bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Isolable One‐Coordinate Lead(I) Radical with Strong g‐Factor Anisotropy
Authors: Chen Haonan , Chen Wang , Wang Dongmin , Chen Yizhen , Liu Zheng , Ye Shengfa , Tan Gengwen , Gao Song
Published: March 2024

Lead‐based radicals in the oxidation state of +1 are elusive species and are highly challenging to isolate in the condensed phase. In this study, we present the synthesis and characterization of the first isolable free plumbylyne radical 2 bearing a one‐coordinate Pb(I) atom. It reacts with an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) to afford a two‐coordinate NHC‐ligated Pb(I) radical 3. 2 and 3 represent the first isolable Pb(I)‐based radicals. Theoretical calculations and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis revealed that the unpaired electron mainly resides at the Pb 6p orbital in both radicals. Owing to the unique one‐coordinate nature of the Pb atom in 2, it possesses two‐fold orbital pseudo‐degeneracy and substantial unquenched orbital angular momentum, and exhibits hitherto strongest g‐factor anisotropy (gx,y,z=1.496, 1.166, 0.683) amongst main group radicals. Preliminary investigations into the reactivity of 2 unveiled its Pb‐centered radical nature, and plumbylenes were isolated as products.
Enhanced Catalytic Performance and Tolerance to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning of CoO/PtPd/r‐GO Nanocomposite Thin Film for Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Eskandari Zahra , Hoseini S. Jafar , Bahrami Mehrangiz , Nabavizadeh S. Masoud , De Giglio Elvira
Published: March 2024

This study presents the facile synthesis of CoO/PtPd and CoO/PtPd/reduced‐graphene oxide (r‐GO) nanocomposites, highlighting their significant role in methanol fuel cells. To create a CoO/PtPd thin film at the toluene/water interface, we employed NaBH4 to effectively reduce PtCl2(COD), PdCl2(COD), and Co (acac)3 (COD = cis,cis‐1,5‐ cyclooctadiene, acac = acetylacetonate). The two nanocomposites were analyzed using XRD, FE‐SEM, AFM, XPS, BET, and TEM techniques. In the electrooxidation of methanol in the anodic part of fuel cell, cobalt (II) oxide can serve as an oxygen source in the catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) or it can play a role in producing the HO‐CoO intermediate to facilitate the oxidation of CO‐PtPd to carbon dioxide (CO2). This reaction can help eliminate CO, which is a common poison for Pt‐based catalysts in methanol oxidation. Our research reveals significant improvements in current densities and catalyst tolerance when using the CoO/PtPd/r‐GO nanocomposite thin film. The observed current density for CoO/PtPd/r‐GO is 263.33 mA.cm−2, surpassing the reported value of 30.00 mA.cm−2 for PtPd/r‐GO. The jf/jb ratios, commonly used to evaluate catalyst tolerance, are approximately 2.80 for CoO/PtPd and 4.98 for CoO/PtPd/r‐GO, in contrast to ratios larger than 0.99 for ETEK Pt and 0.58 for other types of commercial Pt/C. These findings indicate that the CoO/PtPd/r‐GO thin film exhibits enhanced catalytic performance and improved tolerance to CO poisoning. Furthermore, the power output calculated for CoO/PtPd/r‐GO is 104.5 mW·cm−2, which is comparable to the reported value of 48.03 mW·cm−2 for commercial Pt/C. These results demonstrate the potential of the CoO/PtPd/r‐GO nanocomposite thin film as a promising alternative to traditional catalyst materials in methanol fuel cells.
Narrowing lab‐to‐market gaps: Device innovations in fuel generation, solar‐cell, and photodetection
Authors: Nandi Sukanta , Vijayan Raaghesh , Chhetri Manjeet
Published: March 2024

Academic translational research efforts to industry are often an underlying sought‐after goal among various researchers. Through the interchanges of research endeavors between academia‐industry, great innovations can/has been achieved that cater to the real‐world application by bridging “industrially relevant” problem solving with pursuing fundamental studies. It is pertinent that most of the studies from university‐level research works may not translate into demonstrable market products due to various reasons. Funding support, individual researcher goals, socioeconomic factors, and most importantly the technical know‐how of generating revenue strategies for startups, are a few of the factors that have slowed the pace of collaborative efforts. However, we believe that the most crucial component is the identification of the critical parameters that solve long‐standing problems that hinder the scale‐up of the lab scale research into marketable products considering the techno‐economic analysis. To illustrate this, we take the three most relevant examples of devices for fuel generation, devices to utilize solar radiation, and devices for detection and other related applications. In this perspective, we provide an in‐depth case study of each of these critical parameters to comment on the direction of research avenues that can serve as step‐stones for the commercialization of university‐level lab research studies.
Leveraging wastewater surveillance to actively monitor Covid‐19 community dynamics in rural areas with reduced reliance on clinical testing
Authors: Jarvie Michelle M. , Nguyen Thu N. T. , Southwell Benjamin , Wright Derek
Published: March 2024

The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) in the community has become more difficult to gauge utilizing clinical testing due to a decrease in reported test results stemming from the availability of at‐home test kits and a reduction in the number of cases seeking medical treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the trend of diminishing correlation between reported clinical cases of Covid‐19 and wastewater‐based surveillance epidemiological data as home testing became available in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Wastewater grab samples were collected weekly from 16 regional locations from June 2021 to December 2022. Samples were analyzed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) N1 and N2 viral particles using reverse transcriptase digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (RT ddPCR). N1 and N2 gene copies were correlated with clinical cases. The t test was used to determine the correlation deterioration point. Clinical cases postdeterioration were calculated for high‐correlated predeterioration locations using linear regression. Correlation between the wastewater‐based surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2 and reported clinical cases deteriorated after February 1, 2022. This corresponds with the timeframe in which commercially available at‐home test kits became available in the United States. The increase in at‐home testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 likely contributed to the decrease in reported clinical positive tests in early 2022, providing an unrealistic picture of the presence of Covid‐19 in the community. As measures to reduce exposure such as personal masking, clinical testing, social isolating, and quarantining continue to decline, wastewater surveillance for the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 may be the best method for public health professionals to remain aware of virus dynamics in localized regions. Time‐series modeling adds another layer of information when clinical data is unobtainable or underreported.
Conceptual design and 4E analyses of a tetrageneration system in two different configurations based on poplar sawdust as a local woody biomass fuel
Authors: Abdoos Bahare , Pourfayaz Fathollah , Nouralishahi Amideddin , Zendehnam Arman
Published: March 2024

In this study, an innovative woody biomass‐fueled hybrid tetrageneration system composed of a single‐effect lithium bromide‐water absorption refrigeration system, a reverse osmosis desalination system, two organic Rankine cycle for the production of cooling, heating, power, and freshwater in two distinct configurations (configurations A and B), compared and discussed using energy, exergy, economic, and exergoeconomic analyses. The poplar sawdust used as a local woody biomass fuel was a by‐product of the Iran Wood and Paper Industries Company, located in northern Iran. The results revealed that the highest heating production and lowest exergy destruction were related to configuration B. The overall cost of configuration A was higher than that of configuration B. A detailed sensitivity analysis was also developed to study the effect of various factors on the thermodynamic and economic performance of the proposed configurations. By increasing the turbine inlet temperature of ORC1 from 625 to 692 K, the total sum unit costs of product of the system in configurations A and B decreased by 20 and 23 $ GJ−1, respectively (about 21%).
Milk and Cookies: A model for low‐intensity intervention for children with an incarcerated parent
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: March 2024

Recently, my niece, a graduate student in clinical psychology, sent me an article she published with her undergraduate faculty mentor. The article is cited below (Walters & Dallaire, 2024) and summarizes the outcomes of a specialized group intervention for children with an incarcerated parent called Milk and Cookies (MAC). Her mentor provides evaluative support for MAC via her research lab at William and Mary. MAC is offered through a nonprofit organization in Virginia called Assisting Families of Inmates, Inc. (AFOI). AFOI works with families with an incarcerated member to facilitate reunification both prior to and after release from incarceration. The group leaders for MAC are recruited from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Social Work.
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance image findings in a patient with a subungual abscess: A case report
Authors: Nakabayashi Akihiko , Tsujii Atsuko , Kim Dong‐seop , Tamada Tatsuya , Yoshimura Maiko , Isoda Kentaro , Ohshima Shiro
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Subungual abscesses are rare, and information about them through imaging findings is lacking. Carbon dioxide laser drainage and antibiotics are effective treatment strategies for subungual abscesses. We report a case of a 47‐year‐old male healthcare worker with a subungual abscess that improved after manual drainage alone. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance images showed a tumor (with blood flow) between the nail plate and distal phalanx. Culture tests revealed Staphylococcus aureus. The patient's symptoms resolved quickly and the nail returned to normal after 4 months. This is possibly the first report of a subungual abscess with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging findings.
Gestational macromastia complicating pregnancy: A case report of unusual bilateral giant breasts in a patient who had no such problem in her previous pregnancies
Authors: Lugata John , Mrosso Onesmo , Mchome Bariki , Mremi Alex
Published: March 2024

Key Clinical Message

Gestational macromastia is a rare disorder involving excessive breast tissue enlargement during pregnancy, potentially threatening the fetus and the mother. Our patient's previous pregnancies were more physiological, without any associated symptoms.

Moderate bilateral enlargement of the breasts is a normal finding during pregnancy and lactation. Occasionally, there is a continuity from this physiological hypertrophy to massive breast hyperplasia or gigantomastia, causing complications that threaten the wellbeing of the fetus and the mother or raising alarm for a malignant disease. We present a case of a 28‐year‐old G3P2L2 with a gestational age of 29 weeks complaining of massive bilateral breast enlargement for 6 months, accompanied by a threatened abortion. The masses began gradually after conception and increased gradually over time. Notably, the breasts had been unremarkable in her two previous pregnancies. The breast ultrasonography and mammography findings pointed to a benign neoplasm. Histopathology of the lesions reported bilateral ductal hyperplasia. Conservative management and close follow‐up were initiated. A cesarean section was performed due to cord prolapse, and a 1.3 kg male baby was extracted. Unfortunately, the neonate succumbed after 3 days due to apnea of prematurity. The patients' breast size subsided considerably with time. Unusually large tumors can cause alarm for other pathologies, such as breast cancer. The radiological tests should reassure the attending practitioner, and the histological examination should confirm the diagnosis. An understanding of the typical and atypical clinico‐pathologic characteristics of breast lesions occurring in pregnancy and lactation is essential for appropriate patient care.
Temporal trends in colorectal cancer mortality rates (1999–2022) in the United States
Authors: Ilyas Fariha , Ahmed Eiman , Ali Hassam , Ilyas Maheen , Sarfraz Shiza , Khalid Mahnoor , Khalaf Muhammad , Mudireddy Prashant Reddy
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the United States (U.S.). Our study aims to analyze CRC mortality patterns in the U.S., focusing on gender and age groups from 1999 to 2022. We analyzed Age‐Adjusted Mortality Rates (AAMRs) for CRC‐related deaths using the CDC Wide‐ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database and assessed differences between age and sex. CRC‐related mortality decreased significantly from 1999 to 2011 (−2.81% APC) and from 2011 to 2020 (−1.95% APC) but a not significant uptrend from 2020 to 2022 (2% APC). Males experienced a more significant decrease. Among age groups, crude mortality decreased until 2020, except in age group 45–54, which showed an annual increase in mortality of 0.9% from 2004 to 2022. Furthermore, individuals aged 75–84 and 85+ saw a nonsignificant annual increase of 1.8% and 4.5% from 2020 to 2022, respectively. Our study highlights a significant decline in age and gender‐specific CRC‐related mortality from 1999 to 2020. However, the worrisome uptrend observed in the younger age group of 45–54 emphasizes the importance of implementing targeted public health measures and evidence‐based interventions.
The PhenX Toolkit: Recommended Measurement Protocols for Social Determinants of Health Research
Authors: Ives Cataia L. , Krzyzanowski Michelle C. , Marshall Vanessa J. , Norris Keith , Cockburn Myles , Bentley‐Edwards Keisha , Mohottige Dinushika , Pollack Porter Keshia M. , Dillard Denise , Eisenberg Yochai , Jiménez Monik C. , Pérez‐Stable Eliseo J. , Jones Nancy L. , Dayal Jyoti , Maiese Deborah R. , Williams David , Hendershot Tabitha P. , Hamilton Carol M.
Published: March 2024

Health disparities are driven by unequal conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age, commonly termed the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). The availability of recommended measurement protocols for SDoH will enable investigators to consistently collect data for SDoH constructs. The PhenX (consensus measures for Phenotypes and eXposures) Toolkit is a web‐based catalog of recommended measurement protocols for use in research studies with human participants. Using standard protocols from the PhenX Toolkit makes it easier to compare and combine studies, potentially increasing the impact of individual studies, and aids in comparability across literature. In 2018, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities provided support for an initial expert Working Group to identify and recommend established SDoH protocols for inclusion in the PhenX Toolkit. In 2022, a second expert Working Group was convened to build on the work of the first SDoH Working Group and address gaps in the SDoH Toolkit Collections. The SDoH Collections consist of a Core Collection and Individual and Structural Specialty Collections. This article describes a Basic Protocol for using the PhenX Toolkit to select and implement SDoH measurement protocols for use in research studies. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol: Using the PhenX Toolkit to select and implement SDoH protocols
Mouse Models of Sepsis
Authors: Kannan Shravan Kumar , Kim Caleb Y. , Heidarian Mohammad , Berton Roger R. , Jensen Isaac J. , Griffith Thomas S. , Badovinac Vladimir P.
Published: March 2024

Human sepsis is a complex disease that manifests with a diverse range of phenotypes and inherent variability among individuals, making it hard to develop a comprehensive animal model. Despite this difficulty, numerous models have been developed that capture many key aspects of human sepsis. The robustness of these models is vital for conducting pre‐clinical studies to test and develop potential therapeutics. In this article, we describe four different models of murine sepsis that can be used to address different scientific questions relevant to the pathology and immune response during and after a septic event. Basic Protocol 1 details a non‐synchronous cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis, where mice are subjected to polymicrobial exposure through surgery at different time points within 2 weeks. This variation in sepsis onset establishes each mouse at a different state of inflammation and cytokine levels that mimics the variability observed in humans when they present in the clinic. This model is ideal for studying the long‐term impact of sepsis on the host. Basic Protocol 2 is also a type of polymicrobial sepsis, where injection of a specific amount of cecal slurry from a donor mouse into the peritoneum of recipient mice establishes immediate inflammation and sepsis without any need for surgery. Basic Protocol 3 describes infecting mice with a defined gram‐positive or ‐negative bacterial strain to model a subset of sepsis observed in humans infected with a single pathogen. Basic Protocol 4 describes administering LPS to induce sterile endotoxemia. This form of sepsis is observed in humans exposed to bacterial toxins from the environment. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 08 July 2024. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Non‐synchronous cecal ligation and puncture

Basic Protocol 2: Cecal slurry model of murine sepsis

Basic Protocol 3: Monomicrobial model of murine sepsis

Basic Protocol 4: LPS model of murine sepsis
An Integrated Process Analysis for Producing Glycerol Carbonate from CO2 and Glycerol
Authors: Del‐Mazo‐Alvarado Octavio , Prieto Carlos , Sánchez Antonio , Ramírez‐Márquez César , Bonilla‐Petriciolet Adrián , Martín Mariano
Published: March 2024

Glycerol carbonate (GC) is one of the most attractive green chemicals involved in several applications such as polymer synthesis, e. g., the production of polyurethanes and polycarbonates. This relevant chemical can be produced, in a green way, using CO2 (from carbon capture) and glycerol (a byproduct from biodiesel manufacturing). Therefore, in this work, a comprehensive analysis of the GC production process is conducted based on the following synthesis route: urea‐dimethyl carbonate‐GC using carbon dioxide and glycerol as the main raw materials where the synthesis pathway was efficiently integrated using Aspen Plus. A techno‐economic analysis was performed in order to estimate the required capital investment and operating cost for the whole GC process, providing insights on individual capital cost requirements for the urea, dimethyl carbonate, and GC production sections. A total capital cost of $192.1 MM, and a total operating cost of $225.7 MM/y were estimated for the process. The total annualized cost was estimated as $1,558 USD/t of GC produced, competitive with current market price.
S100Z is expressed in a lateral subpopulation of olfactory receptor neurons in the main olfactory system of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Kahl Melina , Offner Thomas , Trendel Alena , Weiss Lukas , Manzini Ivan , Hassenklöver Thomas
Published: March 2024

In contrast to other S100 protein members, the function of S100 calcium‐binding protein Z (S100Z) remains largely uncharacterized. It is expressed in the olfactory epithelium of fish, and it is closely associated with the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in mammals. In this study, we analyzed the expression pattern of S100Z in the olfactory system of the anuran amphibian Xenopus laevis. Using immunohistochemistry in whole mount and slice preparations of the larval olfactory system, we found exclusive S100Z expression in a subpopulation of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) of the main olfactory epithelium (MOE). S100Z expression was not co‐localized with TP63 and cytokeratin type II, ruling out basal cell and supporting cell identity. The distribution of S100Z‐expressing ORNs was laterally biased, and their average number was significantly increased in the lateral half of the olfactory epithelium. The axons of S100Z‐positive neurons projected exclusively into the lateral and intermediate glomerular clusters of the main olfactory bulb (OB). Even after metamorphic restructuring of the olfactory system, S100Z expression was restricted to a neuronal subpopulation of the MOE, which was then located in the newly formed middle cavity. An axonal projection into the ventro‐lateral OB persisted also in postmetamorphic frogs. In summary, S100Z is exclusively associated with the main olfactory system in the amphibian Xenopus and not with the VNO as in mammals, despite the presence of a separate accessory olfactory system in both classes.
Metal‐Free ipso‐Halocyclization of N‐Arylpropynamides Using Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagents under Aqueous Condition
Authors: Jangir Pankaj , Ram Bajya Kalu , Pathare Akshay S. , Sodoor Mohammad , Saini Rinku , Purohit Mukesh , Selvakumar Sermadurai
Published: March 2024

We report, an intramolecular ipso‐halocyclization of N‐arylpropynamides using readily available hypervalent iodine reagent as mild oxidant and alkali halides like KCl, KBr, and KI as the halogen source. Using this method, a broad range of valuable halogenated spiro[4.5]trienones can be obtained in an excellent yield at room temperature. Notably, this protocol doesn't require para‐substituents such as methoxy or fluoro group on the N‐aryl ring. Also, this reaction takes place in the absence of any metal catalyst under aqueous conditions and exhibits a broad substrate scope with high functional group tolerance. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed based on control experiments.
Adjustable graphene disk‐based THz absorber for biomedical sensing: Theoretical description
Authors: Soltani Zanjani Masoud , Sadrnia Hassan
Published: March 2024

As a basic building block, the THz wave absorber has intense imaging, sensing, and nondestructive testing applications. There are several methods for tuning THz absorbers, including electricity modulation, light modulation, mechanical tuning, using phase change materials, liquid crystal, flexible materials, MEMS technology, and thermally tuning vanadium dioxide. The choice of tuning method depends on the specific application and the desired performance characteristics of the THz absorber. In this work, we report a theoretical description of mechanically tunable THz absorber based on overlapping periodic arrays of graphene nano‐disks. The basis of this work is based on the movement of a dielectric surface covered on both sides with graphene disks. This surface moves on a fixed plane while the distance between these two surfaces is free space. Also, the fixed surface consists of a relatively thick layer of gold at the bottom, dielectric on it, and graphene disk patterns on the dielectric. Now, by moving the movable surface in the horizontal direction, it is possible to adjust the amount of absorption in different frequencies of the terahertz (THz) band. Additionally, an equivalent RLC circuit model is developed and theoretical results match with simulated data. The proposed mechanically tunable THz absorber can be exploited in various emerging applications such as sensing due to its capability of covering all of the THz gap and beyond with multiple absorption peaks.
The Role of Information and Communication Technologies and Energy‐Related Research and Development Investments in Energy Transition: Evidence from the United States of America by Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Pata Ugur Korkut , Kartal Mustafa Tevfik , Kılıç Depren Serpil
Published: March 2024

In this study, given the critical role and importance of the energy transition, the effect of information and communication technologies (ICT) is researched and the levels of energy‐related research and development (R&D) investments on the energy transition index (ETI), controlling for human capital (HC), energy consumption (EC), and income (gross domestic product [GDP]) are disaggregated. Therefore, in this study, the United States of America (USA) is focused on as the world's leading economy, a total of five machine learning (ML) algorithms are performed, and the data from 2000/Q1 to 2021/Q4 are used. In the outcomes, it is shown that: 1) the multivariate adaptive regression splines approach is the best estimation algorithm among the ML approaches based on the coefficient of determination (R2), which has 85% estimation capacity for ETI; 2) ICT and EC are the most important factors for ETI, followed by renewable energy R&D investments, energy efficiency R&D investments, HC, GDP, and nuclear energy R&D investments, in that order; and 3) R&D investments in carbon capture and storage has no significant effect on ETI. In the overall results of the study, it is suggested that technological progress is central to energy transition in the USA and that environmental policies implemented for energy transition should be closely linked to technological progress.
Recent advances in bacteria‐based platforms for inflammatory bowel diseases treatment
Authors: Lu Jiaoying , Shen Xinyuan , Li Hongjun , Du Juan
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurring chronic inflammatory disease. Current treatment strategies are aimed at alleviating clinical symptoms and are associated with gastrointestinal or systemic adverse effects. New delivery strategies are needed for the treatment of IBD. Bacteria are promising biocarriers, which can produce drugs in situ and sense the gut in real time. Herein, we focus on recent studies of engineered bacteria used for IBD treatment and introduce the application of engineered bacteria in the diagnosis. On this basis, the current dilemmas and future developments of bacterial delivery systems are discussed.
Systemic amyloid A amyloidosis of the bladder after transurethral resection of urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Kaori , Yoshida Keita , Nakazawa Tadao , Kubota Satoshi , Shiseki Takahiro , Sekido Eri , Inui Masashi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Amyloid A amyloidosis of the bladder is not a major disease. We report a patient with systemic amyloid A amyloidosis of the bladder after transurethral resection of urothelial carcinoma.

Case presentation

An 87‐year‐old Japanese man had bladder carcinoma. He was followed up regularly with cystoscopy. Cystoscopy revealed multiple polypoid tumors 6 months after the first transurethral resection of urothelial carcinoma. Pathologic specimens contained the amyloid A component. He had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, valvular disorders, and arrhythmias. His cardiac disease may have resulted from amyloid A amyloidosis. We speculated the patient had systemic amyloid A amyloidosis of the heart and bladder.

Conclusion

We determined the type of amyloidosis via a biopsy of the bladder tumors. Our patient had cardiac disease. Therefore, systemic amyloid A amyloidosis could have caused his cardiac disease. The pathologic findings of bladder tumors can contribute to detecting systemic amyloid A amyloidosis.
When nanozymes meet deoxyribonucleic acid: Understanding their interactions and biomedical diagnosis applications
Authors: Liang Hao , Chen Xinyu , Bu Zhijian , Bai Qinqin , Liu Jinjin , Tian Qingzhen , Tang Zheng , Li Shu , Diao Qiaoqiao , Niu Xiangheng
Published: March 2024

As emerging alternatives to natural enzymes, nanoscale materials featuring enzyme‐like catalytic behaviors (nanozymes) exhibit some attractive merits including robust activity, low cost, and easy‐to‐regulate performance. These merits have enabled them to be intensively used in the biomedical field in recent years. To remedy the lack of catalytic selectivity in most nanozymes, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) chains with specific recognition functions are utilized to integrate with nanozymes to produce various nanozyme–DNA combinations via adsorption/desorption. In the formed combinations, the DNA component provides the molecular/ionic recognition role, and the nanozyme part offers response with catalytically amplified signals, enabling them to detect analytes and biomarkers selectively and sensitively. To highlight this interesting topic, here we made a critical review of the interactions between nanozymes and DNA and their applications in biosensing and disease diagnosis. First, strategies for the conjugation of DNA chains onto nanozyme surface were introduced briefly. Then, the interactions between DNA and nanozymes were summarized in detail, where flexible modulations of nanozyme activity by DNA adsorption/desorption as well as various factors were analyzed, and potential impacts caused by nanozymes on the recognition characteristics of DNA chains were pointed out. After that, typical applications of DNA‐mediated nanozyme modulation in toxic ion sensing, health risk factor monitoring, and biomedical diagnosis were introduced. In the end, prospects of the combination of nanozymes and DNA chains were presented, and future challenges of the emerging field were also discussed, to attract more interest and effort to advance this promising area.
Carbon Considerations for Systems Evolution
Authors: Flanigan David , Robinson Kevin
Published: March 2024

In the early stages of systems development, systems engineers will typically evaluate alternatives based on performance, cost, risk, and schedule to evaluate the solution space of alternatives. While these criteria have proven to be successful, there is growing interest in the analysis of carbon costs as well to contribute to the decision making. These decision criteria are very good to help the decision maker select the best alternative within the solution space in which to develop a system concept. We offer another criterion for consideration to account for carbon expenditure throughout the systems engineering lifecycle. We believe that including this dimension can influence decision makers to evaluate a richer portion of the solution space. This approach is developed and exercised with a notional example.
Oral ribose supplementation in dystroglycanopathy: A single case study
Authors: Thewissen R. M. J. , Post M. A. , Maas D. M. , Veizaj R. , Wagenaar I. , Alsady M. , Kools J. , Bouman K. , Zweers H. , Meregalli P. G. , van der Kooi A. J. , van Doorn P. A. , Groothuis J. T. , Lefeber D. J. , Voermans N. C.
Published: March 2024

Three forms of muscular dystrophy‐dystroglycanopathies are linked to the ribitol pathway. These include mutations in the isoprenoid synthase domain‐containing protein (ISPD), fukutin‐related protein (FKRP), and fukutin (FKTN) genes. The aforementioned enzymes are required for generation of the ribitol phosphate linkage in the O‐glycan of alpha‐dystroglycan. Mild cases of dystroglycanopathy present with slowly progressive muscle weakness, while in severe cases the eyes and brain are also involved. Previous research showed that ribose increased the intracellular concentrations of cytidine diphosphate‐ribitol (CDP‐ribitol) and had a therapeutic effect. Here, we report the safety and effects of oral ribose supplementation during 6 months in a patient with limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I (LGMD2I) due to a homozygous FKRP mutation. Ribose was well tolerated in doses of 9 g or 18 g/day. Supplementation with 18 g of ribose resulted in a decrease of creatine kinase levels of 70%. Moreover, metabolomics showed a significant increase in CDP‐ribitol levels with 18 g of ribose supplementation (p < 0.001). Although objective improvement in clinical and patient‐reported outcome measures was not observed, the patient reported subjective improvement of muscle strength, fatigue, and pain. This case study indicates that ribose supplementation in patients with dystroglycanopathy is safe and highlights the importance for future studies regarding its potential effects.
Vibrational study to analyze the A‐site cation disordering in four‐layered Aurivillius oxides ABi4Ti4O15 (ACa, Sr, Ba)
Authors: Tripathi Archana , Gupta Hem Chandra , Jindal Ruby
Published: March 2024

The Raman and infrared (IR) wavenumbers were computed for the Aurivillius structure ABi4Ti4O15 (ABT) (ACa, Sr, Ba) in an orthorhombic space group (A21am, No. 36, C122v) using normal coordinate analysis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of A‐site cations on vibrational phonons. The analysis of zone center phonons primarily involved numerous stretching and bending bonds, serving as force constants. These force constants were utilized to assign the calculated wavenumbers in the examined phase for the first time. The theoretical findings in this paper exhibited a favorable correlation with the wavenumbers reported in the literature. Comparisons of force constants, bond lengths, and wavenumbers were conducted to elucidate A‐site cation disordering in these intricate compounds. The outcomes indicated that, in the studied complexes, the Sr atom exhibited an ideal radius for fitting into the structure. The mass of the A‐site cations was identified as a factor contributing to tilts in the octahedra. An additional analysis was carried out to assess the impact of A‐cations on both the affected equatorial and axial bonds, providing a clearer understanding of the structure. Outer octahedra displayed greater sensitivity to A‐site cations compared with inner octahedra. A study of potential energy distribution was also conducted in this work to determine the significance of each force constant in all calculated wavenumbers. It was observed that higher wavenumbers were predominantly influenced by vibrations in oxygen atoms, while lower wavenumbers were mainly affected by A‐site cations. Notably, overdamping was observed in the lowest frequency of the BBT compound.
Stability of n‐hexadecane phase change material emulsions using sugar‐based surfactants and the HLD platform
Authors: Shayanmehr Mohammadesmaiel , Eslami Fatemeh
Published: March 2024

Storing thermal energy and using renewable energy are some of the most important challenges humanity faces today. Using phase change materials (PCM) is a suitable solution to prevent heat loss. PCM emulsions (PCMEs) have several advantages and are specifically applied in heat exchangers. Here, the formulation of these emulsions, the type of surfactants, and their composition based on freeze–thaw cycle stability are investigated. The Hydrophilic–Lipophilic‐Deviation (HLD) platform is used for this purpose. Considering the importance of stability during temperature changes in PCMEs, three types of surfactants that have different behaviors with respect to temperature are used: ethoxylates, ionics, and sugar‐based surfactants. By performing freeze–thaw cycles on emulsions made by individual surfactants, after 10 freeze–thaw cycles it was observed that the oil separation in each of the samples containing polysorbate80, AOT, lauryl‐myristyl‐alcohol‐polyethylene‐glycol‐ether, SDS, sorbitan‐monooleate, and decylglucoside occurred at the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th‐cycle, respectively. Therefore, the sorbitan‐monooleate and decylglucoside had better freeze–thaw cycle stability compared to the others because of their non‐sensitivity to temperature. We also applied the emulsion cycle stability with two combinations of surfactants: (1) polysorbate80 and sorbitan‐monooleate, (2) decylglucoside and sorbitan‐monooleate. The former, despite the effect of temperature, showed no oil phase separation in the nine freeze–thaw cycles, but in the latter, the oil phase separation occurred in the 5th‐cycle. This study shows that synergism of surfactants is the most important factor in the stability of emulsions. To better explore these emulsion systems, the storage stability, freeze–thaw stability, droplet morphology, and viscosity tests were performed on different samples at various HLD values.
Ultrasound‐enhanced covalent reaction of gliadin: the inhibition of antigenicity and its potential mechanisms
Authors: Wang Junrong , Cao Jiaxing , Xu Ning , Meng Taihe , Zhang Guozhi , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Wheat proteins can be divided into water/salt‐soluble protein (albumin/globulin) and water/salt‐insoluble protein (gliadins and glutenins (Glu)) according to solubility. Gliadins (Glia) are one of the major allergens in wheat. The inhibition of Glia antigenicity by conventional processing techniques was not satisfactory.

RESULTS

In this study, free radical oxidation was used to induce covalent reactions. The effects of covalent reactions by high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU) of different powers was compared. The enhancement of covalent grafting effectiveness between gliadin and (−)‐epigallo‐catechin 3‐gallate (EGCG) was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry and Folin–Ciocalteu tests. HIU caused protein deconvolution and disrupted the intrastrand disulfide bonds that maintain the tertiary structure, causing a shift in the side chain structure, as proved by Fourier, fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic analysis. Comparatively, the antigenic response of the conjugates formed in the sonication environment was significantly weaker, while these conjugates were more readily hydrolyzed and less antigenic during simulated gastrointestinal fluid digestion.

CONCLUSION

HIU‐enhanced free radical oxidation caused further transformation of the spatial structure of Glia, which hid or destroyed the antigenic epitope, effectively inhibiting protein antigenicity. This study widened the application of polyphenol modification in the inhibition of wheat allergens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Salamanders aid research into mechanisms of non‐canonical organ regeneration for clinical applications
Authors: Yin Binxu , Cui Xiao , Liu Yanmei , Fei Ji‐Feng
Published: March 2024

Salamanders possess remarkable regenerative capacities for organ regeneration among tetrapod vertebrates. Previous research has primarily focused on studying the regeneration of canonical tissues or organs such as limbs, tail, brain, spinal cord, heart, and lens. The advancements made in these areas have broader implications for understanding regeneration and developing therapeutic approaches for these organs, not only in salamanders but also in other vertebrates. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in studying the regeneration of non‐canonical organs in salamanders, such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, and pancreas. This diversification of research has opened up new avenues and provided potential solutions to challenging clinical problems. This review aims to summarize the progress made in the field of non‐canonical organ regeneration in salamanders and provides an outlook on future research directions.
Solving second‐order differential equations in terms of confluent Heun's functions
Authors: Aldossari Shayea
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an algorithm that checks if a given second‐order homogeneous linear differential equation can be reduced to the confluent Heun's equation by using the change of variables transformation and the exp‐product transformation. The main purpose of this paper is finding solutions in terms of the confluent Heun's functions for the given differential equation.
Well posedness and stability result of Lord–Shulman system with microtemperature effects: The case ξμ∗=μ02
Authors: Boudeliou Marwa , Djebabla Abdelhak , Apalara Tijani A.
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigate the Lord–Shulman porous elastic system with dissipation caused by the microtemperature effects. Here, the thermal conduction has a single‐phase‐lag that acts as a relaxation time and the energy associated with the solution is not required to be positive definite
. We introduce a stability number
and prove using the multiplier technique that the exponential decay of the system is valid if
. Otherwise, we show that the system decays polynomially.
Motion‐compensated diffusion encoding in multi‐shot human brain acquisitions: Insights using high‐performance gradients
Authors: Michael Eric Seth , Hennel Franciszek , Pruessmann Klaas Paul
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the utility of up to second‐order motion‐compensated diffusion encoding in multi‐shot human brain acquisitions.

Methods

Experiments were performed with high‐performance gradients using three forms of diffusion encoding motion‐compensated through different orders: conventional zeroth‐order–compensated pulsed gradients (PG), first‐order–compensated gradients (MC1), and second‐order–compensated gradients (MC2). Single‐shot acquisitions were conducted to correlate the order of motion compensation with resultant phase variability. Then, multi‐shot acquisitions were performed at varying interleaving factors. Multi‐shot images were reconstructed using three levels of shot‐to‐shot phase correction: no correction, channel‐wise phase correction based on FID navigation, and correction based on explicit phase mapping (MUSE).

Results

In single‐shot acquisitions, MC2 diffusion encoding most effectively suppressed phase variability and sensitivity to brain pulsation, yielding residual variations of about 10° and of low spatial order. Consequently, multi‐shot MC2 images were largely satisfactory without phase correction and consistently improved with the navigator correction, which yielded repeatable high‐quality images; contrarily, PG and MC1 images were inadequately corrected using the navigator approach. With respect to MUSE reconstructions, the MC2 navigator‐corrected images were in close agreement for a standard interleaving factor and considerably more reliable for higher interleaving factors, for which MUSE images were corrupted. Finally, owing to the advanced gradient hardware, the relative SNR penalty of motion‐compensated diffusion sensitization was substantially more tolerable than that faced previously.

Conclusion

Second‐order motion‐compensated diffusion encoding mitigates and simplifies shot‐to‐shot phase variability in the human brain, rendering the multi‐shot acquisition strategy an effective means to circumvent limitations of retrospective phase correction methods.
GPU‐accelerated Bloch simulations and MR‐STAT reconstructions using the Julia programming language
Authors: van der Heide Oscar , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Sbrizzi Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Purpose

MR‐STAT is a relatively new multiparametric quantitative MRI technique in which quantitative paramater maps are obtained by solving a large‐scale nonlinear optimization problem. Managing reconstruction times is one of the main challenges of MR‐STAT. In this work we leverage GPU hardware to reduce MR‐STAT reconstruction times. A highly optimized, GPU‐compatible Bloch simulation toolbox is developed as part of this work that can be utilized for other quantitative MRI techniques as well.

Methods

The Julia programming language was used to develop a flexible yet highly performant and GPU‐compatible Bloch simulation toolbox called BlochSimulators.jl. The runtime performance of the toolbox is benchmarked against other Bloch simulation toolboxes. Furthermore, a (partially matrix‐free) modification of a previously presented (matrix‐free) MR‐STAT reconstruction algorithm is proposed and implemented using the Julia language on GPU hardware. The proposed algorithm is combined with BlochSimulators.jl and the resulting MR‐STAT reconstruction times on GPU hardware are compared to previously presented MR‐STAT reconstruction times.

Results

The BlochSimulators.jl package demonstrates superior runtime performance on both CPU and GPU hardware when compared to other existing Bloch simulation toolboxes. The GPU‐accelerated partially matrix‐free MR‐STAT reconstruction algorithm, which relies on BlochSimulators.jl, allows for reconstructions of 68 seconds per two‐dimensional (2D slice).

Conclusion

By combining the proposed Bloch simulation toolbox and the partially matrix‐free reconstruction algorithm, 2D MR‐STAT reconstructions can be performed in the order of one minute on a modern GPU card. The Bloch simulation toolbox can be utilized for other quantitative MRI techniques as well, for example for online dictionary generation for MR Fingerprinting.
MR‐based electrical property tomography using a physics‐informed network at 3 and 7 T
Authors: Zheng Mengxuan , Lou Feiyang , Huang Yiman , Pan Sihong , Zhang Xiaotong
Published: March 2024

Magnetic resonance electrical propert tomography promises to retrieve electrical properties (EPs) quantitatively and non‐invasively in vivo, providing valuable information for tissue characterization and pathology diagnosis. However, its clinical implementation has been hindered by, for example, B1 measurement accuracy, reconstruction artifacts resulting from inaccuracies in underlying models, and stringent hardware/software requirements. To address these challenges, we present a novel approach aimed at accurate and high‐resolution EPs reconstruction based on water content maps by using a physics‐informed network (PIN‐wEPT). The proposed method utilizes standard clinical protocols and conventional multi‐channel receive arrays that have been routinely equipped in clinical settings, thus eliminating the need for specialized RF sequence/coil configurations. Compared with the original wEPT method, the network generates accurate water content maps that effectively eliminate the influence of
and
by incorporating data mismatch with electrodynamic constraints derived from the Helmholtz equation. Subsequent regression analysis develops a broad relationship between water content and EPs across various types of brain tissue. A series of numerical simulations was conducted at 7 T to assess the feasibility and performance of the method, which encompassed four normal head models and models with tumorous tissues incorporated, and the results showed normalized mean square error below 1.0% in water content, below 11.7% in conductivity, and below 1.1% in permittivity reconstructions for normal brain tissues. Moreover, in vivo validations conducted over five healthy subjects at both 3 and 7 T showed reasonably good consistency with empirical EPs values across the white matter, gray matter, and cerebrospinal fluid. The PIN‐wEPT method, with its demonstrated efficacy, flexibility, and compatibility with current MRI scanners, holds promising potential for future clinical application.
Tribo‐performance assessment of brake friction composites prepared from agro‐industrial‐sea wastes using pin‐on‐disc
Authors: Pandita Nikhil , Dhull Upender , Nain Sunil , Ahlawat Vishal
Published: March 2024

In this work, eco‐friendly brake friction composites were developed using walnut shell powder‐fly ash‐white ark shell powder (agro‐industrial‐sea waste). The waste materials content in the friction composites varied from 33 to 53 wt% including a fixed content of fly ash (30 wt%) and walnut shell powder (3 wt%) and a varying amount of white ark shell powder (WASP) from 0 to 20 wt% with a step of 5 wt%. The fabricated specimens were characterized for tribo‐performance and compared with commercial brake lining specimen (CBLS) in compliance with ASTM G99 standards using pin‐on‐disc test setup under dry conditions. The specimens were tested for the disc speed varying from 500 to 2000 rpm under 50 and 150 N of normal loads. The friction coefficients and volume loss of the fabricated specimens were found insensitive to the compositional changes and highly sensitive to the normal load and disc speeds. SEM‐EDS analysis showed the frequent formation of friction films at higher disc speed and integration and disintegration of contact plateaus responsible for the changes in the friction and wear behavior. The direct comparison between the friction coefficient and volume loss indicated that 10 wt% of WASP in compensation with BaSO4 may be used to develop the brake friction composite.

Highlights

Brake friction composites prepared from the waste materials offered μ‐values from 0.31 to 0.6 in comparison with the CBLS.

Friction coefficient dropped significantly at higher disc speed.

Morphological and elemental analysis supported in estimating the probable friction and wear mechanisms.