bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Aggregation in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Piccarducci Rebecca , Marchetti Laura , Martini Claudia
Published: March 2024

Proteins are essential biomolecules of living cells and organisms. A crucial step during the protein lifecycle is folding, that is, the acquisition of a stable 3D structure by the newly synthesised protein, thanks to which it can perform its biological function. If folding is impaired, misfolded or unfolded proteins can be produced, thus losing their functional properties, being unstable and tending to form aggregates of various entities, which are toxic to cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), the accumulation of misfolded proteins alters the functionality of neurons, leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington disease. Therapeutic interventions targeting misfolded proteins in NDs are approaching clinical use. However, the complex and overlapping nature of NDs will require a deeper understanding of the underpinning pathological networks.

Key Concepts

Proteostasis represents an incessant process by which the proteins are maintained in a biologically active state.

Protein folding is the regulated process by which a protein assumes a 3D structure that determines a peculiar biological function.

Protein folding impairment is called protein misfolding and leads to protein aggregation.

Oligomeric assemblies, mature fibrillar aggregates and plaques of misfolded proteins trigger the onset of neurodegeneration.

Neurodegeneration is a pathological condition of the nervous system whereby neurons, the main cells involved in memory, cognitive, motor, sensory and behavioural functions inexorably die.

Overlapped molecular pathology features translate into similar clinical manifestations in neurodegenerative diseases, whose diagnosis and treatment are challenging.
Optimized microburst VNS elicits fMRI responses beyond thalamic‐specific response from standard VNS
Authors: Szaflarski Jerzy P. , Allendorfer Jane B. , Begnaud Jason , Ranuzzi Giovanni , Shamshiri Elhum , Verner Ryan ,   for the Microburst Study Group
Published: March 2024

Objective

In parallel to standard vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), microburst stimulation delivery has been developed. We evaluated the fMRI‐related signal changes associated with standard and optimized microburst stimulation in a proof‐of‐concept study (NCT03446664).

Methods

Twenty‐nine drug‐resistant epilepsy patients were prospectively implanted with VNS. Three 3T fMRI scans were collected 2 weeks postimplantation. The maximum tolerated VNS intensity was determined prior to each scan starting at 0.125 mA with 0.125 mA increments. FMRI scans were block‐design with alternating 30 sec stimulation [ON] and 30 sec no stimulation [OFF]: Scan 1 utilized standard VNS and Scan 3 optimized microburst parameters to determine target settings. Semi‐automated on‐site fMRI data processing utilized ON–OFF block modeling to determine VNS‐related fMRI activation per stimulation setting. Anatomical thalamic mask was used to derive highest mean thalamic t‐value for determination of microburst stimulation parameters. Paired t‐tests corrected at P < 0.05 examined differences in fMRI responses to each stimulation type.

Results

Standard and microburst stimulation intensities at Scans 1 and 3 were similar (P = 0.16). Thalamic fMRI responses were obtained in 28 participants (19 with focal; 9 with generalized seizures). Group activation maps showed standard VNS elicited thalamic activation while optimized microburst VNS showed widespread activation patterns including thalamus. Comparison of stimulation types revealed significantly greater cerebellar, midbrain, and parietal fMRI signal changes in microburst compared to standard VNS. These differences were not associated with seizure responses.

Interpretation

While standard and optimized microburst VNS elicited thalamic activation, microburst also engaged other brain regions. Relationship between these fMRI activation patterns and clinical response warrants further investigation.

Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03446664).
A Systematic Approach to Optimize Parameters in Manufacturing Complex Lattice Structures of NiTi Using Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion Process
Authors: Lin Zeyu , Dadbakhsh Sasan , Larsson Joakim , Karlsson Patrik , Rashid Amir
Published: March 2024

Herein, the quality and accuracy to manufacture delicate parts from NiTi powder using electron beam powder bed fusion (EB‐PBF) technology is investigated. Therefore, benchmarks with thin cylinders and thin walls are designed and fabricated using two distinct scan strategies of EB‐PBF manufacturing (i.e., continuous melting and spot melting) with different process parameter sets. After these optimizations, four different lattice structures (i.e., octahedron, cell gyroid, sheet gyroid, and channel) are manufactured and characterized. It is shown both continuous melting and spot melting modes are able to manufacture lattices with relative densities over 97%. And as‐built lattice structures exhibit an excellent pseudoelasticity up to 8% depending on the design of the structure, e.g., the channel structure shows more deformation recoverability than the cell gyroid. This is attributed to the integrity of geometry as well as compressive mode of the mechanical loading. Of course, the compressive strength and ultimate compressive strength also increase with the increasing volume fraction. Moreover, the spot melting can be used as an engineering tool to customize a delicate beam‐shaped structure with a superior pseudoelasticity.
Machine Learning for Screening Small Molecules as Passivation Materials for Enhanced Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ding Bin , Wang Yao , Liu Yan , Zhang Gao , Zeng Lirong , Yang Lijun , Li Chang‐Jiu , Yang Guanjun , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Chen Bo
Published: March 2024

Utilization of small molecules as passivation materials for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has gained significant attention recently, with hundreds of small molecules demonstrating passivation effects. In this study, a high‐accuracy machine learning model is established to identify the dominant molecular traits influencing passivation and efficiently screen excellent passivation materials among small molecules. To address the challenge of limited available dataset, a novel evaluation method called random‐extracted and recoverable cross‐validation (RE‐RCV) is proposed, which ensures more precise model evaluation with reduced error. Among 31 examined features, dipole moment is identified, hydrogen bond acceptor count, and HOMO‐LUMO gap as significant traits affecting passivation, offering valuable guidance for the selection of passivation molecules. The predictions are experimentally validate with three representative molecules: 4‐aminobenzenesulfonamide, 4‐Chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐5‐sulfamoylbenzoic acid, and Phenolsulfonphthalein, which exhibit capability to increase absolute efficiency values by over 2%, with a champion efficiency of 25.41%. This highlights its potential to expedite advancements in PSCs.
A Unique Amorphous Porous BiSbOx Nanotube with Abundant Unsaturated Sb‐Stabilized BiO8−x Sites for Efficient CO2 Electroreduction in a Wide Potential Window
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Jun‐Hao , Yuan Chen‐Yue , Sun Qi‐Wen , Shao Jiang , Li Xing‐Chi , Feng Zhao‐Lu , Dong Hao , Li Chen , Zhang Ya‐Wen
Published: March 2024

The CO2 electroreduction reaction using sustainable electricity emerges as a viable strategy to produce high‐value‐added and profitable chemicals. The achievement of superior activity at a lower overpotential and higher selectivity in a wide potential window is vitally important for large‐scale industrial applications. Herein, a carbon‐composite amorphous porous BiSbOx nanotube with abundant unsaturated sites is reported to boost the conversion of CO2 to formate, exhibiting a formate selectivity of >90% in an extremely broad range of potentials from −0.5 to −1.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a maximal energy conversion efficiency of 77.1%. Importantly, pure formic acid solution is directly obtained in a solid‐electrolyte cell for industrial‐scale applications. The porous tubular structure can expose more catalytic active sites, accelerate the mass transfer, and show fast surface charge transfer. Moreover, the unique coordination‐unsaturated Sb‐stabilized BiO8−x site can not only enhance the adsorption and activation of CO2 but also reasonably balance the stabilization and hydrogenation of *OCHO intermediate, thus leading to its obviously higher catalytic performance. As a result, a novel amorphous porous BiSbOx nanotube is successfully designed for efficient CO2 electroreduction, which may shed new light on developing many more amorphous composite metal oxide catalysts for conversion of inert small molecules.
Kornblum Oxidation Reaction‐Induced Collective Transformation of Lead Polyhalides for Stable Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cao Xuejing , Yang Heng , Kuang Zhiyuan , Yang Pinghui , Zhang Guolin , Zhang Yuyang , Xu Lei , Zhang Daiji , Li Sunsun , Miao Chunyang , Wang Nana , Huang Wei , Wang Jianpu
Published: March 2024

The iodide vacancy defects generated during the perovskite crystallization process are a common issue that limits the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Although excessive ionic iodides have been used to compensate for these vacancies, they are not effective in reducing defects through modulating the perovskite crystallization. Moreover, these iodide ions present in the perovskite films can act as interstitial defects, which are detrimental to the stability of the perovskite. Here, an effective approach to suppress the formation of vacancy defects by manipulating the coordination chemistry of lead polyhalides during perovskite crystallization is demonstrated. To achieve this suppression, an α‐iodo ketone is introduced to undergo a process of Kornblum oxidation reaction that releases halide ions. This process induces a rapid collective transformation of lead polyhalides during the nucleation process and significantly reduces iodide vacancy defects. As a result, the ion mobility is decreased by one order of magnitude in perovskite film and the PSC achieves significantly improved thermal stability, maintaining 82% of its initial power conversion efficiency at 85 °C for 2800 h. These findings highlight the potential of halide ions released by the Kornblum oxidation reaction, which can be widely used for achieving high‐performance perovskite optoelectronics.
Shaping a Surface Microdroplet by Marangoni Forces along a Moving Contact Line of Four Immiscible Phases
Authors: Yang Haichang , Zeng Binglin , Lu Qiuyun , Xing Yaowen , Gui Xiahui , Cao Yijun , Xu Ben Bin , Zhang Xuehua
Published: March 2024

The ability to transfer microdroplets between fluid phases offers numerous advantages in various fields. This study focuses on the stability and morphology of a sessile oil microdropletduring the transfer from underwater to air. A distinct transition in microdroplet dynamics is observed, characterized by a shift from a scenario dominated by Marangoni forces to one dominated by capillary forces. In the former regime, the oil microdroplets spread in response to the contact between the water‐air interface and the water‐oil interface. The spreading distance follows a power law relationship of t3/4, reflecting the balance between Marangoni forces and viscous forces. On the other hand, in the capillarity‐dominated regime, the oil microdroplets remain stable at the contact line and after being transferred into the air. The crossover between these two regimes is identified in the parameter space defined by three factors: the approaching velocity of the solid‐water‐air contact line (vcl), the radius of the oil microdroplet (ro), and the radius of the water drop (rw). Furthermore, how to use the four‐phase contact line for shaping oil microdroplets is demonstrated using a full liquid process by the contact line lithography.
Mimicking Pain Conditioning Using an Electrolyte‐Gated Organic Synaptic Transistor
Authors: Xu Zhihua , Chen Guobing , Chen Shaobo , Xu Huihua
Published: March 2024

Pain‐perceptual Nociceptors (PPNs) in the biological sensory system are critical for the human body to perceive noxious stimuli from the outside world and start appropriate motor responses to minimize potential physical damage. Realization artificial nociceptors with unique synaptic and pain‐perceptual functions of the human nervous system is a key step to develop the next‐generation artificial intelligence systems. Here, an artificial pain‐perceptual device based on an ionic liquid‐polymer solid‐state electrolyte‐gated poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) transistor is reported. With the drift motion of mobile ions in the electrolyte layer and the formation of an electric double layer (EDL) at electrolyte/semiconductor interface under an applied electric field, the channel conductance can be tuned progressively to exhibit synaptic weight modulation function. On top of the artificial synaptic functions, the P3HT/electrolyte‐based transistor successfully emulates the pain‐perception process in a biological nociceptor, with all unique features of threshold, no adaptation, sensitization/desensitization, and relaxation. Moreover, the pain conditioning process (i.e., hyperalgesic response, and pain extinction effect) through associative learning is demonstrated using the artificial synaptic transistor, indicating its potential application in bio‐inspired neural systems.
Broadband Mode Division Multiplexing of OAM‐Modes by a Micro Printed Waveguide Structure
Authors: Schulz Julian , von Freymann Georg
Published: March 2024

A light beam carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) is characterized by a helical phase‐front that winds around the center of the beam. These beams have unique properties that have found numerous applications. In the field of data transmission, they represent a degree of freedom that could potentially increase capacity. While an efficient method for (de)composing beams based on their OAM exists for free‐space optics, a device capable of performing this (de)composition in an integrated, compact fiber application without the use of external active optical elements and for multiple OAM modes and multiple wavelengths simultaneously has not been reported. In this study, two mechanisms are combined in a waveguide structure to demonstrate as a proof of principle that this can serve as a broadband fiber OAM (de)multiplexer. The structure design is based on the adiabatic principle used in photonic lanterns for highly efficient conversion of spatially separated single modes into eigenmodes of a few‐mode fiber. In addition, an artificial magnetic field is introduced by twisting the structure, which removes the degeneracy between modes having the same absolute OAM. This structure could simplify, stabilize, and miniaturize the creation or decomposition of OAM beams, making them useful for various applications.
Unveiling Polymorphs and Polytypes of the 2D Layered Semiconducting Gallium Monosulfide
Authors: Gutiérrez Yael , Agresti Filippo , Juan Dilson , Dicorato Stefano , Giangregorio Maria Michela , Moreno Fernando , García‐Fernández Pablo , Junquera Javier , Armelao Lidia , Losurdo Maria
Published: March 2024

Polymorphism is gaining attention among van der Waals layered materials. In the case of gallium monosulfide, a hexagonal phase has predominantly been reported. Here the successful growth of rhombohedral gallium sulfide (GaS) with space group on sapphire substrates using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is presented. Crystallographic analysis reveals that the CVD GaS has preferred 𝑐‐axis orientation, low microstrain and moderate mosaicity. A combined approach of X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements with first principles calculations is used to determine phononic and photonic properties of the rhombohedral GaS with direct band gap of 2.55 eV and near‐blue light emission at room temperature. These results pave the way to novel applications in optoelectronics and photonics, particularly for development of efficient light‐emitting devices such as LEDs or lasers, quantum dots, photodetectors, and integrated photonic circuits.
Deep Neural Operator Enabled Concurrent Multitask Design for Multifunctional Metamaterials Under Heterogeneous Fields
Authors: Lee Doksoo , Zhang Lu , Yu Yue , Chen Wei
Published: March 2024

Multifunctional metamaterials (MMM) bear promise as next‐generation material platforms supporting miniaturization and customization. Despite many proof‐of‐concept demonstrations and the proliferation of deep learning assisted design, grand challenges of inverse design for MMM, especially those involving heterogeneous fields possibly subject to either mutual meta‐atom coupling or long‐range interactions, remain largely under‐explored. To this end, a data‐driven design framework is presented, which streamlines the inverse design of MMMs involving heterogeneous fields. A core enabler is implicit Fourier neural operator (IFNO), which predicts heterogeneous fields distributed across a metamaterial array, thus in general at odds with homogenization assumptions. Additionally, a standard formulation of inverse problem covering a broad class of MMMs is presented, together with gradient‐based multitask concurrent optimization identifying a set of Pareto‐optimal architecture‐stimulus (A‐S) pairs. Fourier multiclass blending is proposed to synthesize inter‐class meta‐atoms anchored on a set of geometric motifs, while enjoying training‐free dimension reduction and built‐it reconstruction. Interlocking the three pillars, the framework is validated for light‐by‐light programmable nanoantenna, whose design involves vast space jointly spanned by quasi‐freeform supercells, maneuverable incident phase distributions, and conflicting figure‐of‐merits (FoM) involving on‐demand localization patterns. Accommodating all the challenges, the framework can propel future advancements of MMM.
Enhancing the Luminescence Efficiency of Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes: Constructing Platinum(II) Complexes with a Functionalized Tetradentate Ligand
Authors: Ryu Chan Hee , Jo Unhyeok , Shin Ilsup , Kim Mingi , Cheong Kiun , Bin Jong‐Kwan , Lee Jun Yeob , Lee Kang Mun
Published: March 2024

Efficient, electrochemically stable blue phosphors are essential for advancing the organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) industry. Specifically, the characteristics of these phosphors must be further refined to realize commercially viable OLED devices with high stability, efficiency, and color purity. To that end, a new simple molecular design approach is devised in this study for synthesizing tetradentate‐ligand‐based Pt(II) complexes exhibiting intense blue emission. Essentially, novel Pt(II) complexes Pt3 and Pt4 are prepared by introducing the tert‐butyl and cyano groups to the ligand of previously reported highly stable, efficient Pt(II) complexes for preventing molecular aggregation and regulating the frontier levels, respectively, and then fully characterized. Both complexes display a blue emission band in solution and solid states with remarkably low full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum values. Additionally, multilayer phosphorescent OLEDs are fabricated using Pt3 or Pt4 as emitters and SiCzCz/SiTrzCz2 as a mixed‐host system. The devices demonstrate outstanding performance parameters, such as higher efficiencies than those of the devices containing the previously reported Pt(II) complexes and good color purity (CIEy ≈ 0.18). These findings suggest that the molecular design approach employed in this study for creating tetradentate‐ligand‐based Pt(II) blue phosphors is effective and can potentially expedite the commercialization of blue phosphorescent emitters in the OLED industry.
A Steric Interlocked Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complex Toward Ultrapure Green Electroluminescence
Authors: Yan Zhiping , Wang Zhiheng , Zhuang Xuming , Li Zhiqiang , Kai Congcong , Song Xiaoxian , Liang Jie , Bi Hai , Wang Yue
Published: March 2024

The development of phosphorescent materials with ultrapure emission is of great significance for wide‐color‐gamut organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a ligand steric interlocking strategy is introduced to achieve the narrowband emission of phosphorescent Ir(III) complexes. The steric interlocking effect contributed by the short distance between ligands leads to enhanced rigidity, and suppresses the high‐frequency vibrations of oICz‐Ir. In this context, oICz‐Ir exhibits an ultrapure green phosphorescence with a small full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 23 nm peaking at 521 nm in solution. Furthermore, the oICz‐Ir‐based OLED achieves a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 18.9%, an excellent color purity with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinate y (CIEy) of 0.69, making it the purest green bottom‐emitting phosphorescent OLEDs. Meanwhile, with oICz‐Ir as the sensitizer, a phosphorescence sensitized fluorescent OLED shows an excellent EQEmax of 31.1% with the CIEy of 0.7.
Rational Molecular Design via Cyanobenzene Integration for Constructing Efficient Yellow‐Orange Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters
Authors: Kothavale Shantaram , Lim Junseop , Konidena Rajendra Kumar , Lee Jun Yeob
Published: March 2024

Developing efficient long‐wavelength thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters is a challenging issue due to inherent limitations of the energy‐gap law. In this contribution, a new molecular design of cyanobenzene‐decorated quinoxaline acceptor, combining two or four cyanobenzene acceptors and a rigid carbazole donor, is successfully utilized to construct long‐wavelength TADF emitters (tCzQx2CN and tCzQx4CN). The two additional cyanobenzene units at the 5‐ and 8‐positions of the quinoxaline acceptor are presumed to interlock the molecular rotations and improve the acceptor strength. Compared with tCzQx2CN, tCzQx4CN exhibits orange‐red emission with a considerable bathochromic shift (>35 nm), as expected. Owing to its enhanced charge transfer and well‐separated highest‐occupied and lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbitals, tCzQx4CN exhibits reduced singlet‐triplet energy splitting and improves reverse intersystem crossing. An organic light–emitting diode (OLED) of tCzQx4CN manifestes bright orange‐red emission (λEL ≈581 nm), a superior external quantum efficiency (EQE) of ≈23.7% (compared with that of tCzQx2CN), and a satisfactory operational lifetime. Furthermore, a tCzQx4CN‐sensitized red‐hyperfluorescent OLED device exhibits excellent performance with an EQE of 16.0% and a CIE(x,y) of (0.62, 0.37). This design would potentially pave the way for constructing red/deep‐red TADF emitters by using a diverse combination of donor/acceptor units.
Mn4+, Cr3+ Co‐doped K2LiGaF6 Phosphors with Bright Near‐Infrared Luminescence
Authors: Li Yan , Zuo Jiaxing , Zheng Tao , Yang Shan , He Peihua , Zhang Jiacheng , Liu Songbin , Yang Fengli , Peng Jiaqing , Ye Xinyu
Published: March 2024

In this study, Cr3+‐doped and Mn4+‐Cr3+ co‐doped double perovskite fluoride phosphors K2LiGaF6 are prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. High‐efficiency near‐infrared (NIR) emission near 762 nm is obtained under blue‐light excitation, and the co‐doping effect of Mn4+ on the NIR luminescence properties of Cr3+ is studied. Compared with the Cr3+ single‐doped phosphor, Mn4+, and Cr3+ co‐doped K2LiGaF6 exhibit a sharp increase of 129% in NIR emission, an enhancement in the internal quantum efficiency from 82.5% to 90.0%, and an enhancement in the thermal stability at 425 K from 85.0% to 90.7%. The encapsulated NIR phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diode device at 300 mA exhibits a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 15.3%. These values exceed most previously reported results. This study provides a new approach for enhancing the luminescence properties of Cr3+‐doped fluoride NIR phosphors.
Dual Mode Optoelectronic Devices Based on 2D Single Crystalline VO2 Films with Controlled Metallic Domain Regime Induced Variable Hysteresis
Authors: Jeong Sumin , Shin Ki Hoon , Kim Eunmin , Hong Woong‐Ki , Sohn Jung Inn
Published: March 2024

The multimode optoelectronic operation in a single component device is an attractive design strategy for future optoelectronics, which demands unique and complex multifunction. Here, a novel dual‐mode optoelectronic device with both memory and switching functionalities by utilizing alternating metallic stripe domain regime‐induced controllable hysteresis of two dimensional (2D)‐crystalline VO2 films is reported. It is found that the formation and disappearance of tensile strain‐induced metallic stripe domain arrays are susceptible to temperature‐induced thermal energy, allowing controllable hysteresis in electric field‐induced metal‐insulator transition (E‐MIT) by tuning the total region of aligned metallic stripe domains within the VO2 films through current flow‐induced thermal energy. Based on the tunable hysteresis in E‐MIT, the 2D‐crystalline VO2 film‐based device exhibits successful multimode optoelectronic memory and switching operations. The device with a large hysteresis width exhibits high‐performance optoelectronic memory behavior with a high on/off ratio of up to ≈55% and a long retention time over 5000 s response to a light pulse optically triggering MIT. On the other hand, the 2D‐crystalline VO2 film device with a narrow hysteresis width exhibits high performance of photodetection with a responsivity of 316 mA W−1 and response times of ≈1.2 and ≈2 µs at rise and fall, respectively.
The Role of Network Topology on Electro‐Thermal and Optical Characteristics of Transparent Thermal Heaters Based on Embedded Random Metallic Mesh
Authors: Qiang Dayuan , Charaklias Dimitrios , Dorey Robert , Mohagheghian Iman
Published: March 2024

Transparent thermal heaters based on metallic networks have gained considerable attention in the last few years as a result of their superior response time, low sheet resistance, and low cost of manufacturing. To increase the mechanical stability and reliability of the thermal heater, it is desirable to embed the metallic network in some form of matrix. Embedding the network, however, changes the nature of thermal conduction making both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane thermal conduction important for ensuring reliability and uniform thermal distribution. The performance of embedded thermal heaters is also significantly influenced by the geometry of the metallic network, both in terms of optical transparency and thermal performance. In this paper, a coupled electro‐thermal model and an electromagnetic model are developed to investigate the properties of an embedded metallic mesh in a polymer matrix. Infrared thermal imaging and ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry are used to quantify thermal transport and transparency in the system and to verify the performance of finite element models. A systematic study is then performed to assess the role of network topology both on in‐plane and out‐of‐plane thermal distribution and optical performance. According to numerical analysis, a structure‐property relationship is established which can provide desirable network configurations to optimize performance.
Motion‐Compensation Control of Supernumerary Robotic Arms Subject to Human‐Induced Disturbances
Authors: Zhang Qinghua , Sui Dongbao , Jing Hongwei , Sun Kerui , Li Yuancheng , Li Xianglong , Ju Haotian , Tang Yuan , Lai Mingzhu , Zhao Jie , Zhu Yanhe
Published: March 2024

Supernumerary robotic limbs (SRLs) are a novel type of wearable robot used as the third limb to assist the wearer to perform operations that are difficult or impossible for human hands. Although SRLs can compensate for and enhance human physiological abilities, the unpredictable disturbances caused by human movements significantly affect the coordinating control between the robot and wearer. In this study, a general modeling of supernumerary robotic arms (SRAs) on an omnidirectional floating base is presented. Using position and orientation feedback from sensors at the base and tip, three control methods based on different sensor feedback are proposed to improve tracking accuracy. Experiments on point and trajectory tracking are conducted on the SRAs. In the results (point and circular trajectory‐tracking errors with the manipulator as floating base: 1.18 ± 0.56 mm [mean ± standard deviation(SD) error] and 1.42 ± 0.43 mm, point trajectory‐tracking errors with the human shoulder as floating base: 1.37 ± 0.58 mm, and the performance in perforation positioning operation experiment), it is demonstrated that the proposed controllers enable the SRAs to achieve high‐precision tracking and good adaptability to different user movements and frequencies. Also, in the results, future studies on dynamic high‐precision manipulation of SRLs are motivated.
Familial recurrence of incontinentia pigmenti due to de novo pathogenic variants in the IKBKG gene
Authors: Steffann Julie , De Oliveira Santos Judite , Zelbin Anne‐Laure , Hadj‐Rabia Smail , Charbit‐Henrion Fabienne , Petit Florence
Published: March 2024

Incontinentia pigmenti (IP, Bloch‐Sulzberger syndrome) is a multisystem disorder which associates specific skin lesions that evolves in four stages, and occasionally, central nervous system, eye, hair, and teeth involvement. Familial (35%) and sporadic (65%) cases are caused by pathogenic variants in the IKBKG gene. Here we report an unusual family, where, in two half‐sisters affected by typical IP, molecular genetic analysis identified a likely pathogenic non‐sense variant in the IKBKG gene of one of the sisters, the other being not a carrier. The strong clinical conviction motivated further molecular genetic investigations, which led to the characterization of a second variant in this unique family. X chromosome inactivation studies demonstrated the paternal origin of these two de novo variants. For genes with frequent de novo mutations, the coexistence of different pathogenic mutations in the same family is a possibility, and constitutes a challenge for genetic counseling.
When rare meets common: Treatable genetic diseases are enriched in the general psychiatric population
Authors: Sriretnakumar Venuja , Harripaul Ricardo , Kennedy James L. , So Joyce
Published: March 2024

Mental illnesses are one of the biggest contributors to the global disease burden. Despite the increased recognition, diagnosis and ongoing research of mental health disorders, the etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of these disorders are yet to be fully elucidated. Moreover, despite many treatment options available, a large subset of the psychiatric patient population is nonresponsive to standard medications and therapies. There has not been a comprehensive study to date examining the burden and impact of treatable genetic disorders (TGDs) that can present with neuropsychiatric features in psychiatric patient populations. In this study, we test the hypothesis that TGDs that present with psychiatric symptoms are more prevalent within psychiatric patient populations compared to the general population by performing targeted next‐generation sequencing of 129 genes associated with 108 TGDs in a cohort of 2301 psychiatric patients. In total, 48 putative affected and 180 putative carriers for TGDs were identified, with known or likely pathogenic variants in 79 genes. Despite screening for only 108 genetic disorders, this study showed a two‐fold (2.09%) enrichment for genetic disorders within the psychiatric population relative to the estimated 1% cumulative prevalence of all single gene disorders globally. This strongly suggests that the prevalence of these, and most likely all, genetic diseases is greatly underestimated in psychiatric populations. Increasing awareness and ensuring accurate diagnosis of TGDs will open new avenues to targeted treatment for a subset of psychiatric patients.
Gene networks and systems biology in Alzheimer's disease: Insights from multi‐omics approaches
Authors: Rahimzadeh Negin , Srinivasan Shushrruth Sai , Zhang Jing , Swarup Vivek
Published: March 2024

Despite numerous studies in the field of dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD), a comprehensive understanding of this devastating disease remains elusive. Bulk transcriptomics have provided insights into the underlying genetic factors at a high level. Subsequent technological advancements have focused on single‐cell omics, encompassing techniques such as single‐cell RNA sequencing and epigenomics, enabling the capture of RNA transcripts and chromatin states at a single cell or nucleus resolution. Furthermore, the emergence of spatial omics has allowed the study of gene responses in the vicinity of amyloid beta plaques or across various brain regions. With the vast amount of data generated, utilizing gene regulatory networks to comprehensively study this disease has become essential. This review delves into some techniques employed in the field of AD, explores the discoveries made using these techniques, and provides insights into the future of the field.
Spontaneous Molecule Aggregation for Nearly Single‐Ion Conducting Sol Electrolyte to Advance Aqueous Zinc Metal Batteries: The Case of Tetraphenylporphyrin
Authors: Dong Jingjing , Su Long , Peng Huili , Wang Dongdong , Zong Hanwen , Wang Gulian , Yang Jian
Published: March 2024

Zn metal as a promising anode of aqueous batteries faces severe challenges from dendrite growth and side reactions. Here, tetraphenylporphyrin tetrasulfonic acid (TPPS) is explored as an electrolyte additive for advanced Zn anodes. It is interesting to note that TPPS spontaneously assembles into unique aggregates. As they adsorb on the Zn anode, the aggregates enhance the resistance to electrolyte percolation and dendrite growth compared to single molecules. Meanwhile, TPPS facilitates anion association in the solvation sheath of Zn2+, and boosts the transference number of Zn2+ up to 0.95. Therefore, anion‐related side reactions and anion‐induced electrode overpotentials are reduced accordingly. In this context, the electrolyte containing TPPS exhibits excellent electrochemical performance. Even under a high loading of MnO2 (25 mg cm−2), a limited Zn supply (N/P ratio=1.7), and a lean electrolyte (15 μL mAh−1), the full cells still represent a higher cumulative capacity compared to the reported data. The advantages of this electrolyte are also adapted to other cathode materials. The pouch cells of Zn||NaV3O8 ⋅ 1.5H2O realize a capacity of ~0.35 Ah at 0.4 C under harsh conditions.
Immobilization of Amino‐site into a Pore‐Partitioned Metal–Organic Framework for Highly Efficient Separation of Propyne/Propylene
Authors: Huang Yuhang , Feng Yanfei , Li Yi , Tan Kui , Tang Jie , Bai Junfeng , Duan Jingui
Published: March 2024

Adsorptive separation of propyne/propylene (C3H4/C3H6) is a crucial yet complex process, however, it remains a great difficulty in developing porous materials that can meet the requirements for practical applications, particularly with an exceptional ability to bind and store trace amounts of C3H4. Functionalization of pore‐partitioned metal–organic frameworks (ppMOFs) is methodically suited for this challenge owing to the possibility of dramatically increasing binding sites on highly porous and confined domains. We here immobilized Lewis‐basic (−NH2) and Lewis‐acidic (−NO2) sites on this platform. Along with an integrated nature of high uptake of C3H4 at 1 kPa, high uptake difference of C3H4−C3H6, moderated binding strength, promoted kinetic selectivity, trapping effect and high stability, the NH2‐decorated ppMOF (NTU‐100‐NH2) can efficiently produce polymer‐grade C3H6 (99.95 %, 8.3 mmol ⋅ g−1) at room temperature, which is six times more than the NO2‐decorated crystal (NTU‐100‐NO2). The in situ infrared spectroscopy, crystallographic analysis, and sequential blowing tests showed that the densely packed amino group in this highly porous system has a unique ability to recognize and stabilize C3H4 molecules. Moving forward, the strategy of organic functionalization can be extended to other porous systems, making it a powerful tool to customize advanced materials for challenging tasks.
Exploring High‐Pressure Polymorphism in Carbonic Acid through Direct Synthesis from Carbon Dioxide Clathrate Hydrate
Authors: Berni Selene , Scelta Demetrio , Romi Sebastiano , Fanetti Samuele , Alabarse Frederico , Pagliai Marco , Bini Roberto
Published: March 2024

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is widespread in astrochemically relevant environments, often coexisting with water (H2O) ices and thus triggering a great interest regarding the possible formation of their adducts under various thermodynamic conditions. Amongst them, solid carbonic acid (H2CO3) remains elusive, yet being widely studied. Synthetic routes followed for its production have always been characterised by drastic irradiation on solid ice mixtures or complex procedures on fluid samples (such as laser heating at moderate to high pressures). Here we report about a simpler yet effective synthetic route to obtain two diverse carbonic acid crystal structures from the fast, cold compression of pristine clathrate hydrate samples. The two distinct polymorphs we obtained, differing in the water content, have been deeply characterised via spectroscopic and structural techniques to assess their composition and their astonishing pressure stability, checked up to half a megabar, also highlighting the complex correlations between them so to compile a detailed phase diagram of this system. These results may have a profound impact on the prediction and modelisation of the complex chemistry which characterises many icy bodies of our Solar System.
Interphase Engineering via Solvent Molecule Chemistry for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Jiahang , Lu Huichao , Kong Xirui , Liu Jian , Liu Jiqiong , Yang Jun , Nuli Yanna , Wang Jiulin
Published: March 2024

Lithium metal battery has been regarded as promising next‐generation battery system aiming for higher energy density. However, the lithium metal anode suffers severe side‐reaction and dendrite issues. Its electrochemical performance is significantly dependant on the electrolyte components and solvation structure. Herein, a series of fluorinated ethers are synthesized with weak‐solvation ability owing to the duple steric effect derived from the designed longer carbon chain and methine group. The electrolyte solvation structure rich in AGGs (97.96 %) enables remarkable CE of 99.71 % (25 °C) as well as high CE of 98.56 % even at −20 °C. Moreover, the lithium‐sulfur battery exhibits excellent performance in a wide temperature range (−20 to 50 °C) ascribed to the modified interphase rich in LiF/LiO2. Furthermore, the pouch cell delivers superior energy density of 344.4 Wh kg−1 and maintains 80 % capacity retention after 50 cycles. The novel solvent design via molecule chemistry provides alternative strategy to adjust solvation structure and thus favors high‐energy density lithium metal batteries.
Bis(Aluminyl)Magnesium: A Source of Nucleophilic or Radical Aluminium‐Centred Reactivity
Authors: Griffin Liam P. , Ellwanger Mathias A. , Clark Jonathon , Myers William K. , Roper Aisling F. , Heilmann Andreas , Aldridge Simon
Published: March 2024

The homoleptic magnesium bis(aluminyl) compound Mg[Al(NON)]2 (NON=4,5‐bis(2,6‐diisopropylanilido)‐2,7‐di‐tert‐butyl‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene) can be accessed from K2[Al(NON)]2 and MgI2 and shown to possess a non‐linear geometry (∠Al−Mg−Al=164.8(1)°) primarily due to the influence of dispersion interactions. This compound acts a four‐electron reservoir in the reductive de‐fluorination of SF6, and reacts thermally with polar substrates such as MeI via nucleophilic attack through aluminium, consistent with the QT‐AIM charges calculated for the metal centres, and a formal description as a Al(I)−Mg(II)−Al(I) trimetallic. On the other hand, under photolytic activation, the reaction with 1,5‐cyclooctadiene leads to the stereo‐selective generation of transannular cycloaddition products consistent with radical based chemistry, emphasizing the covalent nature of the Mg−Al bonds and a description as a Al(II)−Mg(0)−Al(II) synthon. Consistently, photolysis of Mg[Al(NON)]2 in hexane in the absence of COD generates [Al(NON)]2 together with magnesium metal.
Coordinate mechanical property and self‐healing performance by hydrogen bonding promoting microphase separation structures in waterborne polyurethanes
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Niu Haibin , Yu Mingxuan , Liu Li , Li Yuanlong , Zhou Chao , Wu Guangfeng
Published: March 2024

Self‐repairing materials aim to replicate nature's repair mechanisms, but their current properties are inadequate for commercialization due to the trade‐off between repair and mechanical properties. An environmentally responsive low‐temperature self‐healing aqueous polyurethane with different sequence structures was developed in which the WPU‐MD/APDS system exhibited excellent performance. Statically, the incorporation of MD (1,8‐diamino‐P‐menthane) enhances hydrogen bonding within the system and facilitates reversible weak dynamic bonding; microphase separation enables aggregation of disulfide bonds in the hard‐phase domain, thereby improving disulfide bond exchange rates. Dynamically, the inclusion of MD introduces a rigid ring structure and promotes microphase separation with increased hydrogen bonding, leading to enhanced mechanical properties of the materials. The material exhibited tensile strength of 27.37 MPa, elongation at break of 1353%, excellent elastic recovery ability, and high tensile toughness of 136 MJ m−3; a sample with thickness of 0.2 mm lifted weight greater than its own weight into 40,000 times without damage recovery at 40°C. Rheological analysis confirmed its self‐healing property at room temperature.
Unsupervised tail modeling via noisy cross‐entropy minimization
Authors: Bee Marco
Published: March 2024

Estimation of dynamic mixture distributions is a difficult task, because the density contains an intractable normalizing constant. To overcome this difficulty, we develop an approach that maximizes, by means of the cross‐entropy method, a Monte Carlo approximation of the log‐likelihood function. The proposed noisy cross‐entropy approach is unsupervised, since it does not require the specification of a threshold between the distributions. Moreover, it bypasses the evaluation of the normalizing constant, combining good statistical properties with a modest computational burden. Both simulation‐based evidence and empirical applications suggest that noisy cross‐entropy estimation is comparable or preferable to existing methods in terms of statistical efficiency, but is less demanding from the computational point of view.
New developments in cosmetic applications of electromagnetic fields: Client and occupational hazard assessment
Authors: Stam Rianne
Published: March 2024

Energy‐based devices are used to improve features of appearance for aesthetic reasons while avoiding more invasive methods. Examples of treatment targets are the reduction of wrinkles, sagging, unwanted skin lesions, body hair and excess fatty tissue, and the enhancement of muscle tissue. One treatment modality is the use of electromagnetic fields (EMF, 0‒300 GHz). The present work aims to give an up‐to‐date survey of cosmetic applications of EMF for professional use with an assessment of client and worker exposure and possible adverse effects. A systematic search was conducted for peer‐reviewed articles (2007–2022), patents, premarket notifications, manufacturer data, and adverse effects reports. Five categories of cosmetic EMF device with increasing frequency were identified: sinusoid low frequency magnetic fields for lipolysis; pulsed low frequency magnetic fields for skin rejuvenation; pulsed low frequency magnetic fields for muscle building; radiofrequency EMF for lipolysis or skin rejuvenation; microwaves for hair removal or hyperhidrosis. In the vicinity of the last four device categories, there is a potential for exceeding the occupational exposure limits in the European Union EMF Directive, which could lead to nerve or muscle stimulation, burns or overheating. There are also potential hazards for clients or workers wearing active or passive medical devices. The severity of reported adverse effects increases with EMF frequency.
Investigating the effect of Zn doping and temperature on the photoluminescence behaviour of CuLaSe2 quantum dots
Authors: Çadırcı Musa , Elibol Erdem , Demirci Tuna , Kurban Mustafa
Published: March 2024

In this study, CuLaSe2 and ZnCuLaSe2 quantum dots (QDs) with a mean size of ~4 nm were synthesized and characterized, and their temperature‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) properties were studied in the temperature range from 90 to 300 K for the first time. The results show that the obtained QDs were spherical and revealed excitonic band gaps. The PL intensity for both types of materials decreased when increasing the temperature to 300 K, which was attributed to the nonradiative relaxation and thermal escape mechanisms. As the temperature was increased, the PL linewidths broadened, and PL peak energies were red shifted for both types of QDs due to the exciton–phonon coupling and lattice deformation potential mechanisms. In addition, we found that as the temperature was decreased, the PL spectrum of ZnCuLaSe2 QDs contained two extra components, which could be attributed to the shallow defect sites (low energy peak) and the crystal phase transition process (high energy peak). The spectrum of CuLaSe2 QDs contained one extra component, which could be attributed to the crystal phase transition process.
Gender diversity and environmental activism: Gender discrimination or socialisation?
Authors: Yu Jialing , Liu Yang Stephanie
Published: March 2024

This paper empirically investigates the association between different executive roles taken by women and environmental shareholder activism at the shareholder proposal filing stage and the withdrawal stage. Building on gender socialisation theory and the managerial power perspective, and with 2350 firm‐year observations from Standard and Poor's (S&P) 1500 companies in the United States for the years 2010–2018, we find that environmental activists display a greater propensity to target firms led by women CEO–Chairs at the shareholder proposal filing stage, while no significant preference is observed towards general women directors or CEOs. To explore the rationale behind this preference—whether it stems from gender discrimination or socialisation—we extend our investigation to the withdrawal stage and identify a significantly positive influence from both women CEOs and CEO–Chairs, with the influence from CEO–Chairs being more pronounced. We postulate that both the managerial power and women's socialised traits (such as being more altruistic, collaborative and communicative) are plausible explanations for this gender effect, and women without substantial legitimate power in environmental matters are unable to exert a significant impact.
FACULTY OF PSYCOLOGY OF MÁLAGA, SPAIN. COMPOSITE STEEL‐CONCRETE STRUCTURE IN A SINGULAR BUILDING
Authors: Gómez Javier , Sáez Isabel , Bernabeu Alejandro
Published: March 2024

The paper presents the design and construction of the new Faculty of Psychology in Málaga, Spain, by LLPS Architects. The project offers an interesting example of the relation between structure and architecture, based on a singular configuration of a composite steel‐concrete structure, which responds in a coherent and attractive way to the architectural configuration. The building is formed by a massive and compact three‐heights volume of 90x100 m. Two main architectural features determine the structural configuration: the interior courtyards, that measure 18x3 m., and are disposed in staggered arrangement to allow the entrance of natural light; and the cantilever of the above‐ground volume, that creates a large column‐free covered space.