bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin‐Selective Memtransistors with Magnetized Graphene
Authors: Jeong Juyeong , Kiem Do Hoon , Guo Dan , Duan Ruihuan , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Liu Zheng , Han Myung Joon , Zheng Shoujun , Yang Heejun
Published: January 2024

Spin‐polarized bands in pristine and proximity‐induced magnetic materials are promising building blocks for future devices. Conceptually new memory, logic, and neuromorphic devices are conceived based on atomically thin magnetic materials and the manipulation of their spin‐polarized bands via electrical and optical methods. A critical remaining issue is the direct probe and the optimized use of the magnetic coupling effect in van der Waals heterostructures, which requires further delicate design of atomically thin magnetic materials and devices. Here, a spin‐selective memtransistor with magnetized single‐layered graphene on a reactive antiferromagnetic material, CrI3, is reported. The spin‐dependent hybridization between graphene and CrI3 atomic layers enables the spin‐selective bandgap opening in the single‐layered graphene and the electric field control of magnetization in a specific CrI3 layer. The microscopic working principle is clarified by the first‐principles calculations and theoretical analysis of the transport data. Reliable memtransistor operations (i.e., memory and logic device‐combined operations), as well as a spin‐selective probe of Landau levels in the magnetized graphene, are achieved by using the subtle manipulation of the magnetic proximity effect via electrical means.
Realization of High Mobility Synaptic Transistor through Control of Cross‐Linking Agent in a Polymer Dielectric Layer for Emerging Electric Double Layer
Authors: Kim Su‐Kyung , Kim Jong‐Ho , Yun Kwang‐Ro , Lee Tae‐Ju , Seong Tae‐Yeon
Published: January 2024

The development of high‐mobility neuromorphic transistors is essential to increase signal transmission speed and solve the von Neumann bottleneck issue. Herein, this work proposes cross‐linked Poly(4‐vinylphenol) (c‐PVP) as a dielectric layer to form an electric double layer (EDL), which plays a key role in synaptic transistors, and measure the ratio‐dependent characteristics of cross‐linking agents in c‐PVP. When the ratio of PVP to poly(melamine‐co‐formaldehyde) methylated (PMF) is 10:1, neuromorphic transistors is found to show the best performance with a memory window of 2.2 V and a mobility of 93.4 cm2 V−1 s−1. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) results show that the reduction in the concentration of the cross‐linking agent generates more hydroxyl groups within the c‐PVP film. The 10:1 c‐PVP‐based synaptic device has an ultra‐low energy consumption of 15.8 pJ for a single pulse and a maximum paired pulse facilitation (PPF) index value of 291%. Additionally, synaptic characteristics, such as pulse duration time dependent plasticity, pulse intensity dependent plasticity, pulse rate dependent plasticity (SRDP), high band filtering, and short‐term memory (STM) conversion to long‐term memory (LTM), are also described and discussed. These results suggest that c‐PVP/ZnON‐based neuromorphic devices can be promising artificial synapses for memory and learning capabilities.
Formulating Electron Beam‐Induced Covalent Linkages for Stable and High‐Energy‐Density Silicon Microparticle Anode
Authors: Je Minjun , Son Hye Bin , Han Yu‐Jin , Jang Hangeol , Kim Sungho , kim Dongjoo , Kang Jieun , Jeong Jin‐Hyeok , Hwang Chihyun , Song Gyujin , Song Hyun‐Kon , Ha Tae Sung , Park Soojin
Published: January 2024

High‐capacity silicon (Si) materials hold a position at the forefront of advanced lithium‐ion batteries. The inherent potential offers considerable advantages for substantially increasing the energy density in batteries, capable of maximizing the benefit by changing the paradigm from nano‐ to micron‐sized Si particles. Nevertheless, intrinsic structural instability remains a significant barrier to its practical application, especially for larger Si particles. Here, a covalently interconnected system is reported employing Si microparticles (5 µm) and a highly elastic gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) through electron beam irradiation. The integrated system mitigates the substantial volumetric expansion of pure Si, enhancing overall stability, while accelerating charge carrier kinetics due to the high ionic conductivity. Through the cost‐effective but practical approach of electron beam technology, the resulting 500 mAh‐pouch cell showed exceptional stability and high gravimetric/volumetric energy densities of 413 Wh kg−1, 1022 Wh L−1, highlighting the feasibility even in current battery production lines.
Butyrate Prevents the Pathogenic Anemia‐Inflammation Circuit by Facilitating Macrophage Iron Export
Authors: Xiao Peng , Cai Xuechun , Zhang Zhou , Guo Ke , Ke Yuehai , Hu Ziwei , Song Zhangfa , Zhao Yuening , Yao Lingya , Shen Manlu , Li Jingyun , Huang Youling , Ye Lingna , Huang Lingjie , Zhang Yu , Liu Rongbei , Xu Mengque , Xu Xutao , Zhao Yuan , Cao Qian
Published: January 2024

Most patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) develop anemia, which is attributed to the dysregulation of iron metabolism. Reciprocally, impaired iron homeostasis also aggravates inflammation. How this iron‐mediated, pathogenic anemia‐inflammation crosstalk is regulated in the gut remains elusive. Herein, it is for the first time revealed that anemic IBD patients exhibit impaired production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), particularly butyrate. Butyrate supplementation restores iron metabolism in multiple anemia models. Mechanistically, butyrate upregulates ferroportin (FPN) expression in macrophages by reducing the enrichment of histone deacetylase (HDAC) at the Slc40a1 promoter, thereby facilitating iron export. By preventing iron sequestration, butyrate not only mitigates colitis‐induced anemia but also reduces TNF‐α production in macrophages. Consistently, macrophage‐conditional FPN knockout mice exhibit more severe anemia and inflammation. Finally, it is revealed that macrophage iron overload impairs the therapeutic effectiveness of anti‐TNF‐α antibodies in colitis, which can be reversed by butyrate supplementation. Hence, this study uncovers the pivotal role of butyrate in preventing the pathogenic circuit between anemia and inflammation.
Role of Argininosuccinate Synthase 1 ‐Dependent L‐Arginine Biosynthesis in the Protective Effect of Endothelial Sirtuin 3 Against Atherosclerosis
Authors: Cao Xiaoyun , Wu Vivian Wei Yan , Han Yumeng , Hong Huiling , Wu Yalan , Kong Alice Pik Shan , Lui Kathy O , Tian Xiao Yu
Published: January 2024

Atherosclerosis is initiated with endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and vascular inflammation under hyperlipidemia. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a mitochondrial deacetylase. However, the specific role of endothelial SIRT3 during atherosclerosis remains poorly understood. The present study aims to study the role and mechanism of SIRT3 in EC function during atherosclerosis. Wild‐type Sirt3f/f mice and endothelium‐selective SIRT3 knockout Sirt3f/f; Cdh5Cre/+ (Sirt3EC‐KO) mice are injected with adeno‐associated virus (AAV) to overexpress PCSK9 and fed with high‐cholesterol diet (HCD) for 12 weeks to induce atherosclerosis. Sirt3EC‐KO mice exhibit increased atherosclerotic plaque formation, along with elevated macrophage infiltration, vascular inflammation, and reduced circulating L‐arginine levels. In human ECs, SIRT3 inhibition resulted in heightened vascular inflammation, reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and diminished L‐arginine levels. Silencing of SIRT3 results in hyperacetylation and deactivation of Argininosuccinate Synthase 1 (ASS1), a rate‐limiting enzyme involved in L‐arginine biosynthesis, and this effect is abolished in mutant ASS1. Furthermore, L‐arginine supplementation attenuates enhanced plaque formation and vascular inflammation in Sirt3EC‐KO mice. This study provides compelling evidence supporting the protective role of endothelial SIRT3 in atherosclerosis and also suggests a critical role of SIRT3‐induced deacetylation of ASS1 by ECs for arginine synthesis.
Radical Cross Coupling and Enantioselective Protonation through Asymmetric Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Kong Manman , Wang Zhuoxi , Ban Xu , Zhao Xiaowei , Yin Yanli , Zhang Junmin , Jiang Zhiyong
Published: January 2024

An unprecedented enantioselective protonation reaction enabled by photoredox catalytic radical coupling is developed. Under cooperative dicynopyrazine‐derived chromophore (DPZ) as a photosensitizer and a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst, and Hantzsch ester as a sacrificial reductant, the transformations between α‐substituted enones and cyanoazaarenes or 2‐(chloromethyl)azaaren‐1‐iums can proceed a tandem reduction, radical coupling, and enantioselective protonation process efficiently. Two classes of pharmaceutically important enantioenriched azaarene variants, which contain a synthetically versatile ketone‐substituted tertiary carbon stereocenter at the β‐ or γ‐position of the azaarenes, are synthesized with high yields and ees.
Ortho‐Carborane Decorated Multi‐Resonance TADF Emitters: Preserving Local Excited State and High Efficiency in OLEDs
Authors: Lee Taehwan , Jang Jee‐Hun , Nguyen Nhi Ngoc Tuyet , Jung Jaehoon , Lee Jeong‐Hwan , Lee Min Hyung
Published: January 2024

A novel class of o‐carboranyl luminophores, 2CB‐BuDABNA (1) and 3CB‐BuDABNA (2) is reported, in which o‐carborane moieties are incorporated at the periphery of the B,N‐doped multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) core. Both compounds maintain the inherent local emission characteristics of their MR‐emitting core, exhibiting intense MR‐TADF with high photoluminescence quantum yields in toluene and rigid states. In contrast, the presence of the dark lowest‐energy charge transfer state, induced by cage rotation in THF, is suggested to be responsible for emission quenching in a polar solvent. Despite the different arrangement of the cage on the DABNA core, both 1 and 2 show red‐shifted emissions compared to the parent compound BuDABNA (3). By utilizing 1 as the emitter, high‐efficiency blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are achieved with a remarkable maximum external quantum efficiency of 25%, representing the highest reported efficiency for OLEDs employing an o‐carboranyl luminophore as the emitter.
The co‐occurrence of food insecurity and other hardships in Australia
Authors: Botha Ferdi , Ribar David C. , Maitra Chandana , Wilkins Roger
Published: January 2024

Food insecurity has many causes, including insufficient incomes, competing expenditure needs, and inadequate facilities to store and prepare food. The characteristics that contribute to food insecurity may also contribute to other co‐occurring hardships. This article examines people's experiences of food insecurity, poor financial wellbeing, poor physical health and long‐term disability, low social support, inadequate economic resources, and housing stress, using 2020 data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. It finds that food insecurity typically co‐occurs with other hardships. Nearly two‐thirds of food‐insecure Australians experience another hardship, and just under one‐third experience multiple other hardships.
Recent Progress of Nature Materials Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Electronic Skins and Human–Machine Interaction
Authors: Zhang Baosen , Ren Tianci , Li Haidong , Chen Baojin , Mao Yanchao
Published: January 2024

The current field of human‐machine interaction (HMI) and electronic skin (e‐skin) is confronting challenges associated with energy supply, sensitivity, and biocompatibility. Traditional HMI systems, though rich in features, are constrained in their applications in the medical and wearable technology sectors due to their rigid structure and reliance on third‐party power inputs. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on natural materials are emerging as a focal point of research in this domain, attributed to their self‐powering capabilities, flexibility, and biocompatibility. These natural material‐based TENGs emulate the mechanical and biological characteristics of human skin, adapt to various body shapes and movements, and offer an efficient and reliable solution for the precise detection and analysis of complex, subtle physiological signals, thereby fostering innovations in wearable devices and robotic technology. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in natural material‐based TENGs, detailing the materials employed, including proteins, chitosan, and cellulose. It encapsulates their applications in the realms of electronic skin and HMI. Finally, the challenges confronted by natural material‐based TENGs are outlined and future trajectories for development in this burgeoning field are projected.
Influence of Sacrificial Reagents on the Photodeposition Reaction of Cocatalysts
Authors: Inaguma Ayako , Nagakawa Haruki , Kamata Sora , Nagata Morio
Published: January 2024

Cocatalyst depositing on photocatalysts with the oxidation of sacrificial reagents (photodeposition) has been widely used because of its simplicity. In most cases, alcohols are used as sacrificial reagents during photodeposition; however, the optimal types have yet to be fully investigated. In this study, methanol (MeOH) and triethanolamine (TEOA) are used as sacrificial reagents to prepare Pt‐ or Au‐deposited titanium dioxide. The use of different sacrificial reagents changes the deposition process. Pt deposited in the presence of MeOH and Au deposited in the presence of TEOA show higher cocatalytic activity. In this study, it is suggested that the consideration and selection of sacrificial reagents in terms of their reactivity with the cocatalyst are important for the development of optimal cocatalyst‐supported photocatalysts.
Diversity‐Based Topology Optimization of Soft Robotic Grippers
Authors: Pinskier Josh , Wang Xing , Liow Lois , Xie Yue , Kumar Prabhat , Langelaar Matthijs , Howard David
Published: January 2024

Soft grippers are ideal for grasping delicate, deformable objects with complex geometries. Universal soft grippers have proven effective for grasping common objects, however complex objects or environments require bespoke gripper designs. Multi‐material printing presents a vast design‐space which, when coupled with an expressive computational design algorithm, can produce numerous, novel, high‐performance soft grippers. Finding high‐performing designs in challenging design spaces requires tools that combine rapid iteration, simulation accuracy, and fine‐grained optimization across a range of gripper designs to maximize performance, no current tools meet all these criteria. Herein, a diversity‐based soft gripper design framework combining generative design and topology optimization (TO) are presented. Compositional pattern‐producing networks (CPPNs) seed a diverse set of initial material distributions for the fine‐grained TO. Focusing on vacuum‐driven multi‐material soft grippers, several grasping modes (e.g. pinching, scooping) emerging without explicit prompting are demonstrated. Extensive automated experimentation with printed multi‐material grippers confirms optimized candidates exceed the grasp strength of comparable commercial designs. Grip strength, durability, and robustness is evaluated across 15,170 grasps. The combination of fine‐grained generative design, diversity‐based design processes, high‐fidelity simulation, and automated experimental evaluation represents a new paradigm for bespoke soft gripper design which is generalizable across numerous design domains, tasks, and environments.
Determination of Stokes Vector from a Single Image Acquisition
Authors: Kamegaki Shuji , Ryu Meguya , Ng Soon Hock , Mizeikis Vygantas , Blamires Sean J. , Juodkazis Saulius , Morikawa Junko
Published: January 2024

Four Stokes parameters (1852) define the polarization state of light. Measured changes of the Stokes vector of light traversing an inhomogeneous sample are linked to the local anisotropies of absorption and refraction and are harnessed over an increasing range of applications in photonics, material, and space/earth observation. Several independent polarization sensitive measurements are usually required for determination of the all four Stokes parameters, which makes such characterization procedure time‐consuming or requires complex setups. Here, a single‐snapshot approach to Stokes polarimetry in transmission is introduced by use of a four‐polarization camera with the on‐chip integrated polarizers. A quarter‐waveplate is added in front of the sample and is illuminated by a linearly polarized light. This approach is demonstrated by measuring birefringence of spider silk of only m‐diameter using microscopy, however, due to its generic nature, it is transferable to other spectral ranges and imaging applications, e.g., imaging from a fast moving satellite or drone or monitoring fast changing events such as phase transitions.
Photocatalytic H2 Generation: Controlled and Optimized Dispersion of Single Atom Co‐Catalysts Based on Pt‐TCPP Planar Adsorption on TiO2
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Denisov Nikita , Kim Hyesung , Schmuki Patrik
Published: January 2024

When using single atoms (SAs) as a co‐catalyst in photocatalytic H2 generation, achieving a well‐dispersed, evenly distributed and adjustable SA surface density on a semiconductor surface is a challenging task. In the present work we use the planar adsorption of tetrakis‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐porphyrin (TCPP) and its platinum coordinated analogue, Pt‐TCPP, onto anatase TiO2 surfaces to establish a spatially controlled decoration of SAs. We show that the surface Pt SA density can be very well controlled by co‐adsorption of Pt‐TCPP and TCPP in the planar monolayer regime, and by adjusting the Pt‐TCPP to TCPP ratio a desired well dispersed surface density of SAs up to 2.6×105 atoms μm−2 can be established (which is the most effective Pt SA loading for photocatalysis). This distribution and the SA state are maintained after a thermal treatment in air, and an optimized SA density as well as a most active form of Pt for photocatalytic H2 evolution can be established and maintained.
Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial, molecular docking simulation, and antitumor assays of nanometric complexes based on new thiazole Schiff base derivative
Authors: Khedr Abdalla M. , El‐Ghamry Hoda A. , Wahdan Khalid M. , Mandour Hamada S. A.
Published: January 2024

For further pharmaceutical applications, a novel Schiff base derivative of aminothiazole and its Co (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), and Th (IV) chelates were designed and prepared. For this purpose, 2‐aminothiazole and 2,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde have been coupled before the complexation reaction with the metal salts. Elemental analysis, FT‐IR, 1HNMR, UV–Vis spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), molar conductance, and magnetic moment measurements were used to determine the structural formula of the ligand and its produced chelates. The acquired data pointed out that the ligand was chelated with metal through the nitrogen of azo group and deprotonated ortho phenolic oxygen atoms. In Cu (II) complex the copper ion chelated with two ligand molecules, whereas in other complexes the metal binds with one molecule only of ligand. It was shown by XRD patterns and high‐resolution TEM images that the complex particles had a uniform distribution across the chelates' surfaces and were nanometric in size. Extremely, antimicrobial and anticancer activity for the prepared ligand and complexes were investigated, which showed high activity, especially after complex formation. Docking studies have been performed to predict the compounds' efficacy as antitumor agents through their interaction with the co‐crystal structure of proteins for breast cancer cells (PDB ID: 3S7S) and protein of liver cancer 2 (PDB ID: 2JW2). The experimental results of the anticancer activity showed promising results, especially for Cu (II) compound which exhibited the greatest antitumor efficacy (IC50 = 12.81 μg/ml) contra HepG‐2 carcinoma and Mcf‐7 cells (IC50 = 18.92 ± 0.91 μg/ml). Antimicrobial activity against the strains Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), C. albicans (C. albicans), and Aspergillus niger (A. niger) also gave very promising results when it is compared with the standard drugs.
MXene/PDMS composite foam with regulatable cell structures for improved EMI shielding performance
Authors: Sima Haofei , Liu Bo , Cheng Chunzu , Zhang Chunling
Published: January 2024

The construction of conductive network and the design of material structure are the key points of polymer‐based shielding materials. Herein, we reported a MXene/PDMS composite foam material with adjustable cell structure and high efficiency electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Few‐layered MXene is used as a conductive filler to construct three‐dimensional conductive networks by in situ chemical etching. Meanwhile, a series of polystyrene microspheres with different sizes were prepared by applying suspension polymerization method as templates to introduce different cell sizes and densities for PDMS‐based materials. The density and EMI shielding performance of composites can be improved by adjusting the cell structure. Compared with the unfoamed MXene/PDMS composites, the composite foam in this work not only reduces the material density greatly but also improves the microwave absorption performance with smaller cell size. This method provides a simple and effective guide for changing material density and absorbing mechanism by introducing cell structure into polymer‐based materials in the future.
Enhanced mechanical properties of epoxy composites using cellulose micro‐ and nano‐crystals
Authors: Semaan Patricia , Zahran Abraham , Schlapp‐Hackl Inge , Tehrani‐Bagha Ali R. , Mustapha Samir
Published: January 2024

Epoxy polymers are commonly utilized in structural applications due to their high bearing capacity and excellent chemical resistance. However, their inherent brittleness poses a significant challenge for their use in high shock and fracture strength products. To address this shortcoming, fillers can be incorporated into the polymer during preparation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of incorporating cellulose‐based fillers, namely cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), on the mechanical properties of epoxy polymer composites. The study evaluated the impact of various factors, including filler concentration, particle size, and moisture content, on the mechanical properties of the composites. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of CNC or MCC powders at concentrations below 5% could enhance the mechanical properties of the resulting epoxy composites without adversely affecting their surface and thermal properties. The maximum tensile strength and fracture toughness of the filler‐based epoxy composites were achieved at 2 and 4 wt% for CNCs and MCC, respectively. CNCs with a smaller particle size distribution were found to be much more effective than MCC in improving the mechanical properties of the epoxy composites. Furthermore, utilizing dried fillers resulted in a higher improvement in tensile strength, which was achieved at lower filler concentrations.
Reactive oxygen species may cause amyloid beta aggregation by free radical polymerization
Authors: Majid Abdul , Garg Sanjeev
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, is closely related to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A kinetic model based on free radical polymerization of amyloid beta (Aβ) utilizing ROS as an initiator is proposed. Kinetic parameters involved in the model are tuned with the reported experimental data on fibril molecular weight. The tuned model is used to simulate time evolution of fibril length and polydispersity of Aβ aggregates. The simulated values are compared with the reported experimental values for these fibril properties. A good agreement is observed between the model simulated fibril properties and the reported experimental data. This supports the hypothesis of ROS as the cause of Aβ aggregation using the free radical polymerization. The proposed model is also able to predict the sigmoidal growth of fibrils at different set of parameter values. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to check the reliability of the proposed model. It is envisaged that the proposed model will be helpful to elucidate ROS‐based therapeutic strategies for AD treatment in near future.
Quantification of the invasiveness risk of non‐native macroalgae in the Azores to support conservation measures
Authors: Gabriel Daniela , Martins Beatriz , Ribeiro Cláudia , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Ferreira Ana Isabel , Fredericq Suzanne , Calado Helena
Published: January 2024

Non‐native species (NNS) might become invasive and threaten biodiversity, economy and public health. Therefore, it is essential that their invasiveness risk be quantified to support conservation measures.

The Azores, located in the mid‐northern Atlantic, is the crossroad of macroalgal native distributions and also present almost three times the global ratio of macroalgae reported as NNS.

Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit, a decision‐support tool consisting of 49 questions for the Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) and six for the Climate Change Assessment (CCA), was applied to the 42 marine macroalgae classified as NNS in the Azores.

The results indicate that 21 species pose a medium risk of becoming invasive, and 15 present a high risk under current climate conditions (BRA scores only). The combined BRA + CCA scores show that Laurencia dendroidea poses a high risk instead of a medium risk.

Thirty‐three Rhodophyta species were screened, with 10 (BRA) and 11 (BRA + CCA) classified as high risk. All four Chlorophyta species ranked as high risk. Only one of the five Ochrophyta species was classified as high risk, namely Rugulopteryx okamurae, one of the most invasive species in European waters.

High‐risk species are present in all islands, likely spread by the continuous maritime traffic between islands. Six of the high‐risk species are restricted to single islands (BRA and BRA + CCA scores), and efforts should be made to contain their further expansion. Asparagopsis armata, a species introduced in Europe in the 1920s, is the only high‐risk species present in all islands.

Conservation measures for prevention, monitoring and control of NNS are proposed for the different islands of the Azores, including regulation of introduction pathways, prospection of areas with high risk of invasion, risk screening, eradication and containment of NNS. The involvement of stakeholders and maritime workers is also recommended.
Employment benefits across U.S. allopathic medical schools: National norms and relationships with institutional wealth
Authors: Goldberg Brian J. , Ferrigno Christopher , Schundler Sabrina F. , Norrell Eric S. , Fox Leah , Woods Sabrina , Wilson Adam B.
Published: January 2024

This study summarizes employment benefits from across 155 U.S. allopathic medical schools, investigates differences in employment benefits according to institutional characteristics, and explores possible connections between employment benefits and institutional wealth. Employment benefits data were extracted from institutions’ websites across four categories: time‐off, time‐away, retirement contributions, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)/family benefits. This dataset was mixed with other publicly available datasets sourced through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the American Council on Education (ACE), and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) to conduct additional analyses. Nationally, medical schools offered an average of 31 vacation/sick days and 12 paid holidays. Schools typically offered 4 out of 8 time‐away benefits. Employers' retirement contributions ranged from 3.0% to 15.5%, with a mean contribution of 8.5%. A total of 43.2% (67 of 155) of medical schools offered a pension. Collectively, private medical schools offered fewer time‐away benefits and more EAP/family benefits compared to public schools. Universities with larger endowments per student were associated with a higher number of EAP/family benefits offerings (r = 0.543, p < 0.001). Institutional wealth did not influence other benefits offerings. The quantity/quality of most employment benefits offered at allopathic medical schools were wide‐ranging, tended not to vary by region or school control, and were not a function of institutional wealth.
Ligand‐ and metal‐exchange reactions of robust nickel complexes with pentagonal bipyramidal structures
Authors: Ikemoto Koki , Miyachi Akira , Yang Seungmin , Isobe Hiroyuki
Published: January 2024

The coordination chemistries of transition metal complexes with pentagonal bipyramidal geometries were investigated, and the highly stable nature of a cyclic pentapyridyl ligand was disclosed. A NiCl2 complex with the pentapyridyl ligand was found to be stable toward water and acidic conditions. The stable complex underwent ligand‐exchange reactions with nucleophilic reagents, and a series of pentagonal bipyramidal complexes with different apical ligands was prepared. Crystallographic analyses with the aid of theoretical calculations revealed that the complexes were constructed by electrostatic threading of a divalent linear nickel complex into the ring of the neutral, cyclic pentapyridyl, which resulted in robust water‐ and acid‐resistant complexes with unique pentagonal bipyramidal structures. A reductive metal exchange reaction was then discovered, which enabled “linear divalent metal + electrostatic ring” formulations with different metal atoms.
Changing perspectives on autism: Overlapping contributions of evolutionary psychiatry and the neurodiversity movement
Authors: Hunt Adam D. , Procyshyn Tanya L.
Published: January 2024

Perspectives on autism and psychiatric conditions are affected by a mix of scientific and social influences. Evolutionary psychiatry (EP) and the neurodiversity movement are emerging paradigms that reflect these distinct influences, with the former grounded in scientific theory and the latter driven by political and social principles. Despite their separate foundations, there is a significant overlap between EP and neurodiversity that has not been explored. Specifically, both paradigms reframe disorders as natural cognitive differences rather than disease; expand the concept of “normal” beyond that implied in modern psychiatry; focus on relative strengths; recognize that modern environments disadvantage certain individuals to cause functional impairment; emphasize cognitive variation being socially accommodated and integrated rather than treated or cured; and can help reduce stigmatization. However, in other ways, they are distinct and sometimes in conflict. EP emphasizes scientific explanation, defines “dysfunction” in objective terms, and differentiates heterogenous cases based on underlying causes (e.g. autism due to de novo genetic mutations). The neurodiversity movement emphasizes social action, removes barriers to inclusion, promotes inclusive language, and allows unrestricted identification as neurodivergent. By comparing and contrasting these two approaches, we find that EP can, to some extent, support the goals of neurodiversity. In particular, EP perspectives could be convincing to groups more responsive to scientific evidence and help achieve a middle ground between neurodiversity advocates and critics of the movement.
Verkehrsfreigabe der RB Schierstein, ein umweltgerechtes und nachhaltiges Bauwerk
Authors: Dieter Alwin
Published: January 2024

Am 13. August 2023 wurde der zweite Überbau der Rheinbrücke Schierstein durch Bundesminister Volker Wissing für den Verkehr freigegeben. Die mit 1285 m längste hessische Straßenbrücke über den Rhein verbindet die Landeshauptstädte Wiesbaden und Mainz. Diese Brücke hat eine bedeutende Funktion bei der Erschließung der Wirtschaftsräume Hessen und Rheinland‐Pfalz. Das Bauwerk bildet als Bestandteil der A643 mit der A60 ab Dreieck Mainz zusammen mit den Bundesautobahnen A671 und A66 den sog. Mainzer Ring. Die Erfüllung der besonderen Randbedingungen hinsichtlich Naturschutz, Gestaltung, Robustheit, Unterhaltung, Verkehr, Montage und Wirtschaftlichkeit stellte höchste Anforderungen an alle Beteiligten. Der folgende Beitrag erläutert die ergriffenen Maßnahmen zur Umsetzung dieser Vorgaben.
A desthiobiotin labelled NAD+ analogue to uncover Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 protein targets
Authors: Rieth Sonja , Spliesgar Daniel , Orth Jan , Lehner Maike , Kasprzyk Renata , Stengel Florian , Marx Andreas
Published: January 2024

ADP‐ribosylation is a post‐translational modification catalyzed by the enzyme family of polyadenosine diphosphate (ADP)‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs). This enzymatic process involves the transfer of single or multiple ADP‐ribose molecules onto proteins, utilizing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as a substrate. It, thus, plays a pivotal role in regulating various biological processes. Unveiling PARP‐selective protein targets is crucial for a better understanding of their biological functions. Nonetheless, this task proves challenging due to overlapping targets shared among PARP family members. Therefore, we applied the “bump‐and‐hole” strategy to modify the nicotinamide binding site of PARP1 by introducing a hydrophobic pocket (“hole”). This PARP1‐mutant binds an orthogonal NAD+ (Et‐DTB‐NAD+) containing an ethyl group (“bump”) at the nicotinamide moiety. Furthermore, we added a desthiobiotin (DTB) tag directly to the adenosine moiety, enabling affinity enrichment of ADP‐ribosylated proteins. Employing this approach, we successfully identified protein targets modified by PARP1 in cell lysate. This strategy expands the arsenal of chemically modified NAD+ analogs available for studying ADP‐ribosylation, providing a powerful tool to study these critical post‐translational modifications.
Dual Roles of Supporting Electrolytes in Organic Electrosynthesis
Authors: Gombos Lilla G. , Nikl Joachim , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: January 2024

Synthetic electro‐organic chemistry is advancing to a well‐established methodology in academic research and industry. The simple process control minimizes reagent waste and avoids using toxic and environmentally unfriendly redox agents, providing a feasible and sustainable alternative to conventional techniques. However, a fundamental disadvantage, is the necessity of ion‐conductive components within the electrolyte. The recovery of these supporting electrolytes, as well as simple product isolation, pose challenges for work‐up strategies. This review presents the following electrochemical protocols featuring a simple material‐ and resource‐saving strategy: the dual role of supporting electrolytes as conductivity enabling components and reagents or meditators. This review is the first to conclude and categorize dual role strategies for the supporting electrolytes. It may inspire electrochemists to advance the development and optimization of electrochemical synthesis protocols towards more material‐ and resource‐efficient reaction control.
Shaping Chirality via Stereoselective, Organocatalytic [4+2] Cycloadditions involving Heterocyclic ortho‐Quinodimethanes
Authors: Marcantonio Enrico , Curti Claudio
Published: January 2024

Polycyclic compounds bearing a complex heterocyclic core such as an aromatic heterocycle “fused” with one or more functionalized rings, are widespread leading molecules in the domain of synthetic organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Although many synthetic methodologies have been devised to access achiral, fused heteroaromatic scaffolds, or related chiral variants adorned with out‐of‐cycle stereogenic elements, equally efficient strategies to afford chiral heterocycles featuring in‐cycle stereocenters, exist to a lesser extent and presently represent a growing field of investigation. The mild, organocatalytic generation of elusive ortho‐quinodimethane intermediates (oQDMs), derived from suitable heteroaromatic carbonyl‐ or carbonyl‐like pronucleophiles has recently proved successful in the synthesis of such peculiar chiral architectures via stereoselective [4+2] cycloadditions. This review provides an overview of the most important advances attained in this field over the last decade.
Straightforward Access to Free β2,3,3‐Amino Acids through One Pot C‐H Activation/C−C Cleavage
Authors: Qin Yibo , Wang Yaping , Deng Ruwendan , Pei Zengkai , Xiong Heng‐Ying , Wang Teng , Zhang Guangwu
Published: January 2024

The first synthesis of unnatural β2,3,3‐amino acids with a spirocyclic backbone by one‐pot protocol has been presented. This reaction features wide functional group tolerance and feasibility of post‐functionalization of natural products and biologically important molecules. Novel dipeptide and tripeptide structures were assembled using this newly developed β2,3,3‐amino acid in high efficiency. The combination of C−H activation and C−C cleavage for the synthesis of β‐amino acids would trigger more promising synthetic routes for this compound.
Enantioselective polar‐organic mode high‐performance liquid chromatographic separation of lifitegrast on immobilized polysaccharide stationary phase and its application to pH‐dependent chiral interconversion studies
Authors: Kandula Jony Susanna , Rayala Veera Venkata Satya Prasanna Kumari , Parmar Keyur , Ponnapalli Veerabhadra Swamy , Gantala Mahendar , P. Radhakrishnanand
Published: January 2024

(S)‐Lifitegrast (LFT) is the novel integrin antagonist, approved by the Food and drug administration, to treat signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Synthesis of racemic LFT, preparative and analytical enantiomer separation, and chiral interconversion studies are lacking in the literature. Hence, in our study, synthesis of LFT racemate, chiral preparative purification procedure of enantiomer, and comprehensive analytical advancements are focused on rapid enantioselective separation and pH‐dependent chiral interconversion studies. The synthesis of LFT racemate employed 2‐amino‐3‐(3‐(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)propanoic acid hydrochloride and 2‐(benzofuran‐6‐carbonyl)‐5,7‐dichloro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline‐6‐carbonyl chloride as starting materials. (R)‐LFT was isolated from the racemate by preparative chiral HPLC and characterized using Q‐TOF, FT‐IR, NMR spectroscopy, and chiral HPLC. The purity of (R)‐LFT was determined to have an enantiomeric excess of 99.12%. A precise, accurate, rapid HPLC‐DAD enantioselective analytical method has been developed on Chiralpak IC [tris(3,5‐dichloro phenyl carbamate) immobilized on cellulose] using water and methanol as mobile phase. The chiral interconversion study reveals 0.22% and 0.21% of interconversion of (S)‐LFT into (R)‐LFT at 80°C in pH 7.4 and 9.5 buffers, respectively, on the 24th day. An alternative route to enantioselective synthesis of LFT enantiomers by chromatographic separation is proposed. The validated enantioselective HPLC method will help to test the regular quality control samples.
RNA oligomers at atomic resolution containing 1‐methylpseudouridine, an essential building block of mRNA vaccines
Authors: Nievergelt Philipp , Berliat Florian , McAuley Katherine E. , Dorgan Colin R. , van Well Renate Maria , Thorn Andrea , Spingler Bernhard
Published: January 2024

All widely used mRNA vaccines against COVID‐19 contain in their sequence 1‐methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) instead of uridine. In this publication, we report two high resolution crystal structures (at up to 1.01 and 1.32 Å, respectively) of one such double‐stranded 12‐mer RNA sequence crystallized in two crystal forms. The structures are compared with similar structures which do not contain this modification. Additionally, the X‐ray structure of 1‐methyl‐pseudouridine itself was determined.
An efficient and optimized cooperative indoor localization for B5G communication
Authors: Sharma Deepti , Babu Battula Ramesh
Published: January 2024

Ultra‐accurate indoor localization/positioning technology is rapidly gaining interest in 5G and beyond (B5G) communications. Achieving 0.1 m level of precise indoor localization is a significant challenge that can be resolved using channel state information (CSI) of wireless signals from nearby access points. The complex indoor propagation issues like shadowing, blockage effects, and multi‐path fading diminish CSI, affecting precise position/location accuracy. Thus, to achieve ultra‐accurate localization, a novel MOIL framework is proposed using a deep learning BiLSTM model and CSI features in an efficient and optimized manner. The proposed MOIL integrates two functional blocks, SecLOP and CordNet. SecLOP conceals multi‐path effects and noise to optimize the input information using sequential responses of signals. CordNet minimizes precise position/location errors by taking all combinations of optimized signal features from the SecLOP block. Extensive simulation experiments were conducted to validate MOIL in different indoor scenarios, such as line‐of‐sight (LOS) and non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS). Moreover, through a substantial ablation study, the efficiency of the proposed framework is validated/verified. The results outperformed existing works by providing cm‐level accuracy of 1 cm in LOS and 1.5 cm in NLOS scenarios. The proposed work outperformed the literature by 31.3% in LOS and 25.30% in NLOS scenarios.
Association between clinical dementia rating and clinical outcomes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Lanctôt Krista L. , Boada Mercè , Tariot Pierre N. , Dabbous Firas , Hahn‐Pedersen Julie , Udayachalerm Sariya , Raket Lars Lau , Saiontz‐Martinez Cynthia , Michalak Wojciech , Weidner Wendy , Cummings Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

We examined associations between the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) and function (Functional Assessment Scale [FAS]), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire [NPI‐Q]), and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

METHODS

We used data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set and defined cognitively unimpaired and AD stages using CDR‐global.

RESULTS

Functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms occur as early as the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) phase. The adjusted lest square mean FAS (95% confidence interval [CI]) was lowest in cognitively unimpaired (3.88 [3.66, 4.11] to 5.01 [4.76, 5.26]) and higher with more advanced AD (MCI: 8.17 [6.92, 9.43] to 20.87 [19.53, 22.20]; mild: 18.54 [17.57, 19.50] to 28.13 [27.14, 29.12]; moderate: 26.01 [25.31, 26.70] to 29.42 [28.73, 30.10]). FAS and NPI‐Q scores increased steeply with MCI (NPI‐Q: 5.55 [4.89, 6.20] to 7.11 [6.43, 7.78]) and mild AD dementia (NPI‐Q: 6.66 [5.72, 7.60] to 8.32 [7.32, 9.33]).

DISCUSSION

CDR‐global staged AD by capturing differences in relevant outcomes along AD progression.

Highlights

There were strong associations among CDR and the various outcomes relevant to healthcare providers, patients, and their care givers, such as activities of daily living.

Overall, activities of daily living, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive function outcomes deteriorated over time and can be observed in early stages of AD (MCI or mild dementia).

Our findings directly inform the current understanding of AD progression and can aid in care planning and benefit assessments of early AD interventions to delay the progression of AD to more advanced stages.
Delayed primacy recall performance predicts post mortem Alzheimer's disease pathology from unimpaired ante mortem cognitive baseline
Authors: Bruno Davide , Gicas Kristina M. , Jauregi‐Zinkunegi Ainara , Mueller Kimberly D. , Lamar Melissa
Published: January 2024

We propose a novel method to assess delayed primacy in the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) memory test. We then examine whether this measure predicts post mortem Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology in individuals who were clinically unimpaired at baseline. A total of 1096 individuals were selected from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center database registry. All participants were clinically unimpaired at baseline, and had subsequently undergone brain autopsy. Average age at baseline was 78.8 (6.92). A Bayesian regression analysis was carried out with global pathology as an outcome; demographic, clinical, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) data as covariates; and cognitive predictors, including delayed primacy. Global AD pathology was best predicted by delayed primacy. Secondary analyses showed that delayed primacy was mostly associated with neuritic plaques, whereas total delayed recall was associated with neurofibrillary tangles. Sex differential associations were observed. We conclude that CERAD‐derived delayed primacy is a useful metric for early detection and diagnosis of AD in unimpaired individuals.

Highlights

We propose a novel method to analyse serial position in the CERAD memory test.

We analyse data from 1096 individuals who were cognitively unimpaired at baseline.

Delayed primacy predicts post mortem pathology better than traditional metrics.
Detection of methandienone and its metabolites in equine urine, plasma and hair following a multidose oral administration
Authors: Viljanto Marjaana , Love Catherine , White Daniel , Habershon‐Butcher Jocelyn , Hincks Pamela , Gray Bobby , Scarth James
Published: January 2024

Methandienone is an anabolic‐androgenic steroid that is prohibited in equine sports due to its potential performance enhancing properties. Metabolism and detection of methandienone in equine urine have been investigated comprehensively in literature; however, there is a limited knowledge about its metabolites in equine plasma and no information about its detection in equine hair. Following a multi‐dose oral administration of methandienone to two Thoroughbred horses, 17‐epimethandienone, methyltestosterone, two mono‐hydroxylated, two di‐hydroxylated and three 17α‐methylandrostanetriol metabolites were detected in plasma. The majority of these were present as free analytes, whilst the mono‐hydroxylated metabolites and one isomer of 17α‐methylandrostanetriol were partially conjugated. Estimated peak concentrations of methandienone were 6,000 and 11,100 pg/ml; meanwhile, they were 25.4 and 40.5 pg/ml for methyltestosterone. The most abundant analyte in the post‐administration plasma samples of both horses was the mono‐hydroxylated metabolite; however, the parent compound provided the longest detection (up to 96 h). Screening analysis of hair enabled the detection of methandienone in mane hair samples only, for up to 3 months. Its mono‐ and di‐hydroxylated metabolites were detected with greater peak responses for up to 6 months post‐administration in both mane and tail samples, showing that these metabolites could be better analytical targets for hair analysis when administered orally. A follow‐up methodology with an extensive wash procedure confirmed the presence of methandienone and its metabolites in a number of post‐administration hair samples. Final wash samples were also analysed to assess the degree of internal incorporation (via bloodstream) against possible external deposition (via sweat/sebum).