bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annular Conductive Hydrogel‐Mediated Wireless Electrical Stimulation for Augmenting Neurogenesis
Authors: Hong Jing , Zhu Zhanchi , Wang Zhaojun , Li Jiawei , Liu Zhongqing , Tan Rui , Hao Ying , Cheng Guosheng
Published: May 2024

Electrical stimulation (ES) has a remarkable capacity to regulate neuronal differentiation and neurogenesis in the treatment of various neurological diseases. However, wired devices connected to the stimulating electrode and the mechanical mismatch between conventional rigid electrodes and soft tissues restrict their motion and cause possible infections, thereby limiting their clinical utility. An approach integrating the advantages of wireless techniques and soft hydrogels provides new insights into ES‐induced nerve regeneration. Herein, a flexible and implantable wireless ES‐responsive electrode based on an annular gelatin methacrylate‐polyaniline (Gel/Pani) hydrogel is fabricated and used as a secondary coil to achieve wireless ES via electromagnetic induction in the presence of a primary coil. The Gel/Pani hydrogels exhibit favorable biocompatibility, biodegradability, conductivity, and compression resistance. The annular electrode of the Gel/Pani conductive hydrogel (AECH) supports neural stem cell growth, while the applied wireless ES facilitates neuronal differentiation and the formation of functional neural networks in vitro. Furthermore, AECH is implanted in vivo in rats with ischemic stroke and the results reveal that AECH‐mediated wireless ES significantly ameliorates brain impairment and neurological function by activating endogenous neurogenesis. This novel flexible hydrogel system addresses wireless stimulation and implantable technical challenges, holding great potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Advances in Mixed Tin‐Lead Narrow‐Bandgap Perovskites for Single‐Junction and All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Fengjiu , Zhu Kai
Published: May 2024

Organic–inorganic metal‐halide perovskites have received great attention for photovoltaic (PV) applications owing to their superior optoelectronic properties and the unprecedented performance development. For single‐junction PV devices, although lead (Pb)‐based perovskite solar cells have achieved 26.1% efficiency, the mixed tin‐lead (Sn‐Pb) perovskites offer more ideal bandgap tuning capability to enable an even higher performance. The Sn‐Pb perovskite (with a bandgap tuned to ≈1.2 eV) is also attractive as the bottom subcell for a tandem configuration to further surpass the Shockley–Queisser radiative limit for the single‐junction devices. The performance of the all‐perovskite tandem solar cells has gained rapid development and achieved a certified efficiency up to 29.1%. In this article, the properties and recent development of state‐of‐the‐art mixed Sn‐Pb perovskites and their application in single‐junction and all‐perovskite tandem solar cells are reviewed. Recent advances in various approaches covering additives, solvents, interfaces, and perovskite growth are highlighted. The authors also provide the perspective and outlook on the challenges and strategies for further development of mixed Sn‐Pb perovskites in both efficiency and stability for PV applications.
What Matters for the Charge Transport of 2D Perovskites?
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Abdi‐Jalebi Mojtaba , Larson Bryon W. , Zhang Fei
Published: May 2024

Compared to 3D perovskites, 2D perovskites exhibit excellent stability, structural diversity, and tunable bandgaps, making them highly promising for applications in solar cells, light‐emitting diodes, and photodetectors. However, the trade‐off for worse charge transport is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. This comprehensive review first discusses the structure of 3D and 2D metal halide perovskites, then summarizes the significant factors influencing charge transport in detail and provides a brief overview of the testing methods. Subsequently, various strategies to improve the charge transport are presented, including tuning A′‐site organic spacer cations, A‐site cations, B‐site metal cations, and X‐site halide ions. Finally, an outlook on the future development of improving the 2D perovskites’ charge transport is discussed.
Machine‐Learning‐Assisted Rational Design of Si─Rhodamine as Cathepsin‐pH‐Activated Probe for Accurate Fluorescence Navigation
Authors: Xiang Fei‐Fan , Zhang Hong , Wu Yan‐Ling , Chen Yu‐Jin , Liu Yan‐Zhao , Chen Shan‐Yong , Guo Yan‐Zhi , Yu Xiao‐Qi , Li Kun
Published: May 2024

High‐performance fluorescent probes stand as indispensable tools in fluorescence‐guided imaging, and are crucial for precise delineation of focal tissue while minimizing unnecessary removal of healthy tissue. Herein, machine‐learning‐assisted strategy to investigate the current available xanthene dyes is first proposed, and a quantitative prediction model to guide the rational synthesis of novel fluorescent molecules with the desired pH responsivity is constructed. Two novel Si─rhodamine derivatives are successfully achieved and the cathepsin/pH sequentially activated probe Si─rhodamine─cathepsin‐pH (SiR─CTS‐pH) is constructed. The results reveal that SiR─CTS‐pH exhibits higher signal‐to‐noise ratio of fluorescence imaging, compared to single pH or cathepsin‐activated probe. Moreover, SiR─CTS‐pH shows strong differentiation abilities for tumor cells and tissues and accurately discriminates the complex hepatocellular carcinoma tissues from normal ones, indicating its significant application potential in clinical practice. Therefore, the continuous development of xanthene dyes and the rational design of superior fluorescent molecules through machine‐learning‐assisted model broaden the path and provide more advanced methods to researchers.
Scientific Discovery at the Press of a Button: Navigating Emerging Cloud Laboratory Technology
Authors: Arias D. Sebastian , Taylor Rebecca E.
Published: May 2024

The “cloud lab,” an automated laboratory that allows researchers to program and conduct physical experiments remotely, represents a paradigm shift in scientific practice. This shift from wet‐lab research as a primarily manual enterprise to one more akin to programming bears incredible promise by democratizing a completely new level of automation and its advantages to the scientific community. Moreover, they provide a foundation on which automated science driven by artificial intelligence (A.I.) can be built upon and thereby resolve limitations in scope and accessibility that current systems face. With a focus on DNA nanotechnology, the authors have had the opportunity to explore and apply the cloud lab to active research. This perspective delves into the future potential of cloud labs in accelerating scientific research and broadening access to automation. The challenges associated with the technology in its current state are further explored, including difficulties in experimental troubleshooting, the limited applicability of its parallelization in an academic setting, as well as the potential reduction in experimental flexibility associated with the approach.
Biocompatible and Implantable Hydrogel Optical Waveguide with Lens‐Microneedles for Enhancing Light Delivery in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Li Lieber Po‐Hung , Li Ai‐Wei , Chen Wei‐Yu , Cheng Chia‐Hsiung , Chen Yu‐Bin , Liu Cheng‐Yang
Published: May 2024

The finite penetration depth of light in biological tissues is a practical constraint in light‐induced therapies, such as antimicrobial light therapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic cancer therapy. Herein, a biocompatible and implantable device, termed hydrogel planar waveguide with lens‐microneedles, for light delivery in deep tissue is demonstrated. The prototype device, integrated planar waveguide and lens‐microneedles, is fabricated by press‐molding polyethylene glycol diacrylate polymers. The optical beams through the lens‐microneedles are focused at a specific point to realize the optimal intensity profile in the tissue. The adequate treatment depth and region for the hydrogel planar waveguide with five lens‐microneedles are extended to 24 mm and 3.1 cm2. The photoswitchable chemotherapeutic against colorectal cancer cells is switched by using different hydrogel waveguides. The performances of hydrogel‐waveguide‐enabled photoswitching are characterized by the dose responses from the optical microscope, crystal violet staining, and MTT assays. The anticancer drug activated by the hydrogel planar waveguide with five lens‐microneedles is shown to be twice as effective as the other fibers and waveguides in causing cancer cell death. The proposed biodegradable waveguide can be utilized for long‐term light delivery and does not require to be removed as it is gradually resorbed by the tissue. The results point to a new paradigm for widespread use in photomedicine.
Arsenic Diffusion in MOVPE‐Grown GaAs/Ge Epitaxial Structures
Authors: Orejuela V. , García‐Tabares E. , Rey‐Stolle I. , García I.
Published: May 2024

Germanium is reemerging as a prominent material in the semiconductor field, particularly for electronic applications, photonics, photovoltaics, and thermophotovoltaics. Its combination with III‐V compound semiconductors through epitaxial growth by metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) is instrumental and thus, the comprehension of the sequential stages in such epitaxial processes is of great importance. During the deposition of GaAs on p‐type Ge, the formation of n/p junctions occurs when As diffuses into Ge. It is found that this formation begins in the so‐called AsH3 preexposure where Ge substrate is first exposed to AsH3. Also important is the fact that both free carrier profiles and As profiles indicate that prolonged AsH3 preexposure times lead to deeper diffusion depths for the same process time. This effect is concomitant with the degradation of the Ge surface morphology, characterized by higher roughness as the AsH3 preexposure duration is extended. Unlike ion‐implanted As in Ge, which shows a quadratic dependent diffusivity, this MOVPE investigation using AsH3 indicates a linear relationship, consistent with Takenaka et al.’s MOVPE study using TBAs. The analysis of As profiles alongside simulations, with and without subsequent GaAs epitaxy, suggests the generation of Ge vacancies during the process, contributing to deeper As diffusion.
Superconductivity and Pronounced Electron‐Phonon Coupling in Rock‐Salt Al1−xO1−x and Ti1−xO1−x
Authors: Žguns Pjotrs , Gedik Nuh , Yildiz Bilge , Li Ju
Published: May 2024

The highest ambient‐pressure Tc among binary compounds is 40 K (MgB2). Higher Tc is achieved in high‐pressure hydrides or multielement cuprates. Alternatively, are explored superconducting properties of binary, metastable sub‐oxides, that may emerge under extremely low oxygen partial pressure. The emphasis is on the rock‐salt structure, which is known to promote superconductivity, and exploring AlO, ScO, TiO, and NbO. Dynamic lattice stability is achieved by introducing metal and oxygen vacancies in the fashion of Nb1−xO1−x‐type structure (x = ¼). The electron‐phonon (e‐ph) coupling is remarkably large in Al1−xO1−x and Ti1−xO1−x (λ ≈ 2 at x = ¼), with Tc ≈ 35 K according to the Allen–Dynes equation. Significantly, the coupling strength is comparable to that in high‐pressure hydrides, yet, in contrast to hydrides and MgB2, the coupling is largely driven by low frequency phonons. Sc1−xO1−x and Nb1−xO1−x show significantly smaller λ and Tc. Further, hydrogen intercalation to boost λ and Tc is investigated. Only Ti1−x(O1−xHx) and Nb1−x(O1−xHx) are dynamically stable upon intercalation, where H, respectively, decreases and increases Tc. The effect of H doping on electronic structure and Tc is discussed. Altogether, the study suggests that metal sub‐oxides are promising compounds to achieve strong e‐ph coupling at ambient pressure.
Impacts of wide row spacings on yield and yield components of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Lawton Caitlyn B. , Snider John L. , Chee Peng W. , Hobby Sarah T. , Roberts Phillip M. , Pokhrel Amrit , Lee Joshua M. , Virk Gurpreet K. , Hand Lavesta C.
Published: May 2024

This study quantifies the effects of wide row spacing on lint yield, yield components, and fiber quality of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). An experiment was conducted in Tifton, GA in 2021 and 2022, where cotton was planted in six replications of 91‐, 122‐, 152‐, and 183‐cm row spacings. Following defoliation, 1.8 m was hand harvested from each plot, and boll density plant−1 and density ha−1 were determined for sympodial and monopodial branches. Additional measurements included fruit and lint yield distribution assessments and intra‐boll yield components including seed cotton weight boll−1, seed index, seed boll−1, lint weight seed−1, seed surface area (SSA), fiber density, and single fiber weight. Lint yield was reduced 20% in the 183‐cm row spacing compared to the 91‐cm row spacing. The 91‐cm rows had the lowest number of sympodial bolls plant−1 with 152‐ and 183‐cm rows demonstrating a 24%–28% increase in sympodial bolls plant−1. Sympodial bolls ha−1 were reduced 22% in the 183‐cm row spacing compared to the 91‐cm row spacing. There were no differences in bolls ha−1 or lint yield ha−1 with respect to monopodial growth. There were no differences in seed cotton weight boll−1, seeds boll−1, fiber density, single fiber weight, or turnout. Seed index and SSA were increased in the 183‐cm row spacing. Lint weight seed−1 was reduced in the 91‐cm row spacing.
Nutritional quality of kabuli and desi chickpea in Argentina: Effects of environment
Authors: Balbo Raquel , Balzarini Mónica , Carreras Julia , Allende María José , Aguilar Roxana , Silva Mercedes , Karlin Marcos , Alvarez Carolina , Martínez María José
Published: May 2024

The environment to which a crop is exposed during the growing season has a significant impact on seed composition. The objectives of this study were to (1) estimate the contribution of genotype (G), environment (E), and their interaction (G × E) to the agronomic features and seed quality of chickpea and (2) identify climatic variables that significantly affect chickpea nutritional composition. A total of 10 pre‐commercial and commercial cultivars of Cicer arietinum L. were evaluated in 15 environments in Argentina. Average plant height ranged between 44.7 and 55.2 cm, 100‐seed weight was 38 and 27 g, and grain yield was 750 and 1500 kg ha−1 for kabuli and desi chickpea, respectively. The results obtained from the variance component analysis showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) contributions of the effects of G, E, and G × E interaction on the nutritional quality of chickpea seeds. Protein, carbohydrates, and mineral content were mostly affected by E, whereas oil content was G‐dependent. Only tocopherols were affected by G × E interaction. The total phenotypic variance is mostly composed of environmental effects captured during the seed filling period. High mean daily air temperature had a negative effect on carbohydrates and increased protein and mineral content. The fatty acid profile and gamma tocopherol contents were affected by accumulated precipitation and evapotranspiration. Air humidity was negatively correlated with protein content and iodine value. Results from this research are useful for breeders to broaden the genetic background of chickpea genotypes and for farmers to identify climatic conditions that impact grain quality.
Tackling Data Scarcity Challenge through Active Learning in Materials Processing with Electrospray
Authors: Wang Fanjin , Harker Anthony , Edirisinghe Mohan , Parhizkar Maryam
Published: May 2024

Machine learning (ML) has been harnessed as a promising modelling tool for materials research. However, small data, or data scarcity, is a bottleneck when incorporating ML in studies involving experimentation. Current experiment planning methods show several disadvantages: one‐factor‐at‐a‐time (OFAT) experimentation became impractical due to limited laboratory resources; conventional design of experiments (DoE) failed to incorporate high‐dimensional features in ML; Surrogate‐based or Bayesian optimization (BO) shifted the goal to optimize material properties rather than guiding training data accumulation. The present research proposes leveraging active learning (AL) to strategically select critical data for experimentation. Two AL strategies, query‐by‐Committee (QBC) algorithm and Greedy method, are benchmarked against random query baseline on various materials datasets. AL is shown to efficiently reduce model prediction errors with minimal additional experiment data. Investigation of hyperparameters revealed benefits of applying AL at an early stage of experimental dataset construction. Moreover, AL is implemented and validated for an in‐house materials development task ‐ electrospray modelling. AL exploration as a paradigm is highlighted to guide experiment design for efficient data accumulation purposes, and its potential for further ML modelling. In doing so, the power of ML is expected to be fully unleashed to experimental researchers.
3D‐Printed Soft Proprioceptive Graded Porous Actuators with Strain Estimation by System Identification
Authors: Willemstein Nick , van der Kooij Herman , Sadeghi Ali
Published: May 2024

Integration of both actuation and proprioception into the robot body leads to a single integrated system that can deform and sense. Within this work, liquid rope coiling is used to 3D‐print soft graded porous actuators. By fabricating these actuators from a conductive thermoplastic elastomer, piezoresistive sensing is directly integrated. These sensor‐integrated actuators exhibit nonlinearities and hysteresis in their resistance change. To overcome this challenge, a novel approach that uses identified Wiener–Hammerstein (WH) models is proposed to estimate the strain based on the resistance change. Three actuator types were investigated, namely, a bending actuator, a contractor, and a three degrees of freedom bending segment. By using the design freedom of additive manufacturing to set the porosity, the actuation and sensing behavior of a contracting actuator can be programmed. Furthermore, the WH models can provide strain estimation with on average high fits (83%) and low root mean square (RMS) errors (6%) for all three actuators, which outperformed linear models significantly (76.2/9.4% fit/RMS error). In these results, it is indicated that combining 3D‐printed graded porous structures and system identification can realize sensor‐integrated actuators that can estimate their strain but also tailor their behavior through the porosity.
Irisin Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid Correlate with Biomarkers and Clinical Dementia Scores in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Dicarlo Manuela , Pignataro Patrizia , Zecca Chiara , Dell'Abate Maria Teresa , Urso Daniele , Gnoni Valentina , Giugno Alessia , Borlizzi Francesco , Zerlotin Roberta , Oranger Angela , Colaianni Graziana , Colucci Silvia , Logroscino Giancarlo , Grano Maria
Published: May 2024

Objective

Irisin, released by muscles during exercise, was recently identified as a neuroprotective factor in mouse models of Alzheimer disease (AD). In a cohort of AD patients, we studied cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma irisin levels, sex interactions, and correlations with disease biomarkers.

Methods

Correlations between CSF and plasma irisin levels and AD biomarkers (amyloid β 1‐42, hyperphosphorylated tau, and total tau [t‐tau]) and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SOB) were analyzed in a cohort of patients with Alzheimer dementia (n = 82), mild cognitive impairment (n = 44), and subjective memory complaint (n = 20) biologically characterized according to the recent amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration classification.

Results

CSF irisin was reduced in Alzheimer dementia patients (p < 0.0001), with lower levels in female patients. Moreover, CSF irisin correlated positively with Aβ42 in both female (r = 0.379, p < 0.001) and male (r = 0.262, p < 0.05) patients, and negatively with CDR‐SOB (r = −0.234, p < 0.05) only in female patients. A negative trend was also observed between CSF irisin and t‐tau levels in all patients (r = −0.144, p = 0.082) and in the female subgroup (r = −0.189, p = 0.084).

Interpretation

The results highlight the relationship between irisin and biomarkers of AD pathology, especially in females. Our findings also offer perspectives toward the use of irisin as a marker of the AD continuum. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:61–73
[2.2]Benzoindenophane‐Based Chiral Indenyl Ligands: Design, Synthesis, and Applications in Asymmetric C−H Activation
Authors: Guo Weicong , Jiang Jijun , Wang Jun
Published: May 2024

Development of chiral indenyl ligands for asymmetric C−H activation is a longstanding challenge, and extremely few successes have been achieved. In this paper, we describe a class of readily accessible, facilely tunable and user‐friendly chiral indenyl ligands featuring a [2.2]benzoindenophane skeleton via a divergent synthesis strategy. The corresponding chiral indenyl rhodium catalysts were successfully applied in the asymmetric C−H activation reaction of O‐Boc hydroxybenzamide with alkenes to give various chiral dihydroisoquinolone products (up to 97 % yield, up to 98 % ee). Moreover, the asymmetric C−H activation reaction of carboxylic acids with alkynes was also successfully accomplished, providing a range of axially chiral isocoumarins (up to 99 % yield, up to 94 % ee). Notably, this represents the first example of enantioselective transition metal catalyzed C(sp2)−H activation/oxidative coupling of benzoic acids with internal alkynes to construct isocoumarins. Given many attractive features of this class of indenyl ligands, such as convenient synthesis, high tunability and exclusive face‐selectivity of coordination, its applications in more catalytic asymmetric C−H activation and in other asymmetric catalysis are foreseen.
Photoinduced Low‐Valent Zirconium Catalysis for Cross‐Electrophile Coupling of Ethers
Authors: Guo Ping , Song Xuedong , Huang Banruo , Zhang Ruixue , Zhao Jie
Published: May 2024

Accessing versatile C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond through the cross‐electrophile coupling of two distinct etheric C−O bonds is crucial in organic synthesis but remains barely explored. Herein, we report an innovative photoinduced low‐valent zirconocene catalysis enabling the reductive coupling of ethers with high activity and cross‐selectivity. Mechanistic investigation suggests that photoexcitation of low‐valent zirconocene facilitates the C(sp3)−O bond scission of benzylic ethers, leading to the benzylic radicals intermediate via a single‐electron reduction pathway. The subsequent recombination of this benzylic radical with the Zr center followed by carbomagnesiation generates benzylic Grignard reagents for downstream coupling with aliphatic ethers through an SN2‐like mechanism. In application, a wide range of ethers readily in situ derived from aldehydes and ketones becomes feasible with high functional group compatibility as well as excellent cross‐selectivity.
An Organophosphorescence Probe with Ultralong Lifetime and Intrinsic Tissue Selectivity for Specific Tumor Imaging and Guided Tumor Surgery
Authors: Gao Heqi , Zhang Tingting , Lei Yunxiang , Jiao Di , Yu Bo , Yuan Wang Zhang , Ji Jian , Jin Qiao , Ding Dan
Published: May 2024

Organic phosphorescent materials are excellent candidates for use in tumor imaging. However, a systematic comparison of the effects of the intensity, lifetime, and wavelength of phosphorescent emissions on bioimaging performance has not yet been undertaken. In addition, there have been few reports on organic phosphorescent materials that specifically distinguish tumors from normal tissues. This study addresses these gaps and reveals that longer lifetimes effectively increase the signal intensity, whereas longer wavelengths enhance the penetration depth. Conversely, a strong emission intensity with a short lifetime does not necessarily yield robust imaging signals. Building upon these findings, an organo‐phosphorescent material with a lifetime of 0.94 s was designed for tumor imaging. Remarkably, the phosphorescent signals of various organic nanoparticles are nearly extinguished in blood‐rich organs because of the quenching effect of iron ions. Moreover, for the first time, we demonstrated that iron ions universally quench the phosphorescence of organic room‐temperature phosphorescent materials, which is an inherent property of such substances. Leveraging this property, both the normal liver and hepatitis tissues exhibit negligible phosphorescent signals, whereas liver tumors display intense phosphorescence. Therefore, phosphorescent materials, unlike chemiluminescent or fluorescent materials, can exploit this unique inherent property to selectively distinguish liver tumor tissues from normal tissues without additional modifications or treatments.
Tetraborated Intrinsically Axial Chiral Multi‐resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Materials
Authors: Yuan Li , Xu Jun‐Wei , Yan Zhi‐Ping , Yang Yi‐Fan , Mao Dan , Hu Jia‐Jun , Ni Hua‐Xiu , Li Cheng‐Hui , Zuo Jing‐Lin , Zheng You‐Xuan
Published: May 2024

Chiral multi‐resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP‐MR‐TADF) materials hold promise for circularly polarized organic light‐emitting diodes (CP‐OLEDs) and 3D displays. Herein, we present two pairs of tetraborated intrinsically axial CP‐MR‐TADF materials, R/S‐BDBF‐BOH and R/S‐BDBT‐BOH, with conjugation‐extended bidibenzo[b,d]furan and bidibenzo[b,d]thiophene as chiral sources, which effectively participate in the distribution of the frontier molecular orbitals. Due to the heavy‐atom effect, sulfur atoms are introduced to accelerate the reverse intersystem crossing process and increase the efficiency of molecules. R/S‐BDBF‐BOH and R/S‐BDBT‐BOH manifest ultra‐pure blue emission with a maximum at 458/459 nm with a full width at half maximum of 27 nm, photoluminescence quantum yields of 90 %/91 %, and dissymmetry factors (|gPL|) of 6.8×10−4/8.5×10−4, respectively. Correspondingly, the CP‐OLEDs exhibit good performances with an external quantum efficiency of 30.1 % and |gEL| factors of 1.2×10−3.
Unraveling the Intertwining Factors Underlying the Assembly of High‐Nuclearity Heterometallic Clusters
Authors: Xu Na , Chen Wanmin , Miao Jun , Ding Yousong , Zheng Zhiping
Published: May 2024

Two closely related yet distinctly different cationic clusters, [Dy52Ni44(HEIDA)36(OH)138(OAc)24(H2O)30]10+ (1) and [Dy112Ni76(HEIDA)44(EIDA)24(IDA)4(OH)268(OAc)48(H2O)44]4+ (2) (HEIDA=N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)iminodiacetate), each featuring a multi‐shell core of Platonic and Archimedean polyhedra, were obtained. Depending on the specific conditions used for the co‐hydrolysis of Dy3+ and Ni2+, the product can be crystallized out as one particular type of cluster or as a mixture of 1 and 2. How the reaction process was affected by the amount of hydrolysis‐facilitating base and/or by the reaction temperature and duration was investigated. It has been found that a reaction at a high temperature and/or for an extended period favors the formation of the compact and thermodynamically more stable 1, while a brief reaction with a large amount of the base is good for the kinetic product 2. By tuning these intertwining conditions, the reaction can be regulated toward a particular product.
Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber vulcanizates filled with untreated pyrolytic tire char
Authors: Dechojarassri Duangkamol , Suwannakit Warissara , Danwanichakul Panu
Published: May 2024

Untreated pyrolytic tire char was used in natural rubber (STR20) composites as single filler at loadings of 30–70 phr and co‐filler with carbon black (N330) at a total loading of 50 phr. The results were compared with rubbers filled with N330 and crumb rubber at 30 phr. The effects of fillers on cure characteristic, crosslink density, filler dispersion in natural rubber vulcanizates and their mechanical properties were investigated. The slight reversions were seen for the cure characteristics of 70 phr‐char‐filled and all co‐filler samples because the sulfur amount in the char together with the added sulfur could shift the vulcanization system from EV to SEV, whereas plateau cure curves were seen for the rest. While the highest tensile strength of char‐filled sample was obtained at 50 phr loading, whose tensile strength was about 88% of the N330 sample at 30 phr, 70‐phr‐char filled sample was superior in surface hardness, abrasion resistance and tear strength to N330 sample at 30 phr. For rubber with co‐fillers, the mechanical properties depended on the mass ratio of N330 to pyrolytic tire char. Therefore, it is possible to use untreated char as reinforcing filler for suitable applications according to their properties.
Bulk‐Like Mott‐Transition in Ultrathin Cr‐Doped V2O3 Films and the Influence of its Variability on Scaled Devices
Authors: Mohr Johannes , Hennen Tyler , Bedau Daniel , Waser Rainer , Wouters Dirk J.
Published: May 2024

The pressure‐driven Mott‐transition in Chromium doped V2O3 films is investigated by direct electrical measurements on polycrystalline films with thicknesses down to 10 nm, and doping concentrations of 2%, 5%, and 15%. A change in resistivity of nearly two orders of magnitude is found for 2% doping. A simulation model based on a scaling law description of the phase transition and percolative behavior in a resistor lattice is developed. This is used to show that despite significant deviations in the film structure from single crystals, the transition behavior is very similar. Finally, the influence of the variability between grains on the characteristics of scaled devices is investigated and found to allow for scaling down to at least 50 nm device width.
High‐Speed and Low‐Power 2 × 2 Thermo‐Optic Switch Based on Dual Silicon Topological Nanobeam Cavities
Authors: Sun Qiyao , Pan Yingdi , Hu Pan , Liu Songyue , Lu Qi , Wang Hongwei , Sun Lu , Su Yikai
Published: May 2024

A 2 × 2 thermo‐optic (TO) switch using dual topological photonic crystal nanobeam (PCN) cavities on the silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) platform is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. A Fano resonance is observed due to the interference between the topological interface state of the 1D topological PCN cavity and the Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) cavity mode formed between the two facets of the finitely long nanobeam waveguide. Thanks to the sharp rising edge of the spectral response of the Fano resonance and the high confinement of light in the topological PCN cavities, a 2 × 2 TO switch is realized with short switching time and low power consumption. The measured switching power is only 1.55 mW, and the rising time and the falling time are 3 and 5.6 µs, respectively in the on‐off switching experiments. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first time that a dual topological PCN structure is utilized to realize a high‐speed and low‐power TO switch, revealing the possibility of designing high‐performance reconfigurable optical devices and networks using topological photonics.
An Emission‐Based Probe for the Detection and Quantification of DNA and RNA
Authors: Adak Soumen , Rahaman Sk. Atiur , Karmakar Susnata , Bandyopadhyay Subhajit
Published: May 2024

Sequence‐independent detection of low concentrations of nucleic acids is important for applications in forensics and diagnostics. An emission‐based probe for detecting and quantifying DNA and RNA utilizing a water‐soluble dicationic tetraphenylethene (TPE) derivativewas developed. The recognition is based on the electrostatic and other non‐covalent interactions between the phosphate backbone of nucleic acids and the cationic probe, which cause the restriction of rotation of the aryl units of the probe, ensuing in the enhancement of the fluorescence signal. The binding was validated by different spectroscopic techniques and also by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The probable mode of binding with the nucleic acids was studied by blind‐docking studies that correlated well with the experimental results.
Event‐triggered adaptive fault‐tolerant control for heterogeneous nonlinear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Xu Lin‐Xing , Zhao Lian‐Na , Li Yang
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a distributed adaptive output feedback consensus tracking control scheme is developed for heterogeneous nonlinear multi‐agent systems (MASs) with actuator failures. Unlike most existing results, the parameters in the considered MAS are unknown, and the system's nonlinear functions are not required to satisfy the Lipschitz condition. A kind of K‐filters with an additional design parameter is designed to suppress the effects of unknown actuator failures. In addition, an event‐triggering mechanism with a switching threshold method is designed to reduce the communication burden. With the proposed control scheme, the tracking error of each subsystem converges exponentially to an adjustable bound. Finally, a nonlinear MAS consisting of multiple single‐link robot manipulators is given to verify its effectiveness.
Neural correlates of response to joint attention in 2‐to‐5‐year‐olds in relation to ASD and social‐communicative abilities: An fNIRS and behavioral study
Authors: Piatti Alessandra , Van der Paelt Sara , Warreyn Petra , Roeyers Herbert
Published: May 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with life‐long challenges with social cognition, and one of its earliest and most common manifestations is atypical joint attention, which is a pivotal skill in social‐cognitive and linguistic development. Early interventions for ASD children often focus on training initiation of joint attention (IJA) and response to joint attention bids (RJA), which are important for social communication and cognition. Here, we used functional near‐infrared spectroscopy and behavioral measures to test typically developing (TD, n = 17) and ASD children (n = 18), to address the relationship between the neural correlates of RJA and social‐communicative behavior. Group‐level differences were present for RJA‐specific activation over right temporal sites, where TD children showed higher levels of activation during RJA than ASD children, whereas the two groups did not differ in the control condition. Correlations between neural activation and behavioral traits suggest that, in ASD children, neural activation during RJA is related to the frequency of RJA behavior when the former is measured over left temporal sites, and to social affect symptoms when considered for right temporal sites. Possible implications of the evidenced correlations are discussed.
Biorefinery potential of Dunaliella (Chlorophyta) for production of value‐added compounds
Authors: Sharma Yogita , Singh Gajendra Pal , Singh Chandra Pal
Published: May 2024

Dunaliella functions as a microscopic bioindustry that can capture atmospheric carbon dioxide and amass it into a range of economically viable compounds. Dunaliella‐based biorefineries have emerged as sustainable platforms for fostering a green economy and reducing carbon emissions. Dunaliella‐derived value‐added compounds are commercially important due to their application in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and nutraceutical sectors. The present study highlights the economic application of different Dunaliella species and the available sustainable technologies for the cultivation, harvesting, and extraction of bioactive compounds that have the potential for commercial scaleup. Their incorporation into biorefinery processes can reduce dependency on energy‐intensive and low‐yield processes.

This review briefly discusses the technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of Dunaliella‐driven industrial approaches for the optimization of effective yield and determination of final production costs. The major algal biorefineries are operational in countries like Australia, China, India, Israel, Japan, Portugal, Spain and the USA. The authors have comprehensively deliberated different aspects of Dunaliella from physiological to industrial applications, meanwhile underscoring the existing knowledge gaps that impede the success of Dunaliella biorefineries. The current industrial methods being employed for biorefineries are limited to producing individual bioproducts, which may not be fully cost effective, making them less competitive in the global market. However, the analysis carried out can serve as a starting point and can guide stakeholders towards the future direction of Dunaliella‐based research and the circular bioeconomy.
Starch‐based films affected by the addition of collagen from Prochilodus magdalenae residues and HPMC: Application in Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) coatings
Authors: Acevedo‐Puello Vanessa , Gómez‐Contreras Paula , Ortega‐Toro Rodrigo
Published: May 2024

Starch‐based films offer the advantages of biodegradability, edibility, barrier properties, flexibility, and adaptability. This study compared the physicochemical properties of starch‐based films by adding raw fish collagen and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). The tensile properties were evaluated, and the interaction with water was analyzed. Barrier properties, such as water vapor and oxygen permeability, were examined, and optical properties, such as gloss and good internal transmittance, were evaluated. The films were evaluated as coatings on Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth) for 2 weeks at 85% RH and 25°C. The results showed that the inclusion of collagen caused a reduction in the tensile strength and elastic modulus of the films. Also, the formulation with the highest collagen concentration (F7) exhibited the lowest weight loss and water vapor permeability, also it had the highest collagen concentration and showed the highest reduction in Xw and WAC, with values of 0.048 and 0.65 g water/g dry film, respectively. According to analyzing the optical properties, F1 presented the highest bright‐ness and transmittance values, with 18GU and 82 nm values, respectively. In general, the films and coatings are alternatives to traditional packaging materials to prolong the shelf life of these fruits.
CRISPR‐Cas9 mediated genome editing of Kluyveromyces marxianus for iterative, multiplexed gene disruption and pathway integration
Authors: Wang Wenliang , Wang Xinkai , Tan Yadi , Zhao Shuo , Zhao Liqian , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: May 2024

Kluyveromyces marxianus, a thermotolerant, fast‐growing, Crabtree‐negative yeast, is a promising chassis for the manufacture of various bioproducts. Although several genome editing tools are available for this yeast, these tools still require refinement to enable more convenient and efficient genetic modification. In this study, we engineered the K. marxianus NBRC 104275 strain by impairing the nonhomologous end joining and enhancing the homologous recombination machinery, which resulted in improved homology‐directed repair effective on homology arms of up to 40 bp in length. Additionally, we simplified the CRISPR‐Cas9 editing system by constructing a strain for integrative expression of Cas9 nuclease and plasmids bearing different selection markers for gRNA expression, thereby facilitating iterative genome editing without the need for plasmid curing. We demonstrated that tRNA was more effective than the hammerhead ribozyme for processing gRNA primary transcripts, and readily assembled tRNA‐gRNA arrays were used for multiplexed editing of at least four targets. This editing tool was further employed for simultaneous scarless in vivo assembly of a 12‐kb cassette from three fragments and marker‐free integration for expressing a fusion variant of fatty acid synthase, as well as the integration of genes for starch hydrolysis. Together, the genome editing tool developed in this study makes K. marxianus more amenable to genetic modification and will facilitate more extensive engineering of this nonconventional yeast for chemical production.
The impact of neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders on the risk of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Yuze , Wang Zhihao , Zuo Mingrong , Zhang Shuxin , Li Wenhao , Chen Siliang , Yuan Yunbo , Yang Yuan , Liu Yanhui
Published: May 2024

Background

Neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders have been proved that they can comorbid more often with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) than general population. However, the potential causal association between these disorders and iNPH has not been assessed. Thus, our study aims to investigate the causal relationship between them based on a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Random effects of the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method were conducted to obtain the causal association among the neurocognitive disorders, psychiatric disorders, and iNPH. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) of 12 neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders were downloaded via the OpenGWAS database, GWAS Catalog, and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, whereas GWAS data of iNPH were obtained from the FinnGen consortium round 9 release, with 767 cases and 375,610 controls of European ancestry. We also conducted the sensitivity analysis in these significant causal inferences using weighted median model, Cochrane's Q test, MR‐Egger regression, MR Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier detect and the leave‐one‐out analysis.

Results

For most of the neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders, no causal association was established between them and iNPH. We have found that iNPH (odds ratio [OR] = 1.030, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.011–1.048, p = .001) is associated with increased risk for schizophrenia, which failed in validation of sensitivity analysis. Notably, genetically predicted Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with increased risk of iNPH (OR = 1.256, 95% CI: 1.045–1.511, p = .015).

Conclusion

Our study has revealed the potential causal effect in which PD associated with an increased risk of iNPH. Further study is warranted to investigate the association between PD and iNPH and the potential underlying mechanism.
Safety and efficacy of desmopressin (DDAVP) in preventing hematoma expansion in intracranial hemorrhage associated with antiplatelet drugs use: A systematic review and metaanalysis
Authors: Shahzad Faizan , Ahmed Usman , Muhammad Ayesha , Shahzad Farhan , Naufil Syed Imam , Sukkari Mohamad Walid , Kamran Abdullah Bin , Murtaza Sara , Khalid Marwah Bintay , Shabbir Haroon , Saeed Sajeel
Published: May 2024

Introduction

One of the most serious complications associated with antiplatelet agents is antiplatelet‐associated intracranial hemorrhage (AA‐ICH). Desmopressin is a synthetic antidiuretic hormone (ADH) analog. It has been linked to improving patient outcomes in antiplatelet‐induced intracranial hemorrhage. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of thrombotic complications and neurological outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov) to find eligible literature that compares desmopressin (DDAVP) versus controls in patients with AA‐ICH. The Mantel–Haenszel statistic was used to determine an overall effect estimate for each outcome by calculating the risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was measured using the I2 test. The risk of bias in studies was calculated using the New Castle Ottowa Scale.

Results

Five studies were included in the analysis with a total of 598 patients. DDAVP was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in the risk of hematoma expansion (RR = .8, 95% CI,.51–1.24; p = .31, I2 = 44%). It was also associated with a non‐significant decrease in the risk of thrombotic events (RR,.83; 95% CI,.25–2.76; p = .76, I2 = 30%). However, patients in the DDAVP group demonstrated a significant increase in the risk of poor neurological outcomes (RR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07–1.61; p = .01, I2 = 0%). The risk of bias assessment showed a moderate to low level of risk.

Conclusion

DDAVP was associated with a nonsignificant decrease in hematoma expansion and thrombotic events. However, it was also associated with a significantly poor neurological outcome in the patients. Thus, until more robust clinical trials are conducted, the use of DDAVP should be considered on a case‐to‐case basis.
The effect of competition from informal firms on proactive environmental strategies in emerging economies
Authors: Heredia Walter , Ponce Oliva Roberto D. , Vásquez‐Lavín Felipe
Published: May 2024

Drawing on the Attention Base View (ABV) theory, this paper examines the adoption of Proactive Environmental Strategies (PES) by formal firms in emerging economies and explores the influence of informal competition. We investigate the moderating effects of contextual factors (number of formal competitors) and firm characteristics (CEO's experience). Using data from the 2019 World Bank Enterprise Survey, we apply a Negative Binomial model to a sample of 7,436 manufacturing firms across 25 emerging economies. Unlike previous evidence, our findings suggest that formal firms facing competition from informal counterparts tend to adopt PES to bolster competitiveness. However, the perception of high formal competition and the CEO's industry experience may reduce PES adoption. This study advances our understanding of PES adoption in emerging economies, emphasizing the significance of informal competition. It also increases the evidence of the ABV approach to environmental strategy research, offering insights for managing environmental challenges in emerging markets.
Buffer effects on protein sieving losses in ultrafiltration and their relationship to biophysical properties
Authors: Mohammadzadehmarandi Aylin , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: May 2024

The design of effective ultrafiltration/diafiltration processes for protein formulation requires the use of membranes with very high protein retention. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of specific buffers on the retention of a model protein (bovine serum albumin) during ultrafiltration. Albumin retention at pH 4.8 was significantly reduced in phosphate buffer compared with that in acetate, citrate, and histidine. This behavior was consistent with a small change in the effective albumin hydrodynamic diameter as determined by dynamic light scattering. The underlying conformational changes leading to this change in diameter were explored using circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. These results provide important insights into the factors controlling protein retention during ultrafiltration and diafiltration.
Antitussive, Expectorant and Antipyretic Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Momordica charantia L.
Authors: Feitosa Ribeiro Tiago , Carvalho de Souza Nathália Andrezza , Cícero de Lima Araújo Tarcísio , Ferreira Macedo Cícero André , Souza Silva Fabrício , de Oliveira Siqueira Andressa , Modesto Nascimento Menezes Pedro , Gomes de Melo Camila , Rolim Neto Pedro José , Gonçalves de Oliveira Junior Raimundo , Douglas Melo Coutinho Henrique , Raposo António , Araújo Rolim Larissa
Published: May 2024

The traditional use of the M. charantia L. plant to treat coughs, fever and expectoration is widely practiced in different cultures, but its effectiveness and safety still require scientific investigation. This study sought to perform a chemical analysis and evaluate the antitussive, expectorant and antipyretic effects of the ethanolic extract of M. charantia leaves (EEMc) in rats and mice. The EEMc was subjected to chemical analysis by HPLC‐DAD, revealing the presence of the flavonoids astragalin and isoquercetin. Acute oral toxicity in mice did not result in deaths, although changes in liver weight and stool consistency were observed. EEMc demonstrated an antitussive effect at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg in mice subjected to cough induction by citric acid nebulization. Furthermore, it showed expectorant activity at a dose of 300 mg/kg, assessed based on the elimination of the phenol red marker in bronchoalveolar lavage. In the evaluation of antipyretic activity in rats, fever induced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was reduced at all doses tested during the first hour after treatment. This innovative study identified the presence of astragalin and isoquercetin in EEMc and indicated that the extract has antitussive, expectorant and antipyretic properties. Therefore, EEMc presents itself as a promising option in herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory symptoms and fever.