bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrifying Biofilm Development with Time: Activity Versus Phylogenetic Composition
Authors: Biesterfeld Sidney , Figueroa Linda
Published: September 2006

The development of nitrifying biofilms collected from a full‐scale nitrifying trickling filter was evaluated through the application of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and by quantification of nitrification rates in bench‐scale reactors. Two sampling campaigns were conducted to evaluate the structure and function of biofilms between 14 and 70 days old. The structure, or number of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria, was quantified with Nso190. The function was quantified with bench‐scale nitrification rates. The two assays were compared by calculating correlation coefficients by simple linear regression of the two data sets. The number of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria closely tracked activity data (linear correlation, r2 > 0.500). Changes in ammonia‐oxidation capacity with time (7‐day intervals) were mirrored by shifts in the percent of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria present. Nitrification rates did not correlate to the EUB338‐probe stained area (r2 < 0.500), suggesting that nonnitrifying bacteria play a larger role in nitrifying biofilm ecology than previously thought. Dry‐weight biomass accumulations did not correlate to either the EUB338‐probe stained area or the bench‐scale nitrification rates. This suggests that inert materials accumulate in the biofilms over time.
Enumeration of Coliform Bacteria in Wastewater Solids Using Defined Substrate Technology
Authors: Kramer T. A. , Liu J.
Published: September 2006

Commercially available defined substrate technology for the enumeration of coliform bacteria was investigated for its applicability to waste activated sludge (WAS) solids. The defined substrate, Colilert, in conjunction with the QuantiTray enumeration system, was compared with multiple‐tube fermentation (MTF). Multiple‐tube fermentation analyses (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [U.S. EPA]‐accepted methods for the enumeration of coliforms in wastewater solids) were conducted on settled wastewater solids using lauryl tryptose broth as the presumptive phase and brilliant‐green lactose bile broth for the confirmed phase of total coliform enumeration. Both EC medium for fecal coliform identification and EC‐4‐methyl‐umbelliferyl‐β‐D‐glucuronide (MUG) media for Escherichia coli for the MTF completed phase were also conducted on the WAS. Samples analyzed included raw WAS and WAS that had been pasteurized at 70 °C for 15 and 30 minutes, respectively. Twenty replicates of each sample were measured to demonstrate statistical equivalence of the total coliform numbers for all three WAS samples (raw, 15‐minute pasteurization, and 30‐minute pasteurization). Results show that both systems provided statistically equal total coliform most probable numbers (MPNs) for all samples tested. As expected, fecal coliform numbers identified by the MTF technique were statistically higher than E. coli enumerated by Colilert–QuantiTray. However, the E. coli MPN generated by the MTF method was found to be statistically equal to the Colilert–QuantiTray numbers. Because of its ease of use and reduced time to obtain the analysis, the Colilert–QuantiTray system can be useful in enumerating coliforms in WAS. However, more data are required to definitively show equivalence of the commercially available defined substrate technology to the U.S.‐EPA accepted protocol. It is hoped that the results of this study will help form a database for the acceptance of the Colilert–QuantiTray system for WAS bacterial analyses.
Odor and Volatile Organic Compound Treatment by Biotrickling Filters: Pilot‐Scale Studies at Hyperion Treatment Plant
Authors: Cox H. H. J. , Deshusses M. A. , Converse B. M. , Schroeder E. D. , Iranpour R.
Published: September 2006

A pilot‐scale biotrickling filter was installed at the Hyperion Treatment Plant in Los Angeles, California, to study hydrogen sulfide (odor) and volatile organic compound (VOC) removal from headworks waste air. The performance of the reactor was continuously monitored during a 10‐month period. At an average empty bed gas residence time of 24 seconds, 10 to 50 ppm of hydrogen sulfide was consistently removed at greater than 98% efficiency, corresponding to an average volumetric elimination capacity of 5.2 g/m3·h. Concentration profiles over the height of the reactor indicated nearly complete removal in the first section of the reactor, suggesting that elimination capacities up to 30 g/m3·h could be obtained. The odor reduction (as dilution to threshold) was 98%, which correlated with the efficiency of removal of hydrogen sulfide as the primary pollutant. Volatile organic compounds were present at concentrations up to 225 ppb. Moderate but significant removal of toluene and benzene was observed when the biotrickling filter was operated with pH control to neutralize sulfuric acid production from hydrogen sulfide oxidation. Xylenes and chlorinated VOCs were not removed regardless of experimental conditions in the reactor. The results led to the conclusion that VOC removal is the limiting process in biotrickling filters for the simultaneous removal of hydrogen sulfide and VOCs at publicly owned treatment works.
An Improved Filter Elution and Cell Culture Assay Procedure for Evaluating Public Groundwater Systems for Culturable Enteroviruses
Authors: Dahling Daniel R.
Published: September 2006

Large‐scale virus studies of groundwater systems require practical and sensitive procedures for both sample processing and viral assay. Filter adsorption–elution procedures have traditionally been used to process large‐volume water samples for viruses. In this study, five filter elution procedures using cartridge filters were evaluated for their effectiveness in processing samples. Of the five procedures tested, the third method, which incorporated two separate beef extract elutions (one being an overnight filter immersion in beef extract), recovered 95% of seeded poliovirus compared with recoveries of 36 to 70% for the other methods. For viral enumeration, an expanded roller bottle quantal assay was evaluated using seeded poliovirus. This cytopathic‐based method was considerably more sensitive than the standard plaque assay method. The roller bottle system was more economical than the plaque assay for the evaluation of comparable samples. Using roller bottles required less time and manipulation than the plaque procedure and greatly facilitated the examination of large numbers of samples. The combination of the improved filter elution procedure and the roller bottle assay for viral analysis makes large‐scale virus studies of groundwater systems practical. This procedure was subsequently ﬁeld tested during a groundwater study in which large‐volume samples (exceeding 800 L) were processed through the filters.
Ozonation of Municipal Wastewater Effluents
Authors: Paraskeva Panagiota , Graham Nigel J. D.
Published: September 2006

The increasing use of ozone in the treatment of municipal wastewater eﬀuents has been stimulated by the need to achieve higher efﬂuent quality and greater compliance with physicochemical and microbiological quality standards before discharge. These standards are applied when the efﬂuent may pose a risk to the public through direct contact and where the efﬂuent is used for agricultural purposes or water reclamation. Although various alternative technologies exist for upgrading wastewater efﬂuents, ozone treatment may be the most appropriate approach in particular cases. This review summarizes the current status of the use of ozone for treating municipal efﬂuents with respect to disinfection efﬁciency, its effect on the treatability of the efﬂuent and on aggregate efﬂuent parameters, the potential for the formation of ozonation byproducts, and its effect on the toxicity and mutagenicity of the efﬂuent. The importance of treatment conditions (e.g., contact time) is also reviewed.
CHANGES IN SELF-EFFICACY AND DECISIONAL BALANCE FOLLOWING AN INTERVENTION TO INCREASE CONSUMPTION OF CALCIUM-RICH FOODS
Authors: Shirazi Kambiz Karimzadeh , Niknami Shamsaddin , Wallace Louise , Hidarnia Alireza , Rahimi Elaheh , Faghihzadeh Soghrate
Published: September 2006

In this randomized control study the changes in Transtheoretical Model (TTM; Prochaska & DiClemente, 1983) constructs (Self-Efficacy, Decisional Balance) after a tailored stage-based education program to increase calcium consumption in 40–65-year-old women were investigated.
Postintervention, significantly more of the experimental group in comparison to the control group improved their calcium consumption stage of change. In the experimental group self-efficacy and pros of calcium consumption increased and cons decreased for those who had positive progression
in stages of change but these constructs remained unchanged in individuals in the control group. The tailored education based on the TTM is an effective method of assisting women to progress through the calcium-rich foods consumption stages of change and can cause more actualized results for
self-efficacy, pros and cons in the manner predicted by TTM.
INTENTION TO OPPOSE ANIMAL RESEARCH: THE ROLE OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN NONCONFORMITY
Authors: Goldsmith Ronald E. , Clark Ronald A. , Lafferty Barbara
Published: September 2006

Using animals to test cosmetic products is controversial, but little research has explored its social and psychological influences. Relationships between two personality constructs related to nonconformity (independence and anticonformity) and attitudes toward animal testing were studied
using data from a survey of 418 students. The Independence Orientation and Nonconformity Orientation Scales (Ringness, 1970) were used to measure independence and anticonformity. Results showed that behavioral intentions were unrelated to age, women were more likely to get involved in antitesting
behavior than were men, holding antitesting attitudes redicted intended action, and higher levels of anticonformity were associated with opposition as well, even when the effects of the other variables were held constant.
Relationship of Anti-vimentin antibodies to anti-endothelial antibodies
Authors: Malickova Karin , Janatkova Ivana , Sandova Petra , Fucikova Terezie
Published: September 2006

The intermediate filament protein vimentin is a potential target antigen for autoantibodies in some infectious and autoimmune diseases. Because endothelial cells contain an extensive interconnecting cytoplasmic network of vimentin, we examined the relationship between anti-vimentin and anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs). We measured the level of anti-vimentin antibodies in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases (n=42), healthy blood donors (n=58), and patients with acute inflammation and showing anti-vimentin immunofluorescence (n=50). AECAs were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Anti-vimentin antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence in HEp-2 cells, and levels of anti-vimentin antibodies were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We did not find significant differences in anti-vimentin levels between AECA-positive and-negative samples for any of the groups; however, serum anti-vimentin antibody levels were significantly higher in patients with acute non-autoimmune inflammatory diseases than in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases or healthy controls. There were no differences between the levels of anti-vimentin antibodies between patients with systemic autoimmune diseases and healthy individuals. The anti-vimentin antibodies levels also did not correlate with the AECA positivity.
Recovery Dynamics and Prognosis After Dialysis for Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Pan Heng-Chih , Chen Hsing-Yu , Teng Nai-Chi , Yeh Fang-Yu , Huang Tao-Min , See Chun Yin , Sun Chiao-Yin , Chen Yung-Chang , Chen Likwang , Wu Vin-Cent
Published: March 2024

Importance

The interplay among baseline kidney function, severity of acute kidney disease (AKD), and post-AKD kidney function has significant associations with patient outcomes. However, a comprehensive understanding of how these factors are collectively associated with mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury (AKI-D) is yet to be fully explored.

Objective

To investigate the associations of baseline kidney function, AKD severity, and post-AKD kidney function with mortality, MACEs, and ESKD in patients with AKI-D.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide, population-based cohort study of patients with AKI-D was conducted between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2018, using data from various health care settings included in the Taiwan nationwide population-based cohort database. Data analysis was conducted from April 28, 2022, to June 30, 2023.

Exposure

Exposure to severe AKI and baseline and post-AKD kidney function.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and incident MACEs, and secondary outcomes were risks of permanent dialysis and readmission.

Results

A total of 6703 of 22 232 patients (mean [SD] age, 68.0 [14.7] years; 3846 [57.4%] male) with AKI-D with post-AKD kidney function follow-up and AKD stage data were enrolled. During a mean (SD) 1.2 (0.9) years of follow-up, the all-cause mortality rate was 28.3% (n = 1899), while the incidence rates of MACEs and ESKD were 11.1% (n = 746) and 16.7% (n = 1119), respectively. After adjusting for known covariates, both post-AKD kidney function and baseline kidney function, but not AKD severity, were independently associated with all-cause mortality, MACEs, ESKD, and readmission. Moreover, worse post-AKD kidney function correlated with progressive and significant increases in the risk of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with AKI-D, more than one-quarter of patients died after 1.2 years of follow-up. Baseline and post-AKD kidney functions serve as important factors associated with the long-term prognosis of patients with AKI-D. Therefore, concerted efforts to understand the transition from post-AKD to chronic kidney disease are crucial.
Home‐Based Telemedicine in Rheumatology—A Scoping Review
Authors: Venuturupalli Swamy , Peck Alexander , Jinka Yogamanas , Fortune Natalie , Davuluri Nikhil , Nowell William B. , Gavigan Kelly , Cush John , Soares Neelkamal , Grainger Rebecca , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2024

Objective

We performed a scoping review of the relevant literature on home‐based telehealth in rheumatology to understand its appropriate application in rheumatology practice.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and scientific meeting abstracts to identify articles that specifically addressed telehealth suitability, barriers to telehealth, patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) collected in telehealth settings, and telehealth satisfaction. From the initial search of 4,882 studies, 23 reports were included. In addition, 10 abstracts were also eligible for analysis, resulting in a total of 33 articles: 2 randomized clinical trials, 9 prospective cohort studies, and 22 retrospective studies.

Results

We found that triage appointments or predictive models could be helpful in selecting patients for telehealth and that telehealth interventions were appropriate for follow‐up of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and inflammatory arthritis, but that conducting new patient visits over telehealth was not ideal. Barriers to telehealth include patient factors (age, technology access) and need for physician/process factors (eg, physical examinations). PROs collected in regular practice can be incorporated into telehealth. Several small, single‐center studies suggest that telehealth does not lead to negative outcomes compared with in‐person visits, and overall, patients report high patient satisfaction with telehealth. In several scenarios, home‐based telehealth was equivalent to in‐person visits with regard to patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The widespread potential of telehealth to manage and deliver care for people with rheumatic disease is significant. As such, further research in the form of randomized controlled trials can help contribute to growing evidence that shapes telehealth implementation for patients with rheumatic diseases.
Antimony Doping Enabled Radially Aligned Microstructure in LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 Cathode for High‐Voltage and Low‐Temperature Lithium Battery
Authors: Lv Yao , Huang Shifei , Zhang Jinhui , Kang Guohuang , Liu Yanru , Li Nanrui , Liang Yinxuan , Zhong Xiaoyun , Jia Tianqi , Ouyang Yunfei , Qin Peiwu , Kang Feiyu , Zhang Jiujun , Cao Yidan
Published: March 2024

Ni‐rich layered oxide cathode material with Ni contents greater than 90% is considered as a highly promising candidate for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its remarkable specific capacity and cost‐efficiency. However, severe capacity degradation caused by the structural collapse and interfacial instability with electrolyte under high voltage greatly hinders the practical application. Here, an antimony (Sb)‐doped LiNi0.91Co0.06Al0.03O2 (Sb‐NCA91) cathode is proposed, where the Sb doping modifies the morphology of primary particles and enables the radially aligned microstructure. This unique microstructure can disperse the anisotropic mechanical stress caused by the H2‐H3 phase transformation, and mitigate the shrinkage and expansion of the primary particles during high‐voltage and low‐temperature cycling, thus inhibiting the formation of microcracks and structural deterioration. Meanwhile, the closely arranged radial spokes allow fast ion transport in the secondary particles and effectively improve the rate performance and low‐temperature performance of the cathodes. As a result, the Sb modified cathode demonstrates superior capacity retention of ≈84% at 1 C after 200 cycles in 2.7–4.5 V at 25 °C, while the pristine NCA91 cathode only retains ≈79%. Additionally, the capacity retention at −20 °C is significantly increased from ≈61% (NCA91) to ≈88% (Sb‐NCA91) after 100 cycles.
Bilayer Gradient Hydrogel with Topological Crosslinking for High‐Sensitivity Tactile Perception and Information Encryption
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Han Tian‐Hang , Ding Lang , Ru Enqi , Zhang Chen , Zhang Yu‐Jia , Yi Chen‐Xin , Sun Tian‐Shu , Luo Zhen‐Yang , Liu Yao
Published: March 2024

Human fingers possess stable high sensitivity and a wide range of tactile perception, attributed to the gradient microstructure and the interlocking collagen fiber on the skin's surface. However, challenges persist in achieving simultaneous enhancement of multiple functionalities in artificial skin. Inspired by the unique structure of the skin, a two‐step process involving ion diffusion‐induced and strong‐weak topological crosslinking is synergistically employed to fabricate a bilayer gradient hydrogel. Zn2+ initially diffuses to induce the formation of weak bonds, imparting elasticity. Subsequently, Fe3+/Zn2+ diffusion constructs a strong‐weak topologically crosslinked network, enhancing the toughness of the gel while reducing the brittleness associated with robust bonds. Due to its distinctive design, the gel employs an adaptive energy dissipation strategy subjected to large and small stress, ensuring high sensitivity (3.31 kPa−1, 0–2 kPa), wide sensing range (0.4–40.6 kPa), and exceptional stability (500 cycles). This flexible approach enables programmable design in three dimensions, including ion diffusion type, direction, and shape. This gel can detect the gentle brushing of feathers and human body movements. It utilizes significant differences generated by magnitudes of stress to perform binary information encryption. This study introduces a novel strategy for preparing skin‐like gels, offering promising potential for expanding their applications in complex scenarios.
Tuning Molecular Packing by Twisting Structure to Facilely Construct Highly Efficient Solid‐State Fluorophores for Two‐Photon Bioimaging and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Cao Hui , Gao Ya , Wu Bingshun , Zhang Jianyu , Wang Lianke , Wei Peifa , Liu Lijie , Zou Hang , Zhou Hongping , Zheng Zheng , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2024

The traditional design strategy for constructing highly bright solid‐state luminescent materials relies on incorporating aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) scaffolds, molecular rotors, or bulky substituents to prevent close cofacial packing, which limits the strategy diversity in developing new materials. Herein, a strategy of tuning molecular packing by twisting molecular structure of conventional aggregation‐caused quenching fluorophore is proposed to endow materials with AIE effect and enhance the solid‐state fluorescence. Accordingly, a series of 1,4‐bis(diphenylamino)‐2,5‐disubstituted benzene fluorophores exhibiting AIE characteristics, high solid‐state fluorescence efficiency (up to 0.99), wide emission color tunability, and good near‐infrared (NIR) two‐photon absorption is facilely developed. All these luminogens can specifically stain intracellular lipid droplets with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio, high biocompatibility, and good photostability. Besides, the luminogens exhibit effective reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation capability upon low‐power white light irradiation. Among them, the AIE luminogen, named BDBDC, integrating the NIR emission, good NIR two‐photon absorption and strongest ROS generation demonstrates superior performances in two‐photon fluorescence imaging of various tissues and photodynamic cancer therapy. This molecular design philosophy provides a new way of designing highly bright solid‐state fluorophores for practical applications.
Neural Network‐Inspired Polyurea Ionogel with Mechanical Robustness, Low Hysteresis, and High Transparency for Soft Iontronics
Authors: Zhang Zhipeng , Qian Lu , Cheng Jianfeng , Ma Chunfeng , Zhang Guangzhao
Published: March 2024

Concurrently achieving mechanical robustness, low hysteresis, and high transparency are essential for ionogels to enhance their reliability and satisfy the requirements in soft electronics. Fabricating ionogels comprising these characteristics presents a considerable challenge. Herein, inspired by the structure of neural networks, a new strategy for in situ formation of dense urea moieties aggregated domains is proposed to achieve topology‐tailoring polyurea ionogels. Initially, leveraging the pronounced disparity in reactivity of the isocyanate (─NCO) groups between isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and NCO‐terminated prepolymer (PPGTD), IPDI preferentially reacts with deblocked trifunctional latent curing agents, resulting in the formation of dense urea moieties aggregated domains. Thereafter, these domains are interconnected via PPGTD to establish polymer networks in which the ionic liquid is uniformly dispersed, forming neural networks like ionogels. Attributed to this unique design strategy, the polyurea ionogel demonstrates remarkable properties, including high strength (0.6–2.4 MPa), excellent toughness (0.9–4.3 MJ m−3), low hysteresis (6.6–11.6%), high transparency (>92%), along with enhanced fatigue and puncture resistance. Furthermore, the polyurea ionogels exhibit outstanding versatility, enabling their in strain sensors, flexible electroluminescence devices, and nanogenerators. This strategy contributes to the design of ionogels with unparalleled combinatory properties, catering to the diverse demands of soft iontronics.
Uplifting Antitumor Immunotherapy with Lymph‐Node‐Targeted and Ratio‐Controlled Codelivery of Tumor Cell Lysate and Adjuvant
Authors: Cui Guanhong , Sun Yinping , Qu Liping , Shen Cui , Sun Yu , Meng Fenghua , Zheng Yiran , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: March 2024

Cancer vaccines provide a potential strategy to cure patients. Their clinical utilization and efficacy is, however, limited by incomplete coverage of tumor neoantigens and unspecific and restricted activation of dendritic cells (DCs). Tumor cell lysates (TCLs) containing a broad spectrum of neoantigens, while are considered ideal in formulating personalized vaccines, induce generally poor antigen presentation and transient antitumor immune response. Here, intelligent polymersomal nanovaccines (PNVs) that quantitatively coload, efficiently codeliver, and responsively corelease TCL and CpG adjuvant to lymph node (LN) DCs are developed to boost antigen presentation and to induce specific and robust antitumor immunity. PNVs carrying CpG and ovalbumin (OVA) markedly enhance the maturation, antigen presentation, and downstream T cell activation ability of bone‐marrow‐derived dendritic cells and induce strong systemic immune response after tail base injection. Remarkably, PNVs carrying CpG and TCL cure 85% of B16‐F10 melanoma‐bearing mice and generate long‐lasting anticancer immune memory at a low dose, protecting all cured mice from tumor rechallenge. These LN‐directed PNVs being highly versatile and straightforward opens a new door for personalized cancer vaccines.
Biocompatible 2D Materials via Liquid Phase Exfoliation
Authors: He Yilin , Andrade Andrés Felipe , Ménard‐Moyon Cécilia , Bianco Alberto
Published: March 2024

2D materials (2DMs), such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and black phosphorus (BP), have been proposed for different types of bioapplications, owing to their unique physicochemical, electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. Liquid phase exfoliation (LPE), as one of the most effective up‐scalable and size‐controllable methods, is becoming the standard process to produce high quantities of various 2DM types as it can benefit from the use of green and biocompatible conditions. The resulting exfoliated layered materials have garnered significant attention because of their biocompatibility and their potential use in biomedicine as new multimodal therapeutics, antimicrobials, and biosensors. This review focuses on the production of LPE‐assisted 2DMs in aqueous solutions with or without the aid of surfactants, bioactive, or non‐natural molecules, providing insights into the possibilities of applications of such materials in the biological and biomedical fields.
Cutting Edge High‐Throughput Synthesis and Characterization Techniques in Combinatorial Materials Science
Authors: Tan Chao , Wu Haijuan , Yang Lei , Wang Zegao
Published: March 2024

The Materials Genome Initiative is expected to accelerate the materials discovery and design by fundamentally changing the trial‐and‐error research paradigm. However, mass data from high‐throughput experiments is still essential for the revelation of rules and verification of theories. In fact, the development of combinatorial materials science is always on the strength of the upgrade and evolution of high‐throughput techniques in each stage, especially high‐throughput materials synthesis and characterization. Herein, this review summarizes the high‐throughput synthesis methods for combinatorial materials libraries, especially the co‐deposition and masking techniques of thin‐film fabrication; and details the high‐throughput characterization methods for specific material properties and typical material categories, which comes down to the spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. It is considered that high‐throughput concepts will be the predominant lab experimentation in the future, along with advanced experimental techniques and convenient data processing procedures. Before that, more cooperation between multiple researchers from different fields should be conducted to complete the combinatorial materials research, since the high‐throughput technology covers multiple disciplines with a huge span.
Topological Flexible 3D Microwave Perfect Absorber
Authors: Lv Wenjing , Li Mengyao , Wang Feng , Qin Haoye , Song Qinghua , Zhu Pengfei , Li Bo
Published: March 2024

In this work, an approach to achieve perfect absorption and microwave absorption enhancement is proposed by combining traditional wave‐absorbing materials with metamaterials. Specifically, an absorbing basement membrane (BM) is integrated with 3D woodpile (WP) photonic crystals, both of which are composed of flexible silicon materials as matrix and carbonyl iron powder (CIP) as absorbent. Direct ink writing (DIW) is used to fabricate the 3D photonic crystals with either single or coupled concentrations of absorbent. Experiments show that the 10‐dB bandwidth of the integrated absorber can reach 10 GHz with a wide elevation angle of incidence. The absorber composed of BM and WP with coupled concentrations of absorbent leads to perfect absorption with a maximum absorption of over 100 dB at an elevation angle of 30°. By changing the concentration of absorbent in BM, the frequency of perfect absorption can be engineered in the range of 6–16 GHz. Such absorption singularity reveals an experimentally observable topological charge that confirms the robustness of the singularity of perfect absorption. The topologically protected flexible 3D microwave absorber offers exceptional performance for versatile scenarios and enriches the studies on topology arising from scattering singularity.
D‐Band Center Regulation for Durable Catalysts and Constructing a Robust Hybrid Layer on Li Anode Enable Long‐Life Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Xiao Fenglong , Bao Qingshan , Sun Chaoyang , Li Yanlu , Cui Deliang , Wang Qilong , Dang Feng , Yu Haohai , Lian Gang
Published: March 2024

Rechargeable Li‐O2 batteries (LOBs) are regarded as promising candidates for the next generation of energy storage devices. One of the major impediments is the poor cycle stability resulting from unreliable cathode catalysts and serious corrosion of Li anode, hindering the commercial application of LOBs. Herein, a synergetic strategy is proposed, including the design of a stable Co3Ru cathode catalyst via d‐band center modulation and the construction of a robust LiF/Sn/Li5Sn2‐PFDTMS hybrid protective layer on Li anode. Theoretical calculations reveal that the negative shift of the d‐band center provides a dominant descriptor for improving the catalysis activity and stability of Ru‐based catalysts. In situ construction of the PFDTMS‐enhanced LiF/Sn/Li5Sn2 hybrid layer possesses excellent mechanical stability and toughness, which can effectively shield the Li anode from corrosive reaction and ensure good Li+ transport. Consequently, the LOBs exhibit a long cycle life of 990 cycles (≈1980 h). This work confers the concept for high‐performance LOBs via rationally constructing stable catalysts and Li anodes.
Nonlinear effects of conservation reserve program rental rates on land enrollment under varying crop price regimes
Authors: Adjei Eugene , Zhang Jingfang , Sawadgo Wendiam , Li Wenying
Published: March 2024

We use a panel smooth transition regression model to investigate the influence of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) rental rates on land enrollment under different crop price regimes. We employ a flexible estimation technique, allowing the CRP rental rate incentives to vary with crop prices, and construct a Hausman‐type instrumental variable to address endogeneity. Simulations are conducted to assess the impact of varying crop prices on CRP acreage and its associated environmental effects. Results reveal a nonlinear relationship between rental rates and enrollment, with the impact diminishing as crop prices increase. A 10% rise in CRP rental rates corresponds to a 5.1% expansion in enrollment, reducing to 4.2% when crop prices reach a specific threshold. High crop prices lead to fewer acres enrolled, decreased carbon sequestration, increased phosphorus and nitrogen runoff, and increased sediment loss. Our findings highlight the importance of considering price fluctuations in conservation planning as it has significant implications for environmental conservation policies and programs.
Data stewardship in FTLD research: Investigator and research participant views
Authors: Arias Jalayne J. , Tyler Ana M. , Beskow Laura M. , Carillo Maria C. , Dickinson Susan , Goldman Jill , Majumder Mary A. , Mello Michelle M. , Snyder Heather M. , Yokoyama Jennifer S.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Federal policies and guidelines have expanded the return of individual results to participants and expectations for data sharing between investigators and through repositories. Here, we report investigators’ and study participants’ views and experiences with data stewardship practices within frontotemporal lobal degeneration (FTLD) research, which reveal unique ethical challenges.

METHODS

Semi‐structured interviews with (1) investigators conducting FTLD research that includes genetic data collection and/or analysis and (2) participants enrolled in a single site longitudinal FTLD study.

RESULTS

Analysis of the interviews identified three meta themes: perspectives on data sharing, experiences with enrollment and participation, and data management and security as mechanisms for participant protections.

DISCUSSION

This study identified a set of preliminary gaps and needs regarding data stewardship within FTLD research. The results offer initial insights on ethical challenges to data stewardship aimed at informing future guidelines and policies.
Asymmetric Total Synthesis and Structural Revision of DAT2, an Antigenic Glycolipid from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Lin Zonghao , Kaniraj Jeya Prathap , Holzheimer Mira , Nigou Jérôme , Gilleron Martine , Hekelaar Johan , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: March 2024

DAT2 is a member of the diacyl trehalose family (DAT) of antigenic glycolipids located in the mycomembrane of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Recently it was shown that the molecular structure of DAT2 had been incorrectly assigned, but the correct structure remained elusive. Herein, the correct molecular structure of DAT2 and its methyl‐branched acyl substituent mycolipanolic acid is determined. For this, four different stereoisomers of mycolipanolic acid were prepared in a stereoselective and unified manner, and incorporated into DAT2. A rigorous comparison of the four isomers to the DAT isolated from Mtb H37Rv by NMR, HPLC, GC, and mass spectrometry allowed a structural revision of mycolipanolic acid and DAT2. Activation of the macrophage inducible Ca2+‐dependent lectin receptor (Mincle) with all four stereoisomers shows that the natural stereochemistry of mycolipanolic acid / DAT2 provides the strongest activation, which indicates its high antigenicity and potential application in serodiagnostics and vaccine adjuvants.
Precise Modulation of Circularly Polarized Luminescence via Polymer Chiral Co‐assembly and Contactless Dynamic Chiral Communication
Authors: Zhang Gong , Bao Yinglong , Ma Haotian , Wang Nianwei , Cheng Xiaoxiao , He Zixiang , Wang Xiang , Miao Tengfei , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2024

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) plays a pivotal role in cutting‐edge display and information technologies. Currently achieving precise color control and dynamic signal regulation in CPL still remains challenging due to the elusory relationship between fluorescence and chirality. Inspired by the natural mechanisms governing color formation and chiral interaction, we proposed an addition‐subtraction principle theory to address this issue. Three fluorene‐based polymers synthesized by Suzuki polycondensation with different electron‐deficient monomers exhibit similar structures and UV/Vis absorption, but distinct fluorescence emissions due to intramolecular charge transfer. Based on this, precise‐color CPL‐active films are obtained through quantitative supramolecular co‐assembly directed by addition principle. Particularly, an ideal white‐emitting CPL film (CIE coordinates: (0.33, 0.33)) is facilely fabricated with a high quantum yield of 80.8 % and a dissymmetry factor (glum) of 1.4×10−2. Structural analysis reveals that the ordered stacking orientation favors higher glum. Furthermore, to address the dynamically regulated challenge, the comparable subtraction principle is proposed, involving a contactless chiral communication between excited and ground states. The representative system consisting of as‐prepared fluorene‐based polymers and chirality‐selective absorption azobenzene (Azo)‐containing polymers is constructed, achieving CPL weakening, reversal, and enhancement. Finally, a switchable quick response code is realized based on trans‐cis isomerization of Azo moiety.
Lowering Entropic Barriers in Triplex DNA Switches Facilitating Biomedical Applications at Physiological pH
Authors: Lei Yanli , Li Chuangchuang , Ji Xinyue , Sun Haiyan , Liu Xiaowen , Mao Zenghui , Chen Weiju , Qing Zhihe , Liu Juewen
Published: March 2024

Triplex DNA switches are attractive allosteric tools for engineering smart nanodevices, but their poor triplex‐forming capacity at physiological conditions limited the practical applications. To address this challenge, we proposed a low‐entropy barrier design to facilitate triplex formation by introducing a hairpin duplex linker into the triplex motif, and the resulting triplex switch was termed as CTNSds. Compared to the conventional clamp‐like triplex switch, CTNSds increased the triplex‐forming ratio from 30 % to 91 % at pH 7.4 and stabilized the triple‐helix structure in FBS and cell lysate. CTNSds was also less sensitive to free‐energy disturbances, such as lengthening linkers or mismatches in the triple‐helix stem. The CTNSds design was utilized to reversibly isolate CTCs from whole blood, achieving high capture efficiencies (>86 %) at pH 7.4 and release efficiencies (>80 %) at pH 8.0. Our approach broadens the potential applications of DNA switches‐based switchable nanodevices, showing great promise in biosensing and biomedicine.
Regulated Dual Defects of Bridging Organic and Terminal Inorganic Ligands in Iron‐based Metal‐Organic Framework Nodes for Efficient Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Wang Xiaosong , Fan Guilan , Guo Shoujun , Gao Rong , Guo Yan , Han Chenhui , Gao Yuliang , Zhang Jiangwei , Gu Xiaojun , Wu Limin
Published: March 2024

Engineering advantageous defects to construct well‐defined active sites in catalysts is promising but challenging to achieve efficient photocatalytic NH3 synthesis from N2 and H2O due to the chemical inertness of N2 molecule. Here, we report defective Fe‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) photocatalysts via a non‐thermal plasma‐assisted synthesis strategy, where their NH3 production capability is synergistically regulated by two types of defects, namely, bridging organic ligands and terminal inorganic ligands (OH− and H2O). Specially, the optimized MIL‐100(Fe) catalysts, where there are only terminal inorganic ligand defects and coexistence of dual defects, exhibit the respective 1.7‐ and 7.7‐fold activity enhancement comparable to the pristine catalyst under visible light irradiation. As revealed by experimental and theoretical calculation results, the dual defects in the catalyst induce the formation of abundant and highly accessible coordinatively unsaturated Fe active sites and synergistically optimize their geometric and electronic structures, which favors the injection of more d‐orbital electrons in Fe sites into the N2 π* antibonding orbital to achieve N2 activation and the formation of a key intermediate *NNH in the reaction. This work provides a guidance on the rational design and accurate construction of porous catalysts with precise defective structures for high‐performance activation of catalytic molecules.
Dynamic Chalcogen Squares for Material and Topological Control over Macromolecules
Authors: Bui Aaron H. , Fernando Pulle Anne D. , Micallef Aaron S. , Lessard Jacob J. , Tuten Bryan T.
Published: March 2024

Herein we introduce chalcogen squares via selenadiazole motifs as a new class of dynamic supramolecular bonding interactions for the modification and control of soft matter materials. We showcase selenadiazole motifs in supramolecular networks of varying primary chain length prepared through polymerization using tandem step‐growth/Passerini multicomponent reactions (MCRs). Compared to controls lacking the selenadiazole motif, these networks display increased glass transition temperatures and moduli due to the chalcogen bonding linkages formed between chains. These elastomeric networks were shown to autonomously heal at room temperature, retaining up to 83 % of the ultimate tensile strength. Lastly, we use post‐polymerization modification via the Biginelli MCR to add selenadiazole motifs to narrowly dispersed polymers for controlled topology in solution. Chalcogen squares via selenadiazoles introduce an exciting exchange mechanism to the realm of dynamic materials.
Designing Degradable Polymers from Tricycloalkenes via Complete Cascade Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Yang Yongkang , Cho Yunhyeong , Choi Tae‐Lim
Published: March 2024

Cascade metathesis polymerization has been developed as a promising method to synthesize complex but well‐defined polymers from monomers containing multiple reactive functional groups. However, this approach has been limited to the monomers involving simple alkene/alkyne moieties or produced mainly non‐degradable polymers. In this study, we demonstrate a complete cascade ring‐opening/ring‐closing metathesis polymerization (RORCMP) using various tricycloalkenes and two strategies for the efficient degradation. Through rational design of tricycloalkene monomers, the structure and reactivity relationship was explored. For example, tricycloalkenes with trans configuration in the central ring enabled faster and better selective cascade RORCMP than the corresponding cis isomers. Also, a 4‐substituted cyclopentene moiety in the monomers significantly enhanced the overall cascade RORCMP performance, with the maximum turnover number (TON) reaching almost 10,000 and molecular weight up to 170 kg/mol using an amide‐containing monomer. Furthermore, we achieved one‐shot cascade multiple olefin metathesis polymerization using tricycloalkenes and a diacrylate, to produce new highly A,B‐alternating copolymers with full degradability. Lastly, we successfully designed xylose‐based tricycloalkenes to give well‐defined polymers that underwent ultra‐fast and complete degradation under mild conditions.
The Cranium I: Neurocranium
Authors: Pantoja‐Pérez Ana , Arsuaga Juan‐Luis
Published: March 2024

The Sima de los Huesos (SH) site has provided a significant collection of hominin remains, including numerous cranial fragments, which have contributed to our understanding of the MP human population. The taxonomic classification of the SH hominins remains a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting a close relationship to Neandertals based on nuclear DNA analysis. The cranial morphology of the SH specimens exhibits a mix of Neandertal‐like features and primitive traits observed in earlier Homo populations, providing insights into the evolutionary pattern of the Neanderthal lineage. This study focuses on the neurocranial traits of the SH population and describes three previously undescribed cranial individuals. The SH cranial collection now comprises 20 nearly complete crania, representing approximately two‐thirds of the estimated population size. The analysis of the SH population reveals variations in robustness, frontal torus development, sagittal keeling, and occipital torus morphology, which may be related to sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic factors. The suprainiac region exhibits notable ontogenetic changes, while suture obliteration patterns do not strictly correlate with dental age. Metric measurements, particularly cranial breadths, highlight significant intrapopulation variation within the SH sample. Compared with other Middle Pleistocene (MP) hominins, the SH cranial vault displays archaic characteristics but differs from Homo erectus and Neandertals. The SH individuals have relatively short and tall cranial vaults, distinguishing them from other MP fossils. These findings contribute to our understanding of the MP human populations and their evolutionary trajectories.
0‐D and 1‐D Perovskite‐like Hybrid Bismuth(III) Iodides
Authors: Saraswat Aditi , Vishnoi Pratap
Published: March 2024

Low‐dimensional hybrid bismuth halide perovskites have recently emerged as a class of non‐toxic alternative to lead perovskites with promising optoelectronic properties. Here, we report three hybrid bismuth(III)‐iodides: 0‐D (H2DAC)2Bi2I10 ⋅ 6H2O (H2DAC_Bi_I), 0‐D (H2DAF)4Bi2I10 ⋅ 2I3 ⋅ 2I ⋅ 6H2O (H2DAF_Bi_I), and 1‐D (H2DAP)BiI5 (H2DAP_Bi_I) (where H2DAC=trans‐1,4‐diammoniumcyclohexane; H2DAF=2,7‐diammoniumfluorene and H2DAP=1,5‐diammoniumpentane). Their synthesis, single‐crystal X‐ray structures, and photophysical properties are reported. The first two compounds comprise edge‐sharing [Bi2I10]4− dimers, while the last compound has cis‐corner‐sharing 1‐D chains of [BiI6]3− octahedra. Intercalation of triiodide (I3−) and iodide (I−) ions enhance electronic coupling between the [Bi2I10]4− of H2DAF_Bi_I, leading to enhanced optical absorption, compared to H2DAC_Bi_I which lacks such intercalants. Furthermore, calorimetric and variable temperature X‐ray diffraction measurements suggest a centrosymmetric to non‐centrosymmetric phase transition (monoclinic P212121↔orthorhombic Pnma) of H2DAP_Bi_I at 448 K (in heating step) and at 443 K (in cooling step).
Dynamic functional connectivity in the right temporoparietal junction captures variations in male autistic trait expression
Authors: Bravo Balsa Laura , Abu‐Akel Ahmad , Mevorach Carmel
Published: March 2024

Autistic individuals can experience difficulties with attention reorienting and Theory of Mind (ToM), which are closely associated with anterior and posterior subdivisions of the right temporoparietal junction. While the link between these processes remains unclear, it is likely subserved by a dynamic crosstalk between these two subdivisions. We, therefore, examined the dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between the anterior and posterior temporoparietal junction, as a biological marker of attention and ToM, to test its contribution to the manifestation of autistic trait expression in Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). Two studies were conducted, exploratory (14 ASC, 15 TD) and replication (29 ASC, 29 TD), using resting‐state fMRI data and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange repository. Dynamic Independent Component Analysis was performed in both datasets using the CONN toolbox. An additional sliding‐window analysis was performed in the replication study to explore different connectivity states (from highly negatively to highly positively correlated). Dynamic FC was reduced in ASC compared to TD adults in both the exploratory and replication datasets and was associated with increased SRS scores (especially in ASC). Regression analyses revealed that decreased SRS autistic expression was predicted by engagement of highly negatively correlated states, while engagement of highly positively correlated states predicted increased expression. These findings provided consistent evidence that the difficulties observed in ASC are associated with altered patterns of dFC between brain regions subserving attention reorienting and ToM processes and may serve as a biomarker of autistic trait expression.