bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nickel‐Based Hollow Spheres with Optimized Interfacial Electronic Structures by Highly Dispersed MoN for Efficient Urea Electrolysis
Authors: Fan Yuying , Li Zhihui , Liu Yue , Liu Jianan , Wang Dongxu , Yan Haijing , Gubanov Aleksandr I. , Wu Aiping , Tian Chungui
Published: December 2024

Ni‐Mo‐based catalysts that exhibit well‐synergized and readily accessible catalytic sites are ideal catalysts for achieving efficient electrocatalysis. Herein, the synthesis of hollow Ni spheres with a hierarchical nanosheet surface modified by highly dispersed MoN for efficient urea electrolysis is reported. This synthesis is based on the design of hollow Mo‐Ni precursors featuring a nanosheet array surface, achieved through the phosphomolybdic acid (PMo12)‐mediated reconstruction of hollow Ni‐BTC spheres. The optimized MoN‐Ni catalyst can effectively drive both the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction at low potentials of 1.37 V and 191 mV, respectively, achieving a current density of 100 mA cm−2. The electrolytic cell utilizing these catalysts can sustain 100 mA cm−2 at a low voltage of 1.53 V and can operate continuously for over 220 h. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) analyses demonstrate the established built‐in electric field facilitates electron transfer from MoN to Ni, optimizing the d‐band center and consequently reducing the reaction barrier for the UOR. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and in situ Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy analyses indicate that MoN promotes the formation of high‐valent Ni sites, which accelerates the UOR and facilitates the urea eletrolysis through a more environmentally friendly “carbonate” pathway.
Autogenetic Carbon Oxyanions Enable Interfacial OH− Deconfinement for Reinforced Biomass Electrooxidation over Wide Potential Window
Authors: Wang Keping , Wu Mei , Zhang Yan , Jiang Binbin , Su Yaqiong , Yang Song , Lu Xihong , Li Hu
Published: December 2024

The preferential adsorption toward OH− on the anode most likely blocks the accessibility of organic molecules and triggers competitive oxygen evolution reaction (OER), typically precipitating a narrow potential window. Here, an OH− deconfinement strategy enabled by CO32− self‐transformed from C2O42− on metallic nickel oxalate (NiC2O4) for efficient synthesis of bioplastic monomer 2,5‐furanedicarboxylic acid (FDCA) with faradaic efficiency of >95% via electrocatalytic 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidation reaction (e‐HMFOR) at a wider potential window of 1.38–1.56 VRHE, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art Ni‐based electrocatalysts is presented. In situ, tests corroborate that the construction of NiOOH with surface‐adsorbed CO32− (NiOOH‐CO32−) from NiC2O4 can be facilitated by self‐liberating CO32−. The CO32− ions serving as an electric field engine can effectively weaken OH− coverage through electrostatic repulsion and enhance HMF adsorption at the NiOOH‐CO32− surface, thereby heightening e‐HMFOR while inhibiting OER. Computational results further indicate that the CO32− on NiOOH hoists the energy barrier of oxygen intermediate conversion (O* → OOH*) to suppress OER but promotes the e‐HMFOR kinetics. The precise modulation of OH− adsorption behavior on the electrocatalyst offers a powerful kit for boosting the oxidative upgrading process while circumventing the competing reaction OER.
Ultrasensitive Detection of FEN1 Activity for Cancer Diagnosis Using a CRISPR/Cas13a‐Based Triple Cascade Amplification System
Authors: Cheng Xia , Zhao Wenchen , Chen Daixi , Ren Dandan , Qian Tianwei , Xia Xinyi , Wang Xiaohong , Li Qijun , Yang Jianjun , Gu Yan , Zhang Peng , Yin Kun , Yu Ping , Dong Wenpei
Published: December 2024

Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is closely associated with tumor progression and proliferation, making it a promising biomarker for cancer diagnosis. However, developing a sensitive, reliable, and user‐friendly method for quantitative FEN1 detection remains technically challenging. In this study, an ultrasensitive FEN1 biosensor is established using a target‐induced cleavage‐ligation‐transcription‐activation cascade strategy (LTACas13a) to enhance the cleavage ability of CRISPR/Cas13a. The LTACas13a method has shown excellent performance in screening FEN1 inhibitors and detecting endogenous FEN1 activity in living cells, as well as in clinical biological samples such as human serum and tissue samples. Additionally, using a universal dumbbell probe derived from FEN1, a multiplex LTACas13a strategy is developed for detecting various DNA glycosylases, including formamidopyrimidine DNA glycosylase, uracil DNA glycosylase, and human alkyl adenine DNA glycosylase. This straightforward approach provides a reliable and effective diagnostic tool for early‐stage cancer detection and offers significant opportunities for FEN1 biosensing and related drug discovery.
Reticulating Crystalline Porous Materials for Asymmetric Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Han Xing , Li Weiwei , Yang Bolinyishi , Jiang Chao , Qu Zan , Xu Haomiao , Liu Yan , Cui Yong
Published: December 2024

Asymmetric catalysis is essential for addressing the increasing demand for enantiopure compounds. Recent advances in reticular chemistry have demonstrated that metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) possess highly regular porous architectures, exceptional tunability, and the ability to incorporate chiral functionalities through their open channels or cavities. These characteristics make them highly effective and enantioselective catalysts for a wide range of asymmetric transformations. The chiral microenvironments within these frameworks facilitate precise control over reactant orientation and transition states, enhancing both catalytic activity and enantioselectivity, thereby offering significant advantages over traditional systems. This review overviews recent developments in chiral MOFs (CMOFs) and chiral COFs (CCOFs), focusing on their design strategies, and synthetic methods, and highlights the structure–property relationships that connect key structural features to asymmetric catalytic performance. Additionally, the current challenges and future prospects in this field are addressed, highlighting the pivotal role of reticular chemistry in the creation of chiral porous materials. It is anticipated that this review will inspire further research into the application of crystalline porous materials in asymmetric catalysis and promote the rational design of novel chiral heterogeneous catalysts for industrial use.
Nanoliter Hydrogel Array for Cell Screening and Cell Spheroid Sorting
Authors: Salarian Maryam , Levkin Pavel A. , Popova Anna A.
Published: December 2024

The transition from two‐dimensional (2D) to physiologically relevant three‐dimensional (3D) cell models has revolutionized biomedical research. Hydrogels are frequently used to produce 3D models for tissue engineering, disease modeling, and high‐throughput screenings (HTS). However, integrating 3D cultures into HTS workflows presents challenges, including automation compatibility and cost constraints. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches that enable miniaturization, automation, and cost reduction while maintaining experimental fidelity. The Droplet Microarray platform, based on hydrophilic‐superhydrophobic surface patterning, facilitates the formation of nanoliter‐hydrogel arrays containing cells or spheroids. This method allows dispensing of hundreds of nanoliter‐hydrogel droplets with precise control over volume and cell density, reducing reagent consumption and offering high‐throughput applications. Here, we demonstrate stable nanoliter‐hydrogel arrays on a chip, enabling experimental procedures such as washing and medium immersion. Our approach demonstrates that spheroid‐containing droplets can be gelled at any point of the experiment, allowing for the fixation of cell structures on the surface. The selective gelation of individual droplets enables spheroid sorting by stabilizing desired droplets while pooling the others. This method holds the potential for HTS and miniaturized workflows in 3D microenvironments, thereby advancing research in different fields such as cell, cell spheroid, or organoid screenings, drug screenings, and precision medicine.
Spectro‐Spatial Unmixing in Optical Microspectroscopy for Thickness Determination of Layered Materials
Authors: Schwarz Julian , Niebauer Michael , Römling Lukas , Pham Adrian , Koleśnik‐Gray Maria , Evanschitzky Peter , Vogel Nicolas , Krstić Vojislav , Rommel Mathias , Hutzler Andreas
Published: December 2024

Van der Waals materials and devices incorporating them exhibit highly thickness‐dependent properties. The small lateral dimensions of mechanically exfoliated 2D‐layered flakes, however, remarkably complicate their precise thickness determination. Quantitative analysis of reflectance measurements using optical microspectroscopy is proven to be as precise as spectroscopic ellipsometry while providing an easily adaptable and non‐destructive method for thickness determination. The use of magnifying objective lenses allows obtaining the reflectance within a measurement spot of only a few microns in diameter. When the dimensions of exfoliated flakes are even smaller, however, the acquired reflectance is a superposition of those of the material of interest and the subjacent materials. To overcome this limitation, a facile approach to reduce the resolvable structure size by combining the evaluation of the reflectance measurement via transfer matrix method with spatial information extracted from optical micrographs is introduced. The efficacy when characterizing micrometer‐sized flakes is exemplarily demonstrated for thickness determination of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and a thin film of silicon dioxide. It is shown that a maximum error of less than 10% is achieved even when the flake only covers 20% of the measurement spot.
High‐Efficiency and Stable Green InP‐QLED Enabled by Lowering Electron Injection Barrier
Authors: Chen Mengyuan , Li Qian , Bian Yangyang , Wang Shuaibing , Hu Binbin , Tang Aiwei , Chen Fei , Lv Yanbing , Shen Huaibin
Published: December 2024

The external quantum efficiencies (EQE) and luminances of red InP‐based and blue ZnTeSe‐based quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs) have exceeded 20% and 80 000 cd m−2, respectively, and the T50@100 cd m−2 (time for the luminance decreasing by 50%) operational lifetime of red InP‐based QLEDs also have exceeded 1 000 000 h, nearing industrial application standards. However, the low EQE, luminance, and inferior lifetime of green InP‐based QLEDs restrict the application for their full‐color Cd‐free display and lighting applications. The large electron injection barrier and severe exciton quenching caused by defect states of ZnMgO (ZMO) nanoparticles (NPs) lead to lower electron concentration in the emitting layer, which results in reduced radiative recombination. Here, with the surface passivation of MgCl2, the exciton quenching sites are significantly suppressed, and the electron injection barrier is reduced owing to the conduction band minimum (CBM) levels upshift of ZMO. As a result, a high EQE of 21.43%, maximum luminance of 25 5985 cd m−2, along with a long T50@1000 cd m−2 (over 4 600 h) and T50@100 cd m−2 (over 290 000 h) operational lifetime is achieved for green InP‐based QLEDs. These values have all exceeded the previous best values of green InP‐based QLEDs.
(C6H5N2)HgCl3: Discovery of a Polar Hg‐Based Hybrid Halide as Preeminent Nonlinear Optical and Birefringent Material Activated by π‐Conjugated Organic Cation Substitution
Authors: Tang Ru‐Ling , Yang Die‐Xue , Ma Liang , Lv Yi‐Lei , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng‐Ping
Published: December 2024

Hybrid organic–inorganic halides have attracted widespread attention due to their multiple optical performances. The combination of distorted metal cation polyhedra and π‐conjugated organic ions is an effective strategy to derive hybrid nonlinear optical (NLO) and birefringent crystals. Here, a new acentric 4‐cyanopyridine mercury halide, (C6H5N2)HgCl3, have been obtained via replacing an inorganic cation with an organic cation based on parent compound CsHgCl3. (C6H5N2)HgCl3 shows the strongest second harmonic generation (SHG) effect among mercury‐pyridine hybrid metal halides, with an intensity of 3.04 times of KH2PO4 (KDP) at 1.064 µm laser radiation. The crystal structure of (C6H5N2)HgCl3 is composed of specially [HgCl3]∞ chains and [(C6H5N2)+] cations. Additionally, (C6H5N2)HgCl3 shows an outstanding experimental birefringence (Δn = 0.360@0.546 µm), which is the largest value among mercury‐based hybrid halides, and its birefringence is greater than those of all inorganic metal halide birefringent crystals. The discovery of (C6H5N2)HgCl3 indicates the potential advantage of mercury‐based hybrid halides in optical materials.
Metasurface‐Enabled Cascaded Multispectral Polarization Structures Along the Longitudinal Direction
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Qunxing , Zhao Shuaifu , Yuan Quan , Zhong Facheng , Chen Xianzhong , Wang Shuming
Published: December 2024

Generation and manipulation of polarization structures have attracted significant interest due to their unusual optical features and extensive applications. Multispectral information can further increase the information capacity of polarization structures. However, generating multiple cascaded multispectral polarization numbers (letters) at multiple planes arranged along light propagation has not been reported. A geometric metasurface is used to experimentally realize eight cascaded multispectral polarization numbers (letters) at predesigned observation planes along the longitudinal direction. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated by encoding a single polarization number (letter) with two wavelengths and cascading two polarization numbers with orthogonal polarization rotation angles. Different two‐color polarization numbers (letters) are generated by controlling the incident wavelength, while their polarization distributions are modulated by controlling the incident linear polarization. This approach integrates two‐dimentional (2D) polarization generation, multiple colors, longitudinal control, and cascading design, providing extra degrees of freedom for customized polarization design and enabling small‐volume polarization systems for color display, image steganography, and optical encryption.
Supporting Effect and Influence Law of Energy‐Absorbing Rockbolts in Soft Rock Roadway with Large Deformation
Authors: Yang Ning , Su Li‐yang , Li Wei‐teng , Li Xiu‐ming , Wang Li‐yuan , Mei Yu‐chun , Sun Bing‐jun
Published: December 2024

To clarify the supporting effect and influencing factors of energy‐absorbing rockbolts in soft rock roadways with large deformation, by considering four factors including rock deformation, plastic zone, rockbolt force, and stress of the surrounding rock, comparative analysis of no‐rockbolt, conventional rockbolt, and energy‐absorbing rockbolt schemes is conducted. The effect of the energy‐absorbing rockbolt is analyzed based on a self‐developed numerical simulation program, and a study is conducted on the influence of five factors such as the energy‐absorption starting axial force, ultimate yielding distance on the supporting effect. The results show that: 1) Compared to conventional rockbolts, the energy‐absorbing rockbolts maintain a intact support system and continuously providing support resistance within 75 d of calculation. 2) Energy‐absorbing rockbolts significantly increase the maximum and minimum principal stresses of the roadway. The increase in maximum principal stress significantly enhances the range of the bearing arch in the surrounding rock. Energy‐absorbing rockbolts have a high capacity to compensate for radial stresses unloaded. 3) The greater the energy‐absorption starting axial force, the more significant the compensation effect of the rockbolts on the radial stress. Appropriately increasing the ultimate yielding distance and rockbolt length can effectively prevent rockbolt failure and control the area of plastic zone.
Comparing Large Language Models and Human Programmers for Generating Programming Code
Authors: Hou Wenpin , Ji Zhicheng
Published: December 2024

The performance of seven large language models (LLMs) in generating programming code using various prompt strategies, programming languages, and task difficulties is systematically evaluated. GPT‐4 substantially outperforms other LLMs, including Gemini Ultra and Claude 2. The coding performance of GPT‐4 varies considerably with different prompt strategies. In most LeetCode and GeeksforGeeks coding contests evaluated in this study, GPT‐4, employing the optimal prompt strategy, outperforms 85 percent of human participants in a competitive environment, many of whom are students and professionals with moderate programming experience. GPT‐4 demonstrates strong capabilities in translating code between different programming languages and in learning from past errors. The computational efficiency of the code generated by GPT‐4 is comparable to that of human programmers. GPT‐4 is also capable of handling broader programming tasks, including front‐end design and database operations. These results suggest that GPT‐4 has the potential to serve as a reliable assistant in programming code generation and software development. A programming assistant is designed based on an optimal prompt strategy to facilitate the practical use of LLMs for programming.
The Gut Microbiota Affects Anti‐TNF Responsiveness by Activating the NAD+ Salvage Pathway in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Lei Jing , Lv Lin , Zhong Li , Xu Feng , Su Wenhao , Chen Yan , Wu Zhixuan , He Song , Chen Yongyu
Published: December 2024

Approximately 50% of the patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are primarily nonresponsive to anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy or lose their responsiveness over time. The gut microbiota plays an important role in the resistance of UC to anti‐TNF therapy; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, it is found that the transplantation of gut fecal microbiota from patients with UC alters the diversity of the gut microbiota in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice and may affect the therapeutic responsiveness of mice to infliximab. Furthermore, the abundances of Romboutsia and Fusobacterium increase in the tissues of patients with UC who do not respond to anti‐TNF therapy. Differentially abundant metabolites are mainly enriched in nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism in NCM460 cells after Fusobacterium nucleatum infection. Mechanistically, F. nucleatum promotes the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) salvage pathway by upregulating NAMPT expression, which subsequently leads to the activation of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and promotes the secretion of inflammatory factors, ultimately inhibiting the therapeutic response to anti‐TNF drugs. These findings demonstrate that the gut microbiota can influence the response to anti‐TNF therapy in patients with UC and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting F. nucleatum and its associated pathways for preventing and treating drug resistance in UC.
Polyethyleneimine‐Based Cryogels Enabling the Selective and Reversible Adsorption of Chlorine
Authors: Lorente Alejandro , Sturm Johanna S. , Kleoff Merlin , Lorenz Fabio , Voßnacker Patrick , Wagner Olaf , Haag Rainer , Riedel Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Herein hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (hPEI) cryogels are reported for the selective and reversible adsorption of elemental chlorine. The cryogels are prepared in an aqueous solution by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde at subzero temperatures. The final macroporous composites bearing ammonium chloride groups are obtained after freeze‐drying. The cryogels CG1[Cl]–CG3[Cl] adsorb chlorine with capacities of 0.22–0.26 g Cl2/g cryogel as an average over three adsorption‐desorption cycles. The adsorption process is based on the reversible and selective halogen bonding of chlorides (Cl−) with chlorine (Cl2) forming the corresponding trichloride ([Cl3]−) species, indicated by Raman spectroscopy. The reversibility of chlorine adsorption is shown by applying heat and vacuum to the loaded cryogel CG1[Cl3] releasing 63% of the adsorbed chlorine within 3 h and 72% within 16 h. The unique ability to selectively adsorb chlorine in the presence of other gases is successfully employed for the selective adsorption of chlorine from a gas mixture, potentially enabling the recycling of chlorine from tail gas streams.
A Stage‐Gate Framework for Upscaling of Single‐Junction Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Forberich Karen , Albrecht Steve , Castriotta Luigi Angelo , Distler Andreas , Hauch Jens , Kirchartz Thomas , Paetzold Ulrich W. , Schorr Susan , Sprau Christian , Stannowski Bernd , Ternes Simon , Unger Eva , Unold Thomas , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: December 2024

To address the challenge of upscaling single‐junction perovskite photovoltaics (PV) toward market‐relevant performance in a structured and efficient manner, a stage‐gate approach that divides the process into stages according to technology readiness levels (TRLs) is proposed. Whereas the first stage contains only material research, the later stages are concerned with the development from lab‐scale devices to large‐area modules, and properties such as device size as well as processing methods are adapted step‐by‐step toward commercializable techniques. The stages are connected by gates that specify the criteria that must be met for a material or process to be transferred to the next stage. In addition, a literature survey for the keywords “perovskite” and “module” is performed. This analysis shows that most of the reported modules have an area between 10 cm2 and 20 cm2, corresponding to stage 3 or TRL 5 in the scheme, and operational stability is often incompletely reported. These findings analysis indicate a significant gap in the research focus on large‐area modules and elevated stress and field tests, which are essential for transitioning to commercial applications. It is suggested to use the proposed stage‐gate process as an efficient and structured guideline toward commercializing perovskite PV.
Molecular Insights into the Interfacial Phenomena at the Li Metal | Polymer Solid‐State Electrolyte in Anode‐Free Configuration During Li Plating‐Stripping via Advanced Operando ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Jian‐Fen , Weiling Matthias , Pfeiffer Felix , Liu Kun‐Ling , Baghernejad Masoud
Published: December 2024

Solid‐state batteries are regarded as safe and high‐energy‐density candidates for next‐generation energy storage. However, gaining a mechanistic understanding of the interfacial phenomena under real electrochemically working conditions remains a major challenge for cells containing solid‐state electrolytes. This work presents an in‐house built attenuated total reflection fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy cell equipped with an internal temperature‐control unit. This cell is used for operando characterization of interfacial processes between plated Li and polymer during Li plating/stripping. As a proof of concept, a polymer electrolyte (cr‐PEO10LiTFSI) containing poly(ethylene oxide), Li bis‐(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and crosslink‐initiator benzophenone (BP) is introduced on a copper mesh as current collector at 60 °C. The developed ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy setup provides detailed insights into the electrolyte degradation and reveals the crystallinity transformation of PEO at the interface during plating. Moreover, for the first time, the degradation of BP is observed. This compound, often overlooked in electrolyte systems due to its low concentration, is found to play a significant role in the interfacial electrochemistry process. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the characterization on the PEO electrolyte‐lithium metal interface and introduces a novel perspective on the reaction of BP as a crosslinking initiator in the solid‐state batteries.
PtRu Intra‐Cluster Electron Modulation Accelerates Multi‐Scenario Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhao Xue , Jiang Yaling , Wang Dan , Zhang Yicheng , Chen Mengshan , Hu Guangzhi , Zhang Haibo , Jin Zhong , Zhou Yingtang
Published: December 2024

The development of advanced nanomaterial manufacturing technology and the in‐depth analysis of the structure‐activity relationship are conducive to the sustainable development of platinum‐based catalysts in terms of low cost and high performance. The in situ conversion of Pt4+ and Ru3+ is creatively achieved into highly dispersed, small‐sized heterojunction clusters in the confined space by reductant preset framework materials, and these clusters benefited from the hollow carbon spheres gap supramolecular self‐assembly strategy to achieve high exposure. The intra‐cluster Ru→Pt electron transfer and induced electronic structure modulation enhance the adsorption and activation of H2O molecules at the interface, accelerating the desorption coupling of [H] at the Pt or Ru site. As a catalyst, PtRu/BNHCSs have achieved significant hydrogen production from electrolyzed water in multiple scenarios, exceeding the performance of the commercial Pt/C catalyst. These scenarios include high‐current water splitting to hydrogen in both pH‐neutral and simulated seawater, direct seawater hydrogen production, and anion‐exchange membrane integrated continuous and efficient electrolytic hydrogen production. In situ Fourier transform infrared and in situ Raman interface monitoring techniques reveal the interfacial adsorption behavior of H2O, providing important experimental and theoretical insights for understanding and revealing the synergistic effect and the interfacial reaction behavior of intra‐cluster atoms of PtRu heterojunction.
Experimental study and numerical simulation of liquid–liquid dispersions in micro‐impinging jet mixers
Authors: Wu Bin , Chen Lin , Fan Yanchun , Zheng Huidong , Zhang Fuweng
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the turbulent two‐phase dispersion of toluene‐water in micro‐impinging jet (MIJ) mixers using both experimental and numerical methods. We employ computational fluid dynamics combined with the population balance model (CFD‐PBM) to predict the mean droplet size (d32) and droplet size distribution (DSD). The numerical predictions align well with the experimental results. The liquid–liquid dispersion in the MIJ mixer is a two‐step process, each step governed by the velocity ratio (r) and Reynolds number (Rej), respectively. By increasing the volume flow rate (Q) and r, or by reducing the diameter of the outlet orifice of mixing chamber (Do), the dispersion process can be intensified. This leads to the production of smaller droplets with a narrow DSD within a millisecond timeframe. Additionally, we propose a correlation for d32 that accurately describes the two‐step dispersion process of the mixer, providing a reliable guide for the design and optimization of liquid–liquid systems.
Effects of supercritical carbon dioxide‐ethanol cocoa butter addition in cocoa butter‐based salad dressings
Authors: Hussain Norhayati , Maarof Syahida , Mohamad Roiaini , Rajentran Komati , Umar Nasiru Bilkisu
Published: December 2024

Addition of cocoa butter containing phytosterols and antioxidants into food products can provide additional health benefit towards consumers. This work aimed to extract cocoa butter from cocoa beans using supercritical fluid extraction to formulate salad dressing containing blends of soybean oil and cocoa butter and compared it with commercial salad dressing. The most similar (insignificant different) characteristics as the control sample in terms of consistency index, flow index, apparent viscosity and crossover value were 10%–35% cocoa butter salad dressing (CBSD). In contrast, the 30% CBSD shows insignificant difference of emulsion stability compared to commercial salad dressing. The most desirable ratio of cocoa butter to be added into salad dressing was 30%. The findings may benefit the local cocoa and salad dressing producer on product diversification.
Metal‐Mediated Protein Engineering within Live Cells
Authors: Ghosh Pritam
Published: December 2024

Metal mediated several organic reactions are known which can be used inside the cellular medium for protein modifications, eventually for targeting diseases. Indeed, due to their ease of handling, rapid solubility, and effective cell penetration, metals are superior than any other competitor as a stimulus/mediator in organic reactions relevant with protein modifications. Metal mediated most effective reactions as a chemical biology tool are Cu(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition(CuAAC)/click reactions or Pd mediated multiple chemical reactions for intra/extra cellular protein modifications etc. A few examples of Au(III), Ru(III) are also known. Among these, the click reaction has high potential for the management of biomolecules within cells, and thus this methodology is adopted broadly in chemistry, biology towards therapeutic applications in pharmacology. Fast kinetics in aqueous medium at ambient to normal temperature with specificity between precursors (e. g., azide and alkyne for click reactions which are bio‐orthogonal to cells) are essential aspects behind the success of metal mediated intracellular reactions. This review dealt with specifically metal mediated protein modifications within live cells, the achievements and challenges.
Duration of protection of peanut from late leaf spot disease by pydiflumetofen
Authors: Jordan David , Foote Ethan , Lux LeAnn , Shew Barbara
Published: December 2024

Late leaf spot disease [caused by Nothopassalora personata (Berk. & M.A. Curtis) U. Braun, C. Nakash., Videira & Crous] and southern stem rot (caused by Athelia rolfsii Sacc.) are economically important diseases in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in North Carolina. Fungicides are often applied on a 14‐day schedule when these pathogens are active during the cropping cycle to protect peanut yield. The fungicide pydiflumetofen has been shown to provide protection from leaf spot disease for longer than 14 days and is labeled for protection for 28 days. However, efficacy for this length of protection has not been documented in North Carolina. Research was conducted from 2019 to 2022 in North Carolina to compare incidence of leaf spot and canopy defoliation when chlorothalonil plus tebuconazole were applied approximately 21, 28, and 35 days after pydiflumetofen was co‐applied with flutolanil or the commercial mixture of azoxystrobin and benzovindiflupyr. Pydiflumetofen does not control southern stem rot whereas flutolanil and azoxystrobin plus benzovindiflupyr do control this disease. Applying chlorothalonil plus tebuconazole 21 or 28 days after pydiflumetofen combinations was equally effective in protecting peanut from yield loss. In some cases, yield was lower when chlorothalonil plus tebuconazole were applied 35 days after pydiflumetofen combinations or when follow up fungicide was not applied. These data suggest that farmers in North Carolina can apply pydiflumetofen and expect 28 days of protection from late leaf spot. However, suppression of disease and peanut yield decreased in some cases when chlorothalonil plus tebuconazole does not occur until 35 days after pydiflumetofen combinations were applied.
Mutation Analysis of ASXL1 in Normal Karyotype Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Experience From Pakistan
Authors: Shaikh Sumera , Anwar Nida , Shahid Saba , Mushtaq Shamim , Fatima Naveena , Siddiqui Saima , Jammal Qammar
Published: December 2024

Background

The challenges in advancing treatment modalities for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) may stem from an incomplete understanding of the disease's complex pathophysiology and lack of reliable prognostic molecular markers. Advanced genomic techniques have revolutionized disease prognosis and risk stratification, particularly for cases with a normal karyotype.

Aim

The present study aimed to analyze ASXL1 mutations in MDS exhibiting a normal karyotype.

Methods and Results

The study enrolled 41 MDS patients with normal karyotypes. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples, followed by Sanger sequencing. The Chi‐square and Mann–Whitney U tests were applied to assess the association of age and hemogram with the occurrence of mutations. Survival analysis was done via the Kaplan–Meier method. Statistical operations were performed employing the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24. The patients had a median age of 40 years comprising 28 (68.3%) males and 13 (31.7%) females. ASXL1 mutations were identified in 8 (19.5%), particularly stopgain single nucleotide variant (SNV) and frameshift insertion. The median total leucocyte count × 109/L and blast percentage among the patients with ASXL1 mutation were 3.9 and 4.5, respectively. A survival of 85 weeks was recorded for ASXL1‐mutated and nonmutated cases. The association of ASXL1 mutation status with age and studied hematological parameters was found nonsignificant.

Conclusion

ASXL1 mutation plays a pivotal role in MDS prognosis, warranting assessment at diagnosis for risk stratification and treatment decisions. Early identification of ASXL1 mutation, particularly in low‐risk patients or those with normal karyotype, is imminent to identify patients exhibiting unfavorable prognosis. Integrating molecular insights into existing risk assessment holds significance for improved clinical outcomes, reduction in disease progression, and ultimately the improved quality of life and should be identified early in the course of disease even in the developing world.
A flow‐type scaling limit for random growth with memory
Authors: Dembo Amir , Yang Kevin
Published: December 2024

We study a stochastic Laplacian growth model, where a set grows according to a reflecting Brownian motion in stopped at level sets of its boundary local time. We derive a scaling limit for the leading‐order behavior of the growing boundary (i.e., “interface”). It is given by a geometric flow‐type pde. It is obtained by an averaging principle for the reflecting Brownian motion. We also show that this geometric flow‐type pde is locally well‐posed, and its blow‐up times correspond to changes in the diffeomorphism class of the growth model. Our results extend those of Dembo et al., which restricts to star‐shaped growth domains and radially outwards growth, so that in polar coordinates, the geometric flow transforms into a simple ode with infinite lifetime. Also, we remove the “separation of scales” assumption that was taken in Dembo et al.; this forces us to understand the local geometry of the growing interface.
Defect Engineered Ru‐CoMOF@MoS2 Heterointerface Facilitate Water Oxidation Process
Authors: Banti Boka Fikadu , Goddati Mahendra , Nwaji Njemuwa , Gwak Juyoung , Gicha Birhanu Bayissa , Kang Hyojin , Asgaran Sohrab , Chun Hee‐Joon , Lee Jaebeom
Published: December 2024

Catalyst design plays a critical role in ensuring sustainable and effective energy conversion. Electrocatalytic materials need to be able to control active sites and introduce defects in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. Furthermore, producing efficient catalysts with a distinct surface structure advances our comprehension of the mechanism. Here, a defect‐engineered heterointerface of ruthenium doped cobalt metal organic frame (Ru‐CoMOF) core confined in MoS2 is reported. A tailored design approach at room temperature was used to induce defects and form an electron transfer interface that enhanced the electrocatalytic performance. The Ru‐CoMOF@MoS2 heterointerface obtains a geometrical current density of 10 mA−2 by providing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at small overpotentials of 240 and 289 mV, respectively. Density functional theory simulation shows that the Co‐site maximizes the evolution of hydrogen intermediate energy for adsorption and enhances HER, while the Ru‐site, on the other hand, is where OER happens. The heterointerface provides a channel for electron transfer and promotes reactions at the solid‐liquid interface. The Ru‐CoMOF@MoS2 model exhibits improved OER and HER efficiency, indicating that it could be a valuable material for the production of water‐alkaline and acidic catalysts.
Learning to Let Go: Disenfranchisement from Academia
Authors: Slack Hannah
Published: December 2024

I knew I wanted to do a PhD by the second year of my undergraduate history degree. I loved researching and writing, and I couldn’t believe that people could do these things for a job. I also loved the idea of helping others, sharing knowledge, and debating big ideas that we would never truly know the answer to. However, I quickly learnt the pursuit of an academic job, particularly in history, was not going to be an easy one.
Pathogenic and Nonpathogenic Antibody Responses in Allergic Diseases
Authors: Ehlers Marc , Jönsson Friederike
Published: December 2024

Allergen‐specific antibodies, particularly of the IgE class, are a hallmark of many allergic diseases. Yet paradoxically, (1) a proportion of healthy individuals possess allergen‐specific IgE without clinical signs of allergy; (2) some, but not all, allergic individuals develop a more severe disease over time or fail to respond to allergen‐specific immunotherapy; and (3) allergen‐specific IgG antibodies can inhibit IgE‐mediated responses but they can also induce allergic reactions. In this review, we discuss the occurrence of and transition between nonpathogenic and pathogenic allergen‐specific antibody responses in the light of a two‐stage model. We recapitulate different factors and scenarios that may induce different inflammatory conditions and qualitatively distinct allergen‐specific T‐ and B‐cell responses, influencing IgE origins and affinities, IgE/IgG(4) ratios, IgG effector functions, antibody glycosylation patterns, Fc and glycan‐binding receptor expression and involvement, and ultimately their propensity to elicit allergic responses. Differences in these antibody characteristics may determine the onset of symptomatic allergy and the severity or remission of the disease.
A New Empirical Equation to Take Into Account the Influence of Ionic Strength on Electrophoretic Mobility and Determination of Binding Constants of Ester Betulin Derivatives With Sulfated β‐Cyclodextrin by Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Sursyakova Viktoria V. , Levdansky Vladimir A. , Rubaylo Anatoly I.
Published: December 2024

An empirical equation relating electrophoretic mobility and ionic strength was proposed. The equation includes a number of parameters that are found using the mobilities of reference ions: two coefficients in the numerator describing the linear relationship of the multiplier in front of the square root of the ionic strength with the product of the ion mobility in the background electrolyte (BGE) without additives by the modulus of the charge number, raised to a certain power, and also the multiplier in the denominator before the square root of the ionic strength. The proposed equation was tested using the mobilities measured in BGEs with the addition of sodium chloride to adjust ionic strength and sulfated β‐cyclodextrin (S‐β‐CD) for 11 anions with charge numbers from −1 to −4. Measuring anion electrophoretic mobility over a wide range of values, from −17 to −76 × 10−9 m2 V−1 s−1, was achieved through a combination of conventional separation and separation in a thermostatically controlled part of a capillary. The equation describes experimental data much more accurately (the discrepancy is no more than 1.1%) compared to the previously used simple empirical equation. For the S‐β‐CD complexes of betulin derivatives, the apparent binding constants determined are equal to 40–60 M−1.
Machine learning enhances genotoxicity assessment using MultiFlow® DNA damage assay
Authors: Trairatphisan Panuwat , Dorsheimer Lena , Monecke Peter , Wenzel Jan , James Rubin , Czich Andreas , Dietz‐Baum Yasmin , Schmidt Friedemann
Published: December 2024

Genotoxicity is a critical determinant for assessing the safety of pharmaceutical drugs, their metabolites, and impurities. Among genotoxicity tests, mechanistic assays such as the MultiFlow® DNA damage assay (MFA) allows the investigations on mode of action (MoA) of DNA damage through four mechanistic markers recorded at two time points. Previous studies have shown that machine learning (ML) can enhance precision on classifying the MoA of genotoxicants. Nevertheless, these approaches need to be tailored to specific chemical spaces and lab conditions for accurate risk assessment. In this study, we applied various state‐of‐the‐art ML algorithms available in an open‐source R package (caret) to build MFA‐ML models using data from Bryce et al. (2016). The best model achieved 95% accuracy on the training dataset and correctly predicted genotoxicity in 16 out of 17 cases in the test dataset. Incorporating molecular descriptors properties from established in silico models demonstrated further improved performance of the approach to cover challenging examples of pharmaceuticals exhibiting a pharmacological mode of action that could interfere with the biomarker response. Further model validation on an external test set with 49 non‐overlapped compounds showed a high model accuracy at 92%. Additionally, a tailored graphical user interface was developed using a freely available R package (shiny) to support visual analysis of MFA data including MoA predictions, facilitating broad usage by laboratory scientists. Lastly, a perspective on the integration of MoA predictions as additional evidence into a genotoxicity assessment workflow is proposed.
Effect of functionalization on the energy storage performance of super capacitors derived from wood charcoal
Authors: Mathew Elma Elizaba , Balachandran Manoj
Published: December 2024

The electrochemical performance of wood charcoal is investigated with respect to the disorders in the system after subjecting to oxidation and exfoliation conditions. The Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge curves indicate an improvement in the electrochemical behavior, resulting in a marginal increase in the specific capacitance values at higher exfoliation temperatures. The improvement is predominantly due to the change in the structural disorder in the system accompanied by the incorporation of oxygen functional groups which act as electrochemical active species. The exfoliation of wood charcoal at 160 and 200°C yield a specific capacitance of 6.23 and 12.24 F/g at a current density of 0.01 A/g. The ESR values representing the overall resistance of the system are observed to be 6.07 Ω for 200°C as opposed to 10.41 Ω of the bare material, making the material more conducting. The drastic change in the structural morphology along with the optimal amount of oxygen functional groups can be the reason for this behavior. The acquired results offer useful information for investigating the possibilities of fabricating supercapacitors with wood charcoal by tuning the defects of the system.
Communalizing private costs: Ownership concentration, institutions, and corporate environmental performance
Authors: Arora Punit , Jain Tanusree , Gaur Ajai
Published: December 2024

Research Summary

We extend the property rights theory to show that stronger ownership control incentivizes owners to push for communalizing private environmental costs unless counterbalancing internal and external governance mechanisms are prevalent. Using a sample of 16,286 observations for 3275 firms across 43 countries between 2008 and 2017, we find robust evidence for a negative effect of ownership concentration on corporate environmental performance (CEP). However, we find that ownership concentration has a diametrically opposite effect in strong and weak governance contexts. In the presence of strong external (regulatory institutions) and internal (high board independence) governance, ownership concentration improves CEP. In contrast, it has the opposite effect in the presence of weak regulatory institutions and low board independence. We contribute to the open system logic of corporate governance for environmental sustainability.

Managerial Summary

Our study shows that ownership concentration negatively impacts corporate environmental performance in the form of increased resource usage, emissions, and ESG controversies. This finding implies that there is a tussle over who bears environmental costs (i.e., privatized to the firms or communalized to the larger stakeholder bodies). However, we find that this negative performance outcome can be successfully mitigated by the quality of external (regulatory institutions) and internal governance (high board independence) mechanisms. Our study informs policymakers regarding the governance mechanisms through which the interests of the environment can be sincerely safeguarded in the face of short‐term value‐maximizing pressures from investors. These results also inform other stakeholders on how to nudge delinquent firms toward improving their CEP.
Submandibular Gland Flap Reconstruction for Oropharyngeal Defects After Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS)
Authors: Lander Daniel P. , Vettikattu Nikhil , Sawaf Tuleen , Wang Naomi , Patel Mihir R. , Kaka Azeem S. , Bur Andrés M. , Jackson Ryan S.
Published: December 2024

Background

To describe utilization and outcomes of submandibular gland flap (SGF) reconstruction after transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

A multi‐institutional retrospective case series of patients who underwent TORS for OPSCC followed by SGF reconstruction with harvest via transcervical approach from 1/1/2016 to 4/1/2023.

Results

In total, 14 patients underwent SGF reconstruction after TORS for OPSCC. All patients had HPV‐positive disease, predominantly in early local (N = 10 with pT1/pT2 disease, 71%) and regional stages (N = 11 with pN0/pN1 disease, 79%). Most patients received adjuvant radiation treatment (N = 9, 64%). Median hospital LOS after surgery was 4 days (IQR 2 days) with median functional oral intake scale (FOIS) score of 5 (IQR 0.8) at 1–3 weeks after surgery.

Conclusions

SGF reconstruction is a useful technique for closure of appropriately selected TORS defects requiring reconstruction beyond healing by secondary intention and mobilization of adjacent tissue but not large enough to warrant free flap reconstruction.
“Stop Saying That You Are Not Good Enough”: Crafting Asset‐Based Identities of International Asian Women Scholars Through Relational Mentoring
Authors: Sim Eunbi , Chaudhuri Sanghamitra , Niu Yuanlu
Published: December 2024

This trioethnographical study explores the influence of relational mentoring in developing the identities of three international Asian women scholars from different career stages within the field of human resource development (HRD) in the United States. By capturing our voices through personal narratives drawn from our day‐to‐day lived experiences, the study documents our transformative journey from “being” to “becoming.” Through a collaborative, qualitative analysis of mentoring transcripts and daily journals, the findings illustrate how relational mentoring serves as a framework to deconstruct our deficit‐based identities. This deconstruction is facilitated by dismantling hierarchy, questioning presumed incompetence, and problematizing structural inequities. Engaging in constructive dialogues within this framework enabled us to craft our asset‐based identities, where we embraced the roles of supporters, decenterers, and connectors.