bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The natural history of the Chiari Type I anomaly
Authors: Novegno Federica , Caldarelli Massimo , Massa Antonio , Chieffo Daniela , Massimi Luca , Pettorini Benedetta , Tamburrini Gianpiero , Di Rocco Concezio
Published: August 2008

Object

Since the advent of MR imaging, an increasing number of asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic patients have been diagnosed with Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I). The decision of whether or not to operate is more difficult in these patients than in those with clear symptoms because of the lack of information about the natural course of this disease.

Methods

The authors report on their experience in a series of 22 patients with CM-I who were evaluated at the authors' institution, and for whom a conservative approach to treatment was adopted. The patients ranged in age from 1 to 16 years (mean 6.3 years) at diagnosis. Neuroradiological and complete clinical examinations were performed in all patients 6 months after the first observation and every year thereafter. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 19 years (mean 5.9 years).

Results

Chiari malformation Type I was incidentally detected on MR images in 11 of 22 patients. The remaining 11 patients had minimal clinical signs at presentation that were not regarded as necessitating immediate surgical treatment. Seventeen patients (77.3%) showed progressive improvement in their symptoms or remained asymptomatic at the last follow-up whereas 5 patients (22.7%) experienced worsening, which was mild in 2 cases and required surgical correction in the remaining 3 cases. On MR imaging a mild reduction in tonsillar herniation was appreciated in 4 patients (18.18%), with complete spontaneous resolution in 1 of these. In 16 patients, tonsillar herniation remained stable during follow-up.

Conclusions

The authors' data confirm the common impression that in both asymptomatic and slightly symptomatic patients with CM-I, a conservative approach to treatment should be adopted with periodic clinical and radiological examinations.
Isolated origin of the left internal carotid artery from the pulmonary artery
Authors: Hurley Michael C. , Nguyen Pamela H. , DiPatri Arthur J. , Shaibani Ali
Published: August 2008

The authors describe what is, to their knowledge, the first reported case of the anomalous origin of an internal carotid artery from the pulmonary artery. An otherwise asymptomatic 6-year-old girl, who presented with headaches and hypertension, underwent a comprehensive workup that revealed extensive meningeal and cerebral artery anastomoses to the left internal carotid artery—itself arising from the origin of the left pulmonary artery. This unique anatomical anomaly, caused by a disturbed pattern of aortic arch regression, resulted in a right-to-left vascular shunt into the pulmonary artery and a disturbance of intracranial artery flow patterns, complicating the management options.
Strategies for Insurers to Promote Health Among Sexual and Gender Minority People
Authors: Sandhu Sahil , Liu Michael , Keuroghlian Alex S.
Published: April 2024

This Viewpoint describes strategies for payers to improve health outcomes among sexual and gender minority people.
Remote Monitoring and Data Collection for Decentralized Clinical Trials
Authors: Daly Bobby , Brawley Otis W. , Gospodarowicz Mary K. , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Fashoyin-Aje Lola , Smart Victoria Wolodzko , Chang I-Fen , Tendler Craig L. , Kim Geoffrey , Fuchs Charles S. , Beg Muhammad Shaalan , Zhang Lianshan , Legos Jeffrey J. , Duran Cristina Ortega , Kalidas Chitkala , Qian Jing , Finnegan Justin , Pilarski Piotr , Keane Harriet , Shen Johanna , Silverstein Amy , Wu Yi-Long , Pazdur Richard , Li Bob T.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Less than 5% of patients with cancer enroll in a clinical trial, partly due to financial and logistic burdens, especially among underserved populations. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a substantial shift in the adoption of decentralized trial operations by pharmaceutical companies.

Objective

To assess the current global state of adoption of decentralized trial technologies, understand factors that may be driving or preventing adoption, and highlight aspirations and direction for industry to enable more patient-centric trials.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Bloomberg New Economy International Cancer Coalition, composed of patient advocacy, industry, government regulator, and academic medical center representatives, developed a survey directed to global biopharmaceutical companies of the coalition from October 1 through December 31, 2022, with a focus on registrational clinical trials. The data for this survey study were analyzed between January 1 and 31, 2023.

Exposure

Adoption of decentralized clinical trial technologies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The survey measured (1) outcomes of different remote monitoring and data collection technologies on patient centricity, (2) adoption of these technologies in oncology and all therapeutic areas, and (3) barriers and facilitators to adoption using descriptive statistics.

Results

All 8 invited coalition companies completed the survey, representing 33% of the oncology market by revenues in 2021. Across nearly all technologies, adoption in oncology trials lags that of all trials. In the current state, electronic diaries and electronic clinical outcome assessments are the most used technology, with a mean (SD) of 56% (19%) and 51% (29%) adoption for all trials and oncology trials, respectively, whereas visits within local physician networks is the least adopted at a mean (SD) of 12% (18%) and 7% (9%), respectively. Looking forward, the difference between the current and aspired adoption rate in 5 years for oncology is large, with respondents expecting a 40% or greater absolute adoption increase in 8 of the 11 technologies surveyed. Furthermore, digitally enabled recruitment, local imaging capabilities, and local physician networks were identified as technologies that could be most effective for improving patient centricity in the long term.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings may help to galvanize momentum toward greater adoption of enabling technologies to support a new paradigm of trials that are more accessible, less burdensome, and more inclusive.
Childhood Adversity and Adolescent Smartphone Use Across Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression
Authors: Zheng Xinyu , Jiang Weiqing , Peng Shuyi , Liu Qianyu , He Yitong , Huang Cuihong , Hua Yilin , Lu Ciyong , Guo Lan
Published: April 2024

Importance

Nonheterosexual and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals tend to report adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) more frequently compared with heterosexual and gender-conforming individuals, and individuals who have experienced ACEs, identify as nonheterosexual, or exhibit moderate to high levels of GNC are more prone to engaging in problematic smartphone use (PSU). However, there is limited school-based data among adolescents regarding this matter.

Objectives

To explore the associations between ACEs and PSU among adolescents across different sexual orientation and gender expression groups.

Design, setting, and participants

Using data from the 2021 School-Based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey, this cross-sectional study includes participants from 288 public high schools across 8 provinces in China. Statistical analysis was performed from October 2023 to February 2024.

Exposures

Data on ACEs, sexual orientations, and gender expressions (high, moderate, and low GNC) were collected.

Main outcomes and measures

PSU was assessed using the 10-item Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV). Weighted linear, logistic, or Poisson regression models were used.

Results

Among the 85 064 adolescents included (mean [SD] age, 14.92 [1.77] years), 42 632 (50.1%) were female, 70 157 (83.2%) identified as Han Chinese, and 14 208 (16.8) identified as other ethnicities (Miao, Hui, Yi, Dai, and other ethnic groups). The prevalence of PSU among participants was 35.4%. Weighted Poisson regression models indicated that the interaction between GNC and ACE was significant (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99). Further stratified analysis demonstrated homosexual adolescents who experienced 4 or more ACEs showed a significantly increased prevalence of PSU (APR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.64-1.96). Similarly, a markedly higher prevalence of PSU was observed among bisexual individuals with 4 or more ACEs (APR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.41-1.80). Regarding gender expression categories, a significantly higher prevalence of PSU was noted among high GNC adolescents with 4 or more ACEs (APR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.60-1.98) compared with low GNC adolescents without ACEs. Furthermore, experiencing any 3 ACE categories (abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction) was associated with an increased prevalence of PSU across different sexual orientation and gender expression subgroups.

Conclusions and relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the amalgamation of elevated ACE scores with nonheterosexual orientations or GNC identities was significantly associated with increased PSU prevalence. These findings underscore that preventing ACEs may be beneficial in mitigating PSU among adolescents, particularly for nonheterosexual adolescents and those with high levels of GNC.
Electro–Thermo–Mechanical Characterization of Shape Memory Alloy Wires for Actuator and Sensor Applications, Part 2: High‐Ambient‐Temperature Behavior
Authors: Scholtes Dominik , Seelecke Stefan , Motzki Paul
Published: April 2024

The typical phase transformation temperatures of commercially available shape memory alloys (SMA) for actuator applications are in the region of 80–90 °C for austenite finish and around 60 °C for martensite start. That limits the areas of application for SMA actuators, as increased ambient temperatures restrict their functionality. Especially in the industrial and automotive sectors, operational temperatures of 80 °C and higher are commonly required. This article discusses the limits of operation temperatures for commercially available SMA actuator wires. Also, methods to increase this critical temperature limit, at which the SMA actuation strain falls below a certain threshold, are proposed. By means of electrothermal actuation experiments, the influence of the variation of bias loads and an additional training method are investigated. Supported by these results, an exemplary valve actuator system is designed, which exhibits consistent stroke in a wide range of ambient temperatures. All experiments and measurements are conducted on a custom designed test bench with the same commercially available SMA wire. The test bench is in the following used again to evaluate the designed SMA valve actuator.
Functional Electrolyte Additives for Sodium‐Ion and Sodium‐Metal Batteries: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Lin Saisai , Yang Zhuo , Chen Jian , Qiao Yun , Li Li , Chou Shulei
Published: April 2024

Sodium‐based rechargeable batteries are considered one of the strongest contenders for the next generation of power storage devices. Functional electrolytes with additives play a crucial role in influencing the electrochemical performance of sodium‐based batteries. The addition of small doses of additives can greatly enhance the electrolyte, improving energy density, cycling performance, and safety. This paper presents an overview of recent research focused on novel additives for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and sodium‐metal batteries (SMBs). The additives are categorized based on their specific functions, including film‐forming, flame retardant, overcharge protection, high‐voltage, acid and water removal, inhibition of gas production, high and low temperature and protection of sodium metal anode. The working mechanisms for these additives are thoroughly explained. Finally, potential future research directions are proposed.
Thermal‐Rectified Gradient Porous Polymeric Film for Solar‐Thermal Regulatory Cooling
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Zhang Xiaobo , Liu Song , Liu Ying , Zhou Qisen , Zhu Tianyi , Miao Yue‐E , Willenbacher Norbert , Zhang Chao , Liu Tianxi
Published: April 2024

Solar‐thermal regulation concerning thermal insulation and solar modulation is pivotal for cooling textiles and smart buildings. Nevertheless, a contradiction arises in balancing the demand to prevent external heat infiltration with the efficient dissipation of excess heat from enclosed spaces. Here, a concentration‐gradient polymerization strategy is presented for fabricating a gradient porous polymeric film comprising interconnected polymeric microspheres. This method involves establishing an electric field‐driven gradient distribution of charged crosslinkers in the precursor solution, followed by subsequent polymerization and freeze‐drying processes. The resulting porous film exhibits a significant porosity gradient along its thickness, leading to exceptional unidirectional thermal insulation capabilities with a thermal rectification factor of 21%. The gradient porous film, with its thermal rectification properties, effectively reconciles the conflicting demands of diverse thermal conductivity for cooling unheated and spontaneously heated enclosed spaces. Consequently, the gradient porous film demonstrates remarkable enhancements in solar‐thermal management, achieving temperature reductions of 3.0 and 4.1 °C for unheated and spontaneously heated enclosed spaces, respectively, compared to uniform porous films. The developed gradient‐structured porous film thus holds promise for the development of thermal‐rectified materials tailored to regulate solar‐thermal conditions within enclosed environments.
Atomic Layer Deposition Films for Resistive Random‐Access Memories
Authors: Hao Chunxue , Peng Jun , Zierold Robert , Blick Robert H.
Published: April 2024

Resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) stands out as a promising memory technology due to its ease of operation, high speed, affordability, exceptional stability, and potential to enable smaller memory devices with sizes under 10 nm. This has drawn significant attention, with atomic layer deposition (ALD) emerging as an ideal technology to tackle the challenges of nanoscale fabrication in the micro‐ and nanomanufacturing industry. ALD offers technological advantages such as functional multiple‐layer stacking, doping capabilities, and incorporating oxygen reservoirs or reactive layers. These factors contribute to achieving more intriguing, stable, and reliable nonvolatile resistance switching behaviors in RRAM. Specifically, ALD greatly benefits RRAM, that relies on the valence change mechanism, where high‐k transition metal oxides are commonly used as switching materials, and precise control over oxygen vacancies is achievable. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ALD films used in RRAM, delves into resistive switching properties and microscopic mechanisms in binary and ternary oxides and nitrides, and explores the impact of ALD‐prepared electrodes. Furthermore, the current status and future prospects of ALD‐based RRAM are highlighted, which is poised to catalyze further advancements in the fields of information storage and neural networks.
Single‐Step Laser Irradiation for Synchronous Formation of Graphene‐Platinum Nanohybrids with Tunable Microstructures Toward High‐Performance Enzyme‐Free Glucose Sensors
Authors: Wang Dan , Han Mingguang , Liu Fu , Yang Weixiong , Wang Guantao , Luo Sida
Published: April 2024

Manufacturing of metal‐decorated carbon electrodes as a critical component of enzyme‐free glucose sensors has become an advanced strategy for fast and accurate glucose monitoring. By selectively irradiating the pre‐prepared chloroplatinic acid/polyimide (H2PtCl6/PI) precursor with photothermal energy, a creatively synchronized laser processing protocol is developed for assembling integrated three‐electrode system with platinum nanoparticle decorated laser‐induced graphene (PtNP‐LIG). In addition to the swift manufacturing of designable structures, laser power and raw‐material dosage are systematically explored as two key parameters to understand the process‐regulated microstructure and electro‐catalytic performance. Notably, by discovering the tuning mechanism for optimizing laser power‐dependent specific surface area of graphene backbone from 81.61 to 197.53 m2 g−1 and for enhancing H2PtCl6 concentration dependent Pt content from 0.75% to 4.16%, the sensitivity of PtNP‐LIG sensors to glucose oxidation has dramatically improved from 203.14 to 959.07 µA mM−1 cm−2, following closely the adjustable discipline of electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) from 37.75 to 104.19 mm2. Along with rapid response time, low limit of detection, and broad linear range, the proposed protocol is highly beneficial for designing and manufacturing next‐generation wearable human‐health related devices.
Electride Formation of HCP‐Iron at High Pressure: Unraveling the Origin of the Superionic State of Iron‐Rich Compounds in Rocky Planets
Authors: Park Ina , He Yu , Mao Ho‐kwang , Shim Ji Hoon , Kim Duck Young
Published: April 2024

Electride possesses electrons localized at interstitial sites without attracting nuclei. It brings outstanding material properties not only originating from its own loosely bounded characteristics but also serving as a quasiatom, which even chemically interacts with other elemental ions. In elemental metals, electride transitions have been reported in alkali metals where valence electrons can easily gain enough kinetic energy to escape nuclei. However, there are few studies on transition metals. Especially iron, the key element of human technology and geophysics, has not been studied in respect of electride formation. In this study, it is demonstrated that electride formation drives the superionic state in iron hydride under high‐pressure conditions of the earth's inner core. The electride stabilizes the iron lattice and provides a pathway for hydrogen diffusion by severing the direct interaction between the metal and the volatile element. The coupling between lattice stability and superionicity is triggered near 100 GPa and enhanced at higher pressures. It is shown that the electride‐driven superionicity can also be generalized for metal electrides and other rocky planetary cores by providing a fundamental interaction between the electride of the parent metal and doped light elements.
Tumor neoantigens and tumor immunotherapies
Authors: Jiani Wang , Qin Tan , Jie Ma
Published: April 2024

As a high‐risk group of patients with cancer, the elderly exhibit limited efficacy with traditional treatments. Immunotherapy emerges as a promising adjunctive therapeutic approach that holds potential in addressing the needs of geriatric patients with cancer. Neoantigens, a unique class of tumor‐specific antigens generated by non‐synonymous mutations, are garnering increasing attention as targets for immunotherapy in clinical applications. Newly developed technologies, such as second‐generation gene sequencing and mass spectrometry, have provided powerful technical support for the identification and prediction of neoantigens. At present, neoantigen‐based immunotherapy has been extensively applied in clinical trials and has demonstrated both safety and efficacy, marking the beginning of a new era for cancer immunotherapy. This article reviews the conception, classification, inducers, and screening process of tumor neoantigens, as well as the application prospects and combination therapy strategies of neoantigen‐based cancer immunotherapy.
Behavior of Self‐Disintegrating Microparticles at the Air/Mucus Interface
Authors: Henkel Fabio , Deßloch Leonie , Gürer Ufuk , Winkeljann Benjamin , Marczynski Matthias , Merkel Olivia M. , Lieleg Oliver
Published: April 2024

In recent years, highly specialized nanoscopic drug carriers have been developed, which can, e.g., traverse biological barriers, protect drugs against harsh physiological conditions, and release such drugs in a controlled manner. However, for the delivery of particles via the respiratory pathway, aerodynamic diameters in the range of several micrometers are required to achieve good lung deposition and biodistribution. To combine the favorable properties of inhalable, micron‐sized particles with the advantages of nanosized drug carriers, herein, dry‐powder, hybrid microparticles (h‐μPs), which disintegrate upon contact with moist surfaces (as present in the lung) to release the embedded nanoparticles into the mucosa, are introduced. Furthermore, a microfluidic setup, which mimics the air–gel interface of the mucosal airway epithelium, is presented. With this setup, the interaction of airborne h‐μPs with the mucosal interface on a microscopic level is investigated. In detail, the influence of the h‐μP charge on their deposition efficiency is tested and it is found that this process is governed by a combination of electrostatic interactions between the mucosal surface and the h‐μPs as well as hygroscopic effects. Thus, this approach can help to optimize inhalable drug carriers to increase the efficiency of pulmonary drug administration via the respiratory pathway.
A Stapled Peptide Inhibitor Targeting the Binding Interface of N6‐Adenosine‐Methyltransferase Subunits METTL3 and METTL14 for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Zenghui , Feng Yuqing , Han Hong , Jiang Xingyue , Chen Weiyu , Ma Xuezhen , Mei Yang , Yuan Dan , Zhang Dingxiao , Shi Junfeng
Published: April 2024

METTL3, a primary methyltransferase catalyzing the RNA N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification, has been identified as an oncogene in several cancer types and thus nominated as a potentially effective target for therapeutic inhibition. However, current options using this strategy are limited. In this study, we targeted protein–protein interactions at the METTL3–METTL14 binding interface to inhibit complex formation and subsequent catalysis of the RNA m6A modification. Among candidate peptides, RM3 exhibited the highest anti‐cancer potency, inhibiting METTL3 activity while also facilitating its proteasomal degradation. We then designed a stapled peptide inhibitor (RSM3) with enhanced peptide stability and formation of the α‐helical secondary structure required for METTL3 interaction. Functional and transcriptomic analysis in vivo indicated that RSM3 induced upregulation of programmed cell death‐related genes while inhibiting cancer‐promoting signals. Furthermore, tumor growth was significantly suppressed while apoptosis was enhanced upon RSM3 treatment, accompanied by increased METTL3 degradation, and reduced global RNA methylation levels in two in vivo tumor models. This peptide inhibitor thus exploits a mechanism distinct from other small‐molecule competitive inhibitors to inhibit oncogenic METTL3 activity. Our findings collectively highlight the potential of targeting METTL3 in cancer therapies through peptide‐based inhibition of complex formation and proteolytic degradation.
Cross‐selective Deoxygenative Coupling of Aliphatic Alcohols: Installation of Methyl Groups including Isotopic Labels by Nickel Catalysis
Authors: Lin Patricia C. , Wong Chloe D. , Jarvo Elizabeth R.
Published: April 2024

Nickel‐catalyzed cross‐electrophile coupling reactions of two aliphatic alcohol derivatives remain a challenge. Herein, we report a nickel‐catalyzed reductive methylation reaction of aliphatic mesylates with methyl tosylate. This reaction provides straightforward access to compounds bearing aliphatic methyl groups from alkyl alcohol derivatives. Isotopically labelled substrates and reagents can be employed in the reaction to provide perdeuterated and 13C‐labelled products. This transformation can be achieved by employing stoichiometric Mn reductant or electrochemically. Additionally, mechanistic experiments show that alkyl iodides are key intermediates in the transformation which undergo a stereoablative reaction via radical intermediates.
The CF3 Group as a Synthon of the CF+ Unit in Palladium Chemistry
Authors: Joven‐Sancho Daniel , Baya Miguel , Martín Antonio , Orduna Jesús , Menjón Babil
Published: April 2024

The homoleptic trifluoromethyl‐palladium(II) complex [Pd(CF3)4]2− (1) is shown to be highly active towards amines. Thus, when treated with primary amines RNH2, it readily undergoes aminolysis of one of the CF3 ligands affording the isocyanide complexes [(CF3)3Pd(CNR)]− (R=aryl). In this process the original CF3 group undergoes total defluorination. Interestingly, the reaction of 1 with secondary amines R2NH proceeds with loss of just two F‐substituents, whereby the Fischer‐type fluoroaminocarbene complexes [(CF3)3Pd(CFNR2)]− are formed (R=Et, Ph). The reaction of 1 with diamines affords different [(CF3)3Pd(NHC)]− complexes containing sterically non‐demanding NHC ligands. Representative examples of various topologies are reported based on the common imidazolidin‐2‐ylidene or benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene rings as well as the expanded‐ring perimidin‐2‐ylidene. This metal‐tailored synthetic route, where a CF3 group acts as a pre‐carbenic unit, is unprecedented in the vast NHC‐chemistry. It takes place under very mild conditions and is envisaged to be extensible to other non‐isolable NHC ligands. The key difluorocarbene intermediate [(CF3)3Pd(CF2)]− is experimentally detected.
Comparison of the quality of soybean meal and oil by soybean production origin
Authors: Liu Huazhen , Gishini Mohammad Fazel Soltani , Pope Micah , Doehring Todd , Kachroo Pradeep , Hildebrand David
Published: April 2024

Previous reports indicate variable soybean quality parameters exported from different geographic regions. This review compares soybean and soybean co‐products grown under diverse environmental conditions. While numerous studies have been conducted on whole soybean and soybean meal (SBM) composition by origin, similar analysis of soybean oil is lacking. This review has two objectives: 1) summarize soybean and SBM quality by origin using a meta‐analysis approach, and 2) analyze collected crude degummed soybean oil samples that originate from the US, Brazil and Argentina for key quality attributes. Soybeans from Brazil have higher levels of protein (P < 0.05) than US soybeans, but US soybeans have lower heat damage (P < 0.05) and total damage (P < 0.05) than soybeans from Brazil. US and Brazil SBM have higher crude protein (CP) (P < 0.05) than SBM from Argentina. At equal CP content, US SBM had less fiber (P < 0.0001), more sucrose (P < 0.0001) and lysine (P < 0.0001) and better protein quality than South American SBMs. Methionine, threonine, and cysteine levels were similar in soybean protein from US and Argentina and higher than that in soybean protein from Brazil. Crude degummed soybean oil from Brazil had more (P < 0.05) free fatty acids, neutral oil loss, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium than crude degummed soybean oil from the US or Argentina. Our analysis suggests that environmental conditions under which soybeans are grown, stored, and handled can have a large impact on chemical composition and nutrient quality of soybean meal and soybean oil.
Optimizing TPU performance: The role of mold temperature on injection molding of TPU
Authors: Grønborg Frederik , Pedersen David Bue , Spangenberg Jon , Daugaard Anders Egede , Susoff Markus Lothar
Published: April 2024

This study explores the influence of mold temperatures below 60°C on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) properties during injection molding, focusing on phase separation and its impact on mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties. Using a combination of micro‐indentation, temperature scanning stress relaxation, and conventional characterization methods, the research highlights how increased mold temperatures promote more distinct phase separation, enhancing mechanical stability and physical properties. The novel use of micro‐indentation revealed a gradient in material stiffness from the surface to the core of injection‐molded samples, attributed to differential cooling rates and shear forces, which affect phase separation and crystallinity of the hard domains. These insights are critical for applications requiring specific surface properties and underscore the importance of understanding the interplay between chemical composition and processing conditions for optimizing TPU properties. Furthermore, the paper shows that tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry, and Shore hardness cannot quantify the effects of mold temperatures below 60°C. The research highlights the influence and importance of chemical composition, rheological history, and thermal history on the properties of TPU.
A stretchable flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and fast response fabricated by embedded 3D printing of the hybrid polydimethylsiloxane/conductive carbon paste composites
Authors: Xiao Yuan , Li Zhenlong , Hu Chengan , Yang Leipeng , Zhang Daicong
Published: April 2024

Flexible strain sensors are widely used in the fields of human motion monitoring, electronic skin, and soft robotics. In this work, to satisfy the demand for high‐sensitivity, low‐cost, and fast‐response flexible strain sensors for these fields, embedded 3D printing (E‐3DP) technology is employed to fabricate highly sensitive and fast‐responding flexible strain sensors. The effects of conductive carbon paste concentration and printing process parameters by establishing the E‐3DP system on the piezoresistive behavior of the sensor were investigated. The results show that the gauge factor of the strain sensor is about 36.1 and 247.67, under the strain of 0%–40% and 40%–45%, respectively. Its response/recovery time is about 250/350 ms. On this basis, the sensor can also accurately sense and distinguish the motion in distinct parts of the human body, demonstrating that the flexible strain sensor manufactured by the method possesses the potential to be widely used in the fields of human motion monitoring, electronic skin, and soft robotics.
Preparation and properties of self‐humidifying anodic gas diffusion layer with hydrophilic polymer material
Authors: Zhang Haihang , Zhao Chongxue , Han Linfeng , Zhang Lin , Peng Keyu , Song Yingjie , Lin Guangyi
Published: April 2024

In this paper, an anodic gas diffusion layer (GDL) with a gradient hydrophobic structured microporous layer (MPL) was prepared using a spraying method. The hydrophobicity of the MPL was changed by adding polyvinylpyrrolidone to the MPL close to the catalyst layer side to obtain a bilayer MPL with a gradient hydrophobic structure. By performing the above operation, we designed a double‐layer MPL structure with different hydrophobic gradients. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the gradient hydrophobic structure of bilayer MPL on the electrochemical performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell by characterizing the physical properties, such as water contact angle, of anode self‐humidified GDL prepared in the laboratory. The study compared the limiting power density of the laboratory‐prepared GDL sample 10% with that of the commercial GDL29BC. The limiting power density of the sample 10% is 1.59, 1.5, and 1.49 W/cm2 under three humidity conditions of 40%, 60%, and 100%, respectively, which improve the performance by 19.5%, 17.2%, and 23.1% over that of the commercial GDL29BC. The anode GDL samples prepared in the laboratory showed good self‐wetting effect, which play a positive role in the improvement of fuel cell performance.
Real‐time dielectric monitoring of isothermal polymerization of methyl cyanoacetate and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate
Authors: Yang Haoran , Liu Fengquan , Zhao Kongshuang , Zhou Jianjun , Li Lin
Published: April 2024

Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) was employed to monitor the isothermal polymerization processes of P(MCA‐DEGDMA) formed by the alternating copolymerization of methyl cyanoacetate (MCA) and diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA) at different temperatures in real time. P(MCA‐DEGDMA) is a polyether containing functional groups (O, CN, COOCH3) which can promote the transport of ions Li+, thereby having the potential to apply in polymer electrolytes. It is beneficial to investigate the effect of temperature and time on P(MCA‐DEGDMA) polymerization and choose a suitable synthesis strategy through dielectric monitoring. A time‐ and temperature‐dependent relaxation process induced by orientational polarization of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain was observed over a frequency range from 10 kHz to 4 × 106 Hz. The time to reach polymerization equilibrium (tequ) and the dielectric conversion were determined through the time variations of the conductivity at low frequency (κl). The polymerization process shows the characteristic of “fast followed by slow,” and the tequ can be advanced by raising the polymerization temperature. In addition, by discussing the monitoring time dependence of relaxation time (τ) and permittivity (ε), it was concluded that the extent of polymerization (α) for P(MCA‐DEGDMA) at 40°C is the largest, and the optimal polymerization temperature is between 30 and 50°C. Furthermore, the free activation energy (ΔG), activation enthalpy (ΔH), and activation entropy (ΔS) of the relaxation process caused by the motion of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain in three temperature ranges (10–20°C, 30–40°C, 50–60°C) were calculated by using Eyring's equation, from which the physical image of various structures and conformations of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain during monitoring was proposed. Considering the effect of temperature on the generation and migration of free ions, and on the structure and conformation of the P(MCA‐DEGDMA) chain, some suggestions for the synthesis of P(MCA‐DEGDMA) are given: during the polymerization, the temperature is controlled at 10°C in the early stage and then gradually raised to 40°C, which may be beneficial to improving the extent of polymerization of P(MCA‐DEGDMA). Our work may be helpful to investigate the polymerization process of polyether obeying the same synthesis mechanism with P(MCA‐DEGDMA). It can be proven that DS is useful in detecting the inner information of the system changing over time through our work.
Modification of hydrogenated nitrile rubber with N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane to improve its resistance to heat aging and reduce its compression set
Authors: Yao Mingjie , Tao Ping , Wang Liangyan , Wang Chunming , Hou Jiarui , Zhu Yongliang , Jiang Dengchao , Quan Yiwu
Published: April 2024

This paper delves to improve the upper‐limit temperature of hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) through regulation of the vulcanization process, filler system and cross‐linking additive. The tensile test and scanning electron microscope images showed that the aging at 180°C significantly accelerated the deterioration in the property of HNBR compared with 150°C aging. The results showed that a higher dosage of bis(1‐(tert‐butylperoxy)‐1‐methylethyl)‐benzene curing agent reduced the compression set of HNBR without sacrificing its tensile strength. Carbon black N539‐filled HNBR exhibited high tensile strength, while carbon black N774‐filled HNBR showed high heat resistance and low compression set. When the HNBR sample was reinforced with 20 phr of N539 and 20 phr of N774 carbon black, it achieved low compression set, high tensile strength, and heat resistance simultaneously. Then, N,N′‐bismaleimide‐4,4′‐diphenylmethane (BMI) was introduced into the HNBR composite as a cross‐linking assistant agent. The residual strength of BMI‐modified HNBR was 20.3 MPa (the retention rate of 92.3%), and its compression set was as low as 19.2% after aging at 180°C for 72 h. Even after aging the composite at 180°C for 168 h, its strength retention rate remained at 83.2% (18.3 MPa). The approach provided here increased the upper‐limit temperature range of HNBR to 180°C.
Metabolic profiling of Verbena bonariensis L. extract by LC/MS and evaluation of the hepatoprotective potential with isoniazid‐ and rifampicin‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Ishtiaq Saiqa , Rehman Saira , Kamran Sairah Hafeez , Akhtar Zahid Mehmood , Albaik Mai , Elhady Sameh S.
Published: April 2024

The study explored the hepatoprotective activity and metabolic profile of Verbena bonariensis L. methanol extract (VBM) and fractions using isoniazid as well as rifampicin‐triggered liver toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Metabolite profiling of VBM using HPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS identified 12 compounds, mainly iridoids, phenylpropanoids, and flavonoids, where verbascoside represents the major compound. Different biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and total protein levels were used to assess liver functions. All the evaluated samples exhibited hepatoprotective potential, but VBM exhibited maximum activity and a notable decline in ALP (p < 0.05, significant), even better than the standard drug (silymarin). VBM significantly reduced the elevated ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin. It also triggered a significant elevation in total proteins compared with diseased animals. This was further consolidated by histopathological studies. Verbena bonariensis L. could serve as a potent hepatoprotective agent and may alleviate liver ailments.
Active Constituents with Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activities from Waste Tobacco Leaves
Authors: Zhang Mei , Sun Jia‐Yu , Qiu Hong‐Mao , Zhang Peng , Deng Lu‐Lu , Li Jiang , Hao Xiao‐Jiang , Su Xian‐Kun , Mu Shu‐Zhen
Published: April 2024

One novel compound, (R)‐3, 6‐diethoxy‐4‐hydroxycyclohex‐3‐en‐1‐one (1) and thirteen known compounds were isolated from the waste tobacco leaves. The structures of two compounds (1–2) were confirmed and attributed firstly by the extensive spectroscopic data, including 1D/2D NMR, IR, HR‐ESI‐MS, CD, and ECD spectra. Notably, seven compounds (2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) exhibited better tyrosinase inhibitory activity than the positive control kojic acid. The binding modes of these compounds revealed that their structure formed strong hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces with the active sites of tyrosinase. These results indicated that waste tobacco leaves are good resources for developing tyrosinase inhibitors.
Percutaneous retrieval of an embolized Watchman device on a papillary muscle in the left ventricle
Authors: Patel Mitra M. , Prabhakar Sourabh , Oostra Carson , Ramanathan P. Kasi
Published: April 2024

The use of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices have gained prominence as an alternative to long‐term anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation at risk of stroke and high risk of bleeding. While these devices have shown efficacy in reducing stroke risk, there have been reported cases of embolization of the Watchman device. There are very few cases of successful percutaneous retrieval of embolized Watchman devices from the left ventricle (LV), as many of these cases require open heart surgery for safe removal. We are presenting a case of an 80‐year‐old male whose Watchman device embolized to the LV and was entrapped on the LV papillary muscle that was then successfully retrieved via percutaneous methods, which shows the percutaneous options remain a viable strategy to retrieve LAAO devices from the LV.
Cerebellum Purkinje cell vulnerability in aged rats with memory impairment
Authors: Cooper C'iana P. , Cheng Liam H. , Bhatti Jafar A. , Rivera Edward L. , Huell Derek , Banuelos Cristina , Perez Evelyn J. , Long Jeffrey M. , Rapp Peter R.
Published: April 2024

The cerebellum is involved in higher order cognitive function and is susceptible to age‐related atrophy. However, limited evidence has directly examined the cerebellum's role in cognitive aging. To interrogate potential substrates of the relationship between cerebellar structure and memory in aging, here we target the Purkinje cells (PCs). The sole output neurons of the cerebellum, PC loss and/or degeneration underlie a variety of behavioral abnormalities. Using a rat model of normal cognitive aging, we immunostained sections through the cerebellum for the PC‐specific protein, calbindin‐D28k. Although morphometric quantification revealed no significant difference in total PC number as a function of age or cognitive status, regional cell number was a more robust correlate of memory performance in the young cerebellum than in aged animals. Parallel biochemical analysis of PC‐specific protein levels in whole cerebellum additionally revealed that calbindin‐D28k and Purkinje cell protein‐2 (pcp‐2) levels were lower selectively in aged rats with spatial memory impairment compared to both young animals and aged rats with intact memory. These results suggest that cognitive aging is associated with cerebellum vulnerability, potentially reflecting disruption of the cerebellum—medial temporal lobe network.
Poly3‐Hexylthiophene Titanium Dioxide (P3HT‐TiO2) Composite Sensor for High Response Detection of Ammonia at Room Temperature
Authors: Fei Yuqian , Nie Zizhuo , Ding Shujiang , Wang Jiuhong , Yu Wei , Li Na , Liu Yuhang , Peng Bo , Feng Xiaoli , Liu Limin , Jiang Xinbing
Published: April 2024

Gas sensors for ammonia (NH3) play a crucial role in the maintenance of air quality, preservation of the atmosphere, and evaluation of human health. However, the endeavor to attain a high level of sensitivity in detecting NH3 under ambient conditions remains a challenging task. In this work, poly(3‐hexylthiophene)s and titanium dioxide (P3HT‐TiO2) heterostructure NH3 gas‐sensitive material was prepared, and by drop‐casting the material onto a substrate with Au interdigital electrodes, a sensor for high‐response detection of NH3 at room temperature was constructed. The designed gas sensor exhibited a high response signal of 114.61 % toward 15 ppm NH3 at room temperature (25 °C) with good reproducibility, strong long‐term stability, and excellent selectivity. Moreover, by analyzing the response law of the sensor under different humidity conditions, it has been noted that both excessively high and excessively low levels of humidity adversely affect the sensor's response. The remarkable increase in NH3 sensing properties is attributed to the synergistic enhancement effect of P−N heterojunction formed between P3HT and TiO2. This NH3 gas sensor exhibits tremendous potential for use due to its straightforward structure and outstanding ammonia sensing performance.
UAV path planning: Integration of grey wolf algorithm and artificial potential field
Authors: Chen Yaqing , Yu Qizhou , Han Dan , Jiang Hao
Published: April 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) path planning is an important issue in UAV applications, with the goal of finding the optimal path to meet mission requirements, while considering factors such as avoiding obstacles and optimizing flight performance. To improve the efficiency of UAV path planning and enhance the smoothness and safety of UAV operation, this paper proposes a fusion optimization algorithm (GWO‐APF), which combines the grey wolf algorithm (GWO) and artificial potential field method (APF) for UAV path planning algorithms. Based on the GWO algorithm, this algorithm first sets planning constraints such as turning angle and tolerance to reduce the probability of local optima occurring; Second, using dimensionality reduction to improve the search efficiency of the GWO algorithm and generate the initial path; Finally, gravity is given to each point on the initial path, and the APF algorithm is used for path planning again. The simulation results show that the fused GWO‐APF algorithm has stronger path planning ability compared to the traditional GWO algorithm, and has the characteristics of short range and high safety.
Gene Delivery and Analysis of Optogenetic Induction of Lytic Cell Death
Authors: Oh Teak‐Jung , Gworek Bryan , Mehfooz Amna , Zhang Kai
Published: April 2024

Necroptosis is a form of inflammatory lytic cell death involving active cytokine production and plasma membrane rupture. Progression of necroptosis is tightly regulated in time and space, and its signaling outcomes can shape the local inflammatory environment of cells and tissues. Pharmacological induction of necroptosis is well established, but the diffusive nature of chemical death inducers makes it challenging to study cell‐cell communication precisely during necroptosis. Receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3, or RIPK3, is a crucial signaling component of necroptosis, acting as a crucial signaling node for both canonical and non‐canonical necroptosis. RIPK3 oligomerization is crucial to the formation of the necrosome, which regulates plasma membrane rupture and cytokine production. Commonly used necroptosis inducers can activate multiple downstream signaling pathways, confounding the signaling outcomes of RIPK3‐mediated necroptosis. Opsin‐free optogenetic techniques may provide an alternative strategy to address this issue. Optogenetics uses light‐sensitive protein‐protein interaction to modulate cell signaling. Compared to chemical‐based approaches, optogenetic strategies allow for spatiotemporal modulation of signal transduction in live cells and animals. We developed an optogenetic system that allows for ligand‐free optical control of RIPK3 oligomerization and necroptosis. This article describes the sample preparation, experimental setup, and optimization required to achieve robust optogenetic induction of RIPK3‐mediated necroptosis in colorectal HT‐29 cells. We expect that this optogenetic system could provide valuable insights into the dynamic nature of lytic cell death. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Production of lentivirus encoding the optogenetic RIPK3 system

Support Protocol: Quantification of the titer of lentivirus

Basic Protocol 2: Culturing, chemical transfection, and lentivirus transduction of HT‐29 cells

Basic Protocol 3: Optimization of optogenetic stimulation conditions

Basic Protocol 4: Time‐stamped live‐cell imaging of HT‐29 lytic cell death

Basic Protocol 5: Quantification of HT‐29 lytic cell death
Evaluating cultivar intensity and dataset size for reliable cultivar recommendation in winter wheat: A systematic research of environmental and genotype factors
Authors: Iwańska Marzena , Paderewski Jakub , Žukovskis Jan , Wójcik‐Gront Elżbieta
Published: April 2024

Crop yield is influenced by environmental, genotype, and management factors. This study focuses on the environmental and genotype factors, specifically the concept of mega‐environments, where similar crop varieties thrive due to similar environmental conditions, and cultivar intensity, a cultivar's favorable reaction to improved growing conditions, in cultivar recommendation for winter wheat in Poland. The research aims to evaluate the potential of using cultivar intensity as a tool for cultivar recommendation and investigate the influence of dataset size on model performance. The study utilizes a dataset of winter wheat grain yield data collected over six seasons from 19 experimental stations in Poland. Various models are compared using prediction measures, such as correlation coefficient, root mean square error, and mean absolute percentage error. The results show that models combining mixed analysis of variance and linear regression perform best in terms of yield prediction, followed by models using only regression. Models based on cultivar mean in the region exhibit lower prediction ability. The impact of dataset size on prediction accuracy is found to vary depending on the model and prediction measure used. The findings highlight the importance of considering dataset size when assessing model performance and emphasize the need for reliable data in cultivar recommendation. The outcomes of this study contribute to the understanding of cultivar recommendation strategies and provide insights into the use of cultivar intensity and dataset size optimization for reliable and accurate recommendations.