bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dose rate correction for the novel 2D diode array MapCHECK 3
Authors: Li Mengyang , Tian Yuan , Shen Linyi , Li Guiyuan , Zhao Liang , Chen Xinyuan , Xu Shouping , Li Minghui , Huang Peng , Dai Jianrong
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To investigate the dose rate dependence of MapCHECK3 and its influence on measurement accuracy, as well as the effect of dose rate correction.

Materials and methods

The average and instantaneous dose rate dependence of MapCHECK2 and MapCHECK3 were studied. The accuracy of measurements was investigated where the dose rate differed significantly between dose calibration of the MapCHECK and the measurement. Measurements investigated include: the central axis dose for different fields at different depths, off‐axis doses outside the field, and off‐axis doses along the wedge direction. Measurements using an ion chamber were taken as the reference. Exponential functions were fit to account for average and instantaneous dose rate dependence for MapCHECK3 and used for dose rate correction. The effect of the dose rate correction was studied by comparing the differences between the measurements for MapCHECK (with and without the correction) and the reference.

Results

The maximum dose rate dependence of MapCHECK3 is greater than 2.5%. If the dose calibration factor derived from a 10 × 10 cm2 open field at 10 cm depth was used for measurements, the average differences in central diode dose were 0.8% ± 1.0% and 1.0% ± 0.8% for the studied field sizes and measurement depths, respectively. The introduction of wedge would not only induce −1.8% ± 1.3% difference in central diode dose, but also overestimate the effective wedge angle. After the instantaneous dose rate correction, above differences can be changed to 1.9% ± 8.1%, 0.2% ± 0.1%, and 0.0% ± 0.9%. The pass rate can be improved from 98.4% to 98.8%, 98.3%–100.0%, and 96.3%–100.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with MapCHECK2 (SunPoint1 diodes), the more pronounced dose rate dependence of MapCHECK3 (SunPoint2 diodes) should be carefully considered. To ensure highly accurate measurement, it is suggested to perform the dose calibration at the same condition where measurement will be performed. Otherwise, the dose rate correction should be applied.
Oops!… I waited until the last minute again: The role of fresh start nudges in task completion
Authors: Min Kyeong Sam , Min Dong‐Jun (DJ) , Tadesse Amanuel , Kemp Elyria
Published: August 2024

Individuals often have difficulties completing tasks in a timely manner. Whether it be scheduling a doctor's appointment, purchasing a birthday gift, or booking an airline ticket, waiting until the very last minute can carry serious consequences. In two experimental studies, we explore how individuals can be encouraged to finish tasks promptly. We provide evidence for the “fresh start effect” by showing that a temporal landmark signaling a new beginning helps speed up their task completion. Notably, we demonstrate that the “fresh start nudge” can facilitate early task completion through the underlying processes of meaningfulness and motivation. We also report the moderating role of task openness, supporting the claim that the fresh start effect is stronger when the task is perceived to be relatively closed (rather than open) and must therefore be completed in fewer steps without interruption.
Synergistically Regulating CBD‐SnO2/Perovskite Buried Interface for Efficient FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Zhenghao , Li Yiming , Chen Zijing , Tan Chengyu , Du Xiangjin , Tian Fubo , Shi Jiangjian , Wu Huijue , Luo Yanhong , Li Dongmei , Meng Qingbo
Published: August 2024

Tin oxide (SnO2) based on chemical bath deposition method (CBD‐SnO2) is considered as an ideal electron transporting layer for perovskite solar cells (PSCs), however, the research on precise regulation toward CBD‐SnO2 layer is lacking. Here, the study introduces a multifunctional molecule, potassium 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethanesulfonate (MES‐K), on the surface of CBD‐SnO2 layer to synergistically modify the buried interface between the SnO2 and perovskite. It is found that MES‐K introduction can passivate interfacial defects, favor the perovskite crystal growth, and improve carrier transportation. 25.14% efficiency of small‐size perovskite solar cells has been achieved with 24.45% efficiency of 1 cm2 perovskite devices, with negligible hysteresis. Besides, unencapsulated devices based on CBD‐SnO2 can maintain > 95% of its initial efficiency after 2000 h storage at ambient environment, and > 90% after 1000 h LED illumination.
Electrochemiluminescence Lateral Flow Immunoassay Using Ruthenium(II) Complex‐Loaded Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres for Highly Sensitive and Quantitative Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Fu Wenxuan , Wang Xuexue , Ying Xudong , Sun Tao , Wang Yafeng , Wang Jing , Su Bin
Published: August 2024

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA) are widely used for the cost‐effective and rapid detection of diverse analytes. However, traditional LFIA suffers from difficulties in providing quantitative results and has low sensitivity. Herein, LFIA is combined with electrochemiluminescence (ECL), a leading transduction technique with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range, to achieve highly sensitive and quantitative detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nucleocapsid protein (SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein). Ruthenium(II)‐based complexes are synthesized and loaded into dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres (PEI‐Ru/dSiO2), which possessed central‐radial pore channels and served as tags for ECL‐LFIA. The electrodes are fabricated on a nitrocellulose (NC) membrane, which simplifies the structure of the ECL‐LFIA. PEI‐Ru/dSiO2 is captured on the electrode surface via a sandwich immunoreaction, which enhances the ECL signal by decreasing the distance between PEI‐Ru/dSiO2 and the electrode surface. Using 2,2‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐2,2′,2′'‐nitrilotriethanol (BIS‐TRIS) as coreactant, the ECL‐LFIA is used for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 N protein, with a linear range of 1–104 ng mL−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.52 ng mL−1. ECL‐LFIA can also be used to detect analytes in complex matrices. These results demonstrate that the prepared ECL‐LFIA has great potential as a point‐of‐care testing platform for the rapid and quantitative detection of disease biomarkers.
Retina‐Like Chlorophyll Heterojunction‐Based Optoelectronic Memristor with All‐Optically Modulated Synaptic Plasticity Enabling Neuromorphic Edge Detection
Authors: Jiang Jian , Shan Xuanyu , Xu Jiaqi , Sun Yuting , Xiang Tian‐Fu , Li Aijun , Sasaki Shin‐ichi , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Wang Zhongqiang , Wang Xiao‐Feng
Published: August 2024

Optoelectronic memristors, which possess the potential capacities of in‐sensor computing, promote the development of highly efficient neuromorphic vision. In this work, a novel optoelectronic memristor based on chlorophyll (Chl) heterojunction is proposed, which consists of two types of Chl derivatives (zinc methyl 3‐devinyl‐3‐hydroxymethyl‐pyropheophorbide‐a and methyl 131‐deoxo‐131‐dicyanomethylene‐pyropheophorbide‐a). Chl heterojunction improves the optoelectronic performance of the device due to its ability to efficiently separate photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. The device exhibits the synaptic potentiation and inhibition behaviors under light stimulations of 430 and 730 nm, respectively, thus demonstrating the all‐optically modulated synaptic plasticity. The switching mechanism can be attributed to the photo‐ionization/deionization of oxygen vacancies at the zinc oxide (ZnO)/Chl interface. In addition, the image pre‐processing functions of contrast enhancement and noise reduction are implemented in a memristive array. In particular, the edge detection function has been implemented by utilizing reversible optical modulation, which highlights the object outline. The optoelectronic memristor based on the Chl heterojunction proposed here provides a promising foundation for advancing neuromorphic vision.
Functional Binder with Enhanced Chemical Adsorption for Black Phosphorus Anode in Lithium‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Liu Ke Wei , Ma Yi Bo , Guo Yang , Wang Hao , Xu Ya Nan , Zhang Xu Dong , Zhang Xiong , Sun Xian Zhong , Wang Kai , Yu Le , Ma Yan Wei
Published: August 2024

Black phosphorus (BP) has been recognized as an ideal anode material for fast‐charging lithium (Li)‐ion capacitors (LICs) due to its high theoretical capacity (2596 mAh g−1), appropriate lithiation potential (0.7 V vs Li+/Li) and fast ion diffusion capability. However, large volume change and soluble polyphosphides (LixPs)‐based intermediates during charging‐discharging process seriously deteriorate cycling performance. To address the aforementioned issues, an elaborated design is reported on the binder for BP electrode. The ‐NH2 polar functional group in grafted chitosan (GCS) binder presents strong chemical anchoring effect for both BP and soluble LixPs, achieving superior adhesion force and LixPs constraining capability for enhanced structure integrity of BP electrode. In addition, GCS exhibits strong Li‐ion binding energy that promotes the Li‐ion adsorption at electrode level, leading to a boosted cycle life for BP. As a result, the graphene (G) incorporated BP electrode using GCS binder shows specific capacity of 997.6 mAh g−1 after 400 cycles at 1 A g−1. This study unravels the crucial role of functional groups for binder in high‐performance BP electrode.
An In Vitro Model of the Blood–Brain Barrier for the Investigation and Isolation of the Key Drivers of Barriergenesis
Authors: Schofield Christina , Sarrigiannidis Stylianos , Moran‐Horowich Alejandro , Jackson Emma , Rodrigo‐Navarro Aleixandre , van Agtmael Tom , Cantini Marco , Dalby Matthew J. , Salmeron‐Sanchez Manuel
Published: August 2024

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) tightly regulates substance transport between the bloodstream and the brain. Models for the study of the physiological processes affecting the BBB, as well as predicting the permeability of therapeutic substances for neurological and neurovascular pathologies, are highly desirable. Existing models, such as Transwell utilizing‐models, do not mimic the extracellular environment of the BBB with their stiff, semipermeable, non‐biodegradable membranes. To help overcome this, we engineered electrospun membranes from poly L‐lactic acid in combination with a nanometric coating of poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) that drives fibrillogenesis of fibronectin, facilitating the synergistic presentation of both growth factors and integrin binding sites. Compared to commercial semi‐porous membranes, these membranes significantly improve the expression of BBB‐related proteins in brain endothelial cells. PEA‐coated membranes in combination with different growth factors and extracellular protein coatings reveal nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) caused formation of better barriers in vitro. This BBB model offers a robust platform for studying key biochemical factors influencing barrier formation that marries the simplicity of the Transwell model with the highly tunable electrospun PEA‐fibronectin membranes. This enables the generation of high‐throughput drug permeability models without the need of complicated co‐culture conditions.
A Photoactivated Self‐Assembled Nanoreactor for Inducing Cascade‐Amplified Oxidative Stress toward Type I Photodynamic Therapy in Hypoxic Tumors
Authors: Luo Xuan , Jiao Qishu , Pei Shicheng , Zhou Shuyao , Zheng Yaxin , Shao Weiyang , Xu Keming , Zhong Wenying
Published: August 2024

Type I photodynamic therapy (PDT) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) through oxygen‐independent photoreactions, making it a promising method for treating hypoxic tumors. However, the superoxide anion (O2∙–) generated usually exhibits a low oxidation capacity, restricting the antitumor efficacy of PDT in clinical practice. Herein, a photoactivated self‐assembled nanoreactor (1‐NBS@CeO2) is designed through integration of type I PDT and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanozymes for inducing cascade‐amplified oxidative stress in hypoxic tumors. The nanoreactor is constructed though co‐assembly of an amphiphilic peptide (1‐NBS) and CeO2, giving well‐dispersed spherical nanoparticles with enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐like and peroxidase (POD)‐like activities. Following light irradiation, 1‐NBS@CeO2 undergoes type I photoreactions to generated O2∙–, which is further catalyzed by the nanoreactors, ultimately forming hypertoxic hydroxyl radical (∙OH) through cascade‐amplified reactions. The PDT treatment using 1‐NBS@CeO2 results in elevation of intracellular ROS and depletion of GSH content in A375 cells, thereby inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and triggering apoptosis and ferroptosis of tumor cells. Importantly, intravenous administration of 1‐NBS@CeO2 alongside light irradiation showcases enhances antitumor efficacy and satisfactory biocompatibility in vivo. Together, the self‐assembled nanoreactor facilitates cascade‐amplified photoreactions for achieving efficacious type I PDT, which holds great promise in developing therapeutic modules towards hypoxic tumors.
A Self‐Catalytic NO/O2 Gas‐Releasing Nanozyme for Radiotherapy Sensitization through Vascular Normalization and Hypoxia Relief
Authors: Wang Shuyu , Cheng Miaomiao , Wang Shenghui , Jiang Wei , Yang Feifei , Shen Xiaomei , Zhang Lirong , Yan Xiyun , Jiang Bing , Fan Kelong
Published: August 2024

Radiotherapy (RT), essential for treating various cancers, faces challenges from tumor hypoxia, which induces radioresistance. A tumor‐targeted “prosthetic‐Arginine” coassembled nanozyme system, engineered to catalytically generate nitric oxide (NO) and oxygen (O2) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), overcoming hypoxia and enhancing radiosensitivity is presented. This system integrates the prosthetic heme of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and catalase (CAT) with NO‐donating Fmoc‐protected Arginine and Ru3+ ions, creating HRRu nanozymes that merge NOS and CAT functionalities. Surface modification with human heavy chain ferritin (HFn) improves the targeting ability of nanozymes (HRRu‐HFn) to tumor tissues. In the TME, strategic arginine incorporation within the nanozyme allows autonomous O2 and NO release, triggered by endogenous hydrogen peroxide, elevating NO and O2 levels to normalize vasculature and improve blood perfusion, thus mitigating hypoxia. Employing the intrinsic O2‐transporting ability of heme, HRRu‐HFn nanozymes also deliver O2 directly to the tumor site. Utilizing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma as a tumor model, the studies reveal that the synergistic functions of NO and O2 production, alongside targeted delivery, enable the HRRu‐HFn nanozymes to combat tumor hypoxia and potentiate radiotherapy. This HRRu‐HFn nanozyme based approach holds the potential to reduce the radiation dose required and minimize side effects associated with conventional radiotherapy.
A High Capacity Gas Diffusion Electrode for Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Jenkins Max , Dewar Daniel , Lagnoni Marco , Yang Sixie , Rees Gregory J. , Bertei Antonio , Johnson Lee R. , Gao Xiangwen , Bruce Peter G.
Published: August 2024

The very high theoretical specific energy of the lithium–air (Li–O2) battery (3500 Wh kg−1) compared with other batteries makes it potentially attractive, especially for the electrification of flight. While progress has been made in realizing the Li–air battery, several challenges remain. One such challenge is achieving a high capacity to store charge at the positive electrode at practical current densities, without which Li–air batteries will not outperform lithium‐ion. The capacity is limited by the mass transport of O2 throughout the porous carbon positive electrode. Here it is shown that by replacing the binder in the electrode by a polymer with the intrinsic ability to transport O2, it is possible to reach capacities as high as 31 mAh cm−2 at 1 mA cm−2 in a 300 µm thick electrode. This corresponds to a positive electrode energy density of 2650 Wh L−1 and specific energy of 1716 Wh kg−1, exceeding significantly Li‐ion batteries and previously reported Li–O2 cells. Due to the enhanced oxygen diffusion imparted by the gas diffusion polymer, Li2O2 (the product of O2 reduction on discharge) fills a greater volume fraction of the electrode and is more homogeneously distributed.
Regulation of Electron Delocalization Region in 2D Heteroligand‐Based Copper‐Organic Framework to Enhance NH4+$ \rm {NH_{4}}{^+}$ Charge Storage
Authors: Lu Hongyu , Hu Jisong , Zhang Kaiqi , Zhang Yu , Jiang Botao , Zhang Miao , Deng Shenzhen , Zhao Jingxin , Pang Huan , Xu Bingang
Published: August 2024

The rechargeable aqueous ammonium ion battery shows great potential in low‐cost energy storage system because of its long life and environmental friendliness. However, most inorganic host materials used in ammonium ion batteries are still limited by slow diffusion kinetics. Herein, it is identified that a 2D heteroligand‐based copper‐organic framework featuring numerous ammonium ion adsorption site in the π‐conjugated periodic skeleton supplies multiple accessible redox‐active sites for high‐performance ammonium storage. Benefitting from the effective regulation of electron delocalization by heteroligand and the inherent hydrogen bond cage mechanism between ammonium ions, the resultant full battery delivers a large specific energy density of 211.84 Wh kg−1, and it can be stably operated for 12000 cycles at 5 A g−1 for over 80 days. This explanatory understanding provides a new idea for the rational design of high‐performance MOF‐based ammonium ion battery cathode materials for efficient energy storage and conversion in the future.
Femtosecond Laser‐Induced Regulation of Photo‐ and Persistent Luminescence of Perovskite Crystals
Authors: Zhu Xuanyu , Wang Ting , Gao Wei , Yu Xue , Liu Haozhe , Yue Yang , Yakovlev Alexey Nikolaevich , Yu Siufung
Published: August 2024

Manipulation of photoluminescence (PL) and persistent luminescence (PersL) provides a powerful tool for anti‐counterfeiting applications. Here, Sb3+‐doped CsCdCl3 perovskite single crystals (SCs) can be selectively irradiated via utilizing ultra‐fast femtosecond (fs) laser, creating tunable PL colors and PersL duration with high precision. The PL color of the synthesized SCs changes from cyan to orange along with the wavelength of the fs laser, for the successful regulation of the optical procedure from a single‐photon to a two‐photon absorption process. Moreover, an orange PersL of CsCdCl3:Sb3+ SC is observed after being charged with a fs laser, and the corresponding duration time can be feasibly controlled with the pump wavelength. In particular, CsCdCl3:Sb3+ is capable of ultrafast carrier capture (1 s) under fs laser compared to ultraviolet lamp pre‐irradiation enabling a high‐resolution micro‐PersL in photon trapping/de‐trapping modes. These findings not only give a new solution for the fabrication high‐resolution micro‐PL and trajectory‐writing micro‐PersL patterns, but also provide a deep insight to understand the photon–matter interactions.
Leveraging Random Effects in Cistrome‐Wide Association Studies for Decoding the Genetic Determinants of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Shao Mengting , Tian Min , Chen Kaiyang , Jiang Hangjin , Zhang Shuting , Li Zhenghui , Shen Yan , Chen Feng , Shen Baixin , Cao Chen , Gu Ning
Published: August 2024

Cistrome‐wide association studies (CWAS) are pivotal for identifying genetic determinants of diseases by correlating genetically regulated cistrome states with phenotypes. Traditional CWAS typically develops a model based on cistrome and genotype data to associate predicted cistrome states with phenotypes. The random effect cistrome‐wide association study (RECWAS), reevaluates the necessity of cistrome state prediction in CWAS. RECWAS utilizes either a linear model or marginal effect for initial feature selection, followed by kernel‐based feature aggregation for association testing is introduced. Through simulations and analysis of prostate cancer data, a thorough evaluation of CWAS and RECWAS is conducted. The results suggest that RECWAS offers improved power compared to traditional CWAS, identifying additional genomic regions associated with prostate cancer. CWAS identified 102 significant regions, while RECWAS found 50 additional significant regions compared to CWAS, many of which are validated. Validation encompassed a range of biological evidence, including risk signals from the GWAS catalog, susceptibility genes from the DisGeNET database, and enhancer‐domain scores. RECWAS consistently demonstrated improved performance over traditional CWAS in identifying genomic regions associated with prostate cancer. These findings demonstrate the benefits of incorporating kernel methods into CWAS and provide new insights for genetic discovery in complex diseases.
Molecular Engineering of Porous Fe‐N‐C Catalyst with Sulfur Incorporation for Boosting CO2 Reduction and Zn‐CO2 Battery
Authors: Han Jingwei , Xu Qiang , Rong Jiaxin , Zhao Xue , She Ping , Qin Jun‐Sheng , Rao Heng
Published: August 2024

Transition metal‐nitrogen‐carbon (M‐N‐C) catalysts have emerged as promising candidates for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) due to their uniform active sites and high atomic utilization rate. However, poor efficiency at low overpotentials and unclear reaction mechanisms limit the application of M‐N‐C catalysts. In this study, Fe‐N‐C catalysts are developed by incorporating S atoms onto ordered hierarchical porous carbon substrates with a molecular iron thiophenoporphyrin. The well‐prepared FeSNC catalyst exhibits superior CO2RR activity and stability, attributes to an optimized electronic environment, and enhances the adsorption of reaction intermediates. It displays the highest CO selectivity of 94.0% at −0.58 V (versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)) and achieves the highest partial current density of 13.64 mA cm−2 at −0.88 V. Furthermore, when employed as the cathode in a Zn‐CO2 battery, FeSNC achieves a high‐power density of 1.19 mW cm−2 and stable charge–discharge cycles. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the incorporation of S atoms into the hierarchical porous carbon substrate led to the iron center becoming more electron‐rich, consequently improving the adsorption of the crucial reaction intermediate *COOH. This study underscores the significance of hierarchical porous structures and heteroatom doping for advancing electrocatalytic CO2RR and energy storage technologies.
Memristive Hodgkin–Huxley Neurons with Diverse Firing Patterns for High‐Order Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Yang Yue , Zhang Xumeng , Chen Pei , Cheng Lingli , Li Chao , Ding Yanting , Liu Qi
Published: August 2024

The rich firing behaviors of biological neurons enable the nervous system to execute complex computations, emulating which in hardware is advantageous for constructing advanced intelligent machines. Hodgkin–Huxley (H–H) neurons based on memristors feature great merits of high bio‐plausibility and low hardware cost. However, a universal design rule of memristive H–H neurons is still lacking, hindering its development and applications. Herein, a universal H–H neuron circuit structure is proposed and its feasibility based on NbOx memristors is demonstrated. The constructed neuron achieves 23 types of firing behaviors observed in biological neurons, simplifying the communication between neurons. To better understand the correlation between circuit parameters and firing patterns, the firing patterns into three classes according to the switching cycle ratio of two memristors are categorized. The circuit design rules of each category of firing patterns are deeply elucidated and universal regularities for tuning circuit parameters to implement the switch between different firing behaviors are presented. Finally, the potential applications of different firing behaviors in neuromorphic intelligence systems are discussed. This work provides theoretical guidance for engineering memristive H–H neuron circuits, assisting in building high‐order neuromorphic systems based on firing patterns.
Association of caffeine consumption with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A BALTAZAR cohort study
Authors: Blum David , Cailliau Emeline , Béhal Hélène , Vidal Jean‐Sébastien , Delaby Constance , Buée Luc , Allinquant Bernadette , Gabelle Audrey , Bombois Stéphanie , Lehmann Sylvain , Schraen‐Maschke Susanna , Hanon Olivier ,   BALTAZAR study group
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the link between habitual caffeine intake with memory impairments and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.

METHODS

MCI (N = 147) and AD (N = 116) patients of the Biomarker of AmyLoid pepTide and AlZheimer's diseAse Risk (BALTAZAR) cohort reported their caffeine intake at inclusion using a dedicated survey. Associations of caffeine consumption with memory impairments and CSF biomarkers (tau, p‐tau181, amyloid beta 1‐42 [Aβ1‐42], Aβ1‐40) were analyzed using logistic and analysis of covariance models.

RESULTS

Adjusted on Apolipoprotein E (APOE ε4), age, sex, education level, and tobacco, lower caffeine consumption was associated with higher risk to be amnestic (OR: 2.49 [95% CI: 1.13 to 5.46]; p = 0.023) and lower CSF Aβ1‐42 (p = 0.047), Aβ1‐42/Aβ1‐40 (p = 0.040), and Aβ1‐42/p‐tau181 (p = 0.020) in the whole cohort.

DISCUSSION

Data support the beneficial effect of caffeine consumption to memory impairments and CSF amyloid markers in MCI and AD patients.

Highlights

We studied the impact of caffeine consumption in the BALTAZAR cohort.

Low caffeine intake is associated with higher risk of being amnestic in MCI/AD patients.

Caffeine intake is associated with CSF biomarkers in AD patients.
Multifunctional Modification of the Buried Interface in Mixed Tin‐Lead Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Xinru , Wu Hongzhuo , Li Zhihao , Zhu Rui , Li Guixiang , Su Zhenhuang , Zhang Junhan , Gao Xingyu , Pascual Jorge , Abate Antonio , Li Meng
Published: August 2024

Mixed tin‐lead perovskite solar cells can reach band gaps as low as 1.2 eV, offering high theoretical efficiency and serving as base materials for all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. However, instability and high defect densities at the interfaces, particularly the buried surface, have limited performance improvements. In this work, we present the modification of the bottom perovskite interface with multifunctional hydroxylamine salts. These salts can effectively coordinate the different perovskite components, having critical influences in regulating the crystallization process and passivating defects of varying nature. The surface modification reduced traps at the interface and prevented the formation of excessive lead iodide, enhancing the quality of the films. The modified devices presented fill factors reaching 81 % and efficiencies of up to 23.8 %. The unencapsulated modified devices maintained over 95 % of their initial efficiency after 2000 h of shelf storage.
Effect of magnesia additive on the morphology and physico‐mechanical properties of kaolinitic clays ceramics
Authors: Nurudeen Abdulhakeem , Dagwa Ishaya , Ugheoke Benjamin , Muhammad Ibrahim , Arogundade Adiat
Published: August 2024

Nigeria is rich in various minerals, including crude oil and solid minerals. However, despite this abundance, effectively utilizing these resources remains a challenge. Kaolin, also known as white China clay, is a crucial raw material used in industries such as ceramics, paper, paint, plastic, and welding electrodes. Despite its plentiful availability in Nigeria, kaolin has not been adequately exploited. Consequently, Nigeria spends approximately 14.35 million USD annually to import refined kaolin to meet local demand, due to the lack of capacity to process it to the required industrial standards. This study investigates the effect of magnesia (MgO) on the morphology and physico‐mechanical properties of kaolinitic clay ceramics using the slip‐casting method. Various analytical techniques were employed to examine the kaolin, including X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Also, compressive and flexural tests were conducted. The XRF analysis revealed that all samples contained SiO2 (54.41%wt), Al2O3 (34.05%wt), and other trace elements. The main mineral phases identified were quartz, microcline, and orthoclase. Among the samples, 30–200 exhibited the highest compressive strength at 218 MPa, while the highest flexural rigidity was observed in sample 15–200. The results indicated that MgO significantly affected the properties of kaolin, as the control sample had a compressive strength of 59 MPa. The study also found that the quantities of additives should align with stoichiometric requirements. Results showed hypo‐stoichiometry in samples 30–600 and 15–400, and hyper‐stoichiometry in sample 60–200. XRF, XRD, and FTIR spectra confirmed the elemental and chemical compositions of the samples, while SEM analysis revealed the morphological structure. It was observed that increasing the magnesia content from 10% to 30% led to an increase in pore spaces within the samples. TGA analysis provided insights into the relationship between mass loss and temperature variation in the ceramic samples, While The DTG curves explain the endothermic phase changes over changes in temperature; at 50–150°C, loss of the water phase is complete, at 300–400°C burning of organic matter phase is achieved and at 500–700°C endothermic dihyroxylation phase begins forming armorphous meta‐kaolin.
A real‐time working memory evaluation system for macaques in microwave fields
Authors: Li Bowen , Zhang Xueyan , Qiao Nan , Chen Jiawei , Bi Weijie , Zhi Weijia , Ma Lizhen , Miao Congcong , Wang Lifeng , Zou Yong , Hu Xiangjun
Published: August 2024

With the development and widespread application of electromagnetic technology, the health hazards of electromagnetic radiation have attracted much attention and concern. The effect of electromagnetic radiation on the nervous system, especially on learning, memory, and cognitive functions, is an important research topic in the field of electromagnetic biological effects. Most previous studies were conducted with rodents, which are relatively mature. As research has progressed, studies using non‐human primates as experimental subjects have been carried out. Compared to rodents, non‐human primates such as macaques not only have brain structures more similar to those of humans but also exhibit learning and memory processes that are similar. In this paper, we present a behavioral test system for the real‐time evaluation of the working memory (WM) of macaques in a microwave environment. The system consists of two parts: hardware and software. The hardware consists of four modules: the operation terminal, the control terminal, the optical signal transmission, and detection module and the reward feedback module. The software program can implement the feeding learning task, the button‐pressing learning task, and the delayed match‐to‐sample task. The device is useful for the real‐time evaluation of the WM of macaques in microwave environments, showing good electromagnetic compatibility, a simple and reliable structure, and easy operation.
A sensitive benzothiazole fluorescent probe for the detection of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity and its application
Authors: Wu Xiaoming , Ding Leyuan , Yang Shaoxiang , Tian Hongyu , Sun Baoguo
Published: August 2024

A sensitive benzothiazole fluorescent probe (PBZO) for the detection of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity was developed. Based on the enzymatic hydrolysis of peptide bonds by glutamyl transpeptidase, it can be specifically recognized by PBZO. The PBZO has a good linear relationship with different gradients of GGT activity at the emission wavelength of 560 nm, the Stokes shift reached 215 nm, and the detection limit of GGT activity is 0.1644 U/ml. With the increase of GGT concentration in the probe solution, the color of the solution gradually changed from orange to dark yellow under the 365 nm UV lamp. The same color change was also observed on the probe test paper. In addition, there is a linear relationship between the GGT activity and the R‐value of the probe solution. More importantly, the probe has a good recovery rate in serum. Therefore, this probe can be used as a convenient tool for detecting GGT activity.
Comparing five‐factor personality traits and psychological distress between dysphonic patients and individuals with vocally healthy voices
Authors: Aghajanzadeh Mahshid , Dabirmoghaddam Payman , Soleimani Mehdi , Saeedi Saeed
Published: August 2024

Introduction

It was reported that voice can carry information about personality and psychological distress. In the current study, the relationship between five‐factor personality traits and psychological distress with voice was enlightened from diverse aspects.

Methods

A total of 119 participants (55 with and 64 without dysphonia) sustained vowels /a/ and /i/, read six standard sentences, and answered a question. Three raters auditory–perceptually evaluated the vocal samples using the Persian version of CAPE‐V. The participants were distributed into four groups (vocally healthy, mild, moderate, and severe dysphonia). They completed two questionnaires: NEO Five‐Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale‐21.

Results

Results showed that the conscientiousness (U = 1146.500, z = −3.27, p = .001) in the dysphonia group was significantly less than the vocally healthy group. Depression (U = 1381.000, z = −2.03, p = .042) and anxiety (U = 1181.000, z = −3.10, p = .002) in the dysphonia group were significantly higher than in the vocally healthy group. In comparing different abnormal overall voice qualities, the mild dysphonia group revealed significantly lower conscientiousness (p = .001) and significantly higher anxiety (p = .002) relative to the vocally healthy group.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that the conscientiousness trait could play an influential role in persons with dysphonia and its psychological status. The voice care team should consider conscientiousness and psychological distress during the assessment and treatment of dysphonic patients.
Integrating sustainability with performance: Effect of social and environmental dimensions of the balanced scorecard on the performance of financial institutions in Ethiopia, moderated by management commitment
Authors: Ayele Nathenael Fentaw , Singh Manjit
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the primary factors driving sustainable performance in financial institutions, focusing on the effect of social and environmental aspects of a balanced scorecard on the performance of financial institutions in Ethiopia. It also examines how management commitment moderates the relationship between these social and environmental dimensions and institutional performance. The research adopts a descriptive and explanatory design, utilizing proportional stratified sampling followed by systematic random sampling. From a population of 4990, a sample of 480 was determined using Daniel Soper's formula for structural equation modeling, accounting for an expected effect size of 0.23, a statistical power level of 0.95, and a probability level of .05. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, covariance‐based structural equation modeling, and the interaction‐term method for moderation. Findings indicate a significant positive relationship between the social and environmental dimensions of the balanced scorecard and the performance of Ethiopian financial institutions. Additionally, management commitment significantly enhances this relationship. The study confirms that incorporating social and environmental metrics into the balanced scorecard positively impacts financial institution performance, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in performance measurement frameworks. This research underscores the practical implications of integrating sustainability metrics and management commitment in enhancing institutional performance.
Structure‐based pharmacophore modeling for precision inhibition of mutant ESR2 in breast cancer: A systematic computational approach
Authors: Islam Sirajul , Amin Md. Al , Rengasamy Kannan R.R. , Mohiuddin A. K. M. , Mahmud Shahin
Published: August 2024

Background

Breast cancer, a leading cause of female mortality, is closely linked to mutations in estrogen receptor beta (ESR2), particularly in the ligand‐binding domain, which contributed to altered signaling pathways and uncontrolled cell growth.

Objectives/Aims

This study investigates the molecular and structural aspects of ESR2 mutant proteins to identify shared pharmacophoric regions of ESR2 mutant proteins and potential therapeutic targets aligned within the pharmacophore model.

Methods

This study was initiated by establishing a common pharmacophore model among three mutant ESR2 proteins (PDB ID: 2FSZ, 7XVZ, and 7XWR). The generated shared feature pharmacophore (SFP) includes four primary binding interactions: Hydrogen bond donors (HBD), hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA), hydrophobic interactions (HPho), and Aromatic interactions (Ar), along with halogen bond donors (XBD) and totalling 11 features (HBD: 2, HBA: 3, HPho: 3, Ar: 2, XBD: 1). By employing an in‐house Python script, these 11 features distributed into 336 combinations, which were used as query to isolate a drug library of 41,248 compounds and subjected to virtual screening through the generated SFP.

Results

The virtual screening demonstrated 33 hits showing potential pharmacophoric fit scores and low RMSD value. The top four compounds: ZINC94272748, ZINC79046938, ZINC05925939, and ZINC59928516 showed a fit score of more than 86% and satisfied the Lipinski rule of five. These four compounds and a control underwent molecular (XP Glide mode) docking analysis against wild‐type ESR2 protein (PDB ID: 1QKM), resulting in binding affinity of −8.26, −5.73, −10.80, and −8.42 kcal/mol, respectively, along with the control −7.2 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the stability of the selected candidates was determined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of 200 ns and MM‐GBSA analysis.

Conclusion

Based on MD simulations and MM‐GBSA analysis, our study identified ZINC05925939 as a promising ESR2 inhibitor among the top four hits. However, it is essential to conduct further wet lab evaluation to assess its efficacy.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. A case description
Authors: Ariana Garcia‐Castillo María
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Patients affected by chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy require close follow up due to the neuronal demyelination along with axonal degeneration associated with the disease process, giving the opportunity to the medical team of adequating therapeutics and other medical interventions, according to the evolution of the symptoms, to prevent irreversible axonal degeneration.
Complete percutaneous coronary revascularization: An elegant solution to left ventricular dysfunction caused by severe coronary artery disease
Authors: Milutinovic Stefan , Singh Kamaldeep , Oluic Stevan , Lopez‐Mattei Juan C. , Escárcega Ricardo O.
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

With increased complexity in both medical comorbidities and coronary anatomy, the proportion of surgically turndown patients and high‐risk PCI will continue to rise. Impella‐assisted complex PCI can be performed with high technical success and can improve quality of life, angina score, and potentially left ventricular ejection fraction.
Primary hyperaldosteronism associated with type 3 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome: A rare case report
Authors: Li Xuesong , Gu Liangbiao , Zhao Wenhui , Xiao Jianzhong , Cao Chenxiang
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Primary hyperaldosteronism with type 3 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome was a rare combination of both hyper‐ and hypoendocrine gland function. Comprehensive treatment including surgery and replacement therapy might be an effective strategy.

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension originating from hormones. Type 3 autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS‐3) is characterized by the simultaneous or subsequent occurrence of autoimmune‐mediated endocrine gland damage, except for Addison disease. Here we reported an extremely rare case of a 63‐year‐old woman with PA and APS‐3 who initially presented with hypertension (HT). The APS‐3 of this patient mainly exhibited type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. She underwent the adrenal adenoma resection with a histopathologic diagnosis of adrenal cortical adenoma. After surgery, the HT of this patient was immediately reversed, and the concentration of serum potassium went back to normal. Then, this patient was administered with replacement therapy of insulin and levothyroxine sodium tablets (L‐T4).
A Novel One‐Class Convolutional Autoencoder Combined With Excitation–Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Authenticity Identification of Food
Authors: Yan Xiaoqin , Jia Baoshuo , Long Wanjun , Huang Kun , Wang Tong , Wu Hailong , Yu Ruqin
Published: August 2024

In this work, a novel one‐class classification algorithm one‐class convolutional autoencoder (OC‐CAE) was proposed for the detection of abnormal samples in the excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra dataset. The OC‐CAE used Boxplot to analyze the reconstruction errors and used the LOF algorithm to handle features extracted by the hidden layer in the convolutional autoencoder (CAE). The fused information provides the basis for more accurate pattern recognition, ensures flexibility in model training, and can obtain higher model specificity, which is important in the field of food quality control. To demonstrate the reliability and advantages of OC‐CAE, two EEM cases related to the authentication of food including the Zhenjiang aromatic vinegar (ZAV) case and the camellia oil (CAO) case were studied. The results showed that OC‐CAE identified all abnormal samples in the two cases, reflecting excellent performance in the detection of abnormal samples, and that it, coupled with EEM, would be an effective tool for the authenticity identification of food.
Boosting the Efficiency of Red Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence via Conjugation Enhancement in Push‐Pull Naphthalimide Derivatives
Authors: Montanari Chiara , Ji Tiwari Nikhil , Misra Rajneesh , Carlotti Benedetta
Published: August 2024

In this work, we synthesize a series of push–pull compounds bearing naphthalimide as the electron acceptor and tetraphenylethylene (TPE)/triphenylamine (TPA)/phenothiazine (PTZ) as the electron rich/electron donor units. These moieties are arranged in highly conjugated quadrupolar structures. The structure–property relationships are investigated through a joint experimental time–resolved spectroscopic and computational TD–DFT study. The femtosecond transient absorption and fluorescence up–conversion experiments reveal ultrafast photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer. This is likely the key factor leading to efficient spin–orbit CT–induced intersystem crossing for the TPA– and PTZ–derivatives as well as to small singlet–to–triplet energy gap. Consequently, evidence for a delayed fluorescence component is found together with the main prompt emission in the fluorescence kinetics both in solution and in thin film. The weight of the Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) is greatly enhanced when these fluorophores are used as guests in solid–state host matrices. TADF is interestingly revealed in the orange–red region of the visible. Such long wavelength emission is here observed with surprisingly large fluorescence quantum yields, thanks to the conjugation enhancement achieved in these newly synthesized structures relative to previous studies. Our findings may be thus promising for the future development of efficient third generation TADF–based OLEDs.
First Principles Simulations of Optical Rotation of Chiral Molecular Crystals
Authors: Forson Emmanuel , Parsons Taylor , Caricato Marco
Published: August 2024

In this work, we present simulations of the optical rotation (OR) for five molecular crystals at density functional theory level with periodic boundary conditions (DFT‐PBC). Calculations are compared with experimental measurements and show semi‐quantitative agreement with experimental data for three of the crystals: tartatic acid, benzil, and pentaerythritol. For the other two crystals, aspartic acid and glutamic acid, the calculated data are in qualitative agreement with, but two orders of magnitude smaller than, the experimental data. We provide some arguments that support the theoretical predictions and suggest that the experiments should be revisited. We also find that the position of H centers provided in experimental X‐ray data is not sufficiently reliable for simulating OR, and better results are obtained when H atoms are allowed to relax while keeping heavier elements fixed at the experimental positions. Comparison with molecular cluster calculations with a better functional and a larger basis set indicate that the role of intermolecular interactions (reproduced with the PBC technique) is as or more important than the choice of model chemistry. Despite the current limitations in the level of theory that can be employed, these simulations provide a promising avenue to investigate the effect of intermolecular interactions on this sensitive electronic property of molecules and materials.
Ich krieg hier gleich Zustände
Authors: Enders Tim Bastian , Keitel Maximilian , Wunsch Jonas Florian
Published: August 2024

Diesmal beschäftigen wir uns mit einem grundlegenden Wesensmerkmal der Materie: ihrer Eigenschaft, bei Variieren des Drucks und der Temperatur in verschiedenen Erscheinungsformen vorliegen zu können – den Aggregatszuständen. Anhand von Grafiken und Berechnungen werden die Merkmale der klassischen Aggregatszustände fest, flüssig und gasförmig und die Prozesse beim Übergang zwischen ihnen verdeutlicht.
Unexpected stability in faunal population abundances following an estuary‐wide collapse of oysters
Authors: Love Gabrielle D. , Siders Zachary A. , Gandy David A. , Pine William E. , Baker Shirley , Camp Edward V.
Published: August 2024

Live oyster reefs are considered a critical recruitment habitat for estuarine faunal populations as localized in situ or mesocosm studies have demonstrated many faunal species prefer live oyster habitat. It has therefore been assumed that the loss of live oyster habitat would precipitate faunal population declines, but this has been largely untested at large (estuary) scales. Here, we assessed how estuary‐wide faunal populations were affected by a 95% loss of live oyster habitat following the 2012 oyster collapse of Apalachicola Bay, FL, which previously supported one of the largest oyster fisheries in the United States. We standardized long‐term fisheries‐independent monitoring seine and trawl data to create relative indices of resident, associated, and transient faunal species' overall abundance and recruit abundance (restrictive to sizes between 15% and 35% of ). We expected that both relative abundance indices would decrease following the oyster collapse, particularly among species that reside on or recruit to oyster reefs. However, analyses via a series of one‐sided Bayesian t tests did not indicate that faunal recruitment or overall abundance significantly declined in 2012 post‐collapse. As the response of the faunal population could be lagged relative to the 2012 collapse, we also conducted change point analyses to search for lagged declines. Of the 24 relative abundance time series, only two had significant change points post‐collapse, and only black sea bass overall relative abundance declined with an associated change point at the end of the time series. The surprising paucity of faunal decline following oyster loss may be due to the use of alternative habitat types, exceptionally lagged faunal responses, or, perhaps most compelling, a disconnect between preferred and required habitats. Our failure to detect faunal consequences following an oyster population collapse suggests that assumptions of habitat loss (or restoration) effects on estuarine fauna at ecosystem scales are not straightforward and the extrapolation of sub‐estuary‐scale studies may result in poor predictions of future outcomes.