bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Residential Green Space and Bone Mineral Density in Young Children
Authors: Sleurs Hanne , Silva Ana Inês , Bijnens Esmée M. , Dockx Yinthe , Peusens Martien , Rasking Leen , Plusquin Michelle , Nawrot Tim S.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Bone mass accrual is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. Targeted interventions at the early stages of life might decrease fracture and/or osteoporosis risk later in life.

Objective

To investigate whether early-life exposure to residential surrounding green space is associated with a change in bone mineral density in young children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective birth cohort study (ENVIRONAGE [Environmental Influence on Aging in Early Life]), mother-child pairs from Flanders, Belgium, were recruited at birth and followed up for 4 to 6 years, between October 1, 2014, and July 31, 2021. Data analysis was conducted between January and February 2022.

Exposures

Green space was estimated for high green (>3 m vegetation height), low green (≤3 m vegetation height ), and total green (sum of high and low) within several radii (100-3000 m) around the residence after geocoding of the addresses.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Radial bone mineral density was assessed using quantitative ultrasound measurement at follow-up, measured as the mean of the axially transmitted speed of sound in meters per second. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used while accounting for relevant covariates and potential confounders.

Results

The study population comprised 327 children (180 [55.0%] female; mean [SD] age, 4.6 [0.4] years at the follow-up evaluation). Early-life exposure to residential green space was associated with increased childhood bone health. An IQR increment in total green (21.2%) and high green (19.9%) space within 500 m was associated with an increase of 27.38 m/s (95% CI, 9.63-45.13 m/s) and 25.30 m/s (95% CI, 7.93-42.68 m/s) in bone mineral density, respectively. Additionally, an IQR increase in total (25.2%) and high (23.2%) green space within 1000 m was associated with a 67% (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.61) and 61% (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18-0.75) lower risk of having a bone density lower than the sex-specific 10th percentile (3567.6 m/s for girls and 3522.8 m/s for boys).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study of children aged 4 to 6 years, higher bone mineral density and a lower risk of having low bone density were associated with higher residential green space exposure during childhood. These findings highlight the importance of early-life exposure to residential green space on bone health during critical periods of growth and development, with long-term implications.
The Role of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep in Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Wilcox Hannah , Paz Valentina , Saxena Richa , Winkelman John W. , Garfield Victoria , Dashti Hassan S.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Observational studies have associated anorexia nervosa with circadian rhythms and sleep traits. However, the direction of causality and the extent of confounding by psychosocial comorbidities in these associations are unknown.

Objectives

To investigate the association between anorexia nervosa and circadian and sleep traits through mendelian randomization and to test the associations between a polygenic risk score (PRS) for anorexia nervosa and sleep disorders in a clinical biobank.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This genetic association study used bidirectional 2-sample mendelian randomization with summary-level genetic associations between anorexia nervosa (from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium) and chronotype and sleep traits (primarily from the UK Biobank). The inverse-variance weighted method, in addition to other sensitivity approaches, was used. From the clinical Mass General Brigham (MGB) Biobank (n = 47 082), a PRS for anorexia nervosa was calculated for each patient and associations were tested with prevalent sleep disorders derived from electronic health records. Patients were of European ancestry. All analyses were performed between February and August 2023.

Exposures

Genetic instruments for anorexia nervosa, chronotype, daytime napping, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and sleep duration.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Chronotype, sleep traits, risk of anorexia nervosa, and sleep disorders derived from a clinical biobank.

Results

The anorexia nervosa genome-wide association study included 16 992 cases (87.7%-97.4% female) and 55 525 controls (49.6%-63.4% female). Genetic liability for anorexia nervosa was associated with a more morning chronotype (β = 0.039; 95% CI, 0.006-0.072), and conversely, genetic liability for morning chronotype was associated with increased risk of anorexia nervosa (β = 0.178; 95% CI, 0.042-0.315). Associations were robust in sensitivity and secondary analyses. Genetic liability for insomnia was associated with increased risk of anorexia nervosa (β = 0.369; 95% CI, 0.073-0.666); however, sensitivity analyses indicated bias due to horizontal pleiotropy. The MGB Biobank analysis included 47 082 participants with a mean (SD) age of 60.4 (17.0) years and 25 318 (53.8%) were female. A PRS for anorexia nervosa was associated with organic or persistent insomnia in the MGB Biobank (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.17). No associations were evident for anorexia nervosa with other sleep traits.

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study suggest that in contrast to other metabo-psychiatric diseases, anorexia nervosa is a morningness eating disorder and further corroborate findings implicating insomnia in anorexia nervosa. Future studies in diverse populations and with subtypes of anorexia nervosa are warranted.
Review of Racial and Ethnic Representation of Participants Enrolled in Pediatric Clinical Trials of Oncology Drugs Conducted Through FDA Written Requests
Authors: Fashoyin-Aje Lola A. , Akalu Alemayehu Y. , Boehmer Jessica , Pazdur Richard , Donoghue Martha , Reaman Gregory H.
Published: January 2024

Importance

The Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act states that in issuing a written request (WR), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shall consider the adequate representation (eg, proportionate to the disease population) of children from racial and ethnic minority populations. If the terms of the WR are fulfilled, the FDA may grant an additional 6 months of exclusivity for any unexpired patents and exclusivities attached to approved indications.

Objective

To report on the race and ethnicity of participants enrolled in pediatric studies conducted in response to WRs for which pediatric exclusivity was granted between 2001 and 2021.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective review examines pediatric exclusivity request submissions for oncologic drugs that received pediatric exclusivity between December 2001 and January 2021 based on fulfillment of the requirements of a WR that were identified using the FDA’s Document Archiving Reporting and Regulatory Tracking System. Demographic data were manually abstracted from supporting study reports, and data were pooled across submissions for the analysis. Data were analyzed throughout 2022 and 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Representation by race, sex, and ethnicity in pediatric studies conducted in response to WRs.

Results

A total of 22 pediatric exclusivity requests were identified, comprising 40 studies and 2025 patients. Most trials (26 [65%]) in the analysis were cooperative group studies. Representation by race was as follows: American Indian/Alaska Native (13 [0.6%]), African American/Black (228 [11.3%]), Asian (92 [4.6%]), Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander (33 [1.6%]), White (1303 [64.3%]), other (194 [9.6%]), and unknown/not reported (162 [8.0%]). Representation by sex was female individuals (41.2%) and male individuals (58.8%). Ethnicity was as follows: Hispanic (226 [5.7%]), non-Hispanic (910 [22.5%]), unknown/not reported ethnicity (2800 [69.1%]), and other ethnicity (114 [2.8%]).

Conclusions and Relevance

The study results suggest that overall, representation of participants of racial and ethnic minority groups in studies supporting pediatric exclusivity requests appear comparable with the racial distribution of childhood cancers in the US based on data from the National Childhood Cancer Registry Explorer. However, fewer Hispanic participants were enrolled in the trials we reviewed (8%) compared with the representation of Hispanic patients in the National Childhood Cancer Registry (28%). This discrepancy may be partially explained by the large proportion of participants with unknown information regarding ethnicity. Further research into the reasons for the large proportion of participants with missing ethnicity information is needed.
Radiation oncology department policy development for patients who may become pregnant
Authors: Fagerstrom Jessica M.
Published: January 2024

In the context of radiation oncology, radiation exposure from radiation therapy simulation, image guidance, and radiation therapy procedures can have severe adverse biological effects on a developing embryo or fetus. Patients who may be pregnant are screened for the possibility of pregnancy to prevent unnecessary or excessive exposure of radiation in utero. Some radiation therapy patients for whom a pregnancy test is indicated may elect to decline the test. In addition, some patients who are found upon screening to be pregnant may decide, with their attending radiation oncologist, to continue with treatment. A radiation oncology department policy was developed to provide guidelines regarding screening and consent. The policy was designed to prevent unnecessary exposure to patients who may be pregnant, and to limit dose to the embryo or fetus in patients for whom treatment is medically indicated. The policy is presented as an example for physicists intending to develop or revise their own practice's policy regarding patients who may become pregnant.
Caregiver descriptions of dystonia in cerebral palsy
Authors: Jaleel Fayza , Rust Alyssa , Cheung Shirley , Pearson Toni S. , Ueda Keisuke , Robichaux‐Viehoever Amy , Leger Katie , Chintalapati Keerthana , Guez‐Barber Danielle , Shusterman Michele , Aravamuthan Bhooma
Published: January 2024

Objective

To determine how caregivers describe dystonia in people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, paper surveys were administered to caregivers between September 7, 2021 and October 28, 2021 during CP Center visits at a large tertiary care center. Caregivers were asked to describe involuntary movements triggered by voluntary movement or triggered by tactile stimulation in the people with CP they cared for. Their CP Center medical provider separately assessed people with CP for dystonia. Movement features described exclusively by caregivers of people with CP and dystonia were determined using conventional content analysis.

Results

113 caregivers responded on behalf of 56 people with and 57 people without dystonia. If caregivers noted that both voluntary movement and tactile stimulation triggered involuntary movements, that had a 92% positive predictive value for a dystonia diagnosis. Movement features exclusively described in people with CP and dystonia included: (1) stiffening, tensing, or tightening (15% of respondents); (2) involvement of the head (10%), torso (5%), or feet (5%); and (3) triggers of stretching (12.5%), excitement (5%), or transfers (5%).

Interpretation

In addition to a thorough exam, asking caregivers of people with CP to describe involuntary movements triggered by voluntary movement or tactile stimulation may inform clinical dystonia diagnosis.
Biomimetic Approach for Sustainable Magnetite Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Polycations
Authors: Kuhrts Lucas , Prévost Sylvain , Scoppola Ernesto , Hirt Ann‐Marie , Faivre Damien
Published: January 2024

Magnetotactic bacteria produce magnetite nanoparticles called magnetosomes at ambient conditions via a protein‐stabilized transient amorphous precursor to obtain precise control over particle size and morphology. In a bioinspired approach, such biomineralization processes are emulated, mimicking proteins involved in magnetosome formation using the positively charged analog poly‐L‐arginine. While the additive is expensive, it remains elusive whether the change in magnetite formation mechanism arises solely from the polymer's cationic nature. This study uses different mass‐produced and sustainably sourced polycations to induce the biomineralization‐reminiscent formation of magnetite nanoparticles. These findings present how to achieve control over nanoparticle size (from 10 to 159 nm) and morphology (compact and sub‐structured) as well as magnetic properties (superparamagnetic, stable‐single‐domain, vortex state) at ambient temperature and pressure using these additives. Furthermore, the formation of large nanoparticles with the addition of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) at low alkalinity highlights how magnetotactic bacteria may produce magnetite nanoparticles under similar conditions. Confirming the polycations' ability to electrostatic stabilize amorphous ferrihydrite, it is anticipated that parametric in vitro studies on polymer properties will provide valuable insights into magnetite biomineralization and aid in rationally designing magnetic nanomaterials.
Boosting Sodium Storage in Prussian Blue Analogs Through Iron Vacancies and Copper Doping
Authors: Liu Jiacen , Liu Jie , Tang Mingxue , Fu Jipeng , Kuang Xiaojun , Ma Jiwei
Published: January 2024

Prussian Blue Analogs (PBAs) have shown considerable prospects as the cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) on account of their high theoretical capacity, low cost, and easy preparation. The low practical capacity and poor cycling stability of PBAs, however, limit their wide practical deployment. To address these issues, a new strategy is deployed through introducing Fe vacancies and Cu‐dopant into the PBAs frame structure, boosting the specific capacity and improving the cycling stability. On the one hand, the introduction of Fe vacancies in PBA (PBA□Fe) can provide additional storage sites and facilitate Na+ diffusion kinetics, yielding a high capacity of ≈164 mAh g−1 at a low current density which approaches the theoretical capacity. On the other hand, the Cu‐dopant is further helpful in stabilizing the structure of PBA□Fe, thus improving the cycling stability. This work paves a new strategy that enables unlocking the capacity and improving the cycling stability of PBA materials toward high‐performance SIBs.
Single‐Atom Site SERS Chip for Rapid, Ultrasensitive, and Reproducible Direct‐Monitoring of RNA Binding
Authors: Feng Ran , Fu Shaohua , Liu Hongyang , Wang Ying , Liu Simiao , Wang Kaiwen , Chen Binbin , Zhang Xiaoxian , Hu Liming , Chen Qian , Cai Ting , Han Xiaodong , Wang Cong
Published: January 2024

Ribonucleic acids (RNA) play active roles within cells or viruses by catalyzing biological reactions, controlling gene expression, and communicating responses to cellular signals. Rapid monitoring RNA variation has become extremely important for appropriate clinical decisions and frontier biological research. However, the most widely used method for RNA detection, nucleic acid amplification, is restricted by a mandatory temperature cycling period of ≈1 h required to reach target detection criteria. Herein, a direct detection approach via single‐atom site integrated surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) monitoring nucleic acid pairing reaction, can be completed within 3 min and reaches high sensitivity and extreme reproducibility for COVID‐19 and two other influenza viruses’ detection. The mechanism is that a single‐atom site on SERS chip, enabled by positioning a single‐atom oxide coordinated with a specific complementary RNA probe on chip nanostructure hotspots, can effectively bind target RNA analytes to enrich them at designed sites so that the binding reaction can be detected through Raman signal variation. This ultrafast, sensitive, and reproducible single‐atom site SERS chip approach paves the route for an alternative technique of immediate RNA detection. Moreover, single‐atom site SERS is a novel surface enrichment strategy for SERS active sites for other analytes at ultralow concentrations.
Platelet Membrane‐Encapsulated Nanocomplexes Based on Profundity Scavenging ROS Strategy for Myocardial Infarction Therapy
Authors: Sun Meng , Hu Nan , Gao Yangyang , Lv Nan , Fu Xiaohong , Li Yafeng , Zhai Shaodong , Zhang Ruiping
Published: January 2024

Ischemia‐induced myocardial injury has become a serious threat to human health, and its treatment remains a challenge. The occurrence of ischemic events leads to a burst release of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which triggers extensive oxidative damage and leads to dysfunctional autophagy, making it difficult for cells to maintain homeostasis. Antioxidants and modulation of autophagy have thus become promising strategies for the treatment of ischemic myocardial injury. This study proposes an antioxidant‐activated autophagy therapeutic regimen based on combining melanin (Mel), an excellent antioxidant with metformin mimetic ploymetformin via electrostatic interactions, to obtain a nanocomplex (Met‐Mel). The nanocomplex is finally encapsulated with platelet membranes (PMN) to construct a biomimetic nanoparticle (PMN@Met‐Mel) capable of targeting injured myocardium. The prepared PMN@Met‐Mel has good Mel loading capacity and optimal biosafety. It exhibits excellent antioxidant activity and autophagy activation, rapidly restoring mitochondrial function. Moreover, RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis reveals that PMN@Met‐Mel operates mechanistically by triggering the activation of the autophagy pathway. Subsequent in vivo experiments showcase promising cardioprotective effects of these nanoparticles. These discoveries present a newly devised nanoplatform with promising potential for the effective treatment of myocardial infarction.
Mismatched Refractive Index Strategy for Fabricating Laser‐Driven Wood Diffusers from Bulk Wood for Illumination Applications
Authors: Tang Qiheng , Yuan Xiao , Zou Miao , Zhang Lei , Chang Liang , Chen Xueqi , Zhang Jie , Zhou Guanwu , Gao Kezheng , Guo Wenjing , Chen Yongping
Published: January 2024

Laser‐diode‐based solid‐state lighting is primarily used in state‐of‐the‐art illumination systems. However, these systems rely on light‐converting inorganic phosphors, which have low quantum efficiencies and complex manufacturing conditions. In this study, a mismatched refractive index strategy is proposed to directly convert natural bulk wood into a laser‐driven wood diffuser using a simple delignification and polymer infiltration method. The resulting material has the potential to be used in laser‐driven diffuse illumination applications. The optical performance of the laser‐driven wood diffuser is optimized by changing the density of natural wood. The optimal coefficient of illuminance variation of the wood diffuser is as low as 17.7%, which is significantly lower than that of commercial diffusers. The illuminance uniformity is larger than 0.9, which is significantly higher than the ISO requirements for indoor workplace lighting. The laser damage threshold is 7.9 J cm−2, which is considerably higher than those of the substrates of commercially available phosphors. Furthermore, the optimized wood diffuser exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, excellent thermal stability, tolerance to harsh environmental conditions, and low speckle contrast. These results show that the laser‐driven wood diffuser is a promising laser‐color converter that is suitable for indoor, long‐distance outdoor, undersea, and other high‐luminance laser lighting applications.
Spacer Effects in Sulfo‐ and Sulfabetaine Polymers on Their Resistance against Proteins and Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Karthäuser Jana F. , Kopecz Regina , Schönemann Eric , Martínez Guajardo Alejandro , Laschewsky André , Rosenhahn Axel
Published: January 2024

The resistance of zwitterionic polymer coatings against the adsorption of proteins and the attachment of pathogenic bacteria is influenced by the precise molecular architecture of the polymers. Two until now rarely studied molecular variables in this context are side chain spacer groups separating the zwitterionic moieties from the polymer backbone and spacer groups separating the cationic and anionic groups within the zwitterionic moiety. Therefore, a set of six poly(sulfobetaine)s and poly(sulfabetaine)s is prepared, in which these spacer groups are systematically varied, incorporating ethylene, propylene, and undecylene side chain spacers, as well as ethylene, propylene, and butylene inter‐charge spacers, and their effects on the antifouling behavior are explored. Hence, the corresponding zwitterionic methacrylates are copolymerized with a photo‐reactive methacrylate bearing a benzophenone moiety. All zwitterionic coatings reveal hydrophilic properties when immersed in water and those with relatively short spacers show effective suppression of non‐specific protein adsorption. Polysulfobetaines outperform the polysulfabetaine ones in terms of resistance against adhesion of bacteria. The overall best fouling protection is observed for the polysulfobetaine bearing a propylene side chain spacer, which coincides with their relatively highest water solubility. The results corroborate previous findings that even apparently minor molecular changes of polyzwitterions can strongly affect their antifouling performance.
A Flexible Pressure Sensor with Wide Detection Range Based on Capacitive‐Piezoresistive Dual Mode Conversion for Human‐Machine Interaction
Authors: Huang Liangsong , Wang Shuo , Zhang Peng , Zhang Kun , Li Yuxia , Chen Zhifu
Published: January 2024

Flexible pressure sensor is widely used in fields such as healthcare, intelligent prosthetics, and patient rehabilitation. However, how to ensure high sensitivity of the sensor while having a wide detection range remains a challenge. In order to address this challenge, a flexible pressure sensor with a wide detection range based on capacitive‐piezoresistive dual mode conversion is proposed. By manufacturing circular through‐holes on the dielectric layer of the sensor, the microstructure of the upper and lower electrode layers can achieve non‐contact and contact switching under different pressures through the through holes. This means that the sensor remains in capacitive mode at low pressure and then in piezoresistive mode at high pressure. By cleverly combining the two modes, the measurement range can reach 2 000 kPa and high sensitivity can be maintained during mode switching. In addition, its production process is simple, the cost is low, and it has a fast response time (120 ms) and good repeatability stability. The experimental results indicate that the sensor can achieve ideal performance in proximity detection, human behavior monitoring, and ultra high‐pressure detection, and has broad application prospects in providing a more powerful human‐computer interaction interface and expanding more comprehensive health monitoring.
Energy Transfer in Mixed Lanthanides Complexes: Toward High‐Performance Pressure Sensors Based on the Luminescence Intensity Ratio
Authors: Zhou Yujiao , Ledoux Gilles , Bois Laurence , Pilet Guillaume , Colombo Margherita , Jeanneau Erwann , Lafarge Lionel , Journet Catherine , Descartes Sylvie , Philippon David
Published: January 2024

In this study, a reversible pressure‐sensing material with high sensitivity is presented. Mixed β‐diketonate complexes of Tb3+ and Eu3+ [(Ln)(acac)3phen] are synthesized with phenanthroline as an ancillary ligand. The organic ligands provide the antenna effect to make the Ln3+ complex excitable at 405 nm. Eu3+ emission results from efficient energy transfer (ET) from Tb3+. Under 405 nm excitation, the emission intensity of Tb3+ decreases whereas the emission intensity of Eu3+ increases with pressure, making this complex a potential pressure sensor based on luminescent‐intensity‐ratio (LIR) up to 700 MPa. This study then discusses the application of this Tb3+/Eu3+ complex for pressure sensing depending on measurement conditions. The addition of the optically neutral ion Y3+ to the system can reduce the impact of pressure‐induced structural defects on the emission, thus improving the reversibility of the LIR variation as a function of pressure. Therefore, a self‐calibrating, reliable, and reversible pressure‐sensing material is proposed here, with remarkable pressure sensitivity compared to a peak shift‐based pressure sensor.
Hydrogen‐bonded organic framework core–shell composite for synergistic antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Xiao Jian , Shaheer Acharya Ramachandra Mahammed , Liu Chen , Liu Tian‐Fu , Cao Rong
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are crystalline porous materials with permanent voids formed via self‐assembly of organic molecules through hydrogen bonding and intermolecular forces. Further combination of HOFs with functional material would broaden their application horizon but were less explored in existing literature. Herein, a highly porous and photosensitive HOF was successfully coated onto upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to construct a core–shell structure named UNCPs@PFC‐73‐Ni. To enhance spectral overlap and maximize energy conversion efficiency, this study utilized the Er and Tm co‐doped UCNPs, which can effectively convert infrared light into visible light emission thereby exciting the porphyrin shell. Subsequent investigation reveals that the composite exhibits significant photodynamic and photothermal effects under infrared light. Encouraged by its noticeable photoactivity, UCNPs@PFC‐73‐Ni was evaluated as an antibacterial agent against Escherichia coli. Notably, significant antibacterial efficacy was observed, highlighting the potential of UCNPs@PFC‐73‐Ni as an effective antibacterial agent under infrared light irradiation.
Circularly polarized luminescence from a common alkoxy pillar[5]arene and its co‐aggregates with π‐conjugated rods
Authors: Kato Kenichi , Iwano Ryo , Tokuda Shun , Yasuzawa Kiichi , Gon Masayuki , Ohtani Shunsuke , Furukawa Shuhei , Tanaka Kazuo , Ogoshi Tomoki
Published: January 2024

Cylinder‐shaped macrocycles composed of π‐panels have attracted special attention as one of the best platforms for the development of organic molecule‐based chiroptical materials. Pillar[n]arenes are a class of macrocycles with the advantage of easy preparation but have not been extensively investigated from the perspective of luminescent molecules. However, common alkoxy pillar[n]arenes are fluorescent in non‐haloalkane solvents, showing potential to be used for molecule‐based chiroptical materials. In this work, circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra are reported for a pillar[5]arene with stable planar chirality using tetrahydrofuran (THF) and cyclohexane as solvents, which has been missing for many years. The pillar[5]arene also forms co‐aggregates with 1,4‐bis(phenylethynyl)benzene and 1,4‐bis[(pentafluorophenyl)ethynyl]benzene in THF/H2O mixtures, owing to a hydrophobic effect. The co‐aggregates with the fluorinated π‐rod display a new low‐energy absorption peak and broad emission band as well as intense circular dichroism and CPL signals. Chiral information from the enantiopure pillar[5]arene core is efficiently transmitted to the co‐aggregates with the π‐conjugated rod, leading to the highest dissymmetry factor for CPL (2.9 × 10−2 at 472 nm) among pillar[n]arene‐based CPL materials.
Organic molecules with dual triplet‐harvesting channels enable efficient X‐ray scintillation and imaging
Authors: Zhan Lisi , Xu Yalun , Chen Tianhao , Tang Yang , Zhong Cheng , Lin Qianqian , Yang Chuluo , Gong Shaolong
Published: January 2024

Organic scintillators have recently gained considerable attentions in X‐ray detection for their potential applications in biomedical radiograph and security inspection. However, the weak X‐ray absorption and/or inefficient exciton utilization have limited the development and commercialization of organic scintillators. Currently, high‐performance X‐ray organic scintillators are scarce and organic scintillators with dual triplet‐harvesting channels have not been explored before. Here, we develop several proof‐of‐concept sulfone‐based organic molecules, C1–C7, using different alkoxy chains to manipulate molecular packing mode. These materials exhibit dual triplet‐harvesting channels of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) and room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in aggregated state. Inspiringly, these molecules display distinct radioluminescence under the X‐ray stimulation. Among them, C6 behaves the highest light yield of 16,558 photons MeV−1. Moreover, clear X‐ray images are demonstrated in both aggregated state and single‐molecule level. High spatial resolutions of 15.0 and 10.6 line pairs per millimeter (lp mm−1) are achieved for rigid and flexible scintillator screens, exceeding most reported organic and conventional inorganic scintillators. These results highlight the great potential of organic molecules with TADF and RTP nature for efficient X‐ray scintillation and imaging.
Low‐temperature‐curable and photo‐patternable benzocyclobutene‐derived aggregation‐induced emission‐active polymer dielectrics
Authors: Yuan Ziwei , Xie Meng , Qian Jianlei , Fan Wenjie , Li Menglu , Guo Liao , Sun Yan , Fu Wenxin
Published: January 2024

The high curing temperatures required for traditional benzocyclobutene (BCB) materials have posed limitations on their applicability in high‐temperature‐sensitive fields. To address this challenge, our work focuses on the synthesis of a novel tetraphenylethylene (TPE)‐functionalized BCB monomer, TPE–BCB, achieved through the introduction of an ether bond onto the BCB's four‐membered ring via Williamson reaction. TPE–BCB demonstrates remarkable low‐temperature curing properties, characterized by a ring‐opening peak temperature of 190°C, representing a reduction of 60°C compared to conventional BCBs. Fully cured TPE–BCB resins exhibit exceptional dielectric and mechanical properties, coupled with minimal water absorption. Additionally, the incorporation of TPE with aggregation‐induced emission characteristics enhances the resins’ luminescence and photolithographic capabilities. Notably, our TPE–BCB resins achieve impressive photolithography performance with a resolution ratio of up to 10 μm. In contrast to conventional BCB‐functionalized resins, TPE–BCB offers the dual advantage of low‐temperature curing and luminescence. This development marks a significant step in the advancement of low‐temperature curing BCB materials and serves as a pioneering example in the realm of multilayer wafer bonding materials.
An artificial chaperone serves a dual role in regulating the assembly of peptides through phase separation
Authors: Li Wang , Zhou Yang , He Sheng , Tong Tianyi , Wang Congsen , Shi Peichen , Li Suixu , Wang Xinchang , Yang Liulin , Cao Xiaoyu , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: January 2024

In biological systems, molecular assembly primarily relies on the assistance of molecular chaperones. Inspired by nature, strategies like ‘chaperone‐assisted assembly’ and ‘catalyzed assembly’ have been proposed for the sophisticated control of molecular assembly. Nonetheless, significant challenges remain in the rational design of such systems, calling for a deep understanding of underlying principles. Herein, we demonstrate an artificial chaperone serves a dual role, that is catalyst in low dosages and inhibitor in high dosages, in regulating the supramolecular polymerization of peptides. Low dosages of carboxymethyl cellulose, as the chaperones, catalyze the assembly of Aβ16‐22 peptides into fibrils through multi‐step phase separation, while high dosages trap the peptides into coacervate intermediates and therefore inhibit the fibrillation. Consequently, the quantity of chaperones does not follow the intuition that ‘more is better’ for catalyzing assembly but instead has an optimal molar ratio. Investigation reveals that the interplay and evolution of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are the keys to achieving these processes. This study provides insights into the multifaceted roles artificial chaperones may play in a dosage‐dependent manner and enriches the toolkit for efficient and controllable construction of complex assembly systems.
Numerical simulation of jet break‐up using the local front reconstruction method
Authors: Llamas Cristina García , Swami Vivekanand V. , Jennekens Koen K. A. , Buist Kay A. , Kuipers J. A. M. (Hans) , Baltussen Maike W.
Published: January 2024

Primary break‐up of liquid jets is often encountered in industrial processes and is scientifically challenging due to its complexity. An accurate description of the break‐up length and droplet sizes is critical for controlling the jet dynamics and hence the process performance. Despite the extensive research performed on jet break‐up, the existing correlations are not universally applicable to all encountered flow conditions. In this article, we perform Direct Numerical Simulation of a cylindrical liquid jet using the Local Front Reconstruction Method (LFRM) to track the liquid‐gas interface. Experiments are also carried out to validate the simulation results in the same range of Reynolds and Weber numbers. The LFRM method is able to accurately reproduce the experimental break‐up lengths and droplet diameters. The surface waves propagating along the jet are compared with the dominant wavelengths reported in literature. It can be concluded that LFRM can accurately describe the dynamics of laminar jets.
Discovery of anion‐pillared metal–organic frameworks for efficient SO2/CO2 separation via computational screening
Authors: Ren Jiahao , Zeng Wenjiang , Ying Yunpan , Liu Dahuan , Yang Qingyuan
Published: January 2024

Adsorptive removal of SO2 from its low‐concentrated gas mixtures is significant to the health and environment. However, the on‐demand discovery of such adsorbents remains a great challenge. Herein, a high‐throughput computational screening for SO2/CO2 separation is performed in an anion‐pillared metal–organic framework (MOF) database. As a proof‐of‐concept, SIFSIX‐7‐Cu, one of the computationally top‐ranked MOFs, is identified and experimentally synthesized for the verification. The high SO2 uptake (14.7 mmol g−1), IAST selectivity (120 for a mixture of 0.2/99.8 molar ratio), and excellent balance between the regenerability (63.5%) and adsorbent performance score (36.3) make it superior to the performance of most reported adsorbents. This work not only provides an excellent candidate for SO2/CO2 separation, but also will facilitate the development of theoretical prediction‐experimental verification methodology in the discovery of novel materials.
Terminal amine‐based hyperbranched polymer‐modified metal oxide particles for improving the stability of water‐based drilling fluids in interaction with shales
Authors: Zheng Xuecheng , Zhou Xuefeng , Chen Siqi , Wei Fan , Huang Mengdie , Hu Ting
Published: January 2024

When oil and gas extraction is drilled into water‐sensitive shale formations, water intrusion leads to hydration expansion and dispersion of shale clay minerals, which in turn leads to well wall instability. Two nanomaterials, PET and PEF, were synthesized using Hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (HPEI) as shell‐coated metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), and the nanomaterials were characterized in terms of molecular structure, thermal stability, and particle size distribution. The blocking and inhibition properties of PET and PEF were tested and investigated by analytical methods such as linear swelling experiments, shale rock chip rolling recovery experiments, and American Petroleum Institute (API) filtration loss experiments, the effects of PET and PEF on the rheology and filter loss reduction of water‐based drilling fuilds (WBDFs) were also investigated. PET and PEF have good blocking and inhibition properties, which somewhat ameliorate the effect of NPs on the rheology of WBDFs, while significantly improving the stability of shale in WBDFs.
Plasma‐assisted surface engineering for value added in starch bioplastics: A study on enhanced surface properties and natural dye immobilization
Authors: Pidhatika Bidhari , Ninan Neethu , Bright Richard , Palms Dennis , Rahmawan Yudi , Vasilev Krasimir
Published: January 2024

This study examines the enhancement of starch‐based bioplastic sheets for immobilizing natural dyes (ND) using plasma processes. The effects of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a binder for ND were also assessed. Starch substrates were treated with air plasma, air plus 1,7‐octadiene (OD) plasma, and air plus 2‐methy‐2‐oxazoline (Ox) plasma before immobilizing curcumin and telang NDs, followed by an OD overcoating. Surface morphology, wettability, chemical composition, tensile strength, and surface charge were analyzed. Results showed improved wettability and dye immobilization, particularly for telang with a PVA binder and plasma treatment. OD overcoating prevented dye leaching. Air plasma reduced, while OD plasma maintained the starch's negative charge. XPS analysis indicated increased oxygen and nitrogen presence after air plasma and enhanced aliphatic carbon from OD overcoating. Tensile strength was largely unaffected, but elongation at break was reduced, especially after air and OD plasma treatment.
Fabrication of harsh environment‐tolerant and robust reinforced poly (tetrafluoroethylene) hollow fiber membranes with optimal heat setting technology
Authors: Chen Xu , Chen Kaikai , Yan Haibo , Zhao Wei , Yan Jingjing , Gao Weihong , Xiao Changfa
Published: January 2024

The high‐temperature industrial waste oil treatment has put forward new requirements for membrane materials. Poly (tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) is regarded as the excellent membrane material for membrane process, due to its excellent properties. Herein, the reinforced PTFE hollow fiber membrane (PTFE‐HFM) was prepared by the combination of wrapping and heat setting technology. The objection of this study was focusing on the outstanding chemical and thermal resistance of PTEF‐HFM for overcoming harsh waste oil treatment. PTFE‐HFM exhibited better chemical resistance in the experiment of acid and alkali compared to PVDF‐HFM, which the surface of PVDF‐HFM corroded obviously and none of PTFE‐HFM. The pore size and porosity were precisely adjusted by heat setting technology. Firstly, the morphologies of PTFE‐HFM was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, which exhibited favorable interfacial bonding state between PTFE separation layer and supporting layer. Subsequently, the prepared membranes exhibited high‐temperature waste oil permeability of 195 L m−2 h−1 bar−1with only 3% attenuation in long‐term operation. Besides, the rejection of lubricants contained activated carbon also reached to 99%. Overall, the facile preparation and excellent performance of robust reinforced PTFE‐HFM highlights its great potential in treating high‐temperature waste oil.
Bio‐based rigid polyurethane foam composites reinforced with flame retardants: From synthesis to performance evaluation
Authors: Akdogan Emre , Erdem Murat , Kaynak Elif , Ureyen Mustafa Erdem
Published: January 2024

The building and construction industry is under increasing pressure to make insulation materials greener, more sustainable, and less flammable. In this study, sugar beet pulp was liquified under the optimized liquefaction conditions and used as the source of bio‐polyol (SBpol) in the production of bio‐based rigid polyurethane foam (sPUF). In order to improve the flame retardancy, sPUF composites were prepared with the addition of flame retardants; expandable graphite (EG) and/or dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). The bio‐polyol was used at a fixed ratio of 50 php in sPUF composites whereas the total ratio of flame retardants was fixed at 20 php. The effects of the ratio of EG and/or DMMP on the morphological, physicomechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties of sPUF composites were evaluated. Although the thermal conductivity values of flame retardant added sPUF composites were increased in comparison to the petroleum‐based foam, the compressive strength values were decreased as the amount of DMMP increased in the flame retardant formulation. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the onset of decomposition of 20 php DMMP‐containing sPUF composite decreased to 168.3°C. Although the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the petroleum‐based PUF was as low as 19.7%, the LOI value of the sPUF/10E/10D foam increased to 24.9% (by about 26%). According to the cone calorimeter results, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of sPUF was much higher than the petroleum‐based foam. The incorporation of both DMMP and EG could further improve the flame retardant properties. The pHRR value of sPUF/10E/10D was 28.1% lower than that of sPUF. The results have shown that flame retardancy of sPUF composites could be improved by the addition of EG which acts in the condensed phase and DMMP, which acts mainly in the gas phase during burning. Flame retardant incorporated sPUF composites are considered as promising materials for use in insulation applications.
Humans in the loop: Community science and machine learning synergies for overcoming herbarium digitization bottlenecks
Authors: Guralnick Robert , LaFrance Raphael , Denslow Michael , Blickhan Samantha , Bouslog Mark , Miller Sean , Yost Jenn , Best Jason , Paul Deborah L. , Ellwood Elizabeth , Gilbert Edward , Allen Julie
Published: January 2024

Premise

Among the slowest steps in the digitization of natural history collections is converting imaged labels into digital text. We present here a working solution to overcome this long‐recognized efficiency bottleneck that leverages synergies between community science efforts and machine learning approaches.

Methods

We present two new semi‐automated services. The first detects and classifies typewritten, handwritten, or mixed labels from herbarium sheets. The second uses a workflow tuned for specimen labels to label text using optical character recognition (OCR). The label finder and classifier was built via humans‐in‐the‐loop processes that utilize the community science Notes from Nature platform to develop training and validation data sets to feed into a machine learning pipeline.

Results

Our results showcase a >93% success rate for finding and classifying main labels. The OCR pipeline optimizes pre‐processing, multiple OCR engines, and post‐processing steps, including an alignment approach borrowed from molecular systematics. This pipeline yields >4‐fold reductions in errors compared to off‐the‐shelf open‐source solutions. The OCR workflow also allows human validation using a custom Notes from Nature tool.

Discussion

Our work showcases a usable set of tools for herbarium digitization including a custom‐built web application that is freely accessible. Further work to better integrate these services into existing toolkits can support broad community use.
The prediction‐oriented middle ground between behaviorist and cognitivist consumer research
Authors: Cohen Doron , Erev Ido
Published: January 2024

Classic behaviorist and cognitivist approaches to consumer research are based on very different assumptions concerning the nature of the cognitive processes that drive consumption. Classic behaviorist research assumes that the underlying cognitive processes are extremely complex, and the effort to model them is not likely to lead to useful insights. In contrast, classic cognitivist research assumes that the underlying cognitive processes can be precisely captured with simple cognitive models. The current paper highlights the value of a middle ground. This middle ground favors the assumption that while the underlying processes are highly complex, their impact can be approximated with prediction‐oriented cognitive models. The potential of this approach is illustrated with a review of previous research demonstrating how a simple prediction‐oriented model can shed light on four interesting consumption puzzles: Buying and not using, the backfiring of certain safety devices, too much and insufficient checking, and underconsumption and overconsumption.
Instilling label confidence in the minds of consumers: The role of sustainability skepticism
Authors: Cho Yoon‐Na , Ye Christine , Kim Yuna
Published: January 2024

Drawing from the persuasion knowledge model, the present research demonstrates how providing comparable sustainability labels (i.e., labels with numeric sustainability level information) can help consumers make more sustainable choices at the point of purchase for consumer packaged goods. We provide empirical evidence from a field experiment and an online experiment to show how the presence and source of sustainability labeling affect consumer perceptions. Notably, we show that highly skeptical consumers are influenced by the source of labeling, whereas less skeptical consumers are less affected by the source but strongly influenced by the presence of labeling. We also demonstrate both the boundary condition and underlying mechanism in the sustainability labeling process. Our findings provide insights for practitioners and policymakers interested in presenting sustainability information at the retail shelf to inform and influence consumer decisions.
Bovine mammary epithelial cells can grow and express milk protein synthesis genes at reduced fetal bovine serum concentration
Authors: Sattari Zahra , Kjærup Rikke Brødsgaard , Rasmussen Martin Krøyer , Yue Yuan , Poulsen Nina Aagaard , Larsen Lotte Bach , Purup Stig
Published: January 2024

Milk proteins produced by lactating cells isolated from bovine mammary tissue can offer a sustainable solution to the high protein demand of a global growing population. Serum is commonly added to culture systems to provide compounds necessary for optimal growth and function of the cells. However, in a cellular agricultural context, its usage is desired to be decreased. This study aims at examining the minimum level of fetal bovine serum (FBS) required for the growth and functionality of bovine mammary epithelial cells (MECs). The cells were isolated from dairy cows in early and mid‐lactation and cultured in reduced concentrations of FBS (10%, 5%, 1.25%, and 0%). Real‐time cell analysis showed a significant effect of lactation stage on growth rate and 5% FBS resulted in similar growth rate as 10% while 0% resulted in the lowest. The effect of reducing FBS on cell functionality was examined by studying the expressions of selected marker genes involved in milk protein and fat synthesis, following differentiation. The gene expressions were not affected by the level of FBS. A reduction of FBS in the culture system of MEC, at least down to 5%, does not assert any negative effect on the growth and expression levels of studied genes. As the first attempt in developing an in‐vitro model for milk component production using MEC, our results demonstrate the potential of MEC to endure FBS‐reduced conditions.
Revisiting the Electrochemical Reduction Mechanism of Nitrosobenzene in Acetonitrile. Concomitant Reactions and Voltammetric Simulation
Authors: Palacios‐Ramírez Jesús I. , González Felipe J.
Published: January 2024

The electrochemical reduction mechanism of nitrosobenzene in acetonitrile was reconsidered in this work. The commonly accepted mechanism assumes that the nitrosobenzene radical anion dimerize to yield a dianion, which decompose into azoxybenzene as the reduction product. Even though this proposal is consistent with preparative experiments, it does not reproduce fully the experimental voltammetric behaviour when it is simulated. Also, It does not explain why the apparent electron number is different in the time scale of cyclic voltammetry and preparative electrolysis. To understand these discrepancies, it was proposed the intervention of reactions consuming part of the starting nitrosobenzene, which allowed to reconsider the role of alternative chemical reactions like that occurring between the anion of phenylhydroxylamine with nitrosobenzene and the hydroxyl ion with nitrosobenzene. In this framework, these concomitant reactions were additionally included in the mechanism to simulate the voltammetric behaviour at different scan rates. Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of the extended mechanism are reported. Since in the hydroxyl ion is either product or reactive in some reaction steps, the global mechanism was deemed to occurs as a kind of loop.