bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐Field Nanoimaging of Colloidal Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Waveguides
Authors: Li Jingang , Yang Rundi , Yao Kan , Huang Yun , Rho Yoonsoo , Fan Donglei Emma , Zheng Yuebing , Grigoropoulos Costas P.
Published: January 2024

Bulk transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) nanostructures are regarded as promising material candidates for integrated photonics due to their high refractive index at the near‐infrared wavelengths. In this work, colloidal TMDC waveguides with tailorable dimensions are prepared by a scalable synthetic approach. The optical waveguiding properties of colloidal nanowires are studied by the near‐field nanoimaging technique. In addition to dependence on thickness and wavelength, the excitonic responses and resultant waveguide modes in TMDC nanowires can be modulated by the environmental temperature. With the high‐throughput production and tunable optical properties, colloidal TMDC nanowires highlight the potential for active optical components and integrated photonic devices.
Dissecting the Interplay Mechanism among Process Parameters toward the Biofabrication of High‐Quality Shapes in Embedded Bioprinting
Authors: Wu Yang , Yang Xue , Gupta Deepak , Alioglu Mecit Altan , Qin Minghao , Ozbolat Veli , Li Yao , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: January 2024

Embedded bioprinting overcomes the barriers associated with the conventional extrusion‐based bioprinting process as it enables the direct deposition of bioinks in 3D inside a support bath by providing in situ self‐support for deposited bioinks during bioprinting to prevent their collapse and deformation. Embedded bioprinting improves the shape quality of bioprinted constructs made up of soft materials and low‐viscosity bioinks, leading to a promising strategy for better anatomical mimicry of tissues or organs. Herein, the interplay mechanism among the printing process parameters toward improved shape quality is critically reviewed. The impact of material properties of the support bath and bioink, printing conditions, cross–linking mechanisms, and post‐printing treatment methods, on the printing fidelity, stability, and resolution of the structures is meticulously dissected and thoroughly discussed. Further, the potential scope and applications of this technology in the fields of bioprinting and regenerative medicine are presented. Finally, outstanding challenges and opportunities of embedded bioprinting as well as its promise for fabricating functional solid organs in the future are discussed.
Cancer‐Thylakoid Hybrid Membrane Camouflaged Thulium Oxide Nanoparticles with Oxygen Self‐Supply Capability for Tumor‐Homing Phototherapy
Authors: Zuo Yu‐Cheng , Huo Cong‐Min , Chen Yu , Ding Peng‐Li , Tong Si‐Ye , Xue Wei , Zhu Jing‐Yi
Published: January 2024

Nanomaterials that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon light irradiation have significant applications in various fields, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) that is widely recognized as a highly momentous strategy for the eradication of cancer cells. However, the ROS production rate of photosensitizers, as well as the tumor hypoxia environment, are two major challenges that restrict the widespread application of PDT. In this study, a cancer‐thylakoid hybrid membrane‐camouflaged thulium oxide nanoparticles (Tm2O3) for tumor‐homing phototherapy through dual‐stage‐light‐guided ROS generation and oxygen self‐supply is developed. Tm2O3 as a type II photosensitizer are viable for NIR‐stimulated ROS generation due to the unique energy levels, large absorption cross section, and long lifetime of the 3H4 state of Tm ions. The thylakoid membrane (TK) plays a catalase‐like role in converting hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and also acts as a natural photosensitizer that can generate lethal ROS through electron transfer when exposed to light. In addition, fluorescence dye DiR is embedded in the hybrid membrane for in vivo tracing as well as photothermal therapy. Results show that tumors in Tm2O3@TK‐M/DiR group are effectively ablated following dual‐stage‐light irradiation, highlighting the promising potential of rare‐earth element‐based type II photosensitizers in various applications.
Tailoring Biomaterials Ameliorate Inflammatory Bone Loss
Authors: Cheng Shi , Wang Kong‐Huai , Zhou Lu , Sun Zhi‐Jun , Zhang Lu
Published: January 2024

Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and celiac disease, disrupt the delicate balance between bone resorption and formation, leading to inflammatory bone loss. Conventional approaches to tackle this issue encompass pharmaceutical interventions and surgical procedures. Nevertheless, pharmaceutical interventions exhibit limited efficacy, while surgical treatments impose trauma and significant financial burden upon patients. Biomaterials show outstanding spatiotemporal controllability, possess a remarkable specific surface area, and demonstrate exceptional reactivity. In the present era, the advancement of emerging biomaterials has bestowed upon more efficacious solutions for combatting the detrimental consequences of inflammatory bone loss. In this review, the advances of biomaterials for ameliorating inflammatory bone loss are listed. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of various biomaterials‐mediated strategies are summarized. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of biomaterials are analyzed. This review aims to provide new possibilities for developing more advanced biomaterials toward inflammatory bone loss.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Rapid 3D Printing of Photoresponsive Resins for Optically Clear Multifunctional 3D Objects
Authors: Shin Sangbin , Kwon Yonghwan , Hwang Chiwon , Jeon Woojin , Yu Youngchang , Paik Hyun‐Jong , Lee Wonjoo , Kwon Min Sang , Ahn Dowon
Published: January 2024

Light‐driven 3D printing is gaining significant attention for its unparalleled build speed and high‐resolution in additive manufacturing. However, extending vat photopolymerization to multifunctional, photoresponsive materials poses challenges, such as light attenuation and interference between the photocatalysts (PCs) and photoactive moieties. This study introduces novel visible‐light‐driven acrylic resins that enable rapid, high‐resolution photoactive 3D printing. The synergistic combination of a cyanine‐based PC, borate, and iodonium coinitiators (HNu 254) achieves an excellent printing rate and feature resolution under low‐intensity, red light exposure. The incorporation of novel hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) crosslinkers allows for spatially‐resolved photoactivation upon exposure to violet/blue light. Furthermore, a photobleaching mechanism inhibited by HNu 254 during the photopolymerization process results in the production of optically‐clear 3D printed objects. Real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy validates the rapid photopolymerization of the HABI‐containing acrylic resin, whereas mechanistic evaluations reveal the underlying dynamics that are responsible for the rapid photopolymerization rate, wavelength‐orthogonal photoactivation, and observed photobleaching phenomenon. Ultimately, this visible‐light‐based printing method demonstrates: (i) rapid printing rate of 22.5 mm h−1, (ii) excellent feature resolution (≈20 µm), and (iii) production of optically clear object with self‐healing capability and spatially controlled cleavage. This study serves as a roadmap for developing next‐generation “smart” 3D printing technologies.
4D Multimaterial Printing of Soft Actuators with Spatial and Temporal Control
Authors: Zhou Kun , Sun Rujie , Wojciechowski Jonathan P. , Wang Richard , Yeow Jonathan , Zuo Yuyang , Song Xin , Wang Chunliang , Shao Yue , Stevens Molly M.
Published: January 2024

Soft actuators (SAs) are devices which can interact with delicate objects in a manner not achievable with traditional robotics. While it is possible to design a SA whose actuation is triggered via an external stimulus, the use of a single stimulus creates challenges in the spatial and temporal control of the actuation. Herein, a 4D printed multimaterial soft actuator design (MMSA) whose actuation is only initiated by a combination of triggers (i.e., pH and temperature) is presented. Using 3D printing, a multilayered soft actuator with a hydrophilic pH‐sensitive layer, and a hydrophobic magnetic and temperature‐responsive shape‐memory polymer layer, is designed. The hydrogel responds to environmental pH conditions by swelling or shrinking, while the shape‐memory polymer can resist the shape deformation of the hydrogel until triggered by temperature or light. The combination of these stimuli‐responsive layers allows for a high level of spatiotemporal control of the actuation. The utility of the 4D MMSA is demonstrated via a series of cargo capture and release experiments, validating its ability to demonstrate active spatiotemporal control. The MMSA concept provides a promising research direction to develop multifunctional soft devices with potential applications in biomedical engineering and environmental engineering.
Exceptional Performance of Room Temperature Sputtered Flexible Thermoelectric Thin Film Using High Target Utilisation Sputtering Technique
Authors: Tao Xudong , Dutson James , Zeng Chongyang , Asker Ceyla , Luong Sally , Reza Abdallah , Hao Botao , Zhang Zheng , Ellingford Joshua , Bonilla Ruy Sebastian , Fenwick Oliver , Bilotti Emiliano , Hofmann Felix , Thwaites Mike , Assender Hazel E.
Published: January 2024

The High Target Utilisation Sputtering technique (HiTUS) is of interest for industrial processes, including in roll‐to‐roll manufacturing. This study marks the first application of HiTUS to thermoelectric materials, exemplified by bismuth telluride. The HiTUS technique separates the sputtering power into the plasma power and the target power, with additional kinetic energy in the sputtering particles from the applied electrical field, thus enabling a much wider sputter parameter space to modify the film performance. This study investigates how plasma power, target power, and substrate bias in HiTUS intricately influence crystal orientation/size, elemental composition, surface morphology, and other film properties. These factors subsequently affect carrier density/mobility, and consequently the thermoelectric performance of the bismuth telluride film. These deposited films reach a power factor of 6.5 × 10−4 W m−1 K−2 with a figure of merit ≈0.14 at room temperature, the highest value for room‐temperature sputtered un‐doped bismuth telluride. Subsequent post‐deposition annealing significantly enhances the crystallinity of the film (highly polycrystalline), further improving the power factor to 23.5 × 10−4 W m−1 K‐2, with a figure of merit ≈0.45 at room temperature. The excellent performance of the HiTUS fabricated thermoelectric film opens opportunities for the large‐area manufacture of thin‐film thermoelectric materials and devices.
Observation of Wide Bandwidth and Giant Chiroptical Response Empowered by Core–Shell Micro‐Helixes
Authors: Shang Xinggang , Wang Ning , Li Chengyao , Yan Wei , Gu Yitong , Peng Ruwen , Zhou Nanjia , Qiu Min
Published: January 2024

Helical microstructures exhibit unprecedented chiroptical responses particularly interesting for emerging applications such as broadband photonic components. To explore their chiral behaviors, the micro‐helixes composed of polymer cores and platinum shells are proposed and realized via a two‐step process combining two‐photon polymerizations and sputter coating. Thanks to the core–shell multi‐material configurations, the micro‐helixes packed in a dense array generate an ideal chiral lineshape. Overspanning a wide range from 3 to 7 μm, the reflection‐based g factors approach the upper amplitude limits. Numerical modeling reveals that polarization‐induced spectra result from overlapping modes similar to the previously reported solid metal helixes. The further chiral spectrum comparisons confirm that the core–shell spirals exhibit a 25% bandwidth increase compared to solid platinum helixes of same sizes. Interestingly, the asymmetrically distributed platinum shell may further expand the operational band. Overall, comprehensive studies are performed on multi‐material micro‐helixes, which could provide additional flexibility to tailor their chiroptical properties, enabling the production of high‐performance chiral microstructures for diverse applications.
Ruthenium compounds: Are they the next‐era anticancer agents?
Authors: Kavukcu Serdar Batıkan , Özverel Cenk Serhan , Kıyak Nadire , Vatansever H. Seda , Türkmen Hayati
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the cytotoxic activity of ruthenium(II) complexes, denoted as Ru1–8, which exhibit coordination with nitrogen (amine and amide), oxygen, and sulfur donor atoms, coupled with aryl and aliphatic wingtips. Specifically, the complexes were evaluated for their impact on the MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line. A systematic exploration of various parameters, including solubility, donor atom type, metal number, carbon chain length, aromatic ring presence, and molecular weight, was conducted to discern their influence on cytotoxic activity. The investigation involved assessing the cell viability across five concentrations (100, 50, 25, 10, and 5 μM) for five distinct monometallic and three bimetallic ruthenium complexes. Notably, Ru3, characterized by an extended carbon chain length (dodecyl) and favorable oil solubility facilitating cellular membrane penetration, demonstrated particularly promising results with the IC50 value of 1.03 μM. This research underscores the critical role of ligand design in shaping the cytotoxic potential of ruthenium(II) complexes and emphasizes the suitability of the Ru(II) p‐cymene complexes, as demonstrated by their robust activity against breast cancer in this specific investigation.
Interfacial and emulsion properties of albumin‐rich fractions from sunflower seeds
Authors: Diekmann Sabrina , Drusch Stephan , Brückner‐Gühmann Monika
Published: January 2024

The interfacial and emulsion properties of mixed albumin‐rich fractions extracted from sunflower seeds at pH 3 and pH 5 were analyzed. SDS‐PAGE under reducing and non‐reducing conditions was used to visualize differences between the protein fractions. The interfacial activity of the albumin‐rich fractions was analyzed via drop contour measurement. The viscoelasticity of the protein film the interactions between the protein molecules, and the network forming within the protein film were measured by interfacial shear rheology. Besides being both surface active, albumin‐rich fractions extracted at pH 5 were found to form interfacial films that exhibited a greater stability against deformation. In consequence, emulsions prepared with pH 5 extracts showed better properties represented by a smaller oil droplet size and a lower creaming index. The results proof that mixed albumin‐rich fractions can stabilize emulsions. Moreover, the presence of co‐extracted phenolic compounds seems to be important to generate systems with increased elastic properties of the interfacial film.
Design, synthesis, and activity evaluation of novel multitargeted l‐tryptophan derivatives with powerful antioxidant activity against Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zeng Xianghao , Cheng Shaobing , Li Huilan , Yu Haiyang , Cui Yushun , Fang Yuanying , Yang Shilin , Feng Yulin
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurological disease, and the multitarget directed ligand (MTDL) strategy may be an effective approach to delay its progression. Based on this strategy, 27 derivatives of l‐tryptophan, 3a‐1–3d‐1, were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their biological activity. Among them, IC50 (inhibitor concentration resulting in 50% inhibitory activity) values of compounds 3a‐18 and 3b‐1 were 0.58 and 0.44 μM for human serum butyrylcholinesterase (hBuChE), respectively, and both of them exhibited more than 30‐fold selectivity for human serum acetylcholinesterase. Enzyme kinetics studies showed that these two compounds were mixed inhibitors of hBuChE. In addition, these two derivatives possessed extraordinary antioxidant activity in OH radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorption capacity fluorescein assays. Meanwhile, these compounds could also prevent β‐amyloid (Aβ) self‐aggregation and possessed low toxicity on PC12 and AML12 cells. Molecular modeling studies revealed that these two compounds could interact with the choline binding site, acetyl binding site, and peripheral anionic site to exert submicromolar BuChE inhibitory activity. In the vitro blood–brain barrier permeation assay, compounds 3a‐18 and 3b‐1 showed enough blood–brain barrier permeability. In drug‐likeness prediction, compounds 3a‐18 and 3b‐1 showed good gastrointestinal absorption and a low risk of human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene toxicity. Therefore, compounds 3a‐18 and 3b‐1 are potential multitarget anti‐AD lead compounds, which could work as powerful antioxidants with submicromolar selective inhibitory activity for hBuChE as well as prevent Aβ self‐aggregation.
Adaptive tracking control for a class of nonlinear systems with intermittent actuator faults under prescribe output tracking performance
Authors: Lu Li‐Ting , Han Yu‐Qun , Wang Dong‐Mei , Zhu Shan‐Liang , Zhou Qing‐Hua
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the adaptive tracking control problem of a class of nonlinear systems with intermittent actuator faults and prescribed performance. In the backstepping design process, a performance function is incorporated to ensure that the tracking error adheres to the prescribed performance criteria. Simultaneously, multi‐dimensional Taylor networks are used to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions in the system. Subsequently, to avoid jumps in the improved Lyapunov function when faults occur, a boundary estimation method is presented, which effectively compensates for the impact of intermittent actuator faults. Ultimately, based on Lyapunov stability theory, it is proven that all signals of the closed‐loop system are bounded, and the tracking error can satisfy the prescribed transient and steady‐state performance. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Improving the substrate binding of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (AccB) from Streptomyces antibioticus through computational enzyme engineering
Authors: Ali Imtiaz , Wei Dong‐Qing , Khan Abbas , Feng Yuanyuan , Waseem Muhammad , Hussain Zahid , Iqbal Arshad , Ali Syed Shujait , Mohammad Anwar , Zheng Jianting
Published: January 2024

Malonyl‐CoA serves as the main building block for the biosynthesis of many important polyketides, as well as fatty acid–derived compounds, such as biofuel. Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium gultamicum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have recently been engineered for the biosynthesis of such compounds. However, the developed processes and strains often have insufficient productivity. In the current study, we used enzyme‐engineering approach to improve the binding of acetyl‐CoA with ACC. We generated different mutations, and the impact was calculated, which reported that three mutations, that is, S343A, T347W, and S350W, significantly improve the substrate binding. Molecular docking investigation revealed an altered binding network compared to the wild type. In mutants, additional interactions stabilize the binding of the inner tail of acetyl‐CoA. Using molecular simulation, the stability, compactness, hydrogen bonding, and protein motions were estimated, revealing different dynamic properties owned by the mutants only but not by the wild type. The findings were further validated by using the binding‐free energy (BFE) method, which revealed these mutations as favorable substitutions. The total BFE was reported to be −52.66 ± 0.11 kcal/mol for the wild type, −55.87 ± 0.16 kcal/mol for the S343A mutant, −60.52 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for T347W mutant, and −59.64 ± 0.25 kcal/mol for the S350W mutant. This shows that the binding of the substrate is increased due to the induced mutations and strongly corroborates with the docking results. In sum, this study provides information regarding the essential hotspot residues for the substrate binding and can be used for application in industrial processes.
Unveiling the Potential of Silicon‐Air Batteries for Low‐Power Transient Electronics: Electrochemical Insights and Practical Application
Authors: Montiel Guerrero Saul Said , Durmus Yasin Emre , Tempel Hermann , Roth Christian , Kungl Hans , van Waasen Stefan , Ein‐Eli Yair , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: January 2024

With growing demand for energy storage alternatives, silicon‐air batteries have gained attention due to their impressive theoretical specific energy (8470 Wh kgSi−1) and theoretical specific capacity (3820 mAh gSi−1). Although current challenges, such as corrosion, low anode mass conversion efficiency, and limited power output, restrict their practical use and commercialization potential, the ongoing advancement of materials and efficient electronic components open up a range of potential applications for Silicon‐air (Si‐air) batteries. This study investigates the feasibility of employing a single alkaline or non‐aqueous silicon‐air battery to power low‐power transient electronic device. Initially, their electrochemical behavior, corrosion parameters, and performance were assessed, yielding crucial parameters for the circuit design. Short‐term galvanostatic discharge experiments demonstrated the effective operation of Si‐air battery under varying current densities in both electrolytes without passivation issues. Subsequently, a proof‐of‐concept for self‐consumed and self‐destructive transient electronic device is presented, wherein a full‐cell Si‐air battery with non‐aqueous and aqueous electrolytes was operated while powering a light‐emitting diode (LED) as a practical illustrative application.
Development of bioreactor scale‐down model using orthogonal projections to latent structures method and CO2 supplementation
Authors: Gao Jinxin , Hazeltine Laurie B. , Stroud Neal , Liu Ning , Huang Yao‐ming
Published: January 2024

Scale‐down model qualification is an important step for developing a large‐scale cell culture process to enhance process understanding and support process characterization studies. Traditionally, only harvest data are used to show consistency between small‐scale and large‐scale bioreactor performance, allowing attributes that are dynamic over the cell culture period to be overlooked. A novel statistical method, orthogonal projections to latent structures (OPLS) analysis, can be utilized to compare time‐course cell culture data across scales. Here we describe an example where OPLS is used to identify gaps between small‐scale and large‐scale bioreactor performances. In this case, differences in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and lactate profiles were observed between small‐ and large‐scale bioreactors, which were linked to differences in the product‐quality attributes fragments and galactosylation. An improved small‐scale model was developed, leading to improved consistency in the process performance and product qualities across scales and qualification of the scale‐down model for regulatory submissions. This new statistical approach can provide valuable insights into process understanding and process scale‐up.
Enhancing cell separation in a hybrid spiral dielectrophoretic microchannel: Numerical insights and optimal operating conditions
Authors: Uddin Mohammed Raihan , Chen Xiaolin
Published: January 2024

Reliable separation of circulating tumor cells from blood cells is crucial for early cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Many conventional microfluidic platforms take advantage of the size difference between particles for their separation, which renders them impractical for sorting overlapping‐sized cells. To address this concern, a hybrid inertial‐dielectrophoretic microfluidic chip is proposed in this work for continuous and single‐stage separation of lung cancer cell line A549 cells from white blood cells of overlapping size. The working mechanism of the proposed spiral microchannel embedded with planar interdigitated electrodes is validated against the experimental results. A numerical investigation is carried out over a range of flow conditions and electric field intensity to determine the separation efficiency and migration characteristics of the cell mixture. The results demonstrate the unique capability of the proposed microchannel to achieve high‐throughput separation of cells at low applied voltages in both vertical and lateral directions. A significant lateral separation distance between the CTCs and the WBCs has been achieved, which allows for high‐resolution and effective separation of cells. The separation resolution can be controlled by adjusting the strength of the applied electric field. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the lateral separation distance is maximum at a voltage termed the critical voltage, which increases with the increase in the flow rate. The proposed microchannel and the developed technique can provide valuable insight into the development of a tunable and robust medical device for effective and high‐throughput separation of cancer cells from the WBCs.
Discover how a shared vision can become a guiding star
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura , Kitayama Jason
Published: January 2024

Visionary leaders and leaders for the 21st century and for the millennium need to change their own organizations, activating the energy of their internal cultures to achieve big goals for the four Ps (planet, people, profit, and purpose).
For addicted teens, residential treatment is scarce and expensive
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

Residential addiction treatment for teens is limited and expensive, according to a study published in Health Affairs last month. For the study, “Treatment In The US: Uneven Access, Waitlists, And High Costs” — which was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Caroline King, M.D., and colleagues used the FindTreatment.gov database maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and a search analytics company to find 354 centers that claim to provide residential addiction treatment services to people under age 18. The researchers then contacted them.
Disabling tinnitus and third nerve palsy following pontine hemorrhage: Application of ICF framework
Authors: Krishnan Muthaiah Vijaya Prakash , Cornejo Ignacio Novoa , Hariharan Sabarish , Thyagarajan Murugaraj , Gunasekaran Krishnamoorthy
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage commonly affects the brainstem. This report describes a 31‐year‐old male with hypertension who developed a pontine hemorrhage. The neurological deficits included left‐third nerve palsy, right‐sided weakness, and disabling tinnitus. Tinnitus is linked to central auditory pathway disruption. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the hemorrhagic lesion and additional micro‐hemorrhages. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) enhances rehabilitation by characterizing multifaceted stroke disability. The ICF profile revealed impairments in body structures/functions, limitations in activities/participation, and positive/negative environmental factors. ICF‐based goal‐setting informed interventions, including tinnitus retraining and physical/occupational therapy. Comprehensive ICF assessment is crucial for optimized, patient‐centered post‐stroke rehabilitation as it determines the extent of impact on functional level of the patient irrespective of disease severity.
Late‐onset aspirin‐related hemolysis and subsequent subdural hemorrhage in patient with glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Li Jianle , Chen Yicong , Deng Weisheng , Zeng Jinsheng
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

Aspirin‐related hemolysis in G6PD deficiency could be late‐onset during long‐term administration. Hemolytic anemia could continue for a relatively long time in elder patient with G6PD deficiency, which might be related to other adverse events.

Aspirin‐related hemolysis in G6PD‐deficient individuals was generally reported among patients who received high‐dose supplements within several days after ingestion. The safety of long‐term and low‐dose (50–325 mg/day) aspirin in patients coexist G6PD deficiency and cardiovascular disease is neglected in clinical practice. In this case, we observed a late‐onset hemolysis and subsequent fatal subdural hemorrhage in one G6PD‐deficient individual who had received long‐term and low‐dose aspirin. An 83‐year‐old male was diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and treated with 100 mg/day aspirin at the emergency room. After admission, the patient was diagnosed with severe G6PD deficiency based on enzyme activity, but no hemolysis occurred within 10‐day aspirin therapy in the hospital. Hence, 100 mg/day aspirin was continued on discharge. Two months later, the patient presented acute hemolysis manifested as fatigue, dark urine, and moderate jaundice. Although hemolysis was self‐limit in a few days, hemoglobin decline continued for 20 days until a fatal subdural hemorrhage occurred. Our study indicated aspirin‐related hemolysis could be late‐onset in G6PD‐deficient individual even receiving low‐dose treatment and is probably linked to subsequent major bleeding events.
Myeloid sarcoma presenting as fingertip necrosis with underlying suppurative tenosynovitis: A case report
Authors: Bloomfield Grace , Finkel Francisca , Mun’em Al Hourani Abdel , Gupta Shivani , Jain Esha , Magee Amanda
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

We report an unusual case presentation of a patient with necrotic tissue changes of the right second and third fingers, found to have myeloid sarcoma with Staphylococcus‐positive tenosynovitis and underlying acute myeloid leukemia, to highlight the importance of comprehensive evaluation in patients with atypical wounds.
Identifying Active Sites of Pt‐NiFe LDH Catalysts for CO Oxidation Using In‐Situ DRIFTS with Multiple Microscopy and Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Liang Qing , Li Wenwen , Meng Fanling , Song Kexin , Feng Yu , Liu Yuhua , Liu Meiqi , Huang Chengxiang , Tao Youkun , Chen Zhongjun , Shao Jing , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2024

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanostructures are commonly used to study the interfacial effects of Pt‐based catalysts in CO oxidation. However, the specific role and detailed intermediates involved in CO oxidation remain unclear. Density functional theory (DFT) predicted that NiFe LDH loaded with single Pt atoms would exhibit satisfactory CO oxidation activity. On this basis, we prepared Pt1NiFe LDH catalysts with various Fe : Ni ratios by using the one‐pot method and achieved favorable dispersion of single Pt atoms. Pt1/FN‐1, which had the optimal Fe : Ni ratio (1 : 1), exhibited satisfactory catalytic performance for CO oxidation and a high turnover frequency, as determined through DFT calculations and experimental characterization. In‐situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy confirmed that CO directly reacted with Pt1/FN‐1 to produce CO2 and that introduced O2 formed bicarbonate species to produce CO2 together with the adsorbed CO on Pt1 sites. Overall, our work provides new insights into the catalytic mechanism of the well‐known Pt1NiFe LDH catalysts in CO oxidation.
Focused Ultrasound‐Responsive Nanocomposite with Near‐Infrared II Mechanoluminescence for Spatiotemporally Selective Immune Activation in Lymph Nodes
Authors: Xu Sixin , Li Xiaohe , Hu Qian , Zhang Jieying , Li Ruotong , Meng Lingkai , Zhu Xingjun
Published: January 2024

The immune regulation of the lymphatic system, especially the lymph node (LN), is of great significance for the treatment of diseases and the inhibition of pathogenic organisms spreading in the body. However, achieving precise spatiotemporal control of immune cell activation in LN in vivo remains a challenge due to tissue depth and off‐target effects. Furthermore, minimally invasive and real‐time feedback methods to monitor the regulation of the immune system in LN are lacking. Here, focused ultrasound responsive immunomodulator loaded nanoplatform (FURIN) with near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) luminescence is designed to achieve spatiotemporally controllable immune activation in LN in vivo. The NIR‐II persistent luminescence of FURIN can track its delivery in LN through bioimaging. Under focused ultrasound (FUS) stimulation, the immunomodulator encapsulated in FURIN can be released locally in the LN to activate immune cells such as dendritic cells and the NIR‐II mechanoluminescence of FURIN provides real‐time optical feedback signals for immune activation. This work points to a FUS mediated, spatiotemporal selective immune activation strategy in vivo with the feedback control of luminescence signals via ultrasound responsive nanocomposite, which is of great significance in improving the efficacy and reducing the side effect of immune regulation for the development of potential immunotherapeutic methods in the future.
Synthesis of Chiral Sulfoxides by A Cyclic Oxidation‐Reduction Multi‐Enzymatic Cascade Biocatalysis
Authors: Tian Jin , Zhou Shihuan , Chen Yanli , Zhao Yuyan , Li Song , Yang Piao , Xu Xianlin , Chen Yongzheng , Cheng Xiaoling , Yang Jiawei
Published: January 2024

Optically pure sulfoxides are valuable organosulfur compounds extensively employed in medicinal and organic synthesis. In this study, we present a biocatalytic oxidation‐reduction cascade system designed for the preparation of enantiopure sulfoxides. The system involves the cooperation of a low‐enantioselective chimeric oxidase SMO (styrene monooxygenase) with a high‐enantioselective reductase MsrA (methionine sulfoxide reductase A), facilitating “non‐selective oxidation and selective reduction” cycles for prochiral sulfide oxidation. The regeneration of requisite cofactors for MsrA and SMO was achieved via a cascade catalysis process involving three auxiliary enzymes, sustained by cost‐effective D‐glucose. Under the optimal reaction conditions, a series of heteroaryl alkyl, aryl alkyl and dialkyl sulfoxides in R configuration were synthesized through this “one‐pot, one step” cascade reaction. The obtained compounds exhibited high yields of >90 % and demonstrated enantiomeric excess (ee) values exceeding 90 %. This study represents an unconventional and efficient biocatalytic way in utilizing the low‐enantioselective oxidase for the synthesis of enantiopure sulfoxides.
On the importance of fundamental computational fluid dynamics toward a robust and reliable model of left atrial flows
Authors: Khalili Ehsan , Daversin‐Catty Cécile , Olivares Andy L. , Mill Jordi , Camara Oscar , Valen‐Sendstad Kristian
Published: January 2024

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies of left atrial flows have reached a sophisticated level, for example, revealing plausible relationships between hemodynamics and stresses with atrial fibrillation. However, little focus has been on fundamental fluid modeling of LA flows. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal convergence, along with the differences between high‐ (HR) versus normal‐resolution/accuracy (NR) solution strategies, respectively. Rigid wall CFD simulations were conducted on 12 patient‐specific left atrial geometries obtained from computed tomography scans, utilizing a second‐order accurate and space/time‐centered solver. The convergence studies showed an average variability of around 30% and 55% for time averaged wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), relative residence time (RRT), and endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP), even between intermediate spatial and temporal resolutions, in the left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA), respectively. The comparison between HR and NR simulations showed good correlation in the LA for WSS, RRT, and ECAP (), but not for OSI (). However, there were poor correlations in the LAA especially for OSI, RRT, and ECAP ( .55, .63, and .61, respectively), except for WSS (). The errors are comparable to differences previously reported with disease correlations. To robustly predict atrial hemodynamics and stresses, numerical resolutions of 10 M elements (i.e., .5 mm) and 10 k time‐steps per cycle seem necessary (i.e., one order of magnitude higher than normally used in both space and time). In conclusion, attention to fundamental numerical aspects is essential toward establishing a plausible, robust, and reliable model of LA flows.
Carbons Derived from Regenerated Spherical Cellulose as Anodes for Li‐Ion Batteries at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Fischer Johanna , Wolfram Lisa , Oswald Steffen , Fischer Steffen , Mikhailova Daria
Published: January 2024

Biomass‐based materials have emerged as a promising alternative to the conventional graphite anode in Li‐ion batteries due to their renewability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Therefore, a facile synthesis method for porous hard carbons based on cellulose acetate microspheres and bead cellulose is used, and their application as anode materials in Li‐ion batteries is discussed. The resulting porous carbons exhibit promising electrochemical characteristics, including a reversible capacity of about 300 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C (37 mA g−1) after 50 cycles, and stable capacities up to 210 mAh g−1 over 1000 cycles at 1 C (372 mA g−1) in half‐cells for cellulose acetate microspheres carbonised at 1200 °C. Moreover, at 60 °C cellulose‐derived carbons show higher specific capacities than graphite (300 mAh g−1 vs 240 mAh g−1 at 1 C after 500 cycles), indicating their potential for use in high‐temperature applications. The different charge storage mechanisms of the prepared hard carbon materials and graphite are observed. While capacity of graphite is mainly controlled by the Faradaic redox process, the cellulose‐derived carbons combine Faradaic intercalation and capacitive charge adsorption.
Application of an automated grid deformation tool for divertor shape optimization in SOLPS‐ITER
Authors: Van den Kerkhof Sander , Vervloesem Nathan , Carli Stefano , Dekeyser Wouter
Published: January 2024

An optimized divertor design is crucial to maximize the lifetime of plasma‐facing components and reduce costs of future fusion power plants. Numerical shape optimization could be a powerful tool to obtain improved designs in an automated way. However, it is not trivial to apply due to the need of a field‐aligned and boundary‐fitted grid for simulating the plasma and quantifying the heat load. This paper shows how a grid deformation tool can automate the gridding process while safeguarding the grid quality. Additionally, sensitivities of shape parameters are computed using finite differences and compared to those obtained by remeshing using standard tools such as CARRE2. The plasma and neutral behavior is simulated using the unstructured SOLPS‐ITER code with the latest advanced fluid neutrals model for an ASDEX Upgrade test case. The comparison shows that, contrary to the remeshing strategy, the grid deformation approach yields smoother sensitivities. Furthermore, it is shown that the deformed grids have better mesh quality in terms of poloidal cell size ratio compared to the grid generated with CARRE2, which improves the accuracy of the simulation. This supports the use of the grid deformation tool for automated shape design in future work.
Solvent‐Resistant Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy‐Harvesting and Self‐Powered Sensors
Authors: Yu Yongtao , Yu Yuelin , Wu Hongyi , Gao Tianshuo , Zhang Yi , Wu Jiajia , Yan Jiawei , Shi Jian , Morikawa Hideaki , Zhu Chunhong
Published: January 2024

Wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted attention owing to their ability to harvest energy from the surrounding environment without maintenance. Herein, polyetherimide–Al2O3 (PAl) and polyvinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP, PH) nanofiber membranes were used as tribo‐positive and tribo‐negative materials, respectively. Phytic acid‐doped polyaniline (PANI)/cotton fabric (PPCF) and ethylenediamine (EDA)‐crosslinked PAl (EPAl) nanofiber membranes were used as triboelectrode and triboencapsulation materials, respectively. The result showed that when the PAl–PH‐based TENG was shaped as a circle with a radius of 1 cm, under the pressure of 50 N, and the frequency of 0.5 Hz, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and short‐circuit current (Isc) reached the highest value of 66.6 V and −93.4 to 110.1 nA, respectively. Moreover, the PH‐based TENG could be used as a fabric sensor to detect fabric composition and as a sensor‐inductive switch for light bulbs or beeping warning devices. When the PAl–PH‐based TENG was shaped as a 5 × 5 cm2 rectangle, a 33 μF capacitor could be charged to 15 V in 28 s. Interestingly, compared to PAl nanofiber membranes, EPAl nanofiber membranes exhibited good dyeing properties and excellent solvent resistance. The PPCF exhibited <5% resistance change after washing, bending, and stretching.
CircRbms1 fosters MST1 mRNA and protein levels to motivate myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion injury via autophagic status
Authors: Liu Qin , Lai Guorong , Hu Yanhui , Yang Fan , Zhang Chao , Le Dongsheng , Deng Fumou , Xing Xianliang , Tang Binquan , Jie Huanhuan , Liang Yingping , Lei Enjun
Published: January 2024

Aims

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a significant contributor to death in individuals diagnosed with coronary heart disease on a worldwide level. The specific mechanism by which circRbms1 contributes to the damage caused by myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) is not well understood. The primary aim of this study was to examine the role of circRbms1 and its associated mechanisms in the setting of I/R injury.

Methods and results

An in vivo MI mice model and an in vitro MI cell model was established. The expression levels were detected using quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cellular proliferation, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy were detected by immunostaining, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down assay, and RIP assay were performed to validate the molecular interactions. CircRbms1 was up‐regulated in A/R‐induced HCMs and acted as a sponge for miR‐142‐3p, thereby targeting MST1. CircRbms1 could improve stability of MST1 by recruiting IGF2BP2 (all P < 0.05). CircRbms1 knockout reduced cell pyroptosis, improved autophagy and proliferation level in A/R‐induced HCMs (all P < 0.05). CircRbms1 knockout alleviated cardiac dysfunction and cell pyroptosis and enhanced autophagy and proliferation in mice through the miR‐142‐3p/MST1 axis.

Conclusions

CircRbms1 inhibited the miR‐142‐3p/MST1 axis and played a protective role in myocardial I/R injury. It may provide a new therapeutic target for I/R heart injury.
The effect of a standardized verbal encouragement protocol on peak oxygen uptake during incremental treadmill testing in healthy individuals: A randomized cross‐over trial
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , Van Der Lee Pleun , Plasqui Guy , Bongers Bart C.
Published: January 2024

Peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) is considered a vital indicator of health and physical fitness that is often measured during incremental exercise testing. While previous research has shown that the attained V̇O2peakduring exercise testing can be influenced by verbal encouragement, no or limited details were provided on the verbal encouragement protocol, hereby hampering implementation in clinical practice or research. Moreover, it remains unknown whether motivation modulates the effect of verbal encouragement. This study aimed to develop and examine the influence of a standardized verbal encouragement protocol on the achieved V̇O2peak, time to exhaustion (TTE), peak heart rate (HRpeak), and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak) during incremental treadmill testing. As a secondary aim, we investigated whether motivation modulated the effect of verbal encouragement on V̇O2peak. 24 healthy volunteers performed two incremental treadmill runs with 1 week in between and received verbal encouragement during only one of the tests. Motivation toward exercise was measured using the behavioral regulation in exercise questionnaire‐2 (BREQ‐2) questionnaire. V̇O2peak(Δ 2.10 mL/kg/min,p < 0.001) and RERpeak(Δ 2%,p = 0.042) were significantly higher with verbal encouragement. In contrast, HRpeak(Δ 1.5 beats/min,p = 0.225) and TTE (Δ 1.5%,p = 0.348) were not significantly different between conditions. Exercise motivation showed a weak and nonsignificant association with the change in V̇O2peakbetween tests (r−0.19,R20.037, SEE 2.88, andp = 0.367). These findings show that verbal encouragement leads to higher physiological outcomes during incremental treadmill testing, but the magnitude of this effect is not higher for individuals with lower levels of pretest motivation.
Chiral voltammetric sensor on the basis of nanosized MFI zeolite for recognition and determination of tryptophan enantiomers
Authors: Zilberg Rufina , Teres Yulia , Agliulin Marat , Vakulin Ivan , Bulysheva Elena , Sycheva Maria , Maistrenko Valery
Published: January 2024

A voltammetric sensor comprising a paste electrode made of graphitized thermal carbon black CarboblackC and nanosized zeolite MFI was developed for selective recognition and determination of tryptophan enantiomers. It was found that in determining tryptophan enantiomers, the dependence remains linear at concentrations from 5×10−5 to 1×10−3 M. The detection limits of tryptophan L‐ and D‐enantiomers were calculated to be 4.98×10−7 M and 3.20×10−7 M, while their lower limits of determinable concentrations–1.66×10−6 M and 1.07×10−6 M, respectively. The sensor is more sensitive to D‐tryptophan (ΔEp=20 mV, ipD/ipL=1.58). The developed sensor was shown to successfully determine tryptophan enantiomers in model solutions of pure enantiomers, in a mixture of enantiomers, in biological fluids, and in tablet forms of biologically active additives. It was shown that the suggested sensor made it possible to determine the ratio of L‐ and D‐enantiomers of tryptophan in a mixture with a high probability.
Experimental Analysis on Thermodynamic and Kinetic Characteristics of Water‐Saturated Natural Gas Hydrates by Depressurization Decomposition
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Pang Qingdong , Gong Guangjun , Zheng Jia‐nan , Tian Mengru , Song Yongchen
Published: January 2024

Natural gas hydrate has attracted worldwide attention for its abundant availability and clean and nonpolluting combustion products. The actual environment of marine methane hydrates is water‐saturated, but present researches on water‐saturated hydrates are relatively few. This study prepares water‐saturated hydrate sediment of ≈70% saturation and mainly focuses on the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of decomposition process using different depressurization rates. Compared with gas‐saturated hydrates, both the thermodynamic evolution and the decomposition kinetics of water‐saturated hydrates get weakened due to the inhibition of water molecules surrounding hydrate crystals on heat and mass transfer. In all experimental cases of water‐saturated hydrates, the temperature still decreases at most 0.5 °C in several minutes after the pressure has become constant, indicating the delay effect of depressurization in water phase. The results show that the increase in depressurization rate strengthens both temperature decrease and pressure delay of water‐saturated hydrate‐bearing sediment. In addition, the decomposition rate of water‐saturated hydrates in depressurization stage is constant and positive to the depressurization rate, while the decomposition rate in constant pressure stage is a function of residual hydrate amount. This study is significant for decomposition control of hydrate mining under actual marine environment.