bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MoS2/MXene Aerogel with Conformal Heterogeneous Interfaces Tailored by Atomic Layer Deposition for Tunable Microwave Absorption
Authors: Yang Junjie , Wang Jianqiao , Li Huiqin , Wu Ze , Xing Youqiang , Chen Yunfei , Liu Lei
Published: January 2022

In the design of electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials, it is still a great challenge to optimize the relationship between the attenuation capability and impedance matching synergistically. Herein, a 3D porous MoS2/MXene hybrid aerogel architecture with conformal heterogeneous interface has been built by atomic layer deposition (ALD) based on specific porous templates to optimize the microwave absorption (MA) performance comprehensively. The original porous structure of pristine Ti3C2Tx aerogel used as templates can be preserved well during ALD fabrication, which prolongs the reflection and scattering path and ameliorates the dielectric loss. Meanwhile, plenty of heterointerfaces between MoS2 and Ti3C2Tx have been fabricated based on conformally ALD‐deposited MoS2 with controlled thickness on the porous surfaces of the templates, which can effectively optimize the impedance matching and transform its response to EM waves from shielding into absorbing. Moreover, the interaction between the attenuation capability and impedance matching can also be modulated by the number of ALD cycle in MoS2 fabrication. After optimization, MoS2/MXene hybrid aerogel obtained under 300 ALD cycles shows a minimum reflection loss of −61.65 dB at the thickness of 4.53 mm. In addition, its preferable lightweight, high surface area, mechanical, and hydrophobicity properties will also be conducive to further practical applications.
Monitoring EPR Effect Dynamics during Nanotaxane Treatment with Theranostic Polymeric Micelles
Authors: Biancacci Ilaria , De Lorenzi Federica , Theek Benjamin , Bai Xiangyang , May Jan‐Niklas , Consolino Lorena , Baues Maike , Moeckel Diana , Gremse Felix , von Stillfried Saskia , El Shafei Asmaa , Benderski Karina , Azadkhah Shalmani Armin , Wang Alec , Momoh Jeffrey , Peña Quim , Buhl Eva Miriam , Buyel Johannes , Hennink Wim , Kiessling Fabian , Metselaar Josbert , Shi Yang , Lammers Twan
Published: January 2022

Cancer nanomedicines rely on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect for efficient target site accumulation. The EPR effect, however, is highly heterogeneous among different tumor types and cancer patients and its extent is expected to dynamically change during the course of nanochemotherapy. Here the authors set out to longitudinally study the dynamics of the EPR effect upon single‐ and double‐dose nanotherapy with fluorophore‐labeled and paclitaxel‐loaded polymeric micelles. Using computed tomography‐fluorescence molecular tomography imaging, it is shown that the extent of nanomedicine tumor accumulation is predictive for therapy outcome. It is also shown that the interindividual heterogeneity in EPR‐based tumor accumulation significantly increases during treatment, especially for more efficient double‐dose nanotaxane therapy. Furthermore, for double‐dose micelle therapy, tumor accumulation significantly increased over time, from 7% injected dose per gram (ID g–1) upon the first administration to 15% ID g–1 upon the fifth administration, contributing to more efficient inhibition of tumor growth. These findings shed light on the dynamics of the EPR effect during nanomedicine treatment and they exemplify the importance of using imaging in nanomedicine treatment prediction and clinical translation.
circVAMP3 Drives CAPRIN1 Phase Separation and Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Suppressing c‐Myc Translation
Authors: Chen Shuai , Cao Xiaofei , Zhang Jinyang , Wu Wanying , Zhang Bing , Zhao Fangqing
Published: January 2022

Previous studies have identified the regulatory roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in human cancers. However, the molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. This study screens the expression profile of circRNAs in HCC and identifies circVAMP3 as a significantly downregulated circRNA in HCC tissues. HCC patients with low circVAMP3 expression present poor prognosis. circVAMP3 negatively regulates the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo by driving phase separation of CAPRIN1 and promoting stress granule formation in cells, which can downregulate the protein level of Myc proto‐oncogene protein by inhibiting c‐Myc translation. Furthermore, circVAMP3 is widely expressed in many human tissues and is downregulated in related cancers. Therefore, circVAMP3 is a potential prognostic indicator for HCC and may serve as a therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Dynamic Ultrasound Projector Controlled by Light
Authors: Ma Zhichao , Joh Hyungmok , Fan Donglei Emma , Fischer Peer
Published: January 2022

Dynamic acoustic wavefront control is essential for many acoustic applications, including biomedical imaging and particle manipulation. Conventional methods are either static or in the case of phased transducer arrays are limited to a few elements and hence limited control. Here, a dynamic acoustic wavefront control method based on light patterns that locally trigger the generation of microbubbles is introduced. As a small gas bubble can effectively stop ultrasound transmission in a liquid, the optical images are used to drive a short electrolysis and form microbubble patterns. The generation of microbubbles is controlled by structured light projection at a low intensity of 65 mW cm–2 and only requires about 100 ms. The bubble pattern is thus able to modify the wavefront of acoustic waves from a single transducer. The method is employed to realize an acoustic projector that can generate various acoustic images and patterns, including multiple foci and acoustic phase gradients. Hydrophone scans show that the acoustic field after the modulation by the microbubble pattern forms according to the prediction. It is believed that combining a versatile optical projector to realize an ultrasound projector is a general scheme, which can benefit a multitude of applications based on dynamic acoustic fields.
Deep‐dLAMP: Deep Learning‐Enabled Polydisperse Emulsion‐Based Digital Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Chen Linzhe , Ding Jingyi , Yuan Hao , Chen Chi , Li Zida
Published: January 2022

Digital nucleic acid amplification tests enable absolute quantification of nucleic acids, but the generation of uniform compartments and reading of the fluorescence requires specialized instruments that are costly, limiting their widespread applications. Here, the authors report deep learning‐enabled polydisperse emulsion‐based digital loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (deep‐dLAMP) for label‐free, low‐cost nucleic acid quantification. deep‐dLAMP performs LAMP reaction in polydisperse emulsions and uses a deep learning algorithm to segment and determine the occupancy status of each emulsion in images based on precipitated byproducts. The volume and occupancy data of the emulsions are then used to infer the nucleic acid concentration based on the Poisson distribution. deep‐dLAMP can accurately predict the sizes and occupancy status of each emulsion and provide accurate measurements of nucleic acid concentrations with a limit of detection of 5.6 copies µl‐1 and a dynamic range of 37.2 to 11000 copies µl‐1. In addition, deep‐dLAMP shows robust performance under various parameters, such as the vortexing time and image qualities. Leveraging the state‐of‐the‐art deep learning models, deep‐dLAMP represents a significant advancement in digital nucleic acid tests by significantly reducing the instrument cost. We envision deep‐dLAMP would be readily adopted by biomedical laboratories and be developed into a point‐of‐care digital nucleic acid test system.
Application of Raman Spectroscopy for Sorption Analysis of Functionalized Porous Materials
Authors: Lipinski Gregor , Jeong Kwanghee , Moritz Katharina , Petermann Marcus , May Eric F. , Stanwix Paul L. , Richter Markus
Published: January 2022

Functionalized porous materials could play a key role in improving the efficiency of gas separation processes as required by applications such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and across the hydrogen value chain. Due to the large number of different functionalizations, new experimental approaches are needed to determine if an adsorbent is suitable for a specific separation task. Here, it is shown for the first time that Raman spectroscopy is an efficient tool to characterize the adsorption capacity and selectivity of translucent functionalized porous materials at high pressures, whereby translucence is the precondition to study mass transport inside of a material. As a proof of function, the performance of three silica ionogels to separate an equimolar (hydrogen + carbon dioxide) gas mixture is determined by both accurate gravimetric sorption measurements and Raman spectroscopy, with the observed consistency establishing the latter as a novel measurement technique for the determination of adsorption capacity. These results encourage the use of the spectroscopic approach as a rapid screening method for translucent porous materials, particularly since only very small amounts of sample are required.
TiO2 as Second Phase in Na3Zr2Si2PO12 to Suppress Dendrite Growth in Sodium Metal Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Gao Zhonghui , Yang Jiayi , Li Guanchen , Ferber Thimo , Feng Junrun , Li Yuyu , Fu Haoyu , Jaegermann Wolfram , Monroe Charles W. , Huang Yunhui
Published: January 2022

Solid‐state sodium–metal batteries will not achieve reasonable power density without electrolytes that solve the dendrite (filamentation) problem. Metal‐filament formation during plating at ceramic/metal interfaces can cause electrical failure by internal short‐circuit or mechanical failure by electrolyte fracture. Herein, an Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) sodium‐ion‐conducting NASICON electrolyte in which TiO2 is incorporated as an additive is presented, leading to a two‐phase composite NZSP(TiO2) with improved density, Young's modulus, hardness, grain structure, and bulk permittivity. These features of NZSP(TiO2) suppress dendrite growth along grain boundaries, microcracks, and micropores. As well as demonstrating ultralow ceramic/Na kinetic resistance with electrochemical measurements, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy is performed to probe interfacial reaction mechanisms. The TiO2 phase forms within grain boundaries and along NZSP surfaces. This modifies the two‐phase material's microstructure and improves its electrochemical performance, while also increasing the critical current density for dendrite formation. Design guidelines are discussed to mitigate microscopic defects and dendrites in two‐phase ceramic electrolytes.
Hydrogen production via chemical looping dry reforming of methane: Process modeling and systems analysis
Authors: Mantripragada Hari C. , Veser Götz
Published: January 2022

The present study presents and analyses a family of “chemical looping dry reforming” (CLDR) processes that produce inherently separated syngas (H2 and CO) streams via a combination of methane cracking in a “cracker reactor” and the Boudouard reaction (i.e., conversion of the formed carbon with CO2 to CO) in a “CO2 reactor,” and then further maximize the H2 yield via conversion of the produced CO via water‐gas‐shift. Remaining CO2 emissions are minimized via CO2 capture and sequestration. Four different configurations are evaluated which differ in how the heat required for the highly endothermic dry reforming reaction is supplied: (i) combustion of additional CH4 feed (CLDR‐CH4); (ii) combustion of some of the CO produced in the CO2 reactor (CLDR‐CO); and combustion of some of the carbon produced in the cracker reactor with (iii) pure oxygen (CLDR‐C‐oxy); or (iv) with air (CLDR‐C‐air). Process models are developed to comparatively analyze the mass and energy balances of these configurations, and benchmark them against H2‐production via conventional dry reforming and steam reforming of methane. Our results show that CLDR‐C‐oxy is the most promising H2‐production pathway among the chemical looping and conventional technologies both in terms of chemical energy efficiency and in terms CO2 emissions. Thus, the unique flexibility offered by the production of inherently separated syngas streams in CLDR enables overcoming the disadvantage of the strongly endothermic dry reforming reaction by combusting carbon internally in the reactor and thus achieving highly effective heat integration. Overall, the results support the technical viability and demonstrate the promise for strong process intensification of CLDR compared to conventional dry reforming and even steam reforming, the most widely used H2‐production pathway to‐date.
Steric effects of alkyl dibenzothiophenes: The root cause of frustrating efficacy of heterogeneous desulfurization for real diesel
Authors: Li Ao , Song Hongyan , Meng Hong , Lu Yingzhou , Li Chunxi
Published: January 2022

High‐carbon alkyl dibenzothiophenes (DBTs) in real diesel are difficult to remove. Their steric effect has been studied and identified as the controlling factor in heterogeneous catalytic oxidation desulfurization (ODS) process. Mixed alkyl DBTs (C2‐DBT, C2‐C2‐DBT, C3‐DBT, and C3‐C3‐DBT) were synthesized via DBT's Friedel–Crafts alkylation, and their reactivity is DBT > C2‐DBT > C2‐C2‐DBT > C3‐DBT > C3‐C3‐DBT. C3‐DBT, C2‐C2‐DBT, and C3‐C3‐DBT can be hardly removed by any of three efficient heterogeneous ODS processes, but are removed efficiently in a homogeneous ODS process of HAc‐HPW‐H2O2, which contrasts the great importance of their steric effects in heterogeneous catalytic process. Thus, the frustrating efficacy of various ODS processes for real diesel is likely originated from the unidentified high‐carbon alkyl DBTs and their least reactivity in heterogeneous catalytic systems. And, the steric hindrance is diminished greatly in a homogeneous catalytic process. The results are instructive for the development of new catalysts and catalytic ODS processes for real diesel.
Enhanced hydrate formation under mild conditions using a novel spiral‐agitated reactor
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Shi Xiaoyun , Wang Fei
Published: January 2022

Hydrate‐based solidified natural gas (SNG) technology provides a promising approach to store and transport natural gas, but demanding formation conditions and low methane storage capacity limit its application. Here, we presented a novel spiral‐agitated reactor, and hydrate formation in pure water and amino acid systems was evaluated. It is worth to highlight that spiral agitation significantly enhances initial hydrate grow kinetics, and satisfied methane uptake of 134.9 V/V was obtained under a mild condition (4.3 MPa, 275.15 K, and 30 rpm). Impressively, when amino acids were introduced, late hydrate growth was greatly improved because of secondary uptake, and a large methane uptake (145.97 V/V) was obtained under a milder condition (3.8 MPa, 275.15 K, and 60 rpm), which increases by 82.97% comparing to that in pure water systems. These findings provide a new insight (synergistic effect of spiral agitation and amino acids) on enhanced hydrate production under extremely mild conditions.
Inborn error of metabolism patients after liver transplantation: Outcomes of 35 patients over 27 years in one pediatric quaternary hospital
Authors: Pritchard Amanda Barone , Izumi Kosuke , Payan‐Walters Irma , Yudkoff Marc , Rand Elizabeth B. , Bhoj Elizabeth
Published: January 2022

Liver transplantation (LT) has been used for many years as a therapeutic option for certain inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs). Here we present one institution's 27 years of experience with LT in IEMs. Our objective is to assess the outcomes of IEM patients who have undergone LT, which we hypothesize to be generally successful for prevention of metabolic decompensation. A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with urea cycle defects, organic acidemias, and amino acidopathies who underwent LT at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Thirty‐five patients with the following conditions have undergone LT: tyrosinemia (8), methylmalonic acidemia (7), maple syrup urine disease (6), citrullinemia (6), ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (4), propionic acidemia (2), and argininosuccinate lyase deficiency (2). Average age at transplantation was 3.6 years. Three patients are now deceased. One patient suffered a metabolic stroke posttransplant. No episodes of metabolic decompensation have been noted. Thirty‐five patients received LT with generally favorable outcome. None sustained metabolic decompensation posttransplant. As has been reported previously, LT does not ameliorate pre‐existing developmental differences or risk to other organ systems. Further research is needed to aid in standardization of care and follow‐up, as most patients no longer follow with a geneticist.
Metal‐Free Reductive Amination of Ketones with Amines Using Formic Acid as the Reductant under BF3 ⋅ Et2O Catalysis
Authors: Luo Zhenli , Wan Shanhong , Pan Yixiao , Yao Zhen , Zhang Xin , Li Bohan , Li Jiajie , Xu Lijin , Fan Qing‐Hua
Published: January 2022

BF3 ⋅ Et2O has been found to effectively catalyze reductive amination of ketones with amines employing formic acid as the reductant under metal‐free conditions. This transformation tolerates a broad range of primary and secondary amines and differently decorated ketones, delivering N‐alkylated amines in good to excellent yields with high compatibility of functional groups. The synthetic potential of this protocol is demonstrated by its application in the preparation of biologically and pharmaceutically relevant compounds.
Interfacial Chemistry Triggers Ultrafast Radiative Recombination in Metal Halide Perovskites
Authors: Dong Haiyun , Zhang Chunhuan , Nie Weijie , Duan Shengkai , Saggau Christian N. , Tang Min , Zhu Minshen , Zhao Yong Sheng , Ma Libo , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: January 2022

Efficient radiative recombination is essential for perovskite luminescence, but the intrinsic radiative recombination rate as a basic material property is challenging to tailor. Here we report an interfacial chemistry strategy to dramatically increase the radiative recombination rate of perovskites. By coating aluminum oxide on the lead halide perovskite, lead–oxygen bonds are formed at the perovskite‐oxide interface, producing the perovskite surface states with a large exciton binding energy and a high localized density of electronic state. The oxide‐bonded perovskite exhibits a ≈500 fold enhanced photoluminescence with a ≈10 fold reduced lifetime, indicating an unprecedented ≈5000 fold increase in the radiative recombination rate. The enormously enhanced radiative recombination promises to significantly promote the perovskite optoelectronic performance.
Modulating Built‐In Electric Field via Variable Oxygen Affinity for Robust Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Neutral Media
Authors: Zhai Lingling , She Xiaojie , Zhuang Lyuchao , Li Yanyong , Ding Ran , Guo Xuyun , Zhang Yongqi , Zhu Ye , Xu Kun , Fan Hong Jin , Lau Shu Ping
Published: January 2022

Work function strongly impacts the surficial charge distribution, especially for metal‐support electrocatalysts when a built‐in electric field (BEF) is constructed. Therefore, studying the correlation between work function and BEF is crucial for understanding the intrinsic reaction mechanism. Herein, we present a Pt@CoOx electrocatalyst with a large work function difference (ΔΦ) and strong BEF, which shows outstanding hydrogen evolution activity in a neutral medium with a 4.5‐fold mass activity higher than 20 % Pt/C. Both experimental and theoretical results confirm the interfacial charge redistribution induced by the strong BEF, thus subtly optimizing hydrogen and hydroxide adsorption energy. This work not only provides fresh insights into the neutral hydrogen evolution mechanism but also proposes new design principles toward efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production in a neutral medium.
A Smart Theranostic Prodrug System Activated by Reactive Oxygen Species for Regional Chemotherapy of Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Liu Lingyan , Liu Feiyang , Liu Dongya , Yuan Wei , Zhang Mengfan , Wei Peng , Yi Tao
Published: January 2022

Metastatic cancer is difficult to cure because of its uncontrollable nature and side effects during treatment. We constructed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐activated smart theranostic prodrug system based on an ROS active site linked with both a targeting group and an anticancer drug for efficient regional chemotherapy of metastatic cancers. The optimized prodrug (Bio‐(8)‐MB‐CPT) with biotin as the targeting group displayed high sensitivity towards ROS and selectively targeting ability towards cervical cancer cells, showing highly efficient drug release (up to 92 %) in vitro. Bio‐(8)‐MB‐CPT thus exerted strong toxicity towards cervical cancer cells, but unlike the parent drug (camptothecin), showed no toxicity towards normal cells. Moreover, the prodrug displayed significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy in vivo and eradicated the tumor with no obvious side effects (inhibition of the tumor reached up to 99.9 %).
Sample size determination for comparing accuracies between two diagnostic tests under a paired design
Authors: Hwang Yi‐Ting , Su Nan‐Cheng
Published: January 2022

With the progressive technology, many medical researches are aimed to develop diagnostic tests that can detect diseases faster and accurately. The assessment of the accuracy of the diagnostic test for classifying two groups is through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). When a paired design is considered, the sample size determination requires the information about two AUC estimates and the corresponding variance and covariance of two AUC estimators. This paper derives the nonparametric estimators of the variance and covariance of two AUC estimators. The result is used to derive the sample size formula when the paired sample is planned. Since most of the results do not have a closed form, numerical results are provided under various scenarios.
Simultaneous production of 2′‐fucosyllactose and difucosyllactose by engineered Escherichia coli with high secretion efficiency
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jae , Shin Dong Joo , Han Kanghee , Chin Young‐Wook , Park Jong Pil , Park Kyeongsoon , Choi Chang‐Hyung , Park Bo‐Ram , Kim Soo‐Jung , Kim Sun‐Ki
Published: January 2022

Background and aim

Difucosyllactose (Di‐FL) has strong antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including group B Streptococcus, identified as the leading cause of neonatal sepsis. In this study, we sought to develop Escherichia coli as a microbial cell factory for efficiently producing Di‐FL as well as 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL), the most abundant fucosylated oligosaccharide in human milk, by utilizing the salvage guanosine 5′‐diphosphate (GDP)‐l‐fucose biosynthetic pathway.

Main methods and major results

The biosynthetic pathway for producing fucosylated oligosaccharides via the salvage pathway requires two enzymes, l‐fucokinase/GDP‐l‐fucose phosphorylase (FKP) from Bacteroides fragilis and α‐1,2‐fucosyltransferase (FucT2) from Helicobacter pylori. To decrease the intracellular accumulation of 2′‐FL while increasing substrate accessibility to FKP and FucT2, we evaluated whether extracellular secretion of FKP and FucT2 would enhance the production of fucosylated oligosaccharides. Among various engineered strains constructed in this study, the ΔLFAR‐YA/FF+P‐PLA2 strain expressing phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Streptomyces violaceoruber, whose native signal peptide was replaced with the PelB signal peptide (P‐PLA2), could secrete both FKP and FucT2 into the culture medium. Notably, it was observed that FKP and FucT2 present in the extracellular fraction could catalyze the synthesis of Di‐FL from lactose and fucose. As a result, a batch fermentation with the ΔLFAR‐YA/FF+P‐PLA2 strain resulted in the production of 1.22 ± 0.01 g L−1 Di‐FL and 0.47 ± 0.01 g L−1 2′‐FL, whereas the control strain could only produce 0.65 ± 0.01 g L−1 2′‐FL.

Conclusions and implications

This study highlights the benefits of extracellular secretion of enzymes to improve biotransformation efficiency, as the transport of substrates and/or products across the cell membrane is limited.
Model‐driven design of synthetic N‐terminal coding sequences for regulating gene expression in yeast and bacteria
Authors: Wang Chenyun , Zhang Wei , Tian Rongzhen , Zhang Jianing , Zhang Linpei , Deng Zhaohong , Lv Xueqin , Li Jianghua , Liu Long , Du Guocheng , Liu Yanfeng
Published: January 2022

N‐terminal coding sequences (NCSs) are key regulatory elements for fine‐tuning gene expression during translation initiation—the rate‐limiting step of translation. However, owing to the complex combinatory effects of NCS biophysical factors and endogenous regulation, designing NCSs remains challenging. In this study, a multi‐view learning strategy for model‐driven generation of synthetic NCSs for Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis are implemented, which are widely used in laboratories and industries. NCS libraries for S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis with nearly 150,000 cells were sorted. Next, model training was performed with NCS deep features extracted from DNA, codon, and amino acid sequences, as well as calculated features from the minimum free energy (MFE) and tRNA adaption index. Two models were separately developed for generating synthetic NCSs for both up‐ and down‐regulating gene expression with accuracies higher than 65% for S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis. Synthetic NCSs were then applied to enhance bioproduction, yielding 1.48‐ and 1.71‐fold production improvements of D‐limonene by S. cerevisiae and ovalbumin by B. subtilis, respectively. This work provides model‐driven design of synthetic NCSs as a toolbox for regulating gene expression in S. cerevisiae and B. subtilis. The machine learning‐based modeling approach can be used for NCS design in other microorganisms.
White matter microstructure alterations in frontotemporal dementia: Phenotype‐associated signatures and single‐subject interpretation
Authors: McKenna Mary Clare , Tahedl Marlene , Murad Aizuri , Lope Jasmin , Hardiman Orla , Hutchinson Siobhan , Bede Peter
Published: January 2022

Background

Frontotemporal dementias (FTD) include a genetically heterogeneous group of conditions with distinctive molecular, radiological and clinical features. The majority of radiology studies in FTD compare FTD subgroups to healthy controls to describe phenotype‐ or genotype‐associated imaging signatures. While the characterization of group‐specific imaging traits is academically important, the priority of clinical imaging is the meaningful interpretation of individual datasets.

Methods

To demonstrate the feasibility of single‐subject magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interpretation, we have evaluated the white matter profile of 60 patients across the clinical spectrum of FTD. A z‐score‐based approach was implemented, where the diffusivity metrics of individual patients were appraised with reference to demographically matched healthy controls. Fifty white matter tracts were systematically evaluated in each subject with reference to normative data.

Results

The z‐score‐based approach successfully detected white matter pathology in single subjects, and group‐level inferences were analogous to the outputs of standard track‐based spatial statistics.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that it is possible to meaningfully evaluate the diffusion profile of single FTD patients if large normative datasets are available. In contrast to the visual review of FLAIR and T2‐weighted images, computational imaging offers objective, quantitative insights into white matter integrity changes even at single‐subject level.
A novel modified culture medium for enhancing redifferentiation of chondrocytes for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Sonthithai Pacharapan , Hankamonsiri Weerawan , Lertwimol Tareerat , Uppanan Paweena , Janvikul Wanida
Published: January 2022

The dedifferentiation of articular chondrocytes during in vitro expansion deteriorates the hyaline cartilage regeneration. Many approaches have been developed to enhance the redifferentiation of chondrocytes. In this study, a new and effective protocol to improve the redifferentiation of porcine chondrocytes in a pellet form was established. Pellets were initially treated in the modified culture media containing ternary mixtures, binary mixtures, or single reagents of sodium citrate (SCi), sodium chloride (SCh), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at varied concentrations during the first 3 days of culture, followed by a normal culture medium until 21 days. Viability, proliferation, cartilaginous gene expression, extracellular matrix formation, and morphology of treated cell pellets were comparatively examined. Chondrocytes exposed to SCi, SCh, and EDTA individually or in combinations of two or three chemicals were non‐cytotoxic when the concentration ranges of the chemicals were 1.83–2.75, 5.00–7.50, and 1.00–1.50 mM, respectively. Cells treated with the modified media containing EDTA alone and EDTA‐containing mixtures enhanced glycosaminoglycan production as well as upregulated cartilaginous gene expression, despite their low proliferation rates. Overall, when all three reagents were in use, a pronounced synergistic effect on the activations of glycosaminoglycan accumulation and type II collagen production was explicitly observed at most, particularly when cells were cultured in the medium containing SCi, SCh, and EDTA at concentrations of 2.20, 6.00, and 1.20 mM, respectively. With a use of this protocol, the redifferentiation of articular chondrocytes for regeneration of hyaline cartilage for tissue engineering applications could be readily achieved.
Biochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity against Some Human or Phyto‐Pathogens of New Diazonium Heterocyclic Metal Complexes
Authors: El‐Attar Mohamed S. , Elshafie Hazem S. , Sadeek Sadeek A. , El‐Farargy Ahmed F. , El‐Desoky Sameh I. , El‐Shwiniy Walaa H. , Camele Ippolito
Published: January 2022

String of vanadium (IV), zirconium (IV), palladium (II), platinum (IV) and uranium (VI) chelates of 2‐cyano‐2‐[(2‐nitrophenyl)hydrazono]thioacetamide (Cnphta) were prepared and characterized by physicochemical, spectroscopic and thermal analyses. The formulae of the isolated solid complexes were assigned as [VO(Cnphta)2(H2O)]SO4 ⋅ 5H2O (1), [ZrO(Cnphta)2(H2O)]Cl2 ⋅ 4H2O (2), [Pd(Cnphta)2]Cl2 (3), [Pt(Cnphta)2Cl2]Cl2 (4) and [UO2(Cnphta)2](NO3)2 ⋅ 5H2O (5). The infrared assignments clearly showed that Cnphta ligand coordinated as a bidentate feature through the hydrazono nitrogen and the thioacetamide nitrogen for V(IV), Zr(IV) and U(VI) but displayed different behavior for Pd(II) and Pt(IV). Results of the molar conductivities measurements showed that the metal complexes were electrolytes in contrast with Cnphta ligand. The interpretation, mathematical analysis and evaluation of kinetic parameters were also carried out. In addition, the studied ligand and its new chelates were tested for their antimicrobial activity against some human or phytopathogenic microorganisms. The new metal complexes explicated promising antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria especially Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Regarding the antifungal activity, all metal complexes were able to inhibit the mycelium growth of both tested pathogenic fungi. In particular Zr(IV) and Pt(IV) complexes showed the highest significant fungicidal effect against A. fumigatus similar to positive control.
Does the natural course of COVID‐19 infection include radiographic cystic changes?
Authors: Hirai Noriko , Kida Ryotaro , Yanada Hiraku
Published: January 2022

A patient with late phase of COVID‐19 pneumonia presented peripheral cystic features on chest computed tomography, which were spontaneously resolved with no antibiotic therapy or surgery. Physicians should pay attention to follow up the late phase of COVID‐19 pneumonia for better understanding its progression and clinical course.
Chemo‐ and Enantioselective Photoenzymatic Ketone Reductions Using a Promiscuous Flavin‐dependent Nitroreductase
Authors: Prats Luján Alejandro , Bhat Mohammad Faizan , Saravanan Thangavelu , Poelarends Gerrit J.
Published: January 2022

Flavoenzymes are oxidoreductases that catalyze an extensive range of different types of reactions. An advanced and powerful approach to achieving transformations that are normally outside the realm of flavoenzymes is the synergistic combination of photocatalysis and biocatalysis. Here we report the identification of a promiscuous flavin‐dependent nitroreductase, BaNTR1, that is able to promote enantioselective photobiocatalytic reductions of a broad range of structurally diverse ketones to yield the corresponding alcohols with high conversion (up to >99 %) and outstanding enantiopurity (up to >99 : 1 e.r). Noteworthy, BaNTR1 was able to promote the photoenzymatic reduction of various α,ß‐unsaturated ketones to give the corresponding optically pure alcohols without reducing the C=C or C≡C bond, illustrating its remarkably high chemoselectivity. Our results highlight the usefulness of photocatalysis for expanding the catalytic repertoire of nitroreductases to include highly enantio‐ and chemoselective reductions of non‐native ketone substrates to produce optically pure alcohols. This includes difficult to prepare allyl alcohols that are not accessible via photoenzymatic conversions using ene‐reductases.
Taguchi Optimization Studies for Abatement of 2‐Chlorophenol Using Neem Seed Activated Carbon
Authors: Mahapatra Manoj Kumar , Kumar Arvind
Published: January 2022

The abatement of 2‐chlorophenol (2CP) was carried out by an adsorption process using an economical, yet efficient activated carbon prepared from neem seeds activated carbon (NAC) as the adsorbent. The aim was to optimize the process parameters for 2CP adsorption onto NAC using Taguchi's optimization. An L9 orthogonal array was used for the optimization studies of the process parameters. The signal‐to‐noise ratio and F‐test values were the basis for selecting the significant parameters. The NAC was characterized using Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), spectroscopic, microscopic, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The BET surface area was found to be 246 m2g−1. Following the optimal conditions, an uptake capacity of 41 mg g−1 was observed. Finally, the regeneration studies revealed that the adsorption ability of NAC remained intact for up to three regeneration cycles.
Controlled, Sunlight‐Driven Reversible Cycloaddition of Multiple Singlet Oxygen Molecules to Anthracene‐Containing Trianglimine Macrocycles
Authors: Grajewski Jakub , Zgorzelak Mikołaj , Janiak Agnieszka , Taras‐Goślińska Katarzyna
Published: January 2022

Controlled release of singlet oxygen is of interest not only to chemists, but also to biologists and medics involved in cancer therapy. Two chiral polyaza macrocyclic compounds and their corresponding endoperoxides have been synthesized. These peroxides exhibit high temperature stability, up to 80 °C. Detailed studies on their structure, including X‐ray analysis as well as NMR, UV‐VIS ECD spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, combined with photochemical measurements indicate that their high stability is related to the arrangement of oxygen atoms in a conformationally stable macrocyclic ring. Despite the change of carbon hybridization from sp2 to sp3 at the 9 and 10 positions of the anthracene units, the macrocyclic skeleton of the obtained compounds does not change its conformation. The obtained endoperoxides can be formed and release singlet oxygen by irradiation with UV light of 365 and 275 nm, respectively. Release of the oxygen does not degrade the macrocyclic structure.
Confocal Imaging of Developing Leaves
Authors: Linh Nguyen Manh , Scarpella Enrico
Published: January 2022

Questions in developmental biology are most frequently addressed by using fluorescent markers of otherwise invisible cell states. In plants, such questions can be addressed most conveniently in leaves. Indeed, from the formation of stomata and trichomes within the leaf epidermis to that of vein networks deep into the leaf inner tissue, leaf cells and tissues differentiate anew during the development of each leaf. Moreover, leaves are produced in abundance and are easily accessible to visualization and perturbation. Yet a detailed procedure for the perturbation, dissection, mounting, and imaging of developing leaves has not been described. Here we address this limitation (1) by providing robust, step‐by‐step protocols for the local application of the plant hormone auxin to developing leaves and for the routine dissection and mounting of leaves and leaf primordia, and (2) by offering practical guidelines for the optimization of imaging parameters for confocal microscopy. We describe the procedure for the first leaves of Arabidopsis, but the same approach can be easily applied to other leaves of Arabidopsis or to leaves of other plants. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of plant growth medium

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of growth medium plates

Basic Protocol 1: Seed sterilization, sowing, and germination, and seedling growth

Support Protocol 3: Preparation of IAA–lanolin paste

Basic Protocol 2: Application of IAA–lanolin paste to 3.5‐DAG first leaves

Basic Protocol 3: Dissection of 3‐ to 6‐DAG first leaves and leaf primordia

Basic Protocol 4: Dissection of 1‐ and 2‐DAG first‐leaf primordia

Basic Protocol 5: Mounting of dissected leaves and leaf primordia

Support Protocol 4: Quality check of mounted leaves and leaf primordia by fluorescence microscopy

Basic Protocol 6: Imaging of mounted leaves and leaf primordia by confocal microscopy
Ambient Processing Conditions and Their Effects on Perovskite Device Performance
Authors: Manspeaker Christopher , Merrion Garrett , Krouse Kevin , Zakhidov Alex
Published: January 2022

Perovskite‐based solar devices have gained a worldwide development effort as they hold the potential of affordable solar power. This assumption is based on the inexpensive deposition and growth methods which are centered on ambient processing conditions. However, the data presented here indicate that the ambient conditions have a profound effect on the resulting device performance. Presented here are the effects of ambient conditions of temperature, pressure and solvent concentrations on device performance for devices grown using solvent engineering deposition methods. The results show that ambient conditions effect solvent evaporation rates which have a profound effect on device performance. Additionally, the Marangoni effect, described and observed here for the first time in perovskite solar devices, is also observed via its influence on the film parameters. Finally, the case is made that reliable and consistent perovskite devices will need a processing chamber to control the effects of temperature, pressure, and solvent conditions for perovskite devices to be truly commercializable.
An enhanced pseudonym certificates distribution mechanism for connected vehicles
Authors: Ercan Secil , Ayaida Marwane , Messai Nadhir
Published: January 2022

Cooperative Intelligent Transportation System (C‐ITS) is a growing research field since it improves traffic safety and efficiency. However, the security of C‐ITS messages is an important issue to deal with. This paper proposes a cost‐efficient solution that can help in the deployment of C‐ITS. The idea herein presented is to introduce trusted road operator vehicles (ROVs), to provide certificates for other vehicles when needed. These certificates, which are generally provided by roadside units (RSUs), are mandatory for the security and the anonymity of the communication. The main objective of this work is to help in enhancing the security of C‐ITS by allowing connected vehicles to download the needed certificates without using a physical fixed infrastructure of RSUs. The latter cannot be, in fact, widely deployed due to their high cost. The alternative herein proposed is to delegate the task of providing certificates to some trusted vehicles, namely, ROVs, which are in all the cases moving around the city to ensure some assigned missions. A mathematical model, considering both ROVs and RSUs, is proposed to quantify the effects of introducing ROVs on the probability of downloading certificates. The results show that ROVs almost double the communication probability between the vehicles and the certificate providers from 40.1% to 78.7% on a highway with a high traffic density. The higher the communication probability, the easier downloading certificates is. Moreover, realistic simulations are conducted using Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO) traffic simulator together with Network Simulator 3 (NS3) network simulator to show the efficiency of our proposal. The simulation results demonstrate a significant enhancement in the number of downloaded certificates and the number of exchanged messages, even when a few numbers of ROVs are introduced.
Depictability of the upper gastrointestinal tract on forward‐viewing radial endoscopic ultrasonography versus standard upper esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Authors: Ban Tesshin , Kubota Yoshimasa , Takahama Takuya , Sasoh Shun , Ando Tomoaki , Nakamura Makoto , Joh Takashi
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a widely used modality for investigating the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, similar to endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for the pancreaticobiliary system. A recent and novel forward‐viewing radial EUS has potential as an EGD. However, this potential has not yet been evaluated and reported in the literature. We compared the depictability of the upper GI tract on EUS using a standard EGD.

Methods

This was a prospective study in a single session in an identical patient and it was conducted at a single center.

Results

Sixty‐nine participants were enrolled in this study. A forward‐viewing radial EUS revealed equivalent visualizing performance compared with the standard EGD, except for the retroflex view of the three angular areas. Depiction scores of the anterior wall, lesser curvature, and posterior wall of the angulus in the retroflex view in the forward‐viewing radial EUS were 1.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–2.52), 2.03 (95% CI, 1.48–2.58), and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.35–2.50), respectively. These scores were significantly lower compared with those of standard EGD scores of 2.97 (95% CI, 2.86–3.08), 2.97 (95% CI, 2.86–3.78), and 2.96 (95% CI, 2.83–3.09], respectively; p < 0.001). The rate of full‐mark score in these three angular areas was significantly lower in the forward‐viewing radial EUS than in the standard EGD (21/69, 30.4%; 23/69, 33.3%; 21/69, 30.4% vs. 67/69; 97.1%, 67/69; 97.1%, 66/69; 95.7%, p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusions

Although forward‐viewing radial EUS has the potential to simultaneously investigate the upper GI and pancreaticobiliary systems, it is too early to introduce it for this purpose.
Prone to food in bad mood—Emotion‐potentiated food‐cue reactivity in patients with binge‐eating disorder
Authors: Arend Ann‐Kathrin , Schnepper Rebekka , Lutz Annika Petra Christine , Eichin Katharina Naomi , Blechert Jens
Published: January 2022

Objective

Theories on emotional eating are central to our understanding of etiology, maintenance, and treatment of binge eating. Yet, findings on eating changes under induced negative emotions in binge‐eating disorder (BED) are equivocal. Thus, we studied whether food‐cue reactivity is potentiated under negative emotions in BED, which would point toward a causal role of emotional eating in this disorder.

Methods

Patients with BED (n = 24) and a control group without eating disorders (CG; n = 69) completed a food picture reactivity task after induction of negative versus neutral emotions. Food‐cue reactivity (self‐reported food pleasantness, desire to eat [DTE], and corrugator supercilii muscle response, electromyogram [EMG]) was measured for low‐ and high‐caloric food pictures.

Results

Patients with BED showed emotion‐potentiated food‐cue reactivity compared to controls: Pleasantness and DTE ratings and EMG response were increased in BED during negative emotions. This was independent of caloric content of the images.

Conclusions

Food‐cue reactivity in BED was consistent with emotional eating theories and points to a heightened response to all foods regardless of calorie content. The discrepancy of appetitive ratings with the aversive corrugator response points to ambivalent food responses under negative emotions in individuals with BED.
Species‐range‐size distributions: Integrating the effects of speciation, transformation, and extinction
Authors: Takashina Nao , Plank Michael J. , Jenkins Clinton N. , Economo Evan P.
Published: January 2022

The species‐range size distribution is a product of speciation, transformation of range‐sizes, and extinction. Previous empirical studies showed that it has a left‐skewed lognormal‐like distribution. We developed a new mathematical framework to study species‐range‐size distributions, one in which allopatric speciation, transformation of range size, and the extinction process are explicitly integrated. The approach, which we call the gain‐loss‐allopatric speciation model, allows us to explore the effects of various speciation scenarios. Our model captures key dynamics thought to lead to known range‐size distributions. We also fitted the model to empirical range‐size distributions of birds, mammals, and beetles. Since geographic range dynamics are linked to speciation and extinction, our model provides predictions for the dynamics of species richness. When a species‐range‐size distribution initially evolves away from the range sizes at which the likelihood of speciation is low, it tends to cause diversification slowdown even in the absence of (bio)diversity dependence in speciation rate. Using the mathematical model developed here, we give a potential explanation for how observed range‐size distributions emerge from range‐size dynamics. Although the framework presented is minimalistic, it provides a starting point for examining hypotheses based on more complex mechanisms.
Can young‐of‐the‐year invasive fish keep up with young‐of‐the‐year native fish? A comparison of feeding rates between invasive sticklebacks and whitefish
Authors: Ogorelec Žiga , Rudstam Lars G. , Straile Dietmar
Published: January 2022

Invasion of non‐native species might alter food web structure and the strength of top‐down control within lake ecosystems. As top‐down control exerted by fish populations is often dominated by young of the year fish, the impact of new fish species might depend on the feeding rates of the juvenile fish. Here we provide comparative analyses of feeding rates of juvenile whitefish (Coregonus wartmanni) – a native and specialised planktivore and an invasive generalist (sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus). We studied feedings rates of whitefish and sticklebacks in aquaria experiments using 2 cm to 8 cm fish feeding on seven zooplankton species common to Lake Constance. As whitefish hatch several months earlier than sticklebacks, 0+ whitefish are larger than 0+ sticklebacks throughout the year and hence are predicted to have higher feeding rates on especially large zooplankton species. We show that sticklebacks as small as 2 cm were able to feed on the largest zooplankton species of Lake Constance. Further, stickleback feeding rates were similar to both the same size 0+ whitefish and the larger 0+ whitefish co‐occurring with smaller 0+ sticklebacks. Hence, 0+ sticklebacks will compete with 0+ whitefish for the same zooplankton species, therefore the invasion of sticklebacks is unlikely to change the relative feeding pressure by individual 0+ fish on zooplankton species.