bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovine Forestomach Matrix in the Surgical Management of Complex Lower-Extremity Soft-Tissue Defects
Authors: Bosque Brandon A. , Dowling Shane G. , May Barnaby C.H. , Kaufman Richard , Zilberman Igor , Zolfaghari Nooshin , Que Howie , Longobardi James , Skurka Joseph , Geiger James E. , Melin M. Mark
Published: July 2023

Background: Chronic lower-extremity defects may lead to major amputations and have severe consequences on patient quality of life and mortality. Dermal matrices have become part of the reconstructive ladder and are often deployed in these scenarios to quickly build neodermis, especially in volumetric defects over exposed bone and tendon initially, to allow for subsequent closure by means of split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) or secondary intention. Ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) is a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffold available in both sheet and particulate forms that can be used as a dermal matrix in various soft-tissue reconstruction procedures.

Methods: This retrospective case series evaluated the use of OFM products in the surgical reconstruction of 50 cases (n = 50) comprised of challenging lower-extremity defects from seven healthcare centers. Patient records were reviewed to identify comorbidities, defect cause, defect size, presence of exposed structures, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contamination score, Wagner grade, OFM graft use, time to 100% granulation tissue, STSG use, overall time to heal, and postoperative complications. The primary study outcomes were time (days) to 100% granulation tissue formation, with secondary outcomes including overall time to wound closure (weeks), STSG take at 1 week, and complications.

Results: The results of this case series demonstrate OFM as a clinically effective treatment in the surgical management of complex lower-extremity soft-tissue defects with exposed structures in patients with multiple comorbidities. One application of OFM products was effective in regenerating well-vascularized neodermis, often in the presence of exposed structures, with a mean time to 100% granulation of 26.0 ± 22.2 days.

Conclusions: These data support the use of OFM as a safe, cost-effective, and clinically effective treatment option for coverage in complex soft-tissue wounds, including exposed vital structures, and to shorten the time to definitive wound closure in complicated patient populations.
The Drosophila Nab2 RNA binding protein inhibits m6A methylation and male-specific splicing of Sex lethal transcript in female neuronal tissue
Authors: Jalloh Binta , Lancaster Carly L , Rounds J Christopher , Brown Brianna E , Leung Sara W , Banerjee Ayan , Morton Derrick J , Bienkowski Rick S , Fasken Milo B , Kremsky Isaac J , Tegowski Matthew , Meyer Kate , Corbett Anita , Moberg Ken
Published: July 2023

The Drosophila polyadenosine RNA binding protein Nab2, which is orthologous to a human protein lost in a form of inherited intellectual disability, controls adult locomotion, axon projection, dendritic arborization, and memory through a largely undefined set of target RNAs. Here, we show a specific role for Nab2 in regulating splicing of ~150 exons/introns in the head transcriptome and focus on retention of a male-specific exon in the sex determination factor Sex-lethal (Sxl) that is enriched in female neurons. Previous studies have revealed that this splicing event is regulated in females by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification by the Mettl3 complex. At a molecular level, Nab2 associates with Sxl pre-mRNA in neurons and limits Sxl m6A methylation at specific sites. In parallel, reducing expression of the Mettl3, Mettl3 complex components, or the m6A reader Ythdc1 rescues mutant phenotypes in Nab2 flies. Overall, these data identify Nab2 as an inhibitor of m6A methylation and imply significant overlap between Nab2 and Mettl3 regulated RNAs in neuronal tissue.
Medullary tachykinin precursor 1 neurons promote rhythmic breathing
Authors: Rousseau Jean-Philippe , Furdui Andreea , Silveira Scarpellini Carolina da , Horner Richard L , Montandon Gaspard
Published: July 2023

Rhythmic breathing is generated by neural circuits located in the brainstem. At its core is the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), a region of the medulla, necessary for the generation of rhythmic breathing in mammals. The preBötC is comprised of various neuronal populations expressing neurokinin-1 receptors, the cognate G-protein-coupled receptor of the neuropeptide substance P (encoded by the tachykinin precursor 1 or Tac1). Neurokinin-1 receptors are highly expressed in the preBötC and destruction or deletion of neurokinin-1 receptor-expressing preBötC neurons severely impair rhythmic breathing. Although, the application of substance P to the preBötC stimulates breathing in rodents, substance P is also involved in nociception and locomotion in various brain regions, suggesting that Tac1 neurons found in the preBötC may have diverse functional roles. Here, we characterized the role of Tac1-expressing preBötC neurons in the generation of rhythmic breathing in vivo, as well as motor behaviors. Using a cre-lox recombination approach, we injected adeno-associated virus containing the excitatory channelrhodopsin-2 ChETA in the preBötC region of Tac1-cre mice. Employing a combination of histological, optogenetics, respiratory, and behavioral assays, we showed that stimulation of glutamatergic or Tac1 preBötC neurons promoted rhythmic breathing in both anesthetized and freely moving animals, but also triggered locomotion and overcame respiratory depression by opioid drugs. Overall, our study identified a population of excitatory preBötC with major roles in rhythmic breathing and behaviors.
Molecular and organizational diversity intersect to generate functional synaptic heterogeneity within and between excitatory neuronal subtypes
Authors: Medeiros A. T. , Gratz S.J. , Delgado A. , Ritt J.T. , O’Connor-Giles Kate M.
Published: July 2023

Synaptic heterogeneity is a hallmark of complex nervous systems that enables reliable and responsive communication in neural circuits. In this study, we investigated the contributions of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) to synaptic heterogeneity at two closely related
Drosophila
glutamatergic motor neurons, one low-and one high-P
r
. We find that VGCC levels are highly predictive of heterogeneous release probability among individual active zones (AZs) of low-or high-P
r
inputs, but not between neuronal subtypes. Underlying organizational differences in the AZ cytomatrix, VGCC composition, and a more compact arrangement of VGCCs alter the relationship between VGCC levels and P
r
at AZs of low-vs. high-P
r
inputs, explaining this apparent paradox. We further find that the CAST/ELKS AZ scaffolding protein Bruchpilot differentially regulates VGCC levels at low-and high-P
r
AZs following acute glutamate receptor inhibition, indicating that synapse-specific organization also impacts adaptive plasticity. These findings reveal intersecting levels of molecular and spatial diversity with context-specific effects on heterogeneity in synaptic strength and plasticity.
Correlated signatures of social behavior in cerebellum and anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Hur Sung Won , Safaryan Karen , Yang Long , Blair Hugh T , Masmanidis Sotiris C , Mathews Paul J , Aharoni Daniel , Golshani Peyman
Published: July 2023

The cerebellum has been implicated in the regulation of social behavior. Its influence is thought to arise from communication, via the thalamus, to forebrain regions integral in the expression of social interactions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). However, the signals encoded or the nature of the communication between the cerebellum and these brain regions remains poorly understood. Here, we describe an approach that overcomes technical challenges in exploring the coordination of distant brain regions at high temporal and spatial resolution during social behavior. We developed the E-Scope, an electrophysiology-integrated miniature microscope, to synchronously measure extracellular electrical activity in the cerebellum along with calcium imaging of the ACC. This single coaxial cable device combined these data streams to provide a powerful tool to monitor the activity of distant brain regions in freely behaving animals. During social behavior, we recorded the spike timing of multiple single units in cerebellar right Crus I (RCrus I) Purkinje cells (PCs) or dentate nucleus (DN) neurons while synchronously imaging calcium transients in contralateral ACC neurons. We find that during social interactions, a significant subpopulation of cerebellar PCs were robustly inhibited, while most modulated neurons in the DN were activated. As expected, we find that there are higher correlations in the activity of cerebellar and ACC neurons that are similarly excited or inhibited by social interaction than in the activity of those modulated in an opposing manner. Surprisingly, these distinctions in correlations largely disappear when only non-social bouts were analyzed, suggesting that cerebellar-cortical interactions were social behavior specific. Our work provides new insights into the complexity of cerebellar activation and co-modulation of the ACC during social behavior, and a valuable open-source tool for simultaneous, multimodal recordings in freely behaving mice.
The effect of perceived stress for work engagement in volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of psychological resilience and age differences
Authors: Li Yatong , Xie Pei , He Liang , Fu Xiaolong , Ding Xiaobing , Jobe Mary C. , Ahmed Md Zahir
Published: July 2023

Volunteers played an important role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the characteristics of perceived stress, psychological resilience and work engagement among 910 Chinese volunteers of different ages in the first month of pandemic in Gansu province, China. The present study tested the correlations between perceived stress and work engagement, the mediating role of psychological resilience in the relationship and the differences among age groups. The results of this study showed that work engagement and psychological resilience increased with the age of the volunteers. Work engagement and resilience levels were higher in middle adulthood than in early adulthood. As predicted, perceived stress negatively predicted work engagement. A mediation analysis showed that psychological resilience partially explained the correlations between perceived stress and work engagement. Specifically, the mediating effect of psychological resilience in early adulthood was significant, but not in middle adulthood. Overall, this study demonstrates that work engagement increased with age and was negatively predicted by perceived stress, showing these factors were important for volunteers’ work during COVID-19. Further, for those in early adulthood, psychological resilience mediated this relationship—highlighting another age difference among volunteers during COVID-19.
Comparative analysis of automatic segmentation of esophageal cancer using 3D Res-UNet on conventional and 40-keV virtual mono-energetic CT Images: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Hua , Li Anqi , Chen Yingdong , Huang Qianwen , Chen Xingbiao , Kang Jianghe , You Youkuang
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To assess the performance of 3D Res-UNet for fully automated segmentation of esophageal cancer (EC) and compare the segmentation accuracy between conventional images (CI) and 40-keV virtual mono-energetic images (VMI40 kev).

Methods

Patients underwent spectral CT scanning and diagnosed of EC by operation or gastroscope biopsy in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. All artery spectral base images were transferred to the dedicated workstation to generate VMI40 kev and CI. The segmentation model of EC was constructed by 3D Res-UNet neural network in VMI40 kev and CI, respectively. After optimization training, the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), overlap (IOU), average symmetrical surface distance (ASSD) and 95% Hausdorff distance (HD_95) of EC at pixel level were tested and calculated in the test set. The paired rank sum test was used to compare the results of VMI40 kev and CI.

Results

A total of 160 patients were included in the analysis and randomly divided into the training dataset (104 patients), validation dataset (26 patients) and test dataset (30 patients). VMI40 kevas input data in the training dataset resulted in higher model performance in the test dataset in comparison with using CI as input data (DSC:0.875 vs 0.859, IOU: 0.777 vs 0.755, ASSD:0.911 vs 0.981, HD_95: 4.41 vs 6.23, all p-value <0.05).

Conclusion

Fully automated segmentation of EC with 3D Res-UNet has high accuracy and clinically feasibility for both CI and VMI40 kev. Compared with CI, VMI40 kev indicated slightly higher accuracy in this test dataset.
Synthesis and Characterization of Titania Nanotubes with Au Nanoparticles
Authors: González-Zavala Fernando , Martínez-García Marcos , Alarcón Luis Escobar , Klimova Tatiana E.
Published: July 2023

TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and modified with different amounts of gold nanoparticles by deposition-precipitation with urea. The catalysts were characterized to determine the effect of the presence of Au nanoparticles on the physico-chemical characteristics of the materials and their electron storage capability. Raman spectroscopy revealed the transformation of the trititanate structure into the titania anatase domains upon gold deposition. This transformation was enhanced by an increase in Au loading and the thermal treatment of the materials. The size of Au nanoparticles increased upon the reduction treatment. The presence of Au nanoparticles produced a slight narrowing of the energy bandgap of the titania nanotubular material and had an important effect on its photoluminescence properties, important for some practical applications. Photoluminescence spectroscopy showed that the presence of Au nanoparticles on the surface of titania nanotubes significantly delayed electron-hole recombination and increased the ability of materials for charge separation. Superior performance of Au-containing titania nanotubes was illustrated by the evaluation of their photocatalytic activity. Au-containing titania nanotubes showed enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue dye in aqueous solutions upon UV irradiation compared to the pristine nanotubes and the titania Degussa P25.
UBE3A and MCM6 synergistically regulate the proliferation and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Luo Yanyan , Yang Yun , Yang Cong , Li Chuanyin , Hu Ronggui , Geng Wujun , Kang Xianhui , Lin Hai
Published: July 2023

Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and shows substantial clinical and biomolecular heterogeneity. Currently, specific therapeutic strategies are lacking, so effective drug targets are urgently needed. E6AP/UBE3A is a multifaceted ubiquitin ligase that controls various signaling pathways implicated in neurological diseases and various cancers; however, its role in lung cancer is incompletely understood. Here, MCM6 was identified as an interacting partner of E6AP using the yeast two‐hybrid assay. MCM2 and MCM4 were then shown to interact with E6AP. E6AP knockout enhanced the ubiquitination of MCM2/4/6, suggesting that E6AP was not the E3 ubiquitin ligase for these three MCM proteins. Ablation of E6AP inhibited proliferation and migration, but had no significant effect on apoptosis in A549 and H1975 cells, and proliferation and migration inhibition was also observed in MCM6 knockdown cells. Furthermore, ablation of MCM6 and E6AP synergistically suppressed the proliferation and migration of A549 and H1975 cells. To verify the above findings in vivo, we established tumor models in nude mice and identified that the tumorigenicity of human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells was synergistically regulated by MCM6 and E6AP. Moreover, the expression levels of MCM6 and E6AP were higher in LUAD tissues than in adjacent tissues. Furthermore, the expression levels of MCM6 and E6AP were positively correlated in human LUAD samples. Thus, our study suggests that the interaction of E6AP and MCM proteins plays an important role in the progression of LUAD, which might offer potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
A Review of the Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Sulfide Stress Cracking in Thermomechanical Controlled Processed Pipeline Steels
Authors: Hiew Sze Kei Sarah , van Haaften Willem Maarten , Britton T. Ben , Pedrazzini Stella
Published: July 2023

This review aims to improve our understanding of the important factors which influence the susceptibility of thermomechanical controlled processed (TMCP) steels to sulfide stress cracking (SSC). Mechanisms involved in hydrogen embrittlement (HE) from three perspectives are focused on: the microstructure constituents of TMCP steels; environmental factors; and fracture mechanism of SSC. Microstructures are reviewed as they affect the diffusion and trapping of hydrogen that can reduce the resistance to fracture. Environmental factors discussed highlight that when exposed to an aqueous H2S environment, a sulfide layer can form and influence the ingress of hydrogen, and this is affected by pH, temperature, and H2S partial pressure. Fracture is influenced by the nature of the crack tip and the crack tip plastic zone during crack propagation, and hydrogen can significantly affect crack tip growth. This review provides a critical assessment of the interplay between these three factors and aims to provide understanding to enhance our engineering approaches to manage and mitigate against fracture of TMCP steels.
All‐In‐One Detection, Removal and Recovery of Hg2+ in Industrial Wastewater with Plasmonic Schottky Heterostructures
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Shenghong , Liu Teng , Wang Jing , Liu Fangyang , Jia Ming , Li Jie , Lai Yanqing , Zhao Yinghe , Jiang Liangxing , Li Yuan , Zhai Tianyou
Published: July 2023

The effective governance of Hg2+ in environmental wastewater is of profound significance to deal with the global pollution issues. However, the present methodologies usually only focused on a single function of either detection or removal, which encounters severe secondary pollution and cumbersome operation cost, while the integration of Hg2+ detection, removal, and recovery in one process is barely realized. In this study, an All‐In‐One photoelectrochemical system is built combining the detection, removal, and recovery of Hg2+ pollutant in a single process, by ingeniously developing a fundamental principle, namely alloying‐induced plasmonic quenching mechanism in Schottky heterostructures. Briefly, the high‐efficiency removal and recovery of Hg2+ in wastewater is realized via the favorable alloying of Hg in Ag nanoparticles that well‐dispersed on the free‐standing WO3 nanoplate networks. The formation of Ag–Hg alloy future leads to a remarkable plasmonic quenching effect of the Ag nanoparticles, which is used to modulate the photoelectrochemical singles to realize the high‐precision detection. Through this ingenious design, an ultralow Hg2+ detection limit of 0.296 nm is achieved with a broad detection range up to 12.5 µm, and meanwhile realize a removal/recovery rate of 100% in single Hg2+ solution and 97 ± 2% in industrial wastewater with multiple contamination ions. The detection and removal/recovery performance parameters reported in the study are much better as compared to the recently reported single function detection or removal/recovery systems. This work opens a fresh avenue in tackling the problem of heavy metal pollution using plasmonic Schottky heterostructure based All‐In‐One systems.
Regulating the Spin‐State of Rare‐Earth Ce Single Atom Catalyst for Boosted Oxygen Reduction in Neutral Medium
Authors: Zhao Yongjian , Wang Hu , Li Jun , Fang Yong , Kang Yongshuai , Zhao Tianyou , Zhao Chenyang
Published: July 2023

The development of neutral zinc–air batteries (ZABs) is long been impeded by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) derived from insufficient O2 activation and OH* blocking effect. Herein, the synthesis of a series of rare‐earth Ce single‐atom catalysts (CeNCs) is reported with enhanced spin‐state for boosting neutral ORR. Experimental analysis and theoretical calculations indicate that the unique local coordination/geometric structure reshapes the electronic configuration of Ce sites to achieve a transition from 4d104f1 to 4d84f3. The high‐spin Ce active sites accelerate the unpaired f electrons to occupy the anti‐π orbitals of O2 and generate suitable binding strength with reaction intermediates. In neutral conditions, CeNC‐40 exhibits excellent ORR performance with half‐wave potentials of 0.78 V and negligible decay after 10 000 cycles. Additionally, the self‐breathing ZABs based on CeNC‐40 demonstrates a peak power density of 81 mW cm−2 and impressive long‐cycle stability (>1 600 cycles) at 2 mA cm−2. This work presents an effective strategy for developing high‐spin catalysts to address the challenges of neutral ZABs.
Two‐Terminal Deformable Induction Array Sensor Capable of Recognizing Non‐Contact Dynamic Motions of Various Objects
Authors: Veerapandian Selvaraj , Luo Junchen , Kwak Mingyu , Wang Zhengyan , Park Yebin , Lim Ighyun , Wang Hongbo , Jeong Unyong
Published: July 2023

Development of deformable soft tactile sensors that are conformable to 3D surfaces and recognize dynamic/static multiple touches from all directions are still great technological challenges. Furthermore, distinguishing material species of various objects and proactive sensing by non‐contact recognition have not been achieved in the deformable tactile sensors. This study suggests an induction‐based array sensor with only two signal terminals. The tactile sensor simultaneously solves the technological challenges mentioned above. The key to this success is novel interpretation on the inductance variation by material species of the objects depending on measurement frequency. This study discusses the design rule of the sensor and the operation variables for effective tactile sensing both in the contact and non‐contact modes. An artificial sensor covering the finger (including the finger tip) demonstrates recognition of dynamic and static multiple stimuli on the finger.
Optical Enhancement of Indirect Bandgap 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Multi‐Functional Optoelectronic Sensors
Authors: Dutta Riya , Bala Arindam , Sen Anamika , Spinazze Michael Ross , Park Heekyeong , Choi Woong , Yoon Youngki , Kim Sunkook
Published: July 2023

The unique electrical and optical properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) make them attractive nanomaterials for optoelectronic applications, especially optical sensors. However, the optical characteristics of these materials are dependent on the number of layers. Monolayer TMDs have a direct bandgap that provides higher photoresponsivity compared to multilayer TMDs with an indirect bandgap. Nevertheless, multilayer TMDs are more appropriate for various photodetection applications due to their high carrier density, broad spectral response from UV to near‐infrared, and ease of large‐scale synthesis. Therefore, this review focuses on the modification of the optical properties of devices based on indirect bandgap TMDs and their emerging applications. Several successful developments in optical devices are examined, including band structure engineering, device structure optimization, and heterostructures. Furthermore, it introduces cutting‐edge techniques and future directions for optoelectronic devices based on multilayer TMDs.
Large‐Scale Ultralight and Flexible Metal Foil/Polymer Sandwich Composites with Excellent Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Ding Hang , Zang Wenpeng , Yu Min , Wang Yuhao , Jiang Yingjie , Ning Nanying , Yu Bing , Tian Ming
Published: July 2023

Metal materials play an important role in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding due to their ultra‐high electrical conductivity, but they are rigid and inflexible, as well as of high density, which limits their application in some areas. In this study, a novel and simple method to fabricate the composites of metal foil and polymer is reported. A copper foil (Cuf) with micropores on the surface is used as a shielding matrix, then interpenetrating and interlocking nanostructure as well as reactive groups are introduced on its surface, and then silicone rubber (SiR) is coated on both surfaces to form a sandwich structure, and the obtained Cuf/SiR composites possesses high EMI shielding efficiency (SE), strong interface adhesion, and low density. The average EMI shielding efficiency of the obtained Cuf/SiR composites in the range of 1.13–18 GHz is 111.5 dB, with a high interface adhesion strength of 5.2 N cm−1 and low density of 1.3 g cm−3, and it also possesses bending and splicing properties, which exhibits broad potential application in the field of EMI shielding tents and shielding rooms. This preparation method of the composites is simple and efficient, and provides a guideline for the design and fabrication of metal foil/polymer composites in molding method.
Ultrathin Twisted Stacked Gap‐Plasmon Metasurface with Giant and Tunable Shortwave Infrared Chirality
Authors: Han Zexiang , Wang Fei , Sun Juehan , Wang Xiaoli , Tang Zhiyong
Published: July 2023

Ultrathin optical components with giant circular dichroism hold great promise for polarization‐sensitive nanophotonics. However, existing chiral metamaterials often rely on complex‐shaped nanoinclusions, and there remains a paucity of designs active in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) useful for telecommunication and night vision. Here a detailed numerical analysis of the chiroptical response of a simple twisted stacked variant of gap‐plasmon metasurface is presented based on periodic nanohole arrays. Impressively, the 100‐nm free‐standing plasmonic metasurface can attain a thickness‐normalized ellipticity of up to 74.2° µm−1 with tunable bands in the SWIR. Strong and robust optical activity is achieved through energy confinement by gap surface plasmons and effective inter‐nanohole coupling, resulting in an intense superchiral near field. The ultrathin plasmonic metasurface serves as an excellent platform for refractive index sensing with a sensitivity Sn of up to 648.1 nm RIU−1 and field‐enhanced enantiodiscrimination. The simple metasurface with strong SWIR chirality can enjoy a multitude of potential applications including polarization‐sensitive photodetection, optical telecommunication, machine vision, medical imaging, and spectroscopy. These findings also offer insights into some fundamental design principles for twisted stacked aperture‐based metasurfaces and should facilitate the development of new chiral metamaterials with exceptional performance.
3D Printed Auxetic Structure‐Assisted Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting and Sensing
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Parida Kaushik , Chen Jian , Xiong Jiaqing , Zhou Zihao , Jiang Feng , Xin Yangyang , Magdassi Shlomo , Lee Pooi See
Published: July 2023

The fast development of wearable electronic systems requires a sustainable energy source that can harvest energy from the ambient environment and does not require frequent charging. Piezoelectric polymer films are a perfect candidate for fabricating piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) to harvest mechanical energy from the environment due to their flexibility, good piezoelectricity, and environmental‐independent stable performance because of their inherent polarization. However, most of their applications are limited to the pressing mode energy harvesting that is based on the 3‐3‐direction piezoelectric effect due to the molecular polarization and nonstretchability. In this work, by 3D printing an auxetic structure on a polymer film‐based PENG, the bending deformation of the PENG can be transformed into the well‐controlled in‐plane stretching deformation, enabling the 3‐1‐direction piezoelectric effect. The synclastic effect of the auxetic structure is applied in flexible energy harvesting device for the first time, which makes the previously untapped bending deformation on a film a valuable device for energy harvesting and increases the bending output voltage of the PENG by 8.3 times. The auxetic structure‐assisted PENG is also demonstrated as a sensor to sense the bending angle and monitor the motion by mounting on different joints of the human body and soft robotic finger.
Dealumination of Y zeolite through an economic and eco‐friendly defect‐engineering strategy
Authors: Dong Peng , Zhang Jinyu , Li Tiesen , Wang Chan , Xu Jingdong , Wang Tinghai , Yue Yuanyuan , Jiang Lilong , Bao Xiaojun
Published: July 2023

A sustainable defect‐engineering strategy for the dealumination of Y zeolite is described. This strategy includes the green synthesis of a well‐crystallized Y zeolite with point defects arising from the incorporation of Fe atoms by using Fe‐containing perlite and the subsequent preparation of ultra‐stable Y (USY) zeolite by efficient steaming dealumination. The systematic characterizations verify that Fe atoms originally existing in the perlite are incorporated into the as‐synthesized Y zeolite and function as point defects, leading to the distortion of framework Al. The step‐by‐step investigation of dealumination process shows that vacancies are formed by the extraction of framework Fe in ammonium exchange, and the framework dealumination is promoted under the combined effect of the distorted framework Al and the formed vacancies during steaming treatment. The resulting USY zeolite owns excellent features in (hydro)thermal stability, pore structure and acid property, and exhibits outstanding catalytic performance in the cracking of n‐octane and 1,3,5‐triisopropylbenzene.
A scalable and integrated machine learning framework for molecular properties prediction
Authors: Chen Guzhong , Song Zhen , Qi Zhiwen , Sundmacher Kai
Published: July 2023

This work introduced a scalable and integrated machine learning (ML) framework to facilitate important steps of building quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) models for molecular property prediction. Specifically, the molecular descriptor generation, feature engineering, ML model training, model selection and ensembling, as well as model validation and timing, are integrated into a single workflow within the proposed framework. Unlike existing modeling methods relying upon human experts that primarily focus on model/hyperparameter selection, the proposed framework succeeds by ensembling multiple models and stacking them in multiple layers. The high efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed framework are demonstrated through comparisons with literature‐reported QSPR models using identical datasets in three property modeling case studies, that is, the flash point temperature, the melting temperature, and the octanol–water partition coefficients. While requiring much less modeling time, the resultant models by the proposed framework present better predictive performance as compared with the reference models in all three case studies.
A Tensegrity Joint for Low‐Inertia, Compact, and Compliant Soft Manipulators
Authors: Hao Yifeng , Wang Xiaomei , Song Xiaoqi , Li Yingqi , Fu Henry , Lee Alex Pui-Wai , Cheung Kenneth Man-Chee , Lam James , Kwok Ka-Wai
Published: July 2023

Compact, low‐inertia, and soft compliant robotic joint mechanisms are in great demand for ensuring safe interactions in human–robot collaborative tasks. Tensegrity, of which the structural integrity is constrained by tension, does not involve static/sliding friction among the rigid components. However, this mechanical stability is very susceptible to actuation errors. It requires complex kinematics modeling and sophisticated control model with sensing feedback. Herein, a low‐inertia tensegrity joint that is covered/protected by a fiber Bragg grating (FBG)‐embedded silicone sheath is proposed, with the aim to reinforce the joint motion stability and enable self‐contained sensing feedback. A learning‐based closed‐loop controller is also designed and trained with the proper joint configurations selected by a two‐step sampling method. Both the kinematics and static equilibriums of such configurations can be well satisfied. The experiments demonstrate that the joint can follow paths accurately in 2D by compensating manipulation error shortly under the closed‐loop control. The joint stiffness can also be varied against the external/impulsive disturbances. It can be foreseen that this primitive robot joint component with 2 degrees of freedom (DoFs) can provide safe, compliant interaction with human, for which a simple test of maneuvering a portable ultrasound probe (≈210 g) for abdominal imaging is demonstrated.
A short story on how chromophore is hydrolyzed from rhodopsin for recycling
Authors: Hong John D. , Palczewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

The photocycle of visual opsins is essential to maintain the light sensitivity of the retina. The early physical observations of the rhodopsin photocycle by Böll and Kühne in the 1870s inspired over a century's worth of investigations on rhodopsin biochemistry. A single photon isomerizes the Schiff‐base linked 11‐cis‐retinylidene chromophore of rhodopsin, converting it to the all‐trans agonist to elicit phototransduction through photoactivated rhodopsin (Rho*). Schiff base hydrolysis of the agonist is a key step in the photocycle, not only diminishing ongoing phototransduction but also allowing for entry and binding of fresh 11‐cis chromophore to regenerate the rhodopsin pigment and maintain light sensitivity. Many challenges have been encountered in measuring the rate of this hydrolysis, but recent advancements have facilitated studies of the hydrolysis within the native membrane environment of rhodopsin. These techniques can now be applied to study hydrolysis of agonist in other opsin proteins that mediate phototransduction or chromophore turnover. In this review, we discuss the progress that has been made in characterizing the rhodopsin photocycle and the journey to characterize the hydrolysis of its all‐trans‐retinylidene agonist.
Implementation and measurement of shared value creation strategies: Proposal of a conceptual model
Authors: Cuevas Lizama Jonathan , Royo‐Vela Marcelo
Published: July 2023

Creating shared value (CSV) is a strategic approach that links economic value creation with social and environmental contribution. Despite the popularity of the concept, a clear approach to the construct and its measurement needs further research. This study analyzes and proposes the factors that condition the development of social/environmental strategies by companies that influence shared value strategies and their effects on social, environmental, and economic benefits. The analysis of the literature complemented by a qualitative analysis has allowed us to justify the construct and its dimensions. We propose a conceptual model that considers the main dimensions of the concept and formulate, pending verification, a measurement instrument for CSV strategies.
Application of mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine: A new approach in modern medical science
Authors: Ebrahimi Faezeh , Pirouzmand Farzaneh , Cosme Pecho Renzon Daniel , Alwan Mariam , Yassen Mohamed Mohammed , Ali Mohammed Shnain , Hormozi Arezoo , Hasanzadeh Sajedeh , Daei Narges , Hajimortezayi Zahra , Zamani Majid
Published: July 2023

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are non‐hematopoietic and multipotent stem cells, which have been considered in regenerative medicine. These cells are easily separated from different sources, such as bone marrow (BM), umbilical cord (UC), adipose tissue (AT), and etc. MSCs have the differentiation capability into chondrocytes, osteocytes, and adipocytes; This differentiation potential along with the paracrine properties have made them a key choice for tissue repair. MSCs also have various advantages over other stem cells, which is why they have been extensively studied in recent years. The effectiveness of MSCs‐based therapies depend on several factors, including differentiation status at the time of use, concentration per injection, delivery method, the used vehicle, and the nature and extent of the damage. Although, MSCs have emerged promising sources for regenerative medicine, there are potential risks regarding their safety in their clinical use, including tumorigenesis, lack of availability, aging, and sensitivity to toxic environments. In this study, we aimed to discuss how MSCs may be useful in treating defects and diseases. To this aim, we will review recent advances of MSCs action mechanisms in regenerative medicine, as well as the most recent clinical trials. We will also have a brief overview of MSCs resources, differences between their sources, culture conditions, extraction methods, and clinical application of MSCs in various fields of regenerative medicine.
Comparison of multi‐column chromatography configurations through model‐based optimization
Authors: Pareek Aditya , Buddhiraju Venkata Sudheendra , Masampally Vishnu Swaroopji , Premraj Karundev , Runkana Venkataramana
Published: July 2023

Integrated continuous bioprocessing has been identified as the next important phase of evolution in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Multiple platform technologies to enable continuous processing are being developed. Multi‐column counter‐current chromatography is a step in this direction to provide increased productivity and capacity utilization to capture biomolecules like monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) present in the reactor harvest and remove impurities. Model‐based optimization of two prevalent multi‐column designs, 3‐column and 4‐column periodic counter‐current chromatography (PCC) was carried out for different concentrations of mAbs in the feed, durations of cleaning‐in‐place and equilibration protocols. The multi‐objective optimization problem comprising three performance measures, namely, product yield, productivity, and capacity utilization was solved using the Radial basis function optimization technique. The superficial velocities during load, wash, and elute operations, along with durations of distinct stages present in the multi‐column operations were considered as decision variables. Optimization results without the constraint on number of wash volumes showed that 3‐Column PCC performs better than 4‐Column PCC. For example, at a feed concentration of 1.2 mg/mL, productivity, yield and capacity utilization, respectively, were 0.024 mg/mL.s, 0.94, and 0.94 for 3‐Column PCC and 0.017 mg/mL.s, 0.87, and 0.83 for 4‐column PCC. Similar trends were observed at higher feed concentrations also. However, when the constraint on number of wash volumes is included, 4‐Column PCC was found to result in consistent productivity and product yield under different operating conditions but at the expense of reduced capacity utilization.
Intravascular coronary lithotripsy for the treatment of iatrogenic calcium embolization: The “block and crack” technique
Authors: Vella Ciro , Preda Alberto , Ferri Luca , Montorfano Matteo
Published: July 2023

Intracoronary calcium embolization during percutaneous procedure is a very rare and unpredictable event, that  can lead to serious complications and even expert operators could face some technical issues to solve it. This case report presents a technique called “block and crack” used to manage iatrogenic intracoronary calcium embolization of left anterior descending coronary artery. The technique involves implanting a drug eluting stent (DES) to block the embolus against the vessel wall, followed by the use of lithotripsy balloon inflated inside the DES to crack the calcium and achieve a better stent expansion. This technique allowed to avoid further distal calcium embolization as well as to minimize residual stenosis degree after stent implantation.
Efficiency and dynamic characteristics of improved dual‐stage power converter setup with advanced model predictive controller for electric vehicle battery charging
Authors: Kalirajan Karthik Kumar , Maria Siluvairaj Willjuice Iruthayarajan , Arunavathi Soundarapandian Kamaraja
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes an advanced power converter setup to charge an electric vehicle battery from a renewable energy source, such as solar photovoltaic. An improved Z‐source DC–DC boost converter (IZSBC) is utilized in the first stage. A synchronous rectifier (SR) of a phase‐shifted full‐bridge converter (PSFBC) with continuous conduction mode (CCM) is employed in the second stage using the zero voltage switching (ZVS) technique to provide isolation between the source and the load. To address the disadvantage of undesirable dynamic characteristics of the PSFBC‐SR, an advanced voltage control using the advanced model predictive controller (AMPC) is suggested to improve the dynamic characteristic of the PSFBC‐SR converter and prevent output voltage overshoot. An AMPC‐based new control method is preferred to eliminate body‐diode conduction for improved efficiency at any load conditions. Simulation and experimental designs of 0.5 kW with a 25 V DC input from the SPV, a boosted output of 100 V for a 60 V, 16 Ah battery bank and switching frequencies of 100 and 250 kHz for IZSBC and PSFBC‐SR, respectively, are produced and evaluated. Results show an efficiency of 93.7% with 31.44 W loss in simulations and 93.94% with 30.25 W loss in hardware tests. The preferred system has fast dynamics and is robust to sudden load impedance changes, thereby improving current tracking and reducing converter losses. The AMPC strategy proposed in this paper can increase conversion efficiency and control the output voltage without additional gain tuning.
TOPerc Solar Cell: An Integral Approach of Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) and Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) Architectures for Achieving Efficiency Beyond 25%
Authors: Sadhukhan Sourav , Acharyya Shiladitya , Panda Tamalika , Mandal Nabin Chandra , Das Gourab , Maity Santanu , Chaudhuri Partha , Chakraborty Susanta , Saha Hiranmay
Published: July 2023

Passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) on p‐type mono silicon has a roadmap for achieving >24% efficiency. The decrease of the full‐area rear metal contact to partial rear contact (<10%) accounts for the majority of the increase in efficiency of PERC solar cells over Al‐BSF solar cellswhich reached its maximum efficiency around 19.5%. P‐type tunnel oxide passivated contacts (TOPCon) solar cells have achieved further improvement in efficiency ≥25% by completely removing the partial rear metal contact and introducing a thin tunneling oxide layer at the rear. Thus passivating the partial rear and front metal contacts using SiOx/poly‐Si tunnelling layer stacks and an AlOx/SiNx stack on the entire back surface to passivate the remaining areas might lead to further advancements in PERC solar cells. Therefore, by integrating TOPCon and PERC architectures, as originally proposed by Fraunhofer lab, a modified design known as TOPerc solar cell has been studied in depth in this paper. Using 3D Sentaurus TCAD simulation software, a thorough numerical simulation of a p‐TOPerc solar cell has been performed. It is shown that efficiency of 25.2% and 26.0% is obtained for a p‐type wafer of bulk lifetime of 400 μs and 5.0 ms, respectively.
Creation of the algorithmic management questionnaire: A six‐phase scale development process
Authors: Parent‐Rocheleau Xavier , Parker Sharon K. , Bujold Antoine , Gaudet Marie‐Claude
Published: July 2023

There is an increasing body of research on algorithmic management (AM), but the field lacks measurement tools to capture workers' experiences of this phenomenon. Based on existing literature, we developed and validated the algorithmic management questionnaire (AMQ) to measure the perceptions of workers regarding their level of exposure to AM. Across three samples (overall n = 1332 gig workers), we show the content, factorial, discriminant, convergent, and predictive validity of the scale. The final 20‐item scale assesses workers' perceived level of exposure to algorithmic: monitoring, goal setting, scheduling, performance rating, and compensation. These dimensions formed a higher order construct assessing overall exposure to algorithmic management, which was found to be, as expected, negatively related to the work characteristics of job autonomy and job complexity and, indirectly, to work engagement. Supplementary analyses revealed that perceptions of exposure to AM reflect the objective presence of AM dimensions beyond individual variations in exposure. Overall, the results suggest the suitability of the AMQ to assess workers' perceived exposure to algorithmic management, which paves the way for further research on the impacts of these rapidly accelerating systems.
Network public opinion monitoring and semantic event discovery strategy in mobile edge computing scenario
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Lv Qiuying , Rong Qiangqiang
Published: July 2023

Building a public opinion monitoring system can detect public opinion crises in advance and deal with crisis public relations in a timely manner. Semantic communication is a new type of communication technology with development potential, which reduces the amount of data required for transmission by mining semantic information in information sources. In this paper, a multi‐user semantic communication system based on federated learning deployment is used to realize data transmission in edge computing scenarios. Use the data from the client side to train the deep learning model more effectively. This paper also evaluates the performance of the proposed semantic communication system. The model trained by federated learning can achieve an effect close to centralized training and protect user privacy.
Glyphosate adsorption on synthetic allophanes and halloysite: Effects of pH and mineral properties
Authors: Remlinger Vivian I. , Lenhardt Katharina R. , Rechberger Maria V. , Rennert Thilo , Rennhofer Harald , Tunega Daniel , Ottner Franz , Willinger Max , Zehetner Franz , Gerzabek Martin H.
Published: July 2023

Background

Glyphosate (GLP) is a widely used herbicide with possible adverse effects on human health and the environment. In soils, GLP strongly adsorbs on clay‐sized minerals, depending on pH, the amount of organic carbon, as well as the contents and properties of Al and Fe oxyhydroxides and clay minerals. Many clay‐sized minerals have already been investigated regarding GLP adsorption behavior, but information on minerals commonly found in volcanic soils is still lacking.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate for the first time the pH‐dependent adsorption of GLP on allophane and halloysite, typical minerals found in volcanic soils.

Methods

GLP adsorption was studied in batch experiments at three pH values (5, 6, and 7). Synthetic allophanes with two different initial Al:Si ratios (1.4 and 1.8) and a halloysite were used as adsorbents.

Results

The adsorption capacity (AC) increased with rising Al:Si ratio and decreasing pH. The AC of allophane was significantly higher than that of halloysite. GLP adsorption on allophane was larger than that reported for other clay minerals and Al and Fe oxyhydroxides, especially at low pH. The AC of halloysite was higher than reported for most other clay minerals.

Conclusion

Different mineral formation pathways in volcanic soils, notably the formation of halloysite versus allophanes, strongly affect the soils’ retention capacity for GLP. The high AC of allophanes may induce the low mobility of GLP in allophane‐containing soils. Long‐term use of GLP may accumulate the herbicide in these soils with potential effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services.