bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astrocytic connexin 43‐hemichannels aggravate seizures by modulating blood‐brain barrier permeability in temporal lobe epilepsy mice
Authors: Song Honghong , Li Yi , Liu Jiayu , Bai Xianshu , Jiang Li , Li Tingsong
Published: August 2024

The involvement of astrocytic connexin 43 (Cx43) in epileptogenesis has been extensively studied through various approaches, yet the underlying mechanism remains enigmatic. In this study, we explored whether astrocytic Cx43 forms hemichannels (HCs) that contribute to seizure progression in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in mice. We focused on how these HCs influence the permeability of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), a crucial factor in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis were employed to assess Cx43 expression in kainic acid‐induced TLE mice, while BBB permeability was evaluated in TLE mice and those treated with TAT‐Gap19 (an astrocytic Cx43 HC inhibitor) using Evans Blue permeation, serum S100β protein quantification, ZO‐1 expression, and albumin extravasation into brain parenchyma via western blotting. Furthermore, seizure burden was monitored continuously using telemetric electroencephalography (EEG) and video monitoring in epileptic and TAT‐Gap19‐treated mice. Results demonstrated a significant increase in Cx43 content in hippocampal tissue in the TLE group, with a pronounced expression around blood vessels. TAT‐GAP19 treatment alleviated EEG seizures and BBB permeability in TLE mice. These findings suggest that astrocytic Cx43 HCs in the hippocampus play a crucial role in epileptogenesis and seizure progression by regulating BBB permeability. Targeting Cx43‐formed HCs distributed around the neurovascular unit may offer a novel therapeutic approach for epilepsy.
A New Validated Approach for Identifying Childhood Immunizations in Electronic Health Records in the United Kingdom
Authors: Suffel Anne M. , Walker Jemma L. , Campbell Colin , Carreira Helena , Warren‐Gash Charlotte , McDonald Helen I.
Published: August 2024

Background

Routinely collected electronic health records (EHR) offer a valuable opportunity to carry out research on immunization uptake, effectiveness, and safety, using large and representative samples of the population. In contrast to other drugs, vaccines do not require electronic prescription in many settings, which may lead to ambiguous coding of vaccination status and timing.

Methodology

We propose a comprehensive algorithm to identifying childhood immunizations in routinely collected EHR. In order to deal with ambiguous coding, over‐recording, and backdating in EHR, we suggest an approach combining a wide range of medical codes in combination to identify vaccination events and using appropriate wash‐out periods and quality checks. We illustrate this approach on a cohort of children born between 2006 and 2014 followed up to the age of five in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum, a UK primary care dataset of EHR, and validate the results against national estimates of vaccine coverage by NHS Digital and Public Health England.

Results

Our algorithm reproduced estimates of vaccination coverage, which are comparable to official national estimates and allows to approximate the age at vaccination. Electronic prescription data only do not cover vaccination events sufficiently.

Conclusion

Our new proposed method could be used to provide a more accurate estimation of vaccination coverage and timing of vaccination for researchers and policymakers using EHR. As with all observational research using real‐world data, it is important that researchers understand the context of the used dataset used and the clinical practice of recording.
A Review of Concordance and Quality in Clinical Guidelines for Hormonal Contraceptives to Mitigate Drug–Drug Interactions in Women With Epilepsy
Authors: Muschett Matthew R. , Ewig Celeste , Morris Earl , Adkins Lauren E. , Goodin Amie , Brown Joshua
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Concomitant use of hormonal contraceptive agents (HCAs) and enzyme‐inducting antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs) may lead to contraceptive failure and unintended pregnancy. This review identified and evaluated concordance and quality of clinical treatment guidelines related to the use of HCAs in women with epilepsy (WWE) receiving EIAEDs.

Methods

Relevant clinical guidelines were identified across four databases and were independently evaluated for quality utilizing the AGREE‐II protocol instrument. Quality in this context is defined as the rigor and transparency of the methodologies used to develop the guideline. Guidelines were further assessed in terms of concordance and discordance with the latest body of knowledge concerning the use of hormonal contraception in the presence of EIAEDs.

Results

A total of n = 5 guidelines were retrieved and evaluated. Overall guideline scores ranged from 17% to 92%, while individual domain scores ranged from 0% to 100%. Contraceptive guidelines consistently recommended the use of intrauterine systems and long‐acting injectables in the presence of EIAEDs, recommended against the use of oral, transdermal, and vaginal ring contraceptives, and differed regarding recommendations related to implants. Guidelines agreed regarding recommendations that women treated with EIAEDs should receive intrauterine systems and long‐acting injectables; however, the suggested frequency of administration of injectable contraceptives differed. The use of intrauterine systems in this population is supported by evidence, but there is uncertainty surrounding the use of long‐acting injectables and contraceptive implants.

Conclusions

To mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy and its consequences, recommendations related to implants and long‐acting injectable contraceptives should be evidence‐based.
Leftover of Amoxicillin Suspension After Use by Children in the Netherlands
Authors: Sadreghaemy Milad , Gamba Magdalena A. , Bloem Lourens T. , Egberts Toine C. G.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In clinical practice, a discrepancy may exist between the prescribed amount of a drug and the commercially available pack sizes in the pharmacy, potentially contributing to drug waste. This study aimed—as an example of this phenomena—to quantify leftover of amoxicillin suspension prescribed to children, due to discrepancies between physician‐prescribed and pharmacy‐dispensed amounts.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study including amoxicillin suspension dispensations for patients aged 0–12 years between 2017 and 2019 utilizing the Dutch PHARMO database. Leftover amount of amoxicillin was estimated by assessing the discrepancy between the prescribed and dispensed amounts. Extrapolated amoxicillin weight and economic spillage estimates for the Netherlands were determined. The impact of two theoretical interventions on leftover amount was assessed: (1) introducing vials with half the volume of the current 100 and 30 mL vials and (2) a combination of the first intervention with a maximum of 10% round‐down by the dispensing pharmacy of the prescribed dose.

Results

We included 79 512 amoxicillin suspension dispensations for 62 252 patients. The mean leftover amount of amoxicillin suspension per dispensing was 27%. The yearly amount of amoxicillin leftover was 49.8 kg in the study cohort, equivalent to yearly 633 kg and €621 000 when extrapolated to the Netherlands. Employing the first theoretical intervention reduced the mean leftover per dispensing to 20%, reducing the yearly leftover to 31.6 kg amoxicillin in the study cohort, and to 400 kg and €400 000 extrapolated. The second theoretical intervention further reduced leftover to 17%, reducing the yearly leftover to 24.3 kg amoxicillin in the study cohort, and to 300 kg and €300 000 extrapolated.

Conclusion

Approximately a quarter of amoxicillin suspension remains as leftover per dispensing. Applying different theoretical intervention shows the potential for a significant reduction of amoxicillin leftover.
Studying the Impact of European Union Regulatory Interventions for Minimising Risks From Medicines: Lessons Learnt and Recommendations
Authors: Goedecke Thomas , Martirosyan Liana , Gault Nathalie , Seifert Karin , Morales Daniel R. , Bahri Priya , Strassmann Valerie , Huber Martin , Straus Sabine
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The European Medicines Agency's (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) launched a strategy to examine the public health impact of major regulatory interventions aimed at minimising risks of medicinal products. We conducted a lessons learnt analysis of impact studies completed between 2015 and 2023.

Methods

We surveyed PRAC Sponsors and (Co‐)Rapporteurs involved in the evaluation of 12 impact studies (10 commissioned by EMA and 2 conducted collaboratively by Member States) to explore how these support regulatory decision‐making. Questions covered achievement of study objectives, risk minimisation effectiveness, added value for regulatory decision‐making, and recommendations for future impact studies. Themes were generated using thematic content analysis.

Results

Survey responses from 15 PRAC Sponsors and (Co‐)Rapporteurs from 10 European Union Member States were included in the analysis. Among four cross‐sectional surveys and eight drug utilisation studies, 50% achieved all objectives, the other studies partially due to limitations. Two studies concluded that risk minimisation measures were overall effective, two were effective with variation across countries, two were partially effective and four studies showed limited effectiveness. Two studies were deemed inconclusive due to limitations. The reasons for the limited effectiveness of risk minimisation may be explored using mixed‐method approaches. Assessment of study feasibility and a priori discussion of effectiveness measurements is important.

Conclusion

Despite limitations, impact research adds value to regulatory decision‐making by addressing knowledge gaps and providing additional information on unintended consequences of regulatory interventions. Our recommendations will help to improve planning, conducting and interpretating future impact studies.
The Effect of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter‐2 Inhibitors on Hemoglobin A1c Variability and Acute Kidney Injury: A Causal Mediation Analysis
Authors: Wang Tiansheng , Ji Dongze , Stürmer Til , Ismail Sherin , Dong Shujie , Shen Peng , Lin Hongbo , Shi Luwen , Guan Xiaodong , Xu Yang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The role of lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) variability in the effect of sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. We compared AKI risk between SGLT2i and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) initiators. Additionally, we aimed to explore the extent to which SGLT2i's influence on AKI risk is mediated by reducing long‐term HbA1c variability.

Methods

Using 2018–2022 year data in Yinzhou Regional Health Care Database, we included adult, type 2 diabetes patients who were new users of SGLT2i or DPP4i. The effect of SGLT2i versus DPP4i on AKI, HbA1c variability, and AKI through HbA1c variability was compared using inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox proportional hazards models, median regression models, and causal mediation analysis.

Results

With a median follow‐up of 1.76 years, 19 717 adults (for SGLT2i, n = 6008; for DPP4i, n = 13 709) with type 2 diabetes were included. The adjusted hazard ratio for SGLT2i versus DPP4i was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.98) for AKI. The adjusted differences in median HbA1c variability score (HVS) and HbA1c reduction were −16.67% (95% CI: −27.71% to −5.62%) and −1.98% (95% CI: −14.34% to 10.38%), respectively. Furthermore, lower AKI risk associated with SGLT2i was moderately mediated (22.77%) through HVS. The results remained consistent across various subgroups and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Compared to DPP4i, lower AKI risk associated with SGLT2i is moderately mediated through HbA1c variability. These findings enhance our understanding of the effect of SGLT2i on AKI and underscore the importance of considering HbA1c variability in diabetes treatment and management.
Analysis of Longitudinal Patterns and Predictors of Medicine Use in Residential Aged Care Using Group‐Based Trajectory Modeling: The “MEDTRAC‐Cardiovascular” Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Wabe Nasir , Timothy Andrea , Urwin Rachel , Xu Ying , Nguyen Amy , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Ensuring ongoing use of medicines—medication persistence—is crucial, yet no prior studies have examined this in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). We aimed to identify long‐term trajectories of persistence with cardiovascular medicines and determine predictors of persistence trajectories.

Method

A longitudinal cohort study of 2837 newly admitted permanent residents from 30 RACFs in New South Wales, Australia. We monitored weekly exposure to six cardiovascular medicine classes—lipid modifiers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs), beta‐blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCB), and cardiac therapy—over 3 years. Group‐based trajectory modeling was employed to determine persistence trajectories for each class.

Results

At baseline, 76.6% (n = 2172) received at least one cardiovascular medicine with 41.2% receiving lipid modifiers, 31.4% ACEI/ARBs, 30.2% beta‐blockers, 24.4% diuretics, 18.7% CCBs, and 14.8% cardiac therapy. The model identified two persistence trajectories for CCBs and three trajectories for all other classes. Sustained high persistence rates ranged from 68.4% (ACEI/ARBs) to 79.8% (beta‐blockers) while early decline in persistence and subsequent discontinuation rates ranged from 7.6% (cardiac therapy) to 25.3% (CCBs). Logistic regressions identified 11 predictors of a declining persistence across the six medicine classes.

Conclusion

Our study revealed varied patterns of cardiovascular medicine use in RACFs, with 2–3 distinctive medicine use trajectories across different classes, each exhibiting a unique clinical profile, and up to a quarter of residents discontinuing a medicine class. Future studies should explore the underlying reasons and appropriateness of nonpersistence to aid in identifying areas for improvement.
Nutritional quality of photosynthetically diverse crops under future climates
Authors: Walsh Catherine A. , Lundgren Marjorie R.
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Climate change continues to intensify the challenges of food production as agricultural systems face more variable and extreme weather. Coupled with increasing human population, growers must balance increasing crop yields with nutrient content to prevent global malnutrition. Photosynthetic diversity may permit some crops to tolerate climate change and elevated CO2 whilst maintaining both crop yield quantity and quality. This review examines how photosynthetic diversity interacts with crop production and nutritional stability under elevated CO2 and climate change, and highlights opportunities for photosynthetic diversity to inspire agricultural solutions.

Innovative agricultural solutions are desperately needed to achieve food security for a growing human population amidst the imminent pressures of climate change that threaten more variable and extreme weather, placing additional pressures on already precarious agricultural systems. Not only are crop yields at risk under climate change but rising global atmospheric CO2 concentrations are concurrently driving a carbon dilution effect that threatens to reduce the nutritional quality of our crops to further global malnutrition. Plants using different photosynthetic metabolisms, however, experience these negative impacts to yield and nutrition to different degrees. Thus, photosynthetic diversity may offer solutions to combat malnutrition under climate change and elevated CO2 concentrations, whether that be through targeting existing resilient species for agricultural programmes or applying agricultural biotechnology to engineer photosynthetic diversity into existing crops. Here, we discuss how each major photosynthetic type is predicted to fare under elevated CO2 concentrations and climate change and explore agricultural opportunities to maintain both yield and nutrient stability.
Fuzzy Gravity: Four‐Dimensional Gravity on a Covariant Noncommutative Space and Unification with Internal Interactions
Authors: Roumelioti Danai , Stefas Stelios , Zoupanos George
Published: August 2024

In the present work, an extended description of the covariant noncommutative space is presented, which accommodates the Fuzzy Gravity model constructed previously. It is based on the historical lesson that the use of larger algebras containing all generators of the isometry of the continuous one helped in formulating a fuzzy covariant noncommutative space. Specifically a further enlargement of the isometry group leads the authors, in addition to the construction of the covariant noncommutative space, also to the suggestion of the group that should be gauged on such a space in order to construct a Fuzzy Gravity theory. As a result, two Fuzzy Gravity models are obtained, one in de Sitter and one in anti‐de Sitter space, depending on the extension of the isometry group, and their spontaneous symmetry breaking leading to fuzzy versions of the noncommutative gravity are discussed. In addition, how to introduce fermions in the fuzzy gravity is discussed for the first time, and even more importantly, how to unify the constructed noncommutative‐fuzzy gravity with internal interactions based on or as grand unified theories.
Characterization of an RR‐2 cuticle protein DcCP8 and its potential application based on SPc nanoparticle‐wrapped dsRNA in Diaphorina citri
Authors: Lu Zhan‐Jun , Xia Tao , Zhang Can , He Qing , Zhong Hong , Fu Shang‐Cheng , Yuan Xiao‐Fang , Liu Xiao‐Qiang , Liu Ying‐Xue , Chen Wei , Yi Long , Yu Hai‐Zhong
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The insect cuticle consists of chitin fibers and a protein matrix, which plays an important role in protecting the body from invasion of various pathogens and prevents water loss. Periodic synthesis and degradation of the cuticle is required for the growth and development of insects. Key genes involved in cuticle formation have long been considered a potential target for pest control.

RESULTS

In this study, a member of the RR‐2 subfamily of cuticular protein 8 (DcCP8) was identified from the Diaphorina citri genome database. Immunofluorescence analysis suggested that DcCP8 was mainly located in the Diaphorina citri exocuticle and can be induced to up‐regulate 12 h following 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment. Silencing of DcCP8 by RNA interference (RNAi) significantly disrupted the metamorphosis to the adult stage, and improved the permeability of the cuticle. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed that the synthesis of the exocuticle was impressed after silencing of DcCP8. Furthermore, the recombinant DcCP8 protein exhibited chitin‐binding properties in vitro, down‐regulation of DcCP8 significantly inhibited expression levels of chitin metabolism‐related genes. Additionally, a sprayable RNAi method targeting DcCP8 based on star polycation (SPc) nanoparticles‐wrapped double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) significantly increased Diaphorina citri mortality. Transcriptome sequencing further confirmed that genes associated with the endocytic pathway and immune response were up‐regulated in Diaphorina citri after SPc treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study indicated that DcCP8 is critical for the formation of Diaphorina citri exocuticles, and lays a foundation for Diaphorina citri control based on large‐scale dsRNA nanoparticles. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Spin Polarization Measurement in SERF Comagnetometer Based on Phase‐Frequency Response of Magnetic Field
Authors: Cai Ze , Liu Feng , Du Pengcheng , Zhang Kai , Yuan LinLin , Fan Wenfeng , Lei Xusheng , Quan Wei
Published: August 2024

This work presents an innovative approach for measuring the spin polarizations of coupled atomic ensembles in spin‐exchange relaxation‐free (SERF) comagnetometers, using the phase‐frequency response of the magnetic field. The zero‐phase point in the phase‐frequency response of the magnetic field along the ‐axis is examined to determine the deceleration factor and electronic magnetic field. Ultimately, the spin polarizations of electrons and noble‐gas atoms are calculated. The method is applied to test vapor cells with different parameters under various temperatures and pumping light intensities. The measurement errors caused by transverse electron relaxation of electronic spin polarization and nuclear spin polarization are 5.59% and 1.95% under high polarization, and 8.06% and 2.62% under low polarization. The measurement method features minimal impact on nuclear spin polarization and wide applicability compared to other methods, making it more applicable and suitable for SERF comagnetometers. This method has great significance in better understanding the system state of the SERF comagnetometer and improving its sensitivity.
Effect of processing on protein solubility of Chlorella sorokiniana dispersions
Authors: Li Ruifen , Mejdahl Tove Kristine Byskov , Jørgensen Maria Louise , Corredig Milena , Gregersen Sandra Beyer
Published: August 2024

Potential exists in the utilization of Chlorella biomass as a source for food ingredients, due to an increased demands for more environmentally friendly sources of high‐quality proteins. This study investigated the protein solubility of white Chlorella sorokiniana dry powders, containing either whole cells or homogenized cells as a function of pH. The effect of different cell disruption methods was evaluated. The results demonstrated that protein solubility can be improved by resuspending the powder at alkaline pH (pH 8). The highest solubility was achieved for the homogenized powder, which reached approximately 18% protein at pH 8 compared to a value of 8% at its original pH (pH 4.6). High intensity ultrasonication and high‐pressure homogenization increased protein extraction efficiency, while pre‐heating at 40°C did not have any significant effects. Overall, the results demonstrate how the design of the processing can aid in ensuring higher protein solubility, and contribute to facilitating the potential utilization of chlorella biomass as a protein source.
Evaluating individualized treatment effect predictions: A model‐based perspective on discrimination and calibration assessment
Authors: Hoogland J. , Efthimiou O. , Nguyen T. L. , Debray T. P. A.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the prediction of individualized treatment effects. While there is a rapidly growing literature on the development of such models, there is little literature on the evaluation of their performance. In this paper, we aim to facilitate the validation of prediction models for individualized treatment effects. The estimands of interest are defined based on the potential outcomes framework, which facilitates a comparison of existing and novel measures. In particular, we examine existing measures of discrimination for benefit (variations of the c‐for‐benefit), and propose model‐based extensions to the treatment effect setting for discrimination and calibration metrics that have a strong basis in outcome risk prediction. The main focus is on randomized trial data with binary endpoints and on models that provide individualized treatment effect predictions and potential outcome predictions. We use simulated data to provide insight into the characteristics of the examined discrimination and calibration statistics under consideration, and further illustrate all methods in a trial of acute ischemic stroke treatment. The results show that the proposed model‐based statistics had the best characteristics in terms of bias and accuracy. While resampling methods adjusted for the optimism of performance estimates in the development data, they had a high variance across replications that limited their accuracy. Therefore, individualized treatment effect models are best validated in independent data. To aid implementation, a software implementation of the proposed methods was made available in R.
Lattice Manipulation with Di‐Tertiary Ammonium Spacer in Bismuth Bromide Perovskite Directs Efficient Charge Transport and Suppressed Ion Migration for Photodetector Applications
Authors: Yu Zixian , Kuang Kuan , Li Mingkai , Xiao Xingfu , He Biqi , Cao Sheng , Tang Junjie , He Yunbin , Chen Junnian
Published: August 2024

Bismuth halide hybrid perovskites have emerged as promising alternatives to their lead halide homologs because of high chemical stability, low toxicity, and structural diversity. However, their advancements in optoelectronic field are plagued with poor charge transport, due to considerable microstrain triggered by bulky spacer. Herein, the di‐tertiary ammonium spacer (N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐butanediammonium, TMBD) is explored to direct stable 1D bismuth bromide lattice structure with relaxed microstrain. Compared to the primary pentamethylenediamine (PD)2+, the (TMBD)2+ adopting alternating alignment enables a unique H‐bonds mode to distort the configuration of inorganic layers to form corner‐sharing [BiBr5] near‐regular chains with narrower bandgap, lower exciton binding energy, and reduced carrier–lattice interactions, thereby facilitating charge‐carrier transport. Moreover, the (TMBD)2+ spacers largely suppress ion migration in perovskite lattice, as substantiated by the experimental and theoretical investigations. Consequently, (TMBD)BiBr5 single crystal photodetector delivers a 185‐fold increase in current on/off ratio with respect to (PD)BiBr5 under white light irradiation, considerable responsivity (≈82.97 mA W−1), detectivity (≈8.06 ×1011 Jones) under weak light (0.02 mW cm−2) irradiation, in the top rank of the reported hybrid bismuth halide perovskites. This finding offers novel design criterion for high‐performance lead‐free perovskites.
On the Resolution Limit of Electrohydrodynamic Redox 3D Printing
Authors: Menétrey Maxence , Kupferschmid Cédric , Gerstl Stephan , Spolenak Ralph
Published: August 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) will empower the next breakthroughs in nanotechnology by combining unmatched geometrical freedom with nanometric resolution. Despite recent advances, no micro‐AM technique has been able to synthesize functional nanostructures with excellent metal quality and sub‐100 nm resolution. Here, significant breakthroughs in electrohydrodynamic redox 3D printing (EHD‐RP) are reported by directly fabricating high‐purity Cu (>98 at.%) with adjustable voxel size from >6µm down to 50 nm. This unique tunability of the feature size is achieved by managing in‐flight solvent evaporation of the ion‐loaded droplet to either trigger or prevent the Coulomb explosion. In the first case, the landing of confined droplets on the substrate allows the fabrication of high‐aspect‐ratio 50 nm‐wide nanopillars, while in the second, droplet disintegration leads to large‐area spray deposition. It is discussed that the reported pillar width corresponds to the ultimate resolution achievable by EHD printing. The unrivaled feature size and growth rate (>100 voxel s–1) enable the direct manufacturing of 30 µm‐tall atom probe tomography (APT) tips that unveil the pristine microstructure and chemistry of the deposit. This method opens up prospects for the development of novel materials for 3D nano‐printing.
Hectogram‐Scale Synthesis of Visible Light Excitable Room Temperature Phosphorescence Carbon Dots
Authors: Wu Huilin , Kang Yuxuan , Jiang Shunnan , Wang Kaiti , Qu Lunjun , Yang Chaolong
Published: August 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) based room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials can be prepared via facile procedures and exhibit excellent photostability and biocompatibility. Furthermore, doping of hetero‐atoms into CDs can afford multiple triplet levels. The RTP emission generated from the resultant CDs always displays outstanding dynamic behaviors and even can be efficiently excited by visible light. Given this, CDs‐based RTP materials not only can be used for anti‐counterfeiting but also exhibit great application potential in signage and illumination fields. In this contribution, a type of B, N, and P co‐doped CDs are prepared in hectogram scale. Upon excitation by UV lamp and white LED, the obtained CDs emit green and yellow RTP, respectively, the lifetime of which are 851 and 481 ms, respectively. It is found that the luminescence color of the CDs can be further tuned. By controlling the degree of carbonization, the RTP color of the CDs can be facilely tuned from green to orange‐red. Based on an energy transfer strategy, the luminescence color can be further tuned to red. Benefited from the dynamic and visible‐excited colorful RTP emission, the application of these obtained CDs in anti‐counterfeiting, fingerprint collection, and luminescent traffic signage are also explored.
High‐Yield Production of High‐κ/Metal Gate Nanopattern Array for 2D Devices via Oxidation‐Assisted Etching Approach
Authors: Hong Weida , Zhang Jiejun , Zeng Daobing , Wang Chen , Xue Zhongying , Zhang Miao , Tian Ziao , Di Zengfeng
Published: August 2024

2D materials with atomically thin nature are promising to develop scaled transistors and enable the extreme miniaturization of electronic components. However, batch manufacturing of top‐gate 2D transistors remains a challenge since gate dielectrics or gate electrodes transferred from 2D material easily peel away as gate pitch decreases to the nanometer scale during lift‐off processes. In this study, an oxidation‐assisted etching technique is developed for batch manufacturing of nanopatterned high‐κ/metal gate (HKMG) stacks on 2D materials. This strategy produces nano‐pitch self‐oxidized Al2O3/Al patterns with a resolution of 150 nm on 2D channel material, including graphene, MoS2, and WS2 without introducing any additional damage. Through a gate‐first technology in which the Al2O3/Al gate stacks are used as a mask for the formation of source and drain, a short‐channel HKMG MoS2 transistor with a nearly ideal subthreshold swing (SS) of 61 mV dec−1, and HKMG graphene transistor with a cut‐off frequency of 150 GHz are achieved. Moreover, both graphene and MoS2 HKMG transistor arrays exhibit high uniformity. The study may bring the potential for the massive production of large‐scale integrated circuits using 2D materials.
Anionic Metal–Organic Framework Derived Cu Catalyst for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Hydrocarbons
Authors: Wen Chun Fang , Yang Shuang , He Jing Jing , Niu Qiang , Liu Peng Fei , Yang Hua Gui
Published: August 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‐related Cu materials are promising candidates for promoting electrochemical CO2 reduction to produce valuable chemical feedstocks. However, many MOF materials inevitable undergo reconstruction under reduction conditions; therefore, exploiting the restructuring of MOF materials is of importance for the rational design of high‐performance catalyst targeting multi‐carbon products (C2). Herein, a facile solvent process is choosed to fabricate HKUST‐1 with an anionic framework (a‐HKUST‐1) and utilize it as a pre‐catalyst for alkaline CO2RR. The a‐HKUST‐1 catalyst can be electrochemically reduced into Cu with significant structural reconstruction under operating reaction conditions. The anionic HKUST‐1 derived Cu catalyst (aHD–Cu) delivers a FEC2H4 of 56% and FEC2 of ≈80% at −150 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolyte. The resulting aHD‐Cu catalyst has a high electrochemically active surface area and low coordinated sites. In situ Raman spectroscopy indicates that the aHD–Cu surface displays higher coverage of *CO intermediates, which favors the production of hydrocarbons.
Ultralow Thermal Conductivity in Vacancy‐Ordered Halide Perovskite Cs3Bi2Br9 with Strong Anharmonicity and Wave‐Like Tunneling of Low‐Energy Phonons
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Zhou Jiali , Luo Jun , Zhang Jiawei , Qiu Pengfei , Shi Xun
Published: August 2024

Halide perovskites are of great interest due to their exceptional optical and optoelectronic properties. However, thermal conductivity of many halide perovskites remains unexplored. In this study, an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity κL (0.24 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K) is reported and its weak temperature dependence (≈T−0.27) in an all‐inorganic vacancy‐ordered halide perovskite, Cs3Bi2Br9. The intrinsically ultralow κL can be attributed to the soft low‐lying phonon modes with strong anharmonicity, which have been revealed by combining experimental heat capacity and Raman spectroscopy measurements, and first‐principles calculations. It is shown that the highly anharmonic phonons originate from the Bi 6s2 lone pair expression with antibonding states of Bi 6s and Br 4p orbitals driven by the dynamic BiBr6 octahedral distortion. Theoretical calculations reveal that these low‐energy phonons are mostly contributed by large Br motions induced dynamic distortion of BiBr6 octahedra and large Cs rattling motions, verified by the synchrotron X‐ray pair distribution function analysis. In addition, the weak temperature dependence of κL can be traced to the wave‐like tunneling of phonons, induced by the low‐lying phonon modes. This work reveals the strong anharmonicity and wave‐like tunneling of low‐energy phonons for designing efficient vacancy‐ordered halide perovskites with intrinsically low κL.
A Versatile Redox‐Active Electrolyte for Solid Fixation of Polyiodide and Dendrite‐Free Operation in Sustainable Aqueous Zinc‐Iodine Batteries
Authors: Back Seungho , Xu Liangliang , Moon Joonhee , Kim Jinuk , Liu Yanan , Yi Seung Yeop , Choi Daeeun , Lee Jinwoo
Published: August 2024

Practical utilization of zinc‐iodine (Zn‐I2) batteries is hindered by significant challenges, primarily stemming from the polyiodide shuttle effect on the cathode and dendrite growth on the anode. Herein, a feasible redox‐active electrolyte has been introduced with tetraethylammonium iodide as an additive that simultaneously addresses the above mentioned challenges via polyiodide solidification on the cathode and the electrostatic shielding effect on the anode. The tetraethylammonium (TEA+) captures water‐soluble polyiodide intermediates (I3−, I5−), forming a solid complex at the cathode, thereby suppressing capacity loss during charge/discharge. Furthermore, the TEA+ mitigates dendrite growth on the Zn anode via the electrostatic shielding effect, promoting uniform and compact Zn deposition at the anode. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell demonstrates superior cycling stability during Zn plating/stripping over 4,200 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mAh cm−2. The Zn||NiNC full‐cell exhibits a stable capacity retention of 98.4% after 20 000 cycles (>5 months) with near‐unity Coulombic efficiency at 1 A g−1. The study provides novel insights for establishing a new direction for low‐cost, sustainable, and long‐lifespan Zn‐I2 batteries.
Flexible Fibrous Visible Light Sensors Based on Spiropyran for Wearable Devices, Electronic Skins, and Thermal Management Fabrics
Authors: Dang Guiqing , Chen Kaifang , Luo Yuncong , Hu Ronghua , Huang Yutao , Tang Henghui , Huang Bingquan , Sun Jinlong , Liu Xi , Wu Yancheng , Fan Longfei , Wu Qinghua , Gan Feng
Published: August 2024

Visible light is an important energy source for all living organisms on Earth. Given the importance of visible light, visible light sensors have attracted widespread interest from scientists. With the rapid development of wearable devices, the sensors used in them need to be flexible, stretchable, and lightweight. Herein, an intelligent electrolyte based on spiropyran (SP) that responds to visible light is developed. The reversible change rate in the electrical resistance of an SP/FeCl3·6H2O methyl cyanide (MeCN) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation is as high as 19.26%. Additionally, flexible and conductive fibrous visible light sensors with a core‐sheath structure are prepared using an SP/FeCl3·6H2O MeCN aqueous solution and silicon rubber hollow fibers as the core and outer layers, respectively. These fibrous visible light sensors are then woven into fabrics with multiple functions, such as sensing and locating visible light, reversible photochromism, and thermal management. The fibrous visible light sensors and fabrics prepared in this study have broad development prospects and application potential in the fields of fashion, smart textiles, flexible conductive fibers, flexible fibrous sensors, electronic skins, and wearable devices.
Engineering Perovskite Bandgap for Control of Hot‐Electron Dynamics in Plasmonic Nanodiodes
Authors: Park Yujin , Choi Jungkweon , Kim Daehan , Kim Jungmin , Roh Yujin , Lee Hyunhwa , Cho Dae Won , Shin Byungha , Ihee Hyotcherl , Park Jeong Young
Published: August 2024

Despite extensive research on utilizing plasmonic hot carriers to advance photovoltaics and photocatalysts, achieving high hot‐carrier flux remains challenging due to their rapid relaxation. Recent studies have shown that combining plasmonic metals with perovskites improves hot‐electron flow, due to the slow hot‐electron relaxation in perovskites. Additionally, perovskites offer the advantage of facile bandgap tuning through composition changes. Herein, the influence of tuning the perovskite bandgap on the lifetime and flow of hot electrons in a perovskite/plasmonic Au/TiO2 nanodiode is explored. The findings reveal that perovskites with wider bandgaps exhibit improved hot‐electron lifetime and flow, attributed to the modified hot‐electron energy favoring a slower energy loss rate, as verified by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopic analysis. It is believed that the results successfully demonstrate the integration of engineered hot‐carrier physics into device functions, providing valuable guidance for the design of optimized hot‐carrier‐based devices in the future.
Heat‐Flow‐Driven Nonequilibria for Prebiotic Chemistry
Authors: Mast Christof B.
Published: August 2024

The origin of life, being one of the most fascinating questions in science, is increasingly addressed by interdisciplinary research. In addition to developing plausible chemical models for synthesizing the first biomolecules from prebiotic building blocks, searching for suitable and plausible non‐equilibrium boundary conditions that drive such reactions is thus a central task in this endeavor. This perspective highlights the remarkably simple yet versatile scenario of heat flows in geologically plausible crack‐like compartments as a habitat for prebiotic chemistry. Based on our recent findings, it is discussed how thermophoretically driven systems offer insights into solving key milestones in the origin of life research, such as the template inhibition problem, prebiotic symmetry breaking, and the promotion of prebiotic chemistry by selective enrichment of biochemical precursors. Our results on molecular‐selective thermogravitational accumulation, heat flow‐induced pH gradients, and environmental cycles are put in the context of other approaches to non‐equilibrium systems and prebiotic chemistry. The coupling of heat flows to chemical and physical boundary conditions thus opens up numerous future experimental research avenues, such as the extraction of phosphate from geomaterials or the integration of chemical reaction networks into thermal non‐equilibrium systems, offering a promising framework for advancing the field of prebiotic chemistry.
Utilization of Reactive Nitrogen Compounds for Nitrogen Circular Economy
Authors: Kimura Tatsuo
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) should be purified according to environmental regulations, being restricted increasingly year by year. A wide variety of denitration technologies, such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx to nitrogen (N2) and NOx storage reduction (NSR) to N2 by injecting reducing agents like ammonia (NH3), has so far been developed practically. Sophisticated catalytic approaches are perhaps mandatory for the sustainability in energy including complete purification of NOx. As one of the solutions to overcome problems for environment and resource simultaneously, this concept article focuses on the utilization of reactive nitrogen (Nr) compounds, mainly NOx, for encouraging an opening to consider nitrogen circular economy. For the recycling of NOx via NH3, a challenging but rational catalytic technology can be proposed by an alternate switching the inlet gas between NOx containing oxidative gas and H2 containing reductive one without an operation to change the reaction temperature. Considering the reactivity of NOx higher than that of N2, this kind of NOx to NH3 (NTA) process is promising for synthesizing NH3, being valuable not only as fertilizer but also as fuel in near future.
Potential contribution of foodscaping to food security in the Gulf region: Case study of Al Ain city of UAE
Authors: Alam Ayesha , Gabriel‐Neumann Elke
Published: August 2024

Since 1995, foodscaping has been given a variety of definitions, while scientifically accurate ones are still a point of debate. The partial substitution of aesthetic edible crops into green landscapes without compromising their recreational purpose falls as an accurate scientific definition of foodscaping. The recreational urban green places that are aesthetically pleasing and sites of tourism are the potential places in which foodscaping can be integrated, such as public parks, exterior of commercial buildings, roadside belts, farmland oases, and privately managed green spaces. In the Gulf region, foodscaping could enhance conventional landscaping and become a resource‐saving substitute for food production posing multiple benefits for urban dwellers. Based on the theoretical evaluation in the Al Ain city of UAE, the 30% substitution of foodscaping annual crops into functional greenery could increase the edible harvest by more than 50% at the rate of 31.49 t/ha per year of the existing fruits and vegetables requirement of 212,211 t per year of the city. Besides pros, there are cons to every facet, which in this case are the risk assessment and biosafety measures, which might be the critical aspects to be analyzed further. Nevertheless, foodscaping has been proposed to develop community awareness of urban landscaping and foodscaping synergies in arid land ecosystems to overcome the need for food security and scarce water resources.
‘Chat’ hatches could boost stabled horses’ wellbeing
Authors: Loeb Josh
Published: August 2024

Josh Loeb discusses new research suggesting that a small adjustment to stable design could improve welfare for horses.
Magnetic single‐anastomosis side‐to‐side duodeno‐ileostomy for revision of sleeve gastrectomy in adults with severe obesity: 1‐year outcomes
Authors: Gagner Michel , Almutlaq Lamees , Gnanhoue Gismonde , Buchwald J. N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Uncomplicated surgical approaches that minimize anastomotic complications while improving revisional metabolic/bariatric surgical (MBS) outcomes are needed.

Methods

This prospective single‐center study assessed the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the novel linear magnetic anastomosis system (LMAS [3 cm]) in performing a side‐to‐side duodeno‐ileostomy (MagDI) bipartition to revise clinically suboptimal primary sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Patients with severe obesity with/without type 2 diabetes (T2D) with suboptimal weight loss, regain, and/or T2D recurrence post SG underwent revisional MagDI. A distal and proximal magnet were delivered endoscopically to the ileum and duodenum and aligned via laparoscopic assistance. Gradual magnet fusion formed a DI bipartition. Primary endpoints: technical feasibility, safety (Clavien‐Dindo [CD] severe adverse event classification) at 1 year. Secondary endpoints: MBS weight and T2D reduction.

Results

July 29, 2022–March 28, 2023, 24 patients (95.8% female, mean age 44.9 ± 1.5 years, and body mass index [BMI] 39.4 ± 1.3 kg/m2) underwent MagDI. Feasibility was attained via correct magnet placement (mean operative time 63.5 ± 3.3 min), patent anastomoses created, and magnet passage per anus in 100.0% of patients. There were 4 CD‐III mild or moderate severe AEs, 0.0% associated with the LMAS or MagDI: 0.0% anastomotic leakage, obstruction, bleeding, infection, reintervention, or death. Mean BMI reduction was 2.1 kg/m2 (p < 0.05); total weight loss 5.3%, excess weight loss 16.4%; and the patient with T2D improved.

Conclusion

The single‐anastomosis MagDI procedure using the novel 3‐cm LMAS to revise clinically suboptimal SG was technically straightforward, incurred no major complications, mitigated weight regain, and renewed clinically meaningful weight loss.

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

NCT05322122.
Cooperation Behavior of Drivers at Inner City Deadlock-Situations
Authors: Strelau Nadine-Rebecca , Imbsweiler Jonas , Pöhler Gloria , Weinreuter Hannes , Heizmann Michael , Deml Barbara
Published: August 2024

In urban traffic, there are several situations in which the right of way is not regulated. For automated vehicles in mixed traffic to show behavior that is considered acceptable by all parties, the cooperation behavior of drivers in these situations must be understood. An observational study identified several behaviors in these situations at equal narrow passages and T-intersections that can be classified as offensive and defensive. These behaviors were tested in an experiment whether they can communicate the intention to drive or to stop. Drivers respond to defensive behaviors of the cooperation partner by continuing to drive, and stopping when the behavior is offensive. In the equal narrow passage, drivers felt safest when they drove first, whereas at the T-intersection, drivers felt safest when the cooperation partner drove first. In further experiments, it was shown that at T-intersections the entry position has an influence on whether drivers drive first or stop. Pedestrians or other traffic do not have an influence on the behavior. However, if drivers follow a vehicle that is driving ahead of them, they drive first through the deadlock situation. Recommendations for the behavior of automated vehicles in these situations are derived from the findings of the studies.
Measuring and Describing Cooperation Between Road Users—Results from CoMove
Authors: Quante Laura , Stoll Tanja , Baumann Martin , Diera Andor , Földes-Cappellotto Noèmi , Jipp Meike , Schießl Caroline
Published: August 2024

Safe and efficient traffic requires that road users interact and cooperate with each other. Especially in situations which are not explicitly regulated, and the right of way is not clearly defined, it is of great importance that road users are able to communicate their own intentions and understand the communication and cooperation behaviour of the other involved road users. When automated vehicles enter the current traffic system, their ability to fit into the system, that is their ability to communicate and cooperate, will determine their success. Therefore, the development of cooperatively interacting, automated vehicles requires detailed knowledge about human cooperation behaviour in traffic, which can only be obtained using appropriate methods and measures. By focusing on road narrowings and lane changing, this chapter gives an overview on how to measure cooperation between road users, considering methods for data collection, subjective and objective measures of cooperation as well as behaviour modeling, to support the systematic research on cooperation in road traffic. This overview is extended by findings from studies conducted within CoInCar, including results on factors influencing human behaviour in cooperative situations, either in a manual or an automated setting, and initial findings from modeling the cognitive processes underlying cooperative driving behaviour.