bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Black Representation in the Primary Care Physician Workforce and Its Association With Population Life Expectancy and Mortality Rates in the US
Authors: Snyder John E. , Upton Rachel D. , Hassett Thomas C. , Lee Hyunjung , Nouri Zakia , Dill Michael
Published: April 2023

Importance

Studies have suggested that greater primary care physician (PCP) availability is associated with better population health and that a diverse health workforce can improve care experience measures. However, it is unclear whether greater Black representation within the PCP workforce is associated with improved health outcomes among Black individuals.

Objective

To assess county-level Black PCP workforce representation and its association with mortality-related outcomes in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study evaluated the association of Black PCP workforce representation with survival outcomes at 3 time points (from January 1 to December 31 each in 2009, 2014, and 2019) for US counties. County-level representation was defined as the ratio of the proportion of PCPs who identifed as Black divided by the proportion of the population who identified as Black. Analyses focused on between- and within-county influences of Black PCP representation and treated Black PCP representation as a time-varying covariate. Analysis of between-county influences examined whether, on average, counties with increased Black representation exhibited improved survival outcomes. Analysis of within-county influences assessed whether counties with higher-than-usual Black PCP representation exhibited enhanced survival outcomes during a given year of heightened workforce diversity. Data analyses were performed on June 23, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Using mixed-effects growth models, the impact of Black PCP representation on life expectancy and all-cause mortality for Black individuals and on mortality rate disparities between Black and White individuals was assessed.

Results

A combined sample of 1618 US counties was identified based on whether at least 1 Black PCP operated within a county during 1 or more time points (2009, 2014, and 2019). Black PCPs operated in 1198 counties in 2009, 1260 counties in 2014, and 1308 counties in 2019—less than half of all 3142 Census-defined US counties as of 2014. Between-county influence results indicated that greater Black workforce representation was associated with higher life expectancy and was inversely associated with all-cause Black mortality and mortality rate disparities between Black and White individuals. In adjusted mixed-effects growth models, a 10% increase in Black PCP representation was associated with a higher life expectancy of 30.61 days (95% CI, 19.13-42.44 days).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that greater Black PCP workforce representation is associated with better population health measures for Black individuals, although there was a dearth of US counties with at least 1 Black PCP during each study time point. Investments to build a more representative PCP workforce nationally may be important for improving population health.
Shared Risk Factors for Depressive Disorder Among Older Adult Couples in Korea
Authors: Han Ji Won , Yang Hee Won , Bae Jong Bin , Oh Dae Jong , Moon Dong Gyu , Lim Eunji , Shin Jin , Kim Bong Jo , Lee Dong Woo , Kim Jeong Lan , Jhoo Jin Hyeong , Park Joon Hyuk , Lee Jung Jae , Kwak Kyung Phil , Lee Seok Bum , Moon Seok Woo , Ryu Seung-Ho , Kim Shin Gyeom , Kim Ki Woong
Published: April 2023

Importance

Although couples may share many risk factors for depressive disorders in their lifetime, whether these factors mediate the shared risk of depressive disorders has rarely been investigated.

Objectives

To identify the shared risk factors for depressive disorder in couples and investigate their mediating roles in the shared risk of depressive disorders among older adult couples.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide, multicenter, community-based cohort study assessed 956 older adults from the Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia (KLOSCAD) and a cohort of their spouses (KLOSCAD-S) between January 1, 2019, to February 28, 2021.

Exposures

Depressive disorders of the KLOSCAD participants.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The mediating roles of shared factors in couples on the association between one spouse’s depressive disorder and the other’s risk of depressive disorders was examined using structural equation modeling.

Results

A total of 956 KLOSCAD participants (385 women [40.3%] and 571 men [59.7%]; mean [SD] age, 75.1 [5.0] years) and their spouses (571 women [59.7%] and 385 men [40.3%]; mean [SD] age, 73.9 [6.1] years) were included. The depressive disorders of the KLOSCAD participants were associated with an almost 4-fold higher risk of depressive disorders in their spouses in the KLOSCAD-S cohort (odds ratio, 3.89; 95% CI, 2.06-7.19; P < .001). Social-emotional support mediated the association between depressive disorders in the KLOSCAD participants and their spouses’ risk of depressive disorders by itself (β = 0.012; 95% CI, 0.001-0.024; P = .04; mediation proportion [MP] = 6.1%) and through chronic illness burden (β = 0.003; 95% CI, 0.000-0.006; P = .04; MP = 1.5%). Chronic medical illness burden (β = 0.025; 95% CI, 0.001-0.050; P = .04; MP = 12.6%) and presence of a cognitive disorder (β = 0.027; 95% CI, 0.003-0.051; P = .03; MP = 13.6%) mediated the association.

Conclusions and Relevance

The risk factors shared by older adult couples may mediate approximately one-third of the spousal risk of depressive disorders. Identification of and intervention in the shared risk factors of depression among older adult couples may reduce the risk of depressive disorders in the spouses of older adults with depression.
Association of State Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility Policies With Adult Mental Health and Suicidality
Authors: Austin Anna E. , Frank Madeline , Shanahan Meghan E. , Reyes H. Luz McNaughton , Corbie Giselle , Naumann Rebecca B.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Food insecurity is associated with an increased likelihood of poor mental health and suicidality. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest program addressing food insecurity in the US; under broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), states have the option to expand SNAP eligibility to a greater number of households by eliminating the asset test or increasing the income limit for eligibility.

Objectives

To examine the association of state elimination of the asset test and increases in the income limit for SNAP eligibility with rates of mental health and suicidality outcomes among adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This ecological cross-sectional study used 2014 to 2017 data on US adults from the National Vital Statistics System and 2015 to 2019 data on US adults from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) State-Level Small Area Estimates. Analyses were conducted between September and November 2022.

Exposures

State elimination of the asset test only and state adoption of both SNAP eligibility policies (ie, state elimination of the asset test and increases in the income limit) for 2014 to 2017 from the SNAP Policy Database.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Number of adults with a past-year major depressive disorder, mental illness, serious mental illness, or suicidal ideation and number of adults who died by suicide.

Results

Analyses included 407 391 adult NSDUH participants and 173 085 adults who died by suicide. State elimination of the asset test only was associated with decreased rates of past-year major depressive episodes (rate ratio [RR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98) and mental illness (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.97) among adults. State adoption of both SNAP eligibility policies (ie, state elimination of the asset test and increases in the income limit) was associated with decreased rates of past-year major depressive episodes (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99), mental illness (RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98), serious mental illness (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99), and suicidal ideation (RR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.96). Results suggested a decreased rate of suicide death (RR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84-1.02) in states with both policies compared with states with neither policy, although this result was not statistically significant.

Conclusions and Relevance

State adoption of policies that expand SNAP eligibility may contribute to decreased rates of multiple mental health and suicidality outcomes at the population level.
Memory for tweets versus headlines: Does message consistency matter?
Authors: Peña Tori , Maswood Raeya , Chen Melissa , Rajaram Suparna
Published: April 2023

People routinely use news outlets and social media platforms to keep up with recent events. While information from these common sources often aligns in the messages conveyed, news headlines and microblogs on social media also frequently provide contradictory messages. In this study, we examined how people recall and recognize tweets and news headlines when these sources provide inconsistent messaging. We tested this question in person (Experiment 1) and online (Experiment 2). Participants studied news headlines and tweets that provided either consistent messaging or inconsistent messaging, then completed a free recall and recognition memory task sequentially, and provided confidence ratings for recognition judgments. Findings were similar across memory tasks and experiments: Participants had better memory for tweets than news headlines regardless of message consistency. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding memory in the digital age where social media use is widespread and messaging across sources is often inconsistent.
Evolution of Creep Damage of 316L Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Ulbricht Alexander , Ávila Calderón Luis Alexander , Sommer Konstantin , Mohr Gunther , Evans Alexander , Skrotzki Birgit , Bruno Giovanni
Published: April 2023

The damage mechanisms of metallic components produced by process laser powder bed fusion differ significantly from those typically observed in conventionally manufactured variants of the same alloy. This is due to the unique microstructures of additively manufactured materials. Herein, the focus is on the study of the evolution of creep damage in stainless steel 316L specimens produced by laser powder bed fusion. X‐ray computed tomography is used to unravel the influence of the process‐specific microstructure from the influence of the initial void distribution on creep damage mechanisms. The void distribution of two specimens tested at 600 °C and 650 °C is analyzed before a creep test, after an interruption, and after fracture. The results indicate that the formation of damage is not connected to the initial void distribution. Instead, damage accumulation at grain boundaries resulting from intergranular cracking is observed.
Preparation of a Novel Phosphorus–Nitrogen‐Containing Flame Retardant by Supramolecular Reaction and its Application in Epoxy Resin
Authors: He Yifang , Hua Yifang , Chen Jinxuan , Wang Junming , Qian Lijun , Sun Jun , Li Hongfei , Gu Xiaoyu , Zhang Sheng
Published: April 2023

Piperazine hexahydrate (PI) and diethylenetriamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) are used to synthesize flame‐retardant PI‐DTPMP through supramolecular reaction. The incorporation of PI‐DTPMP simultaneously improves the mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of epoxy resin (EP). With only 5 wt% loading of PI‐DTPMP, EP composites show excellent flame retardancy with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 36.4% and V‐0 rating in the UL‐94 test. The cone calorimetric test results demonstrates that the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release of EP/5%PI‐DTPMP are reduced by 44.9%, 34.7%, and 37.7% compared with that of neat EP, respectively, owing to the formation of compact and insulating char layer during combustion. Moreover, EP/PI‐DTPMP composites show enhanced mechanical properties with the improved tensile and impact strength, as well as higher storage modulus, crosslink densities, and glass‐transition temperatures in dynamic mechanical analysis.
Impact of Arc‐Based Welding on the Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties in Newly Developed Cr29.7Co29.7Ni35.4Al4Ti1.2 Multi‐Principal Element Alloy
Authors: Lopes Joao G. , Rocha P. , Santana D.A. , Shen Jiajia , Maawad E. , Schell N. , Coury F.G. , Oliveira Joao P.
Published: April 2023

Multi‐principal element alloys (MPEAs) have been subjected to extensive research due to their promising potential for numerous applications. Up to now, most of the existing research has been focused on unraveling the microstructural evolution and describing the exceptional performance of these alloys when exposed to demanding environments. Nevertheless, it is especially important to understand their processability so that these advanced engineering alloys can be considered for real‐life applications where conventional manufacturing processes, such as welding, are widely used. Herein, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is used for similar welding of a recently developed precipitation‐hardened Cr29.7Co29.7Ni35.4Al4Ti1.2 MPEA. The microstructural evolution and resulting mechanical properties are characterized by combining optical and electron microscopy, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction, microhardness mapping, and tensile testing. The different microstructure features across the welded joint are correlated to the weld thermal cycle and resulting local mechanical properties. Overall, the Cr29.7Co29.7Ni35.4Al4Ti1.2 MPEA exhibits excellent weldability and mechanical properties, reaching a tensile strength of ≈750 MPa and a fracture strain of ≈33% during tensile tests, making this alloy viable for structural applications. The innovative aspect of this work includes the expansion of the current understanding on the physical metallurgy of MPEAs, as well as the examination of this particular MPEA's processability.
An Activity‐Based Nanosensor for Minimally‐Invasive Measurement of Protease Activity in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kudryashev Julia A. , Madias Marianne I. , Kandell Rebecca M. , Lin Queenie X. , Kwon Ester J.
Published: April 2023

Current screening and diagnostic tools for traumatic brain injury (TBI) have limitations in sensitivity and prognostication. Aberrant protease activity is a central process that drives disease progression in TBI and is associated with worsened prognosis, thus direct measurements of protease activity can provide more diagnostic information. In this study, a nanosensor is engineered to release a measurable signal into the blood and urine in response to activity from the TBI‐associated protease calpain. Readouts from the nanosensor are designed to be compatible with ELISA and lateral flow assays, clinically‐relevant assay modalities. In a mouse model of TBI, the nanosensor sensitivity is enhanced when ligands that target hyaluronic acid are added. In evaluation of mice with mild or severe injuries, the nanosensor identifies mild TBI with a higher sensitivity than the biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). This nanosensor technology allows for measurement of TBI‐associated proteases without the need to directly access brain tissue and has the potential to complement existing TBI diagnostic tools.
Visual Investigation of Tumor‐Promoting Fibronectin Potentiated by Obesity in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Using an MR/NIRF Dual‐Modality Dendrimer Nanoprobe
Authors: Xu Tingting , Xu Xiaoxuan , Liu Dongfang , Chang Di , Li Siqi , Sun Yeyao , Xie Jinbing , Ju Shenghong
Published: April 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease characterized by dense stroma. Obesity is an important metabolic factor that greatly increases PDAC risk and mortality, worsens progression and leads to poor chemotherapeutic outcomes. With omics analysis, magnetic resonance and near‐infrared fluorescence (MR/NIRF) dual‐modality imaging and molecular functional verification, obesity as an important risk factor is proved to modulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) components and enhance Fibronectin (FN) infiltration in the PDAC stroma, that promotes tumor progression and worsens response to chemotherapy by reducing drug delivery. In the study, to visually evaluate FN in vivo and guide PDAC therapy, an FN‐targeted nanoprobe, NP‐CREKA, is synthesized by conjugating gadolinium chelates, NIR797 and fluorescein isothiocyanate to a polyamidoamine dendrimer functionalized with targeting peptides. A dual‐modality strategy combining MR and NIRF imaging is applied, allowing effective visualization of FN in orthotopic PDAC with high spatial resolution, ideal sensitivity and excellent penetrability, especially in obese mice. In conclusion, the findings provide new insights into the potential of FN as an ideal target for therapeutic evaluation and improving treatment efficacy in PDAC, hopefully improving the specific management of PDAC in lean and obese hosts.
Design Strategies and Applications of Dimensional Optical Field Manipulation Based on Metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Wenwei , Li Zhancheng , Ansari Muhammad Afnan , Cheng Hua , Tian Jianguo , Chen Xianzhong , Chen Shuqi
Published: April 2023

Recent rapid progress in metasurfaces is underpinned by the physics of local and nonlocal resonances and the modes coupling among them, leading to tremendous applications such as optical switching, information transmission, and sensing. In this review paper, an overview of the recent advances in a broad range of dimensional optical field manipulation based on metasurfaces categorized into different classes based on design strategies is provided. This review starts from the near‐field optical resonances of artificial nanostructures and discusses the far‐field optical wave manipulation based on fundamental mechanisms such as mode generation and mode coupling. The recent advances in optical field manipulation based on metasurfaces in different optical dimensions such as phase and polarization are summarized, and newly‐developed dimensions such as the orbital angular momentum and the coherence dimensions resulting from phase modulation are discussed. Then, the recent achievements of multiplexing and multifunctional metasurfaces empowered by multidimensional optical field manipulation for optical information transmission and integrated applications are reviewed. Finally, the paper concludes with a few perspectives on emerging trends, possible directions, and existing challenges in this fast‐developing field.
Moisture‐Tailored 2D Dion–Jacobson Perovskites for Reconfigurable Optoelectronics
Authors: Guan Mengyu , Xie Yunlong , Zhang Yang , Gu Zixin , Qiu Lei , He Zhuojie , Ye Bingkun , Suwardi Ady , Dai Zhigao , Li Guogang , Hu Guangwei
Published: April 2023

Humidity‐ and moisture‐induced degradation has been a longstanding problem in perovskite materials, affecting their long‐term stability during applications. Counterintuitively, the moisture is leveraged to tailor the reversible hydrochromic behaviors of a new series of 2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskites for reconfigurable optoelectronics. In particular, the hydrogen bonds between organic cations and water molecules can be dynamically modulated via moisture removal/exposure. Remarkably, such modulation confines the movement of the organic cations close to the original position, preventing their escape from crystal lattices. Furthermore, this mechanism is elucidated by theoretical analysis using first‐principles calculations and confirmed with the experimental characterizations. The reversible fluorescent transition 2D DJ perovskites show excellent cyclical properties, presenting untapped opportunities for reconfigurable optoelectronic applications. As a proof‐of‐concept demonstration, an anti‐counterfeiting display is shown based on patterned reversible 2D DJ perovskites. The results represent a new avenue of reconfigurable optoelectronic application with 2D DJ perovskites for humidity detection, anti‐counterfeiting, sensing, and other emerging photoelectric intelligent technologies.
1D Electronic Flat Bands in Untwisted Moiré Superlattices
Authors: Li Yafei , Yuan Qing , Guo Deping , Lou Cancan , Cui Xingxia , Mei Guangqiang , Petek Hrvoje , Cao Limin , Ji Wei , Feng Min
Published: April 2023

After the preparation of 2D electronic flat band (EFB) in van der Waals (vdW) superlattices, recent measurements suggest the existence of 1D electronic flat bands (1D‐EFBs) in twisted vdW bilayers. However, the realization of 1D‐EFBs is experimentally elusive in untwisted 2D layers, which is desired considering their fabrication and scalability. Herein, the discovery of 1D‐EFBs is reported in an untwisted in situ‐grown two atomic‐layer Bi(110) superlattice self‐aligned on an SnSe(001) substrate using scanning probe microscopy measurements and density functional theory calculations. While the Bi–Bi dimers of Bi zigzag (ZZ) chains are buckled, the epitaxial lattice mismatch between the Bi and SnSe layers induces two 1D buckling reversal regions (BRRs) extending along the ZZ direction in each Bi(110)‐11 × 11 supercell. A series of 1D‐EFBs arises spatially following BRRs that isolate electronic states along the armchair (AC) direction and localize electrons in 1D extended states along ZZ due to quantum interference at a topological node. This work provides a generalized strategy for engineering 1D‐EFBs in utilizing lattice mismatch between untwisted rectangular vdW layers.
Quartz‐Enhanced Photoacoustic Sensors for Detection of Eight Air Pollutants
Authors: De Palo Raffaele , Elefante Arianna , Biagi Gabriele , Paciolla Francesco , Weih Robert , Villada Valeria , Zifarelli Andrea , Giglio Marilena , Sampaolo Angelo , Spagnolo Vincenzo , Patimisco Pietro
Published: April 2023

A quartz‐enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy sensor architecture capable of detecting eight different air pollutants (CH4, NO2, CO2, N2O, CO, NO, SO2, and NH3) is reported. Each analyte is targeted using the same sensor components (acoustic detection module, quartz‐tuning fork, etc.) and a dedicated laser source. Both interband cascade lasers and quantum cascade lasers are employed to target a well‐resolved and isolated absorption feature from each investigated gas, in a wavelength ranging from 3.35 to 9.06 μm. The sensor is calibrated with certified concentrations of each gas species, in a wet nitrogen matrix. For each analyte, the optimal pressure is determined. Minimum detection limits of 40, 13, 800, 230, 450, 78, 18, and 5.8 ppb are obtained for CH4, NO2, CO2, N2O, CO, NO, SO2, and NH3, respectively, at 100 ms of integration time.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct Vinylene Annulation of Sulfoxonium Ylides and N‐carbamoylindoles with Vinylene Carbonate
Authors: Song Jia‐Lin , Xiao Lin , Chen Shao‐Yong , Zheng Yi‐Chuan , Liu Yan‐Zhi , Zhang Shang‐Shi , Shu Bing
Published: April 2023

In this study, Rh(III)‐catalyzed C−H bifunctionalization and direct vinylene annulation of sulfoxonium ylides and N‐carbamoylindoles with vinylene carbonate was accomplished, which afforded a series of naphthalenones containing a β‐ketosulfoxonium ylide moiety, isocoumarins, and pyrimidones. This protocol featured mild conditions, broad substrate scope, and functional‐groups compatibility. In addition, related applications and preliminary mechanistic exploratory were also investigated

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Substrate‐Dependent Divergent Oxyamination of beta‐Tetralones Enabling Modular Synthesis of 2‐Amino‐para‐Iminonaphthoquinones and 4‐Amino‐1,2‐Naphthoquinone Derivatives
Authors: Wang Shuowen , Li Rong , Huang Huawen , Mao Guojiang , Shao Wen , Deng Guo‐Jun
Published: April 2023

A regioselective synthesis of 2‐amino‐para‐iminonaphthoquinones and 4‐amino‐1,2‐naphthoquinones was described via the substrate‐dependent divergent multi‐functionalization of β‐tetralone with primary and secondary amines under metal‐free conditions. This developed strategy features extremely green and mild conditions (O2 as oxidant, ethanol as solvent under ambient temperature), broad substrate scope, and various pharmaceutical derivatizations.

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Nickel‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Alkene Difunctionalization by Ball‐Milling
Authors: Williams Matthew T. J. , Morrill Louis C. , Browne Duncan L.
Published: April 2023

A mechanochemical nickel‐catalyzed intramolecular difunctionalization reaction of alkene tethered aryl halides with alkyl halides is herein described. This method allows for synthesis of 3,3‐disubstituted heterocycles, namely oxindoles, with shorter reaction times than solution‐phase counterparts. Additionally, this process is solvent minimized, with DMA used in liquid‐assisted grinding (LAG) quantities and circumvents the need for chemical activation of the terminal reductant (manganese) through mechanical grinding. The process can be scaled up to yield over a gram of product and modest enantioinduction is possible by utilizing a chiral PyrOx ligand.

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Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Intramolecular 7‐endo Hydroarylation Reaction of 1,5‐Diaryl‐1‐pentynes
Authors: Makino Kosho , Sueki Shunsuke , Anada Masahiro
Published: April 2023

A Brønsted acid‐catalyzed, transition metal‐free intramolecular 7‐endo hydroarylation reaction of 1,5‐diaryl‐1‐pentynes has been developed. The use of 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) as a solvent was found to be critical for this process. Using the present methodology, we have accomplished the synthesis of KGP‐18, an analogue of the anticancer natural product combretastatin A4.

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Ionic Flexible Mechanical Sensors: Mechanisms, Structural Engineering, Applications, and Challenges
Authors: Ren Ziqi , Liu Nishuang , Zhang Qixiang , Yin Jianyu , Jia Peixue , Lu Wenzhong , Yao Qianqian , Deng Mingfang , Gao Yihua
Published: April 2023

This review covers the evolution of flexible mechanical sensors from an “electronic” language to an “ionic” language, which provides key reference information for the development of next‐generation bio‐intelligent sensing devices. Unlike sensors that rely solely on electron modulation, the core feature of the ionic flexible mechanical sensor (IFMS) is the ability of mechanical deformation to induce ion transport and compensation, thus demonstrating their conceptual similarity to biomechanical strain systems. Here, the basic design principles of flexible mechanical sensors modulated by ion transport are highlighted. This review provides a detailed description of the mechanotransduction mechanisms of IFMS devices based on ion transport modulation. First, although with similar mechanisms to conventional flexible mechanical sensors via piezoresistive, piezoelectric, and triboelectric transduction mechanisms, the core driver for IFMS devices is ions (not electrons). In addition, the transduction models and principles of action of novel transduction mechanisms that have been explored in the last decade are described in detail, which include interfacial iontronic sensing and potentiometric and electrokinetic energy conversion. According to the characteristics of the device, the relevant structural engineering is further highlighted. A comprehensive review of important IFMS application approaches (human–machine interfaces, life and health applications) is presented. Importantly, future challenges and possible solutions for IFMS devices are presented based on the existing research.
Requirement of Cholesterol for Calcium‐Dependent Vesicle Fusion by Strengthening Synaptotagmin‐1‐Induced Membrane Bending
Authors: Ali Moussa Houda Yasmine , Shin Kyung Chul , Ponraj Janarthanan , Kim Soo Jin , Ryu Je‐Kyung , Mansour Said , Park Yongsoo
Published: April 2023

Cholesterol is essential for neuronal activity and function. Cholesterol depletion in the plasma membrane impairs synaptic transmission. However, the molecular mechanisms by which cholesterol deficiency leads to defects in vesicle fusion remain poorly understood. Here, it is shown that cholesterol is required for Ca2+‐dependent native vesicle fusion using the in vitro reconstitution of fusion and amperometry to monitor exocytosis in chromaffin cells. Purified native vesicles are crucial for the reconstitution of physiological Ca2+‐dependent fusion, because vesicle‐mimicking liposomes fail to reproduce the cholesterol effect. Intriguingly, cholesterol has no effect on the membrane binding of synaptotagmin‐1, a Ca2+ sensor for ultrafast fusion. Cholesterol strengthens local membrane deformation and bending induced by synaptotagmin‐1, thereby lowering the energy barrier for Ca2+‐dependent fusion to occur. The data provide evidence that cholesterol depletion abolishes Ca2+‐dependent vesicle fusion by disrupting synaptotagmin‐1‐induced membrane bending, and suggests that cholesterol is an essential lipid regulator for Ca2+‐dependent fusion.
Cryogenic Storage Memory with High‐Speed, Low‐Power, and Long‐Retention Performance
Authors: Hur Jae , Kang Dongsuk , Moon Dong‐Il , Yu Ji‐Man , Choi Yang‐Kyu , Yu Shimeng
Published: April 2023

Cryogenic‐computing draws attention due to its variety of applications such as cloud‐computing, aerospace electronics, and quantum computing. Low temperature (e.g., 77 K) enables higher switching speed, improved reliability, and suppressed noise. Although cryogenic dynamic random‐access memory is studied, the cryogenic NAND flash is not explored intensively. Herein, a cryogenic storage memory based on the charge‐trap mechanism is reported. By removing the tunneling oxide from the conventional silicon/oxide/nitride/oxide/silicon (SONOS)‐type flash memory (therefore becoming silicon/oxide/nitride/silicon (SONS)), high‐speed and low‐power operation is aimed to be achieved while relieved from poor retention issue thanks to the cryogenic environment. The FinFET‐structured SONS memory device is demonstrated experimentally with gate length of 20–30 nm, which can achieve the retention issue (>10 years) with low voltage (≈6.5 V) and high speed (≈5 µs) operation at 77 K. To have a holistic system‐level evaluation, benchmark simulation of an interface between a host microprocessor and solid‐state‐drive is conducted, considering the refrigerator cooling cost and the heat loss via cables across two temperatures (300 and 77 K). The results show that the SONS‐type cryogenic storage system shows over 81% improvement in both latency and power, compared to the SONOS counterpart located at cryogenics.
Epithelial innate immune response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa–derived flagellin in chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Li Ping , Sheng Quanhu , Huang Li‐Ching , Turner Justin H.
Published: April 2023

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common colonizing pathogen in the upper respiratory tract and is associated with recalcitrant chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Herein we sought to characterize the effect of P. aeruginosa–derived flagellin on human sinonasal epithelial cell (HSNEC) immune responses and determine whether these pathways are disrupted in CRS.

Methods

Air‐liquid interface cultures were established from CRS and healthy control donors. Cells were incubated with P. aeruginosa–derived flagellin for 24 hours and transcriptional changes were assessed using whole transcriptome RNA sequencing. Apical and basolateral secretion of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines in interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and IL‐6 were measured after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide or flagellin and responses were compared between CRS and healthy control patients.

Results

HSNECs were weakly responsive to lipopolysaccharide, whereas flagellin stimulated a profound innate immune response dominated by TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐17 signaling and activation of the IL‐17C/IL‐23 axis. CRS‐derived HNSECs showed an altered innate immune response to flagellin, characterized by a profound increase in TNF‐α secretion coupled with reduced IL‐6 secretion.

Conclusions

Flagellin activates a potent innate immune response in HSNECs characterized by pro‐inflammatory mediators and cytokines/chemokines associated with neutrophilic inflammation. HSNECs from CRS patients have a dysregulated innate immune response to flagellin characterized by an imbalance between IL‐6 and TNF‐α secretion.
Quantitative Point of Care Tests for Timely Diagnosis of Early‐Onset Preeclampsia with High Sensitivity and Specificity
Authors: Masoumeh Ghorbanpour Sahar , Wen Shihui , Kaitu'u‐Lino Tu'uhevaha J , Hannan Natalie J. , Jin Dayong , McClements Lana
Published: April 2023

Preeclampsia is a heterogeneous and multiorgan cardiovascular disorder of pregnancy. Here, we report the development of a novel strip‐based lateral flow assay (LFA) using lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles conjugated to antibodies targeting two different biomarkers for detection of preeclampsia. We first measured circulating plasma FKBPL and CD44 protein concentrations from individuals with early‐onset preeclampsia (EOPE), using ELISA. We confirmed that the CD44/FKBPL ratio is reduced in EOPE with a good diagnostic potential. Using our rapid LFA prototypes, we achieved an improved lower limit of detection: 10 pg ml−1 for FKBPL and 15 pg ml−1 for CD44, which is more than one order lower than the standard ELISA method. Using clinical samples, a cut‐off value of 1.24 for CD44/FKBPL ratio provided positive predictive value of 100 % and the negative predictive value of 91 %. Our LFA shows promise as a rapid and highly sensitive point‐of‐care test for preeclampsia.
Efficient Transformation of Polymer Main Chain Catalyzed by Macrocycle Metal Complexes via Pseudorotaxane Intermediate
Authors: Takata Toshikazu , Yamamoto Koji , Higuchi Kazuki , Ogawa Masahiro , Kawasaki Ayumi , Mizuno Shunya , Iwasaki Hikaru , Nagashima Masaki , Hayashi Yoshihiro , Kawauchi Susumu , Nakazono Kazuko , Koyama Yasuhito
Published: April 2023

Post‐synthesis modification of polymers streamlines the synthesis of functionalized polymers, but is often incomplete due to the negative polymer effects. Developing efficient polymer reactions in artificial systems thus represents a long‐standing objective in the fields of polymer and material science. Here, we show unprecedented macrocycle‐metal‐complex‐catalyzed systems for efficient polymer reaction that result in 100 % transformation of the main chain functional groups presumably via a processive mode reaction. The complete polymer reactions were confirmed in not only intramolecular reaction (hydroamination) but also intermolecular reaction (hydrosilylation) by using Pd‐ and Pt‐macrocycle‐catalyzed systems. The most fascinating feature of the both reactions is that higher‐molecular‐weight polymers reach completion faster. Various studies suggested that the reactions occur in the catalyst cavity via the formation of a supramolecular complex between the macrocycle catalyst and polymer substrate like pseudorotaxane, which should be of characteristic of the efficient polymer reactions progressing in a processive mode.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of NO2 on TiO2: Evidence of a New Source of N2O5
Authors: Chu Biwu , Liu Yuan , Li Hao , Jia Yongcheng , Liu Jun , Cao Qing , Chen Tianzeng , Zhang Peng , Ma Qingxin , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Francisco Joseph S. , He Hong
Published: April 2023

N2O5 is an important intermediate in the atmospheric nitrogen cycle. Using a flow tube reactor, N2O5 was found to be released from the TiO2 surface during the photocatalytic oxidation of NO2, revealing a previously unreported source of N2O5. The rate of N2O5 release from TiO2 was dependent on the initial NO2 concentration, relative humidity, O2/N2 ratio, and irradiation intensity. Experimental evidence and quantum chemical calculations showed that NO2 can react with the surface hydroxyl groups and the generated electron holes on the TiO2, followed by combining with another NO2 molecule to form N2O5. The latter was physisorbed on TiO2 and had a low adsorption energy of −0.13 eV. Box model simulations indicated that the new source of N2O5 released from TiO2 can increase the daytime N2O5 concentration by up to 20 % in urban areas if abundant TiO2‐containing materials and high NOx concentrations were present. This joint experimental/theoretical study not only demonstrates a new chemical mechanism for N2O5 formation but also has important implications for air quality in urban areas.
Intermolecular Enantioselective Benzylic C(sp3)−H Amination by Cationic Copper Catalysis**
Authors: Dai Ling , Chen Ying‐Ying , Xiao Li‐Jun , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: April 2023

Chiral benzylic amines are privileged motifs in pharmacologically active molecules. Intramolecular enantioselective radical C(sp3)−H functionalization by hydrogen‐atom transfer has emerged as a straightforward, powerful tool for the synthesis of chiral amines, but methods for intermolecular enantioselective C(sp3)−H amination remain elusive. Herein, we report a cationic copper catalytic system for intermolecular enantioselective benzylic C(sp3)−H amination with peroxide as an oxidant. This mild, straightforward method can be used to transform an array of feedstock alkylarenes and amides into chiral amines with high enantioselectivities, and it has good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. More importantly, it can be used to synthesize bioactive molecules, including chiral drugs. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the amination reaction involves benzylic radicals generated by hydrogen‐atom transfer.
Manganese spinel ferrites‐composite nanotubes impregnated thermally endured cellulose acetate membranes for superior desalination application
Authors: Afzal Amina , Shahid Fiza , Rafique Muhammad , Nazir Iqra
Published: April 2023

Manganese nanoferrites are decorated over single‐wall carbon nanotubes using in situ co‐precipitation technique to incorporate into cellulose acetate (CA) polymer in order to prepare nanocomposite membranes for salt rejection and desalination purpose. The microstructural study reveals the pore size of the synthesized membranes from 5 nm to 0.20 μm depending upon the loading concentration of the impregnated nanocomposite tubes. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the synthesized membranes delineate the presence of decorated nanotubes in the host polymer matrix. Thermal degradation study proclaims the thermal endurance enhancement with increasing nanotubes concentration in the polymer matrix. Flux rate of the deionized (DI) water through the prepared membranes decreases with increasing nano‐filler concentration while this impact is observed inverse in salt rejection study of the aluminum sulphate (Al2(SO4)3) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) solutions due to the transformation of microporosity to nanoporosity with increasing composite tubes dosing into the host CA polymer.
Coordinate System Invariant Formulation of Fractional‐Dimensional Child‐Langmuir Law for a Rough Cathode
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Fatima Adeela , Raheem Noreen , Ang Yee Sin , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim , Massoud Yehia
Published: April 2023

This work presents an exact closed‐form analytical model of the space charge limited (SCL) current density for planar, cylindrical, and spherical geometries in fractional dimensional spaces (Fα)  where α represents the fractional dimensions having a range 0 < α ⩽ 1. Decreasing value of α shows an increasing degree of surface roughness. This analytical model approaches Langmuir–Blodgett equations for sufficiently close anode (Ra) and cathode (Rc) radii for integer dimensions (α = 1). To calculate SCL current density for any geometry, variational calculus (VC) is used to derive the differential equations in fractional (α) dimensions. The effect of electrode radius ratios on space charge limited current is investigated here considering the surface roughness.
Characteristics of near‐surface soil freeze–thaw status using high resolution CLM5.0 simulations on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Peng Qing , Jia Binghao , Lai Xin , Wang Longhuan , Huang Qifeng
Published: April 2023

Soil freeze–thaw alternation is a natural characteristic of the Tibetan Plateau (TP), and plays an important role in surface energy balance and eco‐hydrological processes. The soil freeze–thaw process on the TP has changed significantly owing to global warming, affecting the alpine ecosystem structure and function. This study used high‐resolution atmospheric forcing datasets to drive the Community Land Model version 5.0 (CLM5.0) to simulate the near‐surface soil freeze–thaw status between 1979 and 2020. The simulated results were compared with in situ observations, and then the spatiotemporal distribution of the freeze start‐date (FSD), freeze end‐date (FED), freeze duration (FD), and thaw duration (TD) at a depth of 0.1 m were analyzed. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients (NSEs) of FSD, FED, FD, and TD between simulations and in situ observations were 0.77, 0.90, 0.98 and 0.92, and the correlation coefficients of FSD, FED, FD, TD were 0.97, 0.99, 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. The spatial distribution of FSD and TD was characterized by gradually increasing from northwest to southeast while FED and FD exhibited the opposite characteristics. FSD, FED, FD, and TD changed at an area‐mean rate of 1.1, −1.4, −2.5, and 2.5 days decade−1, respectively. This study provides an important reference for analyzing and predicting the changes in near surface soil freeze–thaw status on the TP under the warming climate.
Visualizing stimulus‐responsive dual‐ligand fluorescent probes for hypochlorite: A novel strategy for real application in tap water
Authors: Han Jianhong , Wang Yuting , Ren Zehua , Zhang Lianke , Hu Shuting , Li Yumei , Liu Pai
Published: April 2023

As an effective ingredient of disinfectants, ClO− inevitably remains in water, which induces potential health hazards such as lung damage and kidney disease. In this study, we synthesized stimulus‐responsive dual‐ligand luminol‐Tb‐GMP coordination polymer nanoparticles (luminol‐Tb‐GMP CPNPs) as highly selective fluorescent probes for the real‐time and visual detection of ClO−. CPNPs consist of Tb3+, a nuclear metal, that coordinates with GMP and luminol, an auxiliary ligand. GMP can be oxidized by ClO− and damage its structure, resulting in fluorescence quenching of CPNPs. The two‐ligand CPNPs sensor has a rapid fluorescent response, significant fluorescent color change, and high sensitivity, with a linear range of 2–18 μM and a detection limit of 0.14 μM. It has been successfully used to detect ClO− in tap water, fountain water, and drinking water. Simultaneously, the portable filter paper strip was prepared to expand the range of applications outside the laboratory, which will provide a promising application for the real‐time and semiquantitative analysis of ClO−.
Fluorescence imaging approaches for eco‐friendly determination of perampanel in human plasma and application for therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Hassan Said A. , Helmy Aya H. , Youssef Nadia F. , Weshahy Soheir A. , El‐zeany Badr A.
Published: April 2023

Antiepileptic drugs are among the most common medications that require therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Indeed, TDM provides a realistic approach to adjust drug doses for epilepsy based on plasma concentrations to optimize its clinical outcome. The most common technique for TDM is high‐performance liquid chromatography, which has a very low green profile among analytical techniques. Perampanel (PER) is an inherently fluorescent compound that its fluorophore readily allows sensitive and quantitative measurements. This paper describes the development and validation of a sensitive, specific, and eco‐friendly spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of PER. Experimental parameters affecting fluorescence intensity of the compound, including solvent dilution, temperature, and excitation wavelength, were studied and optimized. The developed spectrofluorimetric method was established in acetonitrile at λex = 295 nm and λem = 431 nm over a concentration range of 5–60 ng/ml. The adopted method was applied for the determination of PER in human plasma; it was effective in the range of 15–50 ng/ml. The proposed method was found to be sensitive and specific for PER and can be applied successfully in TDM of PER and in quality control laboratories.
The experience of having a partner in prison—A systematic review and meta‐ethnography
Authors: McDonnell Darren , Lambert Sharon , Farrell Aoife
Published: April 2023

The number of individuals in prison is increasing worldwide. More and more family members are impacted by the imprisonment of a loved one. They face a variety of difficulties, such as social exclusion, mental health difficulties, stigma, and isolation. A systematic review and meta‐ethnography were carried out using Noblit & Hare's seven‐step approach to bring together the qualitative research in this area and support policy recommendations. Key databases were searched systematically and 12 studies, with varying aims, sample, and location, were included. The synthesis produced six core themes, reflecting the experiences of partners (mainly female): Role Transitions; Loss and Isolation; Shame and Secrecy; Encounters with the Prison Systems; Silver Linings; New Ways of Coping. The overarching narrative that integrates the findings suggests that the experience of having a partner in prison is a process of resocialisation. Partners not only conform to new circumstances and adjust their behaviour, but also adjust to changes in their roles and responsibilities, relationships, positions in society, and their futures. The findings, notwithstanding limitations and recommendations for future research, highlight the need for healthcare professionals, community and prison services, and policymakers to work together to support this population in their resocialisation process. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article'sCommunity and Social Impact Statement.
Rapid, Label‐Free Screening of Diverse Biotransformations by Flow‐Injection Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Berger Sarah A. , Grimm Christopher , Nyenhuis Jonathan , Payer Stefan E. , Oroz‐Guinea Isabel , Schrittwieser Joerg H. , Kroutil Wolfgang
Published: April 2023

Mass spectrometry‐based high‐throughput screening methods combine the advantages of photometric or fluorometric assays and analytical chromatography, as they are reasonably fast (throughput ≥1 sample/min) and broadly applicable, with no need for labelled substrates or products. However, the established MS‐based screening approaches require specialised and expensive hardware, which limits their broad use throughout the research community. We show that a more common instrumental platform, a single‐quadrupole HPLC‐MS, can be used to rapidly analyse diverse biotransformations by flow‐injection mass spectrometry (FIA‐MS), that is, by automated infusion of samples to the ESI‐MS detector without prior chromatographic separation. Common organic buffers can be employed as internal standard for quantification, and the method provides readily validated activity and selectivity information with an analytical run time of one minute per sample. We report four application examples that cover a broad range of analyte structures and concentrations (0.1–50 mM before dilution) and diverse biocatalyst preparations (crude cell lysates and whole microbial cells). Our results establish FIA‐MS as a versatile and reliable alternative to more traditional methods for screening enzymatic reactions.