bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid Crystal Network Soft Actuator with Large Deformations Driven by High‐Frequency and Low‐Voltage Electric Field
Authors: Gao Dongning , Zhao Ke , You Yuxin , Wan Tingting , Yang Tinghong , Zhang Guizhi , Lin Xiaolong , Ye Huapeng , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Guofu , Yuan Dong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this paper, electrically responsive liquid crystal network (LCN) based soft actuators are presented that can achieve large deformations under an alternating current (AC) electric field. These LCN actuators are prepared by photopolymerization of liquid crystal acrylate monomers with polar end groups, which form polar side chains in the networks. Actuation is initiated by applying a high‐frequency and low‐voltage electric field. When this AC field is applied, the LC mesogens, especially the polar side chains, can oscillate, decreasing the molecular order, and creating free volume in the LCNs, which further results in anisotropic deformation. The formed shapes range from bending to bulging, depending on the programmed molecular alignment. The actuation proceeds fast within 5 s both for activation and for the relaxation to the initial state upon switching the power on and off. This LCN soft actuator exhibits fast response, low power consumption, and high precision, making it a promising candidate for applications in soft robotics, microfluidics, and biomimetic muscles.
Construction and Properties of Strong Near‐IR Absorption Photosensitizers
Authors: Cheng Fei , Qiang Taotao , James Tony D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe design of near‐infrared photosensitizers with high photodynamic and photothermal synergistic therapeutic properties is of great significance for tumor therapy. In this study, An‐cyclic‐BDP with excellent near‐infrared absorption (ε = 1.94 × 105 m−1 cm−1 at 804 nm) is prepared using a dual strategy of twisted π‐conjugated system induction (T‐π‐CSI) and spin‐orbit charge transfer (SOCT). Theoretical calculations, steady‐state and transient absorption spectra are used to investigate the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms between molecular structure and intersystem crossing (ISC) capacity. The results indicate that the application of the T‐π‐CSI and SOCT approach can be superimposed to increase ISC capacity and the triplet lifetime of An‐cyclic‐BDP (τ = 2961 ps). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) results confirm that An‐cyclic‐BDP has the ability to generate hydroxyl radical (·OH) and singlet oxygen (1O2). Furthermore, the calculated 1O2 yield of An‐cyclic‐BDP is found to be 13%. The experimental results of the photothermal conversion indicates that An‐cyclic‐BDP exhibits a photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 48%. In vitro cell experiments demonstrate that An‐cyclic‐BDP‐NPs, constructed by encapsulating An‐cyclic‐BDP with DSPE‐mPEG2000, exhibit excellent biocompatibility and tumor cell‐killing ability. Therefore, the strong near‐IR absorption photosensitizer prepared in this study exhibits significant potential for application in the area of photodynamic and photothermal synergistic therapy.
Dipolar Microenvironment Engineering Enabled by Electron Beam Irradiation for Boosting Catalytic Performance
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Hao Shuai , Li Haozhe , Dong Xiaohan , Chen Xihao , Yuan Jushigang , Sidorenko Alexander , Huang Jiang , Gu Yanlong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCreating a diverse dipolar microenvironment around the active site is of great significance for the targeted induction of intermediate behaviors to achieve complicated chemical transformations. Herein, an efficient and general strategy is reported to construct hypercross‐linked polymers (HCPs) equipped with tunable dipolar microenvironments by knitting arene monomers together with dipolar functional groups into porous network skeletons. Benefiting from the electron beam irradiation modification technique, the catalytic sites are anchored in an efficient way in the vicinity of the microenvironment, which effectively facilitates the processing of the reactants delivered to the catalytic sites. By varying the composition of the microenvironment scaffold structure, the contact and interaction behavior with the reaction participants can be tuned, thereby affecting the catalytic activity and selectivity. As a result, the framework catalysts produced in this way exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the synthesis of glycinate esters and indole derivatives. This manipulation is reminiscent of enzymatic catalysis, which adjusts the internal polarity environment and controls the output of products by altering the scaffold structure.
High‐Performance Co‐Solvent Engineering Electrolyte for Obtaining a High‐Voltage and Low‐Cost K+ Battery Operating from −25 to 50 °C
Authors: Shi Junjie , Zhang Long , Niu Ke , Wang Mengjie , Chen Qingrong , Wen Li , Ma Yanan , Su Jun , Li Zhihua , Yue Yang , Gao Yihua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh‐safety potassium‐ion batteries (HPIBs) are highly intriguing owing to their green energy, low cost, high voltage, noncombustible, and simple assembly. However, most high‐voltage HPIBs use water‐in‐salt electrolytes (WISE), which lead to several problems, such as a high viscosity, which significantly reduces the performance and increases the cost of HPIBs, thus impeding their development. Unfortunately, studies regarding HPIB electrolytes remain limited, further limiting the development of HPIBs. Herein, a co‐solvent engineering electrolyte (4.0 m KOTf in a mixture of propylene carbonate (PC) and H2O with a volume ratio of 5.0:1.0) featuring low‐cost (1/4 of WISE) and high‐performance (45.43 mS cm−1) characteristics is proposed, which not only achieves a wide electrochemical stability window by reducing the activity of H2O, but also adjusts the solvation structure of K+. Consequently, the HPIBs assembled via co‐solvent engineering electrolyte demonstrated a high energy density of 88.05 Wh kg−1, and sufficiently operated at rates of 0.50–10.0 A g−1 over a wide temperature range (−25–50 °C). This study provides a promising means for developing high‐voltage HPIBs.
Further defining the molecular spectrum and long‐term follow‐up of 17 patients with Dyggve–Melchior–Clausen and Smith–McCort dysplasia type 2
Authors: Akalın Akçahan , Ayaz Ercan , Soğukpınar Merve , Avcı‐Durmuşalioğlu Enise , Ürel‐Demir Gizem , Yıldız Adalet Elçin , Atik Tahir , Elcioglu Nursel H. , Eda Utine Gulen , Şimşek‐Kiper Pelin Özlem 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDyggve–Melchior–Clausen dysplasia (DMC) and Smith–McCort dysplasia (SMC types 1 and 2) are rare spondylo‐epi‐metaphyseal dysplasias with identical radiological and clinical findings. DMC and SMC type 1 are allelic disorders caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in DYM, while biallelic causative variants in RAB33B lead to SMC type 2. The terminology “skeletal golgipathies” has been recently used to describe these conditions, highlighting the pivotal role of these two genes in the organization and intracellular trafficking of the Golgi apparatus. In this study, we investigated 17 affected individuals (8 males, 9 females) from 10 unrelated consanguineous families, 10 diagnosed with DMC and seven with SMC type 2. The mean age at diagnosis was 9.61 ± 9.72 years, ranging from 20 months to 34 years, and the average height at diagnosis was 92.85 ± 15.50 cm. All patients exhibited variable degrees of short trunk with a barrel chest, protruding abdomen, hyperlordosis, and decreased joint mobility. A total of nine different biallelic variants were identified, with six being located in the DYM gene and the remaining three detected in RAB33B. Notably, five variants were classified as novel, four in the DYM gene and one in the RAB33B gene. This study aims to comprehensively assess clinical, radiological, and molecular findings along with the long‐term follow‐up findings in 17 patients with DMC and SMC type 2. Our results suggest that clinical symptoms of the disorder typically appear from infancy to early childhood. The central notches of the vertebral bodies were identified as early as 20 months and tended to become rectangular, particularly around 15 years of age. Pseudoepiphysis was observed in five patients; we believe this finding should be taken into consideration when evaluating hand radiographs in clinical assessments. Furthermore, our research contributes to an enhanced understanding of clinical and molecular aspects in these rare “skeletal golgipathies,” expanding the mutational spectrum and offering insights into long‐term disease outcomes.
Favorable outcome of neoadjuvant endocrine treatment than surgery‐first in female HR‐positive/HER2‐negative breast cancer patients—A NCDB analysis (2010–2016)
Authors: Xu Peng , Luo Wen , Hu Jingjing , Ma Xiaobin , Hao Qian , Hui Wentao , Zhou Zhangjian , Lin Shuai , Wang Meng , Wu Hao , Dai Zhijun , Kang Huafeng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in female HR‐positive/HER2‐negative breast cancer patients.Data and MethodsWe identified female patients aged ≥18 years with cT1‐4N0‐XM0, HR(+), and HER2(−) breast cancer from the National Cancer Database. The patients who underwent surgery first were categorized as “surgery‐first,” while those who received NET before surgery were classified as “NET.” Propensity score‐matching, Cox proportional‐hazard model, variance inflation factors, and interaction analysis were employed to estimate the correlation between NET and survival outcomes.ResultsAmong 432,387 cases, 2914 NET patients and 2914 surgery‐first patients were matched. Compared with the surgery‐first group, the NET group received less adjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the NET group exhibited higher survival probabilities compared with the surgery‐first group (3 years: 91.4% vs. 82.1%; 5 years: 82.1% vs. 66.8%). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that NET was associated with improved OS (surgery‐first vs. NET: HR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.93–2.44). Age over 55 years old, having public insurance, higher CDCC score, higher NSBR grade, ER(+)PR(−), and advanced clinical stage were related to worse OS (all p < 0.05). There was an interaction between age, race, income, and home and treatment regimen (all p < 0.05).ConclusionNET may be a more effective treatment procedure than surgery‐first in female HR‐positive/HER2‐negative, non‐metastatic breast cancer patients. Future clinical studies with more detailed data will provide higher‐level evidence‐based data.
Fluorocarbon‐DNA Conjugates for Enhanced Cellular Delivery: Formation of a Densely Packed DNA Nano‐Assembly
Authors: Narita Minako , Kohata Ai , Kageyama Taiichi , Watanabe Honoka , Aikawa Kohsuke , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Morihiro Kunihiko , Okamoto Akimitsu , Okazoe Takashi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractForming nano‐assemblies is essential for delivering DNA conjugates into cells, with the DNA density in the nano‐assembly playing an important role in determining the uptake efficiency. In this study, we developed a strategy for the facile synthesis of DNA strands bearing perfluoroalkyl (RF) groups (RF‐DNA conjugates) and investigated how they affect cellular uptake. An RF‐DNA conjugate bearing a long RF group at the DNA terminus forms a nano‐assembly with a high DNA density, which results in greatly enhanced cellular uptake. The uptake mechanism is mediated by clathrin‐dependent endocytosis. The use of RF groups to densely assemble negatively charged DNA is a useful strategy for designing drug delivery carriers.
GI Bill students at 2‐year colleges: Enrollment retention, and support trends
Authors: Morris Phillip A. , Clayton Grant 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article presents a national snapshot of GI Bill student enrollment through examination of a repository of data on veterans’ education benefits usage, institutional practices to support veterans, and consumer advocacy information (e.g., complaints and caution flags). Through examination of records from 2217 two‐year institutions enrolling 172,453 GI Bill students, our analyses can support decision‐making regarding the extent of support services to consider offering for student veterans on community college campuses. Additionally, we provide insights into consumer advocacy for student veterans, trends in education benefits usage, and offer evidence‐based best practices for supporting student veterans.
Balloon‐expandable versus self‐expanding valves for transcatheter aortic valve replacement using new generation devices: An analysis of the Brazilian RIBAC‐NT registry
Authors: Bernardi Fernando L. M. , Abizaid Alexandre , Sândoli de Brito Fábio , Lemos Pedro , Siqueira Dimytri Alexandre , Sarmento‐Leite Rogério , Mangione Fernanda , Fernando de Almeida Prado Junior Guy , Eduardo Koenig São Thiago Luiz , Ribeiro Henrique B. ,   Brazilian RIBAC‐NT Registry Investigators
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundConflicting data yet exists regarding the clinical outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using balloon‐expandable (BEV) and self‐expanding valves (SEV).AimTo compare the in‐hospital outcomes of TAVR performed with new‐generation BEV vs. SEV in a real‐world population.MethodsRetrospective study using data from the Brazilian TAVR registry. All consecutive native tricuspid TAVR procedures using new‐generation valves were included. Transapical procedures were excluded. Patients were analyzed according to the type of prosthesis implanted (BEV vs. SEV). Unadjusted and propensity‐score matching comparisons were made. Primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included major vascular complication, major or life‐threatening bleeding, any stroke, and new pacemaker implantation.ResultsA total of 1706 patients from 25 centers were included in the analysis, 887 in the BEV and 819 in the SEV groups. Mean age was 80.7 ± 7.2 years and 48.9% were women. The SEV group had a higher proportion of female patients (53.5% vs. 44.6%, p ≤ 0.001) and more comorbidities, yielding a higher EuroSCORE‐2 (3.4 [2–6.4] vs. 4.5 [2.5–8.2], p < 0.001). The Sapien 3/Ultra (Edwards Lifescience, Irvine, CA, USA) and the Evolut R/PRO (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA) accounted for 97.8% and 72.6% of BEV and SEV cases, respectively. Pre‐ and postdilatation was more common for SEV (both p < 0.001). Valve embolization, the need for a second valve, and coronary occlusion were rare but more frequent for SEV. There was no difference in the unadjusted in‐hospital mortality (BEV = 3.6% vs. SEV = 4.8%, p = 0.27) and after propensity‐score matching (3.5% vs. 5.0%, p = 0.16). There were also no significant differences between groups in vascular complications, bleeding, stroke, and the need for a new pacemaker. Logistic regression adjusted for sex, EuroSCORE‐2, and vascular access also indicated similar mortality between both valves (OR 1.22, p = 0.4). Sensitivity analysis, including only Sapien 3 and Evolut cases, showed consistent results with the primary analysis.ConclusionIn real‐world all‐comers TAVR patients, from Brazil procedures performed with newer generation BEV and SEV devices had comparable in‐hospital outcomes.
Outcomes of transfemoral TAVR using two new‐generation devices in patients with horizontal aorta
Authors: Eckel Clemens , Kim Won‐Keun , Wasif Botros , Grothusen Christina , Elsässer Albrecht , Dohmen Guido , Charitos Efstratios I. , Sossalla Samuel , Möllmann Helge , Blumenstein Johannes 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundChallenging anatomies and comorbidities have impact on success in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). There is controversy whether the extent of the aortic angle (AA) has an impact on procedural outcomes. Matched comparative outcome data of new generation transcatheter heart valves (THVs) in horizontal aorta (HA) are scarce.MethodsA total of 1582 patients with severe native aortic stenosis (AS) treated with the SAPIEN3 Ultra (Ultra; n = 526) or ACURATE Neo2 (Neo2; n = 1056) THVs from January 2017 to January 2023 were analyzed. Patients with non‐horizontal aortas (AA < 51.7°, n = 841) were excluded. The population was matched by 1‐to‐1 nearest‐neighbor matching (Ultra, n = 246; Neo2, n = 246). Clinical and procedural outcome were evaluated according to VARC‐3 recommendations.ResultsTechnical success (93.1% vs. 94.7%, p = 0.572) was high after Ultra and Neo2. Device success (80.5% vs. 89.8%, p = 0.05) was inferior with Ultra. Neo2 reveals superior hemodynamic properties with lower rate of severe prosthesis patient mismatch (12.0% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.001) and elevated gradients (20 mmHg: 11.9% vs. 1.7%, p < 0.001). Ultra showed a lower rate of relevant paravalvular regurgitation (mild paravalvular regurgitation or Valve‐in‐Valve due to paravalvular regurgitation: 0.0% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.004). The rate of procedural bailout maneuvers (0.8% vs. 0.4%, p = 1.000) and thirty‐day all‐cause mortality (1.3% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.496) was similar.ConclusionTransfemoral TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis and HA, using the balloon expandable Sapien3 Ultra and self‐expanding ACURATE Neo2 prosthesis, is feasible and safe. Therefore, valve selection between these platforms should be made irrespective of the aortic angle by a team experienced with both valves based on their specific advantages. Large, randomized trials in this sub‐group of patients would be necessary to compare long term outcomes.
Two‐Step Biocatalytic Synthesis of (1S)‐Nor(pseudo)ephedrine Catalyzed by Immobilized Enzymes
Authors: Patti Stefania , Magrini Alunno Ilaria , Semproli Riccardo , Tessaro Davide , Monti Daniela , Riva Sergio , Ubiali Daniela , Ferrandi Erica Elisa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNor(pseudo)ephedrines [N(P)Es] are naturally occurring compounds showing sympathomimetic activity that have many applications especially in the chemical industry and in the pharmaceutical field. Recently a two‐step biocatalytic cascade for the preparation of (1S)‐N(P)E was designed, consisting of a benzoin‐type condensation catalyzed by the (S)‐selective acetoin:dichlorophenolindophenol oxidoreductase (Ao : DCPIP OR) followed by a transamination mediated by either a (S)‐ or (R)‐selective amine transaminase (ATA). In this study, we successfully immobilized both Ao : DCPIP OR and two ATAs of opposite enantioselectivity and used them in the biosynthetic cascade to N(P)Es. Immobilization yield, activity recovery, and stability of the immobilized enzymes, both after use (enzyme recycling) and storage (shelf‐life), were assessed. Ao : DCPIP OR immobilized on glyoxyl‐agarose exhibited remarkable stability under storage conditions throughout the 30‐days monitoring period. Moreover, it was successfully reused in the synthesis of (S)‐phenylacetylcarbinol [(S)‐PAC] yielding high conversion (>94 %) and enantiomeric excess (>99 %). The (R)‐selective At‐ATA from Aspergillus terreus, immobilized on Eupergit® C, demonstrated a slightly higher storage stability when compared to the (S)‐selective Sbv333‐ATA from Streptomyces sp. Bv333 immobilized on the same carrier. Remarkably, both enzymes were effectively reused for ten reaction cycles in the synthesis of N(P)Es, starting from the enzymatically synthesized (S)‐PAC, achieving complete conversions and excellent diastereoselectivity (>99 %).
Pegylated Phosphine Ligands in Iridium(I) Catalyzed Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Reactions in Aqueous Buffers
Authors: Martinelli Elisa , Spiller Marie , Weck Remo , Llompart Pierre , Minoletti Claire , Güssregen Stefan , Sib Anna , Derdau Volker 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of a water‐soluble, phosphine‐pegylated iridium(I) catalyst and its application in hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reactions in buffer is reported. The longer polyethylene glycol side chains on the phosphine increased the water solubility independently from the pH. HIE reactions of polar substrates in protic solvents were studied. DFT calculations gave further insights into the catalytic processes. The scope and limitation of the pegylated catalyst was studied in HIE reactions of several complex compounds in borax buffer at pH 9 and the best conditions were applied in a tritium experiment with the drug telmisartan.
Decoupling pyrolysis and combustion of organic powders to determine the laminar flame speed
Authors: Pietraccini Matteo , Santandrea Audrey , Glaude Pierre‐Alexandre , Dufour Anthony , Dufaud Olivier 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDetermining the laminar flame speed of dusts is far from straightforward. A strong dependency on the experimental setup and the data treatment's high complexity makes it a true challenge. This work compares three complementary experimental setups to measure the laminar flame speed of organic dust (here, cellulose): a modified Hartmann tube, a 20 L sphere, and a micro‐fluidized bed (MFB) burner. The first two consider the flame propagation phenomenon in its globality, which means that numerous steps are involved simultaneously (particle heating, pyrolysis, oxidation, radiative transfer, flame stretching), while the third one decouples pyrolysis and combustion, to focus mainly on the oxidation rate. An MFB was conceived to generate pyrolysis products and burn them in a laminar flame. Unstretched flame velocities determined with the first two setups were consistent and equal to 22.0 and 26.6 cm ∙ s−1, respectively. Using Silvestrini's equation, values ranging between 14.0 and 33.4 cm ∙ s−1 were obtained according to the dust concentration. With the MFB burner, the flame speed was much higher (135–155 cm ∙ s−1), due to the higher temperature of the fresh mixture and the fact that only the oxidation of the pyrolysis gases is considered. A numerical simulation (Chemkin) confirmed these results since the range 135 to 231 cm ∙ s−1 was obtained for equivalence ratios of 0.6 and 1.2, respectively. The discrepancy between the laminar flame speed determined in the sphere or in the tube and that obtained in the MFB highlights the significant influence of particle heating and pyrolysis during a dust explosion.
Rational Design of Novel Allosteric EYA2 Inhibitors as Potential Therapeutics for Multiple Brain Cancers
Authors: Gardner Lukas , Rossi John , Armstrong Brock , Muse Mia , LaVeck Alex , Blevins Melanie A. , Zhang Lingdi , Ford Heide L. , Zhao Rui , Wang Xiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe Eyes Absent (EYA) family of developmental proteins, often in partnership with the sine oculis (SIX) homeobox proteins, promote cancer metastasis and recurrence in numerous tumor types. In addition to being a transcriptional coactivator, EYA2 is a Tyr phosphatase that dephosphorylates H2AX which leads to repair instead of apoptosis upon DNA damage and ERβ which inhibits the anti‐tumor transcriptional activity of ERβ. The SIX members of the EYA‐SIX complex are difficult to target, therefore, we targeted the EYA2 to promote cell death and prevent cancer progression. We conducted structural optimization of a previously discovered allosteric inhibitor of EYA2, 9987, using the combination of in silico modeling, biochemical and cell‐based assays. A new series of compounds was developed with significantly improved cellular activity and physiochemical properties desirable for brain targets. Specifically, compound 2 e showed >30‐fold improvement in the medulloblastoma cell line D458, relative to 9987, while maintaining potent and selective inhibitory activity against EYA2 Tyr phosphatase activity and a good multiparameter optimization score for central nervous system drugs.