bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Effect on Dietary Supplements’ Consumption, Prophetic Medicine Practices and Herbs Use in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljaaly Elham Abbas , Alhijri Reem , Al Nasser Lujain
Published: October 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic influenced dietary supplements’ (DS) consumption and practices of traditional medicine. Aims: This cross-sectional study aimed to compare dietary supplements, Prophetic medicine (PM) and herbal/plants (H/P) use among adults in Saudi Arabia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: 1351 individuals participated in the study via an online survey shared on social media platforms between December 11th, 2021, and March 1st, 2022. The survey tool included 31 questions about sociodemographics, DS consumption, PM practices and H/P use, which the expert panel team validated. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were presented as numbers and percentages. P-value 05 and 95% confidence intervals were used to report the statistical significance based on gender and prior infection with the COVID-19. Results: The most common supplements consumed before the pandemic were Vitamin D (53.4%, n=358), Multivitamins (47.3%, n= 318), and Vitamin C (42%, n=282). This is along with the significant increase in the consumption of Multivitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin D, Zinc and Calciumduring the pandemic. Females are significantly (p < 0.001) more concerned in consuming DS and H/P and practice PM before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to males. Prior Covid-19 infection significantly impacted individuals’ perception about DS, H/P and PM uses and practices, information and beliefs in their role in preventing and controlling the disease (p< 0.05). Significant changes in weight status during the pandemic were reported. Conclusion: There was a significant increase in consumption of most dietary supplements and Prophetic medicine practices. The government should launch public awareness campaigns and employ regulations to educate about the risks and benefits of self-medicated Prophetic medicine practices and self-prescribed dietary supplements. Keywords: COVID19, Dietary supplements, Herbs/Plants, Prophetic medicine.
Comparison of Intravenous Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine for Spinal Anesthesia Quality in Opium-Addicted Patients: A Parallel Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Abtahi Dariush , Tajbakhsh Ardeshir , Dahi Mastaneh , Alikahi Marjan , Memary Elham
Published: October 2022

Background: Spinal anesthesia (SA) is a frequently used method by anesthesiologists in patients who may not need general anesthesia or have a contraindication for applying general anesthesia. Nevertheless, numerous contemplations need to be considered by anesthesiologists when using this method. Objectives: We compared the effect of intravenous (IV) administration of dexamethasone versus dexmedetomidine alongside the subarachnoid injection of Bupivacaine in terms of spinal anesthesia (SA) quality in opium-addicted patients. Patients and Methods: This parallel randomized clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on opium-addicted patients aged 18 to 65 with The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class of I/II candidates for surgery under SA. In one group, dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg body weight was injected intravenously 10 minutes before surgery and then at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg body weight during surgery. In another group, 8 mg dexamethasone was injected intravenously 10 minutes before surgery, and then normal saline at a rate of 0.5 μg/kg/h was infused during surgery. The primary outcomes were the onset of sensory block, the onset of motor block, the regression of two levels of sensory block, and the duration of motor block. The secondary outcomes were total analgesia time and the time to the first analgesia requirement. Results: Totally, 57 patients divided into two groups were included in the final analysis. The results showed that the two groups differed significantly in none of the assessed baseline variables (P > 0.05). The mean duration between performing SA and the onset of sensory block in the Dexamethasone and Dexmedetomidine groups was 4.8 ± 2.2 and 4.2 ± 1.9 minutes, respectively (P = 0.290). The mean duration between performing SA and the onset of motor block in the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine groups was 5.9 ± 2.6 and 5.1 ± 2.3 minutes, respectively (P = 0.251). The mean duration between performing SA and the regression of two levels of sensory block in the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine groups was 63.6 ± 27.7 and 82.0 ± 17.1 minutes, respectively (P = 0.004). The mean duration of motor block in the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine groups was 75.0 ± 32.1 and 97.5 ± 19.4 minutes, respectively (P = 0.377). The mean total analgesia time in the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine groups was 86.9 ± 32.9 and 109.3 ± 16.3 minutes, respectively (P = 0.002). The mean duration between performing SA and the first requirement for analgesic agent administration in the dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine groups was 206.21 ± 93.19 and 267.86 ± 76.02 minutes, respectively (P = 0.008). Conclusions: It seems that the quality of spinal anesthesia in opium-addicted patients who received concurrent IV dexmedetomidine was better than that of those who received concurrent IV dexamethasone.
Reinforced Sputnik-V Induced Spike Protein Antibody Levels in Pakistan: An Edge of Sputnik-V Over Sinopharm and SinoVac as Commercially Available COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Saeed Umar , Uppal Rizwan , Khan Aftab Ahmad , Uppal Rehan , Zahid Piracha Zahra , Rizwan Uppal Sara
Published: October 2022

Background: Despite several challenges, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still not over. Rapid mass-scale immunization is critical to prevent further COVID-19-associated deaths. Objectives: Herein, we aimed to evaluate the rapid ramp-up effects of spike antibodies in response to Sputnik V, Sinopharm, and SinoVac first dose administration in the general public of Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2000 participants to examine Sputnik V, Sinopharm, and SinoVac first dose effects 21 days post-administration. From 1200 real-time PCR negative subjects, the samples were subjected to SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody levels using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) (Elecsys, # 09289267190 Roche, USA). Results: SARS-CoV-2 spike protein positivity was detected highest at 87% among participants receiving SputnikV with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies > 1.5 AU/mL compared to 47.6% and 25% in individuals receiving Sinopharm and SinoVac, respectively. Also, 36.04% of the Sputnik-administered individuals depicted antibody levels > 250 AU/mL. Of the participants, 55% had a previous history of COVID-19. Also, 14.86%, 4.76%, and 0% of the SputnikV, Sinopharm, and SinoVac administered subjects showed antibodies > 100 AU/mL, respectively, while > 25 AU/mL antibodies were found in 10.70% of SputnikV, 19.04% of Sinopharm and 10.71% of SinoVac administered individuals. Moreover, > 1.5 - 2.5 AU/mL antibodies levels were found in 25.10%, 23.80%, and 14.28% of participants with SputnikV, Sinopharm, and SinoVac administered vaccines, respectively. The antibody titers of < 1.5 AU/mL were detected among 13.30%, 52.38%, and 46.42% of subjects administered with SputnikV, Sinopharm, and SinoVac vaccines, respectively. Conclusions: Even before administrating the second booster dose of SputnikV, a significantly higher number of patients depicted rapid ramp-up of SARS-CoV-2 specific spike antibodies, which can significantly contribute to rapid mass-immunization. Despite all challenges, persistent antibody plateau monitoring is critical to attaining humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Possibility of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Transmission Through Breast Milk: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kermani Fatemeh , Abadibavil Dina , Khaksari Mohammad Navid , Dashti Sareh
Published: October 2022

Context: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the infection control strategies have affected breastfeeding and mother-newborn contact due to the fear of disease transmission to the baby. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of CPVID-19 transmission by reviewing the currently published articles. Methods: In this systematic review, 296 articles were first retrieved from IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, Magiran, Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT), PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, and Google Scholar search engine using the keywords "breastfeeding", "breast", "vertical transfer", "breast milk", "colostrum", "corona", and "COVID-19". Of the 296 retrieved articles, 16 were eligible for the review. Results: Reviewed articles included four retrospective cross-sectional studies, one cohort study, eight case reports, and three case series. Overall, the studies reported 237 RT-PCR tests on breast milk and/or nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs from mother or baby, and 156 serum antibody measurements in mother or baby. The overall findings indicated a low risk for COVID-19 transmission from mother to infant through breastfeeding, while breastfeeding was detected to transfer the antibodies to the newborn. Conclusions: Due to the low transmission risk, it was recommended that mothers with mild to moderate symptoms should breastfeed their infants with infection control measurements, while mothers with severe symptoms should use pumped breastmilk for feeding their infants.
Culturas digitales en las redes sociales:
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Amor , Jaramillo-Dent Daniela , Alencar Amanda Paz
Published: October 2022

Los ecosistemas digitales de la actualidad, en los que las redes sociales tienen un elevado protagonismo, promueven fenómenos comunicativos de gran interés, donde creadores de contenidos diversos visibilizan experiencias individuales y colectivas. En algunos casos, estas comunidades dan origen a movimientos ciberactivistas, o se convierten en tendencia generando diálogo y debate sobre temas de interés para la sociedad. En otros casos se presentan como retos propiciados por marcas e influencers constituyéndose, de este modo, verdaderas culturas digitales de gran impacto en redes como Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok o Snapchat. Esta temática constituye un objeto de interés en el ámbito académico y de investigación por las implicaciones que se derivan para entender las interacciones que caracterizan la participación y (auto) representación de la ciudadanía. Este monográfico se ha planteado con el propósito de indagar en las estrategias, lenguajes, códigos y competencias que permiten conectar y visibilizar contenidos para que se conviertan en tendencia, explorando los nuevos modos de expresión y comunicación de diversos grupos de creadores y sus habilidades comunicativas y multimodales dentro de las redes sociales.
Tunneling effect of \begin{document}$ \mathbf{S}\mathbf{L}\left(\mathit{n}, \mathit{R}\right) $\end{document} Toda black hole
Authors: Yang Wei ,   College of Science, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Published: October 2022

The SL(n,R) Toda black hole is an ideal field for us to study black hole physics because of its excellent mathematical structure and high symmetry. This work is mainly to study the Hawking radiation of SL(n,R) Toda black hole and and the problem about its related black hole information loss . For simplicity, we only consider the Hawking radiation by calculating the tunneling effect of particles with zero rest mass near the event horizon under the four-dimensional static spherical symmetric SL(n,R) Toda black hole. In the process of particle tunneling through the event horizon of the black hole, due to the conservation of energy, the mass of black hole will be changed, which will cause the event horizon to shrink. Therefore, the reaction of tunneling particles to the background space-time leads to the dynamic change of spacetime metric, that is, the self-gravitational action of the particles generates the tunneling barrier. The tunneling probability of the particle passing through the event horizon depends on the change of the black hole entropy before and after the particle exits. Under certain conditions, our results are consistent with those of RN black holes and Schwartz black holes, and the calculation results once again support the tunneling model proposed by Parikh and Wilczek. This semi-classical image shows that the new black hole radiation spectrum is not a pure heat spectrum, but there is a small deviation from the pure thermal spectrum. From the knowledge of probability theory, it can be proved that there is a correlation process between non-thermal spectra. According to the Shannon entropy definition, the black hole entropy is analogous to Shannon information entropy. We calculate the SL(n,R) Toda black hole information paradox, and find that the correlation between the particles emitted from black hole can carry information and keep the information of black hole unchanged. The specific source of this correlation, as well as the generation mechanism, remains to be further studied. The research on the problem about black hole information loss reveals that information conservation remains true when gravitational correlations among Hawking radiations are properly taken into account. Information conservation principle thus states that the Hawking radiation is unitary, which shows that the dynamics of a black hole obeys the laws of quantum mechanics. Since a black hole is a result of general relativity, the unitarity of a black hole definitely indicates the possibility of a unified gravity and quantum mechanics.
Charge stability diagram of serial triple quantum dots
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Huang Shao-Yun ,   Key Laboratory for the Physics and Chemistry of Nanodevices, Beijing Key Laboratory of Quantum Devices, School of Electronics, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Published: October 2022

Serial triple quantum dot (STQD) systems have received extensive attention in the past decade, not only because quantum dot scaling up is an indispensable ingredient for integrations, but also due to the fact that specific charge states of STQD can be employed to achieve fast full-electrical manipulation of spin qubits. For the latter, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between neighboring charge occupancy states of STQD is essential for three-electron exchange-only spin qubit-based quantum computations. Charge stability diagram is usually employed to map out the charge occupation states about the plunger gate voltages of STQDs and to study the degeneracy among charge occupation states. Experimentally, two- rather than three-dimensional charge stability diagram was obtained in a lot of early studies by keeping one of plunger gates unchanged to reduce complexity. The obtained two-dimensional diagram can only provide limited information and is subject to blurred boundary of charge occupation states due to the low tunneling current and the energy level broading effects. It is, therefore, challenge to searching for the working points where quantum manipulation can be performed promptly and accurately.

In principle, three-dimensional charge occupation stability diagram can be efficiently constructed by numerical simulations based on constant interaction (CI) model. In this study, we calculate the electrochemical potential of STQD about three plunger gate voltages by using the CI model-based capacitance network to reproduce any desired two-dimensional charge stability diagram. The simulated diagram not only well accords with the diagrams obtained from the early experimental data of STQD, but also provides high clarity of the charge state boundaries with tunable parameters. The systematical study of two-dimensional charge stability diagram reviews the energy degeneracy triple and quadruple points of STQD charge occupation states and concludes the energy degeneracy points in three types to compare with experimental data. For each of the energy degeneracy points, we discuss both the electron and hole transport by using the electrochemical potential alignment schematics. We reveal the common and unique triple points of STQD in comparison with those of double quantum dot. The quadruple points of STQD are also addressed in the manipulation of quantum cellular automata and quantum logical gate. The comprehensive understanding of these energy degeneracy points can efficiently guide experiments to build an optimal working point of the STQD system for quantum computations and simulations.
Fresnel diffraction lithography
Authors: Jiang Zhong-Jun , He Wei , Chen Jing-Wei , Luo Dan-Yang , Yang Fan , Jiang Kai , Wang Liang ,   Department of Optics and Optical Engineering, School of Physics Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
Published: October 2022

Lithography plays a vital important role in modern information technologies. Patterning on a nanoscale in a handy way is highly desired for both scientific and industrial purposes. In this work, we propose a convenient nanolithography method based on Fresnel diffraction patterns. We start with the explanation of the “dense-inside-sparse-outside” Fresnel diffraction fringes resulting from the apertures of finite extent, by using the fast Fourier transform algorithm through appropriately choosing the number of uniformly spaced samples. Moderately focusing the diffraction patterns via high-numerical-aperture objectives ( the method is termed the “Fresnel diffraction lithography”), the rotationally symmetric patterns with a minimum feature size of ~190 nm, and the scanning lines with a width of ~350 nm are realized, respectively, The calculation using vectorial diffraction theory suggests a better resolution when perfectly focused. This method shows good tolerance to defocus and does not require complex lens combinations or micro/nano-diffraction optical elements, Therefore, this method can find some applications in widespread areas, e.g. functional metasurfaces, as a novel and low-cost nano-patterning technology with sub-wavelength resolution and high flexibility.
Exchange bias effect of current Joule thermally modulated inverted vertical (Co/Pt) n/Co/IrMn nanomultilayers
Authors: Feng Jia-Feng , Wei Hong-Xiang , Yu Guo-Qiang , Huang Hui , Guo Jing-Hong , Han Xiu-Feng ,   Beijing National Laboratory of Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   State Grid Smart Grid Research Institute Co., Ltd., Beijing 102209, China
Published: October 2022

The exchange bias has a crucial influence on the key performance parameters of magneroresistive sensor, which has wide applications in many fields. This paper presents a method that uses the Joule heating effect combined with a magnetic field to modulate the exchange bias in magnetic multilayers. By this method, we systematically modulate the in-plane exchange bias field (Heb) in the inverted (Co/Pt)n/Co/IrMn structure (n + 1 is the repetition of the Co layers), here the thickness of the Pt layer is smaller than that of the Co layer. In these inverted structures, the Heb can be continuously modulated by changing the amplitude of a pulse current IDC (an in-plane magnetic field Hp) after fixing an Hp (IDC). In more detail, the Heb deceases gradually by increasing the IDC and its polarity of the Heb can be reversed finally, which will not disappear even under a large IDC. Furthermore, if both the amplitude and direction of IDC (Hp) are changed, with a Hp (IDC) fixed, a reversal of Heb can be realized from positive (negative) to negative (positive) direction under a large IDC. From here, one may find that the modulation of the exchange bias in our text is totally different from the normal case one thinks, where the Heb becomes zero under a large enough IDC due to the pure heating effect. Therefore, we believe that the above results show that our method can modulate in situ the linear field range and sensitivity, which has important significance in guiding the optimization of the performance parameters of magneroresistive sensors.
Non-line-of-sight imaging algorithm based on Wiener filtering of mid-frequency
Authors: Tang Jia-Yao , Luo Yi-Han , Xie Zong-Liang , Xia Shi-Ye , Liu Ya-Qing , Xu Shao-Xiong , Ma Hao-Tong , Cao Lei ,   Key Laboratory of Optical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China,   School of Electronic, Electrical and Communication Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: October 2022

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) imaging is an emerging technology for optically imaging the objects blocked beyond the detector's line of sight. The NLOS imaging based on light-cone transform and inverted method can be regarded as a deconvolution process. The traditional Wiener filtering deconvolution method uses the empirical values or the repeated attempts to obtain the power spectral density noise-to-signal ratio (PSDNSR) of the transient image: each hidden scene has a different PSDNSR for NLOS imaging, so the prior estimation is not appropriate and repeated attempts make it difficult to quickly find the optimal value. Therefore, in this work proposed is a method of estimating the PSDNSR by using the mid-frequency information of captured transient images for Wiener filtering to achieve NLOS imaging. In this method, the turning points between the mid-frequency domain and the high-frequency domain of the transient image amplitude spectrum are determined, and then the PSDNSR value is solved by analyzing the characteristics and relationship among the noise power spectra at the low, middle and high frequency. Experiments show that the PSDNSR estimated by NLOS imaging algorithm based on Wiener filtering of mid-frequency domain has a better reconstruction effect. Compared with other methods, the algorithm in this work can directly estimate PSDNSR in one step, without iterative operations, and the computational complexity is low, therebysimplifying the parameter adjustment steps of the Wiener filtering deconvolution NLOS imaging algorithm based on light-cone transform. Therefore the reconstruction efficiency can be improved on the premise of ensuring the reconstruction effect.
First-principles calculations of O-atom diffusion on fluorinated graphene
Authors: Yang Hai-Lin , Chen Qi-Li , Gu Xing , Lin Ning ,   School of Mathematics and Physics, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China,   Yunfu Zhongke Stone Innovation Technology Co., Ltd, Yunfu 527300, China
Published: October 2022

Fluorination of graphene is one of the most effective methods to improve the corrosion protection of graphene coatings. In this work, the diffusion and penetration behaviors of O atoms on fully fluorinated graphene (CF) and partially fluorinated graphene (C4F) are investigated by using the method of searching for NEB transition state . The effects of F atoms on the corrosion resistance of fluorinated graphene films are also analyzed r. The results show that the adsorption of F atoms can effectively inhibit the diffusion of O atoms on graphene. On C4F, the F atoms are distributed in a para-top position, which greatly increases the surface diffusion energy barrier of O atoms. Moreover, it is difficult for the adsorbed O atoms to diffuse to different sp2 C rings through the obstruction of F atoms. The energy barrier of the horizontal diffusion of O atoms even reaches 2.69 eV in CF. And with the increase of F atoms, the stable structure of graphene is gradually destroyed, the ability of C-atom layer to bar the penetration behaviors of O atoms decreases greatly. Furthermore, the interfacial adhesion work of pure graphene, CF and C4F films with Cu(111) surfaces are calculated, as well as the electronic structures of the composite interface are investigated by using first-principles calculations. The interfacial adhesion work of the Cu/G, Cu/C4F and Cu/CF interfaces are 2.626 J/m2, 3.529 J/m2 and 3.559 J/m2, respectively. The calculations show that the bonding of C4F and C4F with Cu substrate are stronger than pure graphene with Cu substrate, and the interfacial adhesion work increases with the augment of F atom adsorption concentration. The calculation of the density of states also conforms that the interaction between Cu and C atoms of the Cu/C4F interface is stronger than that at the Cu/CF interface. Bader charge analysis shows that the charge transfer at the Cu/C4F interface and the Cu/CF interface increase comparing with that at the Cu/G interface, and Cu/C4F interface has more charge transfer, in which Cu—C bonds are formed.
Design and research of long-infrared dual-wavelength confocal metalens
Authors: Xu Ping , Li Xiong-Chao , Xiao Yu-Fei , Yang Tuo , Zhang Xu-Lin , Huang Hai-Xuan , Wang Meng-Yu , Yuan Xia , Xu Hai-Dong ,   Institute of Micro-Nano Optoelectronic Technology, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China,   College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
Published: October 2022

Multi-wavelength confocal lens is an indispensable part of optical system, the traditional optical confocal system is often added by a certain number of optical lenses, or uses a different combination of optical lenses of different materials to implement multi-wavelength co-focusing,making the system possess a larger volume and weight, which, however, is difficult to meet the requirements for high integration and miniaturization of the system. As an optical element composed of two-dimensional planar subwavelength micro-element structure, the metalens has the advantages of flatness, ultra-thinness and regulating light waves, and has great potential applications in highly integrated and miniaturized optical confocal systems. According to relevant research reports, it is known that the existing research schemes of multi-wavelength confocal metalens have some shortcomings, such as relatively complex structure and relatively low focusing efficiency. In this work, a kind of metalens composed of simple micro-element structure is proposed and designed, which can simultaneously realize the long infrared dual wavelength confocal function. Based on the generalized Snell's law and the transmission phase modulation mechanism, a scientific evaluation function is established to select the optimal array of micro-elements structure to form a metalens. With the elliptical nano silicon column in a simple micro-element structure, the wavefront phase of the long infrared dual wavelength in the orthogonal linear polarization state can be adjusted independently and efficiently , while reducing the wavelength crosstalk and improving the focusing efficiency. The design results show that the proposed metalens achieves dual wavelength co-focused with a wavelength of 10.6 and 9.3 μm, and has a high focusing efficiency, The focusing spot is close to the diffraction limit. The quantitative analysis of the redundancy of the structural parameters of the metalens micro-element structure is made, and the trend of its influence on the focusing efficiency and the allowable deviation range of the micro-element structure parameters are obtained, which provides a theoretical basis for further precisely controlling the device fabrication. The matalens designed in this work is expected to meet the requirements for integration and miniaturization of long infrared optical confocal system, and has important applications in laser surgery, industrial cutting and welding and other fields.
Highly Selective Bio-hydrocarbon Production using Sidoarjo Mud Based-Catalysts in the Hydrocracking of Waste Palm Cooking Oil
Authors: Trisunaryanti Wega , Triyono Triyono , Fallah Iip Izul , Salsiah Shafira , Alisha Gesha Desy
Published: October 2022

In this work, Lapindo mud (LM) was used as catalyst support. This is because the Lapindo mud has a high SiO2 content of 45.33 %. This research aims to produce a hydrocracking catalyst based on Lapindo mud through impregnation of Ni and Pt metals as well as grafting amine groups. Ni and Pt metals impregnation using wet impregnation method followed by amine group grafting. The best catalyst in this study was NiPt-NH2/LM which contained Ni and Pt metals, surface area, and pore diameters of 1.68 wt.% and 0.4 wt.%, 6.59 m2/g, 15.51 nm, respectively. The effectiveness of the catalyst was tested against temperature and catalyst: feed ratio. The catalyst with the best activity and selectivity was tested for reusability 3 times through hydrocracking process. The yield of liquid products obtained in the hydrocracking process of WPO using NiPt-NH2/LM catalyst with the optimum temperature and the weight ratio of catalyst:feed at 550 oC was 79.4 wt. % which consists of hydrocarbon compound of 55.9 wt.%. The yield of liquid products obtained in the hydrocracking WPO using the used NiPt-BH2/LM catalyst was 28.4 wt.% which consists of hydrocarbon compound of 23.6 wt.%. Copyright © 2022 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
The prevalence and prognosis of next‐generation therapeutic targets in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Pan Jian , Zhao Jinou , Ni Xudong , Gan Hualei , Wei Yu , Wu Junlong , Zhang Tingwei , Wang Qifeng , Freedland Stephen J. , Wang Beihe , Song Shaoli , Ye Dingwei , Liu Chang , Zhu Yao
Published: October 2022

The success of the PROfound, IPATential150, and TheraP trials promoted the transition from sequential treatment to therapeutic targets (TTs)‐guided precision treatment in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic value of TTs from these three trials. All included Chinese mCRPC patients underwent circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing, PTEN status assessment, and dual‐tracer [68Ga‐prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) and 18F‐fluorodexyglucose (FDG)] positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Previous treatment with cabazitaxel, Lu‐PSMA or olaparib was unallowed. Patients with known significant sarcomatoid or spindle cell or neuroendocrine small cell components were also excluded. TTs were defined as positive as follows: (a) high PSMA and no PSMA−/FDG+ disease on dual‐tracer PET/CT scans; (b) defects in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes in ctDNA; and (c) loss of PTEN immunohistochemistry staining in tumor tissue. The prevalence and prognostic value on progression‐free survival (PFS) of TTs were evaluated. A total of 106 consecutive mCRPC patients were included. The prevalence of positive PET/CT, HRR defect, and PTEN loss was 30%, 29% and 16%, respectively. Sixty‐three patients had at least one TT. Metastatic volume (odds ratio = 5.0; P = 0.017) was the only independent factor of positive TT in multivariate analysis. Seventy‐four patients received abiraterone after TT screening. Patients with positive PET/CT (P = 0.011) and HRR defect (P = 0.002) had a significantly shorter PFS after receiving abiraterone than patients with negative TTs. However, PTEN status was unrelated to PFS, which may be due to a less number of patients with PTEN loss (P = 0.952). Overall, patients with any positive TTs had a significantly shorter PFS after abiraterone than patients with negative TTs (P = 0.009). Nearly 60% of Chinese patients with mCRPC who had a poor prognosis on abiraterone were candidates for precision treatments based on the specific criteria of TTs.
Flexible CO2 Sensor Architecture with Selective Nitrogen Functionalities by One‐Step Laser‐Induced Conversion of Versatile Organic Ink
Authors: Wang Huize , Ogolla Charles Otieno , Panchal Gyanendra , Hepp Marco , Delacroix Simon , Cruz Daniel , Kojda Danny , Ciston Jim , Ophus Colin , Knop‐Gericke Axel , Habicht Klaus , Butz Benjamin , Strauss Volker
Published: October 2022

Nitrogen‐containing carbons (NC) are a class of sustainable materials for selective CO2 adsorption. A versatile concept is introduced to fabricate flexible NC‐based sensor architectures for room‐temperature sensing of CO2 in a one‐step laser conversion of primary films cast from abundant precursors. By the unidirectional energy impact in conjunction with depth‐dependent attenuation of the laser beam, a layered sensor heterostructure with a porous transducer and active sensor layer is formed. Comprehensive microscopic and spectroscopic cross‐sectional analyses confirm the preservation of the high content of imidazolic nitrogen in the sensor. The performance is optimized in terms of material morphology, chemical composition, and surface chemistry to achieve a linear relative resistive response of up to ΔR/R0 = −14.3% (10% of CO2). Thermodynamic analysis yields ΔadsH values of −35.6 and 34.1 kJ·mol−1 for H2O and CO2, respectively. The sensor is operable even in humid environments (e.g., ∆R/R0,RH = 80% = 0.53%) and shows good performance upon strong mechanical deformation.
Genetically Engineered Protein Corona‐based Cascade Nanozymes for Enhanced Tumor Therapy
Authors: Liu Zhijun , Liu Qiqi , Zhang Haoqi , Zhang Xiangyun , Wu Jin , Sun Zhiyuan , Zhu Mingsheng , Hu Xueyan , Qi Tianyi , Kang Helong , Chen Rui , Huang Xinglu , Zhuang Jie
Published: October 2022

The emergence of nanomedicine has provided a promising strategy to greatly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of O2‐dependent photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, plasma‐derived protein corona and/or discontinuous O2 supply substantially limit their tumor delivery efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. Herein, protein corona cloaking‐based cascade nanozymes are developed using genetically engineered human ferritin heavy chain nanocages (FTn) as unique pre‐coated protein corona and cascade nanozymes as steady O2 suppliers. Specifically, FTn is coated onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) to form FTn‐based protein corona, providing active targeting of tumor cells by binding with its receptor. In situ synthesis of ultra‐small Au nanoparticles in MSNs, and biomimetic incorporation of Ru nanoclusters into FTn inner cavity showed glucose oxidase‐like activity and catalase‐like activity, respectively. The two nanozymes are incorporated into MSNs nanoplatform to induce cascade and circular catalytic reactions by consuming glucose and H2O2 within the tumor microenvironment. Compared to MSNs alone, the FTn‐based protein corona is capable of efficiently diminishing plasma‐derived protein corona formation to prolong blood circulation time and improving in vitro tumor cell uptake and in vivo tumor accumulation, thereby providing significantly enhanced therapeutic benefits of PDT by combining with the continuously produced O2 of cascade nanozymes.
Extended Near‐Infrared Photovoltaic Responses of Perovskite Solar Cells by p‐Type Phthalocyanine Derivative
Authors: Zhang Zhenhu , Liu Hongli , Wang Shirong , Bao Huayu , Zhang Fei , Li Xianggao
Published: October 2022

The absent photo‐response in near‐infrared (NIR) light (>800 nm) of lead‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) limits the further improvement of their power conversion efficiency (PCE). Here, a narrow bandgap p‐type phthalocyanine derivative (Copper(II) 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octakis((4‐(bis(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino)phenyl)ethynyl)phthalocyanine –8TPAEPC) with NIR absorption is synthesized to extend the photovoltaic response of perovskite to 850 nm. After doping the 8TPAEPC into the perovskite photoactive layer, the perovskite crystal quality is improved, resulting in its good electrical conductivity and less surface defects. Furthermore, the molecules stacking on the grain boundaries construct the charge transportation paths, as well as the p–n bulk heterojunction with enhanced built‐in potential. The target PSCs are optimized with notably enhanced PCE from 20% up to 22.10%, and excellent stability that is over 80% of the initial level at 70–80% relative humidity can be maintained for more than 500 h, benefiting from the improved hydrophobicity of 8TPAEPC. In addition, 8TPAEPC also serves as a dopant‐free, highly carrier‐mobile, and moreover, NIR‐responsive hole transport layer (HTL) with boosted PCE of 20.42% that reaches state of the art level among the dopant‐free metal phthalocyanines HTL‐based PSCs.
Observation of Surface Superconductivity in a 3D Dirac Material
Authors: Liu Qi , Guo Peng‐Jie , Yue Xiao‐Yu , Yi Zhe‐Kai , Dong Qing‐Xin , Liang Hui , Wu Dan‐Dan , Sun Yan , Li Qiu‐Ju , Zhu Wen‐Liang , Xia Tian‐Long , Sun Xue‐Feng , Wang Yi‐Yan
Published: October 2022

Superconductivity becomes more interesting when it encounters dimensional constraint or topology because it is of importance for exploring exotic quantum phenomena or developing superconducting electronics. Here, the coexistence of naturally formed surface superconducting state and 3D topological Dirac state in single crystals of BaMg2Bi2 is reported. The electronic structure obtained from the first‐principles calculations demonstrates that BaMg2Bi2 is an ideal Dirac material, in which the Dirac point is very close to the Fermi level and no other energy band crosses the Fermi level. Superconductivity up to 4.77−−5.17 K can be observed under ambient pressure in the measurements of resistivity. The anisotropic upper critical field and angle dependent magnetoresistance reveals the 2D characteristic of superconductivity, indicating that superconductivity occurs on the surface of the sample and is absent in the bulk state. The study not only provides BaMg2Bi2 as a suitable platform to study the interplay between superconductivity and topological Dirac state but also indicates that MgBi‐based materials may be a promising system for exploring new superconductors.
Bone Repair Biomaterials: A Perspective from Immunomodulation
Authors: Wang Yili , Zhang Hao , Hu Yan , Jing Yingying , Geng Zhen , Su Jiacan
Published: October 2022

With an increasingly aging society, bone defects and fractures have become significant threats to human health and quality of life. Currently, autologous and allogeneic bone grafts remain the “gold standard” for the clinical treatment of bone repair. However, bone transplantation is still clinically insufficient, owing to its substantial limitations, such as graft rejection, donor functional defects, and risk of infection. Therefore, a variety of biomaterials have been developed to facilitate bone repair. With the advancement of bone tissue engineering, the focus of research has transitioned from bioinert to bioactive biomaterials. However, many biomaterials have not achieved satisfactory therapeutic effects. In recent years, advancements in osteoimmunology have revealed that the immune system, of which macrophages are critical components, plays an essential regulatory role in bone regeneration. In this review, the role of macrophages in bone healing is explored and recent developments in biomaterials that promote bone regeneration by modulating macrophage polarization and improving the osteoimmune microenvironment are reviewed. This review provides a reference for the development and clinical application of bone repair biomaterials from the immunomodulation perspective.
Co‐Delivery of an Amyloid‐Disassembling Polyphenol Cross‐Linked in a Micellar Shell with Core‐Loaded Antibiotics for Balanced Biofilm Dispersal and Killing
Authors: Tian Shuang , van der Mei Henny C. , Ren Yijin , Busscher Henk J. , Shi Linqi
Published: October 2022

Amyloid‐fibers help to maintain the structure of infectious biofilms. Disassembly of amyloid‐fibers contributes to biofilm‐dispersal in the blood‐circulation, from which bacteria should be cleared by the host immune system. However, often the immune system is insufficiently prepared for increasing bacterial concentrations in blood, causing septic symptoms. Here, poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(β‐amino ester),  pH‐responsive micelles are prepared for co‐delivery of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG) as a dispersant. Hydrophilic EGCG can not be loaded in the micellar core, but is cross‐linked in the micellar shell through pH‐reversible, boronic‐ester binding. Disassembly of micelles under acidic biofilm conditions facilitates release of EGCG and dispersal of biofilm‐bacteria. When core‐loaded with ciprofloxacin, in‐shell EGCG prevents ciprofloxacin‐leakage at physiological pH. Bacterial killing by core‐loaded ciprofloxacin in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms is enhanced when released in combination with EGCG in vitro and in vivo. In mice, micelles with in‐shell EGCG self‐target after tail‐vein injection to an infection site, yielding dispersal of pathogens with mild septic symptoms and bacterial killing by the immune system. Septic symptoms disappear slightly faster when micelles are additionally core‐loaded with ciprofloxacin. Thus, micelles with in‐shell EGCG yield balanced biofilm dispersal inducing only mild septic symptoms, which is good news in an era of increasing antibiotic‐resistance.
Interlock Protective System from Hyperbranched Polyethyleneimine and Choline Phosphate Liposome for Targeted In Vivo Gene Delivery
Authors: Jiang Sangni , Li Shengran , Mei Weikang , Zhang Jinyuan , Wu Yijun , Liu Sanrong , Yu Xifei
Published: October 2022

Both hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (hPEI) and cationic lipids exhibit excellent gene transfection efficiency, while their high toxicity, easily to be cleared in the blood, and have no targeting effect, which severely limits their application in in vivo gene delivery. In view of the above problems, the synergistic effects between hPEI and choline phosphate lipid (CP‐lip) are used to develop an interlock protective system to deliver genes in vivo which combines stability, transfection efficiency, and biosafety. In this work, DNA, hPEI, and CP‐lips are combined and interacted strongly to form a targeted liposome (tCP‐lipo/(PEI/DNA)). This interlock protective system could deliver genes to tumor sites after circulate in the blood with safety, then the loaded genes are transfected to kill cancer cells. The interlock protection system constructed by CP‐lips and hPEI provides an efficient and safe platform for targeted gene delivery in vivo.
Highly Efficient Double‐Side‐Emitting Electroluminescent Quantum Dot Thin Film with Transparent MoO3/Ag:Cu/MoO3 Electrode Prepared by Thermal Co‐Evaporation
Authors: Yang Shuan , Chen Hsueh‐Shih
Published: October 2022

See‐through double‐side‐emitting electroluminescent quantum‐dot light‐emitting‐diodes (QLEDs) with highly transparent tri‐layer MoO3/Ag:Cu/MoO3 electrode is demonstrated in this study. The tri‐layer MoO3/Ag: Cu/MoO3 electrode is prepared by a thermal co‐evaporation process, in which MoO3 is utilized as both a seed layer and a capping layer. This tri‐layer structure improves the transmittance as high as ≈88% and ≈86% for pure Ag and Ag:Cu at 550 nm, respectively. It is also found that minor Cu doping significantly improves the thermal stability and sheet resistance of Ag film. With the see‐through tri‐layer film as a device cathode, transparent double‐side‐emitting green QLED exhibits remarkable high brightness of 225, 500 cd m−2, the current efficiency of 58.68 cd A−1, the external quantum yield of 16.70%, and transmittance of 77% at 550 nm without any additional anti‐reflection coating.
Microfluidic Pumps with Laser Streaming from Tips of Optical Fibers and Sewing Needles
Authors: Tong Tian , Yue Shuai , Li Runjia , Lin Feng , Chen Di , Xing Xinxin , Chu Wei‐Kan , Song Gangbing , Liu Dong , Wang Zhiming , Bao Jiming
Published: October 2022

The discovery of photoacoustic laser streaming has opened up a new avenue to manipulate and drive fluids with light, but the necessity of an in situ “launch pad” has limited its utility in real‐world microfluidic applications due to both the size constraint and the complexity of fabrication. Here, it is demonstrated that 1) a versatile microfluidic pump can be materialized by using laser streaming from an optical fiber, and 2) laser streaming can be generated from a flat metal surface without any fabrication process. In the latter case, by focusing laser on the tip of a sewing needle tip, the needle can be turned into a micropump with controllable flow direction. Additionally, high‐speed imaging of the fluid motion and computational fluid dynamics simulations to confirm the photoacoustic principle of laser streaming are employed, and it is revealed that the streaming direction is determined by the direction of strongest intensity in the divergent ultrasound wavefront. Finally, the potential of laser streaming for microfluidic and optofluidic applications is demonstrated by successfully driving fluid inside a capillary tube.
Fatty Liver/Adipose Tissue Dual‐Targeting Nanoparticles with Heme Oxygenase‐1 Inducer for Amelioration of Obesity, Obesity‐Induced Type 2 Diabetes, and Steatohepatitis
Authors: Hong Juhyeong , Kim Yong‐Hee
Published: October 2022

Persistent uptake of high‐calorie diets induces the storage of excessive lipid in visceral adipose tissue. Lipids secreted from obese adipose tissue are accumulated in peripheral tissues such as the liver, pancreas, and muscle, and impair insulin sensitivity causing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and lipids in the liver induces apoptosis and fibrogenesis, and ultimately causes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). To modulate obese tissue environments, it is challenged to selectively deliver inducers of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) to adipose tissue with the aid of a prohibitin targeting drug delivery system. Prohibitin binding peptide (PBP), an oligopeptide targeting prohibitin rich in adipose tissue, is conjugated on the surface of Hemin‐ or CoPP‐loaded poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanoparticles (PBP‐NPs). PBP‐NPs efficiently differentiate lipid storing white adipocytes into energy‐generating brown adipocytes in T2DM and NASH models. In addition, PBP‐NPs are found to target prohibitin overexpressed fatty liver in the NASH model and inhibit hepatic uptake of circulating lipids. Furthermore, PBP‐NPs switch phenotypes of inflammatory macrophages in damaged organs and lower inflammation. Taken together, dual‐targeted induction of HO‐1 in fatty adipose and liver tissues is proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate obesity, insulin resistance, and steatohepatitis by lowering lipids and cytokines.
Induced Ferromagnetism in Epitaxial Uranium Dioxide Thin Films
Authors: Sharma Yogesh , Paudel Binod , Huon Amanda , Schneider Matthew M. , Roy Pinku , Corey Zachary , Schönemann Rico , Jones Andrew C. , Jaime Marcelo , Yarotski Dmitry A. , Charlton Timothy , Fitzsimmons Michael R. , Jia Quanxi , Pettes Michael T. , Yang Ping , Chen Aiping
Published: October 2022

Actinide materials have various applications that range from nuclear energy to quantum computing. Most current efforts have focused on bulk actinide materials. Tuning functional properties by using strain engineering in epitaxial thin films is largely lacking. Using uranium dioxide (UO2) as a model system, in this work, the authors explore strain engineering in actinide epitaxial thin films and investigate the origin of induced ferromagnetism in an antiferromagnet UO2. It is found that UO2+x thin films are hypostoichiometric (x<0) with in‐plane tensile strain, while they are hyperstoichiometric (x>0) with in‐plane compressive strain. Different from strain engineering in non‐actinide oxide thin films, the epitaxial strain in UO2 is accommodated by point defects such as vacancies and interstitials due to the low formation energy. Both epitaxial strain and strain relaxation induced point defects such as oxygen/uranium vacancies and oxygen/uranium interstitials can distort magnetic structure and result in magnetic moments. This work reveals the correlation among strain, point defects and ferromagnetism in strain engineered UO2+x thin films and the results offer new opportunities to understand the influence of coupled order parameters on the emergent properties of many other actinide thin films.