bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐Infrared Imaging Highly Enhanced by Pixel‐Level Integrated Plasmonic Metasurfaces on CMOS Image Sensors
Authors: Nan Xianghong , Zheng Qilin , Dong Yajin , Liu Yongjun , Pan Dahui , Chen Bojun , Wang Haiquan , He Huifan , Gong Yunyang , Wen Long , Chen Qin
Published: October 2024

Near‐infrared (NIR) photodetection and imaging have sparked significant interests across a wide range of applications. While silicon photodiodes are commonly employed, the small light absorption coefficients of Si in NIR severely limit the performance, especially in the case of thin active Si layers. Although various light harvesting techniques are proposed to increase light absorption of Si, pixel‐level strategy for enhanced NIR imaging is still challenging in CMOS image sensors (CISs) with a pixel size in only a micron scale. In this paper, plasmonic metasurfaces are intimately integrated on top of 2.3 µm thick Si active regions of the pixels of a backside illumination (BI)‐CIS for NIR imaging for the first time. 200% improved photoresponsivity is obtained in experiments in such a planar Si layer rather than patterning the Si layer with potential damage to the active region. Numerical simulation results reveal highly enhanced light intensity in the thin active Si layer due to the presence of plasmonic metasurfaces. Significantly improved imaging brightness and signal‐to‐noise ratio of NIR imaging are demonstrated under both laser and LED illumination. This CMOS‐compatible technique is expected to hold promising potentials in applications including machine vision, iris certification, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and optical communication in data centers.
Bismuth Vacancies Induced Lattice Strain in BiVO4 Photoanodes Boosting Charge Separation For Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Boyan , Wang Xin , Zhang Yingjuan , Wan Kang , Xu Liangcheng , Ma Siqing , Zhao Ruoting , Wang Songcan , Huang Wei
Published: October 2024

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising technology for green hydrogen production. However, severe charge recombination in the photoelectrode materials is one of the key obstacles to achieving high performance. Herein, a BiVO₄ photoanode with lattice strain (Str‐BVO) is constructed by generating Bi vacancies to promote charge separation in the bulk. The optimized Str‐BVO photoanode achieves a photocurrent density of 6.20 mA cm⁻2 at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode under AM 1.5 G illumination, with an impressive charge separation efficiency close to 100%. Systematical experiments and density functional theory reveal that the surface Bi vacancies induced strain causes the distortion of a small number of VO4 tetrahedra, which increases the antibonding state energy of most normal VO4 tetrahedra and creates more electronic vacancy states, thereby significantly promoting electron–hole separation. By surface loading with a FeNiOx co‐catalyst, the photoanode exhibits excellent PEC water‐splitting performance and stability.
Rational design of aggregation‐induced emission‐active bisboron complexes (BOQHYs) for high‐fidelity lipid droplet imaging
Authors: Wang Sisi , Bi Xian , Zhu Hua , Ji Xiaobo , Lu Hua , Shen Zhen
Published: October 2024

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic intracellular organelles that participate in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Consequently, the development of high‐selectivity and high‐resolution tools for LD detection and tracking is of paramount importance. In this study, we describe the straightforward synthesis of a series of novel BODIPY analogs, BOQHYs 3a–3e, through the condensation of 2,3‐dihydrazinylquinoline with acetone or benzophenone, followed by complexation with BF3·OEt2. Spectroscopic properties indicate that these dyes exhibited significantly larger Stokes shifts (>100 nm) than the commercial LD‐Tracker BODIPY 493/503 (≈10 nm). Additionally, the incorporation of phenyl “rotors” endows BOQHYs 3b–3e with heightened aggregation‐induced emission activity, viscosity responsiveness, and exceptional lipophilicity, enabling their selective staining of LDs in a rapid and wash‐free manner, with outstanding signal‐to‐noise ratios. Time‐resolved confocal fluorescence imaging of 3d further validates these dyes’ capability to effectively capture LD fusion and fission events, highlighting their potential applications in LD‐related cell biology and disease diagnostics.
A novel application of the Hyperflex™ tracheostomy tube for lung isolation in a patient with airway stoma after laryngectomy
Authors: Maurya P. , Gupta N. , Dhamija E. , Kumar V.
Published: October 2024

In patients who have undergone laryngectomy followed by permanent tracheostomy, managing the airway for one‐lung ventilation during lung surgery may present a challenge for anaesthetists. This case report discusses a 45‐year‐old man with a permanent tracheostomy after a laryngectomy performed for laryngeal carcinoma 5 years ago. He was scheduled to undergo excision of a right bronchial mass for which one‐lung ventilation was required. An adjustable Flange Hyperflex™ Tracheostomy tube (Bivona® Silicone Tracheostomy tube, Smiths Medical ASD, Inc., Gary, Indiana, USA) was used for this purpose and the tube was guided into the left main bronchus with a bronchoscope. Appropriate lung isolation was achieved using this technique, and there were no airway‐related complications during or after the surgery. This case report shows that a Hyperflex™ tracheostomy tube can be successfully utilised in challenging airway scenarios in patients with a tracheostomy, where other options may not be feasible.
Evolutionary divergence of facial muscle physiology between domestic dogs and wolves
Authors: Burrows Anne M. , Smith Leo W. , Downing Sarah E. , Omstead K. Madisen , Smith Timothy D.
Published: October 2024

Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are descended from gray wolf (Canis lupus) populations that inhabited Western Europe and Siberia. The specific timing of dog domestication is debated, but archeological and genetic evidence suggest that it was a multi‐phase process that began at least 15,000 years ago. There are many morphological differences between dogs and wolves, including marked divergence in facial muscle morphology, but we know little about the comparative physiology of these muscles. A better understanding of comparative facial muscle physiology between domestic dogs and gray wolves would improve our conceptual framework for the processual mechanisms in dog domestication. To address these issues, we assessed the myosin profiles (type I and type II) from the zygomaticus and orbicularis oris muscles of 6 domestic dogs and 4 gray wolves. Due to small sample sizes, statistical analyses were not done. Results reveal that sampled domestic dogs have almost 100% fast‐twitch (type II) muscle fibers while gray wolves have less than 50%, meaning that dog faces can contract fast while wolf faces are able to sustain facial muscle contraction. Sample sizes are limited but the present study indicates that dog domestication is associated with not only a change in facial muscle morphology but a concomitant change in how these muscles function physiologically. Selective pressures in the development of communication between dogs and humans using facial expression may have influenced this evolutionary divergence, but the paedomorphic retention of barking in adult dogs may have also played a role.
Adaptive trajectory tracking control of robotic manipulators based on integral sliding mode
Authors: Qi Mingce , Han Shuzhen , Guo Guangxin , Liu Pengfei , Zhi Yuanyuan , Zhao Zhanshan
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes an adaptive control scheme with finite‐time convergent property based on integral sliding mode to achieve trajectory tracking control of rigid robotic manipulators. The novel adaptive gain can be adjusted automatically with the system disturbance, as long as the disturbance and its derivative are bounded without requiring more information. Therefore, the control chattering effect can be mitigated obviously. The global robustness of system is guaranteed by Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, the simulation of a two‐link manipulator is given to show that the desired trajectory tracking performance is obtained with the proposed adaptive sliding mode approach.
Diverse boards and firm performance: The strategic role of carbon disclosure in heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Dhar Bablu Kumar , Hosen Mosharrof , Bağış Mehmet , Sousa Maria José , Khatun Kazi Masuma
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the strategic role of carbon disclosure in shaping firm performance and board heterogeneity among heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh from 2013 to 2023. Using empirical data from 150 companies listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange, the research examines the impact of board diversity—specifically gender, tenure, and educational heterogeneity—on carbon disclosure practices. The findings reveal that board gender and tenure heterogeneity negatively affect carbon disclosure, whereas educational heterogeneity has a positive impact. Additionally, firm performance shows a negative effect on carbon disclosure but does not significantly moderate the influence of board heterogeneity. These results underscore the importance of board diversity in enhancing carbon disclosure practices, thereby contributing to improved environmental management and firm performance in heavily polluting industries in Bangladesh. This research, grounded in legitimacy theory, stakeholder theory, and corporate governance literature, provides valuable insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers focused on business strategies for environmental sustainability.
A comparative study of RSM and ANN models for predicting spray drying conditions for encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Sharma Poorva , Nickerson Michael T. , Korber Darren R.
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a wall material using pea protein isolate and pectin to optimize the encapsulation of Lactobacillus casei by spray drying. Response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to analyze the effect of processing parameters.

Findings

The results showed that both RSM and ANN could be used to successfully characterize the experimental data, although ANN demonstrated greater predictive accuracy than RSM due to a higher R2 and lower mean square error (MSE).

Conclusion

ANN was observed to show more suitability than RSM. The encapsulation efficiency (90.7%), yield (45.5%), and wettability (169 s) of spray‐dried probiotic powder obtained under optimal spray drying conditions (inlet air temperature (132°C); feed flow rate (9.5 mL/min) and pea protein isolate concentration (7.1%)) were observed to be not significantly different (p < .05) from predicted values for all three parameters, demonstrating the validity of applied model.

Significance and Novelty

In this study, production technology of vegan base probiotic powder has been developed using mathematical modeling through the spray‐drying method. Therefore, this data can be useful for food processing industries to develop a high‐quality probiotic powder through spray drying.
Role for the PIP2‐binding protein myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate in vascular tissue: A novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Albert Anthony P. , Jahan Kazi S. , Greenberg Harry Z. E. , Shamsaldeen Yousif A.
Published: October 2024

In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and vascular endothelial cells (VECs), phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) acts as a substrate for phospholipase C (PLC)‐ and phosphoinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐mediated signaling pathways and an unmodified ligand at ion channels and other macromolecules, which are key processes in the regulation of cell physiological and pathological phenotypes. It is envisaged that these distinct roles of PIP2 are achieved by PIP2‐binding proteins, which act as PIP2 buffers to produce discrete pools of PIP2 that permits targeted release within the cell. This review discusses evidence for the expression, cell distribution, and role of myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS), a PIP2‐binding protein, in cellular signaling and function of VSMCs. The review indicates the possibilities for MARCKS as a therapeutic target for vascular disease involving dysfunctional cell proliferation and migration, endothelial barrier permeability, and vascular contractility such as atherosclerosis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, and sepsis.
Voltammetric Characterization and Quantification of the Cocaine Analog Nitracaine
Authors: Alberti Giancarla , Bonanni Alessandra , Stefano Protti , Baldi Federica , Merli Daniele
Published: October 2024

Synthetic cocaine analogs are designer drugs that recently emerged as non‐controlled substitutes for their parent drug. Among them, nitracaine is of particular concern for its psychoactive effect. In this work, we present a thorough characterization of the electrochemical behavior of nitracaine, with a final quantification performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) in ethanol/lithium perchlorate 0.1 M. The selectivity of the method and reproducibility of results were assessed. LOQ of 0.3 μg mL−1 and a linear dynamic range of up to 400 μg mL−1 were obtained. In addition, recoveries from 85 % to 101 % were achieved on both simulated and real samples. For nitracaine analysis in urine, a clean‐up and a preconcentration step by solid phase extraction (SPE) using the adsorbent Florisil have been developed and optimized through the Design of Experiments (DoE) strategy, thus achieving an enrichment factor of 20.
State‐of‐the‐Art 3DES Pipelined Cryptographic Engine Design Against Side‐Channel Attacks
Authors: Shi Kai , Wang Chunyang , Cheng Jiafeng , Liu Wenrui , Sun Nengyuan , Zhao Hongyang , Sha Heng , Pan Zhiyuan , Jin Ming , Wang Jinghe , Niu Zhaoyi , Li Jianghong , Wang Jiaqi , Xue Aobo , Wen Yiming , Ning Yafei , Kose Selcuk , Yu Weize
Published: October 2024

In this paper, a high‐speed, low‐latency, and high‐security hardware‐implemented triple data encryption standard (3DES) cryptographic algorithm is proposed for securing data privacy. In order to achieve a high throughput for the 3DES architecture, the whole circuit is optimized with a 24‐stage pipelined design at first. For breaking the correlation between the processed data and power dissipation of the 3DES circuit against differential power analysis (DPA) attacks, two pseudo‐random number generators (PRNGs) are embedded to randomly alter the number of pipelined stages and data substitution locations within the 3DES circuit, respectively. Under such a circumstance, the proposed 3DES circuit is able to achieve high performance and strong robustness against DPA attacks without causing much overhead. As shown in the results, under the synthesis of SMIC 14‐nm process design kits (PDK), the clock frequency, area, power dissipation, and throughput of the proposed 3DES circuit, respectively, are achieved as 1.2 GHz, 26,435 m2, 21.05 mW, and 64 Gbps. Furthermore, when DPA attacks are executed on the proposed 3DES circuit, the corresponding secret key cannot be revealed even if 2 million plaintexts are enabled. In contrast, only 40,000 plaintexts are adequate to disclose the secret key of a regular pipelined 3DES circuit.
Seasonal heterochrony of reproductive development and gene expression in a polymorphic salamander
Authors: Herrboldt Madison A. , Wright Claire N. C. , Bonett Ronald M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Life cycle evolution includes ecological transitions and shifts in the timing of somatic and reproductive development (heterochrony). However, heterochronic changes can be tissue‐specific, ultimately leading to the differential diversification of traits. Salamanders exhibit alternative life cycle polymorphisms involving either an aquatic to terrestrial metamorphosis (biphasic) or retention of aquatic larval traits into adulthood (paedomorphic). In this study, we used gene expression and histology to evaluate how life cycle evolution impacts temporal reproductive patterns in males of a polymorphic salamander.

Results

We found that heterochrony shifts the distribution of androgen signaling in the integument, which is correlated with significant differences in seasonal reproductive gland development and pheromone gene expression. In the testes, androgen receptor (ar) expression does not significantly vary between morphs or across seasons. We found significant differences in the onset of spermatogenesis, but by peak breeding season the testes were the same with respect to both histology and gene expression.

Conclusion

This study provides an example of how seasonal heterochronic shifts in tissue‐specific ar gene expression can disparately impact seasonal development and expression patterns across tissues, providing a potential mechanism for differential diversification of reproductive traits.
foxe1 mutant zebrafish show indications of a hypothyroid phenotype and increased sensitivity to ethanol for craniofacial malformations
Authors: Raterman Sophie T. , Wagener Frank A. D. T. G. , Zethof Jan , Cuijpers Vincent , Klaren Peter H. M. , Metz Juriaan R. , Von den Hoff Johannes W.
Published: October 2024

Background

FOXE1 mutations in humans are associated with cleft palate and hypothyroidism. We previously developed a foxe1 mutant zebrafish demonstrating mineralization defects in larvae. In the present study, we investigate the thyroid status and skeletal phenotype of adult foxe1 mutants.

Results

Mutant fish have increased expression of tshβ in the pituitary, and of hepatic dio1 and dio2. In plasma, we found higher Mg levels. Together these findings are indicative of hypothyroidism. We further observed mineralization defects in scales due to enhanced osteoclast activity as measured by increased expression levels of tracp, ctsk, and rankl. Gene–environment interactions in the etiology of FOXE1‐related craniofacial abnormalities remain elusive, which prompts the need for models to investigate genotype–phenotype associations. We here investigated whether ethanol exposure increases the risk of developing craniofacial malformations in foxe1 mutant larvae that we compared to wild types. We found in ethanol‐exposed mutants an increased incidence of developmental malformations and marked changes in gene expression patterns of cartilage markers (sox9a), apoptotic markers (casp3b), retinoic acid metabolism (cyp26c1), and tissue hypoxia markers (hifaa, hifab).

Conclusion

Taken together, this study shows that the foxe1 mutant zebrafish recapitulates phenotypes associated with FOXE1 mutations in human patients and a clear foxe1‐ethanol interaction.
Single‐Crystal Perovskite Halide: Crystal Growth to Devices Applications
Authors: Prakash Krishna , Valeti Naga Jyoti , Jain Prince , Pathak Chandra Shakher , Singha Monoj Kumar , Gupta Satyajit , Edri Eran , Mukhopadhyay Sabyasachi
Published: October 2024

Over a decade, researchers have depicted remarkable optoelectronic properties of halide‐based organic–inorganic perovskites and demonstrated impressive power conversion efficiency in photovoltaic applications, starting from 3.9% to 26.1%. The optoelectronic properties of halide‐based perovskites are significantly influenced by the crystal form and crystallization process. There are two common forms of halide‐based perovskites: polycrystalline films and single‐crystal. In polycrystalline thin films, multiple grain boundaries lead to ion migration, surface flaws, and instability, making them unsuitable for device applications. In contrast, single‐crystal halide‐based perovskites are stable and exhibit exceptional features like long carrier diffusion lengths and low trap density. Although research on polycrystalline halide‐based perovskite thin films is currently intense, investigations on single crystals are still in their early stages. This review article discusses single‐crystal perovskite halide growth methods and their use in optoelectronic devices, as crystal growth affects solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, lasers, photodetectors, and other devices.
Sleep disturbances in SCN8A‐related disorders
Authors: Furia Francesca , Johannesen Katrine M. , Bonardi Claudia M. , Previtali Roberto , Aledo‐Serrano Angel , Mastrangelo Massimo , Favaro Jacopo , Masnada Silvia , di Micco Valentina , Proietti Jacopo , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Rubboli Guido , Cantalupo Gaetano , Olofsson Kern , Møller Rikke S. , Gardella Elena
Published: October 2024

Objectives

People with neurodevelopmental disorders frequently experience sleep disturbances, negatively impairing their quality of life. We aimed to determine the prevalence and nature of sleep disturbances in patients with SCN8A‐related disorders.

Methods

Through a collaborative network of caregivers and clinicians, we collected data about epilepsy, cognitive/motor abilities, medications, and relevant comorbidities of patients harboring a pathogenic SCN8A variant. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ‐22‐items), and the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS) were distributed and evaluated by factor scores and Composite Sleep Index. Video‐EEG‐polysomnographic recordings were performed.

Results

We enrolled 47 patients (age range: 2–39 years), whose phenotypes ranged from SCN8A‐DEE to intellectual disability without epilepsy. In the majority of them (82%), sleep disturbances were reported and/or observed at the SDSC. The most frequent were difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep (64%), followed by sleep breathing disorder (43%), sleep–wake transition disorder (34%), and daytime sleepiness (34%). Sleep disturbances were more frequent in patients with severe DEE (96%) and ongoing seizures (93%) and were more severe in patients with sleep‐related seizures. The CSHQ and PDSS confirmed difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep. Polysomnographic recordings (9 patients/20 nights) showed an altered sleep structure in 95%, with frequent arousals, mainly not seizure related.

Significance

More than 80% of patients with SCN8A‐related disorders presented with sleep disturbances, primarily consisting of sleep instability with difficulty of initiating and maintaining sleep. Animal studies showed sleep disturbances in SCN8A‐ and SCN1A‐Dravet Syndrome mice models, suggesting a role for voltage‐gated sodium channels in the regulation of sleep. Understanding the effects of SCN8A dysfunction on sleep stability may guide future therapeutic efforts to alleviate this often distressing symptom also in seizure‐free SCN8A patients.

Plain Language Summary

In this study, we analyzed sleep disturbances in patients with disorders related to a genetic mutation in the gene SCN8A. We found that the majority of the patients experienced sleep disturbances, mainly consisting in difficulty of initiating and maintaining sleep. Sleep disturbances were more frequent in patients with severe cognitive impairment and active epilepsy and more severe in patients with seizures during sleep.
Alginate's ability to prevent metabolic illnesses, the degradation of the gut's protective layer, and alginate‐based encapsulation methods
Authors: Ahmad Arslan , Riaz Sakhawat , Desta Derese Tamiru
Published: October 2024

The gut serves as the body's main immunological and digestive system. Furthermore, host immunity is mostly managed there. Nutrients are further broken down and absorbed here. Numerous research investigations have shown evidence that inflammation, oxidative stress, impairment of the intestinal barrier, and imbalance in the gut microbiota can all contribute to a variety of intestinal illnesses and other issues, underscoring the growing significance of intestinal health concerns. Because of their high biological activity and lack of negative side effects, the organic food‐derived chemicals known as brown algal polysaccharides—mainly fucoidan, laminaran, and alginate—have attracted a lot of attention from academics. Because of its many benefits, sodium alginate is one of the biopolymers that has garnered the greatest attention, research, and application. Carotenoids, which are found in our food, have several positive health effects. Their low solubility in water, oxidation susceptibility, chemical instability, accessibility, and restricted solubility in water, however, restrict their use in food and medicine. In this review and in overcoming these constraints, encapsulation might be helpful. Furthermore, the primary goal of our study is to provide a fresh perspective into the control and avoidance of intestinal diseases. It provides more potent alternatives to this system, clarifies the function of alginates in enhancing the encapsulation of carotenoids, and functions as a model for the synthesis of the intestinal protective agent fucoidan.
Feedback modulation of Orai1α and Orai1β protein content mediated by STIM proteins
Authors: Nieto‐Felipe Joel , Macias‐Díaz Alvaro , Jimenez‐Velarde Vanesa , Lopez Jose J. , Salido Gines M. , Smani Tarik , Jardin Isaac , Rosado Juan A.
Published: October 2024

Store‐operated Ca2+ entry is a mechanism controlled by the filling state of the intracellular Ca2+ stores, predominantly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where ER‐resident proteins STIM1 and STIM2 orchestrate the activation of Orai channels in the plasma membrane, and Orai1 playing a predominant role. Two forms of Orai1, Orai1α and Orai1β, have been identified, which arises the question whether they are equally regulated by STIM proteins. We demonstrate that STIM1 preferentially activates Orai1α over STIM2, yet both STIM proteins similarly activate Orai1β. Under resting conditions, there is a pronounced association between STIM2 and Orai1α. STIM1 and STIM2 are also shown to influence the protein levels of the Orai1 variants, independently of Ca2+ influx, via lysosomal degradation. Interestingly, Orai1α and Orai1β appear to selectively regulate the protein level of STIM1, but not STIM2. These observations offer crucial insights into the regulatory dynamics between STIM proteins and Orai1 variants, enhancing our understanding of the intricate processes that fine‐tune intracellular Ca2+ signaling.
Cassava stem biochar (CSB) for chromium removal from produced water: sustainable adsorption and environmental implications
Authors: Gajendiran Vasu , Deivasigamani Prabu , Sivamani Selvaraju , Banerjee Saikat , Prasad B.S. Naveen
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Produced water, a byproduct of oil and gas extraction, often contains elevated levels of heavy metals, including chromium, posing significant environmental and health risks. Cassava stem biochar (CSB) was prepared by pyrolysis of cassava stem and its potential has been investigated for the removal of chromium (Cr) from produced water. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the adsorption capacity of CSB under various conditions of pH, contact time, initial produced water concentration, adsorbent dosage, agitation speed, temperature and particle size.

RESULTS

From the experiment results, it was found that CSB showed good adsorption capacity of chromium ions from produced water. The adsorption process was found to be highly pH‐dependent, with maximum removal efficiency observed at a pH of 4.0. Equilibrium data were fitted to the Freundlich isotherm models, indicating multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. The kinetic data demonstrated that the adsorption process followed pseudo‐first‐order as well as pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, suggesting a physisorption and chemisorption mechanism. The thermodynamic parameters, including changes in enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS), were evaluated to gain insights into the spontaneity and feasibility of the adsorption process. The negative ΔH values indicated that the adsorption of Cr onto CSB was non‐spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The negative ΔS value suggested the adsorption is feasible.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive study demonstrates the potential of cassava stem biochar as an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for the removal of chromium from produced water. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Pore space memory of the Tlalpan pedosedimentary sequence as an indicator of paleopedogenesis
Authors: Pogosyan Lilit , Abrosimov Konstantin , Sedov Sergey
Published: October 2024

Background

Imaging techniques of analysis in undisturbed soil samples are powerful tools for understanding soil properties and functioning. Although micromorphological analysis has always been applied for studying soil genesis, the modern 3D X‐ray Computed Tomography (CT) approach is mostly used in soil physical studies related to soil functioning and ecological services.

Aim

In this study, we interpret ancient soil formation of the Late Pleistocene pedosedimentary archive of the Tlalpan sequence in the State of Tlaxcala in Central Mexico, based on soil and sediment porosity distribution in 2D and 3D.

Methods

In order to interpret ancient soil formation based on the porosity distribution, we applied both micromorphological (2D) and CT (3D) analyses in undisturbed samples of each horizon of the Tlalpan sequence.

Results

Our micromorphological observations have shown that pore space arrangement is unique for each soil horizon and that it is predetermined by the dominant pedogenetical processes and their succession, such as bioturbation, clay illuviation, and vertic shrinking/swelling. Most of the channels formed by biogenic agents (roots and mesofauna) subsequently underwent shape deformations and/or refilling. The “accommodating planes” type of voids resulted from the development of features of vertic paleosols that, in some cases, erased the past pedogenic pore space organization. Although biogenic turbation, compaction, and clay illuviation mostly affected the macro‐ and mesopores, shrinking/swelling processes affected macro‐ and mesoporosity distribution. The process that was only reflected at the microporosity level is hydroconsolidation.

Conclusions

Despite the common idea that textural pores are more resistant to changes compared to meso‐ and macropores, most of soil formation processes registered in the Tlalpan sequence, including anthropogenic impact, were identified in macro‐ and mesopore space. Moreover, the changes that were registered in pore space transformation by 2D and 3D methods of analysis in undisturbed samples are crucial for identifying the sequence of formation processes and, therefore, for paleopedological interpretation. This study shows that the CT is a useful tool to access the soil formation, and pore space memory studied both in 3D and 2D is an important proxy for paleopedological research.
Risk of Death From Other Diseases in Lung Cancer Patients After Sublobar Resection Versus Lobectomy
Authors: Nakao Masayuki , Suzuki Ayumi , Ichinose Junji , Matsuura Yosuke , Okumura Sakae , Mun Mingyon
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives

A recent Japanese phase three clinical trial for lung cancer suggested a possible advantage of segmentectomy over lobectomy in terms of death from other diseases. This study aimed to compare the risk of death from other diseases based on surgical procedures in lung cancer patients without recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 2121 patients without disease recurrence after curative resection for lung cancer at our institution. Patient characteristics and overall survival were compared between sublobar resection and lobectomy.

Results

The sublobar group (n = 595) had a significantly higher proportion of women, non‐smokers, patients without comorbidities, patients with a history of other cancers, and patients with earlier‐staged disease when compared with the lobectomy group (n = 1526). The overall survival was significantly longer in the sublobar group than in the lobectomy group (p = 0.0034). After adjusting for background characteristics in an analysis of 488 patients, the overall survival had a trend to be longer in the sublobar group than in the lobectomy group (p = 0.071).

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the risk of death from other diseases was potentially higher after lobectomy than after sublobar resection. Although several clinical factors could influence the results, these results may support the benefit of sublobar resection, assuming that the curability of both procedures is similar.
Blood Flow of the Infraspinatus Muscle in Individuals With and Without Shoulder Pain and Myofascial Trigger Points
Authors: Brown Jace , Kearns Gary , Hedges Emily , Samaniego Samantha , Wang‐Price Sharon
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are potential contributors to shoulder pain and can lead to local ischemia and hypoxia, thus causing pain. Color Doppler ultrasound (US) has been used to examine the vascular environment around MTrPs, but has not been used to examine blood flow impairments in patients with shoulder pain and MTrPs. The reliability of color Doppler US for measuring infraspinatus muscle blood flow also has not been established. This study aimed to investigate differences in blood flow between individuals with and without shoulder pain and the reliability of Doppler US for measuring infraspinatus muscle blood flow.

Methods

Forty participants were enrolled, 20 with shoulder pain and MTrPs and 20 without. Color Doppler US examination was performed twice on each participant to measure peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), and pulsatile index (PI) of the infraspinatus muscle.

Results

The symptomatic participants had significantly higher PSV (ie, impaired blood flow) than the asymptomatic participants. There were no significant between‐group differences in EDV, RI, and PI. The results also demonstrated good‐to‐excellent intra‐rater reliability for color Doppler US measurements of PSV, EDV, RI, and PI for both groups.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated differences in blood flow near MTrPs in the infraspinatus muscle between individuals with and without shoulder pain. It also established good‐to‐excellent reliability of color Doppler US in measuring infraspinatus muscle blood flow. These findings suggest color Doppler US is a useful tool to identify vascular impairments for shoulder pain associated with MTrPs.
On the descent for quadratic and bilinear forms
Authors: Laghribi Ahmed , Mukhija Diksha
Published: October 2024

This paper is devoted to the study of the descent problem in the spirit of conjectures proposed by Kahn in characteristic different from 2. The descent problem seeks conditions under which a ‐form (quadratic or bilinear) is defined over for a field extension . We study this problem in a complete manner for ‐quadratic and bilinear forms up to dimension 4 when is a field of characteristic 2 and is the function field of a projective quadric.
Stearic Acid as Polymerization Medium, Dopant and Hydrophobizer: Chemical Oxidative Polymerization of Pyrrole
Authors: Koizumi Rin , Atsuta Yuya , Fameau Anne‐Laure , Mitamura Koji , Watase Seiji , Higashimoto Shinya , Hirai Tomoyasu , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Fujii Syuji
Published: October 2024

In recent years, fatty acids have garnered significant attention as a natural phase‐change material and a hydrophobizer due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, the utilization of fatty acid is proposed as a polymerization medium for the first time. As a specific reaction, chemical oxidative polymerizations of pyrrole is conducted using ferric chloride as an oxidant in a stearic acid medium. The polymerizations resulted in the production of micrometer‐sized polypyrrole (PPy) grains, which are aggregates of atypical primary particles with submicrometer size. The PPy grains are doped with stearic acid, suggesting that the stearic acid functioned as a dopant and a hydrophobizing agent as well as a polymerization medium. The dried PPy grains can adsorb at the air–water interface and function as a liquid marble stabilizer with light‐to‐heat photothermal properties. The liquid marble can move on a planar air‐water interface by Marangoni flow induced by NIR laser light irradiation.
Dual‐channel, high‐frequency optoelectronic oscillators utilizing optically‐injected lasers
Authors: Jeong Hyo‐Sang , Nguyen Anh‐Hang , Sung Hyuk‐Kee
Published: October 2024

We propose a novel approach to dual‐channel optoelectronic oscillators (OEOs) with enhanced frequency band by leveraging directly modulated (DM) semiconductor lasers under optical injection. In this configuration, the frequency‐tuned optical signal from a master laser is introduced into a single‐mode slave laser, facilitating multioptical‐mode operation. The resulting multiple optical frequencies emitted by the slave laser facilitates a DM‐OEO signal at a frequency exceeding the laser's intrinsic modulation bandwidth. Through the deployment of a dual‐channel OEO based on the DM multimode laser signal, stable oscillation signals have been successfully achieved simultaneously at 15 and 18 GHz with phase noise levels of 96.43 and 95.62 dBc/Hz, respectively, at a 10‐kHz offset frequency.
Tracing the path from preschool wheezing to asthma
Authors: Kong Ellen , Custovic Darije , Custovic Adnan
Published: October 2024

This short review illustrates, using two recent studies, the potential and challenges of using machine learning methods to identify phenotypes of wheezing and asthma from childhood onwards.
The apparent seasonal biphenism in Drosophila suzukii stems in reality from continuous reaction norms
Authors: Colinet Hervé , Kustre Alexiane
Published: October 2024

The spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is supposed to show only two distinct seasonal phenotypes: the dark, diapausing winter morph (WM) and the light, reproductively active summer morph (SM). It is unclear if these phenotypes result from a true developmental switch or from the expression of extreme phenotypes of continuous thermal reaction norms. This study aims to investigate this question by examining traits across a range of temperatures. Using 12 developmental temperatures (8 to 30 °C), we assessed traits including viability, growth, morphology, cold tolerance, metabolic rate, and ovarian maturation. Gradual increases in temperature induced gradual changes in all these traits, indicating classical nonlinear thermal reaction norms. Low temperatures (14 °C and below) produced flies with extended development, dark color, larger size, increased cold tolerance, reduced metabolism, and delayed oogenesis, characteristic of the WM. Given the months required for emergence and egg maturation at cold, distinct generations of SWD may develop in discrete environments resulting in an apparent biphenism. What appears to be distinct phenotypes (WM and SM) may actually result from continuous thermal reaction norms. This implies the need for precise terminology in SWD. We recommend using terms like ‘winter‐acclimated’ or ‘winter phenotype’ rather than ‘winter morph’. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A model‐informed clinical trial simulation tool with a graphical user interface for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Kim Jongjin , Morales Juan Francisco , Kang Sanghoon , Klose Marian , Willcocks Rebecca J. , Daniels Michael J. , Belfiore‐Oshan Ramona , Walter Glenn A. , Rooney William D. , Vandenborne Krista , Kim Sarah
Published: October 2024

Quantitative model‐based clinical trial simulation tools play a critical role in informing study designs through simulation before actual execution. These tools help drug developers explore various trial scenarios in silico to select a clinical trial design to detect therapeutic effects more efficiently, therefore reducing time, expense, and participants' burden. To increase the usability of the tools, user‐friendly and interactive platforms should be developed to navigate various simulation scenarios. However, developing such tools challenges researchers, requiring expertise in modeling and interface development. This tutorial aims to address this gap by guiding developers in creating tailored R Shiny apps, using an example of a model‐based clinical trial simulation tool that we developed for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this tutorial, the structural framework, essential controllers, and visualization techniques for analysis are described, along with key code examples such as criteria selection and power calculation. A virtual population was created using a machine learning algorithm to enlarge the available sample size to simulate clinical trial scenarios in the presented tool. In addition, external validation of the simulated outputs was conducted using a placebo arm of a recently published DMD trial. This tutorial will be particularly useful for developing clinical trial simulation tools based on DMD progression models for other end points and biomarkers. The presented strategies can also be applied to other diseases.
Active Sensing Strategy: Multi‐Modal, Multi‐Robot Source Localization and Mapping in Real‐World Settings With Fixed One‐Way Switching
Authors: Tran Vu Phi , Perera Asanka G. , Garratt Matthew A. , Kasmarik Kathryn , Anavatti Sreenatha G.
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a state‐machine model designed for a multi‐modal, multi‐robot environmental sensing algorithm tailored to dynamic real‐world settings. The multi‐modal algorithm uniquely combines two distinct exploration strategies for gas source localization and mapping tasks: (1) an initial exploration phase using multi‐robot coverage path planning with variable formations, providing early gas field indication; and (2) a subsequent active sensing phase employing multi‐robot swarms for precise field estimation. The state machine provides the logic for the transition between these two sensing algorithms. In the exploration phase, a coverage path is generated, maximizing the visited area while measuring gas concentration and estimating the initial gas field at pre‐defined sample times. Subsequently, in the active sensing phase, mobile robots moving in a swarm collaborate to select the next measurement point by broadcasting potential positions and reward values, ensuring coordinated and efficient sensing for a multi‐robot swarm system. System validation involves hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments and real‐time experiments with a radio source emulating a gas field. The proposed approach is rigorously benchmarked against state‐of‐the‐art single‐mode active sensing and gas source localization techniques. The comprehensive evaluation highlights the multi‐modal switching approach's capacity to expedite convergence, adeptly navigate obstacles in dynamic environments, and significantly enhance the accuracy of gas source location predictions. These findings highlight the effectiveness of our approach, showing significant improvements: a 43% reduction in turnaround time, a 50% increase in estimation accuracy, and enhanced robustness of multi‐robot environmental sensing in cluttered scenarios without collisions. These advancements surpass the performance of conventional active sensing strategies, the partial differential equation model, and geometrical localization approaches, underscoring the efficacy of our method.
PAD4 Inhibitor‐Loaded Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets as a Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Photodynamic Therapy‐Mediated Tumor Metastasis Treatment
Authors: Chen Rong , Hu Tingting , Lu Yu , Yang Shuqing , Zhang Min , Tan Chaoliang , Liang Ruizheng , Wang Yuji
Published: October 2024

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is demonstrated to be effective in inducing antitumor immune responses for tumor metastasis treatment. However, tumor hypoxia, inferior tissue penetration of light, and low singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yield significantly hamper the efficacy of PDT, thus weakening its immune function. Moreover, PDT‐mediated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation can further reduce the therapeutic effectiveness. Herein, the use of defect‐rich CoMo‐layered double hydroxide (DR‐CoMo‐LDH) nanosheets as a carrier to load a typical peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 inhibitor, i.e., YW4‐03, to construct a multifunctional nanoagent (403@DR‐LDH) for PDT/immunotherapy, is reported. Specifically, 403@DR‐LDH inherits excellent 1O2 generation activity under 1550 nm laser irradiation and improves the half‐life of YW4‐03. Meanwhile, 403@DR‐LDH plus 1550 nm laser irradiation can stimulate immunogenic cell death to promote the maturation of dendric cells and activation/infiltration of T cells and significantly downregulate H3cit protein expression to inhibit NETs formation, synergistically promoting the antitumor metastasis effect. Taken together, 403@DR‐LDH can kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth/metastasis under 1550 nm laser irradiation. Single‐cell analysis indicates that 403@DR‐LDH can regulate the ratio of immune cells and immune‐related proteins to improve the tumor immune microenvironment, showing strong efficacy to inhibit the tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence.
Enhanced Electrical Polarization in van der Waals α‐In2Se3 Ferroelectric Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistors by Eliminating Surface Screening Charge
Authors: Kim Jong‐Hyun , Kim Seung‐Hwan , Yu Hyun‐Yong
Published: October 2024

A van der Waals (vdW) α‐In2Se3 ferroelectric semiconductor channel–based field‐effect transistor (FeS‐FET) has emerged as a next‐generation electronic device owing to its versatility in various fields, including neuromorphic computing, nonvolatile memory, and optoelectronics. However, screening charges cause by the imperfect surface morphology of vdW α‐In2Se3 inhibiting electrical polarization remain an unresolved issue. In this study, for the first time, a method is elucidated to recover the inherent electric polarization in both in‐ and out‐of‐plane directions of the α‐In2Se3 channel based on post‐exfoliation annealing (PEA) and improve the electrical performance of vdW FeS‐FETs. Following PEA, an ultra‐thin In2Se3−3xO3x layer formed on the top surface of the α‐In2Se3 channel is demonstrated to passivate surface defects and enhance the electrical performance of FeS‐FETs. The on/off current ratio of the α‐In2Se3 FeS‐FET has increased from 5.99 to 1.84 × 106, and the magnitude of ferroelectric resistance switching has increased from 1.20 to 26.01. Moreover, the gate‐modulated artificial synaptic operation of the α‐In2Se3 FeS‐FET is demonstrated and illustrate the significance of the engineered interface in the vdW FeS‐FET for its application to multifunctional devices. The proposed α‐In2Se3 FeS‐FET is expected to provide a significant breakthrough for advanced memory devices and neuromorphic computing.
Elucidating siRNA Cellular Delivery Mechanism Mediated by Quaternized Starch Nanoparticles
Authors: Amar‐Lewis Eliz , Cohen Limor , Chintakunta Ramesh , Benafsha Chen , Lavi Yael , Goldbart Riki , Traitel Tamar , Gheber Levi A. , Kost Joseph
Published: October 2024

Starch‐based nanoparticles are highly utilized in the realm of drug delivery taking advantage of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Studies have utilized Quaternized starch (Q‐starch) for small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, in which quaternary amines enable interaction with negatively charged siRNA, resulting in self‐assembly complexation. Although reports present numerous applications, the demonstrated efficacy is nonetheless limited due to undiscovered cellular mechanistic delivery. In this study, a deep dive into Q‐starch/siRNA complexes’ cellular mechanism and kinetics at the cellular level is revealed using single‐particle tracking and cell population level using imaging flow cytometry. Uptake studies depict the efficient cellular internalization via endocytosis while a significant fraction of complexes’ intracellular fate is lysosome. Utilizing single‐particle tracking, it is found that an average of 15% of cellular detected complexes escape the endosome which holds the potential for the integration in the cytoplasmatic gene silencing mechanism. Additional experimental manipulations (overcoming endosomal escape) demonstrate that the complex's disassembly is the rate‐limiting step, correlating Q‐starch's structure‐function properties as siRNA carrier. Structure‐function properties accentuating the high affinity of the interaction between Q‐starch's quaternary groups and siRNA's phosphate groups that results in low release efficiency. However, low‐frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) application may have induced siRNA release resulting in faster gene silencing kinetics.