bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe Cluster Modified Co9S8 Heterojunction: Highly Efficient Photoelectrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting and Flexible Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Nan , Chen Di , Ning Shunlian , Lao Jiayu , Xu Jinchang , Luo Mi , Zhang Weiping , Chen Jian , Yang Muzi , Xie Fangyan , Jin Yanshuo , Sun Shuhui , Meng Hui
Published: November 2023

Designing bifunctional low‐cost photo‐assisted electrocatalysts for converting solar and electric energy into hydrogen energy remains a huge challenge. Herein, a heterojunction (Fe cluster modified Co9S8 loaded on carbon nanotubes, Co9S8‐Fe@CNT) for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is demonstrated. Benefiting from the good electronic conductivity and spatial confinement of the carbon skeleton, as well as the electronic structure regulation of the Fe cluster, Co9S8‐Fe@CNT exhibits excellent catalytic performance with a low overpotential of 150 mV for OER and 135 mV for HER at 10 mA cm−2. Upon light irradiation, holes and electrons are generated in the valence band and conduction band of the Co9S8, respectively. Part of the charges are transferred to the interface to facilitate the catalytic reaction, while the remaining are transferred by the electrode. When working as a bifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting, the performance can reach 1.33 V at under light conditions, which is significantly better than 1.52 V in a dark environment. Theoretical calculations revealed lowered Gibbs free energy (∆GH*) of the heterojunction with the effect of Fe modification of Co9S8. This work sheds a new light in designing novel photoelectrochemical materials to convert solar and electric energy into chemical energy.
Enabling Ultralow‐Temperature (−70 °C) Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Advanced Electrolytes Utilizing Weak‐Solvation and Low‐Viscosity Nitrile Cosolvent
Authors: Luo Laibing , Chen Kean , Chen Hui , Li Hui , Cao Ruoyu , Feng Xiangming , Chen Weihua , Fang Yongjin , Cao Yuliang
Published: November 2023

Low‐temperature performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) has always posed a significant challenge, limiting their wide application in cold environments. In this work, the high‐performance LIBs working under ultralow‐temperature conditions, which is achieved by employing the weak‐solvation and low‐viscosity isobutyronitrile as a cosolvent to tame the affinity between solvents and lithium ions, is reported. The as‐prepared electrolytes exhibit a sufficiently high conductivity (1.152 mS cm−1) at −70 °C. The electrolytes enable LiCoO2 cathode and graphite anode to achieve high Coulombic efficiency of >99.9% during long‐term cycling at room temperature, and to respectively achieve 75.8% and 100.0% of their room‐temperature capacities at −40 °C. Even the LiCoO2//graphite pouch cells can retain 68.7% of the room‐temperature capacity when discharged at −70 °C, and present stable cycling performance at −40 and 60 °C. This work provides a solution for the development of advanced electrolytes to enable LIBs working at wide‐temperatures range.
Visible to NIR‐II Photoluminescence of Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Liu Zhongyu , Luo Lianshun , Jin Rongchao
Published: November 2023

Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a new class of precision materials and attracted wide interest in recent years. One of the unique properties of such nanoclusters pertains to their photoluminescence (PL), for it can widely span visible to near‐infrared–I and –II wavelengths (NIR‐I/II), and even beyond 1700 nm by manipulating the size, structure, and composition. The current research efforts focus on the structure–PL correlation and the development of strategies for raising the PL quantum yields, which is nontrivial when moving from the visible to the near‐infrared wavelengths, especially in the NIR–II regions. This review summarizes the recent progress in the field, including i) the types of PL observed in gold NCs such as fluorescence, phosphorescence, and thermally activated delayed fluorescence, as well as dual emission; ii) some effective strategies that are devised to improve the PL quantum yield (QY) of gold NCs, such as heterometal doping, surface rigidification, and core phonon engineering, with double‐digit QYs for the NIR PL on the horizons; and iii) the applications of luminescent gold NCs in bioimaging, photosensitization, and optoelectronics. Finally, the remaining challenges and opportunities for future research are highlighted.
A Self‐Decoupled and High‐Resolution 2D Displacement Sensor Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Manipulator Precision Positioning
Authors: He Qingkai , Feng Xiaoli , Xu Zhenlong , Sun Shenyu , Meng Aihua , Zhang Xueting , Meng Qinghua , Liu Jingbiao , Liu Chaoran , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2023

2D displacement sensor (2DDS) is significant in precision manufacturing positioning, machine condition monitoring, robotic manipulation, and human–computer interaction system. However, the reported 2DDSs have severe limitations, such as low accuracy, poor decoupling, and lack of smart signal analysis. Herein, a self‐decoupled and high‐resolution 2DDS based on two freestanding triboelectric nanogenerators (F‐TENGs) is presented. This sensor achieves self‐decoupling by two orthogonal and independent 1D displacement sensors with low‐cost grating‐structured PCB. The test results of the sensor exhibit a high accuracy ≥99.06% (1D) and 98.94% (2D). Also, the experimental and simulation results demonstrate that this sensor has a high resolution of 200 µm and the function of initial position identification. A 2D displacement sensing system is developed that is capable of collecting F‐TENGs’ open‐circuit voltages in real‐time and performing 2D trajectory synthesis and display. This work expands the potential application of the TENG‐based 2DDS in robotic precision machining.
Layer Engineered MXene Empowered Wearable Pressure Sensors for Non‐Invasive Vital Human–Machine Interfacing Healthcare Monitoring
Authors: Mohapatra Debananda , Byun Jeong Eun , Ansari Mohd Zahid , Kim Haekyoung , Cheon Taehoon , Jang Jongmoon , Cho Young‐Rae , Lee Jung Woo , Kim Soo‐Hyun
Published: November 2023

Pressure sensors with high flexibility and sensitivity face significant challenges in meeting the delicate balance and synergy among suitable active sensing electrode materials, substrates, and their device geometry design. In this contribution, layer‐engineered delaminated Ti‐MXene (DL‐Ti3C2Tx) is introduced, which has relatively wider interlayer spacing through intercalated large organic molecules and accordion‐like open internal microstructure than the narrower pristine Ti3C2Tx MXene (Ti‐MXene), graphene/carbon nanotube's interlayer spacing suitably fulfill the high sensitivity and flexibility requirement through accessible electronic pathways under the external pressure. Notably, a milder in‐situ ambient condition etching is performed to eliminate the associated safety risks for a flexible personal healthcare monitoring pressure sensor. DL‐Ti3C2Tx MXene‐empowered, flexible pressure sensor demonstrates a broad range of sensitivities up to a very high‐pressure of 20.8 kPa at a sensitivity of 242.3 kPa−1 with a fast response and recovery time (<300 ms). A twofold increase in pressure sensitivity performance of DL‐Ti3C2Tx MXene than that of Ti‐MXene, graphene can be attributed to the engineered wider interlayer distance among the delaminated DL‐Ti3C2Tx MXene layers causing a facile interlayer atomic movements, contacts, and reversible compressibility. The current economical, scalable DL‐Ti3C2Tx MXene flexible pressure sensor can provide future safe personal healthcare artificial intelligence with real‐time tracking ability.
Field Manipulation of Band Properties in Infrared Spectra of Thin Films
Authors: Hinrichs Karsten , Shetty Naveen , Kubatkin Sergey , Malmberg Per , Lara-Avila Samuel , Furchner Andreas , Rappich Jörg
Published: November 2023

This comprehensive optical study analyzes field manipulations of bands in infrared (IR) spectra of thin films and functional surfaces for varying measurement and sample conditions. Band variations related to the materials dielectric functions, the measurement geometry, the film thickness as well as the direction dependence of the probing electromagnetic fields are demonstrated. Examples are discussed for isotropic polymer films (≈200 nm polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA]) on gold and silicon as well as an anisotropic hydrogen monolayer on a Si(111) surface, characterized by IR–attenuated total reflection, IR microscopy, and incidence‐angle‐dependent IR polarimetry. Even for fixed optical material properties, significant manipulations of band frequency and shape (shifts up to ≈14 cm−1 for PMMA, up to ≈3 cm−1 for H–Si) occur in not only polarization‐dependent but also unpolarized spectra. The shown data underline that polarimetric measurements and optical analyses are essential for a detailed interpretation of band shapes.
On‐Chip Arrayed Waveguide Grating Fabricated on Thin‐Film Lithium Niobate
Authors: Wang Zhe , Fang Zhiwei , Liu Zhaoxiang , Liang Youting , Liu Jian , Yu Jianping , Huang Ting , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Haisu , Wang Min , Cheng Ya
Published: November 2023

Herein, an on‐chip 8‐channel thin‐film lithium niobate (TFLN) arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) is designed and the device is fabricated using photolithography‐assisted chemo‐mechanical etching technique. The transmission of the fabricated TFLN AWG near the central wavelength of 1550 nm is experimentally measured. An on‐chip loss as low as 3.32 dB, a single‐channel bandwidth of 1.6 nm, and a total‐channel bandwidth of 12.8 nm are obtained. The cross talk between adjacent channels is measured to be below −3.83 dB within the wavelength range from 1543 to 1558 nm, and the cross talk between nonadjacent channels is below −15 dB.
SnSe2/NiSe2@N‐Doped Carbon Yolk‐Shell Heterostructure Construction and Selenium Vacancies Engineering for Ultrastable Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Li Huan , He Yanyan , Wang Qian , Gu Shaonan , Wang Lu , Yu Juxin , Zhou Guowei , Xu Liqiang
Published: November 2023

Tin diselenide, a promising anode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), still faces sluggish Na+ diffusion kinetics and severe volume change, resulting in undesirable cycling stability and rate capability. Heterostructure construction is an effective strategy for boosting Na+ storage of SnSe2. Herein, an appealing yolk‐shell nanostructure of SnSe2/NiSe2 heterointerface with rich Se vacancies embedded into N‐doped carbon (SnSe2/NiSe2@NC) is precisely designed through a facile hydrothermal process followed by a selenization strategy. The experimental studies coupled with theoretical calculations results verify that the heterostructure interfaces and Se vacancies accelerate the charge and Na+ transfer efficiency, improve Na+ adsorption energy and supply ample active sites. The yolk‐shell nanostructure and N‐doped carbon buffer the volume variation and improve the structural stability of the electrode material during sodium storage processes. The SnSe2/NiSe2@NC delivers ultra‐long term cycling stability (322.7 mAh g−1 after 7500 cycles at 3 A g−1) and exceptional rate capability (314.6 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1). The Na‐ion storage mechanism of SnSe2/NiSe2@NC is explored through in situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. The present work provides an effective avenue to the rational design of heterostructure anode materials for high efficiency SIBs.
Parental selection proposal strategy for recurrent selection in tropical wheat breeding
Authors: Signorini Victor Silva , e Silva Caique Machado , Lima Gabriel Wolter , Vieira Eduardo Filipe Torres , Mezzomo Henrique Caletti , Casagrande Cleiton Renato , Nardino Maicon
Published: November 2023

Recurrent selection is an effective breeding method for improving complex traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding. In this study, we propose a genitor selection strategy, employing a multi‐trait selection approach and genetic diversity analysis. To evaluate our proposed method, we conducted a lattice design trial during the winter seasons of 2020 and 2021 in Viçosa, MG, Brazil, comprising 87 lines and 13 commercial cultivars. It assessed various traits such as plant height, days to heading, wheat leaf rust, tan spot of wheat, a hundred grain mass, hectoliter weight, and grain yield, and the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) was obtained for each trait via restricted maximum likelihood. Next, a genotypic distance matrix, derived from principal component analysis using the BLUP values, was computed to perform hierarchical clustering via the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. The selection of superior genotypes was made utilizing the multi‐trait genotype‐ideotype distance index, resulting in the identification of eight lines and two commercial cultivars as candidates. Furthermore, the genetic diversity analysis revealed distinct clusters among the selected genotypes. To assess the divergence of the chosen genitors, this study proposes a complementarity matrix using factor analysis. Our results indicate that this selection strategy effectively directed the identification of the best and divergent genitors. The complementarity matrix developed in this paper to evaluate the crossings proposal can also be used to evaluate combinations in any panel selected via a multi‐trait approach and can be easily applied and interpreted by breeders of various programs.
Phenotypic heterogeneity associated with KIF21A: Two new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Bhola Priya T. , Mishra Radha , Posey Jennifer E. , Hamilton Leslie E. , Graham Gail E. , Punetha Jaya ,   Care4Rare Canada Consortium, Lupski James R. , Boycott Kym M. , D'Amours Damien , Kernohan Kristin D.
Published: November 2023

Our understanding of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity associated with the clinical spectrum of rare diseases continues to expand. Thorough phenotypic descriptions and model organism functional studies are valuable tools in dissecting the biology of the disease process. Kinesin genes are well known to be associated with specific disease phenotypes and a subset of kinesin genes, including KIF21A, have been associated with more than one disease. Here we report two patients with KIF21A variants identified by exome sequencing; one with biallelic variants, supporting a novel KIF21A related syndrome with recessive inheritance and the second report of this condition, and another with a heterozygous de novo variant allele representing a phenotypic expansion of the condition described to date. We provide detailed phenotypic information on both families, including a novel neuropathology finding of neuroaxonal dystrophy associated with biallelic variants in KIF21A. Additionally, we studied the dominant variant in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to assess variant pathogenicity and found that this variant appears to impair protein function. KIF21A associated disease has mounting evidence for phenotypic heterogeneity; further patients and study of an allelic series are required to define the phenotypic spectrum and further explore the molecular etiology for each of these conditions.
Relative Contributions of Mixed Pathologies to Cognitive and Functional Symptoms in Brain Donors Exposed to Repetitive Head Impacts
Authors: Saltiel Nicole , Tripodis Yorghos , Menzin Talia , Olaniyan Aliyah , Baucom Zach , Yhang Eukyung , Palmisano Joseph N. , Martin Brett , Uretsky Madeline , Nair Evan , Abdolmohammadi Bobak , Shah Arsal , Nicks Raymond , Nowinski Christopher , Cantu Robert C. , Daneshvar Daniel H. , Dwyer Brigid , Katz Douglas I. , Stern Robert A. , Alvarez Victor E. , Huber Bertrand , Boyle Patricia A. , Schneider Julie A. , Mez Jesse , McKee Ann C. , Alosco Michael L. , Stein Thor D.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) is associated with later‐life cognitive symptoms and neuropathologies, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Cognitive decline in community cohorts is often due to multiple pathologies; however, the frequency and contributions of these pathologies to cognitive impairment in people exposed to RHI are unknown. Here, we examined the relative contributions of 13 neuropathologies to cognitive symptoms and dementia in RHI‐exposed brain donors.

Methods

Neuropathologists examined brain tissue from 571 RHI‐exposed donors and assessed for the presence of 13 neuropathologies, including CTE, Alzheimer disease (AD), Lewy body disease (LBD), and transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) inclusions. Cognitive status was assessed by presence of dementia, Functional Activities Questionnaire, and Cognitive Difficulties Scale. Spearman rho was calculated to assess intercorrelation of pathologies. Additionally, frequencies of pathological co‐occurrence were compared to a simulated distribution assuming no intercorrelation. Logistic and linear regressions tested associations between neuropathologies and dementia status and cognitive scale scores.

Results

The sample age range was 18–97 years (median = 65.0, interquartile range = 46.0–76.0). Of the donors, 77.2% had at least one moderate–severe neurodegenerative or cerebrovascular pathology. Stage III–IV CTE was the most common neurodegenerative disease (43.1%), followed by TDP‐43 pathology, AD, and hippocampal sclerosis. Neuropathologies were intercorrelated, and there were fewer unique combinations than expected if pathologies were independent (p < 0.001). The greatest contributors to dementia were AD, neocortical LBD, hippocampal sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and CTE.

Interpretation

In this sample of RHI‐exposed brain donors with wide‐ranging ages, multiple neuropathologies were common and correlated. Mixed neuropathologies, including CTE, underlie cognitive impairment in contact sport athletes. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:314–324
Correspondence between Electrostatics and Contact Mechanics with Further Results in Equilibrium Charge Distributions
Authors: Batle Josep , Vlasiuk Oleksandr , Ciftja Orion
Published: November 2023

It is common in mesoscopic systems to find instances where several charges interact among themselves. These particles are usually confined by an external potential that shapes the symmetry of the equilibrium charge configuration. In the case of classical charges moving on a plane and repelling each other via the Coulomb potential, they possess a ground state à la Thomson or Wigner crystal. As the number of particles N increases, the number of local minima grows exponentially and direct or heuristic optimization methods become prohibitively costly. Therefore the only feasible approximation to the problem is to treat the system in the continuum limit. Since the underlying framework is provided by potential theory, we shall by‐pass the corresponding mathematical formalism and list the most common cases found in the literature. Then we prove a (albeit known) mathematical correspondence that will enable us to re‐discover analytical results in electrostatics. In doing so, we shall provide different methods for finding the equilibrium surface density of charges, analytical and numerical. Additionally, new systems of confined charges in three‐dimensional surfaces will be under scrutiny. Finally, we shall highlight exact results regarding a modified power‐law Coulomb potential in the d‐dimensional ball, thus generalizing the existing literature.
Embedding Hydrogen Atom Transfer Moieties in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalytic C−H Functionalization
Authors: Pang Huaji , Liu Gang , Huang Dekang , Zhu Yanqiu , Zhao Xiaodong , Wang Wanqin , Xiang Yonggang
Published: November 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts for a wide range of relatively simple organic reactions, whereas their application in complex organic transformations, like site‐selective functionalization of unactivated C−H bonds, is underexplored, which can be mainly attributed to the lack of highly active organophotocatalytic cores. Herein through bonding oxygen atoms at the N‐terminus of quinolines in nonsubstituted quinoline‐linked COFs (NQ−COFs), we successfully realized the embedding of active hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) moieties into the skeleton of COFs. This novel designed COF (NQ−COFE5−O), serving as both an excellent photosensitizer and HAT catalyst, exhibited much higher efficiency in C−H functionalization than the corresponding NQ−COFE5. Specially, we evaluated the photocatalytic performance of NQ−COFE5−O on ten different substrates, including quinolines, benzothiazole, and benzoxazole, all of which were transferred to desired products in moderate to high yields (up to 93 %). Furthermore, the as‐synthesized NQ−COFE5−O displayed excellent photostability and could be reused with negligible loss of activity for five catalytic cycles.
Metal‐DNA Nanocomplexes Enhance Chemo‐dynamic Therapy by Inhibiting Autophagy‐Mediated Resistance
Authors: Gu Chao , Liu Xueliang , Luo Lei , Chen Jingqi , Zhou Xiao , Chen Ganghui , Huang Xin , Yu Lu , Chen Qian , Yang Yu , Yang Yang
Published: November 2023

Chemo‐dynamic therapy (CDT) based on the Fenton or Fenton‐like reaction has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, autophagy‐mediated self‐protection mechanisms of cancer cells pose a significant challenge to the efficacy of CDT. Herein, we developed metal‐DNA nanocomplexes (DACs‐Mn) to enhance CDT via DNAzyme inhibition of autophagy. Specifically, Mn‐based catalyst in DACs‐Mn was used to generate highly hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) that kill cancer cells, while the ATG5 DNAzyme incorporated into DACs‐Mn inhibited the expression of autophagy‐associated proteins, thereby improving the efficacy of CDT. By disrupting the self‐protective pathway of cells under severe oxidative stress, this novel approach of DACs‐Mn was found to synergistically enhance CDT in both in vitro and in vivo models, effectively amplifying tumor‐specific oxidative damage. Notably, the Metal‐DNA nanocomplexes can also induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby inhibiting tumor metastasis. Specifically, in a bilateral tumor model in mice, the combined approach of CDT and autophagy inhibition followed by immune checkpoint blockade therapy shown significant potential as a novel and effective treatment modality for primary and metastatic tumors.
Exploitation of Catalytic Dyads by Short Peptide‐Based Nanotubes for Enantioselective Covalent Catalysis
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Goswami Surashree , Singh Priyanshu , Das Dibyendu
Published: November 2023

Extant enzymes with precisely arranged multiple residues in their three‐dimensional binding pockets are capable of exhibiting remarkable stereoselectivity towards a racemic mixture of substrates. However, how early protein folds that possibly featured short peptide fragments facilitated enantioselective catalytic transformations important for the emergence of homochirality still remains an intriguing open question. Herein, enantioselective hydrolysis was shown by short peptide‐based nanotubes that could exploit multiple solvent‐exposed residues to create chiral binding grooves to covalently interact and subsequently hydrolyse one enantiomer preferentially from a racemic pool. Single or double‐site chiral mutations led to opposite but diminished and even complete loss of enantioselectivities, suggesting the critical roles of the binding enthalpies from the precise localization of the active site residues, despite the short sequence lengths. This work underpins the enantioselective catalytic prowess of short peptide‐based folds and argues their possible role in the emergence of homochiral chemical inventory.
Effects of uniaxial tensile strain on the release of small molecules from silicone rubber
Authors: Du Yongcan , Mefford O. Thompson
Published: November 2023

Silicone rubber materials may be subject to mechanical strains which can affect the transport properties of small molecules loaded in the materials such as plasticizers and active molecules, hence deteriorating their intended mechanical properties or affecting their performance as carriers of active molecules. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of mechanical strains on transport of small molecules in the silicone rubber matrix. In this work, silicone rubber sheets loaded with 2 wt% triacetin were stretched and held at four different lengths up to 125% engineering strain. The mass transfer coefficients and diffusion coefficients of triacetin in the strained silicone rubber were determined by monitoring the release of triacetin using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. It was found that there was no significant change of diffusion coefficient as the applied strain increased, which might result from two microstructure changes that had conflicting effects on diffusion: chain orientation and free volume deformation.
Quality parameters for the medicinal plant Drosera rotundifolia L.: A new approach with established techniques
Authors: Gerschler Sandy , Neumann Niclas , Schultze Nadin , Guenther Sebastian , Schulze Christian
Published: November 2023

Monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) are the basis for quality control of medicinal plants and therefore important to ensure the consistency, quality, safety, and efficacy of phytopharmaceuticals. The traditional medicinal plant sundew (Drosera sp.) has disappeared from therapy due to nature conservation, but can now be cultivated sustainably on rewetted peatland. However, currently there is no valid Ph. Eur. monograph for the quality control of Droserae herba. In this study, sundew material from different species and sources was investigated with the aim of developing quality control methods based on the Ph. Eur. and defining a uniform quality standard for Droserae herba. It was possible to distinguish between sundew species of different quality, using macroscopic, microscopic, and chromatographic methods. Special emphasis was laid on the content of flavonoids and naphthoquinones as important quality parameters as their content differed between the sundew species. The differences in content and toxicity result in the recommendation that only round‐leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia L.) should be used as a medicinal plant for the production of phytopharmaceuticals in the future.
Interaction Mechanisms Between Nitrogen‐Containing Groups and Alkali Metals with Molecular Model System of HATCN**
Authors: Liu Yuan , Lian Xu , Yu Xiaojiang , Niu Yuxiang , Yang Jinlin , Ding Yishui , Chen Wei
Published: November 2023

To enable the practical implementation of alkali metal batteries (AMBs), significant endeavors have been focused on enhancing the stability of alkali metal anodes (AMAs) using a range of strategies, such as optimizing electrolyte compositions, constructing anode deposition hosts, and establishing artificial protective layers. Despite significant progress in enhancing battery performance, limited attention has been given to comprehending the interaction mechanisms between alkali metals and protective materials, which is pivotal for the informed development of novel protective materials. Thus, aiming to enhance the comprehension of interaction processes between AMAs and organic protective materials containing various nitrogen groups, we conducted a mechanism study utilizing 1,4,5,8,9,11‐hexaazatriphenylenehexacarbonitrile (HATCN) as the model material, based on in‐situ x‐ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS/UPS), and near edge x‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Through the investigation of interaction processes between HATCN and Li/Na, we find that Li or Na interacts with the two different nitrogen‐containing groups of HATCN in the same order: preferentially interacts with the inner imine groups of HATCN before interacting with the outer nitrile groups. Interestingly, our findings also reveal that the two distinct nitrogen‐containing groups exhibit a smaller difference in their sodiophilicity compared to their difference in lithiophilicity. These valuable insights shed light on the intricate interactions between nitrogen‐containing protective materials and AMAs, paving the way for the development of more effective protective materials in the future.
Fluorescent carbon dots synthesized by waste wind turbine blade for photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Wang Congling , Yang Lilin , Chu Kunyu , Xu Jun , Wang Dongzhi , Zhao Weilin
Published: November 2023

Developing novel waste recycling strategies has become a feasible solution to overcome environmental pollution. In this work, a method of using waste wind turbine blade (WTB) as a carbon source to synthesize blue fluorescent carbon dots (B‐CDs) by hydrothermal treatment is proposed. B‐CDs are spherical and have an average particle size of 5.2 nm. The surface is rich in C–O, C=O, −CH3, and N–H bond functional groups, containing five elements: C, O, N, Si, and Ca. The optimal emission wavelength of B‐CDs is 463 nm, corresponding to an excitation wavelength of 380 nm. Notably, a relatively high quantum yield of 29.9% and a utilization rate of 40% were obtained. In addition, B‐CDs can serve as a photocatalyst to degrade methylene blue dye, with a degradation efficiency of 64% under 40‐min irradiation conditions. The presence of holes has a significant influence on the degradation process.
Advanced control strategies for continuous capture of monoclonal antibodies based upon biolayer interferometry
Authors: Kruse Thomas , Austerjost Jonas , Lemke Johannes , Krasov Yuri , Popov Vasiliy , Pollard David , Kampmann Markus
Published: November 2023

The semi and fully continuous production of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been gaining traction as a lower cost, and efficient production of mAbs to broaden patient access. To be truly flexible and adaptive to process demands, the industry has lacked sufficient advanced control strategies. The variation of the upstream product concentration typically cannot be handled by the downstream capture step, which is configured for a constant feed concentration and fixed binding capacity. This inflexibility leads to losses of efficiency and product yield.

This study shows that these challenges can be overcome by a novel advanced control strategy concept that includes dynamic control throughout a perfusion bioreactor, with cell retention by alternating tangential flow, integrated with simulated moving bed (SMB) multi‐column chromatography. The automation workflow and advanced control strategy were implemented through the use of a visual programming development environment. This enabled dynamic flow control across the upstream and downstream process integrated with a dynamic column loading of the SMB. A sensor prototype, based on continuous biolayer interferometry measurements was applied to detect mAb breakthrough within the last column flow‐through to manage column switching. This novel approach provided higher specificity and lower background signal compared to commonly used spectroscopy methods, resulting in an optimized resin utilization while simultaneously avoiding product loss. The dynamic loading was found to provide a twofold increase of the mAb concentration in the eluate compared to a conservative approach with a predefined recipe with similar impurity removal. This concept shows that advanced control strategies can lead to significant process efficiency and yield improvement.
Blockage of EGFR/AKT and mevalonate pathways synergize the antitumor effect of temozolomide by reprogramming energy metabolism in glioblastoma
Authors: Cui Xiaoteng , Zhao Jixing , Li Guanzhang , Yang Chao , Yang Shixue , Zhan Qi , Zhou Junhu , Wang Yunfei , Xiao Menglin , Hong Biao , Yi Kaikai , Tong Fei , Tan Yanli , Wang Hu , Wang Qixue , Jiang Tao , Fang Chuan , Kang Chunsheng
Published: November 2023

Background

Metabolism reprogramming plays a vital role in glioblastoma (GBM) progression and recurrence by producing enough energy for highly proliferating tumor cells. In addition, metabolic reprogramming is crucial for tumor growth and immune‐escape mechanisms. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) amplification and EGFR‐vIII mutation are often detected in GBM cells, contributing to the malignant behavior. This study aimed to investigate the functional role of the EGFR pathway on fatty acid metabolism remodeling and energy generation.

Methods

Clinical GBM specimens were selected for single‐cell RNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis. A metabolism‐associated RTK‐fatty acid‐gene signature was constructed and verified. MK‐2206 and MK‐803 were utilized to block the RTK pathway and mevalonate pathway induced abnormal metabolism. Energy metabolism in GBM with activated EGFR pathway was monitored. The antitumor effect of Osimertinib and Atorvastatin assisted by temozolomide (TMZ) was analyzed by an intracranial tumor model in vivo.

Results

GBM with high EGFR expression had characteristics of lipid remodeling and maintaining high cholesterol levels, supported by the single‐cell RNA sequencing and metabolomics of clinical GBM samples. Inhibition of the EGFR/AKT and mevalonate pathways could remodel energy metabolism by repressing the tricarboxylic acid cycle and modulating ATP production. Mechanistically, the EGFR/AKT pathway upregulated the expressions of acyl‐CoA synthetase short‐chain family member 3 (ACSS3), acyl‐CoA synthetase long‐chain family member 3 (ACSL3), and long‐chain fatty acid elongation‐related gene ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2) in an NF‐κB‐dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition of the mevalonate pathway reduced the EGFR level on the cell membranes, thereby affecting the signal transduction of the EGFR/AKT pathway. Therefore, targeting the EGFR/AKT and mevalonate pathways enhanced the antitumor effect of TMZ in GBM cells and animal models.

Conclusions

Our findings not only uncovered the mechanism of metabolic reprogramming in EGFR‐activated GBM but also provided a combinatorial therapeutic strategy for clinical GBM management.
Arduino practice judgment system based on function execution log in virtual execution environment
Authors: Seo Kangbok , Kim Junhyung , Lee Woojin
Published: November 2023

Recently, automatic judgment systems have been widely used in various computer science lectures, and these systems are mainly developed for languages with a console‐based practice environment. On the other hand, embedded systems such as Arduino are executed in a hardware‐based environment and their verification is conducted by manually checking the operation of the hardware. Therefore, it is not easy to automatically judge the Arduino system developed by students. In the embedded system, hardware and software have to be developed at the same time, and it increases effort and time for the instructors to teach students, especially in practice‐based learning. The study in this article proposes an Arduino practice judgment system based on the function execution log in virtual execution environment. It performs both Fritzing‐based hardware configuration checking and source code testing based on virtual execution environment, where hardware operations are replaced by mock‐up functions. In addition, more diverse practices are possible by providing an experimental environment where students can freely enter input data and check the results. A case study shows that the developed system can be applied to the lectures and help reduce instructors' work and increase students' understanding through the system.
Intraoral scanning and dental photogrammetry for full‐arch implant‐supported prosthesis: A technique
Authors: Clozza Emanuele
Published: November 2023

Objective

To introduce a novel digital workflow to replace a terminal or a complete edentulous arch with a complete‐arch implant‐supported fixed prosthesis.

Clinical Considerations

A novel fully digital protocol provides an interim and definitive prosthesis by integrating extraoral dental photogrammetry with intraoral scanners.

Conclusions

The described technique has great potential to deliver a complete‐arch implant‐supported fixed interim and definitive prosthesis in edentulous patients in an efficient way.

Clinical Significance

In the era of digital dentistry, using a fully digital workflow in full arch implant rehabilitations might be beneficial to replace multistep conventional methods.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

To the author’s knowledge, this article illustrates the first step‐by‐step technique that combines intraoral scanning with dental photogrammetry to provide a full‐arch implant‐supported interim and definitive prosthesis.

What are the keys to successful management of this case?

Well‐defined presurgical planning and adequate primary stability of the dental implants.

Accurate digital impressions of the scan bodies.

A dental laboratory that is familiar with digital workflow for complete‐arch rehabilitations.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

The learning curve of the scanning procedure.

The cost barriers to acquire intraoral and photogrammetry scanners.

Limited clinical studies that investigated the accuracy of intraoral scanning and dental photogrammetry for complete‐arch digital implant impression.
Exosomes derived from uMSCs promote hair regrowth in alopecia areata through accelerating human hair follicular keratinocyte proliferation and migration
Authors: Hu Shouyi , Zhang Jiayi , Ji Qingqing , Xie Sujie , Jiang Jingnuo , Ni Haitao , He Xingying , Yang Yanlong , Wu Minjuan
Published: November 2023

Alopecia areata (AA) is a complex genetic disease that results in hair loss due to an autoimmune‐mediated attack on the hair follicle. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential to induce hair regeneration due to their strong secretion ability and multidirectional differentiation. Recent studies have revealed that the therapeutic potential of MSCs comes from their secretion ability, which can produce large amounts of bioactive substances and regulate the key physiological functions of subjects. The secretion products of MSCs, such as vesicles, exosomes, and conditioned media, have significant advantages in preparing of biological products derived from stem cells. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (uMSCs) are the best choice for exosome production. uMSCs are obtained from the human umbilical cord. The umbilical cord is easy to obtain, and the efficiency of uMSCs isolation and culture higher than that of obtaining MSCs from bone marrow or adipose tissue. In this study, we investigated the effects of exosomes released from uMSCs in AA mice. In summary, due to easy isolation and cultivation, simple preparation, and convenient storage, it is possible to obtain uMSCs, or uMSCs exosomes for research and clinical treatment.
Risk factors of developing contralateral breast cancer after first primary breast cancer treatment
Authors: Avatefi Maryam , HadavandSiri Fatemeh , Nazari Seyed Saeed Hashemi , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil
Published: November 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Increased survival of primary BC (PBC) has increased contralateral breast cancer (CBC) and become a health problem.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the effect of disease‐free interval (DFI), risk factors and PBC characteristics on the progression of CBC within primary BC survivors.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study identified 5003 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2000 and 2020 in the cancer research center. The study included 145 CBC and 4858 PBC survivors, with CBC diagnosed at least 6 months after the detection of primary BC. ER+, PR+, and HER2+ were reported in 72.13%, 66.67%, and 30% of CBC patients. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) BC was reported in 69.57% of patients, and 81.90% and 83.64% of the patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy and external radiotherapy. The Kaplan–Meier method indicated that the median time interval between PBC and CBC was 3.92 years, and the 5‐year DFI was 97%. The Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that although more than half of the participants had no family history of BC (69.57%), women 60 years and older were negatively associated with CBC.

Conclusion

This study provides the first investigation of CBC and DFI risk factors among PBC survivors in Iran. Age was found to be negatively associated with CBC development particularly after the age of 60, indicating the necessity of tracking CBC survivors carefully in this age group.
Stripping Voltammetry with Nanomaterials‐based Electrode in the Environmental Analysis of Trace Concentrations of Tin
Authors: Grabarczyk Malgorzata , Wlazłowska Edyta , Wawruch Agnieszka
Published: November 2023

A method for the voltammetric determination of tin using a multiwall carbon nanotubes/spherical glassy carbon (CNTs/SGC) electrode is described. The new procedure is based on the adsorptive accumulation of the Sn(II)‐cupferron complex on a CNTs/SGC electrode modified with a lead film, followed by electrochemical reduction of the adsorbed species. The optimal experimental conditions include the use of 0.10 mol L−1 acetate buffer (pH 5.7), 4.0×10−4 M cupferron and 1.0×10−4 M Pb(II). The peak current is proportional to the concentration of Sn(II) over the range of 1.0×10−9–1.0×10−7 M and the detection limit is 3.1×10−10 M for a 95 s accumulation time. The proposed method was used to determine tin in real samples and certified reference materials.
Vitamin A: It's role in cosmeceuticals for antiaging
Authors: Farris Patricia K.
Published: November 2023

Topical retinoids are among the most well‐studied and widely used cosmeceutical ingredients. Topical retinoids have skin rejuvenating benefits and can soften fine lines and wrinkles, lighten mottled hyperpigmentation, improve skin roughness, sallowness, and overall appearance of photoaged skin. Retinoic acid or tretinoin remains favored among dermatologists because there are a plethora of well‐designed clinical trials confirming its efficacy as a topical therapy for treating aging skin. In contrast, cosmeceutical retinoids are regulated as cosmetics and in general are not subjected to the same degree of scientific rigor as prescription retinoids. Despite this difference, there are studies confirming the antiaging benefits of cosmeceutical retinoids and studies comparing their efficacy and tolerability to tretinoin. This review will focus on over‐the‐counter retinoids including retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters, adapalene, and novel retinoid molecules. Studies on pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, clinical benefits, and tolerability will be reviewed.
Controller placement problem during SDN deployment in the ISP/Telco networks: A survey
Authors: Sapkota Binod , Dawadi Babu R , Joshi Shashidhar R
Published: November 2023

With the successful implementation of Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) in data center networking, the way forward for its deployment in the ISP/Telco network is becoming prominent. Small and medium‐sized networks may easily adopt SDN. The research on SDN deployment and implementation for a large‐scale network is continuing. This paper properly presents the current research status of Controller Placement Problem (CPP) and Multi‐CPP (MCPP) over SDN with their specific challenges and provides a comprehensive review of the major performance metrics, that is, latency, and controller load balancing techniques. This survey highlights the use of network partitioning‐based CPP and clustering approaches and their benefits in the context of SDN deployment. Moreover, this paper highlights the importance of implementing SDN and SDN security issues into ISP/Telco networks. Finally, we provide some key areas of ongoing research and discuss the future research direction regarding the various SDN‐based Controller Placement (CP) issues in the next‐generation IP and advanced networking technologies.
Temperature effects and damage characteristics of concrete pour in large‐volume floor of subway‐station baseboard
Authors: Jiaxiang Xu , Tao Yang , Cao Wang , Ke Wu , Guodong Li , Dapeng Liu , Wenbin Xu , Hongna Yang
Published: November 2023

Subway stations are important components of subway system planning and urban rail transit where passengers can board, alight, transfer, or wait. With an increase in urban passenger flow, subway stations must meet greater transfer‐space demands commensurate with growing station structure sizes. In this study, the field‐monitoring and analysis method was adopted to investigate the Huaxing Street Station of the Chengdu Metro Line 19 project and explore the temperature‐variation rule in the process of mass‐concrete pouring in the station floor. Based on an ABAQUS large‐finite‐element calculation programme and secondary development of damage and failure research methods, a mechanical model of mass‐concrete pouring in subway‐station floor construction was established. The pouring temperature effect, damage, and failure mechanism of mass‐concrete pouring in subway stations were comprehensively studied. The main results were as follows: (1) the maximum temperature difference between the upper and middle layers of the floor was dominant and reached a peak within 1–3 d after the completion of pouring, and the temperature difference gradually decreased with a decrease in the hydration‐heat reaction. (2) At 0–10 d, the damage ratio of the floor increased by 1.8%, predominantly in the form of longitudinal damage. Within 10–30 d, the damage and failure ratio of the floor increased by 1.86%, primarily in the form of transverse damage and failure. Within 30–40 d, the temperature of the floor stabilized and gradually approached the ambient temperature. The damage and failure ratio of the floor increased by 0.32% at this time. (3) The lower the ambient temperature, the greater was the damage sustained by the floor at different ages, and the ambient temperature had a significant influence on floor damage.
Fused filament fabrication of carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composite: Effect of process parameters on flexural properties
Authors: Kariuki Lucy W. , Ikua Bernard W. , Karanja Samuel K. , Ng'ang'a Stephen P. , Zeidler Henning
Published: November 2023

Short carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites are desirable for many additive manufacturing (AM) applications as they are light and structurally strong. The process parameters in fused filament fabrication (FFF) significantly affect the mechanical properties of SFRP parts. In this work, three‐point bending tests are carried out to investigate the flexural behavior of 3D‐printed polyamide 12 carbon fiber (PA12‐CF) specimens. An L18 Taguchi design of experiments with Gray relational analysis is applied to optimize the FFF parameters. It is shown that build orientation has the most influence on flexural properties and the distribution of short fibers has an additional effect. For a rectilinear infill pattern, the maximum flexural strength of the part was realized at the printing speed, layer thickness, and extrusion temperature of 30 mm/s, 0.15 mm, and 270°C, respectively. With these parameters, the flexural strength of the part is 119.9 MPa and the flexural modulus is 3038 MPa. For a concentric infill pattern, the flexural strength of the part is 15.8% higher at 138.8 MPa. The flexural modulus is also higher at 3692 MPa. This study's results contribute toward optimizing FFF parameters to suit the specific flexural loading requirements of an AM part.