bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metformin Exhibits Anti‐Inflammatory Effects by Regulating microRNA‐451/CXCL16 and B Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 in Patients With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Alimoradi Nahid , Ramezani Amin , Tahami Mohammad , Firouzabadi Negar
Published: October 2024

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of chronic disability in joints among older individuals. The primary goal of OA treatment is pain relief to improve the quality of life. Inflammation and aging are involved in the pathogenesis of pain in OA. In this study, we evaluated the ability of metformin to regulate microRNAs, such as miR‐451 and miR‐15b, and their target proteins, CXCL16 and B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (BCL‐2), involved in inflammation and apoptosis.

Methods

In this double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly divided into two groups: one receiving metformin and the other receiving a placebo for four months (starting at 0.5 g/day for the first week, increasing to 1 g/day for the second week, and increasing to 1.5 g/day for the remaining period). In addition to evaluating the clinical response using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score questionnaire, miR‐451 and miR‐15b expression levels were detected using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The serum levels of CXCL16 and BCL‐2 were evaluated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits before (time zero) and after treatment (month four).

Results

Metformin increased miR‐451 expression levels simultaneously with pain reduction, whereas miR‐15b expression did not change significantly after four months of treatment. Also, metformin decreased the serum levels of BCL‐2 and CXCL16 in patients with OA.

Conclusion

The effects of metformin in reducing pain can be attributed to many factors, including its anti‐inflammatory and antiaging effects. Our findings suggest that metformin may reduce pain and inflammation in patients with OA through the regulation of miR‐451/CXCL16 and BCL‐2.
Study of Magnetic Hydrogel 4D Printability and Smart Self‐Folding Structure
Authors: Deng Chengyao , Sun Haoxuan , Wu Xinze , Fang Yi , Guo Yifei , Sun Xudong , Li Zhenkun
Published: October 2024

4D printing technology offers the potential to create smart structures that respond to external stimuli. This study focuses on a novel magnetic hydrogel with promising applications in 4D printing, particularly for medical devices such as guidewire robots, drug delivery systems, and vascular stents. Magnetic‐responsive hydrogels suitable for 4D printing are scarce, and their complex rheological properties pose challenges for printing. The study investigates these properties and optimizes them through adjustments in ink composition and the application of an external magnetic field, improving printability. Using the direct writing (DLP) method, which allows magnetic programming of individual strands, the study achieves greater flexibility compared to the traditional SLA method. Optimized printing parameters and material ratios produced high‐quality single strands, grids, and sheet‐like structures, demonstrating responsiveness to varying magnetic fields. Results confirm that DLP can be effectively applied to hydrogel 4D printing, achieving flexible structures with tunable mechanical properties. Additionally, magnetic‐responsive, self‐folding hydrogel structures were created, with a response speed of 180 ms under a magnetic field. This research establishes a foundation for magnetic hydrogel 4D printing and offers insights for the development of future smart medical devices.
Conductive Polyethylene/Polyester Textiles with Temperature‐Strengthened Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency
Authors: Jiang Ziyang , Li Minghao , Chen Chunhui , Zhao Fang , Hai Wenqing , Shao Huiqi , Shao Guangwei , Jiang Jinhua , Chen Nanliang , Bi Siyi
Published: October 2024

The advancement of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials provides reliable protection for the communication technology. However, the performance of conventional EMI shielding materials is significantly diminished in high‐temperature conditions. Herein, an efficient method is proposed to prepare conductive fabrics with temperature‐strengthened EMI shielding performance via chemical plating technique. The as‐prepared polyethylene/polyester‐metallized fabric (PMF) coated with Ni–W–P alloy exhibits outstanding EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) in X band, which is strengthened from 16 to 59 dB with temperature raising from room temperature to 130 °C. Particularly, the corresponding temperature‐strengthened shielding behaviors are investigated through simulations in Computer Simulation Technology. Additionally, PMF presents excellent corrosion resistance (corrosion voltage [Ecoor] of −0.324 V and corrosion current [Icoor] of −6.760 A·cm−2) and admirable Joule heating performance, reaching maximum temperature of 74 °C at only 1.5 V. Therefore, the as‐prepared PMF endows enormous potential in EMI protection under high temperature and harsh environments.
Phase Reconstruction‐Directed Synthesis of Oxalate‐Functionalized Nickel Hydroxide Electrocatalyst for High‐Yield H2O2 Generation at Industrial Currents
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Yuan Weijie , Yang Hongyuan , Kang Zhenhui , Ma Mengjie , Menezes Prashanth W. , Chen Ziliang
Published: October 2024

The electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR) offers a promising approach for H2O2 production, yet developing highly active, selective, and stable electrocatalysts remains a challenge. In this work, a phase reconstruction strategy is presented to synthesize an oxalate‐adsorbed nickel hydroxide electrocatalyst (Ni(OH)2‐C2O4) through the self‐dissociation of nickel oxalate in an alkaline medium, leading to a notable enhancement in H2O2 yield at elevated current densities. Remarkably, Ni(OH)2‐C2O4 exhibits a 2e− selectivity exceeding 93% across a broad voltage range (0.0 to 0.5 V vs RHE) in 0.1 M KOH, outperforming pristine Ni(OH)2. When deployed as a gas diffusion electrode in a flow cell, the Ni(OH)2‐C2O4 catalyst demonstrates stable operation for 50 h at 200 mA cm−2, with a Faradaic efficiency surpassing 90% and a peak H2O2 yield of 6.2 mol g−1cat h−1. Comprehensive advanced characterizations, including in situ Raman spectroscopy, transient photovoltage spectra, and transient potential scanning spectra, coupled with post‐ORR analyses, reveal that surface‐adsorbed oxalate groups on Ni(OH)2 enhance the interfacial reaction kinetics between active Ni sites and reactants by inducing a charge trapping effect and forming a hydrogen‐bonded network, facilitating robust and high‐yield H2O2 production.
Bottom‐Up Formation of III‐Nitride Nanowires: Past, Present, and Future for Photonic Devices
Authors: Min Jungwook , Wang Yue , Park Tae‐Yong , Wang Danhao , Janjua Bilal , Jeong Dasom , Kim Gyun Seo , Sun Haiding , Zhao Chao , Mendes Joana Catarina , Correia Maria Rosário P. , Carvalho Diogo F. , Cardoso José P. S. , Wang Qingxiao , Zhang Huafan , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S.
Published: October 2024

The realization of semiconductor heterostructures marks a significant advancement beyond silicon technology, driving progress in high‐performance optoelectronics and photonics, including high‐brightness light emitters, optical communication, and quantum technologies. In less than a decade since 1997, nanowires research has expanded into new application‐driven areas, highlighting a significant shift toward more challenging and exploratory research avenues. It is therefore essential to reflect on the past motivations for nanowires development, and explore the new opportunities it can enable. The advancement of heterogeneous integration using dissimilar substrates, materials, and nanowires‐semiconductor/electrolyte operating platforms is ushering in new research frontiers, including the development of perovskite‐embedded solar cells, photoelectrochemical (PEC) analog and digital photonic systems, such as PEC‐based photodetectors and logic circuits, as well as quantum elements, such as single‐photon emitters and detectors. This review offers rejuvenating perspectives on the progress of these group‐III nitride nanowires, aiming to highlight the continuity of research toward high impact, use‐inspired research directions in photonics and optoelectronics.
In‐situ Reconstruction of Catalyst in Electrocatalysis
Authors: Feng Jinxian , Wang Xuesen , Pan Hui
Published: October 2024

Reconstruction of catalysts is now well recognized as a common phenomenon in electrocatalysis. As the reconstructed structure may promote or hamper the electrochemical performance, how to achieve the designed active surface for highly enhanced catalytic activity through the reconstruction needs to be carefully investigated. In this review, the genesis and electrochemical effects of reconstruction in various electrochemical catalytic processes, such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), and nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) are first described. Then, the strategies for optimizing the reconstruction, such as valence states control, active phase retention, phase evolution engineering, and surface poisoning prevention are comprehensively discussed. Finally, the general rules of reconstruction optimization are summarized and give perspectives for future study. It is believed that the review shall provide deep insights into electrocatalytic mechanisms and guide the design of pre‐catalysts with highly improved activity.
Interstitial Oxygen Acts as Electronic Buffer Stabilizing High‐Entropy Alloys for Trifunctional Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zou Xiaoxiao , Zhao Xinyu , Pang Bohuai , Ma Hang , Zeng Kun , Zhi Songsong , Guo Hong
Published: October 2024

Understanding the effect of elements’ oxygen affinity is essential for comprehending high‐entropy alloys’ (HEAs) complete properties. However, the origin of HEAs' oxygen‐containing structure and stability remains poorly understood, primarily due to their diverse components, hindering synthesis and analysis. Herein, the O‐doping HEAs (HEA‐O) have demonstrated outstanding performance and stability in electrolyzed water and Zinc–air batteries which can be reassembled after being stable for more than 1600 h when the zinc consumption is over. The experiment and DFT simulation demonstrate that Cr with strong oxygen affinity can introduce more oxygen into the system of HEAs. Consequently, interstitial oxygens act as electronic buffers making the binding energy of other metal elements move to a higher level. Additionally, O‐doping lowers the d‐band center promoting electrochemical activity and increasing vacancy formation energies of metal active sites leading to super stability. The study provides significant insights into the design and comprehension of interstitial oxygen‐doped HEAs.
Strong, Spontaneous, and Self‐Healing Poly(Ionic Liquid) Elastomer Underwater Adhesive with Borate Ester Dynamic Crosslinking
Authors: Li Qingning , Zheng Sijie , Liu Ziyang , Li Weizheng , Wang Xiaowei , Cao Qiang , Yan Feng
Published: October 2024

Adhesion in aqueous environments is often hindered by the water layer on the surface of the substrate due to the water sensitivity of the adhesive, greatly limiting the application environment. Here, a borate ester dynamically crosslinked poly(ionic liquid) elastomer adhesive (PIEA) with high strength, toughness, self‐healing abilities, and ionic conductivity is synthesized by copolymerizing hydrophobic ionic liquid monomer ([HPVIm][TFSI]) and 2‐methoxyethyl acrylate (MEA). The adhesion strength of PIEA can increase spontaneously from almost no adhesion to 314 kPa after 12 h without any external preloading due to the dissociation of the borate ester in water, leading to noncovalent interactions between the hydroxyl groups of PIEA and the substrate. Additionally, PIEA can be developed for soft sensors or ion electrodes to enable underwater detection and communication. This strategy offers broad application potential for the development of novel underwater smart adhesives.
Visible‐Light‐Actuated Bidirectional Photochromism in Chiral Nanostructures with Multi‐Degree of Freedom
Authors: Liu Xiaojun , Liu Dashuai , Cheng Yuxuan , Qin Lang , Yu Yanlei
Published: October 2024

Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) with chiral nanostructures take on great significance in light modulation for optical devices, especially involving the features of circularly polarized and dynamic structural colors. However, on‐demand self‐assembly by photoprogramming still remains a challenge that is ascribed to the unpredictable variation of the helical superstructures in the existing CLCs induced by light‐driven chiral switches. Here, novel binary chiral systems are designed to construct visible‐light‐actuated CLCs with multi‐degrees of freedom, including adjustable circular polarization, bidirectional photochromism, and manipulable photonic bands. Such systems consist of an o‐fluoroazobenzene‐containing chiral switch and an inert chiral dopant, whose interaction dominates the strategies of chiral cooperation or conflict to determine the CLC handedness as well as shift direction of the selective reflection. Particularly, the precise tuning range of the structural color is tailored by programmable helical twisting power to enable diverse paradigms of light‐actuated patterning. The unprecedented quantitative manipulation of circularly polarized structural colors offers unique photonic attributes for applications in information encoding and multiplexed communication.
Synoptic Variation Drives Genetic Diversity and Transmission Mode of Airborne DNA Viruses in Urban Space
Authors: Deng Aihua , Wang Junyue , Li Lai , Shi Ruilin , Li Xuemin , Wen Tingyi
Published: October 2024

Airborne viruses are ubiquitous and play critical roles in maintaining ecosystem balance, however, they remain unexplored. Here, it is aimed to demonstrate that highly diverse airborne viromes carry out specific metabolic functions and use different transmission modes under different air quality conditions. A total of 263.5‐Gb data are collected from 13 air samples for viral metagenomic analysis. After assembly and curation, a total of 12 484 viral contigs (1.5–184.2 kb) are assigned to 221 genus‐level clades belonging to 47 families, 19 orders, and 15 classes. The composition of viral communities is influenced by weather conditions, with the main biomarker being Caudoviricetes. The most dominant viruses in these air samples belong to the dsDNA Caudoviricetes (54.0%) and ssDNA Repensiviricetes (31.2%) classes. Twelve novel candidate viruses are identified at the order/family/genus levels by alignment of complete genomes and core genes. Notably, Caudoviricetes are highly prevalent in cloudy and smoggy air, whereas Repensiviricetes are highly dominant in sunny and rainy air. Diverse auxiliary metabolic genes of airborne viruses are mainly involved in deoxynucleotide synthesis, implying their unique roles in atmosphere ecosystem. These findings deepen the understanding of the meteorological impacts on viral composition, transmission mode, and ecological roles in the air that we breathe.
A Non‐Invasive and DNA‐free Approach to Upregulate Mammalian Voltage‐Gated Calcium Channels and Neuronal Calcium Signaling via Terahertz Stimulation
Authors: Sun Yuankun , Geng Jinli , Fan Yu , Li Yangmei , Zhong Yuan , Cai Jing , Liu Xiaodong , Wang Shaomeng , Gong Yubin , Chang Chao , Yang Yaxiong , Fan Chunhai
Published: October 2024

Mammalian voltage‐gated calcium channels (CaV) play critical roles in cardiac excitability, synaptic transmission, and gene transcription. Dysfunctions in CaV are implicated in a variety of cardiac and neurodevelopmental disorders. Current pharmacological approaches to enhance CaV activity are limited by off‐target effects, drug metabolism issues, cytotoxicity, and imprecise modulation. Additionally, genetically‐encoded channel activators and optogenetic tools are restricted by gene delivery challenges and biosafety concerns. Here a novel terahertz (THz) wave‐based method to upregulate CaV1.2, a key subtype of CaV, and boost CaV1‐mediated Ca2+ signaling in neurons without introducing exogenous DNA is presented. Using molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown that 42.5 THz (7.05 µm, 1418 cm−1) waves enhance Ca2+ conductance in CaV1.2 by resonating with the stretching mode of the ‐COO− group in the selectivity filter. Electrophysiological recordings and Ca2+ imaging confirm that these waves rapidly, reversibly, and non‐thermally increase calcium influx of CaV1.2 in HEK293 cells and induce acute Ca2+ signals in neurons. Furthermore, this irradiation upregulates critical CaV1 signals, including CREB phosphorylation and c‐Fos expression, in vitro and in vivo, without raising significant biosafety risks. This DNA‐free, non‐invasive approach offers a promising approach for modulating CaV gating and Ca2+ signaling and treating diseases characterized by deficits in CaV functions.
Methylammonium‐Free Ink for Blade‐Coating of Pure‐Phase α‐FAPbI3 Perovskite Films in Air
Authors: Liu Jianbo , Cao Jingwen , Zhang Meng , Sun Xiaoran , Hou Tian , Yang Xiangyu , Xiang Linhu , Liu Xin , Fu Zhipeng , Huang Yuelong , Wang Feng , Zhang Wenhua , Hao Xiaojing
Published: October 2024

The α‐c (α‐FAPbI3) has been extensively employed in the fabrication of high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells, yet heavily relied on multiple additives in upscalable fabrication in air. In this work, a simple α‐FAPbI3 ink is developed for the blade‐coating fabrication of phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 in ambient air free from any additives containing extrinsic ions. The introduction of 2‐imidazolidinone (IMD) to the FAPbI3 precursor inks leads to the formation of intermediate phases that change the phase transition pathway from δ‐FAPbI3 to α‐FAPbI3 by tilting the PbI6 octahedrons with strong coordination to Pb2+. Furthermore, the IMD ligands in the intermediate phase gradually escape from the perovskite film during the annealing, leaving a phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 film vertically grown with large grains. Consequently, the small‐sized PSCs fabricated with blade‐coated α‐FAPbI3 film achieve an efficiency of up to 23.14%, and the corresponding mini‐module yields an efficiency of 19.66%. The device performance is among the highest reported for phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 PSCs fabricated in the air without non‐native cations or chloride additives, offering a simple and robust fabrication approach of phase‐pure α‐FAPbI3 films for PV application.
When are you measuring soil β‐glucosidase activities in cropping systems?
Authors: Lehman R. Michael , Osborne Shannon L. , Ewing Patrick M.
Published: October 2024

In situ soil respiration is driven by annual patterns of temperature and soil moisture, but what about extracellular enzyme activities responsible for depolymerizing soil organic matter? We conducted biweekly measurements of potential soil β‐glucosidase activities during a 4‐month period from March soil thawing through July in annually cropped field plots in eastern South Dakota. Our objective was to determine the best sampling time to resolve the effects of crop rotational diversity on soil microbial activities. Potential β‐glucosidase activities were elevated immediately following soil thaw, peaked in May, and declined to their lowest value in mid‐summer. Temperature and precipitation had no value in predicting enzyme activities; however, enzyme activities were affected by crop rotational diversity and responded to current crop and previous crop. These findings are pertinent to the use of soil extracellular enzymes in soil health assessments and as indicators of microbial substrate preference with implications for soil carbon stabilization.
Graphene Field‐Effect Transistors toward Study of Cardiac Ischemia at Early Stage
Authors: Hlukhova Hanna , Kireev Dmitry , Offenhäusser Andreas , Pustovyi Denys , Vitusevich Svetlana
Published: October 2024

Ischemia and reperfusion states are studied in a network of cardiomyocytes as a part of real‐state conditions of heart injuries and inflammations, specifically myocardial infractions. Arrays of graphene field‐effect transistors (GFETs) fabricated in this work are used for extracellular recordings of ischemia states of cardiac cells during the external triggering of the ischemia infarction. The low‐concentrated ischemic buffer solution allows to create a cell‐stress condition resulting in the reperfusion process. The results show that the action potentials recorded with the graphene transistors, especially their shape, and duration of the active segment in measured extracellular action potentials, can be used to characterize the real state of the studied cardiac cell culture. The unique property of GFETs to detect such small changes in the action potential of cells in cardiac healthy and unhealthy states provides prospects for building the next generation of ultrasensitive biosensors, enabling the detection of acute ischemic states at an early stage.
Size Effect of Negative Capacitance State and Subthreshold Swing in Van der Waals Ferrielectric Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Morozovska Anna N. , Eliseev Eugene A. , Vysochanskii Yulian M. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Strikha Maksym V.
Published: October 2024

Analytical calculations corroborated by the finite element modeling show that thin films of Van der Waals ferrielectrics covered by a 2D‐semiconductor are promising candidates for the controllable reduction of the dielectric layer capacitance due to the negative capacitance (NC) effect emerging in the thin films. The NC state is conditioned by energy‐degenerated poly‐domain states of the ferrielectric polarization induced in the films under incomplete screening conditions in the presence of a dielectric layer. Calculations performed for the FET‐type heterostructure “ferrielectric CuInP2S6 film—2D‐MoS2 single‐layer—SiO2 dielectric layer” reveal the pronounced size effect of the multilayer capacitance. Derived analytical expressions for the electric polarization and multilayer capacitance allow to predict the thickness range of the dielectric layer and ferrielectric film for which the NC effect is the most pronounced in various Van der Waals ferrielectrics, and the corresponding subthreshold swing becomes much less than the Boltzmann's limit. Obtained results can be useful for the size and temperature control of the NC effect in the steep‐slope ferrielectric FETs.
Dynamically Regulating Polysulfide Degradation via Organic Sulfur Electrolyte Additives in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Deng Teng , Wang Juan , Zhao Hongyang , Jin Zhengqian , Jin Li , Men Xinliang , Wang Jianan , Liu Yatao , Tang Wei , Abdelkader Amr M. , Kumar R. Vasant , Ding Shujiang , Fu Yongzhu , Xi Kai
Published: October 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries offer promising prospects due to their high energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, the sluggish kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) conversion, particularly the crucial stage from LiPSs to lithium sulfide (Li2S), hampers their development. Herein, a novel strategy for dynamically regulating LiPSs conversion by incorporating 4‐mercaptopyridine (4Mpy), as a LiPSs Redox Regulator (RR) in the electrolyte is introduced. This organic sulfur additive actively interacts with LiPSs during discharge, facilitating rapid conversion and promoting the formation of a three‐dimensional (3D) Li2S structure, thereby enhancing reaction kinetics. Both theoretical and experimental results reveal that the redox conversion mechanism with the 4Mpy additive differs from traditional electrolytes. Upon lithiation, 4Mpy forms lithium‐pyridinethiolate (Li‐pyS), which reversibly engages in the LiPSs conversion during the charging/discharging cycles, significantly improving the redox process. As a result, the Li‐S battery with 4Mpy additive demonstrates superior performances, achieving 10.05 mAh cm−2 under a high sulfur loading of 10.88 mg cm−2, surpassing industrial benchmarks. This study not only presents an approach to mitigating the shuttle effect in Li‐S batteries but also offers valuable insights into electrolyte design for other metal batteries.
High‐Performance Na‐Storage and Sodiation Behavior Identification in Cellulose‐Derived Hard Carbon by High‐Resolution Element Mapping Microscopy
Authors: Du Yijun , Zhou Jie , Zeng Junjian
Published: October 2024

Nowadays, hard carbon is one of the most promising anode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. However, the Na‐storage performance of hard carbon varies for different precursors and synthetic processes due to disparities in the dopant content, dimensions, and categories of defects, graphitic domains, which lead to controversial explanations for the energy storage mechanism. Herein, self‐freestanding membrane of cellulose‐derived carbon fibers is presented, delivering a reversible Na‐storage capacity of 330 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 due to abundant ordered graphitic zones with enlarged interlayer spacings around 0.39 ± 0.03 nm. Benefiting from a robust solid electrolyte interphase layer rich in NaF nanocrystals, the membrane also holds a superior rate capability of 100 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 and long‐term cycling stability with capacity retention of 82.6% at 1.5 A g−1 for 4000 cycles. A clear sodiation behavior of Na+ intercalation into enlarged carbon graphitic layers at the slope step above 0.10 V and Na cluster evolution in the micropores at the plateau step around 0.01–0.10 V is disclosed by high‐resolution element mapping microscopy, different from the accepted mechanism of Na+ intercalation into graphitic layers at the plateau step.
Short‐term survival and growth of 32 native boreal plants on treated oil sands tailings
Authors: Degenhardt Dani , Van Dongen Angeline , Yücel Çağdaş Kera , Schoonmaker Amanda
Published: October 2024

The consolidation of oil sands tailings is a cost‐ and time‐consuming process that requires treatment via active (e.g., centrifugation) and passive (e.g., self‐weight consolidation) methods. The use of plants to dewater tailings is a promising concept and has previously been evaluated using agronomic grass species in greenhouse studies. This greenhouse study evaluated the short‐term survivorship and growth of 32 upland and lowland native plant species (12 forbs, 14 graminoids, and six woody plants) in centrifuged tailings and benchmarked their performance against reclamation soil and undisturbed forest soil. All plant species were propagated from seed and transplanted as seedlings into containers filled with one of the three substrates. After 42 days, the height (woody species only) and total aboveground biomass were determined for all living plants. As expected, the mortality of seedlings in tailings was higher than plants grown in the other two substrates. Graminoid species, regardless of species community type (wetland or upland), had higher survival probabilities and growth compared to forb or woody species across all substrates. Of forbs and woody species evaluated, Geum aleppicum and Populus tremuloides showed the most promise amongst the upland species, and Rumex occidentalis was the wetland equivalent.
Establishing Non‐Stoichiometric Ti4O7 Assisted Asymmetrical C−C Coupling for Highly Energy‐Efficient Electroreduction of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Hu Xuli , Xu Junchen , Gao Yunchen , Li Zhenyao , Shen Jun , Wei Wei , Hu Yangshun , Wu Yushan , Wang Yao , Ding Mingyue
Published: October 2024

Exploring an appropriate support material for Cu‐based electrocatalyst is conducive for stably producing multi‐carbon chemicals from electroreduction of carbon monoxide. However, the insufficient metal‐support adaptability and low conductivity of the support would hinder the C−C coupling capacity and energy efficiency. Herein, non‐stoichiometric Ti4O7 was incorporated into Cu electrocatalysts (Cu−Ti4O7), and served as a highly conductive and stable support for highly energy‐efficient electrochemical conversion of CO. The abundant oxygen vacancies originated from ordered lattice defects in Ti4O7 facilitate the water dissociation and the CO adsorption to accelerate the hydrogenation to *COH. The highly adaptable metal‐support interface of Cu−Ti4O7 enables a direct asymmetrical C−C coupling between *CO on Cu and *COH on Ti4O7, which significantly lowers the reaction energy barrier for C2+ products formation. Additionally, the excellent electroconductivity of Ti4O7 benefits the reaction charge transfer through robust Cu/Ti4O7 interface for minimizing the energy loss. Thus, the optimized 20Cu−Ti4O7 catalyst exhibits an impressive selectivity of 96.4 % and ultrahigh energy efficiency of 45.1 % for multi‐carbon products, along with a remarkable partial current density of 432.6 mA cm−2. Our study underscores a novel C−C coupling strategy between Cu and the support material, advancing the development of Cu‐supported catalysts for highly efficient electroreduction of carbon monoxide.
Diphenylphosphine oxide derivative with a symmetrical structure as an efficient flame retardant for application in epoxy resin
Authors: Mu Wenmin , Tian Chong , Zhang Shijie , Zhuang Tao , Yu Qing , Song Liang , Cheng Guiqing , Wang Zhongwei , Han Yuxi
Published: October 2024

A fresh phosphorus‐containing fireproofing agent (oxybis(4,1‐phenylene))bis((2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)(phenyl)phosphine oxide) (ODDPO‐HQ) was synthesized by a simple two‐step reaction. The effect of ODDPO‐HQ on the glass transition temperature (Tg), crosslinking density, thermal stability, fire resistance, dielectric performances, hydrophobicity, and water absorption of epoxy resin (EP) was studied. EP/ODDPO‐HQ containing 1.2 wt% phosphorus not only achieved the vertical burning V‐0 grade with a limited oxygen index of 28.9% but also maintained good thermal stability. Compared to unmodified EP, its Tg value has only decreased by 7.2°C. Detailed studies revealed that the excellent flame resistance of ODDPO‐HQ for epoxies was ascribed to the flame suppression both in the gaseous phase and condensed phase, especially the obvious barrier effect. Although the water uptake of the modified epoxies slightly rose with the content of ODDPO‐HQ caused by the reduction of the crosslinking density within the matrix, it did not adversely affect the properties of the polymer. The modified epoxies showed reduced dielectric constant and dielectric loss values, and the contact angle of EP/ODDPO‐HQ samples increased as the flame retardant content rose, which might be due to the symmetrical structure of ODDPO‐HQ reducing the polarity. Our study presents an easy approach for producing high‐performance epoxies.
Strategies to reduce the culture medium costs for a high‐yield and high‐selectivity bio‐based 2,3‐butanediol production
Authors: Tinôco Daniel , Seldin Lucy , Coutinho Paulo Luiz de Andrade , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães
Published: October 2024

Bio‐based 2,3‐butanediol (2,3‐BDO) production on a large scale depends on critical factors, such as culture medium, oxygen supply, pH and biosafety. In this study, three strategies for reducing culture medium costs were investigated: carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio; low‐cost nitrogen sources (crude yeast extract, brewer's yeast extract, corn steep liquor, urea, sodium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate and dibasic ammonium phosphate); and microbial pH autoregulation. Batch fermentations were performed in a microaerobic environment using wild‐type and safe Paenibacillus peoriae NRRL BD 62. The yield and selectivity of 2,3‐BDO were used as control variables. A ratio between 2,3‐BDO production and glucose consumption (YP/S) of almost 80% and an optical purity of 87% levo‐2,3‐BDO, with no acetoin accumulation, were achieved in an NH4Cl‐based medium at C/N = 8.5 g/g and without external pH control, considering an initial glucose of 10 g/L. Based on Free on Board prices, a 63% savings in culture medium costs was achieved by replacing commercial yeast extract at pH 5. Validation assays with higher initial glucose concentrations showed a YP/S of 0.40 g/g and an optical levo‐/meso‐2,3‐BDO ratio of 1:0.8, with negligible acetoin accumulation. Therefore, the NH4Cl‐based medium at C/N = 8.5 g/g and without pH control was considered economically promising for high‐yield and high‐selectivity bio‐based 2,3‐BDO production.
Automatic metabolism modulator for glycolytic intervention‐induced cascade cancer therapy
Authors: Zheng Jiao , Zhang Jian , Zhang Tian , Yan Yongcun , Bi Sai
Published: October 2024

Effective intervention in glycolytic metabolism is a promising way to inhibit tumor malignant invasion. However, the inherent hypoxia environment and unitary regulating model subsequently compromise its therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a facile way to design an automatic metabolism modulator (auto‐MMOD) is developed by loading glucose oxidase (GOx) and DNA‐templated silver nanoclusters (DNA‐AgNCs) into a pH‐responsive zeolitic imidazolate frameworks‐8 (ZIF‐8) nanocarrier, which can activate a cascaded metal ion‐killing effect during GOx‐regulated glycolysis metabolism. When the acidic lysosome microenvironment induces ZIF‐8 decomposition, the released GOx can effectively consume glucose and generate H2O2, thus inhibiting Adenosine Triphosphate synthesis and accelerating tumor starvation. Moreover, the released Ag+ in response to H2O2 can disturb bioenergy metabolism to inhibit tumor proliferation, which further enhances the tumor‐killing effect in hypoxic microenvironments. This study achieves effective tumor suppression in vitro and in vivo by integrating ion therapy into glycolysis intervention, which establish a promising strategy for nano‐theranostics.
Keep DI student managers informed of NCAA rule waiving all rights to eligibility
Authors: Romano Robert J. , Somerville Jacob
Published: October 2024

Typically arriving at the gym or practice field well before the coaches and student‐athletes, and then leaving long after a practice session has ended, they do whatever is required of them to help support their assigned team's well‐being. These unsung heroes of the athletics department at colleges and universities around the country are known as student managers.
Learn how to become a supercommunicator
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: October 2024

George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion it has taken place.” That's why I think that all college and university administrators, including college athletics adminiistrators, could benefit from the advice that Charles Duhigg presented in his book Supercommunicators. Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize‐winning investigative journalist who previously worked as a senior editor at The New York Times.
Investigation of the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Eremurus spectabilis M. Bieb through Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibition, COX‐2and iNOS Assessment
Authors: Di Simone Simonetta Cristina , Yagi Sakina , Acquaticci Laura , Nilofar  , Acquaviva Alessandra , Orlando Giustino , Maggi Filippo , Menghini Luigi , Ferrante Claudio , Zengin Gokhan , Caprioli Giovanni , Polat Rıdvan , Chiavaroli Annalisa
Published: October 2024

Eremurus spectabilis is widespread and used primarily for medicinal and culinary purposes. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antiradical and antioxidant activities, enzyme inhibitory activities, and anti‐inflammatory properties of various extracts from the aerial parts of E. spectabilis. Various assays were used to investigate the antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties. The chemical composition of the tested extracts was analyzed using High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Additionally, the extracts were tested on isolated mouse colon tissue challenged with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to replicate the inflammation and oxidative stress burden characteristic of inflammatory bowel diseases. In the chemical composition, vanillic, ferulic, and 4‐hydroxybenzoic acids were the prominent compounds. The greatest antioxidant activity was observed in the methanol and water extracts from the aerial parts. Enzyme inhibition tests showed that the ethyl acetate extract had the highest anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity. The gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and pro‐oxidant inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) biomarkers were assayed. Among the extracts, the methanol extract was the most effective in blunting LPS‐induced gene expression of COX‐2. E. spectabilis may serve as a valuable source of phytochemicals for combating oxidative stress and inflammation‐driven diseases, with a particular emphasis on colon inflammatory condition.
Reviving the poppy seed test for the diagnosis of colovesical fistula: A case report from a single rural center experience
Authors: Le Khang Duy Ricky , Haycock Shasha , Wang Annie Jiao , Yeaman Leslie
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

The poppy seed test is a valuable, cost‐effective, and sensitive initial diagnostic investigation to identify the presence of colovesical fistula, particularly for clinicians in remote or rural areas with lack of access to specialist radiologic, endoscopic, surgical, or urological support. The poppy seed test therefore may act as a bridge toward the commencement of appropriate referral pathways for the management of colovesical fistula.

The diagnosis of colovesical fistula is resource intensive, often requiring a combination of radiological investigation and endoscopy. The poppy seed test is a non‐invasive and cost‐effective alternative that has been demonstrated to identify presence of colovesical fistula with high sensitivity. There is however a noticeable paucity of recommendations for the poppy seed test in the diagnostic approach to colovesical fistula due to significant advancements in alternative radiologic and endoscopic technologies. Despite this, in resource‐challenged areas with lack of specialist support, the poppy seed test is a cost‐effective, accessible and safe test that can be performed to confirm the presence of colovesical fistula. We report a case of a 79‐year‐old man with a past history of colorectal cancer managed surgically with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy who develops noisy micturition, pneumaturia, and fecaluria 22 years after treatment. Given the suspicion of colovesical fistula, computed tomography imaging and cystoscopy were performed which was unable to demonstrate an overt fistula. The poppy seed test was utilized and demonstrated presence of poppy seeds in the urine, confirming the presence of a fistula. The patient was referred to a specialist surgical center for consideration of further management. The poppy seed test is a valuable initial diagnostic investigation for clinicians in remote or rural areas with lack of access to specialist radiologic, endoscopic, surgical, or urological support in confirming the presence of a colovesical fistula and initiating referral pathways for the management of this condition.
A rare case of a 5‐year‐old girl with Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome and a bleeding focal vulvar hemangioma in Uganda
Authors: Peter Mundeli Simon , Gibu Sibali Gidimali , Kizito Mirembe Stephen
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome can present with atypical manifestations such as a bleeding vulvar hemangioma. This case report, the first documented in Uganda, highlights the need for awareness of such presentations and underscores the importance of continuous follow‐up in female patients to manage potential complications throughout adolescence and pregnancy.

Klippel–Trénaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder marked by bone and soft tissue hypertrophy, port‐wine stains, and varicosities. Cases involving genital hemangiomas are rare. This report highlights a 5‐year‐old girl in Uganda with typical KTS features, including hypertrophy and port‐wine stains, along with a bleeding vulvar hemangioma, emphasizing its uncommon presentation and potential complications. Treatment involved compression bandaging and timolol 0.2% solution. This case underscores the importance of awareness of atypical manifestations of hemangiomas with KTS and continuous follow‐up for female patients, especially through adolescence and pregnancy, due to potential complications such as prepubertal per vaginal bleeding, menorrhagia, and post‐partum bleeding.
Reaction kinetics of molybdenum dissolution by hydrogen peroxide in acidic and alkaline solutions using tartaric acid and sodium hydroxide: A semi‐empirical model with rotating disc method
Authors: Motasim Mahmoud , Agacayak Tevfik , Eker Yasin Ramazan , Aydogan Salih , Abbaker Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Molybdenum is an amphoteric metal that dissolves in both acidic and alkaline solutions. This fundamental study explores a sustainable process for the dissolution of molybdenum, focusing on the reaction kinetics in H2O2, H2O2‐NaOH, and H2O2‐C4H6O6 solutions. A rotating disc method was applied with the Levich's equation. Semi‐empirical models with activation energy were developed for the H2O2‐NaOH and H2O2‐C4H6O6 solutions. The study examined the effects of rotating speed, disc surface area, temperature, H2O2, NaOH, and C4H6O6 concentrations, along with rotating speed, disc surface area, and temperature. Hydrogen peroxide significantly impacted molybdenum dissolution rates across all three solutions. The reaction order of hydrogen peroxide concentration in the H2O2 solution was greater than that of the H2O2‐NaOH and H2O2‐C4H6O6 solutions. The complex of molybdenum peroxo was formed in H2O2 and H2O2‐NaOH solutions but decomposed at a temperature ≥50°C. The activation energies were determined to be 49.90, 43.60, and 41.10 kJ/mol for the H2O2, H2O2‐NaOH, and H2O2‐C4H6O6 solutions.
Substrate and Step Rate Dependence Electrodeposition of Nickel–Cobalt–Molybdenum–Phosphorous Alloy for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Samanta Aniket , Mohapatra Lokanath , Ghorui Uday Kumar , Rathour Ajay , Kushwaha Ajay Kumar , Ghosh Siddhartha , Tripathy Sudhiranjan , Guo Wenjing , Reddy Vundrala Sumedha , Biring Sajal , Chakrabortty Sabyasachi , Dalapati Goutam Kumar
Published: October 2024

Understanding the hydrogen economy involves recognizing the crucial role of water‐splitting in producing green, clean, and carbon‐free hydrogen. In that respect, the role of catalyst is very important as it enhances the reaction rate and efficiency, making hydrogen production more viable and sustainable. Herein, nickel–cobalt–molybdenum–phosphorous (Ni–Co–Mo–P) alloy has shown efficient catalysis properties for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline medium. The quaternary alloys are directly grown on different substrates like nickel sheet, copper sheet, and stainless‐steel sheet by employing a simple pulse electrodeposition method. The method is conducted with a pulse interval time of 15 s at various pulse rates while maintaining the pH of 4 at room temperature. The alloy deposition is performed at a potential range from −1.5 V to −0.15 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The electrodeposition of the alloy in different substrates is first established with X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and Raman spectroscopy. The deposited quaternary alloy exhibits the lowest overpotential of −163 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for copper substrate with a Tafel slope of 154 mV dec−1. The microcrystalline structure or amorphous nature and the rough grain surface of Ni‐Co‐Mo‐P alloys have characterized by XRD and scanning electron microscopy micrograph, respectively.
Dual Metal Sites Coengineered Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Green Electrocatalyst for Highly Selective Overall Water Splitting—A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Pasarakonda Satya Lakshmi , Ponnada Srikanth , Kiai Maryam Sadat , Duraisamy Velu , Bindu G Hima , Nowduri Annapurna , Kumar Sakkarapalayam Murugesan Senthil , Sharma Rakesh K
Published: October 2024

The development of efficient, low‐cost, non‐noble metal‐oxide‐based nanohybrid materials for overall water splitting is a critical strategy for enhancing clean energy use and addressing environmental issues. In this study, an interfacial engineering strategy for the development of bimetallic Co–Ni nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) using ultrasonication followed by coprecipitation is conveyed. These nanoparticles demonstrate high efficacy as bifunctional electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline conditions. Co–Ni nanoparticles on graphitic carbon nitride demonstrate an increased surface area via ultrasonication and subsequent coprecipitation. The g‐C3N4 combined with Co–Ni nanoparticles leads to the development of bifunctional catalysts that exhibit significant efficiency in both HER and OER, and their interfacial properties are investigated for the first time. The chemical composition and morphology of g‐C3N4 integrated with Co–Ni nanoparticles significantly influence the modulation of redox‐active sites and the facilitation of electron transfer, resulting in improved splitting efficiency. The interactions between the Co–Ni bimetal and g‐C3N4 demonstrate exceptional electrochemical performance for water splitting. Consequently, the 20% 20–Co–Ni–graphitic carbon nitride electrode demonstrated superior HER performance, comparable to the other electrodes. In the results, it is indicated that an increased molar ratio of Co and Ni incorporated in graphitic carbon nitride significantly improves HER performance.
Bilateral pulvinar responsive neurostimulation for bilateral multifocal posteriorly dominant drug resistant epilepsy
Authors: Wang Richard , Sacknovitz Ariel , Vazquez Sima , Dominguez Jose , McGoldrick Patty , Wolf Steven , Sukul Vishad , Muh Carrie , Patra Sanjay E. , Burdette David E.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To describe four cases of Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) in the bilateral pulvinar nuclei (PUL) in individuals with drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). This will show that due to widespread PUL connectivity, bilateral PUL RNS may be an option for some individuals with bilateral multifocal epilepsy.

Methods

This study comprises two centers' experience with bilateral PUL RNS for DRE. Patients treated with bilateral PUL RNS at Westchester Medical Center (Valhalla, NY) and Corewell Health (Grand Rapids, MI) between the years 2019 and 2022 were analyzed and described. Presented here are methods for target selection, device programming, and clinical outcomes.

Results

Two patients with Lennox–Gastaut phenotype (aged 13 and 21 years) with posteriorly dominant discharges were implanted with bilateral PUL electrodes. Additionally, two patients (aged 20 and 31 years) with independent left and right occipital bilateral multifocal seizure onsets were implanted with bilateral RNS devices targeting the ipsilateral PUL and ipsilateral occipital cortex. Subclinical and clinical seizures were captured by RNS electrocorticography (ECoG) in all patients. RNS implantation and treatment was well‐tolerated without adverse effects in all patients. Relative to baseline, two patients had 25% and 50% reduction in disabling seizures, and two patients had 71% and 100% reduction in disabling seizures. Stimulation paradigms utilized high frequency stimulation in both Lennox–Gastaut phenotype patients. Low frequency (individualized to the terminal ictal frequencies) stimulation was effective in the two bioccipital patients.

Significance

RNS with electrode placement targeting bilateral PUL is safe, and no adverse effects have been attributable to the pulvinar electrode placement. PUL responsive neurostimulation is potentially effective for patients with bilateral multifocal, posteriorly dominant DRE. Both high and low frequency responsive stimulation are treatment options. Longer follow‐up will shed light on the ultimate reduction of seizure burden.

Plain Language Summary

We describe four cases where stimulation devices were placed in the Pulvinar area of the thalamus (central sensory area in the brain). This is very unique and different location than where these devices are typically placed. These patients all had great outcomes with marked seizure reduction, demonstrating that this placement is both safe and effective.