bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival, Function, and Cognition After Hospitalization in Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Jain Snigdha , Gan Siqi , Nguyen Oanh K. , Sudore Rebecca L. , Steinman Michael A. , Covinsky Kenneth , Makam Anil N.
Published: May 2024

Importance

More than 70 000 Medicare beneficiaries receive care in long-term acute care hospitals (LTCHs) annually for prolonged acute illness. However, little is known about long-term functional and cognitive outcomes of middle-aged and older adults after hospitalization in an LTCH.

Objective

To describe survival, functional, and cognitive status after LTCH hospitalization and to identify factors associated with an adverse outcome.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included middle-aged and older adults enrolled in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with linked fee-for-service Medicare claims. Included participants were aged 50 years or older with an LTCH admission between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2016, with HRS interviews available before admission. Data were analyzed between November 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Function and cognition were ascertained from HRS interviews conducted every 2 years. The primary outcome was death or severe impairment in the 2.5 years after LTCH hospitalization, defined as dependencies in 2 or more activities of daily living (ADLs) or dementia. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate associations with a priori selected risk factors including pre-LTCH survival prognosis (Lee index score), pre-LTCH impairment status, and illness severity characterized by receipt of mechanical ventilation and prolonged intensive care unit stay of 3 days or longer.

Results

This study included 396 participants, with a median age of 75 (IQR, 68-82) years. Of the participants, 201 (51%) were women, 125 (28%) had severe impairment, and 318 (80%) died or survived with severe impairment (functional, cognitive, or both) within 2.5 years of LTCH hospitalization. After accounting for acute illness characteristics, prehospitalization survival prognosis as determined by the Lee index score and severe baseline impairment (functional, cognitive, or both) were associated with an increased likelihood of death or severe impairment in the 2.5 years after LTCH hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.2 [95% CI, 1.7 to 6.0] for a 5-point increase in Lee index score; and AOR, 4.5 [95% CI, 1.3 to 15.4] for severe vs no impairment).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, 4 of 5 middle-aged and older adults died or survived with severe impairment within 2.5 years of LTCH hospitalization. Better preadmission survival prognosis and functional and cognitive status were associated with lower risk of an adverse outcome, and these findings should inform decision-making for older adults with prolonged acute illness.
Moving eConsults Into Mainstream Pediatric Care
Authors: Ray Kristin N. , Wittman Samuel R. , Mehrotra Ateev
Published: May 2024

This Viewpoint discusses strategies and considerations for moving electronic consultations (eConsults) into mainstream pediatric practice.
The age‐related decline of helicase function—how G‐quadruplex structures promote genome instability
Authors: Frobel Joana , Hänsel‐Hertsch Robert
Published: May 2024

The intricate mechanisms underlying transcription‐dependent genome instability involve G‐quadruplexes (G4) and R‐loops. This perspective elucidates the potential link between these structures and genome instability in aging. The co‐occurrence of G4 DNA and RNA–DNA hybrid structures (G‐loop) underscores a complex interplay in genome regulation and instability. Here, we hypothesize that the age‐related decline of sirtuin function leads to an increase in acetylated helicases that bind to G4 DNA and RNA–DNA hybrid structures, but are less efficient in resolving them. We propose that acetylated, less active, helicases induce persistent G‐loop structures, promoting transcription‐dependent genome instability in aging.
Dosimetric comparison of HyperArc and InCise MLC‐based CyberKnife plans in treating single and multiple brain metastases
Authors: Zhu Liying , Dong Shengnan , Sun Lei , Xiao Yixuan , Zhong Yihua , Pan Mingyuan , Wang Yang
Published: May 2024

Background and purpose

This study aimed to compare the dosimetric attributes of two multi‐leaf collimator based techniques, HyperArc and Incise CyberKnife, in the treatment of brain metastases.

Material and methods

17 cases of brain metastases were selected including 6 patients of single lesion and 11 patients of multiple lesions. Treatment plans of HyperArc and CyberKnife were designed in Eclipse 15.5 and Precision 1.0, respectively, and transferred to Velocity 3.2 for comparison.

Results

HyperArc plans provided superior Conformity Index (0.91 ± 0.06 vs. 0.77 ± 0.07, p < 0.01) with reduced dose distribution in organs at risk (Dmax, p < 0.05) and lower normal tissue exposure (V4Gy–V20Gy, p < 0.05) in contrast to CyberKnife plans, although the Gradient Indexes were similar. CyberKnife plans showed higher Homogeneity Index (1.54 ± 0.17 vs. 1.39 ± 0.09, p < 0.05) and increased D2% and D50% in the target (p < 0.05). Additionally, HyperArc plans had significantly fewer Monitor Units (MUs) and beam‐on time (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

HyperArc plans demonstrated superior performance compared with MLC‐based CyberKnife plans in terms of conformity and the sparing of critical organs and normal tissues, although no significant difference in GI outcomes was noted. Conversely, CyberKnife plans achieved a higher target dose and HI. The study suggests that HyperArc is more efficient and particularly suitable for treating larger lesions in brain metastases.
A Fully Self‐Healing Patch of Integrated Bio‐Signal Monitoring Sensors with Self‐Healing Microporous Foam and Au Nanosheet Electrodes
Authors: Park Mihyeon , Yang Wonseok , Kim Jung Wook , Choi Yeonji , Kim Somin , Lee Yonghui , Kim Dong Sik , Kim Jiyoon , Lim Dong‐Kwon , Ha Jeong Sook
Published: May 2024

A fully self‐healing sensor patch consisting of an in‐plane integrated dual‐mode sensor and a pressure sensor with a vertically integrated electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode is reported. For a full‐device self‐healing, interlayer self‐bonding by using self‐healing oxime‐carbamate bond‐based polyurethane and room temperature self‐healing TUEG3 capped Au nanosheet (T‐Au NS) electrodes are devised. Via the use of a self‐healing sensor foam prepared by a coating of a self‐healing composite of polyurethane and polyaniline onto a microporous graphene foam, a self‐healing dual‐mode sensor is fabricated to detect the pressure and temperature simultaneously without interference. Furthermore, the interdigitated self‐healing electrode of T‐Au NS is applied to the pressure sensor to enhance the sensitivity up to 208.62 kPa−1 (<1 kPa), enabling the detection of small pulse signals even after multiple self‐healing events. By using the common self‐healing T‐Au NS electrode vertically integrated onto the sensor patch, ECG signals are also detected. With this sensor patch, skin temperature, wrist pulse, and ECG signals are successfully detected after a simultaneous full‐device self‐healing from complete bisection. This study demonstrates the facile fabrication of a high‐performance, fully self‐healing patch of multi‐sensors via the deliberate selection of sensor design and the associated functional materials, confirming its high potential applicability to highly durable health monitoring systems.
Probing the Thermal and Electrical Properties of Ultrawide Bandgap Nitrogen‐Polar AlGaN Heterostructures
Authors: Noshin Maliha , Kwon Heungdong , Khan Asir Intisar , Alaei Sauviz P. , Meng Chuanzhe , Asheghi Mehdi , Suzuki Yuri , Salahuddin Sayeef , Goodson Kenneth , Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: May 2024

Ultra‐wide bandgap semiconductor AlGaN is a promising candidate for high‐power and high‐frequency electronics. AlGaN‐heterostructures with nitrogen (N)‐polarity can offer added benefits of low‐leakage and large drive current. However, electro‐thermal transport in such heterostructures remains unexplored, although they are essential for electronic device functionality. Here, the thermal and electrical properties of N‐polar AlxGa1‐xN‐channel heterostructures (Al percentage, x = 15–90%) are explored and compared with their GaN counterpart. The thermal measurements uncover that the effective thermal resistance of the thin channel and barrier layers are similar in magnitudes for N‐polar‐ AlGaN and GaN heterostructures, however, the total effective thermal conductivity in N‐polar AlGaN heterostructure is ≈4× smaller. This reduction originates from the larger thermal resistance of the thick Al0.15Ga0.85N buffer layer within the AlGaN stack. N‐polar AlxGa1‐xN stack displays a thermal conductivity almost independent of temperature, measured from room temperature up to 200 °C. Hall measurements of an N‐polar Al0.30Ga0.70N‐channel heterostructure further reveal that electrical properties such as resistivity, carrier density, and mobility remain nearly unchanged with temperature, indicating the dominance of alloy‐phonon scattering in such material systems. These results offer important insights into material‐device co‐design and reliability of N‐polar AlGaN heterostructures.
Spectroscopic Investigations of Complex Electronic Interactions by Elemental Doping and Material Compositing of Cobalt Oxide for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity
Authors: Huang Jinzhen , Clark Adam H. , Hales Natasha , Borca Camelia Nicoleta , Huthwelker Thomas , Skoupy Radim , Schmidt Thomas J. , Fabbri Emiliana
Published: May 2024

Doping and compositing are two universal design strategies used to engineer the electronic state of a material and mitigate its disadvantages. These two strategies are extensively applied to design efficient electrocatalysts for water splitting. Using cobalt oxide (CoO) as a model catalyst, it is proven that the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance can be progressively improved, first by Fe‐doping to form Fe‐CoO solid solution, and further by the addition of CeO2 to produce a Fe‐CoO/CeO2 composite. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals that distinct electronic interactions are induced by the processes of doping and compositing. Fe‐doping of CoO can break down the structural symmetry, changing the electronic structure of both Co and O species at the surface and decreasing the flat‐band potential (Vfb). In comparison, subsequent compositing of Fe‐CoO with CeO2 induces negligible electronic changes in the Fe‐CoO (as seen in ex situ characterizations), but significantly modifies the oxidative transformations of both Co and Fe under OER conditions. The spectroscopic investigations reveal that Fe‐doping and CeO2 compositing play different roles in modifying the electronic properties of CoO in its pristine state and during OER catalysis, in return, providing useful guidance for the design of more efficient electrocatalysts using these two strategies.
Surface Electron Reconstruction of Catalyst Through Alloying Strategy for Accelerating Sulfur Conversion in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zuo Yinze , Jiao Xuechao , Huang Zheng , Lei Jie , Liu Mingquan , Dong Li , Yan Wei , Zhang Jiujun
Published: May 2024

Alloy catalyst is considered to be an important strategy to solve the shuttle effect and sluggish kinetics of lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs). However, the effect of the electronic structure of the alloy catalyst on the sulfur conversion process has not been effectively analyzed. In this paper, based on alloying strategy, the electronic structure of such a FeCoNi catalyst is regulated and optimized, and the sulfur adsorption configuration and catalytic conversion process are defined. The in situ Raman spectroscopy and the density functional theory (DFT) are employed to deeply understand the catalytic mechanism of such a sulfur conversion. A cell with FeCoNi modified separator delivers an ultra‐low capacity attenuation of 0.056% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 3 C. The outstanding anti‐self‐discharge performance of 8.1% over 7 days is also achieved. Furthermore, the obtained cell with a high sulfur loading of 9.7 mg cm−2 and lean electrolyte of 5.6 µL mgs−1 exhibits 81% capacity retention after 100 cycles, providing a research prospect for the practical application of lithium‐sulfur batteries.
High Selenium Loading in Vertically Aligned Porous Carbon Framework with Visualized Fast Kinetics for Enhanced Lithium/Sodium Storage
Authors: Wang Mingyue , Hu Yubing , Luo Langli , Zheng Cheng , Gu Qinfen , Dou Shixue , Wang Nana , Bai Zhongchao
Published: May 2024

Lithium/sodium–selenium (Li/Na–Se) batteries with high volumetric specific capacity are considered promising as next‐generation battery technologies. However, their practical application is hindered by challenges such as low Se loading in cathodes and the polyselenides shuttle effect. To address these challenges, a new Se host is introduced in the form of a free‐standing N, O co‐doped vertically aligned porous carbon framework decorated with a carbon nanotube forest (VCF‐CNTs), allowing for high mass loading of up to 16 mg cm−2. The low‐tortuosity Se@VCF‐CNTs architecture facilitates rapid lithiation/sodiation kinetics, while the CNT forests in vertical microchannels enhance efficient Se loading and serve as a multi‐layer fence to prevent undesired polyselenide shuttling. Consequently, the Se@VCF‐CNTs cathode displays a significant areal capacity of 10.3 mAh cm−2 at 0.1 C with a Se loading of 16 mg cm−2 for Li–Se batteries, exceeding that of commercial lithium ion batteries (4.0 mAh cm−2). In Na–Se batteries, the Se@VCF‐CNTs electrode with a Se loading of 5 mg cm−2 exhibits a discharge capacity of 436 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles, proving its consistent cycling performance. This study enriches the field of knowledge concerning high‐loading Se‐based battery systems, offering a promising avenue for enhancing energy density in the field.
Co‐Catalytic Metal‐Support Interactions Design on Single‐Atom Alloy for Boosted Electro‐Reduction of Nitrate to Nitrogen
Authors: Wu Ziyang , Kang Xuxin , Wang Sen , Song Yanhui , Xie Fengting , Duan Xiangmei , Yang Jianping
Published: May 2024

The past decades have seen considerable imbalances in the nitrogen cycle due to the excessive use of nitrate in agriculture and industry. Electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3RR) to nitrogen (N2) holds significant potential for addressing nitrate pollution in wastewater but suffers from nitrite formation and the sluggish hydrogeneration process. Here a single atom alloy (SAA) catalyst featuring atomically dispersed Ru on 2D Ni metal (Ru1Ni), proving remarkable nitrate reduction performance (NO3−–N conversion (≈93%) and N2 selectivity (≈99%)) through the co‐catalytic metal‐support interactions (CMSI) effect is reported. Significantly, the Ru1Ni SAA achieves NO3RR removal capacity as high as 11.1 mg L−1 h−1 cm−2 with 20 cycles stability (9 h per cycle), surpassing most previously reported works. The core of the boosting lies in the synergistically promoted nitrate activation and accelerated hydrogenation of nitrogen oxide intermediates on the Ru site and Ni substrate, respectively, revealed by various in situ experiments and theoretical simulations. DFT calculations indicate electron transfer from substrate Ni to Ru and more robust interaction between NO3− and Ru–Ni in comparison to that of Ni–Ni. This work offers a resilient methodology for the rational design of highly efficient electrocatalysts with CMSI modulation for NO3RR, illuminating the arena of wastewater treatment and the nitrogen cycle.
Engineering a Hydrazone and Triazole Crosslinked Hydrogel for Extrusion‐Based Printing and Cell Delivery
Authors: Jaeschke Matthew W. , Borelli Alexandra N. , Skillin Nathaniel P. , White Timothy J. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: May 2024

Covalent adaptable crosslinks, such as the alkyl‐hydrazone, endow hydrogels with unique viscoelastic properties applicable to cell delivery and bioink systems. However, the alkyl‐hydrazone crosslink lacks stability in biologically relevant environments. Furthermore, when formed with biopolymers such as hyaluronic acid (HA), low molecular weight polymers (<60 kDa), or low polymer content (<2 wt%) hydrogels are typically employed as entanglements reduce injectability. Here, a high molecular weight (>60 kDa) HA alkyl‐hydrazone crosslinked hydrogel is modified with benzaldehyde‐poly(ethylene glycol)3‐azide to incorporate azide functional groups. By reacting azide‐modified HA with a multi‐arm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) functionalized with bicyclononyne, stabilizing triazole bonds are formed through strain‐promoted azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). Increasing the fraction of triazole bonds within the hydrogel network from 0% to 12% SPAAC substantially increases stability. The slow gelation kinetics of the SPAAC reaction in the 12% SPAAC hydrogel enables transient self‐healing properties and a similar extrusion force as the 0% SPAAC hydrogel. Methyl‐PEG4‐hydrazide is then introduced to further slowdown network evolution, which temporarily lowers the extrusion force, improves printability, and increases post‐extrusion mesenchymal stem cell viability and function in the 12% SPAAC hydrogel. This work demonstrates improved stability and temporal injectability of high molecular weight HA‐PEG hydrogels for extrusion‐based printing and cell delivery.
Develop Targeted Protein Drug Carriers through a High‐Throughput Screening Platform and Rational Design
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Zuo Yanming , Lin Xurong , Guo Binjie , Jiang Haohan , Guan Naiyu , Zheng Hanyu , Huang Yan , Gu Xiaosong , Yu Bin , Wang Xuhua
Published: May 2024

Protein‐based drugs offer advantages, such as high specificity, low toxicity, and minimal side effects compared to small molecule drugs. However, delivery of proteins to target tissues or cells remains challenging due to the instability, diverse structures, charges, and molecular weights of proteins. Polymers have emerged as a leading choice for designing effective protein delivery systems, but identifying a suitable polymer for a given protein is complicated by the complexity of both proteins and polymers. To address this challenge, a fluorescence‐based high‐throughput screening platform called ProMatch to efficiently collect data on protein–polymer interactions, followed by in vivo and in vitro experiments with rational design is developed. Using this approach to streamline polymer selection for targeted protein delivery, candidate polymers from commercially available options are identified and a polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)‐based system for delivering proteins to white adipose tissue as a treatment for obesity is developed. A branched polyethylenimine (bPEI)‐based system for neuron‐specific protein delivery to stimulate optic nerve regeneration is also developed. The high‐throughput screening methodology expedites identification of promising polymer candidates for tissue‐specific protein delivery systems, thereby providing a platform to develop innovative protein‐based therapeutics.
Ultrasmall Polyphenol‐NAD+ Nanoparticle‐Mediated Renal Delivery for Mitochondrial Repair and Anti‐Inflammatory Treatment of AKI‐to‐CKD Progression
Authors: Kong Ying , Chen Xu , Liu Feng , Tang Jiageng , Zhang Yijing , Zhang Xiangxiang , Zhang Luyao , Zhang Tong , Wang Yaqi , Su Mengxiao , Zhang Qixin , Chen Hanxiang , Zhou Di , Yi Fan , Liu Hong , Fu Yi
Published: May 2024

As a central metabolic molecule, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) can potentially treat acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, its bioavailability is poor due to short half‐life, instability, the deficiency of targeting, and difficulties in transmembrane transport. Here a physiologically adaptive gallic acid‐NAD+ nanoparticle is designed, which has ultrasmall size and pH‐responsiveness, passes through the glomerular filtration membrane to reach injured renal tubules, and efficiently delivers NAD+ into the kidneys. With an effective accumulation in the kidneys, it restores renal function, immune microenvironment homeostasis, and mitochondrial homeostasis of AKI mice via the NAD+‐Sirtuin‐1 axis, and exerts strong antifibrotic effects on the AKI‐to‐CKD transition by inhibiting TGF‐β signaling. It also exhibits excellent stability, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties, ensuring its long‐term safety, practicality, and clinical translational feasibility. The present study shows a potential modality of mitochondrial repair and immunomodulation through nanoagents for the efficient and safe treatment of AKI and CKD.
An Ultra‐Conductive and Patternable 40 nm‐Thick Polymer Film for Reliable Emotion Recognition
Authors: Du Xiaojia , Wang Hai , Wang Yunfei , Cao Zhiqiang , Yang Leyi , Shi Xiaohu , Zhang Xiaoxu , He Chengzhi , Gu Xiaodan , Liu Nan
Published: May 2024

Understanding psychology is an important task in modern society which helps predict human behavior and provide feedback accordingly. Monitoring of weak psychological and emotional changes requires bioelectronic devices to be stretchable and compliant for unobtrusive and high‐fidelity signal acquisition. Thin conductive polymer film is regarded as an ideal interface; however, it is very challenging to simultaneously balance mechanical robustness and opto‐electrical property. Here, a 40 nm‐thick film based on photolithographic double‐network conductive polymer mediated by graphene layer is reported, which concurrently enables stretchability, conductivity, and conformability. Photolithographic polymer and graphene endow the film photopatternability, enhance stress dissipation capability, as well as improve opto‐electrical conductivity (4458 S cm−1@>90% transparency) through molecular rearrangement by π–π interaction, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding. The film is further applied onto corrugated facial skin, the subtle electromyogram is monitored, and machine learning algorithm is performed to understand complex emotions, indicating the outstanding ability for stretchable and compliant bioelectronics.
Silver Recovery from Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Solar Cells Using Continuous Stirred‐Tank Reactors
Authors: Song Shuang , Zhuo Yuting , Li Qiyuan , Shen Yansong
Published: May 2024

Silver can be recycled from the end‐of‐life crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV), yet the recycling and its technology scale‐up are still at an early stage especially in continuously operations e.g., continoursely stirred tank reactors (CSTR). Here, the silver recovery from the solar cells is technically understood and optimized in the CSTR system from the point of view of silver recovery efficiency, through integrating experimental and numerical investigations. Specifically, based on the experiments, a kinetics model is developed and scanning electron microscopy surface morphology is characterized; and a computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method (CFD–DEM) particle‐scale model is integrated with the kinetics model and validated against the fluid‐flow pattern and silver leaching performance results from lab measurements. The validated CFD–DEM model is then applied to understand the particle‐scale behavior of silver leaching in the CSTR system in terms of hydrodynamics and AgNO3 distribution under different impeller speeds. The simulation results show that the silver leaching performance is improved in an improved CSTR design with a lower impeller position and doubled impeller layers. This work reveals the effectiveness and underlying hydrodynamics of silver leaching in CSTR systems and lays a foundation for improving silver recovery in PV recycling.
In Vivo Polymer Mechanochemistry with Polynucleotides
Authors: Ishaqat Aman , Hahmann Johannes , Lin Cheng , Zhang Xiaofeng , He Chuanjiang , Rath Wolfgang H. , Habib Pardes , Sahnoun Sabri E. M. , Rahimi Khosrow , Vinokur Rostislav , Mottaghy Felix M. , Göstl Robert , Bartneck Matthias , Herrmann Andreas
Published: May 2024

Polymer mechanochemistry utilizes mechanical force to activate latent functionalities in macromolecules and widely relies on ultrasonication techniques. Fundamental constraints of frequency and power intensity have prohibited the application of the polymer mechanochemistry principles in a biomedical context up to now, although medical ultrasound is a clinically established modality. Here, a universal polynucleotide framework is presented that allows the binding and release of therapeutic oligonucleotides, both DNA‐ and RNA‐based, as cargo by biocompatible medical imaging ultrasound. It is shown that the high molar mass, colloidal assembly, and a distinct mechanochemical mechanism enable the force‐induced release of cargo and subsequent activation of biological function in vitro and in vivo. Thereby, this work introduces a platform for the exploration of biological questions and therapeutics development steered by mechanical force.
Patterning of COC Polymers by Middle‐Energy Ion Beams for Selective Cell Adhesion in Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Aubrecht Petr , Malinský Petr , Novák Josef , Smejkal Jiří , Jagerová Adéla , Matoušek Jindřich , Štofik Marcel , Liegertová Michaela , Luxa Jan , Macková Anna , Malý Jan
Published: May 2024

Microfluidic devices play a crucial role in advanced cell biology applications, including cell separations, cultivations, migration and interaction studies, diagnostic devices, and organ‐on‐chips. One of the frequent purposes of such devices is the ability to selectively address the attachment of cells at defined locations on the surface. This study explores the application of middle‐energy carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen ions to locally modify the surface of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) thermoplastic material, allowing selective cell growth on patterned polymer surfaces. The investigation considers ion element type, ion beam energy, and ion irradiation fluence, analyzing their influence on the modification effect. Characterization of the modified surfaces involves various surface‐analytical methods such as contact angle, energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA). The study extends to practical aspects, with a representative cancer cell line, MCF‐7, grown on the patterned surface to evaluate the degree of selective attachment. Additionally, the stability of the irradiated patterns is tested under elevated temperatures beyond the glass transition temperature (Tg), demonstrating the compatibility of the approach with hot embossing technology. The findings underscore the potential of ion beam treatment for COC in cell‐biology‐related applications, offering insights into surface modification techniques for enhanced functionality in microfluidic devices.
Memristors Based on Ni(II)‐tetraaza[14]annulene Complexes: Toward an Unconventional Resistive Switching Mechanism
Authors: Sławek Andrzej , Alluhaibi Lulu , Kowalewska Ewelina , Abdi Gisya , Mazur Tomasz , Podborska Agnieszka , Mech Krzysztof , Marciszko‐Wiąckowska Marianna , Maximenko Alexey , Szaciłowski Konrad
Published: May 2024

In this work, a family of Ni‐based dibenzotetraaza[14]annulene (dtaa) complexes are investigated for their application in memristors (memory resistors). A series of four Ni(II) complexes with different peripheral substituents of the dtaa ligand are successfully synthesized. Based on these compounds, two‐terminal thin‐film devices are fabricated in planar architecture. Four metals with different work functions are tested: Mg, Cu, Ni, and Au. It is demonstrated that ITO|[Ni(Me4dtaa)]|Cu devices show hysteretic behavior and offer stable, robust, and reproducible switching between high‐ and low‐resistive states. An in‐depth spectroscopic characterization of the Ni complex is performed, using radiation from infrared, through visible and ultraviolet, to tender X‐rays. Operando X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy is used to monitor redox and structural changes upon the polarization of the studied memristor with the external electric field. Density functional theory calculations are used to better understand the electronic structure of the studied material, as well as structural rearrangement after electron injection that may be responsible for the modulation of electric conductivity. Finding a unique case of filamentary‐type resistive switching involving redox reactions of stationary molecules within a molecular solid is postulated. Yet, the formation of these filaments is not related to any significant configurational changes at the atomic scale.
Unravelling Ultra‐Stable Conversion‐Type Zinc‐Ion Storage in Copper Selenides for Flexible Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Lin Mengru , Qi Rui , Zhang Wei , Ren Zhiguo , Si Jingying , Lei Qi , Sun Yuanhe , Li Haitao , He Jianxin , Zhang Qiwen , Zeng Jianrong , Wen Wen , Gao Yi , Li Xiaolong , Zhu Daming
Published: May 2024

Rocking‐chair configurations based on advanced anodes with reliable zinc‐ion storage can intrinsically avoid the deterioration of flexible zinc‐ion energy devices by corrosion, dendrites, and inadequate mechanical stability of zinc metal, yet the identification of durable anode materials is still challenging. Herein, the first reported conversion‐type Cu2‐xSe is proposed as an ultra‐stable anode for flexible rocking‐chair aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. Differing from these well‐recognized intercalation‐type copper selenide anodes, the unique Cu2‐xSe structure features a preferred thermodynamic deep transformation path, and the high‐reversible conversion reaction is fully illuminated by in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and substantial ex situ characterization, demonstrating an outstanding performance combination of high capacity (150 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1) and record‐high stability (91% capacity retention after 20 000 cycles at 5 A g−1 in Cu2‐xSe||ZnxMnO2 full cells). Consequently, fiber‐shaped batteries using Cu2‐xSe as the anode are successfully assembled and exhibited an ultra‐long life (89.8% capacity retention after 900 cycles) and extraordinary flexibility (98% capacity retention after 4500 cycles of bending), far exceeding those of representative flexible batteries previously reported. The findings provide novel insights into the energy storage mechanism of copper selenides and, as an elegant forerunner, offer a plausible path for the development of rocking‐chair flexible aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Self‐Assembled Molecules Fostering Ordered Spatial Heterogeneity for Efficient Ruddlesden‐Popper Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Wei , Li Jingguo , Cen Hanlin , Duan Jianing , Yang Yingguo , Yang Xiaolong , Dong Hua , Wu Zhaoxin , Xi Jun
Published: May 2024

2D Ruddlesden‐Popper perovskites (RPP) with formamidinium‐cesium (FAC) alloyed cations possess powerful thermal‐moisture stability. However, their photovoltaic performance is hindered by the elusive spatial heterogeneity at multiscale lengths, highly associated with their coupled charge selective contacts. Herein, it reports on how the rational formation of self‐assembly molecules (SAMs) govern the orderliness of the spatial heterogeneity and crystal growth model in FACs‐RPP films, which is proposed to dictate the charge‐carrier dynamics. Unlike the disordered RPP film driven by the amorphous polymeric contacts, the laterally ordered crystallized SAM contacts facilitate a spatially ordered 2D/3D heterogeneity of FACs‐RPP film in long range, where distinct minor 2D phases are tightly coupled in short range. Such ordered heterogeneity can improve the energy transfer efficiency, facilitating the charge‐carrier dynamics in a well‐aligned 2D/3D landscape is discovered. Finally, the champion solar cells using selective SAM‐based FACs‐RPP films (n = 5) yield an efficiency of 18.85% (certified 18.19%) and excellent damp‐heat/operational stability, ranking in the top league of reported 2D RPP solar cells. More importantly, this SAM‐based principle can be adapted to diverse 2D structures, active areas, and substrate types. This work provides design directions for leveraging bottom‐selective contacts to tune spatial heterogeneity in state‐of‐the‐art 2D RPP optoelectronics.
Agricultural land use modeling and climate change adaptation: A reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Stetter Christian , Huber Robert , Finger Robert
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a novel approach to integrate farmers' behavior in spatially explicit agricultural land use modeling to investigate climate change adaptation strategies. More specifically, we develop and apply a computationally efficient machine learning approach based on reinforcement learning to simulate the adoption of agroforestry practices. Using data from an economic experiment with crop farmers in Southeast Germany, our results show that a change in climate, market, and policy conditions shifts the spatial distribution of the uptake of agroforestry systems. Our modeling approach can be used to advance currently used models for ex ante policy analysis by upscaling existing knowledge about farmers behavioral characteristics and combine it with spatially explicit environmental and farm structural data. The approach presents a potential solution for researchers who aim to upscale information, potentially enriching and complementing existing land use modeling approaches.
Peritoneal lavage cytology in patients with curative resection for stage II and III colorectal cancer: A multi‐institutional prospective study
Authors: Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Kotake Kenjiro , Maeda Kotaro , Suto Takeshi , Kawasaki Masayasu , Ueno Hideki , Komori Koji , Ozawa Heita , Koda Keiji , Ohue Masayuki , Funahashi Kimihiko , Takemasa Ichiro , Ishida Hideyuki , Kazama Shinsuke , Shimada Yoshifumi , Morohashi Hajime , Kinugasa Yusuke , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Ochiai Hiroki , Ishihara Soichiro , Itabashi Michio , Sugihara Kenichi , Ajioka Yoichi
Published: May 2024

Aim

To clarify the usefulness of intraoperative lavage cytology in patients undergoing curative resection for pStage II‐III colorectal cancer in a prospective multicenter study.

Methods

Patients preoperatively diagnosed with stage II‐III colorectal cancer between 2013 and 2017 from 20 hospitals were enrolled. Lavage cytology was performed twice during the surgery. The primary endpoint was the effect of lavage cytology on the 5‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) in patients with pStage II‐III colorectal cancer. The secondary endpoint was the effect of lavage cytology on the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and peritoneal recurrence.

Results

A total of 1378 patients were eligible for analysis. The number of patients with pStage II‐III colorectal cancer was 670 and 708, respectively. Fifty‐four patients (3.9%) had positive cytological results. In pStage II patients, the 5‐year RFS rates with positive and negative cytology were 61.1% and 81.6%, respectively (p = 0.023). The 5‐year OS rates were 67.1% and 91.7%, respectively (p = 0.0083). However, there was no difference in RFS or OS between pStage III patients with positive and negative cytology results. The peritoneal recurrence rates were 11.8% and 1.5% in pStage II patients with positive and negative cytology results, respectively (p = 0.032). These rates were 10.5% and 2.5% in patients with stage III disease, respectively (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Stage II colorectal cancer patients with negative cytology had better outcomes than those with positive cytology. Peritoneal lavage cytology is useful for predicting peritoneal recurrence after curative resection of stage II‐III colorectal cancer.
Inflammatory Burden Index as a promising new marker for predicting surgical and oncological outcomes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yamashita Shinji , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Mizuno Naru , Imaoka Hiroki , Shimura Tadanobu , Kitajima Takahito , Kawamura Mikio , Okita Yoshiki , Ohi Masaki , Toiyama Yuji
Published: May 2024

Aims

The prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been historically reliant on the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system, but there is variability in outcomes among patients at similar stages. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more robust biomarkers. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility of the recently reported Inflammatory Burden Index (IBI) for predicting short‐ and long‐term outcomes in patients with CRC.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of 555 CRC patients undergoing surgery for primary tumor resection. We determined the prognostic value of preoperative IBI for disease‐free and overall survival, and its predictive value for perioperative risk of infectious complications, including surgical site infection.

Results

Increased preoperative IBI was significantly associated with advanced disease stage and poor oncological outcome in CRC patients. Higher IBI was independently linked to poorer disease‐free and overall survival. Similar outcomes were observed in a subanalysis focused on high‐risk stage II and stage III CRC patients. Elevated preoperative IBI was significantly correlated with an increased risk of surgical site infection and other postoperative infectious complications. Propensity score‐matching analysis validated the impact of IBI on the prognosis in CRC patients.

Conclusion

We established preoperative IBI as a valuable predictive biomarker for perioperative risks and oncological outcomes in CRC patients. Preoperative IBI is useful for designing effective perioperative management and postoperative oncological follow‐up.
Are sun exposure time, dietary patterns, and vitamin D intake related to the socioeconomic status of Portuguese children?
Authors: dos Santos Elizabete A. , Cavalheiro Lígia Araújo Martini , Rodrigues Daniela , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides , Silva Maria‐Raquel , Nogueira Helena , Padez Cristina
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To investigate the association among sun exposure time, vitamin D intake, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic status in Portuguese children.

Methods

Participants aged 3–11 years (50.1% females) were recruited from public and private schools (n = 118) in the districts of Coimbra (n = 2980), Lisbon (n = 3066), and Porto (n = 2426). Parents reported their children's daily sun exposure time during the summer season and reported children's food consumption, including vitamin D food sources, using standardized questionnaires. Parents' education level was used as a proxy measure to the socioeconomic status (SES). The principal component factor analysis (PCA) method was used to identify dietary patterns. The eight dietary patterns identified were labeled in: “fast food”, “rich in vitamin D”, “sugary drinks”, “vitamin D”, “candies”, “supplements”, “rich in calcium” and “vegetables/healthy”. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between sun exposure time and dietary patterns according to SES.

Results

A total of 4755 children were included. Children from high SES had significantly longer sun exposure time (p < .001) and more frequently consumed vitamin D supplements (p < .001). “Fast food” pattern showed a negative association with sun exposure time in medium and high SES (p = .014 and p < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

Children with lower SES spend less time exposed to the sun, consume fewer dietary sources of vitamin D, and consume more foods rich in fat and sugar.
Dearomative Construction of 2D/3D Frameworks from Quinolines via Nucleophilic Addition/Borate‐Mediated Photocycloaddition
Authors: Shimose Asuha , Ishigaki Shiho , Sato Yu , Nogami Juntaro , Toriumi Naoyuki , Uchiyama Masanobu , Tanaka Ken , Nagashima Yuki
Published: May 2024

Dearomative construction of multiply‐fused 2D/3D frameworks, composed of aromatic two‐dimensional (2D) rings and saturated three‐dimensional (3D) rings, from readily available quinolines has greatly contributed to drug discovery. However, dearomative cycloadditions of quinolines in the presence of photocatalysts usually afford 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroquinoline (THQ)‐based polycycles, and dearomative access to 1,2,3,4‐THQ‐based structures remains limited. Herein, we present a chemo‐, regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselective dearomative transformation of quinolines into 1,2,3,4‐THQ‐based 6–6–4‐membered rings without any catalyst, through a combination of nucleophilic addition and borate‐mediated [2+2] photocycloaddition. Detailed mechanistic studies revealed that the photoexcited borate complex, generated from quinoline, organolithium, and HB(pin), accelerates the cycloaddition and suppresses the rearomatization that usually occurs in conventional photocycloaddition. Based on our mechanistic analysis, we also developed further photoinduced cycloadditions affording other types of 2D/3D frameworks from isoquinoline and phenanthrene.
Manipulating Atomic‐Coupling in Dual‐Cavity Boride Nanoreactor to Achieve Hierarchical Catalytic Engineering for Sulfur Cathode
Authors: Wang Bin , Wang Lu , Mamoor Muhammad , Wang Chang , Zhai Yanjun , Wang Fengbo , Jing Zhongxin , Qu Guangmeng , Kong Yueyue , Xu Liqiang
Published: May 2024

The catalytic process of Li2S formation is considered a key pathway to enhance the kinetics of lithium‐sulfur batteries. Due to the system‘s complexity, the catalytic behavior is uncertain, posing significant challenges for predicting activity. Herein, we report a novel cascaded dual‐cavity nanoreactor (NiCo−B) by controlling reaction kinetics, providing an opportunity for achieving hierarchical catalytic behavior. Through experimental and theoretical analysis, the multilevel structure can effectively suppress polysulfides dissolution and accelerate sulfur conversion. Furthermore, we differentiate the adsorption (B−S) and catalytic effect (Co−S) in NiCo−B, avoiding catalyst deactivation caused by excessive adsorption. As a result, the as‐prepared battery displays high reversible capacity, even with sulfur loading of 13.2 mg cm−2 (E/S=4 μl mg−1), the areal capacity can reach 18.7 mAh cm−2.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging of Lipid Heterogeneity in the Inner Mitochondrial Membrane with a Super‐photostable Environment‐Sensitive Probe
Authors: Wang Junwei , Taki Masayasu , Ohba Yohsuke , Arita Makoto , Yamaguchi Shigehiro
Published: May 2024

The inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) undergoes dynamic morphological changes, which are crucial for the maintenance of mitochondrial functions as well as cell survival. As the dynamics of the membrane are governed by its lipid components, a fluorescent probe that can sense spatiotemporal alterations in the lipid properties of the IMM over long periods of time is required to understand mitochondrial physiological functions in detail. Herein, we report a red‐emissive IMM‐labeling reagent with excellent photostability and sensitivity to its environment, which enables the visualization of the IMM ultrastructure using super‐resolution microscopy as well as of the lipid heterogeneity based on the fluorescence lifetime at the single mitochondrion level. Combining the probe and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) showed that peroxidation of unsaturated lipids in the IMM by reactive oxygen species caused an increase in the membrane order, which took place prior to mitochondrial swelling.
Atomically Precise Chiral Metal Nanoclusters for Circularly Polarized Light Detection
Authors: He Wei‐Miao , Zha Jiajia , Zhou Zhan , Cui Yu‐Jia , Luo Peng , Ma Lufang , Tan Chaoliang , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: May 2024

Circularly polarized light (CPL) detection is of great significance in various applications such as drug identification, sensing and imaging. Atomically precise chiral metal nanoclusters with intense circular dichroism (CD) signals are promising candidates for CPL detection, which can further facilitate device miniaturization and integration. Herein, we report the preparation of a pair of optically active chiral silver nanoclusters [Ag7(R/S‐DMA)2(dpppy)3] (BF4)3 (R/S‐Ag7) for direct CPL detection. The crystal structure and molecular formula of R/S‐Ag7 clusters are confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. R/S‐Ag7 clusters exhibit strong CD spectra and CPL both in solution and solid states. When used as the photoactive materials in photodetectors, R/S‐Ag7 enables effective discrimination between left‐handed circularly polarized and right‐handed circularly polarized light at 520 nm with short response time, high responsivity and considerable discrimination ratio. This study is the first report on using atomically precise chiral metal nanoclusters for CPL detection.
Photocatalytic water oxidation by iron and copper phthalocyanine complexes immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 under visible light irradiation
Authors: Amouzad Sara , Monadi Niaz
Published: May 2024

In this research, the heterogeneous catalysts of Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐FePc and Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐ CuPcN (FePc = iron (II) phthalocyanine and CuPcN = copper (II) tetraazaphthalocyanine), termed respectively as nanocomposites 1 and 2, were prepared by immobilizing the FePc and CuPcN complexes on the Fe3O4@SiO@TiO surface and used for the photocatalytic water oxidation reaction. Since phthalocyanine complexes have received very little attention as photocatalysts for water oxidation, the advantage of the synthesized photocatalyst owes to the ability of the phthalocyanine complex grafted on the titanium substrate to oxidize water in the photocatalytic reaction. The prepared nanocomposites were then studied by diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopies, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, ultraviolet diffuse reflectance (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The photocatalytic response of water oxidation by nanocomposites 1 and 2 was investigated in the presence of silver nitrate as an electron recipient at ambient temperature. The progress of the water oxidation reaction was monitored with an oxygen meter. The amount of oxygen generated in the presence of nanocomposites 1 and 2 under visible light irradiation was found to be 2.6 and 2.1 mg L−1, respectively. Owing to the existence of magnetic material, these nanocomposites can be effortlessly removed from the response medium with an external magnet. The involved nanocomposites can be used up to three times in catalytic water oxidation reactions with no significant change in their photocatalytic activity.