bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkage Regulation of Back‐To‐Back Connected Dimers as Guest Acceptors Enables Organic Solar Cells with Excellent Efficiency, Stability and Flexibility
Authors: You Shiyong , Zhang Youhui , Huang Bin , Jeong Sang Young , Shuai Xiaozhong , Huang Shuiyuan , Woo Han Young , Wu Feiyan , Chen Lie
Published: September 2024

High efficiency, stability, and flexibility are key prerequisites for the commercial applications of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, three back‐to‐back connected dimers (2Qx‐TT, 2Qx‐C3, 2Qx‐C6) are developed as the guest acceptors for OSCs with improved comprehensive performance. By regulating the linkage from rigid bithiophene to flexible alkyl chain, the back‐to‐back connected dimers display quite different molecular geometry and intermolecular interactions, consequently influencing their packing arrangement, film‐forming process, carrier mobilities, and the device efficiency, stability, and flexibility. By introducing these dimer acceptors as the guest into active layer, these dimers form alloy phases with the host acceptor, promoting film‐forming process and charge dynamics. All ternary devices exhibit improved PCEs of over 18% than the control binary device. Among them, 2Qx‐C3‐based ternary device obtains the best efficiency of as high as 19.03%. Moreover, thanks to the stronger entanglement favored by the dimers with flexible linkage, the PM6:BTP‐eC9:2Qx‐C3‐based device shows outstanding stability and flexibility. The flexible device displays an improved PCE of 16.09% with a crack‐onset strain of 15.0%, showing excellent mechanical robustness close to the all‐polymer devices. This work demonstrates the potential of the back‐to‐back connected dimer acceptors as the guest for highly efficient, stable and flexible OSCs.
Advancing Heterogeneous Organic Synthesis With Coordination Chemistry‐Empowered Single‐Atom Catalysts
Authors: Ye Bo‐Chao , Li Wen‐Hao , Zhang Xia , Chen Jian , Gao Yong , Wang Dingsheng , Pan Hongge
Published: September 2024

For traditional metal complexes, intricate chemistry is required to acquire appropriate ligands for controlling the electron and steric hindrance of metal active centers. Comparatively, the preparation of single‐atom catalysts is much easier with more straightforward and effective accesses for the arrangement and control of metal active centers. The presence of coordination atoms or neighboring functional atoms on the supports' surface ensures the stability of metal single‐atoms and their interactions with individual metal atoms substantially regulate the performance of metal active centers. Therefore, the collaborative interaction between metal and the surrounding coordination environment enhances the initiation of reaction substrates and the formation and transformation of crucial intermediate compounds, which imparts single‐atom catalysts with significant catalytic efficacy, rendering them a valuable framework for investigating the correlation between structure and activity, as well as the reaction mechanism of catalysts in organic reactions. Herein, comprehensive overviews of the coordination interaction for both homogeneous metal complexes and single‐atom catalysts in organic reactions are provided. Additionally, reflective conjectures about the advancement of single‐atom catalysts in organic synthesis are also proposed to present as a reference for later development.
Advanced Materials for Energy Harvesting and Soft Robotics: Emerging Frontiers to Enhance Piezoelectric Performance and Functionality
Authors: Persano Luana , Camposeo Andrea , Matino Francesca , Wang Ruoxing , Natarajan Thiyagarajan , Li Qinlan , Pan Min , Su Yewang , Kar‐Narayan Sohini , Auricchio Ferdinando , Scalet Giulia , Bowen Chris , Wang Xudong , Pisignano Dario
Published: September 2024

Piezoelectric energy harvesting captures mechanical energy from a number of sources, such as vibrations, the movement of objects and bodies, impact events, and fluid flow to generate electric power. Such power can be employed to support wireless communication, electronic components, ocean monitoring, tissue engineering, and biomedical devices. A variety of self‐powered piezoelectric sensors, transducers, and actuators have been produced for these applications, however approaches to enhance the piezoelectric properties of materials to increase device performance remain a challenging frontier of materials research. In this regard, the intrinsic polarization and properties of materials can be designed or deliberately engineered to enhance the piezo‐generated power. This review provides insights into the mechanisms of piezoelectricity in advanced materials, including perovskites, active polymers, and natural biomaterials, with a focus on the chemical and physical strategies employed to enhance the piezo‐response and facilitate their integration into complex electronic systems. Applications in energy harvesting and soft robotics are overviewed by highlighting the primary performance figures of merits, the actuation mechanisms, and relevant applications. Key breakthroughs and valuable strategies to further improve both materials and device performance are discussed, together with a critical assessment of the requirements of next‐generation piezoelectric systems, and future scientific and technological solutions.
Visible‐Near Infrared Independent Modulation of Hexagonal WO3 Induced by Ionic Insertion Sequence and Cavity Characteristics
Authors: Wang Junkai , Wang Zhipeng , Cui Lixuan , Zhang Mei , Huo Xiangtao , Guo Min
Published: September 2024

Dual‐band electrochromic materials have attracted significant attention due to their ability to independently control sunlight and solar heat. However, these materials generally exhibit notable limitations, and the mechanisms for their dual‐band independent regulation remain poorly understood. Here, the visible‐NIR‐independent regulation capabilities of hexagonal WO3 (h‐WO3) are introduced for the first time. A structure‐activity relationship that perfectly links the microscopic ion insertion sequence and cavity characteristics to the macroscopic dual‐band electrochromic properties is established. The progressive ion intercalation process and the distinctive optical activity of the cavities are keys for enabling h‐WO3 to independently modulate “bright,” “cool,” and “dark” modes. Notably, h‐WO3 demonstrates superior dual‐band electrochromic performance with a broadband full shielding effect from 550 to 2000 nm, achieving the widest full shielding band in dual‐band electrochromic studies. Additionally, h‐WO3 shows a high discharge capacity of 270.9 mAh m−2 at 0.25 A m−2, and requires only 49.1 and 209.7 mAh m−2 to complete a full round‐trip switch between “bright‐cool” and “bright‐dark” modes, respectively. The constructed device offers a dynamic temperature control range of up to 10.5 °C and supports a maximum voltage of 2.86 V, underscoring its considerable potential for practical applications and energy efficiency.
Mass Production of Multishell Hollow SiO2 Spheres With Adjustable Void Ratios and Pore Structures
Authors: Geng Yuqi , Guo Xiaojun , Yue Fen , Xiang Maoqiao , Zhu Qingshan
Published: September 2024

SiO2 multishell hollow spheres (MHSs) as supports have multiple porous layers and internal voids, which present notable advantages in regulating mass transport and chemical reactions. However, practical applications of SiO2 MHSs are severely hindered because of their high costs and low production efficiency issues. Herein, it is overcome these obstacles by developing a precursor hydrolysis method and demonstrate a cost‐effective production of void‐ratio tunable SiO2 MHSs on a large scale, which has a much lower cavitation temperature (25 °C) and one order of magnitude decrease in cost. In addition, the new method can also be applied to fabricate TiO2 and SnO2 hollow spheres (HSs). In particular, an NH4Cl precipitation‐pyrolysis strategy is developed to tune the pore diameters and pore distributions of SiO2 MHSs with different void ratios. SiO2 MHSs with varying void ratios and pore distributions have the broadest controlling release time ranges (30–430 h). The precursor hydrolysis method and NH4Cl precipitation‐pyrolysis strategy offer adequate stimulus to push forward SiO2 MHSs from laboratory‐scale to industry‐scale applications.
Multi‐Modal Sensing Ionogels with Tunable Mechanical Properties and Environmental Stability for Aquatic and Atmospheric Environments
Authors: Lyu Xiaolin , Zhang Haoqi , Shen Shengtao , Gong Yue , Zhou Piaopiao , Zou Zhigang
Published: September 2024

Ionogels have garnered significant interest due to their great potential in flexible iontronic devices. However, their limited mechanical tunability and environmental intolerance have posed significant challenges for their integration into next‐generation flexible electronics in different scenarios. Herein, the synergistic effect of cation‐oxygen coordination interaction and hydrogen bonding is leveraged to construct a 3D supramolecular network, resulting in ionogels with tunable modulus, stretchability, and strength, achieving an unprecedented elongation at break of 10 800%. Moreover, the supramolecular network endows the ionogels with extremely high fracture energy, crack insensitivity, and high elasticity. Meanwhile, the high environmental stability and hydrophobic network of the ionogels further shield them from the unfavorable effects of temperature variations and water molecules, enabling them to operate within a broad temperature range and exhibit robust underwater adhesion. Then, the ionogel is assembled into a wearable sensor, demonstrating its great potential in flexible sensing (temperature, pressure, and strain) and underwater signal transmission. This work can inspire the applications of ionogels in multifunctional sensing and wearable fields.
Stable Seawater Electrolysis Over 10 000 H via Chemical Fixation of Sulfate on NiFeBa‐LDH
Authors: Chen Haocheng , Liu Pingying , Li Wenbo , Xu Wenwen , Wen Yingjie , Zhang Sixie , Yi Li , Dai Yeqi , Chen Xu , Dai Sheng , Tian Ziqi , Chen Liang , Lu Zhiyi
Published: September 2024

Although hydrogen production through seawater electrolysis combined with offshore renewable energy can significantly reduce the cost, the corrosive anions in seawater strictly limit the commercialization of direct seawater electrolysis technology. Here, it is discovered that electrolytic anode can be uniformly protected in a seawater environment by constructing NiFeBa‐LDH catalyst assisted with additional SO42− in the electrolyte. In experiments, the NiFeBa‐LDH achieves unprecedented stability over 10 000 h at 400 mA cm−2 in both alkaline saline electrolyte and alkaline seawater. Characterizations and simulations reveal that the atomically dispersed Ba2+ enables the chemical fixation of free SO42− on the surface, which generates a dense SO42− layer to repel Cl− along with the preferentially adsorbed SO42− in the presence of an applied electric field. In terms of the simplicity and effectiveness of catalyst design, it is confident that it can be a beacon for the commercialization of seawater electrolysis technology.
From Magnetostatics to Topology: Antiferromagnetic Vortex States in NiO‐Fe Nanostructures
Authors: Ślęzak Michał , Wagner Tobias , Bharadwaj Venkata Krishna , Gomonay Olena , Kozioł‐Rachwał Anna , Menteş Tevfik Onur , Locatelli Andrea , Zając Marcin , Wilgocka‐Ślęzak Dorota , Dróżdż Piotr , Ślęzak Tomasz
Published: September 2024

Magnetic vortices are topological spin structures frequently found in ferromagnets, yet novel to antiferromagnets. By combining experiment and theory, it is demonstrated that in a nanostructured antiferromagnetic‐ferromagnetic NiO(111)‐Fe(110) bilayer, a magnetic vortex is naturally stabilized by magnetostatic interactions in the ferromagnet and is imprinted onto the adjacent antiferromagnet via interface exchange coupling. Micromagnetic simulations are used to construct a corresponding phase diagram of the stability of the imprinted antiferromagnetic vortex state. The in‐depth analysis reveals that the interplay between interface exchange coupling and the antiferromagnet magnetic anisotropy plays a crucial role in locally reorienting the Néel vector out‐of‐plane in the prototypical in‐plane antiferromagnet NiO and thereby stabilizing the vortices in the antiferromagnet.
Advances in Air Quality Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review of Algorithms for Imaging and Sensing Technologies
Authors: Elbestar Mirna , Aly Sherif G. , Ghannam Rami
Published: September 2024

Air pollution is a major global concern, leading to serious health problems and environmental damage. This article provides a comprehensive review of historical and current methods used to monitor and predict air quality. It emphasizes the ongoing need for better monitoring techniques. 47 studies are critically analyzed, and computational advancements in air quality monitoring are categorized into sensor‐based and image‐based techniques. This review reveals that sensor‐based algorithmic methods, representing 62% of the reviewed literature, are reliable but often lack flexibility and real‐time monitoring capabilities. On the other hand, image‐based techniques, while innovative, are limited by the size and diversity of datasets, primarily functioning only during daylight hours. To address these limitations, a hybrid approach that integrates both sensor and image‐based methods is proposed. This aims to enhance monitoring by allowing users to visualize pollution levels through an augmented reality layer. The proposed model seeks to provide mobile users with the ability to accurately monitor surrounding air quality by establishing a comprehensive image‐based dataset that includes various features not previously considered in existing datasets.
Sperm miR‐142‐3p Reprogramming Mediates Paternal Pre‐Pregnancy Caffeine Exposure‐Induced Non‐Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Male Offspring Rats
Authors: Zhang Cong , Guo Yu , Liu Yi , Liu Kexin , Hu Wen , Wang Hui
Published: September 2024

Numerous studies have suggested a strong association between paternal adverse environmental exposure and increased disease susceptibility in offspring. However, the impact of paternal pre‐pregnant caffeine exposure (PPCE) on offspring health remains unexplored. This study elucidates the sperm reprogramming mechanism and potential intervention targets for PPCE‐induced non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in offspring. Here, male rats are administrated caffeine (15–60 mg kg−1/d) by gavage for 8 weeks and then mated with females to produce offspring. This study finds that NASH with transgenerational inheritance occurred in PPCE adult offspring. Mechanistically, a reduction of miR‐142‐3p is implicated in the occurrence of NASH, characterized by hepatic lipid metabolism dysfunction and chronic inflammation through an increase in ACSL4. Conversely, overexpression of miR‐142‐3p mitigated these manifestations. The origin of reduced miR‐142‐3p levels is traced to hypermethylation in the miR‐142‐3p promoter region of parental sperm, induced by elevated corticosterone levels rather than by caffeine per se. Similar outcomes are confirmed in offspring conceived via in vitro fertilization using miR‐142‐3pKO sperm. Overall, this study provides the first evidence of transgenerational inheritance of NASH in PPCE offspring and identifies miR‐142‐3p as a potential therapeutic target for NASH induced by paternal environmental adversities.
Combined Electrostatic and Strain Engineering of BiFeO3 Thin Films at the Morphotropic Phase Boundary
Authors: Nordlander Johanna , Grosso Bastien F. , Rossell Marta D. , Maillard Aline , Yan Bixin , Gradauskaite Elzbieta , Spaldin Nicola A. , Fiebig Manfred , Trassin Morgan
Published: September 2024

Multiferroic BiFeO3 exhibits a morphotropic phase boundary at large compressive strain that merges metastable phases of tetragonal (T) and rhombohedral (R) character resulting in giant ferroelectric and electromechanical responses. To utilize this functionality in devices, it is essential to understand the response of these ferroelectric phases to the environment of a nanoscale heterostructure. Here, the emergence of ferroelectricity near the morphotropic phase boundary in BiFeO3 is explored directly during thin‐film growth, using optical second harmonic generation. It is found that the epitaxial films form at the growth temperature purely in the T phase with zero critical thickness for the spontaneous polarization. Signatures of monoclinic T‐like and R‐like phases only appear upon sample cooling. The robustness of a single‐domain configuration in the high‐temperature T phase is furthermore demonstrated during growth of capacitor‐like metal | ferroelectric | metal heterostructures. Here, a reduction in tetragonality, rather than multidomain formation, lowers the electrostatic energy in the few‐unit‐cell thickness regime. For this lower tetragonality, density‐functional calculations and scanning transmission electron microscopy point to the stabilization of a novel metastable monoclinic structure upon cooling toward room temperature. The synergistic combination of strain and electrostatic phase stabilization in BiFeO3 heterostructures hence provides a basis for designing new ferroelectric phases and ultrathin ferroelectric devices.
Toward Enhanced Biomimetic Artificial Visual Systems Based on Organic Heterojunction Optoelectronic Synaptic Transistors
Authors: Wang Haonan , Chen Wandi , Su Wenjuan , Zou Zhenyou , Weng Shuchen , Zhou Xiongtu , Wu Chaoxing , Guo Tailiang , Zhang Yongai
Published: September 2024

Artificial visual systems, inspired by the human eye, hold significant potential in artificial intelligence. Optoelectronic synapses, integrating image perception, processing, and memory in a single device, offer promising solutions. The human eye exhibits different recognition accuracies for objects under varying light conditions. Therefore, a more biomimetic visual system is needed to better fit actual application scenarios. Here, an organic heterojunction‐based optoelectronic synaptic transistor (OHOST) is proposed to enhance biomimetic artificial visual systems. By utilizing the excellent carrier capture ability of core‐multi‐shell quantum dots (QDs) and the high exciton dissociation efficiency of heterojunction interfaces, the device achieves a recognition capability under different light intensities closely resembling that of the human eye. Under optimal light intensity, the recognition accuracy for the modified national institute of standards and technology (MNIST) dataset can reach 91.52%. Nevertheless, under both low and high light intensities, the accuracy drops to a low level. This work pushes the development of artificial visual systems toward higher levels of biomimicry.
Enantio‐ und Diastereoselektive Desymmetrisierung von 1,1’‐Biaryl‐2,6‐Dicarbaldehyden durch kupferkatalysierte 1,2‐Addition von Siliciumnukleophilen
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhao Zhi‐Yuan , Irran Elisabeth , Oestreich Martin
Published: September 2024

Es wird über eine desymmetrisierende 1,2‐Addition von Siliciumnukleophilen an Biarylderivate, welche eine 2,6‐Dicarbaldehyd‐1‐yleinheit enthalten, berichtet. Die Reaktion wird durch Kupfer mit einem triazoliumionabgeleiteten N‐heterocyclischen Carben als chiralem Liganden katalysiert und ein Si−B‐Reagenz als Siliciumpronukleophil eingesetzt. Die praktische Methode führt zu axial chiralen aromatischen Carbaldehyden mit einem zentral chiralen α‐Hydroxysilansubstituenten in zufriedenstellenden bis guten Ausbeuten und mit hohen Enantio‐ sowie hervorragenden Diastereoselektivitäten. Das Siliciumnukleophil greift immer an der diastereotopen Seite von einer der beiden Carbonylgruppen an, welche dem ortho‐Substituenten am Phenylring an C1 des 2,6‐Dicarbaldehyd‐1‐ylfragments abgewandt ist. Die so erhaltenen axial und zentral chiralen Produkte können nachträglich zu wertvollen Biarylverbindungen weiter umgesetzt werden, ohne dass der Enantiomerenüberschuss nennenswert abnimmt.
Impact of titanium dioxide/graphene in polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposite membrane to intensify methylene blue dye removal, antifouling performance, and reusability
Authors: Sueraya Ain Zaienah , Rahman Md Rezaur , Said Khairul Anwar Bin Mohamad , Namakka Murtala , Kanakaraju Devagi , Al‐Humaidi Jehan Y. , Al‐Baqami Saad M. , Rahman Mohammed Muzibur , Khandaker Mayeen Uddin
Published: September 2024

The development of efficient water purification technologies is a critical research focus driven by the crucial role of clean water sources for ecological sustainability. This study explores the strategic incorporation of nanoparticles within polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes as a promising approach to enhance membrane performance for wastewater remediation. PVDF membranes containing varying ratios of graphene (GR) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites were fabricated via phase inversion method. Characterization techniques including XRD, FTIR, and FESEM‐EDX revealed that the 80% GR nanocomposite membrane exhibited desirable structural and functional properties with pronounced sponge‐like morphology and homogenous nanoparticle distribution. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and x‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the 80% GR membrane retained PVDF crystallinity while uniquely eliminating TiO2 crystallinity. Subsequently, performance testing demonstrated the 80% GR nanocomposite membrane had the highest water flux and methylene blue dye rejection rates compared to other ratios and the pristine PVDF membrane. Both fabricated membranes exhibited sufficient reusability and antifouling properties. However, 80% GR ratio exhibited superior antifouling properties, indicating its potential as an optimal material for improving membrane hydrophilicity and overall water purification technologies. These findings underscore the strategic utility of GR‐TiO2 nanocomposites for enhancing PVDF membrane performance in sustainable wastewater treatment applications.
3D printed gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels for perfusion culture of human trabecular meshwork cells and glaucoma studies
Authors: Adhikari Bikram , Barakoti Prasanga , Pantcheva Mina B. , Krebs Melissa D.
Published: September 2024

Glaucoma, a progressive eye disease leading to irreversible blindness, currently affects over 70 million people globally. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is implicated in its development. IOP is carefully regulated by the trabecular meshwork (TM). However, studying TM behavior has been limited to traditional tissue culture studies or costly ex vivo cultures of animal and donor eyes. Developing novel functional TM models could enhance cell/tissue behavior understanding and aid therapeutic development for glaucoma. In this study, we 3D printed a simplified and reproducible model of the human TM (hTM) and studied hTM cell behavior under static and dynamic cultures. Gelatin Methacryloyl bioinks proved suitable for printing with viable and proliferative hTM cells expressing crucial marker genes in response to glucocorticoid induction. This, to our knowledge, is the first functional 3D printed hTM model and aims to facilitate TM research. Moreover, this easily reproducible model could also be applicable in the study of numerous other cell types throughout the body.
Hybrid modeling for in silico optimization of a dynamic perfusion cell culture process
Authors: Agarwal Piyush , McCready Chris , Ng Say Kong , Ng Jake Chng , van de Laar Jeroen , Pennings Maarten , Zijlstra Gerben
Published: September 2024

The bio‐pharmaceutical industry heavily relies on mammalian cells for the production of bio‐therapeutic proteins. The complexity of implementing and high cost‐of‐goods of these processes are currently limiting more widespread patient access. This is driving efforts to enhance cell culture productivity and cost reduction. Upstream process intensification (PI), using perfusion approaches in the seed train and/or the main bioreactor, has shown substantial promise to enhance productivity. However, developing optimal process conditions for perfusion‐based processes remain challenging due to resource and time constraints. Model‐based optimization offers a solution by systematically screening process parameters like temperature, pH, and culture media to find the optimum conditions in silico. To our knowledge, this is the first experimentally validated model to explain the perfusion dynamics under different operating conditions and scales for process optimization. The hybrid model accurately describes Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture growth dynamics and a neural network model explains the production of mAb, allowing for optimization of media exchange rates. Results from six perfusion runs in Ambr® 250 demonstrated high accuracy, confirming the model's utility. Further, the implementation of dynamic media exchange rate schedule determined through model‐based optimization resulted in 50% increase in volumetric productivity. Additionally, two 5 L‐scale experiments validated the model's reliable extrapolation capabilities to large bioreactors. This approach could reduce the number of wet lab experiments needed for culture process optimization, offering a promising avenue for improving productivity, cost‐of‐goods in bio‐pharmaceutical manufacturing, in turn improving patient access to pivotal medicine.
Identification of novel pQTL‐SNPs associated with lung adenocarcinoma risk: A multi‐stage study
Authors: Wu Yutong , Xu Huiwen , Mao Liping , Zhao Rongrong , Chu Junfeng , Huang Lili , Zhang Wendi , Liu Yiran , Chen Qiong , Tao Xiaobo , Li Siqi , Zhou Shenxuan , Ning Anhui , Li Zhenyu , Tian Tian , Zhang Lei , Cui Jiahua , Tian Guangyu , Chu Minjie
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective

To explore the association between protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL‐SNPs) and the risk of LUAD.

Methods

“Blood +” high depth blood proteomics analysis was performed on plasma from female LUAD patients and female healthy controls, and combined with proteomics data from tumors and adjacent non‐tumor tissues of female LUAD patients to screen proteins uniformly expressed in plasma and tissues. pQTL‐SNPs were then screened through multiple databases and subjected to multilevel screening. The associations between selected pQTL‐SNPs and LUAD risk were evaluated by Female Lung Cancer Consortium in Asia GWAS (FLCCA GWAS). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is used to determine the levels of candidate protein.

Results

A total of 7 pQTL‐SNPs were significantly associated with altered LUAD risk (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of their corresponding target proteins were all decreased in both plasma and tumor tissues of LUAD cases, which may play a role of tumor suppressor proteins. After mutation of 3 pQTL‐SNPs (rs7683000, rs73224660, and rs2776937), the expression of corresponding target proteins BST1 and NRP1 decreased, and as potential tumor suppressor proteins, which may promote tumorigenesis and further increasing the risk of developing LUAD (OR >1, p < 0.05); while after mutation the other pQTL‐SNP rs62069916, the corresponding target protein APOH expression was increased, while as a potential tumor suppressor protein, which may inhibit tumorigenesis and further reduced the risk of developing LUAD (OR <1, p < 0.05). In addition, the expression of NRP1 and APOH were significant decreased in LUAD cell lines and validated in plasma of LUAD patients.

Conclusion

A total of 4 pQTL‐SNPs (rs7683000, rs73224660, rs2776937, and rs62069916) may associate with altered LUAD risk by regulating the expression of target proteins (BST1, NRP1, and APOH) after mutation.
Decoding millennials and generation Z consumers' brand behaviors in the Metaverse: The relationships among avatar identification, self‐presence, and psychological dynamics
Authors: Kim Mikyoung , Oh Hyun Jung , Choi Ji Hye , Jung Yumi
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the impact of consumer avatar identification on purchase intentions in the Metaverse, examining the roles of self‐presence, emotional closeness, and perceived appropriateness of brand strategies. A total of 312 individuals aged 18–42 years old (comprising millennials and Generation Z) participated in an online survey. The findings indicated that wishful identification significantly fosters self‐presence and emotional closeness compared to similarity identification. Moreover, the heightened emotional closeness to avatars positively influences the perceived appropriateness of brand strategies, subsequently influencing purchase intentions. The study reinforced the importance of understanding consumer avatar relationships in virtual environments for effective brand engagement, suggesting that wishful identification might be more influential in shaping brand perceptions and consumer behaviors in the Metaverse. This study contributes to the existing literature on consumer behavior by investigating the dynamics of consumer behavior of the Metaverse, where consumers' brand experiences are predominantly mediated through avatars.
Comparative long‐term efficacy and safety of two paclitaxel‐coated balloons with different coating strategies for the treatment of drug‐eluting coronary stent restenosis
Authors: Koch Tobias , Lenz Tobias , Rheude Tobias , Cassese Salvatore , Xhepa Erion , Joner Michael , Mehilli Julinda , Schunkert Heribert , Kastrati Adnan , Kufner Sebastian
Published: September 2024

Background

We previously showed non‐inferiority of a low‐dose paclitaxel‐coated balloon (PCB) with citrate excipient (Agent PCB) as compared to normal‐dose iopromide excipient (SeQuent Please PCB) in terms of angiographic and clinical endpoints at 12 months. The long‐term clinical efficacy and safety of Agent PCB is not defined.

Methods

262 patients (323 DES‐ISR lesions) were enrolled in this study and treated with either Agent PCB (125 patients, 151 lesions) in the ISAR‐DESIRE 3a trial or with SeQuent Please PCB (137 patients, 172 lesions) in the setting of the randomized ISAR‐DESIRE 3 trial with similar in‐ and exclusion criteria serving as historical control arm. The follow‐up period was extended to 7 years. The efficacy and safety endpoints of this analysis were target‐lesion revascularization (TLR), death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion thrombosis (TLT) at 7 years.

Results

At 7 years, 206 patients (78.6%) were alive. The risks of TLR (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–1.90; p = 0.205), death (HR: 1.38, 95% CI: 0.82‐2.35; p = 0.227), MI (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 0.39–3.15; p = 0.852) and TLT (HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 0.20–24.10; p = 0.523) were comparable between Agent PCB and SeQuent PCB. Multivariate analysis showed comparable risks of TLR, death and MI between both PCB devices.

Conclusions

In patients treated for DES‐ISR by angioplasty with Agent PCB and SeQuent Please PCB, there was no statistically significant difference in TLR at 7 years. Randomized trials with standardized lesion preparation and long‐term follow‐up are warranted to further evaluate comparative efficacy of both devices. (ClinicalTrials. gov Identifier: NCT02367495).
Complex Biophysical and Computational Analyses of G‐Quadruplex Ligands: The Porphyrin Stacks Back
Authors: Satta Giuseppe , Trajkovski Marko , Cantara Alessio , Mura Monica , Meloni Claudia , Olla Giulia , Dobrovolná Michaela , Pisano Luisa , Gaspa Silvia , Salis Andrea , De Luca Lidia , Mocci Francesca , Brazda Vaclav , Plavec Janez , Carraro Massimo
Published: September 2024

G‐quadruplexes (G4 s), as non‐canonical DNA structures, attract a great deal of research interest in the molecular biology as well as in the material science fields. The use of small molecules as ligands for G‐quadruplexes has emerged as a tool to regulate gene expression and telomeres maintenance. Meso‐tetrakis‐(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl) porphyrin (TMPyP4) was shown as one of the first ligands for G‐quadruplexes and it is still widely used. We report an investigation comprising molecular docking and dynamics, synthesis and multiple spectroscopic and spectrometric determinations on simple cationic porphyrins and their interaction with different DNA sequences. This study enabled the synthesis of tetracationic porphyrin derivatives that exhibited binding and stabilizing capacity against G‐quadruplex structures; the detailed characterization has shown that the presence of amide groups at the periphery improves selectivity for parallel G4 s binding over other structures. Taking into account the ease of synthesis, 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis‐(1‐acetamido‐4‐pyridyl) porphyrin bromide could be considered a better alternative to TMPyP4 in studies involving G4 binding.
An Imine‐Functionalized Silicone‐Based Epoxy Coating with Stable Adhesion and Controllable Degradation for Enhanced Marine Antifouling and Anticorrosion Properties
Authors: Gao Duanhui , Liu Hongyi , Zheng Yanling , Shi Zhekun , Hu Jiankun , Meng Fandong , Zhan Xiaoli , Liu Quan , Zhang Qinghua
Published: September 2024

Biofouling and corrosion of submerged equipment caused by marine organisms severely restrict the rapid development of the marine industry. Traditional antifouling or anticorrosion coatings typically serve a sole purpose and exhibit limited degradability upon failure, rendering them inadequate for current demands. Herein, a novel imine‐functionalized command‐degradable bio‐based epoxy coating (SAHPEP‐DDM) with enhanced integrated antifouling and anticorrosion performances was synthesized utilizing 1,3‐bis (3‐aminopropyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane and syringaldehyde. Compared with commercial epoxy resins (E51‐DDM) and polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), the SAHPEP‐DDM coating exhibits superior antifouling and anticorrosion properties due to the existence of –C=N‐ and Si−O−Si chain segments in the cross‐linking network. The coating achieves resistance rates of 99.59 % and 99.20 % against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively, and shows promising resistance against algae and proteins, as well as excellent corrosion resistance in artificial seawater (with |Z|0.01 Hz and arc radius of about 1011 Ω and exceeding 1010 Ω respectively). The coating also exhibits excellent chemical resistance in organic solvents as well as neutral and alkaline environments. Moreover, its controlled degradation after coating failure can be achieved in acid aqueous solutions through temperature and acidity adjustments, facilitated by the presence of –C=N‐. This work presents a novel degradable coating successfully coupled the dual functions of antifouling and anticorrosion coatings, avoiding the employment of intermediate coat, indicating vast potential for application in various marine engineering fields.
Gold‐Catalyzed Synthesis of 5H‐Benzo[b]indeno[2,1‐d]silines by Insertion of Vinyl Carbocations into the Si−H Bond
Authors: Sekine Kohei , Fuji Kazuto , Kawashima Kyohei , Mori Toshifumi , Kuninobu Yoichiro
Published: September 2024

We have developed a gold‐catalyzed cascade reaction of aryldiynes bearing a hydrosilyl group to afford a variety of unexplored 5H‐benzo[b]indeno[2,1‐d]silines. The reaction system is applicable to the synthesis of bidirectionally π‐extended silacycles from tetra(alkynyl)aryl compounds. Computational studies suggest that 5H‐benzo[b]indeno[2,1‐d]silines are formed via the insertion of a vinyl carbocation intermediate into the Si−H bond.
Intelligent design of nerve guidance conduits: An artificial intelligence‐driven fluid structure interaction study on modelling and optimization of nerve growth
Authors: Hassani Faridoddin , Golshani Ali , Mehrabi Raman , Kouhkord Afshin , Guilani Mojtaba , Sharbatdar Mahkame
Published: September 2024

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have been shown to be effective in promoting nerve regeneration in a variety of clinical applications, including nerve defects resulting from a trauma or surgery. By providing a conducive environment for nerve growth, NGCs can help to restore function in nerve‐damaged patients. Challenges include limited repair length, difficulty replicating natural nerve, and rapid substance degradation affecting neurotrophic factor delivery. Considering these issues with mass transfer and fluid structure interaction (FSI) emphasizes the need for enhancing nerve regeneration efficiency. To facilitate nerve growth and deliver appropriate amount of growth factors, these conduits need to be designed with specific topological, mechanical, and biological properties. Additionally, considerations must be given to functional mass transfer FSI design. An intelligent NGC design is proposed as an evaluation‐optimization and AI‐based method. It is found that design parameters significantly impact the physical properties being optimized, including hydraulic pressure, porosity, diffusivity, water absorption, and maximum stress. The mathematical surrogate model obtained from data‐based modelling is used for artificial intelligence (AI) optimization algorithms, differential evolution (DE), and non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II). It is revealed that both DE and NSGA algorithms generate nearly identical solutions, ensuring the robustness of ML optimization. Our results show that NGC with the thickness of 750 μm results in more than 170% augmentation of porosity. Moreover, at a constant ovality, increasing the channel thickness results in more than 39.2% augmentation of the maximum stress. The accurate forecasting of physical characteristics on NGC regarding nerve growth factors enables a hopeful outlook for the future clinical treatment of nerve injuries and advanced tissue engineering.
Reduction of Tertiary Carbon Radicals via Asymmetric Hydrogen Atom Transfer (AHAT)†
Authors: Han Xue , He Chuan
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive Summary

In the past two decades, the development of asymmetric radical reactions has achieved tremendous progress, which has emerged as a powerful tool for the synthesis of chiral molecules in synthetic chemistry. Among the diverse array of radical processes, the transfer of hydrogen atoms to tertiary carbon radicals offers the potential for constructing chiral tertiary carbon centers in a stereoselective fashion. Notwithstanding the challenges associated with the reactive and evanescent nature of radical species, the use of chiral reagents or mediators has enabled the stereocontrol of the asymmetric hydrogen atom transfer (AHAT), which provides novel avenues for advancing the field of asymmetric synthesis.

Key Scientists
Effect of mowing timing and clipping collection practices on azoxystrobin distribution, persistence, and efficacy
Authors: Freund Daniel R. , Kerns James P. , Butler E. Lee , Ahmed Khalied A. , Gannon Travis W.
Published: September 2024

Previous research suggests mowing practices following azoxystrobin application alter pest control and residue fate. Azoxystrobin, an acropetal penetrant quinone outside inhibitor fungicide, is commonly applied in turfgrass and other agricultural settings, protecting desired plants from fungal pathogens by inhibiting fungal growth. Field research was initiated in Raleigh, NC, and repeated in time to assess the effect of post‐application mowing timing and clipping collection practices on azoxystrobin residue persistence in tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus Schreb.). At trial initiation, azoxystrobin was applied at the maximum single application rate (0.61 kg ai ha−1) to tall fescue plots. To determine the effect of initial mowing timing, plots were mowed (9.5 cm) at 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, or 14 days after application (DAA). To determine the effect of clipping removal, plots were mowed at 3, 10, and 17 DAA and clippings were either returned to the canopy or bagged and removed. Concurrently, soil cores (92 cm2) were collected at 3, 7, 14, and 21 DAA and then segmented into remaining aboveground vegetation and soil (0.0‐ to 2.5‐cm depth) for residue analyses. Mowing timing affected azoxystrobin residue in the vegetation and in soil. When clippings were returned to the canopy, 5% more azoxystrobin was detected in the vegetation at 7 and 14 DAA. At 3 and 7 DAA, in the soil, returning clippings resulted in >3% more of the applied azoxystrobin compared to removing clippings. Data from this research may allow for extended fungicide intervals for brown patch suppression and demonstrate the importance of returning clipping to turf systems to retain azoxystrobin residues.
The effect of corporate social responsibility on customer engagement and citizenship behavior
Authors: Mubushar Muhammad , Cerchione Roberto , Rasool Shahid , Centobelli Piera , Morelli Mariarosaria
Published: September 2024

Due to the hybrid‐competitive market and the economic crisis, consumers are more ethically concerned about companies failing to adhere to environmental and human rights standards. Thus, companies have implemented corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to improve their ethical performance and establish the groundwork for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Relationship marketing orientation (RMO) contributes to strengthen customers relationships and value co‐creation. Drawing from the stakeholder theory, this study aims to examine how CSR initiatives, that is, customer‐oriented and employee‐oriented, affect customer participation behavior (CPB) and customer citizenship behavior (CCB) in the banking sector. The main findings highlight a significant correlation between the CSR initiatives and customer value co‐creation behavior. Finally, by triangulating CSR, RMO, and value co‐creation, this study aims to provide more insights on RMO and CSR strategies for academicians and practitioners.
Sampling fish gut microbiota ‐ A genome‐resolved metagenomic approach
Authors: Thormar Eiríkur A. , Hansen Søren B. , Jørgensen Louise von Gersdorff , Limborg Morten T.
Published: September 2024

Despite a surge in microbiota‐focused studies in teleosts, few have reported functional data on whole metagenomes as it has proven difficult to extract high biomass microbial DNA from fish intestinal samples. The zebrafish is a promising model organism in functional microbiota research, yet studies on the functional landscape of the zebrafish gut microbiota through shotgun based metagenomics remain scarce. Thus, a consensus on an appropriate sampling method accurately representing the zebrafish gut microbiota, or any fish species is lacking. Addressing this, we systematically tested four methods of sampling the zebrafish gut microbiota: collection of faeces from the tank, the whole gut, intestinal content, and the application of ventral pressure to facilitate extrusion of gut material. Additionally, we included water samples as an environmental control to address the potential influence of the environmental microbiota on each sample type. To compare these sampling methods, we employed a combination of genome‐resolved metagenomics and 16S metabarcoding techniques. We observed differences among sample types on all levels including sampling, bioinformatic processing, metagenome co‐assemblies, generation of metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs), functional potential, MAG coverage, and population level microdiversity. Comparison to the environmental control highlighted the potential impact of the environmental contamination on data interpretation. While all sample types tested are informative about the zebrafish gut microbiota, the results show that optimal sample type for studying fish microbiomes depends on the specific objectives of the study, and here we provide a guide on what factors to consider for designing functional metagenome‐based studies on teleost microbiomes.
Isomerism in Molecular Metal Carbonyl Clusters
Authors: Cesari Cristiana , Femoni Cristina , Forti Francesca , Iapalucci Maria Carmela , Scorzoni Giorgia , Zacchini Stefano
Published: September 2024

The present microreview focuses on different typologies of isomerism documented along the years for metal carbonyl clusters (MCCs), and outlines their analogies to other classes of ligand‐protected molecular clusters and nanoclusters. Isomerism in molecular MCCs is discussed within two main categories, that is, surface isomerism and core isomerism. The first Section presents some representative examples of surface isomerism involving inorganic (carbonyls and hydrides) and organic ligands, as well as isomerism due to ML fragments decorating the cluster surface. The second Section focuses on three major categories of core isomerism, that is: (1) isomers that mainly differ on M–M distances; (2) isomers displaying different structures of the metal kernels; (3) isomers possessing almost identical metal kernels and ligand shells, but differing for the positions of different types of metal atoms within the metal kernel. The third Section briefly discusses two related and very rare cases of isomerism, that is, polymerisation and coordination isomerism. General conclusions are outlined in the final Section.
Iridium‐Pyrazolato Complex Catalyzed Dehydrogenative Alkylation of Ketones and Arylacetonitriles with Primary Alcohols
Authors: Panda Surajit , Maharana Suraj Kumar , Saha Ratnakar , Bagh Bidraha
Published: September 2024

Herein, we report the use of an air‐stable iridium pyrazolato complex as an effective catalyst for the α‐alkylation of ketones and arylacetonitriles with primary alcohols, employing borrowing hydrogen strategy. The alkylation reactions were efficiently conducted at 120 °C in toluene utilizing a very low catalyst loading (0.1 mol %). A broad range of ketones and arylacetonitriles, in combination with various aromatic and aliphatic primary alcohols, were successfully transformed into the corresponding α‐alkylated products. Additionally, quinoline derivatives were synthesized from 2‐aminobenzylalcohol and ketones using dehydrogenative coupling strategy. A mechanistic investigation unveiled that the key step involved alcohol activation via metal‐ligand cooperation.
Impaired somatosensory habituation in older adults with chronic pain during an affective oddball task
Authors: Dorado Alejandro , Sitges Carolina , van der Meulen Marian , González‐Roldán Ana M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Chronic pain is one of the most common health conditions among older adults, triggering various disruptions in information processing across attentional, emotional, and somatosensory domains. However, there is insufficient information about how these aspects interact and their potential contribution to the vulnerability of older adults to chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate potential alterations induced by chronic pain during aging in attentional aspects of tactile stimulation and to observe the influence of affective context.

Method

Twenty‐six older adults with chronic pain (70.00 ± 5.07 years; 11 males), 28 pain‐free older adults (69.57 ± 3.96 years; 13 males) and 27 healthy younger adults (21.48 ± 1.80 years; 14 males) participated in the study. We compared the somatosensory evoked potentials elicited by frequent and deviant stimulation (probability 14%) applied when participants were viewing blocks of pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral images from the International Affective Picture System.

Results

During frequent stimulation, older adults with chronic pain showed higher P50 and N100 amplitudes compared to pain‐free older adults and younger individuals. Furthermore, the older group with pain exhibited higher P300 amplitude during emotional contexts compared to neutral scenarios. During deviant stimulation, older adults with chronic pain exhibited higher P50 and N100 amplitudes compared to pain‐free older adults but displayed typical age‐related flattening during P300.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that chronic pain leads to a decline in the ability to habituate to non‐painful irrelevant somatosensory stimuli, especially when it is presented in an emotional context.

Significance Statement

In the present study, we have observed how older individuals suffering from chronic pain exhibit a decline in the habituation capacity of irrelevant somatosensory information. Furthermore, we have observed how the affective context in which these individuals are situated leads to an exacerbation of this deficit. Enhancing our comprehension of how aging and chronic pain interact to impact somatosensory processing could facilitate the tailoring of novel intervention strategies.