bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pixel‐Level Grayscale Manipulation to Improve Accuracy in Digital Light Processing 3D Printing
Authors: Montgomery S. Macrae , Demoly Frédéric , Zhou Kun , Qi H. Jerry
Published: February 2023

Digital light processing (DLP) is a widely used additive manufacturing technique for functional applications due to its high accuracy and print speeds. However, a variety of factors such as pixel size, motion stage resolution, optical focus, and chemical properties of the resin limit DLP's minimum resolution. Recently, research into locally varying light intensities has led to the emergence of grayscale DLP printing, which offers new capabilities including sub‐pixel manipulation of the printed shape. Here, a methodology is developed to enhance accuracy beyond what is typically capable for a given projector resolution by using pixel‐level grayscale control to create round features from sharp pixels. A numerical representation of the DLP pixel shape is developed to account for the effects of the incident light patterns. A reaction‐diffusion model is then used to predict the printed shapes before and after grayscale enhancement. This model is used to determine the optimal pixel intensities to match a target shape. Finally, the minimum feature size allowed by the proposed method is explored. The promising results represent an important step forward in raising DLP printing to higher accuracy, which will allow the fabrication of functional and structural components with smaller features or smoother faces.
Artificial Graphite Paper as a Corrosion‐Resistant Current Collector for Long‐Life Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Yimei , Guo Qiang , Wu Yong , Ying Danfeng , Yu Yanan , Chi Tengsheng , Xia Shengjie , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping
Published: February 2023

The employment of ultra‐thin lithium metal anode with high loading cathode is the key to realizing high‐energy‐density rechargeable lithium batteries. Ultra‐thin lithium foils are routinely loaded on a copper substrate in batteries, however, the close contact of these two metals causes galvanic corrosion in the presence of electrolyte, which results in irreversible consumption of lithium and decomposition of electrolyte. Herein, a lightweight and highly conductive flexible graphite paper (GP) is applied to replace Cu foil as the current collector for lithium metal anode. It is demonstrated that the application of GP prevents galvanic corrosion and maintains intimate and steady contact between Li foil and GP current collector during cycling, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of the battery. A 1.08 Ah pouch cell assembled with Li@GP anode and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode exhibits a long lifetime of 240 cycles with a capacity retention of 91.6% under limited Li, high cathode loading and lean electrolyte conditions.
Dilute Aqueous Hybrid Electrolyte with Regulated Core‐Shell‐Solvation Structure Endows Safe and Low‐Cost Potassium‐Ion Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Chen Jianchao , Lei Shulai , Zhang Shuxian , Zhu Chunyan , Liu Qingyuan , Wang Chengxiang , Zhang Zhiwei , Wang Shijie , Shi Yuanchang , Yin Longwei , Wang Rutao
Published: February 2023

High‐concentration “water‐in‐salt” (WIS) electrolytes with the wider electrochemical stability window (ESW) can give rise to safe, non‐flammable, and high‐energy aqueous potassium‐ion energy storage devices, thus highlighting the prospect for applications in grid‐scale energy storage. However, WIS electrolytes usually depend on highly concentrated salts, leading to serious concerns about cost and sustainability. Here, an aqueous low‐concentration‐based potassium‐ion hybrid electrolyte is demonstrated with the regulated core‐shell‐solvation structure by using an aprotic solvent, i.e., trimethyl phosphate, to limit the water activity. This aqueous hybrid electrolyte has a low salt concentration (1.6 mol L−1) of potassium trifluoromethanesulfonate but with an expanded ESW up to 3.4 V and the nonflammable property. Based on this dilute aqueous hybrid electrolyte, electrochemical double‐layer capacitors are capable of working within a large voltage range (0–2.4 V) at a wide range of temperatures from −20 to 60 °C. An aqueous potassium‐ion battery consisting of an organic 3,4,9,10‐perylenetetracarboxylic diimide anode, Prussian blue K1.5Mn0.61Fe0.39[Fe(CN)6]0.77·H2O cathode and this dilute aqueous hybrid electrolyte can operate well at rates between 0.2 and 4.0 C and deliver a high energy density of 66.5 Wh kg−1 as well as a durable cycling stability with a capacity retention of 84.5% after 600 cycles at 0.8 C.
Efficient All‐Perovskite White Light‐Emitting Diodes Made of In Situ Grown Perovskite‐Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposites
Authors: Fan Meng , Huang Jinpeng , Turyanska Lyudmila , Bian Zhenfeng , Wang Liancheng , Xu Chunyang , Liu Nan , Li Hongbo , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Chengxi , Yang Xuyong
Published: February 2023

Metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as potential materials for high brightness, wide color gamut, and cost‐effective backlight emission due to their high photoluminescence quantum yields, narrow emission linewidths, and tunable bandgaps. Herein, CsPbX3/SBA‐15 nanocomposites are prepared with outstanding optical properties and high stability through an in situ growth strategy using mesoporous silica particles. According to finite‐difference time‐domain simulations, the mesoporous structure provides a strong waveguide effect on perovskite QDs and the uniform dispersion suppresses reabsorption losses, improving the overall photoconversion efficiency of perovskite QDs. The as‐fabricated perovskite monochromatic light‐emitting diode (LED) has a maximum luminous efficiency of 183 lm W−1, which is the highest for monochromatic perovskite LEDs reported to date. A further benefit of this work is that the white devices, which combine the green and red perovskite nanocomposites with commercial blue LED, exhibit a high luminous efficiency of 116 lm W−1 and a wide color gamut (125% for NTSC and 94% for Rec. 2020) with coordinates of (0.33,0.31).
Wetting Effect on Patterned Substrates
Authors: Wang Fei , Wu Yanchen , Nestler Britta
Published: February 2023

A droplet deposited on a solid substrate leads to the wetting phenomenon. A natural observation is the lotus effect, known for its superhydrophobicity. This special feature is engendered by the structured microstructure of the lotus leaf, namely, surface heterogeneity, as explained by the quintessential Cassie–Wenzel theory (CWT). In this work, recent designs of functional substrates are overviewed based on the CWT via manipulating the contact area between the liquid and the solid substrate as well as the intrinsic Young's contact angle. Moreover, the limitation of the CWT is discussed. When the droplet size is comparable to the surface heterogeneity, anisotropic wetting morphology often appears, which is beyond the scope of the Cassie–Wenzel work. In this case, several recent studies addressing the anisotropic wetting effect on chemically and mechanically patterned substrates are elucidated. Surface designs for anisotropic wetting morphologies are summarized with respect to the shape and the arrangement of the surface heterogeneity, the droplet volume, the deposition position of the droplet, as well as the mean curvature of the surface heterogeneity. A thermodynamic interpretation for the wetting effect and the corresponding open questions are presented at the end.
Young Exosome Bio‐Nanoparticles Restore Aging‐Impaired Tendon Stem/Progenitor Cell Function and Reparative Capacity
Authors: Jin Shanshan , Wang Yu , Wu Xiaolan , Li Zixin , Zhu Lisha , Niu Yuting , Zhou Yongsheng , Liu Yan
Published: February 2023

Aging impairs tendon stem/progenitor cell function and tendon homeostasis, however, effective treatments for aging‐induced tendon diseases are lacking. Exosomes are naturally derived nanoparticles that contain bioactive molecules, and therefore, have attracted great interest in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study, it is shown that young exosomes secreted by stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED‐Exos) possess abundant anti‐aging signals. These young bio‐nanoparticles can alleviate the aging phenotypes of aged tendon stem/progenitor cells (AT‐SCs) and maintain their tenogenic capacity. Mechanistically, SHED‐Exos modulate histone methylation and inhibit nuclear factor‐κB to reverse AT‐SC aging. In a naturally aging mouse model, systemic administration of SHED‐Exo bio‐nanoparticles retards tendon degeneration. Interestingly, local delivery of SHED‐Exos‐loaded microspheres confers anti‐aging phenotypes, including reduced senescent cells and decreased ectopic bone formation, thereby functionally and structurally rescuing endogenous tendon regeneration and repair capacity in aged rats. Overall, SHED‐Exos, as natural bioactive nanoparticles, have promising translational and therapeutic potential for aging‐related diseases.
Multicolor Fluorescent Lead‐MOFs for White‐Light‐Emitting and Anticounterfeiting Applications
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Run , Chen Jun‐Qiang , Li Qiao‐Hong , Zhang Hai‐Xia , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2023

The synergistic effect of rigid organic framework and soft lattice makes metal‐organic framework (MOF) luminescent materials more widely used. Herein, 2D lead‐MOFs are reported that produce white light through the coregulation of free excitons and self‐trapped excitons. The synthesized BIF‐142‐Cl shows outstanding white‐light emission with the CIE color coordinates of (0.312, 0.335) close to pure white light, the excellent color rendering index (CRI) of 90.4, and the gentle correlation color temperature (CCT) of 5364 K. Meanwhile, the multicolor emission from blue to white light can be adjusted by changing the excitation wavelength. Furthermore, photophysical studies confirm that the strong electronic phonon coupling in the excited state of lead halide polyhedrons is directly responsible for the generation of self‐trapped excitons. This synthetic strategy of introducing tunable dual emission centers not only offers a prospect for the development of solid‐state lighting materials but also widens the path to the fields of anticounterfeiting, display media, and information identification.
First‐Principles Density Functional Theory and Machine Learning Technique for the Prediction of Water Adsorption Site on PtPd‐Based High‐Entropy‐Alloy Catalysts
Authors: Rittiruam Meena , Setasuban Sorawee , Noppakhun Jakapob , Saelee Tinnakorn , Ektarawong Annop , Aumnongpho Nuttanon , Boonchuay Suphawich , Khajondetchairit Patcharaporn , Praserthdam Supareak , Alling Björn , Praserthdam Piyasan
Published: February 2023

The water‐gas shift reaction (WGSR) is employed in industry to obtain high‐purity H2 from syngas, where H2O adsorption is an important step that controls H2O dissociation in WGSR. Therefore, exploring catalysts exhibiting strong H2O adsorption energy (Eads) is crucial. Also, high‐entropy alloys (HEA) are promising materials utilized as catalysts, including in WGSR. The PtPd‐based HEA catalysts are explored via density functional theory (DFT) and Gaussian process regression. The input features are based on the microstructure data and electronic properties: d‐band center (εd) and Bader net atomic charge (δ). The DFT calculation reveals that the εd and δ of each active site of all HEA surfaces are broadly scattered, indicating that the electronic properties of each atom on HEA are non‐uniform and influenced by neighboring atoms. The strong H2O‐active‐site interaction determined by a highly negative Eads is used as a criterion to explore good PtPd‐based WGSR catalyst candidates. As a result, the potential candidates are found to have Co, Ru, and Fe as an H2O adsorption site with Ag as a neighboring atom, that is, PtPdRhAgCo, PtPdRuAgCo, PtPdRhAgFe, and PtPdRuAgFe.
Homogeneous Metastable Hexagonal Phase Iridium Enhances Hydrogen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Geng Shize , Ji Yujin , Su Jiaqi , Hu Zhiwei , Fang Miaomiao , Wang Dan , Liu Shangheng , Li Ling , Li Youyong , Chen Jin‐Ming , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Huang Xiaoqing , Shao Qi
Published: February 2023

Catalytic reactions are surface‐sensitive processes. Fabrication of homogeneous metastable metals can be used to promote phase‐dependent catalytic performance; however, this has been a challenging task. Herein, homogeneous metastable hexagonal close‐packed (hcp) Ir is epitaxially grown onto metastable phase hcp Ni, as demonstrated using spherical aberration electron microscopy. The as‐fabricated metastable hcp Ir exhibits high intrinsic activity for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In particular, metastable hcp Ir delivers a low overpotential of 17 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and presents a high specific activity of 8.55 mA cm−2 and a high turnover frequency of 38.26 s−1 at −0.07 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. Owing to its epitaxially grown structure, metastable hcp Ir is highly stable. Theoretical calculations reveal that metastable hcp Ir promotes H2O adsorption and fast H2O dissociation, which contributes to its remarkable HER activity. Findings can elucidate the crystal phase‐controlled synthesis of advanced noble metal nanomaterials for the fundamental catalytic applications.
Thermoresponsive Hydrogel‐Enabled Thermostatic Photothermal Therapy for Enhanced Healing of Bacteria‐Infected Wounds
Authors: Fu Hao , Xue Ke , Zhang Yongxin , Xiao Minghui , Wu Kaiyu , Shi Linqi , Zhu Chunlei
Published: February 2023

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as an attractive technique for the treatment of bacterial infections. However, the uncontrolled heat generation in conventional PTT inevitably causes thermal damages to healthy tissues and/or organs. It is thus essential to develop a smart and universal strategy to regulate the photothermal equilibrium temperature to a preset safe threshold. Herein, a thermoresponsive hydrogel‐enabled thermostatic PTT system for enhanced healing of bacteria‐infected wounds is reported. In this system, the near‐infrared (NIR)‐triggered heat generation by photothermal nanomaterials is spontaneously transferred to a thermoresponsive hydrogel with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), leading to its rapid phase transition by forming considerable light‐scattering centers to block NIR penetration. Such a dynamic and reversible process automatically regulates the photothermal equilibrium temperature to the phase‐transition point of the LCST‐type hydrogel. In contrast to temperature‐uncontrolled conventional PTT with severe thermal damages, the thermoresponsive hydrogel‐enabled thermostatic PTT provides effective protection on healthy tissues and/or organs, which remarkably accelerates wound healing by efficient bacterial eradication. This study establishes a smart, simple and universal PTT platform, holding great promise in the safe and efficient treatment of bacterial skin infections.
Wrinkled Interfaces: Taking Advantage of Anisotropic Wrinkling to Periodically Pattern Polymer Surfaces
Authors: Liu Ning , Sun Qichao , Yang Zhensheng , Shan Linna , Wang Zhiying , Li Hao
Published: February 2023

Periodically patterned surfaces can cause special surface properties and are employed as functional building blocks in many devices, yet remaining challenges in fabrication. Advancements in fabricating structured polymer surfaces for obtaining periodic patterns are accomplished by adopting “top‐down” strategies based on self‐assembly or physico‐chemical growth of atoms, molecules, or particles or “bottom‐up” strategies ranging from traditional micromolding (embossing) or micro/nanoimprinting to novel laser‐induced periodic surface structure, soft lithography, or direct laser interference patterning among others. Thus, technological advances directly promote higher resolution capabilities. Contrasted with the above techniques requiring highly sophisticated tools, surface instabilities taking advantage of the intrinsic properties of polymers induce surface wrinkling in order to fabricate periodically oriented wrinkled patterns. Such abundant and elaborate patterns are obtained as a result of self‐organizing processes that are rather difficult if not impossible to fabricate through conventional patterning techniques. Focusing on oriented wrinkles, this review thoroughly describes the formation mechanisms and fabrication approaches for oriented wrinkles, as well as their fine‐tuning in the wavelength, amplitude, and orientation control. Finally, the major applications in which oriented wrinkled interfaces are already in use or may be prospective in the near future are overviewed.
Boosting the Piezoelectric Sensitivity of Amino Acid Crystals by Mechanical Annealing for the Engineering of Fully Degradable Force Sensors
Authors: Cheng Yuanqi , Xu Juan , Li Lan , Cai Pingqiang , Li Ying , Jiang Qing , Wang Wei , Cao Yi , Xue Bin
Published: February 2023

Biodegradable piezoelectric force sensors can be used as implantable medical devices for monitoring physiological pressures of impaired organs or providing essential stimuli for drug delivery and tissue regeneration without the need of additional invasive removal surgery or battery power. However, traditional piezoelectric materials, such as inorganic ceramics and organic polymers, show unsatisfactory degradability, and cytotoxicity. Amino acid crystals are biocompatible and exhibit outstanding piezoelectric properties, but their small crystal size makes it difficult to align the crystals for practical applications. Here, a mechanical‐annealing strategy is reported for engineering all‐organic biodegradable piezoelectric force sensors using natural amino acid crystals as piezoelectric materials. It is shown that the piezoelectric constant of the mechanical‐annealed crystals can reach 12 times that of the single crystal powders. Moreover, mechanical annealing results in flat and smooth surfaces, thus improving the contact of the crystal films with the electrodes and leading to high output voltages of the devices. The packaged force sensors can be used to monitor dynamic motions, including muscle contraction and lung respiration, in vivo for 4 weeks and then gradually degrade without causing obvious inflammation or systemic toxicity. This work provides a way to engineer all‐organic and biodegradable force sensors for potential clinical applications.
Superscalar Phase Boundaries Derived Multiple Active Sites in SnO2/Cu6Sn5/CuO for Tandem Electroreduction of CO2 to Formic Acid
Authors: Shi Yujie , Wang Yijie , Yu Jiayuan , Chen Yuke , Fang Chaoqiong , Jiang Di , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Yu Xiaowen , Li Xiao , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia
Published: February 2023

The electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to fuels driven by electrocatalysts is a viable strategy for efficient utilization of emitted CO2. CO2RR involves multiple‐steps, including adsorption, activation, hydrogenation, etc. At present, copper‐tin alloy catalysts have shown the capability to reduce CO2 to formic acid or formate. However, their poor adsorption and activation capacities for CO2 molecules, as well as the sluggish kinetics in *H supply restrict the proton‐coupled electron transfer processes in the electrocatalytic CO2RR to produce formic acid. In order to solve the above problems, the ultra‐small SnO2/Cu6Sn5/CuO nanocatalysts with superscalar phase boundaries are fabricated by laser sputtering. The introduction of SnO2 enhances the adsorption and activation of CO2, while CuO promotes H2O decomposition and provides abundant *H intermediates, resulting in tandem catalytic sites on the SnO2/Cu6Sn5/CuO composite catalysts and thus leading to excellent CO2RR activity and high selectivity to formic acid. The Faradic efficiency of formic acid (FEHCOOH) at the SnO2/Cu6Sn5/CuO electrode reaches 90.13% along with a high current density of 25.2 mA cm−2 at −0.95 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. The role of the multiphase boundaries constructed by introduction of oxides is confirmed by in situ infrared spectroscopy and kinetic isotope effects experiments, which is consistent with the design concept.
Accelerated Short Circuiting in Anode‐Free Solid‐State Batteries Driven by Local Lithium Depletion
Authors: Lewis John A. , Sandoval Stephanie E. , Liu Yuhgene , Nelson Douglas Lars , Yoon Sun Geun , Wang Runzi , Zhao Ying , Tian Mengkun , Shevchenko Pavel , Martínez‐Pañeda Emilio , McDowell Matthew T.
Published: February 2023

“Anode‐free” solid‐state batteries (SSBs), which have no anode active material, can exhibit extremely high energy density (≈1500 Wh L−1). However, there is a lack of understanding of the lithium plating/stripping mechanisms at initially lithium‐free solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) interfaces because excess lithium metal is often used. Here, it is demonstrated that commercially relevant quantities of lithium (>5 mAh cm−2) can be reliably plated at moderate current densities (1 mA cm−2) using the sulfide SSE Li6PS5Cl. Investigations of lithium plating/stripping mechanisms, in conjunction with cryo‐focused ion beam (FIB) imaging, synchrotron tomography, and phase‐field modeling, reveal that the cycling stability of these cells is fundamentally limited by the nonuniform presence of lithium during stripping. Local lithium depletion causes isolated lithium regions toward the end of stripping, decreasing electrochemically active area and resulting in high local current densities and void formation. This accelerates subsequent filament growth and short circuiting compared to lithium‐excess cells. Despite this degradation mode, it is shown that anode‐free cells exhibit comparable Coulombic efficiency to lithium‐excess cells, and improved resistance to short circuiting is achieved by avoiding local lithium depletion through retention of thicker lithium at the interface. These new insights provide a foundation for engineering future high‐energy anode‐free SSBs.
Progress and development of syngas fermentation processes toward commercial bioethanol production
Authors: Owoade Ademola , Alshami Ali S. , Levin David , Onaizi Sagheer , Malaibari Zuhair O.
Published: February 2023

Syngas is created through the thermochemical conversion of biomass using gasification or pyrolysis and from CO‐rich off‐gases obtained from industries such as steel mills. The Wood–Ljungdahl metabolic pathway, or one of its variations, is used by acetogenic bacteria to convert syngas components (CO, H2, and CO2) to alcohols and other compounds. Many factors affect how well syngas is fermented, including the bacteria species used, syngas composition, medium components, bioreactor type, operational parameters used and the gas–liquid mass transfer rate. These parameters impact carbon and electron flow in the bacteria, influencing the distribution, concentration and metabolic end‐product yield, which determines process feasibility. This article focuses on gas composition, microorganisms, gas–liquid mass transfer fermentation strategies, medium design and commercialization activities to develop the syngas fermentation processes. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Production of biologically active non‐woven textiles from recycled polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Alatawi Raedah A. S. , Bukhari Abeer Abdulaziz H. , Al‐Sayed Hanan M. A. , Alenazi Duna A. K. , Alnawmasi Jawza Sh. , Abomuti May Abdullah , U Faridi
Published: February 2023

Recently, various studies have focused on the development of multifunctional non‐woven polyethylene terephthalate (PT; polyester) textiles. Herein, we introduce multifunctional non‐woven polyester fabrics by pad dry curing silver nitrate (AgNO3) and aniline monomer into plasma‐pretreated non‐woven PT textile. This creates a nanocomposite layer of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polyaniline (PANi) on the fabric surface. In order to prepare a non‐woven fibrous mat, we applied the melt‐spinning technique on previously shredded recycled PT plastic waste. On the surface of the cloth, PANi was synthesized by REDOX polymerization of aniline. Due to the oxidative polymerization, the silver ions (Ag+) were converted to Ag0NPs. PANi acted as a conductor while AgNPs inhibited the growth of microorganisms. Microwave‐assisted curing with trimethoxyhexadecylsilane (TMHDS) gave PT textiles with superhydrophobic properties. The morphological studies were performed using Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The stiffness and breathability of finished non‐woven PT textile materials were analyzed to establish their comfort levels. Both of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were used to test the efficacy of the AgNPs‐treated textiles as antimicrobial materials. Moreover, the processed polyester textiles showed excellent electrical conductivity and great ultraviolet‐ray blocking.
A course‐based undergraduate research experience for bioinformatics education in undergraduate students
Authors: Gao Lei , Guo Miao
Published: February 2023

With rapid development of sequencing technology and the continuous accumulation of biological big data, people who are capable of using bioinformatic skills to analyze omics data and work out biological problems are urgently needed in the workforce, which highlights the importance of developing bioinformatics skills early in the undergraduate curriculum. Meanwhile, course‐based undergraduate research experience (CURE) courses have been proved to be an effective teaching format that have many advantages over traditional labs and lectures. Here we introduced an implementation of CURE course of bioinformatics data analysis and visualization for undergraduate students in major of bioinformatics and evaluated the learning outcomes. We were able to address 10 out of 15 core competencies identified by Network for Integrating Bioinformatics into Life Sciences Education. Besides, results evaluated by Laboratory Course Assessment Survey demonstrated the goals of collaboration, discovery and relevance, and iteration were accomplished in our course. Meanwhile, a significant increase in scores of final examinations and a long‐term improvement on students' research ability on bioinformatics data analysis and visualization were also observed. In summary, this CURE course is useful for undergraduate students learning related knowledge and participate in authentic research in the field of bioinformatics.
Comparison of production of bioactive components in Zanthoxylum nitidum taproots from different regions in southern China
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Yanqun , Amoroso Victor , Acma Florfe , Guiang Maria Melanie , Wu Hong
Published: February 2023

Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC is a traditional Chinese herb from southern China and its 3–4‐year old roots are used in medicine. However, there is a scarcity of studies on the differences in the content of different regions of the roots, as well as comprehensive evaluations of Z. nitidum from the main areas of production in China. This study used ultra performance liquid chromatography, triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry, HPLC, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy to detect and identify the bioactive components from different parts and eight regions of 4‐year‐old roots of Z. nitidum. Our results revealed that the types and quantities of compounds extracted were similar in root bark and root wood, although the amount of alkaloids in the former was substantially higher. The contents of four alkaloids in samples from Guangdong were higher than those in Guangxi Province. Meanwhile, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis showed that the samples from different regions were effectively identified and evaluated based on alkaloids and other bioactive substances. Our findings have significant implications for Z. nitidum harvesting and usage, as well as for origin identification, quality evaluation, and sensible use of Z. nitidum resources.
Trends in oncological imaging during the COVID‐19 pandemic through the vaccination era
Authors: Cheng Debby , Ghoshal Soham , Zattra Ottavia , Flash Moses , Lang Min , Liu Raymond , Lev Michael H. , Hirsch Joshua A. , Saini Sanjay , Gee Michael S. , Succi Marc D.
Published: February 2023

Background

This study examines the impact that the COVID‐19 pandemic has had on computed tomography (CT)‐based oncologic imaging utilization.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed cancer‐related CT scans during four time periods: pre‐COVID (1/5/20–3/14/20), COVID peak (3/15/20–5/2/20), post‐COVID peak (5/3/20–12/19/20), and vaccination period (12/20/20–10/30/21). We analyzed CTs by imaging indication, setting, and hospital type. Using percentage decrease computation and Student's t‐test, we calculated the change in mean number of weekly cancer‐related CTs for all periods compared to the baseline pre‐COVID period. This study was performed at a single academic medical center and three affiliated hospitals.

Results

During the COVID peak, mean CTs decreased (−43.0%, p < 0.001), with CTs for (1) cancer screening, (2) initial workup, (3) cancer follow‐up, and (4) scheduled surveillance of previously treated cancer dropping by 81.8%, 56.3%, 31.7%, and 45.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). During the post‐COVID peak period, cancer screenings and initial workup CTs did not return to prepandemic imaging volumes (−11.4%, p = 0.028; −20.9%, p = 0.024). The ED saw increases in weekly CTs compared to prepandemic levels (+31.9%, p = 0.008), driven by increases in cancer follow‐up CTs (+56.3%, p < 0.001). In the vaccination period, cancer screening CTs did not recover to baseline (−13.5%, p = 0.002) and initial cancer workup CTs doubled (+100.0%, p < 0.001). The ED experienced increased cancer‐related CTs (+75.9%, p < 0.001), driven by cancer follow‐up CTs (+143.2%, p < 0.001) and initial workups (+46.9%, p = 0.007).

Conclusions and relevance

The pandemic continues to impact cancer care. We observed significant declines in cancer screening CTs through the end of 2021. Concurrently, we observed a 2× increase in initial cancer workup CTs and a 2.4× increase in cancer follow‐up CTs in the ED during the vaccination period, suggesting a boom of new cancers and more cancer examinations associated with emergency level acute care.
New Biocompatible β‐Phosphorylated Linear Nitrones Targeting Mitochondria: Protective Effect in Apoptotic Cells
Authors: Culcasi Marcel , Delehedde Caroline , Esgulian Mathieu , Cassien Mathieu , Chocry Mathieu , Rockenbauer Antal , Pietri Sylvia , Thétiot‐Laurent Sophie
Published: February 2023

The mitochondrion, an essential organelle involved in cellular respiration, energy production, and cell death, is the main cellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including superoxide. Mitochondrial diseases resulting from uncontrolled/excess ROS generation are an emerging public health concern and there is current interest in specific mitochondriotropic probes to get information on in‐situ ROS production. As such, nitrones vectorized by the triphenylphosphonium (TPP) cation have recently drawn attention despite reported cytotoxicity. Herein, we describe the synthesis of 13 low‐toxic derivatives of N‐benzylidene‐1‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐1‐methylethylamine N‐oxide (PPN) alkyl chain‐grafted to a pyridinium, triethylammonium or berberinium lipophilic cation. These nitrones showed in‐vitro superoxide quenching activity and EPR/spin‐trapping efficiency towards biologically relevant free radicals, including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Their mitochondrial penetration was confirmed by 31P NMR spectroscopy, and their anti‐apoptotic properties were assessed in Schwann cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. Two pyridinium‐substituted PPNs were identified as potentially better alternatives to TPP nitrones conjugates for studying mitochondrial oxidative damage.
Designing interstitial boron‐doped tunnel‐type vanadium dioxide cathode for enhancing zinc ion storage capability
Authors: Wang Shiwen , Zhang Hang , Zhao Kang , Liu Wenqing , Luo Nairui , Zhao Jianan , Wu Shide , Ding Junwei , Fang Shaoming , Cheng Fangyi
Published: February 2023

Chemical doping is a powerful method to intrinsically tailor the electrochemical properties of electrode materials. Here, an interstitial boron‐doped tunnel‐type VO2(B) is constructed via a facile hydrothermal method. Various analysis techniques demonstrate that boron resides in the interstitial site of VO2(B) and such interstitial doping can boost the zinc storage kinetics and structural stability of VO2(B) cathode during cycling. Interestingly, we found that the boron doping level has a saturation limit peculiarity as proved by the quantitative analysis. Notably, the 2 at.% boron‐doped VO2(B) shows enhanced zinc ion storage performance with a high storage capacity of 281.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate performance of 142.2 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1, and long cycle stability up to 1000 cycles with the capacity retention of 133.3 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1. Additionally, the successful preparation of the boron‐doped tunnel‐type α‐MnO2 further indicates that the interstitial boron doping approach is a general strategy, which supplies a new chance to design other types of functional electrode materials for multivalence batteries.
Computing the electronic circular dichroism spectrum of DNA quadruple helices of different topology: A critical test for a generalized excitonic model based on a fragment diabatization
Authors: Asha Haritha , Green James A. , Esposito Luciana , Santoro Fabrizio , Improta Roberto
Published: February 2023

In this study, we exploit a recently developed fragment diabatization‐based excitonic model, FrDEx, to simulate the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of three guanine‐rich DNA sequences arranged in guanine quadruple helices with different topologies: thrombin binding aptamer (antiparallel), c‐Myc promoter (parallel), and human telomeric sequence (3+1 hybrid). Starting from time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations with the M052X functional, we apply our protocol to parameterize the FrDEX Hamiltonian, which accounts for electron density overlap and includes both the coupling with charge transfer transitions and the effect of the surrounding bases on the local excitation of each chromophore. The TD‐DFT/M052X spectral shapes are in good agreement with the experimental ones, the main source of discrepancy being related to the intrinsic error on the computed transition energies of guanine monomer. FrDEx spectra are fairly close to the reference TD‐DFT ones, allowing a significant advance with respect to a more standard excitonic Hamiltonian. We also show that the ECD spectra are sensitive to the inclusion of the inner K
cation in the calculation.
A new fast entropy‐based method to generate composite centrality measures in complex networks
Authors: Sabah Levent , Şimşek Mehmet
Published: February 2023

Determining the centrality of nodes in complex networks provides practical benefits in many areas such as detecting influencer nodes, viral marketing, and preventing the spread of rumors. On the other hand, there is no consensus for the definition of centrality. Therefore, different centrality measures such as degree, closeness, and betweenness have been developed to measure the centrality of a node. However, each centrality measure highlights the various characteristics of the nodes in the network from its own point of view. This causes each centrality measure to rank the nodes in a different order. In recent years, researchers have focused on approaches that combine multiple centrality measures. Thus, the perspectives of different centrality measures can be considered simultaneously. In this study, we have proposed a fast and efficient method using the analytic hierarchy process and entropy weighting to combine multiple centrality measures. We tested the proposed method with synthetic and real datasets and compared the results with those of state‐of‐the‐art methods. The experimental results showed the proposed method to be competitive with these advanced methods, whereas it performed much better than the other methods in terms of computational speed. This indicated that our proposed method could be applied to large and dynamic complex networks.
Recombineering: Genetic Engineering in Escherichia coli Using Homologous Recombination
Authors: Thomason Lynn C. , Costantino Nina , Li Xintian , Court Donald L.
Published: February 2023

The bacterial chromosome and bacterial plasmids can be engineered in vivo by homologous recombination using either PCR products or synthetic double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) or single‐stranded DNA as substrates. Multiple linear dsDNA molecules can be assembled into an intact plasmid. The technology of recombineering is possible because bacteriophage‐encoded recombination proteins efficiently recombine sequences with homologies as short as 35 to 50 bases. Recombineering allows DNA sequences to be inserted or deleted without regard to the location of restriction sites and can also be used in combination with CRISPR/Cas targeting systems. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

This article was corrected on 12 November 2024. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Making electrocompetent cells and transforming with linear DNA

Support Protocol 1: Selection/counter‐selections for genome engineering

Support Protocol 2: Creating and screening for oligo recombinants by PCR

Support Protocol 3: Other methods of screening for unselected recombinants

Support Protocol 4: Curing recombineering plasmids containing a temperature‐sensitive replication function

Support Protocol 5: Removal of the prophage by recombineering

Alternate Protocol 1: Using CRISPR/Cas9 as a counter‐selection following recombineering

Alternate Protocol 2: Assembly of linear dsDNA fragments into functional plasmids

Alternate Protocol 3: Retrieval of alleles onto a plasmid by gap repair

Alternate Protocol 4: Modifying multicopy plasmids with recombineering

Support Protocol 6: Screening for unselected plasmid recombinants

Alternate Protocol 5: Recombineering with an intact λ prophage

Alternate Protocol 6: Targeting an infecting λ phage with the defective prophage strains
Self‐Adaptive and Electric Field‐Driven Protective Layer with Anchored Lithium Deposition Enable Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Chen Ting , Yue Luchao , Shu Guoqiang , Yang Qing , Wang Dong , Wang Ruoyang , Qiao Xianyan , Sun Yan , Zhong Benhe , Wu Zhenguo , Guo Xiaodong
Published: February 2023

Lithium metal battery has great development potential because of its lowest electrochemical potential and highest theoretical capacity. However, the uneven deposition of Li+ flux in the process of deposition and stripping induces the vigorous growth of lithium dendrites, which results in severely battery performance degradation and serious safety hazards. Here, the tetragonal BaTiO3 polarized by high voltage corona was used to build an artificial protective layer with uniform positive polarization direction, which enables uniform Li+ flux. In contrast to traditional strategies of using protective layer, which can guide the uniform deposition of lithium metal. The ferroelectric protective layer can accurately anchor the Li+ and achieve bottom deposition of lithium due to the automatic adjustment of the electric field. Simultaneously, the huge volume changes caused by Li+ migration change of the lithium metal anode during charging and discharging is functioned to excite the piezoelectric effect of the protective layer, and achieve seamless dynamic tuning of lithium deposition/stripping. This dynamic effect can accurately anchor and capture Li+. Finally, the layer‐modified Li anode enables reversible Li plating/stripping over 1500 h at 1 mA cm−2 and 50 °C in symmetric cells. In addition, the assembled Li‐S full cell exhibits over 300 cycles with N/P ≈ 1.35. This work provides a new perspective on the uniform Li+ flux at the Li‐anode interface of the artificial protective layer.
Lung epithelial cells: Upstream targets in type 2‐high asthma
Authors: Lameire Sahine , Hammad Hamida
Published: February 2023

Over the last years, technological advances in the field of asthma have led to the identification of two disease endotypes, namely, type 2‐high and type 2‐low asthma, characterized by different pathophysiologic mechanisms at a cellular and molecular level. Although specific immune cells are important contributors to each of the recognized asthma endotype, the lung epithelium is now regarded as a crucial player able to orchestrate responses to inhaled environmental triggers such as allergens and microbes. The impact of the epithelium goes beyond its physical barrier. It is nowadays considered as a part of the innate immune system that can actively respond to insults. Activated epithelial cells, by producing a specific set of cytokines, trigger innate and adaptive immune cells to cause pathology. Here, we review how the epithelium contributes to the development of Th2 sensitization to allergens and asthma with a “type 2‐high” signature, in both murine models and human studies of this asthma endotype. We also discuss epithelial responses to respiratory viruses, such as rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and SARS‐CoV‐2, and how these triggers influence not only asthma development but also asthma exacerbation. Finally, we also summarize the results of promising clinical trials using biologicals targeting epithelial‐derived cytokines in asthmatic patients.
An adjoint‐based solver with adaptive mesh refinement for efficient design of coupled thermal‐fluid systems
Authors: Gallorini Emanuele , Hèlie Jerome , Piscaglia Federico
Published: February 2023

A multi‐objective continuous adjoint strategy based on the superposition of boundary functions for topology optimization of problems where the heat transfer must be enhanced and the dissipated mechanical power controlled at the same time, has been here implemented in a finite volume (FV), incompressible, steady flow solver supporting a dynamic adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) strategy. The solver models the transition from fluid to solid by a porosity field, that appears in the form of penalization in the momentum equation; the material distribution is optimized by the method of moving asymptotes (MMA). AMR is based on a hierarchical nonconforming h‐refinement strategy and is applied together with a flux correction to enforce conservation across topology changes. It is shown that a proper choice of the refinement criterium favors a mesh‐independent solution. Finally, a Pareto front built from the components of the objective function is used to find the best combination of the weights in the optimization cycle. Numerical experiments on two‐ and three‐dimensional test cases, including the aero‐thermal optimization of a simplified layout of a cooling system, have been used to validate the implemented methodology.
A graphic processing unit implementation for the moment representation of the lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Ferrari Marco A. , de Oliveira Waine B. , Lugarini Alan , Franco Admilson T. , Hegele Luiz A.
Published: February 2023

We implement the moment representation of the lattice Boltzmann method in a graphic processing unit (GPU) environment to study the computational performance of three‐dimensional fluid flows. The moment representation of the lattice Boltzmann method (MRLBM) uses up to second‐order moments of the particle distribution function to regularize and reconstruct it. By adopting this method, there is a reduction in memory usage and global memory transfer and, therefore, increased performance. The results show an increase of up to 40% in speed compared to population schemes. The validation results show there was no loss of accuracy when using single precision for turbulent flows. The adoption of single‐precision also enables higher processing speed for GPUs with low double‐precision capability and reduces the memory footprint, which can further increase performance. The implementation here presented provides a fast and straightforward environment for fluid simulation by combining single‐precision and the MRLBM.
Deep learning model for temperature prediction: A case study in New Delhi
Authors: Shrivastava Virendra Kumar , Shrivastava Aastik , Sharma Nonita , Mohanty Sachi Nandan , Pattanaik Chinmaya Ranjan
Published: February 2023

This study is based on temperature prediction in the capital of India (New Delhi). We have adopted different ML models such as (MPR and DNN) which are designed and implemented for temperature prediction. The MPR models are varied on the degree of the polynomial, whereas the DNN models differ in the number of input parameters. DNNM‐1 takes date, time, and temperature as input, and DNNM‐2 receives date, time, temperature, pressure, humidity, and dew point as input parameters, whereas DNNM‐3, is a complex model that takes date, time, temperature, pressure, humidity, dew point, and 32 weather conditions as input. To evaluate the accuracy of the predictions, a comparison of the predicted temperature and the actual recorded temperature is done, and the performance and accuracy of the models are examined. The MPR models work well in case of fewer input features, but as the number of input features grows, the DNN model outperforms the MPR models. The DNN model (DNNM‐3) outperformed the other models with better accuracy as compared to past evidence.
Effect of women's literacy on maternal and child health: Evidence from demographic Health Survey data in Senegal
Authors: Diallo Mamadou Abdoulaye , Mbaye Ngoné , Aidara Ibrahima
Published: February 2023

Background

Senegal has certainly made significant efforts in adult literacy and in the fight against maternal and infant mortality. However, a large proportion of the female population is illiterate, and the country's maternal and infant mortality rates are still higher than WHO recommendations. This article examined the effect of women's literacy on maternal and child health in Senegal.

Methods

Data were extracted from the last Senegal Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) collected in 2019. A binary logistic model was performed to assess the effect of women's literacy on ten outcomes of maternal and child health indicators.

Results

Results indicate that women's literacy has a positive and significant effect on nine of key indicators outcomes. For instance, women's literacy increases the odds of contraceptive use by 1.29 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.13–1.48; p < 0.01), compliance with the number of prenatal visits by 1.57 (95% CI, 1.35–1.83; p < 0.01) and consultation in the first trimester of pregnancy by 1.52 (95% CI, 1.31–1.78; p < 0.01). Literacy is associated with increased odds of breastfeeding up to six months (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 0.97–1.42; p < 0.1) and healthy birth interval (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.97–1.44; p < 0.1) only in rural areas. Women literacy reduces the risk of stunting by 0.81 (95% CI, 0.68–0.96; p < 0.05) and the risk of underweight by 0.72 (95% CI, 0.59–0.87; p < 0.01) among children under five years. The mother's ability to read and write favors compliance with the increase of odds of DPT vaccination record of her children, especially in rural areas (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05–2.74; p < 0.05). Moreover, there are serval other factors influencing positively the maternal and child health, like health insurance access, media exposure, and clean water and improved sanitation facilities access.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes on the need to strengthen adult literacy programs, especially for women in rural areas. Indeed, this could help generalize health insurance by income‐sensitive premiums or exemptions for the poor as well as increased awareness campaigns to promote reproductive and maternal health benefits, via the radio or television. Furthermore, improving access to clean water supply and improved sanitation facilities would greatly ameliorate maternal and child health.