bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation for Nitrogen Remobilization and Postsilking Nitrogen Uptake in Maize Recombinant Inbred Lines: Heritabilities and Correlations among Traits
Authors: Coque M. , Gallais A.
Published: September 2007

In maize (Zea mays L.), grain protein yield is the result of two nitrogen fluxes: N remobilization from stover to the kernels and N allocation to kernels from postsilking N uptake. Nitrogen‐15 labeling was used to study these two fluxes. Genetic variation for N remobilization and postsilking N uptake was studied in testcrosses derived from a population of recombinant inbred lines. On average, from a 2‐yr experiment, 28.3% of whole‐plant N was taken up after silking, and 93% of this postsilking N uptake was allocated to kernels. Nitrogen remobilization represented around 61% of total grain N. However, there was greater variation for postsilking N uptake than for N remobilization. Consequently, N grain yield was more highly correlated with the amount of postsilking N uptake than with the amount of N remobilization. The amount of N remobilization was significantly correlated with both the whole‐plant N amount present at silking and the proportion of N remobilized, whereas N from N uptake within kernels was only correlated to the postsilking N uptake. Variation for the proportion of postsilking N uptake allocated to kernels was low in comparison to that of postsilking N uptake. There was a negative correlation between the amount of N remobilization and the amount of postsilking N uptake, which appears to have a physiological basis. Finally, use of 15N labeling provided a better description of variation for N accumulation in kernels than the classical balance method.
Validating a Short Version of the Suicide Intent Scale in China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jia Cun-Xian
Published: September 2007

As Beck's Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) gains popularity in various areas in the world, we are not sure whether the scale is an optimal measure of suicide intent in the Chinese culture. This study is to provide evidence to support the use of the Chinese shortened version of SIS (C-SIS) in Chinese societies. The data were from applying the C-SIS in a psychological autopsy (PA) study of 66 suicides in Dalian, China. Reliability and validity tests were performed on the C-SIS data. Internal consistency analysis showed excellent correlation coefficients for all items but one. Inter-rater reliability tests showed statistically significant correlations between each pair of informants for each item and for the total scores. Criterion validity analysis demonstrated a relatively high correlation between the scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and C-SIS. Factor analysis produced three factors accounting for 66.77% of the total variance. The study suggested that C-SIS should be an appropriate instrument for detecting and measuring suicide intent in Chinese societies.
Death Anxiety in Kuwaiti Middle-Aged Personnel
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Al-Kandari Yagoub
Published: September 2007

The present study aimed to examine the level of death anxiety, the sex-related differences among a middle-aged Kuwaiti personnel sample, and to explore the replicability of the Arabic Scale of Death Anxiety (ASDA) factors. A sample of 236 volunteer Kuwaiti personnel took part in the study. The mean ages of men and women were 41.5 ( SD = 7.5) and 40.9 ( SD = 7.1), respectively. The alpha reliability of the ASDA was found to be high (.93). Women had a significantly higher mean total score on the ASDA as well as on 17 out of its 20 items. Middle-aged personnel had a significantly lower mean ASDA total score than younger college students ( M age = 22). The factor analysis of the ASDA items yielded three factors: fear of dead people and tombs; fear of postmortem events; and fear of lethal disease. These factors were highly replicable with previous factors extracted from a Kuwaiti college student sample. On the basis of the present findings, there are three general conclusions as follows: death anxiety is negatively associated with age; the sex-related differences on death anxiety are salient in the Arab samples; and the ASDA has a highly replicable factor structure.
Hopelessness, Helplessness, and Haplessness as Predictors of Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Lester David , Walker Rheeda L.
Published: September 2007

Scales to measure helplessness and hopelessness were found to have good reliability and concurrent validity and were significantly correlated with suicidal ideation.
Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCL12 Attenuates Diabetes in Mice and Promotes Pancreatic β-Cell Survival by Activation of the Prosurvival Kinase Akt
Authors: Yano Tatsuya , Liu Zhengyu , Donovan Jennifer , Thomas Melissa K. , Habener Joel F.
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Diabetes is caused by a deficiency of pancreatic β-cells that produce insulin. Approaches to enhance β-cell mass by increasing proliferation and survival are desirable. We determined whether stromal cell–derived factor (SDF)-1/CXCL12 and its receptor, CX chemokine receptor (CXCR)4, are important for the survival of β-cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Mouse pancreata and clonal β-cells were examined for expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4, activation of AKT and downstream signaling pathways by SDF-1, and protection against apoptosis and diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ).

RESULTS—CXCR4 is expressed in β-cells, and SDF-1 is expressed in microvascular endothelial cells within the islets and in surrounding interstitial stromal tissue. Transgenic mice overexpressing SDF-1 within their β-cells (RIP-SDF-1 mice) are resistant to STZ-induced β-cell apoptosis and diabetes. In MIN6 β-cells, a CXCR4 antagonist (AMD3100) induces apoptosis, increases reactive oxygen species, decreases expression levels of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and reduces phosphorylation of the proapoptotic protein Bad. Active phosphorylated prosurvival kinase Akt is increased both in the β-cells of RIP-SDF-1 mice and in INS-1 cells treated with SDF-1 and sensitive to AMD3100. Inhibition of AKT expression by small interfering RNA attenuates the ameliorative effects of SDF-1 on caspase-dependent apoptosis induced by thapsigargin or glucose deprivation in INS-1 β-cells. Specific inhibition of Akt activation by a soluble inhibitor (SH-5) reverses the anti-apoptotic effects of SDF-1 in INS-1 cells and mouse islets.

CONCLUSIONS—SDF-1 promotes pancreatic β-cell survival via activation of Akt, suggesting that SDF-1 agonists may prove beneficial for treatment of diabetes.
Evidence Implicating Eating as a Primary Driver for the Obesity Epidemic
Authors: Jeffery Robert W. , Harnack Lisa J.
Published: September 2007

This article addresses the extent to which increases in energy intake as opposed to decreases in energy expenditure are driving the obesity epidemic. It argues that while both intake and expenditure are plausible and probable contributors, the fact that all intake is behavioral, whereas less than half of expenditure is behavioral, makes intake a conceptually more appealing primary cause. A review of per capita food disappearance trends over time and of trends in individual intakes is presented to support the plausibility of this perspective. Increases in energy intake mirror increases in body weight quantitatively and are equally widely distributed across diverse groups within the larger population.
Design, development and evaluation of novel nanoemulsion formulations for transdermal potential of celecoxib
Authors: Baboota Sanjula , Shakeel Faiyaz , Ahuja Alka , Ali Javed , Shafiq Sheikh
Published: September 2007

Design, development and evaluation of novel nanoemulsion formulations for transdermal potential of celecoxib

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of nanoemulsion formulations for transdermal delivery of celecoxib (CXB). Thein vitroskin permeation profile of optimized formulations was compared with CXB gel and nanoemulsion gel. Significant increase in the steady state flux (Jss), permeability coefficient (Kp) and enhancement ratio (Er) was observed in nanoemulsion formulations T1 and T2 (p< 0.05). The highest value of these permeability parameters was obtained in formulation T2, which consisted of 2% (m/m) of CXB, 10% (m/m) of oil phase (Sefsol 218 and Triacetin), 50% (m/m) of surfactant mixture (Tween-80 and Transcutol-P) and 40% (m/m) water. The anti-inflammatory effects of formulation T2 showed a significant increase (p< 0.05) in inhibition after 24 h compared to CXB gel and nanoemulsion gel on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. These results suggested that nanoemulsions are potential vehicles for improved transdermal delivery of CXB.
Biometrics of the mussel Anodonta cygnea (L.) inhabiting in 2005 the Binowo and Bobolin Lakes near Szczecin
Authors: Chojnacki Juliusz , Lewandowska Agnieszka , Rosińska Beata
Published: September 2007

Research on the swan mussel population was conducted in 2005 on a sample of 497 individuals inhabiting Binowo and Bobolin Lakes, Szczecin, Poland. Length, width, height and age of individuals was examined. Binowo Lake was inhabited by individuals aged 1+ to 7+ years, while individuals aged 1+ to 6+ inhabit Bobolin Lake. Measurable features of swan mussels inhabiting Binowo Lake were as follows: individuals were 3.80 to 10.20 cm long, 1.70 to 5.70 cm wide, 0.70 to 3.70 cm thick, and in Bobolin Lake, 4.00 to 15.20 cm long, 2.20 to 7.70 cm wide, 0.80 to 5.70 cm thick. The age structure of both populations included individuals of diverse ages, with 3 and 4-year old individuals dominating in both lakes. A modest fraction of the youngest individuals (1, 2-year old) as well as the oldest (6, 7-year old) was observed in the examined lakes. All correlations between shell length, width, height and mussel age showed large positive correlations and results obtained from both lakes were similar.
Chitinolytic activity of bacteria and fungi isolated from shrimp exoskeletons
Authors: Swiontek-Brzezinska Maria , Lalke-Porczyk Elzbieta , Donderski Wojciech
Published: September 2007

Microbiological analysis of shrimp exoskeletons demonstrated considerable differences in abundance of heterotrophic bacteria and fungi. The number of heterotrophic bacteria was greater by two orders of magnitude than that of fungi. The survey, however, did not reveal significant differences in abundances of bacteria and fungi in samples collected during different months of the survey. The percent contribution of chitinolytic fungi in shrimp exoskeletons was greater than that of bacteria that hydrolyze chitin. The activity of chitinase bacteria was always higher than fungi. Chitinases produced by bacteria demonstrated the highest level of activity at 40°C and pH = 8. In contrast, fungal chitinases showed the highest activity at 50°C and pH = 5.
Mercury fractionation in sediments of the Lower Vistula River (Poland)
Authors: Boszke Leonard , Kowalski Artur
Published: September 2007

The Vistula is the second largest river in the Baltic Sea catchment area and provides one of the main inputs to the Baltic. The river and its tributaries flow through some of the major industrialized and urbanised regions of Poland, making it one of the most highly human-impacted rivers in Europe. Although the river status is monitored routinely, little is known about mercury forms in the sediments. This study examines mercury fractionation in the sediments of the lower part of the Vistula River. The results show that the cities along this stretch of river have a relatively low impact on both the mercury forms found in the sediment and its bioavailability in the floodplain soils. The mean concentration of total mercury in the sediments was 65 ± 14 ng g-1 dry mass (range 54-92), calculated as the sum of mercury concentrations in the individual fractions. The most abundantly represented of these fractions were mercury bound to sulphides (68 ± 11%, range 55-82%) and humic matter (19 ± 10%, range 10-35%), with lower fractions of water-soluble mercury (6.9 ± 2.9%, range 5.1-13%) and organomercury compounds (6.4 ± 5.3%, range 0.6-13%). The least abundant fraction observed was acid-soluble mercury (0.3 ± 0.2%, range 0.1-0.6%). Similar concentrations and fractionation were observed in floodplain soils from Kiezmark, collected 1, 10 and 50 meters from the riverbed.
Persistent organic pollutant content in cod (Gadus morhua L.) from the Barents Sea region
Authors: Sapota Grażyna , Wiśniewska-Wojtasik Barbara
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to examine levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in cod from the Barents Sea. Samples were collected in two regions, the warm waters of the West Spitsbergen Current, where surface temperatures are typically 3.5-6.5°C, and the cold waters of the East Spitsbergen Current, where the surface temperature is generally -1.5-1.5°C.

The concentrations of selected POPs were analysed in muscle and liver tissues of cod. The observed POPs content were lower than in comparable samples from urban regions. Significant differences were seen between the POPs contents in samples of cod from the two regions. These differences can be attributed to the distinct characteristics of the two water bodies, the West and East Spitsbergen Currents.
Cervical Dystonia: Disease Profile and Clinical Management
Authors: Crowner Beth E
Published: September 2007

Cervical dystonia, the most common focal dystonia, frequently results in cervical pain and disability as well as impairments affecting postural control. The predominant treatment for cervical dystonia is provided by physicians, and treatment can vary from pharmacological to surgical. Little literature examining more conservative approaches, such as physical therapy, exists. This article reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease as well as medical and physical therapist management for people with cervical dystonia.
Sodium Intake and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Predominantly Low-Income Black and White US Residents
Authors: Yoon Hyung-Suk , Cai Qiuyin , Yang Jae Jeong , Lipworth Loren , Cai Hui , Yu Danxia , Steinwandel Mark D. , Gupta Deepak K. , Blot William J. , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao-Ou
Published: March 2024

IMPORTANCE

Epidemiologic evidence regarding the outcomes of dietary sodium intake on mortality remains limited for low-income individuals, particularly Black people.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the associations of excessive dietary sodium with all-cause and cause-specific mortality among predominantly low-income Black and White Americans.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study included participants aged 40 to 79 years from the Southern Community Cohort Study who were recruited at Community Health Centers in 12 southeastern states from 2002 to 2009. Analyses were conducted between March 2022 and June 2023.

EXPOSURES

Dietary sodium intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for mortality outcomes (all-cause, cardiovascular disease [CVD], coronary heart disease [CHD], stroke, heart failure, cancer, and other) associated with sodium intake. Nonlinear associations and population-attributable risk (PAR) of the mortality burden associated with excess sodium were further assessed.

RESULTS

Among the 64 329 participants, 46 185 (71.8%) were Black, 18 144 (28.2%) were White, and 39 155 (60.9%) were female. The mean (SD) age at study enrollment was 51.3 (8.6) years for Black participants and 53.3 (9.3) years for White counterparts. Mean (SD) dietary sodium intake was 4512 (2632) mg/d in Black individuals and 4041 (2227) mg/d in White individuals; 37 482 Black individuals (81.2%) and 14 431 White individuals (79.5%) exceeded the current dietary recommendations of 2300 mg/d. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 13.8 (11.3-15.8) years, 17 811 deaths were documented, including 5701 from CVD. After adjustment for potential confounders, in Black individuals, HRs per 1000-mg increase in daily sodium intake were 1.07 (95% CI, 1.03-1.10) and 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.14) for deaths from total CVD and CHD, respectively; while in White individuals, the corresponding HRs were 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.14) and 1.13 (95% CI, 1.03-1.23). No significant associations were found for cancer mortality. PAR estimates suggest that sodium intake above the recommended threshold may account for 10% of total CVD, 13% of CHD, and 30% of heart failure deaths in this low-income southern population.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study of 64 329 low-income Americans, nearly 80% of study participants consumed sodium exceeding the current recommended daily amount, which was associated with 10% to 30% of CVD mortality. Public health programs targeted to reduce sodium intake among this underserved population may be beneficial.
Generation of novel anti‐apoE monoclonal antibodies that selectively recognize apoE isoforms
Authors: Ohgita Takashi , Sakai Koto , Fukui Nodoka , Namba Norihiro , Nakano Miyu , Kiguchi Yuki , Morita Izumi , Oyama Hiroyuki , Yamaki Kouya , Nagao Kohjiro , Kobayashi Norihiro , Saito Hiroyuki
Published: March 2024

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a regulator of lipid metabolism, cholesterol transport, and the clearance and aggregation of amyloid β in the brain. The three human apoE isoforms apoE2, apoE3, and apoE4 only differ in one or two residues. Nevertheless, the functions highly depend on the isoform types and lipidated states. Here, we generated novel anti‐apoE monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and obtained an apoE4‐selective mAb whose epitope is within residues 110–117. ELISA and bio‐layer interferometry measurements demonstrated that the dissociation constants of mAbs are within the nanomolar range. Using the generated antibodies, we successfully constructed sandwich ELISA systems, which can detect all apoE isoforms or selectively detect apoE4. These results suggest the usability of the generated anti‐apoE mAbs for selective detection of apoE isoforms.
Carbonyl‐Based Narrowband Emitters Peripherally Decorated by Sulfone‐Containing Spiro Structures
Authors: Jiang Simin , Liu Denghui , Chen Zijian , Yang Zhihai , He Yanmei , Yang Guo‐Xi , Li Deli , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: March 2024

Sulfone group plays a pivotal role in narrowing emission spectra, while, precise modification with sulfone group for carbonyl‐based narrowband emitters that maintain high color purity remains challenging. Herein, a comprehensive exploration of the function of the sulfone group is performed with various sulfur valences and positions fused into traditional carbonyl‐based narrowband emission unit QAO, namely SpiroS‐QAO, SpiroSO2‐QAO, SpiroO‐QAO, and SpiroOSO2‐QAO. A rigid molecular skeleton with a spiro structure as an intramolecular lock enables the four emitters to exhibit narrowband emissions. After full oxidization of sulfur, the emission band of SpiroSO2‐QAO is further narrowed, with full width at half maximum of 32 nm, compared to that of 43 nm for sulfane‐decorated SpiroS‐QAO, which is attributed to the suppressed C─S bond‐length variation by the introduction of sulfone group. Nearly identical spectra of SpiroO‐QAO and SpiroOSO2‐QAO suggest that the sulfone group should be directly linked to the emission core to maximize its function. Maximum external quantum efficiencies of 30.8%, 30.3%, and 29.2% are achieved for SpiroO‐QAO, SpiroOSO2‐QAO, and SpiroS‐QAO‐based sensitized organic light‐emitting diodes with highly efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence assistant host. These results offer a comprehensive understanding of the sulfone group embedded into the narrowband emission core with respect to the narrowing emission band.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescent Ag(I) Complexes for Highly Efficient Scintillation and High‐Resolution X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Yuan Siqi , Zhang Guozhen , Chen Fuhai , Chen Jingru , Zhang Yang , Di Yiming , Chen Yong , Zhu Yanan , Lin Meijin , Chen Hongming
Published: March 2024

Organic thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) scintillators hold promising potential for applications in medical radiography and security detection, but the poor X‐ray absorption ability and inferior radioluminescence (RL) hampered their progression. Herein, the study has pioneered the development of high‐performance TADF Ag(I)‐based scintillators from M2X2(dppb)2 (M = Ag, Cu; X = Cl, Br, I) complexes with 1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene (dppb) ligand. In comparison with Cu(I) complexes, the Ag(I) series generally exhibited superior scintillation performance. Notably, Ag2Cl2(dppb)2 (Ag1) stands out with exceptionally high RL intensity (≈125% higher than that of CsI:Tl) and a low detection limit of 59.8 nGy s−1. The outstanding scintillation performance of Ag1 is primarily attributed to the synergistic effect of the high exciton utilization efficiency origin from a small singlet‐triplet energy gap, enhanced X‐ray absorption capacity by heavy atoms, and the high photoluminescence quantum yield (76.47% in ambient atmosphere). By fabricating a flexible film constructed with Ag1 submicron crystalline powders, a high spatial resolution of 25.0 lp mm−1 for X‐ray imaging is obtained. It offers new opportunities for utilizing TADF metal–organic complexes for highly efficient X‐ray scintillation and imaging.
Titanium Carbon Oxide Flakes with Tunable Interlayer Spacing for Efficient Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yi Qiuying , Qu Wenqiang , Zhang Kai , Lu Qi , Yan Tingting , Zhang Dengsong
Published: March 2024

The environmental toxicity caused by heavy metal ions is always taken seriously. Capacitive deionization (CDI), as an emerging and effective treatment method, is widely studied. Among them, the rational design and development of efficient electrodes based on high theoretical capacitance, high conductivity, and high stability have great prospects for CDI applications. In this study, a series of 2D titanium carbide oxide flakes (2D TCOs) are synthesized using a cation‐giving modulation strategy, and the interlayer spacing of materials is successfully controlled by confining cations (tetraalkylammonium hydroxides, TAAH) with different radii between layers. Interestingly, these TCOs exhibit widely varying electrochemical properties due to their different interlayer spacings. Among them, titanium carbide oxide flakes‐tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TCOs‐TPAH) with the maximum interlayer spacing exhibits the best performance in sodium ion embedding and de‐embedding, with a capacity of 53.11 mg g−1. In addition, the capacitive removal efficiency of heavy metal ions (Fe3+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Pb2+) can reach over 97% within 2 h. This work presents a simple and creative strategy for the bottom‐up synthesis of oversized 2D nanomaterials, thus supporting the further development of high‐performance 2D materials in the fields of environmental and energy applications.
Exploring Efficient Blue TADF Materials with Ultrafast Bipolar Charge Transport for High‐Efficiency Thick‐Layer OLEDs
Authors: Fu Yan , Liu Hao , Tang Ben Zhong , Zhao Zujin
Published: March 2024

Achieving strong solid‐state photoluminescence and fast charge transport simultaneously for organic molecules is of significant importance but challenging because of the trade‐off between these properties. Herein, two tailored blue luminescent molecules constructed with ring‐fused carbonyl‐containing electron acceptors and spiro‐acridine electron donors are developed. Owing to ordered long‐range molecular alignment with proper interaction energies, their neat films exhibit ultrafast bipolar charge transport and strong delayed fluorescence with high quantum yields and short lifetimes. In doped organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), both molecules display eminent electroluminescence performances with excellent external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 40.6%. They also exhibit brilliant blue lights with record‐beating EQEs of 30.2% in non‐doped thin‐layer OLEDs, and more importantly, high‐performance simplified non‐doped thick‐layer OLEDs are achieved, rendering lowered driving voltages, and the best EQEs of 23.0% with tiny efficiency roll‐offs. In addition, using them as sensitizers, remarkable EQEs of 40.1% and 23.2% with ultrasmall efficiency roll‐offs are realized in blue hyperfluorescence thin‐layer and thick‐layer OLEDs, respectively. The operational lifetimes are obviously elongated matter in non‐doped thick‐layer devices or hyperfluorescence thick‐layer devices. This work provides promising candidates for efficient simplified thick‐layer OLEDs and opens a new avenue toward organic molecules with strong delayed fluorescence and fast charge transport simultaneously.
Biomimetic Design of Hydration‐Responsive Silk Fibers and their Role in Actuators and Self‐Modulated Textiles
Authors: Xu Xiaoyun , Wang Zhuang , Su Yupei , Zhang Ke , Li Min , Zhang Qi , Zhang Shuai , Zhao Yi , Ke Qinfei , Hu Hong , Young Robert J. , Zhu Shanshan , Hu Jinlian
Published: March 2024

Hydration‐induced shape‐morphing behavior has been discovered in many natural fiber‐based materials, yet this smart behavior in regenerated fibers from biopolymers lacks investigation. Here, hierarchically structured silk fibers are developed with anisotropic long‐range molecular organization and water‐responsive effects resembling natural spider silk. The regenerated silk fibers exhibit the water‐triggered shape‐memory effect and a water‐driven cyclic response. The reversible hydrogen bonds and transformation in the metastable secondary structure from α‐helices/random coils to β‐sheets are explored as the mechanisms responsible for the water‐responsiveness. The silk fibers obtained possess a tensile strength higher than 104 MPa at a fracture strain of ≈100%, showing noticeable toughness. The water‐responsive silk fibers exhibit a shape recovery rate of ∼83% and generate a maximum actuation stress of up to 18 MPa during the water‐driven cyclic contraction that outperforms most traditional natural textile fibers. The regenerated silk fibers show potential for use in water‐driven actuators, artificial muscle, and smart fabrics based on the integration of suitable mechanical properties and water responsiveness.
Micropatterned Hydrogel‐Elastomer Hybrids for Flexible Wet‐Style Superhydrophobic Antifogging Tapes
Authors: Kim Hyeongjeong , Lee Yunji , Jung Sungjune , Lee Hyomin
Published: March 2024

Transparent materials widely used in applications such as eyewear, solar cells, and optical devices, often suffer from environmental challenges including fogging, surface contamination, and mechanical deformation. However, a universal strategy that resolves all these issues in a single platform remains to be resolved. Herein, a monolithic micropillar structure based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer is prepared followed by subsequent assembly of hydrogel micropatterns in between the micropillar array using inkjet printing to achieve flexible wet‐style superhydrophobic antifogging tapes that are applicable to various transparent materials and curvatures. The monolithic micropillar structure with low‐surface‐energy characteristics facilitates easy removal of surface contaminants by rinsing with water while granting mechanical durability. In addition, micropatterning of hydrogels via inkjet printing not only enables to maintain optical transparency in a fogging environment but also makes the fabrication procedure more scalable. Furthermore, the strong adhesion between the hydrogel and the elastomer is shown to provide enhanced stability under repeated stretching cycles and long‐term exposure to water while the presence of a loosely cross‐linked PDMS at the bottom of the tape made it applicable to a wide range of transparent substrates without using additional adhesives.
Ambipolar MoS2 Field Effect Transistors with Negative Photoconductivity and High Responsivity Using an Ultrathin Epitaxial Ferroelectric Gate
Authors: Sun Yanxiao , Wang Yankun , Wang Zhe , Jiang Luyue , Hou Zhenfei , Dai Liyan , Zhao Jinyan , Xie Ya‐Hong , Zhao Libo , Jiang Zhuangde , Ren Wei , Niu Gang
Published: March 2024

Ferroelectric field effect transistors (FeFETs), characterized by their low power consumption and polarization effect, can be employed in photodetectors based on 2D materials. In this paper, a MoS2 phototransistor with epitaxial ferroelectric (Hf0.5Zr0.5)O2 (HZO) is reported as a gate dielectric layer. Gate‐dielectric‐polarization‐dependent ambipolar behavior is observed in the FET, and relatively low power consumption and hysteresis‐free loop are achieved in the FeFET. The anomalous negative photoconductivity (NPC) is observed as well. Possible reasons for such phenomenon are clarified including the photogating effect originating from the interface traps and the polarization‐dependent electric‐field control through ferroelectric gating. The high responsivity of −8.44 × 103 A W−1 in the negative photoconductivity as well as the response time of 500 ms are reported. The demonstrated Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) FeFET photodetectors show great potential in the on‐chip complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible circuits for multifunctional devices.
Controllable Atomic Migration in Microstructures and Defects for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Enhancement
Authors: Su Xiaogang , Wang Jun , Liu Tong , Zhang Yu , Liu Yanan , Zhang Bin , Liu Yaqing , Wu Hongjing , Xu He‐Xiu
Published: March 2024

Defects and microstructures have been utilized to effectively modulate electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption for mitigating electromagnetic pollution and stealth issues. However, precisely feasibly tailoring them still remains challenging. Here, by using a multilevel hollow cobalt sulfide embedded in a heteroatomic sulfur (S) ‐doped carbon aerogel, a preferential reaction strategy of modulating point defects and hollow microstructures via controllable S atoms migration is proposed to improve the EM wave absorption. S atoms contribute to the creation of hollow structures via Kirkendall effects, as well as inducing point defects in the carbon lattice through doping. More significantly, the mechanisms prioritizing the formation of hollow structures over defects have been discovered, with low‐velocity atomic migration primarily modulating the microstructure for interfacial polarization and impedance matching, and high‐velocity atom migration focused on introducing defects to achieve polarization and conductive loss. The resulting aerogel exhibits an exceptionally maximum reflection loss of −52.82 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 8.82 GHz, which far exceeds most of the currently reported materials. Experimental and theoretical approaches, including microwave heating, Tesla interaction, first principles, and far‐field simulation, are comprehensively employed to verify its absorption effect and mechanism. Furthermore, the combination of excellent infrared stealth and self‐cleaning properties opens up its potential applications in complex environments.
Stable n‐Type Perylene Derivative Ladder Polymer with Antiambipolarity for Electrically Reconfigurable Organic Logic Gates
Authors: Wu Xihu , He Qiang , Zhou Zhongliang , Tam Teck Lip Dexter , Tang Cindy , Lin Ming , Moser Maximilian , Griggs Sophie , Marks Adam , Chen Shuai , Xu Jianwei , McCulloch Iain , Leong Wei Lin
Published: March 2024

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are one of the promising building blocks to realize next‐generation bioelectronics. To date, however, the performance and signal processing capabilities of these devices remain limited by their stability and speed. Herein, the authors demonstrate stable and fast n‐type organic electrochemical transistors based on a side‐chain‐free ladder polymer, poly(benzimidazoanthradiisoquinolinedione). The device demonstrated fast normalized transient speed of 0.56 ± 0.17 ms um−2 and excellent long‐term stability in aqueous electrolytes, with no significant drop in its doping current after 50 000 successive doping/dedoping cycles and 2‐month storage at ambient conditions. These unique characteristics make this polymer especially suitable for bioelectronics, such as being used as a pull‐down channel in a complementary inverter for long‐term stable detection of electrophysiological signals. Moreover, the developed device shows a reversible anti‐ambipolar behavior, enabling reconfigurable electronics to be realized using a single material. These results go beyond the conventional OECT and demonstrate the potential of OECTs to exhibit dynamically configurable functionalities for next‐generation reconfigurable electronics.
Releasing Free Radicals in Precursor Triggers the Formation of Closed Pores in Hard Carbon for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Yilin , Yi Zonglin , Xie Lijing , Mao Yixuan , Ji Wenjun , Liu Zhanjun , Wei Xianxian , Su Fangyuan , Chen Cheng‐Meng
Published: March 2024

Increasing closed pore volume in hard carbon is considered to be the most effective way to enhance the electrochemical performance in sodium‐ion batteries. However, there is a lack of systematic insights into the formation mechanisms of closed pores at molecular level. In this study, a regulation strategy of closed pores via adjustment of the content of free radicals is reported. Sufficient free radicals are exposed by part delignification of bamboo, which is related to the formation of well‐developed carbon layers and rich closed pores. In addition, excessive free radicals from nearly total delignification lead to more reactive sites during pyrolysis, which competes for limited precursor debris to form smaller microcrystals and therefore compact the material. The optimal sample delivers a large closed pore volume of 0.203 cm3 g−1, which leads to a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and enhanced Na+ transfer kinetics. This work provides insights into the formation mechanisms of closed pores at molecular level, enabling rational design of hard carbon pore structures.
Microscopic and Spectroscopic Investigation of (AlxGa1–X)2O3 Films: Unraveling the Impact of Growth Orientation and Aluminum Content
Authors: Sarker Jith , Garg Prachi , Rauf Abrar , Nirjhar Ahsiur Rahman , Huang Hsien‐Lien , Zhu Menglin , Bhuiyan A. F. M. Anhar Uddin , Meng Lingyu , Zhao Hongping , Hwang Jinwoo , Osei‐Agyemang Eric , Ahmed Saquib , Mazumder Baishakhi
Published: March 2024

(AlxGa1–x)2O3 is an ultrawide‐bandgap semiconductor with a high critical electric field for next‐generation high‐power transistors and deep‐ultraviolet photodetectors. While (010)‐(AlxGa1–x)2O3 films have been studied, the recent availability of (100), (01)‐Ga2O3 substrates have developed interest in (100), (01)‐(AlxGa1–x)2O3 films. In this work, an investigation of microscopic and spectroscopic characteristics of (100), (01), (010)–(AlxGa1–x)2O3 films is conducted. A combination of scanning transmission electron microscopy, atom probe tomography (APT), and first‐principle calculations (DFT) is performed. The findings reveal consistent in‐plane chemical homogeneity in lower aluminum content (x = 0.2) films. However, higher aluminum content (x = 0.5), showed inhomogeneity in (100), (010)–(AlxGa1–x)2O3 films attributed to their spectroscopic properties. The study expanded APT's capabilities to determine Ga─O and Al─O bond lengths by mapping their ion‐pair separations in detector space. The change in ion‐pair separations is consistent with varying orientations, irrespective of aluminum content. DFT also demonstrated a similar trend, concluding that Ga─O and Al─O bonding energy has an inverse relationship with their bond length as crystallographic orientations vary. This systematic study of growth orientation dependence of (AlxGa1–x)2O3 films’ microscopic and spectroscopic properties will guide the development of new (100) and (01)‐(AlxGa1–x)2O3 along with existing (010)–(AlxGa1–x)2O3 films.
Synthesis of 4,6‐Difluoro‐Tryptophan as a Probe for Protein 19F NMR
Authors: Monnie Christina M. , Hernández Iker , Meléndez‐Pacheco Raixie , Bhinderwala Fatema , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Gronenborn Angela M. , Landa Aitor , Oiarbide Mikel
Published: March 2024

A scalable procedure for the synthesis of 4,6‐difluorotryptophan is reported based on a deaminative coupling of a 4,6‐difluorogramine with 2‐benzylthio‐1,5‐dihydro‐4H‐imidazolone as glycine equivalent. Thus prepared 4,6‐difluorotryptophan was incorporated into the C‐terminal domain of the HIV‐1 capsid protein (CA‐CTD), and 19F spectra of the 4,6‐difluoro Trp CA CTD were recorded and compared to the singly fluorinated counterparts.
The Dual Role of the NFATc2/galectin‐9 Axis in Modulating Tumor‐Initiating Cell Phenotypes and Immune Suppression in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xiao Zhi‐Jie , Wang Si‐Qi , Chen Jun‐Jiang , Li Yun , Jiang Yuchen , Tin Vicky Pui‐Chi , Liu Jia , Hu Huiyi , Wong Maria Pik , Pan Yihang , Yam Judy Wai Ping
Published: March 2024

Tumor‐initiating cells (TICs) resilience and an immunosuppressive microenvironment are aggressive oncogenic phenotypes that contribute to unsatisfactory long‐term outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. The molecular mechanisms mediating the interaction between TICs and immune tolerance have not been elucidated. The role of Galectin‐9 in oncogenesis and immunosuppressive microenvironment is still unknown. This study explored the potential role of galectin‐9 in TIC regulation and immune modulation in LUAD. The results show that galectin‐9 supports TIC properties in LUAD. Co‐culture of patient‐derived organoids and matched peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed that tumor‐secreted galectin‐9 suppressed T cell cytotoxicity and induced regulatory T cells (Tregs). Clinically, galectin‐9 is upregulated in human LUAD. High expression of galectin‐9 predicted poor recurrence‐free survival and correlated with high levels of Treg infiltration. LGALS9, the gene encoding galectin‐9, is found to be transcriptionally regulated by the nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATc2), a previously reported TIC regulator, via in silico prediction and luciferase reporter assays. Overall, the results suggest that the NFATc2/galectin‐9 axis plays a dual role in TIC regulation and immune suppression.
In Situ Reconstruction to Surface Sulfide Adsorbed Metal Scaffold for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity
Authors: Fan Kaicai , Zong Lingbo , Liu Junxian , Chuang Cheng‐Hao , Dong Mengyang , Zou Yu , Xu Yiming , Fu Huai Qin , Zhang Lei , Wang Liang , Zhou Ming , Zhan Tianrong , Liu Porun , Zhao Huijun
Published: March 2024

Transition‐metal‐based compounds have been intensively explored as efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Feasible reconstruction to the real active sites, which is yet to be identified, endows the promotion of HER activity. Here, it is reported that the incoming S coordinates and anion vacancies prompt the structural reconstruction of S‐doped Co3O4 on carbon cloth (S‐Co3O4/CC) during HER. A list of in situ studies reveals that the real active sites for HER are the “metallic surface‐adparticles” system embracing metallic Co scaffold and the dilute coverage of S coordinated Coδ+. Reaction mechanism exploration illustrates that interfacial perimeters between the coverage of Co3S4 moieties and metallic Co considerably facilitate the adsorption of H*, improve the kinetics of water dissociation, and consequently promote HER activity. The exemplified sulfide‐mediated topotactic transformation strategy is extended to the preparation of S, Fe codoped Ni(OH)2 (S‐NiFe/CC) as a bifunctional electrocatalyst. The assembled anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer achieves a current density of 1.0 A cm−2 at 1.72 V, showing excellent capability in catalyzing overall water splitting at ampere level. This study, showing a feasible strategy that enables the facile reconstruction to identify active sites, would inspire the development of efficient electrocatalysts for HER and other electrochemical hydrogenation reaction.
A Comprehensive Experimental Study on Microstructure‐Graded Graphite Anodes for Enhancing Fast‐Charging Capability of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ahmadi Soma , Maddipatla Dinesh , Bazuin Bradley J. , Atashbar Massood Z.
Published: March 2024

Lithium‐ion batteries with high gravimetric capacity density and improved cycle life performance under fast‐charging conditions are crucial for widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption. This study investigates how designing graphite anode microstructure, specifically porosity, and particle‐size gradients, improves lithium‐ion (Li+) transport during fast‐charging conditions. Three‐layered graphite anodes with varying porosity (24%, 36%, 46%) and particle size gradients (3, 5, 10 μm) were compared to a conventional single‐layered electrode in half‐cell configurations. At room temperature and high discharge rate (2C), both gradient structures showed significantly enhanced capacity retention (80% and 67% vs. 50%) compared to the conventional electrode, highlighting the effectiveness of microstructure engineering for fast charging. The study also investigated the temperature's impact on cycle life. After 200 cycles at 2°C and 45°C, all gradient structures demonstrated superior capacity retention (≈80%) compared to the conventional electrode (35%), suggesting the gradients mitigate degradation rate at high temperatures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed superior Li+ diffusion and lower resistivity in gradient electrodes. Simulations explored the influence of gradient profiles on reaction kinetics across the electrode thickness. Overall, this research demonstrates that the fast‐charging capability of graphite electrodes can be greatly enhanced by engineering the electrode microstructure, thereby making EV technology more accessible and appealing.
A de novo frameshift variant in MED13 gene in a patient with autism spectrum disorder and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities mimicking tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Pantalone Gloria , Mancardi Maria Margherita , Rossi Andrea , Romanelli Roberta , Marasco Elena , Carla Marini
Published: March 2024

The mediator complex subunit 13 (MED13) gene is implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and speech delay with varying severity and course. Additional, extra central nervous system, features include eye or vision problems, hypotonia, congenital heart abnormalities, and dysmorphisms. We describe a 7‐year‐ and 4‐month‐old girl evaluated for ASD whose brain magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of multiple cortical tubers. The exome sequencing (ES ‐ trio analysis) uncovered a unique, de novo, frameshift variant in the MED13 gene (c.4880del, D1627Vfs*17), with a truncating effect on the protein. This case report thus expands the phenotypic spectrum of MED13‐related disorders to include brain abnormalities.
Advances in Nanocarriers for Delivering Therapeutic Agents Against Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Li Jia , Yuan Jianlan , Li Hugang , Guo Jingyi , Li Mingjun , Zhang Tingbin , Liang Xing‐Jie , Fan Haiming , Liu Xiaoli
Published: March 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a crucial public health issue and a major cause of liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. At present, orally administered small molecule drugs, such as nucleoside / nucleotide analogues, are recommended as the first‐line treatment for HBV. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs is hindered by off‐target toxicity caused by the whole‐body permeation distribution of these oral drugs. As an emerging drug delivery technology, systemically administered nanocarriers can enhance the aqueous solubility and stability of encapsulated drugs, prolong circulation times, and deliver them efficiently to the liver, showing great promise for increasing the safety and efficacy of small molecule drugs. Furthermore, nanocarriers also accelerate the clinical translation of new therapies, such as nucleic acids and vaccines. This review article highlights the progress of nanoparticle delivery systems in anti‐HBV therapeutics and discusses the opportunities and challenges for the future development of anti‐HBV nanotherapeutics.
Photon Blockades in an Optomechanical Cavity with a Bose‐Einstein Condensate in the Strong Coupling Regime
Authors: Zhai Cui‐Lu , Lu Wangjun , Jiao Ya‐Feng , Kuang Le‐Man
Published: March 2024

A proposal is made on how to manipulate photon blockades (PBs) and photon‐induced tunneling (PIT) in an optomechanical cavity with a Bose‐Einstein Condensate. It is shown that the single‐photon blockade (1PB) can emerge with appropriate scattering strength between atoms. Further, by tuning interatomic scattering strength, the switch between 1PB and PIT at the fixed optical detuning can be realized in interatomic repulsion or attraction conditions. The enhancement of 1PB can also be achieved. The scattering control of PBs can be understood from the perspective of the anharmonicity of the energy levels modulated by the interatomic collision. Such a system can be equivalent to a conventional optomechanical system plus an interatomic scattering term. It is found that although there are no PBs in the conventional optomechanical system, in the BEC optomechanical system (BECOMS), PBs can occur at the fixed optical detuning. Moreover, the BECOMS can exhibit stronger 1PB under the same optomechanical coupling intensity. Due to the advantages of intrinsic strong optomechanical nonlinearity and the negligible thermal noise of the mechanical environment, BECOMS is promising for experimental realization of PBs. The results open new possibilities for manipulating few‐photon states in quantum regime in cavity optomechanics with a Bose‐Einstein Condensate.
A Tag‐Free Platform for Synthesis and Screening of Cyclic Peptide Libraries
Authors: Bruce Angele , Adebomi Victor , Czabala Patrick , Palmer Jonathan , McFadden William M. , Lorson Zachary C. , Slack Ryan L. , Bhardwaj Gaurav , Sarafianos Stefan G. , Raj Monika
Published: March 2024

In the realm of high‐throughput screening (HTS), macrocyclic peptide libraries traditionally necessitate decoding tags, essential for both library synthesis and identifying hit peptide sequences post‐screening. Our innovation introduces a tag‐free technology platform for synthesizing cyclic peptide libraries in solution and facilitates screening against biological targets to identify peptide binders through unconventional intramolecular CyClick and DeClick chemistries (CCDC) discovered through our research. This combination allows for the synthesis of diverse cyclic peptide libraries, the incorporation of various amino acids, and facile linearization and decoding of cyclic peptide binder sequences. Our sensitivity‐enhancing derivatization method, utilized in tandem with nano LC‐MS/MS, enables the sequencing of peptides even at exceedingly low picomolar concentrations. Employing our technology platform, we have successfully unearthed novel cyclic peptide binders against a monoclonal antibody and the first cyclic peptide binder of HIV capsid protein responsible for viral infections as validated by microscale thermal shift assays (TSA), biolayer interferometry (BLI) and functional assays.