bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible Electrodes for Brain–Computer Interface System
Authors: Wang Junjie , Wang Tengjiao , Liu Haoyan , Wang Kun , Moses Kumi , Feng Zhuoya , Li Peng , Huang Wei
Published: May 2023

Brain–computer interface (BCI) has been the subject of extensive research recently. Governments and companies have substantially invested in relevant research and applications. The restoration of communication and motor function, the treatment of psychological disorders, gaming, and other daily and therapeutic applications all benefit from BCI. The electrodes hold the key to the essential, fundamental BCI precondition of electrical brain activity detection and delivery. However, the traditional rigid electrodes are limited due to their mismatch in Young's modulus, potential damages to the human body, and a decline in signal quality with time. These factors make the development of flexible electrodes vital and urgent. Flexible electrodes made of soft materials have grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to conventional rigid electrodes because they offer greater conformance, the potential for higher signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) signals, and a wider range of applications. Therefore, the latest classifications and future developmental directions of fabricating these flexible electrodes are explored in this paper to further encourage the speedy advent of flexible electrodes for BCI. In summary, the perspectives and future outlook for this developing discipline are provided.
Porosity as a Design Element for Developing Catalytic Molecular Materials for Electrochemical and Photochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: De La Torre Patricia , An Lun , Chang Christopher J.
Published: May 2023

The catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) using sustainable energy inputs is a promising strategy for upcycling of atmospheric carbon into value‐added chemical products. This goal has inspired the development of catalysts for selective and efficient CO2 conversion using electrochemical and photochemical methods. Among the diverse array of catalyst systems designed for this purpose, 2D and 3D platforms that feature porosity offer the potential to combine carbon capture and conversion. Included are covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), porous molecular cages, and other hybrid molecular materials developed to increase active site exposure, stability, and water compatibility while maintaining precise molecular tunability. This mini‐review showcases catalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) that incorporate well‐defined molecular elements integrated into porous materials structures. Selected examples provide insights into how different approaches to this overall design strategy can augment their electrocatalytic and/or photocatalytic CO2 reduction activity.
A Pathomimetic Colorectal Tumor‐on‐a‐Chip for In Vitro Reconstitution of the Primary Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Zhangcai , Yu Ziming , Dong Jianpei , Yang Deyu , Li Juanhua , He Zhen , Zhou Jianhua , Huang Lu
Published: May 2023

The development of an in vitro colorectal cancer (CRC) model that reconstructs the physiopathological microenvironment of human colorectal cancer shows great potential in accelerating the study of CRC mechanisms and the development of anti‐CRC drugs. To this end, a pathomimetic colorectal tumor‐on‐a‐chip (CRT‐chip) that can effectively recapitulate the in vivo dynamic physiology and pathology of primary CRC is proposed. It not only allows controllable seeding and cultivation of CRC cells to emulate the site‐specific occurrence of primary CRC, but also provides continuous low‐speed flows and peristalsis‐like deformation on colorectum epithelium to simulate the fluid shearing and peristalsis in human colorectum. Moreover, a channel that transports nutrients to CRC cells is designed specifically to mimic the function of tumor vessels. Based on the pathomimetic CRT‐chip, the therapeutic effect of a photothermal anticancer drug was tested and quantified, exhibiting its great potentials in in vitro evaluation of anti‐CRC drugs.
Catching Single Molecules with Plasmonic InGaN Quantum Dots
Authors: Zhao Fang Yin , Nguyen Thi Anh Nguyet , Tsai Chia‐Wei , Chu Che‐Men , Woon Wei‐Yen , Wu Chien‐Ting , Lin Kun‐Lin , Huang Yo‐Song , Wang Chih‐Ming , Chien Fan‐Ching , Lai Kun‐Yu
Published: May 2023

Single molecules are elusive and often produce misleading signals. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is one of the few techniques capable of verifying the presence of single molecules. To achieve the goal, the bianalyte proof is favored by researchers as it relies on the statistical analysis of thousands of spectra, rather than the fluctuating signals observed at limited spots. Since the hotspot of SERS is extremely small (<10 nm), less than 1% of the adsorbed molecules can deliver boosted Raman intensities, making the capture of single molecules a rare event. Here, the proof with single‐molecule signals covering 89.6% of the scanned spots is presented. This is achieved by plasmonically coupling subsurface InGaN quantum dots (QDs) to every Au nanoparticle on the SERS substrate. The QD‐Au complexes extend the plasmonic fields far away from the metallic nanojunction, redefining the bianalyte rule for single‐molecule detection.
Atomically Thin Gallium Nitride for High‐Performance Photodetection
Authors: Jain Shubhendra Kumar , Syed Nitu , Balendhran Sivacarendran , Abbas Sherif Abdulkader Tawfik , Ako Rajour Tanyi , Low Mei Xian , Lobo Charlene , Zavabeti Ali , Murdoch Billy J. , Gupta Govind , Bhaskaran Madhu , Crozier Kenneth B. , Russo Salvy P. , Daeneke Torben , Walia Sumeet
Published: May 2023

Gallium nitride (GaN) technology has matured and commercialised for optoelectronic devices in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum over the last few decades. Simultaneously, atomically thin materials with unique features have emerged as contenders for device miniaturization. However, the lack of successful techniques to produce ultra‐thin GaN prevents access to these new predicted properties. Here, this important gap is addressed by printing millimeter‐large ultra‐thin GaN nanosheets (NS) (≈1.4 nm) using a simple two‐step process that simultaneously introduces nitrogen point defects. This extends the photoelectrical spectral response from UV (280 nm) to near infrared (NIR) (1080 nm). The GaN‐based photodetectors display excellent figures of merit, having a responsivity (2.72 × 104 A W−1) up to four orders of magnitude higher than the commercial photodetectors at room temperature, despite being 102–103 times thinner. The photodetectors exhibit fast switching, with rise and decay time in the range of microseconds. The state‐of‐the‐art device performance originates from the ultra‐thin nature of GaN NS coupled with nitrogen point vacancies in the synthesis process. This work presents the opportunity to significantly expand the reach of GaN semiconductor technology and may lead to applications in high‐performance miniaturized imaging systems, spectroscopy, communication, and integrated optoelectronic circuits.
3D Electronic Sensors for Bio‐Interfaced Electronics and Soft Robotics
Authors: Gu Ji‐Woo , Lee Jae‐Hwan , Kang Seung‐Kyun
Published: May 2023

Multi‐dimensional electronic devices for sensing applications have received immense attention in the fields of bio‐interface electronics and soft robotics to achieve structural manifolds in recent years. The structural diversities of sensors are tuned based on the environments in which they encounter multipurpose and complex form factors of electronics. 3D electronics are one of the emerging sensor platforms characterized by structural adaptability and compatibility on free target surfaces, resulting in unprecedented improvement of spatial resolution. Herein, the recent progress made in the fabrication and usage of 3D electronic sensors that are classified into two groups based on the methodological concepts used for fabrication in bio‐interfaced electronics and soft robotics applications, is reviewed. The latest advances in the design and development of 3D printable and 2D to 3D shape‐deformable electronic sensors are reviewed with a focus on printable materials and deformation mechanisms, respectively. 3D printing techniques enable the facile fabrication of arbitrary and seamless electronics without the use of conventional microfabrication technologies. Deformable electronics cover their self‐tune architectures and functions depending on mechanical deformation based on buckling, origami, and kirigami fabrication strategies. Finally, the printed and deformable 3D sensors show their potential for use in next‐generation sensing platforms.
A Review of Extracellular Vesicles in COVID‐19 Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Authors: Su Peng , Wu Yuchen , Xie Feng , Zheng Qinghui , Chen Long , Liu Zhuang , Meng Xuli , Zhou Fangfang , Zhang Long
Published: May 2023

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is ongoing, and has necessitated scientific efforts in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Interestingly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been crucial in these developments. EVs are a collection of various nanovesicles which are delimited by a lipid bilayer. They are enriched in proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites, and naturally released from different cells. Their natural material transport properties, inherent long‐term recycling ability, excellent biocompatibility, editable targeting, and inheritance of parental cell properties make EVs one of the most promising next‐generation drug delivery nanocarriers and active biologics. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, many efforts have been made to exploit the payload of natural EVs for the treatment of COVID‐19. Furthermore, strategies that use engineered EVs to manufacture vaccines and neutralization traps have produced excellent efficacy in animal experiments and clinical trials. Here, the recent literature on the application of EVs in COVID‐19 diagnosis, treatment, damage repair, and prevention is reviewed. And the therapeutic value, application strategies, safety, and biotoxicity in the production and clinical applications of EV agents for COVID‐19 treatment, as well as inspiration for using EVs to block and eliminate novel viruses are discussed.
Genome Mining in Glass Chemistry Using Linear Component Analysis of Ion Conductivity Data
Authors: Pan Zhiwen , Dellith Jan , Wondraczek Lothar
Published: May 2023

Understanding the multivariate origin of physical properties is particularly complex for polyionic glasses. As a concept, the term genome has been used to describe the entirety of structure‐property relations in solid materials, based on functional genes acting as descriptors for a particular property, for example, for input in regression analysis or other machine‐learning tools. Here, the genes of ionic conductivity in polyionic sodium‐conducting glasses are presented as fictive chemical entities with a characteristic stoichiometry, derived from strong linear component analysis (SLCA) of a uniquely consistent dataset. SLCA is based on a twofold optimization problem that maximizes the quality of linear regression between a property (here: ionic conductivity) and champion candidates from all possible combinations of elements. Family trees and matrix rotation analysis are subsequently used to filter for essential elemental combinations, and from their characteristic mean composition, the essential genes. These genes reveal the intrinsic relationships within the multivariate input data. While they do not require a structural representation in real space, how possible structural interpretations agree with intuitive understanding of structural entities known from spectroscopic experiments is finally demonstrated.
Discovery of Intratumoral Oncolytic Bacteria Toward Targeted Anticancer Theranostics
Authors: Goto Yamato , Iwata Seigo , Miyahara Mikako , Miyako Eijiro
Published: May 2023

Unveiling biomedical functions of tumor‐resident microbiota is challenging for developing advanced anticancer medicines. This study demonstrates that isolated intratumoral bacteria, associated with natural purple photosynthetic bacteria, have inherent biocompatibility and strong immunogenic anticancer efficacies. They preferentially grow and proliferate within a targeted tumor milieu, which effectively causes immune cells to infiltrate the tumor and provoke strong anticancer responses in various syngeneic mouse models, including colorectal cancer, sarcoma, metastatic lung cancer, and extensive drug‐resistant breast cancer. Furthermore, these functional bacteria‐treated mice exhibit excellent anticancerous responses and have significantly prolonged survival rates with effective immunological memory. Light‐harvesting nanocomplexes of microbial consortia of intratumoral bacteria and purple photosynthetic bacteria can diagnose tumors using bio‐optical‐window near‐infrared light, making them useful theranostic agents for highly targeted immunological elimination of the tumor and for precisely marking tumor location.
Multi‐Step Nucleation of a Crystalline Silicate Framework via a Structurally Precise Prenucleation Cluster
Authors: Jin Biao , Chen Ying , Tao Jinhui , Lachowski Kacper J. , Bowden Mark E. , Zhang Zihao , Pozzo Lilo D. , Washton Nancy M. , Mueller Karl T. , De Yoreo James J.
Published: May 2023

Hierarchical nucleation pathways are ubiquitous in the synthesis of minerals and materials. In the case of zeolites and metal–organic frameworks, pre‐organized multi‐ion “secondary building units” (SBUs) have been proposed as fundamental building blocks. However, detailing the progress of multi‐step reaction mechanisms from monomeric species to stable crystals and defining the structures of the SBUs remains an unmet challenge. Combining in situ nuclear magnetic resonance, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and atomic force microscopy, we show that crystallization of the framework silicate, cyclosilicate hydrate, occurs through an assembly of cubic octameric Q38 polyanions formed through cross‐linking and polymerization of smaller silicate monomers and other oligomers. These Q38 are stabilized by hydrogen bonds with surrounding H2O and tetramethylammonium ions (TMA+). When Q38 levels reach a threshold of ≈32 % of the total silicate species, nucleation occurs. Further growth proceeds through the incorporation of [(TMA)x(Q38)⋅n H2O](x−8) clathrate complexes into step edges on the crystals.
Unlocking the Potential of Bio‐Based Nitrogen‐Rich Furanic Platforms as Biomass Synthons
Authors: Gomes Rafael F. A. , Gonçalves Bruno M. F. , Andrade Késsia H. S. , Sousa Bárbara B. , Maulide Nuno , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. , Afonso Carlos A. M.
Published: May 2023

The demand for new biomass‐derived fine and commodity chemicals propels the discovery of new methodologies and synthons. Whereas furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural are cornerstones of sustainable chemistry, 3‐acetamido‐5‐acetyl furan (3A5AF), an N‐rich furan obtained from chitin biomass, remains unexplored, due to the poor reactivity of the acetyl group relative to previous furanic aldehydes. Here we developed a reactive 3‐acetamido‐5‐furfuryl aldehyde (3A5F) and demonstrated the utility of this synthon as a source of bio‐derived nitrogen‐rich heteroaromatics, carbocycles, and as a bioconjugation reagent.
Investigating the Role of Vacancies on the Thermoelectric Properties of EuCuSb‐Eu2ZnSb2 Alloys
Authors: Chanakian Sevan , Peng Wanyue , Meschke Vanessa , Ashiquzzaman Shawon A. K. M. , Adamczyk Jesse , Petkov Valeri , Toberer Eric , Zevalkink Alexandra
Published: May 2023

AMX compounds with the ZrBeSi structure tolerate a vacancy concentration of up to 50 % on the M‐site in the planar MX‐layers. Here, we investigate the impact of vacancies on the thermal and electronic properties across the full EuCu1−xZn0.5xSb solid solution. The transition from a fully‐occupied honeycomb layer (EuCuSb) to one with a quarter of the atoms missing (EuZn0.5Sb) leads to non‐linear bond expansion in the honeycomb layer, increasing atomic displacement parameters on the M and Sb‐sites, and significant lattice softening. This, combined with a rapid increase in point defect scattering, causes the lattice thermal conductivity to decrease from 3 to 0.5 W mK−1 at 300 K. The effect of vacancies on the electronic properties is more nuanced; we see a small increase in effective mass, large increase in band gap, and decrease in carrier concentration. Ultimately, the maximum zT increases from 0.09 to 0.7 as we go from EuCuSb to EuZn0.5Sb.
Insight into Iron Leaching from an Ascorbate‐Oxidase‐like Fe−N−C Nanozyme and Oxygen Reduction Selectivity**
Authors: Cao Xuwen , Zhu Caixia , Hong Qing , Chen Xinghua , Wang Kaiyuan , Shen Yanfei , Liu Songqin , Zhang Yuanjian
Published: May 2023

Ascorbate (H2A) is a well‐known antioxidant to protect cellular components from free radical damage and has also emerged as a pro‐oxidant in cancer therapies. However, such “contradictory” mechanisms underlying H2A oxidation are not well understood. Herein, we report Fe leaching during catalytic H2A oxidation using an Fe−N−C nanozyme as a ferritin mimic and its influence on the selectivity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Owing to the heterogeneity, the Fe‐Nx sites in Fe−N−C primarily catalyzed H2A oxidation and 4 e− ORR via an iron‐oxo intermediate. Nonetheless, trace O2⋅− produced by marginal N−C sites through 2 e− ORR accumulated and attacked Fe‐Nx sites, leading to the linear leakage of unstable Fe ions up to 420 ppb when the H2A concentration increased to 2 mM. As a result, a substantial fraction (ca. 40 %) of the N−C sites on Fe−N−C were activated, and a new 2+2 e− ORR path was finally enabled, along with Fenton‐type H2A oxidation. Consequently, after Fe ions diffused into the bulk solution, the ORR at the N−C sites stopped at H2O2 production, which was the origin of the pro‐oxidant effect of H2A.
Significant Acceleration of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction at the Gas‐Liquid Interface of Microdroplets**
Authors: Ge Qiuyue , Liu Yangyang , Li Kejian , Xie Lifang , Ruan Xuejun , Wang Wei , Wang Longqian , Wang Tao , You Wenbo , Zhang Liwu
Published: May 2023

Solar‐driven CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is largely constrained by the sluggish mass transfer and fast combination of photogenerated charge carriers. Herein, we find that the photocatalytic CO2RR efficiency at the abundant gas‐liquid interface provided by microdroplets is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the corresponding bulk phase reaction. Even in the absence of sacrificial agents, the production rates of HCOOH over WO3 ⋅ 0.33H2O mediated by microdroplets reaches 2536 μmol h−1 g−1 (vs. 13 μmol h−1 g−1 in bulk phase), which is significantly superior to the previously reported photocatalytic CO2RR in bulk phase reaction condition. Beyond the efficient delivery of CO2 to photocatalyst surfaces within microdroplets, we reveal that the strong electric field at the gas‐liquid interface of microdroplets essentially promotes the separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs. This study provides a deep understanding of ultrafast reaction kinetics promoted by the gas‐liquid interface of microdroplets and a novel way of addressing the low efficiency of photocatalytic CO2 reduction to fuel.
Temperature dependent tensile strength modeling and analysis of shape memory polymers with physics‐based energy equivalence principle
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Li Ying , Zuo Mini , Yang Mengqing , Li Weiguo
Published: May 2023

The quantitative characterization of the tensile strength of shape memory polymers (SMPs) at different temperatures has always been an important research topic. In this study, the critical failure energy density of SMPs including the strain energy density, potential energy and kinetic energy of atomic motion per unit volume is first introduced. Then, based on the equivalent contribution of these energies on material failure, a temperature dependent tensile strength (TDTS) model considering the corresponding physical mechanism for SMPs is established. The model provides the quantitative relationship among temperature, Young's modulus, hardening index and the tensile strength of SMPs. Meanwhile, the predicted results of the proposed model are compared with the available TDTS of SMPs, and the agreement between theory and experiment is satisfactory. In addition, the influencing factors of tensile strength and their variation with temperature are analyzed. This work contributes the novel insight for the theoretical predictions on the TDTS of SMPs, which is helpful for the high temperature strength evaluation and property optimization.
Synthesis and properties of biodegradable aliphatic–aromatic polyesters derived from 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde
Authors: Wang Huan , Cheng Zhengzai , Djouonkep Lesly Dasilva Wandji , Wang Linfeng , Cai Shuanpu , Gauthier Mario
Published: May 2023

A novel biphenyl monomer, diethyl 6,6′‐dimethoxy‐[1,1′‐bipheny]‐3,3′‐dicarboxylate (DDBD), was synthesized from 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, a phenolic compound derived from lignin. A series of polyesters were prepared by polycondensation of the biphenyl monomer with hydroquinone bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) ether and aliphatic diacids via a two‐step melt polycondensation method. It was shown that the properties of the polyesters can be tuned by varying the length and the structure of the spacer in the aliphatic diacid monomers. Structure–property relations for these materials were investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. GPC analysis showed that the weight‐average molecular weight (Mw) of the samples varied from 4.2–5.0 × 104 g/mol, while thermal analysis yielded Tg values of 51–120°C, and 5% decomposition temperatures (Td,5%) of 327–389°C. All the samples exhibited a high yield strength (56–87 MPa). After 30 weeks of degradation in soil, the copolyesters had mass losses of up to 4.4%, and an investigation of the ecotoxicity of the copolyesters with Eisenia fetida yielded a survival rate of over 80% after 14 days for the different copolyesters, suggesting low toxicity in the environment. Overall, these copolyesters have good properties and would be suitable to replace petroleum‐based commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) packaging materials.
Fabrication of Dual‐Stimuli‐Responsive Polymer Vesicles for Regulation of Enzymolysis Efficiency in A Cascade Reaction
Authors: Qiao Juan , Ma Qian , Cheng Cheng , Qi Li
Published: May 2023

Enzymatic cascade reactions in confined microenvironments play important roles in cellular chemical transformation. Controlling enzymatic efficiency and eliminating substrate interference in cascade reactions is of great significance. To this end, a vesicle composed of poly(styrene‐maleic anhydride‐N‐isopropylacrylamide)(P(S−M−NIP)) and functionalized with 1,2‐bis(10,12‐ tricosadiynoyl)‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (DC89PC) was designed herein. Based on the thermo‐sensitive property of P(S−M−NIP) and the photo‐responsive property of DC89PC, a serial of dual‐stimuli‐responsive nanoreactors was constructed via enzymes encapsulation to tune their enzymolysis efficiencies. A kinetics study of the glucose oxidase‐encapsulated nanoreactor indicated that its enzymolysis velocity increased 2.1‐ and 1.6‐fold under heating and the ultraviolet (UV)‐light irradiation, respectively. Consequently, an enzymatic cascade reaction in the proposed enzyme reactor encapsulated with β‐galactosidase and glucose oxidase was investigated. The results revealed a 2.9‐fold enhancement in enzymolysis efficiency by changing the ambient temperature under UV irradiation. The dual‐stimuli‐responsive polymer vesicles could also eliminate H2O2 interference during the enzymatic cascade reaction. The vesicles demonstrated potential for switch‐membrane‐permeability, while, the confined microenvironment played a key role in regulating the reactions upon the temperature change and the presence of UV light. Our synthetic multi‐organelle‐like system provides a new way to mimic the control of cascade reaction catalytic processes by programming the “open/close” sates of the nanocapsules.
Phase Engineering of Molybdenum Carbide/Oxide for Highly‐Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Na Gao , Chen Xiaojun , Zhao Ruihua , Du Jianping
Published: May 2023

Molybdenum carbide is one of non‐precious metal materials and it is a promising electrocatalyst for hydrogen production. Synthesis and improvement of molybdenum carbide's catalytic performance is of great significance. Herein, carbon‐based Mo2C with hybrid phase of MoO2 was fabricated by matching the composition of Mo and C derived from pomelo peel and optimizing raw carbon amount and prolysis temperature. The resulting MoO2/Mo2C@C is composed of loose microspheres with mesoporous microstructure and is self‐assembled from nanoparticles. The results show that MoO2/Mo2C@C2 material exhibits excellent HER performance and only a low overpotentials of 143 mV is needed to drive the current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline solution, and Tafel slopes are only 63.4 mV dec−1, respectively. Notably, it has potential application at low overpotentials to drive large current density and this strategy also provides a universal route to prepare non‐noble metal catalyst with hybrid phase of oxide/carbide.
Drug cross‐linking electrospun fiber for effective infected wound healing
Authors: Luo Yuting , Zheng Sen , Wang Kun , Luo Hangqi , Shi Huiling , Cui Yanna , Li Bingxin , He Huacheng , Wu Jiang
Published: May 2023

The management of infected wounds is still an intractable challenge in clinic. Development of antibacterial wound dressing is of great practical significance for wound management. Herein, a natural‐derived antibacterial drug, tannic acid (TA), was incorporated into the electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber (TA/PVA fiber, 952 ± 40 nm in diameter). TA worked as a cross‐linker via hydrogen bonding with PVA to improve the physicochemical properties of the fiber and to reach a sustained drug release (88% release of drug at 48 h). Improved mechanical property (0.8–1.2 MPa) and computational simulation validated the formation of the hydrogen bonds between TA and PVA. Moreover, the antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory characteristics of TA laid the foundation for the application of TA/PVA fiber in repairing infected wounds. Meanwhile, in vitro studies proved the high hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility of TA/PVA fiber. Further in vivo animal investigation showed that the TA/PVA fiber promoted the repair of infected wound by inhibiting the bacterial growth, promoting granulation formation, and collagen matrix deposition, accelerating angiogenesis, and inducing M2 macrophage polarization within 14 days. All the data demonstrated that the TA cross‐linked fiber would be a potent dressing for bacteria‐infected wound healing.
The impact of moderate aortic stenosis in acute myocardial infarction: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Abraham Bishoy , Farina Juan M. , Fath Ayman , Abdou Merna , Elbanna Mostafa , Suppah Mustafa , Sleem Mohamed , Eldaly Abdullah , Aly Mohamed , Megaly Michael , Agasthi Pradyumna , Chao Chieh‐Ju , Fortuin David , Alsidawi Said , Ayoub Chadi , Alkhouli Mohamad , El Sabbagh Abdallah , Holmes David , Brilakis Emmanouil S. , Arsanjani Reza
Published: May 2023

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with myocardial ischemia through different mechanisms and may impair coronary arterial flow. However, data on the impact of moderate AS in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) is limited.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the impact of moderate AS in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who presented with acute MI to all Mayo Clinic hospitals, using the Enterprise Mayo PCI Database from 2005 to 2016. Patients were stratified into two groups: moderate AS and mild/no AS. The primary outcome was all cause mortality.

Results

The moderate AS group included 183 (13.3%) patients, and the mild/no AS group included 1190 (86.7%) patients. During hospitalization, there was no difference between both groups in mortality. Patients with moderate AS had higher in‐hospital congestive heart failure (CHF) (8.2% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.025) compared with mild/no AS patients. At 1‐year follow‐up, patients with moderate AS had higher mortality (23.9% vs. 8.1%, p < 0.001) and higher CHF hospitalization (8.3% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.028). In multivariate analysis, moderate AS was associated with higher mortality at 1‐year (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval [1.4–4.1], p = 0.002). In subgroup analyses, moderate AS increased all‐cause mortality in STEMI and NSTEMI patients.

Conclusion

The presence of moderate AS in acute MI patients was associated with worse clinical outcomes during hospitalization and at 1‐year follow‐up. These unfavorable outcomes highlight the need for a close follow‐up of these patients and for timely therapeutic strategies to best manage these coexisting conditions.
Enantioenriched BoronC,N‐Chelates via Chirality Transfer
Authors: Stöckl Yannick , Tait Ethan J. , Frey Wolfgang , Wegner Sascha , Claasen Birgit , Zens Anna , Laschat Sabine
Published: May 2023

Molecules stereogenic only at tetrahedral boron atoms show great promise for applications, for example as chiroptical materials, but are scarcely investigated due to their synthetic challenge. Hence, this study reports a two‐step synthesis of enantioenriched boronC,N‐chelates. First, the diastereoselective complexation of alkyl/aryl borinates with chiral aminoalcohols furnished boron stereogenic heterocycles in up to 86 % yield and d.r. >98 : 2. Treatment of theseO,N‐complexes with chelate nucleophiles was surmised to transfer the stereoinformation via the ate‐complex into theC,N‐products. This chirality transfer succeeded by substitution of theO,N‐chelates with lithiated phenyl pyridine to give boron stereogenicC,N‐chelates in up to 84 % yield and e.r. up to 97 : 3. The chiral aminoalcohol ligands could be recovered after isolation of theC,N‐chelates. The chirality transfer tolerated alkyl, alkynyl and (hetero‐)aryl moieties at boron and could be further extended by post‐modification: transformations such as catalytic hydrogenations or sequential deprotonation/electrophilic trapping were feasible while maintaining the stereochemical integrity of theC,N‐chelates. Structural aspects of the boron chelates were studied by variable temperature NMR and X‐ray diffraction.
Balanced Energy Gaps as a Key Design Rule for Solution‐Phase Organic Room Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Paredis Simon , Cardeynaels Tom , Kuila Suman , Deckers Jasper , Van Landeghem Melissa , Vandewal Koen , Danos Andrew , Monkman Andrew P. , Champagne Benoît , Maes Wouter
Published: May 2023

Metal‐free organic emitters that display solution‐phase room temperature phosphorescence (sRTP) remain exceedingly rare. Here, we investigate the structural and photophysical properties that support sRTP by comparing a recently reported sRTP compound (BTaz−Th−PXZ) to two novel analogous materials, replacing the donor group by either acridine or phenothiazine. The emissive triplet excited state remains fixed in all three cases, while the emissive charge‐transfer singlet states (and the calculated paired charge‐transfer T2 state) vary with the donor unit. While all three materials show dominant RTP in film, in solution different singlet‐triplet and triplet‐triplet energy gaps give rise to triplet‐triplet annihilation followed by weak sRTP for the new compounds, compared to dominant sRTP throughout for the original PXZ material. Engineering both the sRTP state and higher charge‐transfer states therefore emerges as a crucial element in designing emitters capable of sRTP.
Adsorbents for adsorption separation of CO2 and CH4: A literature review
Authors: Shen Jiaxuan , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Yani
Published: May 2023

Natural gas consisting mainly of methane is becoming increasingly prominent as a clean energy source. However, the major impurity, carbon dioxide, can adversely affect the performance of natural gas. Therefore, separating CO2 from CH4 is necessary to decrease the erosion of pipelines and increase the calorific value. This paper aimed at reviewing the performances, mechanisms, and novel developments of common adsorbents to adsorb pure CH4, pure CO2, and their mixtures. Several studies suggest that zeolites exhibit better separating performance than metal organic frameworks (MOFs) except the modified amine‐MIL group. Activated carbons may not be suitable adsorbents due to low selectivity between CO2 and CH4. The modified amine‐MIL group are the best type of adsorbent to separate CO2 from CH4 and its best operating conditions are at low pressure (<2 bar), low feed composition of CO2, and near room temperature using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) method.
Tuning Charge Transport of Oligopeptide Junctions via Interfacial Amino Acids†
Authors: Guo Jiaxin , Qi Pan , Zhang Yongkang , Guo Cunlan
Published: May 2023

Comprehensive Summary

The charge transport through peptides can imitate the corresponding processes in more complicated proteins, enabling us to develop high‐performance bioelectronic devices and to understand the mechanisms of biomolecular recognition and information transfer. While charge transport modulation through individual peptides has been achieved via various covalent strategies, the intermolecular modulation is still very challenging, which may capture the charge transport between proteins. To tackle this challenge, we used well‐defined self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of oligopeptides as a model to imitate the interface of proteins and explored an interfacial amino acid strategy for charge transport modulation. We showed that non‐covalently interfaced charged amino acids (e.g., arginine) effectively attenuated the charge transport of glutamic acid terminated polyglycine peptide SAMs. By analyzing the relationship of the charge transport with the molecular frontier orbital relative to the Fermi energy level of the electrode, the molecule‐electrodes coupling (Γ), and the trends in skewness and kurtosis with voltage and the dielectric constant (εr), we showed that the attenuation was from the decreased Γ and the reduced polarizability. We present an efficient strategy to modulate the charge transport of oligopeptide‐SAM junctions by intermolecular interactions, which will advance our understanding of charge transport in biological systems and facilitate developing future electronics.
Deep‐Red to Near‐Infrared Carbon Dots in Biosensing and Bio‐medical Applications
Authors: Huang Shan , Yan Li , Chen Xiaojun , Zhu Jun‐Jie
Published: May 2023

Comprehensive Summary

With the rapid development in the field of biomedical diagnosis and treatment, carbon dots (CDs) with favorable photostability, biocompatibility and high quantum yields for deep‐red to near‐infrared emission have attracted the attention of a majority of researchers. By enlarging the sp2 domain in the core of CDs, doping them with heteroatoms like nitrogen and sulfur, applying hydrothermal, electrochemical, or microwave‐assisted techniques, CDs can be made with the aforementioned photoemission capabilities. In view of these excellent properties, CDs are flourishing in biosensing and biomedical applications, so that a thorough description and discussion of this topic is beneficial to capture the up‐to‐date progress of CDs in this field, providing suggestions and considerations for readers.
A reliable alternating multi‐path transmission control protocol scheduling for bandwidth aggregation performance
Authors: Bencheikh Mohammed , Zouaoui Chakib , Taleb Nasreddine , Boukelif Aoued , Benaouda Chaht Afaf , Naimi Mohamed
Published: May 2023

The Multi‐Path Transmission Control Protocol is a new generation protocol for the transport layer which allows multihomed devices to exploit simultaneously their own interfaces. This feature would normally lead to some high‐performance achievement in regard to regular TCP. However, the heterogeneous paths might cause the occurrence of the 'out‐of‐order' problem which requires the intervention of a more efficient scheduler to reach a high level of global bandwidth utilization. Since scheduling plays a key role in performance improvements, several studies have been implemented exploiting this idea, namely those that adopt the reactive approach and those others adopting the proactive one. In this paper, our goal is to improve the multipath throughput. The testbed experimentation consists primarily in the evaluation and analysis of the behaviour of different recent scheduling approaches with an asymmetric paths topology. Then, we propose an alternating scheduling approach which shed the light on bandwidth utilization. The results show that this approach is a more efficient solution than taking the reactive and proactive ones separately as it is based on a preliminary study that we conducted on the main performance and reliability parameters and has been implemented in the asymmetric multipath networks. This technique has led to a smart scheduling that provides a high level of throughput aggregation.
Magnetic Solid‐Phase Extraction of Fipronil from Aqueous Solution and Eggshells Using Amine‐Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Camızcı Aran Gülnur , Bayraç Ceren
Published: May 2023

Fipronil, as a broad use insecticide, is regulated under directives and standards in many countries since it is classed as Class II moderately hazardous pesticide and Group C possible human carcinogen. In this study, amine coated iron oxide (NH2−Fe3O4) is used as a new adsorbent with high adsorption capacity in the removal of fipronil from aqueous solution and eggshells.The adsorption performance was studied through batch adsorption under different concentrations of fipronil (10–200 μg/mL), different nanoparticles amount (0.1–1 mg) at different pH (4.5–6.0) and temperature (25–75 °C). Results showed that NH2−Fe3O4 nanoparticles (0.1 mg) have excellent adsorption efficiency (97.06 %) at 25 °C, and pH 5.5. It also showed higher adsorption capacity towards fipronil sulfide, fipronil sulfone and fipronil desulfinyl with removal efficiencies of 92.82 %, 86.35 % and 76.24 % from aqueous solution and 97.62 %, 76.97 % and 62.65 % from eggshells, respectively. Fipronil adsorption process on NH2−Fe3O4 nanoparticles showed best fitting to Langmuir adsorption isotherm indicating monolayer chemical adsorption by physicochemical interactions spontaneously on homogenous surfaces. Having higher adsorption capacity and reusability NH2−Fe3O4 nanoparticles were shown to be effective adsorbents for removal of fipronil from aqueous solution and eggshells.
Investigating Neural Correlates of Behavior Through In Vivo Electrophysiology
Authors: Halladay Lindsay R.
Published: May 2023

Behavioral neuroscience has long relied on in vivo electrophysiology to provide spatially and temporally precise answers to complex questions about the neural dynamics underlying sensory processing and action execution. Investigating the neural correlates of behavior can be challenging in freely behaving animals, especially when making inferences related to internal states that are temporally or conceptually ambiguous, such as decision‐making or motivation. This necessitates careful creation of appropriate and rigorous controls and awareness of the many potential confounds when attributing neural signals to animal behavior. This article discusses fundamental considerations for the optimal design and interpretation of in vivo rodent electrophysiological recording experiments and focuses on the different optimization strategies required when investigating neural encoding of external stimuli versus free behavior. The first protocol offers suggestions specific to intracranial surgical implantation of multielectrode arrays. The second protocol delves into optimization strategies and tips useful for designing and interpreting recording experiments conducted in freely behaving rodents. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Surgical implantation of the multielectrode array

Basic Protocol 2: Optimizing experimental design and parameters
Safeguarding plant genetic resources in the United States during global climate change
Authors: Volk Gayle M. , Carver Dan , Irish Brian M. , Marek Laura , Frances Anne , Greene Stephanie , Khoury Colin K. , Bamberg John , del Rio Alfonso , Warburton Marilyn L. , Bretting Peter K.
Published: May 2023

Plant genetic resources (PGR) underpin the security of global agriculture. Rapid global climate change presents formidable challenges for ex situ and in situ PGR management programs that operate over extended timeframes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) maintains more than 605,000 PGR accessions representing over 16,300 plant species in 20 genebank locations. These PGR are maintained in cold storage as seeds and vegetative tissues that must be periodically regenerated; or as actively growing plants in fields, greenhouses, screenhouses, and in vitro; or in some cases within in situ reserves. The complicated relationships between crops and their growth environments present unique challenges regarding PGR maintenance under a changing climate. Here we present potential effects of climate change on ex situ PGR maintenance and reproductive success, pollinators and beneficial insects, pathogens and pests, infrastructure considerations, and wild populations within NPGS in situ reserves. We provide a novel tool that summarizes past US temperature and precipitation data alongside future climate projections to guide ongoing planning for the effects of climate change for NPGS genebanks throughout the United States. A series of case studies exemplify instances where climate change has already impacted NPGS PGR management. Ongoing improvements to NPGS PGR management in response to climate change require continued observations of the current effects, careful and innovative planning, and creative approaches to ensure that PGR are successfully conserved for future generations.
Analytically pricing European options under a hybrid stochastic volatility and interest rate model with a general correlation structure
Authors: He Xin‐Jiang , Lin Sha
Published: May 2023

In this paper, an additional factor is introduced into the Heston–Hull–White (HHW) hybrid model, which originally combines the Heston stochastic volatility model and the Hull–White stochastic interest rate model, to capture the correlation between the underlying price and the interest rate, while at the same time preserve the analytical tractability. With the analytical solution to the characteristic function of the underlying price being successfully derived, a closed‐form pricing formula for European options under the two‐factor HHW hybrid model is presented. Numerical experiments are also carried out to show the effect of the newly introduced factor. To further demonstrate the importance of introducing the correlation, we have also conducted an empirical study, comparing the performance of our model and that of the HHW model, based on European options written on S&P 500 index.
Exploring the acute effects of running on cerebral blood flow and food cue reactivity in healthy young men using functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Thackray Alice E. , Hinton Elanor C. , Alanazi Turki M. , Dera Abdulrahman M. , Fujihara Kyoko , Hamilton‐Shield Julian P. , King James A. , Lithander Fiona E. , Miyashita Masashi , Thompson Julie , Morgan Paul S. , Davies Melanie J. , Stensel David J.
Published: May 2023

Acute exercise suppresses appetite and alters food‐cue reactivity, but the extent exercise‐induced changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) influences the blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signal during appetite‐related paradigms is not known. This study examined the impact of acute running on visual food‐cue reactivity and explored whether such responses are influenced by CBF variability. In a randomised crossover design, 23 men (mean ± SD: 24 ± 4 years, 22.9 ± 2.1 kg/m2) completed fMRI scans before and after 60 min of running (68% ± 3% peak oxygen uptake) or rest (control). Five‐minute pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labelling fMRI scans were conducted for CBF assessment before and at four consecutive repeat acquisitions after exercise/rest. BOLD‐fMRI was acquired during a food‐cue reactivity task before and 28 min after exercise/rest. Food‐cue reactivity analysis was performed with and without CBF adjustment. Subjective appetite ratings were assessed before, during and after exercise/rest. Exercise CBF was higher in grey matter, the posterior insula and in the region of the amygdala/hippocampus, and lower in the medial orbitofrontal cortex and dorsal striatum than control (main effect trial p ≤ .018). No time‐by‐trial interactions for CBF were identified (p ≥ .087). Exercise induced moderate‐to‐large reductions in subjective appetite ratings (Cohen's d = 0.53–0.84; p ≤ .024) and increased food‐cue reactivity in the paracingulate gyrus, hippocampus, precuneous cortex, frontal pole and posterior cingulate gyrus. Accounting for CBF variability did not markedly alter detection of exercise‐induced BOLD signal changes. Acute running evoked overall changes in CBF that were not time dependent and increased food‐cue reactivity in regions implicated in attention, anticipation of reward, and episodic memory independent of CBF.
Longitudinal changes in swallowing function after surgery and proactive swallowing therapy for oral cancer
Authors: Meng Nai‐Hsin , Li Chia‐Ing , Hua Chun‐Hung , Lin Tzu‐Chieh , Chiu Chien‐Jen , Lin Chien‐Lin , Tsai Ming‐Hsui , Chiu Pei‐Ju , Chang Wen‐Dien , Tsou Yung‐An
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to describe and explore the longitudinal changes in swallowing function among patients with oral cancer who underwent surgery and proactive swallowing therapy from baseline to 1‐year postoperation.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 118 patients over a 4.5‐year duration. Swallowing functional assessment including 10‐item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT‐10), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), M. D. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory, and Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™) was performed at baseline, 1‐month, 6‐month, and 1‐year postoperatively.

Results

All swallowing parameters worsened 1‐month postoperation. EAT‐10, FOIS, and MBSImP™ oral and pharyngeal impairment scores improved significantly compared with 1‐month postoperation at 6 months. Other swallowing parameters, except for weight, did not differ significantly from baseline at 6 months. The rate of tube‐feeding dependency was 11.5% and 5.6% at 1 and 6 months postoperation, respectively.

Conclusions

Periodic swallowing functional assessments help delineate the longitudinal changes in swallowing functional outcomes.
The relationship between safety‐net hospital status and outcomes among elderly head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Tashman Katherine , Noyes Elizabeth A. , Warinner Chloe B. , Ogbonna Joseph , Gomez Ernest , Jalisi Scharukh M.
Published: May 2023

Background

The impact of safety‐net status, case volume, and outcomes among geriatric head and neck cancer patients is unknown.

Methods

Chi‐square tests and Student's t tests to compare head and neck surgery outcomes of elderly patients between safety‐net and non‐safety‐net hospitals. Multivariable linear regressions to determine predictors of outcome variables including mortality index, ICU stays, 30‐day readmission, total direct cost, and direct cost index.

Results

Compared with non‐safety‐net hospitals, safety‐net hospitals had a higher average mortality index (1.04 vs. 0.32, p = 0.001), higher mortality rate (1% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.002), and higher direct cost index (p = 0.001). A multivariable model of mortality index found the interaction between safety‐net status and medium case volume was predictive of higher mortality index (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Safety‐net status is correlated with higher mortality index and cost in geriatric head and neck cancer patients. The interaction between medium volume and safety‐net status is independently predictive of higher mortality index.