bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of genes regulated by 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) in multiple myeloma cells using oligonucleotide arrays
Authors: Chauhan Dharminder , Li Guilan , Auclair Daniel , Hideshima Teru , Richardson Paul , Podar Klaus , Mitsiades Nicholas , Mitsiades Constantine , Li Cheng , Kim Ryung Suk , Munshi Nikhil , Chen Lan Bo , Wong Wing , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: April 2003

Our previous study demonstrated that 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2), an estrogen derivative, induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma (MM) cells; however, the related transcriptional events are unclear. In the present study, we used oligonucleotide microarrays to identify genes altered during 2ME2-induced apoptosis in MM cells. 2ME2 triggers an early transient induction of genes known to trigger cell death and repression of growth/survival-related genes. Many genes regulating cell defense/repair machinery also were transiently induced. Since 2ME2 also induces apoptosis in MM cells resistant to conventional therapies such as dexamethasone (Dex), we compared the gene profiles of 2ME2-treated and Dex-resistant MM cells. Our results suggest that 2ME2 overcomes Dex resistance by modulating genes that confer chemoresistance in MM cells. Microarray results were confirmed by Northern and Western blot analyses. A comparative analysis of selected genes from freshly isolated MM patient cells and 2ME2-treated MM.1S MM cells further provides an in vivo relevance of our in vitro studies. Collectively, these findings suggest genetic events mediating anti-MM activity of 2ME2, as well as mechanisms whereby 2ME2 overcomes Dex resistance in MM cells. These studies may therefore allow improved therapeutic use of 2ME2, based upon targeting genes that regulate MM cell growth and survival.
Anisotropy correction for deviated‐well sonic logs: Application to seismic well tie
Authors: Hornby Brian E. , Howie John M. , Ince Donald W.
Published: April 2003

Borehole sonic logs acquired in deviated wells penetrating the HRZ and Colville shales in the Niakuk field in Alaska's North Slope are seen to be significantly faster than vertical well logs. These differences are attributed to shale anisotropy. An iterative inversion scheme was created to invert for shale anisotropy parameters using multiple wells penetrating shale sections at different angles. The inversion involves fitting the sonic log data at a range of borehole angles to the compressional wave group velocity surface. The result is an estimate of the anisotropy parameters (ε and δ) and the vertical P‐wave velocity. The results show that the shales are strongly anisotropic, with compressional‐wave anisotropy (Thomsen's parameter ε) on the order of 40% and the anisotropy parameter δ (relates vertical velocity to short‐offset NMO velocity) around 10%. This large anisotropy can affect seismic imaging, AVO, and time–depth calculations.

A procedure was created to estimate the anisotropy‐corrected vertical sonic logs from sonic data recorded in a deviated well. The inputs are well deviation, P‐wave sonic log, volume of shale or gamma ray data, and anisotropy parameters for rock with 100% shale volume. With these inputs the compressional‐wave group velocity surface is computed and the equivalent vertical P‐wave sonic log is output. The equivalent vertical sonic log can then be used for standard seismic applications using isotropic velocity assumptions. The application was applied to a well deviated at approximately 67°. Shale anisotropy parameters were taken from the sonic log inversion, and an anisotropy‐corrected sonic log was produced. Seismic well ties were attempted using both the recorded logs and the anisotropy‐corrected logs, with the result that the well tie using the measured logs was poor while a tie using the anisotropy‐corrected logs was good.
A dc resistivity and IP borehole survey at the Casa Berardi gold mine in northwestern Quebec
Authors: Spitzer Klaus , Chouteau Michel
Published: April 2003

In the spring of 1996, a direct current (dc) resistivity and induced polarization (IP) borehole survey was carried out at the Casa Berardi gold mine in northwestern Quebec to study the spatial extent of the economic disseminated zone of an auriferous quartz vein type orebody. Crosshole pole‐pole and single‐hole pole‐dipole configurations were used to delineate the geometry of the body associated with the Casa Berardi fault system. Since the spatial data sampling was insufficient for 3D inversion, the interpretation has been done using 3D dc and IP forward modeling. Model changes were applied iteratively to match synthetic with field data. Sensitivities provide information on how to alter the models efficiently. Furthermore, they indicate the significant regions of the model, giving evidence on where the model is meaningful. A model study using a simple prismatic block structure is shown to enhance understanding of the physical response associated with the two types of borehole survey. The algorithms used for the interpretation offer a so‐called grid‐independent electrode positioning technique, which is a helpful modus operandi to significantly facilitate the simulation process. The result is a resistivity and chargeability model that produces the observed physical response and incorporates all known geological a priori information. Particularly, the IP response carries detailed information on the appearance of the orebody, whereas the potential response reflects the resistivity contrast between metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks at the Casa Berardi fault.
Multidimensional recursive filter preconditioning in geophysical estimation problems
Authors: Fomel Sergey , Claerbout Jon F.
Published: April 2003

Constraining ill‐posed inverse problems often requires regularized optimization. We consider two alternative approaches to regularization. The first approach involves a column operator and an extension of the data space. It requires a regularization operator which enhances the undesirable features of the model. The second approach constructs a row operator and expands the model space. It employs a preconditioning operator which enforces a desirable behavior (such as smoothness) of the model. In large‐scale problems, when iterative optimization is incomplete, the second method is preferable, because it often leads to faster convergence. We propose a method for constructing preconditioning operators by multidimensional recursive filtering. The recursive filters are constructed by imposing helical boundary conditions. Several examples with synthetic and real data demonstrate an order of magnitude efficiency gain achieved by applying the proposed technique to data interpolation problems.
Prestack residual migration in the frequency domain
Authors: Sava Paul C.
Published: April 2003

Prestack Stolt residual migration can be applied to seismic images that are depth migrated using wavefield extrapolation techniques. This method has significant advantages over other methods that estimate interval velocity functions for depth migration. It is more accurate than methods that are based on focusing the stack of migrated images by a residual NMO operation, so it provides a more accurate estimate of the correct migration velocities. Also, it is conceptually simpler and easier to implement than traveltime tomography methods. Although the theory is developed assuming constant velocity, the method can be used for depth‐migrated images produced with smoothly varying velocity models, since the residually migrated images depend only on the ratio of the reference and updated velocities. This method closely resembles Stolt‐stretch techniques, so it inherits the Stolt method's speed and convenience. The main applications of this method are in migration velocity analysis (MVA), where it can be used to investigate the effects of gross velocity changes on the migrated image, and as a tool for residual image enhancement used by more sophisticated MVA methods, e.g., wave‐equation migration velocity analysis.
Poroelasticity: Efficient modeling of strongly coupled, slow deformation processes in a multilayered half‐space
Authors: Wang Rongjiang , Kümpel Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2003

We present a fast, powerful numerical scheme to compute poroelastic solutions for excess pore pressure and displacements in a multilayered half‐space. The solutions are based on the mirror‐image technique and use an extension of Haskell's propagator method. They can be applied to assess in‐situ formation parameters from the surface deformation field when fluids are injected into or extracted from a subsurface reservoir, or they can be used to simulate changes in pore‐fluid pressure resulting from matrix displacements induced by an earthquake. The performance of the numerical scheme is tested through comparison with observations of the surface deformation as recorded by tiltmeters in the vicinity of an iteratively pumped well. Modeling of near‐surface tilt data around a productive well is useful in constraining hydraulic diffusivity in the layered subsurface.
First report of Myxobolus neurofontinalis (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae) infecting anadromous Brook Trout from Prince Edward Island, Canada
Authors: Ksepka Steven P. , Groman David B. , Bourque Laura , Bullard Stephen A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

During routine histological examination of tissues from mortality events of anadromous Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis from Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, myxospores consistent with Myxobolus were observed infecting the central nervous system. The objective of this study was to identify the species of Myxobolus infecting the nervous system of anadromous Brook Trout from PEI, Canada.

Methods

Myxospore morphology, small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequence data, and histology were used to identify myxospores isolated from infected Brook Trout.

Result

Myxospore measurements from the PEI samples matched those reported in the description of Myxobolus neurofontinalis from North Carolina. A 1057-bp fragment of the SSU rDNA from myxospores collected from Brook Trout in PEI was identical to an isolate of M. neurofontinalis (MN191598) collected previously from the type locality, New River basin, North Carolina. Histological sections confirmed infections were intercellular in the central nervous system. Minimal host response was observed, with only sparse mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates present at the periphery of and within dispersed myxospores, suggesting that infections are not pathogenic to Brook Trout.

Conclusion

Myxospores were identified as M. neurofontinalis, which was previously described from the central nervous system of Brook Trout from the New River basin, North Carolina, USA. This constitutes the first time M. neurofontinalis has been documented outside of the New River basin in North Carolina.
Evaluating AAPM‐TG‐218 recommendations: Gamma index tolerance and action limits in IMRT and VMAT quality assurance using SunCHECK
Authors: Deng Jia , Liu ShengYan , Huang Yun , Li Xiuquan , Wu Xiangyang
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to improve the safety and accuracy of radiotherapy by establishing tolerance (TL) and action (AL) limits for the gamma index in patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using SunCHECK software, as per AAPM TG‐218 report recommendations.

Methods

The study included 125 patients divided into six groups by treatment regions (H&N, thoracic and pelvic) and techniques (VMAT, IMRT). SunCHECK was used to calculate the gamma passing rate (%GP) and dose error (%DE) for each patient, for the planning target volume and organs at risk (OARs). The TL and AL were then determined for each group according to TG‐218 recommendations. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to compare %DE among different groups and examined the relationship between %GP and %DE.

Results

The TL and AL of all groups were more stringent than the common standard as defined by the TG218 report. The TL and AL values of the groups differed significantly, and the values for the thoracic groups were lower for both VMAT and IMRT. The %DE of the parameters D95%, D90%, and Dmean in the planning target volume, and Dmean and Dmax in OARs were significantly different. The dose deviation of VMAT was larger than IMRT, especially in the thoracic group. A %GP and %DE correlation analysis showed a strong correlation for the planning target volume, but a weak correlation for the OARs. Additionally, a significant correlation existed between %GP of SunCHECK and Delta4.

Conclusion

The study established TL and AL values tailored to various anatomical regions and treatment techniques at our institution. Establishing PSQA workflows for VMAT and IMRT offers valuable clinical insights and guidance. We also suggest developing a standard combining clinically relevant metrics with %GP to evaluate PSQA results comprehensively.
Aberrant brain–heart coupling is associated with the severity of post cardiac arrest brain injury
Authors: Hermann Bertrand , Candia‐Rivera Diego , Sharshar Tarek , Gavaret Martine , Diehl Jean‐Luc , Cariou Alain , Benghanem Sarah
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate autonomic nervous system activity measured by brain–heart interactions in comatose patients after cardiac arrest in relation to the severity and prognosis of hypoxic–ischemic brain injury.

Methods

Strength and complexity of bidirectional interactions between EEG frequency bands (delta, theta, and alpha) and ECG heart rate variability frequency bands (low frequency, LF and high frequency, HF) were computed using a synthetic data generation model. Primary outcome was the severity of brain injury, assessed by (i) standardized qualitative EEG classification, (ii) somatosensory evoked potentials (N20), and (iii) neuron‐specific enolase levels. Secondary outcome was the 3‐month neurological status, assessed by the Cerebral Performance Category score [good (1–2) vs. poor outcome (3–4–5)].

Results

Between January 2007 and July 2021, 181 patients were admitted to ICU for a resuscitated cardiac arrest. Poor neurological outcome was observed in 134 patients (74%). Qualitative EEG patterns suggesting high severity were associated with decreased LF/HF. Severity of EEG changes were proportional to higher absolute values of brain‐to‐heart coupling strength (p < 0.02 for all brain‐to‐heart frequencies) and lower values of alpha‐to‐HF complexity (p = 0.049). Brain‐to‐heart coupling strength was significantly higher in patients with bilateral absent N20 and correlated with neuron‐specific enolase levels at Day 3. This aberrant brain‐to‐heart coupling (increased strength and decreased complexity) was also associated with 3‐month poor neurological outcome.

Interpretation

Our results suggest that autonomic dysfunctions may well represent hypoxic–ischemic brain injury post cardiac arrest pathophysiology. These results open avenues for integrative monitoring of autonomic functioning in critical care patients.
Revolutionizing Electromagnetic Materials: Machine Learning Enabled Optimization of Polymer Nanocomposites for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Bora Pritom Jyoti , Mahanta Bibhusita , Raghavan Nagarajan
Published: January 2024

The demand for polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) has been steadily increasing in various electronic and electromagnetic applications. PNCs have played a crucial role in the development of radio frequency devicesand stealth technology resulting in a significant importance on microwave absorption materials. The aim of this work is to employ Gaussian process regression (GPR) as a powerful approach for multidimensional optimization of key parameters, such as filler content and thickness of PNC, in order to realize its reflection loss (RL) characteristics, viz., minmum RL (RLmin) value and RL ≤ −10 dB bandwidth (corresponds to 90% absorption). As a proof of principle, the solution‐processed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)–Fe2O3 nanocomposite is explored. Using experimental data from four different filler contents, the continuous electromagnetic response using GPR is predicted. By integrating an optimization algorithm with the GPR‐predicted electromagnetic responses, exceptional results in the form of an optimal RLmin value of −67 dB for a 1.4 mm thicker PDMS nanocomposite containing 33 vol% Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been achieved. This performance has not been reported previously, making it a significant contribution to the field. The experimental results corroborate the predicted data, providing evidence for the efficacy of this novel approach in designing robust PNCs for enhancing RL performance.
Realizing Super‐High Piezoelectricity and Excellent Fatigue Resistance in Domain‐Engineered Bismuth Titanate Ferroelectrics
Authors: Xie Shaoxiong , Xu Qian , Chen Qiang , Zhu Jianguo , Wang Qingyuan
Published: January 2024

Bismuth titanate (BIT) is widely known as one of the most prospective lead‐free ferroelectric and piezoelectric materials in advanced high‐temperature sensing applications. Despite significant advances in developing BIT ferroelectrics, it still faces major scientific and engineering challenges in realizing super‐high performance to meet next‐generation high‐sensitivity and light‐weight applications. Here, a novel ferroelectric domain‐engineered BIT ceramic system is conceived that exhibits super‐high piezoelectric coefficient (d33 = 38.5 pC N−1) and inverse piezoelectric coefficient (d33* = 46.7 pm V−1) at low electric field as well as excellent fatigue resistance (stable up to 107 cycles). The results reveal that the introduction of high‐density layered (001)‐type 180° domain walls with flexible polarization rotation features and the formation of small‐size multi‐domain states with low energy barriers are mainly responsible for the excellent electrical performance. To the best of knowledge, it is the first time to reveal such intriguing domain structures in BIT ceramics in detail, especially from the atomic‐scale perspective by using atomic number (Z)‐contrast imaging in combination with atomic‐resolution polarization mapping. It is believed that this breakthrough conduces to comprehensively understand structural features of ferroelectric domains in BIT ceramics, and also opens a window for future developments of super‐high performance in bismuth layer‐structured ferroelectrics via domain engineering.
Optimization of Interfacial OH− Accessibility by Constructing a Delayed–Release Membrane Electrode for Ampere–Level Hydrogen Production
Authors: Cheng Yu , Chen Huanyu , Xu Xinnan , Dong Junjie , Wang Mengfan , Yan Chenglin , Qian Tao
Published: January 2024

Achieving a high current density during electrochemical overall water splitting is a promising strategy for industrial energy conversion. The mass diffusion rate of OH− ions from the electrolyte to the interfacial active sites strongly influences the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) . Herein, the delayed‐release of OH− ions modulated by a proper organic polymer membrane on the electrode surface can optimize the OH− accessibility to the active sites (as indicated by the molecular dynamics simulations) is demonstrated and that van der Waals interaction force modulates the OH− residence time in the reaction system. The remarkable performance of the membrane‐modified electrode  is achieved at ultra‐high current densities of 1.9 A cm−2 (with an HER overpotential of 602 mV) and 2 A cm−2 (with an OER overpotential of 459 mV) in 1 M KOH solution. Consequently, a super‐high current density of 1.3 A cm−2 is obtained for overall water splitting (at a voltage of only 2.2 V), which is 1.9‐fold higher than that of a benchmarked Pt/C‐IrO2 (684 mA cm−2). Therefore, the delayed‐release of OH− has optimized the mass conversion efficiency of the active sites, thus improving the electrochemical performance of overall water splitting.
Achieving Superior Thermoelectric Performance in Ge4Se3Te via Symmetry Manipulation with I–V–VI2 Alloying
Authors: Guo Mingjie , Cui Hong‐Hua , Guo Weiping , Chen Zixuan , Ming Hongwei , Luo Zhong‐Zhen , Zou Zhigang
Published: January 2024

Although orthorhombic GeSe is predicted to have an ultrahigh figure of merit, ZT ≈ 2.5, up to now, the highest experimental value is ≈0.2 due to the low carrier concentration (nH ≈ 1018 cm−3). Improving symmetry is an effective approach for enhancing the ZT of GeSe‐based materials. With Te‐alloying, Ge4Se3Te displays the two‐dimensional hexagonal structure and high nH ≈ 1.23 × 1021 cm−3. Interestingly, Ge4Se3Te transformed from the hexagonal into the rhombohedral phase with only ≈2% I–V–VI2‐alloying (I = Li, Na, K, Cu, Ag; V = Sb, Bi; VI = Se, Te). According to the calculated results of Ge0.82Ag0.09Bi0.09Se0.614Te0.386 single‐crystal grown via AgBiTe2‐alloying, it exhibits a higher valley degeneracy than the hexagonal Ge4Se3Te. For instance, AgBiTe2‐alloying induces a strong band convergence and band inversion effect, resulting in a significantly enhanced Seebeck coefficient and power factor with a similar nH from 17 µV K−1 and 0.63 µW cm−1 K−2 for pristine Ge4Se3Te to 124 µV K−1 and 5.97 µW cm−1 K−2 for 12%AgBiTe2‐alloyed sample, respectively. Moreover, the sharply reduced phonon velocity, nano‐domain wall structure, and strong anharmonicity lead to low lattice thermal conductivity. As a result, a record‐high average ZT ≈0.95 over 323–773 K with an excellent ZT ≈ 1.30 is achieved at 723 K.
Vanadium Carbide MXenzyme Harnessing Photothermal Effects for Targeted Lung Tumor Suppression and Inflammation Eradication
Authors: Wu Jiawei , Yin Hefeng , Song Xu , Deng Ming , Wang Bo , Fei Xiang , Zhu Junjie , Guo Zhiyi , Zhang Hongmei , Chen Wei , Xu Yong
Published: January 2024

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is increasingly favored as a treatment option for lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer‐related death. However, the effectiveness of PTT is hampered by both tumor‐associated and treatment‐related inflammatory reactions. Consequently, there is a pressing need for innovative PTT‐based platforms capable of mitigating inflammation postcancer treatment. Herein, 2D vanadium carbide (V2C) MXenzyme nanosheets via a straightforward exfoliation and intercalation process are successfully synthesized. The V2C MXenzyme demonstrates a robust photothermal effect, which varied with concentration, density, and irradiation duration when exposed to 808 nm near‐infrared light. Notably, V2C MXenzyme exhibits the ability to eliminate A549 lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo through PTT. Additionally, the synthesized V2C MXenzyme nanosheets exhibited various enzyme‐like activities, resembling reactive oxygen species–mimetic enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and thiol peroxidase. V2C MXenzyme significantly curtailed inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Furthermore, gene sequencing analysis of inflammation‐related genes responding to V2C MXenzyme nanosheets is performed and identified HSPA1A as a significantly differentially expressed gene. HSPA1A expression correlated with the infiltration of various immune cells in lung adenocarcinoma. Thus, V2C MXenzyme may serve as a revalorization platform to suppress lung tumors and reduce inflammation.
Reversible Phase Change‐Induced Hardening and Softening for Conditions‐Adaptive and Mechanics‐Reconfigurable Applications
Authors: Fang Yuanlai , Bai Zhongxiang , Yang Li , Liu Qianwei , Xu Weiming , Wei Jingjiang , Yang Kun , Wang Qingyuan , Cui Jiaxi
Published: January 2024

The mechanical soft–hard transition of hydrogels is desired in conditions‐adaptive deformation and mechanics reconfiguration applications. However, highly efficient, stimuli‐responsive, and reversible transition strategies are hard to achieve. Inspired by the supercooling of salt‐aqueous solutions, solid and supersaturated hydrogels are prepared based on a hydrophilic polymer network and salt‐aqueous solution. The inner crystallization‐ or melting‐induced reversible phase‐change realizes the switch between the soft hydrogel (modulus: 0.1 MPa) and rigid composite (modulus: 24.0 MPa). The soft and supersaturated hydrogels easily deform to achieve diverse new 3D models and the unfamiliar soft–hard transition makes temporary shapes be efficiently fixed (hardening). Interestingly, the initial hydrogel's shapes can be regenerated relying on the resilience of the polyacrylamide network when the crystal is melted (softening). Shape memory, complex surface morphology replication, rapid mold application, and self‐supporting laminated glass are accomplished by this unique crystallization‐melting introduced soft–hard transition. This phase change soft‐hard switching strategy will broaden the functionalities of hydrogels.
Assembly of Metal–Organic Chemical Conversion Layers as Ion Sieves along with Exposing Zn(002) Planes for Stable Zn Metal Anode
Authors: Lv Bo , Zong Quan , Yu Yifei , Liu Chaofeng , Pan Anqiang , Wang Jiangying , Tao Daiwen , Zhang Jingji , Zhang Qilong , Cao Guozhong
Published: January 2024

The development of aqueous rechargeable Zn metal batteries, as one of the most promising large‐scale energy storage technology, is hindered largely by dendrite growth and surface passivation of Zn metal anode, which are deleterious to the battery life and Coulombic efficiency (CE). This report demonstrates that ethylenediamine tetramethylenephosphonic acid can in situ coordinate with Zn (EDTMP‐Zn) along with exposing (002) planes for highly reversible and stable Zn plating/stripping. The zincophilic EDTMP‐Zn layer may serve as ion sieves that homogenize Zn ion flux at the Zn anode surface and consequently induce uniform deposition of Zn. The hydrophobic groups in such functional layer is thought to circumvent the Zn anode surface from corrosion and hydrogen evolution reaction. EDTMP15‐Zn modified Zn anode (EDTMP15‐Zn@Zn) delivers a lifespan exceeding 1400 h at 5 mA cm−2, and 1 mAh cm−2 for Zn||Zn symmetric cell and improved CE of 99.7% over 1000 cycles in a Zn||Cu cell. The full cell coupled with NH4V4O10 cathode demonstrates improved rate performance and cycle stability.
Poly (Betulinic Acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with bFGF Improve Functional Recovery After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chen Xianghang , Wang Beini , Zhou Yongxiu , Wu Xuejuan , Du Anyu , Al Mamun Abdullah , Xu Yitie , Wang Shuangshuang , Jiang Chang , Xie Ling , Zhou Kailiang , Hu Siwang , Xiao Jian
Published: January 2024

Oxidative stress (OS) is one of the crucial molecular events of secondary spinal cord injury (SCI). Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a multipotent cell growth factor with an anti‐oxidant effect. However, bFGF has a short half‐life in vivo, which limits its therapeutic application. Biodegradable polymers with excellent biocompatibility have been recently applied in SCI. The negative aspect is that polymers cannot provide a significant therapeutic effect. Betulinic acid (BA), a natural anti‐inflammatory compound, has been polymerized into poly (betulinic acid) (PBA) to serve as a drug carrier for bFGF. This study explores the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of PBA nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with bFGF (PBA‐bFGF NPs) in SCI. Results show that PBA‐bFGF NPs produce remarkable biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro. The results also demonstrate that local delivery of PBA‐bFGF NPs enhances motor function recovery, inhibits OS, mitigates neuroinflammation, and alleviates neuronal apoptosis following SCI. Furthermore, the results indicate that local delivery of PBA‐bFGF NPs activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf‐2) signaling pathway following SCI. In summary, results suggest that local delivery of PBA‐bFGF NPs delivers potential therapeutic advantages in the treatment and management of SCI.
Mapping Extracellular Space Features of Viral Encephalitis to Evaluate the Proficiency of Anti‐Viral Drugs
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Hua‐Jie , Wang Zhi‐Gang , Ning Di , Zhao Wei , Rat Virgile , Lamb Don C. , Pang Dai‐Wen , Liu Shu‐Lin
Published: January 2024

The extracellular space (ECS) is an important barrier against viral attack on brain cells, and dynamic changes in ECS microstructure characteristics are closely related to the progression of viral encephalitis in the brain and the efficacy of antiviral drugs. However, mapping the precise morphological and rheological features of the ECS in viral encephalitis is still challenging so far. Here, a robust approach is developed using single‐particle diffusional fingerprinting of quantum dots combined with machine learning to map ECS features in the brain and predict the efficacy of antiviral encephalitis drugs. These results demonstrated that this approach can characterize the microrheology and geometry of the brain ECS at different stages of viral infection and identify subtle changes induced by different drug treatments. This approach provides a potential platform for drug proficiency assessment and is expected to offer a reliable basis for the clinical translation of drugs.
Microencapsulated Perovskite Crystals via In Situ Permeation Growth from Polymer Microencapsulation‐Expansion‐Contraction Strategy: Advancing a Record Long‐Term Stability beyond 10 000 h for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Yibo , Wang Shirong , Liu Hongli , Li Xianggao
Published: January 2024

Organic metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) bearing both high efficiency and durability are predominantly challenged by inadequate crystallinity of perovskite. Herein, a polymer microencapsulation‐expansion‐contraction strategy is proposed for the first time to optimize the crystallization behavior of perovskite, typically by adeptly harnessing the swelling and deswelling characteristics of poly(4‐acryloylmorpholine) (poly(4‐AcM)) network on PbI2 surface. It can effectively retard the crystallization rate of perovskite, permitting meliorative crystallinity featured by increased grain size from 0.74 to 1.32 µm and reduced trap density from 1.12 × 1016 to 2.56 × 1015 cm−3. Moreover, profiting from the protection of poly(4‐AcM) microencapsulation layer, the degradation of the perovskite is markedly suppressed. Resultant PSCs gain a robust power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.04%. Typically, they maintain 91% of their initial PCE for 13 008 h in a desiccated ambient environment and retain 92% PCE after storage for 4000 h with a relative humidity of 50 ± 10%, which is the state‐of‐the‐art long‐term stability among the reported contributions.
Tunable Acoustic Properties Using Different Coating Systems on Resonance Spruce Wood
Authors: Stanciu Mariana Domnica , Coșniță Mihaela , Gliga Ghiorghe Vasile , Gurau Lidia , Timar Maria Cristina , Guiman Maria Violeta , Marian Năstac Silviu , Călin Roșca Ioan , Bucur Voichita , Dinulică Florin
Published: January 2024

The study investigates the effect of the type of varnish and the number of layers on some acoustic properties of the resonance spruce in combination with the changes produced in some physical, morphological, and chemical properties of wood. In addition to color changes and surface chemistry, the surface roughness and morphology are modified by the thickness of the varnish film, 10 layers being optimal from this point of view, as well as the oil‐based finish. The sound absorption coefficient increases with the number of varnish layers and varies with the sound frequency range, varnish type, and wood quality, all contributing to the acoustic tunability. For example, for a sound frequency of 1.5 kHz, it is observed that the oil‐based varnish with 5 and 10 layers contributes to a full sound, while the alcohol varnish, due to a lower absorption coefficient for this frequency, can lead to some nasal sounds. Applying more than 10 layers of varnish does not improve the sound performance as it will soften the sound in an oil‐based finish and make the sound too sharp in the case of alcohol–varnished wood.
Tunable Metamaterials for Impact Mitigation
Authors: Smith Lawrence , Hayes Brandon , Ford Kurtis , Smith Elizabeth , Flores David , MacCurdy Robert
Published: January 2024

Traditional methods of shielding fragile goods and human tissues from impact energy rely on isotropic foam materials. The mechanical properties of these foams are inferior to an emerging class of metamaterials called plate lattices, which have predominantly been fabricated in simple 2.5‐dimensional geometries using conventional methods that constrain the feasible design space. In this work, additive manufacturing is used to relax these constraints and realize plate lattice metamaterials with nontrivial, locally varying geometry. The limitations of traditional computer‐aided design tools are circumvented and allow the simulation of complex buckling and collapse behaviors without a manual meshing step. By validating these simulations against experimental data from tests on fabricated samples, sweeping exploration of the plate lattice design space is enabled. Numerical and experimental tests demonstrate plate lattices absorb up to six times more impact energy at equivalent densities relative to foams and shield objects from impacts ten times more energetic while transmitting equivalent peak stresses. In contrast to previous investigations of plate lattice metamaterials, designs with nonuniform geometric prebuckling in the out‐of‐plane direction is explored and showed that these designs exhibit 10% higher energy absorption efficiency on average and 25% higher in the highest‐performing design.
Characterizing the Thickness Distribution of Donor and Acceptor in Organic Photovoltaics via Quasi‐Monochromatic Light Transmittance
Authors: Chang Jingyu , Zhang Guoxin , Zhang Chuwei , Xu Chenghao , Xia Huihui , Deng Weiwei , Zhao Xinyan
Published: January 2024

The performance of organic solar cells is sensitive to the film thickness and the uniformity of the donor and acceptor distribution in the photoactive layer. Especially, in the quasi‐planar heterojunction fabricated by layer‐by‐layer process, the donor and acceptor materials may be non‐homogeneously distributed across the entire photoactive layer. Visualization of the spatial distributions of donor and acceptor components sheds light on the relationship between nanostructures and device performances. Based on the distinct infrared absorption characteristics of the organic donor and acceptor, a quasi‐monochromatic light transmittance (QMLT) technique is proposed to quantify the donor and/or acceptor thickness in the photoactive layer blend across the entire device area with nanometer precision. The variation in thickness of donor and acceptor can be clearly and separately revealed. Accordingly, the impacts of spin coating techniques (such as dynamic or static dispensing, and on‐center or off‐center spin coating), as well as solvent choices, on film morphology and device performance can be correlated by the noncontact, nondestructive, and convenient QMLT method.
Light Out‐Coupling for High‐Performance Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes by π‐π Oriented PEDOT: PSS
Authors: Zhao Yaolong , Xiang Yang , Qi Hui , Hu Binbin , Wang Aqiang , Fang Yan , Jiang Xiaohong , Wang Shujie , Du Zuliang
Published: January 2024

Breaking the theoretical limits of external quantum efficiency (EQE) and obtaining quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) with high brightness, high efficiency, and low operating voltage is the basis of commercial applications in display and illumination. Devices with an EQE of over 20% can be realized by carrier equilibrium injection and light out‐coupling enhancement. However, it is difficult to synergistically enhance the performance of QLEDs by combining the light out‐coupling and the hole enhancement injection. In this paper, the injection enhancement of holes and the light out‐coupling are realized simultaneously only by nano‐imprint lithography (NIL). The π─π bonds of the PEDOT: PSS film treated by NIL demonstrate a molecular orientation perpendicular to the substrate, which improves the injection of the hole. The PEDOT: PSS patterned by NIL further presents improved light out‐coupling. Consequently, the EQE of red‐QLED is 30.42% with a synergistic enhancement factor of 61%, accompanying the maximum brightness increased by 8% to 125 200 cd m−2 at 4.6 V (Vturn‐on, 1.74 V). The EQE and brightness of green‐QLED increased by 38.9% and 34.3% to 24.16% and 279 700 cd m−2, respectively. Therefore, NIL will provide new insights into synergistically enhancing light out‐coupling and internal quantum efficiency to break through the performance of electroluminescence (EL).
Visible Light‐Induced Redox‐Neutral Selenocyclization of ortho‐Vinylanilides: Oxygen‐Controlled Synthesis of 4H‐3,1‐Benzoxazines
Authors: Hong Young Taek , Park Jiwoo , Kim Hun Young , Oh Kyungsoo
Published: January 2024

A visible‐light‐induced selenocyclization of ortho‐vinylanilides to 4H‐3,1‐benzoxazines has been developed under controlled O2 atmosphere. The low O2 content in reaction medium promotes the aerobic selenol oxidation to diselenides for the full use of 2 equiv. selenyl radicals in a redox‐neutral way, avoiding the aerobic oxidation of ortho‐vinylanilides under higher O2 content. The developed visible light‐induced selenocyclization of ortho‐vinylanilides utilizes only visible light with low O2 content, eliminating the use of exogenous photocatalyst and chemical oxidant.
Activation of Intestinal HIF2α Ameliorates Iron‐Refractory Anemia
Authors: Yu Yingying , Su Yunxing , Yang Sisi , Liu Yutong , Lin Zhiting , Das Nupur K. , Wu Qian , Zhou Jiahui , Sun Shumin , Li Xiaopeng , Yue Wuyang , Shah Yatrik M. , Min Junxia , Wang Fudi
Published: January 2024

In clinics, hepcidin levels are elevated in various anemia‐related conditions, particularly in iron‐refractory anemia and in high inflammatory states that suppress iron absorption, which remains an urgent unmet medical need. To identify effective treatment options for various types of iron‐refractory anemia, the potential effect of hypoxia and pharmacologically‐mimetic drug FG‐4592 (Roxadustat) are evaluated, a hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) inhibitor, on mouse models of iron‐refractory iron‐deficiency anemia (IRIDA), anemia of inflammation and 5‐fluorouracil‐induced chemotherapy‐related anemia. The potent protective effects of both hypoxia and FG‐4592 on IRIDA as well as other 2 tested mouse cohorts are found. Mechanistically, it is demonstrated that hypoxia or FG‐4592 could stabilize duodenal Hif2α, leading to the activation of Fpn transcription regardless of hepcidin levels, which in turn results in increased intestinal iron absorption and the amelioration of hepcidin‐activated anemias. Moreover, duodenal Hif2α overexpression fully rescues phenotypes of Tmprss6 knockout mice, and Hif2α knockout in the gut significantly delays the recovery from 5‐fluorouracil‐induced anemia, which can not be rescued by FG‐4592 treatment. Taken together, the findings of this study provide compelling evidence that targeting intestinal hypoxia‐related pathways can serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating a broad spectrum of anemia, especially iron refractory anemia.
Electrolyte‐Gated Vertical Transistor Charge Transport Enables Photo‐Switching
Authors: Vieira Douglas Henrique , Nogueira Gabriel Leonardo , Merces Leandro , Bufon Carlos César Bof , Alves Neri
Published: January 2024

Proposals for new architectures that shorten the length of the transistor channel without the need for high‐end techniques are the focus of very recent breakthrough research. Although vertical and electrolyte‐gate transistors are previously developed separately, recent advances have introduced electrolytes into vertical transistors, resulting in electrolyte‐gated vertical field‐effect transistors (EGVFETs), which feature lower power consumption and higher capacitance. Here, EGVFETs are employed to study the charge transport mechanism of spray‐pyrolyzed zinc oxide (ZnO) films to develop a new photosensitive switch concept. The EGVFET's diode cell revealed a current‐voltage relationship arising from space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC), whereas its capacitor cell provided the field‐effect role in charge accumulation in the device's source perforations. The findings elucidate how the field effect causes a continuous shift in SCLC regimes, impacting the switching dynamics of the transistor. It is found ultraviolet light may mimic the field effect, i.e., a pioneering demonstration of current switching as a function of irradiance in an EGVFET. The research provides valuable insights into the charge transport characterization of spray‐pyrolyzed ZnO‐based transistors, paving the way for future nano‐ and optoelectronic applications.
Polycaprolactone‐Based Zinc Ink for High Conductivity Transient Printed Electronics and Antennas
Authors: Baumbauer Carol L. , Gopalakrishnan Anupam , Atreya Madhur , Whiting Gregory L. , Arias Ana C.
Published: January 2024

Distributed sensors and electronics can be used in agriculture to optimize crop management and improve environmental outcomes. Electronic devices in these outdoor spaces require medium to long range (>1m) wireless communication of data over several weeks or months, which in turn requires high conductivity (1 × 105 Sm−1) antennas. Printed bioinert or ecoresorbable conductors, comprising carbon, magnesium, or zinc fillers, typically exhibit conductivity on the order of 10–1000 Sm−1 and lifetimes from a few hours to a few days. A print‐based fabrication process for chemically treated zinc traces, which achieves conductivity of up to 6 × 105 Sm−1 is reported here. The ink formulation uses a non‐water‐soluble soil biodegradable polycaprolactone binder. The ink and printing processes reported here led to stable conductive traces that are used in ultra high frequency radio frequency identification (UHF‐RFID) folded dipole antennas operating at 915 MHz. The conductivity of the printed traces is maintained for over 70 days in ambient environments when traces are protected by a biodegradable beeswax encapsulation layer.
Data‐Driven Decoupling Structural Feature Correlation for Harnessing Anionic Capacity in Na Layered Oxide
Authors: Kim Jongbeom , Yoon Sangho , Kim Taesoo , Choi Gwanghyeon , Kwon Dohyeong , Kee Joonyoung , Hwang Juncheol , Min Woosik , Lee Seokhyun , Shin Seungun , Kim Duho
Published: January 2024

A data‐driven understanding of the reaction mechanism of the O3‐type Na[Li1/3Mn2/3]O2‐layered cathode model is systematically performed to decouple the complex correlations of covariate scale‐dependent variables in diagnosing and solving structural problems for facilitating nonhysteretic and reversible (nHR) oxygen capacities using interpretable machine learning (ML) assisted by density functional theory. A large dataset of vacancy formation energies depending on the desodiation mode for the oxide is investigated in detail, and it provides two numerical principles: i) linearizing the energy landscape and ii) steepening its slope to reach the ideal reaction. The heatmaps comprising Pearson coefficient correlation values are broken down into two‐scale components: i) macroscopic and ii) local structure features. Deriving the overall mitigation of scale‐dependent covariate variables in negative correlation potentially leads to nHR anionic redox upon (dis)charging. Containing the scale‐dependent features, the interpretable ML model based on a gradient‐boosting machine predicts each formation energy well. With data‐driven comprehension, honeycomb‐ and turtle‐type superstructures (TS) have been suggested depending on the thermodynamic (un)favorable pathways during desodiation from a local structural perspective, and the dangling O2– in the TS is a critical origin leading to the formation of O2 molecules trapped in the bulk.
In Situ Study of Purified Phase Transition Path for α‐FAPbI3 Crystallization
Authors: Wang Xianjin , Zheng Guanhaojie , Gao Feng , Li Liang , Luo Chao , Zhan Changling , Li Yang , Ma Yingzhuang , Gao Xingyu , Zhou Huanping , Zhao Qing
Published: January 2024

Phase transition during annealing in the two‐step sequential deposition has drawn intensive attention as its significance in fabricating superior perovskite films. However, previous works have not paid enough attention to the importance of the purified phase transition path in the crystallization process. Herein, different from the mixed paths in the conventional cognition, purified phase transition path for α‐FAPbI3 crystallization is achieved by introducing dimethylurea (DMU) into lead iodide (PbI2) precursor solution. The multifunctional molecule is found to design a penetrable porous PbI2 film and fundamentally regulate the perovskite crystallization by forming single phase transition path via the complete δ‐phase during annealing of perovskite. The role of DMU in purified transition path for α‐FAPbI3 crystallization is unraveled with in situ photoluminescence and grazing incidence wide‐angle x‐ray scattering (GIWAXS) investigation. The crystal quality of perovskite films is significantly improved, resulting in single crystal‐like film. The best‐performing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) deliver a power conversion efficiency of 24.75%, resulting from the higher FF of 83.25% and an improved long‐term stability up to 3600 h. This work highlights the importance of purified phase transition path for the superior crystal quality toward high‐performance perovskite photovoltaics.
Analysing determinate components of an approximated Luenberger–Hicks–Moorsteen productivity indicator: An application to German dairy‐processing firms
Authors: Ang Frederic , Ramsden Stephen J.
Published: January 2024

The Luenberger–Hicks–Moorsteen (LHM) total factor productivity (TFP) indicator has sound theoretical properties, but its decomposition yields indeterminate components of technical change and scale efficiency change that can become infeasible. The current paper decomposes the approximating Bennet indicator, which results in determinate components of technical change, technical efficiency change, scale efficiency change and mix efficiency change that are always feasible. The application focuses on the German dairy‐processing sector, an important postfarm supply chain actor. We compute 558 growth rates for the period 2011–2020. The results show that the LHM‐approximating Bennet indicator decreases by on average 1.14% p.a., with substantial annual fluctuations. The underlying components of output‐ and input‐oriented technical change also fluctuate substantially, and often conflict. Moreover, output‐ and input‐oriented TFP efficiency change fluctuate moderately on average, which is mainly driven by scale efficiency change and mix efficiency change. The components of technical efficiency change remain relatively stable on average. Indeterminateness is a relevant problem when decomposing the original LHM indicator for the current sample: depending on the specification, the proportion of infeasibilities when decomposing the original LHM indicator ranges between 6.09% and 15.95%. Our proposed determinate decomposition is thus a valuable complement. [EconLit Citations: D24, D25, Q13].