bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fe coating of nucleation sites on epitaxial growth of Fe oxide nanocrystals on Si substrates
Authors: Ishibe Takafumi , Watanabe Kentaro , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: July 2016

We studied the effect of Fe coating on the epitaxial growth of Fe3O4 nanocrystals (NCs) over Fe-coated Ge epitaxial nuclei on Si(111). To completely cover Ge nuclei with Fe, some amount of Fe (>8 monolayers) must be deposited. Such covering is a key to epitaxial growth because an Fe coating layer prevents the oxidation of Ge surfaces during Fe3O4 formation, resulting in the epitaxial growth of Fe3O4 on them. This study demonstrates that an appropriate Fe coating of nucleation sites leads to the epitaxial growth of Fe3O4 NCs on Si substrates, indicating the realization of environmentally friendly and low-cost Fe3O4 NCs as the resistance random access memory material.
Gap plasmon excitation in plasmonic waveguide using Si waveguide
Authors: Okuda Koji , Kamada Shun , Okamoto Toshihiro , Haraguchi Masanobu
Published: July 2016

Plasmonic waveguides have attracted considerable attention for application in highly integrated optical circuits since they can confine light to areas smaller than the diffraction limit. In this context, in order to realize a highly integrated optical circuit, we fabricate and evaluate the optical characteristics of a poly(methyl methacrylate) junction positioned between Si and plasmonic waveguides. For the plasmonic waveguide, we employ a gap plasmonic waveguide in which the energy of the plasmonic wave can be confined in order to reduce the scattering loss at the junction. By experimental measurement, we determine the coupling efficiency between the Si and gap plasmonic waveguides and the propagation length at the gap plasmonic waveguide to be 52.4% and 11.1 µm, respectively. These values agree with those obtained by the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation. We believe that our findings can significantly contribute to the development of highly integrated optical circuits.
Racial and Ethnic Representation in Food Allergen Immunotherapy Trial Participants
Authors: Suffian Hannah , Pandya Aarti , Davidson Lauren , Staggs Vincent , Jones Bridgette L.
Published: September 2024

Importance

The lack of inclusion of diverse population samples in food allergy immunotherapy clinical trials not only leads to decreased applicability to the general population in terms of results and treatments but can also be seen as a broader social injustice contributing to inequity within the health care system.

Objectives

To investigate the racial and ethnic distribution of participants included in food allergy immunotherapy clinical trials, and determine whether the racial and ethnic representation in trials accurately reflects the patients who experience food allergy.

Evidence Review

Data were collected from articles found on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov using key terms of food hypersensitivity, food allergy, and immunotherapy, while also incorporating specific criteria such as clinical trials conducted within the last 5 years with children aged from birth to 18 years old. Articles were selected based on their relevance to the research question. Main outcomes were totals and percentages of trial participants by race and ethnicity, stratified by pediatric trials, site of study, and National Institutes of Health funding.

Findings

Thirty-five articles were initially identified, of which 34 were classified as human clinical trials. Of these trials, 26 met criteria of an original randomized clinical trial and included racial and ethnic demographics for analysis in the study. Among trials included, the majority of the 3689 participants identified as White (2640 participants [72.0%]), followed by Black or African American (293 participants [8.0%]), Asian (239 participants [6.0%]), multiple races or other (210 participants [6.0%]), Hispanic or Latino (96 participants [3.0%]), American Indian (3 participants [<1.0%]), and Native American or Pacific Islander (3 participants [<1.0%]). We observed differences in racial and ethnic inclusion by study site (US vs external to US) and funding support (National Institutes of Health vs industry or other non–National Institutes of Health sources).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review of racial and ethnic diversity in food allergy immunotherapy trials, there was a lack of diversity relative to the overall food allergy burden among Black and Hispanic patients, indicating important gaps in the conduct of pediatric clinical trials, especially for treatments that are meant for use in broad populations where significant race- and ethnicity-related disparities exist. Working to correct this disparity will not only increase the usefulness of future clinical trial data but can further assist in alleviating public health inequities.
Sleep Disturbance and Subsequent Suicidal Behaviors in Preadolescence
Authors: Gowin Joshua L. , Stoddard Joel , Doykos Ted K. , Sammel Mary D. , Bernert Rebecca A.
Published: September 2024

Importance

Suicide is a leading cause of death among adolescents, who demonstrate high rates of sleep disturbance. Poor sleep appears to confer risk for suicide, but longitudinal investigation of suicidal behaviors remains rare, particularly in the transition from childhood to early adolescence.

Objective

To evaluate sleep disturbances in preadolescent children (aged 9 and 10 years) in association with longitudinal risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts at the 2-year follow-up.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study between June 2016 and January 2021. This dataset included children aged 9 or 10 years at baseline and their parents or caregivers who were recruited at 21 sites across the US. Data were analyzed July 2023 to June 2024.

Exposures

The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children, a 26-item parent-reported inventory, was administered at baseline, generating a total score and 6 subscales. Central covariates included the Child Behavior Checklist Anxiety and Depression subscale and demographic variables.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The computerized Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-COMP) assessed parent- and youth-reported suicidal behaviors and outcomes (none; passive, active nonspecific, and active specific suicidal ideation; and suicide attempt) at the 2-year follow-up. Sleep disturbance was further grouped by symptom severity (minimal, moderate, elevated, high, and severe).

Results

Of the 10 136 youths who reported no baseline suicidal ideation or behavior, 8807 youths (mean [SD] age, 9.9 [0.6] years; 4507 males [51.2%]; 197 Asian individuals [2.2%], 1273 Black individuals [14.5%], and 5775 White individuals [65.6%]) completed the K-SADS-COMP assessment at the 2-year follow-up and were included in the analysis. At the follow-up, 8044 participants (91.3%) had no suicidal behavior, 317 (3.6%) had passive suicidal ideation, 258 (2.9%) had active nonspecific suicidal ideation, 130 (1.5%) had active specific suicidal ideation, and 58 (0.7%) had a first-time suicide attempt. Baseline sleep disturbance was associated with increased incidence risk for suicidal behavior at age 12 years (odds ratio, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.44-4.98; P = .002), adjusting for covariates. Individual subscales or items demonstrating associations with risk included disorders of excessive somnolence and frequency of nightmares.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this longitudinal cohort study revealed that disturbed sleep at age 10 years was associated with risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the next 2 years. The findings highlight the potential importance of sleep as a visible risk factor and intervention target in the prevention of youth suicide.
Emerging Design Tools for Functional Architectures in Monofilament Fibers
Authors: Gumennik Alexander , Faccini de Lima Camila
Published: September 2024

The structural control of the monofilament fiber cross‐sectional architecture is a well‐established method for imparting its active functionality. Resulting from a thermal draw, the fiber device, until recently, is expected to be a cross‐sectionally scaled‐down and axially scaled‐up replica of its preform. However, thermal draw is a melt‐shaping process in which the preform is heated to a viscous liquid to be scaled into a fiber. Thus, it is prone to capillary instabilities on the interfaces between preform cladding and materials it encapsulates, distorting the fiber‐embedded architecture and complicating preform‐to‐fiber geometry translation. Traditionally, capillary instabilities are suppressed by performing the draw at a high‐viscosity, large‐feature‐size regime, such that the scaling of the preform into the fiber happens faster than a pronounced instability can develop. It is discovered recently that highly nonlinear, at times even chaotic capillary instabilities, in some fluid dynamic regimes, become predictable and thus engineerable. Driven by ever‐growing demand for enhancing the fiber‐device functionality, piggybacking on a capillary instability, instead of suppressing it, establishes itself as a new material processing strategy to achieve fiber‐embedded systems with user‐engineered architecture in all 3D, including the axial. Considering this development, the notable emerging methodologies are cross‐compared for designing 3D fiber‐embedded architectures.
Janus Swarm Metamaterials for Information Display, Memory, and Encryption
Authors: Zhang Zenghao , Raymond Jeffery E. , Lahann Joerg , Pena‐Francesch Abdon
Published: September 2024

Metamaterials are emerging as an unconventional platform to perform computing abstractions in physical systems by processing environmental stimuli into information. While computation functions have been demonstrated in mechanical systems, they rely on compliant mechanisms to achieve predefined states, which impose inherent design restrictions that limit their miniaturization, deployment, reconfigurability, and functionality. Here, a metamaterial system is described based on responsive magnetoactive Janus particle (MAJP) swarms with multiple programmable functions. MAJPs are designed with tunable structure and properties in mind, that is, encoded swarming behavior and fully reversible switching mechanisms, to enable programmable dynamic display, non‐volatile and semi‐volatile memory, Boolean logic, and information encryption functions in soft, wearable devices. MAJPs and their unique swarming behavior open new functions for the design of multifunctional and reconfigurable display devices, and constitute a promising building block to develop the next generation of soft physical computing devices, with growing applications in security, defense, anti‐counterfeiting, camouflage, soft robotics, and human‐robot interaction.
Hybrid Powder‐Based Additive Manufacturing of Laser‐Induced Graphene 3D Architectures with Tunable Porous Microstructures from Waste Sources of Black Liquor and White Pollution
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Yanan , Cao Yujie , Hu Yajie , Wang Guantao , Han Mingguang , Luo Sida
Published: September 2024

Macroscopic 3D‐controllable graphene (3D‐CG) architectures not only retain the intrinsic properties of graphene sheets but also exhibit structural advantages for pollutant adsorption and energy storage. This paper proposes a novel hybrid powder‐based additive manufacturing method to fabricate 3D biomass‐derived laser‐induced graphene (3D B‐LIG) structures with customizable geometries and microporous features. This method utilizes two waste sources as feedstock precursors for sustainable graphene production: “black liquor” (sodium lignosulfonate, NaLS) and “white pollution” (polypropylene, PP). Employing a computer‐aided design process, this method allows for the synchronous creation of various freeform macrostructures, with either identical or variable sections. To optimize the formability and processing efficiency of 3D B‐LIG, systematic studies have been conducted. These studies establish the relationship between processing parameters and the resulting structures by controlling the laser parameters and the mixing ratio of NaLS and PP. By leveraging tunable microporous structures with a maximized specific surface area of 485.3 m2 g−1, 3D B‐LIG demonstrates exceptional performance in pollutant adsorption (with a maximum adsorption capacity of 283.3 mg g−1 for methylene blue) and energy storage (with a gravimetric specific capacitance value of 194.9 F g−1).
Yield gap analysis for rainfed grain sorghum in Kansas
Authors: Sexton‐Bowser Sarah , Patrignani Andres
Published: September 2024

In the United States, grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production is concentrated in the US Great Plains region, with the state of Kansas accounting for ∼50% of the planted area. In Kansas, state‐level grain yields steadily increased at a rate of 0.07 Mg ha−1 year−1 from 1957 to 1990. However, since 1990, sorghum yield trends across the United States and Kansas have been exhibiting signs of yield stagnation. The objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the magnitude of the yield gap and (2) identify possible reasons for yield stagnation of rainfed sorghum in Kansas. Current yield (Yc) was estimated as the average yield of the most recently reported 10 years. Maximum attainable yield (Ya) and water‐limited potential yield (Yw) were estimated with a frontier yield function using an extensive dataset of crop performance trials, yield contest data, and county‐level survey yield data totaling 2997 site‐years. State‐level Yc was 4.7 Mg ha−1, which represents 77% of Ya and 49% of Yw. At a regional level, there is a trend of increasing yield gap in central and western Kansas sorghum‐producing regions. Sorghum yield in Kansas appears to be stagnant due to a small exploitable yield gap relative to Ya rather than Yw, a statewide shift in planting area to environments more vulnerable to water deficits, and cultivation in soils with moderate to severe limitations.
Applying a community‐engaged participatory machine learning model
Authors: Asabor Emmanuella Ngozi , Aneni Kammarauche , Weerakoon Sitara , Opara Ijeoma
Published: September 2024

Although predictive algorithms have been described as the definitive solution to bias in health care, machine learning techniques may also propagate existing health inequities within the community context. However, there may be ways in which machine learning techniques can help community psychologists, public health researchers and practitioners identify patterns in data in a way that empowers improved outcomes. Incorporating community insight in all stages of machine learning research mitigates bias by positioning members of underrepresented communities as the experts of their lived experiences. As community psychologists already prioritize community‐based participatory practices, we propose three core guiding principles for a community‐engaged participatory model for research using machine learning techniques: shared decision‐making, reflexivity and structural humility, and flexibility and adaptability. Guided by these three principles, we emphasize grounding priority setting, problem formation, model assumptions, and interpretation of the resulting algorithmic patterns in the truths born from the lived experiences of people closest to the problem. We also suggest opportunities for bidirectional and mutually empowering partnerships between algorithmic scientists and the communities to which their algorithms will be applied. Inclusion of community stakeholders in all stages of machine learning for health research provides an opportunity to develop algorithms that are both highly effective and ethically grounded in the lived experiences of target populations.
Synthesis, Stable Radical Anion and Energy Storage Performance of Pentacene Tetraimides
Authors: You Xiaoxiao , Liu Hang , Zhou Hao , Chen Xingyu , Xu Jingwen , Wang Dongxue , Wu Di , Xia Jianlong
Published: September 2024

Imide functionalization has been widely proved to be an effective approach to enrich optoelectronic properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, appending multiple imide groups onto linear acenes is still a synthetic challenge. Herein, we demonstrate that by taking advantage of a “breaking and mending” strategy, a linear pentacene tetraimides (PeTI) was synthesized through a three‐step sequence started from the naphthalene diimides (NDI). Compared with the parent pentacene, PeTI shows a deeper‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level, narrower band gap and better stability. The redox behavior of PeTI was firstly evaluated by generating a stable radical anion specie with the assistance of cobaltocene (CoCp2), and the structure of the electron transfer (ET) complex was confirmed by the X‐ray crystallography. Moreover, due to the presence of multiple redox‐active sites, we are able to show that the state‐of‐the‐art energy storage performance of the dealkylated PeTI (designated as PeTCTI) in organic potassium ion batteries (OPIBs) as an anode. Our results shed light on the application of multiple imides functionalized linear acenes, and the reported synthetic strategy provides an effective way to get access to longer nanoribbon imides with fascinating electronic properties.
Surface modification of h‐BN and electric field control of its orientation in sulfonated polyetheretherketone
Authors: Yang Jin , Hou Yixuan , Hong Yingzheng , Yao Yingbang
Published: September 2024

Since thermally conductive fillers easily aggregate when introduced into polymer matrix, it is essential to apply a modifier to enhance the dispersion of the filler. In current study, the surface of boron nitride (h‐BN) is firstly modified by employing a double modification process and then added into sulfonated polyetheretherketone (SPEEK) to form the composite materials. Four different kinds of samples of double‐modified h‐BN were obtained. Ultimately, the XXX@h‐BN/SPEEK (XXX denoted as modifier, i.e. PDA, VTMS, TEOS, and APS) flexible film with the horizontally oriented XXX@h‐BN was produced by heating the mixture under an external electric field. The test results indicate that the thermally conductive filler PDA@h‐BN (PDA: polydopamine), which was prepared by modifying OH@h‐BN with PDA, loaded into SPEEK, and electrically oriented, shows the best overall performances. With a high tensile strength of 43.24 MPa and good flexibility, PDA@h‐BN/SPEEK flexible film exhibits an in‐plane thermal conductivity of 2.3 Wm−1 K−1 at a filling ratio of 10 wt%. The sample may be bent at a steep angle without breaking down and can recover to original shape bearing its high degree of flexibility.
Flame retardant polyvinyl alcohol film with self‐releasing carbon dioxide and ammonia from phytic acid and urea
Authors: Wu Hao , Lai Dengwang , Nan Mengyao , Cao Wuyan , Liu Li , Liu Yuejun , Yang Jun
Published: September 2024

This paper utilizes the reaction of phytic acid (PA) and urea (UM) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to synthesize flame retardant gasses (CO2, NH3) for the preparation of PVA composite films containing flame retardant microbubbles. The flame retardancy of PVA composite films was assessed using methods including limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL 94), and cone calorimetry. The results indicated an increase in the LOI of the PVA composite film containing flame retardant microfoam from 20% to 30% compared with the pure PVA film, and that UL 94 reached VTM‐0. Furthermore, its peak exothermic rate and total exothermic amount were reduced by 36.25% and 38.92%, respectively, compared with the pure PVA film. The investigation of the flame‐retardant mechanism employed thermogravimetric‐infrared (TG‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the CO2 and NH3 flame retardant microbubbles within the composite film render it less ignitable at the initial stage, and that the internal UM of the composite film continues to decompose, releasing CO2 and NH3 upon heating. In addition, the acidic substances decomposed by PA during combustion promote the dehydration, cross‐linking, and cyclization of PVA, generating chemical structures such as POC, POP, and PO4 with enhanced thermal stability. This encourages the formation of a continuous, dense charcoal layer and impedes the transfer of oxygen and heat into the interior.
Preparation and antimicrobial properties of Ag+/carboxymethyl chitosan/silk fibroin composite microspheres
Authors: Yan Xiaofei , Gao Zhaoyang , Shao Yehua , Qi Dongming , Wu Bei , Guo Shirong
Published: September 2024

The frequent occurrence of respiratory infectious diseases has made it difficult for traditional antibacterial materials to meet practical needs in recent years. There was an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial materials with stronger antimicrobial effects and biosafety. In this paper, the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS)/silk fibroin (SF) composite microspheres were synthesized through self‐assembly, and the Ag+/CMCTS/SF composite microspheres were prepared by loading the Ag+ onto their surface. It investigated the effect of CMCTS contents, SF on the size and secondary structure of CMCTS/SF composite microspheres, and the antibacterial activity and mechanism of Ag+/CMCTS/SF composite microspheres. The results showed that the average particle size distribution size of CMCTS/SF composite microspheres was ranged from approximately 593–1115 nm. When CMCTS was added at 50 wt%, the content of β‐sheet structures in silk fibroin microspheres was the largest at 38.6%. And the CMCTS/SF composite microspheres loaded with Ag+ enhanced the bactericidal rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by 27.51% and 36.39%, respectively. In addition, the Ag+/CMCTS/SF composite microspheres have high biological safety, providing a new method for designing an efficient, green, and safe composite antibacterial agent.
Multispectral investigation of natural resins
Authors: Heidrich Lara , Brand Bastian , Brackmann Stefan , Schäuble Jan , Aly Mohammed Adel , Reher Raphael , Pommerening Tanja , Koch Martin
Published: September 2024

Resins have been used as remedies since ancient times and various embalming resins have been identified in recent years. In Europe, Mumia vera aegyptiaca, a resinous substance from ancient Egyptian mummies, was even sold in pharmacies as a tonic until the early 20th century. It is difficult to examine the composition of these archeological samples in detail as the well‐established analytical techniques, that is, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, are destructive and therefore do not allow the analysis of valuable archeological samples. Hence, there is an urgent need for alternative, nondestructive methods for the identification of resin residues. This study aims to explore and compare the use of five spectroscopic methods as an alternative to established analytical procedures. For that, 15 resin samples of known origin and three samples from an Egyptian market were studied. While laser induced‐breakdown spectroscopy and terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy provide only limited information for resin classification, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy can be used to classify the resin samples more accurately. Furthermore, photoluminescence/photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy shows a promising potential in combination with its general advantages, such as cost‐efficiency, nondestructive nature, and fast data acquisition.
Isostructural Oxamate Complexes with Visible Luminescence (Eu3+) and Field‐Induced Single‐Molecule Magnet (Nd3+)
Authors: Diogo Emilay B. T. , da Silva Júnior Eufrânio N. , Oliveira Willian X. C. , Stumpf Humberto O. , Fabris Fernando , de Almeida Adriele A. , Knobel Marcelo , Ferreira Fabio F. , Nunes Wallace C. , Pedroso Emerson F. , Julve Miguel , Pereira Cynthia L. M.
Published: September 2024

The search for new metal‐organic compounds as candidates for quantum information processing technologies is in the spotlight. Several metal ions and organic linkers have been used to obtain such compounds. Herein, we describe the synthesis, crystal structures, and cryomagnetic properties of two air‐stable isostructural neodymium(III) and europium(III) one‐dimensional (1D) coordination polymers of formula [Nd(Hmpa)3(DMSO)2]n (1) and [Eu(Hmpa)3(DMSO)2]n (2) [Hmpa=N‐(4‐methylphenyl)oxamate, and DMSO=dimethylsulfoxide]. These complexes were prepared by reacting n‐Bu4N(Hmpa) proligand [n‐Bu4N+=tetra‐n‐butylammonium] and the correspondent LnCl3 ⋅ 6H2O salt (Ln=Nd or Eu) in the open air and mild conditions. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 reveal the Ln3+ ion surrounded by two DMSO molecules and three oxamate ligands, one of them connecting to adjacent mononuclear entities through carboxylate bridges featuring a homometallic chain, while the other two establishing double N−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ O hydrogen bonds among adjacent polymers to give a resultant supramolecular 2D network. Cryomagnetic measurements in the static (dc) and dynamic current (ac) regimes reveal that 1 behaves as a field‐induced single‐molecule magnet below 8.8 K. A photoluminescence study shows that Hmpa ligands efficiently sensitize the luminescence of Eu3+ complex in the visible region in the solid state at room temperature.
3‐generation family histories of mental, neurologic, cardiometabolic, birth defect, asthma, allergy, and autoimmune conditions associated with autism: An open‐source catalog of findings
Authors: Schendel Diana , Ejlskov Linda , Overgaard Morten , Jinwala Zeal , Kim Viktor , Parner Erik , Kalkbrenner Amy E. , Ladd Acosta Christine , Fallin M. Danielle , Xie Sherlly , Mortensen Preben Bo , Lee Brian K.
Published: September 2024

The relatively few conditions and family member types (e.g., sibling, parent) considered in investigations of family health history in autism spectrum disorder (ASD, or autism) limits understanding of the role of family history in autism etiology. For more comprehensive understanding and hypothesis‐generation, we produced an open‐source catalog of autism associations with family histories of mental, neurologic, cardiometabolic, birth defect, asthma, allergy, and autoimmune conditions. All live births in Denmark, 1980–2012, of Denmark‐born parents (1,697,231 births), and their 3‐generation family members were followed through April 10, 2017 for each of 90 diagnoses (including autism), emigration or death. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were estimated via Cox regression for each diagnosis‐family member type combination, adjusting for birth year, sex, birth weight, gestational age, parental ages at birth, and number of family member types of index person; aHRs also calculated for sex‐specific co‐occurrence of each disorder. We obtained 6462 individual family history aHRS across autism overall (26,840 autistic persons; 1.6% of births), by sex, and considering intellectual disability (ID); and 350 individual co‐occurrence aHRS. Results are cataloged in interactive heat maps and down‐loadable data files: https://ncrr-au.shinyapps.io/asd-riskatlas/ and interactive graphic summaries: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/diana.schendel/viz/ASDPlots_16918786403110/e-Figure5.

While primarily for reference material or use in other studies (e.g., meta‐analyses), results revealed considerable breadth and variation in magnitude of familial health history associations with autism by type of condition, family member type, sex of the family member, side of the family, sex of the index person, and ID status, indicative of diverse genetic, familial, and nongenetic autism etiologic pathways. Careful attention to sources of autism likelihood in family health history, aided by our open data resource, may accelerate understanding of factors underlying neurodiversity.
Challenges and Approaches to Designing High‐Energy Density Lithium‐Sulfur Pouch Cells
Authors: Badhrinathan Srinidi , Dai Huidong , Pandey Gaind P.
Published: September 2024

Lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries are of great interest as next‐generation energy storage devices in a wide variety of applications, due to their high specific capacity and the environmental abundance of sulfur. However, liquid electrolyte Li−S technology faces several challenges such as polysulfide shuttling, anode corrosion and sluggish cathode kinetics. Practical deployment of Li−S batteries requires evaluation in large‐format, high energy density pouch cells. Stringent operating conditions such as high sulfur loading and operating current, low electrolyte amount, and limited anode quantity are required for high energy density pouch cells, which further curtails the electrochemical performance and cycle life. This review aims to provide an understanding of the different failure mechanisms of large‐format Li−S pouch cells and formulate key design parameters of Li−S pouch cells that have high capacity, coulombic efficiency and long cycle life. Recent developments in Li−S pouch cells are then discussed, focusing on cathode and electrolyte design for polysulfide immobilization, accelerated sulfur conversion kinetics, and Li anode protection. A review of advanced characterization techniques suitable for Li−S pouch cell studies is also provided. Finally, viewpoints are offered on the remaining challenges and prospects to guide future research in scaling up Li−S technology for real‐world applications.
Comparative analysis of the combustion and emission characteristics of biojet and conventional Jet A‐1 fuel: a review
Authors: Raji Abdulwasiu Muhammed , Manescau Brady , Chetehouna Khaled , Lamoot Ludovic , Ogabi Raphael
Published: September 2024

Conventional jet fuels derived from fossil sources contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, leading to climate change. Recent studies have shown that biobased jet fuels from different feedstocks offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional fuels as they are derived from renewable biomass, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The major feedstocks reviewed are jatropha curcas, camelina, karanja oil, waste cooking oil, and municipal solid waste. They offer diverse benefits for sustainable aviation fuel development. As a comparative analysis, this review examined jet fuel characteristics based on their physicochemical properties, namely energy content, viscosity, calorific value, cetane number, and freezing and flash points. The objective was to understand the influence of the properties on performance evaluation, environmental impact, and combustion characteristics. The properties of biojet fuels are compared with their fossil counterparts to validate their suitability as renewable alternatives and their benefits in terms of emissions reduction and engine performance. Biojet fuels perform better in terms of lower sulfur content, lower soot content, and a lower freezing point, their aromatic content, and their high cetane number. This study enhances the understanding of biojet fuels and their quality, and supports the development of sustainable fuel options. Overall, adherence to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D7566‐18 standard is crucial for the acceptance and integration of biojet fuels into the aviation sector. Future research should explore feedstocks such as wood biomass, wastepaper, and agricultural residues for biojet fuels. It should also investigate the combustion and emission characteristics of biosourced aviation fuel at higher blending ratios (>50% by volume) with fossil Jet A‐1.
The accuracy of ultrasensitive PSA in predicting disease progression after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Seikkula Heikki , Hyysalo Jaakko , Högerman Mikael , Boström Peter J. , Ettala Otto
Published: September 2024

Objectives

To assess the role of ultrasensitive PSA values (usPSA) after radical prostatectomy in predicting the subsequent biochemical recurrence (BCR).

Material and methods

The study included 1836 patients who underwent open or robot‐assisted RP at Turku University Hospital between 2003 and 2018. Exclusion criteria involved patients with adjuvant treatments and those who did not reach a PSA nadir <0.1 ng/ml, resulting in a final cohort of 1313 patients. The prognostic impact of the optimal usPSA nadir cut‐off value 6 months after RP was investigated to predict subsequent BCR for the whole cohort (N = 1313). The optimal usPSA cut‐off value was determined for patients at 3–5 years post‐surgery (N = 806) and beyond 5 years (N = 493) of follow‐up. We used the area under the curve (AUC) calculation and the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

In a cohort with a median age of 64, primarily featuring Gleason score 7 prostate cancer. uPSA nadir of 0.01 ng/ml (AUC = 0.80) at the first monitoring post‐surgery emerged as the optimal cut‐off for identifying subjects at low (80%) or high (20%) risk of BCR within the first 3 years. Beyond this period, uPSA values during the first 3 [(AUC = 0.89; 3–5 years post‐surgery) and (AUC = 0.81; beyond 5 years)] and 5 post‐surgery years (AUC = 0.85) outperformed uPSA nadir in predicting subsequent BCR. Notably, EAU‐defined high‐risk patients with low uPSA nadir maintained substantial BCR‐free survival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a low usPSA predicts minimal BCR risk over the next 2–3 years post‐measurement. Patients with low usPSA can benefit from reduced post‐surgery PSA monitoring at 2‐ to 3‐year intervals without compromising outcomes. This strategic approach optimizes resource allocation in busy urological outpatient clinics, especially valuable in publicly reimbursed healthcare systems like Finland.
Electrobiofabrication of antibody sensor interfaces within a 3D printed device yield rapid and robust electrochemical measurements of titer and glycan structure
Authors: Chen Chen‐Yu , Motabar Dana , Zakaria Fauziah Rahma , Kim Eunkyoung , Wu Benjamin , Payne Gregory F. , Bentley William E.
Published: September 2024

We report the integration of 3D printing, electrobiofabrication, and protein engineering to create a device that enables near real‐time analysis of monoclonal antibody (mAb) titer and quality. 3D printing was used to create the macroscale architecture that can control fluidic contact of a sample with multiple electrodes for replicate measurements. An analysis “chip” was configured as a “snap‐in” module for connecting to a 3D printed housing containing fluidic and electronic communication systems. Electrobiofabrication was used to functionalize each electrode by the assembly of a hydrogel interface containing biomolecular recognition and capture proteins. Specifically, an electrochemical thiol oxidation is used to assemble a thiolated polyethylene glycol hydrogel, that in turn is covalently coupled to either a cysteine‐tagged protein G that binds the antibody's Fc region or a lectin that binds the glycans of target mAb analytes. We first show the design, assembly, and testing of the hardware device. Then, we show the transition of a step‐by‐step sensing methodology (e.g., mix, incubate, wash, mix, incubate, wash, measure) into the current method where functionalization, antibody capture, and assessment are performed in situ and in parallel channels. Both titer and glycan analyses were found to be linear with antibody concentration (to 0.2 mg/L). We further found the interfaces could be reused with remarkably similar results. Because the interface assembly and use are simple, rapid, and robust, we suggest this assessment methodology will be widely applicable, including for other biomolecular process development and manufacturing environments.
Photochemical coupling reaction of phenacyl benzoate with acetone to form 1,4‐dicarbonyl compound enabled by charge transfer
Authors: Shin Ho Suk , Park Bong Ser
Published: September 2024

Photolysis of phenacyl benzoates tethered with a phenol or anisole in acetone resulted in the formation of 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds, coupling products of the phenacyl moiety with acetone. The reaction occurs via electron and/or proton transfer from a triplet exciplex, leading to the formation of a phenacyl radical, which then adds to the enol form of acetone. The reaction also occurs in intermolecular fashion with external electron donors.
Effect of primary tumor volume on survival of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaxia , Zhang Wei , Luo Lan , Fu Shimei , Cao Dongdong , Su Shengfa , Li Qingsong , Yang Wengang , Geng Yichao , Lu Bing , Ouyang Weiwei
Published: September 2024

Objective

To explore the survival effect of thoracic gross tumor volume (GTV) in three‐dimensional (3D) radiotherapy for stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

The data cases were obtained from a single‐center retrospective analysis. From May. From 2008 to August 2018, 377 treatment criteria were enrolled. GTV was defined as the volume of the primary lesion and the hilus as well as the mediastinal metastatic lymph node. Chemotherapy was a platinum‐based combined regimen of two drugs. The number of median chemotherapy cycles was 4 (2–6), and the cut‐off value of the planning target volume (PTV) dose of the primary tumor was 63 Gy (30–76.5 Gy). The cut‐off value of GTV volume was 150 cm3 (5.83–3535.20 cm3).

Results

The survival rate of patients with GTV <150 cm3 is better than patients with GTV ≥150 cm3. Multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that peripheral lung cancer, radiation dose ≥63 Gy, GTV <150 cm3, 4–6 cycles of chemotherapy, and CR + PR are good prognostic factors for patients with stage IV non‐small cell lung cancer. The survival rate of patients with GTV <150 cm3 was longer than patients with ≥150 cm3 when they underwent 2 to 3 cycles of chemotherapy concurrent 3D radiotherapy (p < 0.05). When performing 4 to 6 cycles of chemotherapy concurrent 3D radiotherapy, there was no significant difference between <150 cm3 and ≥150 cm3.

Conclusions

The volume of stage IV NSCLC primary tumor can affect the survival of patients. Appropriate treatment methods can be opted by considering the volume of tumors to extend patients' lifetime to the utmost.
Hybrid Molecules Containing Methotrexate, Vitamin D, and Platinum Derivatives: Synthesis, Characterization, In Vitro Cytotoxicity, In Silico ADME Docking, Molecular Docking and Dynamics
Authors: Mbese Zintle , Choene Mpho , Morifi Eric , Nwamadi M. , Adeyemi Samson , Kolawole Oyebamiji Abel , Adeyinka Adedapo S. , George Blassan , Aderibigbe Blessing Atim
Published: September 2024

Designing hybrid‐based drugs is one promising strategy for developing effective anticancer drugs that explore combination therapy to enhance treatment efficacy, overcome the development of drug resistance, and lower treatment duration. Bisphosphonates and Vitamin D are commonly administered drugs for the treatment of bone diseases and the prevention of bone metastases. Platinum‐based and methotrexate are widely used anticancer drugs in clinics. However, their use is hampered by adverse side effects. Hybrid‐based compounds containing either bisphosphonate, vitamin D, platinum‐based, or methotrexate were synthesized and characterized using FTIR, 1H‐,31P, 13C‐NMR, and UHPLC‐HRMS which confirmed their successful synthesis. The hydroxyapatite bone binding assay revealed a promising percentage binding affinity of the bisphosphonate hybrid compounds. In vitro cytotoxicity assays on MCF‐7 and HT‐29 cell lines revealed a promising cytotoxic effect of hybrid 19 at 50 and 100 μg/mL on HT‐29 and hybrid 15 on MCF‐7 at 100 μg/mL. Molecular docking and dynamics simulation analysis revealed a binding affinity of −9.70 kcal/mol for hybrid 15 against Human 3 alpha‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3, showing its capability to inhibit Human 3 alpha‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3. The Swiss ADME, ProTox‐II, GUSAR (General Unrestricted Structure‐Activity Relationships), and molecular docking and dynamics studies revealed that these compounds are promising anticancer compounds.
High Yield of L‐Sorbose via D‐Glucose Isomerization in Ethanol over a Bifunctional Titanium‐Boron‐Beta Zeolite
Authors: Ren Limin , Xiao Yuxuan , Bhattacharjee Rameswar , Wu Jingjing , Tang Pengyi , Caratzoulas Stavros , Meng Changgong , Guo Qiang , Tsapatsis Michael
Published: September 2024

D‐Glucose‐to‐L‐sorbose isomerization on Lewis acidic zeolite is a highly attractive avenue for sorbose production. But the L‐sorbose yield is limited by the competing D‐glucose‐to‐D‐fructose isomerization and reaction equilibrium. In this work, it is suggested that ethanol directs the glucose conformation for selective D‐glucose‐to‐L‐sorbose isomerization. It also reacts with the produced L‐sorbose to form ethyl‐sorboside, which allows the D‐glucose‐to‐L‐sorbose isomerization to proceed beyond the thermodynamic equilibrium limit. It is shown that a bifunctional zeolite Beta containing framework titanium (Ti) and boron (B) is a selective catalyst for this tandem reaction: Lewis acidic framework Ti catalyzes the D‐glucose‐to‐L‐sorbose isomerization via an intramolecular 5,1‐hydride shift process as confirmed by isotopic tracing experiments followed by 13C‐NMR, while weak Brønsted acid framework B selectively promotes the sorbose ketalization with ethanol. A remarkably high yield of L‐sorbose with a high fraction of sugar (>95 %: 27 % unreacted glucose, 11.4 % fructose, 57 % sorbose) was obtained after the mixture produced in ethanol was hydrolyzed.
Enhancement of Effective Energy Barrier and Magnetic Blocking Temperature in Tetraoxolene Radical Coupled Dinuclear Dysprosium Complex
Authors: Kumar Sahu Pradip , Konar Sanjit
Published: September 2024

A well‐judged combination of a high axial ligand field and a bridging radical ligand in a dinuclear lanthanide complex provides a single‐molecule magnet with a higher effective energy barrier for magnetic relaxation and blocking temperature compared to its non‐radical analog due to significant magnetic exchange coupling between radical and Ln(III) ions. In this work, we report two chloranilate (CA) bridged dinuclear dysprosium complexes, [{(bbpen)Dy(μ2‐CA)Dy(bbpen)}] (1Dy) and [{(bbpen)Dy(μ2‐CA⋅)Dy(bbpen)}−{CoCp2}+] (2Dy), where 2Dy is the radical bridged Dy‐complex obtained via the chemical reduction of bridging CA moiety (H2bbpen=N,N′‐bis(2‐hydroxybenzyl)‐N,N′‐bis(2‐methylpyridyl)ethylenediamine). The presence of high electronegative phenoxide moiety enhances the axial anisotropy of pseudo‐square antiprismatic Dy(III) ions. The diffused spin of radical is efficiently coupled with anisotropic Dy(III) centres and decreases the quantum tunnelling of magnetization (QTM) in the magnetic relaxation process. The magnetic relaxation of 1Dy follows Orbach, Raman, and QTM processes whereas for 2Dy it follows Orbach and Raman Processes. Due to less involvement of the QTM relaxation process, 2Dy shows a higher thermal energy barrier (Ueff=700 K) and a high blocking temperature (6.7 K), compared to its non‐radical analog. Remarkably, the radical coupled 2Dy complex shows the highest energy barrier among the radical bridged Dy(III)‐based SMMs to date.
Isolation and Cryopreservation of Primary Macaque Hepatocytes
Authors: Guo Xiaoqing , Seo Ji‐Eun , Davis Kelly , Malhi Pritpal , Fili Cameron
Published: September 2024

Primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) are recognized as the "gold standard" for evaluating toxicity of various drugs or chemicals in vitro. However, due to their limited availability, primary hepatocytes isolated from rodents are more commonly used in various experimental studies than PHHs. However, bigger differences in drug metabolism were seen between humans and rats compared to those between human and non‐human primates. Here, we describe a method to isolate primary hepatocytes from the liver of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, a species of Old‐World monkey) after in situ whole liver perfusion. Techniques for cryopreserving and recovering primary macaque hepatocytes (PMHs) are also described. Given the remarkable physiological and genetic similarity of non‐human primates to humans, PMHs isolated using this protocol may serve as a reliable surrogate of PHHs in toxicological research and preclinical studies. Published 2024. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Basic Protocol 1: In situ whole liver perfusion

Basic Protocol 2: Primary macaque hepatocyte isolation and cell plating

Basic Protocol 3: Cryopreservation and recovery of primary macaque hepatocytes
Lipid nanoparticle‐mediated RNA delivery for immune cell modulation
Authors: Kim Emily H. , Teerdhala Sridatta V. , Padilla Marshall S. , Joseph Ryann A. , Li Jacqueline J. , Haley Rebecca M. , Mitchell Michael J.
Published: September 2024

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as the preeminent nonviral drug delivery vehicles for nucleic acid therapeutics, as exemplified by their usage in the mRNA COVID‐19 vaccines. As a safe and highly modular delivery platform, LNPs are attractive for a wide range of applications. In addition to vaccines, LNPs are being utilized as platforms for other immunoengineering efforts, especially as cancer immunotherapies by modulating immune cells and their functionality via nucleic acid delivery. In this review, we focus on the methods and applications of LNP‐based immunotherapy in five cell types: T cells, NK cells, macrophages, stem cells, and dendritic cells. Each of these cell types has wide‐reaching applications in immunotherapy but comes with unique challenges and delivery barriers. By combining knowledge of immunology and nanotechnology, LNPs can be developed for improved immune cell targeting and transfection, ultimately working toward novel clinical therapeutics.
Characteristics of motion signal profiles of tonic–clonic, tonic, hyperkinetic, and motor seizures extracted from nocturnal video recordings
Authors: Ojanen Petri , Kertész Csaba , Peltola Jukka
Published: September 2024

Objective

In this study, characteristics of signal profiles formed by motion, oscillation, and sound signals were analyzed to evaluate generalizability and variability in a single patient setting (intra‐patient variability) and between patients (inter‐patient variability). As a secondary objective, the effect of brivaracetam intervention on signal profiles was explored.

Methods

Patient data included 13 hyperkinetic seizures, 65 tonic seizures, 13 tonic–clonic seizures, and 138 motor seizures from 11 patients. All patients underwent an 8‐week monitoring, and after a 3‐week baseline, brivaracetam was initiated. Motion, oscillation, and sound features extracted from the video were used to form signal profiles. Variance of signals was calculated, and combined median and quartile visualizations were used to visualize the results. Similarly, the effect of intervention was visualized.

Results

Hyperkinetic motion signals showed a rapid increase in motion and sound signals without oscillations and achieved low intra‐patient variance. Tonic component created a recognizable peak in motion signal typical for tonic and tonic–clonic seizures. For tonic seizures, inter‐patient variance was low. Motor signal profiles were varying, and they did not form a generalizable signal profile. Visually recognizable changes were observed in the signal profiles of two patients.

Significance

Video‐based motion signal analysis enabled the extraction of motion features characteristic for different motor seizure types which might be useful in further development of this system. Tonic component formed a recognizable seizure signature in the motion signal. Hyperkinetic and motor seizures may have not only significantly different motion signal amplitude but also overlapping signal profile characteristics which might hamper their automatic differentiation. Motion signals might be useful in the assessment of movement intensity changes to evaluate the treatment effect. Further research is needed to test generalizability and to increase reliability of the results.