bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sacrificial NH4HCO3 Inhibits Fluoropolymer/Garnet Interfacial Reactions Toward 1mS cm−1 and 5V‐Level Composite Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Wang Yaping , Yuan Pengcheng , Liu Xiong Xiong , Feng Shengfa , Cao Mufan , Ding Jianxiang , Liu Jiacheng , Kure‐Chu Song‐Zhu , Hihara Takehiko , Pan Long , Sun ZhengMing
Published: June 2024

Composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) integrate the fast ion conductivity of inorganic electrolytes and the excellent interfacial compatibility of polymer electrolytes. Typically, fluoropolymers and garnets are promising individuals to formulate cutting‐edge CSEs owing to their unique properties. However, the alkaline garnets can induce the dehydrofluorination of fluoropolymers, deteriorating their CSEs performance. Here, for the first time, NH4HCO3 is proposed as a sacrificial inhibitor to effectively prevent the garnet‐induced dehydrofluorination, using Li6.4La3Zr1.4Ta0.6O12 (LLZTO) and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVH) as symbolic garnets and fluoropolymers, respectively. Various findings demonstrate that NH4HCO3 can buffer the alkalinity of LLZTO, thereby inhibiting the dehydrofluorination of PVH. In addition, NH4HCO3 can completely decompose to volatiles upon drying without compromising the properties of LLZTO and PVH. Additionally, a polymer‐in‐salt strategy is further introduced by adding high‐concentration LiTFSI salt to the above system, resulting in the PVH/LiTFSI/LLZTO (PLL) CSEs. Benefiting from the synergetic coupling of the sacrificial inhibitor and polymer‐in‐salt strategies, the PLL exhibits an exceptionally high ionic conductivity of 1.2 mS cm−1 at 25 °C and stable voltage of 5.09 V, outperforming other reported CSEs. Consequently, the PLL delivers impressive high‐rate cyclability in solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries with an outstanding capacity retention of 95.4% after 240 cycles at 1 C (25 °C).
Efficient and Stable Air‐Processed Organic Solar Cells Enabled by an Antioxidant Additive
Authors: Luo Siwei , Dou Yunjie , Shi Xiaoyu , Liu Yangyang , Liu Tianxiao , Hu Xiaodong , Li Tongzi , Peng Xiaoxiao , Hu Huawei , Yan He , Chen Shangshang
Published: June 2024

Current high‐efficiency organic solar cells (OSCs) are generally fabricated in an inert atmosphere that limits their real‐world scalable manufacturing, while the efficiencies of air‐processed OSCs lag far behind. The impacts of ambient factors on solar cell fabrication remain unclear. In this work, the effects of ambient factors on cell fabrication are systematically investigated, and it is unveiled that the oxidation and doping of organic light absorbers are the dominant reasons causing cell degradation when fabricated in air. To address this issue, a new strategy for fabricating high‐performance air‐processed OSCs by introducing an antioxidant additive (4‐bromophenylhydrazine, BPH) into the precursor solutions, is developed. BPH can effectively inhibit oxygen infiltration from the ambient to the photoactive layer and suppress trap formation caused by oxidation. Compared with conventional air‐processed OSCs, this strategy remarkably increases the cell power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 16.7% to 19.3% (independently certified as 19.2%), representing the top value of air‐processed OSCs. Furthermore, BPH significantly improves the operational stability of the cells in air by two times with a T80 lifetime of over 500 h. This study highlights the potential of using antioxidant additives to fabricate high‐efficiency and stable OSCs in air, significantly promoting the industrialization of OSCs.
Mimicking Cacti Spines via Hierarchical Self‐Assembly for Water Collection and Unidirectional Transport
Authors: Weber Melina , Bretschneider Felix , Kreger Klaus , Greiner Andreas , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: June 2024

Nature utilizes bottom‐up approaches to fabricate defined structures with highly complex, anisotropic and functional features. One prominent example is cacti spines, which exhibit a hierarchically structured conical morphology with a longitudinal microstructured surface. Here, a bottom‐up approach to fabricate supramolecular microstructured spines is presented by applying a self‐assembly protocol. Taking advantage of the capillary forces of vertically aligned polyamide microfibers acts as the structure‐directing substrate for site‐specific self‐assembly of a specific 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamides from the solution. The morphology of the supramolecular spines covers several hierarchical levels, ultimately resulting in a conical shape with longitudinal self‐assembled microgrooves and a superhydrophilic surface. It is demonstrated that these hierarchical conical microstructures are able to transport water droplets unidirectionally.
Library‐Assisted Evolution in Eukaryotic Cells Yield Adenine Base Editors with Enhanced Editing Specificity
Authors: Hsiao Shenlin , Chen Shuanghong , Jiang Yanhong , Wang Qiudao , Yang Yang , Lai Yongrong , Zhong Tao , Liao Jiaoyang , Wu Yuxuan
Published: June 2024

The current‐generation adenine base editor (ABE) ABE8e, which has evolved from the prokaryotic evolution system, exhibits high efficiency in mediating A‐to‐G conversion and is presumed to be promising for gene therapy. However, its much wider editing window and substantially higher off‐target editing activity restricted its applications in precise base editing for therapeutic use. This study uses a library‐assisted protein evolution approach using eukaryotic cells to generate ABE variants with improved specificity and reduced off‐target editing while maintaining high activity in human cells. The study generated an expanded set of ABEs with efficient editing activities and chose four evolved variants that offered either similar or modestly higher efficiency within a narrower editing window of protospacer position ≈4–7 compared to that of ABE8e in human cells, which would enable minimized bystander editing. Moreover, these variants resulted in reduced off‐target editing events when delivered as plasmid or mRNA into human cells. Finally, these variants can install both disease‐suppressing mutations and disease‐correcting mutations efficiently with minimal undesired bystander editing making them promising approaches for specific therapeutic edits. In summary, the work establishes a mutant‐library‐assisted protein evolution method in eukaryotic cells and generates alternative ABE variants as efficient tools for precise human genome editing.
Extracellular Vesicle Preparation and Analysis: A State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Wang Zesheng , Zhou Xiaoyu , Kong Qinglong , He Huimin , Sun Jiayu , Qiu Wenting , Zhang Liang , Yang Mengsu
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, research on Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) has gained prominence in the life sciences due to their critical roles in both health and disease states, offering promising applications in disease diagnosis, drug delivery, and therapy. However, their inherent heterogeneity and complex origins pose significant challenges to their preparation, analysis, and subsequent clinical application. This review is structured to provide an overview of the biogenesis, composition, and various sources of EVs, thereby laying the groundwork for a detailed discussion of contemporary techniques for their preparation and analysis. Particular focus is given to state‐of‐the‐art technologies that employ both microfluidic and non‐microfluidic platforms for EV processing. Furthermore, this discourse extends into innovative approaches that incorporate artificial intelligence and cutting‐edge electrochemical sensors, with a particular emphasis on single EV analysis. This review proposes current challenges and outlines prospective avenues for future research. The objective is to motivate researchers to innovate and expand methods for the preparation and analysis of EVs, fully unlocking their biomedical potential.
Engineered Antibodies as Cancer Radiotheranostics
Authors: Wei Zhenni , Li Bingyu , Wen Xuejun , Jakobsson Vivianne , Liu Peifei , Chen Xiaoyuan , Zhang Jingjing
Published: June 2024

Radiotheranostics is a rapidly growing approach in personalized medicine, merging diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy to allow for the precise detection and treatment of diseases, notably cancer. Radiolabeled antibodies have become indispensable tools in the field of cancer theranostics due to their high specificity and affinity for cancer‐associated antigens, which allows for accurate targeting with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissues, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects, immune‐modulating ability, and versatility and flexibility in engineering and conjugation. However, there are inherent limitations in using antibodies as a platform for radiopharmaceuticals due to their natural activities within the immune system, large size preventing effective tumor penetration, and relatively long half‐life with concerns for prolonged radioactivity exposure. Antibody engineering can solve these challenges while preserving the many advantages of the immunoglobulin framework. In this review, the goal is to give a general overview of antibody engineering and design for tumor radiotheranostics. Particularly, the four ways that antibody engineering is applied to enhance radioimmunoconjugates: pharmacokinetics optimization, site‐specific bioconjugation, modulation of Fc interactions, and bispecific construct creation are discussed. The radionuclide choices for designed antibody radionuclide conjugates and conjugation techniques and future directions for antibody radionuclide conjugate innovation and advancement are also discussed.
Overcoming the High Error Rate of Composite DNA Letters‐Based Digital Storage through Soft‐Decision Decoding
Authors: Xu Yaping , Ding Lulu , Wu Shigang , Ruan Jue
Published: June 2024

Composite DNA letters, by merging all four DNA nucleotides in specified ratios, offer a pathway to substantially increase the logical density of DNA digital storage (DDS) systems. However, these letters are susceptible to nucleotide errors and sampling bias, leading to a high letter error rate, which complicates precise data retrieval and augments reading expenses. To address this, Derrick‐cp is introduced as an innovative soft‐decision decoding algorithm tailored for DDS utilizing composite letters. Derrick‐cp capitalizes on the distinctive error sensitivities among letters to accurately predict and rectify letter errors, thus enhancing the error‐correcting performance of Reed‐Solomon codes beyond traditional hard‐decision decoding limits. Through comparative analyses in the existing dataset and simulated experiments, Derrick‐cp's superiority is validated, notably halving the sequencing depth requirement and slashing costs by up to 22% against conventional hard‐decision strategies. This advancement signals Derrick‐cp's significant role in elevating both the precision and cost‐efficiency of composite letter‐based DDS.
Binary Host‐induced Exciplex Enabled High Color‐Rendering Index of 94 for Carbon Quantum Dot‐Based White Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Chen Renjing , Wang Zhibin , Teng Qian , Li Chenhao , Li Jinsui , Zeng Lingwei , Zhang Ruidan , Huang Feng , Lei Lei , Yuan Fanglong , Chen Daqin
Published: June 2024

White light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs) with high color‐rendering index (CRI, >90) are important for backlight displays and solid‐state lighting applications. Although the well‐developed colloidal quantum dots (QDs) based on heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are promising candidates for WLEDs, the low CRI still remains a significant limitation. In addition, the severe toxicity of heavy metals greatly limits their widespread use. Herein, the study demonstrates low‐cost and environmentally friendly carbon quantum dots (CQDs)‐based WLEDs that exhibit a high CRI of 94.33, surpassing that of conventional cadmium/lead‐containing QD‐based WLEDs. This achievement is attained through the employment of a binary host‐induced exciplex strategy. The high hole/electron mobility and suitable energy levels of the donor and acceptor give rise to a broadband orange–yellow emission stemming from the exciplex. As the host, the binary exciplex is capable of contributing blue and orange–yellow emission components while efficiently mitigating the aggregation‐induced quenching of CQDs. Meanwhile, CQDs effectively address the deep‐red emission gap, enabling the realization of CQDs‐based WLEDs with high CRI. These WLEDs also exhibit a remarkably low turn‐on voltage of 2.8 V, a maximum luminance exceeding 2000 cd m−2, a correlated color temperature of 4976 K, and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.34, 0.32).
Color‐Tunable Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence from Non‐Aromatic‐Polymer‐Involved Charge Transfer
Authors: Li Ningyan , Yang Xipeng , Wang Binbin , Chen Panyi , Ma Yixian , Zhang Qianqian , Huang Yiyao , Zhang Yan , Lü Shaoyu
Published: June 2024

Polymeric room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials especially multicolor RTP systems hold great promise in concrete applications. A key feature in these applications is a triplet charge transfer transition. Aromatic electron donors and electron acceptors are often essential to ensure persistent RTP. There is much interest in fabricating non‐aromatic charge‐transfer‐mediated RTP materials and it still remains a formidable challenge to achieve color‐tunable RTP via charge transfer. Herein, a charge‐transfer‐mediated RTP material by embedding quinoline derivatives within a non‐aromatic polymer matrix such as polyacrylamide (PAM) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is developed. Through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) is achieved upon alkali‐ or heat treatment to realize a long phosphorescence lifetime of up to 629.90 ms, high phosphorescence quantum yield of up to 20.51%, and a green‐to‐blue afterglow for more than 20 s at room temperature. This color‐tunable RTP emerges from a nonaromatic polymer to single phosphor charge transfer that has rarely been reported before. This finding suggests that an effective and simple approach can deliver new color‐tunable RTP materials for applications including multicolor display, information encryption, and gas detection.
Thickness Insensitive Organic Solar Cells with High Figure‐of‐Merit‐X Enabled by Simultaneous D/A Interpenetration and Stratification
Authors: Xie Xiyun , Ma Ruijie , Luo Yongmin , Dela Peña Top Archie , Fong Patrick Wai‐Keung , Luo Dou , Chandran Hrisheekesh Thachoth , Jia Tao , Li Mingjie , Wu Jiaying , Kyaw Aung Ko Ko , Li Gang
Published: June 2024

Low cost and printing friendly fabrication of organic solar cells (OSCs) require thick‐film devices with simply structured photoactive molecules. Thus, achieving high power conversion efficiency (PCE) for non‐fused ring acceptor‐based devices with high thickness is of great significance. Herein, by transforming traditional blend casting method to emerging sequential deposition (SD) method, D18:A4T‐16 active blend exhibits large efficiency improvement from 8.02% to 14.75% in 300 nm thick devices. Systematic morphological and photophysical characterizations showcase the effectiveness of SD processing in achieving sufficient donor/acceptor interpenetration and vertical stratification, which eliminates the dilemma of charge generation/transport in blend casting films. Meanwhile, D18 bottom layer is proven helpful in realizing fast evaporation of postdeposited poor solvent, resulting in naturally thickened active layer with well‐regulated crystallization. Furthermore, a new index to emphasize thick‐film devices based on nonfused ring acceptors, called figure‐of‐merit‐X (FoM‐X), has been defined. The SD processed D18:A4T‐16 devices herein, with 300 nm, 500 nm, and 800 nm thicknesses possess leading FoM‐X values.
Morphometric and meristic characteristics of pabda catfish (Ompok pabda) reared in biofloc and traditional culture system
Authors: Paul Prianka , Islam Md. Sherazul , Hasanuzzaman Abul Farah Md.
Published: June 2024

This study analysed morphometric and meristic characteristics of Ompok pabda from two distinct culture systems, namely biofloc and traditional. Fish samples (90 days old) collected from both culture systems were reared in indoor tanks. Thirty‐one morphometric and seven meristic characteristics were measured and analysed. The study showed that the morphometric measurements of various body parts depended on body length. A significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation was observed between total length (TL) and standard length, fork length (FL), highest body depth (HBD), lowest body depth, length of anal base (LAB), post dorsal length (PsDL) and length of caudal fin of fishes from both systems. However, most of the parameters in biofloc technology showed stronger relations than the traditional ones. Further, principal component analysis revealed significant variation across the samples for 60.43% contribution by TL, FL, head length, pre orbital length, LAB, post orbital length, PsDL and HBD in the first PC. Regarding meristic features, namely, anal fin ray, dorsal fin ray, ventral fin ray, pectoral fin ray and branchiostegal ray were found to be significantly varied between the fishes of the two culture systems. Altogether, the variation observed in morphometric and meristic data between the fishes of the two systems has revealed the role of bioflocs. The results of the present investigation might be key features for determining the morphology and growth status as well as for producing consumer‐acceptable/preferred O. pabda in the biofloc system.
Ischemic Stroke with Comorbid Cancer Has Specific miRNA‐mRNA Networks in Blood That Vary by Ischemic Stroke Mechanism
Authors: Knepp Bodie , Navi Babak B. , Rodriguez Fernando , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Iadecola Costantino , Sherman Carla P. , Tagawa Scott T. , Saxena Ashish , Ocean Allyson J. , Hull Heather , Jickling Glen , Sharp Frank R. , Ander Bradley P. , Stamova Boryana
Published: June 2024

Objective

Approximately half of ischemic strokes (IS) in cancer patients are cryptogenic, with many presumed cardioembolic. We evaluated whether there were specific miRNA and mRNA transcriptome architectures in peripheral blood of IS patients with and without comorbid cancer, and between cardioembolic versus noncardioembolic IS etiologies in comorbid cancer.

Methods

We studied patients with cancer and IS (CS; n = 42), stroke only (SO; n = 41), and cancer only (n = 28), and vascular risk factor‐matched controls (n = 30). mRNA‐Seq and miRNA‐Seq data, analyzed with linear regression models, identified differentially expressed genes in CS versus SO and in cardioembolic versus noncardioembolic CS, and miRNA‐mRNA regulatory pairs. Network‐level analyses identified stroke etiology‐specific responses in CS.

Results

A total of 2,085 mRNAs and 31 miRNAs were differentially expressed between CS and SO. In CS, 122 and 35 miRNA‐mRNA regulatory pairs, and 5 and 3 coexpressed gene modules, were associated with cardioembolic and noncardioembolic CS, respectively. Complement, growth factor, and immune/inflammatory pathways showed differences between IS etiologies in CS. A 15‐gene biomarker panel assembled from a derivation cohort (n = 50) correctly classified 81% of CS and 71% of SO participants in a validation cohort (n = 33). Another 15‐gene panel correctly identified etiologies for 13 of 13 CS‐cardioembolic and 11 of 11 CS‐noncardioembolic participants upon cross‐validation; 11 of 16 CS‐cryptogenic participants were predicted cardioembolic.

Interpretation

We discovered unique mRNA and miRNA transcriptome architecture in CS and SO, and in CS with different IS etiologies. Cardioembolic and noncardioembolic etiologies in CS showed unique coexpression networks and potential master regulators. These may help distinguish CS from SO and identify IS etiology in cryptogenic CS patients. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:565–581
Regulating Reconstruction‐Engineered Active Sites for Accelerated Electrocatalytic Conversion of Urea
Authors: Zhang Jichao , Feng Jianrui , Zhu Jiexin , Kang Liqun , Liu Longxiang , Guo Fei , Li Jing , Li Kaiqi , Chen Jie , Zong Wei , Liu Mingqiang , Chen Ruwei , Parkin Ivan P. , Mai Liqiang , He Guanjie
Published: June 2024

Reconstruction‐engineered electrocatalysts with enriched high active Ni species for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) have recently become promising candidates for energy conversion. However, to inhibit the over‐oxidation of urea brought by the high valence state of Ni, tremendous efforts are devoted to obtaining low‐value products of nitrogen gas to avoid toxic nitrite formation, undesirably causing inefficient utilization of the nitrogen cycle. Herein, we proposed a mediation engineering strategy to significantly boost high‐value nitrite formation to help close a loop for the employment of a nitrogen economy. Specifically, platinum‐loaded nickel phosphides (Pt‐Ni2P) catalysts exhibit a promising nitrite production rate (0.82 mol kWh−1 cm−2), high stability over 66 h of Zn‐urea‐air battery operation, and 135 h of co‐production of nitrite and hydrogen under 200 mA cm−2 in a zero‐gap membrane electrode assembly (MEA) system. The in situ spectroscopic characterizations and computational calculations demonstrated that the urea oxidation kinetics is facilitated by enriched dynamic Ni3+ active sites, thus augmenting the “cyanate” UOR pathway. The C−N cleavage was further verified as the rate‐determining step for nitrite generation.
Identification and Characterization of Thiamine Diphosphate‐Dependent Lyases with an Unusual CDG Motif
Authors: Lanza Lucrezia , Rabe von Pappenheim Fabian , Bjarnesen Daniela , Leogrande Camilla , Paul Alexandra , Krug Leonhard , Tittmann Kai , Müller Michael
Published: June 2024

The thiamine diphosphate (ThDP)‐binding motif, characterized by the canonical GDG(X)24‐27N sequence, is highly conserved among ThDP‐dependent enzymes. We investigated a ThDP‐dependent lyase (JanthE from Janthinobacterium sp. HH01) with an unusual cysteine (C458) replacing the first glycine of this motif. JanthE exhibits a high substrate promiscuity and accepts long aliphatic α‐keto acids as donors. Sterically hindered aromatic aldehydes or non‐activated ketones are acceptor substrates, giving access to a variety of secondary and tertiary alcohols as carboligation products. The crystal structure solved at a resolution of 1.9 Å reveals that C458 is not primarily involved in cofactor binding as previously thought for the canonical glycine. Instead, it coordinates methionine 406, thus ensuring the integrity of the active site and the enzyme activity. In addition, we have determined the long‐sought genuine tetrahedral intermediates formed with pyruvate and 2‐oxobutyrate in the pre‐decarboxylation states and deciphered the atomic details for their stabilization in the active site. Collectively, we unravel an unexpected role for the first residue of the ThDP‐binding motif and unlock a family of lyases that can perform valuable carboligation reactions.
Anchored Weakly‐Solvated Electrolytes for High‐Voltage and Low‐Temperature Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Xu , Zhang Jingwei , Yun Xuanyu , Li Jia , Yu Huaqing , Peng Lianqiang , Xi Zihang , Wang Ruihan , Yang Ling , Xie Wei , Chen Jun , Zhao Qing
Published: June 2024

Electrolytes endowed with high oxidation/reduction interfacial stability, fast Li‐ion desolvation process and decent ionic conductivity over wide temperature region are known critical for low temperature and fast‐charging performance of energy‐dense batteries, yet these characteristics are rarely satisfied simultaneously. Here, we report anchored weakly‐solvated electrolytes (AWSEs), that are designed by extending the chain length of polyoxymethylene ether electrolyte solvent, can achieve the above merits at moderate salt concentrations. The −O−CH2−O− segment in solvent enables the weak four‐membered ring Li+ coordination structure and the increased number of segments can anchor the solvent by Li+ without largely sacrificing the ionic dissociation ability. Therefore, the single salt/single solvent AWSEs enable solvent co‐intercalation‐free behavior towards graphite (Gr) anode and high oxidation stability towards high‐nickel cathode (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2‐NCM811), as well as the formation of inorganic rich electrode/electrolyte interphase on both of them due to the anion‐rich solvation shells. The capacity retention of Gr||NCM811 Ah‐class pouch cell can reach 70.85 % for 1000 cycles at room‐temperature and 75.86 % for 400 cycles at −20 °C. This work points out a promising path toward the molecular design of electrolyte solvents for high‐energy/power battery systems that are adaptive for extreme conditions.
Versatile biobased biocidal nanomaterial for a safer‐by‐design coated food packaging
Authors: Musino Dafne , Peyron Stephane , Capron Isabelle
Published: June 2024

The preservation of food products using packaging with antimicrobial properties is a major challenge. Using a simple dipping procedure, we propose to functionalize the surface of commercial polypropylene (PP) films with various hybrid components based on biopolymers with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that are known for their bactericidal properties. The chosen biopolymers are polysaccharides in solid form such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and chitin nanocrystals (ChiNC), as well as hydrosoluble molecules such as alginate and chitosan for which some OH groups serve as nucleation points for AgNPs. The successful coating was demonstrated via the presence of biopolymers on the PP film surface using electron and fluorescence microscopies. The effective presence of AgNPs on the PP film was then confirmed by atomic absorption spectroscopy measurements. Migration tests performed over 10 days made it possible to track the kinetic release of Ag+ in a food simulant. A persistent and increasing release over time was observed, especially for hybrids in solid form (i.e., CNC/AgNP, ChiNC/AgNP), bearing the smaller AgNPs (20 nm). The maximum value of Ag + released was ~0.30 mg Ag/kg, which is significantly lower than the value authorized by international organizations.
Effect of precipitation methods on physicochemical properties of keratin films produced from chicken feather waste
Authors: Vanderlei Rafael M. , Novo‐Mansur Maria T. M. , Mattoso Luiz H. C. , Moreira Francys K. V.
Published: June 2024

Engineering keratin plastics from chicken feather wastes is highly attractive from an environmental prospect but challenging due to the influence of extraction routes on the macromolecular keratin features. In this study, the effect of precipitation methods on desired properties of biodegradable keratin films was investigated. Keratin was extracted from an industrial chicken feather waste by sulfitolysis, and further recovered using hydrochloric acid (KHA), citric acid (KCA), sodium chloride (KSC), and acetone (KAT) as precipitating agents. Keratin films containing glycerol at 25 wt% were produced by compression molding. All keratin films were nearly colorless and highly transparent to visible light while exhibiting good UV barrier properties. The KAT and KSC films showed greater ductility (εbreak > 50%) compared with KHA and KCA, which was correlated with broader molecular weight distributions and less crosslinking in the former keratins. Importantly, disulfide bonds created in the processing led to keratin films with low water solubility. Larger surface hydrophobicity was attained from keratin recovered by organic solvent precipitation (KAT). These results advance the understanding of precipitating agents as physicochemical property modifiers of biodegradable keratin films for food packaging and other applications.
Characterizations and bioactivities of novel biocomposites based on modified fish collagen, ginsenoside Rb1, and Camellia chrysantha polyphenols
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Chinh , Duong Tra My , Hoang Tran Dung , Mai Duc Huynh , Ngo Thi Cam Quyen , Can Van Mao , Thai Hoang
Published: June 2024

Collagen derived from freshwater fish scales is a potential material for hemostatic and wound healing. 3D printing method is an environmentally friendly technique to geometrically‐controlled samples and is widely applied to prepare collagen‐based materials. This work aims to compare the advantages of preparation methods for hemostatic materials based on collagen, in which, the traditional method, solution will be compared with the modern method, 3D printing. Collagen in gel form was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and was first time modified with ginsenoside Rb1 and Camellia chrysantha polyphenols. The characteristics of biomaterial samples, including functional groups, morphology, and element composition of samples have been assessed using infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive x‐ray, field emission scanning electron microscopy. The swelling degree and hemostatic ability of biomaterial samples prepared according to two methods would be tested. The antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory tests, and in vivo test on mice were carried out on these biomaterials. The findings confirmed that the 3D printing method with direct ink writing technique is more suitable for the preparation of hemostatic collagen‐based membrane than the solution method. The time to hemostasis when using collagen‐based membrane was found to be 104.0 ± 16.7 s. Moreover, the collagen‐based biomaterials also have anti‐inflammatory and antibacterial activity. This opens potential applications of the biomaterials from fish scale collagen in practice.
Rediscovery, systematics and conservation of an enigmatic freshwater crayfish (Parastacidae) from the Australian monsoon tropics
Authors: Hammer Michael P. , Whiterod Nick S. , Grandjean Frédéric , Tromp Jared J. , Horner Suzanne K. , Austin Chris M.
Published: June 2024

Freshwater wetlands are among the world's most valuable ecosystems, supporting diverse biota and critical ecological services, yet these habitats have suffered extensive and pervasive anthropogenic disturbance. Northern Australia represents a rare example of a relatively unmodified, vast wetland habitat. The freshwater crayfishes of the region are poorly documented, with one enigmatic species, the nutcracker yabby Cherax nucifraga, described from a single individual sampled opportunistically from the stomach of a predatory fish. Here we report on the rediscovery of C. nucifraga from a relatively limited distribution in semi‐permanent coastal freshwater wetlands. Field studies were conducted to inform natural resource management and conservation. Genome skimming to recover mitogenomes, 18S–28S and histone sequences demonstrated a sister relationship with two congeners from the tropics, and moderate molecular genetic substructure was apparent within C. nucifraga between mainland and Melville Island locations. Cherax nucifraga is characterised by the presence of a strawberry‐coloured soft patch on the outer margin of the claw, uniquely present in both mature males and females. Meristic and multivariate morphometric comparisons are made with the co‐occurring redclaw Cherax quadricarinatus and the allopatric whiteclaw yabby Cherax bicarinatus, with a summary of diagnostic traits developed into a visual guide and key. Programs to further understand ecology, threats and traditional ecological knowledge will help to inform the future conservation management of the species in the face of increasing development and environmental change to northern Australian coastal freshwater wetlands. Specific conservation actions include identifying and protecting refuge habitats and preventing incursions by other Cherax species.
Setting Sustainable and Predictable Water Rates
Authors: Blackwell Cole E.
Published: June 2024

Key Takeaways

Setting water rates that are both sustainable and predictable can be challenging for water utilities coping with infrastructure renewal, inflation, and other challenges.

Although most utilities conduct master planning efforts, the planning horizon is often too short, and the results are not fully integrated with long‐term financial planning.

Without integrated planning efforts and an adequate planning horizon, sustainable and predictable rates cannot be achieved.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the linkage between low vitamin D and the risk as well as the prognosis of stroke
Authors: Xiong Jianrong , Zhao Chenliang , Li Jinhui , Li Yongxiang
Published: June 2024

Objective

The research intended to probe the connection between the risk of stroke and serum vitamin D levels.

Methods

Three electronic databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed) were searched according to the subject terms from inception until July 29, 2022, and retrieved researches were screened on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two investigators conducted the quality assessment and data extraction. Using Stata 16.0 software, a meta‐analysis was conducted on the extracted data.

Findings

In total, 27 studies with 45,302 participants were included. Among these studies, 20 focused on stroke risk, while 7 examined stroke prognosis. According to the meta‐analysis findings, it was observed that a higher stroke risk is connected to reduced levels of serum vitamin D. This association was reflected in a combined relative risk (RR) of 1 .28 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.42) and a worse prognosis after stroke (RR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.90–4.60). Additional analysis indicated that no apparent relationship between a decrease in vitamin D and the probability of experiencing a hemorrhagic stroke was found. The RR found was 1.93 (95% CI: 0.95–3.95). On the other hand, it was observed that a reduction in serum vitamin D levels was linked to an elevated likelihood of developing an ischemic stroke. The RR identified was 1.72 (95% CI: 1.78–2.03). Moreover, a lower level of vitamin D in the bloodstream was associated with a more unfavorable prognosis for individuals who suffered from a stroke. The RR for this correlation was 2.95 (95% CI: 1.90–4.60). However, further research is required to confirm the above‐mentioned findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, lower concentration vitamin D was found to be related to an increased risk of stroke, which could mainly be reflected in ischemic stroke patients but not in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. A lower serum vitamin D level was correlative with the poor prognosis of stroke.
Integrative network analysis of transcriptomics data reveals potential prognostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer
Authors: Mahajan Mohita , Sarkar Angshuman , Mondal Sukanta
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cross‐talk among biological pathways is essential for normal biological function and plays a significant role in cancer progression. Through integrated network analysis, this study explores the significance of pathway cross‐talk in colorectal cancer (CRC) development at both the pathway and gene levels.

Methods

In this study, we integrated the gene expression data with domain knowledge to construct state‐dependent pathway cross‐talk networks. The significance of the genes involved in pathway cross‐talk was assessed by analyzing their association with cancer hallmarks, disease‐gene relation, genetic alterations, and survival analysis. We also analyzed the gene regulatory network to identify the dysregulated genes and their role in CRC progression.

Results

Cross‐talk was observed between immune‐related pathways and pathways associated with cell communication and signaling. The PTPRC gene was identified as a mediator, facilitating interactions within the immune system and other signaling pathways. The rewired interactions of ITGA7 were identified as influential in the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in CRC. This study also highlighted the crucial link between cell communication and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway in CRC progression. The survival analysis of identified gene clusters showed their significant prognostic value in distinguishing high‐risk from low‐risk CRC groups, and L1000CDS2 revealed seven potential drug molecules in CRC. Nine dysregulated genes (CTNNB1, EP300, JUN, MYC, NFKB1, RELA, SP1, STAT1, and TP53) emerge as transcription factors acting as common regulators across various pathways.

Conclusions

This study highlights the crucial role of pathway cross‐talk in CRC progression and identified the potential prognostic biomarkers and potential drug molecules.
Toward comprehensive Chiroptera modeling: A parametric multiagent model for bat behavior
Authors: Marney Brendan , Haworth Brandon
Published: June 2024

Chiroptera behavior is complex and often unseen as bats are nocturnal, small, and elusive animals. Chiroptology has led to significant insights into the behavior and environmental interactions of bats. Biology, ecology, and even digital media often benefit from mathematical models of animals including humans. However, the history of Chiroptera modeling is often limited to specific behaviors, species, or biological functions and relies heavily on classical modeling methodologies that may not fully represent individuals or colonies well. This work proposes a continuous, parametric, multiagent, Chiroptera behavior model that captures the latest research in echolocation, hunting, and energetics of bats. This includes echolocation‐based perception (or lack thereof), hunting patterns, roosting behavior, and energy consumption rates. We proposed the integration of these mathematical models in a framework that affords the individual simulation of bats within large‐scale colonies. Practitioners can adjust the model to account for different perceptual affordances or patterns among species of bats, or even individuals (such as sickness or injury). We show that our model closely matches results from the literature, affords an animated graphical simulation, and has utility in simulation‐based studies.
Mastering broom‐like tools for object transportation animation using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Liu Guan‐Ting , Wong Sai‐Keung
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we propose a deep reinforcement‐based approach to generate an animation of an agent using a broom‐like tool to transport a target object. The tool is attached to the agent. So when the agent moves, the tool moves as well.The challenge is to control the agent to move and use the tool to push the target while avoiding obstacles. We propose a direction sensor to guide the agent's movement direction in environments with static obstacles. Furthermore, different rewards and a curriculum learning are implemented to make the agent efficiently learn skills for manipulating the tool. Experimental results show that the agent can naturally control the tool with different shapes to transport target objects. The result of ablation tests revealed the impacts of the rewards and some state components.
Good's syndrome combined with CMV gastroenteritis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xiaoran , Liu Yanbin
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Good's syndrome (GS) presents with thymoma, hypogammaglobulinemia, and recurrent infection. The manifestations of patients diagnosed with GS and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) gastroenteritis are rare and non‐specific. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis of the rare disease.

Good's syndrome (GS), a rare acquired immunodeficiency condition, is characterized by thymoma, hypogammaglobulinemia, and low peripheral B‐lymphocyte count. GS tends to occur in individuals aged 40–60 years, resulting in increased risk of recurrent infections with various conditional pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause pneumonia, retinitis, encephalitis, and enteritis in GS patient, but CMV infection in the alimentary tract is usually underestimated, delayed diagnosed and misdiagnosed. In this study, we reported a female patient with GS and chronic diarrhea due to CMV infection and reviewed the literature to conclude the characteristics of this rare condition to improve the clinical diagnosis and prognosis of CMV gastroenteritis in patients with GS.
Congenital lymphatic dysplasia and severe bone disease in a term neonate with a novel homozygous PIEZO1 variant
Authors: Ketchum Elizabeth H. , Groomes Charles L. , Ghersi Alexis N. , Graziose Brian B. , Wilson Sharen C. , Zven Sidney E. , Hicks Rebecca L. , Langley William A. , Reott Michael A. , Schacht John P. , Schulz Elizabeth V. , Curtis Jerri
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

We report a patient with nonimmune fetal hydrops and multiple pathologic fractures. RNA analysis revealed a novel PIEZO1 variant. This report is the first to elucidate PIEZO1's role as a critical regulator of bone mass and strength.
Combination of Co Single Atom and MoS2 Antisite Defect for Efficient Electrocatalytic CO2 Methanation: A Rational Design at Electronic Scale
Authors: Gao Xiangyu , Wang Tong‐Hui , Wen Zi , Jiang Qing
Published: June 2024

Methane, the simplest hydrocarbon, has a high energy density and is widely used as chemical feedstocks or fuels. Converting CO2 to methane through electrochemical reduction offers a promising strategy for managing the global carbon balance, but is a challenge due to the lack of effective electrocatalysts. Herein, the Co single atom catalyst supported by MoS2 antisite defect (Co‐MoS2) is designed from both the activity and selectivity aspects. By virtue of i) moderately electron‐deficient state (Coδ+) ensuring efficient CO2 activation and HER suppression; ii) the strong adsorption capability for intermediate enhancing selectivity; iii) the single atomic active site avoiding the formation of C2 products, Co‐MoS2 could selectively convert CO2 to CH4 with a limiting potential of −0.45 V vs. RHE, which outperforms most of the present catalysts, and is expected to be a promising substitution for Cu‐based catalysts.
Dual pH and Ca2+‐Responsive PEG‐Modified Pillar[5]arene‐Based Supramolecular Nanodrug Delivery System: Excellent Cargo Encapsulation and Minimal Drug Toxicity
Authors: Shao Haojie , Duan Wengui , Huang Yan , Zhang Yanjun , Liu Luzhi
Published: June 2024

Chemotherapy is one of the most employed strategies in clinical treatment of cancer. However, reducing medication adverse effects and improving the biological activity remains a significant issue for chemotherapy. We developed a pH and Ca2+‐responsive pillar[5]arene‐based supramolecular nanodrug delivery system (NDDS) WP5⊃EV@DOX to address the aforementioned challenges. The formation of this NDDS began with the spontaneous formation of supramolecular nanodrug carrier WP5⊃EV in water from PEG‐modified pillar[5]arene and the bipyridilium salt derivative EV through simple host‐guest interaction. Then the antitumor drug doxorubicin DOX was efficiently loaded with a high encapsulation rate of 84.6 %. Cytotoxicity results indicated that the constructed nanoplatform not only reduced DOX toxicity and side effects on normal cell (293T), but also significantly enhanced the antitumor activity on cancer cell (HepG2). Moreover, in vivo experiments showed that WP5⊃EV@DOX had a longer half‐life and higher bioavailability in the blood of mice compared to the nake drug DOX, with increases to 212 % and 179 %, respectively. Therefore, WP5⊃EV@DOX has great potential in tumor therapy and provides a new idea for host‐guest drug delivery system.
The importance of studying the implementation of cancer data standards
Authors: Osterman Travis J. , Ye Jiarong
Published: June 2024

Data standards promise better quality measurement, discovery, population health management, and interoperability. For oncology practices to make informed decisions about implementation, it is paramount that the cancer informatics community continue to study and publish diverse methods to structure data.
Channel and misalignment characterization for simultaneous wireless power and data transfer system based on moving average filter
Authors: Da Chaolai , Li Fang , Gan Haiqing , Nie Ming , Wang Lifang , Tao Chengxuan , Li Shufan , Jiao Xize
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the channel and misalignment characteristics of a simultaneous wireless power and data transfer (SWPDT) system. Cross talk from the power channel to the data channel in case of misalignment can reduce the reliability of the communication system. To address this problem, this paper proposed to use the moving average filter in the field‐programmable gate array (FPGA) to obtain the optimal threshold and recover the baseband data adaptively. First, considering the parasitic capacitance of high‐frequency data coil, this paper presents a design method for DDQ coil applied in SWPDT systems. Then, the characteristics of the power channel and data channel are analyzed. In addition, the properties of the system are investigated in case of misalignment and the principle of the demodulation in FPGA is presented. Finally, a 1.5 kW prototype proved the correctness of the theoretical analysis in this paper, which can achieve a 500 kb/s communication rate. Meanwhile, the experimental results show that the SWPDT system proposed in this paper can provide reliable communication within 15% of misalignment in both the x‐ and y‐directions.
A novel impedance modeling and stability analysis paradigm of microgrids consisting of virtual synchronous generators and constant power loads
Authors: Ge Jiwei , Han Yang , Zhou Siyu , Yang Ping , Zalhaf Amr S.
Published: June 2024

The application of virtual synchronous generators (VSGs) in power systems is gradually increasing to address the low inertia issue caused by the high penetration of renewable energy sources. Besides, the stability of microgrids (MGs) is threatened by constant power loads (CPLs) consisting of power electronic converters with closed‐loop controllers. To investigate the stability of the MG composed of VSG and CPL, this paper analyzes the operational principles of VSG and CPL, revealing that only the bipolar switch logic function is suitable for establishing a closed‐loop model if the output of the inner‐loop controller is considered as the duty cycle of the PWM signal. Furthermore, the closed‐loop impedance models of VSG and CPL were established in the dq frame. Impedance‐based analysis results show that the MG is prone to oscillation in the mid‐band. Therefore, the active power loop parameters of the VSG have a small impact on the stability of the MG, while the LC filter and inner loop controllers have a greater impact on the stability. Based on the oscillation mechanism and passivity theory, the impedance reshaping strategy for VSG and CPL is proposed. It is verified that the proposed control strategy can significantly improve the stability of the MG through the comparison of simulation results and theoretical analysis.