bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Existence of Pure, Broadband Toroidal Sources in Electrodynamics
Authors: Canós Valero Adrià , Borovkov Dmitrii , Kalganov Aleksandr , Dudnikova Alexandra , Sidorenko Mikhail , Dergachev Pavel , Gurvitz Egor , Gao Lei , Bobrovs Vjaceslavs , Miroshnichenko Andrey , Shalin Alexander S.
Published: January 2024

Multipoles are paramount for describing electromagnetic fields in many areas of nanoscale optics, playing an essential role in the design of devices in plasmonics and all‐dielectric nanophotonics. Challenging the traditional division into electric and magnetic moments, toroidal moments are proposed as a physically distinct family of multipoles with significant contributions to the properties of matter. However, the apparent impossibility of separately measuring their response sheds doubt on their true physical significance. Here, the possibility of selectively exciting toroidal moments is confirmed without any other multipole. A set of general conditions is developed that any current distribution must fulfill to be entirely described by toroidal moments and prove the results in an analytically solvable case. The new theory allows to design and verify experimentally an artificial structure supporting a pure broadband toroidal dipole response in the complete absence of the electric dipole and other “ordinary” multipole contributions. In addition, a structure capable of supporting a novel type of non‐radiating source is proposed‐ a “toroidal anapole,” originating from the destructive interference of the toroidal dipole with the unconventional electromagnetic sources known as mean square radii. The results in this work provide conclusive evidence on the independent excitation of toroidal moments in electrodynamics.
Efficacy and safety of fractional microneedle radiofrequency for atrophic acne scars: A real‐world clinical study of 126 patients
Authors: Ding Ziwei , Guo Yuan , Guo Yuehong , Tang Yanqiu , Yin Xufeng , Hua Hui , Zhou Zhanchao , Zhou Bingrong
Published: January 2024

Objective

To analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) for facial atrophic acne scars in a real‐world setting.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with atrophic acne scars who had received FMR therapy from February 2018 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The improvement of atrophic acne scars was assessed using the ECCA Grading Scale (échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), and modified Manchester Scar Scale (mMSS). Adverse reactions during FMR treatment were also recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FMR for atrophic acne scars.

Results

A total of 126 patients with facial atrophic acne scars were included. A total of 590 FMR treatment sessions were accomplished, with each of 82 patients receiving 4 or more treatment sessions, and 1 receiving a maximum of 14 sessions. All patients showed improvement in symptoms after FMR treatment, with moderate to significant improvement (ECCA score reduction of 26%–100%) in 92 (73.0%) patients. As the number of treatment sessions increased, the ECCA score gradually decreased from an average of 85.6 before to 35.0 after FMR. The average scores for distortion, color, and visual analogue scale (VAS) of mMSS all showed certain reductions. The change in GAIS score indicated improvement after treatment, with minimal improvement in 16 patients (12.7%), good improvement in 57 patients (45.2%), significant improvement in 45 patients (35.7%), and optimal improvement in 8 patients (6.4%). The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the long pulse width and the number of FMR treatment sessions were positively associated with clinical efficacy. Compared to the short pulse‐width group (200 ms), the longer pulse‐width group (300 ms) (odds ratio [OR] = 8.3, p = 0.003) and the even longer pulse‐width group (400–500 ms) (OR = 52.6, p < 0.001) demonstrated stronger efficacies. Patients who received more than three treatment sessions had better outcomes compared to those who received three or fewer treatment sessions (OR = 4.0, p = 0.036). All patients experienced posttreatment transient erythema, but no crusting, infection, or blister. Six cases developed grid‐like erythema around 1 month posttreatment and one case experienced hyperpigmentation, both of which resolved within 1–3 months after appropriate management.

Conclusion

FMR is a safe and effective treatment modality for improving facial atrophic acne scars, and the number of FMR treatment sessions and pulse width are associated with clinical efficacy.
Orthotopic forelimb transplantation in a Yucatan minipig model: Anatomic and in vivo study
Authors: Figueroa Brian A. , Ordenana Carlos X. , Rezaei Majid , Said Sayf A. , Fahradyan Vahe , Dalla Pozza Edoardo , Orfahli Lynn M. , Madajka Maria , Kopparthy Varun , Papay Frank , Rampazzo Antonio , Bassiri Gharb Bahar
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Above elbow transplants represent 19% of the upper extremity transplants. Previous large‐animal models have been too distal or heterotopic, did not use immunosuppression and had short survival. We hypothesize that an orthotopic forelimb transplant model, under standard immunosuppression, is feasible and can be used to address questions on peri‐transplant ischemia reperfusion injury, and post‐transplantation vascular, immunologic, infectious, and functional outcomes.

Materials and methods

Four forelimbs were used for anatomical studies. Four mock transplants were performed to establish technique/level of muscle/tendon repairs. Four donor and four recipient female Yucatan minipigs were utilized for in‐vivo transplants (endpoint 90‐days). Forelimbs were amputated at the midarm and preserved through ex vivo normothermic perfusion (EVNP) utilizing an RBC‐based perfusate. Hourly perfusate fluid‐dynamics, gases, electrolytes were recorded. Contractility during EVNLP was graded hourly using the Medical Research Council scale. EVNP termination criteria included systolic arterial pressure ≥115 mmHg, compartment pressure ≥30 mmHg (at EVNP endpoint), oxygen saturation reduction of 20%, and weight change ≥2%. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was performed after revascularization. Limb rejection was evaluated clinically (rash, edema, temperature), and histologically (BANFF classification) collecting per cause and protocol biopsies (POD 1, 7, 30, 60 and endpoint). Systemic infections were assessed by blood culture and tissue histology. CT scan was used to confirm bone bridging at endpoint.

Results

Animals 2, 4 reached endpoint with grade 0‐I rejection. Limbs 1, 3 presented grade III rejection on days 6, 61. CsA troughs averaged 461 ± 189 ng/mL. EVNLP averaged 4.3 ± 0.52 h. Perfusate lactate, PO2, and pH were 5.6 ± 0.9 mmol/L, 557 ± 72 mmHg and 7.5 ± 0.1, respectively. Muscle contractions were 4 [1] during EVNLP. Transplants 2, 3, 4 showed bone bridging on CT.

Conclusion

We present preliminary evidence supporting the feasibility of an orthotopic, mid‐humeral forelimb allotransplantation model under standard immunosuppression regimen. Further research should validate the immunological, infectious, and functional outcomes of this model.
Value of multi‐center 18F‐FDG PET/CT radiomics in predicting EGFR mutation status in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zuo Yan , Liu Liu , Chang Cheng , Yan Hui , Wang Lihua , Sun Dazhen , Ruan Maomei , Lei Bei , Xia Xunpeng , Xie Wenhui , Song Shaoli , Huang Gang
Published: January 2024

Background

Accurate, noninvasive, and reliable assessment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status and EGFR molecular subtypes is essential for treatment plan selection and individualized therapy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Radiomics models based on 18F‐FDG PET/CT have great potential in identifying EGFR mutation status and EGFR subtypes in patients with LUAD. The validation of multi‐center data, model visualization, and interpretation are significantly important for the management, application and trust of machine learning predictive models. However, few EGFR‐related research involved model visualization and interpretation, and multi‐center trial.

Purpose

To develop explainable optimal predictive models based on handcrafted radiomics features (HRFs) extracted from multi‐center 18F‐FDG PET/CT to predict EGFR mutation status and molecular subtypes in LUAD.

Methods

Baseline 18F‐FDG PET/CT images of 383 LUAD patients from three hospitals and one public data set were collected. Further, 1808 HRFs were extracted from the primary tumor regions using Pyradiomics. Predictive models were built based on cross‐combination of seven feature selection methods and seven machine learning algorithms. Yellowbrick and explainable artificial intelligence technology were used for model visualization and interpretation. Receiver operating characteristic curve, classification report and confusion matrix were used for model performance evaluation. Clinical applicability of the optimal models was assessed by decision curve analysis.

Results

STACK feature selection method combined with light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) reached optimal performance in identifying EGFR mutation status ([area under the curve] AUC = 0.81 in the internal test cohort; AUC = 0.62 in the external test cohort). Random forest feature selection method combined with LGBM reached optimal performance in predicting EGFR mutation molecular subtypes (AUC = 0.89 in the internal test cohort; AUC = 0.61 in the external test cohort).

Conclusions

Explainable machine learning models combined with radiomics features extracted from multi‐center/scanner 18F‐FDG PET/CT have certain potential to identify EGFR mutation status and subtypes in LUAD, which might be helpful to the treatment of LUAD.
Alkali‐assisted functionalization of hexagonal boron nitride reinforced epoxy composite to improve the thermomechanical and anticorrosion performance for advanced thermal management
Authors: Kuila Chinmoy , Maji Animesh , Phadikar Ujjwal , Mallisetty Phani Kumar , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: January 2024

A comprehensive methodology for fabricating and characterizing the tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) modified exfoliated boron nitride (eBN) reinforced epoxy resin (EP) composites has been demonstrated. The functionalized eBN was synthesized by solution‐mixing followed by alkali‐assisted hydrothermal reaction. The composites with various filler loadings (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%) were fabricated using solution casting method. The fundamental features of the composites were examined through tensile and bending properties, thermal properties, and anticorrosion properties. The synthesized TEOS‐eBN was utilized to improve the dispersibility and compatibility with the EP resin, which played a crucial role in improving the thermal conductivity as well as thermomechanical properties of the composites. The incorporation of filler in the EP matrix improved the thermomechanical as well as anticorrosion properties. The tensile and flexural tests were carried out according to ASTM D‐638 and ASTM‐D790, respectively. We discovered that the 5 wt.% of TEOS‐eBN in EP showed the optimum thermomechanical properties. The tensile strength and Tg were improved by ~74.71 and ~16.8% at 5 wt.% loading. The improved thermomechanical and anticorrosion properties of all the composites showed the potential to be efficient heat‐releasing material for thermal management and coating applications in automotive industries.

Highlights

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)‐exfoliated boron nitride (eBN) was synthesized by alkali‐assisted hydrothermal and solution mixing method.

The composite specimens exhibited excellent thermal conductivity.

The thermomechanical and anticorrosion performance were remarkably improved.

Optimal thermomechanical properties were obtained at 5% filler content.
Effect of polydopamine surface modification on the adhesive properties of nano‐injection molded metal‐polymer interfaces: A molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Xin Yong , Yuan Tian , Luo Xin , Liu DongLei , Evsyukov S. A.
Published: January 2024

Nano‐injection molding technology is an important method for large‐scale production of metal‐polymer composites of various shapes. The mechanical properties of these materials are closely related to the interfacial process. In this work, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and copper (Cu) were selected as candidate polymer and metal materials, and constructed four different polydopamine (PDA) coatings, including monomer, dimer, linear tetramer, and cyclic tetramer, to modify metal surfaces. The molecular dynamics simulations were launched to investigate the interaction behavior of heterogeneous interfaces during nano‐injection molding and the mechanism by which polydopamine affects the adhesion behavior at the copper‐polyphenylene sulfide interface. Results showed that the addition of polydopamine caused the polymer chains to form many anchor points on the contact surface, which inhibited the wall‐slip behavior of the polymer and led to a mushroom‐like movement of the polymer on the wall surface. The interfacial energy, filling rate data revealed that polydopamine contributes to the enhancement of interfacial adhesion properties, and the polydopamine dimer structure is the most effective of the four configurations. The enhancement of interfacial adhesion mainly originates from the enhancement of non‐bonding interactions and entanglement anchoring between PPS‐PDA.

Highlights

Polydopamine coating inhibits polymer slip behavior in nano‐injection molding.

Polydopamine enhances bond strength of metal‐polymer composites effectively.

Dopamine dimers have better adhesion properties than other structural dopamine.

Polydopamine coating alters the adhesion mechanism at heterogeneous interfaces.

The interface failure mode was closely related to the stress loading mode.
Top‐down ion mobility/mass spectrometry reveals enzyme specificity: Separation and sequencing of isomeric proteoforms
Authors: Berthias Francis , Bilgin Nurgül , Mecinović Jasmin , Jensen Ole N.
Published: January 2024

Enzymatic catalysis is one of the fundamental processes that drives the dynamic landscape of post‐translational modifications (PTMs), expanding the structural and functional diversity of proteins. Here, we assessed enzyme specificity using a top‐down ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) workflow. We successfully applied trapped IMS (TIMS) to investigate site‐specific N‐ε‐acetylation of lysine residues of full‐length histone H4 catalyzed by histone lysine acetyltransferase KAT8. We demonstrate that KAT8 exhibits a preference for N‐ε‐acetylation of residue K16, while also adding acetyl groups on residues K5 and K8 as the first degree of acetylation. Achieving TIMS resolving power values of up to 300, we fully separated mono‐acetylated regioisomers (H4K5ac, H4K8ac, and H4K16ac). Each of these separated regioisomers produce unique MS/MS fragment ions, enabling estimation of their individual mobility distributions and the exact localization of the N‐ε‐acetylation sites. This study highlights the potential of top‐down TIMS‐MS/MS for conducting enzymatic assays at the intact protein level and, more generally, for separation and identification of intact isomeric proteoforms and precise PTM localization.
Dynamically Charged Spheres and their Stability in Einstein‐Gauss‐Bonnet Gravity
Authors: ur Rehman Atteeq , ul Haq Bhatti Muhammad Zaeem , Yousaf Zeeshan
Published: January 2024

Electrically charged anisotropic fluid spheres with vanishing expansion scalar condition under the influence of a newly established gravitational scheme are investigated in this study, i.e., Einstein‐Gauss‐Bonnet (EGB) gravity. Glavan and Lin introduced this framework, in which they rescaled the coupling factor using and derived the gravitational field equations. The work of Herrera et al. is extended to explore the dynamical instability of charged spherically symmetric matter distribution in the context of EGB gravity. In this respect, dynamical equations, conservation equations, and junction conditions for charged sphere are computed. To study the evolution of considered system in the Newtonian and post‐Newtonian regimes against an expansion‐free background, several substantial restrictions are imposed employing a perturbation approach. This study showed that the adiabatic index () has no effect on the instability ranges in the aforementioned approximations. It is analyzed that the determination of these ranges solely attributed to the anisotropy of fluid surface pressures, radial profile, EGB factors, and charged intensity parameters along with the radial distribution of energy density.
Highly Efficient Red, Green, and Blue Inverted Top‐Emitting Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Microstructured TiN Substrate
Authors: Shi Wei , Zheng Haixia , Zhao Yunping , Pu Xianyong , Shui Xinfeng , Lin Yang , Chen Guo , Yang Xuyong , Zhang Guoqi , Wei Bin
Published: January 2024

The morphological and optical properties of microstructured silicon substrates (M–Si) and inverted top‐emitting organic light‐emitting diodes (ITOLEDs) based on the M–Si/Ti/TiN/Al composite electrodes are studied. The developed M–Si/Ti/TiN/Al composite electrodes function well in improving the performance of red, green, and blue ITOLED. The Al thin film deposited on TiN silicon substrate could significantly improve the reflectivity of the electrode, and the microstructured substrate could further increase the reflective path for lights inside OLEDs. Meanwhile, by adopting a light output‐coupling layer on top of the device and using the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of the top‐emitting structure, the angle‐dependent effect of ITOLEDs based on the composite electrodes is reduced. Through employing the M–Si/Ti/TiN/Al composite electrodes, all the red, green, and blue OLEDs achieve an improved performance, and the red OLED shows the best performance enhancement, with the luminance of 26 247 cd m−2, maximum current efficient of 30.7 cd A−1, and maximum external quantum efficiency of 17.4%. This provides a new strategy to achieve highly efficient ITOLEDs.
The flaw of averages: Bayes factors as posterior means of the likelihood ratio
Authors: Liu Charles C. , Yu Ron Xiaolong , Aitkin Murray
Published: January 2024

As an alternative to the Frequentist p‐value, the Bayes factor (or ratio of marginal likelihoods) has been regarded as one of the primary tools for Bayesian hypothesis testing. In recent years, several researchers have begun to re‐analyze results from prominent medical journals, as well as from trials for FDA‐approved drugs, to show that Bayes factors often give divergent conclusions from those of p‐values. In this paper, we investigate the claim that Bayes factors are straightforward to interpret as directly quantifying the relative strength of evidence. In particular, we show that for nested hypotheses with consistent priors, the Bayes factor for the null over the alternative hypothesis is the posterior mean of the likelihood ratio. By re‐analyzing 39 results previously published in the New England Journal of Medicine, we demonstrate how the posterior distribution of the likelihood ratio can be computed and visualized, providing useful information beyond the posterior mean alone.
Flavonoids derived from medicinal plants as a COVID‐19 treatment
Authors: Sopjani Mentor , Falco Francesca , Impellitteri Federica , Guarrasi Valeria , Nguyen Thi Xuan , Dërmaku‐Sopjani Miribane , Faggio Caterina
Published: January 2024

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) causes COVID‐19 disease. Through its viral spike (S) protein, the virus enters and infects epithelial cells by utilizing angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 as a host cell's receptor protein. The COVID‐19 pandemic had a profound impact on global public health and economies. Although various effective vaccinations and medications are now available to prevent and treat COVID‐19, natural compounds derived from medicinal plants, particularly flavonoids, demonstrated therapeutic potential to treat COVID‐19 disease. Flavonoids exhibit dual antiviral mechanisms: direct interference with viral invasion and inhibition of replication. Specifically, they target key viral molecules, particularly viral proteases, involved in infection. These compounds showcase significant immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties, effectively inhibiting various inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, emerging evidence supports the potential of flavonoids to mitigate the progression of COVID‐19 in individuals with obesity by positively influencing lipid metabolism. This review aims to elucidate the molecular structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the underlying mechanism of action of flavonoids on the virus. This study evaluates the potential anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 properties exhibited by flavonoid compounds, with a specific interest in their structure and mechanisms of action, as therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of COVID‐19. Nevertheless, a significant portion of existing knowledge is based on theoretical frameworks and findings derived from in vitro investigations. Further research is required to better assess the effectiveness of flavonoids in combating SARS‐CoV‐2, with a particular emphasis on in vivo and clinical investigations.
Tanshinone IIA reverses gefitinib resistance in EGFR‐mutant lung cancer via inhibition of SREBP1‐mediated lipogenesis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xu Chuncao , Huang Junyuan , Jiang Shiqin , Qin Zhiyan , Cao Lin , Tan Guoyao , Zhao Zhongxiang , Huang Min , Jin Jing
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim

Gefitinib resistance is an urgent problem to be solved in the treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is one of the main active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which exhibits significant antitumor effects. The aim of this study is to explore the reversal effect of Tan IIA on gefitinib resistance in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutant NSCLC and the underlying mechanism.

Experimental Procedure

CCK‐8, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were applied to detect the cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. The changes in lipid profiles were measured by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (MS)/MS. Western blot, real‐time q‐PCR, and immunohistochemical were used to detect the protein and the corresponding mRNA levels. The in vivo antitumor effect was validated by the xenograft mouse model.

Key Results

Co‐treatment of Tan IIA enhanced the sensitivity of resistant NSCLC cells to gefitinib. Mechanistically, Tan IIA could downregulate the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and its downstream target genes, causing changes in lipid profiles, thereby reversing the gefitinib‐resistance in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions and Implications

Tan IIA improved gefitinib sensitivity via SREBP1‐mediated lipogenesis. Tan IIA could be a potential candidate to enhance sensitivity for gefitinib‐resistant NSCLC patients.
Turbulent structural analysis of the combined fishway with vertical seam and bottom hole
Authors: Shen Chun‐ying , Chen Yu‐bin , Shi Xiao‐tao , Wang Ming‐ming , He Shi‐hua
Published: January 2024

The three‐dimensional flow velocities within the typical pool chamber of the rectangular fishway were measured in a vertical slit bottom‐hole combination fishway by a hydraulic model test using an acoustic Doppler velocimeter (ADV). This was aimed to analyze the effect of eddy structures within the pool chamber of the fishway on fish migration. Based on this, a numerical simulation study was conducted using the Reynolds mean model (RNG k‐ε) and large eddy simulation (LES). Additionally, the omega (Ω) eddy identification method was used to identify the eddy structure within the pool chamber of the fishway and dissect the flow characteristics of the water body within the pool chamber. The findings revealed that longitudinal flow velocity dominated the flow in the lower bottom layer of the pond. Moreover, the flow in the middle and upper layers was more turbulent and there is a phenomenon of backflow upstream, and the flow at the orifice was a divergent jet with the main flow slightly to the right bank, forming two vortices in opposite directions on both sides of the orifice. The fish passage mainly displayed the turbulent vortex structure, which can effectively slow down the water flow and provide a resting place for migratory fish. The vortex identification method can more accurately identify the vortex structure inside the flow field.
Sustainable development, environmental innovation and export firms: The moderating roles of external collaboration, creativity enhancement and internal development processes
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy , Chang Chia‐Yang , Tisch Daniel
Published: January 2024

Export firms are vital to a country's economic development and are distinctively positioned to engage in environmentally sustainable innovation. We extend the resource‐based view about the unique cross‐border challenges faced by export firms and the advantage they can generate from engaging in sustainable development. Using a large sample of 4949 Taiwanese export firms, our main effects test confirms the link between export firms and environmentally sustainable innovation. Furthermore, we find that creativity enhancement processes and internal development processes positively moderate the relationship, whereas external collaboration processes negatively moderate it. We contribute to the literature on the contingent factors that explain environmentally sustainable innovation for export firms. Additional tests are presented and discussed along with policy implications, future research directions and conclusions.
Residents' environmental behavior in eco‐community development and its influencing factors: Evidence from Dongying City, Shandong Province in China
Authors: Wu Zhaoliang , Jin Min , Cao Hu
Published: January 2024

Eco‐community Development (ECD) is a specific embodiment of city sustainability and ecological civilization construction at local scale, and residents are one of the core stakeholders. They engage in ECD through various activities and their environmental behavior is the result of the interaction of “human” and “environment”. The main focus of this study is to measure residents' environmental behavior and explore its influencing factors. Previous studies have limited implications to measure residents' participation intensity and give less attention to explore the impact of “environment” factors on people's environmental behavior, especially the influence of situational factors. Public environmental facilities and activities (PEFA) are important supporting measures in communities and the main type of situational factors. In this context, we initially propose “Participation Intensity (PI)” to measure residents' environmental behavior from the processes of household lifestyle, consumption, recreation and social interaction. Then, we apply OLS regression model to analyze its determinants based on a questionnaire survey to 586 residents in Dongying City, Shandong Province in China. The findings show that residents' PI varies and PEFA are powerful predictors. Furthermore, residents' psychological factors, including concern and attitude to ECD and their satisfaction on the role of neighborhood committee, as well as socio‐demographic characteristics, including gender, education level and length of residence also play important roles on PI. Our study provides a new perspective for understanding residents' participation in community environmental governance and suggests useful references for promoting ECD.
Synthesis of Layer‐By‐Layer Decorated Graphene Oxide with Bismuth Telluride Nanoparticles‐modified Dendrimer: Application for Nonylphenol Removal from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hazratian Leila , Mansouri Nabioallah , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Taghavi Lobat , Moniri Elham
Published: January 2024

Herein, for the first time, the bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanoparticles functionalized graphene oxide (GO) were synthesized for the removal of nonylphenol (NP). The surface of the GO‐Bi2Te3 nanocomposite was modified by hyperbranched dendrimer and characterized by different spectroscopic and morphological techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In this paper, to enhance the capacity, the surface of GO‐Bi2Te3@GlyTsCl dendrimer was modified by 5‐amino‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid (5‐ASA). The effects of parameters on the removal of NP were also studied. This study reports the utilization of nanoadsorbent (GO‐Bi2Te3@GlyTsCl/5‐ASA) for the removal of NP by high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC‐FLD). Under optimal conditions, the removal values for the method were in the range of 90–96 %. Additionally, the Langmuir model was found to be fit with the isotherms data. The best kinetic model fit for the adsorption of NP from nanoadsorbent was the pseudo‐second‐order model. Moreover, GO‐Bi2Te3@GlyTsCl/5‐ASA nanoadsorbent exposed good reusability even after six consecutive cycles (from 100 % to 93 %) with high stability. Consequently, synthesized GO‐Bi2Te3@GlyTsCl/5‐ASA composites could be potentially used as an efficient nanoadsorbent for NP removal in water samples.
Regioselective Thiolation of Indoles with Sulfinyl Amides
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Xue , Luo Zhen , Liu Tanglin , Li Qinghua
Published: January 2024

A mild, efficient and highly regioselective thiolation of indoles by sulfinyl amides via direct C−H functionalization is described. Sulfinyl amides could be reduced to thioethers and submitted as the thiolation reagents were developed. This reaction provides a useful method for the synthesis of 3‐indole thioethers and 2,3‐dithioindole derivatives. This mix‐and‐go approach also tolerates broad substrate scope and outstanding functional group compatibility. In addition, this preparation could be easily conducted on a gram scale with high efficiency.
Delineating the Effects of Transition‐Metal‐Ion Dissolution on Silicon Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Torres Rudy Martin , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: January 2024

Silicon anode is an appealing alternative to enhance the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries due to its high capacity, but it suffers from severe capacity fade caused by its fast degradation. The crossover of dissolved transition‐metal (TM) ions from the cathode to the anode is known to catalyze the decomposition of electrolyte on the graphite anode surface, but the relative impact of dissolved Mn2+ versus Ni2+ versus Co2+ on silicon anode remains to be delineated. Since all three TM ions can dissolve from LiNi1−x−yMnxCoyO2 (NMC) cathodes and migrate to the anode, here a LiFePO4 cathode is paired with SiOx anode and assess the impact by introducing a specific amount of Mn2+ or Ni2+ or Co2+ ions into the electrolyte. It is found that Mn2+ ions cause a much larger increase in SiOx electrode thickness during cycling due to increased electrolyte decomposition and solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation compared to Ni2+ and Co2+ ions, similar to previous findings with graphite anode. However, with a lower impedance, the SEI formed with Mn2+ protects the Si anode from excessive degradation compared to that with Co2+ or Ni2+ ions. Thus, Mn2+ ions have a less detrimental effect on Si anodes than Co2+ or Ni2+ ions, which is the opposite of that seen with graphite anodes.
Synergistic Interfacial Effect of Ru/Co3O4 Heterojunctions for Boosting Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Tian Wanyu , Xie Xin , Zhang Xingang , Li Jinhong , Waterhouse Geoffrey I.N. , Ding Jie , Liu Yushan , Lu Siyu
Published: January 2024

Low‐cost bifunctional electrocatalysts capable of efficiently driving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are needed for the growth of a green hydrogen economy. Herein, a Ru/Co3O4 heterojunction catalyst rich in oxygen vacancies (VO) and supported on carbon cloth (RCO‐VO@CC) is prepared via a solid phase reaction (SPR) strategy. A RuO2/Co9S8@CC precursor (ROC@CC) is first prepared by loading Co9S8 nanosheets onto CC, following the addition of RuO2 nanoparticles (NPs). After the SPR process in an Ar atmosphere, Ru/Co3O4 heterojunctions with abundant VO are formed on the CC. The compositionally optimized RCO‐VO@CC electrocatalyst with a Ru content of 0.55 wt.% exhibits very low overpotential values of 11 and 253 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, respectively, in 1 m KOH. Further, a low cell voltage of only 1.49 V is required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Density functional theoretical calculations verify that the outstanding bifunctional electrocatalytic performance originates from synergistic charge transfer between Ru metal and VO‐rich Co3O4. This work reports a novel approach toward a high‐efficiency HER/OER electrocatalyst for energy storage and conversion.
Electrochemiluminescence Enhancement and Passivation Mitigation in Carbon Nitride Semiconductors via an Integrated Ternary Heterostructure Strategy
Authors: Zhao Chulei , Ma Chaoyun , Wang Min , Lai Wenjing , Hong Chenglin
Published: January 2024

In recent years, carbon nitride (CN) has attracted substantial attention in the field of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) applications, owing to its outstanding optical and electronic properties. However, the passivation of CN during the ECL process has contributed to reduced stability and poor repeatability. While some studies have tried to boost ECL performance by altering CN through doping and vacancies, effectively suppressing CN passivation at high potentials continues to be challenge. In this study, the built‐in electric field and the Schottky barrier effect is used to expedite the transfer of electrons from CN to the molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) conduction band. This transfer deterred excessive electron injection into the CN band, thus mitigating its electrochemical degradation. Moreover, by introducing nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) as catalytic active sites, it is facilitated that the decomposition of potassium persulfate (K2S2O8), thereby enhancing both the stability and intensity of ECL emission. In the end, the application of ternary heterostructure as sensing platform for the cancer biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) demonstrated high sensitivity. This research introduces a novel approach to overcome CN passivation, paving the way for more promising applications of CN in energy, environmental, and biosensing fields.
Biomineralization‐Inspired Synthesis of Hybrid COF Nanosheets toward Efficient Desalination Membranes
Authors: Zhao Junyi , Wang Yuhan , Zhang Zhiming , Zhu Ziting , Zeng Shichen , Yang Guangzhaoyao , Zhang Sui , Pan Fusheng , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: January 2024

Synthesis of covalent organic framework nanosheets (CONs) with high aspect ratio is crucial to their assembly into advanced membranes. Nonetheless, the π‐π stacking between covalent organic framework (COF) layers often leads to thick CONs. Herein, inspired by biomineralization process, a series of aspect ratio CONs >15 000 is synthesized by multifunctional polyelectrolytes which not only provide the nucleation sites for pre‐assembly with COF monomer, but also suppress π‐π interaction for anisotropic growth through protonation. The membrane assembled from CONs exhibited water permeance of 341 kg m−2 h−1 and salt rejection of 99.5% in desalination, outperforming ever‐reported membranes. This method establishes a platform for the synthesis of crystalline nanosheets.
Translating the Optimized Durability of Co‐Based Anode Catalyst into Sustainable Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Han Sanghwi , Ryu Jae Hyun , Lee Won Bo , Ryu Jaeyune , Yoon Jeyong
Published: January 2024

Development of robust electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) underpins the efficient production of green hydrogen via anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). This study elucidates the factors contributing to the degradation of cobalt‐based (Co‐based) OER catalysts synthesized via electrodeposition, thus establishing strategic approaches to enhance their longevity. Systematic variations in the electroplating process and subsequent heat treatment reveal a delicate balance between catalytic activity and durability, substantiated by comprehensive electrochemical assessments and material analyses. Building upon these findings, the Co‐based anode is successfully optimized in the AEMWE single‐cell configuration, showcasing an average degradation rate of 0.07 mV h−1 over a continuous operation for 1500 h at a current density of 1 A cm−2.
Intelligent Reconfiguration‐Promoted Cellular Internalization of Core–Shell DNA Nanoprobe Equipped with Successive Dual Stimuli‐Responsive Protective Satellites for Amplification Fluorescence Imaging of Tumor Cells
Authors: Pan Wenhao , Niu Huimin , Luo Shasha , Chen Linhuan , Wu Zai‐Sheng
Published: January 2024

Although DNA probes have attracted increasing interest for precise tumor cell identification by imaging intracellular biomarkers, the requirement of commercial transfection reagents, limited targeting ligands, and/or non‐biocompatible inorganic nanostructures has hampered the clinic translation. To circumvent these shortcomings, a reconfigurable ES‐NC (Na+‐dependent DNAzyme (E)‐based substrate (S) cleavage core/shell DNA nanocluster (NC)) entirely from DNA strands is assembled for precise imaging of cancerous cells in a successive dual‐stimuli‐responsive manner. This nanoprobe is composed of a strung DNA tetrahedral satellites‐based protective (DTP) shell, parallelly aligned target‐responsive sensing (PTS) interlayer, and hydrophobic cholesterol‐packed innermost layer (HCI core). Tetrahedral axial rotation‐activated reconfiguration of DTP shell promotes the exposure of interior hydrophobic moieties, enabling cholesterol‐mediated cellular internalization without auxiliary elements. Within cells, over‐expressed glutathione triggers the disassembly of the DTP protective shell (first stimulus), facilitating target‐stimulated signal transduction/amplification process (second stimuli). Target miRNA‐21 is detected down to 10.6 fM without interference from coexisting miRNAs. Compared with transfection reagent‐mediated counterpart, ES‐NC displays a higher imaging ability, resists nuclease degradation, and has no detectable damage to healthy cells. The blind test demonstrates that the ES‐NC is suitable for the identification of cancerous cells from healthy cells, indicating a promising tool for early diagnosis and prediction of cancer.
Synergistic Electronic Interaction of Nitrogen Coordinated Fe‐Sn Double‐Atom Sites: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Vimal , Sabhapathy Palani , Raghunath Puttikam , Huang Chih‐Yang , Sabbah Amr , Hussien Mahmoud Kamal , Syum Zeru , Muthusamy Saravanakumar , Lin Ming‐Chang , Wu Heng‐Liang , Chen Ruei‐San , Chen Kuei‐Hsien , Chen Li‐Chyong
Published: January 2024

Double‐atom site catalysts (DASs) have emerged as a recent trend in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), thereby modifying the intermediate adsorption energies and increasing the activity. However, the lack of an efficient dual atom site to improve activity and durability has limited these catalysts from widespread application. Herein, the nitrogen‐coordinated iron and tin‐based DASs (Fe‐Sn‐N/C) catalyst are synthesized for ORR. This catalyst has a high activity with ORR half‐wave potentials (E1/2) of 0.92 V in alkaline, which is higher than those of the state‐of‐the‐art Pt/C (E1/2 = 0.83 V), Fe‐N/C (E1/2 = 0.83 V), and Sn‐N/C (E1/2 = 0.77 V). Scanning electron transmission microscopy analysis confirmed the atomically distributed Fe and Sn sites on the N‐doped carbon network. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy analysis revealed the charge transfer between Fe and Sn. Both experimental and theoretical results indicate that the Sn with Fe‐NC (Fe‐Sn‐N/C) induces charge redistribution, weakening the binding strength of oxygenated intermediates and leading to improved ORR activity. This study provides the synergistic effects of DASs catalysts and addresses the impacts of P‐block elements on d‐block transition metals in ORR.
Starch‐PHA Blend‐Based Biopolymers with Potential Food Applications
Authors: Paul Veena , Rai Saloni , Vikranta Urvashi , Nandan Alisha , Agarwal Aparna , Tripathi Abhishek Dutt
Published: January 2024

The growing population and societal consumption patterns associated with unsustainable production routes have increased pollution levels. Because of the environmental pollution caused by petroleum‐derived plastics, it has become critical to develop an alternative biopolymer‐based biodegradable plastic for long‐term sustainability. Biopolymers are eco‐friendly due to their nontoxicity, biodegradability, stability, biocompatibility, rheological, and thermal properties. However, these polymers' production methods have hindered their progress toward a bright future of sustainable production and growth. Therefore, improved formulations and tactics are needed to develop new approaches. A range of methods for application in industry can transform Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Due to its affordability and simplicity of use, blending is regarded as one of the most successful methods. It has various uses, from absorbable sutures to biomedical implants and ecologically friendly resins, and useful applications in food packaging. Starch is a highly economical raw material and can be processed as an affordable substrate for innovative biodegradable polymers. In contrast to lowering water vapor and oxygen permeability, the addition of cross‐linking agents to starch/PHA blends increases thermal stability, elasticity, and compatibility between the starch and PHA molecules in the films. This review focuses on the synthesis, physicochemical properties, and application of PHA‐starch blends in the food industry.
Swallowed topical corticosteroids for eosinophilic esophagitis: Utilization and real‐world efficacy from the EoE CONNECT registry
Authors: Laserna‐Mendieta Emilio J. , Navarro Pilar , Casabona‐Francés Sergio , Savarino Edoardo V. , Amorena Edurne , Pérez‐Martínez Isabel , Guagnozzi Danila , Blas‐Jhon Leonardo , Betoré Elena , Guardiola‐Arévalo Antonio , Pellegatta Gaia , Krarup Anne Lund , Perello Antonia , Barrio Jesús , Gutiérrez‐Junquera Carolina , Teruel Sánchez‐Vegazo Carlos , Fernández‐Fernández Sonia , Naves Juan Enrique , Oliva Salvatore , Rodríguez‐Oballe Juan Armando , Carrión Silvia , Espina Silvia , Llorente Barrio Mónica , Masiques‐Mas Maria Lluisa , Dainese Raffaella , Feo‐Ortega Sara , Martín‐Dominguez Verónica , Fernández‐Pacheco Jennifer , Pérez‐Fernández Maria Teresa , Ghisa Matteo , Maniero Daria , Nantes‐Castillejo Óscar , Nicolay‐Maneru Julia , Suárez Adolfo , Maray Iván , Llerena‐Castro Ronald , Ortega‐Larrodé Adriana , Alcedo Javier , Granja Navacerrada Alicia , Racca Francesca , Santander Cecilio , Arias Ángel , Lucendo Alfredo J. ,   EUREOS and EoE CONNECT research group
Published: January 2024

Background

Swallowed topical corticosteroids (tC) are common therapy for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Widely heterogeneous results have occurred due to their active ingredients, formulations and doses.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of topical corticosteroid therapy for EoE in real‐world practice.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study analysis of the multicentre EoE CONNECT registry. Clinical remission was defined as a decrease of ≥50% in dysphagia symptom scores; histological remission was defined as a peak eosinophil count below 15 per high‐power field. The effectiveness in achieving clinico‐histological remission (CHR) was compared for the main tC formulations.

Results

Overall, data on 1456 prescriptions of tC in monotherapy used in 866 individual patients were assessed. Of those, 904 prescriptions with data on formulation were employed for the induction of remission; 234 reduced a previously effective dose for maintenance. Fluticasone propionate formulations dominated the first‐line treatment, while budesonide was more common in later therapies. A swallowed nasal drop suspension was the most common formulation of fluticasone propionate. Doses ≥0.8 mg/day provided a 65% CHR rate and were superior to lower doses. Oral viscous solution prepared by a pharmacist was the most common prescription of budesonide; 4 mg/day provided no benefit over 2 mg/day (CHR rated being 72% and 80%, respectively). A multivariate analysis revealed budesonide orodispersible tablets as the most effective therapy (OR 18.9, p < 0.001); use of higher doses (OR 4.3, p = 0.03) and lower symptom scores (OR 0.9, p = 0.01) were also determinants of effectiveness.

Conclusion

Reduced symptom severity, use of high doses, and use of budesonide orodispersible tablets particularly were all independent predictors of tC effectiveness.
An ultra high‐throughput, massively multiplexable, single‐cell RNA‐seq platform in yeasts
Authors: Brettner Leandra , Eder Rachel , Schmidlin Kara , Geiler‐Samerotte Kerry
Published: January 2024

Yeasts are naturally diverse, genetically tractable, and easy to grow such that researchers can investigate any number of genotypes, environments, or interactions thereof. However, studies of yeast transcriptomes have been limited by the processing capabilities of traditional RNA sequencing techniques. Here we optimize a powerful, high‐throughput single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) platform, SPLiT‐seq (Split Pool Ligation‐based Transcriptome sequencing), for yeasts and apply it to 43,388 cells of multiple species and ploidies. This platform utilizes a combinatorial barcoding strategy to enable massively parallel RNA sequencing of hundreds of yeast genotypes or growth conditions at once. This method can be applied to most species or strains of yeast for a fraction of the cost of traditional scRNAseq approaches. Thus, our technology permits researchers to leverage “the awesome power of yeast” by allowing us to survey the transcriptome of hundreds of strains and environments in a short period of time and with no specialized equipment. The key to this method is that sequential barcodes are probabilistically appended to cDNA copies of RNA while the molecules remain trapped inside of each cell. Thus, the transcriptome of each cell is labeled with a unique combination of barcodes. Since SPLiT‐seq uses the cell membrane as a container for this reaction, many cells can be processed together without the need to physically isolate them from one another in separate wells or droplets. Further, the first barcode in the sequence can be chosen intentionally to identify samples from different environments or genetic backgrounds, enabling multiplexing of hundreds of unique perturbations in a single experiment. In addition to greater multiplexing capabilities, our method also facilitates a deeper investigation of biological heterogeneity, given its single‐cell nature. For example, in the data presented here, we detect transcriptionally distinct cell states related to cell cycle, ploidy, metabolic strategies, and so forth, all within clonal yeast populations grown in the same environment. Hence, our technology has two obvious and impactful applications for yeast research: the first is the general study of transcriptional phenotypes across many strains and environments, and the second is investigating cell‐to‐cell heterogeneity across the entire transcriptome.