bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Tactile Sensor with Bionic Hair Array for Sliding Sensing and Object Recognition
Authors: Man Jiandong , Jin Zhenhu , Chen Jiamin
Published: January 2024

Due to the high application value in intelligent robots, tactile sensors with large sensing area and multi‐dimensional sensing ability have attracted the attention of researchers in recent years. Inspired by bionics of hairs on human skin, a flexible tactile sensor based on magnetic cilia array is developed, showing extremely high sensitivity and stability. The upper layers of the sensor are multiple magnetic cilia containing magnetic particles, while the lower layer is a serpentine flexible circuit board with a magnetic sensor array. When magnetic cilia are bent under force, the magnetic sensor array can detect changes in the magnetic field, thereby the magnitude and direction of external force can be obtained. The proposed sensor has a resolution of 0.2 mN with a working range of 0–19.5 mN and can distinguish the direction of external force. The large sensing area and short response time make this sensor suitable for sliding tactile detection, and experiments show that the sensor can be also applied in object recognition with a success accuracy of 97%. In addition to the shape of objects, the sensor can identify whether there is magnetism inside objects, making it of significant value in intelligent robots and modern medicine.
The Development of Carbon/Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells through Interface Passivation
Authors: Chen Bingbing , Zhang Xuning , Gao Qing , Yang Dehua , Chen Jingwei , Chang Xuan , Zhang Cuili , Bai Yuhua , Cui Mengnan , Wang Shufang , Li Han , Flavel Benjamin S. , Chen Jianhui
Published: January 2024

Passivating contactsin heterojunction (HJ) solar cells have shown great potential in reducing recombination losses, and thereby achieving high power conversion efficiencies in photovoltaic devices. In this direction, carbon nanomaterials have emerged as a promising option for carbon/silicon (C/Si) HJsolar cells due to their tunable band structure, wide spectral absorption, high carrier mobility, and properties such as multiple exciton generation. However, the current limitations in efficiency and active area have hindered the industrialization of these devices. In this review, they examine the progress made in overcoming these constraints and discuss the prospect of achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) C/Si HJ devices. A C/Si HJ solar cell is also designed by introducing an innovative interface passivation strategy to further boost the PCE and accelerate the large area preparationof C/Si devices. The physical principle, device design scheme, and performanceoptimization approaches of this passivated C/Si HJ cells are discussed. Additionally, they outline potential future pathways and directions for C/Si HJ devices, including a reduction in their cost to manufacture and their incorporation intotandem solar cells. As such, this review aims to facilitate a deeperunderstanding of C/Si HJ solar cells and provide guidance for their further development.
Direct Construction of C‐Alkyl Glycosides from Non‐Activated Olefins via Nickel‐Catalyzed C(sp3)─C(sp3) Coupling Reaction
Authors: Yu Changyue , Xu Yinghuan , Zeng Mingjie , Wang Jingjing , Dai Wenhao , Wang Jiang , Liu Hong
Published: January 2024

Among C‐glycosides, C‐alkyl glycosides are significant building blocks for natural products and glycopeptides. However, research on efficient construction methods for C‐alkyl glycosides remains relatively limited. Compared with Michael acceptors, non‐activated olefins are more challenging substrates and have rarely been employed in the construction of C‐glycosides. Here, a highly efficient and convenient approach for the synthesis of C‐alkyl glycosides through a nickel‐catalyzed C(sp3)‐C(sp3) coupling reaction is presented. A distinctive feature of this method is its utilization of non‐activated olefins as the anomeric radical acceptors for hydroalkylation, allowing for the direct formation of C‐glycoside bonds in a single step. Furthermore, this method demonstrates excellent compatibility with a broad scope of highly reactive functional groups. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the reaction proceeds via a free radical pathway, leading predominantly to the formation of products with α‐configuration. Overall, this innovative methodology offers a versatile and practical approach for the synthesis of C‐alkyl glycosides, offering new avenues for the production of intricate glycosides with potential applications in drug discovery and chemical biology.
Precisely Activating cGAS‐STING Pathway with a Novel Peptide‐Based Nanoagonist to Potentiate Immune Checkpoint Blockade Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Xing Yumeng , Peng Ao , Yang Jianhui , Cheng Zhifei , Yue Yi , Liu Feilong , Li Fenghe , Liu Yang , Liu Qi
Published: January 2024

As an essential intracellular immune activation pathway, the cGAS‐STING pathway has attracted broad attention in cancer treatment. However, low bioavailability, nonspecificity, and adverse effects of small molecule STING agonists severely limit their therapeutic efficacy and in vivo application. In this study, a peptide‐based STING agonist is first proposed, and KLA is screened out to activate the cGAS‐STING pathway by promoting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. To precisely activate the cGAS‐STING pathway and block the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway, a multi‐stimuli activatable peptide nanodrug (MAPN) is developed for the effective delivery of KLA and PD‐L1 antagonist peptide (CVR). With rational design, MAPN achieved the site‐specific release of KLA and CVR in response to multiple endogenous stimuli, simultaneously activating the cGAS‐STING pathway and blocking PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway, ultimately initiating robust and durable T cell anti‐tumor immunity with a tumor growth inhibition rate of 78% and extending the median survival time of B16F10 tumor‐bearing mice to 40 days. Overall, antimicrobial peptides, which can promote mtDNA leakage through damaging mitochondrial membranes, may be potential alternatives for small molecule STING agonists and giving a new insight for the design of novel STING agonists. Furthermore, MAPN presents a universal delivery platform for the effective synergy of multiple peptides.
Impact of Non‐Stoichiometric Phases and Grain Boundaries on the Nanoscale Forming and Switching of HfOx Thin Films
Authors: Schmidt Niclas , Kaiser Nico , Vogel Tobias , Piros Eszter , Karthäuser Silvia , Waser Rainer , Alff Lambert , Dittmann Regina
Published: January 2024

HfO2 is one of the most common memristive materials and it is widely accepted that oxygen vacancies are prerequisite to reduce the forming voltage of the respective memristive devices. Here, a series of six oxygen engineered substoichiometric HfO2 − x thin films with varying oxygen deficiency is investigated by conductive atomic force microscopy (c‐AFM) and the switching process of substoichiometric films is observed on the nanoscale. X‐ray diffractometry (XRD) exhibits a phase transition from stoichiometric, monoclinic HfO2 toward oxygen deficient, rhombohedral HfO1.7. The conductance of HfO2 − x is increasing with increasing oxygen deficiency, which is consistent with the increasing prevalence of the highly conductive rhombohedral phase. Simultaneously, c‐AFM reveals significant local conductivity differences between grains and grain boundaries, regardless of the level of oxygen deficiency. Single grains of highly oxygen deficient samples are formed at significant lower voltages. The mean forming voltage is reduced from (7.0 ± 0.6) V for HfO2 to (1.9 ± 0.8) V for HfO1.7. Resistive switching on the nanoscale is established for single grains for the highest deficient thin film samples. The final resistance state is thereby dependent on the initial conductivity of the grains. These studies offer valuable insights into the switching behavior of memristive polycrystalline HfO2.
Kinetic Asymmetry and Directionality of Nonequilibrium Molecular Systems
Authors: Astumian Raymond Dean
Published: January 2024

Scientists have long been fascinated by the biomolecular machines in living systems that process energy and information to sustain life. The first synthetic molecular rotor capable of performing repeated 360° rotations due to a combination of photo‐ and thermally activated processes was reported in 1999. The progress in designing different molecular machines in the intervening years has been remarkable, with several outstanding examples appearing in the last few years. Despite the synthetic accomplishments, there remains confusion regarding the fundamental design principles by which the motions of molecules can be controlled, with significant intellectual tension between mechanical and chemical ways of thinking about and describing molecular machines. A thermodynamically consistent analysis of the kinetics of several molecular rotors and pumps shows that while light driven rotors operate by a power‐stroke mechanism, kinetic asymmetry—the relative heights of energy barriers—is the sole determinant of the directionality of catalysis driven machines. Power‐strokes—the relative depths of energy wells—play no role whatsoever in determining the sign of the directionality. These results, elaborated using trajectory thermodynamics and the nonequilibrium pump equality, show that kinetic asymmetry governs the response of many non‐equilibrium chemical phenomena.
Trifluoromethyl Rhodium‐Carbynoid in [2+1+2] Cycloadditions
Authors: Zhao Wen‐Wen , Tian Meng‐Yang , Zhou Yi‐Lin , Liu Lu‐Jie , Tian Shao‐Fang , He Chun‐Yang , Yang Xing‐Zhi , Chen Yong‐Zheng , Han Wen‐Yong
Published: January 2024

Trifluoromethyl cationic carbyne (CF3C+:) possessing dual carbene‐carbocation behavior emulated as trifluoromethyl metal‐carbynoid (CF3C+=M) has not been explored yet, and its reaction characteristics are unknown. Herein, a novel α‐diazotrifluoroethyl sulfonium salt was prepared and used in Rh‐catalyzed three‐component [2+1+2] cycloadditions for the first time with commercially available N‐fused heteroarenes and nitriles, yielding a series of imidazo[1,5‐a] N‐heterocycles that are of interest in medicinal chemistry, in which the insertion of trifluoromethyl Rh‐carbynoid (CF3C+=Rh) into C=N bonds of N‐fused heteroarenes was involved. This strategy demonstrates synthetic applications in late‐stage modification of pharmaceuticals, construction of CD3‐containing N‐heterocycles, gram‐scale experiments, and synthesis of phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitor analog. These highly valuable and modifiable imidazo[1,5‐a] N‐heterocycles exhibit good antitumor activity in vitro, thus demonstrating their potential applications in medicinal chemistry.
Solid State Machinery of Multiple Dynamic Elements in a Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Perego Jacopo , Daolio Andrea , Bezuidenhout Charl X. , Piva Sergio , Prando Giacomo , Costarella Benjamin , Carretta Pietro , Marchiò Luciano , Kubicki Dominik , Sozzani Piero , Bracco Silvia , Comotti Angiolina
Published: January 2024

Engineering coordinated rotational motion in porous architectures enables the fabrication of molecular machines in solids. A flexible two‐fold interpenetrated pillared Metal‐Organic Framework precisely organizes fast mobile elements such as bicyclopentane (BCP) (107 Hz regime at 85 K), two distinct pyridyl rotors and E‐azo group involved in pedal‐like motion. Reciprocal sliding of the two sub‐networks, switched by chemical stimuli, modulated the sizes of the channels and finally the overall dynamical machinery. Actually, iodine‐vapor adsorption drives a dramatic structural rearrangement, displacing the two distinct subnets in a concerted piston‐like motion. Unconventionally, BCP mobility increases, exploring ultra‐fast dynamics (107 Hz) at temperatures as low as 44 K, while the pyridyl rotors diverge into a faster and slower dynamical regime by symmetry lowering. Indeed, one pillar ring gained greater rotary freedom as carried by the azo‐group in a crank‐like motion. A peculiar behavior was stimulated by pressurized CO2, which regulates BCP dynamics upon incremental site occupation. The rotary dynamics is intrinsically coupled to the framework flexibility as demonstrated by complementary experimental evidence (multinuclear solid‐state NMR down to very low temperatures, synchrotron radiation XRD, gas sorption) and computational modelling, which helps elucidate the highly sophisticated rotor‐structure interplay.
Unraveling the Chirality Transfer from Circularly Polarized Light to Single Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Fan Chenghao , Movsesyan Artur , Bürger Johannes , Wendisch Fedja J. , de S. Menezes Leonardo , Maier Stefan A. , Ren Haoran , Liedl Tim , Besteiro Lucas V. , Govorov Alexander O. , Cortés Emiliano
Published: January 2024

Due to their broken symmetry, chiral plasmonic nanostructures have unique optical properties and numerous applications. However, there is still a lack of comprehension regarding how chirality transfer occurs between circularly polarized light (CPL) and these structures. Here, we thoroughly investigate the plasmon‐assisted growth of chiral nanoparticles from achiral Au nanocubes (AuNCs) via CPL without the involvement of any chiral molecule stimulators. We identify the structural chirality of our synthesized chiral plasmonic nanostructures using circular differential scattering (CDS) spectroscopy, which is correlated with scanning electron microscopy imaging at both the single‐particle and ensemble levels. Theoretical simulations, including hot‐electron surface maps, reveal that the plasmon‐induced chirality transfer is mediated by the asymmetric distribution of hot electrons on achiral AuNCs under CPL excitation. Furthermore, we shed light on how this plasmon‐induced chirality transfer can also be utilized for chiral growth in bimetallic systems, such as Ag or Pd on AuNCs. The results presented here uncover fundamental aspects of chiral light‐matter interaction and have implications for the future design and optimization of chiral sensors and chiral catalysis, among others.
Effective production of β‐sitosteryl oleate using a highly thermal‐tolerant immobilized lipase in a solvent‐free system
Authors: Chen Kexin , Liu Xuan , Ouyang Bo , Lan Dongming , Wang Yonghua
Published: January 2024

β‐Sitosteryl oleate, renowned for its diverse beneficial bioactivities, holds significant promise as a potential ingredient in functional foods. This study reports the superior performance of β‐sitosteryl oleate facilitated by lipase UM1 (lipase from marine Streptomyces sp. W007, immobilized on XAD1180 resin) as a biocatalyst in a solvent‐free system, in comparison to commercial enzymes Novozym 435 (lipase B from Candida antarctica, immobilized on a macroporous acrylic resin), Lipozyme TL IM (lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus, immobilized on a non‐compressible silica gel carrier), and Lipozyme RM IM (lipase from Rhizomucor miehei, immobilized on a macroporous acrylic resin). Remarkably, an over 98% yield was achieved under the optimal conditions: a substrate molar ratio of β‐sitosterol to oleic acid of 1:4, lipase loading of 150 U, and a reaction temperature of 60°C. The process exhibited substantial resilience and effectiveness, maintaining a degree of esterification above 95% even after five recycles. Following this, the synthesis was successfully scaled up by 100‐fold, with the product isolated through molecular distillation and confirmed using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analytical techniques. These results underscore lipase UM1 as a promising catalyst for the industrial‐scale synthesis of β‐sitosteryl oleate, fostering expanded avenues for its utilization in the functional food industry.
Grafting modification bamboo kraft lignin and its performance in rigid polyurethane foams
Authors: Lu Weimiao , Jin Zhenfu
Published: January 2024

In order to improve the efficiency of intumescent flame retardant (IFR), bamboo kraft lignin (BKL) was chemically functionalized by grafting melamine (MEL) and diethyl phosphite (DEP) and used for rigid polyurethane (RPU) foam. The BKL, MEL, and DEP in IFR system were used as char forming agent, gas, and acid source, respectively. The FTIR and XPS results indicated that the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) containing BKL was successfully synthesized. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of N‐BKL and N/P‐BKL RPU foams were higher than BKL RPU foam, suggesting that N‐BKL and N/P‐BKL improved flame retardancy of the foams. The total heat release (THR), heat release rate (HRR), effective heat of combustion (EHC), and fire growth rate (FIGRA) values of N‐BKL and N/P‐BKL RPU foams were much lower than that of BKL RPU foam. The flame retardancy index value of N/P‐BKL RPU foams was higher comparing to N‐BKL RPU foam. These results indicated that the synergistic interaction between N containing compound of MEL and P containing compound of DEP led to the improvement flame retardant properties. Comparing to BKL RPU foam, the N/P‐BKL RPU foam increased 74°C of maximum weight loss temperature and decreased 18.1 wt% of mass loss, indicating enhanced thermal stability. The morphology of char after cone calorimeter testing showed the N/P‐BKL RPU foam presented more continuous and compact char residues, which could reduce heat and mass transfer, protecting underlying materials from further combustion in a fire, thus resulting in good flame retardancy and thermal stability properties. This work suggests a promising route to enhancing the flame‐retardant performance of RPU foam using nontoxic and more environmentally friendly grafted bamboo lignin.
Enhancing mechanical and shape memory properties of polylactide/polyamide elastomer blends via reactive blending with a chain extender
Authors: Long Yunrui , Li Rongbo , Li Haochen , Dong Xia , Xing Qian
Published: January 2024

The structure and properties of incompatible polylactide (PLA)/polyamide elastomer (PAE) blends were tailored by a chain extender specifically the styrene–glycidyl acrylate copolymer Joncryl ADR4368 (ADR). Various PLA/PAE/ADR blends with different compositions were prepared by melt blending, and their morphology, crystallization behavior, and mechanical and the shape memory properties were systematically investigated. The results showed a uniform dispersion of PAE particles in the PLA matrix for the PLA blends with a reduction in particle size upon the addition of ADR. The crystallization of PLA was retarded, which was confirmed by a decrease in the melt crystallization temperature and an increase in cold crystallization temperature in the PLA/PAE/ADR blends. Rheological analysis showed an improvement in the melt elasticity of the PLA/PAE binary blend due to the presence of ADR, possibly attributed to the formation of long‐chain‐branched copolymers at the interface. Notably, the PLA/PAE/ADR blend exhibited superior toughness, featuring an elongation at break of 288% and a notched impact strength of 37 kJ·m−2, along with a high shape memory fixation rate and recovery rate when the ADR content was 1 wt%. Furthermore, the underlying toughening mechanism was elucidated. This work may offer an industrially scalable relevant model to fabricate high‐performance PLA materials.
Correlations of single‐point parameters of linear rheology and molecular weight distribution of polypropylene homo‐ and copolymers
Authors: Gschwendner Georg , Gitsas Antonis , Gahleitner Markus , Moser Patrick , Paulik Christian
Published: January 2024

For various purposes, it is required to compress the shape of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) of polymers into a limited set of parameters. With increasing molecular weight and polydispersity, the MWD data obtained from chromatography become increasingly unreliable due to deficiencies in the high molecular weight region, making estimation via melt rheology more preferable. A number of empirical parameters obtained from melt rheology can be related back to MWD parameters. The target of this study is to establish the reliability of such relations for polypropylene homo‐ and copolymers. It is found that correlations between polydispersity from rheological crossover modulus and polydispersity via chromatography are not always valid. Therefore, the range of applicability must be kept in mind when attempting predictions based on these correlations because rheological measurements are sensitive to molecular characteristics in ways different from chromatography. The use of a modified polydispersity index is shown to be more reliable.
A hybrid molecular dynamics/machine learning framework to calculate the viscosity and thermal conductivity of Ar, Kr, Xe, O, and Ν
Authors: Stavrogiannis Christos , Tsioulos Vasilis , Sofos Filippos
Published: January 2024

In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning (ML) methods are combined to obtain the transport properties, such as viscosity and thermal conductivity, of five basic elements, which are computationally hard to obtain at the nanoscale and extremely demanding to estimate accurately through an experimental procedure. Starting from an experimental database from literature sources, we extend the (P‐T) space on which the transport properties are calculated by employing MD simulations and ML predictions, in a synergistic mode. Results refer to all fluid states (gas, liquid, supercritical), under ambient and supercritical conditions, suggesting an alternative path that can be accurately followed to bypass expensive experiments and costly numerical simulations. Nine different ML algorithms are exploited and assessed on their prediction ability, with tree‐based architectures achieving increased accuracy on the implied data set. The proposed computational platform runs fast in a common python Jupyter environment, both for MD and ML, and can be adjusted and extended for the calculation of material properties both in interpolation and extrapolation applications.
Experimental astronomical observation using a lobster eye optics
Authors: Stieglitz Veronika , Stieglitz Dirk , Hudec René , Jelinek Martin
Published: January 2024

A lobster eye (LE) is a wide‐field type of X‐ray optics, which provides a large field of view at the expense of angular resolution. The optics presented in this paper are the LE optics in Schmidt arrangement made from glass sheets with golden reflective coatings. It was used as a scientific payload on the WRXR rocket experiment. Before the mission itself, the optics was tested on ground to obtain more information about its behavior. Part of these tests were several nights of observation at the Ondrejov observatory. We used the optics in combination with a CMOS camera to acquire images in visible light of various bright sources in the sky. In order to enable long‐time exposures, the robotic mount of the BART telescope was used. The goal of this experiment was to confirm the focal length of the optics using a source at infinity, and to show how the optics, designed for X‐ray observations, performs in visible light. This brief article describes the methods used for evaluation and presents and discusses the results obtained within the night observation experiment.
Engineering of a decellularized bovine skin coated with antibiotics‐loaded electrospun fibers with synergistic antibacterial activity for the treatment of infectious wounds
Authors: Alizadeh Sanaz , Majidi Jila , Jahani Mozhgan , Esmaeili Zahra , Nokhbedehghan Zeinab , Aliakbar Ahovan Zahra , Nasiri Hajar , Mellati Amir , Hashemi Ali , Chauhan Narendra Pal Singh , Gholipourmalekabadi Mazaher
Published: January 2024

An ideal antibacterial wound dressing with strong antibacterial behavior versus highly drug‐resistant bacteria and great wound‐healing capacity is still being developed. There is a clinical requirement to progress the current clinical cares that fail to fully restore the skin structure due to post‐wound infections. Here, we aim to introduce a novel two‐layer wound dressing using decellularized bovine skin (DBS) tissue and antibacterial nanofibers to design a bioactive scaffold with bio‐mimicking the native extracellular matrix of both dermis and epidermis. For this purpose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) solution was loaded with antibiotics (colistin and meropenem) and electrospun on the surface of the DBS scaffold to fabricate a two‐layer antibacterial wound dressing (DBS‐PVA/CS/Abs). In detail, the characterization of the fabricated scaffold was conducted using biomechanical, biological, and antibacterial assays. Based on the results, the fabricated scaffold revealed a homogenous three‐dimensional microstructure with a connected pore network, a high porosity and swelling ratio, and favorable mechanical properties. In addition, according to the cell culture result, our fabricated two‐layer scaffold surface had a good interaction with fibroblast cells and provided an excellent substrate for cell proliferation and attachment. The antibacterial assay revealed a strong antibacterial activity of DBS‐PVA/CS/Abs against both standard strain and multidrug‐resistant clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Our bilayer antibacterial wound dressing is strongly suggested as an admirable wound dressing for the management of infectious skin injuries and now promises to advance with preclinical and clinical research.
Disparities in care of older adults of color with cancer: A narrative review
Authors: Dotan Efrat , Lynch Shannon M. , Ryan Joanne C. , Mitchell Edith P.
Published: January 2024

This review describes the barriers and challenges faced by older adults of color with cancer and highlights methods to improve their overall care. In the next decade, cancer incidence rates are expected to increase in the United States for people aged ≥65 years. A large proportion will be older adults of color who often have worse outcomes than older White patients. Many issues contribute to racial disparities in older adults, including biological factors and social determinants of health (SDOH) related to healthcare access, socioeconomic concerns, systemic racism, mistrust, and the neighborhood where a person lives. These disparities are exacerbated by age‐related challenges often experienced by older adults, such as decreased functional status, impaired cognition, high rates of comorbidities and polypharmacy, poor nutrition, and limited social support. Additionally, underrepresentation of both patients of color and older adults in cancer clinical research results in a lack of adequate data to guide the management of these patients. Use of geriatric assessments (GA) can aid providers in uncovering age‐related concerns and personalizing interventions for older patients. Research demonstrates the ability of GA‐directed care to result in fewer treatment‐related toxicities and improved quality of life, thus supporting the routine incorporation of validated GA into these patients' care. GA can be enhanced by including evaluation of SDOH, which can help healthcare providers understand and address the needs of older adults of color with cancer who face disparities related to their age and race.
Opportunistic lung cancer screening with low‐dose computed tomography in National Cancer Center of China: The first 14 years' experience
Authors: Tang Wei , Liu Li , Huang Yao , Zhao Shijun , Wang Jianwei , Liang Min , Jin Yujing , Zhou Lina , Liu Ying , Tang Yanyan , Xu Zhijian , Zhang Kai , Tan Fengwei , Bi Nan , Wang Zhijie , Wang Fei , Li Ni , Wu Ning
Published: January 2024

Background

In China, over 50% of lung cancer cases occur in nonsmokers. Thus, identifying high‐risk individuals for targeted lung cancer screening is crucial. Beyond age and smoking, determining other risk factors for lung cancer in the Asian population has become a focal point of research. Using 30,000 participants in the prospectively enrolled cohort at China's National Cancer Center (NCC) over the past 14 years, we categorized participants by risk, with an emphasis on nonsmoking females.

Materials and Methods

Between November 2005 and December 2019, 31,431 individuals voluntarily underwent low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for lung cancer screening at the NCC. We recorded details like smoking history, exposure to hazards, and family history of malignant tumors. Using the 2019 NCCN criteria, participants were categorized into high‐, moderate‐, and low‐risk groups. Additionally, we separated non‐high‐risk groups into female never smokers (aged over 40) exposed to second‐hand smoke (SHS) and others. Any positive results from initial scans were monitored per the I‐ELCAP protocol (2006), and suspected malignancies were addressed through collaborative decisions between patients and physicians. We analyzed and compared the detection rates of positive results, confirmed lung cancers, and cancer stages across risk, age, and gender groups.

Results

Out of 31,431 participants (55.9% male, 44.1% female), 3695 (11.8%) showed positive baseline LDCT scans with 197 (0.6%; 106 females, 91 males) confirmed as lung cancer cases pathologically. Malignancy rate by age was 0.1% among those aged under 40 years, 0.4% among those aged 40–49 years, 0.8% among those aged 50–59 years, and 1.2% among those aged 60 years and older. From the 25,763 participants (56.9% male, 43.1% female) who completed questionnaires, 1877 (7.3%) were categorized as high risk, 6500 (25.2%) as moderate risk, and 17,386 (67.5%) as low risk. Of the 23,886 in the non‐high‐risk category, 8041 (33.7%) were females over 40 years old exposed to SHS. The high‐risk group showed the highest lung cancer detection rate at 1.4%. However, females exposed to SHS had a notably higher detection rate than the rest of the non‐high‐risk group (1.1% vs. 0.5%; p < 0.0001). In this cohort, 84.8% of the detected lung cancers were at an early stage.

Conclusions

In our study, using LDCT for lung cancer screening proved significant for high‐risk individuals. For non‐high‐risk populations, LDCT screening could be considered for nonsmoking women with exposure to SHS.
Effect of Herniarin on Cell Viability, Cell Cycle, and Erk Protein Levels in Different Stages of Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Sanci Tuba Ozdemir , Terzi Emine , Oz Bedir Beyza Ecem , Gumustas Mehmet , Aydin Tuba , Cakir Ahmet
Published: January 2024

This study examines the potential of herniarin from tarragon, as an agent with multifaceted effects on bladder cancer cells and investigates herniarin‘s impact on cell viability, migration, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis induction, and Erk signaling pathways in bladder cancer cell lines, including RT‐112 (grade 1, non‐invasive), HTB9 (grade 2, invasive), and HT1376 (grade 3, invasive), through comprehensive in vitro experiments. The compound causes cell cycle arrest at distinct phases in different cell lines: G1/S arrest in RT112 cells, G2/M arrest in HTB9 cells, and S phase arrest in HT1376 cells. Furthermore, herniarin induces caspase‐mediated apoptosis in various cell lines and simultaneously modulates protein levels of apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic proteins, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent. Herniarin's influence also extends to Erk signaling, a crucial pathway that regulates cell growth and differentiation. In conclusion, this study reveals herniarin‘s potential as a versatile agent in the treatment of bladder cancer.
Micro‐Morphology characterization and HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS Analysis of Floral parts of Quararibea funebris (La Llave) Vischer, traditionally known as Rosita de Cacao
Authors: González‐Anduaga Gloria Melisa , Adams Sebastian John , Dueñas‐Deyá Alexander , Pérez‐Vásquez Araceli , Avula Bharathi , Katragunta Kumar , Khan Ikhlas A. , Navarrete Andrés
Published: January 2024

The flowers of Quararibea funebris are used to make a traditional drink called tejate, to which they add aroma, flavor and consistency. The study aims to profile the morphoanatomy of the floral parts of Q. funebris and analyze the changes in its volatile chemical composition during the drying process from 0 to 180 days by HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS. The calyx, corolla, androecium, and gynoecium have distinct characteristics, such as non‐glandular fused stellate trichomes, calcium oxalate crystals, and large secretory ducts. Histochemical localization reveals the presence of mucilage and total lipids in all parts of the flower. The chemical analysis of the essential oil, extracted from the flowers, showed that transfarnesol and geraniol were the most abundant compounds, with a yield of 0.04 %. HS‐SPME analysis indicated that fresh flowers had a more complex composition than dried ones. In total, 31 components were identified. Nonanal and geranyl acetone were found to be distinctive components of dried flowers. Microscopic examination helps in identifying and authenticating raw materials and also reveals the presence of secretory ducts in all floral parts, which is a distinctive feature. The chemical profile of volatiles provides an important parameter for the evaluation of the quality of Rosita de Cacao raw materials.
Reusing Waste to Save Our Water: Regenerable Bioadsorbents for Effective Oil Sequestration
Authors: Machado Avryl Anna , Mulky Lavanya
Published: January 2024

As climate change and environmental damage in the world are rising, the need for efficient waste management and purification is ever‐increasing. At present, the existence of oil in water constitutes a large proportion of this pollution. This oil comes from various sources, including effluents released by industries and oil spills. As such, the removal of oil from marine waters is crucial to combat pollution and preserve the ecology. Bioadsorption has emerged as an efficient method, but the sustainability and eco‐friendliness of this method are yet to be seen. This review summarizes the removal of different types of oil from the marine environment using bioadsorption, i.e., adsorption by biological materials. It briefly describes the adsorption mechanism by means of various bioadsorbents with oil. The preparation and performance of different types of bioadsorbents used in industries are discussed, along with some examples of bioadsorbents that can be applied for the removal of various oils from water. Also, an overview of the regeneration of the adsorbent by various methods is given.
Direct Functionalization of Polysaccharide‐Based Xylan Phenyl Carbonate Nanoparticles with Tumor Cell Specific Antibodies
Authors: Bilemjian Vrouyr , Lin Yusheng , Wan Wei , Egri Gabriella , Huls Gerwin , Heinze Thomas , Bremer Edwin , Gericke Martin , Dähne Lars
Published: January 2024

An efficient and easy‐to‐use approach is presented for obtaining biocompatible polysaccharide‐based nanoparticles (NP) that can act as tumor‐specific drug delivery agents. Two antibodies are directly immobilized onto reactive xylan phenyl carbonate (XPC) NP; namely Cetuximab (CTX) that binds to human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Atezolizumab (ATZ) that binds to programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1). High coupling efficiency (up to 100 %) are achieved without any pre‐activation and no aggregation occurs during antibody immobilization. By quartz crystal microbalance experiments with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D), flow cytometry assays, and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging it is demonstrated that the functionalized XPC‐NP specifically bind to cells carrying the corresponding antigens. Moreover, the NP retain the antibody specific bioactivities (growth inhibition for CTX and induction of T‐cell cytotoxicity for ATZ).
Carbohydrate Co‐Solutes Stabilize Collagen Triple Helices
Authors: Nomura Kota , Fiala Tomas , Wennemers Helma
Published: January 2024

Carbohydrates are common co‐solutes for the stabilization of proteins. The effect of carbohydrate solutions on the stability of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals, is, however, underexplored. In this work, we studied the thermal stability of collagen triple helices derived from a molecularly defined collagen model peptide (CMP), Ac‐(Pro‐Hyp‐Gly)7‐NH2, in solutions of six common mono‐ and disaccharides. We show that the carbohydrates stabilize the collagen triple helix in a concentration‐dependent manner, with an increase of the melting temperature of up to 17 °C. In addition, we show that the stabilizing effect is similar for all studied sugars, including trehalose, which is otherwise considered a privileged bioprotectant. The results provided insight into the effects of sugar co‐solutes on collagen triple helices and can aid the selection of storage environments for collagen‐based materials and probes.
Well‐being in institutionalised adolescents
Authors: da Silva Manuella C. , Teixeira Maria O. , Laranjeira Márcia
Published: January 2024

Background

For adolescents who have criminal convictions, achieving a positive progress including desistance from offending may depend on a sense of well‐being. Factors associated with growth in well‐being are not widely researched, but there is some work that suggests that qualities in other internal states as well as in the environment may foster well‐being.

Aims

To examine the well‐being of young male incarcerated offenders, and its relationship with frequency of contacts with the family, perceptions of socio‐educational environment, feelings about the future and self‐efficacy.

Methods

Participants were recruited from three secure education institutions in the Federal District of Brasília, Brazil, under the management of the Secretariat of Justice. They were invited to complete anonymous self‐report questionnaires, which included the Psychological Well‐Being Scale, the Perception of the Socio‐Educational Environment Scale, the Feelings about the Future Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Self‐Efficacy, and to provide limited sociodemographic data.

Results

195 young male offenders participated and their mean age was 16.8 years (SD = 1.58, range 14–20). There was a positive correlation between well‐being and perceptions of the socio‐educational environment, positive feelings about the future and self‐efficacy self‐ratings. Multiple linear regression analyses confirmed that the frequency of family contacts, positive perceptions of the socio‐educational environment, positive feelings about the future, and self‐efficacy in leisure and social activities independently contributed to the well‐being of young offenders.

Conclusion

Although well‐being has been associated with desistance from committing crimes, the factors that may predispose to well‐being have been researched less and never before examined among inmates in Brazil. While longitudinal work is needed to be certain of the direction of the relationship, the fact that the results are broadly consistent with a similar study carried out on the other side of the world is encouraging in terms of indicating ways forward in rehabilitation. It is necessary to develop interventions that support family relationships and promote personal relationships and personal development, not only of useful skills but also of personal confidence in those skills.
One‐step synthesis of ultra‐small amount of Pd‐Alloyed Zinc Nanosheets for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO
Authors: Mahyoub Samah A. , Qaraah Fahim A. , Yan Shenglin , Yamani Zain H. , Drmosh Qasem A. , Hezam Abdo , Baroud Turki N. , Onaizi Sagheer A. , Cheng Zhenmin
Published: January 2024

The practicality of the electrochemical CO2 reduction technique depends on the development of cost‐effective, robust, and highly selective catalysts. To achieve this goal, we have engineered self‐supported 3D electrodes composed of Pd‐Zn nanosheets (NSs) for CO2 electrochemical reduction to CO with minimal Pd content. This innovative electrode with an increased surface area was created using an electrodeposition method employing a dynamic hydrogen bubble template. By precisely adjusting the Pd content, we improved the thickness, porosity, and surface area of the electrodes, resulting in a CO2‐to‐CO selectivity reaching as high as 88.5 %, with an average of at least 80 % sustained over 10 hours. This remarkable improved activity can be attributed to the synergistic effects of an appropriate Pd/Zn atomic ratio as well as to the large surface area of nanosheets structures with rich edge active sites. Furthermore, to get around the limitations of CO2 mass transfer, reactions were done at high pressures conditions ranging from 3 to 9.5 bar; this strategic approach yielded an outstanding partial current density of −304.6 mA cm−2 for CO. These noteworthy findings establish concepts for constructing effective and earth‐abundant CO‐producing electrocatalysts.
Nitroreductase‐Responsive Photosensitizers for Selective Imaging and Photo‐Inactivation of Intracellular Bacteria
Authors: Zhou Wanpeng , Da Xuwen , Jian Yao , Peng Yatong , Liu Xiulian , Xu Yunli , Wu Yao , Wang Xuesong , Zhou Qianxiong
Published: January 2024

Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), especially the methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are difficult to detect and eradicate due to the protection by the host cells. Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) offers promise in treating intracellular bacteria, provided that selective damage to the bacteria ranther than host cells can be realized. According to the different nitroreductase (NTR) levels in mammalian cells and S. aureus, herein NTR‐responsive photosensitizers (PSs) (T)CyI−NO2 were designed and synthesized. The emission and 1O2 generation of (T)CyI−NO2 are quenched by the 4‐nitrobenzyl group, but can be specifically switched on by bacterial NTR. Therefore, selective imaging and photo‐inactivation of intracellular S. aureus and MRSA were achieved. Our findings may pave the way for the development of more efficient and selective aPDT agents to combat intractable intracellular infections.
Controlling Cyclic Dienamine Reactivity in Radical tert‐Alkylation for Molecular Diversity to Synthesize Multicyclic Compounds Possessing a Quaternary Carbon
Authors: Kusano Shinjiro , Nishikata Takashi
Published: January 2024

Synthesis of diverse sterically congested molecules from a single important intermediate is one of the ideal synthetic strategies in organic synthesis. In this paper, we found that γ‐oxoalkyl substituted cyclohexenone derivatives (OAC) possessing a quaternary carbon are a useful key intermediate to derive both congested fused [5,6] rings and spirocycles. For this purpose, we have established an efficient synthetic method to obtain OAC by tertiary alkylation of β‐methylcyclohexenone derivatives using α‐bromocarbonyl compounds as a tertiary alkyl source. The key to the success of this reaction is controlling the reactivity of the dienamine intermediate. While there have been many reports on enamine reactions, dienamine reactions have not been well studied. Herein, we report controlling reactivity of dienamines and molecular diversification from OAC.
H2‐Transport‐ und Speicheroptionen: Normen und technische Regeln. Das Projekt TransHyDE‐Norm – Normen für den Transport von Wasserstoff nach und in Deutschland
Authors: Bäuerle Miriam , Paintner Thomas , Schmolke Dominic , Systermans Thomas , Kinnen Werner , Jordan Thomas
Published: January 2024

Das Leitprojekt TransHyDE, mit einer Laufzeit von April 2021 bis März 2025, bewertet und testet Wasserstoff‐Transportlösungen in insgesamt elf Demonstrationsprojekten. Die praktische Erprobung wird durch eine wissenschaftliche Begleitforschung ergänzt, zu der auch das Teilprojekt TransHyDE‐Norm zählt. Zur Umsetzung der in TransHyDE behandelten Transportoptionen bedarf es einheitlicher Vorgaben in Form von Normen, Standards und Zertifizierungsprogrammen. Ziel des Vorhabens ist es daher, die Normung, Zertifizierung und Standardisierung von Transport‐, Verteil‐ und Speicheroptionen für Wasserstoff bzw. andere chemische Energieträger ganzheitlich zu untersuchen. So sollen Regelungslücken aufgezeigt und Lösungsansätze entwickelt werden.
Drugging Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases through Targeted Protein Degradation
Authors: Miao Jinmin , Zhang Zhong‐Yin
Published: January 2024

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are an important class of enzymes that regulate protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels of a large variety of proteins in cells. Anomalies in protein tyrosine phosphorylation have been associated with the development of numerous human diseases, leading to a heightened interest in PTPs as promising targets for drug development. However, therapeutic targeting of PTPs has faced skepticism about their druggability. Besides the conventional small molecule inhibitors, proteolysis‐targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology offers an alternative approach to target PTPs. PROTAC molecules utilize the ubiquitin‐proteasome system to degrade specific proteins and have unique advantages compared with inhibitors: 1) PROTACs are highly efficient and can work at much lower concentrations than that expected based on their biophysical binding affinity; 2) PROTACs may achieve higher selectivity for the targeted protein than that dictated by their binding affinity alone; and 3) PROTACs may engage any region of the target protein in addition to the functional site. This review focuses on the latest advancement in the development of targeted PTP degraders and deliberates on the obstacles and prospective paths of harnessing this technology for therapeutic targeting of the PTPs.
Detection of circulating plasma cells in peripheral blood using deep learning‐based morphological analysis
Authors: Chen Pu , Zhang Lan , Cao Xinyi , Jin Xinyi , Chen Nan , Zhang Li , Zhu Jianfeng , Pan Baishen , Wang Beili , Guo Wei
Published: January 2024

Background

The presence of circulating plasma cells (CPCs) is an important laboratory indicator for the diagnosis, staging, risk stratification, and progression monitoring of multiple myeloma (MM). Early detection of CPCs in the peripheral blood (PB) followed by timely interventions can significantly improve MM prognosis and delay its progression. Although the conventional cell morphology examination remains the predominant method for CPC detection because of accessibility, its sensitivity and reproducibility are limited by technician expertise and cell quantity constraints. This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)–based automated system for a more sensitive and efficient CPC morphology detection.

Methods

A total of 137 bone marrow smears and 72 PB smears from patients with at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, were retrospectively reviewed. Using an AI‐powered digital pathology platform, Morphogo, 305,019 cell images were collected for training. Morphogo’s efficacy in CPC detection was evaluated with additional 184 PB smears (94 from patients with MM and 90 from those with other hematological malignancies) and compared with manual microscopy.

Results

Morphogo achieved 99.64% accuracy, 89.03% sensitivity, and 99.68% specificity in classifying CPCs. At a 0.60 threshold, Morphogo achieved a sensitivity of 96.15%, which was approximately twice that of manual microscopy, with a specificity of 78.03%. Patients with CPCs detected by AI scanning had a significantly shorter median progression‐free survival compared with those without CPC detection (18 months vs. 34 months, p< .01).

Conclusions

Morphogo is a highly sensitive system for the automated detection of CPCs, with potential applications in initial screening, prognosis prediction, and posttreatment monitoring for MM patients.

Plain Language Summary

Diagnosing and monitoring multiple myeloma (MM), a type of blood cancer, requires identifying and quantifying specific cells called circulating plasma cells (CPCs) in the blood. The conventional method for detecting CPCs is manual microscopic examination, which is time‐consuming and lacks sensitivity. This study introduces a highly sensitive CPC detection method using an artificial intelligence–based system, Morphogo. It demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and accuracy, surpassing conventional microscopy. This advanced approach suggests that early and accurate CPC detection is achievable by morphology examination, making efficient CPC screening more accessible for patients with MM. This innovative system has the potential to be used in the diagnosis and risk assessment of MM.