bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ultrafast and Ultralow‐Temperature 3D‐Printed All‐Organic Proton Pseudocapacitor
Authors: Zhang Miaoran , Yao Tengyu , Xu Tiezhu , Zhou Xinji , Chen Duo , Shen Laifa
Published: November 2024

A critical challenge for pseudocapacitors applications is the rapid capacitance fading under extreme environments, which originates from sluggish diffusion kinetics of inorganic materials and tortuous ionic channels in conventional bulk electrodes. Herein, a novel 3D‐printed all‐organic proton pseudocapacitor (composed of 2,6‐diaminoanthraquinone (DQ)‐based anode and polyaniline‐based cathode) with chemical and structural stability is developed, which exhibits an extraordinary rate performance and cycle stability under ultralow temperature. The DQ molecules are anchored on reduced graphene oxide, which enhances the electronic conductivity and structural stability. Theoretical calculation and spectroscopic characterization reveal that the two‐electron transfer process involves quinone/hydroquinone transition. Exploiting the synergy of fast reaction kinetics of organic and the efficient ion diffusion paths of the 3D architecture, the 3D‐printed anode achieves an impressive areal capacitance of 10.14 F cm−2 at high mass loading (28.73 mg cm−2). The 3D‐printed all‐organic proton pseudocapacitor shows stable cycling performance at −80 °C and releases a high energy density of 0.76 mWh cm−2 at −60 °C. This work is instructive for the development of competitive ultra‐low temperature energy storage devices via integrating organic materials and 3D architectural electrode designs.
Internal Encapsulation Enables Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wang , Bao Xiaozhi , Zhu Annan , Gu Hao , Mao Yulin , Wang Bingzhe , Wang Gang , Guo Jia , Li Ying , Xing Guichuan
Published: November 2024

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made significant strides in efficiency, but their long‐term stability remains a challenge. While external encapsulation mitigates extrinsic degradation and lead leakage, it does not fully address performance decline due to ion migration within the perovskite devices. Therefore, an internal encapsulation layer that can selectively transport charge carriers and suppress ion migration across the interface is of great significance for achieving long‐term stability in these devices. Here, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can serve as an effective internal encapsulation layer between the perovskite film and the electron transport layer in the inverted PSCs is demonstrated. The PTFE layer can selectively transport electrons and suppress ion diffusion, resulting in a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.49% compared to 24.74% of the control devices and much better long‐term stability. Even after 1500 h of air exposure, the internal encapsulated perovskite devices can maintain 92.6% of their original PCE, outperforming the control devices at 80.4%. This approach offers a novel solution for addressing ion migration‐induced instability in perovskite devices.
A Self‐powered Tennis Training System Based on Micro‐Nano Structured Sensing Yarn Arrays
Authors: Chen Qian , Xu Duo , Yan Yan , Qu Zhan , Zhao Haoyue , Li Xinyu , Cao Yuying , Lang Chenhong , Akram Wasim , Sun Zhe , Niu Li , Fang Jian
Published: November 2024

Wearable sensing devices can reliably track players' mobility, revolutionizing sports training. However, current sensing electronics face challenges due to their complex structures, battery dependence, and unreliable sensing signals. Here, a tennis training system is demonstrated using machine learning based on elastic self‐powered sensing yarns. By employing a simple and effective strategy, piezoelectric nanofibers and triboelectric materials are integrated into a single yarn, enabling the simultaneous translation of both triboelectric and piezoelectric signals. Additionally, these yarns exhibit outstanding processability, allowing them to be machine‐knitted into self‐powered sensing fabrics. Due to their great sensitivity, these sensing yarns and fabrics may detect human movement with great precision. Machine learning algorithms can classify and interpret these signals to recognize various human motions. The developed tennis training system aims to maximize its benefits and provide comprehensive training for both players and coaches. This work enhances the applicability of self‐powered sensing systems in smart sports monitoring and training, advancing the field of intelligent sports training.
Devouring Atherosclerotic Plaques: The Engineered Nanorobot Rousing Macrophage Efferocytosis by a Two‐Pronged Strategy
Authors: Zheng Jinrong , Li Yuanyuan , Ge Xiaofeng , Zhang Guoming , Wang Yan , Nawsherwan  , Yu Shaojun , Dai Cuilian , Sang Mangmang
Published: November 2024

Investigating the potential of macrophage efferocytosis has led to a growing interest in exploiting macrophage in immunotherapy. Macrophage‐specific nano‐medicines are currently being developed to stimulate the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic debris in atherosclerosis; however, these unnatural nanoparticles exhibit poor biocompatibility and limited efferocytosis activation ability. Here a pro‐efferocytosis biomimetic nanorobot UM‐EVLipo is developed based on nano‐motor and extracellular vesicles (EVs) hybridized with plaque double‐targeted liposomes. An elegant procedure with only 4 steps is integrated to prepare and purify these hybrid nanovesicles. It is first demonstrated that the EVs derived from bone marrow macrophages stimulated with IL‐4 can promote the transformation of M0 and M1 macrophages into M2, an efferocytosis phenotype. Furthermore, the EVs hybridized with SHP‐1 siRNA‐liposomes blocked the “don't eat me” signal from apoptotic debris by intervening CD47‐SIRPα‐SHP‐1 axis. This two‐pronged strategy of resetting phenotype and blocking checkpoints furthest activates macrophage efferocytosis. Importantly, the urease motor increased the swimming speed of nanovesicles in the blood by 12.4 times, making it easier for them to penetrate the endothelial barrier. The UM‐EVLipo accumulated within the atherosclerotic plaque, reactivate lesioned efferocytosis and reduce the plaque area in the carotid and coronary, which demonstrates the potential of a two‐pronged strategy to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Bilayer Scaffolds Synergize Immunomodulation and Rejuvenation via Layer‐Specific Release of CK2.1 and the “Exercise Hormone” Lac‐Phe for Enhanced Osteochondral Regeneration
Authors: Liu Po‐Lin , He Shu‐Hang , Shen Zhi‐Han , Li Xu‐Ran , Deng Qing‐Song , Wei Zhan‐Ying , Zhang Chang‐Ru , Dou Xiao‐Qiu , Zhu Tong‐He , Dawes Helen , Lu Jian , Guo Shang‐Chun , Tao Shi‐Cong
Published: November 2024

Repairing osteochondral defects necessitates the intricate reestablishment of the microenvironment. The cartilage layer consists of a porous gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel (PGelMA) covalently crosslinked with the chondroinductive peptide CK2.1 via a “linker” acrylate‐PEG‐N‐hydroxysuccinimide (AC‐PEG‐NHS). This layer is optimized for remodeling the senescent microenvironment in the cartilage region, thereby establishing a regenerative microenvironment that supports chondrogenesis. For the bone layer, silk fibroin methacryloyl (SilMA) is coated onto a three dimensional (3D)‐printed 45S5 bioactive glass scaffold (BG scaffold). The “exercise hormone” N‐lactoyl‐phenylalanine (Lac‐Phe) is loaded onto the SilMA, endowing it with diversified functions to regulate the osteogenic microenvironment. Systematic analysis in vitro reveals that PGelMA‐CK2.1 shifts the microenvironment from a pro‐inflammatory into an anti‐inflammatory condition, and alleviates cellular senescence, thus modifying the cartilage microenvironment to improve the recruitment, proliferation and chondral differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The scaffold bone layer enhances microvascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenic activities, which, couple with increased BMSC recruitment and regulatory mechanisms directing BMSC differentiation, favor a shift in the “osteogenesis–adipogenesis” balance toward enhanced osteogenesis. In vivo, it is found that this biphasic biomimetic scaffold favors simultaneous dual tissue regeneration. This approach facilitates the development of bioactive regenerative scaffolds and holds great potential for clinical application.
Disruption of Ferroptosis Inhibition and Immune Evasion with Tumor‐Activatable Prodrug for Boosted Photodynamic/Chemotherapy Eradication of Drug‐Resistant Tumors
Authors: Bi Tao , Zhao Qixin , Wang Ting , Huang Rui , Liu Bangguo , Liu Xinyue , Wang Yihuan , Sun Qin , Yang Yingcheng , Liu Zengjin
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that threatens the life and health of women worldwide. As the first‐line chemotherapy drug for breast cancer, doxorubicin (DOX) can inhibit the synthesis of RNA and DNA, and it exhibits strong inhibitory activity against breast cancer. However, drug‐induced systemic toxicity and drug resistance can occur with DOX treatment. In this work, TSPO protein is identified as a promising target for overcoming drug resistance and we designed a novel BT‐DOX/PDP conjugate to solve these problems in drug chemotherapy. It is found that BT‐DOX/PDP can effectively downregulate TSPO1 protein and sensitize MCF‐7/Adr to DOX. Furthermore, due to its positive charge, BT‐DOX/PDP is readily loaded into puerarin (PUE), the resulting BT‐DOX/PDP@PUE exhibited minimal systemic toxicity but enhanced antitumor activity in animal models, as compared with BT‐DOX/PDP. This study demonstrates the advantages of combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy in overcoming drug resistance, which may be applied in the design of other photodynamic therapy‐based conjugates to enhance antitumor therapy.
Synthesis of SrZnOSe Crystals with Low Phonon Energy for Enhancing Near‐Infrared Mechanoluminescence
Authors: Wang Yanze , Ren Biyun , Zheng Weilin , Peng Dengfeng , Wang Feng
Published: November 2024

Near‐infrared (NIR) light is promising for bioimaging and information technology due to its high penetration ability and resistance to interference with environmental radiation. Here, a new class of lanthanide‐doped SrZnOSe crystals are developed for the self‐sustainable generation of NIR emissions under mechanical excitation. It is shown that the SrZnOSe crystals render ≈5‐fold stronger NIR emissions than the well‐established CaZnOS due to the low phonon energies of the selenide host, as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The potential utility of the crystals is demonstrated by integration with a mouthguard, which can generate bright NIR emissions by bite force to transmit encrypted optical signals through thick tissues (up to 8 mm) in ambient environments. The findings provide a powerful addition to the toolbox of self‐recovery mechanoluminescent materials and open new possibilities for applied research.
Long‐Range Proton Channels Constructed via Hierarchical Peptide Self‐Assembly
Authors: Censor Semion , Martin Jorge Vega , Silberbush Ohad , Reddy Samala Murali Mohan , Zalk Ran , Friedlander Lonia , Trabada Daniel G. , Mendieta Jesús , Le Saux Guillaume , Moreno Jesús Ignacio Mendieta , Zotti Linda Angela , Mateo José Ortega , Ashkenasy Nurit
Published: November 2024

The quest to understand and mimic proton translocation mechanisms in natural channels has driven the development of peptide‐based artificial channels facilitating efficient proton transport across nanometric membranes. It is demonstrated here that hierarchical peptide self‐assembly can form micrometers‐long proton nanochannels. The fourfold symmetrical peptide design leverages intermolecular aromatic interactions to align self‐assembled cyclic peptide nanotubes, creating hydrophilic nanochannels between them. Titratable amino acid sidechains are positioned adjacent to each other within the channels, enabling the formation of hydrogen‐bonded chains upon hydration, and facilitating efficient proton transport. Moreover, these chains are enriched with protons and water molecules by interacting with immobile counter ions introduced into the channels, increasing proton flow density and rate. This system maintains proton transfer rates closely resembling those in natural protein channels over micrometer distances. The functional behavior of these inherently recyclable and biocompatible systems opens the door for their exploitation in diverse applications in energy storage and conversion, biomedicine, and bioelectronics.
Greatly Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and Zn‐Air Battery via Hole Inner Edge Reconstruction of 2D Pd Nanomesh
Authors: Tian Jiakang , Song Yanhui , Hao Xiaodong , Wang Xudong , Shen Yongqing , Liu Peizhi , Wei Zebin , Liao Ting , Jiang Lei , Guo Junjie , Xu Bingshe , Sun Ziqi
Published: November 2024

Platinum group metals (PGM) have yet to be the most active catalysts in various sustainable energy reactions. Their high cost, however, has made maximizing the activity and minimizing the dosage become an urgent priority for the practical applications of emerging technologies. Herein, a novel 2D Pd nanomesh structure possessing hole inner reconstructed edges (HIER) with exposed high energy facets and overstretched lattice parameters is fabricated through a facile room‐temperature reduction method at gram‐scale yields. The HIER enhances the catalytic performance of Pd in electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), achieving superior mass activity (MA) of 2.672 A mgPd−1, which is 27.8 fold and 23.6 fold higher, respectively, than those of the commercial Pt/C (0.096 A mgPt−1) and Pd/C (0.113 A mgPd−1) at 0.9 VRHE. Most significantly, in H2‐air anion exchange membrane fuel cell (AEMFC) and Zn‐air battery (ZAB) applications, this unique Pd catalyst delivers a much‐outperformed peak power density of 0.86 and 0.22 W cm−2, respectively, compared with 0.54 and 0.13 W cm−2 of the commercial Pt/C catalyst, indicating a novel pathway in electrocatalyst designs through HIER engineering.
Bidentate NHC‐Containing Ligands for Copper Catalysed Synthesis of Functionalised Diaryl Ethers
Authors: Richards Ethan M. , Casarrubios Luis , D'Oyley Jarryl M. , Rzepa Henry S. , White Andrew J. P. , Goldberg Kristin , Goldberg Frederick W. , Bull James A. , Díez‐González Silvia
Published: November 2024

Diaryl and heteroaryl ethers are important and common motifs in drug discovery and agrochemicals. Here we present a catalytic system for the copper catalysed arylation of phenols with aryl halides. Bidentate N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands provide a well‐defined catalytic system that enable low loading of copper in effective coupling reactions (0.5 mol% Cu or lower). The reaction scope of aryl iodides and aryl bromides is developed, that is tolerant of functional groups and a library of biaryl ethers with lead‐like properties is prepared. The presence of excess ligand (in a 1:3 ratio) is shown to be optimal to prevent catalyst degradation, presumably by avoiding decomplexation of the ligand. This is also supported by the catalytic results obtained with pre‐formed copper complexes. The kinetics of the reaction are examined and shown to be first order in copper, supportive of a well‐defined catalyst species, first order in phenol and aryl iodide, and zero order in base under the developed conditions. Computational studies performed using Minnesota MN15‐L parametrisation method support an oxidative addition‐reductive elimination sequence with both steps having similar enegies and the reductive elimination occurring through an intimate ion pair intermediate.
Thermogenic Adipocytes Promote M2 Macrophage Polarization through CNNM4‐Mediated Mg Secretion
Authors: Zhang Anke , Jiang Junkun , Zhang Chuan , Xu Houshi , Yu Wenjing , Zhang Zhen‐Ning , Yuan Ling , Lu Zhangming , Deng Yuqing , Fan Haonan , Fang Chaoyou , Wang Xiaoyu , Shao Anwen , Chen Sheng , Li Huaming , Ni Jiahua , Wang Wenhui , Zhang Xiaonong , Zhang Jianmin , Luan Bing
Published: November 2024

M2 macrophages promote adipose tissue thermogenesis which dissipates energy in the form of heat to combat obesity. However, the regulation of M2 macrophages by thermogenic adipocytes is unclear. Here, it is identified magnesium (Mg) as a thermogenic adipocyte‐secreted factor to promote M2 macrophage polarization. Mg transporter Cyclin and CBS domain divalent metal cation transport mediator 4 (CNNM4) induced by ADRB3‐PKA‐CREB signaling in thermogenic adipocytes during cold exposure mediates Mg efflux and Mg in turn binds to the DFG motif in mTOR to facilitate mTORC2 activation and M2 polarization in macrophages. In obesity, downregulation of CNNM4 expression inhibits Mg secretion from thermogenic adipocytes, which leads to decreased M2 macrophage polarization and thermogenesis. As a result, CNNM4 overexpression in adipocytes or Mg supplementation in adipose tissue ameliorates obesity by promoting thermogenesis. Importantly, an Mg wire implantation (AMI) approach is introduced to achieve adipose tissue‐specific long‐term Mg supplement. AMI promotes M2 macrophage polarization and thermogenesis and ameliorates obesity in mice. Taken together, a reciprocal regulation of thermogenic adipocytes and M2 macrophages important for thermogenesis is identified, and AMI is offered as a promising strategy against obesity.
NSUN5 Facilitates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Increasing SMAD3 Expression
Authors: Han Hexu , zhang Chengcheng , Shi Wenbo , Wang Jiawei , Zhao Wenhui , Du Yanping , Zhao Zhibin , Wang Yifan , Lin Maosong , Qin Lei , Zhao Xiaoxue , Yin Qianqian , Liu Yiyi , Wang Zhongqi , Zhang Jing , You Xiaomin , Zhou Guoxiong , Wu Honghui , Ye Jun , He Xianzhong , Tian Weizhong , Yu Hong , Yuan Yin , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by frequent intrahepatic and distant metastases, resulting in a poor prognosis for patients. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in this process. However, the expression of NOP2/Sun RNA methyltransferase 5 (NSUN5) in HCC and its role in mediating EMT remain poorly understood. In this study, clinicopathological analyses are conducted across multiple independent HCC cohorts and induced tumor formation in Nsun5‐knockout mice. The findings reveal an upregulation of NSUN5 expression in tumor tissues; conversely, the absence of Nsun5 hinders the malignant progression of HCC, indicating that NSUN5 may serve as a significant oncogene in HCC. Furthermore, elevated levels of NSUN5 enhance EMT processes within HCC cells. NSUN5‐knockout cells exhibit reduced invasion and migration capabilities under both in vivo and in vitro conditions, while overexpression of NSUN5 yields opposing effects. Mechanistically, high levels of NSUN5 promote the enrichment of trimethylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) at the promoter region of SMAD3 through recruitment of the WDR5, thereby facilitating HCC metastasis via SMAD3‐mediated EMT pathways. Collectively, this study identifies NSUN5 as a novel driver of metastasis in HCC and provides a theoretical foundation for potential therapeutic strategies against this malignancy.
Recent Development of Fibrous Hydrogels: Properties, Applications and Perspectives
Authors: Luo Wen , Ren Liujiao , Hu Bin , Zhang Huali , Yang Zhe , Jin Lin , Zhang Di
Published: November 2024

Fibrous hydrogels (FGs), characterized by a 3D network structure made from prefabricated fibers, fibrils and polymeric materials, have emerged as significant materials in numerous fields. However, the challenge of balancing mechanical properties and functions hinders their further development. This article reviews the main advantages of FGs, including enhanced mechanical properties, high conductivity, high antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties, stimulus responsiveness, and an extracellular matrix (ECM)‐like structure. It also discusses the influence of assembly methods, such as fiber cross‐linking, interfacial treatments of fibers with hydrogel matrices, and supramolecular assembly, on the diverse functionalities of FGs. Furthermore, the mechanisms for improving the performance of the above five aspects are discussed, such as creating ion carrier channels for conductivity, in situ gelation of drugs to enhance antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory properties, and entanglement and hydrophobic interactions between fibers, resulting in ECM‐like structured FGs. In addition, this review addresses the application of FGs in sensors, dressings, and tissue scaffolds based on the synergistic effects of optimizing the performance. Finally, challenges and future applications of FGs are discussed, providing a theoretical foundation and new insights for the design and application of cutting‐edge FGs.
Intrinsic PD‐L1 Degradation Induced by a Novel Self‐Assembling Hexapeptide for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Ji Ming , Wang Yamei , Jiang Mengmeng , Lv Zongyu , Li Gongyu , Wang Lulu , Zheng Zhen
Published: November 2024

Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is a critical immune checkpoint protein that facilitates tumor immune evasion. While antibody‐based PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors have shown promise, their limitations necessitate the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. This work addresses these challenges by developing a hexapeptide, KFM (Lys‐Phe‐Met‐Phe‐Met‐Lys), capable of both directly downregulating PD‐L1 and self‐assembling into a ROS‐responsive supramolecular hydrogel. This dual functionality allows Gel KFM to function as a localized drug delivery system and a PD‐L1 inhibitor. Loading the hydrogel with mitoxantrone (MTX) and metformin (MET) further enhances the therapeutic effect by combining chemotherapy with PD‐L1 downregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate significant tumor growth inhibition, increased CD8+ T cell infiltration, and reduced intratumoral PD‐L1 expression following peritumoral administration. Mechanistically, KFM promotes PD‐L1 degradation via a ubiquitin‐dependent pathway. This “carrier‐free” delivery system expands the role of supramolecular hydrogels beyond passive carriers to active immunotherapeutic agents, offering a promising new strategy for cancer therapy.
Antimicrobial Peptides: A Promising Alternative to Conventional Antimicrobials for Combating Polymicrobial Biofilms
Authors: Roque‐Borda Cesar Augusto , Primo Laura Maria Duran Gleriani , Medina‐Alarcón Kaila Petronila , Campos Isabella C. , Nascimento Camila de Fátima , Saraiva Mauro M. S. , Berchieri Junior Angelo , Fusco‐Almeida Ana Marisa , Mendes‐Giannini Maria José Soares , Perdigão João , Pavan Fernando Rogério , Albericio Fernando
Published: November 2024

Polymicrobial biofilms adhere to surfaces and enhance pathogen resistance to conventional treatments, significantly contributing to chronic infections in the respiratory tract, oral cavity, chronic wounds, and on medical devices. This review examines antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating biofilm‐associated infections. AMPs, which can be produced as part of the innate immune response or synthesized therapeutically, have broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity, often disrupting microbial cell membranes and causing cell death. Many specifically target negatively charged bacterial membranes, unlike host cell membranes. Research shows AMPs effectively inhibit and disrupt polymicrobial biofilms and can enhance conventional antibiotics' efficacy. Preclinical and clinical research is advancing, with animal studies and clinical trials showing promise against multidrug‐resistant bacteria and fungi. Numerous patents indicate increasing interest in AMPs. However, challenges such as peptide stability, potential cytotoxicity, and high production costs must be addressed. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing AMP structures, enhancing stability, and developing cost‐effective production methods. In summary, AMPs offer a novel approach to combating biofilm‐associated infections, with their unique mechanisms and synergistic potential with existing antibiotics positioning them as promising candidates for future treatments.
Tuning the Magnetism in Ultrathin CrxTey Films by Lattice Dimensionality
Authors: Miao Guangyao , Gu Minghui , Sun Haojie , Chen Pan , Li Jiade , Xue Siwei , Su Nuoyu , Su Zhibin , Zhong Weiliang , Zhang Zhihan , Zhu Xuetao , Zhang Jiandi , Yao Yugui , Jiang Wei , Meng Meng , Wang Weihua , Guo Jiandong
Published: November 2024

2D magnetic crystals with atomic thickness exhibit intriguing physical properties, which have attracted considerable research interest in the related materials’ family, both in fundamental research and in developing spintronic devices. The recent discovery of some non‐van der Waals 2D magnetic crystals expands the systems. Nevertheless, the relationship between the dimensionality of microscopic magnetic exchange interactions and macroscopic magnetic properties at the 2D limit remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we have fabricated mono‐phased continuous ultrathin CrTe2 and Cr3Te4 films by molecular beam epitaxy and elucidated the diverse magnetism tuned by the dimensionality of exchange interactions by a joint study of spin‐polarized scanning tunneling microscopy, magnetization, magneto‐transport measurements, and density functional theory calculations. The transition from a zigzag‐antiferromagnetic order in the monolayer CrTe2 to a ferromagnetic (FM) order in the second‐layer CrTe2 is confirmed, which is driven by their varied in‐plane lattice constants induced change of 2D exchange interactions. A robust FM state with large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Cr3Te4 is observed, originating from its strong 3D exchange interactions. The observed evolution of magnetism demonstrates that the dimensionality of magnetic exchange interactions strongly influences magnetism even at the 2D limit.
Fingerprinting‐Based Indoor Localization in a 3 × 3 Meter Grid Using OFDM Signals at Sub‐6 GHz
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Tan Kang , Khan Muhammad Z. , Popoola Olaoluwa R. , Imran Muhammad A. , Abbasi Qammer H. , Abbas Hasan T.
Published: November 2024

Accurately determining the indoor location of mobile devices has garnered significant interest due to the complex challenges posed by non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) propagation and multipath effects. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a new approach to indoor positioning that utilises channel state information (CSI) and machine learning (ML) techniques to improve accuracy. The proposed method extracts the amplitude and phase differences of the subcarriers from the CSI data to create fingerprints. ML algorithms and network architecture are utilised to train the CSI data from two antennas, in the form of phase and amplitude. Experiments conducted in a standard indoor environment demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fourier‐Based Action Recognition for Wildlife Behavior Quantification with Event Cameras
Authors: Hamann Friedhelm , Ghosh Suman , Juárez Martínez Ignacio , Hart Tom , Kacelnik Alex , Gallego Guillermo
Published: November 2024

Event cameras are novel bioinspired vision sensors that measure pixel‐wise brightness changes asynchronously instead of images at a given frame rate. They offer promising advantages, namely, a high dynamic range, low latency, and minimal motion blur. Modern computer vision algorithms often rely on artificial neural network approaches, which require image‐like representations of the data and cannot fully exploit the characteristics of event data. Herein, approaches to action recognition based on the Fourier transform are proposed. The approaches are intended to recognize oscillating motion patterns commonly present in nature. In particular, the approaches are applied to a recent dataset of breeding penguins annotated for “ecstatic display,” a behavior where the observed penguins flap their wings at a certain frequency. It is found that the approaches are both simple and effective, producing slightly lower results than a deep neural network (DNN) while relying just on a tiny fraction of the parameters compared to the DNN (five orders of magnitude fewer parameters). They work well despite the uncontrolled, diverse data present in the dataset. It is hoped that this work opens a new perspective on event‐based processing and action recognition.
scSEETV‐Net: Spatial and Channel Squeeze‐Excitation and Edge Attention Guidance V‐Shaped Network for Skin Lesion Segmentation
Authors: Ocal Hakan
Published: November 2024

Early detection of skin cancer ensures the survival of many cases. There are still challenges in segmenting dermoscopic skin lesion images. Artifacts in the lesion images, such as various dirt, hairs, low contrast, and unclear boundaries, are challenges that affect segmentation accuracy. Convolutional neural networks have brought success in skin lesion segmentation. U‐shaped and V‐shaped deep learning‐based segmentation architectures learn boundary information in the first layers. However, this information becomes weaker in the following layers. Herein, the Edge‐aTtention module is added to the V‐Net architecture to move edge information to the last layer, and the spatial and channel squeeze‐excitation module is added to emphasize high‐level features by recalibrating the channel information to learn lesion boundaries better. The scSEETV‐Net is supported by fusing the binary cross‐entropy, which calculates the loss on a pixel‐based, and the focal Twersky loss function, which has significant success in class imbalances. The proposed architecture achieves 0.9212 Jaccard and 0.9552 Dice in the ISIC2016 dataset, 0.8273 Jaccard and 0.8949 Dice in the ISIC2017 dataset, and 0.8070 Jaccard and 0.8831 Dice in the ISIC2018 dataset. Comparative analyses show that the proposed methodology outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art techniques in the literature.
Development of a hamster model of spontaneous hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes
Authors: Ma Ya‐Hong , Wang Yuhui , Liu George
Published: November 2024

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) often accompanies diabetes and is considered a risk factor for diabetic vascular complications. However, inducing diabetic HTG typically requires high‐fat diets in certain animal models. Leveraging our newly developed LDL receptor knockout hamster model, which exhibits features akin to human lipid metabolism, we sought to determine whether these animals would develop HTG without dietary manipulations in diabetes. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of STZ in wild type and heterozygous LDL receptor deficient hamsters. Blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol were measured over 60 days. Plasma TG clearance was determined via olive oil gavage. The effect of insulin on diabetic HTG was assessed on Day 60 post‐diabetes induction. Blood glucose increased over threefold, while plasma insulin decreased to 30% of controls after STZ injection in both wild type and heterozygous hamsters by Day 7, remaining stable for 60 days. Plasma TG in wild‐type hamsters remained unchanged at Day 7 post‐STZ injection but increased slightly thereafter. Conversely, heterozygous hamsters exhibited severe HTG by Day 7 until the end of the study. Olive oil gavage revealed much slower plasma triglyceride clearance in heterozygous hamsters compared to WT animals, despite significantly reduced lipoprotein lipase activity in post‐heparin plasma in both animals. Hyperglycemia and HTG in heterozygous hamsters were reversed to pre‐diabetic levels following intraperitoneal insulin administration. In conclusion, severe HTG in diabetic heterozygous LDL receptor deficient hamsters developed spontaneously and was insulin‐dependent. Thus, this hamster model holds promise for effectively studying the complications associated with human diabetic HTG.
Escape from Flatland: Stereoselective Synthesis of Hexa‐aryl Borazines and their sp²‐Based 3D Architectures
Authors: Wakchaure Vivek C , Lorenzo-García Maria Mercedes , Fasano Francesco , Crosta Martina , Biot Nicolas , Mondal Pradip Kumar , Demitri Nicola , Ward Benjamin , Bonifazi Davide
Published: November 2024

Borazine and its derivatives can be considered critical doping units for engineering hybrid C(sp2)‐based molecules with tailored optoelectronic properties. Herein, we report the first synthesis of hexaarylborazines that, bearing ortho‐substituted aryl moieties, extend three‐dimensionally. Using a one‐pot protocol, we first form an electrophilic chloroborazole and then react it with an aryl lithium (ArLi). By selecting the appropriate ortho‐substituent, we can guide the ArLi to add to the BN‐core in a specific way, ultimately controlling the stereochemical outcome of the three‐substitution reaction. Rationalization of the stereochemical model through computational analysis allowed us to show that when aryl lithium nucleophiles bearing rigid long‐range ortho‐substituents are used, i.e., stiff substituents. The ortho‐substituent shields its side of the electrophilic B3N3 core, biasing the incoming ArLi to add anti at each addition step, forming the final tri‐aryl borazine exclusively as cc‐isomer. Leveraging this stereoselective approach, prototypical multichromophoric borazine derivatives were prepared, and we showcased how the stereochemical arrangement of these chromophores distinctly influences their redox behavior. This methodology paves the way for previously inaccessible borazines to serve as privileged precursors to transcend the conventional bidimensionality associated with graphenoid systems and pioneer the construction of new forms of three‐dimensional C(sp2)‐based architectures.
Supramolecular Co (II) Complex Fabricated From Adenine Derivative: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface, DFT Optimization, Anticancer, and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Nath Sourav , Sen Tanushree , Roy Sourav , Baildya Nabajyoti , Borah Pranab , Kaminsky Werner , Gargari Masoumeh Servati , Verma Akalesh Kumar , Kanmazalp Sibel Demir , Adhikari Suman , Saha Indrajit
Published: November 2024

This article presents the synthesis of a novel mononuclear Co (II) complex [Co(9‐BuA)2Cl2] (1), its characterization, supramolecular packing pattern, theoretical calculations, anticancer properties, and molecular docking studies. Complex 1 was generated from 9‐butyl adenine (9‐BuA) building block and characterized by spectroscopic methods (FT‐IR, mass, elemental analysis) and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The cobalt (II) ion in complex 1 is distorted in its tetrahedral environment. The Co+2 is coordinated to the two rare N1 binding sites of the pyrimidinate moiety of two 9‐BuA ligands and two chlorine atoms occupying the axial positions. Both intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds support the formation of supramolecular assembly and stabilize the crystal structure. The nature of the intermolecular interactions in the supramolecular network was also decoded by Hirshfeld surface analysis and molecular surface contours (dnorm). The percentage contributions are represented by 2D fingerprint plots. The average energy between dimers was determined by the energy framework analysis, and the crystal packing's three‐dimensional topology was also investigated. Density functional theory (DFT) has been used to ascertain the geometry and interactions in the complex. The cytotoxic effects of Co (II) complex 1 and corresponding 9‐BuA ligand were investigated in Dalton's lymphoma (DL) malignant cancer cells and on normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to evaluate their anticancer activity. Finally, molecular docking analyses have been carried out to analyze the nature of molecular interactions between Co (II) complex 1 and the receptor.
A facile and sustainable preparation of effective biomass macromolecular flame retardants for epoxy resins with improved flame retardation, smoke suppression, and mechanical performance
Authors: Ling Chao , Zhang Wen , Wang Zhengzhou
Published: November 2024

The preparation of biomass flame retardants with efficient flame‐retardant properties is conducive to the realization of sustainable development and is of great practical significance. In this work, a green and sustainable biomass flame retardant PATAPEI was prepared by using phytic acid (PA), tannic acid (TA), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as reactants via a one‐step method to develop biomass flame retardants that can synchronize enhanced flame retardation, smoke suppression, and mechanical performance of epoxy resin (EP). The EP with only a 3% PATAPEI (EP/3PTP) has a LOI value of 28.5% with a UL‐94 V‐0 classification. The peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke release (TSR) of EP/3PTP were decreased by 29.72%, 25.80%, and 21.16%, respectively, in comparison with the ones of pure EP. Additionally, the tensile and impact strengths of EP/3PTP are higher than the ones of pure EP. PATAPEI on heating decomposes to produce phosphorus‐containing acids and biphenyltriol‐containing compounds, which promote to form a good char layer with the aromatic structures during the combustion of EP/3PTP. Therefore, PATAPEI has prospects of wide application in the development of sustainable biomass flame retardant EP.
High‐strength silicone polyurea/DOCIT coating with anti‐biofouling and self‐healing characteristics
Authors: Ge Jian , Li Mei , Wang Rutian , Zhang Yunqiang , Jing Laiying , Cui Jiaxi
Published: November 2024

A new organosilicon‐based polyurea/DOCIT composite coating with excellent mechanical, self‐healing characteristics has been successfully prepared in this paper. The optimal ratio of the two isocyanates has been explored to acquire the highest mechanical strength with 8.56 MPa and best tensile properties with 763%. The breaking strength and elongation remain 3.50 MPa and 915% with 1% antimicrobial agent DOCIT. The self‐healing characteristic comes from dense hydrogen and dynamic disulfide bonds between molecule chains. The composite coating exhibited ideal bacterial resistances for 98.02% and 96.75% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively. The adhesion of chlorella was significantly reduced by approximately 86.48%. This work provides a promising avenue for the development of high‐performance silicone polyurea coatings for marine anti‐biofouling.
From phylogenomics to breeding: Can universal target capture probes be used in the development of SNP markers for kinship analysis?
Authors: Ousmael Kedra M. , Hansen Ole K.
Published: November 2024

Premise

Leveraging DNA markers, particularly single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in parentage analysis, sib‐ship reconstruction, and genomic relatedness analysis can enhance plant breeding efficiency. However, the limited availability of genomic information, confined to the most commonly used species, hinders the broader application of SNPs in species of lower economic interest (e.g., most tree species). We explored the possibility of using universal target capture probes, namely Angiosperms353, to identify SNPs and assess their effectiveness in genomic relatedness analysis.

Methods

We tested the approach in 11 tree species, six of which had a half‐sib family structure. Variants were called within species, and genomic relatedness analysis was conducted in species with two or more families. Scalability via amplicon sequencing was tested by designing primers and testing them in silico.

Results

Adequate SNPs for relatedness analysis were identified in all species. Relatedness values from Angiosperms353‐based SNPs highly correlated with those from thousands of genome‐wide DArTseq SNPs in Cordia africana, one of the species with a family structure. The in silico performance of designed primers demonstrated the potential for scaling up via amplicon sequencing.

Discussion

Utilizing universal target capture probes for SNP identification can help overcome the limitations of genomic information availability, thereby enhancing the application of genomic markers in breeding plant species with lower economic interest.
Homobimetallic Ruthenium(II) Complexes Catalysed Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Aldehydes in Water
Authors: Deshmukh Gopal , Rana Thakur Rochak Kumar , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: November 2024

Herein we report chemoselective transfer hydrogenation (TH) of aldehydes in aqueous medium using a series of homobimetallic Ru(II) catalysts. Two homobimetallic complexes (Ru1 and Ru3) and one monometallic complex (Ru2) have been employed in the catalytic reduction of aldehydes. Bimetallic complex [(p‐cymene)2(RuCl)2L3] (Ru3) is obtained from the reaction of Schiff base ligand 2,2′‐((1E,1′E)‐((3,3′,5,5′‐tetraisopropyl‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4,4′diyl)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(methaneylylidene))bis(4‐bromophenol) (H2L3) and characterized by various spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The use of formic acid/formate buffer as the hydride source and a catalyst loading of 0.01 mol % of Ru1 or Ru3 resulted in the conversion of various aldehydes to the corresponding alcohols in good to excellent yield. This method is very efficient for selective reduction of aldehydes in the presence of other reducible functional groups. A loading of 0.0001 mol % of Ru1 catalyst is sufficient to achieve a turnover frequency (TOF) of 5.5×105 h−1. Furthermore, the catalyst can been recycled and reused for six consecutives cycles without sacrificing the efficiency. A comparison of results obtained between bimetallic and monometallic complexes offers valuable insights into the distinct reactivity patterns of the bimetallic complexes, presumably originating from a cooperative effect. To understand the detailed mechanism, we have explored the mechanistic pathway using DFT methods on reported catalysts and various models which indicate that addition of aldehyde as rate‐limiting and presence of cooperativity that boost the catalytic efficiency in the case of dinuclear Ru1 catalyst. The pH dependent TH mechanism has been investigated with the aid of NMR and ESI‐MS spectroscopic techniques.
Schiff Base Mediated Synthesis of Novel Imidazolidine‐4‐One Derivatives for Potential Antimicrobial and Anthelmintic Activities
Authors: Chilamakuru Naresh Babu , Singirisetty Triveni , Bodapati Anoop , Kallam Sudha Divya Madhuri , Nelson Vinod Kumar , Suryadevara Punna Rao , Thangaswamy Selvankumar
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on developing novel antimicrobials to combat drug‐resistant pathogens, addressing compounds failing clinical trials due to inadequate physicochemical properties. Sixteen imidazolidine‐4‐one derivatives were synthesized by extensive evaluation using molecular docking, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (ADME) predictions, and antimicrobial testing. Molecular docking studies conducted with Schrödinger's Glide revealed that compounds S4 and G8 exhibited superior docking scores of −7.839 and −7.776, respectively. The G series outperformed the S series in scores. ADME analysis confirmed all compounds adhered to Lipinski's rule of five. In addition, IR and NMR provided details about the structure of the compounds. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, with compounds G2 and S2 showing exceptional minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 6.25 μg/mL against E. coli. S2 also demonstrated impressive activity against S. aureus (MIC 3.12 μg/mL), and S4 exhibited potent activity against C. albicans (MIC 0.8 μg/mL) than fluconazole (1.6 μg/mL). Additionally, antihelmintic activity was evaluated, with G1, G3, G8, S2, S4, S7, and S8 showing effective paralysis and death time 20 min and below at 50 mg/mL concentration. These results underscore the potential of new imidazolidine‐4‐one derivatives as suitable sources to develop a drug candidate to treat resistant infections.
Did court dismiss Title VII hostile environment claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2024

A family consumer science agent for the University of Arkansas claimed she experienced sex‐based dis‐  crimination from her supervisor. The agent alleged that the supervisor frequently used misogynistic slurs to demean employees.
Review recent rulings involving free speech and due process
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2024

An overview of the key topics faced by higher education professionals, with citations to noteworthy cases, statutes, regulations, and additional sources.
Metaverse Metamorphosis: Fintech's Evolution Catalyzing New Era of Consumer Behavior
Authors: Dutta Antora , Singh Saumya
Published: November 2024

All facets of society may enter the virtual world more quickly due to the rapid development of digital technology, which would blur the boundary between the real and the digital realms and encourage the creation of a Metaverse. In the upcoming decades, metaverse technology—which allows immersive experiences in virtual and real environments—will be the next revolutionary force in society. The Fintech industry has been one of the first to adopt it, and it is one of those that uses technology to resolve problems. The study begins by conceptualizing the Metaverse as being defined explicitly by the convergence of its essential components and its influence on the fintech sector. It further discusses how Metaverse could create value in consumer behaviour in three vicinities: social perception, user identity and advertising & consumer psychology. Finally, the study presents the various implications and future scope of this research by doing the thematic analysis to enhance our understanding of the Metaverse economy and how it influences consumer behaviour. This study provides an overview of the shift occurring in the marketplace and contemplates the various changes that it may bring, all through the perspective of consumer behaviour which can be used to create predictive models that recognize emerging trends in customer behaviour, market activities, and other aspects of the business.
Blockchain in Luxury Resale: The Impact of Blockchain Technology Through Regulatory Focus and Uncertainty Reduction Theories
Authors: Swazan Ishtehar Sharif , Youn Song‐yi
Published: November 2024

The exponential growth of the online luxury resale market has spurred a notable shift toward a circular economy, reflecting the increasing consumer preference for pre‐owned luxury items. Nevertheless, this growth presents challenges related to product authenticity and seller credibility. In response to these concerns, blockchain technology (BT) emerges as a promising solution, leveraging a decentralized ledger to enhance transparency and reduce information asymmetry. This allows for the traceability of pre‐owned luxury goods, addressing issues of provenance and authenticity in the online resale space. By incorporating regulatory focus theory into the uncertainty reduction theory, this study examines how approach and avoidance motivations impact evaluations of BT‐enabled platforms to effectively mitigate consumer uncertainties and influence trust. The collected data (N= 511) was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM; study 1), and a complementary qualitative study (study 2) was additionally conducted. Results reveal that distinct motivations coexist, each following separate pathways to build consumer trust. Findings indicate that an approach orientation mindset highly values the reliability of BT‐enabled information, while an avoidance orientation focuses on risk mitigation and expresses heightened uncertainty in online transactions. Consequently, BT is found to be instrumental in reducing consumer concerns about purchasing pre‐owned luxury products. The study contributes to the existing literature by shedding light on the psychological dynamics influencing consumer trust in BT‐enabled platforms, has implications for luxury retailers contemplating BT integration, and offers insights into consumer behavior that can inform strategies to enhance perceived trust in online luxury resale.