bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Mixed Alkali on Fixation of Deep Shade on Single Jersey Cotton Fabrics with Reactive Dyes
Authors: Bhuiyan Muhammad Abdur Rahman , Shahid Md Abdus , Hannan Md Abdul , Kafi Md Abdullahil
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the influence of mixed alkali (soda ash and sodium hydroxide) on fixation of deep shades (8%, 7.6% and 7.2%) of Novacron super black G and Cottofix black B reactive dyes. The experiment explored the possibility of using the mixed alkali as a fixing agent for deep shade in the dyeing of single jersey cotton fabric instead of soda ash only. By using the proper amount of mixed alkali during dyeing, the dyed fabrics showed very good to excellent fastness properties and the process cost was reduced due to high exhaustion and fixation of dye molecule. The results showed that the reactivity of reactive dye was increased, 10% dyes was saved and the fastness of rubbing and washing were improved for each shade. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i1.15860 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 1, June 2012: 58-63
Endocrine Disrupters and Toxic Metal Ions Removal by Carboxymethyl-?-Cyclodextrin Polymer Grafted onto Magnetic Nanoadsorbents
Authors: Badruddoza Abu Zayed M , Shawon Zayed Bin Zakir , Tay Daniel Wei Jin , Hidajat Kus , Uddin Mohammad Shahab
Published: July 2013

In this study, carboxymethyl-?-cyclodextrin (CM-?-CD) polymer modified Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (CMPCD-MNPs) is fabricated and the feasibility of using these nanoadsorbents for removal of bisphenol A (BPA) and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solution was investigated. The properties of the particles were characterized by FTIR and TEM. The CM- ?-CD polymer grafted onto nanoparticle surface contributes to an enhancement of the adsorption capacity of Fe3O4 nanoparticles because of the strong complexation abilities of the multiple hydroxyl/carboxyl groups in CM-?-CD polymer with metal ions and of the hydrophobic cavity with organic contaminants through host-guest interactions. The adsorption of both BPA and Pb2+ ions onto CMPCD-MNPs was found to be dependent on pH. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved in 10-30 min and the adsorption kinetics of both contaminants is found to follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Equilibrium adsorption data are fitted well by Langmuir isotherm model. Furthermore, these nanoadsorbents can be used as effective, separable and reusable materials for removal of both organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater by magnetic separation systems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i1.15862 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 1, June 2012: 69-73
Time Evolution of Relative Entropies for Anomalous Diffusion
Authors: Prehl Janett , Boldt Frank , Essex Christopher , Hoffmann Karl
Published: July 2013

The entropy production paradox for anomalous diffusion processes describes a phenomenon where one-parameter families of dynamical equations, falling between the diffusion and wave equations, have entropy production rates (Shannon, Tsallis or Renyi) that increase toward the wave equation limit unexpectedly. Moreover, also surprisingly, the entropy does not order the bridging regime between diffusion and waves at all. However, it has been found that relative entropies, with an appropriately chosen reference distribution, do. Relative entropies, thus, provide a physically sensible way of setting which process is “nearer” to pure diffusion than another, placing pure wave propagation, desirably, “furthest” from pure diffusion. We examine here the time behavior of the relative entropies under the evolution dynamics of the underlying one-parameter family of dynamical equations based on space-fractional derivatives.
Optimization of Curvilinear Tracing Applied to Solar Physics and Biophysics
Authors: Aschwanden Markus , De Pontieu Bart , Katrukha Eugene
Published: July 2013

We developed an automated pattern recognition code that is particularly well suited to extract one-dimensional curvilinear features from two-dimensional digital images. A former version of this Oriented Coronal Curved Loop Tracing (OCCULT) code was applied to spacecraft images of magnetic loops in the solar corona, recorded with the NASA spacecraft, Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE), in extreme ultra-violet wavelengths. Here, we apply an advanced version of this code (OCCULT-2), also, to similar images from the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), to chromospheric H-α images obtained with the Swedish Solar Telescope (SST) and to microscopy images of microtubule filaments in live cells in biophysics. We provide a full analytical description of the code, optimize the control parameters and compare the automated tracing with visual/manual methods. The traced structures differ by up to 16 orders of magnitude in size, which demonstrates the universality of the tracing algorithm.
NMR Solution Structure of a Chymotrypsin Inhibitor from the Taiwan Cobra Naja naja atra
Authors: Lin Yi-Jan , Ikeya Teppei , Güntert Peter , Chang Long-Sen
Published: July 2013

The Taiwan cobra (Naja naja atra) chymotrypsin inhibitor (NACI) consists of 57 amino acids and is related to other Kunitz-type inhibitors such as bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and Bungarus fasciatus fraction IX (BF9), another chymotrypsin inhibitor. Here we present the solution structure of NACI. We determined the NMR structure of NACI with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.37 Å for the backbone atoms and 0.73 Å for the heavy atoms on the basis of 1,075 upper distance limits derived from NOE peaks measured in its NOESY spectra. To investigate the structural characteristics of NACI, we compared the three-dimensional structure of NACI with BPTI and BF9. The structure of the NACI protein comprises one 310-helix, one α-helix and one double-stranded antiparallel β-sheet, which is comparable with the secondary structures in BPTI and BF9. The RMSD value between the mean structures is 1.09 Å between NACI and BPTI and 1.27 Å between NACI and BF9. In addition to similar secondary and tertiary structure, NACI might possess similar types of protein conformational fluctuations as reported in BPTI, such as Cys14–Cys38 disulfide bond isomerization, based on line broadening of resonances from residues which are mainly confined to a region around the Cys14–Cys38 disulfide bond.
Cytotoxic Activity of Ursolic Acid Derivatives Obtained by Isolation and Oxidative Derivatization
Authors: Mazumder Kishor , Tanaka Katsunori , Fukase Koichi
Published: July 2013

Structure-activity relationships of ursane-type pentacyclic triterpenes obtained from natural sources and by chemical derivatization are reviewed. Ursolic acid, corosolic acid, and a new ursane-type pentacyclic triterpene, 7,24-dihydroxyursolic acid, were isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of the Bangladeshi medicinal plant, Saurauja roxburghii. Derivatization of ursolic acid by oxidation with dioxoruthenium (VI) tetraphenylporphyrins was investigated. Oxidation selectivity on the terpene structure was modulated by the auxiliaries introduced on the tetraphenylporphyrin. The natural triterpenes and oxidized derivatives were tested for cytotoxicity against the C6 rat glioma and A431 human skin carcinoma cell lines. Although they have the same ursane-type pentacyclic triterpene cores, the position and numbers of hydroxyls on the terpene structures significantly affected the activity and the selectivity towards the tested cell lines.
Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acid Deficiency and High Fructose Intake in the Development of Metabolic Syndrome, Brain Metabolic Abnormalities, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Simopoulos Artemis
Published: July 2013

Western diets are characterized by both dietary omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and increased fructose intake. The latter found in high amounts in added sugars such as sucrose and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Both a low intake of omega-3 fatty acids or a high fructose intake contribute to metabolic syndrome, liver steatosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), promote brain insulin resistance, and increase the vulnerability to cognitive dysfunction. Insulin resistance is the core perturbation of metabolic syndrome. Multiple cognitive domains are affected by metabolic syndrome in adults and in obese adolescents, with volume losses in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, affecting executive function. Fish oil supplementation maintains proper insulin signaling in the brain, ameliorates NAFLD and decreases the risk to metabolic syndrome suggesting that adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can cope with the metabolic challenges imposed by high fructose intake in Western diets which is of major public health importance. This review presents the current status of the mechanisms involved in the development of the metabolic syndrome, brain insulin resistance, and NAFLD a most promising area of research in Nutrition for the prevention of these conditions, chronic diseases, and improvement of Public Health.
An Ultra-High Element Density pMUT Array with Low Crosstalk for 3-D Medical Imaging
Authors: Yang Yi , Tian He , Wang Yu-Feng , Shu Yi , Zhou Chang-Jian , Sun Hui , Zhang Cang-Hai , Chen Hao , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: July 2013

A ~1 MHz piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) array with ultra-high element density and low crosstalk is proposed for the first time. This novel pMUT array is based on a nano-layer spin-coating lead zirconium titanium film technique and can be fabricated with high element density using a relatively simple process. Accordingly, key fabrication processes such as thick piezoelectric film deposition, low-stress Si-SOI bonding and bulk silicon removal have been successfully developed. The novel fine-pitch 6 × 6 pMUT arrays can all work at the desired frequency (~1 MHz) with good uniformity, high performance and potential IC integration compatibility. The minimum interspace is ~20 μm, the smallest that has ever been achieved to the best of our knowledge. These arrays can be potentially used to steer ultrasound beams and implement high quality 3-D medical imaging applications.
Antimitochondrial Antibody Recognition and Structural Integrity of the Inner Lipoyl Domain of the E2 Subunit of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
Authors: Wang Jinjun , Budamagunta Madhu S. , Voss John C. , Kurth Mark J. , Lam Kit S. , Lu Ling , Kenny Thomas P. , Bowlus Christopher , Kikuchi Kentaro , Coppel Ross L. , Ansari Aftab A. , Gershwin M. Eric , Leung Patrick S. C.
Published: July 2013

Antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMAs), the serological hallmark of primary biliary cirrhosis, are directed against the lipoyl domain of the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDC-E2). However, comprehensive analysis of the amino acid residues of PDC-E2 lipoyl β-sheet with AMA specificity is lacking. In this study, we postulated that specific residues within the lipoyl domain are critical to AMA recognition by maintaining conformational integrity. We systematically replaced each of 19 residue peptides of the inner lipoyl domain with alanine and analyzed these mutants for reactivities against 60 primary biliary cirrhosis and 103 control sera. Based on these data, we then constructed mutants with two, three, or four replacements and, in addition, probed the structure of the substituted domains using thiol-specific spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of a 5Ile→Ala and 12Ile→Ala double mutant. Single alanine replacement at 5Ile, 12Ile, and 15Glu significantly reduced AMA recognition. In addition, mutants with two, three, or four replacements at 5Ile, 12Ile, and 15Glu reduced AMA reactivity even further. Indeed, EPR reveals a highly flexible structure within the 5Ile and 12Ile double-alanine mutant. Autoreactivity is largely focused on specific residues in the PDC-E2 lipoyl domain critical in maintaining the lipoyl loop conformation necessary for AMA recognition. Collectively, the AMA binding studies and EPR analysis demonstrate the necessity of the lipoyl β-sheet structural conformation in anti–PDC-E2 recognition.
Faculty Gender in the College Classroom: Does It Matter for Achievement and Major Choice?
Authors: Griffith Amanda L.
Published: July 2013

Many feel that faculty members of the same gender may serve as role models, helping students to perform better in classes and encouraging them to continue in a subject. However, while higher education research has found evidence of positive effects of matching on gender, there are also many findings of zero impact. The main hurdle in this literature is identifying the exogenous impact in the absence of student sorting by gender. This article addresses this difficulty by using institutional data from a private liberal arts institution to examine outcomes for students in courses taught by new faculty members for which the students would not know the gender before registering. Results provide evidence of a role model effect for both genders; students earn higher grades in courses taught by same‐gender instructors in fields traditionally dominated by the opposite gender. Major choice and course‐taking behavior are mostly unaffected by faculty gender.
German Social Democratic Economic Politics in the Light of Agenda Theory
Authors: Heise Arne
Published: July 2013

German Social Democracy is facing tremendous challenges of societal and economic changes: party dealignment, a bourgeoisification of society, the rise of media democracy, and economic and cultural globalisation. The party's reaction – a third order change in its ideological objectives and a respective adjustment in its short term policy programme as the leading governing party in the red-green coalition (AGENDA 2010) – is being investigated under the conditions of bounded rationality of voters and against the background of an unprecedented loss in acceptance by the electorate as well as the ordinary party member.
Influence of environmental conditions and facility on faecal glucocorticoid concentrations in captive pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis)
Authors: Scarlata CD , Elias BA , Godwin JR , Powell RA , Shepherdson D , Shipley LA , Brown JL
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study was to determine if housing conditions, specifically pen size and soil enrichment, had an effect on faecal glucocorticoid concentrations in the endangered pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). The success of the captive breeding programme has been limited, so one hypothesis is that chronic stress due to sub-optimal housing conditions may be responsible for poor fecundity. Faecal glucocorticoid concentrations were assessed in 50 females housed among several pen types at two breeding facilities. The highest glucocorticoid concentrations were found in females housed in 0.37 m2crates as compared to enclosures ranging from 0.96 to 75 m2in size. Results also indicated that enrichment of enclosures with soil had a significant influence on adrenal activity, based on a reduction in glucocorticoid excretion for females moved from non-soil pens to those with soil. Last, a significant facility effect on glucocorticoid concentrations was observed, suggesting that factors other than housing influenced adrenal activity in these rabbits. In conclusion, based on measurements of faecal glucocorticoids, pygmy rabbits are best managed in enclosures that contain soil for digging burrows. Pen size had little effect on stress hormones, except for crates where limited space and/or absence of soil was associated with higher glucocorticoid concentrations. These results underline the importance of monitoring glucocorticoid concentrations in captive breeding programmes to identify optimal husbandry and management practices.
The Supreme Court Decision on Firearm Ownership for People Subject to Restraining Orders
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. , Vladeck Stephen I.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint explicates the complex reasoning the US Supreme Court has used in rulings on gun control and raises concerns that the recent Rahimi decision poses more questions than it settled on the future of the Second Amendment.
Correlation of PD‐L1 expression with CD8+ T cells and oxidative stress‐related molecules NRF2 and NQO1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yang Yanan , Zhao Hongying , Tian Zhongqiu , Cao Qing , Li Yunlong , Gu Yajuan , Song Qinfei , Hu Xiumei , Jin Mulan , Jiang Xingran
Published: July 2024

Oxidative stress and the immune microenvironment both contribute to the pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, their interrelationships remain poorly understood. We aimed to examine the status of key molecules involved in oxidative stress and the immune microenvironment, as well as their relationships with each other and with clinicopathological features and prognosis in ESCC. The expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), CD8, nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor‐2 (NRF2), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) was detected using immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 176 patients with ESCC. We employed both combined positive score (CPS) and tumor proportion score (TPS) to evaluate PD‐L1 expression and found a positive correlation between CPS and TPS. Notably, PD‐L1 expression, as assessed by either CPS or TPS, was positively correlated with both NRF2 nuclear score and NQO1 score in stage II–IV ESCC. We also observed a positive correlation between the density of CD8+ T cells and PD‐L1 expression. Furthermore, high levels of PD‐L1 CPS, but not TPS, were associated with advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastases. Moreover, both PD‐L1 CPS and the nuclear expression of NRF2 were found to be predictive of shorter overall survival in stage II–IV ESCC. By using the Mandard‐tumor regression grading (TRG) system to evaluate the pathological response of tumors to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), we found that the TRG‐5 group had higher NRF2 nuclear score, PD‐L1 CPS, and TPS in pre‐NACT biopsy samples compared with the TRG‐3 + 4 group. The NQO1 scores of post‐NACT surgical specimens were significantly higher in the TRG‐5 group than in the TRG 3 + 4 group. In conclusion, the expression of PD‐L1 is associated with aberrant NRF2 signaling pathway, advanced TNM stage, lymph node metastases, and unfavorable prognosis. The dysregulation of PD‐L1 and aberrant activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway are implicated in resistance to NACT. Our findings shed light on the complex interrelationships between oxidative stress and the immune microenvironment in ESCC, which may have implications for personalized therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Aggressiveness, inhibitory control, and emotional states: A provocation paradigm
Authors: Sebalo Ivan , Bozzay Melanie , Verona Edelyn , Chu Simon , Ireland Jane L.
Published: July 2024

The current study examines the effects of trait aggressiveness, inhibitory control and emotional states on aggressive behavior in a laboratory paradigm. One hundred and fifty‐one adult participants took part (73 men, 71 women, and 7 nondisclosed). Event Related Potentials (ERPs) during a Go/No‐Go task were utilized to capture the extent of inhibitory processing, with a laboratory provocation paradigm used to assess aggression. Contrary to the expectations, negative affective responses to provocation were negatively associated only with short‐lived aggression and only among those with high past aggressiveness. Furthermore, past aggressiveness was related to a continuous increase in laboratory aggressive behavior regardless of the level of inhibitory control (P3 difference amplitude). However, feeling hostile was associated with short‐lived aggressive behavior, only in those with lower levels of inhibitory control. These findings demonstrate the effect of distinct mechanisms on different patterns of aggressive behavior.
Chinese women faculty in US universities: Transnational experiences and challenges
Authors: Liu Xiangju , Lin Xi , Zhang Guili , Liu Yue
Published: July 2024

Due to the distinct language, cultural values, and social structures, dedicated qualitative research is needed to explore the challenges and supports faced by Chinese women faculty (CWF) members in US academia. Adopting a transnational feminist perspective, this study aims to explore how five CWF members navigate various disadvantages arising from the intersections of race, gender, and cultural values in one US institution. The findings indicate that CWF members encounter language barriers, academic authority challenges, and the struggles of balancing work and life. However, findings also show that they strategically navigate language barriers and challenges to their professional authority by establishing their own voices. Additionally, they benefit from mentoring, fostering their academic development, and contributing to their professional growth. Through this study, we aim to shed new lights on the experiences of CWF members in overcoming obstacles and pursuing professional development within US academia.
Functionalized Hydroxyapatite and Curcumin Incorporated Stimuli‐Responsive Low‐Exothermic and Injectable Poly(methyl methacrylate) Bone Cement for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis
Authors: You Tao , Ding Xintian , Zhao Huapeng , Dai Bin , Ye Lei , Zhao Heng , Zhu Xinwei , Zhou Jian , Yin Jun
Published: July 2024

With the increasing of bone diseases, bone substitute biomaterials have been urgently needed and recognized as effective therapeutic strategies for bone regeneration. However, the improper mechanical properties, uncontrolled curing time, and exothermic heat limited their clinical applications. Herein, a facile prepared injectable bone cement consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate), hydroxyapatite, curcumin, oxidized sodium alginate, and polyethylenimine is constructed. By taking advantage of the acid‐ and H2O2‐responsive covalent bonds, the resultant bone cement not only possessed superior compressive strength (>70 MPa), bending strength (>50 MPa), suitable curing time (9–14 min), and low exothermic heat (<42 oC), but also can release the drugs under the trigger of osteomyelitis microenvironment. Both at the cellular level and rat osteomyelitis models, the prepared bone cement exhibited excellent biocompatibility (cell survival rate: >97%; hemolysis ratio: <1.8%), anti‐bacterial (the lowest bacterial survival rate: ≈1.7%), anti‐inflammatory (the expressions of iNOS, CD86, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 are significantly inhibited) and the ability to promote bone regeneration (proliferation of osteoblasts and inhibition of osteoclasts). It is believed that this work will provide a bioactive organic/inorganic composite material for bone tissue engineering, the distinctive human‐friendly low exothermic heat, and advantages of prodrug technique incorporated multi‐function integration endow them potential clinical application prospects.
Wavelength‐Selective Photodetector and Neuromorphic Visual Sensor Utilizing Intrinsic Defect Semiconductor
Authors: Wang Peng , Xue Wuhong , Zeng Jianmin , Ci Wenjuan , Chen Qilai , Lv Baohua , Yang Ruilong , Liu Yang , Liu Gang , Xu Xiaohong
Published: July 2024

With the rapid developments of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), increasingly intricate and expanding application scenarios are placing higher demands on current machine vision capabilities. Therefore, there is a pressing need to simultaneously achieve diverse functionalities, simple designs, and efficient computing in vision devices. Here, the study develops a two‐terminal optoelectronic device utilizing a single 2D intrinsic defect semiconductor In2S3. The device demonstrates wavelength‐selective photodetection and neuromorphic visual capabilities, attributed to defect‐related charge‐trapping/de‐trapping processes. As a photodetector, the device exhibits a high photoresponsivity of 473.6 A W−1, a high external quantum efficiency of 1.6 × 105%, and a fast rise/fall time of 0.3/1.4 ms at the wavelength of 359 nm. As an all‐in‐one neuromorphic visual device, optoelectronic‐driven fundamental synaptic functions, including paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF), short‐term plasticity (STP), long‐term plasticity (LTP), and “learning‐experience”, are successfully mimicked at the wavelength of 671 nm. Moreover, one‐shot recognition of the 12‐letter image “SHAN XI NORMAL” is achieved through an artificial convolutional neural network. This study provides a new strategy for developing compact high‐level intelligence systems for complex application scenarios.
In Situ Dehydration Condensation of Self‐Assembled Molecules Enables Stabilization of CsPbI3 Perovskites for Efficient Photovoltaics
Authors: Li Tianxiang , Wang Kun , Tong Yu , Qi Heng , Yue Sihong , Li Wan , Wang Hongqiang
Published: July 2024

Inorganic perovskites, with Cs+ substituting volatile organic components, show great promise in photovoltaic applications due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and thermal stability. However, the black‐to‐yellow phase transition of CsPbI3 remains a challenge for realizing high‐performance inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). Herein, an effective approach is reported via incorporating the self‐assembled molecule Me‐4PACz to synergistically stabilize the [PbI6]4− octahedra and form a hydrophobic layer at interface and grain boundaries. An in situ dehydration condensation reaction of Me‐4PACz is observed during film annealing, which favors the reduction of undesired aggregation of Me‐4PACz in humid air, thus leading to enhanced anchoring interaction and more effective hydrophobic protection of CsPbI3. Therefore, the air‐processed CsPbI3 perovskite films show dramatically improved phase purity and humid stability. This strategy also improves the energy level alignment between perovskite and charge transport layers. As a result, a champion efficiency of 20.21% is realized, representing one of the highest reported values for air‐processed inverted IPSCs. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that by combining Me‐4PACz with the previously reported ethacridine lactate (EAL) additive, the device performance can be further boosted to 21.38%, which is a record efficiency for the inverted IPSCs reported to date.
Rutile‐Structured Ru0.48Mn0.52O2 Solid Solution for Highly Active and Stable Oxygen Evolution at Large Current Density in Acidic Media
Authors: Li Zonglin , Sheng Haoyun , Lin Yichao , Hu Hongyan , Sun Hongfei , Dong Yan , Chen Xiaowei , Wei Lingzhi , Tian Ziqi , Chen Qianwang , Su Jianwei , Chen Liang
Published: July 2024

The development of active, stable, and cost‐effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic media is crucial for proton‐exchange‐membrane water electrolysis. Inspired by theoretical screening on a series of transition metal incorporated RuO2 systems, a low Ru‐content solid solution oxide (Ru0.48Mn0.52O2) achieved is fabricated by a simple two‐step synthesis method through the combination of rutile RuO2 and β‐MnO2. The Ru0.48Mn0.52O2 catalyst exhibits an exceptionally low overpotential of 154 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and maintains a high stability under a high current of 100 mA cm−2 for 50 h in 0.5 m H2SO4 electrolyte. Furthermore, the obtained catalyst exhibits sustained stability at a large current of 0.5 A cm−2 for at least 50 h when loaded onto a Ti felt. The in‐situ characterization results indicate that Ru0.48Mn0.52O2 preferably followed the adsorbate evolution mechanism rather than the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism during the OER process, contributing to its high activity and stability at large current densities in acidic media.
Single‐Monolayer Na2S Film on Metal Surfaces
Authors: Wei Peng , Yang Yuxiang , Liu Chang‐Jun , Gao Hong‐Ying
Published: July 2024

Na2S is a key material in sodium‐sulfur batteries and its single‐monolayer film may also be a new 2D material. Herein, the results are first reported by STM, XPS, and DFT simulation that the Na2S single‐monolayer film shows different atomic structures depending on the underlying metals, and these structures can be changed by thermal annealing. All structures are well supported by DFT simulation on corresponding Na2S up, down, and standing models, as well as the NaS in‐plane model. Further, a wide bandgap of Na2S single‐monolayer film is measured, which decreases from Au(111) to Ag(111) and Cu(111) due to the different Na2S interactions with metal substrates. Finally, it is demonstrated that dibenzo 18‐crown‐6‐ether molecules can grow on phase VI of Na2S film at room temperature, as compared with preferred metal surfaces and Na2S phase III structure.
Injectable Gelled Multiple Emulsion for Glucose‐Responsive Insulin Delivery
Authors: Boakye‐Yiadom Kofi Oti , Chen Qijing , Teng Yilong , Zhang Chenshuang , Hu Bin , Zhang Xue‐Qing
Published: July 2024

A glucose‐responsive insulin delivery system that sustains blood glucose equilibrium for an extended duration can address the low therapeutic window of insulin in diabetes treatment. Herein, insulin is loaded in a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water (W1/O/W2) gelled multiple emulsion using poly (4‐vinylphenylboronic acid) (PVPBA) homopolymer as an effective emulsifier. The gelled multiple emulsion exhibits a high encapsulation efficiency (99%), enhanced stability and remarkable shear‐thinning behavior, making it easy to inject. Under hyperglycemic conditions, the gelled emulsion system instantly binds to glucose molecules and reduces the hydrogen bonds of the PVPBA homopolymer, resulting in insulin release. In a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic mouse model, a single subcutaneous injection of the gelled emulsion rapidly responds to high blood glucose concentration (BGC) and release insulin in a glucose dependent manner, thus prolonging the antihyperglycemic effect compared with free insulin.
Zwitterionic Poly‐Carboxybetaine Polymers Restore Lubrication of Inflamed Articular Cartilage
Authors: Weber Patrick , Asadikorayem Maryam , Zenobi‐Wong Marcy
Published: July 2024

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is associated with decreased synovial fluid viscosity and increased cartilage friction. Though viscosupplements are available for decades, their clinical efficacy is limited and there is ample need for more effective joint lubricants. This study first evaluates the tribological and biochemical properties of bovine articular cartilage explants after stimulation with the inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β. This model is then used to investigate the tribological potential of carboxybetaine (CBAA)‐based zwitterionic polymers of linear and bottlebrush architecture. Due to their affinity for cartilage tissue, these polymers form a highly hydrated surface layer that decreases friction under high load in the boundary lubrication regime. For linear pCBAA, these benefits are retained over several weeks and the relaxation time of cartilage explants under compression is furthermore decreased, thereby potentially boosting the weeping lubrication mechanism. Bottlebrush bb‐pCBAA shows smaller benefits under boundary lubrication but is more viscous than linear pCBAA, therefore providing better lubrication under low load in the fluid‐film regime and enabling a longer residence time to bind to the cartilage surface. Showing how CBAA‐based polymers restore the lost lubrication mechanisms during inflammation can inspire the next steps toward more effective joint lubricants in the future.
Robust Ferrimagnetism and Ferroelectricity in 2D ɛ‐Fe2O3 Semiconductor with Ultrahigh Ordering Temperature
Authors: Wang Tao , Xue Wuhong , Yang Huali , Zhang Yongzhao , Cheng Shaobo , Fan Zhiwei , Li Run‐Wei , Zhou Peng , Xu Xiaohong
Published: July 2024

2D single‐phase multiferroic materials with the coexistence of electric and spin polarization offer a tantalizing potential for high‐density multilevel data storage. One of the current limitations for application is the scarcity of the materials, especially those combine ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity at high temperatures. Here, robust ferrimagnetism and ferroelectricity in 2D ɛ‐Fe2O3 samples with both single‐crystalline and polycrystalline form are demonstrated. Interestingly, the polycrystalline nanosheets also exhibit easily switchable ferroelectric polarizations comparable to that of single crystals. The existence of grain boundary does not hinder the switching and retention of ferroelectric polarization. Furthermore, the ɛ‐Fe2O3 nanosheets show ferrimagnetic and ferroelectric Curie temperatures up to 800 K, which reaches record highs in 2D single‐phase multiferroic materials. This work provides important progress in the exploration of 2D high‐temperature single‐phase multiferroics for potentially compact high‐temperature information nanodevices.
Enhancement of Interlayer Exciton Emission in a TMDC Heterostructure via a Multi‐Resonant Chirped Microresonator Upto Room Temperature
Authors: Palekar Chirag C. , Rosa Barbara , Heermeier Niels , Shih Ching‐Wen , Limame Imad , Koulas‐Simos Aris , Rahimi‐Iman Arash , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: July 2024

We report on multi‐resonance chirped distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) microcavities. These systems are employed to investigate the light‐mater interaction with both intra‐ and inter‐layer excitons of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) bilayer heterostructures. The chirped DBRs consisting of SiO2 and Si3N4 layers of gradually varying thickness exhibit a broad stopband with a width exceeding 600 nm. Importantly, the structures provide multiple resonances across a broad spectral range, which can be matched to resonances of the embedded TMDC heterostructures. Studying cavity‐coupled emission of both intra‐ and inter‐layer excitons from an integrated WSe2/MoSe2 heterostructure in a chirped microcavity system, an enhanced interlayer exciton emission with a Purcell factor of 6.67 ± 1.02 at 4 K is observed. The cavity‐enhanced emission of the interlayer exciton is used to investigate its temperature‐dependent luminescence lifetime of 60 ps at room temperature. The cavity system modestly suppresses intralayer exciton emission by intentional detuning, thereby promoting a higher IX population and enhancing cavity‐coupled interlayer exciton emission. This approach provides an intriguing platform for future studies of energetically distant and confined excitons in different semiconducting materials, which paves the way for various applications such as microlasers and single‐photon sources by enabling precise emission control and utilizing multimode resonance light‐matter interaction.
Identifying the Origin of Thermal Modulation of Exchange Bias in MnPS3/Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Puthirath Balan Aravind , Kumar Aditya , Reiser Patrick , Vimal Vas Joseph , Denneulin Thibaud , Lee Khoa Dang , Saunderson Tom G. , Tschudin Märta , Pellet‐Mary Clement , Dutta Debarghya , Schrader Carolin , Scholz Tanja , Geuchies Jaco , Fu Shuai , Wang Hai , Bonanni Alberta , Lotsch Bettina V. , Nowak Ulrich , Jakob Gerhard , Gayles Jacob , Kovacs Andras , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Maletinsky Patrick , Kläui Mathias
Published: July 2024

The exchange bias phenomenon, inherent in exchange‐coupled ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic systems, has intrigued researchers for decades. Van der Waals materials, with their layered structures, offer an ideal platform for exploring exchange bias. However, effectively manipulating exchange bias in van der Waals heterostructures remains challenging. This study investigates the origin of exchange bias in MnPS3/Fe3GeTe2 van der Waals heterostructures, demonstrating a method to modulate nearly 1000% variation in magnitude through simple thermal cycling. Despite the compensated interfacial spin configuration of MnPS3, a substantial 170 mT exchange bias is observed at 5 K, one of the largest observed in van der Waals heterostructures. This significant exchange bias is linked to anomalous weak ferromagnetic ordering in MnPS3 below 40 K. The tunability of exchange bias during thermal cycling is attributed to the amorphization and changes in the van der Waals gap during field cooling. The findings highlight a robust and adjustable exchange bias in van der Waals heterostructures, presenting a straightforward method to enhance other interface‐related spintronic phenomena for practical applications. Detailed interface analysis reveals atom migration between layers, forming amorphous regions on either side of the van der Waals gap, emphasizing the importance of precise interface characterization in these heterostructures.
Radioluminescence Dosimetry in Modern Radiation Therapy
Authors: Darafsheh Arash , Goddu Sreekrishna Murty , Williamson Jeffrey , Zhang Tiezhi , Sobotka Lee G.
Published: July 2024

Accurate and precise measurement of radiation energy delivered to and absorbed by the patient's tissue is of great importance in radiation therapy (RT) quality assurance. Radioluminescence (RL) dosimetry has shown great potential for high spatiotemporal resolution dose measurement of RT fields. Implementation of efficient RL dosimetry in RT requires multidisciplinary effort and skills in optics, medical physics, radiation physics, electronics, and imaging science. In this review, a wide overview of fundamentals and applications of RL properties of media for RT dosimetry with emphasis on their potential use for multidimensional, small‐field, and ultra‐high dose rate RT dosimetry is provided.
Novel Delivery Systems for Oral Administration of Enfuvirtide: New Treatment Options for HIV/AIDS
Authors: Pang Huiwen , Qu Zhi , Kumar Vinod , Wang Yinuo , Wu Youzhi , Lin Min‐Hsuan , Harrich David , Han Felicity Y.
Published: July 2024

Enfuvirtide (T‐20) is a synthetic peptide fusion inhibitor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, the peptide nature limits a wider application of T‐20 with subcutaneous injection (Fuzeon) the only available formulation. In this groundbreaking study, it is sought to overcome this limitation by employing poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) and alginate to create novel oral delivery systems for T‐20. Remarkably, this investigation marks the first instance of assessing the efficacy of oral delivery systems in mice. Notably, both the PLGA and alginate formulations exhibit the capability to sustain T‐20 release, maintaining detectable levels in the bloodstream of mice for over 24 h after a single dose. By venturing into the realm of oral T‐20 delivery, this study opens avenues for the prospective development of oral formulations of T‐20, potentially leading to their evaluation in clinical trials.
Designer Solvents for Pharmaceutics: Role of Ionic Liquids/ Deep Eutectic Solvents in Pharmaceutical Formulations
Authors: Dhiman Diksha , Alhammadi Munirah , Kim Hanseung , Umapathi Reddicherla , Huh Yun Suk , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: July 2024

The design of biologic and synthetic drugs in the pharmaceutical industry is facing three key challenges, namely, ensuring bioavailability, solubility, and stability. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs), classified as designer solvents, have emerged as excellent solvents for improving the permeability and stability of biotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, they have shown remarkable solubilizing effects for synthetic drugs, particularly in solubilizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), and are known as eco‐friendly solvents. Thus, in this review, the development of designer formulations in pharmaceutical industries is reported, and the underlying strategies for designing the most efficient formulations for both biotherapeutics and synthetic drugs are examined.
Spectrum Reconstruction Model Based on Multispectral Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Wang Shuo , Yin Hang , Li Yang , Du Zhen , Zhang Yu‐Mo , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: July 2024

Reconstructing the visible spectra of real objects is critical to the spectral camouflage from emerging spectral imaging. Electrochromic materials exhibit unique superiority for this goal due to their subtractive color‐mixing model and structural diversity. Herein, a simulation model is proposed and a method is developed to fabricate electrochromic devices for dynamically reproducing the visible spectrum of the natural leaf. Over 20 kinds of pH‐dependent leuco dyes have been synthesized/prepared through molecular engineering and offered available spectra/bands to reconstruct the spectrum of the natural leaf. More importantly, the spectral variance between the device and leaf is optimized from an initial 98.9 to an ideal 10.3 through the simulation model, which means, the similarity increased nearly nine‐fold. As a promising spectrum reconstruction approach, it will promote the development of smart photoelectric materials in adaptive camouflage, spectral display, high‐end encryption, and anti‐counterfeiting.
Overcoming Cancer Persister Cells by Stabilizing the ATF4 Promoter G‐quadruplex
Authors: Xiao Chengmei , Li Yipu , Liu Yushuang , Dong Ruifang , He Xiaoyu , Lin Qing , Zang Xin , Wang Kaibo , Xia Yuanzheng , Kong Lingyi
Published: July 2024

Persister cells (PS) selected for anticancer therapy have been recognized as a significant contributor to the development of treatment‐resistant malignancies. It is found that imposing glutamine restriction induces the generation of PS, which paradoxically bestows heightened resistance to glutamine restriction treatment by activating the integrated stress response and initiating the general control nonderepressible 2‐activating transcription factor 4‐alanine, serine, cysteine‐preferring transporter 2 (GCN2‐ATF4‐ASCT2) axis. Central to this phenomenon is the stress‐induced ATF4 translational reprogramming. Unfortunately, directly targeting ATF4 protein has proven to be a formidable challenge because of its flat surface. Nonetheless, a G‐quadruplex structure located within the promoter region of ATF4 (ATF4‐G4) is uncovered and resolved, which functions as a transcriptional regulator and can be targeted by small molecules. The investigation identifies the natural compound coptisine (COP) as a potent binder that interacts with and stabilizes ATF4‐G4. For the first time, the high‐resolution structure of the COP‐ATF4‐G4 complex is determined. The formation of this stable complex disrupts the interaction between transcription factor AP‐2 alpha (TFAP2A) and ATF4‐G4, resulting in a substantial reduction in intracellular ATF4 levels and the eventual death of cancer cells. These seminal findings underscore the potential of targeting the ATF4‐G4 structure to yield significant therapeutic advantages within the realm of persister cancer cells induced by glutamine‐restricted therapy.
De‐Intercalation of Iodoplumbate(DMSO)x Complex for Uniaxially Oriented Halide Perovskite Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Authors: Park Junhyoung , Kim Seongheon , Chu Young Ho , Lee Jinhyuk , Son Dae‐yong , Choi Mansoo , Lee Yun Seog
Published: July 2024

Organic lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a viable alternative for next‐generation photovoltaic systems. The significance of reproducibly processing perovskite with less defects comes from the fact that imperfections have a major impact on the solar cell's performance and long‐term stability. Although it is well known that cautious precursor processing has a significant influence on perovskite defect generation, there haven't been extensive investigations on the serial associations between precursor processing, perovskite orientation, and defect generation in PSCs. Making use of a unique precursor chemistry treatment technique that facilitates uniaxially oriented perovskite growth, it is aimed to mitigate defects of sequentially spin‐coated perovskite. Through the temperature‐dependent configurational entropic effect on coordination between iodoplumbate and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a DMSO de‐intercalation processing method is developed. This method enables the induction of uniaxially‐oriented α‐FA0.9MA0.1PbI3‐xBrx (FA: formamidnium, MA: methylammomnium, x < 0.13) perovskite growth parallel to substrates. As a result, this processing delivered significant advances in power conversion efficiency (24.02%) and ambient operational stability under light. This straightforward technique provides a accesible process for producing efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, enabling uniaxially oriented perovskite fabrication without complicated procedures or additional substances.
The timing of visits by large and small bees differentially affects pollination success in Mimulus ringens
Authors: Mitchell Randall J. , Starvaggi Dana , Fitzgerald Victor , Karron Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2024

Premise

Cross‐fertilization in most flowering plants is facilitated by mobile animals that transport pollen while foraging for floral rewards. The contributions of different visitors can vary widely, depending on the amount of pollen transferred during a single visit and on the frequency and timing of the visits of each pollinator taxon.

Methods

We used three approaches to measure the pollination value of bees that visit Mimulus ringens: pollinator interviews, field population observations, and caging studies.

Results

The single‐visit effectiveness of small bees (primarily Halictidae) was only half that of larger bees (primarily Bombus) for pollen delivery and removal. In five field populations, we found substantial temporal and spatial variation in visitation and pollination. In most sites big bees were active before 08:00 hours, and by 10:00–11:00 hours, stigmas were usually fully pollinated and closed, and little pollen remained in anthers. Small bees seldom visited before 10:00 hours. Excluding big bees from plants confirmed that pollination is reduced and delayed in this ecological context.

Conclusions

Big bees are the primary pollinators of M. ringens, accounting for at least 75% of seed production. Not only are they more effective per visit, in most situations they also visit before small bees become active. Although small bees are not usually important pollinators of M. ringens, they have the potential to partially replace them as a “fail‐safe” pollinator in contexts where big bees are not abundant. In a world where pollinator abundance is declining, such backup pollinators may be important for maintaining plant reproduction.
Recent Advances on Synthesis of 2H‐Chromenes, and Chromenes Fused Hetrocyclic Compounds
Authors: Kumar Maurya Rohit , Dey Ashutosh , Kumara Vikash , Khatravath Mahender
Published: July 2024

Chromenes and 2H‐Chromenes are vital components of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals that have captured the attention of researchers worldwide. These heterocyclic compounds represent an essential class of structural scaffolds, and the quest for their synthesis in a mild and straightforward way has gained significant momentum. Chromenes are oxygen‐containing heterocycles that have been widely studied due to their potential medicinal properties. In the last two decades, researchers have made remarkable progress towards the synthesis of chromene based heterocyclic compounds using O‐propargylated benzaldehydes as a substrate. These substrates are highly versatile and contain functional groups that make them ideal for a wide range of reactions. This review article provides an in‐depth analysis of the latest advances in alkynes’ functionalization, emphasizing the substrate scope, limitations, regioselectivity control, and applications of these reactions. The review also covers a range of critical methods and strategies, including multicomponent reactions, used for the general synthesis of numerous types of chromene derivatives.