bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron–histidine bonding in bishistidyl hemoproteins–A local vibrational mode study
Authors: Freindorf Marek , Antonio Juliana J. , Kraka Elfi
Published: December 2023

We investigated the intrinsic strength of distal and proximal FeN bonds for both ferric and ferrous oxidation states of bishistidyl hemoproteins from bacteria, animals, human, and plants, including two cytoglobins, ten hemoglobins, two myoglobins, six neuroglobins, and six phytoglobins. As a qualified measure of bond strength, we used local vibrational force constants k(FeN) based on local mode theory developed in our group. All calculations were performed with a hybrid QM/MM ansatz. Starting geometries were taken from available x‐ray structures. k(FeN) values were correlated with FeN bond lengths and covalent bond character. We also investigated the stiffness of the axial NFeN bond angle. Our results highlight that protein effects are sensitively reflected in k(FeN), allowing one to compare trends in diverse protein groups. Moreover, k(NFeN) is a perfect tool to monitor changes in the axial heme framework caused by different protein environments as well as different Fe oxidation states.
Patient and clinician beliefs about potential barriers to treatment of neuropathic pain for adolescents with sickle cell disease
Authors: Rees Matthew , Spraker‐Perlman Holly , Moore Raechyl , Lavoie Paul , Schiff Linda , Allen Jennifer M. , Rai Parul , Anghelescu Doralina L.
Published: December 2023

Pain is the hallmark symptom causing morbidity for people with sickle cell disease (SCD) and may present as nociceptive, neuropathic, or mixed type pain. Neuropathic pain (NP) is underrecognized and undertreated in patients with SCD and is associated with decreased patient‐reported quality of life. Surveys were completed by clinicians caring for adolescents with SCD in the outpatient setting. SCD patients ages 1418 at increased risk of NP completed a patient‐facing survey at a scheduled clinic visit. Ninety‐four percent of responding clinicians agreed that NP significantly contributes to reported pain in SCD. Clinicians believed that NP medications are effective for reducing chronic pain (62%) and decreasing opioid utilization (44%). Clinician‐identified barriers to prescribing NP medications included concerns about medication adherence (82%), lack of pediatric guidelines for NP medications (70%), and perceived patient concern about side effects (65%). More than 1/3 (35%) of clinicians reported that they were not comfortable managing NP medications. Clinician‐identified barriers to referral to a pain management specialist included scheduling concerns (88%) and perceived patient/family lack of interest (77%). Most patients expressed willingness to take a medication for NP (78%), see a pain management specialist (84%), or learn more about nonpharmacologic interventions (72%), although most (51%) also reported some concerns about taking a medication for NP, citing insufficient knowledge (34%), and potential for side effects (32%). A minority of respondents (15%) worried about referral to a pain management specialist. Clinician and patient perspectives provide insights that may guide education efforts or other interventions to improve treatment of SCD‐related NP.
Across race, ethnicity, and language: An intervention to improve advance care planning documentation unmasks health disparities
Authors: Dutta Priyanka A. , Flynn Sarah J. , Oreper Sandra , Kantor Molly A. , Mourad Michelle
Published: December 2023

Background

Racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely to have advance directives and living wills, despite the importance of advanced care planning (ACP) in end‐of‐life care. We aimed to understand the impact of an intervention to improve ACP documentation across race, ethnicity, and language on hospitalized patients at our institution.

Methods

We launched an intervention to improve the rates of ACP documentation for hospitalized patients aged >75 or with advanced illness defined by the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision codes. We analyzed ACP completion rates, preintervention, and intervention, and used interrupted time‐series analyses to measure the differential impact of the intervention across race, ethnicity, and language.

Key Results

A total of 10,220 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall rates of ACP documentation improved from 13.9% to 43.7% in the intervention period, with a 2.47% monthly increase in ACP documentation compared to baseline (p < .001). During the intervention period, the rate of ACP documentation increased by 2.72% per month for non‐Hispanic White patients (p < .001), by 1.84% per month for Latinx patients (p < .001), and by 1.9% per month for Black patients (p < .001). Differences in the intervention trends between non‐Hispanic White and Latinx patients (p = .04) and Black patients (p = .04) were significant.

Conclusions

An intervention designed to improve ACP documentation in hospitalized patients widened a disparity across race and ethnicity with Latinx and Black patients having lower rates of improvement. Our findings reinforce the need to measure the impact of quality improvement interventions on existing health disparities and to implement specific strategies to prevent worsening disparities.
Hyperpolarized 13C Metabolic MRI of Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gordon Jeremy W. , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Nickles Tanner , Lee Philip M. , Bok Robert , Ohliger Michael A. , Okamoto Kimberly , Ko Andrew H. , Larson Peder E.Z. , Wang Zhen J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the third leading cause of cancer‐related death in the United States. However, early response assessment using the current approach of measuring changes in tumor size on computed tomography (CT) or MRI is challenging.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of hyperpolarized (HP) [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI to quantify metabolism in the normal appearing pancreas and PDA, and to assess changes in PDA metabolism following systemic chemotherapy.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Six patients (65.0 ± 7.6 years, 2 females) with locally advanced or metastatic PDA enrolled prior to starting a new line of systemic chemotherapy.

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, T1‐weighted gradient echo, metabolite‐selective 13C echoplanar imaging.

Assessment

Time‐resolved HP [1‐13C]pyruvate data were acquired before (N = 6) and 4‐weeks after (N = 3) treatment initiation. Pyruvate metabolism, as quantified by pharmacokinetic modeling and metabolite area‐under‐the‐curve ratios, was assessed in manually segmented PDA and normal appearing pancreas ROIs (N = 5). The change in tumor metabolism before and 4‐weeks after treatment initiation was assessed in primary PDA (N = 2) and liver metastases (N = 1), and was compared to objective tumor response defined by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) on subsequent CTs.

Statistical Tests

Descriptive tests (mean ± standard deviation), model fit error for pharmacokinetic rate constants.

Results

Primary PDA showed reduced alanine‐to‐lactate ratios when compared to normal pancreas, due to increased lactate‐to‐pyruvate or reduced alanine‐to‐pyruvate ratios. Of the three patients who received HP [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI before and 4‐weeks after treatment initiation, one patient had a primary tumor with early metabolic response (increase in alanine‐to‐lactate) and subsequent partial response according to RECIST, one patient had a primary tumor with relatively stable metabolism and subsequent stable disease by RECIST, and one patient had metastatic PDA with increase in lactate‐to‐pyruvate of the liver metastases and corresponding progressive disease according to RECIST.

Data Conclusion

Altered pyruvate metabolism with increased lactate or reduced alanine was observed in the primary tumor. Early metabolic response assessed at 4‐weeks after treatment initiation correlated with subsequent objective tumor response assessed using RECIST.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Resolution of peri‐implant mucositis following standard treatment: A prospective split‐mouth study
Authors: Rakic Mia , Tatic Zoran , Radovanovic Sandro , Petkovic‐Curcin Aleksandra , Vojvodic Danilo , Monje Alberto
Published: December 2023

Background

Peri‐implant mucositis (PIM) is a pathological precursor of peri‐implantitis, but its pattern of conversion to peri‐implantitis is unclear and complicated to diagnose clinically, while none of the available protocols yield complete disease resolution. The aim of this study was the evaluation of PIM responsiveness to standard anti‐infective mechanical treatment (AIMT) at clinical and biomarker levels, and estimation of the diagnostic capacity of bone markers as surrogate endpoints and predictors.

Methods

Systemically healthy outpatients presenting one implant exhibiting clinical signs of inflammation confined within the soft tissue (PIM) and one healthy control (HC) implant at a non‐adjacent position were included. Clinical parameters and peri‐implant crevicular fluid samples were collected baseline and 6 months following mechanical therapy, to assess the levels of RANKL, OPG, and IGFBP2. PIM clustering was performed using machine learning algorithms.

Results

Overall, 38 patients met the inclusion criteria. Therapy resulted in the reduction of all clinical and biological indicators, but respective values remained significantly higher compared to HC. Clinical examination noted 30% disease resolution at the 6‐month follow‐up, while 43% showed no active bone resorption. OPG showed positive prognostic value for treatment outcome, while the clustering based on active bone resorption did not differ in terms of therapeutic effectiveness.

Conclusion

AIMT is effective in reducing the clinical and biological indicators of PIM, but complete clinical resolution was achieved in only 30% of the cases. Around one third of PIM patients exhibited active bone resorption bellow clinical detectability that was not associated with disease progression and poor treatment responsiveness.
Efficacy and safety analysis: 24‐month outcomes from a prospective cohort of 106 fields treated with widefield radiation therapy for extensive skin field cancerization, with or without keratinocyte cancers
Authors: Spelman Lynda , Potter Andrew E. , Baker Chris , Shumack Stephen , Sinclair Robert , Christie David , Wong Bradley , Foley Peter , Hacker Steven , Allison Cody C. ,   the National Dermatology Radiation Oncology Registry (NDROR) investigators and sites
Published: December 2023

Background

Widefield radiation therapy (RT) has emerged as a treatment option for extensive skin field cancerization (ESFC), with or without keratinocyte cancer (KC).

Objectives

To assess the long‐term efficacy, safety, cosmesis and quality of life outcomes for patients with ESFC ± KC receiving widefield RT.

Methods

NDROR (National Dermatology Radiation Oncology Registry) is an open‐label, prospective, nonrandomized, multicentre registry of patients receiving widefield RT at 11 Australian radiation oncology clinics from a single organization. Field/lesion clearance efficacy and cosmesis were assessed in a cohort of patients with at least 24 months follow‐up. Patient‐reported quality of life using EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaires was performed at each visit. Toxicity analysis was performed on data from patients who completed treatment and had at least 3 months follow‐up.

Results

Combined investigator‐assessed field treatment success and lesion clearance at 24 months were ≥96% and 93.5%, respectively. The incidence of new KC within the treated field was 10%. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event grade 1–2 radiation‐induced skin toxicities were reported in >92% of fields at the end of treatment, with 5.8% of fields exhibiting grade 3 toxicities. Toxicity resolved rapidly at the cessation of treatment, with grade 1–2 alopecia and xerosis the most prevalent toxicities after 24 months (51.8% and 43.4%, respectively). Cosmesis in treated fields was assessed as excellent or good in 98% of fields at 24 months. Quality of life significantly improved compared to baseline (baseline: mean visual analogue scale (VAS) 80.65, n = 183) at 24 months follow‐up (mean VAS 84.32, N = 83; improvement of 3.67; p = 0.026).

Conclusions

This analysis indicates that widefield RT is an effective and generally well‐tolerated treatment for ESFC ± KC. Treatment has a favourable safety and cosmesis profile within the period of follow‐up and is associated with significant improvements in quality of life for patients. Widefield RT may be considered for certain patients with extensive disease who have exhausted or are unsuitable for other therapies.
Rapid quantitative assessment of temporal and spatial variation in key functional genes of the microbial nitrogen cycle across multiple marine environments using the NanoString nCounter
Authors: Tolman Jennifer , Desai Dhwani , LaRoche Julie
Published: December 2023

The marine nitrogen cycle controls oceanic productivity through enzymatic processes mediated by microbes. Here, we report the construction, evaluation, and application of the OceansN CodeSet for the NanoString nCounter, which quantifies a suite of protein‐coding genes that are central to microbially mediated nitrogen cycle processes in the ocean. We also placed emphasis on quantifying a diverse set of marine diazotrophs within known nifH phylogenetic clades. The OceansN CodeSet provided direct hybridization‐based quantitation of 48 probes in a single sample, presenting advantages in terms of reduced sample handling, elimination of amplification bias, minimal DNA sample requirements, and the ability to assess targets ranging from relatively rare to abundant, with a reliable quantitation limit of ~ 1000 gene copies per target per sample. As such, our approach fills a unique methodological niche between the scale of high‐throughput amplicon sequencing (a compositional method) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (a targeted method with generally lower throughput). When applied to North Atlantic environmental DNA samples, the OceansN CodeSet revealed temporal and spatial patterns in nitrogen assimilation, nitrification, and denitrification, as well as the abundance and distribution of various nitrogen‐fixing microorganisms (diazotrophs). Data from the nCounter was validated via internal and external controls, and by comparison to qPCR, nifH amplicon sequencing, and shotgun metagenomic sequencing.
Optical Interferometric MEMS Accelerometers
Authors: Zhao Minghui , Qi Yonghong , Wang Hailong , Xie Zongxiang , Li Bo , Wang Hairong , Wei Xueyong
Published: December 2023

Laser interferometry is one of the most accurate measurement technologies whose displacement resolution can reach the femtometer (fm) level. With the development of Micro‐Electro‐Mechanical Systems(MEMS) technology, many excellent optical interferometric MEMS sensors have emerged, which play an essential role in intelligent manufacturing, aerospace, and many other fields. Among them, optical interferometric MEMS accelerometers develop rapidly due to their high sensitivity, low noise, and anti‐electromagnetic interference advantages. Lots of research in optical interferometric chip design, micro‐nano fabrication process, signal demodulation algorithm, and range extension technology are performed, and different types of MEMS accelerometers based on the optical interferometric principles are developed, which have been demonstrated and applied in the fields of disaster monitoring, equipment operation and maintenance, and resource exploration. This paper reviews the development status of optical interferometric MEMS accelerometers, mainly focusing on the critical problems and solutions that need to be solved in the development process of optical interferometric accelerometers, and finally introduces the typical application scenarios.
Fabrication of GSH‐Responsive Poly(Tertiary Amine‐Oxide)‐Based Nanomedicines for Enhanced Anticancer Drug Release
Authors: Zhang Xianshuo , Ma Wei , Wang Peipei , Hou Shuo , Niu Wenxu , Shi Yunfeng , Kang Guiying , Yu Cui‐Yun , Wei Hua
Published: December 2023

Poly(tertiary amine‐oxide)‐based polymeric nanocarriers have showed more functionalities than stealthy PEG‐based analogs due to the structure of phospholipid affinitive N‐oxides groups, which has attracted considerable attention to the synthesis of various zwitterionic copolymers with tertiary amine‐oxide grafts for enhanced anticancer drug delivery. However, poly(tertiary amine‐oxide)‐based amphiphilic copolymers with tumor intracellular microenvironment sensitivities, to the knowledge, have been rarely reported likely due to the lack of a controlled synthetic strategy. Herein, a reducible zwitterionic copolymer, poly(ε‐caprolactone)25‐SS‐poly(2‐(N‐oxide‐N,N‐diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)30 (PCL25‐SS‐OPDEA30) is designed and synthesized successfully via combination of controlled polymerization techniques and post polymerization modification. Specifically, postoxidation of poly(tertiary amine) is confirmed to be a better synthetic strategy toward a well‐defined polymer structure relative to direct polymerization of N,N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (ODEA). The effect of disulfide bridges on the self‐assembly behaviors, in vitro drug loading and drug release properties is investigated in detail. Notablely, the resulting micelles self‐assembled from PCL25‐SS‐OPDEA30 show much greater colloidal stability, higher drug loading content (DLC), and better in vitro tumor cell inhibition than the reduction‐insensitive counterparts. Overall, this study reports a robust strategy toward zwitterionic nanomedicines for on‐demand anticancer drug delivery.
Oncofetal reprogramming in tumor development and progression: novel insights into cancer therapy
Authors: Cao Jiangjun , Zhang Zhe , Zhou Li , Luo Maochao , Li Lei , Li Bowen , Nice Edouard C. , He Weifeng , Zheng Shaojiang , Huang Canhua
Published: December 2023

Emerging evidence indicates that cancer cells can mimic characteristics of embryonic development, promoting their development and progression. Cancer cells share features with embryonic development, characterized by robust proliferation and differentiation regulated by signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, hedgehog, and Hippo signaling. In certain phase, these cells also mimic embryonic diapause and fertilized egg implantation to evade treatments or immune elimination and promote metastasis. Additionally, the upregulation of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1), and breast cancer‐resistant protein (BCRP), in drug‐resistant cancer cells, analogous to their role in placental development, may facilitate chemotherapy efflux, further resulting in treatment resistance. In this review, we concentrate on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to tumor development and progression from the perspective of embryonic development, encompassing the dysregulation of developmental signaling pathways, the emergence of dormant cancer cells, immune microenvironment remodeling, and the hyperactivation of ABC transporters. Furthermore, we synthesize and emphasize the connections between cancer hallmarks and embryonic development, offering novel insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies.
Comparison of first‐tier whole‐exome sequencing with a multi‐step traditional approach for diagnosing paediatric outpatients: An Italian prospective study
Authors: Rosina Erica , Pezzani Lidia , Apuril Erika , Pezzoli Laura , Marchetti Daniela , Bellini Matteo , Lucca Camilla , Meossi Camilla , Massimello Marta , Mariani Milena , Scatigno Agnese , Cattaneo Elisa , Colombo Lorenzo , Maitz Silvia , Cereda Anna , Milani Donatella , Spaccini Luigina , Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Selicorni Angelo , Iascone Maria
Published: December 2023

Background

The recent guidelines suggest the use of genome‐wide analyses, such as whole exome sequencing (WES), at the beginning of the diagnostic approach for cases with suspected genetic conditions. However, in many realities it still provides for the execution of a multi‐step pathway, thus requiring several genetic tests to end the so‐called ‘diagnostic odyssey’.

Methods

We reported the results of GENE Project (Genomic analysis Evaluation NEtwork): a multicentre prospective cohort study on 125 paediatric outpatients with a suspected genetic disease in which we performed first‐tier trio‐WES, including exome‐based copy number variation analysis, in parallel to a ‘traditional approach’ of two/three sequential genetic tests.

Results

First‐tier trio‐WES detected a conclusive diagnosis in 41.6% of patients, way above what was found with routine genetic testing (25%), with a time‐to‐result of about 50 days. Notably, the study showed that 44% of WES‐reached diagnoses would be missed with the traditional approach. The diagnostic rate (DR) of the two approaches varied in relation to the phenotypic class of referral and to the proportion of cases with a defined diagnostic suspect, proving the major difference for neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, trio‐WES analysis detected variants in candidate genes of unknown significance (EPHA4, DTNA, SYNCRIP, NCOR1, TFDP1, SPRED3, EDA2R, PHF12, PPP1R12A, WDR91, CDC42BPG, CSNK1D, EIF3H, TMEM63B, RIPPLY3) in 19.4% of undiagnosed cases.

Conclusion

Our findings represent real‐practice evidence of how first‐tier genome‐wide sequencing tests significantly improve the DR for paediatric outpatients with a suspected underlying genetic aetiology, thereby allowing a time‐saving setting of the correct management, follow‐up and family planning.
Two examples of anthropic manipulation and postmortem processing of human remains at megalithic sites in inland Iberia: La Cabaña and Los Zumacales (Spanish northern sub‐plateau)
Authors: Santa‐Cruz Angélica , Velasco‐Vázquez Javier
Published: December 2023

Several recent studies have demonstrated the complexity of funerary practices in megalithic burials. Mortuary taphonomy has proposed models to explain these practices, in which different actions, such as the generation of primary and secondary deposits, the selection and manipulation of bone remains, the extraction of materials from the grave, and so forth, can be identified. However, in the northern sub‐plateau of the Iberian Peninsula, the interpretation of funerary gestures related to megalithic tombs has not been systematically studied from the perspective of taphonomy. In this paper, we study two sites, Los Zumacales and La Lora, dated to the fourth millennium B.C. The analysis considers all the burial practices linked with megalithic tombs, with a focus on the social and natural processes involved in the formation of these complex mortuary deposits. In both examples, direct evidence of perimortem manipulation of human remains is documented by the presence of fresh fractures and cut marks in different long bones. As suggested in the discussion, this evidence may be related to secondary reduction practices following the initial deposition of the bodies.
A library‐derived peptide inhibitor of the BZLF1 transcription factor
Authors: Madden Sarah K. , Brennan Andrew , Mason Jody M.
Published: December 2023

Transcription factor dysregulation is associated with many diseases, including cancer. Peptide‐based molecules are increasingly recognised as important modulators of difficult intracellular protein–protein interaction targets, with peptide library screening consequently proven to be a viable strategy in developing inhibitors against a wide range of transcription factors (TFs). However, current strategies simply select the highest affinity of binding to a target TF rather than the ability to inhibit TF function. Here, we utilise our Transcription Block Survival (TBS) screening platform to enable high‐throughput identification of peptides that inhibit TFs from binding to cognate DNA sites, hence inhibiting functionality. In this study, we explore whether the TBS can be expanded to derive a potent and functional peptide inhibitor of the BZLF1 transcription factor. The library‐derived peptide, AcidicW, is shown to form a more stable dimer with BZLF1 than the BZLF1 homodimer, with a thermal denaturation temperature exceeding 80°C. AcidicW can also functionally inhibit the BZLF1:TRE DNA interaction with high potency and an IC50 of 612 nM.
Copper Precursor Salt‐Dependent Antimicrobial Activity of Graphite Oxide Composites Against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus Aureus: Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Chavez-Esquivel Gerardo , Cervantes-Cuevas Humberto , Becerril-Samaniego Eleazar , Rodríguez-Villar Karen , Pérez-Villanueva Jaime
Published: December 2023

Graphite oxide (GrO) is doped with Cu(NO3)2 (CuN/GrO) and CuSO4 (CuS/GrO). Face‐centered cubic Cu, monoclinic CuO, and cubic Cu2O mixed crystalline phases are observed. The ID/IG ratio on average is 1.0 for all composites, associated with similar structural disorders and defects. CuN/GrO and CuS/GrO composites increase the C:O ratio by 30% compared to GrO. In Cu(NO3)2‐ and CuSO4‐doped GrO composites, the copper particle dispersion is on the GrO surface and GrO edges, respectively. By agarwell diffusion assay, the CuN/GrO composite presents only inhibition against the Staphylococcus aureus microorganism at 10 mg mL−1 per well. However, using the CuS/GrO composite, the minimum inhibitory concentration is 5 mg mL−1 per well against Escherichia coli and S. aureus microorganisms. In general, the copper precursor salt influences the copper particle localization in the GrO matrix in a different way, modulating the antimicrobial behavior. In this way, it is possible to establish a possible electrostatic adsorption caused by the Cu+ or Cu2+ ions and the negative charges of the bacterial cell membrane, where the adsorption and mass diffusion mechanisms between charged composites and Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative microorganisms are affected by the copper particle arrangement in the composites.
Ultrafast Laser‐Induced Sub‐100 nm Structures on Tungsten Surfaces: Stretched Liquid Dynamics Insights
Authors: Dominic Priya , Iabbaden Djafar , Bourquard Florent , Reynaud Stéphanie , Weck Arnaud , Colombier Jean-Philippe , Garrelie Florence
Published: December 2023

The origin of high‐spatial‐frequency laser‐induced periodic surface structures, known as HSFLs, has always been a controversial topic. HSFLs of sub‐100 nm periodicity and sub‐20 nm amplitude are generated on tungsten by Ti:sapphire femtosecond laser irradiation under four different processing environments (ambient, air at 10 mbar, Ar at 10 mbar, and vacuum at 10−7 mbar). The topography and subtopography analysis together with two‐temperature model–molecular dynamics simulations reveal that HSFLs formation originates from laser‐induced thermal stresses, implying both surface tension and tensile forces are involved. The experimental observation of subsurface cavitation confirms a hydrodynamics‐based origin for these nanostructures.
In2S3 Thin Films via Open‐Air Chemical Vapor Deposition Using Indium‐Diethyldithiocarbamate: Deposition and Characterization
Authors: Funaki Akihiro , Furumaki Fumiya , Nishimura Takahito , Yamada Akira
Published: December 2023

Cadmium‐free materials for the buffer layer of thin‐film solar cells and their low‐cost manufacturing methods have been of great interest in the solar industry. In this study, diindium trisulfide (In2S3) is investigated as an alternative buffer layer material: In2S3 thin film was deposited at atmospheric pressure utilizing open‐air chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Indium‐diethyldithiocarbamate (In‐DDTC) is used as the only solid precursor. The deposition conditions, crystal structure, optical properties, and electrical properties of In2S3 thin films are studied. The solid source temperature is found to affect the morphology, whereas the substrate temperature affected the growth rate and the sulfur‐to‐indium ratio of the films. X‐Ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements suggested that the prepared films consist of β‐In2S3 and show a strong (103)‐plane orientation under suitable deposition conditions. The films exhibited indirect and direct transitions around 2.0 eV and 2.7–2.8 eV, respectively. The thin films showed n‐type conduction, with the lowest resistivity of 28.6 Ω cm. Overall, In2S3 thin films prepared via open‐air CVD are promising alternative buffer layer materials, which are expected to contribute to the realization of low‐cost and environmentally friendly thin‐film solar cells.
Quantum Transport of Topological and Trivial Edge States in Sn‐Doped SbH Nanoribbons
Authors: Wu Manhong , Wang Junyou , Li Zhongyao
Published: December 2023

Although the transport of topological edge states may be insensitive to impurities, impurities may induce the interedge scattering and backscattering in topological nanoribbons due to the finite size effect. It may be interesting to compare the transport of topological edge states with that of trivial edge states in nanoribbons. Here, the quantum transport of edge states in the Sn‐doped SbH nanoribbons using the density functional theory combined with nonequilibrium Green's function method is studied. Both topological and trivial edge states can be found in the zigzag SbH nanoribbons. The impurity generates a higher barrier near the doping position and leads to the scattering of the states. From calculations, the transmission of topological edge states can be smaller than that of trivial edge states due to the antiresonance behavior. Compared with topological edge states, the transport of trivial edge states is more sensitive to the impurity position. Besides, the edge impurity is more likely to induce scattering for both topological and trivial edge states than the central impurity in narrow SbH nanoribbons, since the transport channels are limited to the edges. This study may be helpful for understanding the transport of edge states in nanoribbons.
Feasibility study of a single‐handed inserter for levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device placement
Authors: Eisenberg David L. , Schreiber Courtney A. , Blumenthal Paul D. , Turok David K. , Olariu Andrea I. , Creinin Mitchell D.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess placement outcomes using a levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device (IUD) inserter designed for single‐handed use.

Methods

Investigators enroled participants 18–45 years to have the IUD inserted using a redesigned inserter with removal 5–15 min after placement. Physicians and participants provided feedback on their insertion experience.

Results

Successful placement occurred in 48 of 50 (96.0%) enroled participants. Investigators rated insertion device loading “easy” in 49 (98.0%) and placement “easy” in 44 (88.0%) cases. Cramping pain was reported at insertion by 47 (94.0%) participants, mostly mild (32 [64.0%]) or moderate (11 [22.0%]).

Conclusion

The single‐handed inserter is easy to use and results in high rates of insertion success.
Growth of Vertical Graphene Sheets on Silicon Nanoparticles Well‐Dispersed on Graphite Particles for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Yu Peilun , Li Zhenwei , Han Meisheng , Yu Jie
Published: December 2023

With rapidly increasing demand for high energy density, silicon (Si) is greatly expected to play an important role as the anode material of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high specific capacity. However, large volume expansion for silicon during the charging process is still a serious problem influencing its cycling stability. Here, a Si/C composite of vertical graphene sheets/silicon/carbon/graphite (VGSs@Si/C/G) is reported to address the electrochemical stability issues of Si/graphite anodes, which is prepared by adhering Si nanoparticles on graphite particles with chitosan and then in situ growing VGSs by thermal chemical vapor deposition. As a promising anode material, due to the buffering effect of VGSs and tight bonding between Si and graphite particles, the composite delivers a high reversible capacity of 782.2 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles with an initial coulombic efficiency of 87.2%. Furthermore, the VGSs@Si/C/G shows a diffusion coefficient of two orders higher than that without growing the VGSs. The full battery using VGSs@Si/C/G anode and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode achieves a high gravimetric energy density of 343.6 Wh kg−1, a high capacity retention of 91.5% after 500 cycles and an excellent average CE of 99.9%.
Wrinkle Structure Regulating Electromagnetic Parameters in Constructed Core‐shell ZnFe2O4@PPy Microspheres as Absorption Materials
Authors: Li Zhuolin , Zhu Hao , Rao Longjun , Huang Mengqiu , Qian Yuetong , Wang Lei , Liu Yongsheng , Zhang Jincang , Lai Yuxiang , Che Renchao
Published: December 2023

Structure engineering of magnetic‐dielectric multi‐components is emerging as an effective approach for presuming high‐performance electromagnetic (EM) absorption, but still faces bottlenecks due to the ambiguous regulation mechanism of surface morphology. Here, a novel wrinkled surface structure is tailored on the ZnFe2O4 microsphere via a spray‐pyrolysis induced Kirkendall diffusion effect, the conductivity of the sample is affected, and a better impedance matching is adjusted by modulating the concentration of metal nitrate precursors. Driven by a vapor phase polymerization, conductive polypyrrole (PPy) shell are in situ decorated on the ZnFe2O4 microsphere surfaces, ingeniously constructing a core‐shell ZnFe2O4@PPy composites. Moreover, a systematic investigation reveals that this unique wrinkled surface structure is highly dependent on the metal salt concentration. Optimized wrinkle ZnFe2O4@PPy composite exhibits a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) reached −41.0 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) can cover as wide as 4.1 GHz. The enhanced interfacial polarization originated from high‐density ZnFe2O4‐PPy heterostructure, and the conduction loss of PPy contributes to the boosted dielectric loss capability. This study gives a significant guidance for preparing high‐performance EM composites by tailoring the surface wrinkle structure.
π‐Sticked Metal‒Organic Monolayers for Single‐Metal‐Site Dependent CO2 Photoreduction and Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Zhe , Xie Yangbin , Liu Luying , Cai Xuankun , Yin Hua‐Qing , Zuo Mengkai , Liu Yang , Feng Sheng , Huang Wei , Wu Dayu
Published: December 2023

Hierarchical self‐assembly of 2D metal‒organic layers (MOLs) for the construction of advanced functional materials have witnessed considerable interest, due to the increasing atomic utilizations and well‐defined atom‒property relationship. However, the construction of atomically precise MOLs with mono‐/few‐layered thickness through hierarchical self‐assembly process remains a challenge, mostly because the elaborate long‐range order is difficult to control via conventional noncovalent interaction. Herein, a quadruple π‐sticked metal‒organic layer (πMOL) is reported with checkerboard‐like lattice in ≈1.0 nanometre thickness, on which the catalytic selectivity can be manipulated for highly efficient CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) over a single metal site. In saturated CO2 aqueous acetonitrile, Fe‐πMOL achieves a highly effective CO2RR with the yield of ≈3.98 mmol g‒1 h‒1 and 91.7% selectivity. In contrast, the isostructural Co‐πMOL as well as mixed metallic FeCo‐πMOL exhibits a high activity toward HER under similar conditions. DFT calculations reveal that single metal site exhibits the significant difference in CO2 adsorption energy and activation barrier, which triggers highly selective CO2RR for Fe site and HER for Co site, respectively. This work highlights the potential of supramolecular π…π interaction for constructing monolayer MOL materials to uniformly distribute the single metal sites for artificial photosynthesis.
Self‐Responsive Janus Hydrogel with Alternation of Day and Night for Highly Efficient Solar Evaporation
Authors: Chen Juanli , Chu Aqiang , Yang Hongda , Zhao Jinmin , Yang Meng , Fang Jing , Yang Zhensheng , Wang Zhiying , Li Hao
Published: December 2023

Solar‐driven interfacial evaporation technology offers a promising method for sustainable freshwater production. Hydrogels have emerged as promising materials for interfacial evaporation, as they possess the capability to activate water molecules and lower the enthalpy required for evaporation. However, monolithic hydrogels fail to meet the diverse water content requirements in different evaporation regions. Herein, a thermoresponsive hydrogel (CSAm) capable of spontaneously forming Janus structures under sunlight illumination is designed. CSAm exhibits reversible solar‐induced wetting transition, enabling efficient evaporation with asymmetric wetting properties during the day and self‐cleaning of salts with hydrophilic wetting properties during the night. This transition of Janus structures allows for the regulation of water content distribution within the evaporator, meeting the diverse water content requirements of different evaporation regions. CSAm is composed of a thermoresponsive polymer, poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide), and a hydrophilic polymer, polyacrylamide, cross‐linked to form a scaffold structure. The uniform dispersion of photothermal material (CuS) within the gel scaffold is achieved using lignosulfonates. This study investigates the Janus structure characteristics, photo/thermoresponsive properties, salt resistance, and evaporation performance. Under 1 sun illumination (1 kW m−2), CSAm exhibits a high evaporation rate of 2.67 kg m−2 h−1 and demonstrates long‐term stability in seawater desalination.
Interface Polarization Effects Enhancing Mn2O3@TiO2@MXene Heterostructures for Aqueous Magnesium Ion Capacitors: Guided Charge Distribution and Transportation via Built‐in Electric Fields
Authors: Li Mudi , Ding Yaxi , Zhang Siwen , Sun Ying , Liu Minghui , Zhao Jianwei , Yin Bosi , Ma Tianyi
Published: December 2023

The electrochemical performances of aqueous magnesium ion energy storage devices rely on the transmission capacity of magnesium ions (Mg2+) at the electrode/electrolyte interface. However, the diffusion of Mg2+ is hindered by the strong electrostatic attraction of doubly charged magnesium cations. Herein, novel Mn2O3@TiO2@MXene three‐phase heterostructures with rich phase boundaries and synergistic effects is successfully designed. As expected, the mesoporous Mn2O3/TiO2@MXene can deliver a relatively high specific capacity of 241.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, the energy density of the device using mesoporous Mn2O3@TiO2@MXene as cathode can reach 146.62 Wh kg−1. The unique construction of extensive interfaces between different phases creates a polarization effect. This polarization effect leads to intrinsic electric fields that guide charge distribution and promote fast migration of Mg2+ ions. Additionally, the in‐situ growth of TiO2 nanoparticles derived from MXene on Mn2O3 helps mitigate the volume expansion of host material, resulting in enhanced cycle stability. By strategically implementing the interface polarization effect and carefully engineering the heterostructure interfaces, we demonstrate a promising electrode synthesis approach with potential commercial viability and robust performance. This research aims to advance the field of materials science by exploring interface engineering and the multifunctional applications of MXene‐related materials.
Management of chronic HBV‐HDV patients chronic HBV‐HDV infection: A review on new management options
Authors: Buti María , Gonzalez Alexia , Riveiro‐Barciela Mar , Bourliere Marc
Published: December 2023

Hepatitis D virus was first described by Mario Rizzeto in 1977, and it is considered chronic viral hepatitis with the poorest prognosis. Despite its discovery almost 50 years ago, progress in its diagnosis and treatment has been scarce until recent years. The approval of bulevirtide has shed some light for patients with Chronic Hepatitis D, although important gaps regarding its use in therapy as well as about the epidemiology and diagnosis of the disease need to be addressed.
Re: Assay interference leading to erroneous pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A results
Authors: Matyszkiewicz A. , Wiecheć M. , Nocuń A.
Published: December 2023

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Jones et al. Click here to view the article.
Cooperation over conflict at the maternal–fetal interface
Authors: Yagel S. , Cohen S. M. , Beharier O. , Goldman‐Wohl D.
Published: December 2023

Linked article: This Correspondence comments on Espinoza. Click here to view the article.
Introductory Overview: Institutionalizing Inclusion, Sustainability and Resilience in Market Economies
Authors: Samans Richard
Published: December 2023

This chapter argues that the root of the increasingly serious crisis facing capitalism and liberalism more generally can be located in a fundamental distortion in the way its canon of economic principles and tools have evolved since the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and especially in the way they have been applied over the past several decades. In effect, generations of economists and policymakers have been trained to behave as if Adam Smith's “invisible hand” of market-based resource allocation can be relied upon to optimize not only the wealth of nations (its core function as stated by Smith) but also the well-being of their populations at large. A rising tide of GDP, as it were, ultimately lifts all boats. But Smith and other important pioneers of the field assumed no such thing. They believed that market-oriented measures to increase the production and wealth of nations were a necessary but by no means sufficient condition for raising the broad standard of living of their people. A range of institutions—legal and other norms, policy incentives and administrative capacities mainly but not only in the public sector—were required to ensure appropriate levels of social inclusion, environmental sustainability and human and systemic resilience. Modern economics’ policy immobility and political tin ear in the face of these challenges is rooted in a certain indoctrinated incomprehension. Its implicit assumption that GDP growth eventually diffuses or “trickles down” into broad socioeconomic progress and security has never been properly recognized and interrogated. The essential principle the book posits is that the broad living standards of nations—the main facets of the median household’s material well-being—deserve as much direct policy attention and institutional cultivation by economists and policymakers as the wealth of nations, that is to say, national income or GDP.
From the Wealth to the Living Standards of Nations: Internalizing the Social Contract in Macroeconomic Theory and Policy
Authors: Samans Richard
Published: December 2023

This chapter proposes a reformulation and rebalancing of the standard liberal economic growth and development model by integrating key institutional dimensions of the social contract into the heart of macroeconomic theory. Specifically, it defines an extensive ecosystem of policy and institutional features that have an important bearing on the rate and breadth of progress in household living standards, categorizing them in five principal policy domains. These are represented as an economy’s “factors of distribution” and modelled as a system—an aggregate distribution function analogous to the aggregate production function. This model of the main channels by which rising living standards propagate in an economy is accompanied by a map of related domains of enabling policy and institutional strength. This policy and institutional ecosystem is the practical manifestation of a country’s social contract—how it translates its values with respect to inclusion, sustainability and resilience into the rules of the game within its economy. The aggregate distribution function is the de facto income distribution system or “living standards diffusion mechanism” of modern market economies. It is the combination and indeed interaction of the aggregate distribution and production functions of an economy that determine its progress in median household living standards. Macroeconomic theory and policy should be refocused on the goal of increasing the aggregate social welfare, or living standards, of nations rather than solely their GDP, or wealth, by placing equal and parallel emphasis on strengthening the aggregate production and distribution functions of economies. This is the golden rule of human-centred economics.
Human-Centred International Economic Policy: Institutionalizing Inclusion, Sustainability and Resilience in International Economic Governance and Cooperation
Authors: Samans Richard
Published: December 2023

This chapter presents an agenda for deep reform of international economic governance and cooperation based on the human-centred logic of placing the bottom-line measure of national economic progress, broad progress in living standards, rather than GDP growth at the heart of international macroeconomic policy cooperation; the international financial architecture; and international trade and technology governance. This twenty-first century renovation of the international economic architecture is based on a “Roosevelt Consensus” model of growth and development that emphasizes the social contract's crucial role in advancing inclusion, sustainability and resilience. Major reforms are proposed to IMF and World Bank macroeconomic policy analysis and advice, including debt sustainability methodology; and international development and climate finance, through the tripling of ODA-related external flows to more than 80 of the poorest countries in each of the next seven years, including for the purpose of retiring and replacing most of the world’s coal-fired power-generating capacity over the next 15 years while doubling global annual investment in renewable energy research and development. Additional proposals are made to rebalance international trade policy by coordinating trade, labour, climate change and development cooperation to a far greater extent through new types of international economic alliances, including one that could create a workable solution to the thorny issue of climate leakage, and giving the WTO a new lease on life facilitating discussions among plurilateral trade agreements and their members about how the best normative and facilitative features of such agreements could ultimately be knit together into a reconstituted, high-road multilateral trading system. Together, these reforms would greatly accelerate progress toward UN goals.
Standorte und Standortmodelle
Authors: Henker Steve , Hastreiter Nele , Randow Jakob , Rink Karsten , Satke Paul , Vienken Thomas , Zschoke H. Konstanze , Grimm Rüdiger
Published: December 2023

Für die im Verbundprojekt Energieeffiziente Auslegung und Planung dezentraler Versorgungsnetze zum Heizen und Kühlen von Stadtquartieren unter Nutzung des oberflächennahen geologischen Raumes (EASyQuart) durchgeführten Untersuchungen, Validierungen und Realmessungen wurden eine Reihe von Standorten und -modellen verwendet. Mit der Einschränkung, dass kein einheitliches Gesamtmodell für die Durchführung aller Vorhaben an einem Standort zur Verfügung stand, wurden für die jeweiligen Anwendungsfälle spezifische Bezugspunkte genutzt.
Erkundung und Monitoring auf Quartiersebene
Authors: Hastreiter Nele , Henker Steve , Pohle Marco , Werban Ulrike , Vienken Thomas
Published: December 2023

Im Rahmen des Projektes Energieeffiziente Auslegung und Planung dezentraler Versorgungsnetze zum Heizen und Kühlen von Stadtquartieren unter Nutzung des oberflächennahen geologischen Raumes (EASyQuart) wurden die Anforderungen an die Erkundung und das Monitoring untersucht, die aus der geothermischen Erschließung auf Wohngebietsskala hervorgehen. Diese besonderen Anforderungen entstehen aus der räumlichen Dimension der Untersuchungsgebiete sowie aus der hohen geothermischen Nutzungsdichte bei Quartieren.