bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIO101 stimulates myoblast differentiation and improves muscle function in adult and old mice
Authors: Serova Maria , Didry‐Barca Blaise , Deloux Robin , Foucault Anne‐Sophie , Veillet Stanislas , Lafont René , Dilda Pierre J. , Latil Mathilde
Published: December 2023

Background

Muscle aging is associated with a consistent decrease in the ability of muscle tissue to regenerate following intrinsic muscle degradation, injury or overuse. Age‐related imbalance of protein synthesis and degradation, mainly regulated by AKT/mTOR pathway, leads to progressive loss of muscle mass. Maintenance of anabolic and regenerative capacities of skeletal muscles may be regarded as a therapeutic option for sarcopenia and other muscle wasting diseases. Our previous studies have demonstrated that BIO101, a pharmaceutical grade 20‐hydroxyecdysone, increases protein synthesis through the activation of MAS receptor involved in the protective arm of renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system. The purpose of the present study was to assess the anabolic and pro‐differentiating properties of BIO101 on C2C12 muscle cells in vitro and to investigate its effects on adult and old mice models in vivo.

Methods

The effects of BIO101 on C2C12 differentiation were assessed using myogenic transcription factors and protein expression of major kinases of AKT/mTOR pathway by Western blot. The in vivo effects of BIO101 have been investigated in BIO101 orally‐treated (50 mg/kg/day) adult mice (3 months) for 28 days. To demonstrate potential beneficial effect of BIO101 treatment in a sarcopenic mouse model, we use orally treated 22‐month‐old C57Bl6/J mice, for 14 weeks with vehicle or BIO101. Mice body and muscle weight were recorded. Physical performances were assessed using running capacity and muscle contractility tests.

Results

Anabolic properties of BIO101 were confirmed by the rapid activation of AKT/mTOR, leading to an increase of C2C12 myotubes diameters (+26%, P < 0.001). Pro‐differentiating effects of BIO101 on C2C12 myoblasts were revealed by increased expression of muscle‐specific differentiation transcription factors (MyoD, myogenin), resulting in increased fusion index and number of nuclei per myotube (+39% and +53%, respectively, at day 6). These effects of BIO101 were like those of angiotensin (1–7) and were abolished with the use of A779, a MAS receptor specific antagonist. Chronic BIO101 oral treatment induced AKT/mTOR activation and anabolic effects accompanied with improved physical performances in adult and old animals (maximal running distance and maximal running velocity).

Conclusions

Our data suggest beneficial anabolic and pro‐differentiating effects of BIO101 rendering BIO101 a potent drug candidate for treating sarcopenia and possibly other muscle wasting disorders.
Skeletal muscle atrophy in clinical and preclinical models of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Troutman Ashley D. , Arroyo Eliott , Sheridan Elizabeth M. , D'Amico Duncan J. , Brandt Peyton R. , Hinrichs Rachel , Chen Xiwei , Lim Kenneth , Avin Keith G.
Published: December 2023

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are often regarded as experiencing wasting of muscle mass and declining muscle strength and function, collectively termed sarcopenia. The extent of skeletal muscle wasting in clinical and preclinical CKD populations is unclear. We evaluated skeletal muscle atrophy in preclinical and clinical models of CKD, with multiple sub‐analyses for muscle mass assessment methods, CKD severity, sex and across the different preclinical models of CKD. We performed a systematic literature review of clinical and preclinical studies that measured muscle mass/size using the following databases: Ovid Medline, Embase and Scopus. A random effects meta‐analysis was utilized to determine standard mean difference (SMD; Hedges' g) between healthy and CKD. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic. Preclinical study quality was assessed via the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation and clinical studies quality was assessed via the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020180737) prior to initiation of the search. A total of 111 studies were included in this analysis using the following subgroups: 106 studies in the primary CKD analysis, 18 studies that accounted for diabetes and 7 kidney transplant studies. Significant atrophy was demonstrated in 78% of the preclinical studies and 49% of the clinical studies. The random effects model demonstrated a medium overall SMD (SMD = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.52–0.64) when combining clinical and preclinical studies, a medium SMD for the clinical population (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.42–0.55; all stages) and a large SMD for preclinical CKD (SMD = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.76–1.14). Further sub‐analyses were performed based upon assessment methods, disease status and animal model. Muscle atrophy was reported in 49% of the clinical studies, paired with small mean differences. Preclinical studies reported significant atrophy in 78% of studies, with large mean differences. Across multiple clinical sub‐analyses such as severity of CKD, dialysis modality and diabetes, a medium mean difference was found. Sub‐analyses in both clinical and preclinical studies found a large mean difference for males and medium for females suggesting sex‐specific implications. Muscle atrophy differences varied based upon assessment method for clinical and preclinical studies. Limitations in study design prevented conclusions to be made about the extent of muscle loss with disease progression, or the impact of dialysis. Future work would benefit from the use of standardized measurement methods and consistent clinical staging to improve our understanding of atrophy changes in CKD progression, and analysis of biological sex differences.
How do ethics and diversity, equity, and inclusion relate in engineering? A systematic review
Authors: Hess Justin L. , Lin Athena , Whitehead Andrew , Katz Andrew
Published: December 2023

Background

This paper begins with the premise that ethics and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) overlap in engineering. Yet, the topics of ethics and DEI often inhabit different scholarly spaces in engineering education, thus creating a divide between these topics in engineering education research, teaching, and practice.

Purpose

We investigate the research question, “How are ethics and DEI explicitly connected in peer‐reviewed literature in engineering education and closely related fields?”

Design

We used systematic review procedures to synthesize intersections between ethics and DEI in engineering education scholarly literature. We extracted literature from engineering and engineering education databases and used thematic analysis to identify ethics/DEI connections.

Results

We identified three primary themes (each with three sub‐themes): (1) lenses that serve to connect ethics and DEI (social, justice‐oriented, professional), (2) roots that inform how ethics and DEI connect in engineering (individual demographics, disciplinary cultures, institutional cultures); and (3) engagement strategies for promoting ethics and DEI connections in engineering (affinity toward ethics/DEI content, understanding diverse stakeholders, working in diverse teams).

Conclusions

There is a critical mass of engineering education scholars explicitly exploring connections between ethics and DEI in engineering. Based on this review, potential benefits of integrating ethics and DEI in engineering include cultivating a socially just world and shifting engineering culture to be more inclusive and equitable, thus accounting for the needs and values of students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.
Aging modulates frontal lobes involvement in emotion regulation processing
Authors: Orlando Isabella , Filippini Nicola
Published: December 2023

Emotion regulation (ER) is the process by which individuals can modulate the intensity of their emotional experience and it plays a crucial role in daily life. So far, behavioral analyses seem to suggest that ER ability remains stable throughout the lifespan. However, imaging studies evaluating the neural correlates of ER performance during the aging process have shown mixed results. In this study, we used the “Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience cohort sample” to investigate: (1) ER behavioral performance and (2) the differential association between brain measures (based on both structural and functional connectivity data) and ER performance, in a group of younger/middle‐aged participants (N = 159; age range: 18y < x < 58y) relative to a group of older healthy subjects (N = 136; age range: 58y < =x < 89y). Whereas we found no group‐related differences either in ER behavioral data or the association between ER performance and structural data, we did observe that ER performance was differentially correlated in our two study groups to functional connectivity measures in the fronto‐insular‐temporal network, which has been shown to be involved in emotional processing. Group‐related differences were specifically localized in a cluster of voxels within the anterior cingulate areas which revealed a reverse pattern between our study groups: in younger/middle‐aged participants better ER performance was associated with increase connectivity, whereas among older participants better ER performance was related to reduced connectivity. Based on our results, we suggest that a de‐differentiation mechanism, known to affect the frontal lobes brain activity and connectivity in older subjects, might explain our findings.
Electrochemical Nonenzymatic Acetone Sensing: A Novel Approach of Biosensor Platform Based on CNT/CuO Nanosystems
Authors: Geetha Mithra , Nair Gayathri Geetha , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Al‐maadeed Somaya , Muthalif Asan G. A.
Published: December 2023

A promising approach for noninvasive medical diagnosis may be to measure the VOCs produced by metabolic changes or pathological disorders in human sweat, such as measuring the acetone levels in the presence of diabetes. Acetone is a by‐product of fat catabolism and serves as an indicator of ketosis and diabetes. The measurement of acetone may be used instead of glucose monitoring. Current research aims to develop and improve noninvasive methods of detecting acetone in sweat that are accurate, sensitive, and stable. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs)–copper oxide (CuO) nanocomposite (NC) improves direct electron transport to the electrode surface in this study. The complex‐precipitation method is used to make this NC. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to investigate the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared catalyst. Using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry, the electrocatalytic activity of the as‐prepared catalyst is evaluated. The electrocatalytic activity in artificial sweat solution is examined at various scan rates and acetone concentrations. The detection limit of the CNTs‐CuO NC catalyst is 0.05 mm, with a sensitivity of 16.1 mA cm−2 µm−1 in a linear range of 1–50 mm. Furthermore, this NC demonstrates a high degree of selectivity for various biocompounds found in sweat, with no interfering cross‐reactions from these species. The CNT‐CuO NC, as produced, has good sensitivity, rapid reaction time (2 s), and stability, indicating its potential for acetone sensing.
Development of a standalone delivery sequence model for proton arc therapy
Authors: Liu Gang , Zhao Lewei , Liu Peilin , Yan Di , Deraniyagala Rohan , Stevens Craig , Li Xiaoqiang , Ding Xuanfeng
Published: December 2023

Background

Spot‐scanning proton arc (SPArc) has been drawing significant interests in recent years because of its capability of continuous proton irradiation during the gantry rotation. Previous studies demonstrated SPArc plans were delivered on a prototype of the DynamicARC solution, IBA ProteusONE.

Purpose

We built a novel delivery sequence model through an independent experimental approach: the first SPArc delivery sequence model (DSMSPArc). Based on the model, we investigated SPArc treatment efficiency improvement in the routine proton clinical operation.

Methods

SPArc test plans were generated and delivered on a prototype of the DynamicARC solution, IBA ProteusONE. An independent gantry inclinometer and the machine logfiles were used to derive the DSMSPArc. Seventeen SPArc plans were used to validate the model's accuracy independently. Two random clinical operation dates (6th January and 22nd March, 2021) from a single‐room proton therapy center (PTC) were selected to quantitatively assess the improvement of treatment efficiency compared to the IMPT.

Results

The difference between the logfile and DSMSPArc is about 3.2 ± 4.8%. SPArc reduced 58.1% of the average treatment delivery time per patient compared to IMPT (p < 0.01). Daily treatment throughput could be increased by 30% using SPArc using a single‐room proton therapy system.

Conclusions

The first model of dynamic arc therapy is established in this study through an independent experimental approach using logfiles and measurements which allows clinical users and investigators to simulate the dynamic treatment delivery and assess the daily treatment throughput improvement.
Lessons Learned From a Hydrogen Peroxide Pilot Project
Authors: Fleming Ryan C. , Hill James M.
Published: December 2023

An ongoing hydrogen peroxide pilot project at a Connecticut water treatment facility showed promising benefits beyond disinfection precursor oxidation, such as reduced total organic carbon, lower chemical costs, and improved aesthetics.
New insights on the layer uniformity of multilayered films produced by coextrusion with interfacial surface generators
Authors: Martins Marcelo Matos , Javadi Sara , Covas José António , Carneiro Olga Sousa , Nóbrega João Miguel
Published: December 2023

Polymer coextrusion is a manufacturing process whereby at least two polymer melts feed a die to form an extrudate made up of different layers, typically up to 12, to achieve a better product performance. Extruded films with hundreds or thousands of layers can be produced by using sequences of layer multipliers, also known as interfacial surface generators (ISG), at the die inlet. Each ISG splits, stacks, and merges the flow by means of various geometrical channel transformations (GT), in such a way that the number of layers at the outlet is doubled. However, in practice, the thicknesses of the individual layers generated after each transformation are often non‐uniform. This work deals with the numerical simulation of multilayer co‐extrusion of Newtonian polymer melts, aiming at providing new insights on the influence of the ISG geometry on the layer uniformity. It was found that depending on the combination of GT taking place, uneven layers may form due to the development of unsymmetrical velocity profiles along the direction perpendicular to the fluid interface. From this information, improved ISG dies, capable of producing coextruded films with uniform layer distribution, are proposed and assessed numerically.

Highlights

The polymer coextrusion process produces multilayer products.

Extruded films can be produced using Interfacial surface generators (ISG).

Polymers flow through ISG by several channel geometric transformations (GTs).

Polymer melts flow through ISG undergoing various channel geometric transformations (GTs).

Non‐uniform layers can be generated in the ISG.

ISG performance can be improved when GTs are thoughtfully combined.
Piezoelectric approaches to organic polymeric materials
Authors: Ali Mark Rigel R , Tigno Szeemaine D , Caldona Eugene B
Published: December 2023

Piezoelectricity refers to the ability of certain materials to generate electric charges when subjected to mechanical stress or strain, and vice versa. This phenomenon has been widely studied in inorganic materials, such as quartz and ceramics, and has found numerous applications in sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting. There has been a growing interest in piezoelectricity for polymeric materials that are lightweight, flexible, and highly processable for a wide range of applications, including sensors for environmental and biomedical monitoring, energy conversion from mechanical vibrations, and actuation in soft robotics. However, characterizing the piezoelectric tendency of polymeric materials tends to be a complex and challenging process, as the effect is often weak and dependent upon various factors including material structure, processing conditions, and measurement setup. While many past and current review articles have covered theories and principles associated with piezoelectric polymers to some extent, detailed information on the corresponding experimental techniques used to measure their piezoelectric properties remains limited. This mini‐review paper aims to consolidate and summarize various approaches, including quasi‐static methods, optical interferometry, dielectric spectroscopy, and piezoelectric force microscopy, and to provide insights into the principles, advantages, limitations, and challenges associated with these techniques. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Proteome of spores from biological indicators in sterilization processes: Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus atrophaeus
Authors: Dorbani Imed , Armengaud Jean , Carlin Frédéric , Duport Catherine
Published: December 2023

Bacillus atrophaeus and Bacillus pumilus spores are widely used as biological indicators to assess the effectiveness of decontamination procedures. Spores are intricate, multi‐layered cellular structures primarily composed of proteins, which significantly contribute to their extreme resistance. Therefore, conducting a comprehensive proteome analysis of spores is crucial to identify the specific proteins conferring spore resistance. Here, we employed a high‐throughput shotgun proteomic approach to compare the spore proteomes of B. atrophaeus DSM675 and B. pumilus DSM492, identifying 1312 and 1264 proteins, respectively. While the overall number of proteins found in both strains is roughly equivalent, a closer examination of a subset of 54 spore‐specific proteins revealed noteworthy distinctions. Among these 54 proteins, 23 were exclusively detected in one strain, while others were shared between both. Notably, of the 31 proteins detected in both strains, 10 exhibited differential abundance levels, including key coat layer morphogenetic proteins. The exploration of these 54 proteins, considering their presence, absence, and differential abundance, provides a unique molecular signature that may elucidate the differences in sensitivity/resistance profiles between the two strains.
Structural and time‐resolved mechanistic investigations of protein hydrolysis by the acidic proline‐specific endoprotease from Aspergillus niger
Authors: Pijning Tjaard , Vujičić‐Žagar Andreja , van der Laan Jan‐Metske , de Jong René M. , Ramirez‐Palacios Carlos , Vente Andre , Edens Luppo , Dijkstra Bauke W.
Published: December 2023

Proline‐specific endoproteases have been successfully used in, for example, the in‐situ degradation of gluten, the hydrolysis of bitter peptides, the reduction of haze during beer production, and the generation of peptides for mass spectroscopy and proteomics applications. Here we present the crystal structure of the extracellular proline‐specific endoprotease from Aspergillus niger (AnPEP), a member of the S28 peptidase family with rarely observed true proline‐specific endoprotease activity. Family S28 proteases have a conventional Ser‐Asp‐His catalytic triad, but their oxyanion‐stabilizing hole shows a glutamic acid, an amino acid not previously observed in this role. Since these enzymes have an acidic pH optimum, the presence of a glutamic acid in the oxyanion hole may confine their activity to an acidic pH. Yet, considering the presence of the conventional catalytic triad, it is remarkable that the A. niger enzyme remains active down to pH 1.5. The determination of the primary cleavage site of cytochrome c along with molecular dynamics‐assisted docking studies indicate that the active site pocket of AnPEP can accommodate a reverse turn of approximately 12 amino acids with proline at the S1 specificity pocket. Comparison with the structures of two S28‐proline‐specific exopeptidases reveals not only a more spacious active site cavity but also the absence of any putative binding sites for amino‐ and carboxyl‐terminal residues as observed in the exopeptidases, explaining AnPEP's observed endoprotease activity.
A naturally occurring G11S mutation in the 3C‐like protease from the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus dramatically weakens the dimer interface
Authors: Wang Guanyu , Venegas Felipe A. , Rueda Andres M. , Weerasinghe Nuwani W. , Uggowitzer Kevin A. , Thibodeaux Christopher J. , Moitessier Nicolas , Mittermaier Anthony K.
Published: December 2023

The 3C‐like protease (3CLpro) is crucial to the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2, the causative agent of COVID‐19, and is the target of several successful drugs including Paxlovid and Xocova. Nevertheless, the emergence of viral resistance underlines the need for alternative drug strategies. 3CLpro only functions as a homodimer, making the protein–protein interface an attractive drug target. Dimerization is partly mediated by a conserved glycine at position 11. However, some naturally occurring SARS‐CoV‐2 sequences contain a serine at this position, potentially disrupting the dimer. We have used concentration‐dependent activity assays and mass spectrometry to show that indeed the G11S mutation reduces the stability of the dimer by 600‐fold. This helps to set a quantitative benchmark for the minimum potency required of any future protein–protein interaction inhibitors targeting 3CLpro and raises interesting questions regarding how coronaviruses bearing such weakly dimerizing 3CLpro enzymes are capable of replication.
The predatory mite Pronematus ubiquitus curbs Aculops lycopersici damage under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Maret Dylan , Wäckers Felix , Pijnakker Juliette , Norgrove Lindsey , Sutter Louis
Published: December 2023

Background

The tomato russet mite, Aculops lycopersici, is a major worldwide pest infesting tomato crops for which only few control methods are available. At present, no commercialized beneficial organism has proven to be an effective biological control agent of the pest. As there is a strong need to develop alternatives to synthetic insecticides, we assessed the efficacy of an iolinid mite, Pronematus ubiquitus, as a preventive method against A. lycopersici in comparison with a curative treatment in a replicated experiment in the greenhouse.

Results

After pre‐establishment of P. ubiquitus supplied with cattail pollen, followed by infestation of A. lycopersici, the predator was able to reduce pest populations by 98% as compared with control plants. Probably due to lack of food and high temperature, the number of P. ubiquitus decreased during the season and so the Eriophyid population rose, along with crop damage. The sulphur treatment could stop the progress of A. lycopersici, but their population levels remained high.

Conclusion

Pronematus ubiquitus has great potential to prevent the establishment of the tomato russet mite. Even if a curative treatment affects the pest mite, the use of a preventive method is preferable as such insecticides/acaricides are harmful for beneficials and are applied after symptom appearance, when the pest pressure is already high. Despite the need to optimise management of the predator throughout the season, P. ubiquitus proved to be able to establish successfully on tomato plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Structural Performance of a Novel Double‐Stacked Heterogeneous Gate Heterojunction Tunneling Field‐Effect Transistor
Authors: Chen Qing , Liu Hanxiao , Miao Ruixia , Sun Rong , Yang Lulu , Qi Zengwei , Yang Xiaofeng , He Wei
Published: December 2023

In this work, an original Si/SiGe heterojunction tunneling field‐effect transistor which has a double‐stacked heterogeneous oxide gate (HfO2/Al2O3) structure (DSG–HJ–TFET) is designed and investigated by Sentaurus technology computer aided design (TCAD) simulation software. To ensure good interface quality, a stacked oxide gate dielectric of Al2O3 and HfO2 is proposed. The on‐state current (Ion) is increased though improving the carrier mobility degradation caused by the poor quality of interface between the high‐κ dielectric and semiconductor. Moreover, a heterojunction with SiGe (source)/Si (channel) and pocket layer which is inserted between the source region and the channel is adopted to reduce the tunneling barrier and improve the Ion. Therefore, the higher Ion is obtained by the proposed DSG–HJ–TFET. In the simulation results, it is shown that Ion of DSG–HJ–TFET is increased by three orders of magnitude compared with that of the conventional high‐κ gate dielectric TFET structure. In addition, the off‐state current (Ioff) of 4.91 × 10−11 μA μm−1, the minimum subthreshold swing of 14 mV dec−1, the Ion/Ioff ratio of 1.13 × 1012, transconductance of 260 μS μm−1, fT of 49.8 GHz, and gain bandwidth product (GBW) of 7.2 GHz are obtained. The propose DSG–HJ–TFET is favored in ultralow‐power applications for the rather good performance.
Transient Photocurrents and Defect States in Hierarchically Structured ZnO Nanowires
Authors: Sanguino Pedro , Godinho João , Schwarz Reinhard
Published: December 2023

ZnO‐nanostructured thin films can be used as electron transport layers in ordered heterojunction quantum‐dot solar cells. An increased interface between electron and hole‐transporting layers allows for a fast separation of the electron–hole pairs preventing their recombination. Consequently, an improvement of the overall solar cell efficiency is expected. ZnO hierarchical nanorod thin films can provide the desired increase in interface area. In this work, their properties are studied and compared with simple ZnO nanorod films. The ZnO nanorod films are synthesized hydrothermally by placing the quartz/indium‐tin‐oxide substrates in a solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and sodium hydroxide at 90 °C. Hierarchical structures are obtained through a second deposition step. Scanning electron microscopy is used to characterize the size and shape of the nanorods. Simple ZnO films display hexagonal nanorods with a diameter of around 150 nm while hierarchical films show additional 40 nm diameter nanorods growing on the side surfaces of the primary 150 nm nanorods. Optical transmittance spectroscopy reveals a bandgap around 3.35 eV. Current–voltage measurements in the high‐field regime of 104 V cm−1 are used to determine the density of trap states Nt through the application of trap‐filled limit current theory.
Trans‐abdominal single‐incision robotic surgery with the da Vinci SP® surgical system for 8 cases of retrorectal tumour
Authors: Kim Ho Seung , Oh Bo‐Young , Chung Soon Sup , Lee Ryung‐Ah , Noh Gyoung Tae
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate transabdominal single‐incision robotic surgery using the da Vinci SP (dVSP, Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) surgical system for retrorectal tumours.

Methods

Eight patients who underwent surgical excision of retrorectal tumours using the dVSP surgical system were retrospectively analysed.

Results

Five patients (62.5%) had tumours positioned above the levator ani muscle, two (25.0%) had that extending across the levator ani muscle, and one (12.5%) had that located below the levator ani muscle. All surgical procedures were successfully completed without any intraoperative complications. The median operative, docking, and console times were 198, 6, and 145 min, respectively. Two patients (25.0%) experienced postoperative complications classified as Clavien‐Dindo grade II. The median duration of follow‐up was 6.5 months, and no recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

In our early experience of eight patients, retrorectal tumours can be safely excised with the dVSP surgical system, even at very low tumour levels.
Phase‐Segregated Ductile Eutectogels with Ultrahigh Modulus and Toughness for Antidamaging Fabric Perception
Authors: Zhang Dengfeng , Li Xiujuan , Li Junyue , Wang Qiye , Dong Xuemei , Wu Yueyue , Li Zifan , Xie Xinyi , Liu Zhengdong , Xiu Fei , Huang Wei , Liu Juqing
Published: December 2023

Ionogels are extremely soft ionic materials that can undergo large deformation while maintaining their structural and functional integrity. Ductile ionogels can absorb energy and resist fracture under external load, making them an ideal candidate for wearable electronics, soft robotics, and protective gear. However, developing high‐modulus ionogels with extreme toughness remains challenging. Here, a facile one‐step photopolymerization approach to construct an acrylic acid (AA)‐2‐hydroxyethylacrylate (HEA)‐choline chloride (ChCl) eutectogel (AHCE) with ultrahigh modulus and toughness is reported. With rich hydrogen bonding crosslinks and phase segregation, this gel has a 99.1 MPa Young's modulus and a 70.6 MJ m−3 toughness along with 511.4% elongation, which can lift 12 000 times its weight. These features provide extreme damage resistance and electrical healing ability, offering it a protective and strain‐sensitive coating to innovate anticutting fabric with motion detection for human healthcare. The work provides an effective strategy to construct robust ionogel materials and smart wearable electronics for intelligent life.
Tuning Proton Insertion Chemistry for Sustainable Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Nam Gyutae , Hwang Chihyun , Jang Haeseong , Kane Nicholas , Ahn Yoojin , Kwak Myung‐Jun , Luo Zheyu , Li Tongtong , Kim Min‐Gyu , Liu Nian , Liu Meilin
Published: December 2023

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have emerged as an alternative to lithium‐ion batteries due to their affordability and high level of safety. However, their commercialization is hindered by the low mass loading and irreversible structural changes of the cathode materials during cycling. Here, a disordered phase of a manganese nickel cobalt dioxide cathode material derived from wastewater via a coprecipitation process is reported. When used as the cathode for aqueous ZIBs , the developed electrode delivers 98% capacity retention at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 and 72% capacity retention at 1 A g−1 while maintaining high mass loading (15 mg cm−2). The high performance is attributed to the structural stability of the Co and Ni codoped phase; the dopants effectively suppress Jahn–Teller distortion of the manganese dioxide during cycling, as revealed by operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. Also, it is found that the Co and Ni co‐doped phase effectively inhibits the dissolution of Mn2+, resulting in enhanced durability without capacity decay at first 20 cycles. Further, it is found that the performance of the electrode is sensitive to the ratio of Ni to Co, providing important insight into rational design of more efficient cathode materials for low‐cost, sustainable, rechargeable aqueous ZIBs.
Pt‐Clusters‐Equipped Antioxidase‐Like Biocatalysts as Efficient ROS Scavengers for Treating Periodontitis
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Yan Rui , Bai Mingru , Sun Yimin , Han Xianglong , Cheng Chong , Ye Ling
Published: December 2023

Developing high‐efficiency artificial biocatalysts for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for treating inflammation diseases and promoting tissue regeneration. By mimicking the active sites in catalase, here, a Pt‐clusters‐equipped antioxidase‐like biocatalysts (Pt─CN) with superior catalytic abilities for stem cell protection and periodontitis treatment are reported. Owing to the excellent effects of multiple Pt clusters, Pt─CN yields exceptional catalytic ROS‐scavenging activities for multiple types of ROS. In vitro studies show that Pt─CN can effectively protect stem cell survival, adhesion, and differentiation in a high ROS levels microenvironment. Additionally, Pt─CN can reduce the M1/M2 ratio of macrophages when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. In vivo treatment of mouse periodontitis further confirms the protection against bone loss and reduction in the inflammatory response. This study provides a basis for the application of biocatalysts with Pt catalytic center in macrophage polarization, stem cell protection, and periodontitis treatment, thus offering a new strategy for the design of high‐performance artificial biocatalysts.
Boosting Cu─In─Zn─S‐based Quantum‐Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes Enabled by Engineering Cu─NiOx/PEDOT:PSS Bilayered Hole‐Injection Layer
Authors: Zhao Jinxing , Chen Fei , Jia Haoran , Wang Lijin , Liu Ping , Luo Tao , Guan Li , Li Xu , Yin Zhe , Tang Aiwei
Published: December 2023

The imbalance of charge injection is considered to be a major factor that limits the device performance of cadmium‐free quantum‐dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs). In this work, high‐performance cadmium‐free Cu─In─Zn─S(CIZS)‐based QLEDs are designed and fabricated through tailoring interfacial energy level alignment and improving the balance of charge injection. This is achieved by introducing a bilayered hole‐injection layer (HIL) of Cu‐doped NiOx (Cu─NiOx)/Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS). High‐quality Cu─NiOx film is prepared through a novel and straightforward sol–gel procedure. Multiple experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations show that the incorporation of Cu2+ ions can regulate the energy level structure of NiOx and enhance the hole mobility. The state‐of‐art CIZS‐based QLEDs with Cu─NiOx/PEDOT:PSS bilayered HIL exhibit the maximum external quantum efficiency of 6.04% and half‐life time of 48 min, which is 1.3 times and four times of the device with only PEDOT:PSS HIL. The work provides a new pathway for developing high‐performance cadmium‐free QLEDs.
Synthesis of Conductive MOFs and Their Electrochemical Application
Authors: Wu Chunsheng , Geng Pengbiao , Zhang Guangxun , Li Xinran , Pang Huan
Published: December 2023

Conductive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a type of porous material. It consists of metal ions coordinated with highly conjugated organic ligands. The high density of carriers and orbital overlap contribute to the amazing conductivity. Additionally, conductive MOFs inherit the advantages of large specific surface area, structural diversity, and adjustable pore size from MOFs. These excellent properties have attracted many researchers to explore controllable synthesis and electrochemical applications over the past decade. This work provides an overview of the recent advances in the synthesis strategies of conductive MOFs and highlights their applications in electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, sensors, and batteries. Finally, the challenges faced by the synthesis and application of conductive MOFs are discussed, as well as the views on promising solutions for them are presented.
Small Molecule Donors Design Rules for Non‐Halogen Solvent Fabricated Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Xiaoming , Wang Caixuan , Deng Dan , Zhang Hao , Zhang Lili , Zhang Jianqi , Yang Yuping , Wei Zhixiang
Published: December 2023

Compared with all‐small‐molecule (ASM) and other types of organic solar cells (OSCs), the small molecule donor:polymer acceptor (SMD:PA) OSCs develop much slower due to the lack of material matching rules. Herein, by changing the end‐cap substituent of the small molecule donor from ethyl (MPhS‐C2) to benzyl (MPhS‐Ph), the different selection rules of donor properties and thermal annealing (TA) treatment between the ASM and the SMD:PA system under tetrahydrofuran processing are thoroughly investigated. Therefore, MPhS‐Ph exhibits more ordered molecular packing, leading to better adaptability in the SMD:PA system without TA; while the inferior molecular packing of MPhS‐C2 after spin‐coating performs better in the ASM system with TA. Whether spin‐coating or TA process dominates morphological optimization also dominates their energy loss. Therefore, the MPhS‐Ph:PYF‐T‐o and MPhS‐C2:BTP‐eC9 based devices achieve the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.1% and 15.7%, respectively, both of which are cutting‐edge PCEs in their own type of OSCs fabricated by non‐halogen solvent. This result suggests that intrinsic strong crystallization independent of the thermal drive is hoped in SMD:PA‐OSCs, while high miscibility after spin‐coating and proper assembly under thermal drive is expected in ASM‐OSCs, providing deep understanding and guidance in highly efficient materials design rules in both ASM‐OSCs and SMD:PA‐OSCs.
Effect of Selective Metallic Defects on Catalytic Performance of Alloy Nanosheets
Authors: Mahmood Azhar , He Dequan , Liu Chuhao , Talib Shamraiz Hussain , Zhao Bolin , Liu Tianren , He Ying , Song Zhongqian , Chen Lijuan , Han Dongxue , Niu Li
Published: December 2023

Defects in the crystal structure of nanomaterials are important for their diverse applications. As, defects in 2D framework allow surface confinement effects, efficient molecular accessibility, high surface‐area to volume‐ratio and lead to higher catalytic activity, but it is challenging to expose defects of specific metal on the surface of 2D alloy and find the correlation between defective structure and electrocatalytic properties with atomic precision. Herein, the work paves the way for the controlled synthesis of ultrathin porous Ir–Cu nanosheets (NSs) with selectively iridium (Ir) rich defects to boost their performance for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). X‐ray absorption spectroscopy reveals that the oxidized states of Ir in defects of porous NSs significantly impact the electronic structure and decline the energy barrier. As a result, porous Ir–Cu/C NSs deliver improved OER activity with an overpotential of 237 mV for reaching 10 mA cm−2 and exhibit significantly higher mass activity than benchmark Ir/C under acidic conditions. Therefore, the present work highlights the concept of constructing a selective noble metal defect‐rich open structure for catalytic applications.
Facile Posttreatment of Self‐Assembled Monolayers for Efficient Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Xinhui , Liu Xiao , Nakazaki Jotaro , Segawa Hiroshi , Wang Yanbo , Han Liyuan
Published: December 2023

The application of self‐assembled molecules (SAM) allows inverted‐structural perovskite solar cells to accomplish high efficiencies, by virtue of their high hole conductivity and negligible parasitic absorption. However, amphiphilic SAM tend to form spherical micelles in commonly used alcoholic solvents, leading to aggregation in the resulting film. In addition, hydrophobic groups of SAM are exposed to the surroundings after being deposited on transparent substrates, responsible for the poor crystallinity of perovskite and interface quality. Therefore, it is important to study the treatment of SAM layers or SAM/perovskite interfaces for better device performance. Herein, dual regulation of SAM and perovskite is achieved via a facile posttreatment by formamidinium chloride (FACl) solution in N,N‐Dimethylformamide. First, by taking advantage of solvent rinsing, aggregations at the surface of SAM layer are alleviated. Second, FACl on the top of the SAM layer assists the crystallization of perovskite through interaction with PbI2 and reduces the defect concentration via passivating the halide vacancies at the buried interface of the device. With a more uniform SAM layer, better‐crystallized perovskite, and suppressed nonradiative recombination between them, the power conversion efficiency of the target device is improved by 20%.
Green Solvent Accelerates Spiro‐OMeTAD Oxidation for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Guo Bing , Chen Xiao , Luo Haoran , Odunmbaku George Omololu , Jiang Tingming , Ouedraogo Nabonswende Aida Nadege , Huang Zhangfeng , Gao Qin , Zhang Bo , Ouyang Yunfei , Pan Yi , Xia Tianyu , Wang Can , Zahid Komal , Li Chen , Chen Shanshan , Zheng Yujie , Ma Zhu , Sun Kuan
Published: December 2023

As one of the most widely used hole transport materials (HTMs) in optoelectronics devices, 2,2’,7,7’‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐9,9‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) has endowed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with record power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). However, the long oxidation time in the ambient atmosphere is time‐consuming. Furthermore, commonly used solvents for spiro‐OMeTAD film processing such as chlorobenzene (CB) are toxic, which severely hinders the commercialization of PSCs. Herein, ethyl acetate (EA) serves as a superior green solvent alternative to the typical processing solvent, which substantially reduces the oxidation time of spiro‐OMeTAD. Without postoxidation treatment and any other additional oxidizing agents, the resultant device delivers a high PCE of 23.3%, significantly outperforming the CB‐based device. It is also the highest efficiency obtained from nonhalogenated solvent‐processed spiro‐OMeTAD. The electrostatic potential mapping demonstrates that the electron density at nitrogen atoms of EA‐processed spiro‐OMeTAD is more delocalized, leading to a faster oxidation. Furthermore, the processing solvent EA is a green solvent with low toxicity, and the amount of HTMs used in the fabrication of solar cells can be dramatically reduced. This study provides a new solution for processing spiro‐OMeTAD, which is ideal for the mass production of PSCs.
Simultaneous estimation of andrographolide, apigenin, apocynin, and gallic acid by high‐performance thin layer chromatography method with Greenness quality by design approach
Authors: Mevada Shweta , Shukla Saurabh , Patel Harsha
Published: December 2023

People's health benefits from andrographolide (ANDRO), apigenin (API), gallic acid (GA), and apocynin (APO) because they aid in the treatment of liver illness. The study mainly illustrated that a green approach is essential in the medical sector as well as the herbal sector with the help of “Green Analytical quality by design”. The mobile phase combination Dichloromethane: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (10:8:0.4)v/v/v was optimized with the aid of an analytical quality‐by‐design approach. The absorbance mode at 254 nm was chosen for densitometric analysis as it gives a compact spot of ANDRO, API, GA, and APO at RF values of 0.24, 0.55, 0.17, and 0.68. Linearity was obtained in the range of 200–800 ng for all four markers. After retardation factor, ANDRO, APO, API, and GA from the tablet were found 0.0433, 0.0020, 0.1356, and 0.0015 mg, respectively. The validation parameter of R2 value ranged from 0.998, 0.999, 0.996, and 0.998 for all four ANDRO, API, GA, and APO. The study's findings revealed that the “high‐performance thin layer chromatography” technology is an environmentally friendly analytical design that helps to maintain the stability of the medication. It was also acknowledged as a quality design and a fresh idea in the pharmaceutical industry.
Unterkonstruktionen für vorgehängte hinterlüftete Fassaden aus feuerverzinktem Stahl – Teil 1
Authors: Hachul Helmut , Ridder‐Weßels Daniela , Tekinbas Yesim , Weimar Thorsten , Reißaus Henrik
Published: December 2023

Über die Stückverzinkung lassen sich dünnwandige Stahlbauteile (0,8–2,5 mm) für Unterkonstruktionen gemäß DIN 18516‐1 herstellen. Wandhalter und Tragprofile bleiben verzugsfrei, die Dicke der Zinkschicht liegt über den Anforderungen der DIN EN ISO 1461. Durchzüge an den Lochrändern der Wandhalter sowie seitliche Kantungen erhöhen das Tragvermögen, ebenso steigende Blechdicken. Tragprofile werden durch seitliche Kantungen ebenfalls ertüchtigt, besonders tragfähig sind U‐ und Hut‐Tragprofile. Experimentelle Versuche in der Klimakammer zeigen das Potenzial der gelochten Wandhalter, die günstigste Ausführung weist der Halter mit drei Langlöchern auf. Es wurde mittels thermischer und mechanischer Untersuchungen nachgewiesen, dass verzinkte Bauteile eine statische, thermische und wirtschaftliche Alternative zu handelsüblichen Unterkonstruktionssystemen darstellen.
Advances and Challenges in Development of Transition Metal Catalysts for Heterogeneous Hydrogenation of Organic Compounds
Authors: Ivanytsya Mykyta O. , Subotin Vladyslav V. , Gavrilenko Konstantin S. , Ryabukhin Serhiy V. , Volochnyuk Dmytro M. , Kolotilov Sergey V.
Published: December 2023

Actual problems of development of catalysts for hydrogenation of heterocyclic compounds by hydrogen are summarized and discussed. The scope of review covers composites of nanoparticles of platinum group metals and 3d metals for heterogeneous catalytic processes. Such problems include increase of catalyst activity, which is important for reduction of precious metals content; development of new catalytic systems which do not contain metals of platinum group or contain cheaper analogues of Pd; control of factors which make influence on the selectivity of the catalysts; achievement of high reproducibility of the catalyst‘s performance and quality control of the catalysts. Own results of the authors are also summarized and described. The catalysts were prepared by decomposition of Pd0 and Ni0 complexes, pyrolysis of Ni2+ and Co2+ complexes deposited on aerosil and reduction of Ni2+ in pores of porous support in situ. The developed catalysts were used for hydrogenation of multigram batches of heterocyclic compounds.
Evaluation of CO2 Emission and Local Flexibility by Water Pumping Scheduling in Water Distribution System
Authors: Sugimura Shuhei , Tanabe Takayuki , Hayashi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the amount of the photovoltaic (PV) system has been rapidly increasing from the viewpoint of carbon neutral. There are concerns about voltage rises and grid congestion in the electrical distribution network because of large‐scale PV increases. In order to address these issues, we focused on the control of water supply pumps in the water distribution system, which is infrastructure equipment for consumers. By controlling the start/stop of the water pump, it is expected to contribute to the power distribution system by increasing Demand Response (DR) and reduce CO2 emission from the electricity used by the pump. In this paper, with the aim of constructing an optimal operation planning method for water pumps that can evaluate DR and CO2 reduction effects, the optimal operation plan is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming problem. We numerical evaluated impact of water pump operation for CO2 emission and electrical distribution network. © 2023 The Authors. IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering published by Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.