bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinspired Double‐Broadband Switchable Microwave Absorbing Grid Structures with Inflatable Kresling Origami Actuators
Authors: Zhang Zhong , Lei Hongshuai , Duan Shengyu , Zhao Zeang , Chen Mingji , Wang Changxian , Fang Daining
Published: December 2023

Tunable radar stealth structures are critical components for future military equipment because of their potential to further enhance the design space and performance. Some previous investigations have utilized simple origami structures as the basic adjusting components but failed to achieve the desired broadband microwave absorbing characteristic. Herein, a novel double‐broadband switchable microwave absorbing grid structure has been developed with the actuators of inflatable Kresling origami structures. Geometric constraints are derived to endow a bistable feature with this origami configuration, and the stable states are switched by adjusting the internal pressure. An ultra‐broadband microwave absorbing structure is proposed with a couple of complementary microwave stealth bands, and optimized by a particle swarm optimization algorithm. The superior electromagnetic performance results from the mode switch activating different absorbing components at corresponding frequencies. A digital adjusting strategy is applied, which effectively achieves a continuously adjusting effect. Further investigations show that the proposed structure possesses superior robustness. In addition, minimal interactions are found between adjacent grid units, and the electromagnetic performance is mainly related to the duty ratio of the units in different states. They have enhanced the microwave absorbing performance of grid structures through a tunable design, a provided a feasible paradigm for other tunable absorbers.
Colloidal InSb Quantum Dots for 1500 nm SWIR Photodetector with Antioxidation of Surface
Authors: Seo Haewoon , Eun Hyeong Ju , Lee Ah Young , Lee Hang Ken , Kim Jong H. , Kim Sang‐Wook
Published: December 2023

III‐V quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as significant alternatives to Cd‐ and Pb‐based QDs, garnering notable attention over the past two decades. However, the understanding of III‐V QDs, particularly in the short wave‐infrared (SWIR) region, remains limited. InAs QDs are widely recognized as the most prominent SWIR QDs, but their absorption beyond 1400 nm presents various challenges. Consequently, InSb QDs with relatively narrower bandgaps have been investigated; however, research on their device applications is lacking. In this study, InSb QDs are synthesized with absorption ranging from 1000 to 1700 nm by introducing Cl− ions to enhance QD surface stability during synthesis. Additionally, it coated InAs and ZnSe shells onto the InSb QDs to validate photoluminescence in the SWIR region and improve photostability. Subsequently, these QDs are employed in the fabrication of photodetector devices, resulting in photodetection above 1500 nm using Pb‐free QDs. The photodetection device exhibited an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 11.4% at 1370 nm and 6.3% at 1520 nm for InSb core QDs, and 4.6% at 1520 nm for InSb/InAs core/shell QDs, marking the successful implementation of such a device. In detail, the 1520 nm for InSb core device showed a dark current density(JD) value of: 1.46 × 10−9 A/cm2, responsivity(R): 0.078 A/W, and specific detectivity based on the shot noise(Dsh*): 3.6 × 1012 Jones at 0 V.
Crystallization Regulation and Defect Passivation for Efficient Inverted Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells with over 21% Efficiency
Authors: Su Gangfeng , Yu Runnan , Dong Yiman , He Zhangwei , Zhang Yuling , Wang Ruyue , Dang Qi , Sha Shihao , Lv Qianglong , Xu Zhiyang , Liu Zhuoxu , Li Minghua , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: December 2023

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have drawn great attention owing to their promising potential for constructing efficient tandem solar cells. However, the rapid crystallization results in poor film properties and easy formation of defects, thereby greatly restricting the acquisition of a small open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit due to the severe nonradiative recombination. Herein, it introduced the triethanolamine borate (TB) to effectively slow down the rapid crystallization for preparing highly crystalline and uniform WBG perovskite films with reduced defects. The strong intermolecular interaction (e.g., coordination and hydrogen bond) between TB and perovskite can suppress the halide vacancy formation and inhibit phase segregation for improving long‐term stability. The devices based on a 1.65 eV perovskite absorber achieved a high efficiency of 21.55% with a VOC of 1.24 V, demonstrating the VOC deficit is as low as 0.41 V, which is one of the lowest reports. By combining a semitransparent WBG subcell with a narrow‐bandgap tin‐based PSC, the four‐terminal tandem solar cell delivers a high efficiency of 26.48%.
Synthesis of Selenocyanated Indoles via PhICl2‐Induced Electrophilic Intramolecular Cyclization of 2‐Alkynylanilines or 2‐Alkenylanilines
Authors: Xu Lingzhi , Zhao Bingyue , Zhao Hui , Zhang Jianing , Li Jinqu , Du Yunfei
Published: December 2023

The 3‐selenocyanato‐substituted indoles were readily synthesized via (dichloroiodo)benzene (PhICl2)‐induced reaction of 2‐alkynylanilines or 2‐alkenylanilines with KSeCN in MeCN under metal‐free conditions. The reaction sequence was postulated to encompass the formation of a reactive selenocyanogen chloride species, generated in situ from the reaction of PhICl2 and KseCN, followed by electrophilic addition and intramolecular cyclization steps.
Relationships of Cognitive Measures with Cerebrospinal Fluid but Not Imaging Biomarkers of Alzheimer Disease Vary between Black and White Individuals
Authors: Bonomi Samuele , Lu Ruijin , Schindler Suzanne E. , Bui Quoc , Lah James J. , Wolk David , Gleason Carey E. , Sperling Reisa , Roberson Erik D. , Levey Allan I. , Shaw Leslie , Van Hulle Carol , Benzinger Tammie , Adams Morgann , Manzanares Cecelia , Qiu Deqiang , Hassenstab Jason , Moulder Krista L. , Balls‐Berry Joyce E. , Johnson Keith , Johnson Sterling C. , Murchison Charles F. , Luo Jingqin , Gremminger Emily , Agboola Folasade , Grant Elizabeth A. , Hornbeck Russ , Massoumzadeh Parinaz , Keefe Sarah , Dierker Donna , Gray Julia , Henson Rachel L. , Streitz Marissa , Mechanic‐Hamilton Dawn , Morris John C. , Xiong Chengjie
Published: December 2023

Objective

Biomarkers of Alzheimer disease vary between groups of self‐identified Black and White individuals in some studies. This study examined whether the relationships between biomarkers or between biomarkers and cognitive measures varied by racialized groups.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), amyloid positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging measures were harmonized across four studies of memory and aging. Spearman correlations between biomarkers and between biomarkers and cognitive measures were calculated within each racialized group, then compared between groups by standard normal tests after Fisher's Z‐transformations.

Results

The harmonized dataset included at least one biomarker measurement from 495 Black and 2,600 White participants. The mean age was similar between racialized groups. However, Black participants were less likely to have cognitive impairment (28% vs 36%) and had less abnormality of some CSF biomarkers including CSF Aβ42/40, total tau, p‐tau181, and neurofilament light. CSF Aβ42/40 was negatively correlated with total tau and p‐tau181 in both groups, but at a smaller magnitude in Black individuals. CSF Aβ42/40, total tau, and p‐tau181 had weaker correlations with cognitive measures, especially episodic memory, in Black than White participants. Correlations of amyloid measures between CSF (Aβ42/40, Aβ42) and PET imaging were also weaker in Black than White participants. Importantly, no differences based on race were found in correlations between different imaging biomarkers, or in correlations between imaging biomarkers and cognitive measures.

Interpretation

Relationships between CSF biomarkers but not imaging biomarkers varied by racialized groups. Imaging biomarkers performed more consistently across racialized groups in associations with cognitive measures. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:495–506
Tailored Fluorosurfactants through Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization for Highly Stable Microfluidic Droplet Generation
Authors: Li Xiangke , Tang Shi‐Yang , Zhang Yang , Zhu Jiayuan , Forgham Helen , Zhao Chun‐Xia , Zhang Cheng , Davis Thomas P. , Qiao Ruirui
Published: December 2023

Droplet‐based microfluidics represents a disruptive technology in the field of chemistry and biology through the generation and manipulation of sub‐microlitre droplets. To avoid droplet coalescence, fluoropolymer‐based surfactants are commonly used to reduce the interfacial tension between two immiscible phases to stabilize droplet interfaces. However, the conventional preparation of fluorosurfactants involves multiple steps of conjugation reactions between fluorinated and hydrophilic segments to form multiple‐block copolymers. In addition, synthesis of customized surfactants with tailored properties is challenging due to the complex synthesis process. Here, we report a highly efficient synthetic method that utilizes living radical polymerization (LRP) to produce fluorosurfactants with tailored functionalities. Compared to the commercialized surfactant, our surfactants outperform in thermal cycling for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and exhibit exceptional biocompatibility for cell and yeast culturing in a double‐emulsion system. This breakthrough synthetic approach has the potential to revolutionize the field of droplet‐based microfluidics by enabling the development of novel designs that generate droplets with superior stability and functionality for a wide range of applications.
Polyoxometalate–Organic Hybrid “Calixarenes” as Supramolecular Hosts
Authors: Gao Yuan , Guo Ji , Lai Yuyan , Lin Jiaheng , Liu Junrui , Ji Jianming , Yin Panchao , Wang Wei , Zhao Hongmei , Chen Guanying , Wang Lei , Fang Xikui
Published: December 2023

Calixarenes are among the most useful and versatile macrocycles in supramolecular chemistry. The one thing that has not changed in the 80 years since their discovery, despite numerous derivatizations, is their fully organic, covalent scaffolds. Here, we report a new type of organic–inorganic hybrid “calixarenes” constructed by means of coordination‐driven assembly. Replacing acetate ligands on the {SiW10Cr2(OAc)2} clusters with 5‐hydroxyisophthalates allows these 95° inorganic building blocks to be linked into bowl‐shaped, hybrid “calix[n]arenes” (n=3, 4). With a large concave cavity, the metal–organic calix[4]arene can accommodate nanometer‐sized polyoxoanions in an entropically driven process. The development of hybrid variants of calixarenes is expected to expand the scope of their physicochemical properties, guest/substrate binding, and applications on multiple fronts.
Copper‐Catalyzed Radical Allene C(sp2)−H Cyanation
Authors: Wei Youhao , Wang Zheng , Wang Kaifeng , Qiu Jiang‐Kai , Wang Zhaoshan , Li Haotian , Duan Xiu , Guo Kai , Bao Xiaoguang , Wu Xinxin
Published: December 2023

While the hydrogen atom abstraction (HAA) from C(sp3)−H bond has been well explored, the radical‐mediated chemo‐ and regio‐selective functionalization of allenic C(sp2)−H bond via direct HAA from C(sp2)−H bond of allene remains an unsolved challenge in synthetic chemistry. This is primarily due to inherent challenges with addition of radical intermediates to allenes, regioselectivity of HAA process, instability of allenyl radical toward propargyl radical et al. Herein, we report a copper catalyzed allenic C(sp2)−H cyanation of an array of tri‐ and di‐substituted allenes with exceptional site‐selectivity, while mono‐substituted allene was successfully cyanated, albeit with a low yield. In the developed strategy, steric N‐fluoro‐N‐alkylsulfonamide, serving as precursor of hydrogen atom abstractor, plays a crucial role in achieving the desired regioselectivity and avoiding addition of N‐centered radical to allene.
Relationships Between Defectivity and Porosity in High Surface Area Porous Aromatic Frameworks**
Authors: Porath Anthony J. , Lybrand Tony , Bour James R.
Published: December 2023

Porous aromatic framework (PAF) microporosity is known to be strongly dependent on synthetic approach but little is known about why certain reactions yield significantly and consistently more porous PAFs. This article explores the connections between synthetic pathway, PAF defectivity, and microporosity. Using a network disassembly strategy, we show that defectivity is highly dependent on synthetic approach and that more defective PAFs are associated with lower surface areas and pore volumes. This empirical association is corroborated through systematic introduction of defects to a modelPAF, which results in significant reduction of apparent surface area and pore volumes. Taken together, these data suggest that only highly efficient coupling reactions should be targeted for the synthesis of ultra‐high surface area porous aromatic frameworks.
Composite polymeric microsponge‐based long‐acting gel formulation for topical delivery of mupirocin
Authors: Ramesh Ghayal Sachin , Hussain Nazir , Roy Subhadeep , Kaity Santanu
Published: December 2023

Topical delivery of medicaments in a controlled manner is still a promising area of research. Drug‐containing dammar gum‐ethyl cellulose composite microsponge loaded gel formulation (D‐MSPG) was developed for controlled topical delivery of mupirocin. The drug‐loaded microsponges (D‐MSPs) were formulated by the quasi‐emulsion solvent diffusion method and were evaluated for morphology, particle size distribution, entrapment efficiency, thermal properties, and crystallinity. The optimized D‐MSPs (entrapment efficiency 91.5 ± 4.0% and particle size of 55.15 ± 2.9 μm) were dispersed in carbopol 934 gel (D‐MSPG). The final product was characterized for pH, viscosity, texture, spreadability, consistency, syneresis, in vitro drug release, and ex vivo skin penetration study. A comparative study with marketed formulation was performed. For optimized gel formulation (G4), drug content was 104.19 ± 1.68%, and drug release was 84.19% after 24 h. The pH of the optimized gel was observed to be 6.05 ± 0.04. Viscosity of the optimized gel formulation was found to be 1212.15 ± 434.85 mPa‐s at 50 s−1. The steady‐state flux (J) in ex vivo skin permeation was observed to be 53.96 μg cm−2 h−1 and the permeability coefficient was 2.69 cm/h for the optimized gel formulation. According to the findings, the D‐MSPG‐based formulation strategy can act well to prolong the topical delivery of mupirocin or similar drug molecules.
A contrastive analysis on the causes of two regional snowstorm processes influenced by the southern branch trough in Hunan in early 2022
Authors: Hu Yan , Chen Long , Wang Qingxia , Zhao Enrong , Ye Chengzhi , Liu Huanqian
Published: December 2023

In early 2022, there were four low‐temperature weather processes with rain and snow in Hunan Province, China. Two processes occurred on January 28–29 (referred to as the “0128” process) and February 6–7 (referred to as the “0206” process), and they have overlapping areas of heavy snowfall and high intensity of short‐term snowfall. Multi‐source observation data and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data are used to analyze the characteristics of circulation background and mesoscale. In addition, the causes of heavy snowfall processes under the influence of the southern branch trough are discussed based on the dual‐polarization radar products at Changsha station. The results show that two processes are characterized by the rapid phase transformation of rain and snow, concentrated snowfall periods, and heavy snowfall at night. The short‐term snowfall intensity of the “0206” process is greater than that of the “0128” process. The high‐latitude blocking high of the “0206” process is stronger than that of the “0128” process, and the water vapor transport of the southerly jet in low levels in the “0206” process is also stronger. The organized development of cold cloud clusters from the meso‐β scale to the meso‐α scale indicates that the snowfall intensifies, and the maximum blackbody temperature gradient corresponds well to the center of heavy snowfall. The propagation that is similar to the train effect is an important reason for the heavy snowfall process. The vertical variation of the ZH and the bright band of dual‐polarization parameters can determine the phase transformation between rain and snow. When the ZH and ZDR bright bands are 1–3 km away from the ground, the phase state is rain if the ZH near the ground is greater than 0 dBZ and the CC is close to 1; the phase state is the rain‐snow mixed phase if the CC is less than 0.95. When the bottom of the ZH bright band decreases, the CC/ZDR bright band disappears, the near‐surface CC is greater than 0.99 and the ZDR is less than 1 dB, the rain turns to snow. Compared with the “0128” process, the characteristics of the bright ring during the rainfall period of the “0206” process are more obvious, the precipitation intensity judged from the larger ZH and KDP is larger, and the phase transformation is faster due to more significant cooling effect caused by precipitation.
Immunogenicity of different nanoparticle adjuvants containing recombinant RBD coronavirus antigen in animal model
Authors: Ataei Fatemeh , Ahmadi Ali , Fasihi‐R Mahdi , Kachoei Reza , Amani Jafar , Najafi Ali
Published: December 2023

Ongoing mutations of SARS‐CoV‐2 present challenges for vaccine development, promising renewed global efforts to create more effective vaccines against coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). One approach is to target highly immunogenic viral proteins, such as the spike receptor binding domain (RBD), which can stimulate the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. This study aimed to design and test a subunit vaccine candidate based on the RBD. Bioinformatics analysis identified antigenic regions of the RBD for recombinant protein design. In silico analysis identified the RBD region as a feasible target for designing a recombinant vaccine. Bioinformatics tools predicted the stability and antigenicity of epitopes, and a 3D model of the RBD‐angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 complex was constructed using molecular docking and codon optimization. The resulting construct was cloned into the pET‐28a (+) vector and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21DE3. As evidenced by sodium dodecyl‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analyses, the affinity purification of RBD antigens produced high‐quality products. Mice were immunized with the RBD antigen alone or combined with aluminum hydroxide (AlOH), calcium phosphate (CaP), or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) as adjuvants. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay assays were used to evaluate immune responses in mice. In‐silico analysis confirmed the stability and antigenicity of the designed protein structure. RBD with CaP NPs generated the highest immunoglobulin G titer compared to AlOH and ZnO after three doses, indicating its effectiveness as a vaccine platform. In conclusion, the recombinant RBD antigen administered with CaP adjuvant NPs induces potent humoral immunity in mice, supporting further vaccine development. These results contribute to ongoing efforts to develop more effective COVID‐19 vaccines.
Current Situation and Development Prospects of Discharge Pretreatment during Recycling of Lithium‐ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Shi Minhao , Ren Yinghui , Cao Jianyun , Kuang Zengyu , Zhuo Xiaojun , Xie Hui
Published: December 2023

As the first step in recovering the decommissioned lithium‐ion battery cells, discharge pre‐treatment of decommissioned lithium‐ion batteries plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the subsequent recovery process and improving the comprehensive benefits of lithium‐ion battery recycling. However, current research on the recovery process of decommissioned lithium‐ion batteries focuses on how to efficiently recover elements through fire and wet methods, as well as improve the recovery of active substances by direct reduction. Therefore, this review focuses on the latest research progress of lithium‐ion battery discharge pretreatment, shows the advantages and disadvantages of various existing lithium‐ion battery discharge pretreatment technologies, and analyzes the development potential of discharge pretreatment technologies in further energy recovery, increasing cathode lithium content, and reducing the pollution of active substances. This paper aims to further review and look forward to the development of discharge pretreatment technology and provide a new perspective for improving the comprehensive benefits of the lithium‐ion battery recycling process.
Dissecting cell death pathways in fed‐batch bioreactors
Authors: Mentlak David A. , Raven John , Moses Tessa , Massie Fraser , Barber Nicholas , Hoare Robyn , Burton Graeme , Young Alison , Pybus Leon P. , Rosser Susan , White Robert J. , Ungar Daniel , Bryant Nia J.
Published: December 2023

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are widely used for production of biologics including therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Cell death in CHO cells is a significant factor in biopharmaceutical production, impacting both product yield and quality. Apoptosis has previously been described as the major form of cell death occurring in CHO cells in bioreactors. However, these studies were undertaken when less was known about non‐apoptotic cell death pathways. Here, we report the occurrence of non‐apoptotic cell death in an industrial antibody‐producing CHO cell line during fed‐batch culture. Under standard conditions, crucial markers of apoptosis were not observed despite a decrease in viability towards the end of the culture; only by increasing stress within the system did we observe caspase activation indicative of apoptosis. In contrast, markers of parthanatos and ferroptosis were observed during standard fed‐batch culture, indicating that these non‐apoptotic cell death pathways contribute to viability loss under these conditions. These findings pave the way for targeting non‐conventional cell death pathways to improve viability and biologic production in CHO cells.
Hyperthermic shift and cell engineering increase small extracellular vesicle production in HEK293F cells
Authors: Keysberg Christoph , Hertel Oliver , Hoffrogge Raimund , Reich Sibylle , Hornung Nadine , Holzmann Karlheinz , Otte Kerstin
Published: December 2023

Although small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have promising features as an emerging therapeutic format for a broad spectrum of applications, for example, blood–brain‐barrier permeability, low immunogenicity, and targeted delivery, economic manufacturability will be a crucial factor for the therapeutic applicability of sEVs. In the past, bioprocess optimization and cell line engineering improved titers of classical biologics multifold. We therefore performed a design of experiments (DoE) screening to identify beneficial bioprocess conditions for sEV production in HEK293F suspension cells. Short‐term hyperthermia at 40°C elevated volumetric productivity 5.4‐fold while sEVs displayed improved exosomal characteristics and cells retained >90% viability. Investigating the effects of hyperthermia via transcriptomics and proteomics analyses, an expectable, cellular heat‐shock response was found together with an upregulation of many exosome biogenesis and vesicle trafficking related molecules, which could cause the productivity boost in tandem with heat shock proteins (HSPs), like HSP90 and HSC70. Because of these findings, a selection of 44 genes associated with exosome biogenesis, vesicle secretion machinery, or heat‐shock response was screened for their influence on sEV production. Overexpression of six genes, CHMP1A, CHMP3, CHMP5, VPS28, CD82, and EZR, significantly increased both sEV secretion and titer, making them suitable targets for cell line engineering.
An ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of methotrexate and 7‐hydroxy‐methotrexate and application for therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Huo Jiping , Zhang Bo , Zhang Dongjie , Zhu Bin , Zhao Zhigang , Mei Shenghui
Published: December 2023

A method using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was developed, validated, and applied to simultaneously determine plasma methotrexate (MTX) and 7‐hydroxy‐methotrexate (7‐OH‐MTX) in 117 patients with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. The ion transitions utilized were m/z 455.2 > 308.2 for MTX and m/z 471.2 > 324.1 for 7‐OH‐MTX. Samples were prepared through protein precipitation using methanol. Chromatographic separation was achieved within 3.0 min on a CMS9030 column (Ruixi, 2.1 × 50 mm, 3 μm) through a gradient elution of methanol and a 10% ammonium acetate solution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. The method demonstrated linearity in the concentration range of 0.05–10 μM for MTX and 0.25–50 μM for 7‐OH‐MTX. The intra‐ and inter‐day inaccuracy ranged from –7.38% to 7.83%, and the imprecision was less than 6.00% for both analytes. The recovery and matrix effect normalized by the internal standard (MTX‐D3) remained consistent. Both analytes remained stable under nine different storage conditions. In patients with CNS lymphoma, MTX levels at 12 h and 7‐OH‐MTX levels at 12, 36, and 60 h after dosing in individuals with impaired renal function were significantly higher compared with those with normal renal function. 7‐OH‐MTX could potentially serve as a superior indicator for nephrotoxicity compared with MTX.
Development and Validation of a Fluorogenic Probe for Lysosomal Zinc Release
Authors: Shukla Adarash Kumar , Mahale Ashutosh , Choudhary Savita , Sharma Pravesh , Kulkarni Onkar Prakash , Bhattacharya Anupam
Published: December 2023

Zinc homeostasis, which allows optimal zinc utilization in diverse life processes, is responsible for the general well‐being of human beings. This paper describes developing and validating an easily accessible indole‐containing zinc‐specific probe in the cellular milieu. The probe was synthesized from readily available starting materials and was subjected to steady‐state fluorescence studies. It showed selective sensing behavior towards Zn2+ with reversible binding. The suppression of PET (Photoinduced Electron Transfer) and ESIPT (Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer) elicited selectivity, and the detection limit was 0.63 μM (LOQ 6.8 μM). The zinc sensing capability of the probe was also screened in the presence of low molecular weight ligands [LMWLs] and showed interference only with GSH and ATP. It is non‐toxic and can detect zinc in different cell lines under various stress conditions such as inflammation, hyperglycemia, and apoptosis. The probe could stain the early and late stages of apoptosis in PAN‐2 cells by monitoring the zinc release. Most experiments were conducted without external zinc supplementation, showing its innate ability to detect zinc.
Chronic constipation and acute small bowel obstruction due to small bowel encapsulation: A case report
Authors: Hajimirzaei Seyed Hossein , Abbasi Maryam , Alamdari Nasser Malekpour , Besharat Sara , Farsi Yeganeh , Gharib Atoosa , Seyyedi Mahdiyeh Sadat
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Peritoneal encapsulation is most of the time asymptomatic and is found incidentally, but when symptomatic it usually presents with bowel obstruction. CT scan is a gold standard for the diagnosis of bowel encapsulation.

Congenital peritoneal encapsulation (CPE), abdominal cocoon syndrome (ACS), and sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) are syndromes in which the small bowel is encapsulated. Small bowel encapsulation is usually asymptomatic and rarely presents with small bowel obstruction. In this article, we report a 65‐year‐old man who presented to our hospital with signs and symptoms of small bowel obstruction. He underwent an urgent operation, and small bowel encapsulation was diagnosed. One year after the surgery, all symptoms improved.
Polymorphism‐driven Distinct Nanomechanical, Optical, Photophysical, and Conducting Properties in a Benzothiophene‐quinoline
Authors: Bejoymohandas K. S. , Redhu Ashish , Sharma Chithra H. , SeethaLekshmi Sunil , Divya I. S. , Kiran M. S. R. N. , Thalakulam Madhu , Monti Filippo , Nair Rajesh V. , Varughese Sunil
Published: December 2023

Polymorphic forms of organic conjugated small molecules, with their unique molecular shapes, packing arrangements, and interaction patterns, provide an excellent opportunity to uncover how their microstructures influence their observable properties. Ethyl‐2‐(1‐benzothiophene‐2‐yl)quinoline‐4‐carboxylate (BZQ) exists as dimorphs with distinct crystal habits – blocks (BZB) and needles (BZN). The crystal forms differ in their molecular arrangements – BZB has a slip‐stacked column‐like structure in contrast to a zig‐zag crystal packing with limited π‐overlap in BZN. The BZB crystals characterized by extended π‐stacking along [100] demonstrated semiconductor behavior, whereas the BZN, with its zig‐zag crystal packing and limited stacking characteristics, was reckoned as an insulator. Monotropically related crystal forms also differ in their nanomechanical properties, with BZB crystals being considerably softer than BZN crystals. This discrepancy in mechanical behavior can be attributed to the distinct molecular arrangements adopted by each crystal form, resulting in unique mechanisms to relieve the strain generated during nanoindentation experiments. Waveguiding experiments on the acicular crystals of BZN revealed the passive waveguiding properties. Excitation of these crystals using a 532 nm laser confirmed the propagation of elastically scattered photons (green) and the subsequent generation of inelastically scattered (orange) photons by the crystals. Further, the dimorphs display dissimilar photoluminescence properties; they are both blue‐emissive, but BZN displays twice the quantum yield of BZB. The study underscores the integral role of polymorphism in modulating the mechanical, photophysical, and conducting properties of functional molecular materials. Importantly, our findings reveal the existence of light‐emitting crystal polymorphs with varying electric conductivity, a relatively scarce phenomenon in the literature.
Association between tongue pressure and oral status and activities of daily living in stroke patients admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation unit
Authors: Ninomiya Shizuka , Fujii Wataru , Matsumoto Erika , Yamaguchi Kiichiro , Hiratsuka Masao
Published: December 2023

Background

Clarifying how tongue pressure in convalescent stroke patients affects oral condition and activities of daily living (ADL) is important for developing oral rehabilitation programs and for rehabilitation care to reacquire ADL.

Objective

To clarify how tongue pressure is associated with oral status, ADL, and nutritional status in stroke patients.

Methods

Sixty‐eight patients aged 77.9 ± 10.0 years participated. The Japanese version of the Oral Health Assessment Tool was used to evaluate oral status. Data such as the ADL index functional independence measure (FIM), nutritional intake method, serum albumin, and body mass index were extracted from medical records. To examine factors associated with tongue pressure, multiple regression analysis was performed adjusting for confounding factors. The level of statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results

In recovery phase stroke patients, tongue pressure was significantly lower in the total assistance group than in the partial assistance/independent group. In addition, tongue pressure was significantly lower in tube feeding patients than in oral feeding patients. FIM cognition score was an independent factor that had a significant effect on tongue pressure.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ADL status also affects tongue pressure, thus patients' ADL including the FIM cognition subscale should also be evaluated while measuring tongue pressure.
Low cost and high performance double‐node upset resilient latch for low orbit space applications
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Mukherjee Atin
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes a double‐node upset complete resilient (DNUCR) latch to meet the requirements of low orbit space applications for high robustness, cost‐effectiveness, and high performance. With the help of its interlocked loops with multiple feedbacks consisting of C‐elements (CE), input splitting CEs, 1P‐2N and 2P‐1N elements, and inverters, the proposed DNUCR latch preserves the original data even after the radiation incident. Error injection simulations in Synopsys HSPICE show that the proposed DNUCR latch recovers from all DNUs and can withstand large amount of injected charge. The simulation outcomes further show that the proposed DNUCR latch outperforms existing DNU‐resilient latches in terms of delay, power consumption, and power–delay–area product (PDAP), with an average of 48% reduction in delay, 22% savings in power, and 60% reduction in PDAP. The proposed DNUCR latch is also found to be the best among the existing radiation‐hardened latches in terms of charge‐to‐PDAP ratio.
Mismatch error compensation of hybrid CS‐DAC to achieve high figure of merit utilizing on‐chip self‐healing assisted swap‐enabled randomization technique
Authors: Samanta Smrutilekha , Sarkar Santanu
Published: December 2023

The process and design variations during fabrication generate random mismatch‐induced nonlinearities in Current steering DACs (CS‐DACs), which are the main reason for performance degradation. Considering this, a mismatch error compensation method is highly desirable to boost both static and dynamic performances for the wide‐band CS‐DACs. To address this issue, an on‐chip self‐healing assisted swap‐enabled randomization technique (SASR) is proposed in this work for the Nyquist band CS‐DAC structures. This paper presents a robust hybrid CS‐DAC architecture to enhance both static and dynamic performances. The partial self‐healing method measures and recovers the mismatch current of the current cells. Further, to reduce the mismatch‐based nonlinear distortions, swap‐enabled randomization technique is adopted. This enhances the high‐frequency spurious‐free dynamic range (SFDR) values by mitigating inter and intra‐segment mismatch errors. A higher figure of merit (FoM) is obtained for 10‐bit CS‐DAC architecture utilizing the proposed SASR technique compared with state‐of‐the‐art DACs, which indicates the suitability for higher precision and high‐speed CS‐DAC structures.
Understanding temporal variability across trophic levels and spatial scales in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Siqueira Tadeu , Hawkins Charles P. , Olden Julian D. , Tonkin Jonathan , Comte Lise , Saito Victor S. , Anderson Thomas L. , Barbosa Gedimar P. , Bonada Núria , Bonecker Claudia C. , Cañedo‐Argüelles Miguel , Datry Thibault , Flinn Michael B. , Fortuño Pau , Gerrish Gretchen A. , Haase Peter , Hill Matthew J. , Hood James M. , Huttunen Kaisa‐Leena , Jeffries Michael J. , Muotka Timo , O'Donnell Daniel R. , Paavola Riku , Paril Petr , Paterson Michael J. , Patrick Christopher J. , Perbiche‐Neves Gilmar , Rodrigues Luzia C. , Schneider Susanne C. , Straka Michal , Ruhi Albert
Published: December 2023

A tenet of ecology is that temporal variability in ecological structure and processes tends to decrease with increasing spatial scales (from locales to regions) and levels of biological organization (from populations to communities). However, patterns in temporal variability across trophic levels and the mechanisms that produce them remain poorly understood. Here we analyzed the abundance time series of spatially structured communities (i.e., metacommunities) spanning basal resources to top predators from 355 freshwater sites across three continents. Specifically, we used a hierarchical partitioning method to disentangle the propagation of temporal variability in abundance across spatial scales and trophic levels. We then used structural equation modeling to determine if the strength and direction of relationships between temporal variability, synchrony, biodiversity, and environmental and spatial settings depended on trophic level and spatial scale. We found that temporal variability in abundance decreased from producers to tertiary consumers but did so mainly at the local scale. Species population synchrony within sites increased with trophic level, whereas synchrony among communities decreased. At the local scale, temporal variability in precipitation and species diversity were associated with population variability (linear partial coefficient, β = 0.23) and population synchrony (β = −0.39) similarly across trophic levels, respectively. At the regional scale, community synchrony was not related to climatic or spatial predictors, but the strength of relationships between metacommunity variability and community synchrony decreased systematically from top predators (β = 0.73) to secondary consumers (β = 0.54), to primary consumers (β = 0.30) to producers (β = 0). Our results suggest that mobile predators may often stabilize metacommunities by buffering variability that originates at the base of food webs. This finding illustrates that the trophic structure of metacommunities, which integrates variation in organismal body size and its correlates, should be considered when investigating ecological stability in natural systems. More broadly, our work advances the notion that temporal stability is an emergent property of ecosystems that may be threatened in complex ways by biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation.
Grassland sensitivity to drought is related to functional composition across East Asia and North America
Authors: Song Lin , Griffin‐Nolan Robert J. , Muraina Taofeek O. , Chen Jiaqi , Te Niwu , Shi Yuan , Whitney Kenneth D. , Zhang Bingchuan , Yu Qiang , Smith Melinda D. , Zuo Xiaoan , Wang Zhengwen , Knapp Alan K. , Han Xingguo , Collins Scott L. , Luo Wentao
Published: December 2023

Plant traits can be helpful for understanding grassland ecosystem responses to climate extremes, such as severe drought. However, intercontinental comparisons of how drought affects plant functional traits and ecosystem functioning are rare. The Extreme Drought in Grasslands experiment (EDGE) was established across the major grassland types in East Asia and North America (six sites on each continent) to measure variability in grassland ecosystem sensitivity to extreme, prolonged drought. At all sites, we quantified community‐weighted mean functional composition and functional diversity of two leaf economic traits, specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content, in response to drought. We found that experimental drought significantly increased community‐weighted means of specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content at all North American sites and at the wetter East Asian sites, but drought decreased community‐weighted means of these traits at moderate to dry East Asian sites. Drought significantly decreased functional richness but increased functional evenness and dispersion at most East Asian and North American sites. Ecosystem drought sensitivity (percentage reduction in aboveground net primary productivity) positively correlated with community‐weighted means of specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content and negatively correlated with functional diversity (i.e., richness) on an intercontinental scale, but results differed within regions. These findings highlight both broad generalities but also unique responses to drought of community‐weighted trait means as well as their functional diversity across grassland ecosystems.
Determination in the efficiency of the use of essential oils of oregano and hop as antioxidants in deep frying processes
Authors: López Paloma Lucía , Juncos Nicolle Stefani , Grosso Nelson Rubén , Olmedo Rubén Horacio
Published: December 2023

The aim is to evaluate the antioxidant efficiency of oregano essential oils (OEOs) and hops essential oils (HEOs) in a deep frying process of high‐oleic peanuts in high‐oleic peanut oil. There is no information available regarding the antioxidant behavior in deep frying. A combined vegetable oil/food system with high levels of lipids is susceptible to oxidation. High‐oleic peanut oil and high‐oleic peanuts are susceptible to oxidation involved in frying. The antioxidant effect of HEO and OEO was proved in frying peanut process (170°C) in peanut oil enriched at 0.02% p/p and compared with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (0.02%) and control (without additives) during 8 h. Chemical oxidation indicators and volatile compounds were measured. 2,5‐Dimethylpyrazine (2,5‐DMP) and descriptive sensory analysis were measured in fried peanuts. High‐oleic peanut and oil are very stable in a frying process. OEOs and HEOs protected against the deterioration of the high‐oleic peanut oil: Peroxide value was 3.7, 2.8, 3.1, and 1.3 meq O2 kg−1 for control, BHT, HOP, and OEO, respectively. The addition of essential oils (EO) maintained the 2,5‐DMP in the fried peanuts. The use of EO of oregano and hop improves the stability of high‐oleic frying oil.

Practical Applications: Deep frying processes generate the deterioration of the vegetable oils used for cooking food. This deterioration reduces the shelf life of the frying oil and the quality of the food, even generating compounds that are toxic to the health of consumers. Antioxidants are used as measures that can help to reduce spoilage, but synthetics are being questioned. Natural products offer an alternative and essential oils, due to their high hydrophobic interaction with the oils, generate a strong interaction, remaining in the frying oil for its protection even at high‐temperature thermal processes. This alternative is a possibility because of the protection it generates in the deep frying process.
In Situ Grown Cu‐Metal–Organic Frameworks on Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4) as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting
Authors: Shakoor Sabir Abdul , Pervaiz Erum , Sohail Umair
Published: December 2023

Creating an economical, and highly active catalyst poses the greatest challenge in achieving an effective water‐splitting process. To address this challenge, investigating metal–organic framework (MOF) materials holds immense promise. However, pure MOFs show limited conductivity, and durability for water splitting. This research aims to study modifying pure MOF with 2D material to alter the morphology and the electrocatalytic capabilities of both compounds, benefiting from the synergistic interplay between the two constituent materials. The authors have devised a synthesis strategy to modify the nanoscale Cu‐MOF‐based catalyst with graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4). Hybrids of 5, 10, and 15 mg of g‐C3N4 embedded in Cu–MOF are prepared and studied for over all water‐splitting in alkaline media. 15 mg g‐C3N4 hybrid needs only 131 mV of overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 and has a Tafel value of 59 mV dec−1. This also shows very good OER performance needing only 185 mV of overpotential and a Tafel value of 53 mV dec−1 and is stable for a more extended period. The improved performance can be attributed to exposed active sites, increased ability of charge transfer, highly porous nanostructure, and high stability. The results indicate that hybrids combining MOFs with 2D material hold great potential as economical and effective electrocatalysts for comprehensive water splitting.
Does the Oil Price Slump Cause a Cleaner Energy Transition during Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Italy? Fresh Evidence from Quantile and Wavelet Coherency Analyses
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo , Mele Marco , Quarto Angelo
Published: December 2023

The aim of the article is to analyze the evolution of oil prices and renewable energy production in Italy during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic crisis with daily data for the period January 2020–September 2020 through new time series techniques (wavelet coherency analysis and quantile coherency analysis). The applied results show that disaggregated renewable energy sources (solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal) drive oil prices positively, with the exemption of biomass, which drives oil prices negatively in the long term. Establishing a link between renewable energies and oil prices allows significant policy recommendations, given the geopolitical framework and the energy national budget.
Pattern unlocking guided multi‐modal continuous authentication for smartphone with multi‐branch context‐aware representation learning and auto encoder
Authors: Yao Muyan , Jin Zuodong , Gao Ruipeng , Qi Peng , Tao Dan
Published: December 2023

Widely accepted explicit authentication protocols are vulnerable to a series of attacks, for example, shoulder surfing and smudge attacks, leaving users with the constant burden of periodic password changes. As such, we propose a novel framework for continuous authentication on smartphones. This approach is guided by pattern unlocking, which is widely used and will not cause learning cost. After collecting multi‐modal data that describe both behavioral and contextual information, we employ a multi‐branch context‐aware attention network as the representation learner to perform feature extraction, then an auto encoder is then used for authentication. To overcome challenges, including cold‐start and few‐shot training, which is less discussed in other works, we incorporate transfer learning with a coarse‐to‐fine pre‐training workflow. Additionally, we deploy a hierarchical approach to offload model tuning overhead from smartphones. Extensive experiments on more than 68 000 real‐world recordings validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, with an EER (equal error rate) of 2.472% under mixed contexts, which consistently outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches under both static and mixed contexts.
Evaluation of rheological, textural, and sensory characteristics of optimized vegan rice puddings prepared by various plant‐based milks
Authors: Karimidastjerd Atefeh , Gulsunoglu‐Konuskan Zehra , Olum Emine , Toker Omer Said
Published: December 2023

Nowadays, plant‐based milks are being considered as an alternative to dairy milk due to their advantages, such as sustainability, reduced allergenicity, health benefits, and lactose‐free nature. Plant‐based milks are widely used in the preparation of desserts, cheese‐like products, and beverages, among other applications. The aim of the present study was to formulate vegan rice puddings using various commercially available plant‐based milks as a sustainable alternative to dairy milk. For this aim, central composition design was applied to optimize the key processing parameters of the Thermomix®, including temperature (80–90°C), time (6–14 min), and the amount of rice flour (6–10%, w/v), using response surface methodology (RSM). According to the RSM results, the optimum conditions were found to be 90°C for 12.5 min with 6.5% rice flour, as they exhibited minimal phase separation and similar rheological and textural properties to dairy rice pudding. Soya milk pudding had the highest hardness value among the other plant‐based milk puddings, and whole fat milk, soya, oat, coconut, and cow's milks showed the best gel unity, according to the cohesiveness results. Phase separation, an important parameter for storage stability, was not observed during 7‐day storage at 4°C in all groups, except for pistachio milk rice pudding. Rheological results demonstrated that all vegan pudding samples exhibited a gel‐like structure with storage modulus (G′) exceeding loss modulus (G″) values. According to the descriptive sensory evaluation, coconut, oat, and soya milk rice puddings received the highest scores in overall acceptability. Our findings suggest that industrial plant‐based rice puddings have great potential as a novel product that meets the dietary needs of the vegan community by offering acceptable flavor and texture.