bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing life's effects on the interior dynamics of planet Earth using non-equilibrium thermodynamics
Authors: Dyke J. G. , Gans F. , Kleidon A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Vernadsky described life as the geologic force, while Lovelock noted the role of life in driving the Earth's atmospheric composition to a unique state of thermodynamic disequilibrium. Here, we use these notions in conjunction with thermodynamics to quantify biotic activity as a driving force for geologic processes. Specifically, we explore the hypothesis that biologically-mediated processes operating on the surface of the Earth, such as the biotic enhancement of weathering of continental crust, affect interior processes such as mantle convection and have therefore shaped the evolution of the whole Earth system beyond its surface and atmosphere. We set up three simple models of mantle convection, oceanic crust recycling and continental crust recycling. We describe these models in terms of non-equilibrium thermodynamics in which the generation and dissipation of gradients is central to driving their dynamics and that such dynamics can be affected by their boundary conditions. We use these models to quantify the maximum power that is involved in these processes. The assumption that these processes, given a set of boundary conditions, operate at maximum levels of generation and dissipation of free energy lead to reasonable predictions of core temperature, seafloor spreading rates, and continental crust thickness. With a set of sensitivity simulations we then show how these models interact through the boundary conditions at the mantle-crust and oceanic-continental crust interfaces. These simulations hence support our hypothesis that the depletion of continental crust at the land surface can affect rates of oceanic crust recycling and mantle convection deep within the Earth's interior. We situate this hypothesis within a broader assessment of surface-interior interactions by setting up a work budget of the Earth's interior to compare the maximum power estimates that drive interior processes to the power that is associated with biotic activity. We estimate that the maximum power involved in mantle convection is 12 TW, oceanic crust cycling is 28 TW, and continental uplift is less than 1 TW. By directly utilizing the low entropy nature of solar radiation, photosynthesis generates 215 TW of chemical free energy. This high power associated with life results from the fact that photochemistry is not limited by the low energy that is available from the heating gradients that drive geophysical processes in the interior. We conclude that by utilizing only a small fraction of the generated free chemical energy for geochemical transformations at the surface, life has the potential to substantially affect interior processes, and so the whole Earth system. Consequently, when understanding Earth system processes we may need to adopt a dynamical model schema in which previously fixed boundary conditions become components of a co-evolutionary system.
Local regularity analysis of strata heterogeneities from sonic logs
Authors: Gaci S. , Zaourar N. , Hamoudi M. , Holschneider M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Borehole logs provide geological information about the rocks crossed by the wells. Several properties of rocks can be interpreted in terms of lithology, type and quantity of the fluid filling the pores and fractures. Here, the logs are assumed to be nonhomogeneous Brownian motions (nhBms) which are generalized fractional Brownian motions (fBms) indexed by depth-dependent Hurst parameters H(z). Three techniques, the local wavelet approach (LWA), the average-local wavelet approach (ALWA), and Peltier Algorithm (PA), are suggested to estimate the Hurst functions (or the regularity profiles) from the logs. First, two synthetic sonic logs with different parameters, shaped by the successive random additions (SRA) algorithm, are used to demonstrate the potential of the proposed methods. The obtained Hurst functions are close to the theoretical Hurst functions. Besides, the transitions between the modeled layers are marked by Hurst values discontinuities. It is also shown that PA leads to the best Hurst value estimations. Second, we investigate the multifractional property of sonic logs data recorded at two scientific deep boreholes: the pilot hole VB and the ultra deep main hole HB, drilled for the German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB). All the regularity profiles independently obtained for the logs provide a clear correlation with lithology, and from each regularity profile, we derive a similar segmentation in terms of lithological units. The lithological discontinuities (strata' bounds and faults contacts) are located at the local extrema of the Hurst functions. Moreover, the regularity profiles are compared with the KTB estimated porosity logs, showing a significant relation between the local extrema of the Hurst functions and the fluid-filled fractures. The Hurst function may then constitute a tool to characterize underground heterogeneities.
The relation between sea ice thickness and freeboard in the Arctic
Authors: Alexandrov V. , Sandven S. , Wahlin J. , Johannessen O. M.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Retrieval of Arctic sea ice thickness from CryoSat-2 radar altimeter freeboard data requires observational data to verify the relation between these two variables. In this study in-situ ice and snow data from 689 observation sites, obtained during the Sever expeditions in the 1980s, have been used to establish an empirical relation between thickness and freeboard of FY ice in late winter. Estimates of mean and variability of snow depth, snow density and ice density were produced on the basis of many field observations. These estimates have been used in the hydrostatic equilibrium equation to retrieve ice thickness as a function of ice freeboard, snow depth and snow/ice density. The accuracy of the ice thickness retrieval has been calculated from the estimated variability in ice and snow parameters and error of ice freeboard measurements. It is found that uncertainties of ice density and freeboard are the major sources of error in ice thickness calculation. For FY ice, retrieval of ≈ 1.0 m (2.0 m) thickness has an uncertainty of 46% (37%), and for MY ice, retrieval of 2.4 m (3.0 m) thickness has an uncertainty of 20% (18%), assuming that the freeboard error is ± 0.03 m for both ice types. For MY ice the main uncertainty is ice density error, since the freeboard error is relatively smaller than that for FY ice. If the freeboard error can be reduced to 0.01 m by averaging measurements from CryoSat-2, the error in thickness retrieval is reduced to about 32% for a 1.0 m thick FY floe and to about 18% for a 2.4 m thick MY floe. The remaining error is dominated by uncertainty in ice density. Provision of improved ice density data is therefore important for accurate retrieval of ice thickness from CryoSat-2 data.
Infant Behaviors, Prenatal Cocaine Exposure, and Adult Intelligence
Authors: Singer Lynn T. , Albert Jeffrey M. , Minnes Sonia , Min Meeyoung O. , Kim June-Yung
Published: May 2024

Importance

Linking prenatal drug exposures to both infant behavior and adult cognitive outcomes may improve early interventions.

Objective

To assess whether neonatal physical, neurobehavioral, and infant cognitive measures mediate the association between prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) and adult perceptual reasoning IQ.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study used data from a longitudinal, prospective birth cohort study with follow-up from 1994 to 2018 until offspring were 21 years post partum. A total of 384 (196 PCE and 188 not exposed to cocaine [NCE]) infants and mothers were screened for cocaine or polydrug use. Structural equation modeling was performed from June to November 2023.

Exposures

Prenatal exposures to cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco assessed through urine and meconium analyses and maternal self-report.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Head circumference, neurobehavioral assessment, Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence score, Wechsler Perceptual Reasoning IQ, Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) score, and blood lead level.

Results

Among the 384 mothers in the study, the mean (SD) age at delivery was 27.7 (5.3) years (range, 18-41 years), 375 of 383 received public assistance (97.9%) and 336 were unmarried (87.5%). Birth head circumference (standardized estimate for specific path association, −0.05, SE = 0.02; P = .02) and 1-year Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI) (standardized estimate for total of the specific path association, −0.05, SE = 0.02; P = .03) mediated the association of PCE with Wechsler Perceptual Reasoning IQ, controlling for HOME score and other substance exposures. Abnormal results on the neurobehavioral assessment were associated with birth head circumference (β = −0.20, SE = 0.08; P = .01). Bayley Psychomotor Index (β = 0.39, SE = 0.05; P < .001) and Fagan Test of Infant Intelligence score (β = 0.16, SE = 0.06; P = .01) at 6.5 months correlated with MDI at 12 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, a negative association of PCE with adult perceptual reasoning IQ was mediated by early physical and behavioral differences, after controlling for other drug and environmental factors. Development of infant behavioral assessments to identify sequelae of prenatal teratogens early in life may improve long-term outcomes and public health awareness.
Long-Term Outcomes Associated With β-Lactam Allergies
Authors: Gray Matthew P. , Kellum John A. , Kirisci Levent , Boyce Richard D. , Kane-Gill Sandra L.
Published: May 2024

Importance

β-lactam (BL) allergies are the most common drug allergy worldwide, but most are reported in error. BL allergies are also well-established risk factors for adverse drug events and antibiotic-resistant infections during inpatient health care encounters, but the understanding of the long-term outcomes of patients with BL allergies remains limited.

Objective

To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with BL allergies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This longitudinal retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single regional health care system in western Pennsylvania. Electronic health records were analyzed for patients who had an index encounter with a diagnosis of sepsis, pneumonia, or urinary tract infection between 2007 and 2008. Patients were followed-up until death or the end of 2018. Data analysis was performed from January 2022 to January 2024.

Exposure

The presence of any BL class antibiotic in the allergy section of a patient’s electronic health record, evaluated at the earliest occurring observed health care encounter.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, derived from the Social Security Death Index. Secondary outcomes were defined using laboratory and microbiology results and included infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, or vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and severity and occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI). Generalized estimating equations with a patient-level panel variable and time exposure offset were used to evaluate the odds of occurrence of each outcome between allergy groups.

Results

A total of 20 092 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.9 [19.7] years; 12 231 female [60.9%]), of whom 4211 (21.0%) had BL documented allergy and 15 881 (79.0%) did not, met the inclusion criteria. A total of 3513 patients (17.5%) were Black, 15 358 (76.4%) were White, and 1221 (6.0%) were another race. Using generalized estimating equations, documented BL allergies were not significantly associated with the odds of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.09). BL allergies were associated with increased odds of MRSA infection (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.36-1.53), VRE infection (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05-1.32), and the pooled rate of the 3 evaluated antibiotic-resistant infections (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.30-1.36) but were not associated with C difficile infection (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.94-1.16), stage 2 and 3 AKI (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.96-1.10), or stage 3 AKI (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98-1.14).

Conclusions and Relevance

Documented BL allergies were not associated with the long-term odds of mortality but were associated with antibiotic-resistant infections. Health systems should emphasize accurate allergy documentation and reduce unnecessary BL avoidance.
Al–Si–Cu–Mg Matrix Composites with Graphene: PM‐Based Production, Microstructural, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Şenyurt Berk , Ağaoğulları Duygu , Akçamlı Nazlı
Published: May 2024

Few‐layered graphene (FLG)‐reinforced Al‐Si(10 wt%)‐Cu(2 wt%)‐Mg(1 wt%) matrix composites are prepared by the high‐energy mechanical alloying (MA) method, which is a branch of powder metallurgy. Al‐10Si‐2Cu‐1Mg matrix is reinforced with varying amounts of FLG (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 wt%) via MA for different durations (0, 2, 4, and 8 h), and consolidation is conducted by pressureless sintering. Microstructural, mechanical, and tribological characterizations are applied to nonmechanically alloyed (non‐MAed) and mechanically alloyed (MAed) powder and bulk composites comparatively. The bulk composites produced via the MA‐containing processing route illustrate more homogeneous phase distributions and higher densification rates. The FLG/AlSiCuMg composites exhibit enhanced materials properties compared to their unreinforced counterparts. The addition of 1 and 2 wt% FLG to the Al‐10Si‐2Cu‐1Mg alloy, respectively, improved the mechanical properties in terms of microhardness (155 and 162 HV), compression strength (441 and 412 MPa), and wear rate (11.5 × 10−4 and 9.2 × 10−4 mm3 N−1 m). Therefore, the experimental results show that graphene ensures a reinforcing effect on the Al matrix, at least provided by some of the ceramic particles.
High‐Performance NiCo2O4/Graphene Quantum Dots for Asymmetric and Symmetric Supercapacitors with Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Authors: Lakshmi‐Narayana Ambadi , Attarzadeh Navid , Shutthanandan Vaithalingam , Ramana Chintalapalle V.
Published: May 2024

For the sustainable growth of future generations, energy storage technologies like supercapacitors and batteries are becoming more and more common. However, reliable and high‐performance materials’ design and development is the key for the widespread adoption of batteries and supercapacitors. Quantum dots with fascinating and unusual properties are expected to revolutionize future technologies. However, while the recent discovery of quantum dots honored with a Nobel prize in Chemistry, their benefits for the tenacious problem of energy are not realized yet. In this context, herein, chemical‐composition tuning enabled exceptional performance of NiCo2O4(NCO)/graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is reported, which outperform the existing similar materials, in supercapacitors. A comprehensive study is performed on the synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical performance evaluation of highly functional NCO/GQDs in supercapacitors delivering enhanced energy efficiency. The high‐performance, functional NCO/GQDs electrode materials are synthesized by the incorporation of GQDs into NCO. The effect of variable amount of GQDs on the energy performance characteristics of NCO/GQDs in supercapacitors is studied systematically. In‐depth structural and chemical bonding analyses using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic studies indicate that all the NCO/GQDs composites crystallize in the spinel cubic phase of NiCo2O4 while graphene integration evident in all the NCO/GQDs. The scanning electron microscopy imaging analysis reveals homogeneously distributed spherical particles with a size distribution of 5–9 nm validating the formation of QDs. The high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses reveal that the NCOQDs are anchored on graphene sheets, which provide a high surface area of 42.27 m2g−1 and high mesoporosity for the composition of NCO/GQDs‐10%. In addition to establishing reliable electrical connection to graphene sheets, the NCOQDs provide reliable 3D‐conductive channels for rapid transport throughout the electrode as well as synergistic effects. Chemical‐composition tuning, and optimization yields NCO/GQDs‐10% to deliver the best specific capacitance of 3940 Fg−1 at 0.5 Ag−1, where the electrodes retain ≈98% capacitance after 5000 cycles. The NCO/GQD‐10%//AC asymmetric supercapacitor device demonstrates outstanding energy density and power density values of 118.04 Wh kg−1 and 798.76 W kg−1, respectively. The NCO/GQDs‐10%//NCO/GQDs‐10% symmetric supercapacitor device delivers excellent energy and power density of 24.30 Wh kg−1 and 500 W kg−1, respectively. These results demonstrate and conclude that NCO/GQDs are exceptional and prospective candidates for developing next‐generation high‐performance and sustainable energy storage devices.
Enhanced Osteosarcoma Immunotherapy via CaCO3 Nanoparticles: Remodeling Tumor Acidic and Immune Microenvironment for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Gao Yinghua , Wang Zhuoying , Jin Xinmeng , Wang Xiaoli , Tao Yining , Huang Shandeng , Wang Yun , Hua Yingqi , Guo Xuran , Xu Jing , Cai Zhengdong
Published: May 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a “cold” tumor enriched in noninflammatory M2 phenotype tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), which limits the efficacy of immunotherapy. The acidic tumor microenvironment (TME), generated by factors such as excess hydrogen (H+) ions and high lactate levels, activates immunosuppressive cells, further promoting a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Therefore, a multitarget synergistic combination strategy that neutralizes the acidic TME and reprograms TAMs can be beneficial for OS therapy. Here, a calcium carbonate (CaCO3)/polydopamine (PDA)‐based nanosystem (A‐NPs@(SHK+Ce6)) is developed. CaCO3 nanoparticles are used to neutralize H+ ions and alleviate the suppressive TIME, and the loaded SHK not only synergizes with photodynamic therapy (PDT) but also inhibits lactate production, further reversing the acidic TME and repolarizing TAMs to consequently lead to enhanced PDT‐induced tumor suppression and comprehensive beneficial effects on antitumor immune responses. Importantly, A‐NPs@(SHK+Ce6), in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) checkpoint blockade, shows a remarkable ability to eliminate distant tumors and promote long‐term immune memory function to protect against rechallenged tumors. This work presents a novel multiple‐component combination strategy that coregulates the acidic TME and TAM polarization to reprogram the TIME.
Poly(3,4‐Ethylenedioxythiophene)/Functional Gold Nanoparticle films for Improving the Electrode‐Neural Interface
Authors: Wu Yiyong , Wang Lulu , Yan Mengying , Wang Xufang , Liao Xin , Zhong Cheng , Ke Dingning , Lu Yi
Published: May 2024

Implantable neural electrodes are indispensable tools for recording neuron activity, playing a crucial role in neuroscience research. However, traditional neural electrodes suffer from limited electrochemical performance, compromised biocompatibility, and tentative stability, posing great challenges for reliable long‐term studies in free‐moving animals. In this study, a novel approach employing a hybrid film composed of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/functional gold nanoparticles (PEDOT/3‐MPA‐Au) to improve the electrode–neural interface is presented. The deposited PEDOT/3‐MPA‐Au demonstrates superior cathodal charge storage capacity, reduced electrochemical impedance, and remarkable electrochemical and mechanical stability. Upon implantation into the cortex of mice for a duration of 12 weeks, the modified electrodes exhibit notably decreased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and increased neuronal nuclei immunostaining compared to counterparts utilizing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate). Additionally, the PEDOT/3‐MPA‐Au modified electrodes consistently capture high‐quality, stable long‐term electrophysiological signals in vivo, enabling continuous recording of target neurons for up to 16 weeks. This innovative modification strategy offers a promising solution for fabricating low‐impedance, tissue‐friendly, and long‐term stable neural interfaces, thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional neural electrodes. These findings mark a significant advancement toward the development of more reliable and efficacious neural interfaces, with broad implications for both research and clinical applications.
ATP Inhibition for Starvation/Mild Photothermal/Photodynamic Synergy Therapy Using Polypeptide Nanoparticles Conjugating 2‐Deoxy‐D‐Glucose and Dye under NIR Phototheranostic Strategy
Authors: Xu Yixuan , Dang Huiping , Teng Changchang , Yin Dalong , Yan Lifeng
Published: May 2024

Rapid propagation of tumor cells requires plenty of energy, which is adenosine triphosphate (ATP) dependent. ATP inhibition in tumors not only results in the starvation of tumor cells but also down‐regulation of the level of heat shock proteins (HSPs), which usually increase during traditional photothermal therapy (PTT), especially when the temperature is up 50 °C. 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2DG) is an anti‐glycolytic reagent and can be used as an efficient agent for ATP inhibition in tumors. Compared with typical PTT, low‐temperature mild photothermal therapy (MPTT) is receiving more and more attention because it avoids the high temperatures causing damage to the normal tissue, and the increase of HSPs which decrease PTT. Here, multifunctional polypeptide nanoparticles pDG@Ahx conjugating both a NIR probe Ahx‐BDP and 2DG into the side chain of the amphiphilic polypeptide have been prepared. In vitro and in vivo studies reveal that the as‐prepared nanoparticles achieve a synergistic effect of starvation/MPTT/PDT (photodynamic therapy), and it provides a new strategy to NIR‐I/II fluorescence imaging‐guided starvation/MPTT/PDT synergy therapy for tumors.
Visualizing Dynamic Single Atom Catalysis
Authors: Boyes Edward D. , Gai Pratibha L.
Published: May 2024

Many industrial chemical processes, including for producing fuels, foods, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and environmental controls, employ heterogeneous solid state catalysts at elevated temperatures in gas or liquid environments. Dynamic reactions at the atomic level play a critical role in catalyst stability and functionality. In situ visualization and analysis of atomic‐scale processes in real time under controlled reaction environments can provide important insights into practical frameworks to improve catalytic processes and materials. This review focuses on innovative real time in situ electron microscopy (EM) methods, including recent progress in analytical in situ environmental (scanning) transmission EM (E(STEM), incorporating environmental scanning TEM (ESTEM) and environmental transmission EM (ETEM), with single atom resolution for visualizing and analysing dynamic single atom catalysis under controlled flowing gas reaction environments. ESTEM studies of single atom dynamics of reactions, and of sintering deactivation, contribute to a better‐informed understanding of the yield and stability of catalyst operations. Advances in in situ technologies, including gas and liquid sample holders, nanotomography, and higher voltages, as well as challenges and opportunities in tracking reacting atoms, are highlighted. The findings show that the understanding and application of fundamental processes in catalysis can be improved, with valuable economic, environmental, and societal benefits.
Bioinspired Adaptive Microdrugs Enhance the Chemotherapy of Malignant Glioma: Beyond Their Nanodrugs
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Hao Xiangrong , Zhang Yangning , Wu Qun , Zhou Jiajia , Cheng Zhongman , Chen Jianping , Liu Sijia , Pan Jiahao , Wang Ying , Fan Jun‐Bing
Published: May 2024

Solid nanoparticle‐mediated drug delivery systems are usually confined to nanoscale due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. However, they remain a great challenge for malignant glioma chemotherapy because of poor drug delivery efficiency and insufficient tumor penetration resulting from the blood–brain barrier/blood–brain tumor barrier (BBB/BBTB). Inspired by biological microparticles (e.g., cells) with excellent adaptive deformation, it is demonstrated that the adaptive microdrugs (even up to 3.0 µm in size) are more efficient than their nanodrugs (less than 200 nm in size) to cross BBB/BBTB and penetrate into tumor tissues, achieving highly efficient chemotherapy of malignant glioma. The distinct delivery of the adaptive microdrugs is mainly attributed to the enhanced interfacial binding and endocytosis via adaptive deformation. As expected, the obtained adaptive microdrugs exhibit enhanced accumulation, deep penetration, and cellular internalization into tumor tissues in comparison with nanodrugs, significantly improving the survival rate of glioblastoma mice. It is believed that the bioinspired adaptive microdrugs enable them to efficiently cross physiological barriers and deeply penetrate tumor tissues for drug delivery, providing an avenue for the treatment of solid tumors.
Dipole Moment Influences the Reversibility and Corrosion of Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Li Peng‐Cheng , Zhang Zhi‐Qing , Zhao Zi‐Wei , Li Jing‐Qiao , Xu Zhi‐Xiao , Zhang Hao , Li Ge
Published: May 2024

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) must have both long cycle life and calendar life to be commercially viable. However, “trial and error” methodologies remain prevalent in contemporary research endeavors to identify favorable electrolytes. Here, a guiding principle for the selection of solvents for LMBs is proposed, which aims to achieve high Coulombic efficiency while minimizing the corrosion. For the first time, this study reveals that the dipole moment and orientation of solvent molecules have significant impacts on lithium metal reversibility and corrosion. Solvents with high dipole moments are more likely to adsorb onto lithium metal surfaces, which also influence the solid electrolyte interphase. Using this principle, the use of LiNO3 is demonstrated as the sole salt in LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2/Li cells can achieve excellent cycling stability. Overall, this work bridges the molecular structure of solvents to the reversibility and corrosion of lithium metal, and these concepts can be extended to other metal‐based batteries.
Angle‐Multiplexed 3D Photonic Superstructures with Multi‐Directional Switchable Structural Color for Information Transformation, Storage, and Encryption
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Yu , Fu Yinghao , Chen Zhaoxian , Jiang Chang , Ji Yue‐E , Lu Yanqing
Published: May 2024

Creating photonic crystals that can integrate and switch between multiple structural color images will greatly advance their utility in dynamic information transformation, high‐capacity storage, and advanced encryption, but has proven to be highly challenging. Here, it is reported that by programmably integrating newly developed 1D quasi‐periodic folding structures into a 3D photonic crystal, the generated photonic superstructure exhibits distinctive optical effects that combine independently manipulatable specular and anisotropic diffuse reflections within a versatile protein‐based platform, thus creating different optical channels for structural color imaging. The polymorphic transition of the protein format allows for the facile modulation of both folding patterns and photonic lattices and, therefore, the superstructure's spectral response within each channel. The capacity to manipulate the structural assembly of the superstructure enables the programmable encoding of multiple independent patterns into a single system, which can be decoded by the simple adjustment of lighting directions. The multifunctional utility of the photonic platform is demonstrated in information processing, showcasing its ability to achieve multimode transformation of information codes, multi‐code high‐capacity storage, and high‐level numerical information encryption. The present strategy opens new pathways for achieving multichannel transformable imaging, thereby facilitating the development of emerging information conversion, storage, and encryption media using photonic crystals.
Platelet Adhesion and Activation in an ECMO Thrombosis‐on‐a‐Chip Model
Authors: Goh Tiffany , Gao Lingzi , Singh Jasneil , Totaro Richard , Carey Ruaidhri , Yang Kevin , Cartwright Bruce , Dennis Mark , Ju Lining Arnold , Waterhouse Anna
Published: May 2024

Use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiorespiratory failure remains complicated by blood clot formation (thrombosis), triggered by biomaterial surfaces and flow conditions. Thrombosis may result in ECMO circuit changes, cause red blood cell hemolysis, and thromboembolic events. Medical device thrombosis is potentiated by the interplay between biomaterial properties, hemodynamic flow conditions and patient pathology, however, the contribution and importance of these factors are poorly understood because many in vitro models lack the capability to customize material and flow conditions to investigate thrombosis under clinically relevant medical device conditions. Therefore, an ECMO thrombosis‐on‐a‐chip model is developed that enables highly customizable biomaterial and flow combinations to evaluate ECMO thrombosis in real‐time with low blood volume. It is observed that low flow rates, decelerating conditions, and flow stasis significantly increased platelet adhesion, correlating with clinical thrombus formation. For the first time, it is found that tubing material, polyvinyl chloride, caused increased platelet P‐selectin activation compared to connector material, polycarbonate. This ECMO thrombosis‐on‐a‐chip model can be used to guide ECMO operation, inform medical device design, investigate embolism, occlusion and platelet activation mechanisms, and develop anti‐thrombotic biomaterials to ultimately reduce medical device thrombosis, anti‐thrombotic drug use and therefore bleeding complications, leading to safer blood‐contacting medical devices.
Advancing Hematite Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: The Impact of g‐C3N4 Supported Ni‐CoP on Photogenerated Hole Dynamics
Authors: Yang Mengya , Oldham Louise I , Daboczi Matyas , Baghdadi Yasmine , Cui Junyi , Benetti Daniele , Zhang Weilin , Durrant James R , Hankin Anna , Eslava Salvador
Published: May 2024

The increasing demand for clean hydrogen necessitates the rapid development of efficient photoanodes to catalyze the water oxidation half‐reaction effectively. Here a strategy is introduced to fabricate photoanodes that synergistically combine and leverage the properties of porous Ti‐doped hematite (Ti‐Fe2O3) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets anchored with in situ grown Ni‐doped CoP co‐catalyst (Ni‐CoP). The resulting hybrid photoanodes exhibit >7 times higher photocurrent density at +1.23 VRHE compared with Ti‐Fe2O3 photoanodes. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including ambient photoemission spectroscopy, intensity‐modulated photocurrent spectroscopy, and transient absorption spectroscopy complementarily reveal the key impact of g‐C3N4 in these composites with enhanced solar oxygen evolution reaction: The incorporation of g‐C3N4 leads to enhanced charge separation through a type‐II heterojunction, thereby increasing the hole flux at the surface, and extending the charge carrier lifetime to the ms‐s range needed for water oxidation. Additionally, g‐C3N4 facilitates efficient transfer of photogenerated holes to the fine Ni‐CoP nanoparticles confined in the graphitic matrix for a boosted oxygen evolution reaction. These findings highlight the advantages of complex heterostructure photoanodes and demonstrate a new application of g‐C3N4 as a multifunctional support of co‐catalysts for future photoanodes with enhanced performance.
Can the American Community Survey provide new insight into household food security? An illustration of cross‐survey multiple imputation
Authors: Bartfeld Judith , Reed‐Jones Madeline
Published: May 2024

National food security data have been vital in raising public awareness and motivating policy. This paper uses cross‐survey multiple imputation as a flexible way to assess within‐state food security patterns that cannot be measured well with the Current Population Survey. Using a CPS‐based model, we impute food security status to households in the much larger American Community Survey. We illustrate the value of this approach by showing how grouping households by demographic or geographic attributes can provide insight into disparities within states by race and ethnicity, as well as variation in food security across substate geographies.
Effects of two common antibiotics on the skin microbiome of ornamental reef fishes: Implications for manipulative experiments in microbial dynamics
Authors: Pereira Ana , Brown Anya , Strobel Davis , Soares Marta C. , Xavier Raquel , Apprill Amy , Sikkel Paul
Published: May 2024

An understanding of the mechanistic drivers of animal‐microbial symbiosis and associations generally requires experiments that manipulate specific symbionts or microbial communities. As part of an ongoing study of the mechanisms that drive microbial communities in coral reef fishes, and specifically the role of cleanerfish in microbial transmission, we tested the effects of the commonly used antibiotics Enrofloxacin and Nitrofurazone on the skin microbiome of three ornamental reef fish species: the four‐eyed butterflyfish, Chaetodon capistratus (Chaetodontidae), the cleanerfish neon goby Elacatinus oceanops (Gobiidae) and the beaugregory damselfish Stegastes leucostictus (Pomacentridae). Our main aim was to characterize dysbiosis prompted by the delivery of the two antibiotics and understand whether both could be used to establish good starting points for microbial transmission experiments. We bathed the fish in antibiotic (or no exposure in the controls), sampled the skin microbiota via swabbing at zero (before treatment) and 3 and 7 days during the treatments, and examined the microbial community using a 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach. Nitrofurazone reduced skin‐associated microbial diversity in all species, whereas the same effect for Enrofloxacin was only seen in S. leucostictus. Although each antibiotic had its own, unique impact in microbial community, all treatments showed positive and negative shifts in the most abundant microbial taxa over time. Moreover, soon after the delivery of both antibiotics, increases in the abundance of opportunistic bacteria or potential pathogens, such as Alteromonas and Vibrio, were observed. Although both antibiotics are effective, Nitrofurazone more successfully reduces microbial diversity and therefore may be more ideal for experiments seeking to disrupt fish microbiomes.
Pneumocephalus resulting from traumatic pneumothorax and brachial plexus avulsion
Authors: Date Naoki , Hamakawa Hiroshi , Sakanoue Ichiro , Saito Tomoki , Takahashi Yutaka
Published: May 2024

Background

Traumatic pneumocephalus is commonly encountered after basal skull fractures and rarely associated with blunt chest trauma. Here, we report a case of pneumocephalus caused by traumatic pneumothorax and brachial plexus avulsion.

Case Presentation

A 20‐year‐old male was admitted to our hospital following a motorcycle accident with complete paralysis of the right upper limb. 2 days later, follow‐up computed tomography revealed a slight right pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum around the neck, and intracranial air without skull fracture. Air migrates into the subarachnoid space through a dural tear caused by a brachial plexus avulsion. The pneumocephalus immediately improved after the insertion of a chest drain.

Conclusion

Pneumothorax combined with brachial plexus avulsion could lead to pneumocephalus. Immediate chest drainage might be the best way to stop the migration of air; however, care should be taken to not worsen cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Cobaltaelektro‐katalysierte C−H‐Aktivierung für zentrale und axiale doppelte Enantioinduktion
Authors: von Münchow Tristan , Liu Yi‐Ru , Parmar Rahul , Peters Sven Erik , Trienes Sven , Ackermann Lutz
Published: May 2024

In den letzten Jahren hat sich die enantioselektive Elektrokatalyse zunehmend als eine effektive Methode für die nachhaltige molekulare Synthese herausgestellt. Trotz unbestreitbarer Fortschritte bleiben Strategien zur Kontrolle über zwei unterschiedliche stereogene Elemente mit hoher Selektivität schwer fassbar. Im Gegensatz dazu beschreiben wir hier elektrochemische Cobalt‐katalysierte C−H‐Aktivierungen, welche die Installation chiraler stereogener Zentren zusammen mit einer chiralen Achse mit hoher Enantio‐ und Diastereoselektivität ermöglichen. Die entwickelte elektrokatalytische Strategie erlaubte C−H/N−H‐Aktivierungen/Anellierungen mit cyclischen und acyclischen Alkenen und gewährte einen direkten Zugang zu vielseitigen sowohl zentralen als auch atropo‐chiralen Dihydroisochinolinonen gepaart mit der wertvollen Wasserstoffbildungsreaktion. Studien zur Atropo‐Stabilität der erhaltenen Verbindungen demonstrierten, dass die äußerst milden Bedingungen, gewährleistet durch den elektrokatalytischen Prozess, entscheidend für die hohen erzielten Stereoselektivitäten waren.
Development of Aloe vera‐titanium oxide‐based ultrasensitive sensor for the quantification of quercetin
Authors: Raja Antony Nitin , Pandey Annu , Jain Rajeev
Published: May 2024

In the present work, a novel sensor developed for the quantification of quercetin (QRC) is being reported. Due to synergistic effects of Aloe vera and titanium oxide, voltammetric performance of the developed sensor (ALV‐TiO2/glassy carbon electrode) was greatly enhanced. The fabricated sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The sensor was applied to study electrochemical behavior of QRC using square wave voltammetry. Under optimal condition, the developed sensor exhibited a linear response in the range of 3.3 × 10−7 to 2.31 × 10−6 µM with a detection limit of 0.8 nM. The analytical utility of the proposed sensor was justified by applying it for the analysis of QRC in real samples.
Barbituric acid‐derived azo dye metal complexes: Synthesis, characterization, DFT, and antimicrobial analysis
Authors: Kumari Beauty , Ahmad Khursheed
Published: May 2024

Two novel metal complexes, C1 and C2, were synthesized through the reaction of an azo dye ligand, obtained by coupling 4‐chloroaniline with 1,3‐dimethyl barbituric acid. The structure of the ligand was confirmed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). UV–Vis spectroscopy was employed to assess the ligand's sensing ability toward six different metal ions. Comprehensive characterization of the synthesized metal complexes was conducted using elemental analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis–difference thermogravimetry (TGA‐DTG), FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD). X‐ray analysis revealed octahedral coordination geometry with a 2:1 ligand‐to‐metal ratio and dimethylformamide (DMF) coordination with the metal atom in both complexes. Hirshfeld analysis and 2D fingerprint plots were employed to investigate supramolecular and intermolecular interactions within the crystal system. Density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) calculations were utilized to compute energy gaps and other important theoretical features. Sensing experiments with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) were conducted at a concentration of 1 × 10−5 M. Furthermore, the bioactivity of the synthesized metal complexes and ligand L was evaluated through molecular docking studies against Protein Data Bank (PDB IDs) 4XUY (Staphylococcus aureus) and 3BQW (Aspergillus niger). Also, antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique, revealing that complexes C1 and C2 exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activities against the tested organisms compared to the parent azo dye ligand. The computational and experimental bioactivity data are in good agreement with each other.
Thermodynamic analysis of temperature boosting of hot primary air in an ultra‐supercritical lignite‐fired power plant: Scheme comparison and performance enhancement
Authors: Pan Shaocheng , Li Maoliang , Li Weicheng , Lin Xiaolong , Liu Yinhe
Published: May 2024

Lignite‐fired boilers usually encounter the insufficient drying capacity of the pulverizer due to the inherent drawback of high moisture content in fuel. In this study, four schemes of heat sources for temperature boosting of hot primary air are proposed for an ultra‐supercritical large‐scale single reheat lignite‐fired power plant according to heat sources such as inlet flue gas of air preheater (Scheme 1), the third stage extraction steam (Scheme 2), outlet steam of low‐temperature reheater (Scheme 3), and inlet flue gas of economizer (Scheme 4). The thermodynamic system models are built by using EBSILON Professional software. The thermodynamic performance of the four schemes is analyzed and compared from the perspectives of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. First law analysis indicates that the power generation standard coal consumption of Scheme 3 is reduced by 0.87, 0.42, and 0.04 g·kW−1·h−1 compared with Schemes 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Second law analysis indicates that the exergy loss of Schemes 2–4 is 3.7, 7.6, and 7.5 MW lower than that of Scheme 1. The present study may provide guidance for the energy efficiency improvement of lignite‐fired power plants.
Facile Synthesis and Photoluminescent Properties of Asymmetric Perylene Diimides Capable of Tuning Emission Colors in Polymeric Matrices
Authors: Yamaguchi Natsuki , Morisako Shogo , Isoda Kyosuke
Published: May 2024

We report the facile synthesis of asymmetric perylene diimides (asym−PDIs) using readily available reagents, demonstrating their distinct photoluminescent properties. In CHCl3, asym−PDIs exhibit higher solubility compared to traditional perylene dyes, of which solubilities can be varied by substituent selections. Among them, UV‐vis absorption spectra of CPE in CHCl3 solution displayed no aggregate peaks in the ground state, maintaining high photoluminescent quantum yields. Also, CPE can be readily dispersed into poly(methyl methacrylate) PMMA (CPE−PMMA), forming thin films without aggregate formation. Importantly, the emission color of CPE−PMMA thin films significantly changes with the addition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These color changes should be strongly correlated with the HOMO level of the added PAHs.
Delineating a Tailor‐Made Fluorescent Probe Designed for the Selective Detection of Tyrosinase
Authors: P. Kavyashree , R. A. Aswini , Karmakar Abhijit , Lal Koner Apurba
Published: May 2024

A dicyanoisophorone based fluorescent probe (E)‐2‐(3‐(4‐hydroxystyryl)‐5,5‐dimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile (DCIP‐OH) was developed for the selective sensing of tyrosinase in apple extract and live cells. The probe was obtained by the condensation of 2‐(3,5,5‐trimethylcyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐ylidene)malononitrile with 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. Upon interaction with tyrosinase, the probe exhibited absorbance switching from 417 nm to 357 nm, accompanied by a slight increase in absorption value and an isosbestic point observed at 373 nm. Additionally, a reduction in emission intensity at 592 nm was observed. Furthermore, we successfully employed the probe for sensing of tyrosinase in apple extract and conducted inhibition studies by using kojic acid. LOD was determined to be ~0.4 nM. Moreover, the biocompatible nature of DCIP‐OH enabled its effective localization in epithelial‐like melanoma cells, B16F10, where it demonstrated successful fluorescent probing of intracellular tyrosinase.
Box–Behnken modeling of biodiesel production from Botryococcus braunii microalgae
Authors: Hassaan Mohamed A. , Abdelaziz Nesma I. M. , Nazir Muhammad Altaf , Jamshaid Muhammad , Hassouna Mohammed S. , El Nemr Ahmed
Published: May 2024

This research aimed to model and optimize the growth factors and enhance the lipid yield from Botryococcus braunii microalgae, and to design a system for obtaining biodiesel from these lipids as this does not compromise food security. Botryococcus braunii, grown on a modified Chu‐13 medium, reached the stationary phase after 27 days with a maximum cell count of 265 × 104 cells mL−1 after 27 days and maximum biomass yield of 725 mg L−1 after 30 days on modified Chu‐13 medium, which was higher than growth on Basal SAG medium. The maximum lipid content (18.47%) and lipid yield (4.46 mg L−1day) were obtained when B. braunii was cultivated on modified Chu‐13 medium after 30 days. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis for the lipids indicated that the highest percentages of SFAs (51.03%) and lowest percentages of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (36.47%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (12.49%) were obtained by culturing B. braunii on modified Chu‐13 medium. The effect of different growth parameters (N2 level, NaHCO3, and CO2 concentrations) on growth yield was modeled by using D‐optimal design response surface methodology (RSM).
Targeted delivery of interleukin‐12 plasmid into HepG2 cells through folic acid conjugated graphene oxide nanocarrier
Authors: Safari Farshad , Bardania Hassan , Dehshahri Ali , Hallaj‐Nezhadi Somayeh , Asfaram Arash , Mohammadi Vahid , Baneshi Marzieh , Bahramianpour Sima , Akrami Negar , Khalvati Bahman , Mirzaei Ali
Published: May 2024

Successful gene therapy relies on carriers to transfer genetic materials with high efficiency and low toxicity in a targeted manner. To enhance targeted cell binding and uptake, we developed and synthesized a new gene delivery vector based on graphene oxide (GO) modified by branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) and folic acid (FA). The GO‐PEI‐FA nanocarriers exhibit lower toxicity compared to unmodified PEI, as well as having the potential to efficiently condense and protect pDNA. Interestingly, increasing the polymer content in the polyplex formulation improved plasmid transfer ability. Substituting graphene oxide for PEI at an N/P ratio of 10 in the HepG2 and THP1 cell lines improved hIL‐12 expression by up to approximately eightfold compared to simple PEI, which is twice as high as GO‐PEI‐FA in Hek293 at the same N/P ratio. Therefore, the GO‐PEI‐FA described in this study may serve as a targeting nanocarrier for the delivery of the hIL‐12 plasmid into cells overexpressing folic acid receptors, such as those found in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Did court dismiss soccer player's harassment claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2024

A women's soccer player at the University of California claimed to experience and witness abusive behavior   by her coach.
UnderwaterImage2IR: Underwater impulse response generation via dual‐path pre‐trained networks and conditional generative adversarial networks
Authors: Zhang Yisheng , Liu Shiguang
Published: May 2024

In the field of acoustic simulation, methods that are widely applied and have been proven to be highly effective rely on accurately capturing the impulse response (IR) and its convolution relationship. This article introduces a novel approach, named as UnderwaterImage2IR, that generates acoustic IRs from underwater images using dual‐path pre‐trained networks. This technique aims to achieve cross‐modal conversion from underwater visual images to acoustic information with high accuracy at a low cost. Our method utilizes deep learning technology by integrating dual‐path pre‐trained networks and conditional generative adversarial networks conditional generative adversarial networks (CGANs) to generate acoustic IRs that match the observed scenes. One branch of the network focuses on the extraction of spatial features from images, while the other is dedicated to recognizing underwater characteristics. These features are fed into the CGAN network, which is trained to generate acoustic IRs corresponding to the observed scenes, thereby achieving high‐accuracy acoustic simulation in an efficient manner. Experimental results, compared with the ground truth and evaluated by human experts, demonstrate the significant advantages of our method in generating underwater acoustic IRs, further proving its potential application in underwater acoustic simulation.