Alternative Route Research Articles

Comparison of the mechanical properties of bypass grafts: Experimental assays.

One prevalent therapeutic strategy for addressing atherosclerosis is using an alternative blood supply route to the heart, referred to as bypass surgery. In these surgeries, the saphenous vein, radial artery, and internal mammary artery are commonly used to create this bypass route. Unfortunately, due to negligence regarding the compatibility of the graft with the host tissue, reoperation is often required after several years. One method that can aid in selecting a suitable vein for bypass is simulating the solid-fluid interaction, and performing such simulations requires knowledge of the mechanical properties of bypass grafts. Therefore, extracting the mechanical properties of bypass grafts is essential. In this study, human bypass grafts were subjected to uniaxial tensile testing, and their elastic modulus was extracted and compared. Additionally, the hyperelastic properties of these grafts were extracted using the Mooney-Rivlin model for use in numerical software. The average elastic modulus in the circumferential direction for radial artery, mammary artery, and saphenous vein samples were determined to be 1.384 ± 0.268MPa, 3.108 ± 1.652MPa, and 7.912 ± 2.509MPa, respectively. Based on the results of uniaxial tests, the saphenous vein exhibited the highest stiffness among the three vascular tissues. The mechanical characterization results of the bypass vessels can be applied to the clinical studies of heart diseases. They may help develop an appropriate treatment approach.

A Radical Activation Strategy for Versatile and Stereoselective N‐Glycosylation

AbstractPrevious N‐glycosylation approaches have predominately involved acidic conditions, facing challenges of low stereoselectivity and limited scope. Herein, we introduce a radical activation strategy that enables versatile and stereoselective N‐glycosylation using readily accessible glycosyl sulfinate donors under basic conditions and exhibits exceptional tolerance towards various N‐aglycones containing alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and nucleobase functionalities. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate a pivotal role of iodide, which orchestrates the formation of a glycosyl radical from the glycosyl sulfinate and subsequent generation of the key intermediate, a configurationally well‐defined glycosyl iodide, which is subsequently attacked by an N‐aglycone in a stereospecific SN2 manner to give the desired N‐glycosides. An alternative route involving the coupling of a glycosyl radical and a nitrogen‐centered radical is also proposed, affording the exclusive 1,2‐trans product. This novel approach promises to broaden the synthetic landscape of N‐glycosides, offering a powerful tool for the construction of complex glycosidic structures under mild conditions.

A Radical Activation Strategy for Versatile and Stereoselective N-Glycosylation.

Previous N-glycosylation approaches have predominately involved acidic conditions, facing challenges of low stereoselectivity and limited scope. Herein, we introduce a radical activation strategy that enables versatile and stereoselective N-glycosylation using readily accessible glycosyl sulfinate donors under basic conditions and exhibits exceptional tolerance towards various N-aglycones containing alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and nucleobase functionalities. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate a pivotal role of iodide, which orchestrates the formation of a glycosyl radical from the glycosyl sulfinate and subsequent generation of the key intermediate, a configurationally well-defined glycosyl iodide, which is subsequently attacked by an N-aglycone in a stereospecific SN2 manner to give the desired N-glycosides. An alternative route involving the coupling of a glycosyl radical and a nitrogen-centered radical is also proposed, affording the exclusive 1,2-trans product. This novel approach promises to broaden the synthetic landscape of N-glycosides, offering a powerful tool for the construction of complex glycosidic structures under mild conditions.

Exploring cleaner routes of Alumina Production: Thermodynamic Simulation of Pedersen Process and CO2 Capture Integration via Calcium Looping

Alumina industry stands out as a significant contributor to mineral scarcity because of the generation of bauxite residue during its production process. This study explores an alternative route to produce alumina: the Pedersen process. A thermodynamic simulation and an energy optimization are implemented to avoid bauxite residues and reach the goal of zero CO2 emissions.

Biportal Endoscopic TransOrbital and transMaxillary Approach to the Cranio-Orbital Region and Middle Cranial Fossa: A Preliminary Analysis of Maneuverability.

Traditional and well-established transcranial approaches to the spheno-orbital region and middle cranial fossa guarantee optimal intracranial exposure, and additional orbital and zygomatic osteotomies provide further control over extracranial components to be resected; however, these techniques come at the cost of additional morbidity. The introduction of minimally invasive endoscopic approaches and the conceptualization of the so-called "multiportal" paradigm might provide an alternative route. This preliminary study investigates the feasibility of the combined Biportal Endoscopic TransOrbital and transMaxillary Approach (bETOMA) approach to the spheno-orbital and middle cranial fossa regions. Using 4 silicon-injected adult cadaver heads (8 sides; 16 approaches), we systematically dissected through superior eyelid ETOA and endoscopic TMA approaches. The analysis focused on pterygopalatine, infratemporal, anterior and middle cranial fossae, Meckel cave, and cavernous sinus access. We evaluated the feasibility of bETOMA using linear distances, angles of attack, and exposure areas. We also introduced volume of operative maneuverability, its standardized derivative (sVOM), target distance, visuo-operative angle, and working zone volume as novel metrics. The analysis revealed comparable angles of attack between approaches. ETOA and TMA exposure areas were 918.38 ± 223.93 mm2 and 257.07 ± 86.07 mm2, respectively. TMA showed a larger VOM in the greater sphenoid wing, but ETOA offered superior distal maneuverability (sVOM: 5.39 ± 1.94 vs 2.54 ± 0.79 cm3) and closer intracranial space access (27.45 vs 50.83 mm). The combined approaches yielded a mean working zone volume of 13.75 ± 3.73 cm3 in the spheno-orbital interface. The bETOMA approach provides adequate neurovascular exposure and maneuverability to the spheno-orbital region, infratemporal, and anterior and middle cranial fossae, addressing significant limitations of previously investigated monoportal techniques (ie, optic nerve decompression, hyperostotic bone resection, and infratemporal exposure). This combined minimally invasive approach might help manage lesions harbored within the cranio-orbital interface region invading the extracranial space.

Oil-soluble sulfur-containing organic molybdenum (SOM) as lubricant additives: a review

Abstract In situ formation of lamellar MoS2 nanomaterials between the tribocontacts during frictions through adding oil-soluble sulfur-containing organic molybdenum (SOM) additives into lubricating oils is an alternative route of dispersing pre-formed MoS2 into lubricants directly, which is difficult to disperse homogeneously in oils. In this technology, the synthesis of SOM with appropriate S and Mo contents and successful generation of enough MoS2 during friction by adjusted working conditions are two crucial factors determining the efficiency of SOM on the friction-reduction and anti-wear behaviors of the SOM-containing oils. Given the fact that SOM additives have been used intensively in both laboratory researches and engineering applications, this review discusses in detail the molecular structures, tribological behaviors, compatibility and synergistic effects with the other additives, and some application bottlenecks of the reported SOM compounds that may constrain their wide applications as lubricant additives. Moreover, some routes for overcoming these application bottlenecks are suggested. This review also concludes the basic mechanisms for the lubrication capabilities of the SOM and provides some suggestions for utilizing SOM additives in advanced lubrication systems. Finally, the future development of SOM as oil additives is proposed and summarized.

Discovery of a new long COVID mouse model via systemic histopathological comparison of SARS-CoV-2 intranasal and inhalation infection

Intranasal infection is commonly used to establish a SARS-CoV-2 mouse model due to its non-invasive procedures and a minimal effect from the operation itself. However, mice intranasally infected with SARS-CoV-2 have a high mortality rate, which limits the utility of this model for exploring therapeutic strategies and the sequelae of non-fatal COVID-19 cases. To resolve these limitations, an aerosolised viral administration method has been suggested. However, an in-depth pathological analysis comparing the two models is lacking. Here, we show that inhalation and intranasal SARS-CoV-2 (106 PFU) infection models established in K18-hACE2 mice develop unique pathological features in both the respiratory and central nervous systems, which could be directly attributed to the infection method. While the inhalation-infection model exhibited relatively milder pathological parameters, it closely mimicked the prevalent chest CT pattern observed in COVID-19 patients with focal, peripheral lesions and fibrotic scarring in the recuperating lung. We also found the evidence of direct neuron-invasion from the olfactory receptor neurons to the olfactory bulb in the intranasal model and showed the trigeminal nerve as an alternative route of transmission to the brain in inhalation infected mice. Even after viral clearance confirmed at 14 days post-infection, mild lesions were still found in the brain of inhalation-infected mice. These findings suggest that the inhalation-infection model has advantages over the intranasal-infection model in closely mimicking the pathological features of non-fatal symptoms of COVID-19, demonstrating its potential to study the sequelae and possible interventions for long COVID.

An Alternative Route to Prepare Polymelamine by Electropolymerization in Deep Eutectic Solvents Containing Water

An Alternative Route to Prepare Polymelamine by Electropolymerization in Deep Eutectic Solvents Containing Water

High-efficiency dysprosium-ion extraction enabled by a biomimetic nanofluidic channel

Biological ion channels exhibit high selectivity and permeability of ions because of their asymmetrical pore structures and surface chemistries. Here, we demonstrate a biomimetic nanofluidic channel (BNC) with an asymmetrical structure and glycyl-L-proline (GLP) -functionalization for ultrafast, selective, and unidirectional Dy3+ extraction over other lanthanide (Ln3+) ions with very similar electronic configurations. The selective extraction mainly depends on the amplified chemical affinity differences between the Ln3+ ions and GLPs in nanoconfinement. In particular, the conductivities of Ln3+ ions across the BNC even reach up to two orders of magnitude higher than in a bulk solution, and a high Dy3+/Nd3+ selectivity of approximately 60 could be achieved. The designed BNC can effectively extract Dy3+ ions with ultralow concentrations and thereby purify Nd3+ ions to an ultimate content of 99.8 wt.%, which contribute to the recycling of rare earth resources and environmental protection. Theoretical simulations reveal that the BNC preferentially binds to Dy3+ ion due to its highest affinity among Ln3+ ions in nanoconfinement, which attributes to the coupling of ion radius and coordination matching. These findings suggest that BNC-based ion selectivity system provides alternative routes to achieving highly efficient lanthanide separation.

Thermal Truncation of Heptamethine Cyanine Dyes.

Cyanine dyes are a class of organic, usually cationic molecules containing two nitrogen centers linked through conjugated polymethine chains. The synthesis and reactivity of cyanine derivatives have been extensively investigated for decades. Unlike the recently described phototruncation process, the thermal truncation (chain shortening) reaction is a phenomenon that has rarely been reported for these important fluorophores. Here, we present a systematic investigation of the truncation of heptamethine cyanines (Cy7) to pentamethine (Cy5) and trimethine (Cy3) cyanines via homogeneous, acid-base-catalyzed nucleophilic exchange reactions. We demonstrate how different substituents at the C3' and C4' positions of the chain and different heterocyclic end groups, the presence of bases, nucleophiles, and oxygen, solvent properties, and temperature affect the truncation process. The mechanism of chain shortening, studied by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques, was verified by extensive ab initio calculation, implying the necessity to model catalytic reactions by highly correlated wave function-based methods. In this study, we provide critical insight into the reactivity of cyanine polyene chains and elucidate the truncation mechanism and methods to mitigate side processes that can occur during the synthesis of cyanine derivatives. In addition, we offer alternative routes to the preparation of symmetrical and unsymmetrical meso-substituted Cy5 derivatives.

Alternative synthetic route for the pharmacophore of anticancer agent: Triazolopyridazine derivative

ATAD2 has received attention as one of the potential oncogene with tumor-promoting aspects in many malignancies. ATAD2 is a highly conserved bromodomain family protein that exerts its biological functions by mainly AAA ATPase and bromodomain. Several small molecule inhibitors have been described in the literature. AZ13824374 (1) recently reported by Holt and co-workers showed promising in vitro (bio-chemical, cellular) and antiproliferative activity in range of breast cancer models. In this work, we described scalable synthetic route for triazolopyridazine derivative (2), a key intermediate of AZ13824374 (1) without using CO in the process. Triazolopyridazine helps to attain the bioactive conformation for AZ13824374 (1) through its crucial interaction with Tyr 1021 of ATAD2. Additionally, triazolopyridazine is extensively used as an intermediate for anticancer agents. This encouraged us to develop cost-effective and scalable process for it.

Improved outcomes of pediatric patients with swallowing disorders through a multidisciplinary dysphagia clinic in a tertiary care children's hospital in Colombia

AbstractMultidisciplinary clinics bring together multiple specialists to care for patients with complex diseases, such as swallowing disorders. Little information exists regarding dysphagia in pediatric patients and its multidisciplinary management in Colombia. This study aimed to characterize patients under the age of 18 with swallowing disorders treated in a multidisciplinary dysphagia clinic at San Vicente Fundacion Hospital in Medellin, Colombia, between 2014 and 2021. A longitudinal, descriptive, observational study with retrospective data collection was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained at three points. A total of 293 patients were included. The most frequent underlying diseases were neurological (mainly cerebral palsy), followed by genetic disorders, with Down syndrome being the most representative. More than 50% of the patients had been hospitalized at least twice for dysphagia. The diagnosis was primarily clinical, supported by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. The primary prescribed intervention was speech therapy, followed by an alternate feeding route. This study described pediatric patients with swallowing disorders seen in a multidisciplinary clinic. This overview provides healthcare personnel with an understanding of the complexity of swallowing disorders and their relationships to various medical conditions in children.

Differential microRNA expression in the SH-SY5Y human cell model as potential biomarkers for Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by an expansion of CAG trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene; the exact pathogenesis of HD currently remains unclear. One of the promising directions in the study of HDs is to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the development and role of microRNAs (miRNAs). This study aimed to identify the profile of miRNAs in an HD human cell line model as diagnostic biomarkers for HD. To study HD, the human SH-SY5Y HD cell model is based on the expression of two different forms: pEGFP-Q23 and pEGFP-Q74 of HTT. The expression of Htt protein was confirmed using aggregation assays combined with immunofluorescence and Western blotting methods. miRNA levels were measured in SH-SY5Y neuronal cell model samples stably expressing Q23 and Q74 using the extraction-free HTG EdgeSeq protocol. A total of 2083 miRNAs were detected, and 354 (top 18 miRNAs) miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed (DE) (p < 0.05) in Q23 and Q74 cell lines. A majority of the miRNAs were downregulated in the HD cell model. Moreover, we revealed that six DE miRNAs target seven genes (ATN1, GEMIN4, EFNA5, CSMD2, CREBBP, ATXN1, and B3GNT) that play important roles in neurodegenerative disorders and showed significant expression differences in mutant Htt (Q74) when compared to wild-type Htt (Q23) using RT-qPCR (p < 0.05 and 0.01). We demonstrated the most important DE miRNA-mRNA profiles, interaction binding sites, and their related pathways in HD using experimental and bioinformatics methods. This will allow the development of novel diagnostic strategies and provide alternative therapeutic routes for treating HD.

Oxidative Upcycling of Polyethylene to Long Chain Diacid over Co-MCM-41 Catalyst.

Plastic pollution is an emerging global threat due to lack of effective methods for transforming waste plastics into useful resources. Here, we demonstrate a direct oxidative upcycling of polyethylene into high-value and high-volume saturated dicarboxylic acids in high carbon yield of 85.9 % in which the carbon yield of long chain dicarboxylic (C10-C20) acids can reach 58.9% over cobalt-doped MCM-41 molecular sieves, in the absence of any solvent or precious metal catalyst. The distribution of the dicarboxylic acids can be controllably adjusted from short-chain (C4-C10) to long-chain ones (C10-C20) through changing cobalt loading of MCM-41 under nanoconfinement. Highly and sparsely dispersed cobalt along with confined space of mesoporous structure enables complete degradation of polyethylene and high selectivity of dicarboxylic acid in mild condition. So far, this is the first report on highly selective one-step preparation of long chain dicarboxylic acids. The approach provides an attractive solution to tackle plastic pollution and a promising alternative route to long chain diacids.

Oxidative Upcycling of Polyethylene to Long Chain Diacid over Co‐MCM‐41 Catalyst

AbstractPlastic pollution is an emerging global threat due to lack of effective methods for transforming waste plastics into useful resources. Here, we demonstrate a direct oxidative upcycling of polyethylene into high‐value and high‐volume saturated dicarboxylic acids in high carbon yield of 85.9 % in which the carbon yield of long chain dicarboxylic (C10‐C20) acids can reach 58.9% over cobalt‐doped MCM‐41 molecular sieves, in the absence of any solvent or precious metal catalyst. The distribution of the dicarboxylic acids can be controllably adjusted from short‐chain (C4‐C10) to long‐chain ones (C10‐C20) through changing cobalt loading of MCM‐41 under nanoconfinement. Highly and sparsely dispersed cobalt along with confined space of mesoporous structure enables complete degradation of polyethylene and high selectivity of dicarboxylic acid in mild condition. So far, this is the first report on highly selective one‐step preparation of long chain dicarboxylic acids. The approach provides an attractive solution to tackle plastic pollution and a promising alternative route to long chain diacids.

Impact of the US Indo-Pacific Strategy on China-India Economic Cooperation

India has grown to be a significant component of the US Indo-Pacific strategic layout in South Asia because of its unique geographic location, political and economic power, and other factors. Through collaborative efforts within the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), the US and India have fostered project cooperation by aligning policy dispositions to address shared interests and contain China. Analysis of the economic and trade interactions between China and India suggests a declining trend in their cooperation from many perspective. In a strategic move, India opted out of the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2019 to prioritize economic and trade relations in accordance with its strategic objectives. In addition, India got supports and advancements in high-tech industries through the US Indo-Pacific strategy, consequently reducing collaboration with China in this sector. Furthermore, the US and India have taken measures to diversify supply chains and explore alternative trade routes, steering away from China and promoting regional industrial transfers. This shift has prompted India to intensify its focus on developing high-tech industries to lessen its dependence on China's industrial chain supply. These initiatives have also contributed to the formation of an internal trade network within the IPEF, disrupting traditional trade exchanges between China and India. However, the economic cooperation between the US and India falls short of reaching its full potential because of differences in national interests, history, culture, and other factors. Consequently, the impact of China-India economic relations is not catastrophic, even in the face of heightened US trade restrictions on China that have compelled India to make strategic decisions.

Efficient, Facile, and Green Synthesis of Ruthenium Carboxylate Complexes by Manual Grinding

Recently, scientists have been developing sustainable processes, and in this context, mechanochemistry is commonly associated with green chemistry for its ability to reduce waste generation from chemical reactions. The well-known acetate complex, diacetate bis(triphenylphosphine) ruthenium(II) [Ru(OAc)2(PPh3)2], is a versatile precursor for preparing active complexes for several catalytic reactions. This report presents an efficient and straightforward manual grinding protocol for the sustainable synthesis of ruthenium carboxylate complexes starting from the commercially available [RuCl2(PPh3)3] and metal carboxylates. This work represents a novel and preliminary investigation into carboxylate precursors’ alternative solventless synthesis route based on manual grinding. To our knowledge, this is the first time [Ru(OAc)2(PPh3)2] has been prepared via a mechanochemical procedure. The synthesis method has also been investigated for other alkali metal carboxylates and yields ranging from 30 to 80% were obtained. A comparison of sustainability and environmental impact between conventional solution synthesis and the grinding route has been carried out using the E-factor and Mass Productivity. While for the acetate complex E-factor and MP were only slightly better compared with the solvent method (3 vs. 4 for E-factor and ~6 vs. 5 for MP), for benzoate higher results were found (1 vs. ~4 for E-factor and 10 vs. 5 for MP).

Improved properties of additively prepared Inconel 718 alloy post-processed with a new heat treatment

In this study, an alternative heat-treatment route has been explored to optimize the mechanical as well as the fatigue properties of Ni-based 718 alloy fabricated using additive methods. The test coupons were prepared using the laser-based powder bed fusion technique and post-processed with a new heat-treatment condition (NHT): solution treatment at 1130°C for 2hr followed by water cooling (WC) and the artificial aging at 730°C for 13hr followed by furnace cooling (FC). It was found that the NHT parameters enhanced the mechanical properties as well as the fatigue properties as compared to the standard heat-treatment (SHT) conditions: solution treatment at 980°C-1hr-FC followed by two-step artificial aging 720°C-8hr-FC(55°C/hr up to 620°C) + 620°C-8hr-FC. The NHT condition resulted in a more homogenized and recrystallized microstructure with a higher volume fraction of γ′ and γ′′ precipitates, high-angle coincidence site lattice (CSL) as well as the twin boundaries and marginally reduced grain size. The microhardness, tensile strength, and fatigue strength after the NHT condition were improved by ∼15%, ∼16%, and ∼12.5%, respectively, and it was mainly accredited to the high volume fraction of fine strengthening precipitates and homogenized microstructure.

Integration of AHP and Modified VIKOR Method to Select the Optimum Destination Route

One common approach to rating options is group decision making using many criteria. Here, we use the same criteria to evaluate each option. Sometimes, decision makers are faced with some situations where they have to choose from a set of alternatives that have several different criteria. Thus, the decision maker cannot use a common method. Therefore, in this research, a modification to a method is carried out. To address the issue of developing alternate routes to Medan City's historical tourism attractions, the AHP and VIKOR approaches have been suggested. When considering options with both specific and broad requirements, this study adapts the VIKOR technique to find a workable solution. In order to demonstrate the suggested model's use and evaluate the efficacy of this approach change, this study offers numerical examples based on case studies. The findings demonstrate that the revised approach is both practical and efficient.

Graph Theoretical Models for Enhancing Highway Connectivity and Safety in Vehicular Networks

Vehicular networks play a crucial role in modern transportation systems, significantly impacting connectivity and safety on highways. This paper explores the application of graph theoretical models to enhance both connectivity and safety in vehicular networks. Graph theory, a branch of discrete mathematics, provides a robust framework for modeling and analyzing complex networks, including those formed by vehicles on highways. Our study begins by defining the vehicular network as a graph where nodes represent vehicles, and edges denote communication links between them. We employ various graph theoretical concepts such as connectivity, centrality, and network flow to evaluate and improve the network's performance. Key metrics, including the degree of nodes, clustering coefficients, and shortest path lengths, are utilized to quantify network connectivity and identify critical nodes and edges that influence overall network efficiency. One of the primary objectives is to ensure uninterrupted connectivity in the presence of dynamic and often unpredictable vehicular movement. To this end, we analyze the network's resilience to node failures and propose strategies to enhance robustness using redundancy and alternative routing paths. By incorporating concepts like k-connectivity and network diameter, we develop models that maintain high levels of connectivity despite the removal or failure of multiple nodes or edges. Safety is addressed through the lens of network stability and reliability. We investigate the impact of vehicular density, speed, and communication range on the network's ability to sustain reliable communication channels. Techniques such as dynamic topology management and adaptive power control are proposed to mitigate the risks associated with network fragmentation and communication delays. Furthermore, we introduce optimization algorithms that leverage graph partitioning and community detection to improve the management of vehicular clusters, facilitating efficient data dissemination and reducing the likelihood of congestion-related incidents. The proposed models are validated through simulations that mimic real-world highway conditions, demonstrating significant improvements in both connectivity and safety metrics. In conclusion, the application of graph theoretical models offers a promising approach to enhancing highway connectivity and safety in vehicular networks