bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of
Chlamydia
spp. in Cell Culture
Authors: Peterson Ellena M.
Published: January 2025

Members of the genus
Chlamydia
are obligately intracellular bacteria that contain RNA and DNA, have a cell wall resembling those of Gram‐negative bacteria, and multiply by binary fission in a manner distinct from those of other bacteria.
Chlamydia trachomatis
,
Chlamydia psittaci
, and
Chlamydia pneumoniae
are the three species that are most often associated with human infections. The majority of laboratory tests to detect
Chlamydia
are for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases. Nucleic acid amplification tests for the detection of genital infections with
C. trachomatis
have largely replaced cell culture. This is for a variety of reasons, including their sensitivity, ease of specimen collection with urine and vaginal swabs being acceptable, and convenient specimen transport. Cell culture may still be preferred or recommended for certain situations, such as laboratory testing in cases of sexual abuse, medicolegal situations, pneumonia, and ophthalmia neonatorum.
Serologic Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Infections
Authors: Murray David
Published: January 2025

The bacterial pathogen
Streptococcus
(group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) pyogenes is associated with a diverse range of human diseases. These include infections such as pharyngitis, impetigo, and invasive infections, as well as post‐infective pathologies, particularly acute rheumatic fever and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Important to indicate is that streptococcal serology is unhelpful and should not be used for the diagnosis of purulent, acute infections caused by GAS. GAS have a wide array of extracellular and cellular virulence factors, and a number of these antigens have been the focus of assay development for streptococcal serology. Most individuals produce either anti‐streptolysin O or anti‐DNase B antibodies in response to GAS infection. The chapter covers proper quality control principles for analytical tests. With postanalytical considerations, it provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Serologic Testing
Authors: Theel Elitza S.
Published: January 2025

Serologic assays for detection of antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were developed quickly following onset of the pandemic in early 2020. From the diagnostic perspective, serologic tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 can also be used to help identify COVID‐19‐related sequelae, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. The majority of commercially available serologic assays for SARS‐CoV‐2 are designed for the detection of antibodies in serum and plasma, with some rapid lateral flow immunoassays also able to be performed on finger‐stick whole blood. Qualitative SARS‐CoV‐2 serologic assay results are typically determined by comparing the signal‐to‐cutoff value (S/Co) of the patient sample to the S/Co of the kit calibrator, which has been established by the manufacturer as the reactivity threshold. Values above the calibrator S/Co value are considered positive and, depending on the kit, may have an additional equivocal/indeterminate S/Co range, whereas values below the calibrator S/Co are considered negative.
Management of Laboratory Accidents
Authors: Buchan Blake W.
Published: January 2025

Ensuring the safety of laboratory workers is of paramount importance to creating a positive work environment and preventing time loss or severe long‐term injury or disability. The implementation of various control measures, including engineering controls, procedural controls, and use of PPE, and the conduct of a thorough risk assessment, can greatly reduce the risk of these events; however, total elimination of laboratory accidents is an unrealistic goal. Therefore, there is a need to develop a plan for the reporting and management of laboratory accidents. Physical hazards posing a risk for accidental injury abound in the clinical laboratory. They may take the form of physical obstructions that pose a risk for slip, trip, or fall, such as unsecured electrical cords, boxes, or rugs in a walkway, aqueous or chemical spills, and paraffin wax. Accidents due to physical hazards may require review of instrument‐specific or general laboratory safety policies.
Management of Infectious Waste
Authors: Relich Ryan F.
Published: January 2025

For effective and efficient management of infectious wastes, a comprehensive waste management plan is essential for ensuring the safety of the employees handling wastes, compliance with various regulatory requirements, meeting the standards of The Joint Commission and the guidelines of other groups such as the CLSI, and implementation of cost‐effective strategies for waste disposal. Microbiology laboratories generate various types of wastes, including infectious waste, chemical waste (some of which is probably hazardous per Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 regulations), and wastes with mixed hazards, in addition to general trash and wastewater. Most laboratories in the United States use red‐colored sharps containers and biohazardous waste bags for disposal of infectious wastes that are treated and disposed of by specialized waste contractors. Soft wastes such as intact culture plates, gloves, and specimen bags can be discarded in color‐coded plastic bags marked with the international biohazard symbol and verbal warnings.
Mycobacterium
: General Characteristics, Laboratory Processing, Staining, Isolation, and Detection Procedures
Authors: Martin Isabella , Pfyffer Gaby E. , Parrish Nicole
Published: January 2025

The genus
Mycobacterium
encompasses several prominent pathogenic species, most notably the members of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex,
Mycobacterium leprae
, and
Mycobacterium ulcerans
. Continued use of the single genus and long‐standing taxonomy will provide laboratorians and clinicians with a standardized approach for assessment of patients with mycobacterial disease and/or colonization that will result in fewer errors while conserving often limited and valuable resources. The sensitivity and time to growth detection of the
Mycobacterium
Growth Indicator Tube system are superior to that of solid media in clinical evaluations. With the advent of molecular techniques designed for molecular epidemiology, cross‐contamination linked either to laboratory procedures or, more rarely, to contaminated bronchoscopes can easily be proven. Quality control (QC) is vital for monitoring a laboratory's effectiveness in detecting and isolating mycobacteria. This includes standard components of laboratory quality assurance, such as personnel competency, procedure manuals, external proficiency testing, and QC of media, tests, and reagents.
Morganellaceae
,
Erwiniaceae
,
Hafniaceae
, and Selected
Enterobacterales
Authors: Giffen Samantha R. , Alby Kevin
Published: January 2025

The reclassification of the order
Enterobacteriales
to
Enterobacterales
as well as the taxonomic shuffling of many members of the former family
Enterobacteriaceae
has increased the importance and awareness of a number of non‐
Enterobacteriaceae
families. These include commonly known families, such as
Morganellaceae
, and lesser–known families, such as
Budviciaceae
. The family
Erwiniaceae
contains many important plant‐associated pathogens.
Pantoea
species have been isolated from plants, humans, and the natural environment, although they are most commonly plant pathogens. While stand‐alone nucleic acid amplification testing is uncommon for detection of
Enterobacterales
in clinical specimens, syndromic panel testing by nucleic acid amplification has allowed for the rapid progression of clinical microbiology diagnostics. The
Morganellaceae
are the most familiar organisms for which antimicrobial susceptibility testing is routinely performed. There are several FDA‐cleared panels available for a variety of clinical presentations, including positive blood cultures, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal infections. The GenMark panel includes
Morganella morganii
and specific identification of
Proteus mirabilis
.
Brucella
Authors: Araj George F.
Published: January 2025

The taxonomy of the family
Brucellaceae
and its phylogenetic aspects have been an ongoing challenge over the years and are currently a matter of debate, especially as it relates to the proposed reclassification of members of the genus
Ochrobactrum
into the genus
Brucella
. Lipopolysaccharide is the major antigen that dominates the antibody response. The intracellular location and survival of the organism contribute to its virulence and pathogenesis. Clinical categories of human brucellosis are based on arbitrary criteria. Clinical microbiology laboratories may identify colonies suspected of being
Brucella spp
. on the basis of a few morphologic, biochemical, and serologic tests. Molecular assays have promising potential for diagnosis of human brucellosis in clinical practice. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy for treatment of human brucellosis reduces morbidity, prevents complications, and minimizes relapses.
Campylobacter
and
Arcobacter
Authors: Nachamkin Irving
Published: January 2025

Two closely related genera,
Campylobacter
and
Sulfurospirillum
, are currently included in the family
Campylobacteraceae
.
Arcobacter
, previously included in the family Campylobacteraceae, is now classified as the sole species in its own family,
Arcobacteraceae
.
C. jejuni
and
C. coli
have been recognized since the early 1970s as agents of gastrointestinal infection. Numerous commercially available fecal antigen detection systems for Campylobacter in stool samples are cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Nucleic acid amplification tests are now commonly being used to directly detect
Campylobacter
and other enteric pathogens in stool samples. Typing systems for Campylobacter epidemiologic studies vary in complexity and in their ability to discriminate between strains. Serologic testing appears to be useful for epidemiologic investigations but is not recommended for routine diagnosis of campylobacter infection.
Molecular Detection of Antibacterial Drug Resistance
Authors: Uprety Priyanka , Kirn Thomas J.
Published: January 2025

The detection of antibiotic resistance is one of the most important responsibilities of the clinical microbiology laboratory. The molecular detection of resistance determinants poses significant challenges, perhaps foremost of which is the genetic complexity of antibiotic resistance. This chapter provides an overview of FDA‐cleared molecular assays for the detection of antibiotic resistance. It discusses some commercial assays in development. In theory, whole‐genome sequencing should be most comprehensive molecular method to detect antimicrobial resistance, because it allows the simultaneous detection of resistance to numerous antibiotic classes. There appears to be limited interest in the commercial development of molecular assays for other resistance determinants. The chapter considers aminoglycoside resistance, resistant anaerobic bacteria, daptomycin resistance, fluoroquinolone resistance, and so on. With a continuing urgent clinical need for the rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance, and with many novel technologies in development, the molecular diagnosis of antibacterial drug resistance is likely to see expanded application in coming years.
Algorithms for Detection and Identification of Viruses
Authors: Landry Marie Louise , Babady N. Esther , Binnicker Matthew J. , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Tang Yi‐Wei
Published: January 2025

Diagnostic virology was a distinct discipline that was practiced primarily in public health, research, and academic settings. Over the past 50 years, change has been driven by advances in medical care and diagnostics, the increased number of immunosuppressed hosts, recognition of sexually transmitted viruses, emergence of epidemics and pandemics, and importantly, the development of antiviral therapies. Early technological improvements in the laboratory included enzyme immunoassays, IgM class capture assays, monoclonal antibodies for identification, rapid centrifugation cultures, and direct detection of viral antigens in clinical specimens by immunofluorescence. The most transformative, however, was the introduction of nucleic acid amplification tests, which are both rapid and sensitive, can be automated, highthroughput, or random access, and can detect viruses not amenable to routine culture. With the arrival of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, ongoing trends accelerated. The use of respiratory viral culture was eliminated by many laboratories.
Hantaviruses
Authors: Klena John D. , Chiang Cheng‐Feng , Whitmer Shannon M. , Wang Yun F. , Shieh Wun‐Ju
Published: January 2025

This chapter provides taxonomy, description of the agents, epidemiology and transmission, clinical significance, collection, transport, and storage of species, direct examination, and identification of Hantaviruses. Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) are rodent‐borne zoonoses caused by several members of the virus family
Hantaviridae
, genus
Orthohantavirus
. Diagnosis early in the course of disease is critical to the successful management of HFRS and HPS. The clinical and pathological features of severe HFRS and HPS are associated with acute thrombocytopenia and a reversible increase in microvascular (capillary) permeability. Immunohistochemistry has been used to detect hantaviral antigens in tissues from fatal HFRS cases, biopsy materials from nephropathia epidemica cases, and tissues from fatal HPS cases. There are a number of reference diagnostic laboratories in United States that offer laboratory testing, such as serologic testing. Isolation of hantavirus from natural hosts is difficult yet necessary for analyzing biological properties of these viruses.
Epstein‐Barr Virus
Authors: Gärtner Barbara C.
Published: January 2025

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) is associated with a wide variety of disease states, ranging from infectious mononucleosis (IM) to autoimmune diseases and malignant disorders. Antibody assays are employed primarily for patients with suspected IM. EBV is associated with a variety of disease states in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. Latex agglutination tests or immunochromatographic assays using erythrocyte antigens are used for heterophile antibody detection. Nucleic acid amplification tests and especially quantitative methods are the most important routine techniques for the detection of EBV in clinical specimens. Serologic testing using EBV‐specific assays remains the routine method of choice for the diagnosis or exclusion of EBV infection. Routine posttransplantation monitoring of EBV viral load has been recommended for posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders prevention only in high‐risk settings but not as a routine in all transplant recipients. EBV DNA load can be found in cerebrospinal fluid both in noninfectious and, even more, in infectious underlying disorders including mononucleosis.
Hepatitis B and D Viruses
Authors: Powell Eleanor A. , Tang Yi‐Wei
Published: January 2025

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which was discovered in blood specimens from Aboriginal Australians in 1965, is an enveloped DNA virus in the genus
Orthohepadnavirus
of the
Hepadnaviridae
family. The replication of HBV DNA by reverse transcription is unique for human DNA viruses. The most common modes of HBV transmission are vertical transmission, early childhood infections from close contact with infected individuals, sexual activity, and injection drug use or other physical contact with infected body fluids. HBV infects hepatocytes, leading to either an acute infection that resolves or a chronic infection that lasts for years. Hepatitis D virus (HDV) relies on host cell machinery for replication, and the viral genome serves as a ribozyme for self‐ligation and cleavage. The differential diagnosis can be achieved through testing a battery of HDV and HBV markers, which combine in patterns characteristic for each condition.
Prion Diseases
Authors: Appleby Brian S. , Safar Jiri G.
Published: January 2025

Prion diseases, originally called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are invariably fatal neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans and animals. The unusual biological and biochemical properties of the infectious agent causing the disease were first recognized in studies of scrapie in sheep, which is the prototypic prion disease. Most cases of prion disease in humans arise sporadically, but some are attributed to PRNP mutations, and still others are caused by zoonotic or iatrogenic transmission. The differential diagnosis of prion disease includes rapidly progressive variants of dementias that are usually chronic and slowly progressive, autoimmune diseases, vascular disease, metabolic diseases, vitamin deficiency, malignancy, and infection. Autopsy is currently the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of prion diseases and the determination of disease origin. The diagnosis or exclusion of prion disease should be based on the whole clinical picture, including clinical and family history, symptomatology, neurological signs, radiographic findings, and laboratory results.
General Approaches for Direct and Indirect Detection and Identification of Fungi
Authors: Fida Madiha , Wengenack Nancy L. , Theel Elitza S.
Published: January 2025

The frequency with which invasive fungal infections (IFIs) occur has markedly increased over the past decade. The ability to rapidly detect and identify the causative fungal agents is essential for the successful management of IFIs. The ability to detect fungi in clinical material depends on several factors, including the quality of the specimen that is received into the laboratory. Microscopic examination of specimens can be carried out with either unfixed specimens or fixed, stained specimens. The use of unfixed specimens has the advantages of being quick and relatively simple to carry out; the use of fixed, stained specimens may highlight features specific to certain fungi and also the host response in tissue, but they take longer to process and hence may delay reporting. Detection of antibodies targeting fungal pathogens may be useful in a range of IFIs, particularly when they occur in immunocompetent patients; however, these assays may have limited use in significantly immunocompromised patients.
Candida
,
Cryptococcus
, and Other Yeasts of Medical Importance
Authors: Borman Andrew M. , Johnson Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2025

Unicellular fungi which typically divide by budding have traditionally been referred to as yeasts. The rapidly expanding use of molecular identification strategies has permitted detailed phylogenetic analyses, allowing more accurate delineation of taxonomic boundaries and the reclassification of many yeast species and genera. Molecular identification approaches have also further added to the taxonomic complexity via the delineation of a number of cryptic species and species complexes in many traditional
Candida
species that can be separated only based on DNA sequencing analysis. The heterogeneous genus
Candida
belongs to the order Saccharomycetales within the ascomycetes.
Rhodotorula
spp. and species in the allied genus
Cystobasidium
share many similar physiologic and morphologic properties with
Cryptococcus
spp., as they are round to oval‐shaped, multilateral budding yeasts with capsules, although capsules, when present, are typically small. Carbohydrate antigens have provided useful targets for several commercial kits for the detection of disseminated candidiasis.
Scalable δ$$ \delta $$‐Level Coherent State Synchronization of Multi‐Agent Systems with Adaptive Protocols and Bounded Disturbances
Authors: Nojavanzadeh Donya , Liu Zhenwei , Saberi Ali , Stoorvogel Anton A.
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we study scalable ‐level coherent state synchronization for multi‐agent systems (MAS) where the agents are subject to bounded disturbances/noises. We propose a scale‐free framework designed solely based on the knowledge of agent models and agnostic to the communication graph and the size of the network. We define the level of coherency for each agent as the norm of the weighted sum of the disagreement dynamics with its neighbors. The objective is to restrict the network's coherency level to without a‐priori information about the disturbance.
Ferroelectric Polarization‐Induced Performance Enhancements in BiFeO3/BiVO4 Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Gunawan Michael , Bowdler Owen , Zhou Shujie , Fang Xueqing , Zhang Qi , Sakamoto Yasuhiro , Sun Kaiwen , Gunawan Denny , Chang Shery L.Y. , Amal Rose , Valanoor Nagarajan , Scott Jason , Hart Judy N. , Toe Cui Ying
Published: January 2025

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes will play a crucial role in future clean energy systems, however severe charge recombination and sluggish charge transfer kinetics have hindered their practical adoption. Exploiting ferroelectric polarization‐controlled charge dynamics promises an additional lever that can potentially enable the performance limits of traditional static photoelectrodes to be surpassed. Here one of the most notable ferroelectric polarization‐induced photocurrent enhancements is reported, using a heterostructure of the multiferroic bismuth ferrite (BFO) and the photoactive bismuth vanadate (BVO) in a neutral pH electrolyte. In contrast to previous works, enhancements for both poling directions are reported, of 136% for down‐poled BFO/BVO and 70% for up‐poled BFO/BVO at 1.23 VRHE in comparison to the unpoled sample, delivering a Faradaic efficiency of >95% for prolonged oxygen evolution reaction. Extensive PEC and surface analyses complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the improvements are attributed to the modulation of gradients in the BFO band energies, as well as changes in band‐bending and offsets at the interfaces. Given the scalability of the employed sol–gel synthesis method and the use of environmentally benign materials and PEC conditions, these findings pave the way for multifunctional materials as new‐generation agile and dynamic catalysts and photoelectrode systems.
Polymerized Small‐Molecule Acceptors with Linker Length‐Dependent Photocatalytic Activity for High‐Performance Solar Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Jingcheng , Liu Yulu , An Ruiqi , Fu Yingying , Wang Panpan , Wu Xiaofu , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang
Published: January 2025

Developing organic semiconductor photocatalysts with alterable optical properties and excitonic behaviors for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution has received significant attention recently. Herein, three polymerized small‐molecule acceptors (PSMAs) with different linker lengths, namely PY‐1T, PY‐2T and PY‐3T, are designed and synthesized to construct nano‐photocatalysts. In comparison with small‐molecule YDT, these PSMAs exhibit broader absorption in both visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light region as well as enlarged exciton diffusion length. In the meanwhile, the intramolecular charge transfer and separation in PSMAs is promoted by varying the linker length, leading to enhanced light harvesting and charge utilization. As a result, the single‐component nano‐photocatalyst based on PY‐3T achieves an impressive average hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 400.3 mmol h−1 g−1 under AM 1.5G sunlight (100 mW cm−2), which is ≈48 times greater than that of YDT NPs (8.3 mmol g−1 h−1). These results not only prove the potential that developing polymerized small‐molecule acceptors with extended chain length as efficient photocatalysts, but also elucidate the importance of regulating linker length in designing high‐performance photocatalysts.
Van der Waals Gap Enabled Robust Retention of MoS2 Floating‐Gate Memory for Logic‐In‐Memory Operations
Authors: Niu Wencheng , Zou Xuming , Tang Lin , Bu Tong , Zhang Sen , Jiang Bei , Dang Mengli , Hong Xitong , Ma Chao , He Penghui , Zhou Peng , Liu Xingqiang , Liao Lei
Published: January 2025

Floating gate (FG) memory can store data for decades without a power supply. Herein, high‐performance MoS2 FG transistors with stable operations are demonstrated, in which a van der Waals (vdW) gap is constructed between tunnelling oxide layer and channel to prevent the leakage. The atomic FG structure is one‐step formed from HfS2 flake by ozone treatment while the supersaturated oxygen at the interface affords to the vdW gap. The vdW gap MoS2 FG transistors exhibit stable operations after 21 days, ultralow leakage current (0.1 fA µm−1), excellent retention capability >105 s, high on/off ratio of 107, and desirable cycling endurance performance (>1000 cycles). Configurable logic‐in‐memory devices are accomplished with multi‐gated structures through multi‐level programming operations, which is modulated by different electrostatic potential on the FG stack. NAND and NOR output logic sequences are generated. The designed FG memory is promising for developing in‐memory computing systems.
Smart Flow Micro‐Reaction Device Integrated with Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Gaseous Electrochemiluminescence Sensing
Authors: Geng Yuqian , Cao Yue , Wu Ru , Zhang Yiteng , Zhang Min , Zhou Yang , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: January 2025

The sensitive detection of low‐concentration gases has significant implications for environmental monitoring, clinical diagnosis, and other fields of scientific inquiry. Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a widely accepted analytical technique known for its high sensitivity, precision, and minimal background interference. Nevertheless, it has rarely been documented in the context of gas‐oriented sensing. This study presents an innovative paradigm for gas sensing, which integrates oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) into a gas flow micro‐reaction device. The integration aims to optimize mass transfer, ensure adequate electrochemical contact, facilitate efficient electron transfer, and ultimately enhance ECL emission. The viability of this effective in situ gas sensing strategy under mild conditions without pre‐treatments is substantiated by experimental and model calculation evidence. This homemade micro‐reaction device enables the efficient quantification of formaldehyde with a limit of determination (LOD) as low as 12.7 ppb and paves the way for universal gaseous ECL sensing.
Tissue‐Engineered Therapeutics for Lymphatic Regeneration: Solutions for Myocardial Infarction and Secondary Lymphedema
Authors: Chiu Alvis , Rutkowski Joseph M. , Zhang Qixu , Zhao Feng
Published: January 2025

The lymphatic system, which regulates inflammation and fluid homeostasis, is damaged in various diseases including myocardial infarction (MI) and breast‐cancer‐related lymphedema (BCRL). Mounting evidence suggests that restoring tissue fluid drainage and clearing excess immune cells by regenerating damaged lymphatic vessels can aid in cardiac repair and lymphedema amelioration. Current treatments primarily address symptoms rather than underlying causes due to a lack of regenerative therapies, highlighting the importance of the lymphatic system as a promising novel therapeutic target. Here cutting‐edge research on engineered lymphatic tissues, growth factor therapies, and cell‐based approaches designed to enhance lymphangiogenesis and restore lymphatic function is explored. Special focus is placed on how therapies with potential for immediate lymphatic reconstruction, originally designed for treating BCRL, can be applied to MI to augment cardiac repair and reduce heart failure risk. The integration of these novel treatments can significantly improve patient outcomes by promoting lymphatic repair, preventing pathological remodeling, and offering new avenues for managing lymphatic‐associated diseases.
κ/β‐Ga2O3 Type‐II Phase Heterojunction
Authors: Lu Yi , Miranda Cortez Patsy A. , Tang Xiao , Liu Zhiyuan , Khandelwal Vishal , Krishna Shibin , Li Xiaohang
Published: January 2025

Ultrawide‐bandgap gallium oxide (Ga2O3) holds immense potential for crucial applications such as solar‐blind photonics and high‐power electronics. Although several Ga2O3 polymorphs, i.e., α, β, γ, δ, ε, and κ phases, have been identified, the band alignments between these phases have been largely overlooked due to epitaxy challenges and inadvertent neglect. Despite having similar stoichiometry, heterojunctions involving different phases may exhibit band offsets. Here, β‐Ga2O3/κ‐Ga2O3‐stacked “phase heterojunction” is demonstrated experimentally. This phase heterojunction has a sharp and well‐defined interface, and subsequent measurements reveal an unbeknown type‐II band alignment with significant valence/conduction band offsets of ≈0.65 eV/0.71 eV. This alignment is promising for self‐powered deep ultraviolet (DUV) signal detection, necessitating an internal electric field near the junction and matching the absorption properties for effective electron–hole separation. The fabricated phase heterojunction photodetector displays a responsivity of three orders of magnitude higher at 17.8 mA W−1, with improved response times (rise time ≈0.21 s, decay time ≈0.53 s) under DUV illumination and without external bias in comparison to the bare β‐Ga2O3 and κ‐Ga2O3 photodetectors, confirming the strong interfacial electrical field. This study provides profound insight into Ga2O3/Ga2O3 heterojunction interfaces with different polymorphs, allowing the use of phase heterojunctions to advance electronic device applications.
A Bioinspired Virus‐Like Mechano–Bactericidal Nanomotor for Ocular Multidrug‐Resistant Bacterial Infection Treatment
Authors: Zhang Hengrui , Li Dewei , Ren Huifang , Ma Zhenrui , Meng Shuqin , Qiao Yujie , Yang Jiabao , Wang Yao , Zhou Qingjun , Xie Lixin
Published: January 2025

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria and their associated biofilms are major causative factors in eye infections, often resulting in blindness and presenting considerable global health challenges. Presently, mechano–bactericidal systems, which combine distinct topological geometries with mechanical forces to physically induce bacterial apoptosis, show promising potential. However, the physical interaction process between current mechano–bactericidal systems and bacteria is generally based on passive diffusion or Brownian motion and lacks the force required for biofilm penetration; thus, featuring low antibacterial efficacy. Here, a biomimetic mechano–bactericidal nanomotor (VMSNT) is synthesized by functionalizing COOH‐PEG‐phenylboronic acid (PBA) on virus‐like mesoporous silica, with subsequent partial coating of Au caps. Enhanced by self‐thermophoresis capabilities and virus‐like topological shapes, VMSNT significantly improves mechanical antibacterial effects and biofilm penetration. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analyses demonstrate that VMSNT can precisely target bacteria within the infection microenvironment, facilitated by PBA's ability to recognize and bind to the peptidoglycan on bacterial surfaces. Remarkably, VMSNT is also effective in eliminating MDR bacteria and reducing inflammation in mice models of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)‐infected keratitis and endophthalmitis, with minimal adverse effects. Overall, such a nanomotor presents a promising approach for addressing the challenges of ocular MDR bacterial infections.
Zero‐Waste Polyanion and Prussian Blue Composites toward Practical Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Yun , Zhang Xiaoyue , Zhang Hang , Peng Jian , Hua Weibo , Xiao Yao , Liu Xiao‐Hao , Li Li , Qiao Yun , Wang Jiao‐Zhao , Zhang Chaofeng , Chou Shulei
Published: January 2025

Closed‐loop transformation of raw materials into high‐value‐added products is highly desired for the sustainable development of the society but is seldom achieved. Here, a low‐cost, solvent‐free and “zero‐waste” mechanochemical protocol is reported for the large‐scale preparation of cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). This process ensures full utilization of raw materials, effectively reduces water consumption, and simplifies the operating process. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between the cubic Prussian blue analogs (c‐NFFHCF) and dehydrated polyanionic sulfates (m‐NFS), the generated composite exhibits promising wide‐temperature electrochemical performance and excellent practical application potential. The synergistic effect between m‐NFS and c‐NFFHCF in the composite is revealed through multiple in situ characterizations and density functional theory calculations. The proposed mechanochemical strategy can be scaled to a kilogram‐grade level, providing a sustainable method for the value‐added utilization of the by‐products during Prussian blue analogs synthesis, advancing the design of “zero‐waste” cathode materials for low‐cost practical SIBs.
Flat‐Band Electronic Bipolarity in a Janus and Kagome van der Waals Semiconductor Nb3TeI7
Authors: Yun Jo Hyun , Sung Minki , Choi Minhyuk , Kim Kyoo , Yang Wooin , Kim Dowook , Kim Min Joong , Her Sung‐Hyuk , Choi Si‐Young , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Kim Jae Young , Yeom Han Woong , Kim Jun Sung
Published: January 2025

Janus materials, a novel class of materials with two faces of different chemical compositions and electronic polarities, offer significant potential for various applications with catalytic reactions, chemical sensing, and optical or electronic responses. A key aspect for such functionalities is face‐dependent electronic bipolarity, which is usually limited by the chemical distinction of terminated surfaces and has not been exploited in the semiconducting regime. Here, it is showed that a Janus and Kagome van der Waals (vdW) material Nb3TeI7 has ferroelectric‐like coherent stacking of the Janus layers and hosts strong electronic bipolar states in the semiconducting regime. A large potential difference of ∼ 0.7 eV between the I4 and TeI3 terminated surfaces is observed, despite only one fourth of the I atoms being replaced by Te atoms on one side of the layers. Additionally, robust semiconducting properties with the face‐dependent n‐type and p‐type field‐effect transistor behaviors are demonstrated. These unique properties are attributed to Nb 4d orbital flat bands of the breathing‐Kagome lattice, of which significantly large electron mass makes the semiconducting properties immune to impurity doping, and inherent strong electron correlation enhances asymmetric electron distribution, thereby amplifying a built‐in electric field. These findings highlight that naturally‐grown Janus and Kagome vdW semiconductors provide a promising material platform for utilizing strong electronic bipolarity in 2D‐material‐based applications.
Tailoring the Electrocatalytic Activity and Corrosion Resistance of CoCrFeNi and MnCrFeNi Thin Films by Anodization
Authors: Linder Clara , Vagin Mikhail , Boyd Robert , Greczynski Grzegorz , Lundin Daniel , Törne Karin , Eklund Per , Björk Emma M.
Published: January 2025

Transition metal oxides like Co, Ni, and Mn are promising alternatives to noble metals such as Pt for oxygen electrocatalysis in green energy. Alloying these metals forms multicomponent catalysts with compelling properties. In this study, CoCrFeNi and MnCrFeNi thin films are synthesized using High‐Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) and their catalytic activity for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR), the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER), and corrosion resistance in 1 molar (1 M) potassium hydroxide (KOH) are evaluated. MnCrFeNi films exhibit a fine‐grained single face‐centered cubic (FCC) phase, while CoCrFeNi films have larger grains and multiple phases. ORR on CoCrFeNi follows a 2+1 electron transfer pathway, producing hydroxide radicals, while MnCrFeNi exhibits a 2‐electron pathway, yielding hydrogen peroxide. Anodization reduces the CoCrFeNi overpotential from 0.9 to 0.5 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), comparable to platinum and iridium catalysts (Pt/C, Ir/C). Anodization also shifts CoCrFeNi ORR to a 2‐electron pathway. In situ Raman spectroscopy detects no ORR intermediates, but nickel oxyhydroxide (NiOOH) appears during OER. Substituting Mn for Co increases corrosion resistance by raising the corrosion potential. All films show passive behavior during polarization, demonstrating their potential for corrosion protection and electrocatalysis in green energy applications.
Plasmon‐Driven Gold Nanopillar Multiarrayed Gene Amplification Methodology for the High‐Throughput Discrimination of Pathogens
Authors: Seo Sung Eun , Kim Kyung Ho , Kim Seo Jin , Ko Kyong‐Cheol , Kim Woo‐Keun , Lee Kyoung G. , Kwon Oh Seok
Published: January 2025

Molecular diagnosis limitations, including complex treatment processes, low cost‐effectiveness, and operator‐dependent low reproducibility, interrupt the timely prevention of disease spread and the development of medical devices for home and outdoor uses. A newly fabricated gold nanopillar array‐based film is presented for superior photothermal energy conversion. Magnifying the metal film surface‐to‐volume ratio increases the photothermal energy conversion efficiency, resulting in a swift reduction in the gene amplification reaction time. Plasmonic energy‐based ultrafast gene amplification and facile confirmation methodology offer a rapid disease discrimination platform for high‐throughput multiplexed diagnosis. The superior performance of the gold nanopillar arrayed film is demonstrated by measuring the amount of pathogen (Vibrio cholerae) with a sensitivity of 101 cfu mL−1 in 5.5 min. The newly engineered gold nanopillar arrayed film can be utilized to diagnose universal pathogens to achieve an increasingly successful complete cure.
3D Femtosecond Laser Beam Deflection for High‐Precision Fabrication and Modulation of Individual Voxelated PCM Meta‐Atoms
Authors: Han Weina , Wei Donghui , Peng Biye , Jiang Jianhui , Tong Jintao , Xu Zhehao , Zou Xueyan , Hu Jie , Cheng Qian , Jiang Lan
Published: January 2025

Optical metasurfaces have found widespread applications in the field of optoelectronic devices. However, achieving dynamic and flexible control over metasurface functionalities, while also developing simplified fabrication methods for metasurfaces, continues to pose a significant challenge. Here, the study introduces a PCM‐only metasurface that exclusively consists of voxel units crafted from different phases of phase‐change materials. Micro‐nano regions, with varying phase states, are directly utilized as resonant elements and embedded in the material, forming the metasurface voxel meta‐atoms. By manipulating the morphology, size, and arrangement of these meta‐atoms, the study achieves both the fabrication and modulation of the PCM‐only metasurface. Additionally, a 3D high‐precision voxelated beam deflection method based on femtosecond laser phase modulation is introduced to streamline the fabrication and modulation of PCM‐only metasurface. By using a spatial light modulator to load the blazed grating phase manipulation beam for precise deflection, high‐precision deflection processing of individual meta‐atom on metasurfaces can be achieved, with a deflection accuracy of up to 200nm. By loading Fresnel phase manipulation beams to move along the z‐axis, perfect modulation of PCM sub‐meta‐atoms can be achieved. The 3D femtosecond laser beam deflection technology will bring many potential application opportunities in the fields of optoelectronic device fabrication and functional control.
Mechanoluminescence from Organic–Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskite Derivative
Authors: Zhao Hongyuan , Yang Xinyu , Bai Yunfei , Meng Qichao , Wen Ziying , Sun Haibo , Wei Qilin , Huang Dan , Yu William W. , Liu Feng
Published: January 2025

Metal halide perovskites and their derivatives are gaining significant attention as photoluminescent materials due to their exceptional light‐emitting properties. However, most research has concentrated on electroluminescence and photoluminescence, there remains a substantial gap in the exploration of mechanoluminescence (ML) properties in perovskites, making this field largely uncharted. ML is an ancient and intriguing luminescent phenomenon that occurs when a material is subjected to mechanical forces. Here, the discovery of the first organic–inorganic hybrid terbium (Tb3+)‐based metal halide, a type of perovskite derivative, which exhibits notable ML properties is reported. Through material orthogonal design, the critical roles played by molecular geometry and metal‐site ions in achieving remarkable ML in organic–inorganic hybrid metal halides are identified.
Post‐rice soybeans and peanuts differ in performance, water use, and water‐use efficiency in the rainfed lowlands
Authors: Vongthilard S. , Inthavong T. , Sengxua P. , Eberbach P. , Harnpichitvitaya D. , Wade L. J.
Published: January 2025

This study examined patterns of water use and water‐use efficiency in soybeans (Glycine max) and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea), for which data are rare, to assess their suitability as post‐rice (Oryza sativa L.) crops in the rainfed lowlands. A field experiment was conducted at Pakse in southern Lao PDR, comprising two irrigation regimes (weekly and as needed), three surface mulch treatments (nil, straw, and plastic), and two species (soybeans, peanuts), in a split–split design with three replicates. Volumetric soil water content was measured using time‐domain reflectometry. Water deficit was more severe under as needed irrigation, Nil cover, in soybeans, and late in the life cycle. Water use was highest in soybeans under nil cover and weekly irrigation (432 mm) and was lowest in peanuts under plastic cover and as needed irrigation (225 mm). Soybeans were responsive in plant height (41.5–62.7 cm), while peanuts were responsive in grain yield (1.05–1.81 Mg ha−1). Water‐use efficiency was lowest in soybeans under nil cover and weekly irrigation (2.48 kg ha−1 mm−1), and highest in peanuts under plastic cover and as needed irrigation (8.04 kg ha−1 mm−1). The paper concludes that peanuts should have a role as a post‐rice crop in the rainfed lowlands, with access to supplementary irrigation.
Machine Learning in Predicting Activation Barrier Energy of C=N Bond Rotation in Amides
Authors: Tomasini Michele , Szostak Michal , Poater Albert
Published: January 2025

This study applies machine learning (ML) to predict activation energy barriers for cis‐trans isomerization in twisted amides, focusing on the C=N bond. Amides are increasingly used in synthetic chemistry, particularly in cross‐coupling reactions, due to their versatility. However, the C=N bond's high activation energy presents a challenge. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the study evaluates key structural parameters and energy barriers for different amides. ML models, including support vector regression and neural networks, are developed to predict these activation barriers based on molecular descriptors. The results show that twisted amides, particularly N‐Ts and N‐Boc types, exhibit unique reactivities influenced by steric and electronic factors. The neural network model outperformed other methods with R2 values of around or over 0.9 for ΔG≠ and ΔGtrans, though overfitting remains a concern. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of amide reactivity, facilitating the design of more efficient catalytic systems.
Unraveling the transcriptomic landscape of brain vascular cells in dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Sewell Michael , Fialova Nela , Montagne Axel
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Cerebrovascular dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of dementia and related neurodegenerative disorders. Recent omics‐driven research has revealed associations between vascular abnormalities and transcriptomic alterations in brain vascular cells, particularly endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes (PCs). However, the impact of these molecular changes on dementia remains unclear.

METHODS

We conducted a comparative analysis of gene expression in ECs and PCs across neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease, and arteriovenous malformation, utilizing transcriptomic data from published postmortem human tissue studies.

RESULTS

We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) consistently dysregulated in ECs and PCs across these pathologies. Notably, several DEGs are linked to vascular cell zonation and genetic risks for AD and cerebral small vessel disease.

DISCUSSION

Our findings provide insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction in dementia, highlight the knowledge gaps, and suggest potential novel vascular therapeutic targets, including genes not previously investigated in this context.

Highlights

Systematic review of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in vascular cells from neurodegenerative single‐nuclear RNA‐sequencing (snRNA‐seq) studies.

Identify overlapping DEGs in multiple vascular cell types across studies.

Examine functional relevance and associations with genetic risk for common DEGs.

Outline future directions for the vascular omics field.
An evaluation of a community dementia screening program in rural Kenya: DEM‐SKY
Authors: Farina Nicolas , Musyimi Christine W. , Onuonga Kevin , Ndetei David M.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

This study describes the implementation outcomes and evaluation of DEM‐SKY, a community‐based dementia screening program developed in rural Kenya with the support of community health care workers (CHWs).

METHODS

DEM‐SKY was delivered to 3546 older adults in Makueni County, Kenya, over a 6‐month period. Using a mixed‐methods design, we explored implementation outcomes with stakeholders through surveys and interviews.

RESULTS

The program demonstrated good acceptability, adoption, and fidelity and was effective in instigating behavior change. Individuals who screened positive for dementia were 28.7 times more likely to intend to speak to a doctor. Qualitative data showed that participants valued the program but indicated scope for improvement, particularly further down the diagnostic pathway.

DISCUSSION

DEM‐SKY was successful across several implementation metrics. Although the program demonstrates that community‐based screening can be conducted effectively with minimal resources, future research needs to explore the long‐term benefits of dementia screening in Kenya.

Highlights

Community‐based dementia screening is feasible in rural Africa.

Involving community health workers strengthens trust in health care systems.

Empowering community health workers enhances the community capacity to address dementia

Screening promotes proactive health seeking among older adults.
Cognitive aging outcomes are related to both tau pathology and maintenance of cingulate cortex structure
Authors: Pezzoli Stefania , Giorgio Joseph , Chen Xi , Ward Tyler J. , Harrison Theresa M. , Jagust William J.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

Successful cognitive aging is related to both maintaining brain structure and avoiding Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, but how these factors interplay is unclear.

METHODS

A total of 109 cognitively normal older adults (70+ years old) underwent amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cognitive testing. Cognitive aging was quantified using the cognitive age gap (CAG), subtracting chronological age from predicted cognitive age.

RESULTS

Lower CAG (younger cognitive age) was related to slower decline in episodic memory, multi‐domain cognition, and atrophy of the midcingulate cortex (MCC). Lower entorhinal cortical tau was linked to slower decline in episodic memory, multi‐domain cognition, and hippocampal atrophy.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that aging outcomes may be influenced by two independent pathways: one associated with tau accumulation, affecting primarily memory and hippocampal atrophy, and another involving tau‐independent structural preservation of the MCC, benefiting multi‐domain cognition over time.

Highlights

Younger cognitive age (lower cognitive age gap [CAG]) is related to slower cognitive decline.

Lower CAG is linked to slower midcingulate cortex (MCC) atrophy.

Reduced tau in the entorhinal cortex is related to less hippocampal atrophy and cognitive decline.

Structural preservation of the MCC benefits multi‐domain cognition over time.

Two independent pathways influence cognitive aging: tau accumulation and MCC preservation.