bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano‐Metal–Organic Frameworks Isolated in Mesoporous Structures
Authors: Zhang Songtao , Li Yuan , Zhuang Xiaoli , Hu Yaxun , Xu Kun , Zhang Guangxun , Pi Yecan , Tang Yijian , Hu Jinliang , Zang Rui , Qiu Ziming , Zhou Huijie , Yu Feng , Shakouri Mohsen , Pang Huan
Published: January 2025

As an alternative to bulk counterparts, metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles isolated within conductive mesoporous carbon matrices are of increasing interest for electrochemical applications. Although promising, a “clean” carbon surface is generally associated with poor compatibility and weak interactions with metal/ligand precursors, which leads to the growth of MOFs with inhomogeneous particle sizes on outer pore walls. Here, a general methodology for in situ synthesis of eight nanoMOF composites within mesochannels with high dispersity and stability are reported. Mesoporous polydopamine (mesoPDA)‐F127 nanospheres with unique surface chemistry, e.g., nanoconfined spaces, catechol functional groups, pyrrolic N doping, and hydrophilic PEO blocks, are found to be a suitable molecular platform. Sliced cross‐sectional TEM, HAADF‐STEM, and corresponding EDS elemental mapping, as well as nitrogen adsorption characterizations, are utilized to visualize the in situ growth process of ZIF‐8 nanoparticles. These careful analyses provides direct evidence that the highly dispersed ZIF‐8 is exclusively located inside the internal mesochannels. After moderate carbonization of the mesoPDA‐F127/ZIF‐8 nanocomposites, a prototype for a mesoporous carbon‐isolated ZIF‐8 nanostructure is achieved, which can regulate Zn2+ plating electrochemistry toward stable aqueous Zn batteries. This is the first report of the complete impregnation and even dispersion of nanoscale MOFs within the interior channels of mesoporous carbons.
Unveiling the Aging Effect at the Interface of N719 Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Adhikari Sunita G. , Gascooke Jason R. , Kloo Lars , Andersson Gunther G.
Published: January 2025

The energy‐generating charge transportation in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) occurs at the photoanode interface, and degradation at the interface can severely impact the cell performance. The study investigates the degradation of DSSCs and the main factors causing the decrease in cell performance over time. The DSSCs investigated here maintain their stability in the dark but upon light exposure, the cell degraded. The surface‐sensitive techniques X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and neutral impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (NICISS) are employed to investigate the change in the elemental and chemical composition at the electrode interface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is applied to investigate the change in functional groups throughout the dye TiO2 interface. The XPS and NICISS results confirm the penetration of Ix− (x = 1 or 3) species into the dye layer as the main reason for cell degradation. FTIR and UV–vis DRS show the interaction of electrolytes with the dye molecule resulting in changes in the dye structure under light resulting in cell degradation. The main reason for the cell degradation observed is the penetration of Ix− into the dye layer which further instigates changes in the dye molecule affecting the light absorption ability of the dye and thus, decreasing the generation of photoelectrons resulting in poor performance of the cell over time.
Single‐Step Fabrication of a 3D Stretchable Inductor with Multi‐jet Modeling Printing Technology
Authors: Ahn Jung‐Bin , Yoo Byungseok , Pines Darryll J. , Lazarus Nathan , Bowen David , Kim Soaram
Published: January 2025

The development of flexible and stretchable electronic devices is crucial for advanced electronics, which necessitate inductors with stable performance under deformation. This work presents the fabrication of stretchable polymeric matrices for 3D inductors through a single‐step method via additive manufacturing. A multi‐jet modeling (MJM) type 3D printer is used to print a stretchable and rigid hybrid matrix by leveraging the features of high‐resolution and multi‐component printing techniques. Owing to the presence of access channels designed in multiple directions, the coil channel shows a clean and smooth surface with uniformity. A room‐temperature liquid metal, the eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) alloy, is encapsulated in the designated channels without any leakage under mechanical deformation. Electrical performance tests demonstrate that the MJM‐printed solenoid and toroid inductors maintain stable performance under bending and stretching deformations, which is suitable for soft electronic applications. Additionally, a flexible helical structured inductor is fabricated and tested as a wireless power receiver inductor. It generated an output voltage of more than 10 V, sufficient to power a red LED light bulb. These results highlight the simplicity and effectiveness of multi‐jet 3D printing for fabricating a stretchable and rigid hybrid matrix for the inductors at once, with excellent mechanical deformability and electrical performance.
Confined MnO Nanoparticles Within Thin Carbon Tubes: Sustained Catalysts for the Synthesis of Biomass‐Derived Diol Polymer Platforms
Authors: You Sijin , Jung Hanbyeol , Jang June Young , Lee Jong Doo , Son Seung Uk
Published: January 2025

This work suggests a synthetic strategy for the development of durable metal oxide heterogeneous nanocatalysts used for the conversion of biomass into polymer platforms. MnO2 nanowires are coated with conjugated microporous polymers. Successive calcination under argon results in the generation of MnO nanoparticles confined within carbon tubes (CTs). The resultant MnO@CTs show good catalytic performance in the transesterification of dimethyl furan dicarboxylate with various diols to polymer platforms, furan diols. While commercial MnO nanoparticles show poor durability, due to their facile aggregation, the optimal MnO@CT‐1 shows excellent recyclability and durability.
ACSL1 Aggravates Thromboinflammation by LPC/LPA Metabolic Axis in Hyperlipidemia Associated Myocardial Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Lin Xueguang , Chen Bo , Chen Gang , Kwan Kristine J.S. , Liu Jing , Sun Qi , Wang Jie , Lu Yijie , Tong Jindong , Deng Ying , Yu Bo , Tang Jingdong
Published: January 2025

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with well‐established metabolic risk factors, especially hyperlipidemia and obesity. Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury (mIRI) significantly offsets the therapeutic efficacy of revascularization. Previous studies indicated that disrupted lipid homeostasis can lead to lipid peroxidation damage and inflammation, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, the study demonstrates that hyperlipidemia is a key driver of mIRI. Long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) is upregulated in both hyperlipidemia and AMI patients. ACSL1 expression is induced by a high‐fat microenvironment (oxLDL and palmitic acid) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Interestingly, the protein level is positively correlated with total cholesterol level and thromboinflammatory biomarkers. Furthermore, ACSL1 reprogrammed lipid metabolism in monocytes, leading to the accumulation of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)/lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The monocytic LPC/LPA axis accelerated lipid peroxidation and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)‐induced thromboinflammation via the paracrine effect. The main LPA producer Autotaxinis is also induced under high‐fat conditions and then exerts thromboinflammation response through converted LPC to LPA. Finally, ACSL1 knockdown or NETs release inhibitor (DNase I or GSK484) significantly alleviated mIRI in mice. These findings highlight ACSL1 and NETosis as potential key targets for preventing mIRI and underscore the lipid peroxidation in the mechanisms of ACSL1‐mediated thromboinflammation.
An Insect Effector Mimics Its Host Immune Regulator to Undermine Plant Immunity
Authors: Fu Jianmei , Li Shuai , Li jing , Zhao Zhichang , Li Jing , Tan Xinyang , Yu Shan , Jing Maofeng , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan , Fang Jichao , Ji Rui
Published: January 2025

Plants activate defense machinery when infested by herbivorous insects but avoid such costs in the absence of herbivory. However, the key signaling pathway regulators underlying such flexibility and the mechanisms that insects exploit these components to disarm plant defense systems remain elusive. Here, it is reported that immune repressor 14‐3‐3e in rice Oryza sativa (OsGF14e) regulates immune homeostasis. Infestation with brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens decreased OsGF14e expression; however, the level of downregulation is limited both by the short duration and the specific feeding location. OsGF14e interacts with Enhanced Disease Resistance 1‐like (OsEDR1l), a Raf‐like MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK), and repressed jasmonic acid, jasmonic acid‐isoleucine, and H2O2 accumulation by enhancing OsEDR1l abundance and signaling ability. OsGF14e and OsEDR1l overexpression renders rice susceptible to BPH, whereas their knockout increases plant resistance but compromises rice growth and grain yield. Intriguingly, BPH 14‐3‐3e protein (Nl14) that shares high sequence homology and structural similarity with OsGF14e is identified from BPH saliva and egg‐associated secretions. Mediated through BPH feeding and oviposition, Nl14, similar to OsGF14e, interacts with OsEDR1l and triggers the OsEDR1l signaling, thereby suppressing plant defenses and facilitating BPH infestation. Apparently, structural and functional mimicry makes it possible for this newly discovered BPH effector to exploit rice OsGF14e‐EDR1l immune suppression module. The results reveal a novel mechanism deployed by herbivorous insects, in a manner similar to certain pathogen effectors, to evade host plant defenses by mimicking host immune regulators.
Organizational Principles of the Primate Cerebral Cortex at the Single‐Cell Level
Authors: Chen Renrui , Nie Pengxing , Ma Liangxiao , Wang Guang‐Zhong
Published: January 2025

The primate cerebral cortex, the major organ for cognition, consists of an immense number of neurons. However, the organizational principles governing these neurons remain unclear. By accessing the single‐cell spatial transcriptome of over 25 million neuron cells across the entire macaque cortex, it is discovered that the distribution of neurons within cortical layers is highly non‐random. Strikingly, over three‐quarters of these neurons are located in distinct neuronal clusters. Within these clusters, different cell types tend to collaborate rather than function independently. Typically, excitatory neuron clusters mainly consist of excitatory‐excitatory combinations, while inhibitory clusters primarily contain excitatory‐inhibitory combinations. Both cluster types have roughly equal numbers of neurons in each layer. Importantly, most excitatory and inhibitory neuron clusters form spatial partnerships, indicating a balanced local neuronal network and correlating with specific functional regions. These organizational principles are conserved across mouse cortical regions. These findings suggest that different brain regions of the cortex may exhibit similar mechanisms at the neuronal population level.
Unveiling a Tunable Moiré Bandgap in Bilayer Graphene/hBN Device by Angle‐Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: Xiao Hanbo , Gao Han , Li Min , Chen Fanqiang , Li Qiao , Li Yiwei , Li Can , Wang Meixiao , Zhu Fangyuan , Yang Lexian , Wang Shiyong , Miao Feng , Chen Yulin , Chen Cheng , Cheng Bin , Liu Jianpeng , Liu Zhongkai
Published: January 2025

Over the years, great efforts have been devoted in introducing a sizable and tunable band gap in graphene for its potential application in next‐generation electronic devices. The primary challenge in modulating this gap has been the absence of a direct method for observing changes of the band gap in momentum space. In this study, advanced spatial‐ and angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy technique is employed to directly visualize the gap formation in bilayer graphene, modulated by both displacement fields and moiré potentials. The application of displacement field via in situ electrostatic gating introduces a sizable and tunable electronic bandgap, proportional to the field strength up to 100 meV. Meanwhile, the moiré potential, induced by aligning the underlying hexagonal boron nitride substrate, extends the bandgap by ≈20 meV. Theoretical calculations effectively capture the experimental observations. This investigation provides a quantitative understanding of how these two mechanisms collaboratively modulate the band gap in bilayer graphene, offering valuable guidance for the design of graphene‐based electronic devices.
Optimizing Biomimetic 3D Disordered Fibrous Network Structures for Lightweight, High‐Strength Materials via Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yang Yunhao , Bai Runnan , Gao Wenli , Cao Leitao , Ren Jing , Shao Zhengzhong , Ling Shengjie
Published: January 2025

3D disordered fibrous network structures (3D‐DFNS), such as cytoskeletons, collagen matrices, and spider webs, exhibit remarkable material efficiency, lightweight properties, and mechanical adaptability. Despite their widespread in nature, the integration into engineered materials is limited by the lack of study on their complex architectures. This study addresses the challenge by investigating the structure‐property relationships and stability of biomimetic 3D‐DFNS using large datasets generated through procedural modeling, coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations, and machine learning. Based on these datasets, a network deep reinforcement learning (N‐DRL) framework is developed to optimize its stability, effectively balancing weight reduction with the maintenance of structural integrity. The results reveal a pronounced correlation between the total fiber length in 3D‐DFNS and its mechanical properties, where longer fibers enhance stress distribution and stability. Additionally, fiber orientation is also considered as a potential factor influencing stress growth values. Furthermore, the N‐DRL model demonstrates superior performance compared to traditional approaches in optimizing network stability while minimizing mass and computational cost. Structural integrity is significantly improved through the addition of triple junctions and the reduction of higher‐order nodes. In summary, this study leverages machine learning to optimize biomimetic 3D‐DFNS, providing novel insights into the design of lightweight, high‐strength materials.
High‐Coordination and Nb‐Bridging of Bimetallic Amorphous P6‐Nb‐W‐P5 Clusters in Carbon Nanospheres for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Hu Shuxiao , Liu Baoquan , Zeng Fanyan , Pan Yang , Ma Dui , Xie Meilan , Luo Shenglian
Published: January 2025

Amorphous clusters are gaining prominence as prospective hosts for sodium‐ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs), but their efficacy is still affected by atomic coordination. Optimization of ion storage and charge transport can be achieved through high coordination and bimetallic configurations. Herein, high‐coordination amorphous P6‐Nb‐W‐P5 (Nb/W‐P) clusters are skillfully tailored by bridging Nb into the second shell of W in the W‐P5 configuration, nested in situ in conductive and stable N, P co‐doped carbon nanospheres (Nb/W‐P@NPC). Such clusters with high atom utilization can offer profuse Na+ storage sites due to their high coordination. As an electron donor, Nb‐bridging can subtly modify the electronic structure of clusters, and broaden the hybridization of d‐p orbitals, thus improving charge transfer efficiency and fostering diversified active sites. Compared with the low‐coordinated W‐PL@NPC and the high‐coordinated W‐P@NPC, the reversible capacity of Nb/W‐P@NPC upgrades to 556.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, alongside exceptional cycling stability at high rates. When integrated into SIHCs, the high energy density and high‐power output (223.6 and 9800 W kg−1) are achieved. By systematically exploring the effect of high coordination and bimetallic design on the storage efficacies of amorphous clusters, this study has greatly advanced the development of SIHC technologies.
Effect of in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes combined with exercise training on neurorepair in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Talifu Zuliyaer , Xu Xin , Du Huayong , Li Zehui , Wang Xiaoxin , Zhang Chunjia , Pan Yunzhu , Ke Han , Liu Wubo , Gao Feng , Yang Degang , Jing Yingli , Yu Yan , Du Liangjie , Li Jianjun
Published: January 2025

Background

The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate and of axons to establish new functional connections leads to permanent functional deficits after spinal cord injury (SCI). Although astrocyte reprogramming holds promise for neurorepair in various disease models, it is not sufficient on its own to achieve significant functional recovery.

Methods

A rat SCI model was established using a spinal cord impactor. Seven days postsurgery, adeno‐associated virus were injected to overexpress the transcription factors NeuroD1 and Neurogenin‐2 (Ngn2) in the spinal cord. The rats were then trained to walk on a weight‐supported treadmill for 4 weeks, starting 14 days after modeling. The effects of these interventions on motor and sensory functions, as well as spinal cord tissue repair, were subsequently evaluated.

Results

The combination of NeuroD1 and Ngn2 overexpression with weight‐supported exercise training significantly improved gait compared to either intervention alone. The group receiving the combined intervention exhibited enhanced sensitivity in sensory assessments. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed increased colocalization of astrocytes and microtubule‐associated protein 2–positive neurons in the injury area. These effects were more pronounced than those observed with spinal cord tissue repair alone. Additionally, the combined intervention significantly reduced glial scarring and the size of the injury area.

Conclusion

Exercise intervention enhances the reprogramming effects of astrocytes and restores motor function, yielding better results than either intervention alone.
Effectively simplified Adriamycin‐induced chronic kidney disease mouse model: Retro‐orbital vein injection versus tail‐vein injection
Authors: Watanabe Masaki , Takimoto Hayato R. , Hashimoto Kazuki , Ishii Yuki , Sasaki Nobuya
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to investigate the impact of administration routes in establishing the Adriamycin (ADR)‐induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) model. Using BALB/c mice, we compared the effects of conventional tail‐vein injection (TV10, 10 mg/kg) to those of retro‐orbital sinus (orbital vein) injection (OV10, 10 mg/kg; OV8, 8 mg/kg). The results indicated that the OV10 group exhibited CKD pathology similar to the TV10 group, with both groups demonstrating significantly higher urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (p < 0.05), tubular injury (p < 0.05), and degree of renal fibrosis (p < 0.05) than the OV8 group. No significant differences were observed between the OV10 and TV10 groups in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, tubular injury, and degree of renal fibrosis. These findings demonstrated that retro‐orbital administration of 10 mg/kg ADR induces comparable effects to conventional tail‐vein administration. This technique's technical simplicity may improve experimental efficiency, reproducibility, and animal welfare in CKD research. In conclusion, this study validates the utility of retro‐orbital injection in CKD model establishment, demonstrating its potential to standardize and improve the reliability of future CKD research protocols.
Determination of H0$H_{0}$ and rd$r_d$ in Horava–Lifshitz Gravity Using DESI‐Y1 and SDSS‐IV Dataset: Alleviating the Hubble Tension
Authors: Chaudhary Himanshu , Debnath Ujjal , Pacif S. K. J. , Mustafa G.
Published: January 2025

Observational data are used from Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (DESI‐Y1 and SDSS‐IV), the sample, and Cosmic Chronometers measurements to constrain key cosmological parameters within the framework of Hořava‐Lifshitz (HL) gravity. Specifically, the posterior distribution of Hubble constant (), the sound horizon (), and the running parameter is extracted, which governs the flow between the UV and Infra‐Red (IR) regimes. By treating as a free parameter, this approach remains independent of early‐Universe and recombination assumptions. These analysis yields , suggesting that the HL gravity model alleviates the Hubble tension, reducing the discrepancy from more than (between Planck and Riess) to approximately . Additionally, the model predicts , in alignment with values reported by the DESI‐Y1, and , which is in close agreement with the value predicted by the Planck collaboration. The spatial curvature parameter is , consistent with predictions from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP), suggesting a flat Universe. Additionally, the running parameter is constrained to lie near its IR limit (), indicating a restoration of Lorentz invariance at cosmological scales and a behavior close to General Relativity. The viability of the Hořava–Lifshitz model is evaluated in comparison to the standard model using various Statistical Metrics.
The Impact of Ionic Liquids on the Thermomechanical and Biological Properties of Polymer‐CNT Composites
Authors: Ahmad Aqeel , Nazar Masooma , Mahmood Hamayoun , Sharif Faiza , Al‐Hamouz Othman Charles S. , Moniruzzaman Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites that incorporate hydroxyapatite (HA) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) exhibit significant potential for biomedical applications. Despite this, getting MWCNTs evenly distributed throughout the PEEK matrix remains challenging. This study investigates the effects of two ionic liquids (ILs) at varying quantities on the mechanical and biological characteristics of composites made of PEEK and MWCNTs. The concentrations of IL [EMIM]HSO4 (1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate) and IL [BMIM]Ac (1‐methyl‐3‐butylimidazolium acetate) varied from 0.5 to 2 wt% to modify the MWCNTs. The modified MWCNTs were combined with PEEK and HA by melt‐blending and thermal compression to create PEEK/MWCNTs/HA composite sheets. FESEM and optical micrographs showed ILs‐modified MWCNTs dispersed homogeneously in PEEK. The composites of PEEK and MWCNTs that included 1 wt% [BMIM]Ac degraded at the maximum temperature (580.89°C) and provided the elastic modulus that was 35% greater than that of non‐IL composites. The Alamar blue assay investigation confirmed that inclusion of HA to PEEK composites improved the cells viability (more than 80%). The results showed that ILs‐based methods are environmentally friendly, and promising way to treat PEEK and HA for uniform MWCNTs dispersion, which could have future in biological applications.
Coaxially Electrocentrifugally Spun Ciprofloxacin/Paclitaxel‐Loaded Pullulan/PLGA Core/Sheath Nanofibers and Their In Vitro Cytotoxic Efficacy Toward Melanoma Cells
Authors: Das Kuhelika , Xu Huaizhong , Gu Jincheng , Sakurai Shinichi , Tiwari Vikas , Banerjee Sanjay K. , Katiyar Vimal
Published: January 2025

The study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of ciprofloxacin (CIP)/paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded pullulan/poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) core/sheath nanofibers using the highly efficient coaxial electrocentrifugal spinning (ECS) technique. In contrast to conventional coaxial electrospinning, the in‐house developed coaxial ECS setup used in this study effectively tackled the nozzle cleaning issue. In this study, core/sheath nanofibers with varying core‐to‐sheath ratio were fabricated, demonstrating suitable mechanical properties for use in biomedical applications. The primary objective was to determine the effect of core‐to‐sheath ratio on mechanical properties and dual drug release kinetics of the nanofibers. Additionally, the in vitro drug release study demonstrated simultaneous release profiles of CIP from the core and PTX from the sheath. The nanofibers exhibited initial burst release of 6 h, followed by controlled release, making them suitable for targeted therapeutic applications. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity analysis demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic efficacy of the combination of CIP and PTX toward human melanoma A375 cells. The dual drug‐loaded 23G/1 mm and 21G/1 mm nanofibers demonstrated 65.37% ± 1.96% and 67.82% ± 1.31% melanoma cell viability after 72 h, indicating significant cytotoxicity. This further highlights the possible potentiality of the nanofibers toward melanoma treatment and their application as dual drug delivery systems with tunable drug release properties.
Alginate‐Based Hydrogel Nanocomposites With CuS Nanoparticles Incorporation for NIR‐II Photothermal Therapy of Melanoma and Wound Healing
Authors: Yin Xiuzhao , Fan Taojian , Zheng Nannan , Yang Jing , Ji Tao , Yan Li , He Shuqing , Ai Fujin , Hu Junqing
Published: January 2025

Copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuS NPs) is a promising and efficient photothermal agent, which is widely utilized for cancer therapy. Thus, hyperstable CuS NPs with strong absorbance in second near infrared (NIR‐II) biowindow were prepared by solvent thermal method, which demonstrated good stability and biocompatibility, with deeper tissue penetration of NIR‐II light for photothermal therapy in comparison to that of first near infrared (NIR‐I) biowindow. Subsequently, CuS@Hydrogel was constructed by incorporation of CuS NPs in Ca2+ ions crosslinked sodium alginate to form three‐dimension hydrogel. CuS NPs are homogeneously dispersed in CuS@Hydrogel nanocomposite with the advantages of good photothermal properties and low toxicity. CuS@Hydrogel can effectively treat postoperative melanoma with wound healing ability through the function of photothermal effect. The photo‐induced thermal effect can efficaciously contribute to the elimination of residual tumor tissue. Furthermore, the hydrogel composite can also accelerate to cure the wound of mice due to the surgical removal of tumor. This novel biofunctional hydrogel platform can provide a significant candidate for the inhibition of local tumor recurrence and skin regeneration after surgical treatment of melanoma.
Development and Application of Utility Operating Metrics for Customer Affordability
Authors: Matichich Mike , Green Zachary , Crea Joe , Berahzer Stacey Isaac , Rothstein Eric P. , Roth Frank
Published: January 2025

Key Takeaways

A challenging balance must be struck for utilities between providing water for public health and keeping water providers financially afloat with fairness to all ratepayers.

Several operating metrics are available to help utilities better address water affordability by analyzing customer financial data in real time.

Reporting affordability metrics supports utilities, and the water industry broadly, in identifying struggling communities and responding to key trends affecting them.
Ultrahochfester Beton für die Instandsetzung und Verstärkung von Brücken
Authors: Schmidt Michael , Leutbecher Torsten , Fehling Ekkehard , Middendorf Bernhard
Published: January 2025

Eine zunehmende Zahl an Straßenbrücken in Deutschland weist Defizite hinsichtlich Standsicherheit und Dauerhaftigkeit auf. Ein Ersatz der Bauwerke durch Neubauten ist kostenintensiv und bindet erhebliche materielle und personelle Ressourcen, die angesichts der Größe der zu bewältigenden Aufgabe in dem notwendigen Umfang kaum zur Verfügung stehen werden. Wie ein Blick in die Nachbarländer zeigt, stellt die Instandsetzung bzw. Verstärkung von Brückenüberbauten mittels dünner bewehrter Deckschichten aus ultrahochfestem Beton (UHFB) eine kostengünstige und dauerhafte Alternative zum Ersatzneubau dar. Die besondere Eignung von UHFB für dieses Einsatzgebiet resultiert aus der Dichtigkeit seines Gefüges und seines Widerstands gegen jede Form chemischen und physikalischen Angriffs, sodass UHFB ohne weitere Schutzmaßnahmen auch im Fahrbahnbereich eingesetzt werden kann. Darin und in seinen mechanischen Eigenschaften unterscheidet sich UHFB grundlegend von normalfestem und hochfestem Beton. Im ersten Teil dieses Beitrags werden die vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von UHFB im Brückenbestand vorgestellt und seine besonderen stofflichen Eigenschaften erläutert. Der vorliegende zweite Beitragsteil behandelt die Herstellung des UHFB, die Bauausführung und die Qualitätssicherung. Wie bei Teil 1 können die Informationen als Grundlage für eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall, für die Entwicklung oder Ergänzung technischer Regelwerke und für die Gestaltung des Bauvertrags genutzt werden.
Antibacterial hydrogel: The sniper of chronic wounds
Authors: Bian Shengtai , Ye Huijun , Wang Pan , Li Changxing , Guo Xutao , Guan Ming , Feng Shilun
Published: January 2025

Chronic wounds are wounds that are difficult to heal or do not follow the normal healing process. These include pressure ulcers, diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, and arterial incomplete ulcers. Unlike acute wounds, chronic wounds are often difficult to heal or even do not heal. Its pathogenesis involves many factors; bacterial infection is the main cause of chronic wound. With the increase in population aging, the incidence of chronic wounds has become a critical issue in the current medical and health field. Management of chronic wounds is faced with the problems of long treatment time, difficulty, high cost, repeated attacks and high disability rate, which seriously threaten patients' ability to take care of themselves in normal life and cause a heavy burden to individuals, families and society. Over the past few years, the development of antibacterial hydrogels for the treatment of bacterial infections has received a lot of attention. Since antibacterial hydrogels not only have the mechanical properties of hydrogels, high biocompatibility and adjustable functional structure, but also have excellent antibacterial properties, they may be an ideal dressing to solve the problem of chronic wound healing. This article introduces the types of chronic wounds, their healing characteristics, and the challenges faced in treating chronic wounds. It classifies antimicrobial hydrogels based on their antimicrobial modes and further discusses the advancements in smart antimicrobial hydrogels along with the benefits and obstacles of using antimicrobial hydrogels in the treatment of chronic wounds. This article also explores the development directions of antimicrobial hydrogels for chronic wound management.
In‐line prediction of viability and viable cell density through machine learning‐based soft sensor modeling and an integrated systems approach: An industrially relevant PAT case study
Authors: Suman Sneha , Murr Michaela , Crowe Jacob , Holt Spencer , Morris Jakob , Yongky Andrew , McElearney Kyle , Bolton Glen
Published: January 2025

The biopharmaceutical industry is shifting toward employing digital analytical tools for improved understanding of systems biology data and production of quality products. The implementation of these technologies can streamline the manufacturing process by enabling faster responses, reducing manual measurements, and building continuous and automated capabilities. This study discusses the use of soft sensor models for prediction of viability and viable cell density (VCD) in CHO cell culture processes by using in‐line optical density and permittivity sensors. A significant innovation of this study is the development of a simplified empirical model and adoption of an integrated systems approach for in‐line viability prediction. The initial evaluation of this viability model demonstrated promising accuracy with 96% of the residuals within a ±5% error limit and a Final Day mean absolute percentage error of ≤5% across various scales and process conditions. This model was integrated with a VCD prediction model utilizing Gaussian Process Regressor with Matern Kernel (nu = 0.5), selected from over a hundred advanced machine learning techniques. This VCD prediction model had an R2 of 0.92 with 89% predictions within ±10% error and significantly outperformed the commonly used partial least squares regression models. The results validated the use of these models for real‐time in‐line prediction of viability and VCD and highlighted the potential to substantially reduce reliance on labor‐intensive discrete offline measurements. The integration of these innovative technologies aligns with regulatory guidelines and establishes a foundation for further advancements in the biomanufacturing industry, promising improved process control, efficiency, and compliance with quality standards.
Harnessing cell aggregates for enhanced adeno‐associated virus manufacturing: Cultivation strategies and scale‐up considerations
Authors: Ladd Brian , Gräslund Torbjörn , Chotteau Véronique
Published: January 2025

The possibility to produce recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) by adherent HEK293T cells was studied in a stirred tank bioreactor (STR) culture of cell aggregates. A proof‐of‐concept of rAAV production was successfully demonstrated in a process where single cells were first expanded, then cell aggregates were formed by dilution into a different medium 1 day before triple plasmid transfection was conducted. An alternative approach for the STR inoculation using a seed taken from a high cell density perfusion (HCDP) culture was also investigated. It was, however, found that the spent medium of the HCDP inhibited the transfection of HEK293T cell aggregates, which was confirmed when testing with single‐cell suspension culture. The formation of aggregates in shaken multi‐well plates was also investigated to develop a screening system using the average power input as a scale‐down criterion, which revealed that cell aggregates could be generated in 12‐well plates, however with a larger size than in a STR. Taking into account the reported higher rAAV production of adherent cells in comparison with single cells for triple‐plasmid transfection, HEK293T cell aggregates can possibly surpass single‐cell suspension in space–time rAAV yield. The formation of HEK293T cell aggregates in a STR system offers a promising approach for scaling up and intensifying rAAV production by triple‐plasmid transfection, in comparison with traditional 2D scale‐up methods.
In silico optimization of a challenging bispecific antibody chromatography step
Authors: Bencze Zsófia , Hahn Tobias , Kornmann Henri , Graf Pia , Trunzer Tatjana
Published: January 2025

Mechanistic modeling of chromatographic steps is an effective tool in biopharma process development that enhances process understanding and accelerates optimization efforts and subsequent risk assessment. A relatively new model for ion exchange chromatography is the colloidal particle adsorption (CPA) formalism, which promises improved separation of material and molecule‐specific parameters. This case study demonstrates a straightforward CPA modeling workflow to describe an ion exchange chromatography polishing step of a knobs‐into‐holes construct bispecific antibody molecule. An adapted Yamamoto method was used to calculate charge and equilibrium parameters at three pH values. The remaining model parameters, binding kinetics, and effective mass transfer coefficients were determined via inverse fitting. The model was created from six experiments in total, tested on model parameter uncertainty, and evaluated on its power to predict changes in the biomolecule's retention behavior when variations in elution salt concentration occur. Finally, a three‐step‐gradient experiment was optimized, separating the desired bispecific antibody from its low and high molecular weight impurities, achieving a monomer yield of 68% and purity of 96%. Testing the model against a different load composition demonstrated its ability to extrapolate. An in silico one‐factor‐at‐time and two‐parameter screening of the optimized method identified the salt concentration to elute weaker binding impurities as a critical process attribute, while deviations in the buffer pH had a minor influence.
A design space for the filtration of challenging monoclonal antibodies using Planova™ S20N, a new regenerated cellulose virus removal filter
Authors: Inoue Asami , Murakami Satoshi , Futamura Akika , Watanabe Naoto , Masuda Yumiko
Published: January 2025

Virus removal by filtration is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of therapeutic antibodies and other biopharmaceutical products by mitigating the risk of endogenous and adventitious viral contamination. However, there are monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that are difficult to filter effectively using virus removal filters (i.e., challenging mAbs), necessitating the creation of guidelines for designing suitable filtration conditions for these challenging molecules. This study presents a filtration design space for filtration conditions using a new regenerated cellulose membrane filter with a representative challenging mAb. The filter demonstrated that filtration throughput is adaptable across a wide range of conditions for low to medium mAb concentrations, indicating its suitability for introduction into platform processes for related biopharmaceutical products.
Allergen sensitization patterns: Allergic rhinitis with multimorbidity versus alone—A real‐world study
Authors: Li Ya‐Ting , Ye Qi‐Qing , Lu Ya‐Xin , Yang Ke‐Xin , Zhang Ping‐Ping , Chen Chang , Zhou Min , Feng Pei‐Ying , Chen Zhuang‐Gui
Published: January 2025

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) multimorbidity may need to be considered a specific disease because of distinct clinical and immunological differences from AR alone. Allergic multimorbidity often involves polysensitization, where allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a significant role.

Objective

This study aims to explore differences in allergen IgE sensitization patterns between AR alone and AR multimorbidity.

Methods

A real‐world case‐control study was conducted with patients diagnosed with AR. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the associations between AR multimorbidity and allergen sensitivity, allergen‐specific IgE levels, and the count of positive allergens.

Results

A cohort of 2275 patients with AR was included, of which 1100 (48.4%) presented with AR alone, while 1175 (51.6%) exhibited AR multimorbidity. Patients with AR multimorbidity had a more diverse allergen profile than those with AR alone. An increased number of positive ingested allergens had a higher odds ratio (OR) for AR multimorbidity compared with inhaled allergens (1.46 vs. 1.96) across all phenotypes. Sensitization to allergens and their allergen‐specific IgE levels, including dust mites, cat dander, and milk (p < 0.05), were associated with AR multimorbidity. In children, cat and dog dander were significant allergens associated with AR multimorbidity (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Allergen sensitization patterns in AR multimorbidity differ from those in AR alone. Polysensitization, particularly to ingested allergens, increases the risk of allergic multimorbidity. The risk of allergic multimorbidity also increases with specific allergen positivity and higher allergen‐specific IgE levels.
Systematic Review on 1,2,3‐Oxadiazoles, 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles, and 1,2,5‐Oxadiazoles in the Antimycobacterial Drug Discovery
Authors: Kučerová‐Chlupáčová Marta
Published: January 2025

Tuberculosis remains a leading global health threat, exacerbated by the emergence of multi‐drug‐resistant strains. The search for novel therapeutic agents is critical in addressing this challenge. This review systematically summarizes the potential of oxadiazole derivatives as promising candidates in antimycobacterial drug discovery. We focus on various classes of oxadiazoles, especially 1,2,3‐oxadiazoles, 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles, and 1,2,5‐s in structure‐activity relationship studies are discussed, emphasizing the mechanisms of antimycobacterial action. Additionally, the synergistic potential of 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles in enhancing the efficacy of existing tuberculosis treatment with ethionamide is also discussed. By integrating insights from recent research, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of oxadiazoles in the fight against tuberculosis, paving the way for future investigations and the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
Form and load transfer aspects of foundation systems: Case‐based implementation and adaptation for buildings
Authors: Eslami Abolfazl , Ebrahimipour Amirhossein , Imani Meysam , Imam Reza , Mo Pinqiang
Published: January 2025

Conventionally, foundations have been classified as shallow or deep in routine civil engineering practice. However, due to recent developments, two other approaches, semi‐deep and ground modification foundations, are now available, complicating foundation categorization. Accordingly, a new concept for foundation categorization is introduced in this paper based on insights into the theory of structure analysis. Based on the form aspect, foundation systems can be categorized as one‐dimensional (linear), two‐dimensional (planar), and three‐dimensional (volumetric). Based on the load transfer aspect, foundations can also be categorized as vector‐acting (piles), section or surface‐acting (rafts and shells), and block‐acting (piled rafts). As a step toward implementing this new categorization scheme, a database of 22 cases has been compiled, symbolizing novel introduced foundation systems. This compilation involves structures such as offshore jackets, high‐rise buildings, towers and storages, and diverse geomaterials. Among them, a few have been selected for detailed evaluation, emphasizing influential factors in foundation selection, comprising superstructure, subsoil condition, foundation system, circumferential conditions, and supplementary considerations, that is, constructional and sustainability‐based issues. Lessons learned from experience and these knowledge‐based cases have described for foundation selection and implementation. Geotechnical and practical aspects with critical components have been realized as major performance assessment and comparison factors. Foundation systems have been compared and ranked using the improved analytic hierarchy process approach. Finally, four categories of buildings, from low‐rise to towers and four prevailing levels of soil strength, from soft to very hard, have been considered to propose a perspective for building substructure implementation, adapted via relevant cases. Overall, the introduced categorization is recognized as an efficient algorithm for the experimentation of appropriate foundations for specific structures and subsoil conditions.
Detecting Forest‐Wetland Changes in Northwestern Canada's Discontinuous Permafrost Region Using Landsat Trend Analysis
Authors: Carpino Olivia , Wright Stephanie , Guo Jiaao , van der Sluijs Jurjen , Connon Ryan , Quinton William
Published: January 2025

Rapid circumpolar warming has led to accelerated permafrost thaw that has induced extensive landscape change in northwestern Canada. In northwestern Canada's discontinuous permafrost zone, forest‐dominated peatland landscapes, which were largely underlain by permafrost, are transitioning to treeless, wetland‐dominated landscapes that are permafrost‐free. Previous studies that focused on permafrost thaw‐induced landscape transitions in boreal peatlands have used aerial photographs and/or high‐resolution satellite images acquired only at end nodes or decadal intervals across each study's time frame. This study uses a dense near‐annual resolution of mosaicked Landsat imagery to determine if changes can be detected to peatland landscapes over a 37‐year period for 10 study sites across a latitudinal transect through the southern Northwest Territories and northern British Columbia, Canada. Tasselled cap (TC) transformations (brightness, greenness and wetness) are applied to the Landsat imagery and compared with forest cover changes (1970–2010) derived from high resolution areal imagery to visually assess the performance of this method in revealing forest‐wetland changes driven by permafrost thaw. While methods based on Landsat TC trends have been successfully applied in northwestern Canada with forest fires and mass wasting, this study explores pixel trends as well as time series for more gradual thaw‐induced changes across peat plateaus, collapse scar wetlands and channel fens. This study demonstrates that TC transformations can be used to determine differing brightness, greenness and wetness trajectories for individual landcovers within permafrost peatlands (i.e., forest, collapse scar wetland and fen). However, the subtle and non‐monotonic landcover and hydrologic changes resulting from decades of permafrost thaw can be more challenging to detect. At the regional scale, widespread spectral greening was observed that was not solely indicative of forest cover or density increases, whereby TC trends were not consistent with expected permafrost thaw‐induced landscape changes. This work suggests that TC transformations may be limited in use for assessing broad‐scale effects of gradual permafrost thaw processes that occur at high temporal and spatial frequencies.
Influence of Pond System on Surface Temperature and Urban Cooling
Authors: Nguyen Quang‐Viet , Thi Viet Huong‐Do
Published: January 2025

A greener city is an emerging tendency for urban managers to deal with ongoing urbanization and climate change. One natural‐based solution gaining prominence is the incorporation of blue spaces, such as ponds, to regulate microclimates and alleviate urban heat island effects. The study focuses on investigating the inherent properties of a pond system, including morphological characteristics and environmental indicators that influence pond surface temperature (PST). Additionally, the study explores the cooling effects of the pond system, examining both the extent and intensity of cooling. To conduct this analysis, data on land surface temperature and land use/land cover types are extracted from Landsat‐8 and Sentinel‐2 images, respectively. The study, encompassing 709 ponds, reveals that the perimeter edge predominantly influences the PST (β = −0.857) while the area and shape ratio moderately affect the PST (β = 0.259 and 0.296, respectively). Moreover, mean elevation demonstrates a reducing effect on the PST (β = −0.214). The study utilizes polynomial regression and the concept of the first turning point to identify two critical cooling indicators of the pond system. Consequently, the cooling extent is defined at 140 m and the intensity at 2.7°C. These indicators offer valuable insights into the inherent properties influencing PST and contribute to the understanding of cooling mechanisms in the pond system. The implications of these findings extend to urban planning, particularly in the realm of blue space design, where the evidence presented can guide strategies to tackle the impacts of urbanization and climate change.