutral and alkaline media. The C@OV‐RuO2/CNTs‐325 shows excellent HER durability with no activity losses for > 500 h in the acidic, neutral or alkaline media at −250 mA cm−2. The density‐functional‐theory calculations indicate that the CNT supporting, the carbon coating, and the OVs can modulate the d‐band centers of Ru, increasing the HER activities of C@OV‐RuO2/CNTs‐325, and stabilize the Ru atoms in the catalyst, increasing the durability of the C@OV‐RuO2/CNTs‐325. More interestingly, the C@OV‐RuO2/CNTs‐325 shows great potential for practical applications toward overall seawater splitting.
A numerical approach to radiative ternary nanofluid flow on curved geometry with porous media and multiple slip constraints
Authors: Mumtaz Muhammad , Islam Saeed , Ullah Hakeem , Dawar Abdullah , Shah Zahir
Published: August 2024

Energy scarcity is among the biggest global challenges which is aggravating with each passing day due to ever increasing energy demands of contemporary livings as well as industrial requirements verses finite and rapidly depleting fossil reserves of our planet. Improving energy efficiency is one of the effective ways to cope with this challenge. Ternary nanofluids (TNF) are a dynamic novel class of fluids possessing unique thermophysical and other functional characteristics making them the most efficient heat transporting fluids of 21st century. These fluids have promising applications in major manufacturing and processing industries, emerging nanotechnologies and bio‐medical domains. The novel theme of this pragmatic study is analysis of bio‐convective TNF flow by stretchable porous curved surface considering effects of thermal radiation, chemical reaction, magnetic field, and various slip constraints. The modeled partial differential equations (PDEs) governing fluid flow under presumptions are converted to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by suitable transformation relations. Numerical solutions are presented in graphical sketches and tabular forms using MATLAB bvp4c package for physical interpretations of sundry controlling variables impacts. To gauge veracity of computed results, comparisons with already published results have been presented. Moreover, the statistical concept of Pearson correlation coefficient has been employed to prove strong relationship between slip parameters and physical quantities. Research concludes that thermal efficiency of TNF improves by rising velocity slip, magnetic force, curvature factor, thermal radiation, and thermophoresis effects. Velocity slip and thermal slip improve concentration boundary layer. Gyrotactic microorganisms’ density improves for higher velocity slip, temperature slip while depreciates for larger values of nanoparticle concentration slip and motile organism density slip.
Theatre in Health and Wellbeing: A First Nations Australian Approach
Authors: Woodland Sarah , Bell-Wykes Kamarra
Published: August 2024

The health education theatre works produced by Ilbijerri Theatre Company since 2006 represent a contemporary continuation of cultural storytelling, performance, education, and healing ceremonies that have been practised by Australian First Nations communities for millennia. While these works can be seen as standalone examples of First Nations theatre practice, they also intersect with theatre in education, theatre in health education, and theatre for development—collectively situated under the banner of ‘applied theatre’ in Western theatre studies. The integration of contemporary Australian First Nations performance practice with applied theatre is unique, making a study of these works significant for a global audience. This chapter provides a contextual review of contemporary First Nations dramaturgies in Australia and their relationship to community wellbeing, strength, and resistance. It is followed by a discussion of focused theatre for health education programs in First Nations and global majority contexts. By bringing together these strands, we aim to situate the health education works produced by Ilbijerri within a theoretical framework that extends beyond the notion of ‘social impact’ into a more holistic conception of wellbeing that offers a foundation for subsequent discussion in the book.
The “Gripping Dramatic Yarn”
Authors: Woodland Sarah , Bell-Wykes Kamarra
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents further findings from our study on the five health education works led by Kamarra Bell-Wykes and produced by Ilbijerri Theatre Company from 2006 to 2019. These findings draw on interviews conducted with eight practitioners who were involved over the years as performers, production staff, and advisors, a research yarn conducted between co-authors Sarah and Kamarra, and Kamarra’s own critical reflections while putting together this volume. We also analysed documents and data from Ilbijerri’s corporate archive and published works such as those by Clare Keating (‘Chopped Liver’ Evaluation Report. Effective Change Pty Ltd. Melbourne: Ilbijerri Theatre Company. Supplied,2009) and Blayne Welsh (The Hepatitis C Trilogy: A Case for Indigenous Theatre as a Contemporary Manifestation of Traditional Healing Business. Australasian Drama Studies 73: 20–41. https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/ielapa.146479491877297, 2018). Utilising a quote from Isaac Drandic (one of the study’s interview subjects), this chapter explores the second of three prominent themes within the data: the framing of the works as “gripping dramatic yarns” that centred cultural storytelling infused with authenticity, engaging characters, humour, and strong acting and performance skills. As we explore in Chap. 6, these elements enabled the works to deftly walk the line between entertainment and education, effectively promoting audience engagement and connection and supporting the health education and messaging. As such, we continue to argue that the works progress the dramaturgies of wellbeing, strength, and resistance that characterise contemporary First Nations theatre in Australia.