bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembly of Heterogeneous Ferritin Nanocages for Tumor Uptake and Penetration
Authors: Liu Qiqi , Wang Chunyu , Zhu Mingsheng , Liu Jinming , Duan Qiannan , Midgley Adam C. , Liu Ruming , Jiang Bing , Kong Deling , Chen Quan , Zhuang Jie , Huang Xinglu
Published: February 2024

Well‐defined nanostructures are crucial for precisely understanding nano‐bio interactions. However, nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated through conventional synthesis approaches often lack poor controllability and reproducibility. Herein, a synthetic biology‐based strategy is introduced to fabricate uniformly reproducible protein‐based NPs, achieving precise control over heterogeneous components of the NPs. Specifically, a ferritin assembly toolbox system is developed that enables intracellular assembly of ferritin subunits/variants in Escherichia coli. Using this strategy, a proof‐of‐concept study is provided to explore the interplay between ligand density of NPs and their tumor targets/penetration. Various ferritin hybrid nanocages (FHn) containing human ferritin heavy chains (FH) and light chains are accurately assembled, leveraging their intrinsic binding with tumor cells and prolonged circulation time in blood, respectively. Further studies reveal that tumor cell uptake is FH density‐dependent through active binding with transferrin receptor 1, whereas in vivo tumor accumulation and tissue penetration are found to be correlated to heterogeneous assembly of FHn and vascular permeability of tumors. Densities of 3.7 FH/100 nm2 on the nanoparticle surface exhibit the highest degree of tumor accumulation and penetration, particularly in tumors with high permeability compared to those with low permeability. This study underscores the significance of nanoparticle heterogeneity in determining particle fate in biological systems.
Electrocatalytic C−N Couplings at Cathode and Anode
Authors: Chen Dawei , Liu Jiani , Shen Jingjun , Zhang Yiqiong , Shao Huaiyu , Chen Chen , Wang Shuangyin
Published: February 2024

Electrocatalytic C−N couplings are promising alternatives to construct C−N bonds and to synthesize vital chemicals, including amine, amide, amino acid, oxime, imine, and nitrile, under ambient conditions. In recent years, the electrocatalytic C−N coupling has attracted a wide range of research interest and has achieved considerable developments. Here, the electrocatalytic C−N coupling is systematically reviewed aiming at reductive cathode and oxidative anode. In the cathodic part, the electrocatalytic coupling reaction systems, the corresponding design principles of electrocatalysts for different reaction systems, the mechanism studies from experimental and theoretical aspects, and the application‐oriented electrocatalytic devices for electrocatalytic C−N couplings are summarized. Anodic C−N coupling offers a potential approach to replace the conventional energy‐demand synthesis protocols, and is an indispensable part of the green and controllable construction of unsaturated C = N and C≡N bonds. According to the principle that electron transfer is the crucial point in anodic C−N coupling, the anodic coupling reactions are sorted out based on the direct and the indirect C−N coupling paths, respectively. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this field are proposed. Electrocatalytic C−N coupling is an appealing research topic in electrochemistry and possesses infinite possibilities in the future.
A Low‐Cost, Fluorine‐Free Localized Highly Concentrated Electrolyte Toward Ultra‐High Loading Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Hai Feng , Yi Yikun , Xiao Zichun , Guo Jingyu , Gao Xin , Chen Wenting , Xue Weicheng , Hua Weibo , Tang Wei , Li Mingtao
Published: February 2024

Localized highly concentrated electrolytes have revitalized the advancement of secondary batteries. However, fluorinated diluents typically have the drawbacks of high toxicity, serious environmental pollution, challenging synthesis, and high cost. This work develops a low‐cost, eco‐friendly localized highly concentrated electrolyte by utilizing benzene as a diluent, simultaneously achieving highly reversible lithium‐metal anodes and long‐term stable cycling of single crystal LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (SC811) cathode. The unique conjugated structure and absence of electron‐withdrawing groups provide benzene the decent redox stability and inertness, which enables it to modulate the highly concentrated solvation structure. The PhH‐LHCE supports SC811‐Li cells with a cathode loading of 9 mg cm−2 achieving 87.3% capacity retention after 450 cycles. Cells consisting of ultra‐high loading Ni83 cathode (≈31 mg cm−2) and ultra‐thin Li (50 µm) anode achieve stable 70 cycles with a lean electrolyte condition. This work can be generalized to promising electrochemical energy storage systems such as sodium and potassium metal batteries to solve the cost and environmental pollution problems in the large‐scale production process.
Ostwald Ripening of Ag2Te Precipitates in Thermoelectric PbTe: Effects of Crystallography, Dislocations, and Interatomic Bonding
Authors: Yu Yuan , Sheskin Ariel , Wang Zhenyu , Uzhansky Aleksandra , Natanzon Yuriy , Dawod Muhamed , Abdellaoui Lamya , Schwarz Torsten , Scheu Christina , Wuttig Matthias , Cojocaru‐Mirédin Oana , Amouyal Yaron , Zhang Siyuan
Published: February 2024

Nanostructuring is important for designing thermoelectrics. Yet, nanoprecipitates are thermodynamically unstable and coarsen through Ostwald ripening. Here, the Ostwald ripening of Ag2Te in PbTe and its resulting impact on thermoelectric performance is investigated. Numerous Guinier‐Preston zones and platelet Ag2Te precipitates in the sample quenched from a single‐phase region is observed. Upon annealing, these platelet precipitates grow into big lath‐shaped second phases by consuming small Ag‐rich clusters. The crystallographic orientation relationships between Ag2Te and PbTe are unraveled by scanning transmission electron microscopy and modeled by first‐principles calculations. The interfaces with low lattice mismatch determine the morphology of Ag2Te in PbTe. Atom probe tomography reveals different chemical bonding mechanisms for PbTe and Ag2Te, which are metavalent and iono‐covalent, respectively. This leads to an acoustic phonon mismatch at the precipitate‐matrix interface. Yet, the electrons are also scattered by these interfaces, resulting in poor electrical properties in the as‐quenched sample. In contrast, the annealed sample contains abundant Ag‐decorated dislocations by activating the Bardeen‐Herring source. These dislocations strongly scatter phonons while maintaining a good electron transmission, contributing to a higher thermoelectric performance. This work demonstrates the complex role of microstructure morphologies, compositions, and bonding mechanisms in thermoelectric response, providing insights into structural design for thermoelectrics.
Development and evaluation of a novel knowledge assessment tool for pediatric emergency medicine clerkships
Authors: Zhao Xian , Khilnani Aneka , Weiner Debra L. , Donnelly Katie A. , Lindgren Christina E. , Chapman Jennifer , Zaveri Pavan , Prince William Benjamin , Thomas‐Mohtat Rosemary
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study seeks to determine validity evidence for a newly developed multiple‐choice examination (MCE) tool to assess retention and application of medical knowledge of students enrolled in a pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) clerkship.

Methods

A team of PEM physicians created a 110‐item MCE covering the range of clinical topics in PEM relevant for medical students. The researchers determined examination content using the report of Clerkship Directors in Emergency Medicine and PEM Interest Group of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM). The authors administered the MCE to fourth‐year medical students at the end of their PEM rotation from May 2020 to April 2023 at four institutions and then analyzed the examination using four of Messick's five sources of validity evidence: content, response process, internal structure, and relation to other variables.

Results

A total of 158 students took the test. In academic year (AY)20–21, 47 students took the test and scored, on average, 81%. After revision of poor and indeterminate questions, the 111 medical students who took the revised version of the test in AY21–AY23 scored on average 77.3% with a standard deviation of 5.7% with a normal distribution in scores. The revised questions were rated as excellent (10.0%), good (26.4%), fair (34.5%), poor (24.5%), or indeterminate (4.5%) based on test item discrimination. There was a positive correlation between MCE scores and students' clinical evaluations but no correlation between MCE scores and scores that students received on their clinical notes or patient presentations during case conference.

Conclusions

This novel PEM clerkship examination is a reliable test of medical knowledge. Future directions involve evaluating consequences of the MCE and offering the test to medical students in a dedicated PEM rotation at the national level.
Development of entrustable professional activities for emergency medicine medical education fellowships: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Villa Stephen , Caretta‐Weyer Holly , Yarris Lalena M. , Clarke Samuel O. , Coates Wendy C. , Sokol Kimberly A. , Jurvis Amanda , Papanagnou Dimitrios , Ahn James , Hillman Emily , Camejo Melanie , Deiorio Nicole , Fischer Kathryn M. , Wolff Meg , Estes Molly , Dimeo Sara , Jordan Jaime
Published: February 2024

Background

It is essential that medical education (MedEd) fellows achieve desired outcomes prior to graduation. Despite the increase in postgraduate MedEd fellowships in emergency medicine (EM), there is no consistently applied competency framework. We sought to develop entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for EM MedEd fellows.

Methods

From 2021 to 2022, we used a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus for EPAs. EM education experts generated an initial list of 173 EPAs after literature review. In each Delphi round, panelists were asked to make a binary choice of whether to include the EPA. We determined an inclusion threshold of 70% agreement a priori. After the first round, given the large number of EPAs meeting inclusion threshold, panelists were instructed to vote whether each EPA should be included in the “20 most important” EPAs for a MedEd fellowship. Modifications were made between rounds based on expert feedback. We calculated descriptive statistics.

Results

Seventeen experts completed four Delphi rounds each with 100% response. After Round 1, 87 EPAs were eliminated and two were combined. Following Round 2, 46 EPAs were eliminated, seven were combined, and three were included in the final list. After the third round, one EPA was eliminated and 13 were included. After the fourth round, 11 EPAs were eliminated. The final list consisted of 16 EPAs in domains of career development, education theory and methods, research and scholarship, and educational program administration.

Conclusions

We developed a list of 16 EPAs for EM MedEd fellowships, the first step in implementing competency‐based MedEd.
Linkages among stem xylem transport, biomechanics, and storage in lianas and trees across three contrasting environments
Authors: Zhang Ke‐Yan , Yang Da , Zhang Yun‐Bing , Ai Xun‐Ru , Yao Lan , Deng Zhi‐Jun , Zhang Jiao‐Lin
Published: February 2024

Premise

Stem xylem transports water and nutrients, mechanically supports aboveground tissues, and stores water and nonstructural carbohydrates. These three functions are associated with three types of cells—vessel, fiber, and parenchyma, respectively.

Methods

We measured stem theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kt), modulus of elasticity (MOE), tissue water content, starch, soluble sugars, cellulose, and xylem anatomical traits in 15 liana and 16 tree species across three contrasting sites in Southwest China.

Results

Lianas had higher hydraulic efficiency and tissue water content, but lower MOE and cellulose than trees. Storage traits (starch and soluble sugars) did not significantly differ between lianas and trees, and trait variation was explained mainly by site, highlighting how environment shapes plant storage strategies. Kt was significantly positively correlated with vessel diameter and vessel area fraction in lianas and all species combined. The MOE was significantly positively correlated with fiber area fraction, wood density, and cellulose in lianas and across all species. The tissue water content was significantly associated with parenchyma area fraction in lianas. Support function was strongly linked with transport and storage functions in lianas. In trees, transport and support functions were not correlated, while storage function was tightly linked with transport and support functions.

Conclusions

These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between stem xylem structure and function in lianas and trees, providing valuable insights into how plants adapt to environmental changes and the distinct ecological strategies employed by lianas and by trees to balance the demands of hydraulic transport, mechanical support, and storage.
“Baihui” (DU20)‐penetrating “Qubin” (GB7) acupuncture on blood–brain barrier integrity in rat intracerebral hemorrhage models via the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ce , Zheng Jia , Yu Xueping , Kuang Binglin , Dai Xiaohong , Zheng Lei , Yu Weiwei , Teng Wei , Cao Hongtao , Li Mingyue , Yao Jiayong , Liu Xiaoying , Zou Wei
Published: February 2024

Background

Blocking the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 (Ras homolog gene family member A/Rho kinase II/myosin light chain 2) signaling pathway can initiate neuroprotective mechanisms against neurological diseases such as stroke, cerebral ischemia, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether and how disrupting the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway changes the pathogenic processes of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The present investigation included the injection of rat caudal vein blood into the basal ganglia area to replicate the pathophysiological conditions caused by ICH.

Methods

Scalp acupuncture (SA) therapy was performed on rats with ICH at the acupuncture point “Baihui”‐penetrating “Qubin,” and the ROCK selective inhibitor fasudil was used as a positive control to evaluate the inhibitory effect of acupuncture on the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway. Post‐assessments included neurological deficits, brain edema, Evans blue extravasation, Western blot, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and transmission electron microscope imaging.

Results

We found that ROCK II acts as a promoter of the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway, and its expression increased at 6 h after ICH, peaked at 3 days, and then decreased at 7 days after ICH, but was still higher than the pre‐intervention level. According to some experimental results, although 3 days is the peak, 7 days is the best time point for acupuncture treatment. Starting from 6 h after ICH, the neurovascular structure and endothelial cell morphology around the hematoma began to change. Based on the changes in the promoter ROCK II, a 7‐day time point was selected as the breakthrough point for treating ICH model rats in the main experiment. The results of this experiment showed that both SA at “Baihui”‐penetrating “Qubin” and treatment with fasudil could improve the expression of endothelial‐related proteins by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway and reduce neurological dysfunction, brain edema, and BBB permeability in rats.

Conclusion

This study found that these experimental data indicated that SA at “Baihui”‐penetrating “Qubin” could preserve BBB integrity and neurological function recovery after ICH by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK II/MLC 2 signaling pathway activation and by regulating endothelial cell–related proteins.
Linear sensing actuators of polypyrrole nanofiber scaffolds
Authors: Kiefer Rudolf , Harjo Madis , Otero Toribio F. , Nguyen Ngoc Tuan , Le Quoc Bao
Published: February 2024

In the search for renewable materials for linear actuators, polypyrrole (PPy) glucose‐glycerin nanofiber scaffolds were used here to provide the actuator with a basic fibrillary structure, mimicking natural muscles. Each nanofiber was coated with a chemically synthesized PPy film, getting conductive nanofiber scaffolds (CNS), used then as electrodes to attain a second polypyrrole doped with dodecylbenzensulfonate (PPyDBS) coat forming PPyDBS‐CNS material structure. PPyDBS bulk films obtained by electropolymerization on stainless steel under the same condition were used to compare the linear actuation properties of both materials. Cyclic voltammetry, square potential waves, and square potential currents, in combination with linear actuation measurements, studied the samples. Three different potential ranges (PRs) were selected for those methodologies: 1.0 to −0.55 V (PR1), 0.8 to −0.4 V (PR2), and 0.65 to −0.55 V (PR3), revealing that PPyDBS‐CNS has anion‐driven actuation independent of the applied PR1–3, while in comparison PPyDBS films had in PR3 mixed ion actuation. The best strain from PPyDBS, 24.6%, was attained at PR1, and from PPyDBS‐CSN, 17.5% strain in the same PR. Further characterizations are conducted, such as scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and element determination using energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy.
Enhancing ionic conductivity and flexibility in solid polymer electrolytes with rainforest honey as a green plasticizer
Authors: Shamsuri N. A. , Majid S. R. , Hamsan M. H. , Halim S. N. A. , Manan N. S. A. , Sulaiman M. , Jahidin A. H. , Halim N. A. , Aziz S. B. , Kadir M. F. Z.
Published: February 2024

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) play a pivotal role in advancing electrochemical devices, such as proton batteries and supercapacitors, owing to their potential for enhancing safety and flexibility. In this work, employs a solution casting technique to prepare SPEs, utilizing chitosan‐dextran blends as the polymer matrix. Ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) is incorporated as a charge carrier, while honey is introduced as a plasticizer. The interaction between these materials is confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals that the addition of 10 wt.% honey (H10) to the polymer blend results in the lowest degree of crystallinity (15.24%), emphasizing the pivotal role of plasticizers in modulating the structural properties of SPEs. Furthermore, by incorporating 40 wt.% NH4SCN (SN40) into the plasticizer‐polymer host (H10), the ambient temperature conductivity obtains its maximum value of (1.08 ± 0.19 × 10−3 S cm−1) with the lowest degree of crystallinity of 10.44%, verify it is the most amorphous electrolyte. The observed trend in conductivity is influenced by the diffusion coefficient (D), ion density (n), and mobility of the ions (μ). Complementing these findings, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) is employed to investigate the surface morphology and cross section of the SPEs, providing a comprehensive understanding of their structural characteristics. From linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), SN40 is electrochemically stable up to 2.2 V and the tion is 0.97 indicating that the ions are the dominant charge carriers.
Facile fabrication of oriented polyethylene terephthalate foams as novel solar interfacial vapor generator from waste bottles
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Xian , Li Yang , Jia Shikui , Xiao Lihua , Zhang Chun
Published: February 2024

The massive arbitrarily discarded waste of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles become a major environmental pollution source for soils and oceans. Using these waste products to acquire purified water has great significance. We developed a novel strategy of inducing crystallization coupled with solvent exchanging to obtain oriented PET/carbon nanotubes (CNT) foams from waste PET bottles and to fabricate solar interfacial vapor generators (SIVGs). The obtained PET/CNT foams had low densities of 0.18 g/cm3 and high specific strength with compressive stress of 1.8 MPa. The PET/CNT foams generated excellent capillary action that the water delivering rate reached 93.60 kg/m2 h. In addition, the oriented PET foams demonstrated a promising thermal concentration effect that its surface temperature reached 132.8°C. It could evaporate up to 0.82 kg/m2 h under the illumination of 1 sun. Meanwhile, the foams with CNT clusters dispersion also exhibited excellent electrical resistance of 3.57 × 103 Ω m with a low percolation threshold of 0.5 wt.% CNT. This work provides a novel strategy of manufacturing PET SIVG. The key aspect of this work is the significant increase in the surface temperature and the conductivity of PET SIVG compared with other polymer‐based SIVGs, highlighting its novelty and importance.
Room‐Temperature Macroscopic Ferromagnetism in Multilayered Graphene Oxide
Authors: Zhang Di , Gao Bo , Xu Song , Niu Chunyao , Xu Qun
Published: February 2024

Graphene has a long spin lifetime and hyperfine interactions, favoring its potential application as spintronics. Despite the recent discoveries of spin‐containing graphene materials, graphene‐based materials with room‐temperature macroscopic ferromagnetism are extremely rare. In this article, room‐temperature ferromagnetic amorphous graphene oxide (GO) is synthesized by introducing abundant oxygen‐containing functional groups and C defects into single‐layered graphene, followed by a self‐assembly process under supercritical CO2 (SC CO2). Such amorphous GO exhibits the highest saturation magnetization (1.71 emu g−1) and remanent magnetization (0.251 emu g−1) compared to the rest of metal‐free graphene‐based materials at room temperature. Experimental and theoretical investigations attribute such strong ferromagnetism to the bridging of the adjacent graphene layers though the out‐of‐plane oxygen‐containing groups, which leads to asymmetric lattices with large net magnetic moments.
Molecular complexity of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate
Authors: Zhu Sha , Xu Nanwei , Zeng Hao
Published: February 2024

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer characterized by the growth of tumor cells within the prostate ducts. It is often found alongside invasive carcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving IDC‐P is crucial for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics of IDC‐P and their prognostic indications, comparing them to conventional prostate acinar adenocarcinoma, to gain insights into its unique behavior and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Antioxidant Activities of Different Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Market Types by Spectrophotometric Techniques Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Gıdık Betül , Can Zehra , Önemli Fadul
Published: February 2024

Peanut is rich in oil and protein and has a large content of bioactive constituents consisting of tocopherols, phytosterols, and so on. Generally, Virginia, Spanish, Valencia and Runner market types are grown of peanut. In this study, it is aimed to determine the antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of peanuts from four different market types, for the first time, and group them with principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). For PCA, PC1 and PC2 explained 87.655 % of the total variation and, according to the HCA of peanut samples, two main groups were determined. The total phenolic content changed 1.556 to 2.899 mg GAE/g. The lowest value have seen at Spanish merket type to determine the antioxidant activities of peanut samples were maked FRAP and DPPH assay, the lowest FRAP value (8.136 μmol FeSO47H2O/g sample) was seen at Valencia market type, the highest (14.004 μmol FeSO47H2O/g sample) was seen at Virginia market type. It was determined that the total flavonoid, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities of the Virginia, Valencia, Spanish, and Runner market types included in the study were different from each other, and the Virginia market type showed superior characteristics compared to the others. The results obtained suggest that Virginia market type may be preferred more especially in peanut cultivation for food uses. It is thought that this study can be a source for future studies by eliminating a deficiency in the literature.
Synthesis and Insecticidal Evaluation of 3,5‐Dicyanopyridines Against Cotton Aphids via Microwave‐Assisted Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Abd El‐Lateef Hany M. , Khalaf Mai M. , Gouda Mohamed , Gad Mohamed A. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Ismail Abdelrahim Fathy , Amer Amer A. , Drar Ali M.
Published: February 2024

Certain 2‐amino‐6‐alkoxy‐4‐arylpyridine‐3,5‐dicyanide 1a–e were prepared via a straightforward process using microwave technology rather than conventional methods. This involved reaction of arylidenemalononitrile thru propanedinitrile in the occurrence of sodium alkoxide under MW. While, their positional isomer 4‐amino‐6‐alkoxy‐2‐arylpyridine‐3,5‐dicyanide 3a–j have been separated from the reaction of aryl aldehydes with 2‐aminoprop‐1‐ene‐1,1,3‐tricarbonitrile 2 in the presence of sodium alkoxide using microwave technic. Furthermore, the insecticidal properties of all synthesized compounds were observed with respect to Cotton aphid nymphs and adults. Neonicotinoid pesticides are indicated as the most effective pesticides toward aphids and many other pests. Many insecticides are discovered as novelties. As a result, several pyridine compounds were chemical method synthesized to serve as equivalents of neonicotinoids, a broad class of insecticides. With LC50 value of 0.03 mg/L, components 3g exhibit the highest insecticidal bioactivity. This work discusses how to find new chemicals that could be used as insecticidal agents in the future.
Promoting Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Formic Acid in Acidic Medium with Low Potassium Concentrations under High CO2 Pressure
Authors: Lhostis Florian , Tran Ngoc‐Huan , Rousse Gwenaëlle , Zanna Sandrine , Menguy Nicolas , Fontecave Marc
Published: February 2024

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a sustainable pathway for the production of chemicals and fuels. Acidic electrolysis has been shown to be a promising strategy in order to avoid CO2 loss via the formation (bi)carbonate during reaction. Previous studies have been carried out in ambient CO2 pressure systems and have stressed the importance of adding high concentration of alkali cation (K+) in the catholyte to inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and achieve higher selectivity of CO2RR. Herein, CO2 reduction to HCOOH was performed in strong acid (pH 1) using a dendritic bismuth catalyst in a home‐designed high‐pressure electrochemical cell. At a CO2 pressure of 30 bar, we could achieve a high Faradaic efficiency of 100 % at 100 mA cm−2 at a KCl concentration of 3.0 M. With this first system that combines high pressure of CO2 and highly acidic catholyte, we show that pressurization offers an appropriate strategy to limit both HER and K+ dependence. Indeed we obtained a Faradaic efficiency of 34 % in the absence of K+ cations and 75–80 % in the presence of 1.0 M KCl under an applied current density of 100 mA cm−2.
Construction of a Cu@hollow TS‐1 nanoreactor based on a hierarchical full‐spectrum solar light utilization strategy for photothermal synergistic artificial photosynthesis
Authors: Zhu Sixian , Zhao Qiao , Guo Hongxia , Liu Li , Wang Xiao , Qi Xiwei , Meng Xianguang , Cui Wenquan
Published: February 2024

The artificial photosynthesis technology has been recognized as a promising solution for CO2 utilization. Photothermal catalysis has been proposed as a novel strategy to promote the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis by coupling both photochemistry and thermochemistry. However, strategies for maximizing the use of solar spectra with different frequencies in photothermal catalysis are urgently needed. Here, a hierarchical full‐spectrum solar light utilization strategy is proposed. Based on this strategy, a Cu@hollow titanium silicalite‐1 zeolite (TS‐1) nanoreactor with spatially separated photo/thermal catalytic sites is designed to realize high‐efficiency photothermal catalytic artificial photosynthesis. The space–time yield of alcohol products over the optimal catalyst reached 64.4 μmol g−1 h−1, with the selectivity of CH3CH2OH of 69.5%. This rationally designed hierarchical utilization strategy for solar light can be summarized as follows: (1) high‐energy ultraviolet light is utilized to drive the initial and difficult CO2 activation step on the TS‐1 shell; (2) visible light can induce the localized surface plasmon resonance effect on plasmonic Cu to generate hot electrons for H2O dissociation and subsequent reaction steps; and (3) low‐energy near‐infrared light is converted into heat by the simulated greenhouse effect by cavities to accelerate the carrier dynamics. This work provides some scientific and experimental bases for research on novel, highly efficient photothermal catalysts for artificial photosynthesis.
Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction and Formic Acid Oxidation by Formal Nickel(I) Complexes of Di‐isopropylphenyl Bis‐iminoacenaphthene
Authors: Khrizanforova Vera V. , Fayzullin Robert R. , Kartashov Sergey V. , Morozov Vladimir I. , Khrizanforov Mikhail N. , Gerasimova Tatiana P. , Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: February 2024

Processing CO2 into value–added chemicals and fuels stands as one of the most crucial tasks in addressing the global challenge of the greenhouse effect. In this study, we focused on the complex (dpp–bian)NiBr2 (where dpp–bian is di‐isopropylphenyl bis‐iminoacenaphthene) as a precatalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 into CH4 as the sole product. Cyclic voltammetry results indicate that the realization of a catalytically effective pattern requires the three–electron reduction of (dpp–bian)NiBr2. The chemically reduced complexes [K(THF)6]+[(dpp–bian)Ni(COD)]− and [K(THF)6]+[(dpp–bian)2Ni]− were synthesized and structurally characterized. Analyzing the data from the electron paramagnetic resonance study of the complexes in solutions, along with quantum–chemical calculations, reveals that the spin density is predominantly localized at their metal centers. The superposition of trajectory maps of the electron density gradient vector field
and the electrostatic force density field
per electron, as well as the atomic charges, discloses that, within the first coordination sphere, the interatomic charge transfer occurs from the metal atom to the ligand atoms and that the complex anions can thus be formally described by the general formulae (dpp–bian)2−Ni+(COD) and (dpp–bian)2−Ni+. It was also shown that the reduced nickel complexes can be oxidized by formic acid; resulting from this reaction, the two–electron and two–proton addition product dpp–bian–2H is formed.
Aberrant PRDM2 methylation as an early event in serrated lesions destined to evolve into microsatellite‐instable colorectal cancers
Authors: van Toledo David EFWM , Bleijenberg Arne GC , Venema Andrea , de Wit Mireille J , van Eeden Susanne , Meijer Gerrit A , Carvalho Beatrice , Dekker Evelien , Henneman Peter , IJspeert Joep EG , van Noesel Carel JM
Published: February 2024

Up to 30% of colorectal cancers (CRCs) develop from sessile serrated lesions (SSLs). Within the serrated neoplasia pathway, at least two principally distinct oncogenetic routes exist generating microsatellite‐stable and microsatellite‐instable CRCs, respectively. Aberrant DNA methylation (DNAm) is found early in the serrated pathway and might play a role in both oncogenetic routes. We studied a cohort of 23 SSLs with a small focus (<10 mm) of dysplasia or cancer, 10 of which were MLH1 deficient and 13 MLH1 proficient. By comparing, for each SSL, the methylation status of (1) the region of dysplasia or cancer (SSL‐D), (2) the nondysplastic SSL (SSL), and (3) adjacent normal mucosa, differentially methylated probes (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) were assessed both genome‐wide as well as in a tumor‐suppressor gene‐focused approach. By comparing DNAm of MLH1‐deficient SSL‐Ds with their corresponding SSLs, we identified five DMRs, including those annotating for PRDM2 and, not unexpectedly, MLH1. PRDM2 gene promotor methylation was associated with MLH1 expression status, as it was largely hypermethylated in MLH1‐deficient SSL‐Ds and hypomethylated in MLH1‐proficient SSL‐Ds. Significantly increased DNAm levels of PRDM2 and MLH1, in particular at ‘critical’ MLH1 probe sites, were to some extent already visible in SSLs as compared to normal mucosa (p = 0.02, p = 0.01, p < 0.0001, respectively). No DMRs, nor DMPs, were identified for SSLs destined to evolve into MLH1‐proficient SSL‐Ds. Our data indicate that, within both arms of the serrated CRC pathway, the majority of the epigenetic alterations are introduced early during SSL formation. Promoter hypermethylation of PRDM2 and MLH1 on the other hand specifically initiates in SSLs destined to transform into MLH1‐deficient CRCs suggesting that the fate of SSLs may not necessarily result from a stochastic process but possibly is already imprinted and predisposed.
Markov chain‐based analysis and fault tolerance technique for enhancing chain‐based routing inWSNs
Authors: Jalili Ahmad , Alzubi Jafar A. , Rezaei Roghayeh , Webber Julian L. , Fernández‐Campusano Christian , Gheisari Mehdi , Amin Rashid , Mehbodniya Abolfazl
Published: February 2024

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are faced with the challenge of energy conservation, which makes efficient routing protocols crucial for prolonging network lifetime. In addition, delay time from sensors to the base station is critical in applications such as military, medical, and security monitoring systems. Chain‐based protocols like PEGASIS, CCBRP, and CCM have been developed to address routing in WSNs, with the aim of reducing energy consumption and delay. However, node failures are inevitable due to energy reduction and node mobility. Therefore, fault tolerance techniques must be integrated into routing protocols. A new fault tolerance method has been proposed to prevent early chain failures in WSNs by formulating network availability and reliability using Markov chain analysis. The results indicate that chain‐based routing protocols with one spare node are more reliable than those with two spare nodes.
Ionization Patterns and Chemical Reactivity of Cytosine‐Guanine Watson‐Crick Pairs
Authors: Uddin Ismihan A. , Stec Ewa , Papadantonakis George A.
Published: February 2024

Gas‐phase and aqueous vertical ionization potentials, vIPgas and vIPaq respectively and measurements of the molecular electrostatic and local ionization maps calculated at the DFT/B3LYP‐D3/ 6–311+G** level of theory and the C‐PCM reaction field model for single‐ and double‐stranded CpG and 5MeCpG pairs show that the vIPaq for single‐ and double‐stranded pairs of C−G and 5MeC−G are practically the same, in the range of 5.79 to 5.81 eV. The aqueous adiabatic ionization potentials for single‐stranded CpG and 5MeCpG are 5.52 eV and 5.51 eV respectively and they reflect the nuclear reorganization that takes place after the abstraction of the electron. The aqueous adiabatic ionization energy values that correspond to the CpG+. radical cation and the hydrated electron, e−,, being at infinite distance, adIPaq+Vo, are 3.92 eV and 3.91 eV respectively with (Vo=−1.6 eV) Analysis of data suggest that the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap in the hard/soft‐acid/base (HSAB) concept cannot be used a priori to determine the effect of cytosine methylation on the guanine enhanced oxidative damage in DNA.
Heritability of floral traits in Allium cepa L. populations from biparental crosses
Authors: Noguera Serrano Soraya Paola , Gimenez Magalí Diana , Paz Rosalía Cristina , Galmarini Claudio R.
Published: February 2024

Onions (Allium cepa L.) are one of the main vegetable crops worldwide. As an allogamous species with entomophilous pollination, floral traits play a critical role in seed production. Improving seed yield, especially for hybrid seed production, is very important. In this work, we obtained genetic information for floral traits using segregating populations from three male‐sterile lines and one open‐pollinated variety. Data on 16 floral traits, including perianth, gynoecium, stamens, and receptacle structures, were collected from the parental cultivars, their hybrids, and from segregating populations in the F2 and F3 generations. This dataset underpinned a comprehensive analysis of genetic variability, broad‐ and narrow‐sense heritability estimation, genetic gain predictions, and trait correlations. The evaluated traits exhibited high broad‐sense heritability values (0.08–0.85), but moderate narrow‐sense heritability values (0.01–0.68), implying that the observed phenotypic variance is mainly explained by genetic factors, with a minor additive genetic factors contribution. Consequently, the study revealed effective genetic gain for the analyzed traits. The phenotypic correlations observed in the parental cultivars were not always maintained in the segregating populations, suggesting random correlations. Meanwhile, genetic correlations were moderate to low, suggesting that the analyzed traits can be independently selected without affecting the expression of other floral traits. Notably, correlations among floral traits were significant in stable cultivars but weak in segregating populations, excluding pleiotropic effects. This work has successfully demonstrated the heritability of onion floral traits and provided a sound basis for selecting individuals with desirable attributes, with valuable practical implications for onion breeding and seed production.
Do bankers on board fulfill their role? Corporate social responsibility, environmental concerns and firm leverage
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: February 2024

Using a dataset of listed Indian manufacturing firms for 2010–2020, the study examines their financial response to climate risks in the presence of banker‐directors. The results show that climate sensitivity and vulnerability exert a negative impact on firm leverage and cost whereas climate adaptation has relatively limited impact. These effects broadly resonate across firm ownership, although it differ across firm‐bank equity interlocks. The overall impact of these developments is manifest in a decline in investment. The findings suggest that policymakers need to be more responsive to firm‐bank interactions, as these can impact firm behavior and have real economic consequences.
Introducing electromagnetic effects in Soledge3X
Authors: Düll Raffael , Bufferand Hugo , Serre Eric , Ciraolo Guido , Quadri Virginia , Rivals Nicolas , Tamain Patrick
Published: February 2024

In the pedestal region, electromagnetic effects affect the evolution of micro‐instabilities and plasma turbulence. The transport code Soledge3X developed by the CEA offers an efficient framework for turbulent 3D simulation on an electrostatic model with a fixed magnetic field. The physical accuracy of the model is improved with electromagnetic induction, driven by the local value of the parallel component of the electromagnetic vector potential , known from Ampère's law. It is solved implicitly in a coupled system with the vorticity equation on the electric potential . The consequence is a basic electromagnetic behavior in the form of shear Alfvén waves. A finite electron mass prevents unphysical speeds but requires solving for the time evolution of the parallel current density in the generalized Ohm's law. This term can be analytically included with little computational overhead in the system on and and improves its numerical condition, facilitating the iterative solving procedure. Simulations on a periodic slab case let us observe the predicted bifurcation of the wave propagation speed between the Alfvén wave and the electron thermal wave speeds for varying perpendicular wavenumbers. The first results on a circular geometry with a limiter attest to the feasibility of turbulent electromagnetic scenarios.
Anti‐HLA‐B7/HLA‐B44 strong cross immunoreactivity observed in flow cytometry HLA‐B27 immunotyping
Authors: Francois Fabien , Waeckel Louis , Berger Anne‐Emmanuelle , Lambert Claude
Published: February 2024

Cross reactivities are known for human leukocyte antigen inside HLA‐B7 related Cross‐Reactive Group (B7CREG). Some CE‐IVD flow‐cytometry kits use double monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to distinguish HLA‐B27 and HLA‐B7 but practice reveals more complexes results. This study explores the performances of this test. Analysis of 466 consecutive cases using HLA‐B27 IOTest™ kit on a Navios™ cytometer from Beckman‐Coulter, partially compared to their genotypes. Expected haplotypes HLA‐B27‐/HLA‐B7‐ (undoubtedly HLA‐B27 negative) and HLA‐B27+/HLA‐B7‐ (undoubtedly HLA‐B27+) were clearly identified according to the manufacturer's instructions. On the opposite, patients strongly labeled with anti‐HLA‐B7 showed three different phenotypes regarding anti‐HLA‐B27 labeling: (1) most of the cases were poorly labeled in accordance with cross reactivity inside B7CREG (HLA‐B27‐/HLA‐B7+ haplotype); (2) rare cases had strong B7 and B27 labeling corresponding to HLA‐B27+/HLA‐B7+ haplotype; (3) even less cases had strong labeling by anti‐HLA‐B7 but non for anti‐HLA‐B27, all expressing HLA‐B44 and no B7CREG molecules. Surprisingly, more cases were not labeled with anti‐HLA‐B7 antibody but partially labeled with anti‐HLA‐B27 suggesting another cross reactivity out of B7CREG. mAb HLA typing suggests new, cross reactivities of anti‐HLA‐B27 antibody to more molecules out of B7CREG and of anti‐HLA‐B7 antibody but not anti‐HLA‐B27 to HLA‐B44 molecule also out of B7CREG. HLA‐B27 could surely be excluded in most samples labeled with HLA‐B27, below a “grey zone” on intermediate intensity. More comparison is needed in future studies.
BAER‐101, a selective potentiator of α2‐ and α3‐containing GABAA receptors, fully suppresses spontaneous cortical spike‐wave discharges in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS)
Authors: MacLean Alexandra , Chappell Amy S. , Kranzler Jay , Evrard Alexis , Monchal Hugo , Roucard Corinne
Published: February 2024

BAER‐101 (formerly AZD7325) is a selective partial potentiator of α2/3‐containing γ‐amino‐butyric acid A receptors (GABAARs) and produces minimal sedation and dizziness. Antiseizure effects in models of Dravet and Fragile X Syndromes have been published. BAER‐101 has been administered to over 700 healthy human volunteers and patients where it was found to be safe and well tolerated. To test the extent of the antiseizure activity of BAER‐1010, we tested BAER‐101 in the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) model, a widely used and translationally relevant model. GAERS rats with recording electrodes bilaterally located over the frontal and parietal cortices were used. Electroencepholographic (EEG) signals in freely moving awake rats were analyzed for spike‐wave discharges (SWDs). BAER‐101 was administered orally at doses of 0.3–100 mg/kg and diazepam was used as a positive control using a cross‐over protocol with a wash‐out period between treatments. The number of SWDs was dose‐dependently reduced by BAER‐101 with 0.3 mg/kg being the minimally effective dose (MED). The duration of and total time in SWDs were also reduced by BAER‐101. Concentrations of drug in plasma achieved an MED of 10.1 nM, exceeding the Ki for α2 or α3, but 23 times lower than the Ki for α5‐GABAARs. No adverse events were observed up to a dose 300× MED. The data support the possibility of antiseizure efficacy without the side effects associated with other GABAAR subtypes. This is the first report of an α2/3‐selective GABA PAM suppressing seizures in the GAERS model. The data encourage proceeding to test BAER‐101 in patients with epilepsy.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method including 25 novel synthetic opioids in hair and subsequent analysis of a Swiss opioid consumer cohort
Authors: Polke Max , Concheiro Marta , Cooper Gail , Bogdal Christian , Baumgartner Markus R. , Krämer Thomas , Binz Tina M.
Published: February 2024

Major public health concern is raised by the evidence that common drugs like heroin are now frequently laced or replaced with highly potent novel synthetic opioids (NSOs). The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence and patterns of NSOs in a cohort of Swiss opioid users by hair analysis. Hair analysis is considered an ideal tool for retrospective consumption monitoring. Hair samples from 439 opioid users in Zurich were analyzed. Study inclusion required a previous positive hair test result for heroin metabolites, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone, or tramadol. The samples were extracted with a two‐step extraction procedure, followed by a targeted LC–MS/MS (QTRAP® 6500+) analysis in multiple reaction monitoring mode for a total of 25 NSOs. The method underwent full validation and demonstrated good selectivity and sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) as low as 0.1 pg/mg. The analyzed sample cohort demonstrated a positivity rate for NSOs of 2.5%, including the following NSOs: butyrylfentanyl, acrylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, methoxyacetylfentanyl, ocfentanil, U‐47700, isobutyrylfentanyl and benzylfentanyl. Furthermore, we were able to identify specific consumption patterns among drug users. The results indicate that hair analysis is a valuable tool for investigating the prevalence of NSOs in drug‐using populations, which seems to be low in the case of Swiss opioid users. Nevertheless, the results highlight the need for sensitive analytical detection methods in forensic toxicology to identify and monitor substance distribution in different populations.
The long shadow of woody encroachment: An integrated approach to modeling grassland songbird habitat
Authors: Silber Katy M. , Hefley Trevor J. , Castro‐Miller Henry N. , Ratajczak Zak , Boyle W. Alice
Published: February 2024

Animals must track resources over relatively fine spatial and temporal scales, particularly in disturbance‐mediated systems like grasslands. Grassland birds respond to habitat heterogeneity by dispersing among sites within and between years, yet we know little about how they make post‐dispersal settlement decisions. Many methods exist to quantify the resource selection of mobile taxa, but the habitat data used in these models are frequently not collected at the same location or time that individuals were present. This spatiotemporal misalignment may lead to incorrect interpretations and adverse conservation outcomes, particularly in dynamic systems. To investigate the extent to which spatially and temporally dynamic vegetation conditions and topography drive grassland bird settlement decisions, we integrated multiple data sources from our study site to predict slope, vegetation height, and multiple metrics of vegetation cover at any point in space and time within the temporal and spatial scope of our study. We paired these predictions with avian mark‐resight data for 8 years at the Konza Prairie Biological Station in NE Kansas to evaluate territory selection for Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum), Dickcissels (Spiza americana), and Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna). Each species selected different types and amounts of herbaceous vegetation cover, but all three species preferred relatively flat areas with less than 6% shrub cover and less than 1% tree cover. We evaluated several scenarios of woody vegetation removal and found that, with a targeted approach, the simulated removal of just one isolated tree in the uplands created up to 14 ha of grassland bird habitat. This study supports growing evidence that small amounts of woody encroachment can fragment landscapes, augmenting conservation threats to grassland systems. Conversely, these results demonstrate that drastic increases in bird habitat area could be achieved through relatively efficient management interventions. The results and approaches reported pave the way for more efficient conservation efforts in grasslands and other systems through spatiotemporal alignment of habitat with animal behaviors and simulated impacts of management interventions.