bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing HIV‐infected children in a low‐resource, public clinic: a comparison of nurse vs. clinical officer practices in ART refill, calculation of adherence and subsequent appointments
Authors: Weigel Ralf , Feldacker Caryl , Tweya Hannock , Gondwe Chimwemwe , Chiwoko Jane , Gumulira Joe , Kalulu Mike , Phiri Sam
Published: August 2012

Background

In Malawi, as in other sub‐Saharan African countries, nurses manage patients of all ages on antiretroviral treatment (ART). Nurse management of children is rarely studied. We compare ART prescribing between nurses and clinical officers during routine clinic visits at an urban, public clinic to inform policy in paediatric ART management.

Methods

Caregivers of children on first‐line ART provided information about visit dates, pill counts, ART dosage and formulation to a nurse and, subsequently, to a clinical officer. Nurses and clinical officers independently calculated adherence, dosage based on body weight, and set next appointment date. Clinical officers, but not nurses, accessed an electronic data system that made the calculations for them based on information from prior visits, actual and expected pill consumption, and standard drug supplies. Nurses calculated with pen and paper. For numerical variables, Bland‐Altman graphs plot differences of each nurse–clinical officer pair against the mean, show the 95% limits of agreement (LoA), and also show the mean difference across all reviews. Kappa statistics assess agreement for categorical variables.

Results

A total of 704 matched nurse–clinical officer reviews of 367 children attending the ART clinics between March and July 2010 were analyzed. Eight nurses and 18 clinical officers were involved; two nurses and five clinical officers managed 100 visits or more. Overall, there was a good agreement between the two cadres. Differences between nurses and clinical officers were within narrow LoA and mean differences showed little deviation from zero, indicating little skewing towards one cadre. LoA of adherence and morning and evening ART dosages varied from −24% to 24%, −0.4 to 0.4 and −0.41 to 0.40 tablets, respectively, with mean differences (95% CI) of 0.003 (−0.9, 0.91), −0.005 (−0.02, 0.01) and −0.009 (−0.02, 0.01). Next appointment calculations differed more between cadres with LoA from −40 to 42 days [mean difference: 0.96 days (95% CI:−0.6 to 2.5)], but agreement in the ART formulation prescribed was very good (kappa 0.93).

Conclusions

Nurses’ ART prescribing practices and calculations of adherence and next appointments are similar to clinical officers, although clinical officers used an electronic system. Our findings support the decision of Malawi's health officials to utilize nurses to manage paediatric ART patients.
Editorial
Authors: Salas Ricardo
Published: August 2012

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Distinct plasma metabolomic signatures differentiate autoimmune encephalitis from drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Xiong Wenzheng , Yeo Tianrong , May Jeanne Tan May , Demmers Tor , Ceronie Bryan , Ramesh Archana , McGinty Ronan N. , Michael Sophia , Torzillo Emma , Sen Arjune , Anthony Daniel C. , Irani Sarosh R. , Probert Fay
Published: June 2024

Objective

Differentiating forms of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) from other causes of seizures helps expedite immunotherapies in AE patients and informs studies regarding their contrasting pathophysiology. We aimed to investigate whether and how Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics could differentiate AE from drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), and stratify AE subtypes.

Methods

This study recruited 238 patients: 162 with DRE and 76 AE, including 27 with contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2), 29 with leucine‐rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) and 20 with N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies. Plasma samples across the groups were analyzed using NMR spectroscopy and compared with multivariate statistical techniques, such as orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA).

Results

The OPLS‐DA model successfully distinguished AE from DRE patients with a high predictive accuracy of 87.0 ± 3.1% (87.9 ± 3.4% sensitivity and 86.3 ± 3.6% specificity). Further, pairwise OPLS‐DA models were able to stratify the three AE subtypes. Plasma metabolomic signatures of AE included decreased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL, −(CH2)n−, –CH3), phosphatidylcholine and albumin (lysyl moiety). AE subtype‐specific metabolomic signatures were also observed, with increased lactate in CASPR2, increased lactate, glucose, and decreased unsaturated fatty acids (UFA, –CH2CH=) in LGI1, and increased glycoprotein A (GlycA) in NMDAR‐antibody patients.

Interpretation

This study presents the first non‐antibody‐based biomarker for differentiating DRE, AE and AE subtypes. These metabolomics signatures underscore the potential relevance of lipid metabolism and glucose regulation in these neurological disorders, offering a promising adjunct to facilitate the diagnosis and therapeutics.
Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases and Risk of Dementia: A Nested Case‐Control Study
Authors: Kiadaliri Ali , Dell'Isola Andrea , Turkiewicz Aleksandra , Englund Martin
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the associations between rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and incident dementia using population register‐based data.

Methods

This nested case‐control study was conducted based on a cohort of residents in the Skåne region, Sweden, aged 50 years and older in 2009 without doctor‐diagnosed dementia during 1998 to 2009 (n = 402,825). Individuals with a new main diagnosis of dementia during 2010 to 2019 were identified as incident patients with dementia (n = 22,131). Controls without diagnosed dementia were randomly matched 1:1 by sex, age, and Elixhauser comorbidity index using incidence density sampling. Separate conditional logistic regression analyses adjusted for confounders were fitted for the following RMDs, diagnosed at least 2 years before dementia diagnosis as exposure: gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies (SpA), and systemic connective tissue disorders. Subgroup analyses by dementia subtype, sex, age, comorbidity, and RMDs/dementia identification were conducted.

Results

Although gout (adjusted rate ratio 0.88; 95% confidence interval 0.79–0.97), osteoarthritis (0.92; 0.88–0.96), and systemic connective tissue disorders (0.91; 0.83–0.99) were associated with decreased risk of dementia, the associations for rheumatoid arthritis (1.05; 0.92–1.19) and SpA (1.17; 0.94–1.45) were inconclusive. The associations between RMDs and incident dementia were similar across sex, age, and comorbidity subgroups with a few exceptions (eg, an adjusted rate ratio of 0.99 [95% confidence interval 0.71–1.39] in males vs 1.31 [0.99–1.74] in female patients for SpA).

Conclusion

Persons with diagnosed RMDs seem to have comparable or slightly lower risks of developing dementia compared with those without known RMD.
Should AI be used in medicine? Not in SUDs, CPDD panelists suggest
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2024

While artificial intelligence (AI) may have utility in some medical practices such as reading X‐rays, it is not going to be useful in diagnosing or treating conditions with nuances — notably, substance use disorders (SUDs) — experts suggested in a panel on the topic at last week's College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) annual conference in Montreal.
Wetting‐Enabled Microfluidic Surface for Fluid/Droplet Manipulation: Fabrication, Strategies, and Applications
Authors: Yu Binhai , Hu Haikun , Li Jiasheng , Ding Xinrui , Li Zongtao
Published: June 2024

In recent years, wetting‐enabled microfluidic (WEM) technology for fluid/droplet manipulation has demonstrated significant potential for practical applications through innovative surface structural designs. By utilizing WEM surfaces to regulate the cohesion and adhesion of fluid/droplet without external driving mechanisms, precise control over fluid/droplet movement and operations enables efficient and reliable manipulation. However, the design of WEM surfaces poses significant challenges in fabrications and strategies, particularly at the micro/nanoscale level, while its connection with fluid/droplet manipulations and applications has not been fully categorized. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the progress and challenges of WEM technology from the perspectives of fabrications, strategies, and applications, and future outlook is also provided.
Toward a Standardized Approach for Characterizing β‐Fleck Defects in Titanium Alloys
Authors: Ng Chi‐Ho , Bermingham Michael , Collins Peter , Dargusch Matthew
Published: June 2024

β‐flecks are a type of segregation defect commonly encountered during the solidification of titanium alloys enriched with β‐stabilizing elements. These defects are associated with a detrimental impact on mechanical properties, which potentially limit the service life of parts containing them. Despite their significance, a standardized method for identifying these defects is lacking. In this study, a systematic approach is provided to detecting and characterizing β‐flecks in a representative metastable β‐Ti alloy and β‐C (ASTM Grade 19/Ti–3Al–8V–6Cr–4Mo–4Zr). By combining low temperature but prolonged aging, time‐dependent etching, and Fiji‐assisted image analysis, the presence and characteristics of β‐flecks are determined with precision and impartiality. This straightforward technique offers a reliable means for visualizing and quantifying β‐flecks in titanium alloys. It establishes a foundational framework that can be broadly applied to various β‐Ti alloys prone to β‐fleck formation.
Homogenizing In‐Built Electric Field via Curved Conductive Nanonetworks for Electrochromic Fibers with Enhanced Switching Stability
Authors: Zhai Kaiyue , Fan Qingchao , Bai Zhiyuan , Bao Bingwei , Wu Xilu , Zhang Qinghong , Li Yaogang , Hou Chengyi , Li Kerui , Wang Hongzhi
Published: June 2024

Electrochromic (EC) fibers capable of optical transmission, reflection, and emission modulation are highly desired for promising applications in electronic display, adaptive camouflage, and visual sensation. However, the non‐uniform electric field of the fiber structure and the lack of electrochemically stable transparent conductive electrodes still limit the practical applications of EC fibers. In this work, scalable EC fibers with long‐range modulation performance and electrochemical stability are fabricated using Ag@Au nanowires (AANWs) nanonetwork and parallel dual‐electrode. Benefiting from the electrochemically resistant Au shell layer that inhibits the oxidation of the nanonetwork electrodes, the EC fibers still maintain excellent EC performance even after 300 color changes. The synergistic interaction between the unique AANWs nanonetwork and the parallel dual‐electrode structure enables the 10 m‐long EC fibers to maintain rapid switching speeds and excellent color uniformity. Additionally, the utilization of mechanical looms to weave long EC fibers has facilitated the practical application of EC fibers in wearable displays, adaptive camouflage, and visual sensation.
Alloying of ReS2 and VS2 Nanosheets Enhances Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ihsan Junaid , Kwak In Hye , Kim Ju Yeon , Zewdie Getasew Mulualem , Choi Jun Hyeok , Lee Sang‐Gil , Lee Kug‐Seung , Kwon Ik Seon , Park Jeunghee , Kang Hong Seok
Published: June 2024

Modulating the electronic structure of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) via alloying is challenging despite the additional potential applications. In this study, a solvothermal reaction is used to synthesize composition‐tuned ReS2–VS2 (Re1‐xVxS2) alloy nanosheets featuring an expanded interlayer distance. Increasing x induces a phase transition from the semiconducting 1T″ phase ReS2 to the metallic 3R‐stacking 1T phase VS2. Alloying via homogeneous atomic mixing renders the nanosheets more metallic and with less oxidation than VS2. First‐principles calculations consistently predict the 1T″–1T phase transition of the atomically mixed alloy structures. The calculation also suggests that intercalation drives the 3R stacking of 1T phase VS2. The Re1‐xVxS2 nanosheets at x = 0.3–0.8 exhibit enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward water‐splitting hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an acid electrolyte. In situ X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements reveal that the metallicity of the alloys is fully retained during HER. The density of states and Gibbs free energy calculations show that alloying increases the metallicity and thus effectively activates the basal S atoms toward the HER, supporting the observed increased HER performance of the alloy nanosheets.
Enhancing Efficiency of Industrially‐Compatible Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells with Dually‐Mixed Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Li Chi , Li Yuheng , Chen Yong , Zhang Huifeng , Zhang Shan‐Ting , Zhang Zilong , Lin Fulin , Liang Lusheng , Gong Lijie , Hao Hongwei , Wang Jilei , Bao Shaojuan , Yang Ye , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Li Dongdong , Gao Peng
Published: June 2024

The antisolvent‐assisted spin‐coating still lags behind the thermal evaporation method in fabricating perovskite films atop industrially textured silicon wafers in making monolithic perovskite/silicon solar cells (P/S‐TSCs). The inhomogeneity of hole‐selective self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) often arises from the insufficient bonding between hygroscopic phosphonic acid anchors and metal oxide. To address this, a mixed‐SAM strategy (Mx‐SAM) is proposed to enhance the adsorption energy of SAMs on the ITO surface, facilitate the formation of dense and humidity‐resistant hole‐selective layer (HSL) on substrates, and improve hole transport capabilities. With the aid of the Mx‐SAM strategy, the optimized wide‐bandgap PSCs achieved an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.63% with an exceptionally high fill factor (FF) of 86.67% using the 1.68 eV perovskite. Moreover, they exhibited enhanced stability under damp‐heat conditions (ISOS‐D‐3, 85% RH, 85 °C) with a T90 of 900 h for encapsulated PSCs, representing one of the best performances for wide‐bandgap PSCs. When further extending the Mx‐SAM strategy to making P/S‐TSCs using silicon wafers from industry, a remarkable efficiency of 28.07% is reached while upholding outstanding reproducibility. This strategy holds significant promise for the feasibility of fabricating industrially‐compatible P/S‐TSCs.
In Situ Construction of Uniform and Elastic Solid–Electrolyte Interphase for High‐Performance Potassium Batteries
Authors: Gu Mingyuan , Fu Hongwei , Rao Apparao M. , Zhou Jiang , lin Yue , Wen Shuangchun , Fan Ling , Lu Bingan
Published: June 2024

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) plays a crucial role in a battery. This study leverages the assistance of weak interactions to construct a uniform and elastic SEI for potassium batteries. The caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is introduced into the electrolyte, and the weak interactions between CAPE and anodes enable CAPE to contact electrons preferentially during cycling. The unsaturated carbon═carbon double bonds in CAPE molecules receive electrons and undergo polymerization reactions on the anode surface, forming a uniform and elastic SEI. Such SEI exhibits good uniformity and excellent mechanical elasticity, enabling the SEI to adapt well to the huge volume changes of the anode to maintain structural stability during cycling. As a result, the graphite anode exhibits over 1500 stable cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. The potassium metal full battery based on a Prussian blue (PB) cathode cycles over 5700 times at a current density of 1000 mA g−1. In addition, the pouch potassium‐ion full battery based on a graphite anode and a PB cathode also shows excellent electrochemical performance, which operates stably for over 600 cycles without significant attenuation in capacity at a current density of 200 mA g−1, showing potential practical value.
The Interplay between Mechanoregulation and ROS in Heart Physiology, Disease, and Regeneration
Authors: Elias‐Llumbet Arturo , Sharmin Rokshana , Berg‐Sorensen Kirstine , Schirhagl Romana , Mzyk Aldona
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are currently the most common cause of death in developed countries. Due to lifestyle and environmental factors, this problem is only expected to increase in the future. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a key player in the onset of cardiovascular diseases but also have important functions in healthy cardiac tissue. Here, the interplay between ROS generation and cardiac mechanical forces is shown, and the state of the art and a perspective on future directions are discussed. To this end, an overview of what is currently known regarding ROS and mechanosignaling at a subcellular level is first given. There the role of ROS in mechanosignaling as well as the interplay between both factors in specific organelles is emphasized. The consequences at a larger scale across the population of heart cells are then discussed. Subsequently, the roles of ROS in embryogenesis, pathogenesis, and aging are further discussed, exemplifying some aspects of mechanoregulation. Finally, different models that are currently in use are discussed to study the topics above.
Piezoelectric Biomaterials Inspired by Nature for Applications in Biomedicine and Nanotechnology
Authors: Chen Siying , Tong Xiaoyu , Huo Yehong , Liu Shuaijie , Yin Yuanyuan , Tan Mei‐Ling , Cai Kaiyong , Ji Wei
Published: June 2024

Bioelectricity provides electrostimulation to regulate cell/tissue behaviors and functions. In the human body, bioelectricity can be generated in electromechanically responsive tissues and organs, as well as biomolecular building blocks that exhibit piezoelectricity, with a phenomenon known as the piezoelectric effect. Inspired by natural bio‐piezoelectric phenomenon, efforts have been devoted to exploiting high‐performance synthetic piezoelectric biomaterials, including molecular materials, polymeric materials, ceramic materials, and composite materials. Notably, piezoelectric biomaterials polarize under mechanical strain and generate electrical potentials, which can be used to fabricate electronic devices. Herein, a review article is proposed to summarize the design and research progress of piezoelectric biomaterials and devices toward bionanotechnology. First, the functions of bioelectricity in regulating human electrophysiological activity from cellular to tissue level are introduced. Next, recent advances as well as structure–property relationship of various natural and synthetic piezoelectric biomaterials are provided in detail. In the following part, the applications of piezoelectric biomaterials in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, energy harvesting, and catalysis are systematically classified and discussed. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of piezoelectric biomaterials are presented. It is believed that this review will provide inspiration for the design and development of innovative piezoelectric biomaterials in the fields of biomedicine and nanotechnology.
Unveiling the Potential: Core‐Shell Nanoparticles Assembly of Metal‐Organic Framework@poly(1,3‐dioxolane) Methacrylate for Gutter‐Layer‐Free Ultrathin Film Composite Membranes
Authors: Han Hoseong , Scofield Joel M. P. , Gurr Paul A. , Webley Paul A. , Qiao Greg G.
Published: June 2024

Increasing amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the atmosphere are a leading cause of climate change. Ultrathin film composite (UTFC) membranes have the potential to effectively reduce CO2 emissions from energy production and industrial processes. UTFC membranes typically require a gutter layer, to provide flat surfaces above the porous substrate for an ultrathin selective layer to be deposited. Removing the gutter layer, while maintaining compatibility with the support layer, can have substantial benefits of high gas permeation, cost‐effectiveness, and fewer manufacturing steps. However, achieving this faces significant challenges, due to limitations on the geometric design of gas pathways and incompatibility between the substrate and selective layers. Herein, zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) is used as an initiating core, and arms of poly(1,3‐dioxolane) dimethacrylate (PDXLMA), which possesses superior CO2/N2 selectivity, are used to create core‐shell nanoparticles. These two‐layered UTFC membranes are successfully produced from the nanoparticles via a simple drop‐spreading method. The importance of designing core‐shell structures is also investigated to achieve defect‐free two‐layered UTFC membranes and enable precision thickness control. The resulting membranes exhibit remarkable CO2 permeance of 3969 – 6035 GPU with CO2/N2 selectivity of 28.0–20.4, demonstrating their considerable performance improvement compared to the current three‐layered UTFC membranes.
Enhancing Penetration Performance and Drug Delivery of Polymeric Microneedles Using Silica Nanoparticle Coatings
Authors: Kim Sohyun , Choi Hyewon , Jeong Hyejoong , Ortiz Wilfredo Méndez , Cheon Hwayeong , Jeon Jae Yong , Lee Jae Hyeon , Han Jeong Hwan , Stebe Kathleen J. , Lee Daeyeon , Yoon Hyunsik
Published: June 2024

Microneedle (MN) technology offers a powerful approach for transdermal delivery enabling painless injection and facilitating self‐administration without the need for professional assistance. However, the weak mechanical strength of MNs can lead to inefficient drug delivery and serious skin irritation if the MNs fracture during administration and leave fragments under the skin. Thus, the MNs need to be mechanically robust to avoid fracture during penetration through the skin while maintaining efficient drug delivery. Herein, the polymer‐based MNs with layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) and a polycation (poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC)) followed by hydrothermal calcination are reinforced. The mechanical strength of the MNs is significantly improved after LbL assembly and shows lower threshold pressure to penetrate skins. Moreover, their drug loading and releasing properties are significantly enhanced due to an increase in the surface area and interfacial interaction. These SiO2 nanoparticle‐containing LbL thin films have great potential for the surface modification of 3D microstructured devices such as MNs, as evidenced by their enhanced mechanical strength and drug coating efficiency that result in a promising MN drug delivery model.
Symmetric and Energy‐Efficient Conductance Update in Ferroelectric Tunnel Junction for Neural Network Computing
Authors: Guan Zeyu , Wang Zijian , Shen Shengchun , Yin Yuewei , Li Xiaoguang
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of artificial intelligence requires synaptic devices with controllable conductance updates and low power consumption. Currently, conductance updates based on identical voltage pulse scheme (IVPS) and nonidentical voltage pulse scheme (NIVPS) face drawbacks in terms of recognition accuracy and energy efficiency, respectively. In this study, a mixed voltage pulse scheme (MVPS) for tuning conductance is proposed to simultaneously achieve high recognition accuracy and high energy efficiency, and its superiority is experimentally verified based on high‐performance Au (or Ag)/PbZr0.52Ti0.48O3/Nb:SrTiO3ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) synaptic devices. The MVPS‐based neural network simulation achieves a high recognition accuracy of ≈92% on the CIFAR10 dataset with better energy efficiency and throughput than those of NIVPS. In addition, high‐precision experimental vector‐matrix multiplication (with a relative error of ≈1.5%) is obtained, and the simulated FTJ synaptic arrays achieved a high inference energy efficiency of ≈85 TOPS W−1and a throughput of ≈200 TOPS, which meets the requirements of artificial intelligence in low‐power scenarios. This study provides a possible solution for practical applications of FTJ in neural network computing.
Highly Sensitive, Stretchable, and Adjustable Parallel Microgates‐Based Strain Sensors
Authors: Nankali Mohammad , Amindehghan Mohammad Amin , Seyed Alagheband Seyed Hamed , Montazeri Shahtoori Abdolsamad , Seethaler Rudolf , Nouri Nowrouz Mohammad , Milani Abbas S.
Published: June 2024

The demand for stretchable strain sensors with customizable sensitivities has increased across a spectrum of applications, spanning from human motion detection to plant growth monitoring. Nevertheless, a major challenge remains in the digital fabrication of scalable and cost‐efficient strain sensors with tailored sensitivity to diverse demands. Currently, there is a lack of simple digital fabrication approaches capable of adjusting strain sensitivity in a controlled way with no changes to the material and without affecting the linearity. In this study, parallel microgates‐based strain sensors whose strain sensitivity can be adjusted systematically throughout an all‐laser‐based fabrication process without any material replacement are presented. The technique employs a two‐step direct laser writing method that combines the well‐established capabilities of laser ablation and laser marking, boasting a varying gauge factor of up to 433% (GF  =  168), while paving the way for the mass production of nanocomposite strain sensors. Parallel microgates‐based strain sensors exhibit a remarkable signal‐to‐noise ratio at ultralow strains (ɛ  =  0.001), rendering them ideal for monitoring the gradual growth of plants. As an application demonstration, the proposed sensors are deployed on tomato plants to capture their growth under varying planting conditions including hydroponic and soil mediums, as well as diverse irrigation regimens.
4D Printed Stiffness‐Tunable Actuator for Load‐Bearing Soft Machines
Authors: Chen Xinpeng , Yang Meng , Jia Kun , Yuan Chao
Published: June 2024

4D printing is an advanced technology that integrates the mechanics design and active materials into 3D printing to create objects with time‐evolving transformation. However, the commonly used active materials, such as shape memory polymers or hydrogels, make it challenging to simultaneously realize two‐way shapeshifting and high stiffness in 4D printed structures, constraining its application in engineering areas such as robotics, morphing structures, etc. Herein, inspired by human musculoskeletal structure, a 4D printing strategy that integrates two‐way shapeshifting liquid crystal elastomer and amorphous shape memory polymer to realize reversible actuation and tunable stiffness via sequential thermal control is proposed. Through numerical analysis and experimental investigation, the mapping relationship among structural deformation, material property, and geometric design is established, allowing to seek out the optimized thickness ratio and material properties that lead to high shape fixity (81%) and complete shape recovery (100%). To demonstrate the potential applications, a variable stiffness hook capable of wrapping and lifting heavy objects through helical transformation is realized. This design strategy can potentially inspire the development of 4D printing toward load‐bearing soft machines.
Silicon Nanoribbon Arrays Based Printed Multifunctional Flexible Photovoltaic Microcells
Authors: Zumeit Ayoub , Dahiya Abhishek Singh , Nair Nitheesh M. , Christou Adamos , Ma Sihang , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: June 2024

The photovoltaic devices offer promising eco‐friendly solution for self‐powered flexible electronics. However, their fabrication on flexible substrate is not easy due to mismatches between the requirements of conventional microfabrication and the thermal, and mechanical features of the substrates. Herein, direct roll printed nanoscale photoactive electronic layers are presented, which are further processed to develop ≈315 µm2 sized miniaturized photovoltaic microcells. Using a set of 32 microcells, connected in parallel configuration, indoor light harvesting is shown at a maximum power density of ≈10 µW cm−2 under white LED illumination. Further, the dual functionality of developed microcells i.e., energy harvesting as well as wideband photodetection is demonstrated. As self‐powered photo sensors the developed photovoltaic microcells exhibit distinctive photo responses under white LED‐UV (365 nm)‐ NIR (850 nm) light illumination, with exceptionally high‐speed response (rise time τRise = 205 µs and fall time τFall = 2000 µs), and a peak responsivity of 2.48 A W−1 to UV light at zero bias voltage. The presented results show the potential usage of printed multifunctional photovoltaic microcells in a wide variety of applications such as self‐powered wearable and flexible electronic systems for health monitoring and indoor robotics.
Synthesis of 3‐CF3‐Indoles from HFO‐1234ze(E) via Cross‐Coupling and Intramolecular Cyclization
Authors: Mizuno Shota , Yotsume Futa , Kasahara Runa , Inoue Munenori , Ichikawa Junji , Fujita Takeshi
Published: June 2024

The synthesis of indoles with a trifluoromethyl group has attracted a lot of attention because they are promising structural subunits for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. As part of our project aimed toward the upcycling of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), we developed a method to construct a CF3‐bearing indole ring system through the Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of a brominated HFO‐1234ze(E) (CF3CH=CHF) with N‐tosylated o‐borylanilines, followed by nucleophilic 5‐endo‐trig cyclization at the vinylic position of the generated fluorostyrenes. We found that the Pd2(dba)3/SPhos catalyst system in the presence of K2CO3 and water in toluene afforded the corresponding 3‐CF3‐indoles in high yields in a one‐pot operation.
Organocatalytic Regioselective Aldol Reaction of Hydroxyacetone with Aliphatic Aldehydes for the Synthesis of Linear Products
Authors: Podlewski Tomasz J. , Turkiewicz Marta W. , Górecki Marcin , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: June 2024

Herein, we present an organocatalyst that addresses the reactivity issue of aliphatic aldehydes with hydroxyacetone, leading to the formation of a linear product. Previous proline‐based catalysts required a significant excess of hydroxyacetone and could only be applied to aromatic aldehydes. The proposed sulphonamide containing a proline moiety effectively controls the reaction, generating a new stereogenic center dependent on the catalyst‘s configuration and does not require a large excess of the ketone. We demonstrated that this methodology can be effectively utilized in the synthesis of natural compounds, as confirmed by obtaining the 2‐keto‐3‐deoxy‐D‐gluconic acid (KDG) methyl ester from optically pure glyceraldehyde and protected hydroxyacetone.
Impact of Glyme Ether Chain Length on the Interphasial Stability of Lithium‐Electrode in High‐Capacity Lithium‐Metal Battery
Authors: Dutta Arghya , Matsushita Kyosuke , Kubo Yoshimi
Published: June 2024

The realization of lithium‐metal (Li) batteries faces challenges due to dendritic Li deposition causing internal short‐circuit and low Coulombic efficiency. In this regard, the Li‐deposition stability largely depends on the electrolyte, which reacts with Li to form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with diverse physico‐chemical properties, and dictates the interphasial kinetics. Therefore, optimizing the electrolyte for stability and performance remains pivotal. Hereof, glyme ethers are an emerging class of electrolytes, showing improved compatibility with metallic Li and enhanced stability in Li─Air and Li─Sulfur batteries. Yet, the criteria for selecting glyme solvents, particularly concerning Li deposition and dissolution processes, remain unclear. The SEI characteristics and Li deposition/dissolution processes are investigated in glyme‐ether‐based electrolytes with varying chain lengths, using lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) salts under high capacity and limited electrolyte conditions. Longer glymes led to more homogeneous SEI, particularly pronounced with LiNO₃, minimizing surface roughness during stripping, and promoting compact Li deposits. Higher reductive stability, resulting in homogeneous interphasial properties, and slower kinetics due to high desolvation barrier and viscosity, underline stable Li growth in longer glymes. This study clarifies factors guiding the selection of glyme ether‐based electrolytes in Li metal batteries, offering insights for next‐generation energy storage systems.
A Study on h‐BN Resistive Switching Temporal Response
Authors: Musisi‐Nkambwe Mirembe , Afshari Sahra , Xie Jing , Warner Hailey , Sanchez Esqueda Ivan
Published: June 2024

Previous work that studied hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) memristor DC resistive‐switching characteristics is extended to include an experimental understanding of their dynamic behavior upon programming or synaptic weight update. The focus is on the temporal resistive switching response to driving stimulus (programming voltage pulses) effecting conductance updates during training in neural network crossbar implementations. Test arrays are fabricated at the wafer level, enabled by the transfer of CVD‐grown few‐layer (8 layer) or multi‐layer (18 layer) h‐BN films. A comprehensive study of their temporal response under various conditions–voltage pulse amplitude, edge rate (pulse rise/fall times), and temperature–provides new insights into the resistive switching process toward optimized devices and improvements in their implementation of artificial neural networks. The h‐BN memristors can achieve multi‐state operation through ultrafast pulsed switching (< 25 ns) with high energy efficiency (≈10 pJ pulse−1).
Exploiting an Interfacial Reaction in Perovskite Solar Cells: Quaternary Alkylammonium Ionic Salt Dopants for Spiro‐OMeTAD
Authors: Jung Sung‐Kwang , Park Keonwoo , Lee Joo‐Hong , Choi Seung‐Gu , Choi Ji Seong , Kang Seong Min , Jeon Il , Lee Jin‐Wook
Published: June 2024

The ionic salt dopants devised to replace lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (Li‐TFSI) used to dope widely used spiro‐OMeTAD hole transporting material in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has been reported to effectively suppress undesired side effects caused by the Li‐TFSI. Nevertheless, roles of cationic molecules and its potential interactions with underlying perovskite film surface is largely unexplored. Here, it is unraveled that ionic salts introduced into the spiro‐OMeTAD layer can chemically interact with underlying perovskite to induce an interfacial reaction. Inspiring from such interaction, a strategy is proposed to benefit from the interfacial reaction between the cation used for the dopant and underlying perovskite film surface to passivate surface defects. A simple quaternary alkylammonium salt, tetramethylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TMA‐TFSI) is strategically adopted to demonstrate proof‐of‐concept devices. The TMA‐TFSI not just functioned as an effective dopant for oxidizing spiro‐OMeTAD with enhanced environmental stability, but also formed a 1D passivation layer through an interfacial reaction with the underlying perovskite film surface. Consequently, operational and environmental stability of the PSC are significantly enhanced with improved power output. This work should provide an important insight into the design of effective ionic salt dopants for PSCs to simultaneously improve performance and operational stability.
Irrigation termination has the potential to improve cotton yield and quality on different soil types
Authors: Farhadi Machekposhti Mabood , Leib Brian G. , Xie Shuhua , Raper Tyson B. , Grant Timothy James
Published: June 2024

Irrigation termination timing is challenging for cotton producers in humid regions, especially for fields with varying soil types. A field experiment was conducted in Jackson, TN, to investigate the best cotton irrigation termination on different soil types. The water management treatments consisted of rainfed conditions (RF) and terminating irrigation 2 weeks before the first crack boll (ITBC1 and ITBC2), at the first crack boll (ITC1 and ITC2), and 2 weeks after the first cracked boll (ITAC1 and ITAC2). The irrigation rates consisted of normal irrigation (2) and increased irrigation (1) during the 2 weeks prior to irrigation termination. Irrigation treatments were implemented on three soils: a low, an intermediate, and a high available water‐holding capacity (AWHC) soil. In sandy soil, seed yield increased by 127% in 2015 with the ITAC1 treatment and by 313% in 2016 with the ITC1 treatment, compared to the control (RF). These treatments were also found to be optimal for lint yield and irrigation water productivity in their respective years. The high AWHC soil did not require any irrigation in either growing season to optimize yield. In fact, irrigating at a high rate at every termination date caused yield loss in 2015. These results indicate that cotton can benefit from later termination and higher irrigation rates when soil water and rainfall are low at the end of the growing season or be harmed when the opposite is true.
Planting time and seeding rate impact insect feeding, ear rots, and forage nutritive value in silage corn
Authors: Kaur Harkirat , Difonzo Christina , Cassida Kimberly A. , Chilvers Martin I. , Singh Maninder Pal
Published: June 2024

Planting date and seeding rate affect the microclimate within a crop field. They can influence lepidopteran insect infestation and fungal infections and are an important part of crop management strategy. Altering planting date and seeding rate can also influence yield and quality of silage corn (Zea mays L.). Field research was conducted to identify optimum planting time and seeding rate to minimize insect feeding, ear rot infections, and mycotoxin accumulation in silage corn without compromising yield and quality. Replicated field trials were conducted across multiple site‐years in Michigan with three planting dates (early: April 25–May 10; mid: May 11–25; and late: May 26–June 10) and/or four seeding rates (ranging from 69,160 to 113,620 seeds ha−1, in increments of 14,800 seeds ha−1). Mid‐planting yielded 12%–15% less forage than early and late plantings, partly due to greater insect feeding injury and fungal infections observed in the former. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility, starch, and crude protein concentration were greatest for early planting. Greater predicted milk per hectare and milk per megagram for early planting also indicated superior silage quality. Increasing seeding rate increased insect feeding and ear rot injury only when severity was >5% and >15%, respectively. The impact of increasing seeding rate on dry forage yield was specific to each site‐year. Overall, results showed that early planting of silage corn helps to escape insect and disease pressure and provides better yield and quality, while seeding rate response is variable and dependent on the field environment.
The motivations and methods behind sharing a pediatric Prader–Willi syndrome diagnosis
Authors: Moy Victoria F. , Denton Jessica J. , Bohonowych Jessica E. , Strong Theresa V.
Published: June 2024

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic condition caused by a lack of paternally‐expressed imprinted genes at chromosome 15q11.2‐q13 and characterized by hyperphagia, behavioral challenges, and variable intellectual disability. Once a PWS diagnosis is established, sharing diagnosis information with an affected child can be challenging due to its early age of onset and diverse phenotype. This mixed‐methods study aimed to evaluate how parents and guardians have shared a PWS diagnosis with their child and examine the motivating and influencing factors behind their disclosure. Parents and guardians of children with PWS aged at least 5 years completed a survey, and a select group completed an interview. A total of 51 surveys and 15 interviews were completed, with the majority of participants (n = 46; 90%) having shared at least some diagnosis information with their child. Parents and guardians were more likely to disclose if they self‐reported a higher level of knowledge about PWS (p = 0.004) and if their child is currently older (p = 0.02) and/or has at least one sibling (p = 0.046). Interview analysis revealed 15 themes and 10 subthemes that illustrated parents' motivations, methods, and experiences with disclosure. This research provides information for others considering disclosure of PWS or another rare diagnosis with their child.
Reclassification of an FBN1 variant emphasizes the importance of segregation analysis, information sharing, and multidisciplinary teamwork in understanding genetic variants in health and disease
Authors: Lildballe Dorte L. , Markholt Sara , Lyngholm Christina Daugaard , Hao Qin , Fagerberg Christina , Nielsen Dorte Guldbrand , Svensmark Julius Hannibal , Diness Birgitte Rode , Gregersen Pernille A.
Published: June 2024

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a complex connective tissue disorder characterized by considerable clinical variability. The diagnosis of MFS is based on the Ghent criteria, which require the presence of both clinical and genetic features. MFS is primarily caused by pathogenic alterations in FBN1, which encodes the fibrillin‐1 protein. Fibrillin‐1 comprises multiple domains rich in cysteine residues, with disulfide bonds formed between these residues. It has long been recognized that variants that alter or introduce cysteine residues damage protein function, leading to the development of MFS. In this study, we report a cysteine‐introducing variant: FBN1 variant, c.6724C>T (p.[Arg2242Cys]). We have observed this variant in several individuals without MFS, challenging our previous understanding of the underlying mechanism of MFS. This finding emphasizes the importance of revisiting and reevaluating our current knowledge in light of new and unexpected observations. Moreover, our study highlights the significance of incorporating local and national data on allele frequencies, as well as employing multidisciplinary phenotyping approaches, in the classification of genetic variants. By considering a wide range of information, we can enhance the accuracy and reliability of variant classification, ultimately improving the diagnosis and management of individuals with genetic disorders like MFS.
Assessing the lack of diversity in genetics research across neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review of the GWAS Catalog and literature
Authors: Jonson Caroline , Levine Kristin S. , Lake Julie , Hertslet Linnea , Jones Lietsel , Patel Dhairya , Kim Jeff , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Terry Nancy , Mata Ignacio F. , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Singleton Andrew B. , Nalls Mike A. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Leonard Hampton L.
Published: June 2024

The under‐representation of non‐European cohorts in neurodegenerative disease genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) hampers precision medicine efforts. Despite the inherent genetic and phenotypic diversity in these diseases, GWAS research consistently exhibits a disproportionate emphasis on participants of European ancestry. This study reviews GWAS up to 2022, focusing on non‐European or multi‐ancestry neurodegeneration studies. We conducted a systematic review of GWAS results and publications up to 2022, focusing on non‐European or multi‐ancestry neurodegeneration studies. Rigorous article inclusion and quality assessment methods were employed. Of 123 neurodegenerative disease (NDD) GWAS reviewed, 82% predominantly featured European ancestry participants. A single European study identified over 90 risk loci, compared to a total of 50 novel loci in identified in all non‐European or multi‐ancestry studies. Notably, only six of the loci have been replicated. The significant under‐representation of non‐European ancestries in NDD GWAS hinders comprehensive genetic understanding. Prioritizing genomic diversity in future research is crucial for advancing NDD therapies and understanding.

Highlights

Eighty‐two percent of neurodegenerative genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) focus on Europeans.

Only 6 of 50 novel neurodegenerative disease (NDD) genetic loci have been replicated.

Lack of diversity significantly hampers understanding of NDDs.

Increasing diversity in NDD genetic research is urgently required.

New initiatives are aiming to enhance diversity in NDD research.
Metabolic Dysfunction in New‐Onset Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Identification of Novel Biomarkers
Authors: Korsbæk Johanne Juhl , Jensen Rigmor Højland , Beier Dagmar , Wibroe Elisabeth Arnberg , Hagen Snorre Malm , Molander Laleh Dehghani , Gillum Matthew Paul , Svart Katrine , Hansen Thomas Folkmann , Kogelman Lisette J.A. , Westgate Connar Stanley James
Published: June 2024

Objective

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a neurometabolic disease with an increasing incidence. The pathophysiology is unknown, but improvement of diagnosis and management requires discovery of novel biomarkers. Our objective was to identify such candidate biomarkers in IIH, and secondarily, test for associations between identified metabolites and disease severity.

Methods

This is a prospective case–control study with collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and clinical data from new‐onset, treatment‐naïve patients with IIH (n = 60). Patients were included consecutively from 2 tertiary headache centers in Denmark, and age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) ‐matched healthy controls (n = 35) were recruited. Clinical data were retrieved at ocular remission (n = 55). Samples were analyzed using non‐targeted mass spectrometry.

Results

Serum sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), adenosine, and glutamate were 0.46‐fold (q < 0.0001), 0.25‐fold (q = 0.0048), and 0.44‐fold (q < 0.0001) lower, respectively, in IIH. CSF stearoyl‐lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC‐18) and 2‐palmitoyl‐lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC‐16) were 0.42 (q = 0.0025) and 0.37 (q < 0.001) ‐fold lower. LysoPC‐18 was higher in patients with moderate–severe versus mild papilledema (p = 0.022). LysoPC‐18 correlated positively with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p = 0.0012, r = 0.42) and inversely with mean deviation on automated perimetry (p = 0.01, r = −0.35). Higher baseline serum S1P (p = 0.018) and lower CSF LysoPC‐16 (p = 0.003) were associated with optic nerve atrophy at ocular remission. Pathway analysis suggests dysregulated lipid metabolism and redox disturbances in new‐onset IIH.

Interpretation

We identify perturbed metabolism in new‐onset IIH. S1P and LysoPC‐16 demonstrate potential prognostic value due to association with subsequent optic nerve atrophy. This association between specific, differential metabolites and outcome provides substantial evidence for novel biomarkers of clinical significance that should be the focus of further targeted studies. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:595–607
Cu2+ catalyzed benzoxazole formation from Schiff base: Reactive organic chemosensors and effect of hydroxyl position
Authors: Ravi Sasikala , Priyadharshini Prakash , Al‐Zahrani Fatimah A. M. , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. , Moon Dohyun , Anthony Savarimuthu Philip
Published: June 2024

Triphenylamine (TPA)‐based Schiff base chemosensors ((E)‐2‐((4‐(diphenylamino)benzylidene)amino)phenol [TPA‐AP], (E)‐5‐(diphenylamino)‐2‐(((2‐hydroxyphenyl)imino)methyl)phenol [HTPA‐AP], and (E)‐5‐(diphenylamino)‐2‐((phenylimino)methyl)phenol [HTPA‐A]) were synthesized and explored the role of metal chelating hydroxyl functionality position for heavy metal ion sensing. TPA‐AP and HTPA‐AP showed Cu2+ ion‐induced chemical transformation and produced oxazole derivatives with turn‐on fluorescence. In contrast, HTPA‐A exhibited metal chelation‐induced turn‐on fluorescence for Zn2+ ion. The reactive chemical sensing of TPA‐AP and HTPA‐AP led to high selectivity of Cu2+, and other ions did not show any interference. The concentration‐dependent studies of Cu2+ and Zn2+ indicated the limit of detection (LOD) up to 6.07 × 10−7 and 4.6 × 10−7 M, respectively. Further, Cr3+, Fe3+, and Fe2+ coordination with TPA‐AP and HTPA‐AP exhibited visible color change from colorless to yellow. However, the yellow color was disappeared and becomes colorless due to imine hydrolysis. Interestingly, all three metal ions showed different rate of hydrolysis and color disappearance. TPA‐AP with Fe3+ exhibited fast hydrolysis and immediate color change whereas Fe2+ and Cr3+ required longer time. But HTPA‐AP and HTPA‐A produced stable complexes with Cr3+, Fe2+, and Sn2+ and Fe3+ alone showed hydrolysis. Thus, the present studies provide structural insight for designing reactive fluorescence and colorimetric Schiff base chemosensor for heavy metal ions.