bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation Behaviors of Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) on Indium Tin Oxide Surfaces without and with Additional TiO2 Thin Films#
Authors: Kim Dae Han , Kim Young Dok
Published: October 2023

Poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT) layers spin‐coated on bare and TiO2
‐coated indium tin oxide (ITO) surfaces with two different TiO2
film thicknesses were exposed to visible light and humid atmosphere, and the oxidation behaviors these layers were studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. S atoms in P3HT were oxidized to sulfoxide without ring opening of P3HT under our experimental conditions. When the mean thickness of TiO2
on ITO was ~19 nm, oxidation of the S atoms on this substrate was more pronounced than on bare ITO and ITO covered with thinner TiO2
films (mean thickness: ~7 nm). Studies using photoluminescence (PL) suggest that electron–hole pairs created in P3HT on bare ITO can be transferred into the ITO and most likely recombine efficiently in ITO by electron–electron scattering. Relatively thin TiO2
films on ITO do not show much change in PL with respect to the case of bare ITO; however, when a thicker TiO2
film is deposited between ITO and P3HT, charge transfer from optically excited P3HT to ITO seems to be suppressed. Therefore, the probability for charge transfer from optically excited P3HT to O2
and H2O, forming strong oxidizing agents such as and OH radicals, can be increased in the presence of a thicker TiO2
film on ITO.
Surface‐enhanced Raman Scattering‐based Competitive Immunoassay of Poly‐γ‐d‐Glutamic Acid for Highly Sensitive Detection of Anthrax Biomarker#
Authors: Ko Juhui , Cha Kiweon , Jeon Jun Ho , Rhie Gi‐eun , Choi Jonghoon , Choo Jaebum
Published: October 2023

Anthrax is a highly acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. In this article, we report a highly sensitive detection technique for pathogenic B. anthracis, based on the use of a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐active magnetic sensor. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and magnetic beads were used as SERS nanotags and supporting substrates, respectively. Here, an SERS‐based competitive immunoassay platform is described for the quantitative evaluation of the anthrax marker. Poly‐γ‐d‐glutamic acid (PGA) capsules were used as a target biomarker for the highly sensitive detection of B. anthracis because PGA is known to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of B. anthracis infection. The SERS‐based competitive assay reveals an extraordinarily high sensitivity for PGA with a limit of detection of ~1.0 ng/mL. This work provides a conceptually new immunoassay prototype for fast and sensitive detection of PGA markers.
Hyaluronic Acid–Ceramide‐based Liposomes for Targeted Gene Delivery to CD44‐Positive Cancer Cells#
Authors: Mallick Sudipta , Park Jung Hyun , Cho Hyun‐Jong , Kim Dae‐Duk , Choi Joon Sig
Published: October 2023

Hyaluronic acid–ceramide (HACE)‐modified liposomes were designed using 1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phoshphoethanolamine (DOPE) and 1,2‐dioleoyl‐3‐trimethylammonium‐propane (DOTAP) for targeted delivery of therapeutic genes to the CD44 receptor‐overexpressing cancer cells. Liposomes were prepared with different molar ratios of HACE; the most efficient formulation was tested for further in vitro experiments. The size and zeta potential of HACE‐based liposomes were characterized by a Zetasizer. Lipoplex was then prepared at different nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) ratios; the gel retardation test showed strong DNA‐binding affinity of liposomes for targeted gene delivery. Cytotoxicity of liposomes was evaluated by colorimetric assay (WST assay) for different cell lines such as MDA‐MB‐231 and NIH3T3 cells. HACE liposomes showed negligible cytotoxicity both in MDA‐MB‐231 and NIH3T3 cells that endow them for further therapeutic studies. We then examined the transfection efficiency of liposomes using luciferase reporter plasmid DNA. We found transfection efficiency of HACE‐based liposomes was remarkably higher in case of MDA‐MB‐231 cells as compared to NIH3T3 cells. This result was indicative for higher receptor‐binding endocytosis uptake of HACE liposomes and subsequent transfection in CD44 receptor‐positive cell lines. Our findings have shown interesting prospective for tumor‐targeted delivery of therapeutic gene in CD44 receptor‐positive cells with less cytotoxic effects.
Statistical Distribution of Laser‐induced Growth of Nanoparticles: Effects of Laser Intensity and Medium–Nanoparticles Interactions#
Authors: Kim Ji‐Hyun , Yang Gil‐Suk , Song Sanggeun , Sung Jaeyoung
Published: October 2023

We theoretically investigate the size distribution of nanoaggregates created by a laser‐induced monomer generation process, an example of which can be found in J. Phys. Chem. C 2008, 112, 10715. A simple analytic expression for the most probable size distribution of nanoparticles is obtained by considering statistical ensemble of nanoparticles with various sizes. When effects of the surface interaction and the defect degeneracy of the nanoparticle are negligible, the most probable size distribution of nanoparticles is given by the exponentially decaying function of the nanoparticle size. The presence of defect degeneracy drastically changes the size distribution to be like gamma distribution. The electronic surface tension of the nanoparticle and the interaction between the nanoparticle and environment make the size distribution deviate from gamma distribution, which also significantly change the mean and the variance of the size distribution of the nanoparticles.
Calculation of Vertical Detachment Energies for Bromochlorobenzene Dimer Anions: Dependence of Substitution Position#
Authors: Heo Jiyoung
Published: October 2023

The structure and energetics of neutral and anionic dimer configurations for three bromochlorobenzene (BCB) isomers were investigated with the quantum mechanical calculations on the level of M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d, p). The neutral dimers within 5 kcal/mol of the relative energy had the parallel‐displaced configurations for all isomers. The structures of dimer anions were obtained from these low‐energy neutral configurations, and four, two, and one configurations (relative energy < 5 kcal/mol) were found in o‐BCB, m‐BCB, and p‐BCB dimer anions, respectively. The electron was attached mainly to one of the Br atoms in o‐BCB and m‐BCB cases, and therefore the calculated vertical electron detachment energies (VDEs) were similar to the electron affinity of the atomic Br. However, the p‐BCB dimer anion had the sandwiched configuration and the negative charge was delocalized, showing the relatively small VDE value. The calculated VDE for p‐BCB agreed reasonably well with the experimental one.
DFT Study on Microhydration of [Ni–Cyclam]2+ Complex with R‐COO− Anions#
Authors: Park Heesoo , Woo Minwoo , Shin Seokmin
Published: October 2023

Nickel–cyclam complex is often used to build metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with carboxylate anions as linkers. The stability of the coordinate complex is important for investigating the secondary building unit (SBU) of MOFs. We performed density functional theory study to elucidate the various conformations of the complex, focusing on the metal–ligand coordination. It was found that the most favorable structure is octahedral complex in the triplet state with R‐COO
− anions along the axial site. For the hydrated complexes, the extra H2O molecules may make hydrogen bonds with the R‐COO
− ligands or act as axial ligands replacing R‐COO
− anions. Our calculations suggested that the presence of H2O molecules may result in the weakening of the SBU complex. It was also found that microhydration leads to the shifting of the energy levels of the d orbitals of the complex.
Nanoporous ZnO Nanoball for Efficient CdS/CdSe Co‐Sensitized Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells#
Authors: Rawal Sher Bahadur , Sung Sang Do , Lee Choong Hyuk , Lee Wan In
Published: October 2023

Highly monodispersed, nanoporous ZnO nanoballs (NBs) with a diameter of 120 nm were synthesized by a wet chemical method and successfully applied to photoelectrode of CdS/CdSe co‐sensitized quantum dot (QD) sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). In fabricating the QDSSCs by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method, the optimized CdS and CdSe depositions were obtained by nine and four SILAR cycles, respectively. The ZnO/CdS(9)/CdSe(4)/ZnS(1) cell exhibited a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.21%, which is significantly higher than the QDSSC adopting conventional ZnO nanorods (NRs) of 1.33%, indicating that the prepared nanoporous ZnO NB is a highly efficient structure for the deposition of CdS/CdSe quantum dots (QDs) as well as transport of charges.
Polyoxometalate‐assisted Metal Nanomaterials Synthesis#
Authors: Seog Ji Hyun , Kim Dongheun , Han Sang Woo , Lee Sang Bok
Published: October 2023

In this review, we present the polyoxometalate (POM)‐mediated synthesis of nanomaterials and their performance as catalysts. Various nanomaterials have been successfully synthesized in a facile process using POMs as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The reduction of metal ions was effected by the reduced POMs, which converted their oxidation state without structural change. The presence of POMs on the nanomaterials was confirmed through a variety of analytical methods. The alteration of the size and morphology of nanomaterials was observed to be controlled by the molar ratio of metal salt to the POMs. The synthesized nanomaterials showed good catalytic activity, which could be used as multifunctional catalysts.
Feature of Exact Exchange Kohn–Sham Orbitals with Krieger–Li–Iafrate Approximation#
Authors: Kim Jaewook , Hong Kwangwoo , Choi Sunghwan , Kim Woo Youn
Published: October 2023

We report feature of Kohn–Sham (KS) molecular orbitals computed with the Krieger–Li–Iafrate (KLI) approximation for exact exchange through the comparison to the results of Hartree–Fock (HF) and other KS methods such as local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). KLI occupied orbitals have similar energies and shapes with those of HF. KLI virtual orbitals are likely to form bound states with negative eigenvalues due to the correct −1/r asymptotic behavior of KLI potentials, whereas HF virtual orbitals are mostly unbound. As a result, HF orbitals tend to be diffuse because of their plane‐wave‐like nature, and their energies are highly sensitive to the size of basis set. The energies of LDA/GGA orbitals appear to be upshifted by a constant factor from the KLI results, but they also produce unbound virtual orbitals like HF. The energy gaps between KLI occupied and virtual orbitals are very close to the corresponding experimental excitation energies compared to the other methods. We also show that Brillouin's theorem can be applied to a Slater determinant made of KLI orbitals as a corollary of the KLI approximation.
Formation of Silicon (Si) Grains in AlN Thin Layer Grown on an Si(1 1 1) Substrate: Effect of Deposition Sequence#
Authors: Kim Young Heon , Ahn Sang Jung , Lee Sang Tae , Kim Moondeock , Oh Jae Eung
Published: October 2023

The dependence on the deposition sequence of microstructural properties of AlN layers grown on an Si(1 1 1) substrate was studied in detail using transmission electron microscope techniques. When aluminum (Al) was predeposited to prevent the formation of an amorphous Si
x
N
y

layer at the interface, crystallized silicon (Si) grains were observed in the AlN layer. However, the AlN layer was free from the crystalline Si grains when the Si substrate was exposed to nitrogen plasma first. However, twisted crystal planes and a rough AlN/Si interface were observed in the AlN layer grown on the nitridated Si substrate.
A New Sorbent Based on Phenylalanine Functionalized Monosized Porous Particles: Interaction with Albumin
Authors: Samatya Saba
Published: October 2023

A novel adsorbent has been synthesized by functionalization of monodisperse porous poly(3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) particles with phenylalanine (Phe) as a protein‐selective ligand. The polymer particle can adsorb protein in its isoelectric pH (4.8), and its maximum capacity is ca. 633 mg/g. The adsorption behavior of poly(HPMA‐Cl‐co‐EGDMA) with Phe resin obeyed Langmuir isotherm well.
IBX‐Mediated Oxidation and Internal Redox Reaction Cascade: Asymmetric One‐Pot Synthesis of Ring‐fused Tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Kim Mi Hyun , Jeong Hyun Jung , Kim Dae Young
Published: October 2023

Organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines has been achieved via oxidation and 1,5‐hydride transfer/ring‐closure cascade. The feature of this research is one‐pot transformation of 3‐arylprop‐2‐en‐1‐ol derivatives into tetrahydroquinolines using o‐iodoxybenzoic acid‐mediated oxidation and internal redox reactions. The synthetically useful ring‐fused tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were obtained in moderate yields and high enantioselectivity.
Flavones from the Bark of Lindera caudata and Their Anti‐Tobacco Mosaic Virus Activity
Authors: Yang Yu‐Chun , Qin Ying , Wu Xian‐Xue , Xia Cong‐Fang , Meng Yan‐Lin , Zhou Bin , Ye Yan‐Qing , Gao Xue‐Mei , Li Yin‐Ke , Hu Qiu‐Fen
Published: October 2023

Two new flavones, 5‐hydroxy‐8‐hydroxymethyl‐7,4′‐dimethoxy‐flavone (1) and 6‐hydroxy‐8‐hydroxymethyl‐7,4′‐dimethoxy‐flavone (2), together with six known flavones (3–8), were isolated from the bark of Lindera caudata. The structures of 1–8 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including extensive 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Compounds 1–8 were evaluated for their anti‐tobacco mosaic virus (anti‐TMV) activity. The results showed that Compounds 1 and 2 showed high anti‐TMV activity with inhibition rates of 31.2 and 28.8%, respectively. These values are close to those of positive control.
A New Anthracene‐based Small Molecule as Cathode Interlayer for Efficient Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Zhao Chuang , Zhang Peng , Tong Junfeng , Yang Chunyan , Xia Yangjun , Fan Duowang
Published: October 2023

A new small molecule with excellent electron‐transporting property, namely 9,10‐bis(2‐(N‐octyl‐1,8‐naphthalimid‐4‐yl)ethynyl)anthracene (BNA), is prepared and characterized. A polymer solar cell (PSC) based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]‐phenylC61
‐butyricacidmethyl ester (PC61BM) is also fabricated by using BNA as the cathode buffer layer between the Al electrode and photoactive layer, and their influence on the performance of the PSCs is investigated. It is found that the open‐circuit voltage (V

oc
), short‐circuit current density (J

sc
), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a device with a 6‐nm BNA layer improved to 0.63 V, 9.74 mA/cm2, and 3.74%, respectively, which correspond to an increase of 53.6%, 38.0%, and 177% compared to those without the buffer layer. The BNA buffer layer could effectively improve the interfacial contact performance between the Al electrode and photoactive layer, decrease the series resistance, and improve the collection efficiency of carriers. The devices with appropriate thickness of the BNA buffer layer can also replace the common low‐work‐function metal Ca for increasing the PCE and lifetime of PSCs.
Synthesis and Characterization of Rhodium(I) Complexes with P–N Donor Ligands and Their Catalytic Application in Transfer Hydrogenation of Carbonyl Group
Authors: Borah Geetika , Sarmah Podma Pollov , Boruah Devajani
Published: October 2023

Three rhodium(I) complexes of the types [Rh(COE)Cl(η2‐L)] (1a,1b) and [RhCl(η2‐L) (η1‐L)] (1c), where L = P~N donor ligands 2‐[2‐(diphenylphosphino) ethyl]pyridine, (PPh2Etpy) (a), 2‐(diphenylphosphino)pyridine (PPh2py) (b), and 3‐(diphenylphosphino)‐1‐propylamine (PPh2(CH2)3NH2) (c), have been synthesized by reacting [Rh(coe)2Cl]2 with the respective ligands in 1:2 molar ratio for 1a, 1b and 1:4 molar ratio for 1c in DCM under refluxing condition. The complexes were characterized using different analytical techniques such as FT‐IR, ESI(+) mass spectrometry,
1H and
31P{
1H} NMR spectrometry, conductivity measurements, and melting point determination. The synthesized complexes were found to exhibit good catalytic activity for the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds to corresponding alcohols with high conversion rate.
Synthesis of Poly(3‐(2‐benzotriazolovinyl)thiophene) (PBVT) Copolymers Containing the Alkyl, Electron‐transporting, and Hole‐transporting Groups
Authors: Jang Suk‐Yong , Hong Hyeok‐Jin , Ham Sung‐Kyu , Han Sien‐Ho
Published: October 2023

(3‐(2‐Benzotriazolovinyl)thiophene (BVT) containing an electron‐transporting moiety was polymerized through FeCl3
oxidation. In addition, BVT was copolymerized with different functional groups: 3‐octylthiophene (OT) containing alkyl groups for improving the solubility in common organic solvents; N‐octylcarbazolylene (OcCz) containing hole‐transporting groups for improving the optical property; and the alkyl groups for improving the solubility. Soluble π‐conjugated poly(3‐(2‐benzotriazolovinyl)thiophene‐co‐3‐(2‐benzotriazoloethylthiophene)‐co‐N‐octylcarbazolene) ([(BVT)
n
‐(BET)
m
‐OcCz2
)
y
) copolymer was synthesized.
1H NMR analysis was used to verify the structure of the polyBVT copolymers. Especially, the emission of the ([(BVT)
n
‐(BET)
m
‐OcCz2
]
y
) copolymer (662 nm) was red‐shifted by about 64 nm, compared to that of poly(3‐(2‐benzotriazolo‐ethyl)thiophene) (polyBET, 598 nm).
Personalized, parcel‐guided rTMS for the treatment of major depressive disorder: Safety and proof of concept
Authors: Tang Si Jie , Holle Jonas , Dadario Nicholas B. , Lesslar Olivia , Teo Charles , Ryan Mark , Sughrue Michael , Yeung Jacky T.
Published: October 2023

Background

Not all patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) benefit from the US Food and Drug Administration‐approved use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We may be undertreating depression with this one‐size‐fits‐all rTMS strategy.

Methods

We present a retrospective review of targeted and connectome‐guided rTMS in 26 patients from Cingulum Health from 2020 to 2023 with MDD or MDD with associated symptoms. rTMS was conducted by identifying multiple cortical targets based on anomalies in individual functional connectivity networks as determined by machine learning connectomic software. Quality of life assessed by the EuroQol (EQ‐5D) score and depression symptoms assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered prior to treatment, directly after, and at a follow‐up consultation.

Results

Of the 26 patients treated with rTMS, 16 (62%) attained remission after treatment. Of the 19 patients who completed follow‐up assessments after an average interval of 2.6 months, 11 (58%) responded to treatment and 13 (68%) showed significant remission. Between patients classified with or without treatment‐resistant depression, there was no difference in BDI improvement. Additionally, there was significant improvement in quality of life after treatment and during follow‐up compared to baseline.

Limitations

This review is retrospective in nature, so there is no control group to assess the placebo effect on patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The personalized, connectome‐guided approach of rTMS is safe and may be effective for depression. This personalized rTMS treatment allows for co‐treatment of multiple disorders, such as the comorbidity of depression and anxiety.
A New Open Humanities: Introduction
Authors: McLaughlin Jeremy L.
Published: October 2023

EDITOR'S SUMMARY

The third annual Virtual Symposium on Information & Technology in the Arts & Humanities, held on April 18 and 19, 2017, centered on a theme of open science in the humanities. Presentations at the Symposium have included topics such as data visualization, historical images, interactive exhibits and linked data. The 2017 theme of open humanities was a starting point for the speakers to consider how open science has and can impact the world of humanities in various ways. Speakers at the symposium discussed analyzing writing practices on the internet using web scrapers, data management in the humanities, visual literacy skills of graduate and undergraduate students and the challenge researchers face in trying to keep up with publications in their field.
Extraction and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Diverse Marine Microalgae and Their Potential Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Zhou Linhui , Duan Xinyu , Li Kunning , Hill David R. A. , Martin Gregory J. O. , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: October 2023

This study compared free and bound phenolic compounds in various marine microalgae species. It assessed total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total condensed tannin content (TCT) and their antioxidant capacities using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, 2,2’‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS⋅+) radical cation‐based assay and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was also employed to characterize the phenolic profiling. Results showed that free phenolic compounds ranged from 1.83–6.45 mg GAE/g d. w., while bound phenolic compounds ranged from 4.03–26.03 mg GAE/g d. w., indicating significant differences. These variations were consistent across assays, highlining unique profiles in different species. A total 10 phenolics were found in these seven microalgae, including 1 phenolic acid, 6 flavonoids, 1 other polyphenol and 2 lignans. 4′‐O‐methyl‐(−)‐epigallocatechin 7‐O‐glucuronide and chrysoeriol 7‐O‐glucoside in microalgae were firstly reported in microalgal samples. These findings have implications for future applications in industries.
Controlled Construction of Core‐Shell Structured Prussian Blue Analogues towards Enhanced Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Tian Han , Chen Chang , Yu Ziyi , Luo Wenshu , Yu Xu , Chang Ziwei , Li Shujing , Cui Xiangzhi , Shi Jianlin
Published: October 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks‐based electrocatalysts have been developed as highly desirable and promising candidates for catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which, however, usually need to be prepared at elevated temperatures and may suffer from the framework collapse in water environments, largely preventing its industrial application. Herein, this work demonstrates a facile low‐temperature ion exchange method to synthesize Mn and Fe co‐loaded Prussian blue analogues possessing core‐shell structured frameworks and favorable water‐tolerance. Among the catalysts prepared, the optimal HMPB‐2.6Mn shows a high ORR electrocatalytic performance featuring a half‐wave potential of 0.86 V and zinc‐air battery power density of 119 mW cm−2, as well as negligible degradation up to 60 h, which are comparable to commercial Pt/C. Such an excellent electrocatalytic performance is attributed to the special core‐shell‐like structure with Mn concentrated in outer shell, and the synergetic interactions between Mn and Fe, endowing HMPB−Mn with outstanding ORR activity and good stability.
Energy‐efficient adaptive clustering (EEAC) with rendezvous nodes and mobile sink
Authors: Gupta Pushpendra Kumar , Verma Akshay , Gupta Prateek , Maheshwari Om , Singhal Anant , Kumar Manoj
Published: October 2023

Wireless sensor networks are an indispensable part of the present industrial and environmental scenario, with the everlasting challenges to increase network lifetime and reduce energy consumption. This paper presents an energy‐efficient adaptive clustering (EEAC) model, which is built upon the existing Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol with mobile sink and rendezvous nodes. The nodes are energy aware and participate in cluster head selection only if their current energy is higher than the average energy for the round. The idle nodes in the rendezvous region, which do not act as rendezvous nodes undergo clustering within themselves for the efficient routing of data. The EEAC inspires local clustering successfully conserves the energy of continuous long‐range transmission and enhances network lifetime. The proposed scheme proves to be remarkably better than the previous schemes, especially in large network cross‐sections. It improves alive nodes' performance for around 50% more rounds than the optimizing‐LEACH and the remaining energy curves improve around 500 rounds for 250 mx250 m network. For 350 mx350 m and 450 mx450 m networks, the results improved much in EEAC. In addition, the improvement in stability period is 450%, 578%, and 198% for the network cross‐section 150 mx150 m, 200 mx200m, and 250 mx250 m, respectively.
Morphological and transcriptomic responses/acclimations of erect‐type submerged macrophyteHydrilla verticillataboth at low‐light exposure and light recovery phases
Authors: Guo Qingchun , Gao Yuxuan , Song Chao , Zhang Xinhou , Wang Guoxiang
Published: October 2023

Light intensity is a determinant for submerged macrophytes. Little is known about their molecular responses to low‐light exposure, despite more informative and responsive than morphological traits. For erect‐type submerged macrophytes, the stem is more crucial relative to the leaf in acclimation to low‐light stress, but receives less attention. We determined morphological and stem transcriptomic responses/acclimations ofHydrilla verticillatato extremely and mildly low light (7.2 and 36 μmol photons m−2 s−1, respectively), that is, EL and ML, with the radiation intensity of 180 μmol photons m−2 s−1as the control. Low‐light exposure continued for 9 days, followed by a 7‐day recovery phase (180 μmol photons m−2 s−1). At the exposure phase, the low‐light treatments, in particular the EL, decreased the relative growth ratio, but induced greater height and longer stem internode distance and epidermal cell. Such responses/acclimations continued into the recovery phase, despite more or less changes in the magnitude. Transcriptome showed that the photosynthetic system was inhibited at the exposure phase, but the macrophyte adjusted hormone synthesis relating to cell division and elongation. Moreover, the EL activated cell stress responses such as DNA repair. Following light recovery, the macrophyte exhibited a strong‐light response, although energy metabolism enhanced. Especially, the EL enriched the pathways relating to anthocyanin synthesis at such phase, indicating an activation of photoprotective mechanism. Our findings suggest that negative influences of low light occur at both low‐light exposure and recovery phases, but submerged macrophytes would acclimate to light environments. Transcriptome can show molecular basis of plant responses/acclimations, including but not limited to morphology. This study establishes a bridge connecting morphological and molecular responses/acclimations.
Multichannel Low‐Noise Low‐Power Amplifier for Neural Signal Acquisition
Authors: YASUDA YOHEI , NAKANO NOBUHIKO
Published: October 2023

This paper describes a low‐noise and low‐power spike neural signal amplifier design that has cut‐off frequency compensation between channels and chips. The variation of the frequency characteristics of amplifiers should be minimized among the channels and chips. This is a requirement to perform statistical correlation analysis from a neuroscience‐oriented point of view. Our design includes an adjustable cut‐off frequency using a 4‐bit variable capacitance. After compensation, the variation of the cut‐off frequency was reduced to between –0.4 kHz and +0.3 kHz from between –1.1 kHz and +3.6 kHz; that is, the value before trimming under the condition of a target cut‐off frequency of 10 kHz. We designed a multineural signal amplifier using the Rohm 0.18 m CMOS process. The designed neural amplifier has capacitive coupled differential input to reject large dc offsets generated at the electrode–tissue interface and to avoid strong common mode noise. To achieve high energy efficiency with low noise in order to observe spike signals of the order of a few tens of mV, the MOS transistors in the OTA are operated in the subthreshold region and combined with a low‐pass filter that consumes less than a hundred nW. The amplifier yielded a midband gain of 37.9 dB and the input‐referred noise was measured as 3.76 Vrms with a consumption of 4.30 W, with a 0.9 V power supply. These results correspond to a noise efficiency factor (NEF) of 2.23, close to the limit using a single differential OTA prepared by a CMOS process.
Facile Mechanochemical Reduction and Lithium‐Ion Doping of Transition‐Metal Oxides[]**
Authors: Davison Nathan , Khatun Tanima , Arce‐Garcia Isabel , Gould Jamie A. , Dawson James A. , Lu Erli
Published: October 2023

Transition‐metal oxides (MOx) play essential roles in chemistry, catalysis, materials science and metallurgy. The MOx reduction and doping are two ubiquitous reactions in academic research and industrial manufacturing, but they are notoriously energy‐demanding and require harsh conditions (high temperatures, long durations). In this work, facilitated by mechanochemical ball milling, we report a new route to conduct MOx reduction and doping at room temperature within 20 minutes enabled by mechanochemical ball milling and lithium metal.
On the Coordination Chemistry of Triazolyl‐substituted Diborane Ligands, Prepared by 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions between Diazido‐diboranes and Alkynes
Authors: Vogler Daniel , Schenker Maurice , Ng Kim Hao , Kaifer Elisabeth , Himmel Hans‐Jörg
Published: October 2023

Metal‐free cycloaddition reactions between a diazido‐diborane and alkynes are used to synthesize new ditriazolyl‐diborane molecules, a bis(ferrocenyl‐1,2,3‐triazolyl)‐diborane and a bis(2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazolyl)‐diborane. Then, the bis(2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazolyl)‐diborane was used as polydentate ligand for the synthesis of larger architectures. Reaction with ditriflato‐diborane yielded a tetracationic hexaboron compound, and reaction with metal salts yielded dicationic ring compounds with two hexacoordinate metal atoms and two integrated diborane units.
Construction and contestation of climate activist identities in the comments section of a large UK‐based online newspaper
Authors: Lewis Harry M. , Vignoles Vivian L.
Published: October 2023

Success of global attempts to limit climate change depends partly upon public support for demands of climate activist groups. We examined the role of social representation and identity processes in shaping opposition to climate activism, through a discursive thematic analysis of 628 online comments on 20 MailOnline articles about climate activists. Members of the commenting community propagated representations of climate activists as an immoral and incompetent, low‐value to society, ideological Other. Commenters contrasted negative representations of activists with constructions of their own shared identity as hardworking, moral and competent. These constructions serve to undermine and delegitimize the activist voice, while simultaneously advancing a political project rooted in ideological and class‐based concerns. Future research might explore the possibility of engaging wider support through generating competing representations of activist identity. Our research illustrates the value of jointly focusing on social representations and social identity processes for understanding issue‐based societal polarisation.
Nickel and manganese‐doped CdS quantum dots: Optical study and photocatalytic activity on methylene blue
Authors: Khosravi A.A. , Bigdeli F.B. , Yousefi M. , Abdikhani M.S. , Taheri Otaqsara S.M.
Published: October 2023

Photo degradation of organic dyes by pure and doped CdS quantum dots (QDs) prepared by wet chemical route using mercaptoethanol as capping agent has been investigated. Synthesized QDs have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible, and photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotometry. Structural study confirmed the existence of the cubic phase, quasi spherical shape and well distribution with grain size of 10–20 nm. Optical studies show a blue shift in the absorbance spectrum with increasing the doping concentration. The PL spectra of Mn‐doped CdS show an additional orange‐red emission band at ∼645 nm, which is attributed from 4T1 (G) → 6A1(S) radiative transitions. Green luminescence band at ∼530 nm on Ni2+ doping can be arising to 1T2g → 3A2g transition. Photo catalytic activity of doped CdS QDs was studied on methylene blue (MB) dye. Methylene blue (MB) decomposition rate of pure and doped CdS QDs evaluated on methylene blue (MB) dye is as follows: CdS:Ni2+>CdS:Mn2+>CdS. A maximum photo degradation efficiency of MB dye (∼83%) was obtained by Ni2+‐doped CdS QDs. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1194–1200, 2014
A systematic review of tea pigments: Prevention of major diseases, protection of organs, and potential mechanisms and applications
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Yan Fei , Li Xin‐Sheng , Qu Dong , Xu Yue‐Ling
Published: October 2023

With the growing awareness of a healthy life, tea pigments (TPGs) are in focus for their health benefits. TPGs not only provide specific color to tea liquor but also possess health benefits such as anti‐obesity, anti‐tumor, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐viral, anti‐oxidative, and bacteriostatic properties. Also, TPGs can benefit bone, liver, kidney, cardiovascular, gut microbiome, and sleep health. Based on previous reports, this review provides a brief introduction to the health benefits of TPGs, focusing on the prevention of human diseases and the protection of organs. Also, the latest research on the functional mechanism(s), practical application, and development strategies of TPGs is discussed.
Chondroprotective effects of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae as an edible insect on osteoarthritis in mice
Authors: Chun Jin Mi , Nam Hyeon‐Hwa , Lee Ji Hye , Seo Young Hye , Kim Hyo Seon , Moon Byeong Cheol , Park Jun Hong
Published: October 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common chronic joint inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of the articular cartilage, bone remodeling, and excessive chronic pain. Most therapeutic approaches do not rescue the progression of OA effectively or provide relief of symptoms. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larva (PBSL), which is attracting attention, is an edible insect with very high nutritional value and herbal medicine for the treatment of blood stasis, hepatic disease, and various inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of PBSL on OA has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to demonstrate the effects of PBSL water extract on the progression of OA using monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)‐induced mice and SW1353 chondrocytes or murine macrophages. We injected MIA into the intraarticular area of mice following pretreatment with either saline or PBSL (200 mg/kg) for 2 weeks, and then locomotor activity, microcomputed tomography and histopathological analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction analysis, and western blot analysis were performed. To determine the molecular effects of PBSL, we used interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced SW1353 chondrosarcoma or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages. Pretreatment with PBSL diminished the symptoms of OA. Physical activity, articular cartilage damage, and the generation of microfractures were rescued by pretreatment with PBSL in the mouse model. Pretreatment with PBSL suppressed the progress of OA through the regulation of articular cartilage degradation genes and inflammation in both in vivo and in vitro models. Our results demonstrated that PBSL has value as edible insect that can be used in the development of functional foods for OA.
Preoperative urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin predicts mortality in colorectal cancer patients after laparoscopic surgery: A single‐center study
Authors: Huynh Thanh Long , Dao Bui Quy Quyen , Nguyen Manh Khiem , Nguyen Huu Dung , Nguyen Trung Kien , Le Viet Thang
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To determine the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) after laparoscopic colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and the predictive value of urine neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL) for postoperative AKI and mortality during 3 years of follow‐up.

Methods

A total of 216 CRC patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery were included in our study. We divided all patients into two groups, including group 1 (n = 31) with postoperative AKI and group 2 (n = 185) without postoperative AKI. Urine NGAL was measured using the ELISA technique. Clinical and laboratory data were collected the day before surgery. Postoperative AKI included events occurring within 7 days of the index operation, and mortality was obtained during 3 years of follow‐up.

Results

The ratio of postoperative AKI was 14.35% (31/216 patients). The urine NGAL level in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2, p < 0.001. At cut‐off value = 14.94 ng/mL, uNGAL has a predictive value for AKI (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.858, p < 0.001). After 3 years of follow‐up, the total mortality rate was 7.9%. The mortality rate in group 1 (45.2%) was significantly higher than in group 2 (1.6%) with p < 0.001). At cut‐off value = 19.85 ng/mL, uNGAL has a predictive value for mortality (AUC = 0.941, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The rate of acute kidney injury after laparoscopic CRC surgery was 14.35%. Preoperative urine NGAL has a good predictive value for postoperative acute kidney injury and mortality during 3 years of follow‐up.
Disability in the workplace. Part 1: playing on ‘hard mode’
Authors: Cawston Ruth
Published: October 2023

In the first article of this series on disability in the workplace, Ruth Cawston from British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS) shares her advice on navigating the veterinary profession with chronic illness, neurodivergence and disability, including the best ways to manage and talk about it, and how to figure out what you need to thrive at work. The second article, to be published in a subsequent issue of In Practice, will cover how to support a colleague or employee with a chronic condition, neurodivergence or disability and explain the legalities surrounding disability and employment, including demystifying ‘reasonable adjustments’.
Front Cover
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Zhipeng , Chen Ruiyi , Yu Xiaohai , Zhang Hongyu , Hu Gang , Liu Qiegen , Song Xianlin
Published: October 2023

A method based on deep learning was proposed to enhance the defocused resolution and signal‐to‐noise ratio of optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy. A fully dense U‐Net was trained with randomly distributed sources of different shapes to improve the quality of photoacoustic images. The results show that the PSNR of defocused signal was enhanced by more than 1.2 times. An over 2.6‐fold enhancement in lateral resolution and an over 3.4‐fold enhancement in axial resolution of defocused regions were achieved.

For further details please visit the article by Rui Wang, Zhipeng Zhang, Ruiyi Chen, Xiaohai Yu, Hongyu Zhang, Gang Hu, Qiegen Liu, Xianlin Song (e202300149).

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Temporary unilateral abdominal muscle paralysis due to herpes zoster without typical vesicles or pain
Authors: Eguchi Hitoshi , Furukawa Naoko , Tago Masaki , Fujiwara Motoshi , Ogushi Akihiko , Tokutomi Jun , Choi Seungeon , Yamamoto Kenichi , Yoshihara Kojiro , Yamashita Shu‐ichi
Published: October 2023

A 45‐year‐old man was evaluated for right abdominal bulging. Computed tomography showed segmental flaccidity of the right abdominal muscle without an abdominal hernia. Although typical vesicles and pain were absent, we diagnosed herpes zoster (HZ) because of the presence of a few eschars on the affected area without a history of diabetes mellitus. Although transient unilateral abdominal muscle paralysis due to HZ without typical skin vesicles or pain is rare, it is imperative to consider the possibility of HZ and seek skin changes such as eschars in such cases.
Rehabilitative management for aspiration pneumonia in elderly patients
Authors: Momosaki Ryo
Published: October 2023

Aspiration pneumonia is a common disease that frequently occurs in elderly patients. Most patients with aspiration pneumonia have swallowing disability and develop hospital‐acquired disability. Frequently, patients have difficulty returning home, and they often require long‐term hospitalization. Recently, the effectiveness of rehabilitative management including physical, pulmonary, and dysphagia rehabilitation for aspiration pneumonia was reported. Several studies showed that early rehabilitation was associated with reduced mortality and early hospital discharge after aspiration pneumonia. Unnecessary “nil by mouth” directives associated with aspiration pneumonia at hospital admission resulted in adverse effects, including decline in swallowing ability and prolonged treatment duration. Rehabilitative management combined with appropriate nutrition is recommended to improve clinical outcomes, including physical and swallowing function in geriatric patients with aspiration pneumonia.
A unique case of primary effusion lymphoma‐like lymphoma showing disappearance and recurrence of the body cavity effusion
Authors: Koeda Chikahiko , Sato Takashi , Matsumoto Yuki , Usui Yuta , Kunugida Fusanori , Ogawa Muneyoshi
Published: October 2023

Primary effusion lymphoma‐like lymphoma (PEL‐LL) is a rare B‐cell lymphoma that the etiology remains unclear. We describe a case of PEL‐LL with a pleuropericardial effusion. Diagnosis required long period of time as it followed a unique progress of disappearance and recurrence of the body cavity effusion. We finally had a diagnosis of B‐cell lymphoma by the immunocytochemistry of effusion using the cell block procedure. Authors consider that it is valuable to actively try the cell block procedure at the time of the first drainage for early diagnosis, if the body cavity effusion due to the malignancy is suspected.
A multicenter validation study for determining the condition of nonanatomical or minor anatomical hepatectomies satisfying technical difficulty of current high‐level hepatectomy certificated by the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery
Authors: Matsuki Ryota , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Yoshida Masao , Ogiso Satoshi , Soyama Akihiko , Seki Yusuke , Tokumitsu Yukio , Eguchi Susumu , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Nagano Hiroaki , Kokudo Norihiro , Hatano Etsuro
Published: October 2023

Background

The current high‐level hepatectomy (HLH) is certified by the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS), comprising only anatomical hepatectomies above Couinaud's segmentectomy. This multicenter study aimed to identify the conditions of non‐HLH that satisfy equivalent technical difficulties to HLH.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2021, 595 first open hepatectomies without biliary reconstruction (374 HLHs and 221 non‐HLHs) were performed in the five institutions. Non‐HLHs belonging to at least one of the three conditions; depth of hepatectomy ≥5 cm, number of resections ≥3 locations and at least one location with a depth of hepatectomy ≥3 cm, and hepatectomy involving the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe was proposed as the candidate for difficult non‐HLH. The technical difficulty was estimated by the operative time and blood loss.

Results

Difficult non‐HLHs were neither associated with shorter operative time (373 min vs. 354 min, p = .184) nor lesser blood loss than those with HLHs (503 mL vs. 436 mL, p = .126). Postoperative complications such as Clavien‐Dindo classification grade III or more were not significant between the two groups (18.6% vs. 13.4%, p = 0212).

Conclusions

Difficult non‐HLHs were associated with no lesser technical difficulty than those with HLH.
Biennial analysis of probable permafrost distribution for Kullu district, North‐west Himalaya using Landsat 8 satellite data
Authors: Pradhan Ipshita Priyadarsini , Shukla D. P.
Published: October 2023

Climate change and increased anthropogenic activity affect permafrost distribution, threatening ecosystem stability, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we present updated probable permafrost maps at 30 m resolution for Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh derived from the predicted mean annual air temperature (MAAT) (2013 to 2020) based on Landsat 8 land surface temperature (LST). We also analysed the mean annual snow cover extent of the study area for this time period. Our probable permafrost distribution map shows the areas falling under permafrost regions in snow‐covered areas; permafrost regions in non‐snow‐covered areas; non permafrost regions along with glacierised regions. The temporal variation of permafrost over 7 years from 2013 to 2020 shows that permafrost distribution follows a cyclic variation ranging between 4.42% and 7.51% of the total area of the district. The permafrost maps were validated with the presence of rock glaciers as seen on high resolution satellite images and the ground photographs. The maps display the expected spatial pattern of near‐surface air temperatures that match with the known permafrost boundary. The findings of this study provide more precise information on permafrost distribution and essential data for future permafrost research in Kullu district.
Transforming health and well‐being through publishing computable biomedical knowledge (CBK)
Authors: Koru Güneş
Published: October 2023

Computable biomedical knowledge artifacts (CBKs) are software programs that transform input data into practical output. CBKs are expected to play a critical role in the future of learning health systems. While there has been rapid growth in the development of CBKs, broad adoption is hampered by limited verification, documentation, and dissemination channels. To address these issues, the Learning Health Systems journal created a track dedicated to publishing CBKs through a peer‐review process. Peer review of CBKs should improve reproducibility, reuse, trust, and recognition in biomedical fields, contributing to learning health systems. This special issue introduces the CBK track with four manuscripts reporting a functioning CBK, and another four manuscripts tackling methodological, policy, deployment, and platform issues related to fostering a healthy ecosystem for CBKs. It is our hope that the potential of CBKs exemplified and highlighted by these quality publications will encourage scientists within learning health systems and related biomedical fields to engage with this new form of scientific discourse.
Coating of Polypropylene Non‐Woven Fabric with Layered Double Hydroxides Bearing Antioxidant and Antibacterial Natural Compounds
Authors: Cicogna Francesca , Passaglia Elisa , Elainaoui Elyazid , Bramanti Emilia , Oberhauser Werner , Casini Beatrice , Tuvo Benedetta , Coltelli Maria‐Beatrice , Panariello Luca , Coiai Serena
Published: October 2023

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) containing immobilized rosmarinic acid or eugenol have been employed to functionalize polypropylene (PP) non‐woven fabric (NWF), commonly used to manufacture protective clothing such as surgical masks. Rosmarinic acid and eugenol have recognized biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory capabilities, and they have been employed in this work both as synthetic, commercial compounds and as raw mixtures extracted from agri‐food matrices. These encapsulated hybrid systems have been designed to gradually release the active molecules while protecting them from degradation processes caused by light and heat. Two different NWF modification strategies have been employed to increase the adhesion capacity of the hybrids: cold plasma treatment with oxygen and polydopamine coating. Both methodologies have increased the amount of hybrid deposited on the NWF surfaces, giving significant resistance to thermo‐oxidation, the controlled migratory capacity of active molecules, and, in the case of the eugenol‐containing system, significant bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus.