bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In‐Situ Polymerization Confined PEGDME‐Based Composite Quasi‐Solid‐State Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Tong Rong‐Ao , Huang Yilei , Feng Chang , Dong Yanhao , Wang Chang‐An
Published: April 2024

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries are under development for higher energy density and better safety. A key is to develop new electrolyte systems that are readily processible and capable to improve electrochemical cycling stability. In this study, A quasi‐solid‐state composite electrolyte based on low‐molecular‐weight polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether (PEGDME) in situ confined within polymerized methyl methacrylate (PMMA) backbone is designed and presented. The new design of the polymer matrix, together with Li+‐conducting ceramic fillers and appropriate lithium salts, has satisfactory Li‐ionic conductivity (1.1 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 C and 1.0 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C), good electrochemical stability (>4.7 V vs Li+/Li), and high compatibility with lithium metal anode, enabling room‐temperature operation and stable long‐term cycling of both Li||Li symmetric cells and lithium‐metal full cells (including LiFePO4 or LiCoO2 cathode). This work can extend the design boundaries of composite electrolytes meaningfully, and the idea of in situ polymerization limiting applies to almost all low‐molecular‐weight polymers, high‐molecular‐weight backbones, ceramic fillers, lithium salts, and additives in future development of room‐temperature solid‐state lithium metal batteries.
On‐Skin Paintable Water‐Resistant Biohydrogel for Wearable Bioelectronics
Authors: Luo Jiabei , Sun Chuanyue , Chang Boya , Zhang Bin , Li Kerui , Li Yaogang , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Hongzhi , Hou Chengyi
Published: April 2024

To achieve accurate monitoring of bioelectrical signals, it is essential to use customizable bioelectrodes that can self‐adapt to the skin's surface topography. Ion‐conducting hydrogel has received significant attention in this field due to its softness, adhesion, and skin‐like mechanical properties. However, these bioelectrodes currently suffer from degradation of adhesion, electrical conductivity, and skin‐compliance when exposed to aqueous environments. This significantly limits the application of bioelectrodes. Herein, a customizable biohydrogel that can be applied on skin or fabric by solvent volatilization for liquid ink‐gel film conversion is reported. The biohydrogel's distinct characteristic of transitioning between a liquid and hydrogel phase establishes superb conformal contact and dynamic compliance with the epidermis. This effectively eliminates motion artifacts and results in lower contact impedance and noise in both static and dynamic states when compared to existing bioelectrodes. The biohydrogel is applied to the cotton fabric to create electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring garments. These garments enable the acquisition of ECG signals with high accuracy in aqueous environment for over 72 h. Besides, the biohydrogel‐based garments outperform the commercial gel electrodes by 83.5% in signal‐to‐noise ratio. Additionally, the cotton/biohydrogel electrode facilitates multi‐channel, high‐fidelity recording of ECG signals, enabling high‐performance capture and classification of ECG waveforms across multiple channels.
Layer‐By‐Layer Chiral Induction of Fluorene‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Films for Circularly Polarized Luminescence Sensing of Enantiomers
Authors: Li Chong , Yang Xue‐Xian , Zheng Ming‐Yi , Gu Zhi‐Gang , Zhang Jian
Published: April 2024

Developing films of chiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with high circular polarization luminescence (CPL) is facing a great challenge for chiral sensing applications. Herein, a layer‐by‐layer chiral induction method is first reported to prepare enantiopure MOF films for CPL sensing. By layer‐by‐layer induction with the chiral inductor camphorsulfonic acid, fluorene‐based chiral MOF D/L‐ZnHF‐SO2 film (HF‐SO2 = 3,7‐Dibenzothiophenedicarboxylate, 5,5‐dioxide) with preferential growth orientation and homogeneous surface are prepared, which shows strong chiral feature and CPL with higher asymmetry factor of ±0.073. In addition, by mixed ligand approach, the isostructural fluorene ligand 9‐fluororenone‐2,7‐dicarboxylate is chosen to replace part of HF‐SO2 for preparing a series of chiral MOF films with tunable CPL emission. Furthermore, the prepared chiral MOF films with strong CPL performance are further utilized for enantiomers sensing. The CPL changes consisted with enantioselective adsorption results showed that D/L‐ZnHF‐SO2 film has good discrimination against chiral R/S‐phenylethylamine enantiomers, first reporting chiral MOF‐based candidates for the application in CPL sensing of enantiomers. This work provides a facile and effective approach for preparing chiral MOF films materials with high and tunable CPL performance, and also gives a new way to achieve CPL sensing of chiral enantiomers.
Cross‐Scale Drug Delivery of Diatom Microrobots Based on A Magnetic Continuum Robot for Combined Chemical and Photodynamic Therapy of Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Mengyue , Wu Junfeng , Li Na , Zhou Junjian , Cheng Wen , Wu Anhua , Liu Lianqing , Jiao Niandong
Published: April 2024

Micro/nanorobots with active movement capabilities provide a new option for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). However, the long working distance of intravenous injection and the protection of the blood‐brain barrier can prevent micro/nanorobots from reaching the target location. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gradually appeared in GBM treatment research. The limitation of the penetrating strength of the light source will nevertheless hinder the application range of PDT. Herein, a magnetic continuum robot (MCR) to deliver optical fibers and microrobots for combined chemotherapy and PDT of GBM is used. The prepared magnetic diatom microrobots can effectively move in biological fluids and move upstream. Vacuum loading can improve the drug loading efficiency. The photosensitizer in the frustule cavity can be explosively released in a short time through ultrasound. The chemotherapeutic drugs have long‐term and pH‐sensitivity release characteristics. In vitro cell experiments showed that the combined administration of TMZ‐loaded microrobots and photosensitizer‐loaded microrobots has a synergistic effect. The in vitro model demonstrated that an MCR can deliver an optical fiber and drug‐loaded microrobots. This enables cross‐scale delivery of microrobots and deep PDT. This delivery method may expand the drug selectivity for GBM treatment and provide a new possibility for intracranial PDT.
A Wood‐Derived Periosteum for Spatiotemporal Drug Release: Boosting Bone Repair through Anisotropic Structure and Multiple Functions
Authors: Sun Tianyi , Chen Chunhua , Liu Kun , Li Lin , Zhang Ruixi , Wen Wei , Ding Shan , Liu Mingxian , Zhou Changren , Luo Binghong
Published: April 2024

Existing artificial periostea face many challenges, including difficult‐to‐replicate anisotropy in mechanics and structure, poor tissue adhesion, and neglected synergistic angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Here, inspired by natural wood (NW), a wood‐derived elastic artificial periosteum is developed to mimic the structure and functions of natural periosteum, which combines an elastic wood (EW) skeleton, a polydopamine (PDA) binder layer, and layer‐by‐layer (LBL) biofunctional layers. Specifically, EW derived from NW is utilized as the anisotropic skeleton of artificial periosteum to guide cell directional behaviors, moreover, it also shows a similar elastic modulus and flexibility to natural periosteum. To further enhance its synergistic angiogenesis and osteogenesis, surface LBL biofunctional layers are designed to serve as spatiotemporal release platforms to achieve sequential and long‐term release of pamidronate disodium (PDS) and deferoxamine (DFO), which are pre‐encapsulated in chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) solutions, respectively. Furthermore, the combined effect of PDA coating and LBL biofunctional layers enables the periosteum to tightly adhere to damaged bone tissue. More importantly, this novel artificial periosteum can boost angiogenesis and bone formation in vitro and in vivo. This study opens up a new path for biomimetic design of artificial periosteum, and provides a feasible clinical strategy for bone repair.
Evolution of Musculoskeletal Electronics
Authors: Li Jia , Zhang Fengjiao , Lyu Houchen , Yin Pengbin , Shi Lei , Li Zhiyi , Zhang Licheng , Di Chong‐an , Tang Peifu
Published: April 2024

The musculoskeletal system, constituting the largest human physiological system, plays a critical role in providing structural support to the body, facilitating intricate movements, and safeguarding internal organs. By virtue of advancements in revolutionized materials and devices, particularly in the realms of motion capture, health monitoring, and postoperative rehabilitation, “musculoskeletal electronics” has actually emerged as an infancy area, but has not yet been explicitly proposed. In this review, the concept of musculoskeletal electronics is elucidated, and the evolution history, representative progress, and key strategies of the involved materials and state‐of‐the‐art devices are summarized. Therefore, the fundamentals of musculoskeletal electronics and key functionality categories are introduced. Subsequently, recent advances in musculoskeletal electronics are presented from the perspectives of “in vitro” to “in vivo” signal detection, interactive modulation, and therapeutic interventions for healing and recovery. Additionally, nine strategy avenues for the development of advanced musculoskeletal electronic materials and devices are proposed. Finally, concise summaries and perspectives are proposed to highlight the directions that deserve focused attention in this booming field.
A Multimodal Self‐Propelling Tensegrity Structure
Authors: Liu Changyue , Li Kai , Yu Xinzi , Yang Jiping , Wang Zhijian
Published: April 2024

Tensegrity structure is composed of tensile cables and compressive rods, offering high stiffness‐to‐mass ratio, deploy ability, and excellent energy damping capability. The active and dynamic tensegrity designs demonstrate great potential for soft robots. In previous designs, the movement has relied on carefully controlled input power or manually controlled light irradiation, limiting their potential applications. Here, a hybrid tensegrity structure (HTS) is constructed by integrating thermally responsive cables, nonresponsive cables, and stiff rods. The HTS can self‐propel continuously on a hot surface due to its unique geometry. The HTS allows for the easy achievement of multimodal self‐propelled locomotive modes, which has been challenging for previously demonstrated self‐propelling structures. Additionally, using Velcro tapes to adhere the rods and cables together, a modulable and reassemblable HTS is created. The HTS introduced in this study presents a new strategy and offers a large design space for constructing self‐propelling and modulable robots.
Efficient Electrochemical Co‐Reduction of Carbon Dioxide and Nitrate to Urea with High Faradaic Efficiency on Cobalt‐Based Dual‐Sites
Authors: Fan Xiaoya , Liu Chaozhen , He Xun , Li Zixiao , Yue Luchao , Zhao Wenxi , Li Jun , Wang Yan , Li Tingshuai , Luo Yongsong , Zheng Dongdong , Sun Shengjun , Liu Qian , Li Luming , Chu Wei , Gong Feng , Tang Bo , Yao Yongchao , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2024

Renewable electricity‐powered nitrate/carbon dioxide co‐reduction reaction toward urea production paves an attractive alternative to industrial urea processes and offers a clean on‐site approach to closing the global nitrogen cycle. However, its large‐scale implantation is severely impeded by challenging C–N coupling and requires electrocatalysts with high activity/selectivity. Here, cobalt‐nanoparticles anchored on carbon nanosheet (Co NPs@C) are proposed as a catalyst electrode to boost yield and Faradaic efficiency (FE) toward urea electrosynthesis with enhanced C–N coupling. Such Co NPs@C renders superb urea‐producing activity with a high FE reaching 54.3% and a urea yield of 2217.5 µg h−1 mgcat.−1, much superior to the Co NPs and C nanosheet counterparts, and meanwhile shows strong stability. The Co NPs@C affords rich catalytically active sites, fast reactant diffusion, and sufficient catalytic surfaces‐electrolyte contacts with favored charge and ion transfer efficiencies. The theoretical calculations reveal that the high‐rate formation of *CO and *NH2 intermediates is crucial for facilitating urea synthesis.
Role of Solvent in the Oriented Growth of Conductive Ni‐CAT‐1 Metal‐Organic Framework at Solid–Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Shin Sun Hae Ra , Tao Jinhui , Canfield Nathan L. , Bowden Mark E. , Liu Lili , Sivakumar Bhuvaneswari M. , Liu Jun , De Yoreo James J. , Thallapally Praveen K. , Sushko Maria L.
Published: April 2024

A controlled growth of two‐dimensional (2D) π‐conjugated metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) on solid substrates can open exciting opportunities for the application of 2D MOFs as optoelectronic devices. Some factors like solvent composition and type of substrates are known to influence the properties of solution‐processed 2D MOF crystals; however, a mechanistic understanding of how interactions between solvent, substrate, and precursors affect heterogeneous nucleation has been limited. Here, it is reported that the structure of Ni‐catecholate (Ni‐CAT‐1) MOFs at a solid–liquid interface is controlled by solvent–substrate and solvent–MOF precursor interactions. Specifically, the structure of the MOF film can be controlled by varying the affinity of the solvent to the substrate. As a fraction of N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) in a binary solvent mixture of water and DMF increases, the arrangement of Ni‐CAT‐1 crystals varies from vertically aligned nanorods to the graphite substrate to less ordered nanorods with the lower initial nucleation number density of Ni‐CAT‐1 crystals on the surface.
A multivariate multilevel approach to unravel the associations between individual and school factors on children's motor performance in the REACT project
Authors: Maia José , Santos Carla , Pereira Sara , Hedeker Donald , Barreira Tiago V. , Garganta Rui , Farias Cláudio , Garbeloto Fernando , Tani Go , Cruz Hugo , Chaput Jean‐Philippe , Stodden David F. , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim was to (1) estimate the relationship between physical fitness (PF) and object control fundamental movement skills (FMS), (2) identify child characteristics that relate with PF and FMS, and (3) examine associations between the school environment, PF, and FMS.

Methods

The sample included 1014 Portuguese children aged 6–10 years from the REACT project. PF was assessed via running speed, shuttle run, standing long jump, handgrip, and the PACER test. Object control FMS were assessed with stationary dribble, kick, catch, overhand throw, and underhand roll. Test performances were transformed into z‐scores, and their sum was expressed as overall PF and FMS. Child‐level variables included body mass index (BMI) z‐scores, accelerometer‐measured sedentary time and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity, and socioeconomic status (SES). School size, physical education classes, practice areas, and equipment were also assessed.

Results

Approximately, 90% of the variance in object control PF and FMS was at the child level, and 10% at the school level. The correlation between PF and object control FMS was .62, which declined to .43 with the inclusion of covariates. Older, more active, and higher SES children had higher object control PF and FMS, and boys outperformed girls. BMI was negatively associated with PF but not with object control FMS. Sedentary time and number of physical education classes were not significant predictors. Most school predictors did not jointly associate with PF and object control FMS.

Conclusion

PF and object control FMS z‐scores were moderately related. Not all child characteristics were associated with both PF and object control FMS, and their effect sizes were different. School characteristics only explained 10% of the total variation in PF and object control FMS.
Trends in workplace homicides in the U.S., 1994–2021: An end to years of decline
Authors: Hendricks Scott A. , Hendricks Kitty J. , Tiesman Hope M. , Gomes Harold L. , Collins James W. , Hartley Dan
Published: April 2024

Workplace and non‐workplace homicides in the United States (U.S.) have declined for over 30 years until recently. This study was conducted to address the change in trends for both workplace and non‐workplace homicides and to evaluate the homogeneity of the change in workplace homicides by specified categories. Joinpoint and autoregressive models were used to assess trends of U.S. workplace and non‐workplace homicides utilizing surveillance data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1994 through 2021. Both workplace and non‐workplace homicides decreased significantly from 1994 through 2014. Workplace homicides showed no significant trend from 2014 through 2021 (p = 0.79), while non‐workplace homicides showed a significant average annual increase of 4.1% from 2014 through 2020 (p = 0.0013). The large decreases in the trend of workplace homicides occurring during a criminal act, such as robbery, leveled off and started to increase by the end of the study period (p < 0.0001). Declines in workplace homicides due to shootings also leveled off and started to increase by the end of the study period (p < 0.0001). U.S. workplace and non‐workplace homicide rates declined from the 1990s until around 2014. Trends in workplace homicides varied by the types of the homicide committed and by the type of employee that was the victim. Criminal‐intent‐related events, such as robbery, appear to be the largest contributor to changes in workplace homicides. Researchers and industry leaders could develop and evaluate interventions that further address criminal‐intent‐related workplace homicides.
Two sisters with RSPRY1‐related spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Singh Swati , Shah Hitesh , Dalal Ashwin , Shukla Anju , Bhavani Gandham SriLakshmi , Girisha Katta M.
Published: April 2024

Biallelic variants in RSPRY1 have been found to result in spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia. Two siblings presenting with short stature, facial dysmorphism, progressive vertebral defects, small epiphysis, cupping and fraying of metaphyses, brachydactyly, and short metatarsals harbored a homozygous missense variant c.1652G>A;p.(Cys551Tyr) in the RSPRY1 gene. The phenotype in our patients resembles spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia, Faden‐Alkuraya type. Thus, our study provides further evidence to support the association of RSPRY1 variants with spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia. We observed joint dislocation as a novel clinical feature of this condition.
SYNGAP1‐related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy: Genotypic and phenotypic characteristics and longitudinal insights
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Kim Minhye , Jang Seoyun , Cho Jae So , Kim Soo Yeon , Cho Anna , Kim Hunmin , Lim Byung Chan , Chae Jong‐Hee , Choi Jieun , Kim Ki Joong , Kim WooJoong
Published: April 2024

The clinical and genetic characteristics of SYNGAP1 mutations in Korean pediatric patients are not well understood. We retrospectively analyzed 13 individuals with SYNGAP1 mutations from a longitudinal aspect. Clinical data, genetic profiles, and electroencephalography (EEG) patterns were examined. Genotypic analyses included gene panels and whole‐exome sequencing. All patients exhibited global developmental delay from early infancy, with motor development eventually reaching independent ambulation by 3 years of age. Language developmental delay varied significantly from nonverbal to simple sentences, which plateaued in all patients. Patients with the best language outcomes typically managed 2–3‐word sentences, corresponding to a developmental age of 2–3 years. Epilepsy developed in 77% of patients, with onset consistently following developmental delays at a median age of 31 months. Longitudinal EEG data revealed a shift from occipital to frontal epileptiform discharges with age, suggesting a correlation with synaptic maturation. These findings suggest that the critical developmental plateau occurs between the ages of 2 and 5 years and is potentially influenced by epilepsy. By analyzing longitudinal data, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of SYNGAP1‐related DEE, provides potential EEG biomarkers, and underlines the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to address this complex disorder.
The society for craniofacial genetics and developmental biology 46th annual meeting
Authors: Brugmann Samantha A. , Clouthier David E. , Fantauzzo Katherine A. , Harris Matthew P. , Jeong Juhee , Saint‐Jeannet Jean‐Pierre , Stottmann Rolf W. , Merrill Amy E.
Published: April 2024

The Society for Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology (SCGDB) held its 46th Annual Meeting at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 10th–12th, 2023. On the first day of the meeting, Drs. Sally Moody and Justin Cotney were each honored with the SCGDB Distinguished Scientist Awards for their exceptional contributions to the field of craniofacial biology. The following two days of the meeting featured five sessions that highlighted new discoveries in signaling and genomic mechanisms regulating craniofacial development, human genetics, translational and regenerative approaches, and clinical management of craniofacial differences. Interactive workshops on spatial transcriptomics and scientific communication, as well as a poster session facilitated meaningful interactions among the 122 attendees representing diverse career stages and research backgrounds in developmental biology and genetics, strengthened the SCGDB community.
Domain‐specific phenotypes in LINS1‐related disorder—A Chinese family with the Q92X variant and literature review
Authors: Li Xu‐Ying , Wang Zhanjun , Yang Yanping , Lin Ruichai , Wang Chaodong
Published: April 2024

LINS1 is the human homolog of the Drosophila segment polarity gene that encodes an essential regulator of the wingless/Wnt signaling. By 2011, only seven pedigrees (16 patients) with eight causative variants in LINS1 gene have been reported. These cases mainly presented with infancy‐/child‐onset neurodevelopmental disorders, facial dysmorphia, and other clinical features, and a wide spectrum of clinically distinct phenotypes were also manifested. In our study, two brothers in a family were admitted and diagnosed with child‐onset movement disorders, slight intellectual disability, psychological symptoms, eye problems, urinary and bowel dysfunction, mitral value prolapse, and Q‐T prolongation. By exome sequencing, we identified a nonsense homozygous pathogenic variant (LINS1: c.274C > T (p.Q92X)), which had been reported in a case diagnosed with intellectual disability and psychiatric disorders (such as schizophrenia and anxiety). Compared with this case, the clinical features of our cases were distinct. In particular, our cases displayed unusual features of heart and blood system. Furthermore, the genotype–phenotype relationship analysis suggested that distinct phenotypes presented in cases carrying variants in different domains of the LINS1 gene. In conclusions, our findings suggest the high clinical variations in the LINS1 variants‐related disorders. Moreover, the Q92X might be a recurrent variant in Hans of Southern China.
Minimal clinically important difference in Alzheimer's disease: Rapid review
Authors: Muir Ryan T. , Hill Michael D. , Black Sandra E. , Smith Eric E.
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

We conducted a rapid systematic review of minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) trial endpoints.

METHODS

Two reviewers searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed from inception to June 4, 2023.

RESULTS

Ten articles were retrieved. For mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a change of +2 to +3 points on the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐Cog), +1 points on the Clinical Dementia Rating scale sum of boxes (CDR‐SB), −5 points on the integrated Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (iADRS), or −1 to −2 points on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) was considered meaningful. For patients with mild AD, a change of +3 on the ADAS‐Cog, +2 points on CDR‐SB, −9 points on the iADRS, or −2 points on the MMSE was considered meaningful. For patients with moderate to severe AD, a change of +2 points on the CDR‐SB or a change of −1.4 to −3 points on the MMSE was considered meaningful.

CONCLUSION

This review identified previously published MCIDs for AD trial endpoints. Input from patients and caregivers will be needed to derive more meaningful endpoints and thresholds.

Highlights

This systematic rapid review identified thresholds for minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) for recently used Alzheimer's disease (AD) trial endpoints: Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale (ADAS‐Cog), Clinical Dementia Rating scale sum of boxes (CDR‐SB), integrated Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (iADRS), Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).

MCIDs were higher for more severe stages of AD.

Average treatment effects in recent trials of anti‐amyloid disease modifying monoclonal antibodies are lower than previously published MCIDs.

In future trials of disease modifying treatments for AD, the proportion of participants in each treatment group that experienced a clinically meaningful decline could be reported.

More work is needed to incorporate the values and preferences of patients and care partners in deriving MCIDs.
The Importance of Sintering‐Induced Grain Boundaries in Copper Catalysis to Improve Carbon‐Carbon Coupling
Authors: Wu Wenlong , Luo Lei , Li Zhongling , Luo Jiahua , Zhao Jiankang , Wang Menglin , Ma Xinlong , Hu Sunpei , Chen Yue , Chen Weiye , Wang Zhandong , Ma Chao , Li Hongliang , Zeng Jie
Published: April 2024

Syngas conversion serves as a gas‐to‐liquid technology to produce liquid fuels and valuable chemicals from coal, natural gas, or biomass. During syngas conversion, sintering is known to deactivate the catalyst owing to the loss of active surface area. However, the growth of nanoparticles might induce the formation of new active sites such as grain boundaries (GBs) which perform differently from the original nanoparticles. Herein, we reported a unique Cu‐based catalyst, Cu nanoparticles with in situ generated GBs confined in zeolite Y (denoted as activated Cu/Y), which exhibited a high selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons (65.3 C%) during syngas conversion. Such high selectivity for long‐chain products distinguished activated Cu/Y from typical copper‐based catalysts which mainly catalyze methanol synthesis. This unique performance was attributed to the GBs, while the zeolite assisted the stabilization through spatial confinement. Specifically, the GBs enabled H‐assisted dissociation of CO and subsequent hydrogenation into CHx*. CHx* species not only serve as the initiator but also directly polymerize on Cu GBs, known as the carbide mechanism. Meanwhile, the synergy of GBs and their vicinal low‐index facets led to the CO insertion where non‐dissociative adsorbed CO on low‐index facets migrated to GBs and inserted into the metal‐alkyl bond for the chain growth.
Building Bulk and Interface Dual Fast Li+ Conducting Pathway in Composite Solid Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for All–Solid–State Lithium–Metal Batteries
Authors: He Yuanyuan , Tang Jiawen , Huang Xiao , Ao Xin , Tian Bingbing
Published: April 2024

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are considered a promising solution to the safety problems of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) using liquid electrolytes. However, the high crystallinity and low ionic conductivity hinder the practical application of SPEs. Herein, we design a composite solid polymer electrolyte with a dual fast Li+ conducting pathway in bulk and interface by incorporating highly Li+ conductive ceramic Li6.4Ga0.2La3Zr2O12 (LGLZO) in polyethylene oxide (PEO)/Li–bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) system. Compared to Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZTO), LGLZO provides better Li+ conductivity; therefore, a fast Li+ conducting pathway will form in the bulk of LGLZO nanofillers. Besides, LGLZO nanofiller accelerates the dissociation of LiTFSI and benefits the transfer of free Li+ through the SPEs near the LGLZO surface, forming another interface fast Li+ conducting pathway in the SPEs. Benefits from the dual fast Li+ pathway design, the composite electrolyte membrane with 15 wt % LGLZO nanoparticles presents a high ionic conductivity of 8.0×10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C. The Li−Li symmetric cells with optimized content LGLZO show good cycling stability (no short circuit even after 1000 h), and the all–solid Li/LiFePO4 batteries exhibit excellent cycling performance (remained 154 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.2 C under 60 °C).
Competitive strategy and circular economy practice implementation toward corporate sustainability performance
Authors: Osei Vivian , Bai Chunguang , Asante‐Darko Disraeli , Kwarteng Amoako
Published: April 2024

The impact of competitive strategy on corporate sustainability and the role of circular economy (CE) practices remains scanty in the extant literature. This study therefore examines the mediating role of CE practices on the relationship between competitive strategy and sustainability performance. Drawing on the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) theory and institutional logics (IL) theory, this study explores a framework that introduces competitive strategy as an antecedent variable in advancing CE practices and sustainability performance among firms in a developing economy. Using data obtained through a survey of 380 firms in Ghana, the results revealed that competitive strategy has a positive and statistically significant relationship with corporate sustainability performance. Additionally, CE practices mediate the positive association between competitive strategy and corporate sustainability. Our research extends the frontiers of the literature by combining the IL and NRBV theories to explain how competitive strategy influences sustainability performance via CE practices.
Business model innovation through the design of circular product‐service system value propositions: A method proposal
Authors: da Costa Fernandes Sânia , Rozenfeld Henrique
Published: April 2024

Circular economy requires rethinking the foundations of business strategy and innovating the business model to incorporate sustainability‐driven capabilities. Value propositions rooted in product‐service system (PSS) holds promise for leading manufacturing companies to circularity. However, an integrated and practical approach crafting circular and service‐based value propositions (herein called as circular PSS) is currently lacking. This study presents a novel method that integrates the domains of circular economy and PSS to enhance the effectiveness of designing circular PSS value propositions in a BMI context. The research methodology is based on three main phases unfolded in empirical research studies, systematic analysis of process models, and expert evaluations. This study consolidates the guiding principles and requirements for effective design of circular PSS value propositions. The pivotal result is a method providing a common and integrated approach to guide how to design value propositions that simultaneously integrate circular strategies and PSS features.
Daurisoline inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and enhances TRAIL sensitivity of breast cancer cells by upregulating DR5
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Lin‐lin , Duan Cun‐yu , Rong Yan‐ru , Liang Ya‐qi , Zhu Qing‐xiang , Hao Gang‐ping , Wang Feng‐ze
Published: April 2024

Daurisoline (DS) is an isoquinoline alkaloid that exerts anticancer activities in various cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms through which DS affects the survival of breast cancer cells remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the potential anticancer effect of DS on breast cancer cells and reveal the mechanism underlying the enhanced tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL)‐mediated apoptosis by DS. Cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) and 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were used to evaluate the ability of cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was selected to examine the cell cycle distribution. TUNEL assay was used to detect the cell apoptosis. The protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. DS was found to reduce the cell viability and suppress the proliferation of MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells by causing G1 phase cell cycle arrest. DS could trigger apoptosis by promoting the cleavage of caspase‐8 and PARP. The phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK was upregulated clearly following DS treatment. Notably, SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) pretreatment significantly abrogated DS‐induced PARP cleavage. DS inactivated Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and upregulated the expression of ER stress‐related proteins. Additionally, DS amplified TRAIL‐caused viability reduction and apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Mechanismly, DS upregulated the protein level of DR4 and DR5, and knockdown of DR5 attenuated the cotreatment‐induced cleavage of PARP. Inhibition of JNK could block DS‐induced upregulation of DR5. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of DS inhibiting cell proliferation, triggering apoptosis, and enhancing TRAIL sensitivity of breast cancer cells.
Extent of cardiac damage and hospitalization burden in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Bække Pernille Steen , Gran Laurits Lykkeskov , Jørgensen Troels Højsgaard , Ghattas Angie , Fosbøl Emil , Sondergaard Lars , De Backer Ole
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiac damage has gained increasing attention as a valid prognostic marker of mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, studies investigating the possible association between cardiac damage and hospitalization burden in TAVR patients are lacking.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the impact of baseline cardiac damage on the hospitalization burden before, during, and after TAVR in an all‐comers population.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent TAVR between 2016 and 2020 were included. Electronic medical records of all patients were examined to validate cardiovascular (CV) and heart failure (HF) related hospitalizations from 6 months before to 1 year after TAVR. Baseline cardiac damage was defined according to the staging classification by Généreux et al.

Results

Among 1397 TAVR patients, 94 (6.7%) had stage 0, 368 (26.4%) stage 1, 736 (52.7%) stage 2, 115 (8.2%) stage 3, and 84 (6.0%) stage 4 cardiac damage. Patients with more advanced cardiac damage at baseline had more HF hospitalizations within 6 months before TAVR (p < 0.01) and with a longer length of stay (LoS) (p < 0.01). Regarding the index TAVR admission, there was no difference in procedure time (p = 0.26) or LoS (p = 0.18) between groups. Still, TAVR patients with more advanced baseline cardiac damage had a higher risk of CV and HF rehospitalization after TAVR (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Baseline cardiac damage in patients undergoing TAVR has an impact on the pre‐ and post‐procedural cardiovascular hospitalization burden. However, the cardiac damage status does not affect the TAVR procedure time or index TAVR admission length of stay.
A life lost to anorexia nervosa: A case report of rapid progressive disease and its psychological aspects
Authors: Esmaeili Amirreza , Esmaeeli Soode Tajik
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

The prevalence of anorexia nervosa has been on the rise. Exploring key factors in treating this condition as well as psychological factors influencing the onset and maintenance of the disorder can increase the chance of treatment success.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Wacker‐Type Aerobic Oxidation of Olefins into Ketones Enabled by PMHS: Giving Value to a Chemical Waste with Optimal Atom‐Economy
Authors: Abuhafez Naba , Gramage‐Doria Rafael
Published: April 2024

Herein, it is demonstrated that a chemical waste from the silicon industry, namely polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), is a suitable hydrosilane source for the challenging, selective aerobic oxidation of olefins into methyl ketones under cobalt catalysis: a first row, abundant in the Earth's crust and cheap metal with low toxicity. The catalytic system operates under unprecedented, stoichiometric amounts of hydrosilane while the cobalt catalyst loading is kept at a very low 1 mol% with the reactions being finished in less than 1 hour with very high turnover numbers (1,340) and record‐breaking turnover frequency values up to 530 h−1. Mechanistic studies highlight the key role of the porphyrin ligand for stabilizing the active cobalt species that does follow a radical‐based reaction pathway under these particular conditions. These results are relevant for replacing the expensive and scarce palladium catalyst, traditionally used for Wacker‐type oxidations, by first‐row, Earth‐abundant transition metals under green conditions including the efficient valorization of a chemical waste such as PMHS.
Enabling built‐in electric fields on rhenium‐vacancy‐rich heterojunction interfaces of transition‐metal dichalcogenides for pH‐universal efficient hydrogen and electric energy generation
Authors: Wang Benzhi , Wang Lixia , Lee Ji Hoon , Isimjan Tayirjan Taylor , Jeong Hyung Mo , Yang Xiulin
Published: April 2024

Most advanced hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts show high activity under alkaline conditions. However, the performance deteriorates at a natural and acidic pH, which is often problematic in practical applications. Herein, a rhenium (Re) sulfide–transition‐metal dichalcogenide heterojunction catalyst with Re‐rich vacancies (NiS2‐ReS2‐V) has been constructed. The optimized catalyst shows extraordinary electrocatalytic HER performance over a wide range of pH, with ultralow overpotentials of 42, 85, and 122 mV under alkaline, acidic, and neutral conditions, respectively. Moreover, the two‐electrode system with NiS2‐ReS2‐V1 as the cathode provides a voltage of 1.73 V at 500 mA cm−2, superior to industrial systems. Besides, the open‐circuit voltage of a single Zn–H2O cell with NiS2‐ReS2‐V1 as the cathode can reach an impressive 90.9% of the theoretical value, with a maximum power density of up to 31.6 mW cm−2. Moreover, it shows remarkable stability, with sustained discharge for approximately 120 h at 10 mA cm−2, significantly outperforming commercial Pt/C catalysts under the same conditions in all aspects. A series of systematic characterizations and theoretical calculations demonstrate that Re vacancies on the heterojunction interface would generate a stronger built‐in electric field, which profoundly affects surface charge distribution and subsequently enhances HER performance.
Photo‐promoted rapid reconstruction induced alterations in active site of Ag@amorphous NiFe hydroxides for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Cai Zhi , Xu Mingyuan , Li Yanhong , Zhou Xinyan , Yin Kexin , Li Lidong , Jia Binbin , Guo Lin , Zhao Hewei
Published: April 2024

The dynamic surface self‐reconstruction behavior in local structure correlates with oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance, which has become an effective strategy for constructing the catalytic active phase. However, it remains a challenge to understand the mechanisms of reconstruction and to accomplish it fast and deeply. Here, we reported a photo‐promoted rapid reconstruction (PRR) process on Ag nanoparticle‐loaded amorphous Ni‐Fe hydroxide nanosheets on carbon cloth for enhanced OER. The photogenerated holes generated by Ag in conjunction with the anodic potential contributed to a thorough reconstruction of the amorphous substrate. The valence state of unsaturated coordinated Fe atoms, which serve as active sites, is significantly increased, while the corresponding crystalline substrate shows little change. The different structural evolutions of amorphous and crystalline substrates during reconstruction lead to diverse pathways of OER. This PRR utilizing loaded noble metal nanoparticles can accelerate the generation of active species in the substrate and increase the electrical conductivity, which provides a new inspiration to develop efficient catalysts via reconstruction strategies.
Utility of Triethyloxonium Tetrafluoroborate for Chloride Removal during Sarcosine N‐Carboxyanhydride Synthesis: Improving NCA Purity
Authors: Capelôa Leon , Miravet Martí Rafael , Duro‐Castaño Aroa , Nebot Vicent J. , Barz Matthias
Published: April 2024

The clinical translation of polysarcosine (pSar) as polyethylene glycol (PEG) replacement in the development of novel nanomedicines creates a broad demand of polymeric material in high‐quality making high‐purity sarcosine N‐carboxyanhydride (Sar‐NCA) as monomer for its production inevitable. Within this report, we present the use of triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate in Sar‐NCA synthesis with focus on amino acid and chloride impurities to avoid the sublimation of Sar‐NCAs. With a view towards upscaling into kilogram or ton scale, a new methodology of monomer purification is introduced by utilizing the Meerwein's Salt triethyloxonium tetrafluoroborate to remove chloride impurities by covalent binding and converting chloride ions into volatile products within a single step. The novel straightforward technique enables access to monomers with significantly reduced chloride content (<100 ppm) compared to Sar‐NCA derived by synthesis or sublimation. The derived monomers enable the controlled‐living polymerization in DMF and provide access to pSar polymers with Poisson‐like molecular weight distribution within a high range of chain lengths (Xn 25–200). In conclusion, the reported method can be easily applied to Sar‐NCA synthesis or purification of commercially available pSar‐NCAs and eases access to well‐defined hetero‐telechelic pSar polymers.
Climate change and ecological sustainability in Zimbabwe: Interrogating the role of Higher Education Institutions in disaster management
Authors: Macheka Mavis Thokozile
Published: April 2024

Zimbabwe has been hit by a number of cyclones in the last two decades, namely Cyclone Eline in 2000, Cyclone Japhet in 2003, Cyclone Dineo in 2017, Cyclone Idai in 2019, Tropical Storm Chalane in 2020, Cyclone Eloise in 2021, Cyclone Ana in 2022 and Cyclone Freddy in 2023. Resultantly, the issue of ecological sustainability becomes a key priority issue in the country, and thus, all key stakeholders’ participation becomes imperative. Against this background, the study interrogates the level of participation and inclusion of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in climate change and disaster management in Zimbabwe. This qualitative research adopted a mixed research approach where data were gathered and generated through self‐administered and online questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and document review. Findings revealed that the available laws, structures and mechanisms for climate change management and disaster prevention do not have provision for the participation of HEIs. The study further established mixed views among the participants regarding the efforts by HEIs in climate change and disaster management. On one hand, academics and students highlighted roles of HEIs in climate change management, and these include material donations, knowledge creation, training community on climate mainstreaming, awareness campaigns, leading climate change adaptation projects, leading climate change mitigation projects and testing and deployment of innovative practices. On the other, communities voiced their concern on the low level of participation by HEIs. Results illustrate that HEIs do not fully participate in ecological sustainability outside the academia realm. Therefore, the study concludes that in order to realize ecological sustainability, these policy gaps and inconsistences and failures could be bridged by allowing HEIs as centres of knowledge creation to be key players in climate change and disaster management. The ‘business as usual’ approach to environmental challenges could be changed to being key players in addressing climate change issues.
Papillae, psammoma bodies, and/or many nuclear pseudoinclusions are helpful criteria but should not be required for a definitive cytologic diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma: An institutional experience of 207 cases with surgical follow up
Authors: Elsheikh Tarik M. , Thomas Matthew , Brainard Jennifer , Di Marco Jessica , Manosky Erica , Springer Bridgette , Underwood Dawn , Chute Deborah J.
Published: April 2024

Background

Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary‐like features (NIFTP) was introduced in 2016 replacing noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma, with recommendations to label them “noncancer.” To avoid reducing risk of malignancy (ROM) and overdiagnosing NIFTP as malignant, some authors required restricted cytologic criteria (RC) for a definitive diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), including papillae, psammoma bodies. or ≥3 nuclear pseudoinclusions. Since then, NIFTP criteria have been revised, biologic behavior better understood, and incidence reported to be much lower than initially anticipated. This study examines the impact of RC on PTC cytologic diagnoses, ROM, and detection of clinically significant carcinomas (CSC).

Materials and Methods

A total of 207 thyroid FNAs originally diagnosed as PTC and suspicious for PTC (SPTC) with surgical follow‐up were evaluated. RC were retrospectively applied to cases as a requirement for diagnosing PTC, and cases that did not meet RC were reclassified as SPTC. ROMs and diagnostic accuracies of pre‐ and post‐RC diagnoses were correlated with followup CSC.

Results

RC were met in 118/142 (83%) and 20/65 (31%) of cases originally diagnosed as PTC and SPTC, respectively. Post‐RC, 29% (19/65) of CSC originally diagnosed as SPTC were upgraded to PTC, and 17% (24/142) of CSC originally diagnosed as PTC were downgraded to SPTC. No NIFTPs were diagnosed as malignant.

Conclusions

RC should not be required for a definitive diagnosis of PTC when other nuclear features of PTC are diffuse and overt. Applying RC, however, helps the pathologist arrive at a more definitive diagnosis of PTC in suspicious cases.
An ML‐based task clustering and placement using hybrid Jaya‐gray wolf optimization in fog‐cloud ecosystem
Authors: Keshri Rashmi , Vidyarthi Deo Prakash
Published: April 2024

The rapid expansion of IoT systems has caused network congestion and delays in task placement and resource provisioning as usually the tasks are executed at a far location in the cloud. Fog computing reduces the computing burden of cloud data centers as well as the communication burden of the internet as fog resources are placed near the data generation points. Within Fog computing, an important challenge is the optimal task placement which is an NP‐class problem. This work applies machine learning for task clustering and addresses the task placement problem in a fog computing environment using a hybrid of two recent metaheuristics; Jaya and gray wolf optimization (GWO). The hybrid method considers optimizing the total number of active fog nodes, load balancing in fog nodes, and average response time of the tasks. The performance of the proposed method is evaluated on a real‐time LCG dataset and is compared with reinforcement learning fog scheduling (RLFS), genetic algorithm (GA), dynamic resource allocation mechanism (DRAM), load balancing and scheduling algorithm (LBSSA), and particle swarm optimization with simulated annealing (PSO‐SA) algorithms. The results demonstrate the superiority of the suggested method over the baseline techniques in terms of average improvement of 51.04% in load balance variance, 30.25% in average response time, 24.16% in execution time, and 47.10% in the number of devices used.