bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norwegian honey bees surviving Varroa destructor mite infestations by means of natural selection
Authors: Oddie Melissa A.Y. , Dahle Bjørn , Neumann Peter
Published: October 2017

Background

Managed, feral and wild populations of European honey bee subspecies, Apis mellifera, are currently facing severe colony losses globally. There is consensus that the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, that switched hosts from the Eastern honey bee Apis cerana to the Western honey bee A. mellifera, is a key factor driving these losses. For >20 years, breeding efforts have not produced European honey bee colonies that can survive infestations without the need for mite control. However, at least three populations of European honey bees have developed this ability by means of natural selection and have been surviving for >10 years without mite treatments. Reduced mite reproductive success has been suggested as a key factor explaining this natural survival. Here, we report a managed A. mellifera population in Norway, that has been naturally surviving consistent V. destructor infestations for >17 years.

Methods

Surviving colonies and local susceptible controls were evaluated for mite infestation levels, mite reproductive success and two potential mechanisms explaining colony survival: grooming of adult worker bees and Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH): adult workers specifically detecting and removing mite-infested brood.

Results

Mite infestation levels were significantly lower in surviving colonies and mite reproductive success was reduced by 30% when compared to the controls. No significant differences were found between surviving and control colonies for either grooming or VSH.

Discussion

Our data confirm that reduced mite reproductive success seems to be a key factor for natural survival of infested A. mellifera colonies. However, neither grooming nor VSH seem to explain colony survival. Instead, other behaviors of the adult bees seem to be sufficient to hinder mite reproductive success, because brood for this experiment was taken from susceptible donor colonies only. To mitigate the global impact of V. destructor, we suggest learning more from nature, i.e., identifying the obviously efficient mechanisms favored by natural selection.
Relative abundance of the shovelnose guitarfish rhinobatos productus (Ayres, 1856) (Pisces: Rhinobatidae) in Bahía Almejas, Baja California Sur, from 1991 to 1995
Authors: Salazar-Hermoso F , Villavicencio-Garayzar C
Published: October 2017

Daily commercial fishing data were used to determine the relative abundance of the shovelnose guitarfish Rhinobatos productus (Ayres, 1856) in Bahía Almejas, Baja California Sur (Mexico), from August 1991 to December 1995. Data suggest that seasonal trends exist in the catch, with maximum values from May to August. In order to determine if the seasonality is a result of variations in the abundance, catch effort data (number of nets laid) were included in the calculations and the results were expressed in terms of catch per unit effort (CPUE; org/net/week and org/net/month). The cyclical behavior of R. productus abundance follows lunar cycles, sea temperature and probably food availability, all critical factors if we consider that the species uses the area for its reproduction. The species enters massively into the bay during one month and leaves in just two weeks. An alternate trend was identified in the relative abundance between years, with the uneven years (1993 and 1995) as the abundant ones. The relative abundance of R. productus increased from 1991 to 1995, even with the respective decreases in the even years.
Influence of a rocky platform in the profile morphology: Victoria Beach, Cadiz (Spain)
Authors: Bernabeu-Tello AM , Muñoz-Pérez JJ , Medina-Santamaría R
Published: October 2017

The equilibrium profile concept is a useful tool for the knowledge and management of the coastline. This concept is based on several assumptions that rarely are satisfied in nature. One of these considers that the geologic setting has no influence in the profile morphology. The Victoria beach is a good example that questions this hypothesis. Muñoz-Pérez (1996) and Muñoz-Pérez et al. (1999) proposed an analytical expression of equilibrium beach profile for reefprotected beaches. In this work, data measured at Victoria beach are used to confirm the goodness of this model. The results obtained show that the occurrence of a horizontal rocky platform in subtidal zone modifies the beach slope and the seasonal evolution of the profile.
Bayes theorem applied to the yield estimate of the Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax coeruleus Girard) from Bahia Magdalena, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Authors: Morales-Bojórquez E
Published: October 2017

The yield of the Pacific sardine Sardinops sagax caeruleus from Bahía Magdalena, B.C.S., was analyzed using a stockrecruitment model. The model was stochastic, and it used the hypotheses of process error (H1) in the model, and observation error (H2) in the data. The results showed a positive bias in the management quantities and the parameters of the model. Confronting both hypotheses with a Monte Carlo simulation resulted in evidences of the effect of the observation error in the measurement of the adult stock of the sardine population. Statistical analysis supported in the Bayes theorem showed that the probabilities estimated from a maximum likelihood model for hypothesis H1 are informative enough as prior probability. In this way, the maximun sustainable yield (MSY) of the fishery was 14,400 t with uMSY = 0.35. The decision table showed that parameters of the model have a probability > 0.80 for α (density-independent parameter) between 0.040 and 0.058, while β (density-dependent parameter) varies between 1.6 and 2.2 with a probability > 0.85. The joint distribution of both parameters allowed a yield 10,100 t < MSY < 20,200 t per fishing season.
Open Access Publication at a Crossroads—Implications for Researchers and Beyond
Authors: Phillips Kathryn A.
Published: October 2024

This Viewpoint describes the wide range of open access (OA) models, examines controversies as OA publication attempts to achieve equitable access, and recommends ways to address gaps.
Promotion of Knowledge and Trust Surrounding Scarce Resource Allocation Policies
Authors: Buhr Russell G. , Romero Ruby , Wisk Lauren E.
Published: October 2024

Importance

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted rapid development of scarce resource allocation policies (SRAPs) in case demand for critical health services eclipsed capacity.

Objective

To test whether a brief educational video could improve knowledge of how the University of California Health’s SRAP would be implemented and trust in health systems to implement such policies in accordance with ethical principles during the pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial used an educational video intervention embedded in a longitudinal web-based survey and was conducted between May and December 2020 and analyzed during March 2024. A total of 1971 adult participants were enrolled, of whom 939 completed follow-up; participants with matched baseline and follow-up responses were analyzed. California residents were randomized to view the intervention (n = 345) or not (n = 353) and stratified by age, sex, education, racial identity, and self-reported health care worker status. Non-California residents were allocated to the control group (n = 241).

Interventions

A brief (6-minute) “explainer” video that provided an overview of mechanics and ethical principles underpinning the University of California Health SRAP, subtitled in 6 languages.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Self-reported survey assessment of knowledge of components of SRAP, graded as correct vs incorrect, and trust graded on a 10-point Likert scale. Anxiety about such policies was graded on a 10-point Likert scale with an a priori noninferiority margin of half of a standard deviation. Participants answered items at baseline and follow-up (approximately 10 weeks after baseline), with randomization occurring between administrations.

Results

Of 770 randomized participants with responses at both points, 566 (73.5%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 43.5 (36-57) years. Intervention participants demonstrated improvement of 5.6 (95% CI, 4.8-6.4; P < .001) more correct knowledge items of 20 vs controls, as well as significant improvements in reported trust in fairness/consistency and honesty/transparency about SRAP implementation. There was no significant change in reported anxiety surrounding SRAP in either treatment or control groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

The trial found that a brief educational video is sufficient to explain complex ethical tenets and mechanics of SRAP and improved knowledge of such policies and trust in health systems to implement them equitably while not exacerbating anxiety about potential policy implications. This informs practice by providing a framework for educating people about the use of these policies during future situations necessitating crisis standards of care.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04373135
Early Maternal Prenatal Cannabis Use and Child Developmental Delays
Authors: Avalos Lyndsay A. , Oberman Nina , Alexeeff Stacey E. , Croen Lisa A. , Davignon Meghan N. , Adams Sara R. , Ansley Deborah , Chambers Christina D. , Steuerle Kristin , Young-Wolff Kelly C.
Published: October 2024

Importance

Maternal prenatal cannabis use is associated with adverse neonatal health effects, yet little is known about its association with child developmental outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate associations between maternal prenatal cannabis use in early pregnancy and child early developmental delays.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 119 976 children born to 106 240 unique individuals between January 2015 and December 2019 and followed up to aged 5.5 years or younger (through December 31, 2021) at Kaiser Permanente Northern California. Individuals were screened for prenatal cannabis use via self-report and urine toxicology at entrance into prenatal care (approximately 8- to 10-weeks’ gestation). Data were analyzed from February 2023 to March 2024.

Exposure

Maternal prenatal cannabis use defined as any use (self-reported or by urine toxicology testing) and use frequency.

Main Outcomes

Early developmental delays (speech and language disorders, motor delays, global delays) in children up to age 5.5 years defined by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Ninth Revision and Tenth Revision diagnoses codes ascertained from electronic health records.

Results

In this cohort of 119 976 pregnancies among 106 240 unique pregnant individuals, there were 29 543 Hispanic pregnancies (24.6%), 6567 non-Hispanic Black pregnancies (5.5%), 46 823 non-Hispanic White pregnancies (39.0%), 12 837 pregnancies (10.7%) to individuals aged 24 years or younger, and 10 365 pregnancies (8.6%) to individuals insured by Medicaid. Maternal prenatal cannabis use was documented for 6778 pregnancies (5.6%). Daily maternal prenatal cannabis use was reported for 618 pregnancies (0.5%), weekly for 722 pregnancies (0.6%), and monthly or less for 1617 pregnancies (1.3%). No association was observed between maternal prenatal cannabis use and child speech and language disorders (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.84-1.03), global developmental delays (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.68-1.59), or motor delays (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.69-1.06). No association was detected between the frequency of maternal prenatal cannabis use and child early developmental delays.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, maternal prenatal cannabis use was not associated with an increased risk of child early developmental delays. Future research is needed to assess different patterns of cannabis use throughout pregnancy. Given the association between maternal prenatal cannabis use and other adverse outcomes, pregnant individuals should be educated on those risks.
Geographic Socioeconomic Influences on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis in an Academic and Safety Net Hospital System
Authors: Kim Joseph , Zhang Song , Gao Ang , Xie Donglu , Kazi Salahuddin , Karp David R. , Bartels Christie M. , Solow E. Blair
Published: October 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) on disease activity and cardiovascular comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of adult patients with RA was conducted to highlight differences in academic and safety net hospital clinics. Demographics, RA medication history, patient portal engagement, primary care presence, emergency or inpatient visits, RA disease activity and functional scores, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and cardiovascular disease (CVD) presence were captured. The ADI rank was assigned using nine‐digit zip codes. Patients were stratified by the upper versus lower ADI decile group and matched by age, sex, race, ethnicity, insurance, and CCI using propensity score analysis.

Results

Patients with RA from the academic practice (n = 542) and the safety net hospital (n = 496) were assessed. In the academic cohort, those with high ADI scores (>8, more deprivation) had higher RA disease activity scores (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 mean ± SD: high 13.83 ± 6.94 vs low 11.17 ± 7.37, P < 0.0001; Clinical Disease Activity Index mean ± SD: high 11.97 ± 11.74 vs low 9.40 ± 7.97, P < 0.05), more functional impairment (Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire mean ± SD: high 2.99 ± 2.29 vs low 2.34 ± 2.23, P < 0.01), lower MyChart use (P < 0.001), and different smoking history (P < 0.01) compared to those with low ADI scores (<3, less deprivation). In the safety net cohort, there was a statistically significant difference only in smoking status (P < 0.05). CVD was not significantly different in either cohort.

Conclusion

The absence of differences in RA disease activity and functional impairment in patients suggests that the ADI may not be as effective at predicting RA disease activity specifically in a safety net health care context. Identifying the discrepancies between the two systems may elucidate areas of improvement for patient care.
New York limits administrative discharge from OTPs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2024

No longer can opioid treatment programs (OTPs) summarily discharge patients for non‐payment, use of drugs or other reasons having to do with anything other than safety, at least not in New York. Most OTPs never did this, especially in New York, but the publication last month of new guidance from the state's Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) clearly delineates the circumstances under which a patient can be discharged against their will.
Antioxidant Sulfide‐Linked Polymer Membrane with Inherent Microporosity Enables Fuel Cells to Achieve Outstanding Power Density and Durability Over a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Liu Binghui , Liu Qian , Pang Yang , Duan Yuting , Zhao Chengji
Published: October 2024

Conventional phosphoric acid (PA) doped polybenzimidazole are regarded as the most promising materials for high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs). Yet, their practical application has been hindered by their high production cost, poor oxidation stability, and loss of PA at low temperatures. Here, a polymer of intrinsic microporosity containing “sulfide‐linkage” radical‐sacrificial‐agent is designed with good solubility and high PA retention, which enables it to operate for long periods at 80–180 °C. Specifically, the “sulfide‐linkage” radical‐sacrificial‐agent enabled PSBI‐IM to be durable for 100 h with mass retention still higher than 90%, and the capillary effect of the micropores enabled PSBI‐IM/PA to retain more than 60% of PA under high humidity. After rational optimization, the cell assembled with PSBI‐IM/PA achieved a power density of 1.62 W cm−2 with a specific power of 2.7 W mg−1 and an operating time of more than 500 h (0.2/0.4 A cm−2@160 °C). In addition, the voltage drop is only 5% even after 40 h of accelerated stress testing at 0.4 A cm−2@ 80 °C. Therefore, the PSBI‐IM/PA can be stabilized over a wide temperature range from 80 to 160 °C, providing a new material for the HT‐PEMFCs with flexible operational temperature.
Coherent Interface Migration Toughens Diamond
Authors: Su Zhang , Weng Xiao‐Ji , Shao Xi , Tong Ke , Liu Yong , Zhao Zhisheng , Zhou Xiang‐Feng , Tian Yongjun
Published: October 2024

Overcoming the hardness‐toughness trade‐off in diamonds attracts much interest in physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Recently synthesized nanotwinned diamond composite exhibits massive enhancement in fracture toughness without sacrificing its unprecedented Vickers hardness [Y. Yue et al., Nature 582, 370 (2020)]. Several mechanisms for the toughness enhancement are unveiled based on the edge‐cracked models while the mechanism from Vickers indentation has remained elusive. Here, the energy of nanotwinned diamonds, diamond polytypes, and diamond composites is systematically investigated from Vickers indentation simulation. The results show diamond structures dissipate energy by interface migration, accompanied by the phase transformation from diamond polytypes to the cubic diamond (3C diamond). By tuning the density and distribution of interfaces, the dissipated energy of the diamond is increased to more than twice that of a single‐crystal 3C diamond. This work complements the established mechanisms and provides a universal strategy for toughening diamonds and related materials.
Two‐Photon Pumped Wavelength‐Tunable Single‐Mode Plasmonic Nanolaser with Ultralow Threshold
Authors: Yuan Long , Lu Junfeng , Li Meili , Zhang Zhonglong , Deng Wenjie , Li Xiang , Kan Caixia , Shi Daning , Gao Wenchao , Xu Chunxiang , Pan Caofeng
Published: October 2024

Nonlinear optics play an important role in laser technology, optical communication, integrated optics, and other fields. However, conventional two‐photon lasing faces challenges such as high thresholds and large size, which hinder the miniaturization of lasers. In this study, the structure of single‐crystal Au/Al2O3/CsPbBr3 (ScAu/Al2O3/CPB) is constructed to achieve two‐photon pumped frequency upconversion single‐mode plasmonic lasing. The strong spatial confinement and near‐field enhancement of surface plasmons in metals enable the plasmonic lasing mode output in a hybrid nanocavity, significantly reducing the lasing threshold. Additionally, by applying external mechanical strain, the resonant wavelength of the lasing mode is dynamically regulated, further reducing the threshold to 0.48 mJ cm−2 based on piezo‐electronic effect. These results provide an effective strategy for all‐optical integration and the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient nanophotonics devices.
Architecting Gradient Hierarchically Porous Catalyst via Negative Mixing Enthalpy High‐Entropy Alloy for Durable Water Splitting at Ampere‐Level Current Density
Authors: Zhang Qiqin , Guo Qi , Zhang Yanan , He Yi , Gong Weijia , Liu Weihong , Liu Xiongjun , Li Rui
Published: October 2024

Gradient hierarchically porous structures are effective for enhancing catalytic reactions due to their capability of enabling fast mass transfer from solutions to inner active sites. However, facile and rational designing of the construction with uniform spatial gradients and high stability remains challenging. Here, a self‐supporting high‐entropy alloy (HEA) catalyst with a unique triple‐scale gradient porosity based on physical metallurgy is reported. The hierarchically porous structure of the catalyst can be effectively manipulated by tailoring the multi‐length scale phases of a negative mixing enthalpy FeCoNiCr‐Zr eutectic HEA. As an oxygen‐evolving catalyst, the hierarchically porous HEA demonstrates low overpotentials of 215 and 370 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 1A cm−2, respectively. This is primarily attributed to the gradient mesoporosity providing abundant accessible reactive sites and exceptional intrinsic reactivity resulting from the synergistic electronic effects of multi‐component alloying. Furthermore, benefiting from the integrative gradient porosity that can suppress drastic gas bubble impact and the chemically stable configuration of inherent high‐entropy intermetallic compounds, the catalyst exhibits extraordinary durability for over 1000 h at 2 A cm−2. This work provides a new paradigm for developing high‐efficiency and low‐cost catalysts with robust gradient hierarchically porous structures for practical applications in various energy conversion technologies.
A Caspase 3‐Hijacking Nanosystem Enhances Cancer Radiotherapy by Suppressing Tumor Repopulation
Authors: Zhao Xiu , Jiang Wenxiao , Wang Aijin , Zhao Kaikai , Li Jun , Xie Yingxin , Zhang Zhenzhong , Shi Jinjin , Liu Wei , Liu Junjie
Published: October 2024

Radiotherapy is used in the treatment of ≈50% of patients with cancer. However, tumor repopulation is a major cause of treatment failure after radiotherapy. It is observed that apoptotic tumor following ionizing radiation (IR) accelerated the growth of surviving tumor cells. Here a Gasdermin E and Tannic acid‐based nanoassembly (GT) loaded with manganese tetroxide (Mn3O4) (termed as Mn3O4@GT) is developed to suppress tumor repopulation and improve the treatment outcome of radiotherapy. Mn3O4@GT enables an increase in the reactive oxygen species accumulation in tumor cells, enhancing radiotherapy‐mediated tumor killing. What's more, it can hijack activated caspase 3 to induce tumor pyroptosis, reversing apoptosis‐mediated tumor repopulation. In vivo results shows that Mn3O4@GT significantly reduced the IR induced tumor repopulation by 2.7 fold, resulting in 92% complete regression of tumors. In addition, Mn3O4@GT can sensitize tumors to anti‐PD‐L1 therapy by inducing immunogenic pyroptosis with 85% regression of distant tumors. The caspase 3‐hijacking nanosystem holds a great potential for improving the clinical benefits of radiotherapy.
Load‐Bearing Structure Inspired Cellulose‐Based Aerogel With High Resilience and Water Tolerance
Authors: Song Wanlong , Pan Xiaosen , Wang Xiaojuan , Wang Hu , Li Jilei , Li Dongna , Ma Xiaojun , Yin Fen
Published: October 2024

Cellulose‐based aerogels possess satisfactory sustainability, porosity, and resilience, which are promising materials to replace traditional petroleum‐based foams. However, the viscous aggregation formed between hydrophilic fibers and the pore collapse caused by weak support force pose challenges for their further applications. Here, a load‐bearing structure‐inspired cellulose‐based aerogel is innovatively developed with excellent elasticity and water tolerance through surface‐interface modulation. Specifically, cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) form interwoven skeletons by non‐directional freeze drying. Crucially, the rhamnolipid surfactant assists in forming stable and uniform bubbles, and drives the regularization of frame structure during the freezing process, promoting the construction of refined mechanical structures. Besides, the interfacial enhancement by esterification reaction of citric acid and the encapsulation by hydrophobic silane via chemical vapor deposition endow aerogels with better resilience and water tolerance. The as‐prepared aerogels can withstand intensive compression cycle tests and possess the ability to rebound over 10 times underwater. Even after 12 h wet treatment, the strain and stress loss respectively decrease by ≈55.5% and ≈14% compare with the initial unregulated aerogels after 500 cycles of 80% compression. Surprisingly, they have excellent cushioning performance beyond expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) in simulated road transportation packaging applications, indicating their potential in new‐generation cushioning materials.
Durable Muscle Extracellular Matrix Engineered with Adhesive Phenolic Moieties for Effective Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Choi Soojeong , Lee Mi Jeong , Kim Moohyun , Bae Yunsu , Park Jang‐Ung , Cho Seung‐Woo
Published: October 2024

Muscle atrophy detrimentally impacts health and exacerbates physical disability, leading to increased mortality. In particular, sarcopenia, aging‐related degenerative muscle loss, necessitates urgent remedies. Current approaches for treating muscle atrophy include exercise and nutrition, while drug exploration remains in its early stages. Cell therapy, focusing on satellite cells, faces significant challenge due to poor engraftment, safety issue, and high cost. Cell‐free approach using extracellular matrix (ECM) shows a regenerative potential, but a lack of mechanical and adhesive properties hinders prolonged efficacy of ECM therapy. Here, durable muscle ECM (MEM) hydrogels for muscle atrophy by fortifying MEM with adhesive phenolic moieties including catechol and pyrogallol are demonstrated. The resultant phenolic MEM hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical and adhesive properties and provide sustained muscle‐like microenvironments to address muscle atrophy. No local and systemic toxicities are observed after phenolic MEM injection into tibialis anterior muscle. Notably, these engineered MEM hydrogels, devoid of cells or drugs, induce tissue rejuvenation by promoting muscle protein synthesis and facilitating functional muscle recovery in mouse models of disuse‐ and age‐induced atrophy. This study introduces cell‐free, ECM‐based therapeutics with translational potential for muscle atrophy by reversing muscle loss and restoring function.
Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Polymer Networks Doped with an Axially Chiral Fluorescent Dye: Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Anti‐Counterfeiting Applications
Authors: Yang Ning , Zhao Jinghua , Liu Wei , Li Yi , Yang Yonggang
Published: October 2024

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of chiral luminescent materials has gained increasing attention because of their significant applications in 3D displays, chiral optoelectronics, anti‐counterfeiting, and encryption. A strongly emissive chiral dye BAcT is synthesized using (R)‐BINOL as the chiral source and a tetraphenylethene group as the fluorophore. Upon the addition of BAcT to the nematic liquid crystal, a left‐handed cholesteric structure is induced. Different concentrations of R/S5011 as chiral co‐dopants are added to prepare a series of structurally colored cholesteric liquid crystal polymer network (CLCN) films. CPL bands are detected for these green emissive CLCN films, and relatively high |glum| values (up to 0.48) are obtained. Furthermore, a fluorescent PMMA‐BAcT layer is prepared by embedding the dye in the PMMA matrix and stacked with a CLCN layer to construct a composite film. Because of the chiral filtering effect of the CLCN film, a high |glum| value up to 1.41 is successfully achieved. Colorful CLCN patterns are prepared, and clear pictures are observed in both reflective and fluorescent modes, contributing to optical anti‐counterfeiting with enhanced security. This work not only provides a deeper understanding of CPL, but also establishes a practical strategy to prepare colorful CLCN patterns for anti‐counterfeiting using inkjet printing technology.
Boron‐Dipyrromethene Emitters with Strengthened Rigidity and Restricted Scissoring Vibration for High‐Performance OLEDs With Deep‐Red Narrowband Emission
Authors: Nie Xuewei , Liu Denghui , Li Mengke , Huo Yanping , Chi Zhenguo , Mahmood Zafar , Ji Shaomin , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: October 2024

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) using a simple solution‐processing approach have natural advantages in cost‐effective commercialization. However, solution‐processed deep‐red OLEDs are rarely reported due to the scarcity of efficient purely organic narrowband red emitters with commendable film‐forming capabilities. Herein, a simple strategy is proposed to develop organic molecules with narrowband red emission by expanding a rigid conjugated frame to block the rotation of α position in the boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY) core due to restricted twisting vibration. Furtherly, by introducing a moderate donor to the meso‐position of the BODIPY core, bathochromic‐shifted emission can be achieved without sacrificing narrow full‐width at half‐maximum (FWHM) by increasing the electron density of the whole molecule and repulsive force of distal units to suppress stretching/scissoring vibration. By employing the developed BODIPY‐derived materials as terminal emitters and thermally activated delayed fluorescence material as assistant host to fabricate solution‐processed OLED devices, a maximum external quantum efficiency of 16.43% is achieved with an emission peak at 672 nm and a FWHM of 28 nm. This work, according to the knowledge, represents the best instance of solution‐processed deep‐red narrowband OLEDs based on typical fluorescent emitters.
Novel 2D/3D Heterojunction for UV Light‐Emitting Diodes Using Hexagonal Boron Nitride as Hole Injection Layer
Authors: Perepeliuc Andre , Gujrati Rajat , Vuong Phuong , Ottapilakkal Vishnu , Tran Thi May , Bouras Mohamed , Kassem Ali , Srivastava Ashutosh , Moudakir Tarik , Patriarche Gilles , Voss Paul , Sundaram Suresh , Salvestrini Jean Paul , Ougazzaden Abdallah
Published: October 2024

The AlGaN materials system has been extensively studied in order to improve the efficiency of UV‐B and UV‐C light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). While progress has been made, significant challenges remain at shorter wavelengths. Most notably, increased Al composition for shorter‐wavelength operation results in increased activation energy of Mg dopants, resulting in low p‐doping. Although p‐doped h‐BN, with a bandgap of 5.9 eV, has been proposed as a potential replacement of p‐doped AlGaN, there have not been demonstrations of LEDs fabricated from p‐doped h‐BN/AlGaN heterostructures. Such unique heterostructures combine 2D p‐doped h‐BN materials with 3D AlGaN materials. Herein, fabrication and characterization of p‐doped h‐BN/AlGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs)/n‐AlGaN LEDs, demonstrating emission of light at 290 nm corresponding to the AlGaN MQWs, with weaker emission at 262 nm corresponding to the AlGaN barrier, are reported. These results conclusively show hole injection through p‐doped h‐BN into AlGaN and provide a proof of concept that p‐doped h‐BN can be an alternative hole injection layer for UV LEDs.
Design of Broadband Metamaterial Absorbers in the Near‐Infrared Region
Authors: Li Xiu , Wu Shen‐bing , Wang Yang , Hu Yan‐li
Published: October 2024

A metamaterial absorber with broadband and high absorption based on a metal–dielectric disc–ring structure is proposed. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is used to analyze the absorption performance of the absorber. The results show that the absorption of the proposed absorber is more than 90% in the band range from 1500 to 4000 nm with an absorption bandwidth of 2500 nm. The absorber has polarization‐insensitive properties due to the high symmetry of the structure. In addition, the absorber has large angle absorption characteristics with average absorptions of 92% and 82% at an incidence angle of 60° in TM and TE modes. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at the metal interface, and cavity resonance between the circular slits work in synergy to enhance the absorption and broaden the absorption bandwidth. The proposed absorber has a simple structure, easily accessible material, and excellent performance with potential applications in infrared detection, imaging, and other fields.
2D Steep‐Slope Tunnel Field‐Effect Transistors Tuned by van der Waals Ferroelectrics
Authors: Chen Xinrui , Jiang Tiantian , Wang Hanbin , Wang Yang , Zhang Miao , Cui Yi , Wang Yong , Li Nannan , Du Xinchuan , Yan Chaoyi , Liu Yuqing , Wang Xianfu
Published: October 2024

sPower consumption has emerged as a central concern in the realm of complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Silicon‐based semiconductor devices have now approached the fundamental thermionic limit of the subthreshold swing (SS), which is 60 mV dec−1, as defined by the Boltzmann tyranny. Tunnel field‐effect transistors (TFETs) are considered promising low‐power devices due to the band‐to‐band tunneling mechanism, which effectively avoids the thermionic limit. However, TFETs require the establishment of a staggered band alignment and currently lack effective techniques for adjusting the band offset. Here, by harnessing the robust ferroelectric field inherent to 2D CuInP2S6 (CIPS), a 2D WSe2/MoS2 heterojunction as well as a WSe2 homojunction TFET controlled by ferroelectric gate are presented. The newly developed TFET achieves an ultra‐low SS of 14.2 mV dec−1 at room temperature, an on/off current ratio exceeding 108, and a minimal hysteresis window below 10 mV. Additionally, the device demonstrates gate tunable negative differential resistance (NDR) characteristics with a very large peak‐to‐valley current ratio (PVCR) of 10.56 at room temperature. These findings underscore the significant promise of 2D ferroelectric tuning heterojunction and homojunction for future low‐power electronic applications.
Deriving general principles of agroecosystem multifunctionality with the Diverse Rotations Improve Valuable Ecosystem Services (DRIVES) network
Authors: Bybee‐Finley K. Ann , Muller Katherine , White Kathryn E. , Bowles Timothy M. , Cavigelli Michel A. , Han Eunjin , Schomberg Harry H. , Snapp Sieglinde , Viens Frederi
Published: October 2024

Long‐term agricultural field experiments (LTFEs) have been conducted for nearly 150 years. Yet lack of coordination means that synthesis across such experiments remains rare, constituting a missed opportunity for deriving general principles of agroecosystem structure and function. Here, we introduce the Diverse Rotations Improve Valuable Ecosystem Services (DRIVES) project, which uses legacy data from North American LTFEs to address research questions about the multifunctionality of agriculture. The DRIVES Project is a network of researchers who have compiled a database of primary (i.e., observations) and secondary (i.e., transformed observations or modeling results) data from participating sites. It comprises 21 LTFEs that evaluate how crop rotational diversity impacts cropping system performance. The Network consists of United States Department of Agriculture, university, and International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center scientists (20 people) who manage and collect primary data from LTFEs and a core team (nine people) who organize the network, curate network data, and synthesize cross‐network findings. As of 2024, the DRIVES Project database contains 495 site‐years of crop yields, daily weather, soil analysis, and management information. The DRIVES database is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, which allows integration with other public datasets. Initial research has focused on how rotational diversity impacts resilience in the face of adverse weather, nutritional quality, and economic feasibility. Our collaborative approach in handling LTFE data has established a model for data organization that facilitates broader synthesis studies. We openly invite other sites to join the DRIVES network and share their data.
Impact of biochar application on nitrous oxide and methane emissions in rainfed cropping systems within a semiarid region
Authors: Zhou Jie , Yue Shanchao , Liu Qiang , Zeng Xiang , Song Jingrong , Bao Shushang , Guo Bosen , Shen Yufang
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the impact of biochar on Zea mays L. yield and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in rainfed maize fields in Northwest China. Four treatments were compared: unmodified control (CK), conventional nitrogen (BC0), nitrogen + 20 t ha−1 biochar (BC20), and nitrogen + 50 t ha−1 biochar (BC50). Results showed significant increases in grain yields with BC20 (11.1%) and BC50 (8.6%) compared to BC0. Emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) were reduced by 14.0%–19.5% in biochar treatments compared to CK. Methane (CH4) uptake by the fields, acting as CH4 sinks, was not significantly impacted by biochar treatments, clarifying that the biochar did not alter the farmland's inherent ability to uptake CH4. Over 2 years, the addition of nitrogen fertilizer and biochar did not markedly alter cumulative CH4 uptake. Both net greenhouse gas (NGHG) emissions and yield‐scaled GHG intensity (NGHGI) were lowered by 16.7%–23.5% and 24.2%–30.3%, respectively, with biochar application. The integration of biochar effectively mitigated the GHG emission enhancement due to nitrogen fertilizer, mainly by decreasing nitrogen oxide emissions and boosting maize yields. Thus, proper biochar application would be an economical and effective strategy for mitigating gas emissions from rainfed maize cropping system in semiarid regions.
Reduced nitrogen rate sustains malt barley yield and quality in malt barley‐pea rotation
Authors: Sainju Upendra M.
Published: October 2024

Rotational benefit of pea (Pisum sativum L.) may reduce N fertilization rate and sustain malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) yield and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation. This study examined the effect of cover crop [oat (Avena sativa L.) cover crop vs. none] and N fertilization rate (0, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 kg N ha−1) on malt barley growth, yield, and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation from 2012 to 2019 in the northern Great Plains. Cover crop biomass yield and N accumulation were greater in 2016 than other years. Compared to fallow, malt barley plant density with cover crop was 9%–13% lower from 2013 to 2015, but 10% greater in 2017. Malt barley straw yield was 38% greater in 2017 and grain yield 15%–39% greater in 2017 and 2018, but grain plumpness was 5%–10% lower in 2014 and 2017 with than without cover crop. Increasing N fertilization rate linearly increased grain yield and N uptake, but reduced grain test weight and plumpness in most years. Straw N concentration and uptake and grain protein concentration varied by year. Because of the similar grain yield, protein concentration, plumpness, and test weight between 60 and 80 kg N ha−1, 60 kg N ha−1 can be recommended to sustain malt barley yield and quality in the malt barley‐pea rotation, regardless of cover crops. This helps to reduce N fertilization rate by 20 kg N ha−1 for malt barley in dryland cropping systems of the US northern Great Plains.
Synthesis of 2‐Pyrones by Base‐Induced [3+3] Annulation Reaction of Phenacyl Phosphonium Ylides with Cyclopropenones
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Xiaoyu , Wen Jiangwei , Li Qiuyun , Xue Wenyue , Liu Hancong , Yan Kelu
Published: October 2024

The base‐induced [3+3] annulation reaction of phenacyl phosphonium ylides with cyclopropenones has been proposed. Various polysubstituted 2‐pyrones are achieved in moderate to good yields through C−P bond cleavage and C−O/C−C coupling under simple and easy‐to‐operate conditions. The synthetic application and reaction mechanism have also been preliminarily explored to gain a deeper understanding of this strategy in practicality and reaction details. This protocol offers an alternative approach for the synthesis of useful 2‐pyrone derivatives.
Switching biologics in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: A multicenter Canadian experience
Authors: Dorling Marisa , Sarafan Masih , Voizard Béatrice , Ammar Yousif Al , Hernaiz‐Leonardo Juan Carlos , Chalmers Kieran , MacInnis Patrick , Nugent James , Janjua Arif , Javer Amin , Sommer Doron , Lee John , Chan Yvonne , Thamboo Andrew
Published: October 2024

Background

Type 2 biologics have been used increasingly for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). However, patterns of biologic switching are understudied, and established guidelines for sequential or simultaneous use do not yet exist.

Methods

This is a Canadian multicenter retrospective study of real‐world patient data. Patients were included if they had recurrent CRSwNP despite maximal medical and surgical management, and received at least one dose of a type 2 biologic. Patients who remained on their initial biologic comprised the continuous group. Patients with sequential or simultaneous use of more than one biologic comprised the switched group. We compared the characteristics of patients who continued and switched biologics.

Results

Note that 225 consecutive patients were included. Thirty‐six (16%) switched biologics at least once, and six (3%) switched twice. The most common switch was from mepolizumab to dupilumab, with poor control of CRSwNP symptoms being the leading cause for this switch. Lack of efficacy was the main reason for switching off mepolizumab and omalizumab, while adverse events were the leading cause for switching off dupilumab. Additionally, mepolizumab patients were more likely to switch biologics late in their treatment, while dupilumab patients rarely switched after 12 months of therapy (p‐value < 0.001).

Conclusions

Switching biologics for CRSwNP is frequent in Canadian rhinology practices, with 16% of patients switching at least once. The most common switch is from mepolizumab to dupilumab with inadequate CRSwNP control driving this switch. This study may help guide sequential or simultaneous use of biologics in CRSwNP patients.
RNA Binding Protein Dysfunction Links Smoldering/Slowly Expanding Lesions to Neurodegeneration in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Messmer Miranda L. , Salapa Hannah E. , Popescu Bogdan F. , Levin Michael C.
Published: October 2024

Objective

Despite the advances in treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS), unremitting neurodegeneration continues to drive disability and disease progression. Smoldering/slowly expanding lesions (SELs) and dysfunction of the RNA binding protein (RBP) heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) are pathologic hallmarks of MS cortex and intricately tied to disability and neurodegeneration, respectively. We hypothesized that neuronal hnRNP A1 dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration and is exacerbated by smoldering/SELs in progressive MS.

Methods

Neuronal hnRNP A1 pathology (nucleocytoplasmic mislocalization of hnRNP A1) was examined in healthy control and MS brains using immunohistochemistry. MS cases were stratified by severity of hnRNP A1 pathology to examine the link between RBP dysfunction, demyelination, and neurodegeneration.

Results

We found that smoldering/SELs were only present within a subset of MS tissues characterized by elevated neuronal hnRNP A1 pathology (MS‐A1high) in adjacent cortical gray matter. In contrast to healthy controls and MS with low hnRNP A1 pathology (MS‐A1low), MS‐A1high showed elevated markers of neurodegeneration, including neuronal loss and injury, brain atrophy, axonal loss, and axon degeneration. Additionally, we discovered a subpopulation of morphologically intact neurons lacking expression of NeuN, a neuron‐specific RBP, in cortical projection neurons in MS‐A1high cases.

Interpretation

hnRNP A1 dysfunction contributes to neurodegeneration and may be exacerbated by smoldering/SELs in progressive MS. The discovery of NeuN‐negative neurons suggests that some cortical neurons may only be injured and not lost. By characterizing RBP pathology in MS cortex, this study has important implications for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms driving neurodegeneration, the substrate of disability and disease progression. ANN NEUROL 2025;97:313–328
Imidazolate‐Stabilized Cu(III): Dioxygen to Oxides at Type 3 Copper Sites
Authors: Large Tao A. G. , Keown William , Gary J. Brannon , Chiang Linus , Stack T. Daniel P.
Published: October 2024

Imidazole ligation of metals through histidine is extensive among metalloproteins, yet the role of the imidazolate conjugate base is often neglected, despite its potential accessibility when bonded to an oxidized metal center. Using synthetic models of oxygenated tyrosinase enzymes ligated exclusively by monodentate imidazoles, we find that deprotonation of the μ2‐η2:η2‐peroxidodicopper(II) species triggers redox isomerization to an imidazolate‐ligated bis(μ2‐oxido)dicopper(III) species. Formal two‐electron oxidation to Cu(III) remains biologically unprecedented, yet is effected readily by addition of base. Spectrophotometric titrations by UV/Visible/near‐IR and copper K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopies are interpreted most simply as two cooperative, 2H+ transformations in which the peroxide O−O is cleaved in the first step. Elaboration from simple imidazoles to a protected histidine extends this isomerization into an amino acid environment. The role of phenolate as a base suggests this four‐electron reduction of O2 is energetically viable in a biological context and requires only two copper centers, which act as two‐electron shuttles when imidazole deprotonation assists. This existential precedent of viable imidazolate intermediates invites speculation into an alternative mechanism for phenol hydroxylation not previously considered at Type 3 copper sites such as tyrosinases. Structural biological evidence suggests imidazolate ligation of copper may be more widespread than generally understood.
Nanoparticle Transport in Proximal Tubules with Rhabdomyolysis‐Induced Necrosis
Authors: Huang Yingyu , Zheng Jie , Yu Mengxiao
Published: October 2024

Renal‐clearable engineered nanoparticles are being explored for their potential to deliver therapeutic agents for kidney disease treatment. A fundamental understanding of how these nanoparticles accumulate in diseased kidneys at the cellular level is essential to enhance their effectiveness and minimize side effects on adjacent healthy tissues. Herein, we report that the accumulation of glutathione‐coated, near‐infrared emitting gold nanoparticles (GS‐AuNPs) correlates strongly with the necrotic stages of injured proximal tubular cells. Using a rhabdomyolysis‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI) mouse model, we observed that GS‐AuNPs were significantly accumulated in the extracellular lumen of proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) at advanced necrotic stage, where cellular debris and released intracellular contents impeded their clearance. In contrast, during early necrosis, GS‐AuNPs were still cleared through the unobstructed lumen. Additionally, intracellular uptake of GS‐AuNPs was significantly reduced across all necrotic stages. These findings underscore the need for new strategies to design nanoparticles that can effectively target and be taken up by the diseased tubular cells before extensive necrosis occurs; so that nanoparticle‐mediated drug delivery for kidney disease treatment can be achieved with desired efficacy and precision.
Deep Neural Network Enhanced Mesoscopic Thermodynamic Model for Unlocking the Electrode/Electrolyte Interface
Authors: Tao Haolan , Wang Sijie , Liu Honglai , Lian Cheng
Published: October 2024

Structure and properties of the electrode/electrolyte interface significantly influence the electrochemical processes of energy storage and conversion, yet the challenge lies in accurate description of both molecular characteristics and external field effects. Here, we develop a mesoscopic thermodynamic model that calculates the thermodynamic properties of electrolytes based on chemical potential, and its efficiency is enhanced by a deep neural network. The deep neural network enhanced mesoscopic thermodynamic (DeepMT) model effectively bridges the gap between micro‐level characteristics of ions and macro‐level effects of external field, enabling precise presentation of ion density distributions over complex conditions. Our result indicates that the DeepMT model not only demonstrates a computational efficiency improvement of approximately four orders of magnitude over direct theoretical calculations, but also accurately predicts interface properties including ion adsorption, surface charge, and differential capacitance through the statistical analysis of density distributions.