bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent and complicated urinary tract infections in women: Utility of advanced testing to enhance care
Authors: Gleicher Stephanie , Karram Mickey , Wein Alan J. , Dmochowski Roger R.
Published: October 2023

Background

The United States currently faces a public health crisis with regarding to antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, and new urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnostics are needed. Women with recurrent UTI (rUTI) and complicated UTI (cUTI) are at particular risk given their complexity and the paucity of adequate testing modalities. The standard urine culture (SUC) is the cornerstone for diagnosis, but it has many shortcomings. These pitfalls lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among women afflicted with rUTI and cUTI, as well as overuse of antibiotics. One innovation is PCR UTI testing, which has been shown to outperform SUC among symptomatic women.

Aims

This article discusses UTI PCR testing, as well as a possible role in clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

Published literature was reviewed and summarized.

Results

Management of rUTI and cUTI is complex, and providers should have all diagnostics available to facilitate providing optimal care. Urine PCR testing faces reimbursement issues despite fulfilling clinical indication parameters as described by insurance companies.

Discussion

The role of UTI PCR testing remains unclear. Reimbursement issues have led to underuse and limited real‐world outcomes reinforcing benefit.

Conclusion

This study proposes an algorithm for PCR testing among women with rUTI and cUTI.
Health empowerment and health‐related quality of life in older individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Run , Xiao Xiuying , Tao Yanling , Luo Weixiang , Zhou Tao , Wu Yanni , Zhou Jungui , Yang Lingli , Zhang Mi , Lin Xiaolu , Chen Xuan , Wang Yiling , Zhou Chunlan
Published: October 2023

The stress of disability significantly impacts an individual's quality of life and that of a spouse. Health empowerment, based on the idea that individuals may be successful despite disability, may be meaningful to disabled persons and their spouse carers. This cross‐sectional survey study aimed to explore the effect of health empowerment on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of older individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers on both a personal (actor effect) and interpersonal level (partner effect). A total of 1092 dyads of older individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers residing in communities were recruited from seven provinces in China. Two separate Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model analyses were conducted to examine the impact of health empowerment on the two domains of HRQOL: the Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score (MCS). The results revealed that health empowerment had actor effects on the PCS and MCS of older individuals with disabilities, as well as on the PCS and MCS of their spouse carers. However, no significant partner effects of health empowerment on the PCS and MCS of either the individuals with disabilities or their spouse caregivers were observed. Empowering individuals with disabilities and their spouse carers may help them enhance their own HRQOL, both physically and mentally. However, more research is required to determine the interpersonal effect of health empowerment on the HRQOL.
Heterogeneity in familial clustering of metabolic syndrome components in the multiethnic GENNID study
Authors: Wan Jia Y. , Goodman Deborah , Makhnoon Sukh , Norden‐Krichmar Trina M. , Wu Baolin , Edwards Karen L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined by clustering of cardiometabolic components, which may be present in different combinations. The authors evaluated clustering in individuals and extended families within and across ancestry groups.

Methods

The prevalence of different combinations of MetS components (high fasting glucose, low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and abdominal obesity) was estimated in 1651 individuals (340 families) self‐reporting as European American (EA), Hispanic/Mexican American (MA), African American (AA), and Japanese American (JA). Odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations comparing individual MetS components, number, and combinations of components for each ancestry group versus EA.

Results

Clustering of all five components (Combination #16) was more prevalent in EA (29.9%) and MA (25.2%) individuals than in AA (18.7%) and JA (15.5%) individuals. Compared with EA individuals, AA individuals were 64% and 66% less likely to have high triglycerides and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas JA individuals were 85% and 56% less likely to have abdominal obesity and high blood pressure, respectively. Compared with EA individuals, the odds of having two, four, or five components were at least 77% lower in JA individuals, whereas the odds of having three, four, or five components were at least 3.79 times greater in MA individuals.

Conclusions

Understanding heterogeneity in MetS clustering may identify factors important in reducing health disparities.
Direct Detection of Viral Infections from Swab Samples by Probe‐Gated Silica Nanoparticle‐Based Lateral Flow Assay
Authors: Durdabak Dilara Buse , Dogan Soner , Tekol Serap Demir , Celik Caner , Ozalp Veli Cengiz , Tuna Bilge Guvenc
Published: October 2023

Point‐of‐care diagnosis is crucial to control the spreading of viral infections. Here, universal‐modifiable probe‐gated silica nanoparticles (SNPs) based lateral flow assay (LFA) is developed in the interest of the rapid and early detection of viral infections. The most superior advantage of the rapid assay is its utility in detecting various sides of the virus directly from the human swab samples and its adaptability to detect various types of viruses. For this purpose, a high concentration of fluorescein and rhodamine B as a reporting material was loaded into SNPs with excellent loading capacity and measured using standard curve, 4.19 μmol ⋅ g−1 and 1.23 μmol ⋅ g−1, respectively. As a model organism, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (CoV‐2) infections were selected by targeting its nonstructural (NSP9, NSP12) and envelope (E) genes as target sites of the virus. We showed that NSP12‐gated SNPs‐based LFA significantly outperformed detection of viral infection in 15 minutes from 0.73 pg ⋅ mL−1 synthetic viral solution and with a dilution of 1 : 103 of unprocessed human samples with an increasing test line intensity compared to steady state (n=12). Compared to the RT‐qPCR method, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of NSP12‐gated SNPs were calculated as 100 %, 83 %, and 92 %, respectively. Finally, this modifiable nanoparticle system is a high‐performance sensing technique that could take advantage of upcoming point‐of‐care testing markets for viral infection detections.
A case of deletion 9p syndrome with soft and hard cleft palate
Authors: Takaoka Shohei , Yanagawa Toru , Uchida Fumihiko , Ishibashi‐Kanno Naomi , Yamagata Kenji , Bukawa Hiroki
Published: October 2023

Background

Deletion 9p syndrome is a rare structural chromosomal disorder. Various phenotypes of deletion 9p syndrome have been reported; however, cleft palate has not been reported in many cases.

Case presentation

We report the case of a child with deletion 9p syndrome with soft and hard cleft palate, ventricular septal defect, broad and narrow forehead, long philtrum, highly arched eyebrows, binocular dissection, upward‐slanting palpebral fissures, low flat nose, and triangular cranium. Pushback palatoplasty was performed at the age of 1 year and 9 months.

Conclusion

This report contributes to the accumulation of reports on the phenotype of deletion 9p syndrome.
An analysis of asymmetric effect of federal transfers across Indian states
Authors: Suha A. M. , Kumar Anoop S. , Renjith P. S.
Published: October 2023

This study empirically examines the asymmetric effect of federal transfers in India using a panel dataset of 18 states from 2000–2001 to 2019–2020. In mapping the asymmetric effect of federal transfers on subnational spending across the Indian states, we test it in the extended ‘flypaper effect’ framework, examining whether subnational expenditures respond in the same way to changes in federal transfers. To quantify the extent of the asymmetric effect on the subnational expenditure, we employed the panel non‐linear ARDL model. The results suggest that subnational spending has a greater asymmetric response to the increase in federal transfers than to a decrease. At the disaggregate level, ten out of 18 states have a fiscal replacement kind of asymmetric effect in any spending specifications. But only three validate it in the capital and development spending, and seven states validating in the non‐development expenditure on the revenue accounts. Replacing the cut in federal transfers with other revenue sources that prioritise non‐development spending over development spending is problematic.
Cellulose‐ and starch‐based functional materials for efficiently wastewater treatment
Authors: Bekchanov Davronbek , Mukhamediev Mukhtar , Eshtursunov Davron , Lieberzeit Peter , Su Xintai
Published: October 2023

The present study provides an overview of scientific developments made in the last decade in the field of green adsorbents focusing on the modifications in cellulose and starch and their applications such as drug delivery, wastewater treatment, and ion exchange. For this purpose, an introduction to the various methods of modifying cellulose and starch is first given, and then the properties, application, and future priorities of green adsorbents are also discussed. Methods of modification of cellulose and starch under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions using modifiers with different properties are also described. Various methods for modifying cellulose and starch and the use of the obtained green adsorbents are reviewed. A comparison of the sorption properties of green adsorbents based on cellulose and starch and other adsorbents used in industry has also been carried out. Future perspectives on green adsorbents based on cellulose and starch are as also highlighted.
Toward tailoring the mechanical and dielectric properties of short glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Nsengiyumva Walter , Zhong Shuncong , Chen Xiaofen , Makin Amir Mahmoud , Chen Linnan , Wu Lixin , Zheng Longhui
Published: October 2023

Glass fiber‐reinforced polymer‐matrix (GFRP) composites are used to manufacture devices such as radomes, electrical insulators, and radar‐absorbing structures, many of which are used in applications with strict mechanical and dielectric property requirements. As such, designs and properties of GFRP composite materials should be regularly improved to guarantee their safe operation and meet their constantly evolving application requirements. In this study, glass fiber (GF) particles and epoxy resin 128 (EP‐128) were used to manufacture high‐performance EP/GF‐X composites with GF particle contents ranging from 5% to 40%. An investigation into their mechanical and dielectric properties revealed that EP/GF‐20 composite specimens presented the best mechanical performance with their bending strength and modulus reaching 159.68 MPa and 6521.92 MPa, respectively, and an average dielectric constant of 4.862 within the 10–105 Hz frequency range. A theoretical analysis of the EP/GF‐X composite specimens' dielectric constants using classic dielectric models based on the Lichtenecker, Bruggeman, Jaysundere‐Smith, and Maxwell‐Garnett rule‐of‐mixture equations indicated that the dielectric model based on the Bruggeman rule‐of‐mixture equation provided the dielectric constants closest to the measured values with a maximum deviation of less than −0.321% for EP/GF‐40 composites. This study provides a feasible strategy to control the mechanical and dielectric properties of GFRP composites.

Highlights

Glass fiber (GF) particles and epoxy 128 (EP‐128) resin were used to manufacture high‐performance glass fiber‐reinforced epoxy (EP/GF‐X) composites.

The composite manufacturing process was carefully controlled to ensure uniform distribution and orientation of GF particles in the EP‐128 resin.

The mechanical and dielectric properties of the manufactured EP/GF‐X composites were effectively tailored by controlling the content and distribution of GF particles in the EP‐128 resin matrix.

The dielectric constants of the EP/GF‐X composites were measured experimentally and predicted using various theoretical dielectric models.

The Bruggeman model provided the dielectric constants of the EP/GF‐X composites closest to the measured values.
Fabrication and characterization of graphene‐loaded recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) electrospun composite nanofibrous mats with improved thermal conductivity
Authors: Kalaoglu‐Altan Ozlem Ipek , Karagüzel Kayaoğlu Burçak , Trabzon Levent
Published: October 2023

In this study, graphene‐loaded electrospun recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) nanofibrous mats were produced and characterized morphologically, spectrally, mechanically and thermally. Particularly, the effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and multilayer graphene (GML) in improving the thermal conductivity and heat dissipation abilities of rPET‐based composite nanofibers were investigated. The morphological analyzes pointed out that 1% graphene loading led to smooth nanofibers while 5 and 10% of GNP‐loading resulted in coarser nanofibers with rougher surfaces and agglomerations. The differential scanning calorimetry results pointed out that the crystallization temperature increased with increasing graphene content as a result of the pronounced nucleation effect. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated an improvement in the thermal stability of the composite nanofibers. The thermal conductivity coefficients increased to 25.422 W/mK‐35.842 W/mK for rPET/GNP nanofibers and up to 62.669 W/mK for rPET/GML nanofibers, compared to that of 12.753 W/mK for neat rPET nanofibers which correspond to an increase between 99 and 391%. Heat dissipation capability of the graphene‐loaded composite nanofibers was illustrated with infrared thermography data, displaying an increase in the average surface temperature of the nanofibrous mats between 2 and 19°C at 30 s of heating. The results suggest the use of the graphene‐loaded rPET composite nanofibers as textile materials for thermoregulating applications.

Highlights

Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/graphene composite nanofibers are electrospun.

Thermal conductivity of graphene‐loaded nanofibers increases by up to 391%.

Graphene loading in nanofibers leads to faster and more uniform heat dissipation.

Mechanical properties of composite nanofibers improve.

Value‐added recycled polyester materials for thermal management are foreseen.
Influence of various damage mechanisms on the low‐velocity impact response of composite laminates
Authors: Zou Xionghui , Gao Weicheng , Xi Wei
Published: October 2023

This study exhibits the effect of different damage mechanisms on the mechanical behavior of composite laminates subjected to low‐velocity impact load. To achieve this, seven low‐velocity impact energies were applied to laminates with five different thicknesses and four unique stacking sequences. The extent of damage was quantitatively evaluated through contact measurements and ultrasonic C‐scan techniques. Numerical simulations, showing good agreement with experimental results, characterized the distribution and evolution of damage within the laminates. The findings reveal that when matrix and delamination damage are predominant, the dent depth increases slowly and is visually invisible, while the delamination area expands almost linearly. Conversely, When fiber damage prevails, the laminate absorbs more energy, leading to rapid increases in dent depth, the appearance of visible cracks, and the occurrence of sharp fluctuations with multiple peaks in contact force and displacement curves. Nonetheless, the delamination area and projection tend to be stable and unchanged. Furthermore, alterations in thickness and stacking sequence directly affect the damage characteristics and energy absorption properties. This research offers valuable theoretical insights and serves as a reference for enhancing the comprehension of the failure mechanism of laminates and optimizing their performance.

Highlights

Demonstrate the utility of dent depth in identifying changes in damage mechanisms.

Evaluate the delamination damage of laminates after impacts by ultrasonic C‐scan techniques.

Reveal the regulation of impact response parameters for different damage mechanisms.

Investigate the effect of variation in thickness on damage characteristics and energy absorption.

Evaluate the impact resistance of laminates with different stacking sequences.
Multi‐physical honeycomb metastructure fabricated by fused deposition modeling with broadband radar absorption and mechanical resistance for drones
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhao Pengzhen , Lu Qin , Zhang Yuhui , Lei Han , Yu Chen , Huang Yixing , Yu Jijun
Published: October 2023

Complex structural configuration design is necessary for dielectric‐magnetic lossy composites to achieved broadband microwave absorption in civil and defense applications. Based on the unique space filling characteristic of fractal structure, the honeycomb metastructure can possess microwave absorption and mechanical resistance. However, traditional molding technique was difficult to realize complex shape of metastructure. Herein, the dielectric‐magnetic filament with different concentration of carbonyl iron particles was fabricated by high‐temperature extrusion process. The multi‐physical honeycomb metastructure with gradient layers was printed by fused deposition modeling (FDM) in a large size. The printed dielectric‐magnetic samples exhibited strong dielectric‐magnetic loss with high printing quality. The honeycomb metastructure achieved broadband microwave absorption in the −10 dB bandwidth of 9.6–18 GHz with tensile strength of 31 MPa. The results indicate that FDM is useful to fabricate metastructure with complex shape for broadband microwave absorption. The dielectric‐magnetic properties of filament are magnified by metastructure design. The proposed design‐fabrication process is promising for functional structure realization with complex shape in the future.

Highlights

1. Magnetic filament was fabricated for functional 3D printing.

2. Structural magnetic dissipation mechanism for microwave was presented.

3. Magnetic metastructure was designed and printed for broadband absorption.

4. Integrated design of mechanical and electromagnetic function was presented.

5. Structural absorption effect of honeycomb metastructure was revealed.
Budesonide/formoterol maintenance and reliever therapy in childhood asthma: Real‐world effectiveness and economic assessment
Authors: Yu Yuncui , Cao Wang , Xiao Yue , Li Ang , Huang Huijie , Liu Kejun , Hu Lihua , Hou Xiaoling , Xiang Li , Wang Xiaoling
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The study aims to compare the real‐world effectiveness and economy of the budesonide/formoterol reliever and maintenance therapy (SMART) with fixed‐dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)/long‐acting b‐agonist (LABA) or ICS alone plus as‐needed, short‐acting β2 agonists (SABA) in pediatric patients.

Methods

The outpatient data warehouse of a hospital in China was used. A total of 103 patients under 18 years old in the SMART group and 63 patients in the control group were included from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. The effectiveness was assessed using asthma attacks and lung function at baseline, 6 months and 12 months follow‐up. Cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed with a three‐state Markov model from the healthcare system perspective. One‐way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to check the robustness of the results.

Results

The SMART regimen was more effective than other strategies in reducing the risk of mild and severe attacks in the real‐life management of childhood asthma. Patients in both groups showed significant improvement in lung function at 6 and 12 months in contrast to baseline. Compared with other strategies, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) level in the SMART group was markedly improved at 6 months. The total cost of outpatient service using the SMART regimen was lower than that of other strategies, while the drug costs were similar in different groups. Incremental cost‐effectiveness analysis results showed that using the SMART regimen reduced the total cost by approximately CNY 10,516.11 per year with a 0.12 quality‐adjusted life year (QALYs) increase. Sensitive analyses supported that the SMART regimen was the dominant choice at the willingness‐to‐pay threshold of CNY 85,698, per capita GDP in China.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings indicate that the real‐world effectiveness and economy of the SMART regimen are superior to the traditional strategies in pediatric asthma patients.
TP53 structure–function relationships in metastatic castrate‐sensitive prostate cancer and the impact of APR‐246 treatment
Authors: Hoang Tung , Sutera Philip , Nguyen Triet , Chang Jinhee , Jagtap Shreya , Song Yang , Shetty Amol C. , Chowdhury Dipanwita D. , Chan Aaron , Carrieri Francesca A. , Hathout Lara , Ennis Ronald , Jabbour Salma K. , Parikh Rahul , Molitoris Jason , Song Daniel Y. , DeWeese Theodore , Marchionni Luigi , Ren Lei , Sawant Amit , Simone Nicole , Lafargue Audrey , Van Der Eecken Kim , Bunz Fred , Ost Piet , Tran Phuoc T. , Deek Matthew P.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Despite well‐informed work in several malignancies, the phenotypic effects of TP53 mutations in metastatic castration‐sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) progression and metastasis are not clear. We characterized the structure–function and clinical impact of TP53 mutations in mCSPC.

Patients and Methods

We performed an international retrospective review of men with mCSPC who underwent next‐generation sequencing and were stratified according to TP53 mutational status and metastatic burden. Clinical outcomes included radiographic progression‐free survival (rPFS) and overall survival (OS) evaluated with Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox regression. We also utilized isogenic cancer cell lines to assess the effect of TP53 mutations and APR‐246 treatment on migration, invasion, colony formation in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo. Preclinical experimental observations were compared using t‐tests and ANOVA.

Results

Dominant‐negative (DN) TP53 mutations were enriched in patients with synchronous (vs. metachronous) (20.7% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.01) and polymetastatic (vs. oligometastatic) (14.4% vs. 7.9%, p < 0.01) disease. On multivariable analysis, DN mutations were associated with worse rPFS (hazards ratio [HR] = 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31–2.98) and overall survival [OS] (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.14–3.68) compared to TP53 wild type (WT). In vitro, 22Rv1 TP53 R175H cells possessed stronger migration, invasion, colony formation ability, and cellular movement pathway enrichment in RNA sequencing analysis compared to 22Rv1 TP53 WT cells. Treatment with APR‐246 reversed the effects of TP53 mutations in vitro and inhibited 22Rv1 TP53 R175H tumor growth in vivo in a dosage‐dependent manner.

Conclusions

DN TP53 mutations correlated with worse prognosis in prostate cancer patients and higher metastatic potential, which could be counteracted by APR‐246 treatment suggesting a potential future therapeutic avenue.
Therapeutic considerations of bioactive compounds in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease: Dissecting the molecular pathways
Authors: Phukan Banashree Chetia , Roy Rubina , Gahatraj Indira , Bhattacharya Pallab , Borah Anupom
Published: October 2023

Leading neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are characterized by the impairment of memory and motor functions, respectively. Despite several breakthroughs, there exists a lack of disease‐modifying treatment strategies for these diseases, as the available drugs provide symptomatic relief and bring along side effects. Bioactive compounds are reported to bear neuroprotective properties with minimal toxicity, however, a detailed elucidation of their modes of neuroprotection is lacking. The review elucidates the neuroprotective mechanism(s) of some of the major phyto‐compounds in pre‐clinical and clinical studies of AD and PD to understand their potential in combating these diseases. Curcumin, eugenol, resveratrol, baicalein, sesamol and so on have proved efficient in countering the pathological hallmarks of AD and PD. Curcumin, resveratrol, caffeine and so on have reached the clinical phases of these diseases, while aromadendrin, delphinidin, cyanidin and xanthohumol are yet to be extensively explored in pre‐clinical phases. The review highlights the need for extensive investigation of these compounds in the clinical stages of these diseases so as to utilize their disease‐modifying abilities in the real field of treatment. Moreover, poor pharmacokinetic properties of natural compounds are constraints to their therapeutic yields and this review suggests a plausible contribution of nanotechnology in overcoming these limitations.
Current landscape of climate change adaptation and health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia
Authors: Ramazanu Sheena , Wiyono Lowilius , Abu‐Odah Hammoda , Comabig Rey G. , Musa Shuaibu Saidu , Mahmood Jemilah , Goh Yong Zhin , Hussain Nurul Amanina Binte , Rajasegaran Siddharthen , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Miranda Adriana Viola
Published: October 2023

Human‐induced climate change poses a pervasive threat to the world. Human activities, such as deforestation, farming livestock, and burning fossil fuels, are key drivers of climate change. Like other regions, the Southeast Asian region is greatly impacted by climate change. The article focuses on examining the current landscape of climate change adaptation and health preparedness among indigenous populations in Southeast Asia (SEA). Climate change will affect the indigenous populations disproportionately. Over the years, indigenous people living in SEA have faced increasing challenges. For instance, air pollution resulting from forest fires causes respiratory conditions, skin irritations, and other significant health risks. The article also highlights climate change–related health system preparedness in ASEAN and indigenous strategies in navigating climate change adaption. As the saying goes, “actions speak louder than words.” To develop sustainable regional climate change adaptation strategies, representation and voices of indigenous peoples matter. At ASEAN level, although the ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change was convened to develop policies and coordinate action plans among its member states, it is now key to include and learn from the instrumental strategies of indigenous communities in conserving, protecting, and restoring forests. Beyond acknowledging the efforts of indigenous communities on paper, it is now time to translate scientific knowledge into practical actions. It is necessary for us to value and recognize indigenous peoples, particularly in SEA as valued agents in co‐creating sustainable solutions for climate agenda. Centering indigenous peoples’ knowledge in climate adaptation is crucial for strengthening collective resilience in climate action strategies. Conclusively, the article advocates for the prioritization of indigenous communities’ leadership efforts in ASEAN‐wide climate action initiatives and climate action policy.
Topological indices and QSPR analysis of some chemical structures applied for the treatment of heart patients
Authors: Hasani Mehri , Ghods Masoud
Published: October 2023

In this study, various beta‐blocker drugs used for heart disease were analyzed, and their degree‐based topological indices derived from the M‐polynomial were calculated. Linear and quadratic regression analysis was used to obtain quantitative structure‐property relationship models between the topological indices and eight the physicochemical properties of the drugs to determine their effectiveness. The results show that the harmonic index was the best predictor for boiling point, flashpoint, and enthalpy of vaporization, while the redefined third Zagreb index was effective for polarizability, molar refractivity, and molar volume. The inverse sum indeg index was found to be effective for molar refractivity, and the second modified Zagreb index was surface tension in linear regression models. In addition, the redefined third Zagreb index was the best predictor for polarizability and molar refractivity, while the second modified Zagreb index was effective for molar volume. The SDD index was found to be effective for surface tension in quadratic regression models.
Multicolor Continuous‐Variable Quantum Entanglement in the Kerr Frequency Comb
Authors: Li Ming , Zhang Yan‐Lei , Xu Xin‐Biao , Dong Chun‐Hua , Guo Guang‐Can , Zou Chang‐Ling
Published: October 2023

In a traveling wave microresonator, the cascaded four‐wave mixing (FWM) between optical modes allows the generation of frequency combs, including intriguing dissipative Kerr solitons (DKS). This study explores the quantum fluctuations of frequency combs and reveal the continuous‐variable quantum entanglement between different comb lines of the DKS states. The entanglement of DKS exhibits two distinct characteristics. For modes located at the spectral edge with a small number of excitations, different comb modes with multiple colors become entangled due to photon‐pair generation and coherent photon conversion stimulated by the FWM. Notably, a sudden disappearance of quantum entanglement in the center of the DKS spectrum is observed, which is attributed to the self‐locking phenomena in the FWM network. These findings demonstrate the prominent quantum nature of DKS, which is of fundamental significance in quantum optics and has the potential to be utilized in quantum networking and distributed quantum sensing applications.
Bridging Performance Gaps: Exploring New Classes of Materials for Future Spintronics Technological Challenges
Authors: Al‐Qatatsheh Ahmed , Juodkazis Saulius , Hameed Nishar
Published: October 2023

Technological challenges, such as insufficient computation power, inefficient data storage, and unsafe communication, may not be tackled by currently utilized semiconductors or superconductors, which are still far from meeting the requirements of quantum‐age applications. Spintronics, focused on electron transport phenomena dependent on spin, holds promise as an advanced technology. Nevertheless, most recent quantum technologies adopted by leading businesses and start‐ups rely heavily on others, and there is a race to increase the number of qubits to gain a computational advantage. Therefore, it is crucial to consider new classes of materials instead of the conventional ones. Developing high‐performance organic spintronics based on new classes of materials, namely, ionic liquids (ILs), liquid and soft crystals, and macroradicals, can support high‐speed and low‐power computing applications, offering higher spin‐relaxation times in the order of microsecond at room temperature. This perspective discusses the key challenges of the currently utilized inorganic semiconductors, small molecules, and π‐conjugated polymers. It also discusses how the new classes of organic spintronics can bridge these performance gaps.
Long‐term integration of bahiagrass into a cover‐cropped and strip‐tilled peanut–cotton rotation has a limited effect on soil carbon and other soil properties
Authors: Maltais‐Landry Gabriel , James Michael , Wilson Chris , Schumacher Lesley , Grabau Zane , Sidhu Sudeep , George Sheeja
Published: October 2023

Integrating a perennial forage grass like bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) into the traditional rotation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) increases yields and reduces irrigation needs in the Southeast United States. However, the long‐term effects of this sod‐based rotation (SBR) on soil properties remain unclear. Eighteen years after establishing SBR and the traditional rotation, we collected samples to a depth of 120 cm in 30‐cm increments and measured soil carbon and other soil properties (e.g., Mehlich‐extractable nutrients). Soil C was 6% higher with SBR in the top 30 cm of soil after 18 years, with no impact on soil C in deeper soil layers. Similarly, there was no effect of SBR on other soil properties (soil texture, pH, and Mehlich‐extractable P and Mg), except for lower soil K in SBR. Our results indicate a limited effect of SBR on soil C and other properties in this system where SBR is not grazed and where strip tillage and cover cropping were implemented in both rotations.
Structural, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of hydroxyl groups adsorption on SnO2 (110) surface: A first‐principles study
Authors: Bouchelarem N. , Bouamra F. , Derbal M. , Rérat M.
Published: October 2023

Structural, electronic, and thermoelectric properties of bridging OHb and terminal OHt groups adsorbed on stoichiometric SnO2 (110) surfaces have been investigated using density functional theory and semiclassical Boltzmann transport theory with effective core pseudopotential implemented in CRYSTAL17 program. Our results indicate that H and OH yield significant structural relaxation around the adsorption sites O2c and Sn5c. The results have shown that the absolute value of adsorption energy increases with decreasing the coverage from 1 to 1/4 monolayer. Mulliken charge analysis, band structures, and density of states were calculated and discussed. We found that H and OH adsorption increases the band gap energy from 2.81 eV for clean surfaces to 3.04, 2.95, and 2.89 eV with, respectively, 1, 1/2 and 1/4 monolayer surface coverages. Thermoelectric properties revealed that the presence of hydroxyl groups on the SnO2 (110) surfaces may enhance the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and electronic thermal conductivity.
Preparation of an Activated Carbon Composite with High Thermal Conductivity Based on Emulsified Asphalt and Carbon Nanotubes and its Adsorption Performance for n‐Hexane
Authors: Fu Lipei , Zhang Houye , Si Wenzhe , Zhu Jiahui , Huang Weiqiu , Shao Minglu , Liao Kaili , Xu Peng , Li Bing , Zuo Jiang
Published: October 2023

Activated carbon, as the main adsorption material for treating VOCs, has been widely used. To solve the problem of safety hazards in activated carbon adsorption process due to the large amount of heat released, highly thermally conductive composite activated carbon (A‐AC/CNTs) was prepared using asphalt and highly thermally conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for thermal conductivity improvement. Uniform dispersion and firm loading of CNTs in the carbon production material were achieved by dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the asphalt‐in‐water emulsion. Experimental results showed that the specific surface area of A‐AC/CNTs reached a maximum when the loading of CNTs was 0.5 wt %. Meanwhile, the thermal conductivity increased by 1.5 times compared with the original activated carbon. The adsorption capacity of n‐hexane reached the maximum of 2868 mmol ⋅ g−1, and the adsorption capacity increased by 21.41 %. It also maintained good regeneration performance after dynamic adsorption experiments.
Development of a consolidated heterogeneous catalytic process for the selective oxidation of carbohydrate‐derived 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural for the industrial upscaling of 2,5‐diformylfuran
Authors: Derflinger Christoph , Kamm Birgit , Meissner Gisa , Spod Hendrik , Paulik Christian
Published: October 2023

Selective oxidation of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) to 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF) is an important approach for biobased compound valorization through biorefinery. As there is no large‐scale process for this application yet, it is of high importance to find a suitable catalyst system for the production of DFF. In this work, we show that an important step in this direction was taken with a 5 % Ru/Al2O3 catalyst, whereby essentially quantitative selectivities could be obtained in the solvent toluene without the significant formation of over‐oxidation products. A design of experiments approach was used to determine important information about the main process parameters – catalyst amount, oxygen pressure and reaction temperature. By developing an optimised washing method, excellent results were achieved in terms of catalyst reusability, with HMF conversions of over 99.5 % without loss of the catalyst‘s high selectivity after five cycles. Upscaling experiments were performed with the catalyst in a 5‐L reactor at different reactor fill rates, where complete conversion of HMF to DFF was achieved, with a 25 % longer reaction time to achieve full conversion compared to a smaller scale reactor setup.
Ultrasound‐assisted efficient aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides with DiMIM‐CH3SO4 as a recyclable ionic liquid catalyst in water: A green approach
Authors: Khataminejad Mohsen , Nowrouzi Najmeh , Saberi Dariush , Aberi Mahdi
Published: October 2023

An ultrasound‐assisted method with specific characteristics of green chemistry for aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides is presented. In this method, a readily available ionic liquid catalyzed the aerobic oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides in water as a green solvent under ultrasonic irradiation at room temperature. In this novel sonocatalysis/ionic liquid protocol, aromatic thiols having both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing substituents, alkyl thiols and cysteine, were cleanly converted to the corresponding disulfides in excellent yields. This methodology uses 1,3‐dimethyl imidazolium methyl sulfate (DiMIM‐CH3SO4) ionic liquid as a recyclable catalyst and aerobic oxygen as an oxidative agent. This protocol has the advantages of high yields, short reaction times, lower cost, environmentally friendly reaction media, easy isolation of products, convenient procedure and recoverability of catalyst.
Understanding Critical Aspects of Liposomal Synthesis for Designing the Next Generation Targeted Drug Delivery Vehicle
Authors: Moudgil Aliesha , Chaudhari Bhushan P.
Published: October 2023

We identified process parameters of the thin film hydration technique and intrinsic factors to synthesize liposomes for drug delivery. The thin film formation step impacted the nature of the lipid layer, and we optimized 240 RPM rotation speed, 700 mm of Hg vacuum pressure, and 2 ml of chloroform as the organic solvent. The hydration step controlled the particle specifications, and we optimized 270 RPM rotation speed, PBS as the hydrating medium, and 1 h hydration time. We obtained a comparatively smaller liposomal population with a lower size distribution just after hydrating the lipid layer that required milder downsizing steps −10 extrusion passes through a single polycarbonate membrane. The intrinsic factors including the concentrations and molar ratio of lipids affected the synthesis steps and the particle specifications. Characterization of liposomes by analytical techniques confirmed the synthesis of a monodisperse population with hydrodynamic diameter<150 nm, moderate stability, spherical morphology, and high thermal and storage stability. This comprehensive study defines the role of every parameter, provides a mechanistic insight into synthesis that is supported by experimental data, and helps tune specific parameters to synthesize liposomes for drug delivery or any application with desired specifications.
Prussian Blue and Its Analogues: From Properties to Biological Applications
Authors: Zeng Weihuan , Su Jiajia , Wang Yue , Shou Minyu , Qian Jun , Kai Guoyin
Published: October 2023

The utilization of metal organic framework (MOF) nanocomposites in various biomedical applications has been widely studied because of their unique properties. In recently years, Prussian blue (PB) is widely used in clinical studied due to its biosafety, which has already been approved by USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it is great urgent to systematically summarize the resent progress to better serve the broad community of researchers. This review focuses on the properties of PB and PB analogues (PBA), and their applications in biological field. A systemic introduction of the properties is presented, including abilities of photothermal, scavenging of reactive oxygen species and adsorption. A variety of biomedical applications, such as tumor therapy, anti‐bacterial infection, biosensor, bioimaging, excretion, ischemic stroke treatment, etc. have been discussed as well. Furthermore, the challenges, key factors, and the prospects in the clinical transformation of PB or PBA are simultaneously discussed. This review will provide reference and guidance for the design and application of PB and PBA in the future.
Stripe‐Like hBN Monolayer Template for Self‐Assembly and Alignment of Pentacene Molecules
Authors: Chesnyak Valeria , Cuxart Marc G. , Baranowski Daniel , Seufert Knud , Cojocariu Iulia , Jugovac Matteo , Feyer Vitaliy , Auwärter Willi
Published: October 2023

Metallic surfaces with unidirectional anisotropy are often used to guide the self‐assembly of organic molecules along a particular direction. Such supports thus offer an avenue for the fabrication of hybrid organic–metal interfaces with tailored morphology and precise elemental composition. Nonetheless, such control often comes at the expense of detrimental interfacial interactions that might quench the pristine properties of molecules. Here, hexagonal boron nitride grown on Ir(100) is introduced as a robust platform with several coexisting 1D stripe‐like moiré superstructures that effectively guide unidirectional self‐assemblies of pentacene molecules, concomitantly preserving their pristine electronic properties. In particular, highly‐aligned longitudinal arrays of equally‐oriented molecules are formed along two perpendicular directions, as demonstrated by comprehensive scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission characterization performed at the local and non‐local scale, respectively. The functionality of the template is demonstrated by photoemission tomography, a surface‐averaging technique requiring a high degree of orientational order of the probed molecules. The successful identification of pentacene's pristine frontier orbitals underlines that the template induces excellent long‐range molecular ordering via weak interactions, preventing charge transfer.
Acidified Nitrogen Self‐Doped Porous Carbon with Superprotonic Conduction for Applications in Solid‐State Proton Battery
Authors: Zhao Feng‐Jia , Zhu Yun , Chen Ying , Ren Xing‐Yu , Dong Hao , Zhang Han , Ren Qiu , Luo Hong‐Bin , Zou Yang , Ren Xiao‐Ming
Published: October 2023

Solid proton electrolytes play a crucial role in various electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. However, the development of fast proton conducting solid proton electrolytes at ambient conditions remains a significant challenge. In this study, a novel acidified nitrogen self‐doped porous carbon material is presented that demonstrates exceptional superprotonic conduction for applications in solid‐state proton battery. The material, designated as MSA@ZIF‐8‐C, is synthesized through the acidification of nitrogen‐doped porous carbon, specifically by integrating methanesulfonic acid (MSA) into zeolitic imidazolate framework‐derived nitrogen self‐doped porous carbons (ZIF‐8‐C). This study reveals that MSA@ZIF‐8‐C achieves a record‐high proton conductivity beyond 10−2 S cm−1 at ambient condition, along with good long‐term stability, positioning it as a cutting‐edge alternative solid proton electrolyte to the default aqueous H2SO4 electrolyte in proton batteries.
Modulation Engineering of Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Performance of Layered Double Hydroxides Derived Hollow Metal Carbides Integrating Corrosion Protection
Authors: Zhou Zehua , Zhou Xinfeng , Lan Di , Zhang Yan , Jia Zirui , Wu Guanglei , Yin Pengfei
Published: October 2023

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with unique layered structure and atomic composition are limited in the field of electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) due to their poor electrical conductivity and lack of dielectric properties. In this study, the EMA performance and anticorrosion of hollow derived LDH composites are improved by temperature control and composition design using ZIF‐8 as a sacrifice template. Diverse regulation modes result in different mechanisms for EMA. In the temperature control process, chemical reactions tune the composition of the products and construct a refined structure to optimize the LDHs conductivity loss. Additionally, the different phase interfaces generated by the control components optimize the impedance matching and enhance the interfacial polarization. The results show that the prepared NCZ (Ni3ZnC0.7/Co3ZnC@C) has a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of ‐58.92 dB with a thickness of 2.4 mm and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EABmax) of 7.36 GHz with a thickness of 2.4 mm. Finally, due to its special structure and composition, the sample exhibits excellent anticorrosion properties. This work offers essential knowledge for designing engineering materials derived from metal organic framework (MOF) with cutting‐edge components and nanostructures.
Electrodeposited Poly(5‐Amino‐2‐Naphthalenesulfonic Acid‐co‐o‐Aminophenol) as the Electrode Material for Flexible Supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Yifan , Zhou Zixiang , Li Yihao , Li Yvpei , Hou Wentong , Liu Shuling , Tian Yu
Published: October 2023

Copolymers of 5‐amino‐2‐naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) and o‐aminophenol (oAP) are electropolymerized on carbon cloth substrate from aqueous solutions, and the electropolymerization process is investigated using electrochemical quartz‐crystal microbalance. The surface of the copolymer (PANS‐co‐oAP) appears rough and is capable to store charge as the battery‐type electrode in 1 m H2SO4 (102.9 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) or in 1 m ZnSO4 (79.75 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) aqueous solutions. Compared with PANS and PoAP, the high specific capacity of the PANS‐co‐oAP is originated from the increased number of electrochemically active sites and increased diffusion rates of ions. Evidence of amino/imino and hydroxyl/carbonyl groups redox processes and cation insertion and extraction are given by ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. When used as the electrode material in the flexible solid‐state supercapacitors, the specific capacitance is at 37.9 F g−1 which does not significantly alter with the bending angle. The flexible solid‐state supercapacitor shows a specific energy of 5.4 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 250.3 W kg−1 at 0.5 A g−1, and a high capacitance retention (88.2%) after 3000 cycles at 5 A g−1 is achieved.