bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Matrix Equation Solver Based on Computational Metasurface
Authors: Yang Han Qing , Wu Jun Wei , Shao Rui Wen , Wang Zheng Xing , Xu Hui , Gao Yuan , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: December 2023

With the increasing demands for computing powers, wave‐based computation has attracted researcher's attention due to its inherent high speed. Metasurfaces have flexible and powerful capabilities to manipulate electromagnetic waves and are good candidates for building a next‐generation of wave‐based computers. In this work, a computational‐metasurface‐based equation solver that yields real‐time solutions to arbitrary complex matrix equations (CME) in the form of K · x + c = 0 is proposed. Full‐wave simulations and experimental measurements are conducted to verify the functionality of the proposed solver. This work serves to provide a promising technique to overcome some shortcomings of the existing designs and lays the first stone of the bridge toward programmable wave‐space computers.
Realizing Fluorescence Blinking in Monolayer MoSe2 with the Formation of 1D/2D Heterostructure
Authors: Luo Xinyi , He Mai , Hou Shijin , Zhou Hong , Braun Kai , Zhu Xiaoli , Pan Anlian , Wang Xiao
Published: December 2023

The understanding and manipulating of photoluminescence blinking is essential in nano‐photonics and related device applications. The formation of mixed‐dimensional semiconductor heterostructures provides an important platform for the generation of blinking phenomena, which can be utilized to realize quantum emission properties of the heterostructures that are beyond the pure single material. Here, one‐dimensional (1D)/two‐dimensional (2D) heterostructures consisting of MoSe2 monolayer and a single CsPbBr3 perovskite nanowire are constructed. By studying the photoluminescence (PL) intensity time trajectory and lifetime, MoSe2 in heterostructure exhibits fluorescent blinking behavior, which has a negative correlation relation with the PL blinking in CsPbBr3 nanowire due to its super‐trap states. The excitation power dependent blinking and PL lifetime measurements of the heterostructure, as well as the low‐temperature PL spectroscopy, are performed to conclude that the bright state of MoSe2 in heterostructure is due to the suppressed interfacial charge transfer. In addition, MoSe2/hBN/PVK heterostructure is prepared and investigated, showing no blinking phenomena due to the dominated energy transfer process. This study not only provides a deeper understanding of interfacial charge transfer process in 1D/2D heterostructure, but also offers guidance for the design of photonic device with extended functionality.
Direct Upcycling of Leached FePO4 from Spent Lithium‐Ion Batteries toward Gradient‐Doped LiMnxFe1−xPO4 Cathode Material
Authors: Zhou Jian , Xing Chunxian , Huang Jiawei , Zhang Yucheng , Li Guowei , Chen Long , Tao Shuqiang , Yang Zhuoli , Wang Guangren , Fei Linfeng
Published: December 2023

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode materials have occupied a significant market share in state‐of‐the‐art power storage systems and electric vehicles, yet the approaching “retiring wave” of these LIBs should be appropriately treated (i.e., recycling of spent LIBs). Current recycling strategies of degraded LFP materials largely direct on leaching of lithium elements, leaving the leached FePO4 residual as a waste. Inspiringly, LiMnxFe1−xPO4 material is considered one of the potential candidates for next‐generation cathode materials because of its high electrochemical performance, extraordinary stability, and low cost. Herein, the direct upcycling of leached FePO4 toward LiMn0.25Fe0.75PO4 (LMFP) cathode material is demonstrated via a green, simple, and scalable mechanochemical pathway. The product features a gradient‐doping of Mn, as well as a uniform carbon coating for LMFP particles. As a result, the LMFP cathode material delivers superior electrochemical performance; the capacity (161.3 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), rate capability (90.1 mA h g−1 at 5 C), cycling stability (95.6% capacity retention after 800 cycles at 1 C), and energy density (≈15% increase as compared to LFP) are almost comparable with those of fresh materials. The as‐established upcycling protocol offers a favorable reuse method for leached FePO4 materials.
Oxygen‐Induced Structural Disruption for Improved Li+ Transport and Electrochemical Stability of Li3PS4
Authors: Deck Michael J. , Chien Po‐Hsiu , Poudel Tej P. , Jin Yongkang , Liu Haoyu , Hu Yan‐Yan
Published: December 2023

The performance of all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) relies on the Li+ transport and stability characteristics of solid electrolytes (SEs). Li3PS4 is notable for its stability against lithium metal, yet its ionic conductivity remains a limiting factor. This study leverages local structural disorder via O substitution to achieve an ionic conductivity of 1.38 mS cm−1 with an activation energy of 0.34 eV for Li3PS4−xOx (x = 0.31). Optimal O substitution transforms Li+ transport from 2D to 3D pathways with increased ion mobility. Li3PS3.69O0.31 exhibits improvements in the critical current density and stability against Li metal and retains its electrochemical stability window compared with Li3PS4. The practical implementation of Li3PS3.69O0.31 in ASSBs half‐cells, particularly when coupled with TiS2 as the cathode active material, demonstrates substantially enhanced capacity and rate performance. This work elucidates the utility of introducing local structural disorder to ameliorate SE properties and highlights the benefits of strategically combining the inherent strengths of sulfides and oxides via creating oxysulfide SEs.
Disease‐Modifying Drugs Extend Survival in Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloid Polyneuropathy
Authors: Ueda Mitsuharu , Misumi Yohei , Nomura Toshiya , Tasaki Masayoshi , Yamakawa Shiori , Obayashi Konen , Yamashita Taro , Ando Yukio
Published: December 2023

Hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis is a rare, fatal systemic disease, associated with polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy, that is caused by mutant transthyretin (TTR). In addition to liver transplantation, several groundbreaking disease‐modifying drugs (DMDs) such as tetrameric TTR stabilizers and TTR gene‐silencing therapies have been developed for ATTRv amyloid polyneuropathy. They were based on a working hypothesis of the mechanisms of ATTRv amyloid formation. In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated survival of all 201 consecutive patients with ATTRv amyloidosis in our center. The effects of DMDs on survival improvements were significant not only in early‐onset patients but also in late‐onset patients. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:230–236
Murky waters: Assessing the vulnerabilities of Indo‐West Pacific non‐marine elasmobranchs to inform future conservation planning priorities
Authors: Mather Rachel , Chin Andrew , Rigby Cassandra , Cooke Steven J. , Fahmi  , Haque Alifa Bintha , Mizrahi Meira , Grant Michael I.
Published: December 2023

Globally, freshwater environments are imperilled, with freshwater vertebrate species declining at twice the rate of marine and terrestrial populations. Non‐marine elasmobranchs (freshwater obligates and euryhaline generalists) remain understudied and overlooked by conservation efforts.

This study aimed to adapt and apply a vulnerability assessment framework to understand the conservation priorities of Indo‐West Pacific non‐marine elasmobranch species. An exposure sensitivity adaptability (ESA) framework was used to assess vulnerability to environmental threats, and an exposure susceptibility productivity (ESP) framework was used to assess vulnerability to fisheries.

Resulting species vulnerabilities were categorized into three conservation priority tiers. The general patterns of conservation priority tiering were as follows: (i) large‐bodied euryhaline species occurring in densely populated nations had the highest ESA and ESP vulnerabilities; (ii) freshwater obligates also had high ESA vulnerability rankings, although ESP vulnerability rankings were lower as their smaller body sizes suggest increased population productivity and higher potential for resilience; and (iii) euryhaline species with large range proportions in northern Australia had moderate to low vulnerability rankings across ESA and ESP assessments, as these species benefit from reduced fisheries mortality compared with species occurring in other regions.

The outcomes from the vulnerability assessment framework for the conservation priority rankings of species corresponded with their respective International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status, whereby priority 1 and 2 species also have elevated extinction risks. Environmental threats were at high or moderate levels in all nations assessed, while Cambodia, China, Malaysia, and Myanmar face the highest pressure from inland fisheries.

The major knowledge gaps identified included species‐specific productivity estimates, population dynamics (population movements and habitat requirements), and information on mortality from the threats considered. The present ESA–ESP framework was effective for the broad and data‐poor context of Indo‐West Pacific non‐marine elasmobranchs, and the results will be useful for guiding future conservation planning for high‐priority species and nations.
Repeating fast radio bursts reveal the secret of pulsar magnetospheric activity
Authors: Xu Renxin , Wang Weiyang
Published: December 2023

The puzzling mechanism of coherent radio emission remains unknown, but fortunately, repeating fast radio bursts (FRBs) provide a precious opportunity, with extremely bright subpulses created in a clear and vacuum‐like pulsar magnetosphere. FRBs are millisecond‐duration signals that are highly dispersed at distant galaxies but with uncertain physical origin(s). Coherent curvature radiation by bunches has already been proposed for repeating FRBs. The charged particles are created during central star's quakes, which can form bunches streaming out along curved magnetic field lines, so as to trigger FRBs. The nature of narrow‐band radiation with time‐frequency drifting can be a natural consequence that bunches could be observed at different times with different curvatures. Additionally, high linear‐polarization can be seen if the line of sight is confined to the beam angle, whereas the emission could be highly circular‐polarized if off‐beam. It is also discussed that pulsar surface may be full of small hills (i.e., zits) which would help producing bulk of energetic bunches for repeating FRBs as well as for rotation‐powered pulsars.
Field‐ and Pilot‐Scale Approaches to Assess Finished Water Storage Tanks
Authors: Gomez‐Alvarez Vicente
Published: December 2023

Key Takeaways

The US Environmental Protection Agency released its Storage Tank Assessment Study Protocol in 2021 as an optional tool to help water utilities gauge water quality issues.

Knowledge about the complexity of storage tank ecosystems and associated potential public health risks can be included in water management programs.

Pilot‐scale and field‐based testing with genomic data yielded insights into biogeochemical processes of tank ecosystems that can help utilities minimize bacterial growth.
The Human Right to Water: UN Definitions, Implications, and Effects
Authors: Li Samuel , Carpenter Adam
Published: December 2023

Key Takeaways

In 2010, the United Nations (UN) embarked on formally recognizing the human right to water, although safe water had been in its scope as early as 1977.

Departments, committees, councils, and other bodies within the UN have outlined standards, definitions, and goals to serve as a universal framework for working toward safe, affordable, accessible water.

The UN has provided guidance to countries and governments worldwide, helping developing as well as developed nations.
Unlocking the potential of teak seed waste: carbonization for sustainable resource transformation
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Iwuozor Kingsley O. , Ezzat Abdelrahman O. , Muritala Kabiru B. , Emenike Ebuka Chizitere , Oyekunle Ifeoluwa Peter
Published: December 2023

The importance of carbonizing teak seed waste lies in unlocking its untapped potential for sustainable resource transformation while achieving waste management and converting the waste to more valuable products. This study investigates the production and characterization of teak‐seed biochar employing a top‐lit updraft reactor. The process parameters include a carbonization time of 2 h and a peak temperature of 379 °C, resulting in a substantial yield of 42%. Elemental analysis reveals the biochar's composition, consisting of 77.20% carbon and 18.79% potassium, positioning it as a valuable resource with versatile applications. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis showcases a rich variety of functional groups within the biochar, including alcohols, carboxylic and phenolic groups, amides, and various hydrocarbon structures, signifying its multifaceted potential for applications like the adsorption of aqueous pollutants, soil stabilization, and enhanced ion‐exchange capacity. Textural assessments emphasize its noteworthy surface area (Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET) analysis: 190.05 m2g−1; Langmuir: 1664.35 m2g−1), micropore volume (0.069 cm3g−1), and total pore volume (0.097 cm3/g−1), primarily characterized by mesoporous attributes (pore diameter: 2.153 nm), rendering it suitable for various applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of surface morphology reveals a rough texture embellished with various‐sized and shaped particles, distinguished by their silvery, shiny appearance, which is attributed to the biochar's elemental composition, particularly the presence of potassium. These findings underline the promising potential of teak seed biochar across multiple applications, including agriculture, wastewater treatment, and environmental remediation.
Association of white matter hyperintensities with long‐term EGFR‐TKI treatment and prediction of progression risk
Authors: Yang Hang , Meng Rui , Jiang Junjie , Luo Yan , Deng Xiaolin , Yang Sibo , Chen Shengcai , Wu Jiehong , Wan Yan , Li Yanan , Jin Huijuan , He Quanwei , Wang David , Chang Jiang , Yang Kunyu , Zhou Yifan , Hu Bo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that brain white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are more common in patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR‐TKI) and identify clinical risk factors associated with WMH.

Experimental design

This multiple‐center, prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2017 to July 2020. Two groups of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received or did not receive EGFR‐TKI were included and followed up for more than 24 months. The progression of WMH was defined as an increase of ≥1 point on the Fazekas visual rating scale between the baseline and at the 2‐year follow‐up. A modified Poisson regression model was performed to evaluate risk factors on increased WMH load.

Results

Among 286 patients with NSCLC, 194 (68%) patients with NSCLC who received EGFR‐TKI and 92 (32%) patients with NSCLC without EGFR‐TKI treatment were analyzed. Modified Poisson regression analysis showed that EGFR‐TKI treatment was independently associated with the WMH progression (EGFR‐TKI: aRR 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46–5.06, p = .002). Interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10 were associated with increased WMH in the adjusted model (IL‐2: aRR 1.55 [95% CI 1.06–2.25], p = .023; IL‐4: aRR 1.66 [95% CI 1.13–2.43], p = .010; IL‐10: aRR 1.48 [95% CI 1.06–2.06], p = .020).

Conclusion

Patients with NSCLC who received EGFR‐TKI may be at higher risk of developing WMH or worsening of WMH burden. The impact of increased WMH lesions in these patients is to be further assessed. IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10 may be used as potential biomarkers to monitor the risk of increased WMH burden
Associations of circulating immunomarkers with the efficacy of immunotherapy for primary hepatic carcinoma
Authors: Liu Sha , Xu Wentao , Shu Hang , Dai Ying , Du Yingying , Liu Yunmei , Huang Lei , Sun Guoping
Published: December 2023

Background

Peripheral blood immunomarkers are associated with prognosis in patients with solid tumors receiving chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In this study, the associations of circulating neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as well as their dynamic changes were investigated in relation to the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with primary liver cancer.

Methods

Comparisons were made between NLR, MLR, and PLR among individuals exhibiting disease control (defined as the best response of partial response [PR] or stable disease [SD]) and those with progressive disease (PD). Additionally, disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) were compared between individuals with different NLR, MLR, and PLR levels before initiating palliative immunotherapy. Furthermore, comparisons were made between patients with different alterations in the ratios at the second cycle of immunotherapy compared to baseline. These analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate approaches. A total of 119 Chinese patients with liver cancer who underwent immunotherapy were included in this study, which focused on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Results

In cases with HCC (n = 104), the cutoffs of NLR, MLR, and PLR to differentiate treatment responders from nonresponders were 3.38, 0.28, and 227.18, respectively. Patients with the best response of PR or SD had significantly lower NLR and MLR. Patients with NLR <3.38 and those with MLR <0.28 significantly had longer OS and PFS than their counterparts, and those with PLR <227.18 had significantly longer PFS, both in overall patients and in various patient subgroups. Lower NLR, MLR, or PLR was associated with earlier BCLC stage, fewer metastatic sites, less frequent extrahepatic metastasis, or better performance status. For individuals who had an unfavorable baseline NLR ≥3.38, MLR ≥0.28, or a favorable baseline PLR <227.18 prior to first immunotherapy, a decrease in NLR, MLR, or PLR at Cycle 2 of immunotherapy was significantly associated with a higher DCR.

Conclusions

Among patients with HCC who received immunotherapy, lower NLR, and MLR at baseline in overall patients were significantly associated with better disease control and more favorable survival outcomes (both OS and PFS), and lower PLR was significantly associated with longer PFS. The findings of this research may offer useful hints foranoptimized selection of patients with liver cancer who may benefit more from immunotherapy.
Two Allogons of an O2‐activating Bis(disiloxido)ferrate(II) Accessible Selectively just by Variation of the Crystallization Temperature
Authors: Beckmann Fabian , Woite Philipp , Yelin Stefan , Kass Dustin , Usvyat Denis , Roemelt Michael , Limberg Christian
Published: December 2023

Deprotonation of O(iPr2SiOH)2 (iPrLH2) with LiOtBu followed by reaction with FeCl2 in THF led to the complex [iPrL2Fe][Li(THF)2]2, 2, which represents a structural and spectroscopic model of the α‐Fe sites of Fe/ZSM‐5. Reaction with O2 in THF solution proceeds rather fast and is complete within 200 ms; an intermediate O2 adduct could not be identified by stopped‐flow methods. Cooling blue solutions of 2 to −80 °C led to the growth of blue crystals of 2⋅THF, the analysis of which by XRD revealed a FeO4 core that is somewhat distorted from planarity towards a tetrahedral structure. By contrast, cooling such solutions to −30 °C led to pink crystals of an allogon featuring a perfectly square planar FeO4 entity. Hence, 2 represents a unique case where two different structural isomers (allogons) can be crystallized from the same solvent selectively, controlled by the temperature. DFT calculations were performed to understand this finding.
Ferroelectricity and Related Properties of Nitratecadmate(II) Hybrid with Metal‐Vacancy
Authors: Wang Na , Yue Zhi‐Yuan , Li Hua‐Kai , Liu Shan‐Shan , Miao Le‐Ping , Ye Heng‐Yun , Shi Chao
Published: December 2023

All crystals are not ideal, and many of their properties are often determined not by the regular arrangement of atoms, but by the irregular arrangement of crystal defects. Many properties of materials can be controlled effectively by proper use of solid defects. By substitution of NH4+ ion of a hexagonal perovskite structure (H2dabco)(NH4)(NO3)3 (dabco=1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 1) with Cd2+ ion, we obtained a new metal‐vacancy compound (H2dabco)2Cd(H2O)2(NO3)6 (2). It exhibits a ferroelectric‐paraelectric phase transition at 261 K. A comparison of the various‐temperature single‐crystal structures indicates that the coordination twist of Cd2+ ion leads to instability of the lattices and excellent ferroelectricity. These findings reveal that the vacancy can be utilized as an element to produce ferroelectricity and may start the chemistry of metal‐vacancy coordination compounds. These findings reveals that the vacancy can be utilized as an effective means to tune the symmetry and produce ferroelectricity.
Electron and Spin Delocalization in [Co6Se8(PEt3)6]0/+1 Superatoms
Authors: Xu Yunyao , Chen Jia , Aydt Alexander P. , Zhang Lichirui , Sergeyev Ivan , Keeler Eric G. , Choi Bonnie , He Shoushou , Reichman David R. , Friesner Richard A. , Nuckolls Colin , Steigerwald Michael L. , Roy Xavier , McDermott Ann E.
Published: December 2023

Molecular clusters can function as nanoscale atoms/superatoms, assembling into superatomic solids, a new class of solid‐state materials with designable properties through modifications on superatoms. To explore possibilities on diversifying building blocks, here we thoroughly studied one representative superatom, Co6Se8(PEt3)6. We probed its structural, electronic, and magnetic properties and revealed its detailed electronic structure as valence electrons delocalize over inorganic [Co6Se8] core while ligands function as an insulated shell. 59Co SSNMR measurements on the core and 31P, 13C on the ligands show that the neutral Co6Se8(PEt3)6 is diamagnetic and symmetric, with all ligands magnetically equivalent. Quantum computations cross‐validate NMR results and reveal degenerate delocalized HOMO orbitals, indicating aromaticity. Ligand substitution keeps the inorganic core nearly intact. After losing one electron, the unpaired electron in [Co6Se8(PEt3)6]+1 is delocalized, causing paramagnetism and a delocalized electron spin. Notably, this feature of electron/spin delocalization over a large cluster is attractive for special single‐electron devices.
A compact bipolar high‐voltage pulser with a novel transistor gate–source protection scheme for ultrasound imaging applications
Authors: Ehsanipour Reza , Shoaei Omid
Published: December 2023

In this article, a compact integrated high‐voltage (HV) pulser is presented, which can serve as an actuator in area‐limited medical ultrasound imaging applications. The proposed HV pulser is capable of producing bipolar return‐to‐zero (RTZ) HV pulses with a maximum peak‐to‐peak amplitude of 60 V. A novel RTZ stage including a new transistor gate–source protection scheme is used in this work, resulting in a reduced die area by enabling the use of an embedded transmit/receive (T/R) switch and obviating the need for a separate T/R switch. The proposed HV pulser also incorporates programmable delay elements by which the RTZ time can be controlled. By selecting the minimum allowed value of delay, the pulser is able to generate square‐wave HV pulses as well. Designed and implemented in a 0.18‐μm HV Bipolar‐CMOS‐DMOS (BCD) technology, the pulser occupies a layout area of 0.455 mm2. The function of the proposed design has been verified using post‐layout simulations when driving a 220‐pF capacitor in parallel with a 1‐kΩ resistor load. The simulation results indicate that the pulser consumes an average power of 14.85 mW when producing 2‐MHz, three‐cycle HV pulses with a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 5 kHz.
A 14T radiation hardened SRAM for space applications with high reliability
Authors: Bai Na , Qin Zhangyi , Li Li , Xu Yaohua , Wang Yi
Published: December 2023

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) is vital in aerospace applications, but it may experience soft errors in strong radiation environments. This paper proposes a reconfigurable radiation SRAM with two operating modes catering to different environmental requirements: (1) traditional triple modular redundancy mode used when the radiation environment is strong and (2) SRAM cell expansion mode used when the radiation is not very strong. For example, when the memory capacity of a single module is 8 k, the memory capacity is 8 k in traditional triple modular redundancy mode, but it can be tripled to 24 K in extended mode. As can be obviously seen, this design can adjust the size according to the needs. In SRAM cell expansion mode, the proposed 14T SRAM cell enables the memory to maintain radiation resistance. Compared with DICE, RHBD‐12T, and WHIT, the read speed is improved by 3.8%, 5.7%, and 11.5% respectively, but compared with WE‐QUATRO, the read speed is reduced by 1.9%. The hold static noise margin is 1.378 times than DICE, 1.201 times than WE‐QUATRO, 1.045 times than RHBD‐12T, and 1.14 times than WHIT, respectively. The proposed 14T cell in this paper exhibits the highest critical charge value compared with the other cells. Combined with the expansion mode of the reconfiguration design, it shows great stability.
Permafrost microbial communities follow shifts in vegetation, soils, and megafauna extinctions in Late Pleistocene NW North America
Authors: Murchie Tyler J. , Long George S. , Lanoil Brian D. , Froese Duane , Poinar Hendrik N.
Published: December 2023

We analyzed the microbial constituent of sedimentary ancient DNA sequence data recovered from subarctic loessal permafrost sediments dating between 30,000 and 4000 years ago. These data were originally studied for paleo‐ecological shifts in plants and animals associated with the Pleistocene–Holocene transition. Here, we explore whether there were changes in microbial communities paralleling the transition from distinctive cold‐adapted Ice Age megafauna and vegetation communities—the mammoth steppe ecosystem—toward the expansion of woody shrubs, extirpation of grazing megaherbivores, and development of the boreal forest. We observe a clear shift in the relative proportions of prokaryotic taxa after ca. 13,300 years ago associated with the collapse of the mammoth steppe. These data are consistent among study sites and between replicates processed with different methodologies (shotgun sequencing and targeted capture), which highlights that the “off‐target” fraction of metagenomic data used to study macro‐ecosystems can also be used to investigate synchronous changes in microbial communities. Functional analyses were performed with SEED and KEGG databases where we observed a shift in methane metabolism pathways after ~13,100 years ago, which suggests that there was a shift in methanogenesis away from animal gut microflora at the end of the Pleistocene. There does not appear to be a significant shift in the overall diversity of microbial communities despite the observed taxonomic and functional changes.
Electrochemical detection of tryptophan in fish and pharmaceutical supplement at glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe doped ZnO nanoparticle
Authors: Teshome Toleshi , Addisu Kitte Shimeles , Gure Abera , Gonfa Guta
Published: December 2023

The co‐precipitation approach was employed in this study to create Fe doped ZnO (Fe‐ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs). To characterize the synthesized NPs, Ultra violet‐Visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) were used. Here, a novel electrochemical approach for the detection of tryptophan (Trp) using a glassy carbon electrode modified with Fe‐ZnO NPs (Fe‐ZnO/GCE) is demonstrated. The research findings revealed that Fe‐ZnO/GCE enhanced the electron transfer rate of Trp oxidation. The sensitivity of Trp detection using Fe‐ZnO/GCE in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) at pH 64.0 was significantly improved compared to bare GCE due to the electrocatalytic activity of Fe‐ZnO NPs. Fe‐ZnO/GCE exhibited a linear response with Trp concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 150 μM with the limit of detection (LOD) is 0.089 μM (3σ/m) and limit of quantification (LOQ) about 0.3 μM (10σ/m) using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The Fe‐ZnO/GCE sensor was also effectively used to detect Trp in African catfish and multivitamin tablets. Trp analysis in real samples exhibited good recovery values of 89.60 to 99.15 %, demonstrating the accuracy and practicality of the method.
TBDLNet: A network for classifying multidrug‐resistant and drug‐sensitive tuberculosis
Authors: Zhu Ziquan , Tao Jing , Wang Shuihua , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yudong
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes applying a novel deep‐learning model, TBDLNet, to recognize CT images to classify multidrug‐resistant and drug‐sensitive tuberculosis automatically. The pre‐trained ResNet50 is selected to extract features. Three randomized neural networks are used to alleviate the overfitting problem. The ensemble of three RNNs is applied to boost the robustness via majority voting. The proposed model is evaluated by five‐fold cross‐validation. Five indexes are selected in this paper, which are accuracy, sensitivity, precision, F1‐score, and specificity. The TBDLNet achieves 0.9822 accuracy, 0.9815 specificity, 0.9823 precision, 0.9829 sensitivity, and 0.9826 F1‐score, respectively. The TBDLNet is suitable for classifying multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis and drug‐sensitive tuberculosis. It can detect multidrug‐resistant pulmonary tuberculosis as early as possible, which helps to adjust the treatment plan in time and improve the treatment effect.
The Road Less Traveled: Another Path for the Energy Transition
Authors: Makholm Jeff D. , Olive Laura T.W.
Published: December 2023

Broad consensus calls for more US transmission infrastructure to speed the entry of new renewable generation into the resource mix. Many types of possible transmission projects vie for a role in pursuing that goal, including the three selected for partial support with $1.3 billion in recent commitments from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).1 These projects reflect the DOE’s stated goal of promoting “clean energy” in diverse forms—onshore wind and solar electricity in the West and Southwest regions of the United States and the entry of new offshore wind in New England. These projects are “bi‐directional”—transmission that can handle new wind and solar generating sources moving electricity one way when available, with more traditional “dispatchable” moving the other way when not.
Aspects of the alternative host response to methacrylic acid containing biomaterials
Authors: Ortaleza Krystal , Won So‐Yoon , Kinney Sean M. , Sefton Michael V.
Published: December 2023

Methacrylic acid (MAA)‐based biomaterials promote a vascularized host response without the addition of exogenous factors such as cells or growth factors. We presume that materials containing MAA favor an alternative foreign body response, rather than the conventional fibrotic response. Here, we characterize selected aspects of the response to two different forms of MAA—a coating, which can be used to prevascularize the subcutaneous tissue for subsequent therapeutic cell delivery or an injectable hydrogel, which can be used to vascularize and deliver cells simultaneously. We show that the MAA‐coating quickly vascularized the subcutaneous space compared to an uncoated silicone tube, and after 14 days of prevascularization, the tissue surrounding the MAA‐coated tube presented fewer immune cells than the uncoated control. We also compared the host response to a MAA‐PEG (polyethylene glycol) hydrogel at day 1, with pancreatic islets in immune‐compromised SCID/bg mice and immune‐competent Balb/c mice. The Balb/c mouse presented a more inflammatory response with increased IFN‐γ production as compared to the SCID/bg. Together with previously published data, this work contributes to a further understanding of tissue responses to a biomaterial in different forms as used for cell delivery.
A simple medical device development according to normative values of calf circumference across ages: results from the Italian Longevity Check‐up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project
Authors: Martone Anna Maria , Ciciarello Francesca , Galluzzo Vincenzo , Calvani Riccardo , Zazzara Maria Beatrice , Tosato Matteo , Coelho‐Junior Hélio José , Marzetti Emanuele , Landi Francesco
Published: December 2023

Background

Wide consensus exists on the notion that low muscle mass is a predictor of negative health‐related events, such as disability, morbidity, and mortality. Indeed, the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2 had identified muscle mass as the key component to confirm the diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, the lack of normative values for muscle mass across ages hampers the practical assessment of this important parameter. The aim of the present study was to produce cross‐sectional centile and normative values for calf circumference (a surrogate estimation of muscle mass) across a wide spectrum of ages using a large and unselected sample of community‐dwellers enrolled in the Longevity Check‐up 7+ (Lookup 7+) project.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study using the data of Lookup 7+ project, an ongoing study started in June 2015 and conducted in unconventional settings (i.e., exhibitions, malls, and health promotion campaigns). Candidate participants were considered eligible for enrolment if they were at least 45 years of age and provided written informed consent. Calf circumference was measured using an inextensible but flexible plastic tape in a sitting position with the knee and ankle at a right angle and the feet resting on the floor. Normative values for calf circumference from ages 45 to 80 + years were generated.

Results

A total of 11 814 participants were enrolled from 1 June 2015 to 30 September 2022. The mean age of participants included in the analyses was 61.8 years (standard deviation; 10.2 years; range: 45–98 years), and 6686 (57%) were women. Normative values for calf circumference were obtained for men and women, stratified by age groups. Accordingly, a calf circumference tape, with colour bands that demarcate the centiles range into which the patient falls, was created and validated.

Conclusions

Our study established age‐ and gender‐specific centile reference values for calf circumference. The calf circumference tape can be used to easily interpret the assessment in every‐day practice for the early detection of individuals with or at risk of sarcopenia and malnutrition.
Gut Microbiota Depletion Using Antibiotics to Investigate Diet‐Derived Microbial Metabolites: An Efficient Strategy
Authors: Satheesh Babu Adhini Kuppuswamy , Petersen Chrissa , Paz Henry A. , Iglesias‐Carres Lisard , Li Ying , Zhong Ying , Neilson Andrew P. , Wankhade Umesh D. , Anandh Babu Pon Velayutham
Published: December 2023

Scope

Gut microbiota depletion using antibiotics in drinking water is a valuable tool to investigate the role of gut microbes and microbial metabolites in health and disease. However, there are challenges associated with this model. Animals avoid drinking water because of the antibiotic bitterness, which affects their metabolic health. The present study develops an efficient strategy to deplete gut microbes without affecting metabolic parameters.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6J mice (7 weeks old) are fed a control (C) or high‐fat (HF) diet. Subgroups of C and HF mice receive an antibiotic cocktail in drinking water (CA and HA). The antibiotic dosage is gradually increased so that the animals adapt to the taste of antibiotics. Metabolic parameters, gut microbiome, and microbial metabolites are assessed after 12 weeks treatment. Culture methods and 16s rRNA amplification confirm the depletion of gut microbes in antibiotic groups (CA and HA). Further, antibiotic treatment does not alter metabolic parameters (body weight, body fat, lean body mass, blood glucose, and glucose/insulin tolerance), whereas it suppresses the production of diet‐derived microbial metabolites (trimethylamine and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide).

Conclusion

This strategy effectively depletes gut microbes and suppresses the production of microbial metabolites in mice without affecting their metabolic health.
Maximizing SDN resilience to node‐targeted attacks through joint optimization of the primary and backup controllers placements
Authors: Pióro Michał , Mycek Mariusz , Tomaszewski Artur , de Sousa Amaro
Published: December 2023

In software defined networks (SDN) packet data switches are configured by a limited number of SDN controllers, which respond to queries for packet forwarding decisions from the switches. To enable optimal control of switches in real time the placement of controllers at network nodes must guarantee that the controller‐to‐controller and switch‐to‐controller communications delays are bounded. Apart from the primary controllers that control the switches in the nominal state, separate backup controllers can be introduced that take over when the primary controllers are unavailable, and whose delay bounds are relaxed. In this paper, we present optimization models to jointly optimize the placement of primary and backup controllers in long‐distance SDN networks, aimed at maximizing the network's resilience to node‐targeted attacks. Applying the models to two well‐known network topologies and running a broad numerical study we show that, when compared with the standard approach of using only primary controllers, the use of backup controllers provides significant resilience gains, in particular in case of tight delay bounds.
Quantification of cytosine modifications in the aged mouse brain
Authors: Sugawara Hiroko , Date Akitoshi , Fuke Satoshi , Nakachi Yutaka , Kato Tadafumi , Narita Minoru , Bundo Miki , Iwamoto Kazuya
Published: December 2023

Quantifying cytosine modifications in various brain regions provides important insights into the gene expression regulation and pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we quantified 5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC), 5‐hydroxymethylation (5‐hmC), and 5‐formylcytosine (5‐fC) levels in five brain regions (the frontal lobe, cerebral cortical region without frontal lobe, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and the cerebellum) and the heart at three developmental periods (12, 48, and 101 weeks). We observed significant regional variations in cytosine modification. Notably, regional variations were generally maintained throughout development, suggesting that epigenetic regulation is unique to each brain region and remains relatively stable with age. The 5‐mC and 5‐hmC levels were positively correlated, although the extent of the correlations seemed to differ in different brain regions. On the contrary, 5‐fC levels did not correlate with 5‐mC or 5‐hmC levels. Additionally, we observed an age‐dependent decrease in 5‐fC levels in the basal ganglia, suggesting a unique epigenetic regulation mechanism. Further high‐resolution studies using animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders as well as postmortem brain evaluation are warranted.
Numerical investigation of multi‐particle interactions using the discrete element method
Authors: Rotter Sonja , Düster Alexander
Published: December 2023

The numerical simulation of particles that can be used as crash absorbers, for example, in ship collisions, is of high interest, as experimental investigation is often associated with high costs. After extensive studies on the breakage of single‐particles, the focus is now on the investigation of multi‐particle simulation. Although many parameter studies have been carried out for single‐particle compression tests, their results cannot be transferred to multi‐particle compression tests. The influence of various simulation parameters differs greatly between single and multiple particles due to the interaction between individual granules. Therefore, it is necessary to repeat the parameter studies with respect to these interactions in order to gain a better insight into the bulk behaviour of granular materials, which can then be used for the simulation of particle‐enhanced collisions.
Job lock among survivors of childhood cancer and their spouses post Affordable Care Act implementation: A Childhood Cancer Survivor Study brief report
Authors: Waters Austin R. , Liu Qi , Ji Xu , Yasui Yutaka , Yabroff K. Robin , Conti Rena M. , Henderson Tara , Huang I‐Chan , Leisenring Wendy , Armstrong Gregory T. , Nathan Paul C. , Park Elyse , Kirchhoff Anne C.
Published: December 2023

It is unknown how common job lock (i.e., staying at job to maintain health insurance) remains among childhood cancer survivors after Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation in 2010. We examined prevalence of and factors associated with job lock using a cross‐sectional survey from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (3503 survivors; 942 siblings). Survivor, spousal, and any survivor/spouse job lock were more frequently reported by survivors than siblings. Survivor job lock/any job lock was associated with older age, low income, severe chronic conditions, and debt/inability to pay debt. Job lock remains more common among survivors than siblings after ACA implementation.
Structure and Cathodoluminescence Properties in Tb3+ and Eu3+ Doped AlN Films
Authors: Luo Xuan , Wang Xiaodan , Meng Hechen , Chen Huajun , Zeng Xionghui , Gao Xiaodong , Mao Hongmin , Xu Ke
Published: December 2023

For the first time, Tb3+ and Eu3+ co‐doped AlN films were prepared using ion implantation, and the crystal structure and cathodoluminescence (CL) properties of films were investigated. Raman scattering and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD) show that high‐dose Tb3+ implantation leads to an increase in internal compressive stress. The non‐radiative resonant energy transfer was suggested between the Tb3+ and defects in the AlN host. The energy transfer mechanism between Tb3+ and Eu3+ in AlN films is discussed. Adjusting the dose ratio of Eu3+ with respect to Tb3+ allows for effective control of chromaticity coordinates and color temperatures.
Ultrafast Self‐Healing, Superstretchable, and Ultra‐Strong Polymer Cluster‐Based Adhesive Based on Aromatic Acid Cross‐Linkers for Excellent Hydrogel Strain Sensors
Authors: Chen Chun , Pang Xuelei , Li Yajuan , Yu Xudong
Published: December 2023

Synthetic hydrogel strain sensors rarely exhibit a comprehensive combination of mechanical properties such as ultra‐stretchability, ultrafast self‐healing, and high sensitivity. Herein, seven small molecule enhanced mechanical behaviors of polymer‐cluster based hydrogels are demonstrated. The oxidized polyethyleneimine/polymeric acrylic acid (ohPEI/PAA) hydrogels with aromatic formic acids as supramolecular cross‐linkers are prepared by simultaneous formation of ohPEI polymer clusters and PAA upon the addition of ammonium persulfate. The optimized hydrogel adhesive exhibits comprehensive excellent properties, such as high extensibility (up to 12 298%), real‐time mechanical self‐healing capability (<1 s, 93% efficiency), high uniformity, underwater adhesivity, and water‐sealing ability. The proper binding strength of hydrogel and skin (47 kPa) allows the hydrogel to be utilized as highly sensitive (gauge factor:16.08), highly conductive (2.58 mS cm−1), and underwater strain sensors. Specially, the adhesive strength of the adhesive to wood after dehydration is extremely high, reaching up to 29.59 MPa. Additionally, when glycerol is introduced, the obtained gel maintains the physical properties even at harsh‐temperature conditions (−40 to 80 °C). It presents that multiple and hierarchical non‐covalent interactions including multiple hydrogen bonding interactions, π–π stacking, electrostatic interactions, and dipole–dipole interactions of polymer clusters, allow for the energy dissipation and contribute to the excellent performance of the hydrogel.
Defective Nb2C MXene Cocatalyst on TiO2 Microsphere for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion to Methane
Authors: Yang Lei , Du Jiajun , Deng Jun , Sulaiman Nashwan H. M. , Feng Xuan , Liu Chong , Zhou Xuemei
Published: December 2023

Sustainable and scalable solar‐energy‐driven CO2 conversion into fuels requires earth‐abundant and stable photocatalysts. In this work, a defective Nb2C MXene as a cocatalyst and TiO2 microspheres as photo‐absorbers, constructed via a coulombic force‐driven self‐assembly, is synthesized. Such photocatalyst, at an optimized loading of defective Nb2C MXene (5% def‐Nb2C/TiO2), exhibits a CH4 production rate of 7.23 µmol g−1 h−1, which is 3.8 times higher than that of TiO2. The Schottky junction at the interface improves charge transfer from TiO2 to defective Nb2C MXene and the electron‐rich feature (nearly free electron states) enables multielectron reaction of CO2, which apparently leads to high activity and selectivity to CH4 (sel. 99.5%) production. Moreover, DFT calculation demonstrates that the Fermi level (EF) of defective Nb2C MXene (−0.3 V vs NHE) is more positive than that of Nb2C MXene (−1.0 V vs NHE), implying a strong capacity to accept photogenerated electrons and enhance carrier lifetime. This work gives a direction to modify the earth‐abundant MXene family as cocatalysts to build high‐performance photocatalysts for energy production.
Generating Multi‐Carbon Products by Electrochemical CO2 Reduction via Catalytically Harmonious Ni/Cu Dual Active Sites
Authors: Lakshmanan Keseven , Huang Wei‐Hsiang , Chala Soressa Abera , Chang Chia‐Yu , Saravanan Sruthi Thiraviam , Taklu Bereket Woldegbreal , Moges Endalkachew Asefa , Nikodimos Yosef , Dandena Berhanu Degagsa , Yang Sheng‐Chiang , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Huang Pei‐Yu , Lee Yao‐Chang , Tsai Meng‐Che , Su Wei‐Nien , Hwang Bing Joe
Published: December 2023

Despite the unique advantages of single‐atom catalysts, molecular dual‐active sites facilitate the C‐C coupling reaction for C2 products toward the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The Ni/Cu proximal dual‐active site catalyst (Ni/Cu‐PASC) is developed, which is a harmonic catalyst with dual‐active sites, by simply mixing commercial Ni‐phthalocyanine (Ni‐Pc) and Cu‐phthalocyanine (Cu‐Pc) molecules physically. According to scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) data, Ni and Cu atoms are separated, creating dual‐active sites for the CO2RR. The Ni/Cu‐PASC generates ethanol with an FE of 55%. Conversely, Ni‐Pc and Cu‐Pc have only detected single‐carbon products like CO and HCOO−. In situ X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) indicates that CO generation is caused by the stable Ni active site's balanced electronic state. The CO production from Ni‐Pc consistently increased the CO concentration over Cu sites attributed to subsequent reduction reaction through a C‐C coupling on nearby Cu. The CO bound (HCOO−) peak, which can be found on Cu‐Pc, vanishes on Ni/Cu‐PASC, as shown by in situ fourier transformation infrared (FTIR). The characteristic intermediate of *CHO instead of HCOO− proves to be the prerequisite for multi‐carbon products by electrochemical CO2RR. The work demonstrates that the harmonic dual‐active sites in Ni/Cu‐PASC can be readily available by the cascading proximal active Ni‐ and Cu‐Pc sites.