bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular determinants of Neu5Ac binding to a tripartite ATP independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporter
Authors: Goyal Parveen , Dhanabalan KanagaVijayan , Scalise Mariafrancesca , Friemann Rosmarie , Indiveri Cesare , Dobson Renwick CJ , Vinothkumar Kutti R , Ramaswamy Subramanian
Published: January 2025

N
-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) is a negatively charged nine-carbon amino-sugar that is often the peripheral sugar in human cell-surface glycoconjugates. Some bacteria scavenge, import, and metabolize Neu5Ac or redeploy it on their cell surfaces for immune evasion. The import of Neu5Ac by many bacteria is mediated by tripartite ATP-independent periplasmic (TRAP) transporters. We have previously reported the structures of SiaQM, a membrane-embedded component of the
Haemophilus influenzae
TRAP transport system, (Currie
et al.,
2024). However, none of the published structures contain Neu5Ac bound to SiaQM. This information is critical for defining the transport mechanism and for further structure-activity relationship studies. Here, we report the structures of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
SiaQM with and without Neu5Ac. Both structures are in an inward (cytoplasmic side) facing conformation. The Neu5Ac-bound structure reveals the interactions of Neu5Ac with the transporter and its relationship with the Na
+
binding sites. Two of the Na
+
-binding sites are similar to those described previously. We identify a third metal-binding site that is further away and buried in the elevator domain. Ser300 and Ser345 interact with the C1-carboxylate group of Neu5Ac. Proteoliposome-based transport assays showed that Ser300-Neu5Ac interaction is critical for transport, whereas Ser345 is dispensable. Neu5Ac primarily interacts with residues in the elevator domain of the protein, thereby supporting the elevator with an operator mechanism. The residues interacting with Neu5Ac are conserved, providing fundamental information required to design inhibitors against this class of proteins.
Política pública local para o fortalecimento da Economia Solidária (ESOL) em prol da inclusão socioeconômica: a experiência do município de Araraquara (SP)
Authors: Morais Leandro Pereira , Bacic Miguel Juan
Published: January 2025

Entende-se que a geração local de renda, a partir de instrumentos da economia solidária (ESOL), que incluem as cooperativas, constitui-se um dos elementos que pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento local, uma vez que gera dinâmica econômica, sobretudo em regiões mais periféricas, com baixo dinamismo econômico e alto índice de pobreza. Para além da geração de renda, tais localidades ampliam seu capital social, político e cultural, tendo em vista a transversalidade das ações da ESOL. Com o intuito de fortalecer a ESOL, marcada por determinadas fragilidades estruturais, o município de Araraquara (SP) desponta-se como importante referência nacional na co- construção da política pública local em prol do fortalecimento de cooperativas populares. Para além do histórico destas políticas no município, o ano de 2017 passou a representar um marco, tendo em vista: a emergência da Coordenadoria Executiva de Trabalho, Economia Criativa e Solidária; a realização da 1ª Conferência Municipal de Economia Criativa e Solidária e a criação do Sistema Municipal de Economia Criativa e Solidária. Nesse sentido, este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o processo de co-construção desta política pública, com enfoque aos programas e projetos de fortalecimento de cooperativas populares no município; cooperativas estas que representam importante meio de inclusão socioeconômica na localidade. O trabalho pretende discutir, a luz de entrevistas com os principais gestores e participantes desta política, os avanços e desafios desta empreitada.
Assessment of Learning Styles of First-year Medical Students’ using VARK 8.02 Model Questionnaire: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kannappan Senthil Ganesh P , Doraisamy Ravichandran , Jagadesan Vijayakumar
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Students are constantly in search of additional and innovative ways to stimulate their attention in learning various subjects. Assessing medical students’ learning styles can help both teachers and students make informed decisions about teaching strategies. Adopting a suitable teaching style can improve teaching effectiveness. Fleming’s VARK Questionnaire version 8.02, which consists of V- Visual, A- Aural, R- Read/Write, and K- Kinaesthetic learning styles, was used in present study.

Aim: To evaluate the learning styles of first-year MBBS students in a private medical college in Tamil Nadu India, identify the prevalence of unimodal and multimodal learners, and examine the correlation of learning styles between genders.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among first-year MBBS students at Sri Venkateswaraa Medical College in Tamil Nadu, India from January 2024 to March 2024. A total of 125 students out of 150 provided their informed consent to participate in the research. Subsequently, a copy of the VARK questionnaire version 8.02, which contains 16 multiple-choice questions, was issued to the first-year MBBS students. To compare the learning styles of male and female students, Chi-square tests and paired sample t-tests were performed.

Results: A total of 125 students participated in the present study. Participants’ age ranged from 18 to 22 years, with 37% being male and 63% female. Among the students, 38.4% were found to be unimodal, 46.4% were bimodal, 13.6% were trimodal, and 1.6% were quadrimodal learners. The individual scores in the unimodal category were V-3, A-14, R/W-5, and K-26, with kinaesthetic learning being the most preferred mode, followed by aural mode. There was no significant gender difference in the preferred learning style (p-value=0.35). The p-values for the association between learning styles and gender, determined through the Chi-square test in the unimodal category, were as follows: visual (p-value=0.93), aural (p-value=0.48), read/write (p-value=0.22), and kinaesthetic (p-value=0.18).

Conclusion: Individual learning styles be identified at the entry level. Teachers can plan their lessons based on students’ learning preferences to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their teaching and learning methods. To accommodate different learning styles, educators should combine various teaching methods.
A Case Report on Diagnosis and Management of Paget’s Disease
Authors: Rao Mallela Venkateswara , Rao R. Sireesha , Akshitha Pasupulate
Published: January 2025

Background: Paget’s disease (osteitis deformans) of bone is a localized skeletal disorder characterized by either mono or polyostotic manifestations. Paget's disease might be asymptomatic as with normal biomarkers or it can be symptomatic such as bony enlargement or deformity. 
Case Presentation: A 47-year-old female patient was presented to our facility with an elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level for 1 year. Upon reviewing the patient's test results were suggestive of increased ALP, it was determined that the elevated ALP level was likely of osseous origin. However, no bone deformities were observed in the patient. A bone scan was conducted, which indicated the presence of Paget's disease, characterized by increased blood flow, pooling and intense osteoblastic activity observed in the patient's left sided pelvic bones. The diagnosis of Paget's disease was confirmed through a technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (Tc-99m MDP) bone scan. Inj. Zoledronic acid and oral calcium supplements were advised. Subsequently, after two months follow-up, her results showed normal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level.
Conclusion: Paget's disease, despite being classified as a skeletal disorder, may manifest without any noticeable symptoms or deformities. Its diagnosis is typically confirmed through laboratory analyses, specific findings observed in radiology or radionuclide scans and occasionally, through the confirmation of bone biopsy.
Effect of Water Limitation on Gynura procumbens Growth and Phytochemıcal Content
Authors: Mohd Yaseer Suhaimi , Salahuddin Mirfat Ahmad Hasan
Published: January 2025

The cultivation of Gynura procumbens holds immense value due to its pharmaceutical and therapeutic properties. A critical factor in its cultivation involves understanding how water availability impacts its biomass production and phytochemical profile. Water stress generally induces physiological changes in plants, such as reduced growth and increased production of secondary metabolites as a survival strategy. Under water-limited conditions, plants prioritize essential functions, including maintaining cellular integrity, often at the expense of biomass accumulation, which subsequently influences the phytochemical composition of G. procumbens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of water limitation before harvest on the biomass and phytochemical content of G. procumbens, providing insights into its adaptive response to water stress. Water limitation treatments were applied for varying durations before harvest: T1 (no water limitation), T2 (4 days), T3 (7 days), and T4 (15 days). The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. After a 60-day cultivation period, plant growth, biomass, total phenolic content (TPC), chlorogenic acid levels, and antioxidant activity were assessed. The findings revealed that water limitation from 4 to 15 days before harvesting led to reduced growth and biomass, with more extended periods causing greater adverse effects. Notably, the T4 treatment (15 days of water limitation) resulted in the highest TPC, while T2 (4 days of water limitation) optimized chlorogenic acid production. Both T2 and T4 treatments demonstrated enhanced antioxidant activity, linked to chlorogenic acid and TPC levels, respectively. This study highlights that increasing the duration of water limitation before harvest significantly affects both the biomass and phytochemical composition of G. procumbens.
Exploring Castor Hybrid (YRCH 1) as an Alternate Crop in Mettur-noyyal Sub Basin of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: S.K Natarajan. , R Gowsalya. , P Kathirvelan. , S.R Venkatachalam. , S Jaya Prabhavathi. , S Elankavi. , J Bhuvaneswari. , T Sampathkumar. , N Satheesh Kumar. , S Pazhalanivelan. , S Rathika.
Published: January 2025

Aims: The aim of this study is to introduce castor hybrid as an alternative crop in gap areas to promote agricultural diversification and enhance productivity.
Place and Duration of Study: Mettur-Noyyal confluence sub basin areas of Tamil Nadu by the Tapioca and Castor research Research station, Yethapur for the past five years (2019-2024).
Methodology: The on farm demonstrations was carried out at Salem, Namakkal and Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu including thirteen villages with 302 farmers holdings covering the areas of 260 ha. Looming water crisis, paucity of agricultural labourers, higher cost of cultivation owing to escalating labour costs, fluctuating in market price of the produce, the search for remunerative alternative crop to enhance the profitability without deteriorating soil productivity.
Results: The castor hybrid cultivation is gaining momentum in non-traditional area of Tamil Nadu. The advantages of castor over conventional crop are less demanding in terms of land, labour and water requirement, water deficit areas and problem soils, cost of cultivation is less with high profit, suitable for small and marginal farmers besides improving the soil health through addition of leaf litter and biological ploughing. By adopting castor hybrid as an alternative crop resulted in the highest yield of 1964 kg ha⁻¹, compared to the conventional method, which yielded 1376 kg ha⁻¹.The highest gross returns (Rs. 116287 ha-1), net return (Rs. 91827 ha-1) and BCR (3.68) were recorded in adoption of hybrid castor as alternate crop.
Conclusion: Castor is highly remunerative crop during Kharif season as compared to traditional crops because of its steady marketing price throughout the year unlike other crops. This technology increase yield up to 31.5 per cent when compared to farmer practice
Assessment of Genetic Variability, Correlation and Path Analysis in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes for Yield and its Attributing Traits
Authors: Kumar Sunit , Singh Pratap Narayan , Gaur Sateesh Chandra , Quatadah Syed Mohd , Singh Kaushal , Gautam Upendra , Singh Sumit Kumar , Yadav Mohit , Gaur Ajay Kumar , Kumar Kamlesh
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the genetic variability and agronomic traits influencing wheat yield across multiple genotypes. Conducted during the 2021-2022 rabi season at the Research Farm of BRD PG College, Deoria, the experiment included 31 treatments and a standard check variety, HD-2967, arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant genetic variation among the genotypes for traits such as Days to 50% Flowering (DF), Days to Maturity (DM), Plant Height (PH), and Grain Yield per Plant (GYP). Genotypic correlation analysis showed significant positive associations between DF and DM, and negative correlations between DF, DM, and GYP, highlighting the complex trade-offs among traits. Traits like Test Weight (TW) and Biological Yield (BY) were positively correlated with GYP, indicating their potential as key selection criteria for breeding. Path coefficient analysis identified DF and Test Weight as having strong direct effects on GYP, while traits such as Plant Height and Number of Grains per Spike had negative impacts. These results provide valuable insights into the genetic and phenotypic relationships that can guide the development of superior wheat genotypes with improved yield potential.
Efficacy of Lifestyle Intervention Versus Pharmacotherapy in the Progression of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Virk Ghazala S. , Ray Rubela , Ullah Imdad , Rahman Sajedur , Rashad Essam , Hassan Mohammad S.
Published: January 2025

This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the efficacy of lifestyle interventions versus pharmacotherapy for managing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) across 12 studies. Pharmacological agents, particularly pioglitazone and liraglutide, demonstrated greater reductions in liver enzyme levels (standardized mean differences [SMD]: -0.65 for pioglitazone, 95% CI: -0.92 to -0.38; -0.70 for liraglutide, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.45; both p < 0.001) and weight loss (SMD: -0.55 and -0.62, respectively) compared to lifestyle modifications. Vitamin E showed moderate benefits (SMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.26; p = 0.01). Subgroup analyses revealed that younger patients (<50 years) and those with a lower body mass index (BMI) achieved meaningful improvements with lifestyle changes, while pharmacotherapy was more effective for older or higher BMI individuals.
Both treatment modalities proved beneficial, but the most favorable outcomes were achieved when pharmacotherapy was combined with lifestyle modifications. This multifaceted approach highlights the need for tailored treatment plans addressing patient-specific factors such as age and BMI. Despite moderate heterogeneity (I² = 45–60%) and slight publication bias, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of findings.
Continuous Data Quality Improvement in Enterprise Data Governance: A Model for Best Practices and Implementation
Authors: Leghemo Iveren M. , Segun-Falade Osinachi Deborah , Odionu Chinekwu Somtochukwu , Azubuike Chima
Published: January 2025

Continuous Data Quality Improvement (CDQI) is essential for maintaining the integrity, accuracy, and reliability of enterprise data. In today's data-driven organizations, ensuring high-quality data across various systems and departments is critical for decision-making, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This review presents a model for CDQI within the framework of enterprise data governance, outlining best practices and implementation strategies for sustained improvements in data quality. The proposed model integrates key components such as data quality assessment, improvement strategies, automation tools, and the alignment of governance policies with data quality objectives. It emphasizes the importance of establishing clear data standards, roles, and responsibilities, including the role of data stewards in maintaining quality over time. By leveraging technologies such as AI and real-time monitoring tools, organizations can automate data cleansing, detect anomalies, and provide actionable insights through continuous feedback loops. Best practices for CDQI include fostering a data-driven culture, conducting regular audits, enabling cross-functional collaboration, and integrating data quality metrics into governance policies. The implementation strategy is designed to be phased, starting with pilot programs and scalable to larger enterprise systems. Additionally, the model addresses challenges such as organizational resistance, balancing privacy concerns, and managing complex data environments. By adopting this model, organizations can ensure ongoing data quality improvements, leading to more accurate insights, better compliance with regulations, and enhanced business outcomes. This abstract provides a foundation for organizations aiming to enhance their data governance frameworks through continuous improvement.
Capitalization Chronicles: Unraveling the Impact on Bank Profitability
Authors: Riyanti Ririen Setiati
Published: January 2025

This study seeks to investigate the influence of capitalization on the profitability of banks, focusing on financial data of 34 Indonesian commercial public banks over the period of 2013-2022. The researcher evaluates the capital ratio, a critical measure of financial stability, for its impact on key profitability metrics such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Net Interest Margin (NIM), and Pre-Provision Profitability Ratio (PPR).  By utilizing the Fixed Effect Model (FEM), the results of this study show mixed effects of capital ratio on profitability across profit measures. Further, the finding shows an inverted U-shaped impact of capital ratio on bank profit when ROA is used. This suggests that a higher capital ratio increases a bank’s ability to generate profits on its assets up only to a critical point. A further increase in the capital ratio beyond this point tends to adversely affect profitability.
Dosimetric benefits of intensity‐modulated radiotherapy and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy in the treatment of postoperative cervical cancer patients
Authors: Deng Xia , Han Ce , Chen Shan , Xie Congying , Yi Jinling , Zhou Yongqiang , Zheng Xiaomin , Deng Zhenxiang , Jin Xiance
Published: October 2023

As the advantage of using complex volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in the treatment of gynecologic cancer has not yet been fully determined, the purpose of this study was to investigate the dosimetric advantages of VMAT by comparing directly with whole pelvic conformal radiotherapy (CRT) and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in the treatment of 15 postoperative cervical cancer patients. Four‐field CRT, seven‐field IMRT, and two‐arc VMAT plans were generated for each patient with identical objective functions to achieve clinically acceptable dose distribution. Target coverage and OAR sparing differences were investigated through dose‐volume histogram (DVH) analysis. Nondosimtric differences between IMRT and VMAT were also compared. Target coverage presented by V95% were 88.9% ± 3.8%, 99.9% ± 0.07%, and 99.9% ± 0.1% for CRT, IMRT, and VMAT, respectively. Significant differences on conformal index (CI) and conformal number (CN) were observed with CIs of 0.37 ± 0.07, 0.55 ± 0.04, 0.61 ± 0.04, and CNs of 0.33 ± 0.06, 0.55 ± 0.04, 0.60 ± 0.04 for CRT, IMRT, and VMAT, respectively. IMRT and VMAT decreased the dose to bladder and rectum significantly compared with CRT. No significant differences on the Dmean, V45, and V30 of small bowel were observed among CRT, IMRT, and VMAT. However, VMAT (10.4 ± 4.8 vs. 19.8 ± 11.0, P = 0.004) and IMRT (12.3 ± 5.0 vs. 19.8 ± 11.0, P = 0.02) decreased V40, increased the Dmax of small bowel and the irradiation dose to femoral heads compared with CRT. VMAT irradiated less dose to bladder, rectum, small bowel and larger volume of health tissue with a lower dose (V5 and V10) compared with IMRT, although the differences were not statistical significant. In conclusion, VMAT and IMRT showed significant dosimetric advantages both on target coverage and OAR sparing compared with CRT in the treatment of postoperative cervical cancer. However, no significant difference between IMRT and VMAT was observed except for slightly better dose conformity, slightly less MU, and significant shorter delivery time achieved for VMAT.
Characterization and evaluation of an integrated quality monitoring system for online quality assurance of external beam radiation therapy
Authors: Hoffman David , Chung Eunah , Hess Clayton , Stern Robin , Benedict Stanley
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this work was to comprehensively evaluate a new large field ion chamber transmission detector, Integral Quality Monitor (IQM), for online external photon beam verification and quality assurance. The device is designed to be mounted on the linac accessory tray to measure and verify photon energy, field shape, gantry position, and fluence before and during patient treatment.

Methods

Our institution evaluated the newly developed ion chamber's effect on photon beam fluence, response to dose, detection of photon fluence modification, and the accuracy of the integrated barometer, thermometer, and inclinometer. The detection of photon fluence modifications was performed by measuring 6 MV with fields of 10 cm × 10 cm and 1 cm × 1 cm “correct” beam, and then altering the beam modifiers to simulate minor and major delivery deviations. The type and magnitude of the deviations selected for evaluation were based on the specifications for photon output and MLC position reported in AAPM Task Group Report 142. Additionally, the change in ion chamber signal caused by a simulated IMRT delivery error is evaluated.

Results

The device attenuated 6 MV, 10 MV, and 15 MV photon beams by 5.43 ± 0.02%, 4.60 ± 0.02%, and 4.21 ± 0.03%, respectively. Photon beam profiles were altered with the IQM by < 1.5% in the nonpenumbra regions of the beams. The photon beam profile for a 1 cm × 1 cm2 fields were unchanged by the presence of the device. The large area ion chamber measurements were reproducible on the same day with a 0.14% standard deviation and stable over 4 weeks with a 0.47% SD. The ion chamber's dose–response was linear (R2 = 0.99999). The integrated thermometer agreed to a calibrated thermometer to within 1.0 ± 0.7°C. The integrated barometer agreed to a mercury barometer to within 2.3 ± 0.4 mmHg. The integrated inclinometer gantry angle measurement agreed with the spirit level at 0 and 180 degrees within 0.03 ± 0.01 degrees and 0.27 ± 0.03 at 90 and 270 degrees. For the collimator angle measurement, the IQM inclinometer agreed with a plum‐bob within 0.3 ± 0.2 degrees. The simulated IMRT error increased the ion chamber signal by a factor of 11–238 times the baseline measurement for each segment.

Conclusions

The device signal was dependent on variations in MU delivered, field position, single MLC leaf position, and nominal photon energy for both the 1 cm × 1 cm and 10 cm × 10 cm fields. This detector has demonstrated utility repeated photon beam measurement, including in IMRT and small field applications.
Does gated beam delivery impact delivery accuracy on an Elekta linac?
Authors: Jermoumi Mohammed , Xie Roger , Cao Daliang , Housley David J. , Shepard David M.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we evaluated the performance of an Elekta linac in the delivery of gated radiotherapy. Delivery accuracy was examined with an emphasis on the impact of using short gating windows (low monitor unit beam‐on segments) or long beam hold times. The performance was assessed using a 20cm by 20cm open field with the radiation delivered using a range of beam‐on and beam‐off time periods. Gated delivery measurements were also performed for two SBRT plans delivered using volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Tests included both free‐breathing based gating (covering a variety of gating windows) and simulated breath‐hold based gating. An IBA MatriXX 2D ion chamber array was used for data collection, and the gating accuracy at low MU was evaluated using gamma passing rates. For the 20 cm by 20 cm open field, the measurements generally showed close agreement between the gated and non‐gated beam deliveries. Discrepancies, however, began to appear with a 5‐to‐1 ratio of the beam‐off to beam‐on times. The discrepancies observed for these tight gating windows can be attributed to the small number of monitor units delivered during each beam‐on segment. Dose distribution analysis from the delivery of the two SBRT plans showed gamma passing rates (± 1%, 2%/1 mm) in the range of 95% to 100% for gating windows of 25%, 38%, 50%, 63%, 75%, and 83%. Using a simulated sinusoidal breathing signal with a 4 second period, the gamma passing rate of free‐breathing gating and breath‐hold gating deliveries were measured in the range of 95.7% to 100%. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that Elekta linacs can accurately deliver respiratory gated treatments for both free‐breathing and breath‐hold patients. Some caution should be exercised with the use of very tight gating windows.
Tuning the Bonding Behavior of d‐p Orbitals to Enhance Oxygen Reduction through Push–Pull Electronic Effects
Authors: Jing Qi , Mei Zhiyuan , Sheng Xuelin , Zou Xiaoxiao , Xu Qijun , Wang Lilian , Guo Hong
Published: October 2023

The regulation of electronic structure is intricately linked to the intrinsic activity of oxygen reduction. Herein, a strategy for electronic structure modulation induced by bimetallic push–pull electronic effects in dual‐atom catalysts (Fe,Ni/N‐C@NG) is developed. Experiments and theoretical analysis reveal that Fe sites exhibit favorable bonding behaviors (Fe–O: dxz‐p, dyz‐p, and dz2‐p) and spin configurations, which can enable rapid desorption of *OH and thus enhance the intrinsic activity of oxygen reduction. In situ monitoring techniques and Gibbs free energy diagram further demonstrate that the adjacent Ni could serve as second active center to participate in oxygen reduction. The Fe,Ni/N‐C@NG exhibits enhanced oxygen reduction reaction activity and excellent stability. Meanwhile, the assembled Zn–air battery maintains stability for over 300 h with a small voltage gap. This study provides multiple insights into the orbital scale laws of oxygen reduction.
Fully‐Printed Bionic Tactile E‐Skin with Coupling Enhancement Effect to Recognize Object Assisted by Machine Learning
Authors: Yu Zhe , Mao Yanghuan , Wu Zhixin , Li Fenglong , Cao Jinwei , Zheng Ya‐Nan , Zhong Xiaolong , Wang Lebin , Zhu Jin , Gao Pingqi , Ying Wu Bin , Liu Gang
Published: October 2023

In the pursuit of tactile sensation resembling human skin, the electronic skin (E‐skin) has long been a subject of interest and inspires the exploration of various biomimetic structures. Nevertheless, the exceptional functionality of living organisms arises from the synergistic interplay of multiple internal factors, i.e. the coupling enhancement effect, which has received limited attention in existing studies. Here, a tactile E‐skin featuring a multicoupled biomimetic structure that mimics three coupling elements found in the skin: Stratum spinosum, Meissner corpuscle, and Piezo2 protein, is proposed. By amalgamating their distinguishing characteristics, this bionic E‐skin surpasses the performance of conventional counterparts such as sensitivity as high as 388.5 kPa−1, hysteresis as low as 0.76%, and response times as short as 10 ms. Furthermore, its fabrication methodology of efficient 3D printing shows great advantages in terms of production cost and customization. Finally, the sensor is expanded to a 9 × 9 pixels array for a machine learning‐assisted intellisense system to recognize the fruits as a human does, achieving an accuracy of 91.4%. All of these prove the promising potential of this multicoupled biomimetic structure in wearable electronics, human–machine interface, soft robotics, and artificial sensing.
Plasma‐Assisted CO2 Reduction into Nanocarbon in Water Using Sonochemically Dispersed Liquid Gallium
Authors: Babikir Abd H. , Ekanayake Mihiri G. M. , Oloye Olawale , Riches James D. , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , O'Mullane Anthony P.
Published: October 2023

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming but fortunately can be removed via chemical conversion processes that often involve a reduction step. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma is an effective way to promote chemical reduction processes but requires a catalyst for energetically demanding reactions. In this study, the rapid conversion of CO2 into solid carbon via a DBD plasma is reported using dispersed liquid metal Ga which is first converted into GaOOH particles to ultimately form a GaOOH/C nanocomposite. Raman and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) experiments indicate that amorphous activated carbon is formed after the plasma treatment. Further analysis demonstrates that highly dispersed sub‐nano‐sized carbon particles containing oxygen functional groups are formed uniformly on the GaOOH surface. The CO2 conversion mechanism suggests that plasma electrons activate CO2 molecules, while plasma‐generated oxygen vacancies on the catalyst surface help dissociate CO2 into solid carbon. This work opens a new approach for synthesizing materials comprising of highly dispersed sub‐nano‐sized carbon on a metal oxide support suitable for other applications such as adsorption, heterogenous catalysis, and energy conversion.
Emission Dipole and Pressure‐Driven Tunability of Second Harmonic Generation in vdWs Ferroelectric NbOI2
Authors: Fu Jierui , Yang Niuzhuang , Liu Yue , Liu Quan , Du Jiaxin , Fang Yuqiang , Wang Jiapeng , Gao Bo , Xu Chengyan , Zhang Dai , Meixner Alfred J. , Gou Gaoyang , Huang Fuqiang , Zhen Liang , Li Yang
Published: October 2023

2D in‐plane ferroelectric NbOI2 exhibits strong second harmonic generation (SHG) and ultrahigh effective susceptibility. To push forward their applications in nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics, it is highly desirable to understand the emission dipole orientation and tunability of SHG, which is not achieved. Here, by integrating tight focusing from parabolic mirror with back focal plane (BFP) imaging technique, for the first time it is demonstrated that SHG emission of NbOI2 presents purely in‐plane dipole orientation in consistent with numerical simulations, suggesting the in‐plane components of the SHG susceptibility tensor in NbOI2 dominate the emission. Moreover, with the aid of ab‐initio calculations, it is found that the hydrostatic pressure can dramatically change the structure and resultant SHG intensity of NbOI2. Explicitly, SHG intensity endures a slight increase due to the distortion of octahedral at low pressure pressure, and then monotonously decreases due to the improvement of structural symmetry with further increasing pressure, and drastically quenching resulting from the ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition. This work unambiguously demonstrates the dipole emission behavior of SHG and the relationship between structural evolution and SHG intensity, which provides an avenue for tunable nonlinear optics and optoelectronics.
Sb‐Doped Cs3TbCl6 Nanocrystals for Highly Efficient Narrow‐Band Green Emission and X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yu Yang , Han Peigeng , Li Cheng , Wu Tong , Ding Zhiling , Liu Runze , Zhang Ruiling , Luo Cheng , Li Hui , Zhao Kun , Han Keli , Lu Ruifeng
Published: October 2023

Metal halide nanocrystals (NCs) with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) are desirable for lighting, display, and X‐ray detection. Herein, the novel lanthanide‐based halide NCs are committed to designing and optimizing the optical and scintillating properties, so as to unravel the PL origin, exciton dynamics, and optoelectronic applications. Sb‐doped zero‐dimensional (0D) Cs3TbCl6 NCs exhibit a green emission with a narrow full width of half maximum of 8.6 nm, and the best PLQY of 48.1% is about three times higher than that of undoped NCs. Experiments and theoretical calculations indicate that 0D crystalline and electronic structures make the exciton highly localized on [TbCl6]3− octahedron, which boosts the Cl−‐Tb3+ charge transfer process, thus resulting in bright Tb3+ emission. More importantly, the introduction of Sb3+ not only facilitates the photon absorption transition, but also builds an effective thermally boosting energy transfer channel assisted by [SbCl6]3−‐induced self‐trapped state, which is responsible for the PL enhancement. The high luminescence efficiency and negligible self‐absorption of the Cs3TbCl6: Sb nanoscintillator enable a more sensitive X‐ray detection response compared with undoped sample. The study opens a new perspective to deeply understand the excited state dynamics of metal halide NCs, which helps to design high‐performance luminescent lanthanide‐based nanomaterials.
Aqueous Solution Enhanced Room Temperature Phosphorescence through Coordination‐Induced Structural Rigidity
Authors: Liang Li Ya , Chen Bin Bin , Gao Ya Ting , Lv Jian , Liu Meng Li , Li Da Wei
Published: October 2023

Achieving aqueous solution enhanced room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) is critical for the applications of RTP materials in solution phase, but which faces a great challenge. Herein, for the first time, a strategy of coordination‐induced structural rigidity is proposed to achieve enhanced quantum efficiency of aluminum/scandium‐doped phosphorescent microcubes (Al/Sc‐PMCs) in aqueous solution. The Al/Sc‐PMCs in a dry state exhibit a nearly invisible blue RTP. However, they emit a strong RTP emission in aqueous solution with a RTP intensity increase of up to 22.16‐times, which is opposite to common solution‐quenched RTP. The RTP enhancement mechanism is attributed to the abundant metal sites (Al3+ and Sc3+ ions) on the Al/Sc‐PMCs surface that can tightly combine with water molecules through the strong coordination. Subsequently, these coordinated water molecules as the bridging agent can bind with surface groups by hydrogen bonding interaction, thereby rigidifying chemical groups and inhibiting their motions, resulting in the transition from the nonradiative decay to the radiative decay, which greatly enhances the RTP efficiency of the Al/Sc‐PMCs. This work not only develops a coordination rigidity strategy to enhance RTP intensity in aqueous solution, but also constructs a phosphorescent probe to achieve reliable and accurate determination of analyte in complex biological matrices.
ESIPT‐AIE Active Schiff Base Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles Based on 2‐(2‐(4‐(4‐bromo Phenyl) Thiazol‐2‐yl)Vinyl)Phenol (BTVP) Utilized as a Multi‐Functional Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Devasia Jyothis , Aishwarya B. N. , Joy Francis , Nizam Aatika
Published: October 2023

The present study reports the synthesis and characterization of Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) – Excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) active 2‐(2‐(4‐(4‐bromo phenyl) thiazol‐2‐yl)vinyl)phenol (BTVP). The AIE properties of BTVP in Acetone/Water solution are investigated, and fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) (sizes ranging from 150–200 nm) are prepared in various water fractions (fH2O). The established visco‐chromic property suggests that the restriction of intramolecular rotation is responsible for the AIE‐ESIPT behavior of the molecule, providing a means to sense viscosity. The synthesized FONs act as fluorescence chemosensors to detect Al3+ ions via a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism. Job's, Benesi–Hildebrand method, and 1HNMR titration confirm the 1:1 binding of BTVP with the metal ion. Studies on the emission concerning pH reveal the high stability of FONs over a broad range of pH, and a gradual change in the emission wavelength for the BTVP‐Al3+ complex (BTVP‐Al) is observed, providing a means to sense pH ranging from 2–8. The solid‐state photoluminescence of BTVP is used for latent fingerprint detection, demonstrating its efficiency in detecting both primary and secondary information. Additionally, both BTVP FNOs and BTVP‐Al are used in cell imaging, where specific nuclear staining with BTVP‐Al and cytoplasm staining with BTVP are observed.
Asymmetric A‐DA′D‐A′′ Molecular Configuration Type‐I Photosensitizer with Two Complementary Reactive Oxygen Species for Efficient Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Wang Wen , Qin Tian , Wang Haiyang , Yang Zhiyong , Chi Zhenguo , Zhou Xie
Published: October 2023

Type‐I photosensitizers (PSs) can efficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the hypoxia condition of tumors, which show less oxygen dependence and are considered better candidates for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, relatively few efficient type‐I organic PSs simultaneously generating two or more type‐I ROS under irradiation are reported. Herein, new alternate donor (D)‐acceptor (A) type molecules containing ladder‐type core (DA′D) fused with an electron‐deficient benzothiadiazole core are reported, which show symmetrical A‐DA′D‐A (QY1) and asymmetrical A‐DA′D‐A′′ (QY2) configurations, respectively. As these ROSs possess complementary properties of strong oxidizing ability (•OH) and long radical lifetime (O2•−), in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that QY1 and QY2 show excellent PDT effects for tumor cells under normoxia or hypoxia, and can achieve remarkable tumor growth inhibition (TGI) rate of 90% for the QY2. More importantly, the generation of •OH in these PSs is revealed by experiments both in aqueous and in vitro, including the well‐known transformation of O2•− and direct electron transition from water to excited triplet PS. It thus provides a comprehensive understanding of the O2 dependence property of •OH radical and deep insights into the mechanism of type‐I PS.
Electrochemical Reductive Carboxylation of para‐Quinone Methides with CO2
Authors: Yan Yunying , Li Haiqiong , Xie Fenfen , Lu Wenhua , Zhang Zhengbing , Jing Linhai , Han Pan
Published: October 2023

Herein, electrochemical reductive carboxylation of para‐quinone methides with CO2 was developed. A variety of value‐added carboxylic acids can be accessed in moderate to excellent yields. Preliminary studies showed that para‐quinone methides were reduced to benzyl carbanion during the reaction. This protocol features high atom economy, operational simplicity, and environmental friendliness, enabling the synthesis of various carboxylic compounds.
Copper‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Divergent Carbene Insertion into the N−H bonds of Tryptamines
Authors: Kumar Dharmendra , Rao Kuram Malleswara
Published: October 2023

Easy access to divergent products with chemoselectivity is of great importance in organic synthesis. Herein, we have developed a chemoselective copper‐catalyzed carbene insertion protocol onto N−H bonds of tryptamine derivatives. Divergent insertion products are obtained by varying the nucleophilicity of the aliphatic NH of tryptamine with electron‐donating or electron‐withdrawing groups. The reaction provided N−H insertion products with broad substrate scope in good yields.
A Leaf‐Patchable Reflectance Meter for In Situ Continuous Monitoring of Chlorophyll Content
Authors: Zhang Kaiyi , Li Wenlong , Li Haicheng , Luo Yifei , Li Zheng , Wang Xiaoshi , Chen Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

Plant wearable sensors facilitate the real‐time monitoring of plant physiological status. In situ monitoring of the plant chlorophyll content over days can provide valuable information on the photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen content, and general plant health. However, it cannot be achieved by current chlorophyll measuring methods. Here, a miniaturized and plant‐wearable chlorophyll meter for rapid, non‐destructive, in situ, and long‐term chlorophyll monitoring is developed. The reflectance‐based chlorophyll sensor with 1.5 mm thickness and 0.2 g weight (1000 times lighter than the commercial chlorophyll meter), includes a light emitting diode (LED) and two symmetric photodetectors (PDs) on a flexible substrate, and is patched onto the leaf upper epidermis with a conformal light guiding layer. A chlorophyll content index (CCI) calculated based on the sensor shows a better linear relationship with the leaf chlorophyll content (r2 > 0.9) than the traditional chlorophyll meter. This meter can wirelessly communicate with a smartphone to monitor the leaf chlorophyll change under various stresses and indicate the unhealthy status of plants for long‐term application of plants under various stresses earlier than chlorophyll meter and naked‐eye observation. This wearable chlorophyll sensing patch is promising in smart and precision agriculture.
Reactivity Umpolung of Amides in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Shi Qiu , Liu Wenbo H.
Published: October 2023

Amides are important carboxylic acid derivatives, having wide applications in chemistry, biochemistry, and material science. Due to the conjugation (nN‐π*C=O), the carbonyl group of amides is the least electrophilic and the Calpha−H bond of amides is the least acidic among the carbonyl derivatives, thereby making it challenging to develop highly efficient and selective transformations based on amides. Reactivity umpolung refers to the reversion of polarity of a functional group. The idea of inverting the innate polarity of organic functional groups, initially introduced by Wittig and later popularized by Seebach, marks a pivotal conceptual breakthrough in organic synthesis. In contrast to the progress for the umpolung of aldehyde, the umpolung of amides has proved challenging and only recently made notable progress. Following the elegant design, the C1 of the amide can become nucleophilic, and the C2 can be electrophilic. In this review, we attempt to summarize the reported examples that are broadly categorized as reactivity umpolung of amides. This review is structured around the umpolung of C1 through radical or carbanion reactions, as well as the umpolung of C2 through electrophilic amide activation or the unique properties of Weinreb amide.
Anaphylactic shock due to intra‐articular injection of diclofenac etalhyaluronate sodium: A case report
Authors: Yatabe Tomoaki , Mizutani Akihito , Ito Takashi , Ono Ricart Yukika , Watanabe Maasa , Uchiyama Sohta
Published: October 2023

Background

Anaphylactic shock of diclofenac etalhyaluronate agent can be prolonged and recurrent. However, its reports are rare, and consequently, its method of management remains to be established.

Case Presentation

A 65‐year‐old woman received an intra‐articular injection of diclofenac and hyaluronate. After 20 min, systemic urticaria and severe hypotension developed after walking. After an intramuscular adrenaline injection, she was transferred to our hospital. Despite administration of continuous noradrenaline and adrenaline, hypotension persisted. Seven hours after the joint injection, 25 mL of knee joint fluid was aspirated under ultrasound guidance. Mobilization was performed 24 h after joint injection. However, urticaria rapidly spread after standing. At 45 and 46 h after joint injection, we confirmed that no symptoms, including urticaria, recurred after walking.

Conclusion

Anaphylactic shock due to intra‐articular injection of diclofenac etalhyaluronate is prolonged and requires extended observation. Aspiration of joint fluid may be one of the treatment options.
Mechanical Enhancement of the Strain‐Sensor Response in Dimers of Strongly Coupled Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Ahmidayi Najat , d'Orsonnens William , Maurer Thomas , Lévêque Gaëtan
Published: October 2023

Due to their particular optical and mechanical properties, plasmomechanical devices have become choice candidates in strain sensing applications. Using numerical simulation, a plasmomechanical system consisting of two gold nanoparticles with different shapes and separated by a small gap, deposited onto a deformable polydimethylsiloxane membrane, is investigated. With the aim of understanding the relationship between the plasmonic behavior of gold nanoparticles and induced mechanical deformations, mechanical extension ranging from 0% to 20% is applied to the polydimethylsiloxane membrane. In a first step, a mechanical calculation based on a hyperelastic model for polydimethylsiloxane shows that the interparticle spacing is enhanced nonlinearly by a percentage greater than the externally applied deformation, depending on the shape and size of the nanoparticles as well as the polydimethylsiloxane membrane thickness. Full optical simulation of the deformed nanosystems demonstrates that the plasmonic resonance wavelength is highly sensitive to the applied displacements and is enhanced compared to a basic approach where the gap deformation is taken as equal to the macroscopic applied deformation. The best figure of merit () is obtained for the disk–rod dimer near the strong coupling regime, larger than the values reported in the literature for localized nanoparticle systems.
Copper‐Sulfur‐Nitrogen Cluster Providing a Local Proton for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Photoreduction
Authors: Dong Jian‐Peng , Xu Yue , Zhang Xun‐Guang , Zhang Huan , Yao Ling , Wang Rui , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: October 2023

Atomically precise Cu clusters are highly desirable as catalysts for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), and they provide an appropriate model platform for elaborating their structure–activity relationship. However, an efficient overall photocatalytic CO2RR with H2O using assembled Cu‐cluster aggregates as single component photocatalyst has not been reported. Herein, we report a stable crystalline Cu−S−N cluster photocatalyst with local protonated N−H groups (denoted as Cu6−NH). The catalyst exhibits suitable photocatalytic redox potentials, high structural stability, active catalytic species, and a narrow band gap, which account for its outstanding photocatalytic CO2RR performance under visible light, with ≈100 % selectivity for CO evolution. Remarkably, systematic isostructural Cu‐cluster control experiments, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations revealed that the protonated pyrimidine N atoms in the Cu6−NH cluster act as a proton relay station, providing a local proton during the photocatalytic CO2RR. This efficiently lowers the energy barrier for the formation of the *COOH intermediate, which is the rate‐limiting step, efficiently enhancing the photocatalytic performance. This work lays the foundation for the development of atomically precise metal‐cluster‐based photocatalysts.
Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Multifunctional Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layers for Dendrite‐Free Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Liu Pei , Miao Licheng , Sun Zhiqin , Chen Xuchun , Si Yuchang , Wang Qinglun , Jiao Lifang
Published: October 2023

Constructing a stable and robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for achieving dendrite‐free sodium metal anodes and high‐performance sodium batteries. However, maintaining the integrity of SEI during prolonged cycle life under high current densities poses a significant challenge. In this study, we propose an integrated multifunctional SEI layer with inorganic/organic hybrid construction (IOHL−Na) to enhance the durability of sodium metal anode during reduplicative plating/stripping processes. The inorganic components with high mechanical strength and strong sodiophilicity demonstrate optimized ionic conduction efficiency and dendrite inhibition ability. Simultaneously, the organic component contributes to the formation of a dense and elastic membrane structure, preventing fracture and delamination issues during volume fluctuations. The symmetrical batteries of IOHL−Na achieve stable cycling over 2000 hours with an extremely low voltage hysteresis of around 15.8 mV at a high current density of 4 mA cm−2. Moreover, the Na−O2 batteries sustain exceptional long‐term stability and impressive capacity retention, exploiting a promising approach for constructing durable SEI and dendrite‐free sodium metal anodes.