bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppressing Buried Interface Nonradiative Recombination Losses Toward High‐Efficiency Antimony Triselenide Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Guojie , Luo Yandi , Abbas Muhammad , Ishaq Muhammad , Zheng Zhuanghao , Chen Shuo , Su Zhenghua , Zhang Xianghua , Fan Ping , Liang Guangxing
Published: November 2023

Antimony triselenide (Sb2Se3) has possessed excellent optoelectronic properties and has gained interest as a light‐harvesting material for photovoltaic technology over the past several years. However, the severe interfacial and bulk recombination obviously contribute to significant carrier transport loss thus leading to the deterioration of power conversion efficiency (PCE). In this work, buried interface and heterojunction engineering are synergistically employed to regulate the film growth kinetic and optimize the band alignment. Through this approach, the orientation of the precursor films is successfully controlled, promoting the preferred orientational growth of the (hk1) of the Sb2Se3 films. Besides, interfacial trap‐assisted nonradiative recombination loss and heterojunction band alignment are successfully minimized and optimized. As a result, the champion device presents a PCE of 9.24% with short‐circuit density (JSC) and fill factor (FF) of 29.47 mA cm−2 and 63.65%, respectively, representing the highest efficiency in sputtered‐derived Sb2Se3 solar cells. This work provides an insightful prescription for fabricating high‐quality Sb2Se3 thin film and enhancing the performance of Sb2Se3 solar cells.
Ti3C2Tx MXene‐Assisted CuBO2 Hole Transport Layer for High‐Performance Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Wang Yabing , Cen Baofen , Zhang Hongrong , Zhang Ziling , Wang Tengfei , Kong Pengfei , Li Qinghong , Liu Kaixiang , Zhang Jing , Luo Shengyun , Luo Guangcan
Published: November 2023

The efficient separation and extraction of holes can be attributed to the favorable properties possessed by the hole transport layer (HTL). Herein, a novel solution‐processable hybrid HTL based on CuBO2 and Ti3C2Tx MXene (CuBO2@MXene) is developed to enhance the performance of ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs). By optimizing the ratio of Ti3C2Tx MXene to CuBO2, the optimized responsivity and detectivity of the UV PDs based on the composite HTL have achieved 184 mA W−1 and 2.88 × 1013 cm Hz1/2 W−1 in self‐powered mode, respectively, and even up to 3.25 × 104 mA W−1 at −1.5 V. This significant improvement in device performance can be attributed to the interlaced architecture of CuBO2@MXene, which ameliorates hole mobility and charge extraction capability while reducing the trap state density of the HTL. The built‐in electric field of the TiO2/CuBO2 heterojunction is strengthened by the incorporation of Ti3C2Tx MXene, thereby significantly reinforcing the photovoltaic effect. Moreover, the lower thermal conductivity of CuBO2@MXene suppresses its pyroelectric effect, weakening the blocking effect of the thermoelectric potential on hole transport and ultimately leading to a remarkable boost in the output current. These results indicate the promising potential of the hybrid CuBO2@MXene HTL for constructing high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Design of Highly Conductive Leather Based on Zirconium Ion Coordination for Health Protection in Severe Harsh Conditions
Authors: Feng Jianyan , Wang Peng , Bai Yang , Chen Xin , Li Ting , Luo Xiaomin , Zhang Peng , Wang Xuechuan
Published: November 2023

Flexible electric heaters with softness, comfort and heating performance have application prospects in the fields of life and health, medical security and so on. In this study, by taking advantage of the soft and comfortable properties of leather itself, collagen fibers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are composited through zirconium ion (Zr4+) coordination and complexation. The composition, microstructure and Joule heating performance of the prepared flexible conductive leather (CNTs@Zr@OTL) are investigated in detail. The characterisation results prove the (Zr4+) coordination effect and the successful preparation of CNTs@Zr@OTL. At the same time, it has a resistance of about 250 Ω, a shrinkage temperature (Ts) of about 75°C, mechanical property of about 8 MPa, 60 h strong biodegradability and Joule heating of about 65°C under 15 V DC voltage. The obtained product can be further designed as a flexible Joule heating heater (Jhh) with softness, comfort as well as conductivity, and excellent Joule heating performance, and its practical application effect in heating wrists, fingers, joints and car seats is explored, as well as the heating effect under the actual movement of human body such as squatting, sitting and walking. This work provides an idea and method for the intelligent interaction of flexible heaters.
90% Yield Production of Spiropyran Covalently Grafted MXene‐Based RRAM Devices for Optoelectronic Dual‐Response Switching
Authors: Zhao Kejia , Liu Jiaxuan , Wang Xinzhu , Che Qiang , Zhang Bin , He Haidong , Wang Kexin , Chen Yu
Published: November 2023

Over the past decade, great efforts have been devoted to both intellectual property protection and information security protection. As a promising electroactive material, MXene is covalently or non‐covalently functionalized with organic species/polymers to produce a large amount of novel functional materials for biomedicine, optoelectronics, and energy storage. By using spiropyran covalently functionalized MXene (MXene‐SP) as an active material, an optoelectronic dual‐response resistive random access memory (RRAM) device is successfully fabricated. Upon UV illumination, the active layer is changed from MXene‐SP (SP: ring‐closed spiropyran form) observed under the illumination of blue light to MXene‐MC (MC: ring‐opened merocyanine form) due to photo‐induced “close‐to‐open” isomerization. The as‐fabricated ITO/MXene‐SP/ITO device exhibits typical nonvolatile optoelectronic dual‐response RRAM performance, with a production yield exceeding 90%. The achieved switch‐on/off voltages are −1.25/2.07 V under the illumination of blue light and −0.58/0.91 V under UV illumination. The switching bias window (Δ|VON − VOFF|) and the ON/OFF current ratio of MXene‐MC are 44.9% and 14.7% of these of MXene‐SP, respectively. By utilizing the window difference between the RRAM performance achieved under the illumination of different lights, one can easily encrypt the quick response code.
Sequential [3+2] and [4+4] Annulation of Diynone and o‐Hydroxyaryl Azomethine Ylide: Construction of Dihydropyrrole Fused Eight‐Membered Ring Scaffold
Authors: Shen Jie , Xing Yu , Fu Lidong , Li Yanze , Cui Lei , Zhou Zijun , Li Chunju , Li Jian
Published: November 2023

We developed a cascade reaction of diynone and o‐hydroxy aromatic aldimine under mild conditions. This protocol is proposed to proceed through sequential [3+2]/[4+4] cycloaddition and proton transfer processes, thus providing an efficient way for the synthesis of a variety of dihydropyrrole fused eight‐membered ring scaffolds.
Intergroup encounters in pair‐living primates: Comparative analysis and a case study of pair‐living and monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina
Authors: Gussone Leonie , García de la Chica Alba , Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo
Published: November 2023

The function of intergroup encounters (IGEs) may differ substantially among species of different group sizes and social organizations. Research in group‐living primates has shown that the behavioral responses during IGEs can vary widely from affiliative to neutral or aggressive interactions; still, little is known about IGEs in pair‐living taxa. We conducted a systematic literature review to find relevant studies on the functions of IGEs in pair‐living nonhuman primates that could inform analyses of IGE data (n = 242 IGEs, 21 groups and 10 solitary individuals, 1997−2020) from wild owl monkeys, a pair‐living, monogamous primate with extensive biparental care. We identified 1315 studies published between 1965 and 2021; only 13 of them (n = 10 species) contained raw data on the number of IGEs. Our review of those studies showed that IGEs are common, but highly variable in their nature and characteristics in pair‐living primates. To examine the non‐mutually exclusive hypotheses of resource‐, and mate defense, and infanticide avoidance we analyzed data from the Owl Monkey Project 27‐year long database to build first an a priori model set. To incorporate prior knowledge from the literature review, we conducted our analyses as a consecutive series of binomial logistic regressions. All IGEs including all biologically relevant parameters (N = 156) were codified into three different behavioral categories (Reaction, Agonism, and Physical Aggression). The analysis showed that owl monkeys regularly engaged in IGEs, most of which were agonistic. They showed more reaction when infants were present, but reactions were less physically aggressive when infants and pregnant females were involved. Overall, our results lend more support for the infant and mate defense hypotheses than they do for the resource defense one.
A Homochiral Fulgide Organic Ferroelectric Crystal with Photoinduced Molecular Orbital Breaking
Authors: Du Ye , Liao Wei‐Qiang , Li Yibao , Huang Chao‐Ran , Gan Tian , Chen Xiao‐Gang , Lv Hui‐Peng , Song Xian‐Jiang , Xiong Ren‐Gen , Wang Zhong‐Xia
Published: November 2023

Thermally triggered spatial symmetry breaking in traditional ferroelectrics has been extensively studied for manipulation of the ferroelectricity. However, photoinduced molecular orbital breaking, which is promising for optical control of ferroelectric polarization, has been rarely explored. Herein, for the first time, we synthesized a homochiral fulgide organic ferroelectric crystal (E)‐(R)‐3‐methyl‐3‐cyclohexylidene‐4‐(diphenylmethylene)dihydro‐2,5‐furandione (1), which exhibits both ferroelectricity and photoisomerization. Significantly, 1 shows a photoinduced reversible change in its molecular orbitals from the 3 π molecular orbitals in the open‐ring isomer to 2 π and 1 σ molecular orbitals in the closed‐ring isomer, which enables reversible ferroelectric domain switching by optical manipulation. To our knowledge, this is the first report revealing the manipulation of ferroelectric polarization in homochiral ferroelectric crystal by photoinduced breaking of molecular orbitals. This finding sheds light on the exploration of molecular orbital breaking in ferroelectrics for optical manipulation of ferroelectricity.
Ultra‐stretchable thermoplastic elastomeric materials based on styrene–isoprene–styrene triblock copolymer: Influence of calcium copper titanate on mechanical and dielectric properties
Authors: Rana Dhiraj Kumar , Banerjee Pratip Sankar , Betal Soutik , Banerjee Shib Shankar
Published: November 2023

Conventional charge storage devices made of ceramic materials have limited deformability and configurability due to their extreme stiffness. The high demand for compliant dielectrics has led researchers to look beyond conventional ceramics, despite their very high dielectric properties. In this work, a mechanically robust, highly‐flexible and ultra‐stretchable thermoplastic elastomeric material with dielectric characteristics has been fabricated by introducing calcium copper titanate [CaCu3Ti4O12] (CCTO) dielectric material onto macromolecular chains of styrene–isoprene–styrene (SIS) triblock copolymer via a solution‐based polymer processing technique. CCTO powders have been synthesized using sol–gel technique. The resulting composite is ultra‐stretchable with strain at break of ~3200% and has high dielectric permittivity of ~10. High dielectric property is attributed to the well‐dispersed dielectric CCTO fillers within the SIS matrix, which provide sites for interfacial polarization and space charge accumulation. The influence of CCTO on dielectric properties has also been validated using the modified Cole–Cole model.
Twist is required for muscle development of the adult legs in Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata
Authors: Anjum Ahmad Ali , Lin Meng‐Jiao , Jin Lin , Li Guo‐Qing
Published: November 2023

Although muscle development has been widely studied in Drosophila melanogaster, it was a great challenge to apply to developmental processes of other insect muscles. This study was focused on the functional characterization of a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor gene twist in an herbivorous ladybird Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. Its transcript (Hvtwist) levels were detected in all developmental stages. RNA interference (RNAi)‐aided knockdown of Hvtwist at the penultimate larval instar stage impaired pupation, and caused a deformed adult in the legs. The tarsi were malformed and did not support the bodies in an upright position. The climbing ability was impaired. Moreover, around 50% of the impaired adults had a malformed elytrum. In addition, they consumed less foliage and did not lay eggs. A hematoxylin–eosin staining of the leg demonstrated that the tibial extensor (TE) and the tibial flexor (TF) muscles were originated from the femurs while levator and depressor muscles of the tarsus (TL and TD) were located in the tibia in the control adults, in which tarsal segments were devoid of muscles. RNAi treatment specific to Hvtwist expression markedly impaired TE and TF muscles in the femurs, and prevented the development of TL and TD muscles in the tibia. Therefore, our findings demonstrate Twist plays a vital role in the myogenesis in H. vigintioctopunctata adult legs.
Establishment of a cell culture platform for human liver organoids and its application for lipid metabolism research
Authors: Kuboyama‐Sasaki Ayane , Takahashi Yu , Xia Chen , Hiro Kahori , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Ohdan Hideki , Shimizu Makoto , Yamauchi Yoshio , Kiyono Hiroshi , Sato Ryuichiro
Published: November 2023

Human liver organoids (HLOs) are reliable tools to represent physiological human liver biology. However, their use is limited especially in basic sciences. One of the reasons for this would be the insufficient systematic methodology to handle HLOs, including culture system, functional assessment, and gene transduction. Here, we generated and characterized mouse L cells stably and simultaneously overexpressing R‐spondin1, hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 7, and FGF10 via lentiviral transduction. The conditioned medium of the cells contributed to HLO growth as a replacement of commercially available recombinant proteins, which leads to a significant reduction of their culture cost. Proliferative and maturation phases of the cells were controlled by switching the medium to facilitate the evaluation of hepatocyte function, including insulin responsiveness and intracellular lipid accumulation. Gene expression analysis revealed that HLOs highly expressed genes involved in lipid metabolism. Importantly, HLOs secreted physiologically matured very low‐density lipoprotein, which is rarely observed in mice and in established cell lines. Efficient gene transduction into HLOs was achieved via a transient 2‐dimensional culture during viral infection. This study provides an invaluable platform for utilizing HLOs in various research fields, such as molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, and regenerative medicine.
Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy by Zn(II)‐Curcumin Complex: Synthesis, Characterization, DFT Calculation, Antibacterial Activity, and Molecular Docking
Authors: Kushwaha Rajesh , Rai Rohit , Gawande Vedant , Singh Virendra , Yadav Ashish Kumar , Koch Biplob , Dhar Prodyut , Banerjee Samya
Published: November 2023

The increase in antibacterial drug resistance is threatening global health conditions. Recently, antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as an effective antibacterial treatment with high cure gain. In this work, three Zn(II) complexes viz., [Zn(en)(acac)Cl] (1), [Zn(bpy)(acac)Cl] (2), [Zn(en)(cur)Cl] (3), where en=ethylenediamine (1 and 3), bpy=2,2’‐bipyridine (2), acac=acetylacetonate (1 and 2), cur=curcumin monoanionic (3) were developed as aPDT agents. Complexes 1–3 were synthesized and fully characterized using NMR, HRMS, FTIR, UV‐Vis. and fluorescence spectroscopy. The HOMO–LUMO energy gap (Eg), and adiabatic splittings (ΔS1−T1 and ΔS0−T1) obtained from DFT calculation indicated the photosensivity of the complexes. These complexes have not shown any potent antibacterial activity under dark conditions but the antibacterial activity of these complexes was significantly enhanced upon light exposure (MIC value up to 0.025 μg/mL) due to their light‐mediated 1O2 generation abilities. The molecular docking study suggested that complexes 1–3 interact efficiently with DNA gyrase B (PDB ID: 4uro). Importantly, 1–3 did not show any toxicity toward normal HEK‐293 cells. Overall, in this work, we have demonstrated the promising potential of Zn(II) complexes as effective antibacterial agents under the influence of visible light.
Professional financial advice and investor behavior during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Zhikun , Finke Michael , Blanchett David
Published: November 2023

Employees are commonly defaulted into either a homogeneous passive investment such as a target‐date fund, or into a managed account that offers personalization and access to an advisor. Higher performance among investors in target‐date funds suggests a possible behavioral benefit of a passive default that requires no active monitoring by investors. Access to a human advisor and an asset allocation matched to employee risk preferences can also help investors avoid trading after a market decline. This paper explores the relationship between trading activity and advice‐seeking behavior among 5 million US DC participants during the COVID‐19 pandemic, comparing self‐directors and target‐date fund investors to those using managed accounts service. We find participants who use target‐date funds are less likely to phone during a market crash. Participants in managed accounts are the least likely to trade after seeking advice. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that passive default can improve outcomes where active choice can harm outcomes, and personalized defaults with access to advice can help participants avoid investment mistakes.
Investigation into the performance and stability of immobilized and coated polysaccharide columns in supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Yue Lei , Yeh Madeline , Reilly John , Wang Bing , Welch Christopher J. , Phan Maria
Published: November 2023

In this study, the performance of the widely used “golden four” coated chiral stationary phases (Chiralpak AD‐3, Chiralcel OD‐3, Chiralpak AS‐3, and Chiralcel OJ‐3) was compared with their corresponding immobilized versions (Chiralpak IA‐3, Chiralpak IB‐3, Chiralpak IB N‐3, Chiralpak IH‐3, and Chiralpak IJ‐3) under supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) conditions with a set of 30 racemic compounds. Using the traditional modifiers, methanol and isopropanol, the immobilized columns (Chiralpak IB N‐3 and Chiralpak IH‐3) showed an improved general ability to successfully resolve the enantiomers of the target analytes relative to their coated versions (Chiralcel OD‐3 and Chiralpak AS‐3), while the coated columns (Chiralpak AD‐3, Chiralcel OD‐3, and Chiralcel OJ‐3) performed better than their immobilized versions (Chiralpak IA‐3, Chiralpak IB‐3, and Chiralpak IJ‐3). An investigation of the non‐traditional modifiers, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran with immobilized columns, revealed a generally decreased ability to successfully resolve the enantiomers of the target analytes, relative to the use of the traditional modifiers, methanol and isopropanol. The stability of the coated columns (Chiralpak AD‐H and Chiralcel OD‐H) was evaluated by injecting “forbidden” solvents, including dichloromethane, dimethyl sulfoxide, and tetrahydrofuran. After 200 injections of these solvents on coated columns, the retention factors and resolutions slightly decreased, and a significant increase in column backpressure was observed, indicating some degree of stationary phase degradation.
Enhancing social responsibility and resilience through entrepreneurship and digital environment
Authors: Awad Jeehan , Martín‐Rojas Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

Following the COVID‐19 pandemic, organisational resilience is key, especially for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), which must face crises and overcome the handicap of today's digital markets. We explore how corporate social responsibility (CSR), digital technologies (DTs) and corporate entrepreneurship synergistically enhance SMEs' organisational resilience, employing dynamic capabilities theory to reveal mechanisms underlying CSR, DTs and organisational resilience. We assess this synergy empirically by surveying 259 participants from Andalusia's business landscape. Theoretical and practical implications illuminate SMEs' strategic DT use to amplify CSR and resilience. Finally, we outline practical guidelines for policymakers, business leaders and entrepreneurs to foster sustainable innovative practices. Embracing CSR and entrepreneurship cultivates resilience, enabling enterprises to thrive amidst challenges and stay competitive. Our paper advances knowledge by combining CSR's and DTs' roles in developing resilience in entrepreneurship. Ultimately, recognising and harnessing CSR, DTs and entrepreneurship synergy empowers SMEs to forge resilient business environments for lasting success.
Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties of Some Copper(II) Complexes Supported by Pendant Calix[4]arene Ligands
Authors: Jäschke Astrid , Kischel Marcus , Börner Martin , Carlotto Silvia , Armelao Lidia , Luneau Dominique , Kersting Berthold
Published: November 2023

The synthesis and characterization of three new calix[4]arene ligands bearing two pendant acylhydrazone arms and some of their Cu2+ complexes, namely [Cu(L1‐2H)(MeOH)] (3), [Cu(L1’‐H)(Cl)(2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde)] (4), [Cu2(L2‐2H)2] (5) and [Cu4(L3‐2H)2(OH)2(ClO4)2] (6) are described. The ligands are obtained by simple imine condensation reactions between calix[4]arene‐1,3‐bis‐acyl‐hydrazides and the corresponding carbaldehydes. The Cu2+ ions are always situated in 5‐membered chelate rings, either in a deprotonated −O−CR=N−N=CHR (enolate) or a neutral O=CR−NH−N=CHR (keto) form. In 3 and 4 a 5‐membered chelate ring is formed through interaction of the Cu2+ ion with the naphtholato group. Additional MeOH, chlorido or naphthaldehyde ligands complete the planar (3) or square pyramidal (4) coordination spheres. The thiophenes in 5 do not interact with the Cu2+ ions and dimerization of [CuL] entities occurs to produce centrosymmetric 2 : 2 complexes with four‐coordinated Cu2+ ions. In 6, two dinuclear [Cu2(L3‐2H)(OH)] subunits are connected by μ1,3‐bridging ClO4− ions. The magnetic properties of polycrystalline samples of 5 and 6 were studied by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The χ′′(T) vs T plots indicate antiferromagnetic exchange interactions. The exchange interactions in 6 (J=−4.8 cm−1) were found to be stronger than in 5 (J=−0.54 cm−1). This is also supported by broken symmetry DFT calculations.
Refactoring BZIP2 on the new‐generation sunway supercomputer
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Yin Zekun , Tian Haodong , Wan Wubing , Hua Mengyuan , Zhao Wenlai , Huang Zhenchun , Gao Ping , Zhu Fangjin , Wang Hua , Duan Xiaohui
Published: November 2023

High‐performance computing is progressively assuming a fundamental role in advancing scientific research and engineering domains. However, the ever‐expanding scales of scientific simulations pose challenges for efficient data I/O and storage. The data compression technology has garnered significant attention as a solution to reduce data transmission and storage costs while enhancing performance. In particular, the BZIP2 lossless compression algorithm has been widely used due to its exceptional compression ratio, moderate compression speed, high reliability, and open‐source nature. This paper focuses on the design and realization of a parallelized BZIP2 algorithm tailored for deployment on the New‐Generation Sunway supercomputing platform. By leveraging the unique cache patterns of the New‐Generation Sunway processor, we propose the highly tuned multi‐threading and multi‐node implementations of the BZIP2 applications for different scenarios. Moreover, we also propose the efficient BZIP2 libraries based on the management processing element and computing processing element which support the commonly used high‐level (de)compression interfaces. The test results indicate that the our multi‐threading implementation achieves maximum speedup of 23.09 (8.57) in decompression(compression) compared to the sequential implementation. Furthermore, the multi‐node implementation achieves 50.81% (26.35%) parallel efficiency and peak performance of 16.6 GB/s (52.8 GB/s) for compression(decompression) when scaling up to 2048 processes.
On the Design of Recuperator for Transcritical Cycle Adopting CO2‐Based Mixture as Working Fluid: A Focus on Transport Properties Prediction
Authors: Doninelli Michele , Di Marcoberardino Gioele
Published: November 2023

Transcritical cycles working with CO2‐based mixtures gain considerable attention due to thermodynamic efficiency gain compared to pure sCO2 in hot environments. Previous literature works prove that the adoption of CO2 mixtures provides a reduction of the levelized cost of electricity in concentrated solar power applications and medium–high temperature heat recovery. However, for techno‐economic analysis and heat exchanger design, proper evaluation of transport properties of the CO2‐based mixtures in power cycle conditions is necessary. Herein, it deals with the analysis of the proper transport properties models for CO2 mixtures to assess their actual thermal behavior. A literature review on transport properties models, and their validation with available experimental data, proves that the friction theory is suitable for CO2 blended with dopants having high molecular complexity. The impact of the different model selection on the recuperator sizing, considering optimized power cycle conditions, is assessed on the CO2 mixtures with hexafluorobenzene and decane: The TRAPP and Chung–Lee–Starling models are imported from Aspen Plus, while the friction theory model is implemented and calibrated in an in‐house MATLAB code. The optimal design of the recuperator for the CO2 + C6F6 mixture in a 100 MWel power block coupled with a solar power plant located in Sevilla is carried out.
Association between retinal thickness and disease characteristics in adult epilepsy: A cross‐sectional OCT evaluation
Authors: Delazer Luisa , Bao Han , Lauseker Michael , Stauner Livia , Nübling Georg , Conrad Julian , Noachtar Soheyl , Havla Joachim , Kaufmann Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

Objective

Thinning of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (p‐RNFL), as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), was recently introduced as a promising marker for cerebral neuronal loss in people with epilepsy (PwE). However, its clinical implication remains to be elucidated. We thus aimed to (1) systematically characterize the extent of the retinal neuroaxonal loss in a broad spectrum of unselected PwE and (2) to evaluate the main clinical determinants.

Methods

In this prospective study, a spectral‐domain OCT evaluation was performed on 98 well‐characterized PwE and 85 healthy controls (HCs) (18–55 years of age). All inner retinal layers and the total macula volume were assessed. Group comparisons and linear regression analyses with stepwise backward selection were performed to identify relevant clinical and demographic modulators of the retinal neuroaxonal integrity.

Results

PwE (age: 33.7 ± 10.6 years; 58.2% female) revealed a significant neuroaxonal loss across all assessed retinal layers (global pRNFL, P = 0.001, Δ = 4.24 μm; macular RNFL, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.05 mm3; ganglion cell inner plexiform layer, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.11 mm3; inner nuclear layer, INL, P = 0.03, Δ = 0.02 mm3) as well as significantly reduced total macula volumes (TMV, P < 0.001, Δ = 0.18 mm3) compared to HCs (age: 31.2 ± 9.0 years; 57.6% female). The extent of retinal neuroaxonal loss was associated with the occurrence and frequency of tonic–clonic seizures and the number of antiseizure medications, and was most pronounced in male patients.

Significance

PwE presented an extensive retinal neuroaxonal loss, affecting not only the peripapillary but also macular structures. The noninvasive and economic measurement via OCT bears the potential to establish as a practical tool to inform patient management, as the extent of the retinal neuroaxonal loss reflects aspects of disease severity and sex‐specific vulnerability.

Plain Language Summary

The retina is an extension of the brain and closely connected to it. Thus, cerebral alterations like atrophy reflect also on the retinal level. This is advantageous, as the retina is easily accessible and measureable with help of the optical coherence tomography. Here we report that adults with epilepsy have a significantly thinner retina than healthy persons. Especially people with many big seizures and a lot of medications have a thinner retina. We propose that measurement of the retina can be useful as a marker of disease severity and to inform patient management.
Artificial intelligence and validity
Authors: Azzam Tarek
Published: November 2023

This article explores the interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) and validity and identifies areas where AI can help build validity arguments, and where AI might not be ready to contribute to our work in establishing validity. The validity of claims made in an evaluation is critical to the field, since it highlights the strengths and limitations of findings and can contribute to the utilization of the evaluation. Within this article, validity will be discussed within two broad categories: quantitative validity and qualitative trustworthiness. Within these categories, there are multiple types of validity, including internal validity, measurement validity, establishing trustworthiness, and credibility, to name a few. Each validity type will be discussed within the context of AI, examining if and how AI can be leveraged (or not) to help establish a specific validity type, or where it might not be possible for AI (in its current form) to contribute to the development of a validity argument. Multiple examples will be provided throughout the article to highlight the concepts introduced.
Dealing with haemorrhagic diarrhoea in dogs
Authors: Hall Ed
Published: November 2023

Background:Canine acute diarrhoea is a common presentation in small animal practice, but most cases are self‐limiting and require no treatment except correction of any dehydration. However, the presence of bloody diarrhoea indicates the condition is more severe and may require diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The syndrome haemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) has been renamed as acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS), but its cause is still debated, and indeed there are numerous potential causes of haemorrhagic diarrhoea other than the idiopathic HGE/AHDS syndrome.

Aim of the article:This article will explore the potential causes and the treatment of haemorrhagic diarrhoea and the emerging evidence that antimicrobials are not necessarily indicated.
Adolescent coping and social media use moderated anxiety change during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Myruski Sarah , Pérez‐Edgar Koraly , Buss Kristin A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Adolescence is a sensitive period during which stressors and social disruptions uniquely contribute to anxiety symptoms. Adolescent's coping strategies (i.e., avoidance and approach) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic may be differentially related to anxiety symptom changes. Further, social media use (SMU) is ubiquitous and may serve as an avenue to deploy avoidant and/or approach coping.

Method

Participants included 265 adolescents (ages 12–20 years; 55.8% female, 43.8% male) and one parent per adolescent. At two time points separated by ~6 months, adolescents reported on SMU and coping strategies, and parents and adolescents reported demographic information and adolescents’ anxiety symptoms. Data were collected online in the United States, from summer 2020 through spring 2021.

Results

Increases in avoidant coping predicted increasing anxiety, particularly when approach coping decreased. Decreases in both avoidant coping and SMU coincided with decreasing anxiety. Older adolescents showed decreasing anxiety when avoidant coping declined and SMU increased.

Conclusion

Coping strategies and SMU predicted patterns of adolescent anxiety symptom change across 6 months during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Results highlight that coping and SMU should be contextualized within the time course of stressors.
Tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits M2 polarization of macrophages by suppressing CXCL1 expression
Authors: Wu Huijie , Jiang Nan , Li Jiajia , Jin Quanshan , Jin Jiayu , Guo Jieyu , Wei Xiangxiang , Wang Xinhong , Yao Liangqing , Meng Dan , Zhi Xiuling
Published: November 2023

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the M2‐type TAMs can promote tumor growth, invasion and angiogenesis, and suppress antitumor immune responses. It has been reported that spectrin beta, non‐erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) may inhibit the infiltration of macrophages in Sptbn1+/− mouse liver, but whether tumor SPTBN1 affects TAMs polarization remains unclear. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of tumor cell SPTBN1 on polarization and migration of TAMs in hepatoma and breast cancer. By analyzing tumor immune databases, we found a negative correlation between SPTBN1 and abundance of macrophages and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. By reverse transcription–quantitative real‐time PCR assays and cell migration assays, the migration and M2 polarization of macrophages were enhanced by the culture medium from hepatocellular carcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 with SPTBN1 suppression, which could be reversed by CXCL1 neutralizing antibody MAB275. Meanwhile, the ability of migration and colony formation of PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and MDA‐MB‐231 cells were promoted when coculture with M2 macrophages. We also found that SPTBN1 regulated CXCL1 through p65 by cytoplasmic‐nuclear protein isolation experiments and ChIP‐qPCR. Our data suggest that tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits migration and M2‐type polarization of TAMs by reducing the expression and secretion of CXCL1 via inhibiting p65 nuclear localization.
Drought variability, changes and hot spots across the African continent during the historical period (1928–2017)
Authors: Tall Moustapha , Sylla Mouhamadou Bamba , Dajuma Alima , Almazroui Mansour , Houteta Djan'na Koubodana , Klutse Nana Ama Browne , Dosio Alessandro , Lennard Christopher , Driouech Fatima , Diedhiou Arona , Giorgi Filippo
Published: November 2023

The spatiotemporal variability of meteorological droughts, its changes and hot spots location across Africa are analysed for the period spanning 1928–2017 using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) applied to the precipitation products from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU), University of Delaware (UDEL) and Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC). Spatially, an analysis based on rotational empirical orthogonal function identifies five regions of similar drought variability, namely the Sahel, East Africa, East Southern Africa, West Southern Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Temporally, the most common periods of drought occurrence are the 1970s, the 1980s and, to a lesser extent, the 1990s. Changes in drought characteristics for the intermediate past (1958–1987) and recent past (1988–2017) compared to the far past (1928–1957) indicate robust increases of drought duration, frequency and severity in the Sahel, and to a lower extent in the Gulf of Guinea, some areas of Central Africa, part of Southern Africa and over Madagascar. These changes are stronger (weaker) along the Sahel during the intermediate past (recent past) and stronger (weaker) over Central and Southern Africa and Madagascar during the recent past (intermediate past). As a consequence, drought hot spots, mostly driven by severity during the regions' wet season, are identified in areas confined in the Sahel during the intermediate past and in regions mainly over Central and Southern Africa and Madagascar during the recent past. Our results are useful for drought disaster risk management across Africa and provide a valuable reference for future drought analysis under global warming conditions.
Machine learning methods applied to combined Raman and LIBS spectra: Implications for mineral discrimination in planetary missions
Authors: Julve‐Gonzalez Sofía , Manrique Jose A. , Veneranda Marco , Reyes‐Rodríguez Iván , Pascual‐Sanchez Elena , Sanz‐Arranz Aurelio , Konstantinidis Menelaos , Lalla Emmanuel A. , Charro María E. , Rodriguez‐Gutiez Eduardo , Lopez‐Rodríguez José M. , Sanz‐Requena José F. , Delgado‐Iglesias Jaime , Gonzalez Manuel A. , Rull Fernando , Lopez‐Reyes Guillermo
Published: November 2023

The combined analysis of geological targets by complementary spectroscopic techniques could enhance the characterization of the mineral phases found on Mars. This is indeed the case with the SuperCam instrument onboard the Perseverance rover. In this framework, the present study seeks to evaluate and compare multiple machine learning techniques for the characterization of carbonate minerals based on Raman‐LIBS (Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) spectroscopic data. To do so, a Ca‐Mg prediction curve was created by mixing hydromagnesite and calcite at different concentration ratios. After their characterization by Raman and LIBS spectroscopy, different multivariable machine learning (Gaussian process regression, support vector machines, ensembles of trees, and artificial neural networks) were used to predict the concentration ratio of each sample from their respective datasets. The results obtained by separately analyzing Raman and LIBS data were then compared to those obtained by combining them. By comparing their performance, this work demonstrates that mineral discrimination based on Gaussian and ensemble methods optimized the combine of Raman‐LIBS dataset outperformed those ensured by Raman and LIBS data alone. This demonstrated that the fusion of data combination and machine learning is a promising approach to optimize the analysis of spectroscopic data returned from Mars.
PLEK2 mediates metastasis and invasion via α5‐nAChR activation in nicotine‐induced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Jingtan , Wang Jingting , Wang Jing , Lu Tong , Jia Yanfei , Sun Haiji , Ma Xiaoli
Published: November 2023

Evidence has shown a strong relationship between smoking and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). α5‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α5‐nAChR) contributes to nicotine‐induced lung cancer cell EMT. The cytoskeleton‐associated protein PLEK2 is mainly involved in cytoskeletal protein recombination and cell stretch migration regulation, which is closely related to EMT. However, little is known about the link between nicotine/α5‐nAChR and PLEK2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we identified a link between α5‐nAChR and PLEK2 in LUAD. α5‐nAChR expression was correlated with PLEK2 expression, smoking status and lower survival in vivo. α5‐nAChR mediated nicotine‐induced PLEK2 expression via STAT3. α5‐nAChR/PLEK2 signaling is involved in LUAD cell migration, invasion and stemness. Moreover, PLEK2 was found to interact with CFL1 in nicotine‐induced EMT in LUAD cells. Furthermore, the functional link among α5‐nAChR, PLEK2 and CFL1 was confirmed in mouse xenograft tissues and human LUAD tissues. These findings reveal a novel α5‐nAChR/PLEK2/CFL1 pathway involved in nicotine‐induced LUAD progression.
Femtosecond‐laser micromachining fork gratings in LN crystal with different mechanisms
Authors: Liu Jixin , Zhang Hangjiang , Ai Siwen , Yang Quanxin , Liu Hongliang
Published: November 2023

In this work, we used femtosecond‐laser direct writing to fabricate two kinds of modified structures with opposite refractive‐index changes to build fork‐grating configurations in z‐cut LiNbO3 (LN) crystals. Experimental and simulation results indicate that the fork grating combined with the modified area of the refractive index increased and refractive index decreased produces a more effective diffraction effect at 532 nm. The diffraction results of these fork gratings have been investigated. Compared with the fork grating only with the refractive‐index‐decreased filaments, when the incident beam is at transverse magnetic, transverse electric, and circular polarizations, the diffraction efficiency is improved by 5.3%, 4.3%, and 9.6%, respectively. Our work provides a new perspective for improving the diffraction efficiency of fork gratings in LN crystals.
Can we use machine learning to improve the interpretation and application of urodynamic data?: ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Gammie Andrew , Arlandis Salvador , Couri Bruna M. , Drinnan Michael , Carolina Ochoa D. , Rantell Angie , de Rijk Mathijs , van Steenbergen Thomas , Damaser Margot
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A “Think Tank” at the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting held in Bristol, United Kingdom in June 2023 considered the progress and promise of machine learning (ML) applied to urodynamic data.

Methods

Examples of the use of ML applied to data from uroflowmetry, pressure flow studies and imaging were presented. The advantages and limitations of ML were considered. Recommendations made during the subsequent debate for research studies were recorded.

Results

ML analysis holds great promise for the kind of data generated in urodynamic studies. To date, ML techniques have not yet achieved sufficient accuracy for routine diagnostic application. Potential approaches that can improve the use of ML were agreed and research questions were proposed.

Conclusions

ML is well suited to the analysis of urodynamic data, but results to date have not achieved clinical utility. It is considered likely that further research can improve the analysis of the large, multifactorial data sets generated by urodynamic clinics, and improve to some extent data pattern recognition that is currently subject to observer error and artefactual noise.
The impact of metabolic disorders on management of periodontal health in children
Authors: Zhang Yunyan , He Tong‐Chuan , Zhang Hongmei
Published: November 2023

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by plaque biofilm which shares risk factors with systemic chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. Many studies have found increased prevalence and rate of progression of periodontal disease in children with common metabolic disorders. Although the causal relationship and specific mechanism between them has not been determined yet. The aim of this paper is to progress on the impact of metabolic disorders on periodontal health in children and the underlying mechanisms, which provides new evidences for the prevention and intervention of metabolic disorders and periodontitis in children.
Renewable thermoplastic starch/sugar alcohol blends and their oxygen barrier application
Authors: Xu Hong‐juan , Mei Han‐fang , Chen Wei‐xing , Ma Ning , Yeh Jen‐taut
Published: November 2023

Fully renewable oxygen barrier thermoplastic starch (TPS)/sugar alcohol blown films were innovatively prepared by blending proper loadings of Erythritol (ET), Sorbitol (ST), and Lactitol (LT) and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) assistance. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values of the properly prepared scCO2TPSxETy, scCO2TPSxSTy, and scCO2TPSxLTy films reduced to 4.3, 6.6, and 12.5 cm3/m2∙day∙atm, which are about 5–28 times smaller than those of the conventional TPS films reported in the literature. The free‐volume‐cavity characteristics (FVCC) and OTR detected for TPSxETy (or scCO2TPSxETy), TPSxSTy (or scCO2TPSxSTy), and TPSxLTy (or scCO2TPSxLTy) films diminished to a minimum, as their ET, ST and LT loadings came near an optimal value. Slightly smaller OTR and FVCC values were detected for scCO2TPSxETy, scCO2TPSxSTy, and scCO2TPSxLTy films than those of corresponding TPSxETy, TPSxSTy, and TPSxLTy films prepared without scCO2‐assistance. The smallest OTR and FVCC detected for the properly prepared TPSxETy (or scCO2TPSxETy), TPSxSTy (or scCO2TPSxSTy), and TPSxLTy (or scCO2TPSxLTy) films diminished with decreasing sugar alcohol's molecular weight. An essential result is that the OTR of the properly prepared scCO2TPSxETy film was merely 4.3 cm3/m2∙day∙atm, which is small enough to meet the demand of high oxygen barrier packaging application. Dynamic molecular relaxations detected for these films disclosed that ET, ST, and LT were compatible with TPS, as their loads were ≤ the optimum value. The distinctly reduced OTR and FVCC for these properly prepared films are partially attributed to the reinforced molecular interactions between sugar alcohol and TPS's hydroxyl groups when they were prepared with scCO2‐assistance, optimal sugar alcohol loading, and/or smaller sugar alcohol's molecular weight.

Highlights

High oxygen barrier thermoplastic starch/sugar alcohol blown films were prepared.

The lowest oxygen transmission rate of the renewable film was 4.3 cm3/m2∙day∙atm.

This oxygen transmission rate is qualified for high oxygen barrier application.

Boosted oxygen barrier property was ascribed to the reduced free volume values.
Synthesis and degradation of the cyclic dinucleotide messenger c‐di‐AMP in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus yayanosii
Authors: Jin Zheng , Song Dong , Wang Wei‐Wei , Feng Lei , Li Zheng‐Xin , Chen Hai‐Feng , Xiao Xiang , Liu Xi‐Peng
Published: November 2023

Cyclic di‐adenosine monophosphate (c‐di‐AMP) is a newly identified prokaryotic cyclic dinucleotide second messenger well elucidated in bacteria, while less studied in archaea. Here, we describe the enzymes involved in c‐di‐AMP metabolism in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus yayanosii. Our results demonstrate that c‐di‐AMP is synthesized from two molecules of ATP by diadenylate cyclase (DAC) and degraded into pApA and then to AMP by a DHH family phosphodiesterase (PDE). DAC can be activated by a wider variety of ions, using two conserved residues, D188 and E244, to coordinate divalent metal ions, which is different from bacterial CdaA and DisA. PDE possesses a broad substrate spectrum like bacterial DHH family PDEs but shows a stricter base selection between A and G in cyclic dinucleotides hydrolysis. PDE shows differences in substrate binding patches from bacterial counterparts. C‐di‐AMP was confirmed to exist in Thermococcus kodakarensis cells, and the deletion of the dac or pde gene supports that the synthesis and degradation of c‐di‐AMP are catalyzed by DAC and PDE, respectively. Our results provide a further understanding of the metabolism of c‐di‐AMP in archaea.
Current Enhancement of Ultrathin GaAs Solar Cells with Rear Light Scattering Structures Using Block Copolymers
Authors: Tsuchida Ryoya , Watanabe Kentaroh , Asami Meita , Nakano Yoshiaki , Sugiyama Masakazu
Published: November 2023

Ultrathin GaAs solar cells have gained attention because they are cost‐effective and exhibit high carrier‐collection efficiency and open‐circuit voltage compared with cells with thicker absorber layers. However, ultrathin GaAs solar cells have a low current density due to their thin light‐absorbing layers. To improve the photoabsorption of ultrathin GaAs solar cells, light‐trapping structures with textured front or rear surfaces are necessary, and easy methods for fabricating textured structures are required. In this study, a new method to create light‐scattering textured surfaces using block copolymers is developed. This method only requires spin coating, annealing, and wet etching, making it easily applicable to large‐area devices such as solar cells. An ultrathin GaAs solar cell is fabricated with a rear‐textured structure using block copolymers as masks for wet etching. The results demonstrate that the short‐circuit current density is enhanced by 1.39 mA cm−2, which improves the energy conversion efficiency by 0.71 percentage points compared with a reference cell without a rear‐textured structure.