bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light‐Guided Genetic Scissors Based on Phosphorene Quantum Dot
Authors: Chen Zhi , Huang Hao , Deng Jiefeng , Meng Changle , Zhang Yule , Fan Taojian , Wang Lude , Sun Shuo , Liu Yi , Lin Huiling , Li Shuang , Bai Yunpeng , Gao Lingfeng , Qu Junle , Fan Dianyuan , Zhang Xueji , Zhang Han
Published: July 2024

Genetic engineering faces persistent challenges in achieving precise Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) cleavage, especially with the limitations associated with current enzyme‐based methods, exemplified by issues in CRISPR technologies. This study introduces a groundbreaking approach: utilizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by Multiphoton Absorption (MPA)‐excited Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots (BPQDs) under femto‐second laser irradiation. This innovative method not only allows excitation with lower energy but also enhances overall efficiency. The integration of complementary RNA sequences facilitates high‐efficiency, site‐selective DNA cleavage in the system, named “TADPOLE” (Targeted DNA Precision Oriented Laser Excision). Beyond its precision in targeting arbitrary DNA sequences using quantum dots, TADPOLE harnesses the unique multiphoton absorption property of BPQDs, enabling excitation with lower‐energy light sources suitable for in vivo applications in the future. Moreover, the approach integrates guiding RNA and ultrafast laser technology to provide precise control over local ROS generation and minimal heat production. This guarantees site‐specific DNA cleavage while mitigating the risk of damage to non‐targeted sequences. In summary, this study catalyzes advancements in enzyme‐free DNA cleavage technologies, with transformative implications for genetic engineering, biotechnology, and medicine. The holistic precision, versatility, and endurance presented by TADPOLE open new avenues for targeted gene therapies and transformative applications in related fields.
Tissue‐engineered vascular grafts for cardiovascular disease management: Current strategies, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Das Kuntal Kumar , Tiwari Ruchi Mishra , Shankar Om , Maiti Pralay , Dubey Ashutosh Kumar
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality which primarily occurs due to the blood vessel obstruction or narrowing. Surgical procedures such as, coronary artery and peripheral artery bypass grafting frequently require vascular grafts for long‐term revascularization. However, using autogenous vessels, such as the internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein, especially for vessels with diameters less than 6 mm, are associated with number of concerns due to limited availability, invasive retrieval procedures, and aptness. To overcome these limitations, the development of tissue‐engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) is in continuous thrust. This review comprehensively provides the potentiality of a range of artificial and naturally occurring biopolymers and their fabrication techniques, cell sources and seeding techniques to realize the state‐of‐the‐art TEVGs. Moreover, this review article presents a synopsis of insights obtained from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, including human clinical trials. It underscores the need for further exploration into key areas such as optimal cell sources, seeding techniques, mechanical properties, hemodynamics, graft integration, the impact of patient conditions, optimum burst pressure, sufficient suture strength, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and related factors. In summary, the review offers insights into the current strategies, challenges, and future perspectives of TEVG.
Refining the PROMETHEE‐scoring method: Propositions and an economic freedom assessment
Authors: Matos Igor Danilo Costa , Gomes Costa Helder , Roboredo Marcos , Lima Diogo
Published: July 2024

The recent PROMETHEE‐Scoring approach offers a method for generating cardinal scores through an outranking procedure utilizing Stochastic Multicriteria Acceptability and – analysis. In this paper, we illustrate some undesirable effects of this method and explore possible approaches to address them. First, we modify the original LP by inserting a new constraint that limits negative impacts caused by alternatives with low flow mean and standard deviation. Also, clustering is used to identify outliers in the decision matrix that may induce undesirable effects. A toy example demonstrates the issues and explores the proposed implementations. In addition, a numerical application is presented where a set of countries is ordered based on criteria from an economic freedom assessment. Both the numerical application and the toy example show that the propositions can improve the consistency of the results and prevent inconsistent outputs. The results include comparisons between the rank of alternatives when using purely the PROMETHEE‐Scoring method, the proposed improvements, and the expected results from SMAA‐PROMETHEE.
Quantum symmetric integral inequalities for convex functions
Authors: Nosheen Ammara , Ijaz Sana , Khan Khuram Ali , Awan Khalid Mahmood , Budak Hüseyin
Published: July 2024

In the context of quantum symmetric calculus, this study proposed more refined version of Ostrowski and Hermite–Hadamard type inequalities. The function involved in these inequalities are convex functions. In order to reach the target, left and right quantum symmetric derivative and corresponding integral are used. Furthermore, the Hölder inequality is established in the frame work of left and right quantum symmetric integral. The new results refined the results about integral inequalities that exist in the literature.
Technical note: Can photon‐counting CT improve PET/CT's quantitative accuracy?
Authors: Hamill James , Birge Noah , O'Doherty Jim , Nye Jonathon , Elojeimy Saeed
Published: July 2024

Background

Linear attenuation coefficients (LACs) in positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) are derived from CT scans that utilize energy‐integrating detectors (EID‐CT). These LACs are inaccurate when iodine contrast has been injected. Photon counting detector CT (PCD‐CT) may be able to improve the accuracy.

Purpose

To investigate whether PCD‐CT can improve PET/CT quantitative accuracy.

Methods

Two experiments were performed: one with CT only and one that combined PET and CT. The first experiment used an electron density phantom whose inserts were imaged with EID‐CT and PCD‐CT. The inserts simulated normal human tissues, including bone and iodinated blood. In the case of PCD‐CT, virtual‐monoenergetic images at 190 keV were created. LACs were derived in each case and compared against known values. For inserts with iodine, more accurate LACs were expected with PCD‐CT. The second experiment involved a custom PET phantom with various materials simulating human tissues (blood, iodinated blood, and bone) and 18F radioactivity. Data were first acquired with an EID‐CT‐based PET/CT system and then separately in a PCD‐CT system without PET. PET images were reconstructed using LAC from EID‐CT and PCD‐CT. PET image values were compared against known activity values using recovery coefficients (RC).

Results

In the first experiment, LAC based on EID‐CT were in error by as much as 18%, whereas the corresponding PCD‐CT based measurements were within 3%. In the second experiment, minimum, maximum, and mean RC were (96.1%, 115.4%, and 103.8%) for the EID‐CT method, and (95.8%, 105.5%, and 101.0%) for the PCD‐CT method. The consistency of PET images in body and head orientations was improved.

Conclusions

PCD‐CT can acquire the information needed for accurate LAC for PET reconstruction in a single spiral acquisition.
Solving a class of infinite‐dimensional tensor eigenvalue problems by translational invariant tensor ring approximations
Authors: Van Beeumen Roel , Periša Lana , Kressner Daniel , Yang Chao
Published: July 2024

We examine a method for solving an infinite‐dimensional tensor eigenvalue problem , where the infinite‐dimensional symmetric matrix exhibits a translational invariant structure. We provide a formulation of this type of problem from a numerical linear algebra point of view and describe how a power method applied to is used to obtain an approximation to the desired eigenvector. This infinite‐dimensional eigenvector is represented in a compact way by a translational invariant infinite Tensor Ring (iTR). Low rank approximation is used to keep the cost of subsequent power iterations bounded while preserving the iTR structure of the approximate eigenvector. We show how the averaged Rayleigh quotient of an iTR eigenvector approximation can be efficiently computed and introduce a projected residual to monitor its convergence. In the numerical examples, we illustrate that the norm of this projected iTR residual can also be used to automatically modify the time step to ensure accurate and rapid convergence of the power method.
Blast Exposure Associations With Hearing Loss and Self‐Reported Hearing Difficulty
Authors: McIntire Aaron , Miller Tanner , Thapa Samrita , Joseph Antony , Carlson Kathleen F. , Reavis Kelly M. , Hughes Charlotte K.
Published: July 2024

Objective

Examine associations between military blast exposures on hearing loss and self‐reported hearing difficulties among Active‐Duty Service Members (ADSM) and Veterans from the Noise Outcomes in Servicemembers Epidemiology (NOISE) study.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Multi‐institutional tertiary referral centers.

Methods

Blast exposure was assessed with a comprehensive blast questionnaire. Outcome measures included pure‐tone hearing thresholds; Speech Recognition in Noise Test; Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA); and Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ)‐12.

Results

Twenty‐one percent (102/494) of ADSM and 36.8% (196/533) of Veterans self‐reported blast exposure. Compared to ADSM without blast exposure, blast‐exposed ADSM had increased odds of high frequency (3‐8 kHz) and extended‐high frequency (9‐16 kHz) hearing loss (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, CI: 1.3, 4.7; OR = 3.7, CI: 1.9, 7.0, respectively). ADSM and Veterans with blast exposure were more likely than their nonblast exposed counterparts to report hearing difficulty on the HHIA (OR = 1.9, CI: 1.1, 3.3; OR = 2.1, CI: 1.4, 3.2, respectively). Those with self‐reported blast exposure also had lower SSQ‐12 scores (ADSM mean difference = −0.6, CI: −1.0, −0.1; Veteran mean difference: −0.9, CI: −1.3, −0.5).

Conclusion

Results suggest that blast exposure is a prevalent source of hearing injury in the military. We found that among ADSM, blast exposure was associated with hearing loss, predominately in the higher frequencies. Blast exposure was associated with poorer self‐perceived hearing ability in ADSM and Veterans.

IRB

#FWH20180143H Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Military Healthcare System; #3159/9495 Joint VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).
Improving interface performance between the fibers and rubber using metal cations synergistic polydopamine to modify carbon fibers
Authors: Zhao Meng , Chen Haiming , Zhang Lin , Dong Juyuan , Han Linfeng , Wang Haitong , Yang Weimin , Lin Guangyi
Published: July 2024

CF‐PDA‐M hybrid fillers are prepared by three metal cations (M) assisting polydopamine (PDA) through Fe3+, Ni2+, and Al3+. The metal cations promote the polymerization of PDA on the fiber surface, shorten the modification time of the fibers, and ensure that the short‐cut carbon fibers (CF) do not agglomerate during water bath stirring while keeping the structure of the CF undamaged, which is a green and efficient method. After PDA modification, the roughness and surface activity of the fiber surface increase. Finally, CF‐PDA‐M is used as a filler and added to neoprene latex and natural latex, which are prepared into composites by wet blending, and the CF are characterized by different techniques. The results show that the hydroxyl and amino groups on the surface of CF‐PDA‐M increase the cross‐linking density of the composites, establish a good stress cross‐linking network, shorten the vulcanization time, effectively prevent the agglomeration phenomenon of the CF in the rubber, and improve the dispersion of the CF in the composite. After modification, the tensile strength and 300% constant tensile strength of CF‐PDA‐M increase by more than 10% and 30%, respectively, over CF composites, and the rolling resistance is reduced. This study provides a new and effective strategy for CF surface functionalization, which improves the processing efficiency and mechanical properties of rubber products and has a broad application prospect in the rubber industry.
A comparative study on the anti‐bacterial properties of three types of silver nano packaging based on (PLA, TiO2, PE) on Husinae Acipenseridae (Huso huso)
Authors: Salimi Fatemeh , Ahari Hamed , Anvar Seyed AmirAli , Motallebi Moghanjoghi Abbasali
Published: July 2024

Nanoparticles (NPs) in a variety of types are used in food packaging films. Ag NPs and Ag@TiO2 NPs were embedded in polyethylene (PE) and polylactic acid (PLA) based films in an effort to create unique films that would effectively extend the shelf life of beluga sturgeon fish. To achieve this, 22 films were formulated. Two of them were nominated based on an antibacterial evaluation. Pure PE and PLA were selected as control groups. TEM, SEM, FTIR, EDX, AFM, and tensile strength were employed to study the films chemically, physically, and mechanically. The films were used to package beluga sturgeon fish for 6 days, and then humidity, TVN, PV, and colony count were measured. According to the results, Ag@TiO2 NPs had higher antibacterial activity than AgNPs. Films with 3% of Ag@TiO2 NPs showed higher microorganism growth inhibition. The addition of Ag@TiO2 NPs increased the mechanical properties. Both selected films, controlled humidity (<70%), TVN (20 mg/100 g fish), and PV (<6 meq gr O2/kg fat) after 6 days. It was also confirmed that Ag@TiO2 NPs showed notable antibacterial activity after 6 days. The best results belonged to PE + 3% Ag@TiO2 film. To sum up, PE + 3% Ag@TiO2 film can be a good candidate for marine food packaging.

Highlights

Ag and Ag@TiO2 nanoparticles were studied on polyethylene and polylactic acid.

This packaging reveals the favorable effect of Ag@TiO2.

This packaging prolongs fish's shelf life under refrigeration.

Ag@TiO2 increased both mechanical strength and barrier properties.
Analysis of three primary prostatic sarcoma cases and literature review
Authors: Wei Yirui , Wang Hao , Xie Dawei , Lu Jun , Liang Xiaolong , He Weifeng , Yang Pushen , Wang Jianwen
Published: July 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities for primary prostate sarcoma postradical prostatectomy, aiming to enhance its diagnosis and management.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of three male patients diagnosed with primary prostate sarcoma at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, from February 2014 to February 2024. All patients underwent transrectal prostate biopsies, which informed the decision to proceed with laparoscopic radical prostatectomies. After surgery, one patient received a combination of epirubicin and ifosfamide as immunotherapy, along with external beam radiotherapy. After comprehensive discussions regarding potential benefits and risks, the remaining two patients decided against undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Results

Based on the pathological examination results, two patients were diagnosed with stromal sarcoma and one with spindle cell sarcoma, all classified as high‐grade sarcomas. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that all three cases were positive for VIMENTIN, but other results did not show significant specificity. During the follow‐up period, one patient died within 12 months, and two patients were lost to follow‐up after 6 months. However, there were no evident signs of recurrence observed during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

Primary prostate sarcoma is extremely rare and typically has a poor prognosis once diagnosed. Early diagnosis should be based on pathological and immunohistochemical testing results, followed by prompt surgical treatment and adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite these measures, recurrence is common, underscoring the need for a detailed and appropriate treatment plan and systematic therapy for affected patients.
HcGr76 responds to fructose and chlorogenic acid and is involved in regulation of peptide expression in the midgut of Hyphantria cunea larvae
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhang Wenjing , Cui Zhebo , Pan Yifan , Smagghe Guy , Zhang Longwa , Wickham Jacob D. , Sun Jianghua , Mang Dingze
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Sensing dietary components in the gut is important to ensure an appropriate hormonal response and metabolic regulation after food intake. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is a major invasive pest in China and has led to significant economic losses and ecosystem disruption. The larvae's broad host range and voracious appetite for leaves make H. cunea a primary cause of serious damage to both forests and crops. To date, however, the gustatory receptors (Grs) of H. cunea and their regulatory function remain largely unknown.

RESULTS

We identified the fall webworm gustatory receptor HcGr76 as a fructose and chlorogenic acid receptor using Ca2+ imaging and determination of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by a microplate reader. Moreover, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) analysis revealed that HcGr76 is highly expressed in the anterior and middle midgut. Knockdown of HcGr76 caused a significant reduction in the expression of neuropeptide F 1 (NPF1) and CCHamide‐2, and led to a decrease in carbohydrate and lipid levels in the hemolymph.

CONCLUSION

Our studies provide circumstantial evidence that HcGr76 expressed in the midgut is involved in sensing dietary components, and regulates the expression of relevant peptide hormones to alter metabolism in H. cunea larvae, thus providing a promising molecular target for the development of new insect‐specific control products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring Stratification Strategies for Population‐ Versus Randomization‐Based Inference
Authors: Novelli Marco , Rosenberger William F.
Published: July 2024

Stratification on important variables is a common practice in clinical trials, since ensuring cosmetic balance on known baseline covariates is often deemed to be a crucial requirement for the credibility of the experimental results. However, the actual benefits of stratification are still debated in the literature. Other authors have shown that it does not improve efficiency in large samples and improves it only negligibly in smaller samples. This paper investigates different subgroup analysis strategies, with a particular focus on the potential benefits in terms of inferential precision of prestratification versus both poststratification and post hoc regression adjustment. For each of these approaches, the pros and cons of population‐based versus randomization‐based inference are discussed. The effects of the presence of a treatment‐by‐covariate interaction and the variability in the patient responses are also taken into account. Our results show that, in general, prestratifying does not provide substantial benefit. On the contrary, it may be deleterious, in particular for randomization‐based procedures in the presence of a chronological bias. Even when there is treatment‐by‐covariate interaction, prestratification may backfire by considerably reducing the inferential precision.
Improved high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of infliximab in pediatric plasma and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Yu Boran , Jin Siyao , Han Jiaqi , Li Xiaona , Xu Jiamin , Sun Ning , Sun Liang , Wang Xiaoling , Zhao Libo
Published: July 2024

Rationale

The application of infliximab (IFX) to immune‐mediated disease is limited by the significant individual variability and associated clinical nonresponse, emphasizing the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Because of the cross‐reactivity, limited linear range, and high costs, the clinical application of the previous reported methods was limited. Here, an improved high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed to address the issues.

Methods

This study developed an improved bioanalytical HPLC‐MS/MS method coupling nanosurface and molecular‐orientation limited proteolysis technology. The commercially available compound P14R was selected as the internal standard. This method was developed with fewer volume of reagents and was thoroughly validated. The validated method was applied to TDM in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Results

Chromatography was performed using a Shim‐pack GISS‐HP C18 metal‐free column (3 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm) with a gradient elution of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile at 0.4 mL/min. Detection and quantitation were performed using electrospray ionization (ESI) and multiple reaction monitoring in the positive ion mode. The method was validated to demonstrate its selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, matrix effect, and stability. The method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.3–100 μg/mL, with intra‐ and inter‐day precision and relative errors below 15%. The recovery and matrix effect were measured as 87.28%–89.72% and 41.98%–67.17%, respectively, which were effectively compensated by the internal standard. A total of 32 samples collected from 24 pediatric patients with IBD were analyzed using the validated method, and only 46.9% achieved the reported targeted trough level.

Conclusion

This study developed an improved HPLC‐MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of IFX concentration in human plasma. The accurate, reliable, and cost‐effective method was validated and utilized in the analysis of clinical samples. The results confirmed the importance of TDM on IFX and the clinical application prospects of the improved method.
Development of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with nontuberculous mycobacterial‐pulmonary disease successfully treated with dupilumab: A case report and literature review
Authors: Onozato Ryuta , Miyata Jun , Asakura Takanori , Namkoong Ho , Asano Koichiro , Hasegawa Naoki , Fukunaga Koichi
Published: July 2024

Pulmonary manifestations in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and nontuberculous mycobacterial‐pulmonary disease (NTM‐PD) include bronchiectasis and mucus plugging. A 68‐year‐old woman, treated with antibiotics and inhaled corticosteroids for NTM‐PD and asthma, presented with fever and wheezing. ABPA was diagnosed based on laboratory findings (elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts and serum total IgE levels and positive Aspergillus‐specific IgE and IgG) and imaging observation of a high‐attenuation mucus plug. Systemic prednisolone was avoided to prevent NTM‐PD progression. Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks IL‐4/13, was introduced to improve the clinical findings. Herein, we discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this rare comorbidity.
Event‐triggered output quantization control for asynchronously switched interval type‐2 fuzzy systems
Authors: Yang Yachun , Li Xiaodi , Liu Xinzhi
Published: July 2024

This article considers exponential stabilization (ES) of switched interval type‐2 (SIT2) fuzzy systems with asynchronous switching control. The SIT2 fuzzy system switches from one mode to another according to transition probabilities (TPs). A general SIT2 fuzzy quantized event‐triggered output controller (QETOC) is designed to save the communication resources. The QETOC employs distinctive membership functions from those of the IT2 fuzzy model and switches with mode‐pendent switching delay, which is more practical than asynchronously switched control techniques with a common switching delay and control schemes without TP. By designing discretized multiple Lyapunov function (DMLF) and using convex combination technique, sufficient conditions formulated by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) are obtained to ensure that the DMLF does not ‘jump high’ at the moment of switching, and hence the conservatism of obtained results is significantly reduced since no additional dwell time is needed for the stabilization. It is discovered that the SIT2 fuzzy system is not necessary to be unstable on mismatched intervals, and it can be unstable on matched intervals. The advantages of theoretical analysis are verified by numerical simulations, and the classical assumption that each subsystem is unstable on mismatched intervals is conservative for control design.
Impact of technological advancement and greener energy on sustainable agriculture in Asia: Evidence from selected Asian countries
Authors: Sharma Gagan Deep , Shah Muhammad Ibrahim , Chopra Ritika , Rao Amar , Shahzad Umer
Published: July 2024

Regardless of major advancements in food production, Asia continues to confront severe food security challenges. Sustainable agriculture presents entirely new prospects by prioritizing the productive worth of human, social, and natural capital—all of which are abundant in Asian nations or can be replenished at a relatively low financial expense. This paper sets out to explore the role of technological innovation, renewable energy use, financial development, globalization, and institutional quality on the environmental sustainability of agriculture, measured by the greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector for top 10 agricultural economies of Asia from 1990 to 2019. To attain the above objective, we employ a variety of econometric models capable of accounting for cross‐sectional dependence, including the CS‐ARDL model and the Dumitrescu‐Hurlin Panel Granger Causality tests. The result indicates that technological innovation as well as the use of renewable energy can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector and thus contribute towards enhancing environmental performance of this sector in short and long run. Although globalization result is revealed to be positive, it turns out to be insignificant in both short and long run. Financial development exerts positive and significant effects on agricultural emissions while the institutional quality is found to be increasing the agricultural environmental performance. Finally, we provide policy recommendations based on the results of the study.
Fabrication of Biomimetic Hydrophobic Surfaces Using Phyto‐Polymers and their Bimetallic Au@Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Krishnan Sundarrajan Sasireka , Pottail Lalitha
Published: July 2024

Green phyto technology is a novel version, and the intersection of nanotechnology with nanobiotechnology gains much attention among global researchers owing to the vast range of industrial, environmental and medical applications. To synthesize bimetallic nano particles of Au@Ag, corresponding metal precursors were added to aqueous fruit latex extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus (AHL) & bark latex extract of Mimusops elengi (MEM) and exposed to sunlight. Hydrophobic surfaces are often designed to mimic low surface energy materials and hierarchical micro/nanostructures. In this study, hydrophobic surfaces on glass substrates were fabricated using a simple immersion process that was rapid, facile, and environmental friendly. Latex extracts, Au@Ag nanoparticles, stearic acid and methyltrichlorosilane were used in the coatings. The shape, heterogeneity, roughness and surface functionality of modified hydrophobic surfaces were investigated by FESEM, 3D profilometer and FT‐IR studies. The contact angle (CA) of modified surfaces was measured by Goniometer. The anti‐corrosive property of modified hydrophobic surfaces was tested. Recent micro/nanotechnological advancements have inspired artificial changes of surface wettability by bio‐mimic surfaces with efficient nanoparticles.
Substituent Effect on Physical Properties of Whitening Lignin
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Suzuki Asami , Otsuka Yuichiro
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the substituent effect on physical properties of whitening lignin prepared by solvent‐controlled encapsulation (SCE) was estimated. Firstly, it was revealed that lignin whitening via SCE requires the modification of alkyl isocyanate containing the alkyl chain with more than four carbon atoms. This indicates the importance of the bulkiness of the substituent of isocyanate moiety for the realization of SCE, i. e., lignin whitening. Secondly, the thermal stability of whitened lignin is dramatically improved by the replacement of the mono‐isocyanate moiety with diisocyanate moiety. Thirdly, the whitened lignin modified by m‐xylylene‐diisocyanate exhibited high thermal stability and electrical insulating properties, suggesting its possible application to insulating fillers for poly(ϵ‐caprolactone).
Exploring of Dual Effect of Light And Ultrasound On Effective Singlet Oxgyen Generation of Newly Synthesized Mg(II), Zn(II) And In(III)Cl Phthalocyanines as Sono‐Photochemically
Authors: Kiliçarslan Fatma Aytan , Kocaağa Nagihan , Erdoğmuş Ali
Published: July 2024

Every year, cancer claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, despite the fast advancements in science and technology. Numerous scientific investigations are conducted to create therapeutic approaches that do not have the drawbacks of conventional cancer treatment methods. A novel approach to treating cancer is sono‐photodynamic therapy, which has a far higher therapeutic efficacy than photodynamic therapy. For this purpose, peripherally bis 3‐[(4‐tert‐butylbenzyl)oxy substituted metal and metal‐free phthalocyanines were synthesized and characterized. Additionally, the spectral, aggregation and sonophotochemical properties of these phthalocyanines in DMSO were examined. Metallophthalocyanines to generate singlet oxygen was examined photochemically and sonophotochemically. The findings of the sono‐photochemical experiments showed great promise, showing that the synthesized sensitizers were effective at producing reactive oxygen species for successful therapeutic treatments. The development of innovative therapeutic medicines with improved photodynamic and sonodynamic characteristics is aided by this discovery. Using sonophotodynamic therapy to concurrently harness the power of light and sound is a novel and synergistic technique that may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these complexes. For the investigated al of compounds, The combination of sonochemical and photochemical applications generated better results. Overall, the findings point to SPDT as a potentially effective combination therapy for the treatment of cancer.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocellulose/Polyacrylonitrile‐based Carbon Nanofibers: An Approach toward Low Cost and Sustainable Agro Waste based Carbon Nanomaterials
Authors: Suman  , Rani Sonu , Bajaj Bharat
Published: July 2024

The cost of polymer precursors and high energy need in carbonization for the preparation of carbon materials are two limiting factors in the commercialization of carbon‐based materials. In this study, carbon nanofiber films were prepared by adding a very small concentration of polymer polyacrylonitrile in nanocellulose (extracted from agro waste i.e., rice straws) with an overall aim of producing carbon nanomaterials with cost effective, renewable and sustainable carbon source. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) added nanocellulose solution was drop‐casted to prepare Nanocellulose/Polyacrylonitrile‐based nanofibers film (NC/PAN). It was further stabilized in air atmosphere at 280 °C followed by carbonized in nitrogen atmosphere at 700 °C. It was found that addition of NC/PAN have 18 % lower activation energies than PAN. Results of tunneling electron microscopy showed that polyacrylonitrile/nanocellulose films carbonized at 700 °C temperature exhibited amorphous carbon nanofibers structure similar to bare polyacrylonitrile based carbon film carbonized at higher temperature of 1000 °C‐1200 °C. Furthermore, polyacrylonitrile/nanocellulose based carbon nanofibers have showed high degree of carbonization ((ID)/(IG)=0.87) as compared to bare polyacrylonitrile based carbon nanofibers film ((ID)/(IG)=1.02). This may be attributed to chiral nature of nanocellulose which served as a template to orientation of graphene planes and showed efficient carbonization.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Stabilized Blue‐Emitting Copper Nanoclusters as Fluorescence Probe for Selective Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Wang Ya , Liu Gang
Published: July 2024

Dopamine (DA), a critical catecholamine in mammals, functions as a significant biological indicator for specific diseases. The precise and timely identification of DA is essential for disease monitoring and prevention. In this study, copper nanoclusters (Cu NCs) were synthesized using polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the protective ligand and L‐ascorbic acid (L‐AA) as the reducing agent via a simple hydrothermal process. The produced PVP−Cu NCs displayed strong blue emission at 427 nm when excited at 365 nm. In alkaline conditions, DA was able to selectively inhibit the fluorescence of PVP−Cu NCs. The investigation of the mechanism revealed that dopamine self‐polymerization resulted in the formation of polydopamine, which inhibited the emission of PVP−Cu NCs at 427 nm due to the inner filter effect (IFE). Based on the above phenomenon, a simple and selective analytical method for DA determination was developed. The fluorescence intensity of PVP−Cu NCs demonstrated a reliable response to DA concentrations within the range of 5 to 200 μM, with a detection limit (LOD) of 1.32 μM. The proposed method was successfully utilized for the precise detection of DA in human urine samples, indicating its potential application in biomedical dopamine detection.
A High Voltage Symmetric Supercapacitor Comprising Concentrated NaCl: PVA Electrolyte and Partially Reduced Graphene Oxide Electrodes
Authors: Shasti Mona , Hossein‐Babaei Faramarz
Published: July 2024

Strategies to improve energy density in supercapacitors are mainly based on utilizing electrodes providing larger effective surfaces and electrolytes allowing op eration in wider voltage windows. Here, a water‐based, binder‐free, environmentally friendly, high voltage, and quasi‐solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor is presented comprising partially reduced graphene oxide active electrodes and concentrated NaCl: polyvinyl alcohol gel electrolyte. It is shown that the ionic diffusion through the electrode‐electrolyte interface is augmented by the partial reduction of the graphene oxide electrodes up to an optimum level. The safe operation voltage window is 4 V; the high field endurance is attributed to the ion‐saturated hydrogel electrolyte used. At a scan rate of 25 mV/s, the provided capacitance and stored energy are 0.1 F.cm−2 and 5.6 e−5 W.h.cm−2, respectively. The optimized device retains ~90 % of its initial capacitance after 1000 charge‐discharge cycles; no meaningful sign of degradation is detected afterwards up to the 2000 cycles examined. These results place further emphasis on the potentials of the gel polymer electrolytes in the fabrication of environmentally friendly supercapacitors. Our findings are anticipated to accelerate improvements in the properties of the graphene‐based electrodes, particularly in conjunction with the proposed electrolyte.
High‐Sensitive Uncooled Mid‐Wave Infrared Detector Based on TiS3 Nanoribbon
Authors: Cao Zhangyu , Ju Le , Wei Binbin , Wang Suofu , Wu Yanwei , Han Tao , Wei Xiangfei , Wang Wenhui , Li Feng , Shan Lei , Long Mingsheng
Published: July 2024

High‐sensitive uncooled mid‐wave infrared (MWIR) photodetection with fast speed is highly desired for biomedical imaging, optical communication, and night vision technology. Low‐dimensional materials with low dark current and broadband photoresponse hold great promise for use in MWIR detection. Here, this study reports a high‐performance MWIR photodetector based on a titanium trisulfide (TiS3) nanoribbon. This device demonstrates an ultra‐broadband photoresponse ranging from the visible spectrum to the MWIR spectrum (405–4275 nm). In the MWIR spectral range, the photodetector achieves competitive high photoresponsivity (R) of 21.1 A W−1, and an impressive specific detectivity (D*) of 5.9 × 1010 cmHz1/2 W−1 in ambient air. Remarkably, the photoresponse speed in the MWIR with τr = 1.3 ms and τd = 1.5 ms is realized which is much faster than the thermal time constant of 15 ms. These findings pave the way for highly sensitive, room‐temperature MWIR photodetectors with exceptionally fast response speed.
Regulation of Interfacial Chemistry Enabling High‐Power Dual‐Ion Batteries at Low Temperatures
Authors: Lang Jihui , Liu Yuhan , Liu Qirong , Yang Juan , Yang Xinyu , Tang Yongbing
Published: July 2024

Interfacial chemistry plays a crucial role in determining the electrochemical properties of low‐temperature rechargeable batteries. Although existing interface engineering has significantly improved the capacity of rechargeable batteries operating at low temperatures, challenges such as sharp voltage drops and poor high‐rate discharge capabilities continue to limit their applications in extreme environments. In this study, an energy‐level‐adaptive design strategy for electrolytes to regulate interfacial chemistry in low‐temperature Li||graphite dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) is proposed. This strategy enables the construction of robust interphases with superior ion‐transfer kinetics. On the graphite cathode, the design endues the cathode interface with solvent/anion‐coupled interfacial chemistry, which yields an nitrogen/phosphor/sulfur/fluorin (N/P/S/F)‐containing organic‐rich interphase to boost anion‐transfer kinetics and maintains excellent interfacial stability. On the Li metal anode, the anion‐derived interfacial chemistry promotes the formation of an inorganic‐dominant LiF‐rich interphase, which effectively suppresses Li dendrite growth and improves the Li plating/stripping kinetics at low temperatures. Consequently, the DIBs can operate within a wide temperature range, spanning from −40 to 45 °C. At −40 °C, the DIB exhibits exceptional performance, delivering 97.4% of its room‐temperature capacity at 1 C and displaying an extraordinarily high‐rate discharge capability with 62.3% capacity retention at 10 C. This study demonstrates a feasible strategy for the development of high‐power and low‐temperature rechargeable batteries.
Sustaining Surface Lithiophilicity of Ultrathin Li‐Alloy Coating Layers on Current Collector for Zero‐Excess Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Seo Jiyeon , Lim Jihye , Chang Hongjun , Lee Jiwon , Woo Jiyun , Jung Injun , Kim Yechan , Kim Beomjun , Moon Janghyuk , Lee Hongkyung
Published: July 2024

Zero‐excess Li‐metal batteries (ZE‐LMBs) have emerged as the ultimate battery platform, offering an exceptionally high energy density. However, the absence of Li‐hosting materials results in uncontrolled dendritic Li deposition on the Cu current collector, leading to chronic loss of Li inventory and severe electrolyte decomposition, limiting its full utilization upon cycling. This study presents the application of ultrathin (≈50 nm) coatings comprising six metallic layers (Cu, Ag, Au, Pt, W, and Fe) on Cu substrates in order to provide insights into the design of Li‐depositing current collectors for stable ZE‐LMB operation. In contrast to non‐alloy Cu, W, and Fe coatings, Ag, Au, and Pt coatings can enhance surface lithiophilicity, effectively suppressing Li dendrite growth, thereby improving Li reversibility. Considering the distinct Li‐alloying behaviors, particularly solid‐solution and/or intermetallic phase formation, Pt‐coated Cu current collectors maintain surface lithiophilicity over repeated Li plating/stripping cycles by preserving the original coating layer, thereby attaining better cycling performance of ZE‐LMBs. This highlights the importance of selecting suitable Li‐alloy metals to sustain surface lithiophilicity throughout cycling to regulate dendrite‐less Li plating and improve the electrochemical stability of ZE‐LMBs.
“Lasagna”‐Structured SnS‐TaS2 Misfit Layered Sulfide for Capacitive and Robust Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Pan Youtan , Chen Wen , Zheng Chong , Lv Zhuoran , Zhong Mengjuan , Hu Keyan , Huang Fuqiang , Dong Wujie
Published: July 2024

Stannous sulfide (SnS), a conversion‐alloying type anode for sodium‐ion batteries, is strong Na+ storage activity, a low voltage platform, and high theoretical capacity. However, grain pulverization induced by intolerable volume change and phase aggregation causes quick capacity degradation and unsatisfactory rate capability. Herein, a novel “lasagna” strategy is developed by embedding a SnS layer into the interlayer of an electrochemically robust and electron‐active TaS2 to form a misfit layered (SnS)1.15TaS2 superlattice. For Na+ storage, the rationally designed (SnS)1.15TaS2 anode exhibits high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and robust cycling stability (729 mAh cm−3 at 15 C after 2000 cycles). Moreover, the as‐assembled (SnS)1.15TaS2 || Na3V2(PO4)3 full cells achieve robust and fast Na+ storage performance with ≈100% capacity retention after 650 cycles at 15 C, which also demonstrates good low‐temperature performance at −20 °C with a capacity retention of 75% and 2 C high‐rate charge/discharge ability.
Quality Comparison Between Two Species of Artemisiae Scopariae Herba Through Qualitative Analysis of HPLC Fingerprint and Quantitative Analysis of 12 Representative Constituents
Authors: Wang Luyao , Geng Jiale , Li Chuanjuan , Zhou Rongrong , Dai Ying , Dou Zhihua
Published: July 2024

Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Chinese name Yinchen), the dried aerial part of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (A. capillaris) or Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. (A. scoparia), is one of the most commonly used herbal drugs; the one harvested in the spring is habitually named “Mian Yinchen,” and the one harvested in the autumn is habitually named “Hua Yinchen,” but only the former is used in clinical practice in China. There are significant differences in quality between two species of A. Scopariae Herba and among A. Scopariae Herba from different harvest seasons and different producing areas, but the current comparative studies on the differences in quality of A. Scopariae Herba mainly focus on the latter; there are few comparative studies on the difference in quality between A. capillaris and A. scoparia. In this paper, the HPLC fingerprints of 13 batches of A. capillaris and 7 batches of A. scoparia harvested in spring were established, 21 common peaks in the fingerprints were demarcated, the constituents of these common peaks were identified by quadrupole‐TOF‐MS/MS, the chemical pattern recognition analysis, including hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, were conducted with the quantified peak areas of common peaks as variables, and the contents of 12 constituents unambiguously confirmed by reference substances in 20 batches of A. Scopariae Herba were determined. The results showed that there exist obvious differences in quality between two species of A. Scopariae Herba, and 3,4‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic acid can be selectively used as markers to distinguish the two species of A. Scopariae Herba.
A Bilingual Nanobiosensor for Cross‐Category Integrated Decoding of the Beta‐Site Amyloid Precursor Protein‐Cleaving Enzyme 1–Aβ Oligomer Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cheng Tao , Lu Peifen , Dong Yixi , Yu Jiabao , Wang Gang , Jiao Jianwei , Miao Peng , Jiao Jin
Published: July 2024

Herein, a sequentially responsive peptide DNA bilingual nanobiosensor is developed, which allows integrated quantification of amyloid signaling pathway. In this system, upstream beta‐site amyloid precursor protein‐cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) protease and downstream Aβ oligomer (AβO) are designed as two inputs for the AND DNA logic gate. In the existence of both inputs, peptide substrate with aptamer can be sequentially cleaved, reporting electrochemical and fluorescence dual‐mode outputs. In comparison with conventional single protease activity assay based on peptide nanotechnology, this strategy permits accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) from normal subjects. More importantly, it can achieve distinguished diagnosis between AD and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This bilingual nanobiosensor is successfully applied to detect BACE1 (1–100 U mL−1) and AβO (5–1000 pg mL−1) with limit of detections as low as 0.10 U mL−1 and 0.76 pg mL−1, respectively. Furthermore, this strategy inspires advanced nanobiosensors to target the activation of other signaling pathways, which are potential tools for future biology and medicine investigation.
Formulation and Characterization of Ferrogels Based on Agar Gum and Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA) Starch
Authors: Boulhaia Imene , Bañobre‐López Manuel , Moulai‐Mostefa Nadji
Published: July 2024

Physicochemical and rheological analyses are carried out on ferrogels based on Agar gum in combination with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) starch in the presence of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with a stabilizing agent (PNiPAAm). The objective of this work is to prepare nanocapsules of MNPs coated with OSA starch present in a rigid network of Agar to obtain a nanocomposite gel (ferrogel). It is found that the effect of MNPs on the properties of ferrogels has a direct relationship with PNiPAAm/OSA starch interactions. The results obtained show that the ferrogels have stable thermal properties and a high melting point (99.7 °C) for high concentrations of MNPs (0.1%). The rheological properties show that this concentration (0.1%) has a negative effect on the crosslinking of Agar, therefore a drop in viscosity. In addition, it is shown that each pore comprises three populations of MNPs (primary: 3–4 nm, secondary: 6–9 nm, and clusters: ≥12 nm). Moreover, it is found that MNPs are coated with OSA starch. In addition, the prepared materials possess at low concentration of MNPs an interesting stiffness and uniform surface morphology with a minimum of clusters leading to stable systems that can be used as biomaterials in nanomedecine.
Simplified modified tension chord model: An alternative crack width calculation model to Eurocode 2 and fib model codes
Authors: Terjesen Otto , Kanstad Terje , Tan Reignard
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a new design code formulation for calculating crack widths for regular and more special reinforced concrete (RC) members. The more comprehensive Modified Tension Chord Model (MTCM) has been simplified (SMTCM) to facilitate an alternative method for calculating crack widths to Eurocode 2 and fib Model Codes. The model is based on mechanical principles without empirical modifications and is benchmarked against a previously published experimental crack width database. The SMTCM predicts crack widths quite as accurately as the MTCM and provides a broader range of applicability, such as for large covers and RC ties having arbitrary rebar configurations and thus a better crack width model than the current design codes for RC ties. In addition, there are no openings for ambiguous interpretations of the calculations, which can increase the risk of obtaining two different crack widths from two different designers. To further justify the SMTCM code formulation and concept, several RC ties with experimental crack width profiles were used and discussed. The results show a considerable difference between the crack width profile at the surface and at the reinforcement location, depending on the concrete cover and rebar size. These observations are interesting regarding durability design and requirements and show that the approach using a maximum design crack width at a specific surface as a decisive parameter should be further investigated, especially for large concrete covers.