bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear low‐density polyethylene modified with d‐limonene/β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Antimicrobial composite for active food packaging
Authors: Dobrzyńska‐Mizera Monika , Knitter Monika , Piss Marlena , Szymanowska Daria , Mallardo Salvatore , Santagata Gabriella , Di Lorenzo Maria Laura
Published: October 2023

Linear low‐density polyethylene (PE) containing an inclusion complex composed of β‐cyclodextrin and d‐limonene (CD‐lim) is proposed as an innovative food wrapping material with antimicrobial features. PE/CD‐lim composites are prepared by conventional, high‐volume processing, and the optical and mechanical properties of the developed formulations appear suitable for their use as food packaging materials. Compared to plain PE, the PE/CD‐lim films have improved haze and UV–vis outcomes, but also decreased gloss values. Addition of CD‐lim slightly increases water uptake, up to levels suitable for the foreseen application. It also allows to improve performance of PE as food packaging material, since the PE/CD‐lim composites provide barrier to ultraviolet light, an added value for packaging of fatty acids‐containing food items, whose shelf life is often limited by oxidation caused by UV light. Most importantly, PE/CD‐lim composites exhibit significant antimicrobial properties against a wide range of microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. Hence, PE films containing CD‐lim display suitable properties to play a role as active food packaging films.

Highlights

Development of polyethylene‐based composites containing a natural filler

Composite films with enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal efficiency

Improved transparency to visible light and barrier to UV of the composites
Single‐molecule fluorescence microscopy for imaging chemical reactions: Recent progress and future opportunities for advancing polymer systems
Authors: Dunn Carmen B. , Valdez Sara , Qiang Zhe
Published: October 2023

Single‐molecule fluorescence (smFL) imaging techniques have evolved greatly over the past two decades to encompass the ability to monitor chemical reactions, providing unique advantages of non‐invasive sample preparation and characterization, labeling specificity, and high spatial and temporal resolutions. This work summarizes the recent progress in this important area by first providing a brief overview of different smFL techniques, including their common optical setups and working principles. We then introduce recent developments of smFL to characterize various model chemical reaction systems, such as biochemical synthesis, catalyzed systems, and nanomaterial assembly. Furthermore, several representative areas of using smFL to understand polymer reactions are discussed, including understanding interfacial phenomenon and polymerization kinetics, as well as characterizing electrochemical reactions. We also highlight the outlook of this exciting field and potential opportunities for further development and application of smFL to enable advances in polymer chemistry and physics.
Plasma surface modification and three‐dimensional structuring of additively manufactured polyetheretherketone implants for improvement of osseointegration
Authors: Strauss Lea , Bruyas Arnaud , Gonzalez Raul , Pappas Daphne , Ben Salem Dhia , Krampe Erhard , Schmitt‐John Thomas , Leonhardt Stefan
Published: October 2023

Osseointegration is highly desirable for implants used for bone replacement. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is an attractive material due to its characteristics such as high biocompatibility and Young's modulus similar to human bones. However, PEEK is bioinert, meaning cells do not adhere and proliferate on its surface. This problem is addressed in this study, with the goal of enhancing osseointegration of additively manufactured PEEK. The influences of surface modifications and porous structures on cellular behavior were assessed by wettability and in vitro tests with subclone of the human osteosarcoma cell line‐2 osteoblasts. Overall, the combination of surface modification, type of plasma process used, atmospheric pressure versus vacuum‐based, and surface structuring, especially gyroid structures, improve the cellular proliferation on PEEK. Therefore, its ability to enhance osseointegration is highly promising.
Dual Stimuli‐Responsive Ternary Core‐Shell Polystyrene@Pnipam‐Pedot Latexes
Authors: Vretik Lyudmyla O. , Noskov Yuriy V. , Chepurna Oksana M. , Ogurtsov Nikolay A. , Nikolaeva Olena A. , Marynin Andrii I. , Ohulchanskyy Tymish Y. , Pud Alexander A.
Published: October 2023

The ability of stimuli‐responsive materials to respond to external stimuli depends on their intra‐ and intermolecular interactions, which, in turn, are governed by changes in the material composition. Here, the importance of these factors for new heat and light‐sensitive latexes of core‐shell nanoparticles is reported with the polystyrene core, the poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) shell containing doped poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). It is found that hydrogen bonding, C═O─π aromatic, hydrophilic‐hydrophobic interactions in the shell cause conformational changes in PNIPAM similar to those occurring in the PNIPAM coil‐globule transition. Depending on the EDOT:PS@PNIPAM feed ratio and the PEDOT content in PNIPAM shells, these interactions and changes affect nanoparticle sizes and are responsible for shifting the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM in the shell from 32.1 to 33.9 °C. The core‐shell morphology of nanoparticles is maintained only for latexes with EDOT feed to ≈9 wt.%. At the higher EDOT content, PNIPAM shells are destroyed. Synthesized PS@PNIPAM‐PEDOT latexes demonstrate temperature‐dependent behavior and produce a photothermal effect under NIR irradiation, which allows for a rise of their temperature above LCST. This dual stimuli (heat and light) responsiveness suggests an important possibility for these latexes to be used for drug or diagnostic agent delivery.
Establishing the prognostic profile of patients with work‐related musculoskeletal disorders: Development and acceptability of the MAPS questionnaire
Authors: Tousignant‐Laflamme Yannick , Houle Catherine , Longtin Christian , Desmarais Nathalie , Gérard Thomas , Perreault Kadija , Lagueux Emilie , Tétreault Pascal , Blanchette Marc‐André , Beaudry Hélène , Décary Simon
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Work‐related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) are the most common causes of disability worldwide and are associated with significant use of healthcare. One way to optimize the clinical outcomes of injured workers receiving rehabilitation is to identify and address individual prognostic factors (PF), which can facilitate the personalization of the treatment plan. As there is no pragmatic and systematic method to collect prognostic‐related data, the purpose of the study was to develop and assess the acceptability of a set of questionnaires to establish the “prognostic profile” of workers with WRMD.

Methods

We utilized a multistep process to inform the acceptability of the Measures Associated to PrognoStic (MAPS) questionnaire. During STEP‐1, a preliminary version of the was developed through a literature search followed by an expert consensus including a patient‐advisor. During STEP‐2, future users (rehabilitation professionals, healthcare administrators and compensation officers) were consulted through an online survey and were asked to rate the relevance of each content item; items that obtained ≥80% of “totally agree” answers were included. They were also asked to prioritize PF according to their usefulness for clinical decision‐making, as well as perceived efficacy to enhance the treatment plan.

Results

The questionnaire was developed with three categories: the outcome predicted, the unique PF, and prognostic tools. Personal PF (i.e.: coping strategies, fear‐avoidance beliefs), pain related PF (i.e.: pain intensity/severity, duration of pain), and work‐related PF (i.e.: work physical demands, work accommodations) were identified to be totally relevant and included in the questionnaire. 84% of the respondents agreed that their patients could complete the MAPS questionnaire in their clinical setting, while 75% totally agreed that the questionnaire is useful to personalize rehabilitation interventions.

Conclusion

The MAPS questionnaire was deemed acceptable to establish the “prognostic profile” of injured workers and help the clinicians in the treatment decision‐making process.
Can Charged Stars be Singularity‐Free?
Authors: Hansraj Sudan , Hansraj Chevarra , Errehymy Abdelghani , Moodly Lushen
Published: October 2023

While the configuration of a static spherically symmetric distribution of perfect fluid in an electric field has received extensive attention in the literature, only a few works have investigated the conformally flat case. The model exhibits a remarkable property being regular or singularity free is proposed. This is unexpected given that Coulombic repulsion opposes the collapse of a star to the center generally making the center unreachable. The conformally flat geometry thus enables the approach to the center of a charged star as shown in our model. Presently there is no known reported exact model that satisfies all the elementary requirements for physical acceptability. Some reported models that have claimed to be physically reliable have been shown to be deficient. The conditions for the existence of physically relevant models and show that exact solutions satisfying the conditions exist is investigated. Then a model satisfying all the requirements with isotropic particle pressure graphically for a carefully chosen parameter space is exhibited. The model admits a barotropic equation of state. The interior spacetime is successfully matched to the exterior Reissner‐Nordstrom metric. The causality criterion as well as the adiabatic stability lower bound of Chandrasekar are shown to hold. The energy conditions are also valid within the stellar radius. Other interesting models are considered.
Dose rationale for gabapentin and tramadol in pediatric patients with chronic pain
Authors: Healy Paul , Verrest Luka , Felisi Mariagrazia , Ceci Adriana , Della Pasqua Oscar ,   GAPP Consortium
Published: October 2023

Despite off‐label use, the efficacy and safety of gabapentin and tramadol in pediatric patients (3 months to <18 years old) diagnosed with chronic pain has not been characterized. However, generating evidence based on randomized clinical trials in this population has been extremely challenging. The current investigation illustrates the use of clinical trial simulations (CTSs) as a tool for optimizing doses and protocol design for a prospective investigation in pediatric patients with chronic pain. Pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling and CTSs were used to describe the PKs of gabapentin and tramadol in the target population. In the absence of biomarkers of analgesia, systemic exposure (AUC, Css) was used to guide dose selection under the assumption of a comparable exposure‐response (PKPD) relationship for either compound between adults and children. Two weight bands were identified for gabapentin, with doses titrated from 5 to 63 mg/kg. This yields gabapentin exposures (AUC0–8) of approximately 35 mg/L*h (1200 mg/day adult dose equivalent). For tramadol, median steady state concentrations between 200 and 300 ng/mL were achieved after doses of 2–5 mg/kg, but concentrations showed high interindividual variability. Simulation scenarios showed that titration steps are required to explore therapeutically relevant dose ranges taking into account the safety profile of both drugs. Gabapentin can be used t.i.d. at doses between 7–63 and 5–45 mg/kg for patients receiving gabapentin weighing <15 and ≥15 kg, respectively, whereas a t.i.d. regimen with doses between 1 and 5 mg/kg can be used for tramadol in patients who are not fast metabolisers.
CYP4CS5‐mediated thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance is accompanied by fitness cost in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Hu Jinyu , Fu Buli , Liang Jinjin , Zhang Rong , Wei Xuegao , Yang Jing , Tan Qimei , Xue Hu , Gong Peipan , Liu Shaonan , Huang Mingjiao , Du Tianhua , Yin Cheng , He Chao , Ji Yao , Wang Chao , Zhang Chengjia , Du He , Su Qi , Yang Xin , Zhang Youjun
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Understanding the trade‐offs between insecticide resistance and the associated fitness is of particular importance to sustainable pest control. One of the most devastating pest worldwide, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, has developed resistance to various insecticides, especially the neonicotinoid group. Although neonicotinoid resistance often is conferred by P450s‐mediated metabolic resistance, the relationship between such resistance and the associated fitness phenotype remains largely elusive. By gene cloning, quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)‐PCR, RNA interference (RNAi), transgenic Drosophila melanogaster, metabolism capacity in vitro and ‘two sex‐age stage’ life table study, this study aims to explore the molecular role of a P450 gene CYP4CS5 in neonicotinoid resistance and to investigate whether such resistance mechanism carries fitness costs in the whitefly.

RESULTS

Our bioassay tests showed that a total of 13 field‐collected populations of B. tabaci MED biotype displayed low‐to‐moderate resistance to thiamethoxam and clothianidin. Compared to the laboratory susceptible strain, we then found that an important P450 CYP4CS5 was remarkably upregulated in the field resistant populations. Such overexpression of CYP4CS5 had a good match with the resistance level among the whitefly samples. Further exposure to the two neonicotinoids resulted in an increase in CYP4CS5 expression. These results implicate that overexpression of CYP4CS5 is closely correlated with thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance. RNAi knockdown of CYP4CS5 increased mortality of the resistant and susceptible populations after treatment with thiamethoxam and clothianidin in bioassay, but obtained an opposite result when using a transgenic line of D. melanogaster expressing CYP4CS5. Metabolic assays in vitro revealed that CYP4CS5 exhibited certain capacity of metabolizing thiamethoxam and clothianidin. These in vivo and in vitro assays indicate an essential role of CYP4CS5 in conferring thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance in whitefly. Additionally, our life‐table analysis demonstrate that the field resistant whitefly exhibited a prolonged development time, shortened longevity and reduced fecundity compared to the susceptible, suggesting an existing fitness cost as a result of the resistance.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, in addition to the important role of CYP4CS5 in conferring thiamethoxam and clothianidin resistance, this resistance mechanism is associated with fitness costs in the whitefly. These findings not only contribute to the development of neonicotinoids resistance management strategies, but also provide a new target for sustainable whitefly control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Capturing urban diversity through languages: Long‐term changes in multilingual residential neighbourhoods in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area
Authors: Väisänen Tuomas , Järv Olle , Toivonen Tuuli , Hiippala Tuomo
Published: October 2023

Contemporary cities are becoming highly diverse on an unprecedented scale due to accelerating urbanization, international migration and mobility. Research on urban diversity commonly focuses on ethnicities and countries of origin, disregarding equally informative characteristics, such as information on languages and language use, which might reveal new aspects of urban diversity. In this paper, we analyse the development of urban diversity in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area between 1987 and 2019 using language information retrieved from the Finnish population register and examine the extent to which linguistic diversity captures urban diversity. We focus on two population groups, speakers of Estonian and Somali, to analyse how linguistic diversity and socioeconomic characteristics have changed in their residential neighbourhoods and to estimate to what extent these population groups have integrated into the host society. We measured linguistic diversity using Shannon entropy, performed spatial clustering analyses and used Markov chains to examine the likelihood of changes in linguistic diversity. We found clear spatial patterns and high spatial variability in the development of linguistic diversity, which shows that geographical space is a central component in linguistic diversity. Our results suggest that linguistic diversity is more likely to change in more segregated neighbourhoods and show that linguistic diversity is a suitable proxy for urban diversity. Understanding urban diversity is a key element for supporting social sustainability and cohesion in urban areas now and in the future. Mapping the spatio‐temporal and intersectional patterns of urban diversity is crucial for managing its negative effects, but more importantly, in leveraging its positive effects.
Effect of curcumin on painful symptoms of endometriosis: A triple‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gudarzi Reyhaneh , Shabani Fatemeh , Mohammad‐Alizadeh‐Charandabi Sakineh , Naghshineh Elham , Shaseb Elnaz , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: October 2023

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders. This study aimed to determine the effect of curcumin on painful symptoms of endometriosis and the quality of life in affected women. This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 68 women with endometriosis referred to Shahid Beheshti Infertility Center in Isfahan, Iran, 2022. The participants were allocated to intervention (n = 34) and control (n = 34) groups by the blocked randomization method. Curcumin capsules with a dose of 500 mg were given to the intervention group twice a day for 8 weeks, and the placebo with the same dose was given to the control group. The questionnaires of Endometriosis Health Profile, painful symptoms of endometriosis, and visual analogue scale were used to collect data. Independent t, ANCOVA, and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were used to compare the outcomes between the study groups. After the intervention, based on the ANCOVA with the adjusting of the baseline values and Mann–Whitney U‐test, there was no statistically significant difference in the amounts of usual pain (p = 0.496) and pain at its worst (p = 0.320), quality of life (p = 0.556), and visual pain (p = 0.845). The results showed that using curcumin does not affect the painful symptoms and quality of life of women with endometriosis. Future clinical trials are needed to investigate and highlight the role of curcumin in endometriosis.
Linear constraints for ensuring k‐hop connectivity using mixed‐integer programming for multi‐agent systems
Authors: Afonso Rubens J. M. , Galvão Roberto K. H. , Souza Gabriel A. , Maximo Marcos R. O. A. , Caregnato‐Neto Angelo
Published: October 2023

This note concerns the problem of ‐hop connectivity in a network of mobile agents, which is achieved if any pair of agents can communicate with each other through a link of or fewer intermediate nodes. We propose linear constraints involving binary optimization variables to ensure ‐hop connectivity. Such constraints are then integrated into a mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) trajectory planning model. Simulation results illustrate the application of the proposed method and the effect of varying in the context of a mission involving the visitation of multiple targets.
Event‐triggered stabilization of linear systems under quantization and denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Liu Yuan , Ling Qiang
Published: October 2023

This article investigates the stabilization of linear systems under event‐triggered sampling, where the feedback signals are transmitted through a band‐limited network suffering from denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. We aim to reduce the average bit rate for stabilization while preserving the system's resilience against DoS. First, we consider the simpler case without transmission delay and present an event‐triggered control strategy to stabilize the concerned system by transmitting a finite number of bits. The average bit rate in a long time is zero in that case. Then we consider the joint effects of transmission delay and DoS attacks, and develop a variable bit rate quantization strategy and a periodic event‐triggering strategy. The proposed strategies can reduce the average bit rate compared with time‐triggered sampling methods. A numerical example is taken to verify the effectiveness of the proposed quantization and event‐triggering strategies.
A Systematic Review of the Frequency of Features of the Seven-Point Checklist in Proven Cutaneous Melanoma: The Importance of Change
Authors: Congdon Nicola M. , Davis Christina M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Pigmented skin lesions in human adults can present with several different visible features that may indicate signs of malignancy, particularly melanoma. Patient and clinician awareness of these features can aid the early recognition and melanoma diagnosis improving patient outcomes. The seven-point checklist (7PCL) is a clinical prediction rule advocated by the National Institute for Health Care Excellence to aid the assessment of pigmented skin lesions in primary care to indicate referral for specialist opinion.

Objectives

Assess the current evidence to establish which features of the 7PC present more frequently, so public education and clinician assessment can be focused to maximise early diagnosis and minimise referrals of benign lesions.

Methods

A systematic review of published evidence identified studies that assessed the seven features of the 7PCL in histologically proven melanomas. Two independent reviewers screened eligible studies and independently extracted data and assessed quality.

Results

112 studies were screened, 20 were assessed in full, seven met the inclusion criteria. 1184 histologically diagnosed melanomas were assessed using the 7PCL. Four studies involved patients assessing 335 melanomas, and three involved clinicians who assessed 849 melanomas. The most common feature identified was a change in size of the lesion, and the least common was inflammation.

Conclusions

The most frequently occurring features of melanoma involve shape, size and colour, however focussing on changes in features, rather than irregularity, is more likely to identify early melanoma and increase the accuracy of referrals.
Facile Synthesis of Citric Acid Functionalized Fe3O4@Activated Carbon Magnetic Nanocomposite for Efficient Adsorption of Brilliant Green Dye from Wastewater
Authors: Singh Shivangini , Mandal Manas , Mishra Trilochan , Angayarkanni Anbumozhi , Veldurthi Naveen Kumar , Pati Sudhanshu S.
Published: October 2023

Owing to the impact of brilliant green dye on potable water contamination, citric acid functionalized magnetic nanocomposite in presence of activated carbon was prepared for easy, quick, and efficient removal of the dye from water. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to maximize the adsorption efficiency by optimizing contact time, initial dye concentration, pH, dosage, and salt concentration. The maximum efficiency of the citric acid functionalized Fe3O4@activated carbon was found to be 773 mg g−1. The efficiency of the monolayer adsorption process as depicted from the Langmuir model is explained based on the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction, and porosity of the adsorbent. The adsorption process follows a pseudo‐second order kinetics model which can also be correlated to the relatively quick adsorption process. The saturation magnetization of the nanocomposites prepared in presence of activated carbon was found to be 35.2 emu/g, which makes it effective for quick magnetic separation. Built on the findings, we report an economical, efficient, and satisfactory alternative adsorbent for the abatement of brilliant green dye from coloured wastewater and contaminated water sources.
Performance and Solution Structures of Side‐Chain‐Bridged Oligo (Ethylene Glycol) Polymer Photocatalysts for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution under Natural Light Illumination
Authors: Huang Tse‐Fu , Liu Jia‐Jen , Lai Ze‐Yu , Chang Je‐Wei , Zhuang Ying‐Rang , Jiang Zi‐Cheng , Chang Chih‐Li , Lin Wei‐Cheng , Chen Yan‐Heng , Wu Yi‐Hsiang , Sun Yu‐En , Luo Ting‐An , Chen Yi‐Kuan , Yen Jui‐Chen , Hsu Hung‐Kai , Chen Bo‐Han , Ting Li‐Yu , Lu Chia‐Yeh , Lin Yu‐Tung , Hsu Ling‐Yu , Wu Tien‐Lin , Yang Shang‐Da , Su An‐Chung , Jeng U‐Ser , Chou Ho‐Hsiu
Published: October 2023

Converting solar energy into hydrogen energy using conjugated polymers (CP) is a promising solution to the energy crisis. Improving water solubility plays one of the critical factors in enhancing the hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of CP photocatalysts. In this study, a novel concept of incorporating hydrophilic side chains to connect the backbones of CPs to improve their HER is proposed. This concept is realized through the polymerization of carbazole units bridged with octane, ethylene glycol, and penta‐(ethylene glycol) to form three new side‐chain‐braided (SCB) CPs: PCz2S‐OCt, PCz2S‐EG, and PCz2S‐PEG. Verified through transient absorption spectra, the enhanced capability of PCz2S‐PEG for ultrafast electron transfer and reduced recombination effects has been demonstrated. Small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) analyses reveal that these three SCB‐CPs form cross‐linking networks with different mass fractal dimensions (f) in aqueous solution. With the lowest f value of 2.64 and improved water/polymer interfaces, PCz2S‐PEG demonstrates the best HER, reaching up to 126.9 µmol h−1 in pure water‐based photocatalytic solution. Moreover, PCz2S‐PEG exhibits comparable performance in seawater‐based photocatalytic solution under natural sunlight. In situ SAXS analysis further reveals nucleation‐dominated generation of hydrogen nanoclusters with a size of ≈1.5 nm in the HER of PCz2S‐PEG under light illumination.
One‐Stop Plasmonic Nanocube‐Excited SERS Immunoassay Platform of Multiple Cardiac Biomarkers for Rapid Screening and Progressive Tracing of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee Hyerin , Kim Wansun , Song Min‐Young , Kim Dong‐Ho , Jung Ho Sang , Kim Weon , Choi Samjin
Published: October 2023

Rapid and precise acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis is essential for preventing patient death. In addition, the complementary roles of creatine kinase muscle brain (CK‐MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) cardiac biomarkers in the early and late stages of AMI demand their simultaneous detection, which is difficult to implement using conventional fluorescence and electrochemical technologies. Here, a nanotechnology‐based one‐stop immuno‐surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection platform is reported for multiple cardiac indicators for the rapid screening and progressive tracing of AMI events. Optimal SERS is achieved using optical property‐based, excitation wavelength‐optimized, and high‐yield anisotropic plasmonic gold nanocubes. Optimal immunoassay reaction efficiencies are achieved by increasing immobilized antibodies. Multiple simultaneous detection strategies are implemented by incorporating two different Raman reports with narrow wavenumbers corresponding to two indicators and by establishing a computational SERS mapping process to accurately detect their concentrations, irrespective of multiple enzymes in the human serum. The SERS platform precisely estimated AMI onset and progressive timing in human serum and made rapid AMI identification feasible using a portable Raman spectrometer. This integrated platform is hypothesized to significantly contribute to emergency medicine and forensic science by providing timely treatment and observation.
Site‐Specific Emulation of Neuronal Synaptic Behavior in Au Nanoparticle‐Decorated Self‐Organized TiOx Surface
Authors: Hasina Dilruba , Saini Mahesh , Kumar Mohit , Mandal Aparajita , Basu Nilanjan , Maiti Paramita , Srivastava Sanjeev Kumar , Som Tapobrata
Published: October 2023

Neuromorphic computing is a potential approach for imitating massive parallel processing capabilities of a bio‐synapse. To date, memristors have emerged as the most appropriate device for designing artificial synapses for this purpose due to their excellent analog switching capacities with high endurance and retention. However, to build an operational neuromorphic platform capable of processing high‐density information, memristive synapses with nanoscale footprint are important, albeit with device size scaled down, retaining analog plasticity and low power requirement often become a challenge. This paper demonstrates site‐selective self‐assembly of Au nanoparticles on a patterned TiOx layer formed as a result of ion‐induced self‐organization, resulting in site‐specific resistive switching and emulation of bio‐synaptic behavior (e.g., potentiation, depression, spike rate‐dependent and spike timing‐dependent plasticity, paired pulse facilitation, and post tetanic potentiation) at nanoscale. The use of local probe‐based methods enables nanoscale probing on the anisotropic films. With the help of various microscopic and spectroscopic analytical tools, the observed results are attributed to defect migration and self‐assembly of implanted Au atoms on self‐organized TiOx surfaces. By leveraging the site‐selective evolution of gold‐nanostructures, the functionalized TiOx surface holds significant potential in a multitude of fields for developing cutting‐edge neuromorphic computing platforms and Au‐based biosensors with high‐density integration.
Sex Influences the Safety and Therapeutic Efficacy of Cardiac Nanomedicine Technologies
Authors: Lin Zijin , Jiwani Zahra , Serpooshan Vahid , Aghaverdi Haniyeh , Yang Phillip. C , Aguirre Aitor , Wu Joseph. C. , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: October 2023

Nanomedicine technologies are being developed for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death worldwide. Before delving into the nuances of cardiac nanomedicine, it is essential to comprehend the fundamental sex‐specific differences in cardiovascular health. Traditionally, CVDs have been more prevalent in males, but it is increasingly evident that females also face significant risks, albeit with distinct characteristics. Females tend to develop CVDs at a later age, exhibit different clinical symptoms, and often experience worse outcomes compared to males. These differences indicate the need for sex‐specific approaches in cardiac nanomedicine. This Perspective discusses the importance of considering sex in the safety and therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicine approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CVD.
Programmable Compartment Networks by Unraveling the Stress‐Dependent Deformation of Polymer Vesicles
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Shaohua , Kleuskens Sandra , Portale Giuseppe , Engelkamp Hans , Christianen Peter C. M. , Wilson Daniela A.
Published: October 2023

Nanocontainers that can sense and respond to environmental stimuli like cells are desirable for next‐generation delivery systems. However, it is still a grand challenge for synthetic nanocontainers to mimic or even surpass the shape adaption of cells, which may produce novel compartments for cargo loading. Here, this work reports the engineering of compartment network with a single polymer vesicle by unraveling osmotic stress‐dependent deformation. Specifically, by manipulating the way in exerting the stress, sudden increase or gradual increase, polymer vesicles can either undergo deflation into the stomatocyte, a bowl‐shaped vesicle enclosing a new compartment, or tubulation into the tubule of varied length. Such stress‐dependent deformation inspired us to program the shape transformation of polymer vesicles, including tubulation, deflation, or first tubulation and then deflation. The coupled deformation successfully transforms the polymer vesicle into the stomatocyte with tubular arms and a network of two or three small stomatocytes connected by tubules. To the author’s knowledge, these morphologies are still not accessed by synthetic nanocontainers. This work envisions that the network of stomatocytes may enable the loading of different catalysts to construct novel motile systems, and the well‐defined morphology of vesicles helps to define the effect of morphology on cellar uptake.
Targeting Nanoplatform for Atherosclerosis Inhibition and Degradation via a Dual‐Track Reverse Cholesterol Transport Strategy
Authors: Chen Zhezhe , Zhu Qiongjun , Li Duanbin , Lv Qingbo , Fu Guosheng , Ma Boxuan , Zhang Wenbin
Published: October 2023

As a main cause of serious cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis is characterized by deposited lipid and cholesterol crystals (CCs), which is considered as a great challenge to the current treatments. In this study, a dual‐track reverse cholesterol transport strategy is used to overcome the cumulative CCs in the atherosclerotic lesions via a targeting nanoplatform named as LPLCH. Endowed with the active targeting ability to the plaques, the nanoparticles can be efficiently internalized and achieve a pH‐triggered charge conversion for the escape from lysosomes. During this procedure, the liver X receptor (LXR) agonists loaded in nanoparticles are replaced by the deposited lysosomal CCs, leading to a LXR mediated up‐regulation of ATP‐binding cassette transporte ABCA1/G1 with the local CCs carrying at the same time. Thus, the cumulative CCs are removed in a dual‐track way of ABCA1/G1 mediated efflux and nanoparticle‐based carrying. The in vivo investigations indicate that LPLCH exhibits a favorable inhibition on the plaque progression and a further reversal of formed lesions when under a healthy diet. And the RNA‐sequencing suggests that the cholesterol transport also synergistically activates the anti‐inflammation effect. The dual‐track reverse cholesterol transport strategy performed by LPLCH delivers an exciting candidate for the effective inhibition and degradation of atherosclerosis.
Binder‐Free LiMn2O4 Nanosheets on Carbon Cloth for Selective Lithium Extraction from Brine via Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Ma Guangqiang , Xu Yingsheng , Cai Anjiang , Mao Hengjian , Zhang Xinyuan , Shin Dong‐Myeong , Wang Lei , Zhou Hongjian
Published: October 2023

In this study, a three‐step strategy including electrochemical cathode deposition, self‐oxidation, and hydrothermal reaction is applied to prepare the LiMn2O4 nanosheets on carbon cloth (LMOns@CC) as a binder‐free cathode in a hybrid capacitive deionization (CDI) cell for selectively extracting lithium from salt‐lake brine. The binder‐free LMOns@CC electrodes are constructed from dozens of 2D LiMn2O4 nanosheets on carbon cloth substrates, resulting in a uniform 2D array of highly ordered nanosheets with hierarchical nanostructure. The charge/discharge process of the LMOns@CC electrode demonstrates that visible redox peaks and high pseudocapacitive contribution rates endow the LMOns@CC cathode with a maximum Li+ ion electrosorption capacity of 4.71 mmol g−1 at 1.2 V. Moreover, the LMOns@CC electrode performs outstanding cycling stability with a high‐capacity retention rate of 97.4% and a manganese mass dissolution rate of 0.35% over ten absorption–desorption cycles. The density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations verify that the Li+ selectivity of the LMOns@CC electrode is attributed to the greater adsorption energy of Li+ ions than other ions. Finally, the selective extraction performance of Li+ ions in natural Tibet salt lake brine reveals that the LMOns@CC has selectivity ( = 7.48) and excellent cycling stability (100 cycles), which would make it a candidate electrode for lithium extraction from salt lakes.
High‐Rate Nonaqueous Mg–CO2 Batteries Enabled by Mo2C‐Nanodot‐Embedded Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Wang Ning , Wu Yongjun , Zhang Qianyi , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Yanmei , Xu Rui
Published: October 2023

The widespread acceptance of nonaqueous rechargeable metal–gas batteries, known for their remarkably high theoretical energy density, faces obstacles such as poor reversibility and low energy efficiency under high charge–discharge current densities. To tackle these challenges, a novel catalytic cathode architecture for Mg–CO2 batteries, fabricated using a one‐pot electrospinning method followed by heat treatment, is presented. The resulting structure features well‐dispersed molybdenum carbide nanodots embedded within interconnected carbon nanofibers, forming a 3D macroporous conducting network. This cathode design enhances the volumetric efficiency, enabling effective discharge product deposition, while also improving electrical properties and boosting catalytic activity. This enhancement results in high discharge capacities and excellent rate capabilities, while simultaneously minimizing voltage hysteresis and maximizing energy efficiency. The battery exhibits a stable cycle life of over 250 h at a current density of 200 mA g−1 with a low initial charge–discharge voltage gap of 0.72 V. Even at incredibly high current densities, reaching 1600 mA g−1, the battery maintains exceptional performance. These findings highlight the crucial role of cathode architecture design in enhancing the performance of Mg–CO2 batteries and hold promise for improving other metal–gas batteries that involve deposition–decomposition reactions.
BiVO4 Photoanodes Enhanced with Metal Phosphide Co‐Catalysts: Relevant Properties to Boost Photoanode Performance
Authors: Cui Junyi , Daboczi Matyas , Cui Zhenyu , Gong Mengjun , Flitcroft Joseph , Skelton Jonathan , Parker Stephen C. , Eslava Salvador
Published: October 2023

Achieving highly performant photoanodes for oxygen evolution is key to developing photoelectrochemical devices for solar water splitting. In this work, BiVO4 photoanodes are enhanced with a series of core–shell structured bimetallic nickel‐cobalt phosphides (MPs), and key insights into the role of co‐catalysts are provided. The best BiVO4/Ni1.5Co0.5P and BiVO4/Ni0.5Co1.5P photoanodes achieve a 3.5‐fold increase in photocurrent compared with bare BiVO4. It is discovered that this enhanced performance arises from a synergy between work function, catalytic activity, and capacitive ability of the MPs. Distribution of relaxation times analysis reveals that the contact between the MPs, BiVO4, and the electrolyte gives rise to three routes for hole injection into the electrolyte, all of which are significantly improved by the presence of a second metal cation in the co‐catalyst. Kinetic studies demonstrate that the significantly improved interfacial charge injection is due to a lower charge‐transfer resistance, enhanced oxygen‐evolution reaction kinetics, and larger surface hole concentrations, providing deeper insights into the carrier dynamics in these photoanode/co‐catalyst systems for their rational design.
Dual siRNA‐Loaded Cell Membrane Functionalized Matrix Facilitates Bone Regeneration with Angiogenesis and Neurogenesis
Authors: Qiao Fangyu , Zou Yang , Bie Binglin , Lv Yonggang
Published: October 2023

Vascularization and innervation play irreplaceable roles in bone regeneration and bone defect repair. However, the reconstruction of blood vessels and neural networks is often neglected in material design. This study aims to design a genetically functionalized matrix (GFM) and enable it to regulate angiogenesis and neurogenesis to accelerate the process of bone defect repair. The dual small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐polyvinylimide (PEI) (siRP) complexes that locally knocked down soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sFlt‐1) and p75 neurotrophic factor receptor (p75NTR) are prepared. The hybrid cell membrane (MM) loaded siRP is synthesized as siRNA@MMs to coat on polylactone (PCL) electrospun fibers for mimicking the natural bone matrix. The results indicates that siRNA@MMs could regulate the expression of vascular‐related and neuro‐related cytokines secreted by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). GFMs promote the expression of osteogenic differentiation through paracrine function in vitro. GFMs attenuates inflammation and promotes osseointegration by regulating the coupling of vascularization and innervation in vivo. This study uses the natural hybrid cell membrane to carry genetic material and assist in the vascularization and innervation function of two siRNA. The results present the significance of neuro‐vascularized organoid bone and may provide a promising choice for the design of bone tissue engineering scaffold.
Cathode Interface Construction by Rapid Sintering in Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Chen Jinhang , Chen Weiyin , Deng Bing , Li Bowen , Kittrell Carter , Tour James M.
Published: October 2023

Solid‐state batteries (SSBs) are poised to replace traditional organic liquid‐electrolyte lithium‐ion batteries due to their higher safety and energy density. Oxide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs) are particularly attractive for their stability in air and inability to ignite during thermal runaway. However, achieving high‐performance in oxide‐based SSBs requires the development of an intimate and robust SE–cathode interface to overcome typically large interfacial resistances. The transition interphase should be both physically and chemically active. This study presents a thin, conductive interphase constructed between lithium aluminum titanium phosphate and lithium cobalt oxide using a rapid sintering method that modifies the interphase within 10 s. The rapid heating and cooling rates restrict side reactions and interdiffusion on the interface. SSBs with thick composite cathodes demonstrate a high initial capacity of ≈120 mAh g−1 over 200 cycles at room temperature. Furthermore, the rapid sintering method can be extended to other cathode systems under similar conditions. These findings highlight the importance of constructing an appropriate SE–cathode interface and provide insight into designing practical SSBs.
Functional adhesive hydrogels for biological interfaces
Authors: Liu Changyi , Peng Kexin , Wu Yilun , Fu Fanfan
Published: October 2023

Hydrogel adhesives are extensively employed in biological interfaces such as epidermal flexible electronics, tissue engineering, and implanted device. The development of functional hydrogel adhesives is a critical, yet challenging task since combining two or more attributes that seem incompatible into one adhesive hydrogel without sacrificing the hydrogel's pristine capabilities. In this Review, we highlight current developments in the fabrication of functional adhesive hydrogels, which are suitable for a variety of application scenarios, particularly those that occur underwater or on tissue/organ surface conditions. The design strategies for a multifunctional adhesive hydrogel with desirable properties including underwater adhesion, self‐healing, good biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and anti‐swelling are discussed comprehensively. We then discuss the challenges faced by adhesive hydrogels, as well as their potential applications in biological interfaces. Adhesive hydrogels are the star building blocks of bio‐interface materials for individualized healthcare and other bioengineering areas.
Understanding the Role of Zinc Hydroxide Sulfate and its Analogues in Mildly Acidic Aqueous Zinc Batteries: A Review
Authors: Lim Won‐Gwang , Li Xiaolin , Reed David
Published: October 2023

Mildly acidic aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) have attracted tremendous attention for grid storage applications with the expectation to tackle the issues of Li‐ion batteries on high cost and poor safety. However, the performance, particularly energy density and cycle stability of AZBs are still unsatisfactory when compared with LIBs. To help the development of AZBs, a lot of effort have been made to understand the battery reaction mechanisms and precedent microscopic and spectroscopic analyses have shown flake‐like large particles of zinc hydroxide sulfate (ZHS) and its analogues formed on the surfaces of cathodes and anodes in sulfate and other electrolyte systems during cycling. However, because of the complexity of the thermodynamics and kinetics of aqueous reactions to understand different battery conditions, controversies still exist. This article will review the roles of ZHS discussed in recent representative references aiming to shine light on the fundamental mechanisms of AZBs and pave ways to further improve the battery performance.
Gaussian process regression and classification using International Classification of Disease codes as covariates
Authors: Srivastava Sanvesh , Xu Zongyi , Li Yunyi , Street W. Nick , Gilbertson‐White Stephanie
Published: October 2023

In electronic health records (EHRs) data analysis, nonparametric regression and classification using International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes as covariates remain understudied. Automated methods have been developed over the years for predicting biomedical responses using EHRs, but relatively less attention has been paid to developing patient similarity measures that use ICD codes and chronic conditions, where a chronic condition is defined as a set of ICD codes. We address this problem by first developing a string kernel function for measuring the similarity between a pair of primary chronic conditions, represented as subsets of ICD codes. Second, we extend this similarity measure to a family of covariance functions on subsets of chronic conditions. This family is used in developing Gaussian process (GP) priors for Bayesian nonparametric regression and classification using diagnoses and other demographic information as covariates. Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms are used for posterior inference and predictions. The proposed methods are tuning free, so they are ideal for automated prediction of biomedical responses depending on chronic conditions. We evaluate the practical performance of our method on EHR data collected from 1660 patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) with six different primary cancer sites. Our method provides better sensitivity and specificity than its competitors in classifying different primary cancer sites and estimates the marginal associations between chronic conditions and primary cancer sites.
A methodology for developing SoS architectures using SysML model federation
Authors: Swickline Chris , Mazzuchi Thomas A , Sarkani Shahram
Published: October 2023

An essential role of systems engineering is to aid in overcoming complexity during development. As system complexity increases, a greater number of organizations are being asked to contribute architecture/design content for systems development. An essential challenge to overcome is how to ensure digital continuity in connecting system models to form systems of systems (SoS) models. Leveraging recent developments in digital engineering (DE) and model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) this paper presents a SysML model federation methodology enabling multiple collaborating organizations to contribute system models and form a descriptive SoS architecture model. Systems engineers applying this methodology are able to reuse constituent system model content to describe the larger SoS behavior and structure while promoting reusability and commonality and are therefore better able to ensure correctness and consistency across development. First, a background through the review of SoS engineering (SoSE) and DE/MBSE literature is provided. Then an MBSE process along with specific methods tailoring the use of SysML within the Cameo Enterprise Architecture tool is presented. This work builds upon a previously published Systems Architecture Model (SAM) development method and is designed to permit style diversity across peer constituent models and ensure that every piece of data has an authoritative source of truth (ASOT) within the federation. This paper then presents the application of this methodology to the Ranger Lunar Rover system by making use of its openly published SysML model. Finally, the benefits and challenges of this methodology are discussed prior to drawing closing conclusions and identifying future areas of research.