bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vectorial Bulk‐Boundary Correspondence for 3D Photonic Chern Insulators
Authors: Devescovi Chiara , García‐Díez Mikel , Bradlyn Barry , Mañes Juan L. , Vergniory Maia G. , García‐Etxarri Aitzol
Published: August 2022

In 2D Chern insulators, the topology of the bulk states is captured by a topological invariant, the Chern number. The scalar bulk‐boundary correspondence (sBBC) relates the change in Chern number across an interface with the number of 1D chiral edge modes at the interface. However, 3D Chern insulators (3D CIs) can be characterized by a Chern vector and a more general vector bulk‐boundary correspondence (vBBC) is needed to correctly predict the propagation of the surface modes. In this work the possible interfaces between 3D photonic CIs are explored, focusing on possible changes in Chern vector orientation. To formulate a 3D vBBC, a link is derived between the Chern vector discontinuity across an interface and the winding of the surface equifrequency loops on the boundary. Last, it is demonstrated how to correctly predict the number and the propagation direction of topological photonic surface modes in 3D CIs.
Synthesis of Olefins by Formal Carbene Coupling
Authors: Davas Daksh Singh , Bhardwaj Srashti , Sen Raju , Gopalakrishnan Dinesh Kumar , Vaitla Janakiram
Published: August 2022

In this review, the coupling of two carbene precursors for the synthesis of alkenes is surveyed. The key to selective carbene coupling is the difference in the rate of carbene generation between the two carbene precursors. This strategy requires judicious selection between two carbene precursors as well as fine‐tuning of reaction conditions to obtain the desired chemo‐ and stereoselectivity. These couplings were carried out in the presence and absence of a metal catalyst. The present review describes inter‐ and intramolecular coupling of diazo compounds and cross‐coupling between diazo and non‐diazo compounds.

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Divergent Synthesis of Bisphenols and Diaryl Ethers by Metal Compatible Organocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Boronic Acids
Authors: Gennaiou Kyriaki , Petsi Marina , Kakarikas Basil , Iordanidis Nikos , Zografos Alexandros L.
Published: August 2022

Activation of dioxygen by monooxygenase enzymes enables the oxidation of a rich variety of substrates mainly due to the compatibility of this process with redox active metals. The current study shows that similarly to monooxygenases, pyrrole‐proline 2,5‐diketopiperazine (DKP) organocatalyst, in the presence of Hantzsch ester and HFIP is compatible with copper(II) salts for the activation of dioxygen. These findings allow to selectively diverge the oxidation profile of boronic acids for the synthesis of phenols, bisphenols and diaryl ethers by DKP‐promoted aerobic oxidation and subsequent metal oxidative‐coupling or Chan‐Lam‐Evans type reaction of the formed phenols.

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Two‐Wave Variable Nanotheranostic Agents for Dual‐Mode Imaging‐Guided Photo‐Induced Triple‐Therapy for Cancer
Authors: Sang Xiao , Gao Tong , Liu Xiaoqing , Shen Yelong , Chang Lili , Fu Shunli , Yang Han , Yang Huizhen , Mu Weiwei , Liang Shuang , Zhang Zipeng , Zhang Na , Liu Yongjun
Published: August 2022

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising strategy for cancer treatment, but its clinical application relies heavily on accurate tumor positioning and effective combination. Nanotheranostics has shown superior application in precise tumor positioning and treatment, bringing potential opportunities for developing novel PTT‐based therapies. Here, a nanotheranostic agent is proposed to enhance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ near‐infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRFI) imaging‐guided photo‐induced triple‐therapy for cancer. Thermosensitive liposomes co‐loaded with SPIONs/IR780 and Abemaciclib (SIA‐TSLs), peptide ACKFRGD, and click group 2‐cyano‐6‐amino‐benzothiazole (CABT) are co‐modified on the surface of SIA‐TSLs to form SIA‐αTSLs. ACKFRGD can be hydrolyzed to expose the 1, 2‐thiolamino groups in the presence of cathepsin B in tumors, which click cycloaddition with the cyano group on CABT, resulting in the formation of SIA‐αTSLs aggregates. The aggregation of SIA‐αTSLs in tumors enhances the MRI/NIRFI imaging capability and enables precise PTT. Photo‐induced triple‐therapy enhances precision cancer therapy. First, PTT ablates specific tumors and induces ICD via localized photothermal. Second, local tumor heating promotes the rupture of SIA‐αTSLs, which release Abemaciclib to block the tumor cell cycle and inhibit Tregs proliferation. Third, injecting GM‐CSF into tumor tissue leads to recruitment of dendritic cells and initiation of antitumor immunity. Collectively, these results present a promising nanotheranostic strategy for future cancer therapy.
Power‐Efficient and Highly Uniform BiFeO3‐Based Memristors Optimized with TiInSnO Electrode Interfacial Effect
Authors: Xia Qing , Qin Yuxiang , Qiu Peilun
Published: August 2022

Memristor, processing data storage, and logic operation all‐in‐one, is expected to create a new era of neuromorphic computing and digital logic. Here, this work demonstrates a BiFeO3‐based memristor with Ti‐doped indium tin oxide as the top electrode material, exhibiting high metrics such as a switching voltage of ≈0.15 V, coefficients of variations of low resistance state of ≈0.46% and a large on/off ratio of ≈103. What is more, the device exhibits a power consumption as low as ≈1.02 µW in set process with a self‐compliance current. To elucidate the resistive switching behavior, the role of TiInSnO electrode and the corresponding current conduction mechanism have been thoroughly investigated. In this end, the effect of Ti‐doping on the resistance behavior is demonstrated based on the current fitting analysis and first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory. It is clarified that the doped Ti ions may trap oxygen ions to concentrate around the interface between resistance switching layer and electrode, resulting in more stable and uniform performance. The findings suggest that, with TiInSnO film as the novel electrode of memristors, the present study can offer a significantly promising route to implement low‐power, highly uniform information storage, and neuromorphic computing technology.
Thermal Enhanced Resistive Switching Performance of <100>‐oriented Perovskite [(TZ‐H)2(PbBr4)]n with High Working Temperature: a Triazolium/(PbBr4)n2n– Interfacial Interaction Insight
Authors: Song Kaiyue , Chen Binjun , Lin Xiaoli , Yang Hailong , Liu Yue , Liu Yuanzheng , Li Haohong , Chen Zhirong
Published: August 2022

Despite the great progress has been made on device parameters and working mechanism of perovskite‐based memristors, thermal instability under extreme conditions limits their performance, and thermal effect on their resistive switching (RS) characteristics remains unclear. Herein, from the viewpoint of organic/inorganic interfacial interaction in a novel 2D <100>‐oriented perovskite [(TZ‐H)2(PbBr4)]n (TZ = 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole), thermal effect on the RS performance of perovskite‐based memristor is investigated. This FTO/[(TZ‐H)2(PbBr4)]n/Ag memristor can exhibit high thermal tolerance with a working temperature of 170 °C, and the best RS characteristics can be achieved at 140 °C. Mechanistic studies are executed based on X‐ray single structural analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis, and fluorescence. Before the occurrence of phase change below 140 °C (α‐phase), anisotropic lattice expansion illustrated by the weaker inter‐layer NH···Br hydrogen bond, longer layer–layer distances, more distorted PbBr6 octrahedra, larger optical gap, and quenched fluorescence can be beneficial for the trap‐filled limited process. After phase transformation into β‐phase, the breakage of layer–layer interaction and looser layer–layer packing will inhibit the halogen migration, resulting in more space charge limited conduction characters. The unique thermal enhanced RS performance with status monitored by fluorescent chromism can provide a new paradigm for the development of new memristors with highly environmental tolerance.
Uncovering the Solvation Structure of LiPF6‐Based Localized Saturated Electrolytes and Their Effect on LiNiO2‐Based Lithium‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Su Laisuo , Zhao Xunhua , Yi Michael , Charalambous Harry , Celio Hugo , Liu Yuanyue , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: August 2022

Electrolytes play a critical role in stabilizing highly reactive lithium‐metal anodes (LMAs) and high‐voltage cathodes for rechargeable lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). Localized high concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have achieved remarkable success in the context of LMBs. However, the state‐of‐the‐art LHCEs are based on LiFSI salt, which is prohibitively expensive. Here, the utility of low‐cost LiPF6 salt in localized saturated electrolytes (LSEs) with a series of solvents and diluents in LMBs with cobalt‐free LiNiO2 cathode is systematically explored. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that the unique solvation structure formed not only changes the distribution of solvents and anions but also alters the atom–atom distances within them, leading to different reduction and oxidation stabilities compared to low‐concentration electrolytes. In addition, LSEs help form LiF‐rich interphase layers on the LMA and LiNiO2 cathode, protecting the electrodes from degradation during cycling. Different LSEs also lead to differences in lithium plating morphology and impedance buildup during cycling, impacting the performance of LMBs. The solvent and diluent must be carefully selected for compatibility with a lithium salt when developing LHCEs and LSEs for LMBs.
Development of an expert consensus checklist for emergency ultrasound
Authors: Bailitz John , O'Brien James , McCauley Matt , Murray David , Jung Christine , Peksa Gary , Gottlieb Michael
Published: August 2022

Background

Within today's competency‐based medical education, traditional set number proficiency benchmarks have been called into question. Checklists may help guide individualized training and standardized outcomes. However, multicenter expert consensus checklists based on established guidelines with supporting validity evidence have not been published for specific emergency ultrasound (EUS) applications. We describe a robust national EUS expert consensus methodology for developing a checklist for the extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (eFAST examination).

Methods

Utilizing the ACEP imaging compendium as a primary reference, 10 national EUS experts iteratively refined and agreed upon a final checklist. To obtain initial reliability and validity evidence, two different EUS experts blinded to resident experience then assessed 24 residents performing an eFAST in a simulated environment. Inter‐rater reliability of the checklist was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Validity was assessed by comparing mean performance with the Student's t‐test and discriminant ability of individual checklist items using item‐total correlation.

Results

The 10 EUS experts agreed on the final checklist items after two rounds of iterations. When evaluating 24 emergency medicine (EM) PGY‐1 to ‐4 residents, the kappa correlation between two blinded EUS faculty raters was moderate at 0.670. Kappa and agreement were near‐perfect or perfect in right and left chest image optimization, right upper quadrant (RUQ) probe placement, RUQ anatomy identification, and pelvic first‐view anatomy identification. The difference in checklist performance between junior and senior EM residents was significant at −8.1% (p = 0.004). Identification of pelvic structures and placement of the probe for pelvic views were found to have an excellent item‐total correlation with values of >0.4.

Conclusions

We have described a robust national EUS expert consensus methodology for developing an eFAST checklist based on the ACEP imaging guidelines. Based on this encouraging initial reliability and validity evidence, further research and checklist development is warranted for additional EUS applications.
Growth of for‐profit involvement in emergency medicine graduate medical education and association between for‐profit affiliation and resident salary
Authors: Lassner Jared W. , Ahn James , Singh Armaan , Kukulski Paul
Published: August 2022

Background

Following projections of an emergency medicine (EM) physician oversupply, the growth of EM residency programs affiliated with for‐profit hospitals has been subject to increased attention and speculation. However, essentially no literature exists regarding these programs. Resident pay is one area where these programs could differ from nonprofit‐affiliated programs, as investor obligations could make for‐profit corporations more likely to reduce resident salaries to increase profit margins. Here, we aim to quantify the growth of EM for‐profit affiliated residency programs from 2001–2021 and determine if PGY1 salaries differ between these program types.

Methods

Medicare and ACGME accreditation data were used to determine the profit status of hospitals affiliated with EM residency programs. ACGME new accreditation data from 2001–2021 were used to quantify the growth of both for‐profit and nonprofit affiliated programs over this period. We searched program websites and called programs to determine 2021–2022 PGY1 salary. Multiple regression was used to model the relationship between profit status and salary using program characteristic covariates to control for confounding variables.

Results

The number of EM programs increased from 117 to 276 from 2001–2021 while the number of for‐profit affiliated EM residency programs increased from 1 to 29 during this period. Most (85.7%, [24/29]) for‐profit affiliated programs were accredited from 2016–2021. Mean for‐profit affiliated program salary ($55,658, n  = 24) was $3840 lower than mean nonprofit affiliated program salary ($59,498, n  = 203). For‐profit affiliation was a significant predictor of lower 2021–2022 PGY1 salary after controlling for other program characteristics using multiple regression ( ß  = −1919.88, P = 0.010).

Conclusions

We found a substantial growth of newly ACGME accredited for‐profit affiliated EM residency programs from 2016–2021. We also found for‐profit affiliated programs pay lower PGY1 salaries than nonprofit–affiliated programs after controlling for potential confounding variables, which suggests more oversight over the salary determination process could be necessary to prevent resident underpayment.
Effects of fused and blended fertilizers on maize yield and soil properties
Authors: Maharjan Bijesh , Das Saurav , Shapiro Charles A.
Published: August 2022

The deficiency of secondary and micronutrients negatively affects plant metabolic functions and reduces crop yields. These nutrients are applied in small quantities (<10 kg ha−1) and are physically blended or chemically fused with primary nutrients to enhance uniformity of application. A 3‐yr study (2012–2014) was conducted to evaluate the effects of fall or spring‐applied fertilizer N with or without P and N–P fertilizers containing S and Zn (blended or fused) on soil properties, leaf chlorophyll, and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in Nebraska. Response variables were measured for additional 2 yr (2015–2016; residual years [RYs]). Soil Mehlich‐3 P was low (14 mg kg−1) at the onset of the experiment and adding P increased grain yield by 10% compared with N only treatment in 2013–2015. Grain yields were similar in treatments with S and Zn fused (9.7–12.4 Mg ha−1) or blended (9.7–12.2 Mg ha−1) in all years (2012–2016). A yield benefit of adding S and Zn was recorded only 1 yr (2015: the first RY) (12.3 and 11.6 Mg ha−1 in NP treatments with and without S and Zn). Except for 2012, all fertilized treatments had greater yields than the control in 2013–2016. The 2012 was a dry year, where yield was low across the treatments (1.6–2.1 Mg ha−1) suggesting minimal benefits of adding primary nutrients (N, P), let alone S or Zn, when moisture is limiting. It is warranted that blended and fused fertilizers are evaluated under specific conditions where soils are deficient in constituent nutrients.
Cosmology with Gravitational Waves: A Review
Authors: Mastrogiovanni Simone , Karathanasis Christos , Gair Jonathan , Ashton Gregory , Rinaldi Stefano , Huang Hsiang‐Yu , Dálya Gergely
Published: August 2022

Standard sirens have been the central paradigm in gravitational‐wave cosmology so far. From the gravitational wave signature of compact star binaries, it is possible to measure the luminosity distance of the source directly, and if additional information on the source redshift is provided, a measurement of the cosmological expansion can be performed. This review article discusses several methodologies that have been proposed to use gravitational waves for cosmological studies. Methods that use only gravitational‐wave signals and methods that use gravitational waves in conjunction with additional observations such as electromagnetic counterparts and galaxy catalogs will be discussed. The review also discusses the most recent results on gravitational‐wave cosmology, starting from the binary neutron star merger GW170817 and its electromagnetic counterpart and finishing with the population of binary black holes, observed with the third Gravitational‐wave Transient Catalog GWTC–3.
Proton Transfer Pathways in Nitrogenase with and without Dissociated S2B
Authors: Jiang Hao , Svensson Oskar K. G. , Cao Lili , Ryde Ulf
Published: August 2022

Nitrogenase is the only enzyme that can convert N2 to NH3. Crystallographic structures have indicated that one of the sulfide ligands of the active‐site FeMo cluster, S2B, can be replaced by an inhibitor, like CO and OH−, and it has been suggested that it may be displaced also during the normal reaction. We have investigated possible proton transfer pathways within the FeMo cluster during the conversion of N2H2 to two molecules of NH3, assuming that the protons enter the cluster at the S3B, S4B or S5A sulfide ions and are then transferred to the substrate. We use combined quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (QM/MM) calculations with the TPSS and B3LYP functionals. The calculations indicate that the barriers for these reactions are reasonable if the S2B ligand remains bound to the cluster, but they become prohibitively high if S2B has dissociated. This suggests that it is unlikely that S2B reversibly dissociates during the normal reaction cycle.
Chiral Nanozymes for Enantioselective Biological Catalysis
Authors: Dong Kai , Xu Chen , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: August 2022

As a neat combination of the characteristics of enzymatic activity and nanomaterials, nanozymes have attracted much attention. Although tremendous effort has been devoted to developing nanozymes with high catalytic activity, substrate selectivity is often overlooked in the construction of nanozymes. With their subtly evolving structures, natural enzymes generally possess high selectivity for chiral substrates which play important roles in biosynthesis and biomedical applications. However, the rational construction of nanozymes with high enantioselectivity remains a significant challenge. In this Minireview, we provide an overview of recent advances in strategies for the synthesis of chiral nanozymes and their enantioselective biological catalysis. We further focus on current challenges, potential solutions, and future developing trends of chiral nanozyme‐based enantioselective biological catalysis. There is plenty of room to explore. This Minireview will provide new insights into the development of chiral nanozymes and their applications.
Arene Activation through Iminium Ions: Product Diversity from Intramolecular Photocycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Proessdorf Johanna , Jandl Christian , Pickl Thomas , Bach Thorsten
Published: August 2022

While 2‐alk‐ω‐enyloxy‐sustituted benzaldehydes do not display any photochemical reactivity at the arene core, the respective iminium perchlorates were found to undergo efficient reactions either upon direct irradiation (λ=366 nm) or under sensitizing conditions (λ=420 nm, 2.5 mol% thioxanthen‐9‐one). Three pathways were found: (a) Most commonly, the reaction led to benzoxacyclic products in which the olefin in the tether underwent a formal, yet unprecedented carboformylation (13 examples, 44–99 % yield). The cascade process occurred with high diastereoselectivity and was found to be stereoconvergent. (b) If a substituent resides in the 3‐position of the benzene ring, a meta photocycloaddition was observed which produced tetracyclic skeletons with five stereogenic centers in excellent regio‐ and diastereoselectivity (2 examples, 58–79 % yield). (c) If the tether was internally substituted at the alkene, an arene photocycloaddition was avoided and an azetidine was formed in an aza Paternò–Büchi reaction (2 examples, 95–98 % yield).
Efficient Gene Silencing in Intact Plant Cells Using siRNA Delivered By Functional Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Shuojun , Li Jiaying , Du Moqing , Deng Guiyun , Song Zhiyong , Han Heyou
Published: August 2022

Delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to intact plants for gene silencing mainly relies on viral vectors and Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation due to the barrier of intact plant cell wall. Here, we reported that polymer functionalized graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONs) enable siRNA transfer into intact plant cells and bring about efficient gene silencing. We found that sheeted GONs could efficiently load siRNA to form small sized, near‐spheroidal GONs‐siRNA complex, which could be across the cell wall and internalize in the plant cell. The GONs‐siRNA exhibited transient and strong silencing (97.2 % efficiency) in plant tissues at 24 h after treatment and returned to normal level at 5 days after treatment. This method has the obvious advantages of efficient, transient, simple, stability and well biocompatibility, which should greatly stimulate the application of nanomaterials as gene‐engineering tools in plant research.
Study of the impact of epoxidized plant oil phospholipids and hydroxyl radicals on crosslinked epoxy resins
Authors: C. Cabo Maurelio , M. N. Prabhakar , Lee Dong Woo , Song Jung‐il
Published: August 2022

The detrimental environmental consequences of global plastic pollution and the imperative transition, by following the key principles of sustainable development, fully tap the use of renewable feedstocks such as vegetable oil to utilize their functionalities over fossil‐based resources. The current research has developed a novel biobased additive obtained as a byproduct through aromatization of epoxidized corn oil (ECO) using diglycidyl ether aromatic compounds of epoxy resin (EP). The hybrid matrix was made with an ECO content ranging from 10% to 50%. Spectral, elemental, mechanical property, thermal, morphological, and fire hazards analyses revealed that the experimental results of the EPECO50 blend had a 34.94% hydrogen and oxygen added content, resulting in a 62% decrease in flammability when compared to a conventional petroleum‐based mix. Interestingly, the established presence of phospholipids and significant adsorption in the hydroxyl bands support the good intrinsic flame retardancy capabilities of the blend. As a result of the proposed synthesis mechanism, the covalent bonding between epoxy and ECO suggests lower toxicity, as shown by cone calorimetry, with a high reduced yield of CO2(99%) and CO (98%) and, more importantly, the blend is a potential green flame retardant biobased additive. In practice, people die in a fire due to the lack of oxygen and inhalation of harmful smoke; hence, the reduction in total smoke production and CO2and CO emissions clearly helps the smoke suppression of epoxy thermosets when potentially reinforced with biocomposites.
Use of passive acoustic monitoring to document the distribution of the Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise in the south‐east region of Pearl River estuary, China: Implications for conservation and management
Authors: Fang Liang , Wang Xinxing , Li Min , Chen Yujian , Wang Yuezhong , Chen Tao
Published: August 2022

The Pearl River estuary in Guangdong is home to the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) and the Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides). However, limited data are available for the latter species.

Line‐transect passive acoustic monitoring surveys were conducted to investigate the distribution of the Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise in the Pearl River estuary in the period July to November 2019.

The south‐east region of the Pearl River estuary is an important habitat for the Indo‐Pacific finless porpoise, and more than half of the acoustic detections were within 2 km of islands, concentrated around the uninhabited islands of Soko, Sanmen and Aizhou.

The habitat extents of Indo‐Pacific finless porpoises in the survey areas were estimated as 209.04, 761.81 and 976.41 km2 using 50, 90 and 95% kernel densities, respectively. The 50% kernel density area was mainly around the aforementioned islands and is a priority candidate for protected area status.

This is the first report of the distribution and critical habitat of the finless porpoise in the study area. Given the increasing human development in the Pearl River estuary, the results provide important data to help inform the protection of the habitat of finless porpoise in the context of marine planning and development, and promote the establishment of marine protected areas and stronger fisheries management measures.
A survey of coping strategies and resilience in women victims of domestic violence during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Tehran, 2020
Authors: Rashidi Fakari Farzaneh , Ahmadi Doulabi Mahbobeh , Mokhtaryan‐Gilani Tahereh , Akbarzadeh Baghban Alireza , Hajian Sepideh
Published: August 2022

Background

Domestic violence against women is a hidden and global epidemic that has many negative effects. The COVID‐19 pandemic, quarantine, and staying at home can lead to violent and domestic violence against women. Due to the importance of the subject, the present study was conducted to investigate the coping strategies and resilience of women victims of domestic violence in the COVID‐19 epidemic in Tehran, 2020.

Methods

The present study is a descriptive‐analytical study on 420 women who suffered domestic violence in Tehran, 2020. Data collection tools included a demographic information form, socioeconomic status questionnaire, WHO standardized domestic violence questionnaire, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and Endler and Parker's coping strategies questionnaire. This study was based on the Internet and online. The research poster, the characteristics of the participants, the voluntary participation in the study, the confidentiality of the information, and the link to the online questionnaire were made public through Internet networks.

Results

There was no correlation between resilience with general violence (p =.221), types of physical violence (p =.502), psychological violence (p =.178), and sexual violence (p =.386). The results also showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the women who were using or not using a problem‐oriented style with physical violence, using or not using an emotion‐oriented style with physical, psychological, sexual violence, and using or not using an avoidance style with physical violence among the samples (p < .05).

Conclusion

The use of coping strategies leads to a reduction in domestic violence against women during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Therefore, designing and implementing training programs to improve coping styles in women can be effective in dealing with such stressful situations and help prevent injuries caused by violence.
Reactive oxygen species‐responsive dual‐targeted nanosystem promoted immunogenic cell death against breast cancer
Authors: Banstola Asmita , Pandit Mahesh , Duwa Ramesh , Chang Jae‐Hoon , Jeong Jee‐Heon , Yook Simmyung
Published: August 2022

The development of an optimal treatment modality to improve the therapeutic outcome of breast cancer patients is still difficult. Poor antigen presentation to T cells is a major challenge in cancer immunotherapy. In this study, a synergistic immunotherapy strategy for breast cancer incorporating immune cell infiltration, immunogenic cell death (ICD), and dendritic cell (DC) maturation through a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive dual‐targeted smart nanosystem (anti‐PD‐L1‐TKNP) for the simultaneous release of DOX, R848, and MIP‐3α in the tumor microenvironment is reported. Following local injection, anti‐PD‐L1‐DOX‐R848‐MIP‐3α/thioketal nanoparticle (TKNP) converts tumor cells to a vaccine owing to the combinatorial effect of DOX‐induced ICD, R848‐mediated immunostimulatory properties, and MIP‐3α‐induced immune cell recruitment in the tumor microenvironment. Intratumoral injection of anti‐PD‐L1‐DOX‐R848‐MIP‐3α/TKNP caused significant regression of breast cancer. Mechanistic studies reveal that anti‐PD‐L1‐DOX‐R848‐MIP‐3α/TKNP specifically targets tumor tissue, resulting in maximum exposure of calreticulin (CRT) and HMGB1 in tumors, and significantly enhances intratumoral infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumors. Therefore, a combined strategy using dual‐targeted ROS‐responsive TKNP highlights the significant application of nanoparticles in modulating the tumor microenvironment and could be a clinical treatment strategy for effective breast cancer management.
A hypoxia‐related lncRNA model for prediction of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma prognosis
Authors: Xiang Junwei , He Yaodong , Li Yunshan , Wu Kexuan , Cheng Mengxiang , Wang Yuanyin , Chen Ran
Published: August 2022

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common and highly heterogeneous malignancies worldwide. Increasing studies have proven that hypoxia and related long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) are involved in the occurrence and prognosis of HNSCC. The goal of this work is to construct a risk assessment model using hypoxia‐related lncRNAs (hrlncRNAs) for HNSCC prognosis prediction and personalized treatment.

Methods

Transcriptome expression matrix, clinical follow‐up data, and somatic mutation data of HNSCC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We used co‐expression analysis to identify hrlncRNAs, then screened for differentially expressed lncRNAs (DEhrlncRNAs), and paired these DEhrlncRNAs. The risk model was established through univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and stepwise multivariate Cox regression. Finally, we assessed the model from multiple perspectives of tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor immune infiltration, chemotherapeutic sensitivity, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), and functional enrichment.

Results

The risk assessment model included 14 hrlncRNA pairs. The risk score was observed to be a reliable prognostic factor. The high‐risk patients had an unfavorable prognosis and significant differences from the low‐risk group in TMB and tumor immune infiltration. In the high‐risk patients, the common immune checkpoints were down‐regulated, including CTLA4 and PDCD1, and the sensibility to paclitaxel and docetaxel was higher. The functional enrichment analysis suggested that the low‐risk group was accompanied by activated immune function.

Conclusions

The risk assessment model of 14‐hrlncRNA‐pairs demonstrated a promising prognostic prediction for HNSCC patients and can guide personalized clinical treatment.
Unusual presentation in amyloidosis
Authors: Mahmoud Ines , Rouached Leila , Chammakhi Meriem , Ben Tekaya Aicha , Bouden Selma , Ben Miled Aycha , Tekaya Rawdha , Saidane Olfa , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: August 2022

We report a case of osteolytic polyarthritis and atlanto‐axial lesion revealing multiple myeloma‐associated amyloid arthropathy in a 56‐year‐old man. Only histological exam of the salivary gland biopsy demonstrating the presence of amyloid deposits stained with congo red could confirm the diagnosis.
Early onset of scleromyxedema Arndt‐Gottron associated with a monoclonal gammapathy: Successful treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins
Authors: Kefi Asma , Jaziri Fatima , Ben Abdelghani Khaoula , Turki Sami
Published: August 2022

Arndt‐Gottron (S‐AG) syndrome or scleromyxedema is a scarce disease characterized by a generalized papular and sclerodermoid eruption and systemic manifestations that can lead to significant morbid‐mortality. Interesting, S‐AG can be associated with a paraprotein. We report an exceptional scleromyxedema case associated with a benign monoclonal gammapathy in an old woman.
Injectable soft tissue filler infection with a similar appearance to an odontogenic abscess
Authors: Rezaei Avval Arvin , Hamidzadeh Fatemeh , Sarraf Pegah , Khoshkhounejad Mehrfam
Published: August 2022

Infection of an injectable soft tissue filler may involve fascial spaces and appears similar to an odontogenic abscess. This case report addresses a 32‐year‐old female patient with facial swelling who was referred to the department of endodontics for the treatment of a suspected odontogenic infection.
Gastric glomus tumor presenting with massive upper GI bleeding: A challenging to diagnose and treat tumor
Authors: Ayash Ahmad , Elkomy Nasrein , Al‐Mohannadi Muneera Jassim , Al Kaabi Saad Rashid , Petkar Mahir
Published: August 2022

Glomus tumors are infrequent benign tumors that originate from the glomus body and can be found anywhere in the body including the gastrointestinal tract. It is rare that gastric glomus tumors present with life‐threatening upper GI bleeding. Diagnosis of gastric glomus tumors poses a challenge due to overlapping endoscopic and endosonographic features with other gastric subepithelial lesions, and the final diagnosis may not be clear until after surgical resection and pathological examination. We report the case of a 61‐year‐old patient who presented with massive upper GI bleeding secondary to an ulcerated gastric glomus tumor that was eventually treated with surgical wedge resection of the tumor.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas: A rare and aggressive variant of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Limaiem Faten , Hajri Mohamed , Ben Farhat Leila
Published: August 2022

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare and aggressive histological subtype of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which accounts for 1% to 4% of the exocrine pancreatic malignancies. Its diagnosis relies on histological examination revealing the coexistence of ductal adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma with the latter representing ≥30% of the tumor.
Dominant omodysplasia—A sporadic case—A new case report and review of the literature
Authors: Arabzadeh Aidin , Baghianimoghadam Behnam , Nabian Mohammad Hossein , Fallah Yousef , Ebrahimnasab Mohammad Mehdi
Published: August 2022

Omodysplasia is an extremely rare skeletal dysplasia. Since introducing this phenotype as a new syndrome, ten cases of the autosomal dominant type of this disease have been reported. Here, we present a new patient and review published articles in this field to provide a clinical diagnostic criterion.
Harnessing natural killer cells to develop next‐generation cellular immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Siyao , Nguyen Kaycee , Park Dongyong , Wong Nelson , Wang Anson , Zhou Yubin
Published: August 2022

Cellular immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer by using engineered T cells, macrophages, or natural killer (NK) cells. Compared to chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells that are commonly used to treat hematological malignancies, CAR‐NK cells have shown remarkable therapeutic effectiveness while exhibiting enhanced safety, reduced risk of graft‐versus‐host disease, fewer side effects, and amplified antitumor efficacy. Preclinical trials have unveiled the high potential of adoptive CAR‐NK cell therapy to curtail or even eliminate both hematological malignancies and solid tumors in animal models. We brought forth herein the design principle of CAR‐NK cells, highlighted the latest progress in the preclinical testing and clinical trials of CAR‐NK cells, briefly delved into discussed major roadblocks in CAR‐NK therapy, and discussed potential solutions to surmount these challenges. Given the accelerated progress in both basic and translational studies on immune cell engineering, CAR‐NK cell therapy promises to become a serious contender and important addition to the next‐generation cell‐based immunotherapy.
Deactivation Mechanism of an Ionic Liquid Catalyst in Transesterification to Dimethyl Carbonate
Authors: Ma Junteng , Shen Weihua , Wei Wenxuan , Fang Yunjin
Published: August 2022

The catalytic activity of an ionic liquid catalyst decreased during the transesterification of propylene carbonate (PC) with methanol to dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The interaction between the strong basic sites of ionic liquid catalyst and carbonyl compounds of PC and/or DMC was considered to attribute to this deactivation. The presence of H2O accelerated this process by the formation of OH–. The strong basic ionic liquid reacted with the trace amount of H2O in the reaction system to generate OH–, which then reacted with the carbonyl structure in PC and/or DMC to form the inactive compound HCO3–, resulting in the deactivation of the ionic liquid catalyst. A plausible mechanism was proposed for the deactivation of the ionic liquid catalyst in this reaction.
Carbon Shell‐Encapsulated Metal Alloy Catalysts with Pt‐Rich Surfaces for Selective Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Ko Keonwoo , Min Jiho , Kim Yunjin , Hong Min Woo , Jeffery A. Anto , Chougule Sourabh S. , Bok Yi Kwang , Jung Namgee
Published: August 2022

Invited for this issue's Front Cover are the groups of Kwang Bok Yi and Namgee Jung from Chungnam National University (South Korea). The Front Cover shows the catalyst structure that blocks O2 gas (red circles) penetration and selectively permeates H2 gas (blue circles) via the molecular sieve effect by the carbon shell coated on the metal surface to suppress reverse current flow under shut‐down/start‐up conditions during fuel cell operation. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200342.
Polypropylene Glycol‐Modified Anode Interface for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells†
Authors: Wu Fei , Yan Kangrong , Wu Haotian , Guo Yuanhang , Shan Shiqi , Chen Tianyi , Fu Weifei , Zuo Lijian , Chen Hongzheng
Published: August 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The surface properties and chemical interactions are critical for perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). In this work, we show that the polypropylene glycol (PPG) can simultaneously passivate the NiOx surface and grain boundaries of perovskite films, allowing more efficient charge transfer at the anode interface and reducing the recombination of PVSCs. As a result, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of MAPbI3 based inverted PVSCs increases from 1.087 V to 1.127 V, and the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) is increased from 20.87 mA·cm–2 to 22.32 mA·cm–2, thereby realizing the improvement of the device power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 18.34% to 20.12%. Moreover, the steady‐state output of the PVSCs is remarkably improved by incorporating PPG. Further analysis of surface properties suggests that part of the PPG at the interface can permeate into the precursor solution with the help of DMF solvent and remain in the perovskite layer to form a concentration gradient. The ether bond of PPG and the uncoordinated Pb2+ in the perovskite are coordinated to achieve passivation effects and improve device performance. Our work provides a rational strategy for the preparation of high‐performance PVSCs.
Automatic liver tumor segmentation and identification using fully connected convolutional neural network from CT images
Authors: Vadlamudi Sree Harsha , Sai Souhith Reddy Yerrabapu , Ajith Sai Kumar Reddy Polu , Periasamy Prakasam , Vali Mohamad Noor Mohammed
Published: August 2022

In recent years, one of the largest causes of death in human beings is liver tumor and cancer. In the current scenario, identifying the cancer tumor manually is very difficult and takes a lot of time as the world is battling with COVID‐19. The doctors and physicians are busy in serving and curing them. To predict the stage of liver tumor and plan the treatment, the segmentation is done from CT scanned images. In this research, two‐stage automatic liver segmentation and tumor identification framework using a fully connected convolutional neural network (FC‐CNN) model is proposed. During the first stage, the liver region is segmented using level set method from the preprocessed (OTSU thresholding) CT images. The features are extracted and utilized to detect the liver tumor in the second stage. The developed FC‐CNN is trained and tested using the extracted second order statistical textural features to classify the tumor affected and normal image. The proposed FC‐CNN model is trained and tested with 3D‐IRCADb‐01 and Kaggle datasets. The tested results prove that the proposed FC‐CNN model outperforms other reported methods. From the performance analysis, it is observed that it achieves a good accuracy and sensitivity rate of 99.11% and 98.10%, respectively.
Structural Consequences of N‐Methylation of N‐Terminus in Oligourea Foldamers
Authors: Gupta Naveen , Wilczek Marcin , Dobrzycki Lukasz , Pulka‐Ziach Karolina
Published: August 2022

Oligourea foldamers fold into 2.5‐helices. Most of the known modifications of the backbone, such as NH or CO group substitutions or incorporations of non‐canonical residues, do not change the conformational properties of the resulting oligourea oligomers. In this study, we examined the structural influence of the methyl group, substituting NH protons in one or two residues at the N‐terminus of the foldamer. Such N‐methylated oligoureas appear to be helically folded with helix parameters determined from the crystal structure being almost the same as for non‐methylated oligomers. Solution studies (CD, NMR) reveal that the backbone with N‐Me urea groups is more flexible, but the urea group is still predominantly in trans,trans conformation. N‐Methylation does not change the structural properties of oligourea foldamers, and thus may be a useful modification for modulating the strength of hydrogen bonds and intermolecular interactions.
Hydroxy‐Modified Hierarchical Porous Na‐CoOx/CN Material for Low‐Concentration High‐Throughput Formaldehyde Oxidation at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Xi , Jiang Tingting , Chen Jiazhi , Zhang Junjie , Mai Yuliang
Published: August 2022

Engineering the pore structure and surface properties of the catalyst are the key to realizing the highly efficient conversion of low‐concentration and high‐throughput formaldehyde at room temperature. Herein, alkali‐modified hierarchical porous Na‐CoOx/CN material was prepared using a novel freeze‐drying‐pyrolysis method by employing super absorbent resin/MOF composites as templates, which generate mesopores distributed in a narrow region of 6∼20 nm and abundant hydroxyl groups on the surface by alkali‐modification. At room temperature, the Na‐CoOx/CN material exhibited full conversion of low concentration (1.0 mg/m3) and high throughput (240,000 mL/(gcat h)) formaldehyde while also demonstrating outstanding catalytic stability under a even higher space velocity (480,000 mL/(gcat h)). In situ DRIFTS characterization revealed that the hydroxyl groups on the catalyst‘s surface could be consumed by oxidizing formaldehyde to intermediate species (carbonate, hydrocarbonate), which were then regenerated by Na+ and CO32−, contributing to the cycle of the reaction path.
Genetic diversity and interaction between the maintainers of commercial soybean cultivars using self‐organizing maps
Authors: da Costa Weverton Gomes , Valadares Cristiane Botelho , da Silva Júnior Antônio Carlos , Arcanjo Edilaine Silva , de Almeida Helaine Claire Ferreira , Cruz Cosme Damião , Carvalho Ivan Ricardo , da Silva José Antônio Gonzalez , Azevedo Camila Ferreira , Nascimento Moysés , Nascimento Ana Carolina Campana
Published: August 2022

Information on the genetic diversity of commercial cultivars is of fundamental importance for crop improvement. In addition, information about possible interactions between the maintainers developing these cultivars can help design a breeding program. The objective of this work was to study the genetic diversity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars released in Brazil from 1998 to 2017 and compare the similarity between maintainers of these cultivars based on the phenotypic information disclosed. Data was collected on 1,587 soybean cultivars registered in the National Register of Cultivars of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply belonging to 59 different maintainers. Among these cultivars, 12 agromorphological traits were evaluated. To perform the grouping and select the main discriminating traits of the cultivars, the Random Forest method was used. Multiple correspondence analysis was performed to obtain the variance explanation percentage of the traits evaluated in each dimension and coordinates among the maintainers. The maintainers were organized through Kohonen self‐organizing map (SOM) through the respective coordinates. There is a wide variety of maintainers of soybean cultivars in Brazil with different objectives for launching new cultivars. Among the maintainers, Soymax presented the most restricted genetic base. The other private companies showed more remarkable similarities and a broader genetic base. The public institution EMBRAPA presented the greatest genetic diversity in its population base. Federal University of Uberlândia and Federal University of Viçosa can be partners to launch soybean cultivars given the proximity between neurons in Kohonen analysis. The high diversity of traits shows that the genetic base of soybean in Brazil is large.
Wormhole attack mitigation strategies and their impact on wireless sensor network performance: A literature survey
Authors: Shahid Hafsa , Ashraf Humaira , Ullah Ata , Band Shahab S. , Elnaffar Said
Published: August 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) consist of hundreds of small sensors that collect and report data. During data sharing, these WSNs become vulnerable to numerous security threats, including the deadly ones. Mitigating this risk is a real challenge, especially in a low‐resource environment such as a WSN. In this work, using a systematic literature review, we surveyed a large body of research (28 studies) that focused on mitigating wormhole security attacks. Through this study, we evaluate the impact of many proposed security schemes and their impact on the WSN's performance. We compare schemes for effectiveness and pinpoint the limitations. We also analyze the various parameters and metrics used in them and highlight the open research challenges in the field.