bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restoration of Sinusoid Fenestrae Followed by Targeted Nanoassembly Delivery of an Anti‐Fibrotic Agent Improves Treatment Efficacy in Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Li Fenfen , Zhao Ying , Cheng Zhaoxia , Wang Yazhou , Yue Yale , Cheng Xiaoyu , Sun Jingyi , Atabakhshi‐Kashi Mona , Yao Jundong , Dou Jianping , Yu Jie , Zhang Xiuping , Qi Yingqiu , Li Xiaotian , Qi Xiaolong , Nie Guangjun
Published: March 2023

During the onset of liver fibrosis, capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) limit substance exchange between the blood and the Disse space, further accelerating hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation and fibrosis progression. Limited accessibility of therapeutics to the Disse space is often overlooked and remains a major bottleneck for HSCs‐targeted therapy in liver fibrosis. Here, an integrated systemic strategy for liver fibrosis treatment is reported, utilizing pretreatment with the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, riociguat, followed by insulin growth factor 2 receptor‐mediated targeted delivery of the anti‐fibrosis agent, JQ1, via peptide‐nanoparticles (IGNP‐JQ1). The riociguat reversed the liver sinusoid capillarization to maintain a relatively normal LSECs porosity, thus facilitating the transport of IGNP‐JQ1 through the liver sinusoid endothelium wall and enhancing the accumulation of IGNP‐JQ1 in the Disse space. IGNP‐JQ1 is then selectively taken up by activated HSCs, inhibiting their proliferation and decreasing collagen deposition in the liver. The combined strategy results in significant fibrosis resolution in carbon tetrachloride‐induced fibrotic mice as well as methionine‐choline‐deficient‐diet‐induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice. The work highlights the key role of LSECs in therapeutics transport through the liver sinusoid. The strategy of restoring LSECs fenestrae by riociguat represents a promising approach for liver fibrosis treatment.
An Artificial Chameleon Skin for Dynamic Thermoregulation
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Zhu Liqian , Gao Shuyuan , Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Shengjie , Xia Yongqing
Published: March 2023

Solar radiation is the major energy source for most living creatures, and some creatures change their skin colors responding to energy demands. Inspired by the chameleons that live in the desert of Namibia, which can regulate body temperature by changing skin colors between black and white, a patterned hydrogel film with self‐thermoregulation ability is reported in this work. The film consists of two parts: a light‐responsive black part and a stretchable white part. The black part is made of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel with polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, and the white part is made of stretchable polyacrylamide hydrogel with polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles. At low temperature and low light irradiation, the black part dominates the film, and the embedded melanin‐like PDA nanoparticles adsorb light and convert it to heat, thus reaching an active body temperature. At high temperature and strong light irradiation, the black part shrinks, which in turn stretches the white part to dominate the film, and more light is reflected by guanine crystals‐like PS nanoparticles, thus protecting body temperature from rising. The combination of the thermoresponsive black hydrogel and stretchable white hydrogel provides an evolutionary novelty that can control the solar lights for dynamic thermoregulation.
Continuous Phase Change Materials for Power Generation from Daily Air Temperature Cycles
Authors: Suemori Kouji , Komatsu Yuichiro , Komazaki Yusuke , Uemura Sei , Fukuda Nobuko
Published: March 2023

Power generators that convert daily air temperature cycles to electricity should have both high power output and wide operating temperature range. Herein, a power generator combining a thermoelectric device and a mixture of various encapsulated alkanes that undergo continuous phase transitions induced by ambient temperature cycles is demonstrated. The operating temperature range of such a power generator can be extended by selecting appropriate alkane capsules to be incorporated into the device. A power generator with an operating temperature range of −0.2–37.2 °C is demonstrated; this operating temperature range is obtained when the temperature difference between the highest and lowest temperatures of the ambient temperature cycle is 14.2 °C, which is the equivalent environment in a Stevenson screen outdoors. The wide operating temperature range would permit power generation from daily temperature variations in many temperate and subtropical countries. The electric powers obtained by this power generator when placed in an indoor room and an outdoor Stevenson screen are 180 and 300 µW, respectively. Our temperature cycle‐based power generators pave the way for power sources that can generate electricity semi‐permanently in a broad range of environment.
Designing Fluorescent Covalent Organic Frameworks by Controlling Layer Spacing, Size of Aromatic Linker and Side Chains for Detection of Nitrofurazone
Authors: Kuang Lijuan , Wang Shiqi , Wan Haifei , Chen Lili , Wang Li , Song Yonghai
Published: March 2023

A new imine‐linked covalent organic framework (COFDHA‐TAPB) with strong fluorescence is designed by using 2,5‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHA) and 1,3,5‐tri(4‐aminophenyl)benzene (TAPB) as monomers. The TAPB has a suitable aromatic skeleton in which slight distortion between phenyl groups reduces aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ). The hydroxyl group side chains of DHA form hydrogen bond with the imine bonds of COFDHA‐TAPB to restrict intramolecular rotations. Hydrogen bonds are also formed between different layers of COFDHA‐TAPB, which further restricts supramolecular rotation by narrowing the layer spacing. Moreover, the COFDHA‐TAPB exhibits a hollow sphere structure, which also reduces ACQ and intramolecular rotation. Therefore, COFDHA‐TAPB has a strong emission peak at 408 nm, which is used for nitrofurazone detection. The detection linear range is 0.33 µm–0.197 mm (0.066–39 µg mL−1), and the detection limit is 0.11 µm (0.022 µg mL−1). This work also provides an important guideline to design strongly fluorescent covalent organic framework by controlling layer spacing, aromatic linkers sizes and side chains of monomers for sensors.
Solvent‐Dependent Growth of Rigid Styrylstilbene Dicarboxylic Acid Microcrystals as Bent Waveguides and Microlasers
Authors: Venkatakrishnarao Dasari , Hasebe Shunya , Egawa Yasunobu , Tapar Jinal , Paniagua-Domínguez Ramón , Lau Chit Siong , Yamagishi Hiroshi , Tsuji Hayato , Yamamoto Yohei
Published: March 2023

Organic single‐crystalline structures can effectively generate and confine photons, which can be potential building blocks for the optical circuits. While designing of organic molecules can tune the photoluminescence (PL) property, it is challenging to achieve efficient laser emission and light resonance in different forms of molecular aggregates. Herein, a dicarboxylated carbon‐bridged oligophenylenevinylene (COPV2‐(COOH)2) is newly synthesized. The THF/water solution of COPV2‐(COOH)2 exhibits green‐color PL with quantum yield >0.90 over the range of THF/water = 100/0–40/60. COPV2‐(COOH)2 forms either bent microrods (MR) or microsheets (MS) depending on the crystallization solvents. Significantly, PL resonance and lasing are only observed in MS, indicating that MS has better light confinement property than MR. MS features Q‐factor as high as 1.8 × 103 with the lasing threshold of 222 μJ cm−2. Finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD)‐simulated electric field distributions in MR and MS validate experimental observations.
Doppler Frequency‐Shift Information Processing in WOx‐Based Memristive Synapse for Auditory Motion Perception
Authors: Zeng Tao , Wang Zhongqiang , Lin Ya , Cheng YanKun , Shan Xuanyu , Tao Ye , Zhao Xiaoning , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: March 2023

Auditory motion perception is one crucial capability to decode and discriminate the spatiotemporal information for neuromorphic auditory systems. Doppler frequency‐shift feature and interaural time difference (ITD) are two fundamental cues of auditory information processing. In this work, the functions of azimuth detection and velocity detection, as the typical auditory motion perception, are demonstrated in a WOx‐based memristive synapse. The WOx memristor presents both the volatile mode (M1) and semi‐nonvolatile mode (M2), which are capable of implementing the high‐pass filtering and processing the spike trains with a relative timing and frequency shift. In particular, the Doppler frequency‐shift information processing for velocity detection is emulated in the WOx memristor based auditory system for the first time, which relies on a scheme of triplet spike‐timing‐dependent‐plasticity in the memristor. These results provide new opportunities for the mimicry of auditory motion perception and enable the auditory sensory system to be applied in future neuromorphic sensing.
Additive Manufacturing of Li‐Ion Batteries: A Comparative Study between Electrode Fabrication Processes
Authors: Pinilla Sergio , Ryan Seán , McKeon Lorcan , Lian Meiying , Vaesen Sebastien , Roy Ahin , Schmitt Wolfgang , Coleman Jonathan N. , Nicolosi Valeria
Published: March 2023

Additive manufacturing strategies are gaining more importance in the context of lithium‐ion batteries. The rapid prototyping, reduced waste and complex 3D structures achievable are powerful and attractive tools that are out of the reach of current fabrication techniques. Additionally, thanks to the potential that these manufacturing techniques hold for the fabrication of micro‐energy storage devices, they are gaining increasing attention in the literature. Here, some of the more common additive manufacturing techniques are compared to standard methodologies by systematically evaluating their electrochemical performance and correlating it with the physical changes induced by the printing process. By using LTO/CNT‐based inks, it is observed that the inner arrangement of the conductive additive is significatively altered depending on the technique used and that this has an impact on the rate performance of the device. By using a model that links the capacity‐rate data to the physical properties of the batteries, it is possible to find the limiting factor on the printed electrodes and correlate it with the material arrangement that each technique produces.
Structurally Driven Ultrafast Charge Funneling in Organic Bulk Heterojunction Hole Transport Layer for Efficient Colloidal Quantum Dot Photovoltaics
Authors: Yang Jonghee , Sharma Ashish , Yoon Jung Won , Paritmongkol Watcharaphol , Lee Seungjin , Ahn Hyungju , Lee Wooseop , Song Hochan , Jeong Woo Hyeon , Lee Bo Ram , Ko Seo‐Jin , Ahmadi Mahshid , Sargent Edward H. , Choi Hyosung
Published: March 2023

Nanoscopic packing structures crucially determine the charge conduction and the consequent functionalities of organic semiconductors including bulk heterojunctions (BHJs), which are dependent on various processing parameters. Today's high‐performance colloidal quantum dot photovoltaics (CQDPVs) employ functional organic semiconductors as a hole transport layer (HTL). However, the processing of those films replicates a protocol dedicated to high‐performance organic PVs, and thus little is known about how to control the molecular packing structures to maximize the hole extraction function of the HTLs. Herein, it is uncovered that the random‐oriented, but closer‐packed BHJ crystallites, constructed by 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (o‐DCB) as a solvent, allow exceptional charge conduction vertically across the film and restrict diffusion‐driven charge transfer process, enabling ultrafast hole funneling from CQD to BHJ to be extracted. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 13.66% with high photocurrent >34 mA cm−2 is achieved by employing o‐DCB‐processed BHJ HTL, far exceeding the performance of the CQDPV solely employing neat polymer HTL. A charge conduction mechanism associated with the BHJ HTL structure suppressing the bimolecular recombination is proposed. This works not only suggests key principles to control the packing structures of organic HTLs but also opens a new avenue to boost optoelectronic performance.
Superhigh Coulombic Efficiency Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Enabled by In Situ Coating Lithium Sulfide with Polymerizable Electrolyte Additive
Authors: Geng Chuannan , Qu Wenjia , Han Zhiyuan , Wang Li , Lv Wei , Yang Quan‐Hong
Published: March 2023

The polysulfide shuttling and electrode structure destruction caused by heterogeneous conversion reactions are the fundamental causes of the poor reversibility of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. The most direct manifestation is the unsatisfactory low Coulombic efficiency (CE). Herein the importance of CE in evaluating Li–S batteries is highlighted and a remedy is presented for such low efficiencies by in situ coating lithium sulfide (Li2S), as the cathode, with polymerizable electrolyte additives, where trithiocyanuric acid trilithium salt (TTCA‐Li) is employed for a typical demonstration. The involved reaction catalytically decreases the initial overpotential of Li2S, and the produced coating confines the shuttling of lithium polysulfides, thus inhibiting the redistribution of sulfur species and active sulfur loss upon cycling. The prototype full cell where the coated Li2S cathode couples with the Li anode has an extremely high CE of over 99.5%, while, in a Li‐free cell, the Li2S cathode well matches the lithiated silicon anode in a low N/P ratio of 1.2. This approach shows its practicality and generality through a pouch cell demonstration with a practically high Li2S loading and the extension to elemental sulfur‐based batteries by injecting the TTCA‐Li additives into cycling cells.
Challenges of Stable Ion Pathways in Cathode Electrode for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries: A Review
Authors: Huo Sida , Sheng Li , Xue Wendong , Wang Li , Xu Hong , Zhang Hao , Su Ben , Lyu Miaomiao , He Xiangming
Published: March 2023

For energy storage devices, high energy density, high power density, cycle stability, and safety are the development goals. Solid‐state lithium metal batteries, with both safety and high performance, have become a hot topic in recent research. Although each component of these batteries has been studied for decades, and their individual performance has been improved markedly, the performance of their combination is still far less than expected. Without the aid of a liquid electrolyte, the ion pathways within and between solid elements are tortuous or even disconnected, making the cathode development in solid‐state lithium metal batteries more challenging than for those in lithium‐ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. This review focuses on the ion pathways in the cathode for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries with different dimensions, covering their types, characteristics, and challenges. The design and modification methods of the ion pathways, including element doping, coating, composite pathways, and new functional structures, are also discussed.
Versatile Photoelectrocatalysis Strategy Raising Up the Green Production of Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Yu Fei‐Yang , Zhou Yun‐Jie , Tan Hua‐Qiao , Li Yang‐Guang , Kang Zhen‐Hui
Published: March 2023

H2O2 plays an irreplaceable role in many aspects of human society, such as paper bleaching, medical disinfection, wastewater treatment, organic synthesis, hydrometallurgy and the electronic industry. However, the unsustainability of the current industrial production process of traditional anthraquinone has a serious conflict with the green sustainable development. The photo/electrocatalytic H2O2 production from renewable energy has the advantages of being more economical, low‐carbon and green, and in line with the requirements of energy economy. These catalytic methods of green H2O2 production have played a demonstrative role in the development of many small molecules, contributing to a fundamental understanding of general catalysis and providing a scientific perspective for future new energy cycles. In this review, the authors aim to integrate the reaction process and mechanism of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic H2O2 production, summarize the development and application of photocatalytic and electrocatalytic H2O2 production in recent years, and assess the modern technologies promoted in the process of H2O2 production research, including the development of flux production equipment and reaction coproduction, etc. This review intends to provide a clear logic profile and new directions for the development of H2O2 production, and calls for more researchers to provide more insights into the development of this field.
Liquid Flux–Assisted Mechanism for Modest Temperature Synthesis of Large‐Grain BaZrS3 and BaHfS3 Chalcogenide Perovskites
Authors: Vincent Kiruba Catherine , Agarwal Shubhanshu , Turnley Jonathan W. , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: March 2023

Chalcogenide perovskites are promising semiconductor materials with attractive optoelectronic properties and appreciable stability, making them enticing candidates for photovoltaics and related electronic applications. Traditional synthesis methods for these materials have long suffered from high‐temperature requirements of 800–1000 °C. However, the recently developed solution processing route provides a way to circumvent this. By utilizing barium thiolate and ZrH2, this method is capable of synthesizing BaZrS3 perovskite at modest temperatures (500–600 °C), generating crystalline domains on the order of hundreds of nanometers in size. Herein, a systematic study of this solution processing route is done to gain a mechanistic understanding of the process and to supplement the development of device quality fabrication methodologies. A barium polysulfide liquid flux is identified as playing a key role in the rapid synthesis of large‐grain BaZrS3 perovskite at modest temperatures. Additionally, this mechanism is successfully extended to the related BaHfS3 perovskite. The reported findings identify viable precursors, key temperature regimes, and reaction conditions that are likely to enable the large‐grain chalcogenide perovskite growth, essential toward the formation of device‐quality thin films.
Modeling and predictive control of nonlinear processes using transfer learning method
Authors: Xiao Ming , Hu Cheng , Wu Zhe
Published: March 2023

This work develops a transfer learning (TL) framework for modeling and predictive control of nonlinear systems using recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with the knowledge obtained in modeling one process transferred to another. Specifically, transfer learning uses a pretrained model developed based on a source domain as the starting point, and adapts the model to a target process with similar configurations. The generalization error for TL‐based RNN (TL‐RNN) is first derived to demonstrate the generalization capability on the target process. The theoretical error bound that depends on model capacity and the discrepancy between source and target domains is then utilized to guide the development of pretrained models for improved model transferability. Subsequently, the TL‐RNN model is utilized as the prediction model in model predictive controller (MPC) for the target process. Finally, the simulation study of chemical reactors via Aspen Plus Dynamics is used to demonstrate the benefits of transfer learning.
Dual effect of TiO2 vacancy on Pd catalyst in acetylene hydrogenation: Boosting performance and capturing reaction heat
Authors: Yang Yanping , Yang Jiarui , Shi Shucheng , Luo Yunhong , Xu Xingjun , Liu Yanan , Li Dianqing , Feng Junting
Published: March 2023

Selective acetylene hydrogenation is a strongly exothermic process, easy to cause coking and metal agglomeration, and thus leads to deactivation. In this work, Pd/TiO2 with different oxygen vacancies (Vo) were synthesized by controlling reduction temperature in 300–700°C, in which Pd/TiO2‐HT300 (HT is reduction temperature) possessed the highest Vo content. It was found highly dispersed Pd nanoparticles adjacent to more Vo exhibited enhanced catalytic behavior (near 100% conversion at 55°C with 80% selectivity and turnover frequency of 0.12 s−1) due to hydrogen spillover generation and electron donation originating from Vo sites, confirmed by in situ x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, in situ Raman, and H2‐temperature programmed desorption. More importantly, the increasing Vo sites trap the released heat and devote to a decrease of heat accumulation over a single active Pd site, and consequently inhibit Pd agglomeration and polymerization, affirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, CO chemisorption, and thermogravimetric analysis.
Cavitation behavior and mixing performance of antisolvent precipitation process in an ultrasonic micromixer
Authors: Liu Zhikai , Yang Mei , Dong Zhengya , Yao Chaoqun , Chen Guangwen
Published: March 2023

A facile and robust ultrasonic micromixer was developed to intensify antisolvent precipitation via ultrasonic cavitation. The gas supersaturation created from solvent–antisolvent mixing was found to be a novel driving force which facilitated the generation of cavitation bubbles (CBs). Instead of being attached on the channel wall, numerous CBs translated across the microchannel at a speed up to 1.7 m/s, inducing intense transverse flow over the cross‐section. The unique cavitation behavior enabled rapid mixing (mixing time 15–45 ms at 30 W) of solvent–antisolvent over wide Reynolds number range (70–500) and flow rate ratio (5:1–2:3), providing better operability for antisolvent precipitation. The effects of ultrasonic power, total flow rate, flow rate ratio, and solvent on cavitation behavior and mixing performance were quantitatively studied. Finally, the potential of the ultrasonic micromixer as a new tool for antisolvent precipitation was demonstrated by synthesizing size‐controllable and monodisperse polymeric nanoparticles in a high‐throughput and reproducible manner.
Soft Robots for Cluttered Environments Based on Origami Anisotropic Stiffness Structure (OASS) Inspired by Desert Iguana
Authors: Zhu Renjie , Fan Dongliang , Wu Wenyu , He Chongshan , Xu Guojie , Dai Jian S. , Wang Hongqiang
Published: March 2023

Rigidity and softness are essential for robot motion and manipulation in various complex scenarios. To integrate these two contrary features, several variable‐stiffness structures are investigated while requiring a longer processing time and more energy for switching from a stiffer to softer status, with only one status at a specific point in time. Inspired by the combined softness–rigidity hybrid property of desert iguanas’ skin, the concept of an anisotropic stiffness structure is developed, which simultaneously possesses rigidity and softness properties in different directions, leading to the development of novel soft robots. This anisotropic stiffness structure comprises a silicone–paper composite with multiple superimposed origami patterns and has high stiffness and softness properties. The anisotropic stiffness structure is then constructed by developing three novel soft robots: a crawling robot capable of extending and contracting with a payload of 117 times its own weight, a multifunctional prosthetic hand capable of grasping fragile items with its soft side and lifting and crushing items with its hard side, and a snake robot capable of traveling with the soft side and extruding out with over 75% of its body length with the stiffer side.
Combination of Organic‐Based Reservoir Computing and Spiking Neuromorphic Systems for a Robust and Efficient Pattern Classification
Authors: Matsukatova Anna N. , Prudnikov Nikita V. , Kulagin Vsevolod A. , Battistoni Silvia , Minnekhanov Anton A. , Trofimov Andrey D. , Nesmelov Aleksandr A. , Zavyalov Sergey A. , Malakhova Yulia N. , Parmeggiani Matteo , Ballesio Alberto , Marasso Simone Luigi , Chvalun Sergey N. , Demin Vyacheslav A. , Emelyanov Andrey V. , Erokhin Victor
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, neuromorphic systems based on memristors are considered promising approaches to the hardware realization of artificial intelligence systems with efficient information processing. However, a major bottleneck in the physical implementation of these systems is the strong dependence of their performance on the unavoidable variations (cycle‐to‐cycle, c2c, or device‐to‐device, d2d) of memristive devices. Recently, reservoir computing (RC) and spiking neuromorphic systems (SNSs) are separately proposed as valuable options to partially mitigate this problem. Herein, both approaches are combined to create a fully organic system based on 1) volatile polyaniline memristive devices for the reservoir layer and 2) nonvolatile parylene memristors for the SNS readout layer. This combination provides a simpler SNS training procedure compared with the formal neural networks and results in greater robustness to device variability, while ensuring the extraction and encoding of the input critical features (performed by the polyaniline reservoir) and the analysis and classification performed by the SNS layer. Furthermore, the spatiotemporal pattern recognition of the system brings us closer to the implementation of efficient and reliable brain‐inspired computing systems built with partially unreliable analog elements.
Magnetically Actuated Continuum Medical Robots: A Review
Authors: Yang Zhengxin , Yang Haojin , Cao Yanfei , Cui Yaoyao , Zhang Li
Published: March 2023

The magnetic field has unique advantages in manipulating miniature robots working inside the human body, such as high transparency to biological tissue and good controllability for field generation. Generally, the actuated magnetic robot can be classified into two categories: tethered devices like intravascular microcatheters and untethered devices like helical swimmers. Among these, the tethered devices have a long history and good clinical application prospects, considering their high‐dose delivery and easy removal after the procedure. As an evolution of traditional continuum medical devices, the integration with magnetic actuation provides them with better scalability and improved dexterity. Although rapidly developed in the last two decades, the field of tethered magnetic robots requires further advancements in terms of design, fabrication, modeling, and control, especially for clinical applications. Herein, the recent progress of magnetically actuated continuum medical robots is focused on, intending to offer readers a comprehensive survey of the state‐of‐the‐art technologies and an information collection for future system design.
Synthesis of Catalytic Microswimmers Based on Anisotropic Platinum Sorption on Melamine Barbiturate Supramolecular Structures
Authors: Alabusheva Varvara S. , Shilovskikh Vladimir V. , Bridenko Liubov A. , Gurzhiy Vladislav V. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: March 2023

Herein, a straightforward synthesis approach for the formation of anisotropic microswimmers is proposed as an alternative to a top–down fabrication for asymmetric artificial swimmers. Melamine barbiturate (MBA)–self‐assembled supramolecular crystals are utilized as an asymmetric matrix for selective chemical platinum deposition. Surface functional groups of prevalent crystallographic planes for platinum sorption are presented by acidic sites of the assembly. The formed platinum catalytic layer is separated from the bulk MBA and investigated using X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope energy‐dispersive X‐Ray spectroscopy analysis. Both methods confirm platinum adsorption and reduction of platinum ions during the deposition process. The MBA asymmetric swimmers show directional motion in a fuel environment, proved by the mean‐squared displacement study. Previously reported pH‐dependency and encapsulation capacity of MBA opens wide opportunities for functional materials formation.
Consequences of delayed care during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Emerging research and new lines of inquiry for human biologists and anthropologists
Authors: van Doren Taylor P. , Brown Ryan A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Research regarding ongoing epidemic or pandemic events is often proximate, focusing on the immediate need to understand the epidemiology of the outbreak and the populations at highest risk for negative outcomes. There are other characteristics of pandemics that can only be uncovered after time has passed, and some long‐lasting health consequences may not be directly linked to infection with or disease from the pandemic pathogen itself.

Methods

We discuss the emerging literature on observations delayed care during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the potential population health consequences of this phenomenon in postpandemic years, especially for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and reproductive health.

Results

Delayed care has occurred for various conditions since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic, but the drivers for those delays have yet to be thoroughly investigated. While delayed care can be either voluntary or involuntary, the determinants of delayed care often intersect with systemic inequalities that are important to understand for pandemic responses and future preparedness.

Conclusion

Human biologists and anthropologists are well poised to lead the research on postpandemic population health consequences of delayed care.
Aromatic Amides: A Smart Backbone toward Isolated Ultralong Bright Blue‐Phosphorescence in Confined Polymeric Films
Authors: Zhang Ke , Peng Ling‐Ya , Liu Xin‐Xin , Xu Xin , Fang Wei‐Hai , Cui Ganglong , Chen Yu‐Zhe , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: March 2023

We describe an aromatic amide skeleton for manipulation of triplet excited states toward bright long‐lived blue phosphorescence. Spectroscopic studies and theoretical calculations demonstrated that the aromatic amides can promote strong spin‐orbit coupling between (π,π*) and the bridged (n,π*) states, and enable multiple channels to populate the emissive 3(π,π*), as well as facilitate robust hydrogen bonding with polyvinyl alcohol to suppress non‐radiative relaxations. Isolated inherent deep‐blue (0.155, 0.056) to sky‐blue (0.175, 0.232) phosphorescence with high quantum yields (up to 34.7 %) in confined films are achieved. The blue afterglow of the films can last for several seconds and are showcased in information display, anti‐counterfeiting, and white light afterglow. Owing to the high population of 3(π,π*) states, the smart aromatic amide skeleton provides an important molecular design prototype to manipulate triplet excited states for ultralong phosphorescence with various colors.
High strength and light weight polyamide 6/carbon fiber composite foams for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Zhu Nenggui , Jiang Tuanhui , Zeng Xiangbu , Li Shengnan , Shen Chao , Zhang Chun , Gong Wei , He Li
Published: March 2023

In this study, high strength and light weight polyamide 6/carbon fiber (PA6/CF) composite foams were prepared by chemical injection foaming method. The foaming performance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency total(SET), and mechanical properties of PA6/CF composite foams with different CF contents were investigated. The results show that the shear viscosity and strain hardening behavior obvious increased with the augment of CF content, which helped to PA6/CF composite foams to take the cell structure with smaller size, greater density, and more regular morphology. PA6/CF composite foam with cell size of 56.8 μm, and cell density of 1.81 × 106 cells/cm3 was achieved at 22 wt% CF. Meanwhile, PA6/CF composite foam had good EMI SET, at 22 wt% CF addition. The specific EMI SET of PA6/CF composite foam is 36.6 dB, 27.6% higher than that of solid 26.5 dB, the excellent cell structure helps to improve the EMI SET. In addition, PA6/CF composite foams also had excellent mechanical properties. Therefore, PA6/CF composite foams had broad application prospect in EMI shielding materials field, combining the advantages of simple preparation process, light weight and EMI shielding.
Direct numerical simulation of the distribution of floating microplastic particles in an open channel flow
Authors: Sakai Yoshiyuki , Manhart Michael
Published: March 2023

Microplastic fragments in the aquatic environment constitute a major threat for the health and fitness of organisms. However, our quantitative understanding in the microplastic load in typical natural river systems is severely limited due to the large uncertainties associated with the sources and the pathways of the microplastic contamination. To address this knowledge gap, we performed direct numerical simulations of the dynamics and distribution of microplastic particles in turbulent open channel flow at moderate Reynolds numbers. The particle dynamics is characterised by four nondimensional parameters, namely: Reynolds number of the open channel flow (), nondimensional particle diameter () and Galileo () and Stokes () numbers of the particles of which the latter two include the particle‐fluid density ratio (). To limit our scope to the most relevant configuration, we focused on the distribution of weakly buoyant microplastic particles at , whereas the remaining parameters were adjusted to cover the orders of magnitude that can be found in a typical laboratory facility, as well as a natural river. Our simulation results show that the steady‐state microplastic distribution in the turbulent flow is influenced by the Stokes and the Galileo numbers significantly, which ranges from the complete accumulation on the free surface to the homogeneous distribution, and somewhere in between. Moreover, the Galileo number, alongside the flow Reynolds number, were also shown to influence the temporal scaling of the transient behaviour of the gradual accumulation of the microplastics towards the free surface. Both of our findings highlight the complex nature of the particle–turbulence interactions, and motivate further investigations in this approach.
A new effective method for quantitative estimation of changes in Drosophila fat reserves using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Bobrovskikh Мargarita А. , Karpova Еvgenia К. , Khotskina Аnna S. , Deryuzhenko Мaksim А. , Gruntenko Nataly Е.
Published: March 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging is one of the promising methods actively used not only in medicine, but in biology as well; it allows for scanning of an object within the span of a few minutes, representing a unique noninvasive and nondestructive research tool. The possibility of using magnetic resonance imaging for the quantitative analysis of fat reserves in Drosophila melanogaster females has been shown. The data obtained demonstrate that quantitative magnetic resonance imaging gives an accurate quantitative assessment of fat stores and allows to effectively evaluate their changes under chronic stress.
Column crossing and lateral transport in numerical weather models
Authors: Rooney Gabriel G.
Published: March 2023

Transport in numerical weather models is typically restricted to advection by the resolved wind field, and representation of other flow processes relies on forcing or coupling to other models. A discussion of non‐advective transport in numerical weather models is presented and illustrated using two examples. These are the sea breeze and surface water flow. Simple models of these phenomena are represented in an adapted version of the Met Office Unified Model (UM) by means of modifying the existing cold‐pool scheme in the UM. This approach of incorporating different transport processes in one framework could facilitate a better representation of the Earth system, by increasing interaction between meteorological, surface and subsurface processes.
Entwicklung thermisch‐mechanisch aktivierter Betonbrechsande als Betonzusatzstoff – Projektvorstellung und erste Ergebnisse
Authors: Höffgen Jan P. , Vogel Michael , Blask Oliver , Dehn Frank
Published: March 2023

Angesichts des Ressourcenbedarfs der Bauindustrie in Verbindung mit einer immer weiter eingeschränkten Rohstoffverfügbarkeit ist eine effiziente Kreislaufführung von Baustoffen unerlässlich. In der Betonherstellung bedeutet dies bspw. die Verwendung rezyklierter Gesteinskörnungen zum partiellen Austausch der natürlichen Kiese und Sande, wobei Letzteres nur eingeschränkt möglich ist. Da sich bei der Zerkleinerung von Beton poröser hydratisierter Zement in den Feinstoffen anreichert, ist der Einsatz dieser sog. Betonbrechsande als Gesteinskörnung oder als gemahlener Betonzusatzstoff zumeist mit Einbußen bei der Leistungsfähigkeit der Betone verbunden. Vorliegende Versuchsergebnisse zeigen, dass durch eine zusätzliche thermische Aufbereitung hydratisierter Zement aktiviert werden kann, wodurch sich ausgewählte mechanische Eigenschaften sowie bestimmte Dauerhaftigkeitskennwerte (z. B. Widerstand gegen Carbonatisierung und Chlorideintrag) bei der Verwendung als Betonzusatzstoff verbessern lassen. Diese ersten vielversprechenden Ergebnisse gaben Anlass für ein aktuell laufendes Forschungsvorhaben, in dem Einflussfaktoren der thermisch‐mechanischen Aufbereitung von Betonbrechsanden unterschiedlicher Zusammensetzung auf ihre Leistungsfähigkeit als Betonzusatzstoffe eingehend untersucht werden.
N6‐methyladenosine‐modified DBT alleviates lipid accumulation and inhibits tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma through the ANXA2/YAP axis‐regulated Hippo pathway
Authors: Miao Daojia , Wang Qi , Shi Jian , Lv Qingyang , Tan Diaoyi , Zhao Chuanyi , Xiong Zhiyong , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: March 2023

Background

The mechanism of metabolism reprogramming is an unsolved problem in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Recently, it was discovered that the Hippo pathway altered tumor metabolism and promoted tumor progression. Thus, this study aimed at identifying key regulators of metabolism reprogramming and the Hippo pathway in ccRCC and pinpointing potential therapeutic targets for ccRCC patients.

Methods

Hippo‐related gene sets and metabolic gene sets were used to screen potential regulators of the Hippo pathway in ccRCC. Public databases and samples from patients were applied to investigate the association of dihydrolipoamide branched chain transacylase E2 (DBT) with ccRCC and Hippo signaling. The role of DBT was confirmed by gain or loss of function assays in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic results were yielded by luciferase reporter assay, immunoprecipitation, mass spectroscopy, and mutational studies.

Results

DBT was confirmed as a Hippo‐related marker with significant prognostic predictive value, and its downregulation was caused by methyltransferase‐like‐3 (METTL3)‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification in ccRCC. Functional studies specified DBT as a tumor suppressor for inhibiting tumor progression and correcting the lipid metabolism disorder in ccRCC. Mechanistic findings revealed that annexin A2 (ANXA2) interacted with the lipoyl‐binding domain of DBT to activate Hippo signaling which led to decreased nuclear localization of yes1‐associated transcriptional regulator (YAP) and transcriptional repression of lipogenic genes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a tumor‐suppressive role for the DBT/ANXA2/YAP axis‐regulated Hippo signaling and suggested DBT as a potential target for pharmaceutical intervention in ccRCC.
Novel Antifungal and Antifeedant Metabolites from Penicillium chrysogenum Co‐Cultured with Nemania primolutea and Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Cen Rong‐Huan , Li Shi‐Yu , Yang Ya‐Bin , Yang Xue‐Qiong , Ding Zhong‐Tao
Published: March 2023

The endophyte Nemania primolutea, inhibited the growth of Penicillium chrysogenum in the coculture system. Four new compounds, nemmolutines A–B (1–2), and penigenumin (3) from N. primolutea, penemin (4) from P. chrysogenum were isolated from the coculture. On the other hand, P. chrysogenum inhibited the Aspergillus fumigatus in the coculture. Induced metabolites (13–16) with monasone naphthoquinone scaffolds including a new one from P. chrysogenum were produced by the coculture of P. chrysogenum, and A. fumigatus. Interesting, cryptic metabolites penicichrins A–B isolated from wild P. chrysogenum induced by host Ziziphus jujuba medium were also found in induced P. chrysogenum cultured in PDB ordinary medium. So the induction of penicichrin production by supplementing with host extract occurred in the fungus P. chrysogenum not the host medium. The productions of penicichrins were the spontaneous metabolism, and the metabolites (13–16) were the culture driven. Compounds 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, and 15 showed significant antifungal activities against the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata with MICS of 1–8 μg/mL, and compounds 7, 9, and 12 indicated significant antifeedant activities against silkworms with feeding deterrence indexes (FDIs) of 92 %, 66 %, and 64 %. The carboxy group in 4‐(2‐hydroxybutynoxy)benzoic acid derivatives, and xylabisboeins; the hydroxy group in mellein derivatives; and the quinoid in monasone naphthoquinone increased the antifungal activities.
Better together? Maybe not with CTO‐PCI
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Tehrani David M.
Published: March 2023

Key points

Double‐scrubbing or multioperator chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been postulated to enhance procedural success and efficiency in complex procedures.

The present study shows no difference in success rates with single‐ or multioperator CTO‐PCI, and less efficiency in terms of time, contrast, and radiation despite single‐operators having more complex cases.

Multioperator CTO‐PCI provides ongoing training and experience in complex procedures rather than any benefits in procedural success or efficiency, and should be utilized mainly when additional training is required.
A tale of two registries: Trends and outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention in two transatlantic populations
Authors: Lee Aaron , Gilchrist Ian C.
Published: March 2023

Key Points

Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the state of Michigan have more comorbidities compared to patients undergoing PCI in the United Kingdom.

While the adoption of radial artery access for PCI has increased steadily over time in both Michigan and the United Kingdom, the use of radial access was significantly greater in the UK at all time points compared to Michigan for all PCI indications.

The use of mechanical support during PCI has increased over time in Michigan but decreased over time in the United Kingdom.
Cantú syndrome: A new case and evolution of clinical conditions during first 2‐year follow‐up
Authors: Mattiucci Alessandra , Girolomoni Giampiero , Cassina Matteo , Zoller Thomas , Antoniazzi Franco , Schena Donatella
Published: March 2023

Cantú syndrome, or hypertrichotic osteochondrodysplasia, is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterized by congenital hypertrichosis, characteristic dysmorphisms, skeletal abnormalities and cardiomegaly. We report on a 7‐year‐old girl with congenital generalized hypertrichosis, coarse facial appearance and cardiac involvement, with a de novo heterozygous mutation (c.3461G > A) in the ABCC9 gene. During the annual cardiac follow‐up at the age of nine the echocardiogram showed mild left ventricular dilatation in consideration of which she started ramipril treatment. The progression of the clinical manifestations of Cantú syndrome highlights the relevance of an early diagnosis, including genetic analysis, and a multidisciplinary approach with long‐term follow‐up.
Intraventricular gradients—When we have to “exercise” our minds: A case report
Authors: Cotrim Nuno , Cunha Pedro Silva , Guardado Jorge , Cotrim Carlos , Baquero Luís
Published: March 2023

Increased intraventricular pressure gradients due to dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction during exercise have long been known to cause different symptoms. Exercise stress echocardiography is fundamental in the diagnostic approach of symptoms presenting during exercise. We hypothesize on the possible pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for our patient's syncopal episodes.
Fibrolipomatous hamartoma of the median nerve: An unusual cause of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Siqueira Mario Gilberto , Martins Roberto Sérgio , Foroni Luciano , de Oliveira Adilson J. M. , Lordelo Gustavo , Heise Carlos Otto
Published: March 2023

Fibrolipomatous hamartoma is a rare benign tumor‐like condition that affects most commonly the median nerve. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through its typical appearance on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without the need for a nerve biopsy. There are divergent views regarding treatment of this entity, but open carpal tunnel release for nerve decompression currently constitutes the standard care for alleviation of compressive neuropathy of the median nerve. In this report, we describe a case of fibrolipomatous hamartoma that was diagnosed via MRI and underwent open carpal tunnel release, with alleviation of the patient's symptoms.
Redox‐Stabilized Sn/SnO2 Nanostructures for Efficient and Stable CO2 Electroreduction to Formate
Authors: Jiang Haoyang , Fan Ziqi , Zhang Mingzhe , Guo Shuyi , Li Le , Yu Xiaohan , Liu Zhaoyang , Wang Wei , Dong Hao , Zhong Miao
Published: March 2023

Electroreduction of CO2 (CO2R) to formate enables the storage of renewable electricity in liquid chemical bonds in an efficient manner. However, hydrogen evolution competes with CO2R, decreasing Faradaic efficiency (FE) and energy efficiency (EE) for formate production, particularly under acidic and neutral conditions. The deterioration of the catalysts during CO2R further hinders long‐term and effective operation. To overcome these challenges, we fabricate nanostructured Sn/SnO2 through physical evaporation and wet‐chemical etching, improving the CO2‐to‐formate conversion with finely tuned *OCHO adsorption. The in‐situ formation of Sn/SnO2 surfaces during CO2R stabilizes the active sites for reliable formate production across a broad range of electrolyte pH from base to neutral. Our results show a 94 % CO2R‐to‐formate FE and a 58 % formate cathodic EE at 100 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH over 70 hours of continuous operation. Under neutral conditions (pH=7), the CO2‐to‐formate conversion remains stable for 100 h with a selectivity of >90 %.
Inclusion Complex Formation with Tetra‐PEGylated Tetraphenylporphyrin and Face‐to‐Face Cyclodextrin Dimer through Unprecedented Molecular Threading
Authors: Mao Qiyue , Kitagishi Hiroaki
Published: March 2023

Herein, a host–guest inclusion complex formation between tetra‐PEGylated tetraphenylporphyrin with a per‐O‐methylated cyclodextrin (CD) dimer through the molecular threading process that is physically unexpected to occur is described. Although the molecular size of the PEGylated porphyrin is much greater than that of the CD dimer, the sandwich‐type porphyrin/CD dimer 1 : 1 inclusion complex was spontaneously formed in water. The ferrous porphyrin complex binds O2 reversibly in aqueous solution, which functions as an artificial O2 carrier in vivo. Pharmacokinetic study using rats revealed that the inclusion complex showed a long circulation in blood in contrast to the complex without PEG. We further demonstrate the unique host–guest exchange reaction from the PEGylated porphyrin/CD monomer 1/2 inclusion complex to the 1/1 complex with the CD dimer through the complete dissociation process of the CD monomers.