bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Deformation in Soft Cylindrical Structures via Programmable Sequential Instabilities
Authors: Yang Yi , Read Helen , Sbai Mohammed , Zareei Ahmad , Forte Antonio Elia , Melancon David , Bertoldi Katia
Published: September 2024

The substantial deformation exhibited by hyperelastic cylindrical shells under pressurization makes them an ideal platform for programmable inflatable structures. If negative pressure is applied, the cylindrical shell will buckle, leading to a sequence of rich deformation modes, all of which are fully recoverable due to the hyperelastic material choice. While the initial buckling event under vacuum is well understood, here, the post‐buckling regime is explored and a region in the design space is identified in which a coupled twisting‐contraction deformation mode occurs; by carefully controlling the geometry of our homogeneous shells, the proportion of contraction versus twist can be controlled. Additionally, bending as a post‐buckling deformation mode can be unlocked by varying the thickness of our shells across the circumference. Since these soft shells can fully recover from substantial deformations caused by buckling, then these instability‐driven deformations are harnessed to build soft machines capable of a programmable sequence of movements with a single actuation input.
Stable Cycling of Na Metal Batteries at Ultrahigh Capacity
Authors: Wang Huwei , Wang Jiali , Li Wei , Hu Junyang , Dong Jiahui , Zhai Dengyun , Kang Feiyu
Published: September 2024

The development of sodium metal batteries has long been impeded by dendrite formation issues. State‐of‐the‐art strategies, exemplified by sodiophilic hosting/seeding layers, have demonstrated great success in suppressing dendrite formation. However, addressing high‐capacity applications (>10 mAh cm−2) remains a significant challenge. Herein, the study revisits the interlayer strategy by simply covering a carbon nanotube (CNT) film onto the surface of a sodium metal anode, unlocking its overlooked potential for ultrahigh capacity applications. In situ Raman spectroscopy reveals the interlayer's fast‐ion‐storage feature, enabling deposition at the interface without capacity limitations. Consequently, in symmetric cells, one‐year long‐term reversible cycling and a record‐high capacity of 50 mAh cm−2 under 90% depth of discharge is achieved, representing a significant breakthrough for stabilizing Na anode. Furthermore, the full cell with a 50‐µm thin metal anode and a high‐loading Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode (12 mg cm−2) delivers a stable capacity of 94 mAh g−1 for 270 cycles (94% capacity retention).
Optimized Fabrication of Flexible Paper‐Based PCBs with Pencil and Copper Electroplating
Authors: Srivastava Vinit , Dubey Shivam , Vaish Rahul , Rajpurohit Bharat Singh
Published: September 2024

This research unveils a transformative methodology for fabricating flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs), focusing on the unique attributes of filter paper substrates. A meticulous parametric exploration scrutinizes critical aspects such as buckling resistance, charging current, plating time, and electrode configurations for copper electroplating. Key findings highlight the exceptional stability of copper electroplating on filter paper, exhibiting robust resistance against environmental variations and bending angles spanning +180° to −180°. Utilizing higher pencil grade material and maintaining a minimum 4 cm distance with a voltage range of 3 to 1.44 V ensures uniform, controlled plating without burning, optimizing the electrode area below 1 cm2 for enhanced practicality. The research underscores the longevity and durability of copper‐plated filter paper, with negligible resistance changes even after 1000 folds. Over a year, the shelf‐life assessment emphasizes the excellent stability of electroplated filter paper. Practical applications, including fully functional circuits and a bio‐degradable piano, underscore the versatility and real‐world feasibility of the proposed electroplating technique.
Spatiotemporal Control of Immune Responses with Nucleic Acid Cocktail Vaccine
Authors: Wang Chunxi , Macintyre Andrew N. , Oguin Thomas H. , McCarthy Kevin R. , Moody M. Anthony , Yuan Fan
Published: September 2024

Nucleic acid vaccines play important roles in the prevention and treatment of diseases. However, limited immunogenicity remains a major obstacle for DNA vaccine applications in the clinic. To address the issue, the present study investigates a cocktail approach to DNA vaccination. In this proof‐of‐the‐concept study, the cocktail consists of two DNAs encoding viral hemagglutinin (HA) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulatory factor (GM‐CSF), respectively. Data from the study demonstrate that recruitment and activation of antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) can be substantially improved by spatiotemporal regulation of GM‐CSF and HA expressions at the site of vaccination. The types of recruited APCs and their phenotypes are also controllable by adjusting the cocktail compositions. Compared to the mono‐ingredient vaccine, the optimized cocktail vaccine is able to enhance the anti‐viral humoral and T cell immune responses. No significant systemic inflammation is detected after either prime or boost immunization using the cocktail vaccine. Data in the study suggest that the DNA cocktail is a safe, effective, and controllable platform for improving vaccine efficacy.
Mitigating VOC Loss in Single‐Junction and Four‐Terminal Tandem Perovskite/Si Photovoltaics with D‐A Phthalocyanines Layers
Authors: Li Chi , Dogan Sifa , Li Yuheng , Zhang Huifeng , Tang Shicheng , Yuan Zhen , Liang Lusheng , Zhang Zilong , Wang Yao , Liu Chunming , Yang Ye , Ince Mine , Gao Peng
Published: September 2024

The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is often constrained by significant open‐circuit voltage (VOC) losses attributed to non‐radiative recombination processes induced by detrimental trap states. Surface treatments using passivating ligands typically involve single active binding sites on perovskite, posing challenges for effective passivation. Here, an aromatic donor‐acceptor (D‐A) configured phthalocyanine treatment is proposed to aim at dual‐site passivation of uncoordinated lead ions and effective mitigation of shallow and deep‐level defects on the perovskite surface. The resulting benign p‐type surface facilitates a more favorable energy level alignment and reduces energetic mismatches at the perovskite/Spiro‐OMeTAD interface. Pc‐BTBC, with its aromatic D‐A configuration, demonstrated compatibility with various perovskite compositions. Optimized PSCs achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.15% and reduces the VOC deficit to 0.379 V. Furthermore, encapsulated devices exhibited enhanced stability under damp‐heat conditions (ISOS‐D‐2, 50% RH, 65°C) with a T92 of 1000 h and maintained maximum power point tracking under continuous light in ambient air at 65°C (ISOS‐L‐2). Notably, fabricated wide‐bandgap semitransparent PSCs (ST‐PSCs) achieved a PCE of 20.29%, while four‐terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (4T‐P/STSCs) demonstrated an efficiency of 29.38%. This study provides insights into minimizing VOC losses and represents significant progress toward commercializing perovskite photovoltaics.
Real‐Time Nanoscale Bacterial Detection Utilizing a 1DZnO Optical Nanobiosensor
Authors: Salinas Rafael A. , Martínez Tolibia Shirlley E. , Galdámez‐Martínez Andrés , Romero Josué E. , García‐Barrera Laura J. , Orduña Abdú , Ramos Carlos David , Santana Rodríguez Guillermo , Dutt Ateet
Published: September 2024

One‐dimensional zinc oxide nanomaterials (1DZnO) have emerged as promising, cost‐effective nanoplatforms with adjustable properties suitable for electrochemical and optical biosensing applications. In this work, modifications in the inherent photoluminescent response of 1DZnO are harnessed to develop a novel immunosensor tailored for detecting enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. This nanobiosensor demonstrates a modulation in photoluminescence signal, effectively responsive to analyte concentrations ranging from 1 × 102 to 1 × 108 CFU mL−1, with direct visualization of targeted bacterial cells over 1DZnO structures through scanning electron microscopy. The conceptualization of this nanobiosensor is focused on a real‐time contact strategy that can significantly reduce processing and response times for pathogen detection, prospected for emergency scenarios. With this aim, the detection process unfolds in real time, with a mere 5–10 s interaction time, corroborated by the standard polymerase chain reaction approach. This synergistic validation underscores the reliability and precision of the developed biosensor. Notably, the utility of 1DZnO nanoplatforms extends beyond the realm of enteropathogenic E. coli, as the biosensing performance exhibited here holds promise for analogous applications involving other medically pertinent pathogens. This study paves the way for the broader implementation of 1DZnO‐based biosensors in medical diagnostics, offering rapid, sensitive, and real‐time detection capabilities.
Inhibiting Ion Migration and Stabilizing Crystal‐Phase in Halide Perovskite via Directly Incorporated Fluoride Anion
Authors: Zhang Boyao , Hu Zhaosheng , Su Jie , Gong Zhen , Guo Xing , Chen Xiaoqing , Yang Yingguo , Lin Zhenhua , Ding Liming , Hao Yue , Chang Jingjing
Published: September 2024

Fluoride anion (F−) with extremely high electronegativity has been under intensive investigation in perovskite solar cells due to its remarkable defect suppression and great improvement of device performance. Nevertheless, these researches only focus on the surface, grain boundaries, or interface modification, the direct insertion of F− into the crystal lattice of regular lead halide perovskite films is still unrevealed. Herein, F− was successfully incorporated into the perovskite lattice by overcoming the insolubility of PbF2 via the introduced pyridinium halide as a novel volatile solubilizing ligand. The strong electronegativity of F− can strongly increase the binding energy of all the ions in CsPbI2Br and inhibit their defect formations. A trace amount of F− incorporation not only enhanced the optoelectronic properties but also effectively mitigated the ion migration and phase separation simultaneously. The photovoltaic performance and operational stability of perovskite solar cells were significantly improved with a champion efficiency of 17.78 % (38.01 %) under AM 1.5G (1000 lux indoor light). Moreover, F− can also be directly inserted into the hybrid perovskite lattice and greatly stabilized crystal‐phase, enabling efficient fully MA‐free FAPbI3 devices with 25.10 % efficiency. Our strategy sheds light on F‐containing perovskites and provides a promising way to tackle ion migration and stabilize the crystal phase in halide perovskites.
Carbon‐ and Nitrogen‐Based Complexes as Photocatalysts for Prebiotic and Oxygen Chemistry during Earth Evolution
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Huan , Wang Sibo , Fang Yuanxing
Published: September 2024

Sunlight has long served as primary energy source on our planet, shaping the behavior of living organisms. Extensive research has been dedicated to unraveling the evolutionary pathways involved. When the formation of Earth atmosphere, it primarily consisted of small gas molecules, which are considered crucial for the emergence of life. Recent demonstrations have shown that these molecules can also be transformed into semiconductors, with the potential to harness solar energy and catalyze chemical reactions as photocatalysts. Building upon this research, this minireview focuses on the potential revolutionary impact of photocatalysis on Earth. Initially, it examines key reactions, such as the formation of prebiotic molecules and the oxygen evolution reaction via water oxidation. Additionally, various C−N complexes in photocatalysts are explored, showcasing their roles in catalyzing chemical reactions. The conclusion and outlook provide a potential pathway for the evolution of Earth, shedding light on the significance of metal‐free photocatalysts in development of Earth.
A Novel Acetylcholinesterase‐Based Electrochemical Biosensor Using g‐C3N4@MoS2 Nanohybrid for the Detection of Trichlorfon
Authors: Chatterjee Srijita , Singh Harshita , Hudda Divya , Sweety  , Kumar Devendra
Published: September 2024

Organophosphorus pesticides are commonly employed in agricultural fields due to their potent insecticidal properties and short environmental persistence. However, organophosphorus pesticides enter the human body through the food chain, surface, and groundwater, leading to irreversible damage to the nervous system. Therefore, monitoring the presence of organophosphorus pesticides in food is necessary to ensure human safety. Herein, an ultra‐sensitive electrochemical biosensor has been prepared by using graphitic carbon nitride decorated molybdenum sulfide (g‐C3N4@MoS2) as a catalyst for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides, trichlorfon. The synergistic effect of g‐C3N4@MoS2 boosts the electron transfer across the electrode surface, further contributing to the immobilization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. At optimum conditions, the developed biosensor (AChE/g‐C3N4@MoS2/ITO) demonstrated a broad linear range (5–100 nM) with a low detection limit (LOD) of 2.1 nM obtained using the equation 3σ/S where σ is the standard deviation and S is the sensitivity of the bioelectrode. In addition, the AChE/g‐C3N4@MoS2/ITO biosensor exhibited good stability and reproducibility, with satisfactory results for real sample analysis of trichlorfon detection.
Effect of aluminum diethylphosphinate/aluminum hypophosphite on the high abrasion and flame resistance of NR/BR composites
Authors: Xu Lijie , Ma Ji , Guo Jingze , Li Yutong , Tan Shuangmei , Wang Hui , Li Lin , Li Zhuo
Published: September 2024

The flame‐retardants aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) and aluminum hypophosphite (ALHP) were introduced into natural rubber (NR) and butadiene rubber (BR) to prepare composites. The effects of the two flame‐retardants on the processing characteristics, physical properties, flame resistance, mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of the composites were studied and compared. Results showed that both flame‐retardants delayed the vulcanization of the composites and increased the Mooney viscosity and ADP exhibited a more evident increase. Both ADP and ALHP improved the flame resistances of the composites, but the ADP improvement was more obvious, and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composites increased from 22% to 28.5%, when ADP was added at 45 phr. The addition of ADP and ALHP reduced the rebound and increased hardness of the composites. The two flame‐retardants reduced the tensile strength, tensile elongation, and tear strength of the composites; both flame‐retardants adversely affect abrasion resistance, with abrasion loss of composite increased by 100% and 85% at 45 phr of ADP and ALHP, respectively. ADP can considerably improve LOI of the composites compared with ALHP, but it has a more significant negative impact on abrasion resistance.
Chitosan‐based self‐healing hydrogel mediated by poly(acrylic‐methacrylic acid) exhibiting high biocompatibility and anti‐tumor activity
Authors: Pal Krishtan , Kumar Sandeep , Yadav Paramjeet , Jaiswal Sheetal , Kumar Rajesh , Acharya Arbind
Published: September 2024

Multi‐responsive, self‐healing hydrogels were developed utilizing positively charged polysaccharides, chitosan, and water‐soluble chitosan. This fabrication employed free‐radical synthesized polyacrylic acid and polymethacrylic acid along with the cross‐linker FeCl3, resulting in the generation of polyelectrolyte metal complexes, which enhances the properties of the chitosan‐based hydrogels, particularly their mechanical strength, self‐healing ability, thermal stability, swelling behavior, porous structure, cell viability, and even anticancer activity. Characterization and stability assessment of the hydrogels were performed using FT‐IR, nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, rheometer, x‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, DSC, and UV spectroscopy. FT‐IR measurements indicated that the facile complexation of the cross‐linker's metal ions (Fe3+) with the carboxylate (COO−), amino (NH), and hydroxyl (OH) groups of the polymers and chitosan chains facilitated rapid gelation. Furthermore, the sustained release of the drug levofloxacin (up to 80%) was observed to increase with increasing pH due to the hydrogels' anionic nature. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity tests were conducted using the MTT assay on splenocytes and Dalton Lymphoma cancer cell lines. These tests demonstrated the promising potential of these hydrogels for drug delivery applications.
Disturbance estimation backstepping flight control based on the discrete Fourier transform
Authors: Ming Ruichen , Liu Xiaoxiong , Li Yu , Zhang Weiguo
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the design of an adaptive backstepping (BS) nonlinear controller for time‐varying disturbances in flight control. The discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is used to design an adaptive law to suppress the influence of time‐varying disturbances. The traditional adaptive BS method ignores the derivatives of disturbances in the deduction process and cannot address certain fast, time‐varying disturbances well. Therefore, an improved adaptive BS method based on the DFT is proposed. Instead of estimating the disturbance directly, the proposed method obtains the time‐domain expression of the disturbance indirectly by estimating the disturbance spectrum and performing inverse DFT. The proposed method effectively overcomes the inability of the traditional adaptive BS method to estimate fast, time‐varying disturbances accurately. Finally, the proposed method is compared with traditional adaptive BS and radial basis function (RBF) neural network control methods. Simulation results confirm that the proposed method outperforms other methods under Gaussian disturbance and turbulence.
Increasing Specific Capacitance by Optimization of the Thickness of Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Zahorodna Veronika , Butenko Denys S. , Roslyk Iryna , Baginskyi Ivan , Izotov Volodymyr , Gogotsi Oleksiy
Published: September 2024

Increasing energy density without sacrificing the lifetime, power and cyclability of electrochemical capacitors is a very important goal. However, most efforts are directed toward the improvement of active charge‐storing materials, while the design of devices and minimization of the weight/volume of the passive component have received less attention. We propose here a mathematical model of a carbon supercapacitor in organic electrolyte, which establishes a relationship between the specific capacitance of a device, the thickness of its electrodes, and the weight of its passive components (case, external current leads, current collectors, etc.). The model was built based on experimentally obtained dependences and has been validated using experiments with electrodes made of two porous carbon materials. Regardless of the pore size distribution in the specified range of electrode thicknesses, the functional dependence of the electrode's specific capacitance on the thickness is well described within the linear approximation. The developed model enables optimization of the electrode thickness, thus maximizing specific energy density for a chosen carbon electrode material.
A Comparison of Active and Passive Surveillance Strategies for Selected Birth Defects in New York
Authors: Howley Meredith M. , Williford Eva , St. Louis Amanda M. , Michalski Adrian M. , Browne Marilyn L. , Fisher Sarah C.
Published: September 2024

Background

The New York State Birth Defects Registry (BDR) has passive and active components. As part of statewide passive ascertainment, the BDR receives reports of International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) codes and descriptive narratives on a wide range of birth defects. The BDR conducts enhanced active surveillance for selected birth defects in 14 counties, which includes medical record abstraction and clinician review. We sought to quantify agreement between the two surveillance approaches.

Methods

The analysis included live‐born infants born with one of the 16 birth defects in 2018–2021 in the active surveillance counties (n = 1069 infants). We calculated positive predictive values (PPV) and 95% confidence intervals for each defect, defined as the percentage of cases confirmed in active surveillance among those in passive surveillance. Additionally, we calculated the percentage with each birth defect missed by passive surveillance.

Results

The PPV varied greatly by birth defect. The PPV was >90% for gastroschisis and cleft lip, but <70% for spina bifida, diaphragmatic hernia, truncus arteriosus, tricuspid atresia, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, coarctation of the aorta, and pulmonary atresia. The percentage missed by passive surveillance ranged from 2% for tetralogy of Fallot to 39% for tricuspid atresia.

Conclusions

Active surveillance is an important strategy for ruling out false positive case reports for certain birth defects that we assessed, but not all of them. Passive surveillance programs can use our findings to develop targeted strategies for improving data quality of specific birth defects using active surveillance methods, thus optimizing limited resources.
3‐Ethoxysalicylaldimine‐based symmetrical azine‐linked luminogen exhibiting ESIPT and bright orange colour AIE behaviour with live cell bioimaging application
Authors: Mathivanan Moorthy , Shanmugaraj Krishnamoorthy , Ilanchelian Malaichamy , Haribabu Jebiti , Hidalgo Paulina I. , Novoa Néstor
Published: September 2024

Herein, we describe the design and development of a new cell‐permeable aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) active 3‐ethoxysalicylaldimine‐based symmetrical azine molecule HDBE. The synthesized compound underwent comprehensive investigation of different spectroscopic methods, like NMR, mass and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The fluorophore HDBE exhibited the bright orange colour AIE behaviour in THF–H2O mixture. The drastic enhancement of emission was achieved upon adding the water to the THF solution of HDBE, with a concentration of 90%. Along with the dynamic light scattering (DLS) and quantum yield measurements, the formation of aggregates was also verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Further, HDBE demonstrated excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) characteristics in different polarity of solvents, which was corroborated by absorption, emission and lifetime spectroscopical investigations. The detailed scrutiny of X‐ray structure of HDBE displayed the two strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions, while solid‐state fluorescent spectra showed dual emission that corresponds to enol and keto form confirming the ESIPT feature. Further, the synthesized AIE molecule was non‐toxic and cell‐permeable, making it easy to label as a biomarker in live HeLa cells via fluorescent bioimaging. These studies offer a quick and easy way to develop both AIE and ESIPT‐coupled molecules for live cell bioimaging applications.
Carbon emissions and overinvestment are green bonds the solution?
Authors: Jebri Rouba , Lassoued Naima , Khanchel Imen
Published: September 2024

This study examines the effect of carbon emissions on overinvestment and investigates whether this relationship is moderated by green bond issuance. Based on a sample of 90 non‐financial American firms (45 green bond issuers and 45 matched firms) observed from 2014 to 2022, the results indicate that carbon emissions, particularly those from Scopes 1 and 2, increase overinvestment. These findings suggest that carbon emissions are associated with agency conflicts, attributable to various factors such as divergent investment horizons between managers and shareholders. Furthermore, our results show that the issuance of green bonds attenuates this impact. This finding implies that green bonds emerge as a strategic tool not only to address external challenges, such as environmental issues—particularly the increase in carbon emissions—but also to manage internal challenges, such as the problem of overinvestment. Our study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable finance and corporate governance by highlighting the dual role of green bonds in both environmental management and investment efficiency.
Investigating binge‐watching and its effect on paid subscription: A mixed‐method study based on SOR theory
Authors: Song Lianlian , Yao Shanji , Liu Lili , Tso Geoffrey
Published: September 2024

Video‐on‐demand platforms encourage binge‐watching (BW) to stimulate consumers' paid subscription. Despite decades of research, prior studies have yet to reach a consensus on the definition of BW, which results in inconsistent findings regarding its effect on paid subscription behavior. Drawing on stimuli‐organism‐response theory and parasocial interaction studies, we develop a conceptual model to explore the causal mechanism that links BW, the consumer organism (attractiveness, identification, involvement, and parasocial interaction), and responses (impulsive paid subscription). We also investigate how the boundary condition of BW (number of episodes watched) affects this causal mechanism. We conducted an online survey and two quasi‐field experiments to collect data and verify the hypotheses. Our findings confirm that, compared with non‐BW, BW offers enhanced attractiveness, identification, involvement, and parasocial interaction, which results in more impulsive paid subscription behavior. Moreover, it is valid to define BW as watching at least three episodes of a program, which reveals significant differences in viewers' impulsive paid subscription behavior. Implications for future BW research and marketing strategies for video‐on‐demand platforms are discussed.
New Chlorine‐Containing Sesquiterpenoid from Artemisia Blepharolepis
Authors: Liu Zehao , Ma Lian , Qin Li , Shen Liang , Dai Xiling , Huang Guozheng , Cao Jianguo
Published: September 2024

One new chlorinated sesquiterpenoid (compound 1, ablepharolide) and twenty‐one known compounds were obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia blepharolepis. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods and the absolute configuration was further determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis for ablepharolide. Ablepharolide is a rare sesquiterpenoid with a 4‐methyl‐7‐isopropyl‐9‐ethyl‐perhydroindene skeleton that incorporates a chlorine atom. It significantly inhibited the growth of MCF‐7 cells with IC50 value of 8.34±0.77 μM. Further investigations demonstrated that ablepharolide induced morphological changes in MCF‐7 cells, inhibited proliferation in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that ablepharolide induced a significant increase in cleaved caspase‐8, cleaved caspase‐3 and cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) in MCF‐7 cells. All of these results supported that ablepharolide induced exogenous apoptosis in MCF‐7 cells.
HPPE Activates NRF2 Signaling by Liberating Heavy Metal Stores
Authors: Freeman Rebecca , Bollong Michael J.
Published: September 2024

The Cap'n'collar transcription factor BACH1 represses the transcription of gene products involved in oxidative stress protection. Accordingly, agents capable of inhibiting the activity of BACH1 would be of keen interest in treating several autoimmune and age‐related diseases. Here, we report that a previously annotated BACH1 inhibitor, HPPE, does not inhibit BACH1 but instead activates a NRF2 driven transcription program that is dependent on the canonical cysteine sensors of NRF2 inhibitory protein KEAP1. Mechanistically, HPPE acts as an ionophore, liberating cellular Zn2+ stores and inducing non‐lethal levels of reactive oxygen species, resulting in KEAP1 inactivation. These data provide a surprising mechanism by which HPPE acts in cells and suggest that inducing small amounts of cellular stress may be a viable mechanism for activating NRF2 therapeutically.
Recombinant Production of The Cyclotide Kalata B1 by Conditional Split Inteins
Authors: Yayci Abdulkadir , Huang Yen‐Hua , Harvey Peta J. , Craik David J.
Published: September 2024

This study describes the design, production, and characterization of a novel conditional intein system for the recombinant production of cyclic peptides. The system is based on two key features: (1) a promiscuous extein recognition site allowing cyclization of virtually any peptide, and (2) a secondary split site within the intein itself enabling triggered splicing at will. Two intein precursors were recombinantly expressed, purified, and then self‐assembled in vitro to cyclize the model peptide kalata B1 (kB1). Cyclized kB1 was successfully purified, refolded, and characterized by mass spectrometry and NMR, demonstrating correct disulfide bond formation and identical structure to synthetic kB1. Importantly, the intein‐derived kB1 retained full biological activity as evidenced by insect cell toxicity assays. This work establishes a versatile and efficient approach for intein‐mediated protein cyclization with potential applications in bioengineering and peptide discovery.
Discovery of Lacto‐N‐Biosidases and a Novel N‐Acetyllactosaminidase Activity in the CAZy Family GH20: Functional Diversity and Structural Insights
Authors: Vuillemin Marlene , Muschiol Jan , Zhang Yan , Holck Jesper , Barrett Kristian , Preben Morth Jens , Meyer Anne S. , Zeuner Birgitte
Published: September 2024

The glycoside hydrolase family 20 (GH20) predominantly features N‐acetylhexosaminidases (EC 3.2.1.52), with only few known lacto‐N‐biosidases (EC 3.2.1.140; LNBases). LNBases catalyze the degradation of lacto‐N‐tetraose (LNT), a prominent component of human milk oligosaccharides, thereby supporting a healthy infant gut microbiome development. We investigated GH20 diversity to discover novel enzymes that release disaccharides such as lacto‐N‐biose (LNB). Our approach combined peptide clustering, sequence analysis, and 3D structure model evaluation to assess active site topologies, focusing on the presence of a subsite −2. Five LNBases were active on pNP‐LNB and four showed activity on LNT. One enzyme displayed activity on both pNP‐LacNAc and pNP‐LNB, establishing the first report of N‐acetyllactosaminidase (LacNAcase) activity. Exploration of this enzyme cluster led to the identification of four additional enzymes sharing this dual substrate specificity. Comparing the determined crystal structure of a specific LNBase (TrpyGH20) and the first crystal structure of an enzyme with dual LacNAcase/LNBase activity (TrdeGH20) revealed a highly conserved subsite −1, common to GH20 enzymes, while the −2 subsites varied significantly. TrdeGH20 had a wider subsite −2, accommodating Gal with both β1,4‐ and β1,3‐linkages to the GlcNAc in subsite −1. Biotechnological applications of these enzymes may include structural elucidation of complex carbohydrates and glycoengineering.
Chronic painful swelling in the popliteal fossa—A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Limaiem Faten , Gharbi Mohamed Amine , Bouzidi Ramzi
Published: September 2024

Key Clinical Message

The differential diagnoses of popliteal ganglion cysts include Baker's cysts, popliteal artery aneurysms, popliteal tendinitis, popliteal lymphadenopathy, lipomas, and synovial sarcoma.
Iron‐ and Nitrogen‐Containing Carbon Nanotube/Carbide‐Derived Carbon‐Based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Acidic Conditions
Authors: Lilloja Jaana , Fetuga Oluwaseun E. , Kibena‐Põldsepp Elo , Kikas Arvo , Käärik Maike , Aruväli Jaan , Kozlova Jekaterina , Treshchalov Alexey , Kisand Vambola , Leis Jaan , Kukli Kaupo , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: September 2024

In this work, iron‐ and nitrogen‐doped carbide‐derived carbon and carbon nanotube (CDC/CNT) composites are prepared and used as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts in acidic conditions. Three different approaches are taken to mix iron and nitrogen precursors, namely iron(II) acetate and 1,10‐phenanthroline, with the nanocarbon materials. The doping is done via high‐temperature pyrolysis. The success of doping is proved by several physicochemical methods indicating that iron is atomically dispersed. The Fe−N−C catalyst materials possess similar textural properties with high specific surface area and plenty of pores in different sizes. The evaluation of the ORR activity using the rotating (ring−)disk electrode method shows that the prepared Fe−N−C materials have very similar and good electrocatalytic performance in acidic media and low yield of H2O2 formation. This excellent ORR performance of the Fe−N−C catalyst materials is attributed to the presence of Fe−Nx and pyridinic‐N moieties, as well as a feasible porous structure.
Unraveling reaction discrepancy and electrolyte stabilizing effects of auto‐oxygenated porphyrin catalysts in lithium–oxygen and lithium–air cells
Authors: Kim Boran , Park Hyunyoung , Kim Hyun‐Soo , Lee Jun Seo , Kim Jongsoon , Ryu Won‐Hee
Published: September 2024

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries are an emerging energy storage alternative with the potential to meet the recent increase in demand for high‐energy‐density batteries. From a practical viewpoint, lithium–air (Li–Air) batteries using ambient air instead of pure oxygen could be the final goal. However, the slow oxygen reduction and evolution reactions interfere with reversible cell operation during cycling. Therefore, research continues to explore various catalyst materials. The present study attempts to improve the performance of Li–Air batteries by using porphyrin‐based materials known to have catalytic effects in Li–O2 batteries. The results confirm that the iron phthalocyanine (FePc) catalyst not only exhibits a catalytic effect in an air atmosphere with a low oxygen fraction but also suppresses electrolyte decomposition by stabilizing superoxide radical ions (O2−) at a high voltage range. Density functional theory calculations are used to gain insight into the exact FePc‐mediated catalytic mechanism in Li–Air batteries, and various ex situ and in situ analyses reveal the reversible reactions and structural changes in FePc during electrochemical reaction. This study provides a practical solution to ultimately realize an air‐breathing battery using nature‐friendly catalyst materials.
Determining materials for energy conversion across scales: The alkaline oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Gerschel Philipp , Angel Steven , Hammad Mohaned , Olean‐Oliveira André , Toplak Blaž , Chanda Vimanshu , Martínez‐Hincapié Ricardo , Sanden Sebastian , Khan Ali Raza , Xing Da , Amin Amin Said , Wiggers Hartmut , Hoster Harry , Čolić Viktor , Andronescu Corina , Schulz Christof , Apfel Ulf‐Peter , Segets Doris
Published: September 2024

Despite considerable efforts to develop electrolyzers for energy conversion, progress has been hindered during the implementation stage by different catalyst development requirements in academic and industrial research. Herein, a coherent workflow for the efficient transition of electrocatalysts from basic research to application readiness for the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction is proposed. To demonstrate this research approach, La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 is selected as a catalyst, and its electrocatalytic performance is compared with that of the benchmark material NiFe2O4. The La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 catalyst with the desired dispersity is successfully synthesized by scalable spray‐flame synthesis. Subsequently, inks are formulated using different binders (Nafion®, Naf; Sustainion®, Sus), and nickel substrates are spray coated, ensuring a homogeneous catalyst distribution. Extensive electrochemical evaluations, including several scale‐bridging techniques, highlight the efficiency of the La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 catalyst. Experiments using the scanning droplet cell (SDC) indicate good lateral homogeneity for La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 electrodes and NiFe2O4‐Sus, while the NiFe2O4‐Naf film suffers from delamination. Among the various half‐cell techniques, SDC proves to be a valuable tool to quickly check whether a catalyst layer is suitable for full‐cell‐level testing and will be used for the fast‐tracking of catalysts in the future. Complementary compression and flow cell experiments provide valuable information on the electrodes' behavior upon exposure to chemical and mechanical stress. Finally, parameters and conditions simulating industrial settings are applied using a zero‐gap cell. Findings from various research fields across different scales obtained based on the developed coherent workflow contribute to a better understanding of the electrocatalytic system at the early stages of development and provide important insights for the evaluation of novel materials that are to be used in large‐scale industrial applications.
Outcomes of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma with concurrent steatotic liver disease
Authors: Tsai Feng‐Pai , Su Tung‐Hung , Huang Shang‐Chin , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Hsu Shih‐Jer , Liao Sih‐Han , Hong Chun‐Ming , Liu Chen‐Hua , Yang Hung‐Chih , Liu Chun‐Jen , Chen Pei‐Jer , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: September 2024

Background

Steatotic liver disease (SLD) is an emerging liver disease that has been associated with an increased risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The impact of concurrent SLD on the prognosis of HCC remains unknown. This study investigates how concurrent SLD affects the outcomes of patients with HCC undergoing curative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with early‐stage HCC receiving curative RFA at a tertiary medical center was conducted. Laboratory data and HCC characteristics were recorded and analyzed by a Cox proportional hazards regression model to predict recurrence and all‐cause mortality after RFA.

Results

A total of 598 patients with HCC were included between 2005 and 2015, with 139 and 459 classified in SLD and non‐SLD groups, respectively. The SLD group exhibited a significantly better liver reserve and a lower cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence and liver‐related and all‐cause mortality after a median follow‐up of 51 months. After adjusting for metabolic dysfunction, liver reserve, and HCC characteristics, the presence of SLD reduced all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–0.996; p = .048), which was supported by inverse probability weighting analysis (aHR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.42–1.00; p = .049). Poor liver functional reserve (high albumin‐bilirubin grades) increased all‐cause mortality dose dependently. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging and a higher Fibrosis‐4 index were predictors for HCC recurrence, whereas SLD was not.

Conclusions

Among patients with HCC undergoing curative RFA, those with concurrent SLD had a lower risk of all‐cause mortality compared to those with poor liver functional reserve.

Plain Language Summary

The present research demonstrated that patients with both liver cancer and steatotic liver disease who received curative radiofrequency ablation for liver cancer survived longer compared to those without steatotic liver disease.

Maintaining good liver function is an important prognostic factor for survival.
Uncertainty quantification of the pressure waveform using a Windkessel model
Authors: Flores‐Gerónimo Joaquín , Keramat Alireza , Alastruey Jordi , Zhang Yuanting
Published: September 2024

The Windkessel (WK) model is a simplified mathematical model used to represent the systemic arterial circulation. While the WK model is useful for studying blood flow dynamics, it suffers from inaccuracies or uncertainties that should be considered when using it to make physiological predictions. This paper aims to develop an efficient and easy‐to‐implement uncertainty quantification method based on a local gradient‐based formulation to quantify the uncertainty of the pressure waveform resulting from aleatory uncertainties of the WK parameters and flow waveform. The proposed methodology, tested against Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrates good agreement in estimating blood pressure uncertainties due to uncertain Windkessel parameters, but less agreement considering uncertain blood‐flow waveforms. To illustrate our methodology's applicability, we assessed the aortic pressure uncertainty generated by Windkessel parameters‐sets from an available in silico database representing healthy adults. The results from the proposed formulation align qualitatively with those in the database and in vivo data. Furthermore, we investigated how changes in the uncertainty of the Windkessel parameters affect the uncertainty of systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures. We found that peripheral resistance uncertainty produces the most significant change in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure uncertainties. On the other hand, compliance uncertainty considerably modifies the pulse pressure standard deviation. The presented expansion‐based method is a tool for efficiently propagating the Windkessel parameters' uncertainty to the pressure waveform. The Windkessel model's clinical use depends on the reliability of the pressure in the presence of input uncertainties, which can be efficiently investigated with the proposed methodology. For instance, in wearable technology that uses sensor data and the Windkessel model to estimate systolic and diastolic blood pressures, it is important to check the confidence level in these calculations to ensure that the pressures accurately reflect the patient's cardiovascular condition.
Valorization of Protein Materials Through Mechanochemistry and Self‐Assembly
Authors: Wang Lei , Solin Niclas
Published: September 2024

The concept of combining mixing of solids by milling (a type of mechanochemistry) with aqueous self‐assembly provides interesting possibilities for energy efficient production of advanced nanomaterials. Many proteins are outstanding building blocks for self‐assembly, a prominent example being the conversion of proteins into protein nanofibrils (PNFs) ‐ a structure related to amyloid fibrils. PNFs have attractive mechanical properties and have a tendency to form ordered materials. They are accordingly of interest as materials for bioplastics and potentially also for more high‐tech applications. In this concept article we highlight our effort on valorization of such proteins with hydrophobic organic compounds such an organic dyes and drug molecules, by developing scalable methodology combining mechanochemistry and self‐assembly. Compared to more established methodology, mechanochemical methodology is a valuable complement as it allows potential scalable production of hybrids between e. g. proteins and highly hydrophobic compounds ‐ a class of hybrid material that is difficult to access by other means. This may allow for development of sustainable processes for fabrication of advanced protein‐based materials derivable from renewable source materials.
Organic Solar Cells Based on Non‐Fullerene Low Molecular Weight Organic Semiconductor Molecules
Authors: Langa Fernando , de la Cruz Pilar , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: September 2024

The development of narrow bandgap A‐D‐A‐ and ADA′DA‐type non‐fullerene small molecule acceptors (NFSMAs) along with small molecule donors (SMDs) have led to significant progress in all‐small molecule organic solar cells. Remarkable power conversion efficiencies, nearing the range of 17–18 %, have been realized. These efficiency values are on par with those achieved in OSCs based on polymeric donors. The commercial application of organic photovoltaic technology requires the design of more efficient organic conjugated small molecule donors and acceptors. In recent years the precise tuning of optoelectronic properties in small molecule donors and acceptors has attracted considerable attention and has contributed greatly to the advancement of all‐SM‐OSCs. Several reviews have been published in this field, but the focus of this review concerns the advances in research on OSCs using SMDs and NFSMAs from 2018 to the present. The review covers the progress made in binary and ternary OSCs, the effects of solid additives on the performance of all‐SM‐OSCs, and the recently developed layer‐by‐layer deposition method for these OSCs. Finally, we present our perspectives and a concise outlook on further advances in all‐SM‐OSCs for their commercial application.
In‐Situ Synthesized Gel Polymer Electrolyte Enable High Capacity and Long‐Cycle‐Life Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zou Yi , Zhao Wentao , Liu Shixin , Fang Hui , Gao Lvjin , Wang Yuting , Su Yinli , Chen Li , Liu Zhaolin
Published: September 2024

Solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (SSLMBs) have attracted great attention due to their outstanding advantages in safety, electrochemical stability and interfacial compatibility. However, the low ionic conductivity and narrow electrochemical window restrict their practical application. Herein, in‐situ polymerization electrolytes (IPEs) crosslinked by acrylonitrile (AN) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) exhibit the superior ionic conductivity of 1.77×10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C, the ultrahigh lithium transference number (tLi+) of 0.784 and the wider electrochemical stable window (ESW) of 5.65 V. The IPEs make the symmetrical Li||Li cells achieve the highly stable lithium stripping/plating cycling for over 3000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2. Meanwhile, IPE endows the solid‐state LiFePO4||Li batteries with an excellent long‐cycle performance over 700 cycles at 2.5 C with a capacity retention ratio over 95 %, as well as 1000 cycles at 1 C and superior capacity retention of 85 %. More importantly, the in‐situ polymerized electrolytes containing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) open up a new frontier to promote the practical application of solid‐state batteries with high safety and high energy density via in‐situ solidification technology.
Regeneration of LiFePO4 from Spent Materials: Control and Influence of Al Impurity
Authors: Song Shaole , Liu Runqing , Li Jiexiang , Sun Wei , Yang Yue
Published: September 2024

Owing to the rapid increase of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, recycling and regeneration of LiFePO4 enjoys significances for sustainable development and environmental protection. In this study, an effective regeneration method for spent LiFePO4 materials and the influence of Al impurity on the electrochemical performance of regenerated LiFePO4 were studied. Firstly, 99.26 % Fe, 99.52 % P, 99.58 % Li, 59.36 % Al and 20.24 % Cu in spent LiFePO4 material were leached with 150 g ⋅ L−1 H2SO4. Subsequently, Al removal and control were achieved by simply adjusting the pH value, and FePO4 ⋅ 2H2O precursors with different Al contents were prepared. Specially, the LiFePO4 regenerated by FePO4 ⋅ 2H2O precursor containing 0.096 % Al exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with discharge capacity of 145 mAh ⋅ g−1, 140.5 mAh ⋅ g−1 and 130.9 mAh ⋅ g−1 at the current density of 1 C, 2 C and 5 C, respectively.