bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy protocol for the analysis of organic multilayers
Authors: Guyot Claire , Barnes Jean‐Paul , Renault Olivier , Maindron Tony
Published: December 2023

With the development in the early 2000s of new cluster ion sputtering sources, a reliable analysis of organic multilayers and interfaces has become possible. Nowadays, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling are routinely used to investigate organic stacks. However, analysis beams can cause bond scission or beam‐induced degradations that accumulate in buried layers. We developed a correlative protocol that minimises damages related to analysis beams. It uses a shallow angle bevel crater fabricated inside the ToF‐SIMS analysis chamber. With this preparation method, the in‐depth information is displayed over the surface of the bevel crater. XPS profiles and high‐resolution spectra paired with ToF‐SIMS images enable an easy identification of the organic layers and complete understanding of their chemistry. The reduction of beam‐induced degradation is achieved by minimising the acquisition times, therefore beam exposure on materials. Finally, an important advantage of this preparation method is that the analysis can be performed on exactly the same spot by multiple techniques. Several ToF‐SIMS and XPS acquisitions can be carried out with various parameters (investigation of backscattered Arn+ cluster ion fragments, tandem MS imaging…) as well as analysis with other techniques that possess limitations in spatial resolution and/or inaptitude to probe buried layers such as Raman or AFM.
Preparation of NiMoO4/CdS and its Application as a Photocatalyst in H2 Evolution Reaction
Authors: Fu Qiuyan , Zhang Lijing , Zhu Yiyao , Zhou Xihang , Song Haonan , Yan Wenning , Xia Wenyan , Luo Zhanxiong , Gao Xiaoyan
Published: December 2023

The construction of heterojunction is considered to be an effective strategy for achieving efficient photocatalyst. The pure CdS shows low hydrogen production activity, for the low charges separation efficiency and the short electron and hole lifetime, which greatly limit its practical application. Therefore, we constructed heterojunction photocatalysts of NiMoO4/CdS by a simple solvothermal method. The photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of CdS was obviously improved by NiMoO4 loaded. The NiMoO4/CdS‐2 sample shows the highest H2 generation rate, which could reach 5830.49 μmolg−1 h−1, which is 122.3 times higher than that of pure CdS. The construction of heterojunction between CdS and NiMoO4 inhibits the recombination of photogenerated charges, prolongs the lifetime of photogenerated charges and improves photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. This work is important for the construction of an efficient catalytic system for the photocatalytic H2 evolution from water splitting.
Construction of MoS2/TiO2 Heterojunction for Excellent Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Zhang Huabing , Huo Mingxia , Jia Ruodan , Xie Sicai , Zhong Yufeng , Sun Houxiang
Published: December 2023

A series of MoS2/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared through the hydrothermal method and were analyzed via many characterizations. The tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) was used to evaluate the performance of the photocatalysts under visible light. Compared with TiO2, the MoS2/TiO2 heterojunction has increased inhomogeneity and uneven grain size. The MoS2/TiO2 heterojunction exhibited the best activity for TCH degradation with a removal rate of 95.4 % in 120 min with a rate constant of. The reaction rate constants of MoS2/TiO2 heterojunction (0.0236 min−1) were 2.6 times and 18.2 times of the pure TiO2 and MoS2 (0.0090 min−1 and 0.0013 min−1), respectively. The research on the photocatalytic mechanism suggested that the charge transfer path conforms to the II‐scheme model, in which h+ and e− play a crucial role. This research provides strong practical support for the preparation of II‐scheme high‐efficiency photocatalytic materials.
Mesoscopic Stacking Reconfigurations in Stacked van der Waals Film
Authors: Heo Yoon Seong , Kim Tae Wan , Lee Wooseok , Choi Jungseok , Park Soyeon , Yeom Dong‐Il , Lee Jae‐Ung
Published: December 2023

Mesoscopic‐scale stacking reconfigurations are investigated when van der Waals (vdW) films are stacked. A method to visualize complicated stacking structures and mechanical distortions simultaneously in stacked atom‐thick films using Raman spectroscopy is developed. In the rigid limit, it is found that the distortions originate from the transfer process, which can be understood through thin film mechanics with a large elastic property mismatch. In contrast, with atomic corrugations, the in‐plane strain fields are more closely correlated with the stacking configuration, highlighting the impact of atomic reconstructions on the mesoscopic scale. It is discovered that the grain boundaries do not have a significant effect while the cracks are causing inhomogeneous strain in stacked polycrystalline films. This result contributes to understanding the local variation of emerging properties from moiré structures and advancing the reliability of stacked vdW material fabrication.
Novel Anticounterfeiting Solution Based on 2D Materials Produced by Electrochemical Exfoliation
Authors: Read Oliver , Parvez Khaled , Boyes Matthew , Song Xiuju , Wang Jingjing , Fiori Gianluca , Casiraghi Cinzia
Published: December 2023

This work demonstrates the use of 2D materials (2DMs) as identification tags by exploiting their unique shape. Electrochemical exfoliation enables the production of large quantities of optically accessible 2DMs with diverse morphology and large lateral sizes up to 20 µm. Image processing techniques are used to facilitate shape identification and matching within a dataset of 500 unique nanosheets. Rotational and translation invariant shape matching with no false positive matches between over 100 000 unique shape pairings is shown. The approach enables individual nanosheets to be deposited onto products, such as packaging of luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, banknotes, etc., as a unique seal of authenticity. Quick inspection of the nanoscale tag by optical microscopy allows the shape to be compared against the genuine dataset, enabling unique identification. The optical features of 2D materials, such as Raman and/or photoluminescence signals can be used as an additional chemical fingerprint, making the anticounterfeiting solution very robust.
Molecular Engineering of Rylene Diimides via Sila‐Annulation Toward High‐Mobility Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Xue Ning , Chen Kai , Liu Guogang , Wang Zhaohui , Jiang Wei
Published: December 2023

The continuous innovation of captivating new organic semiconducting materials remains pivotal in the development of high‐performance organic electronic devices. Herein, a molecular engineering by combining sila‐annulation with the vertical extension of rylene diimides (RDIs) toward high‐mobility organic semiconductors is presented. The unilateral and bilateral sila‐annulated quaterrylene diimides (Si‐QDI and 2Si‐QDI) are designed and synthesized. In particular, the symmetrical bilateral 2Si‐QDI exhibits a compact, 1D slipped π–π stacking arrangement through the synergistic combination of a sizable π‐conjugated core and intercalating alkyl chains. Combining the appreciable elevated HOMO levels and reduced energy gaps, the single‐crystalline organic field‐effect transistors (SC‐OFETs) based on 2Si‐QDI demonstrate exceptional ambipolar transport characteristics with an impressive hole mobility of 3.0 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an electron mobility of 0.03 cm2 V−1 s−1, representing the best ampibolar SC‐OFETs based on RDIs. Detailed theoretical calculations rationalize that the larger transfer integral along the π–π stacking direction is responsible for the achievement of the superior charge transport. This study showcases the remarkable potential of sila‐annulation in optimizing carrier transport performances of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Nucleation‐Supersaturation Dual‐Drive Crystallization Strategy Enables Efficient Protein Crystallization
Authors: Yan Yizhen , Wang Junyou , Lu Xuechun , Yuan Weikang , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: December 2023

A rational crystallization strategy is essential to obtain high‐quality protein crystals, yet the established methods suffer from different limitations arising from the single regulation on either nucleation or supersaturation. Herein, a nucleation‐supersaturation dual‐driven crystallization (DDC) strategy that realizes synergistic regulation of heterogeneous nucleation sites and solution supersaturation based on dual surface and confinement effects for efficient protein crystallization is reported. This strategy relies on a p(PEGDA‐co‐DMAA) hydrogel template with pre‐filled NaCl under designed concentrations. Once dropping hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) protein solution on the hydrogel, the wrinkled surface provides numerous nucleation sites, while the internal structure regulates the solution supersaturation in the crystallization region through diffusion. Finally, DDC strategy can create high‐quality HEWL crystals with large sizes (100–300 µm), well‐defined morphologies (hexagon and tetragon), and a significantly accelerated nucleation time (9–12 times faster than that achieved using the conventional hanging drop method). It also performs well at wider protein concentrations (10–50 mg mL−1) and categories (e.g., achieving fast crystallization and large‐size crystals of trypsin), therefore demonstrating clear advantages and great potential for efficiently fabricating protein crystals desirable for diverse applications.
Capturing Protein–Protein Interactions with Acidic Amino Acids Reactive Cross‐Linkers
Authors: Liao Qing‐Qing , Shu Xin , Sun Wei , Mandapaka Hyma , Xie Feng , Zhang Zhengkui , Dai Tong , Wang Shuai , Zhao Jinghua , Jiang Hong , Zhang Long , Lin Jinzhong , Li Shu‐Wei , Coin Irene , Yang Fan , Peng Jinrong , Li Kui , Wu Haifan , Zhou Fangfang , Yang Bing
Published: December 2023

Acidic residues (Asp and Glu) have a high prevalence on protein surfaces, but cross‐linking reactions targeting these residues are limited. Existing methods either require high‐concentration coupling reagents or have low structural compatibility. Here a previously reported “plant‐and‐cast” strategy is extended to develop heterobifunctional cross‐linkers. These cross‐linkers first react rapidly with Lys sidechains and then react with Asp and Glu sidechains, in a proximity‐enhanced fashion. The cross‐linking reaction proceeds at neutral pH and room temperature without coupling reagents. The efficiency and robustness of cross‐linking using model proteins, ranging from small monomeric proteins to large protein complexes are demonstrated. Importantly, it is shown that this type of cross‐linkers are efficient at identifying protein–protein interactions involving acidic domains. The Cross‐linking mass spectrometry (XL‐MS) study with p53 identified 87 putative binders of the C‐terminal domain of p53. Among them, SARNP, ZRAB2, and WBP11 are shown to regulate the expression and alternative splicing of p53 target genes. Thus, these carboxylate‐reactive cross‐linkers will further expand the power of XL‐MS in the analysis of protein structures and protein–protein interactions.
Novel Single Emissive Component Tridurylboron‐TPU Solid Polymer Ratiometric Fluorescence Thermometers
Authors: Liu Xuan , Hou Jian , Ou Jingmei , Yan Manling
Published: December 2023

Temperature measurements with high spatial resolution and accuracy can provide crucial data for understanding the changing process of microregion. Non‐contact ratiometric fluorescence thermometers have received widespread attention for their sensitivity and interference resistibility. However, polymer and organic dye thermometers with such ratiometric fluorescence are very rare, and their applicability and processability are limited. In this study, novel tridurylboron compounds PPB1, PPB2, and PPB3 are designed and synthesized. They exhibit significant temperature responsive ratiometric fluorescence when dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU). With a self‐referencing feature and protection of TPU solid polymer, such fluorescence thermometers possess strong interference resistibility. From −10° to 60 °C, the fluorescence peak of PPB1‐TPU system redshifted by 41 nm, the fluorescence color changes from blue to green. For the fluorescence ratiometric temperature measurement procedure, the absolute sensitivity is 14.5% °C−1 (40 °C) and relative sensitivity is 6.3% °C−1 (35 °C), which is much higher than reported solid polymer fluorescence thermometers. The temperature‐responsive ranges can be adjusted by altering the types of polymer substrate and the number of the substituents. Such tridurylboron‐TPU polymer fluorescence thermometers can be applied in aqueous environment and processed into devices of various shapes and sizes, demonstrating great potential for application.
Pore‐Engineered Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Fluorosensor for Ultrasensitive Determination of Copper Ions
Authors: Chen Haiting , Huang Haoquan , Xu Huiying , Wu Tong , Xu Yanbin , Ma Xiaomin , Yi Wei , Chen Guosheng , Huang Siming , Ouyang Gangfeng
Published: December 2023

The selective quantification of copper ions (Cu2+) in biosamples holds great importance for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis since the Cu2+ level is closely associated with the physiological state of the human body. While it remains a long‐term challenge due to the extremely low level of free Cu2+ and the potential interference by the complex matrices. Here, a pore‐engineered hydrogen‐bonded organic framework (HOF) fluorosensor is constructed enabling the ultrasensitive and highly selective detection of free Cu2+. Attributing to atomically precise functionalization of active amino “arm” within the HOF pores and the periodic π‐conjugated skeleton, this porous HOF fluorosensor affords high affinity toward Cu2+ through double copper–nitrogen (Cu─N) coordination interactions, resulting in specific fluorescence quenching of the HOF as compared with a series of substances ranging from other metal ions, metabolites, amino acids to proteins. Such superior fluorescence quenching effect endows the Cu2+ quantification by this new HOF sensor with a wide linearity of 50–20 000 nm, a low detection limit of 10 nm, and good recoveries (89.5%–115%) in human serum matrices, outperforming most of the reported approaches. This work highlights the practicability of hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular engineering for designing facile and ultrasensitive biosensors for clinical free Cu2+ determination.
Regulation of Sulfur Atoms in MoSx by Magneto‐Electrodeposition for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Changdian , Chen Qian , Zheng Ruobing , Huan Jie , Bai Jin , Zhu Lili , Huang Yanan , Zhu Xuebin , Sun Yuping
Published: December 2023

Compared with crystalline molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) employed as an efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst, amorphous MoSx exhibits better activity. To synthesize amorphous MoSx, electrodeposition serving as a convenient and time‐saving method is successfully applied. However, the loading mass is hindered by limited mass transfer efficiency and the available active sites require further improvement. Herein, magneto‐electrodeposition is developed to synthesize MoSx with magnetic fields up to 9 T to investigate the effects of a magnetic field in the electrodeposition processing, as well as the induced electrochemical performance. Owing to the magneto‐hydrodynamic effect, the loading mass of MoSx is obviously increased, and the terminal S2− serving as the active site is enhanced. The optimized MoSx catalyst delivers outstanding HER performance, achieving an overpotential of 50 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and the corresponding Tafel slope of 59 mV dec−1. The introduction of a magnetic field during the electrodeposition process will provide a novel route to prepare amorphous MoSx with improved electrochemical performance.
Interfacial Engineering of Heterogeneous Reactions for MOF‐on‐MOF Heterostructures
Authors: Mao Lujiao , Qian Jinjie
Published: December 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as a subclass of porous crystalline materials with unique structures and multifunctional properties, play a pivotal role in various research domains. In recent years, significant attention has been directed toward composite materials based on MOFs, particularly MOF‐on‐MOF heterostructures. Compared to individual MOF materials, MOF‐on‐MOF structures harness the distinctive attributes of two or more different MOFs, enabling synergistic effects and allowing for the tailored design of diverse multilayered architectures to expand their application scope. However, the rational design and facile synthesis of MOF‐on‐MOF composite materials are in principle challenging due to the structural diversity and the intricate interfaces. Hence, this review primarily focuses on elucidating the factors that influence their interfacial growth, with a specific emphasis on the interfacial engineering of heterogeneous reactions, in which MOF‐on‐MOF hybrids can be conveniently obtained by using pre‐fabricated MOF precursors. These factors are categorized as internal and external elements, encompassing inorganic metals, organic ligands, lattice matching, nucleation kinetics, thermodynamics, etc. Meanwhile, these intriguing MOF‐on‐MOF materials offer a wide range of advantages in various application fields, such as adsorption, separation, catalysis, and energy‐related applications. Finally, this review highlights current complexities and challenges while providing a forward‐looking perspective on future research directions.
Single‐Step Functionalization Strategy of Graphene Microtransistor Array with Chemically Modified Aptamers for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Brosel‐Oliu Sergi , Rius Gemma , Aviñó Anna , Nakatsuka Nako , Illa Xavi , del Corro Elena , Delgà‐Fernández Marta , Masvidal‐Codina Eduard , Rodríguez Natalia , Merino Juan Pedro , Criado Alejandro , Prato Maurizio , Tkatchenko Raphaela , Eritja Ramón , Godignon Philippe , Garrido José Antonio , Villa Rosa , Guimerà Anton , Prats‐Alfonso Elisabet
Published: December 2023

Graphene solution‐gated field‐effect transistors (gSGFETs) offer high potential for chemical and biochemical sensing applications. Among the current trends to improve this technology, the functionalization processes are gaining relevance for its crucial impact on biosensing performance. Previous efforts are focused on simplifying the attachment procedure from standard multi‐step to single‐step strategies, but they still suffer from overreaction, and impurity issues and are limited to a particular ligand. Herein, a novel strategy for single‐step immobilization of chemically modified aptamers with fluorenylmethyl and acridine moieties, based on a straightforward synthetic route to overcome the aforementioned limitations is presented. This approach is benchmarked versus a standard multi‐step strategy using thrombin as detection model. In order to assess the reliability of the functionalization strategies 48‐gSGFETs arrays are employed to acquire large datasets with multiple replicas. Graphene surface characterization demonstrates robust and higher efficiency in the chemical coupling of the aptamers with the single‐step strategy, while the electrical response evaluation validates the sensing capability, allowing to implement different alternatives for data analysis and reduce the sensing variability. In this work, a new tool capable of overcome the functionalization challenges of graphene surfaces is provided, paving the way toward the standardization of gSGFETs for biosensing purposes.
Influence of Sphericity on Surface Termination of Icosahedral Colloidal Clusters
Authors: Choi Ye Hun , Lee Jiwoo , Amstad Esther , Kim Shin‐Hyun
Published: December 2023

Colloids self‐organize into icosahedral clusters composed of a Mackay core and an anti‐Mackay shell under spherical confinement to minimize the free energy. This study explores the variation of surface arrangements of colloids in icosahedral clusters, focusing on the determining factors behind the surface arrangement. To efficiently assemble particles in emulsion droplets, droplet‐to‐droplet osmotic extraction from particle‐laden droplets to salt‐containing droplets is used, where the droplets are microfluidically prepared to guarantee a high size uniformity. The icosahedral clusters are optimally produced during a 24‐h consolidation period at a 0.04 m salt concentration. The findings reveal an increase in the number of particle layers from 10 to 15 in the icosahedral clusters as the average number of particles increases from 3300 to 11 000. Intriguingly, the number of layers in the anti‐Mackay shells, or surface termination, appears to more strongly depend on the sphericity of the clusters than on the deviation in the particle count from an ideal icosahedral cluster. This result suggests that the sphericity of the outermost layer, formed by the late‐stage rearrangement of particles to form an anti‐Mackay shell near the droplet interface, may play a pivotal role in determining the surface morphology to accommodate a spherical interface.
A Sharp Improvement of Sulfate's Birefringence Induced by the Synergistic Effect of Heteroleptic and Dimeric Strategies
Authors: Sha Hongyuan , Shang Yanran , Wang Zujian , Su Rongbing , He Chao , Yang Xiaoming , Long Xifa
Published: December 2023

As for tetrahedron‐based ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals, it is so difficult to achieve a sufficient birefringence to satisfy the phase‐matching condition. Thereover, it is necessary to greatly increase the polarizability anisotropy of tetrahedra. Meanwhile, the tetrahedra should be arranged as uniformly as possible. Based on these ideas, a new strategy that dimerizes the heteroleptic tetrahedra with heteroleptic atoms as bridges is proposed and implemented, resulting in a new compound, Na2S3O6, which crystallizes in a centrosymmetric monoclinic phase (phase‐I) and a non‐centrosymmetric orthorhombic one (phase‐II). In the phase‐I, a large birefringence of 0.103 @ 546 nm comparable to those of many triangle‐based crystals is confirmed experimentally, indicating the ability of [S3O6] group in improving the birefringence. Besides, the phase‐II exhibits an improved birefringence of 0.056 @ 546 nm and a moderate second harmonic generation response of 1.4 × KH2PO4. In particular, the phase‐II exhibits a typical phase‐matching behavior under the irradiation of 532 nm laser. Moreover, the excellent optical properties of [S3O6] group are further verified by theoretical calculations. These results completely illustrate the validity of the design strategy. Therefore, this work lights a new route for exploring novel ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals.
Agar‐Derived Slope‐Dominated Carbon Anode with Puparium Like Nano‐Morphology for Cost‐Effective SIBs
Authors: Wang Tong , Liu Lingling , Wei Yanwei , Gao Yihan , Wang Shun , Jia Deqi , Zhang Wei , Sha Jingquan
Published: December 2023

The microstructure of hard carbons (HCs) including interlayer distance and lateral ab direction and pore size distribution plays a key role in regulating the sodium ions storage performance. Herein, by employing the gelatinous agar as a model precursor, series P‐doping HCs (P‐HC‐x, x = 1, 2, 3, 4) are facilely prepared in batches via controllably regulating its crosslinking state by phytic acid (PA) at a low carbonization temperature of 750 °C, in which PA plays three roles (acid, flame retardant, and P‐doping precursor) in promoting the final structure of P‐HC‐x. Among those, the puparium like P‐HC‐2 with expanded carbon interlayer distance of 3.91 Å and shortened lateral ab direction of 9.4 nm delivers a high reversible capacity of 394 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with high increased slope capacity of 363 mAh g−1 as well as an ultrafast charge‐discharge feature and a superlong cycle life. Pairing with the Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode, the fabricated sodium‐ion full cells exhibit the 132 mAh g−1 reversible capacity at 0.1 A g−1, and 86% capacity retention after 100 cycles. This work successfully develops slope‐dominated high‐performance carbon anode, which will provide new insights for the microstructure regulation and design of other precursor‐derivedHCs.
Hetero‐Solvation‐Diluted Strongly‐Coordinated Zn2+‐Cosolvent Pairs Downshifting Zn Electrode Potential for High‐Voltage Hybrid Batteries
Authors: Li Hongqing , Tang Yongchao , Liu Guigui , He Jiangfeng , Wei Yue , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Yang Qi , Li Hongfei , Wen Zhipeng , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Cheng Chao
Published: December 2023

Mild aqueous Zn batteries (AZBs) generally suffer a low‐voltage/energy dilemma, which compromises their competitiveness for large‐scale energy storage. Pushing Zn anode potential downshift is an admissible yet underappreciated approach for high‐voltage/energy AZBs. Herein, with a mild hybrid electrolyte containing in situ‐derived diluted strongly‐coordinated Zn2+‐cosolvent pairs, a considerable Zn anode potential downshift is initially achieved for high‐voltage Zn‐based hybrid batteries. The chosen butylpyridine cosolvent not only strongly coordinates Zn2+ ions but also acts as a hydrogen‐bond end‐capping agent to inhibit hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The electrolyte environment with hetero‐solvation‐diluted strongly‐coordinated Zn2+‐cosolvent pairs remarkably lowers Zn2+ activity, responsible for the Zn electrode potential downshift (−0.330 V vs Zn), confirming to modified Nernst law (ΔE = ln[a(Zn2 + )/a(coordinated solvent)]). With the diluted Zn2+‐containing hybrid electrolyte, the Zn//Zn symmetric cell in the hybrid electrolyte shows a long lifespan over 1270 h at a stripping/plating capacity of 0.4 mA h cm−2. Compared with in common hybrid electrolytes, the as‐assembled Zn‐MnO2 hybrid battery delivers a ca. 0.278 V enhanced voltage plateau (1.57 V) and a long‐term cyclability of over 736 cycles. This work opens a new avenue toward Zn anode potential downshift for high‐voltage AZBs, which can extend to other mild metal batteries.
Dispersive solid‐phase extraction for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in fruit juice samples using iron‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles supported with silica as a sorbent
Authors: Tesfaye Bereket , Gure Abera , Asere Tsegaye Girma , Teshome Toleshi , Buzayo Yerosan
Published: December 2023

An efficient analytical method has been developed based on dispersive solid‐phase extraction followed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for the determinations of 13 organochlorine pesticides in fruit juice samples. In this method, dispersive solid phase extraction was used for the extraction of target analye using iron‐doped zinc oxide nanoparticles supported with silica as a sorbent. Different experimental parameters affecting the extraction efficiencies the proposed method were carefully optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graphs were linear in the concentration range of 0.6–100 ng/mL with coefficients of determinations in the range of 0.9927–0.9991. The limits of detection and quantification determined as 3 and 10 times the signal‐to‐noise ratio were in the range of 0.01–0.03 and 0.6–1.0 ng/mL, respectively. Intra‐ and inter‐day precision studies of the proposed method, expressed as relative standard deviations, were in the range of 2.1%–9.2% and 2.2%–9.7%, respectively. The recoveries of the spiked fruit juices samples were in the range of 81.4%–105.1% with the corresponding relative standard deviations ranging from 1.0%–8.8%. In general, the proposed method demonstrated satisfactory analytical performance. Thus,it could be used as simple and attracive alternative method for the extraction of organochlorine pesticides from fruit juice sample and other related matrices.
Apnea‐Hypopnea Index Prediction for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Using Unsegmented SpO2 Signals and Deep Learning
Authors: Chi Hung‐Ying , Yeh Cheng‐Yu , Chen Jeng‐Wen , Wang Cheng‐Yi , Hwang Shaw‐Hwa
Published: December 2023

This paper presents an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) prediction model for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by using unsegmented peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) signals. This proposal, directly predicting AHI values with respect to overnight unsegmented SpO2 signals, is the first report in the literature, and simply solves the method limitation of our previous study. As well, this approach can provide more features of OSA assessment to users and doctors. Experimental results show that the presented model gives an overall accuracy up to 81.13% for four‐level OSA severity classification, which is higher than our original work and significantly outperforms most counterparts in the literature. This work can be used as an easy‐to‐use and effective screening tool for OSA before undergoing polysomnography (PSG). Moreover, doctors can arrange timely PSG tests for those who require preferential medical care according to the predicted OSA severity. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Chemical tolerance related to the ABC transporter gene and DNA methylation in cladocera (Daphnia magna)
Authors: Ishimota Makoto , Kodama Mebuki , Tomiyama Naruto , Ohyama Kazutoshi
Published: December 2023

We performed multigenerational tests to clarify the chemical tolerance mechanisms of a nontarget aquatic organism, Daphnia magna. We continuously exposed D. magna to a carbamate insecticide (pirimicarb) at lethal or sublethal concentrations (0, 3.8, 7.5, and 15 μg/L) for 15 generations (F0‐F14). We then determined the 48 h‐EC50 values and mRNA expression levels of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione S‐transferase, and ATP (Adenosine triphosphate)‐binding cassette transporter (ABCt) in neonates (<24 h old) from F0, F4, F9, and F14. To ascertain the effects of DNA methylation on pirimicarb sensitivity, we measured 5‐methylcytosine levels (DNA methylation levels) in neonates of parents in the last generation (F14). In addition, we cultured groups exposed to 0 and 7.5 μg/L (the latter of which acquired chemical tolerance to pirimicarb) with or without 5‐azacytidine (de‐methylating agent) and determined methylation levels and 48 h‐EC50 values in neonates (<24 h old) from the treated parents. The EC50 values (30.3–31.6 μg/L) in F14 of the 7.5 and 15 μg/L groups were approximately two times higher than that in the control (16.0 μg/L). A linear mixed model analysis showed that EC50 and ABCt mRNA levels were significantly increased with generational alterations; further analysis showed that the ABCt mRNA level was positively related to the EC50. Therefore, ABCt may be associated with altered pirimicarb sensitivity. In addition, the EC50 value and DNA methylation levels in pirimicarb‐tolerant clones decreased after exposure to 5‐azacytidine, suggesting that DNA methylation contributes to chemical tolerance. These findings improved our knowledge regarding the acquisition of chemical tolerance in aquatic organisms.
Climate justice and territory
Authors: Mancilla Alejandra , Baard Patrik
Published: December 2023

The territorial impacts of climate change will affect millions. This will happen not only as a direct consequence of climate change, but also because of policies for mitigating it—for example, through the installation of large wind and solar farms, the conservation of land in its role as carbon sink, and the extraction of materials needed for renewable energy technologies. In this article, we offer an overview of the justice‐related issues that these impacts create. The literature on climate justice and territory is vast and spans a range of disciplines, so we limit our discussion to a specific understanding of territory and a specific understanding of injustice that arises from its loss. We understand territory as a normative concept that describes a place under some agent's jurisdiction, where the agent is a politically organized collective and where the jurisdictional rights over that place secure a relevant degree of self‐determination for that collective. Accordingly, we consider that the main injustice connected to the loss of territory due to climate change is the loss or undermining of the ability to exercise the collective right to self‐determination, which requires some control over the place. This can happen if a territorial agent literally loses the ground where to stand as a direct effect of climate change, raising issues of justice in relocation; or if their place changes due to mitigation policies, affecting their use and understanding of territory, raising issues of justice in energy transition. In concluding, we point to topics for future research.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Global Justice

Climate, Nature, and Ethics > Climate Change and Human Rights

Policy and Governance > Governing Climate Change in Communities, Cities, and Regions
Nanotechnology‐mediated photodynamic therapy: Focus on overcoming tumor hypoxia
Authors: Moloudi Kave , Abrahamse Heidi , George Blassan P.
Published: December 2023

The oxygen level in the tumor is a critical marker that determines response to different treatments. Cancerous cells can adapt to hypoxia and low pH conditions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to regulate tumor metabolism, proliferation, and promote tumor metastasis as well as angiogenesis, consequently leading to treatment failure and recurrence. In recent years, widespread attempts have been made to overcome tumor hypoxia through different methods, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), hyperthermia, O2 carriers, artificial hemoglobin, oxygen generator hydrogels, and peroxide materials. While oxygen is found to be an essential agent to improve the treatment response of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and other cancer treatment modalities, the development of hypoxia within the tumor is highly associated with PDT failure. Recently, the use of nanoparticles has been a hot topic for researchers and exploited to overcome hypoxia through Oxygen‐generating hydrogels, O2 nanocarriers, and O2‐generating nanoparticles. This review aimed to discuss the role of nanotechnology in tumor oxygenation and highlight the challenges, prospective, and recent advances in this area to improve PDT outcomes.

This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Cells at the Nanoscale

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Zero sound and higher-form symmetries in compressible holographic phases
Authors: Davison Richard A. , Goutéraux Blaise , Mefford Eric
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Certain holographic states of matter with a global U(1) symmetry support a sound mode at zero temperature, caused neither by spontaneous symmetry breaking of the global U(1) nor by the emergence of a Fermi surface in the infrared. In this work, we show that such a mode is also found in zero density holographic quantum critical states. We demonstrate that in these states, the appearance of a zero temperature sound mode is the consequence of a mixed ‘t Hooft anomaly between the global U(1) symmetry and an emergent higher-form symmetry. At non-zero temperatures, the presence of a black hole horizon weakly breaks the emergent symmetry and gaps the collective mode, giving rise to a sharp Drude-like peak in the electric conductivity. A similar gapped mode arises at low temperatures for non-zero densities when the state has an emergent Lorentz symmetry, also originating from an approximate anomalous higher-form symmetry. However, in this case the collective excitation does not survive at zero temperature where, instead, it dissolves into a branch cut due to strong backreaction from the infrared, critical degrees of freedom. We comment on the relation between our results and the application of the Luttinger theorem to compressible holographic states of matter.
Cohomology of semisimple local systems and the decomposition theorem
Authors: Wei Chuanhao , Yang Ruijie
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we study the cohomology of semisimple local systems in the spirit of classical Hodge theory. On the one hand, we construct a generalized Weil operator from the complex conjugate of the cohomology of a semisimple local system to the cohomology of its dual local system, which is functorial with respect to smooth restrictions. This operator allows us to study the Poincaré pairing, usually not positive definite, in terms of a positive definite Hermitian pairing. On the other hand, we prove a global invariant cycle theorem for semisimple local systems. As an application, we give a new proof of Sabbah’s Decomposition Theorem for the direct images of semisimple local systems under proper algebraic maps, by adapting the method of de Cataldo-Migliorini, without using the category of polarizable twistor$${\mathscr {D}}$$D-modules. This answers a question of Sabbah.
Narbenhernien: Epidemiologie, Evidenz und Leitlinien
Authors: Fortelny R.H. , Dietz U.
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Aus epidemiologischer Sicht erfolgt bei einem Drittel der Bevölkerung in den Industrieländern im Laufe des Lebens eine abdominelle Operation. Je nach Grad des patientInnen- wie auch eingriffsbezogenen Risikos ist das Auftreten von Narbenhernien in einem Bereich von bis zu 30 % im 2‑Jahres-Follow-up und sogar bis zu 60 % nach 5 Jahren verbunden. Neben den beeinflussenden Komorbiditäten ist die Art des chirurgischen Zuganges und die Verschlusstechnik von entscheidender Bedeutung.

Ziel

Die deskriptive Darstellung einer evidenzbasierten Empfehlung zum Verschluss der Bauchdecke sowie einer prophylaktischen Netzaugmentation.

Material und Methoden

Unter Einbeziehung der aktuellen Literatur und der bestehenden Leitlinien wurde eine übersichtliche Zusammenfassung erstellt.

Ergebnisse

Das bekannte Risiko für das Auftreten von Narbenhernien gilt bei Vorliegen von Adipositas und Erkrankungen der Bauchaorta nach neuesten Studien auch für PatientInnen mit einem kolorektalen Eingriff und Vorliegen einer Rektusdiastase. Auf Basis hochrangig publizierter Daten ist die Kurzstichtechnik bei Laparotomien der Mittellinie im elektiven Setting mit hoher Evidenz als Standardverfahren zu bezeichnen. PatientInnen mit erhöhtem Risikoprofil sollten neben der Kurzstichtechnik eine prophylaktische Netzverstärkung, sei es in Onlay- oder Sublay-Technik, erhalten. Bei Notfalllaparotomien muss das individuelle Infektionsrisiko bezüglich der angewendeten Verschlusstechnik einbezogen werden.

Schlussfolgerung

Die Vermeidung von Narbenhernien ist in erster Linie durch den minimal-invasiven Zugang der Laparoskopie zu erzielen. Zum Verschluss des am häufigsten angewendeten Mittellinienzuganges ist die Kurzstichtechnik und bei bestehenden Risikofaktoren zusätzlich eine Netzaugmentation zu empfehlen.
Außer Spesen nichts gewesen?
Authors: Oetzmann von Sochaczewski Christina , Katzer David , Ganschow Rainer , Muensterer Oliver J.
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Verschiedentlich wurde die abnehmende Veröffentlichungsquote eingereichter Kongressbeiträge in der deutschen Kindermedizin bemängelt.

Fragestellung

Die Autoren evaluierten, ob die Veröffentlichungsquote der Kongressbeiträge der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin (DGKJ) und der Herbsttagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Kinderchirurgie (DGKCH) in den letzten Jahren abgenommen hat, und welche Faktoren mit einer erfolgreichen Veröffentlichung assoziiert sind.

Material und Methoden

Dazu prüften die Autoren alle in den Jahren 2018–2020 angenommenen Kongressbeiträge auf eine anschließende Veröffentlichung. Damit zusammenhängende Faktoren wurden mittels logistischer Regression anhand präspezifizierter unabhängiger Variablen geprüft.

Ergebnisse

Die Veröffentlichungsquote der Jahrestagung der DGKJ betrug 40 % (116/290) und der Herbsttagung der DGKCH 42 % (29/69). Verglichen mit der Referenzkategorie der Fallvorstellung war eine Veröffentlichung bei klinischen Studien (adjustiertes Chancenverhältnis 9,3; 95 %-Konfidenzintervall: 5,1–17; p < 0,001) oder bei experimentellen Studien (adjustiertes Chancenverhältnis 23; 95 %-Konfidenzintervall: 4,4–122; p < 0,001) häufiger. Keine Rolle spielte die Art der Präsentation (freier Vortrag gegenüber Posterpräsentation). Der mediane Abstand zwischen Kongressvortrag und Veröffentlichung, unter Ausschluss von 35 vorher veröffentlichten Arbeiten, betrug 434 Tage (Interquartilsabstand: 219–708). Die 145 veröffentlichten Arbeiten erschienen in 96 verschiedenen Zeitschriften, davon war ein Fünftel auf Deutsch verfasst.

Diskussion

Die Veröffentlichungsquote der untersuchten Kongresse liegt mit 40 % höher als erwartet. Die relativ hohe Quote an deutschsprachigen Arbeiten weist auf einen Bedarf an nationalen Zeitschriften hin.
Risk Assessment of Industrial Microbes Using a Terrestrial Mesocosm Platform
Authors: Arnolds Kathleen L. , Higgins Riley C. , Crandall Jennifer , Li Gabriella , Linger Jeffrey G. , Guarnieri Michael T.
Published: December 2023

Industrial microbes and bio-derived products have emerged as an integral component of the bioeconomy, with an array of agricultural, bioenergy, and biomedical applications. However, the rapid development of microbial biotechnology raises concerns related to environmental escape of laboratory microbes, detection and tracking thereof, and resultant impact upon native ecosystems. Indeed, though wild-type and genetically modified microbes are actively deployed in industrial bioprocesses, an understanding of microbial interactivity and impact upon the environment is severely lacking. In particular, the persistence and sustained ecosystem impact of industrial microbes following laboratory release or unintentional laboratory escape remains largely unexplored. Herein, we investigate the applicability of soil-sorghum mesocosms for the ecological risk assessment of the industrial microbe, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We developed and applied a suite of diagnostic and bioinformatic analyses, including digital droplet PCR, microscopy, and phylogenomic analyses to assess the impacts of a terrestrial ecosystem perturbation event over a 30-day time course. The platform enables reproducible, high-sensitivity tracking of S. cerevisiae in a complex soil microbiome and analysis of the impact upon abiotic soil characteristics and soil microbiome population dynamics and diversity. The resultant data indicate that even though S. cerevisiae is relatively short-lived in the soil, a single perturbation event can have sustained impact upon mesocosm soil composition and underlying microbial populations in our system, underscoring the necessity for more comprehensive risk assessment and development of mitigation and biocontainment strategies in industrial bioprocesses.
The overlooked bacterial pandemic
Authors: Moriel Danilo Gomes , Piccioli Diego , Raso Maria Michelina , Pizza Mariagrazia
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant economic and health impact worldwide. It also reinforced the misperception that only viruses can pose a threat to human existence, overlooking that bacteria (e.g., plague and cholera) have severely haunted and shaped the course of human civilization. While the world is preparing for the next viral pandemic, it is again overlooking a silent one: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review proposes to show the impact of bacterial infections on civilization to remind the pandemic potential. The work will also discuss a few examples of how bacteria can mutate risking global spread and devastating outcomes, the effect on the global burden, and the prophylactic and therapeutic measures. Indeed, AMR is dramatically increasing and if the trend is not reversed, it has the potential to quickly turn into the most important health problem worldwide.
A formative journal for a formative career: a personal recollection of how JCPA has inspired and guided my research life
Authors: Warrant Eric J.
Published: December 2023

A fateful decision as a 15-year-old high school student, and good advice from a distinguished professor of zoology, were the catalysts that not only decided my entire career but also led me to the Journal of Comparative Physiology A, and to the myriad biological wonders that were held within its covers. In my celebration of JCPA, I look back on the formative years of my career in Australia, and the crucial role that the journal played in shaping my emerging research interests, and ultimately my entire life.
VARC-3 defined outcome of valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation in stentless compared with stented aortic bioprostheses
Authors: Steul Jean-Honoré , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Stankowski Tomasz , Haussig Stephan , Woitek Felix J. , Gasior Tomasz , Crusius Lisa , Knorr Luise , Müller Felicitas V. , Fritzsche Dirk , Kiefer Philipp , Kappert Utz , Holzhey David , Linke Axel , Mangner Norman
Published: December 2023

Background

Valve-in-valve (ViV) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a viable alternative to redo surgery in selected patients with bioprosthetic valve dysfunction. Most ViV-TAVI procedures have been performed in stented bioprosthetic valves (ST); stentless bioprostheses (SL) lack fluoroscopic markers and could be more challenging for ViV-TAVI. Data on more recent patients applying Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC)-3 defined outcomes are scarce. We compared patient characteristics, procedural outcomes, and 5-year mortality of patients with SL versus ST aortic bioprosthetic valve failure undergoing ViV-TAVI.

Methods

Patients undergoing ViV-TAVI between 2007 and 2022 (52.5% of cases after 2015) at 3 German centers were included in this analysis. The co-primary outcome measures were technical success, device success, and early safety defined by VARC-3. Mortality was assessed up to 5 years.

Results

Overall, 43 (11.8%) SL and 313 (88.2%) ST ViV-TAVI were included. Patients were comparable with regard to age, sex, clinically relevant baseline comorbidities, and surgical risk.

Technical success (SL: 83.7% versus ST: 79.9%, p = 0.552), device success (SL: 67.4% versus ST: 54.3%, p = 0.105), and early safety (SL: 74.4% versus ST: 66.5%, p = 0.296) were comparable between groups. The 30-day mortality (SL: 7.0% versus ST: 2.6%, p = 0.136) and 5-year mortality rates (SL: 23.3% versus ST: 24.6%, p = 0.874) were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion

SL and ST ViV-TAVI led to comparable short-term outcomes according to VARC-3- defined endpoints and similar mortality rates up to 5 years of follow-up.

Graphical abstract