bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation, identification, and molecular docking of novel angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides derived from rice‐based distillers' spent cakes
Authors: Su Hanxing , Fan Wenlai , Xu Yan , Tang Shaopei , Yue Dehong , Liao Zuyue
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Rice‐based distillers' spent cake (RDSC), a by‐product of the Chinese liquor (Baijiu) industry, is a potential source of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide. Since ACE plays a crucial role in controlling hypertension, inhibition of ACE has been widely emphasized. The ACE inhibitory active peptide derived from by‐products of food has been recognized as a safer and cheaper inhibitor.

RESULTS

Aimed to discover ACE‐inhibiting active peptides in RDSC. Hydrolysis of RDSC by alcalase for 4 h followed by ultrafiltration yielded low‐molecular‐weight (< 3 kDa) fractions. Subsequently, a comprehensive method using a combination of liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) and LC‐Q‐Exactive‐MS to identify the novel short peptides (3–5 amino acids residues; n = 7) and medium‐sized peptides (more than 6 amino acids residues; n = 6). In vitro activity assay showed that the peptides KPFFPGL, GFPRPLL, GPPGVF, and VGK exhibited the highest activity with inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) of 11.63, 12.34, 19.55, and 33.54 μmol L−1. Molecular docking reveal that the active and inactive sites (Glu123, Asp121, Arg522, and Lys118) play important roles in enhancing the ACE inhibitory activity of peptides.

CONCLUSION

Here we report a comprehensive method that effectively extracted and identified the bioactive peptides from RDSC. Four highly active novel peptides may be the most promising candidates for functional foods against hypertension, provide significant information for enhancing value of rice‐based distilled by‐products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Total meniscus replacement with a 3D printing of network hydrogel composite scaffold in a rabbit model
Authors: Li Jiaran , Zhang Fansheng , Ga Xisijia , Gao Gan , Guo Tao
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a novel total meniscal implant in promoting meniscal regeneration and protecting articular cartilage in a rabbit model for 3 and 6 months.

Methods

Thirty‐six New Zealand rabbits were selected and divided into poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PG‐Pg) scaffold group, meniscectomy group and sham group. In this study, it was investigated whether PG‐Pg scaffold can prevent articular cartilage degeneration and promote tissue degeneration, and its mechanical properties at 3 and 6 months after surgery were also explored.

Result

The degree of articular cartilage degeneration was significantly lower in the PG‐Pg scaffold group than in the meniscectomy group. The number of chondrocytes increased in the PG‐Pg scaffold at 3 and 6 months, while a gradual increase in the mechanical properties of the PG‐Pg stent was observed from 6 months.

Conclusion

The PG‐Pg scaffold slows down the degeneration of articular cartilage, promotes tissue regeneration and improves biomechanical properties after meniscectomy. This novel meniscus scaffold holds promise for enhancing surgical strategies and delivering superior long‐term results for individuals with severe meniscus tears.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Prognosis of Bilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bhat Akash M. , Nanu Douglas P. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Meyer Ted A. , Labadie Robert F.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To comprehensively examine the characteristics and prognosis of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (BSSHL) and its subtypes compared to unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (USSHL).

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL.

Review Methods

Databases were searched from inception to December 5, 2023, for studies reporting patient characteristics and audiometric outcomes for BSSHL and its simultaneous (Si‐BSSHL) and sequential (Se‐BSSHL) subtypes. Meta‐analysis of continuous measures, proportions (%), mean differences (Δ), and odds ratio (OR) were performed.

Results

Eleven studies were included, consisting of 368 patients with BSSHL and 2,705 patients with USSHL. The pooled prevalence among all SSHL cases was 88.1% (95% CI: 81.2%–93.6%) for USSHL and 11.9% (95% CI: 6.4% to 18.8%) for BSSHL. PTA improvement following treatment with steroids was significantly worse in patients with BSSHL (Δ15.3 dB; 95% CI: 14.6 to 15.9; p < 0.0001) compared to patients with USSHL. There was no significant difference in post‐treatment PTA improvement between the BSSHL subtypes. Patients with Si‐BSSHL were significantly less likely to have an idiopathic etiology (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2 to 0.8; p = 0.01) and significantly more likely to have an autoimmune disease etiology (OR: 27.4; 95% CI: 2.2 to 336.1; p = 0.01), comorbid cardiovascular disease (OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1 to 5.1; p = 0.03), and comorbid hypertension (OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.6 to 3.8; p < 0.0001) compared to patients with USSHL.

Conclusions

BSSHL is a considerably rarer form of SSHL with worse prognosis compared to USSHL. BSSHL, and Si‐BSSHL in particular, has significantly greater associations with systemic pathologies compared to USSHL. Laryngoscope, 134:3883–3891, 2024
Field‐Driven Inverse Design of High‐Performance Polarization‐Multiplexed Meta‐devices
Authors: Bao Hanlin , Zhang Fei , Pu Mingbo , He Qiong , Xu Mingfeng , Guo Yinghui , Li Lanting , Ma Xiaoliang , Li Xiong , Luo Xiangang
Published: March 2024

During the past few years, metasurface polarization optics has experienced remarkable advances, resulting in revolutionary applications in imaging, sensing, computing, etc. The realization of complex optical operations requires the consideration of both the individual meta‐atoms as well as their intricate couplings. However, conventional design methods face challenges as design degrees of freedom and functionality complexity. Additionally, previous studies are restricted to the local design of single meta‐atoms based on explicit mapping relationships while ignoring interactions, resulting in an inability to meet the on‐demand requirements of complex light‐field operations. Here, a global design strategy based on field‐driven polygon evolution to achieve the inverse design of large‐scale coupled meta‐atoms is proposed. Through two global simulations, it can effectively reshape any given target optical field into an optimal structural distribution of devices without knowing mapping relationship. Near‐perfect spin‐decoupled beam‐splitting and high‐performance focusing, as well as the generation of arbitrary vector optical fields on the Poincaré sphere with a maximal diffraction efficiency closely approaching 100%, are experimentally demonstrated. This strategy opens up a new avenue for a rapid inverse design of large‐scale, high‐performance multifunctional meta‐devices, which can hold significant implications for both classical and quantum information processing domains.
Lack of causal association between cheese intake and risk of peripheral vascular diseases: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wen Song , Huang Zehan , He Guodong , Zhang Bin , Huang Yuqing
Published: March 2024

Background

Previous observational studies have yielded inconclusive findings regarding the potential association between cheese intake and peripheral vascular diseases (PVDs). We sought to systematically investigate the causal link between cheese intake and PVDs.

Methods

A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation was undertaken to evaluate the causal link between cheese intake and PVDs. This MR analysis relied on summary statistics derived from published genome‐wide associations studies (GWAS). GWAS summary statistics for cheese intake (N = 451,486), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (N = 361,194), PVD (N = 463,010), pulmonary embolism (PE) (N = 463,010), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (N = 6795) were derived from the UK Biobank. GWAS summary statistics for peripheral angiopathy (N = 162,394), aortic dissection (N = 218,792), aortic aneurysm (AA) (N = 218,792), other PVDs (N = 218,792), and arterial embolism and thrombosis of lower extremity artery (N = 218,792) were extracted from the FinnGen. Primary analysis was performed using an inverse variance weighted method. Sensitivity analyses included weighted median, MR Egger, and weighted mode analyses. Results are shown as odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Genetically predicted cheese intake was not associated with PAD (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.00, p = 0.953), PVD (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99–1.00, p = 0.265), peripheral angiopathy (OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.09–3.66, p = 0.566), aortic dissection(OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.19–2.55, p = 0.583), AA(OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.46–1.82, p = 0.809), other PVDs (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.44–2.21, p = 0.979), PE (OR = 1.00, 95% CI:1.00–1.00, p = 0.635), DVT (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.62–1.12, p = 0.229), and arterial embolism and thrombosis of lower extremity artery (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.21–2.29, p = 0.5413).

Conclusion

Based on the results of our two‐sample MR analysis, we found no significant association between cheese intake and the risk of PVDs. We firmly believed that these findings had the potential to enhance the efficacy of prevention strategies for PVDs, at both the national and clinical level, by improving our understanding of the risk factors involved in their development. Low‐sugar, low‐salt and low‐fat cheese may be a good choice for people at high risk of PVDs.
Rational design of unrestricted pRN1 derivatives and their application in the construction of a dual plasmid vector system for Saccharolobus islandicus
Authors: Zhao Pengpeng , Bi Xiaonan , Wang Xiaoning , Feng Xu , Shen Yulong , Yuan Guanhua , She Qunxin
Published: March 2024

Saccharolobus islandicus REY15A represents one of the very few archaeal models with versatile genetic tools, which include efficient genome editing, gene silencing, and robust protein expression systems. However, plasmid vectors constructed for this crenarchaeon thus far are based solely on the pRN2 cryptic plasmid. Although this plasmid coexists with pRN1 in its original host, early attempts to test pRN1‐based vectors consistently failed to yield any stable host–vector system for Sa. islandicus. We hypothesized that this failure could be due to the occurrence of CRISPR immunity against pRN1 in this archaeon. We identified a putative target sequence in orf904 encoding a putative replicase on pRN1 (target N1). Mutated targets (N1a, N1b, and N1c) were then designed and tested for their capability to escape the host CRISPR immunity by using a plasmid interference assay. The results revealed that the original target triggered CRISPR immunity in this archaeon, whereas all three mutated targets did not, indicating that all the designed target mutations evaded host immunity. These mutated targets were then incorporated into orf904 individually, yielding corresponding mutated pRN1 backbones with which shuttle plasmids were constructed (pN1aSD, pN1bSD, and pN1cSD). Sa. islandicus transformation revealed that pN1aSD and pN1bSD were functional shuttle vectors, but pN1cSD lost the capability for replication. These results indicate that the missense mutations in the conserved helicase domain in pN1c inactivated the replicase. We further showed that pRN1‐based and pRN2‐based vectors were stably maintained in the archaeal cells either alone or in combination, and this yielded a dual plasmid system for genetic study with this important archaeal model.
Advancing additive manufacturing: 3D‐printing of hybrid natural fiber sandwich (Nona/Soy‐PLA) composites through filament extrusion and its effect on thermomechanical properties
Authors: Vinod A. , Tengsuthiwat Jiratti , Vijay R. , Sanjay M. R. , Siengchin Suchart
Published: March 2024

The additive manufacturing technique represents a technological advancement post the industrial revolution, enabling the development of intricate products with minimal waste. In the automotive sector, polymer extrusion‐based additive manufacturing is predominantly employed for part customization. Recently, reinforced polymer matrices have been used to enhance structural integrity, primarily utilizing synthetic materials. Due to environmental concerns, some recent studies have explored the incorporation of natural fiber reinforcement in polymer matrices for 3D‐printed products. Most research has focused on filler reinforcement, limiting investigations to a single type of reinforcement. To bridge this gap and enhance composite performance, our research introduces a novel method for 3D printing composites. This involves stacking sequences using two different natural fiber‐reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) filaments, namely Nona and Soy, respectively. Mechanical testing reveals that the stacking sequence significantly influences the mechanical properties of the 3D‐printed composites. The 3D‐printed composite with Soy/PLA skin stacks exhibits the highest tensile strength of 74.82 MPa. Thermal analysis shows minor changes in glass transition temperature (Tg) and a consistent degree of crystallinity (10.01%). Notable differences in thermal expansion are observed due to the stacking sequence. Fatigue analysis demonstrates the durability of hybrid composites, enduring over 42,000 cycles with minimal deformation compared with to pure fiber‐reinforced 3D‐printed composites. Morphological analysis reveals excellent fiber–matrix interaction and bonding between stacks. The observations confirm that the developed material can be potentially used for developing structurally enhanced composites for lightweight applications. Moreover, the proposed methodology can be adapted for different 3D printing matrices, including robotic printing with multiple axes, making it suitable for various industrial sectors.

Highlights

Utilization of 3D printing technology for the development of agro‐waste fiber products.

Hybridizing the 3D‐printed composite enhanced the fatigue life.

New additive manufacturing technique for developing structurally enhanced composites.
Optimization of 3D printed bioinspired helicoidal composites using Gaussian process regression
Authors: Li Runzhi , Wu Xiaodong , Jia Ziting , An Lianhao , Wang Ke , Li Zhiqiang
Published: March 2024

This work focuses on optimization of 3D printed bioinspired helicoidal composites in design space of helicoidal angle and brick aspect ratio under dynamic three‐point bending loading by performing gaussian process regression‐based Bayesian optimization method. Firstly, the impact responses and crack modes of helicoidal structures under dynamic three‐point bending loading were studied through experiments and simulations. Then, the helicoidal composites with better dynamic mechanical properties were obtained by iterations of Bayesian optimization based on gaussian process regression. Finally, the crack propagation modes of the optimized helicoidal structures under dynamic loading were investigated by analyzing the interlayer stress of the structure. The results show that the interlaminar shear stress of the optimized model is large, which is more prone to produce mixed mode I + II cracks. The mixed mode cracks cause crack deflection, which improving the fracture toughness of the structure.

Highlights

Bioinspired 3D printed helicoidal composites are optimized by machine learning.

The helicoidal composites with better dynamic mechanical properties are obtained.

The crack propagation modes of the optimized helicoidal structures are investigated.

The mixed mode I + II cracks cause crack deflection.
Long‐acting release of small molecules achieved by barrier effect of nano‐brick
Authors: Shen Guohong , Li Biao , Zhang Jian , Jin Lan , Tian Qiang , Yang Zeya , Wang Kai‐Jie , Han Jingbin
Published: March 2024

The long‐acting sustained‐release of active molecules is of great importance in chemical production, food preservative, drug delivery in vivo, and so on. However, the problems of initial‐burst release and short release time (dominated by Fick's lows) commonly exist in sustained‐release materials. Herein, we designed and fabricated two types of film materials to achieve slow, continuous, and long‐term release of small molecules using methyl orange (MO) as a target release substance. B‐MO@polymer films were obtained by embedding MO into polylactic acid/polyethylene glycol (PLA/PEG) substrate and then assembling a layered double hydroxide (LDH)/carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) barrier layer on the substrate surface. Another type of film (LDH&MO@polymer) was prepared by blending LDH and MO into the PLA/PEG polymer matrix. These films show high loading capacities of ~500 μg/cm2 for MO and display long‐acting sustained‐release property arising from the barrier effect of LDH nano‐brick. Specifically, for the B‐MO@polymer film, the release time of 50% MO is 10 days and the release time of 80% MO can be extended to 30 days. Ultimately, the time for complete release (>96%) reaches over 60 days. By using LDH‐embedded polymer as carriers for active molecules, the zero‐order release of MO was realized for LDH&MO@polymer films, achieving sustained release within as long as 145 days. This work provides a new paradigm to achieve the long‐acting sustained‐release of active molecules through the barrier effect of 2D nano‐bricks.

Highlight

Two types of films were obtained to achieve long‐term release of small molecules.

The films show high loading capacities for active molecules.

The long‐acting property is derived from the barrier effect of 2D nano‐brick.

The films can be produced in a large scale and have good application prospects.
Clinical application of high‐LET radiotherapy combined with immunotherapy in malignant tumors
Authors: Meng Kexin , Lu Haijun
Published: March 2024

The superior physical and biological properties of high linear energy transfer (LET), as opposed to traditional low‐LET rays, underscore the advantage of proton therapy (PRT) and carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) are better than traditional photon radiotherapy (XRT). With the advancements in science, an increasing number of hospitals have introduced new technologies. However, radiotherapy is primarily used for local treatment, which means that if the tumor has metastasized to distant sites, it is often necessary to combine it with systemic therapies such as immunotherapy. In recent years, the combination of high‐LET radiotherapy and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment option in oncology and many studies have confirmed its efficacy for both local and distant metastases. In this review, we summarize the effects of PRT and CIRT on the immune system in detail, followed by an introduction to preclinical and clinical studies of PRT and CIRT in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs) therapy. We also briefly introduce some preclinical studies on CIRT in combination with dendritic cells (DCs) and Treg inhibitor therapies.
Key learnings from concordant systematic biopsies in prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography‐guided prostate biopsies: Enhancing targeting accuracy
Authors: Büttner Thomas , Gärtner Florian , Essler Markus , Weiten Richard , Kristiansen Glen , Ellinger Jörg , Ritter Manuel , Krausewitz Philipp
Published: March 2024

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and staging have evolved with the advent of 68Ga‐Prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA‐PET/CT). This study investigates the role of complementary systematic biopsies (SB) during PSMA‐PET/CT‐guided targeted prostate biopsies (PET‐TB) for PCa detection, grading, and distribution. We address the uncertainty surrounding the necessity of SB in conjunction with PET‐TB.

Methods

We analyzed PCa grading and distribution in 30 men who underwent PET‐TB and SB because of contraindication to magnetic resonance imaging or high clinical suspicion of PCa. Tumor distribution was assessed in relation to the PET‐highlighted lesions. Standardized reporting schemes, encompassing SUVmax, PRIMARY score, and miTNM classification, were evaluated.

Results

80% of patients were diagnosed with PCa, with 70% classified as clinically significant (csPCa). SB detected more csPCa cases than PET‐TB, but the differences were not statistically significant. Discordant results were observed in 25% of cases, where SB outperformed PET‐TB. Spatial analysis revealed that tumor‐bearing cores from SB were often located in close proximity to the PET‐highlighted region. Reporting schemes showed potential for csPCa detection with significantly increased SUVmax in csPCA patients. Subsequent follow‐up data underscored the importance of SB in precise PCa grading and staging.

Conclusions

While PET‐TB can simplify prostate biopsy and reduce invasiveness by core number, SB cannot be omitted yet due to potential PET‐TB targeting errors. Factors such as limited spatial resolution and fusion inaccuracies contribute to the need for SB. Standardization in reporting schemes currently cannot compensate for targeting errors highlighting the need for refinement.
Economic optimization of Wolbachia‐infected Aedes aegypti release to prevent dengue
Authors: Hollingsworth Brandon D. , Cho Chanheung , Vella Michael , Roh Hyeongyul , Sass Julian , Lloyd Alun L. , Brown Zachary S.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Dengue virus, primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is a major public health concern affecting ≈3.83 billion people worldwide. Recent releases of Wolbachia‐transinfected Ae. aegypti in several cities worldwide have shown that it can reduce dengue transmission. However, these releases are costly, and, to date, no framework has been proposed for determining economically optimal release strategies that account for both costs associated with disease risk and releases.

RESULTS

We present a flexible stochastic dynamic programming framework for determining optimal release schedules for Wolbachia‐transinfected mosquitoes that balances the cost of dengue infection with the costs of rearing and releasing transinfected mosquitoes. Using an ordinary differential equation model of Wolbachia and dengue in a hypothetical city loosely describing areas at risk of new dengue epidemics, we determined that an all‐or‐nothing release strategy that quickly brings Wolbachia to fixation is often the optimal solution. Based on this, we examined the optimal facility size, finding that it was inelastic with respect to the mosquito population size, with a 100% increase in population size resulting in a 50–67% increase in optimal facility size. Furthermore, we found that these results are robust to mosquito life‐history parameters and are mostly determined by the mosquito population size and the fitness costs associated with Wolbachia.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reinforce that Wolbachia‐transinfected mosquitoes can reduce the cost of dengue epidemics. Furthermore, they emphasize the importance of determining the size of the target population and fitness costs associated with Wolbachia before releases occur. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Nonlinear relationships between human development and international student mobility: The prominent role of employment prospects and cultural and linguistic ties
Authors: Neville Ruth , Rowe Francisco , Singleton Alexander
Published: March 2024

Higher education is a key global market and considerable literature has focused on investigating the determinants of international student mobility (ISM). However, less is known about the extent to which the relative influence of these factors is moderated by local conditions and vary across origin countries. Drawing on a unique data set of undergraduate applications from the UK Colleges and Admissions Service, we analyse variations in the contextual determinants of ISM flows to the United Kingdom across countries of origin over a 10‐year period (2009–2019). We run a suite of negative binomial gravity models to understand the key influences of ISM and uncover the spatial heterogeneity of these influences. Our findings reveal a nonlinear relationship between the level of development of origin countries and ISM flows. Although countries from higher development levels are more likely to send students to the United Kingdom, there appears to be a dip in applications at the mid‐levels of development. Given the nonlinearity of this relationship, we seek to understand how countries across different levels of development respond to the typical factors that are seen to influence flows of international students. We also see substantial heterogeneity of the influence of different factors for origin countries, with some countries being influenced by employment opportunities and others by cultural and linguistic ties. However, this variation is not necessarily determined by the countries’ level of development. Our findings have implications for policy makers, educators and researchers seeking to navigate and influence global student mobility trends. Our study highlights the need for tailored strategies to attract and retain international students from specific origin countries, recognising the multifaceted nature of ISM determinants.
Dynamical Behavior of a Stacked Blue Laser Diode Consisting of Two Active Regions with Wide InGaN Quantum Wells and Two Tunnel Junctions
Authors: Tepaβ Jannina , Uhlig Lukas , Hajdel Mateusz , Siekacz Marcin , Muziol Grzegorz , Schwarz Ulrich Theodor
Published: March 2024

In nitride‐based laser diodes, the poor conductivity of the p‐type region, higher light absorption, and the difficult processing of an ohmic p‐contact with low resistance are major challenges. Recently interband tunnel junctions (TJs) have been used to replace much of the hole transport layers by electron transport layers, and also to allow for two n‐type contacts. In this work, GaN‐based laser diode stacks with TJs are analyzed. The devices are grown with plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy and include two waveguides with active regions consisting of 25 nm wide InGaN quantum well (QW), each, which are connected through a TJ. A second TJ is placed on top to eliminate the p‐type contact. In this study, the time‐dependent spectral behavior of such structures is analyzed by streak camera measurements. The two QWs have different lasing thresholds and emission wavelength. Using the temporal resolution of the streak camera, a lasing onset of the second QW a few nanoseconds after the first one is observed. Single shot measurements show unusual intensity oscillations from both QWs, however, one is stable and the other laser diode (LD) has irregular oscillations.
Distributed observer‐based containment control for unknown time‐varying P‐normal nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Zhang Liuliu , Liu Songsong , Hua Changchun , Ahn Choon Ki
Published: March 2024

This work investigates the containment control for unknown time‐varying p‐normal (TVP) nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) under directed topology. First, by innovatively constructing the dynamic update law in the distributed observer design process, the corresponding virtual leader trajectory can be accurately estimated at an exponential rate. Subsequently, the containment problem of MASs is transformed into a tracking problem through appropriate state transformation. Then, based on backstepping and power integrator techniques, a recursive algorithm is proposed to construct the adaptive controller to guarantee that the followers are driven into the convex hull consisting of dynamic leaders and the closed‐loop system is stable. Finally, the effectiveness of the containment control scheme is verified through a numerical simulation and a practical example of single‐link manipulators.
Offshore wind energy and fisheries: Sustainable development goals, enterprise practices, and fishermen's perspectives
Authors: Lin Chih‐Cheng , Lee Hsiao‐Chien , Hsu Tai‐Wen , Liu Wen‐Hong
Published: March 2024

This study comprises two essential components: a scoping review and interviews with fishermen, both aimed at understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Offshore Wind Energy (OWE) enterprises, particularly in mitigating impacts on local fisheries. Key findings from the scoping review indicate a scarcity of research explicitly dedicated to OWE enterprises' practices concerning. The review's findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the rationale behind these decisions and to explore how OWE enterprises can optimize their practices to address SDG 2. The second part of the study involves interviews with fishermen near proposed offshore wind farm sites in Taiwan. These interviews revealed that fishermen's primary concerns revolve around SDGs 2, 8, 14, and 17. However, OWE enterprises do not prioritize SDG 2, even though fishermen express concerns related to food security, proposing the adoption of marine ranching to enhance seafood supply. Moreover, SDG 17 stands out as a priority for fishermen, while OWE enterprises overlook connections with fisheries associations and fishermen. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of the SDG‐related issues surrounding OWE enterprises and their impact on local fisheries.
Oxygen Vacancy‐Rich Manganese Nanoflowers as Ferroptosis Inducers for Tumor Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Ying , Pi Fen , He Lizhen , Yang Fang , Chen Tianfeng
Published: March 2024

The combination of ferroptosis and innovative tumor therapy methods offers another promising answer to the problem of tumors. In order to generate effective ferroptosis in tumor cells, iron‐based nanomaterials are commonly utilized to introduce foreign iron as a trigger for ferroptosis. However, this usually necessitates the injection of larger doses of iron into the body. These exogenous iron increases are likely to create concealed concerns for symptoms such as liver damage and allergy. Herein, an iron‐free radiosensitizer is introduced, oxygen‐vacancy‐rich MnO2 nanoflowers (ovs‐MnO2), that promotes ferroptosis and modifies the tumor microenvironment to assist radiotherapy. ovs‐MnO2 with enriched oxygen vacancies on the surface induces the release of intracellular free iron (Fe2+), which functions as an activator of Fenton reaction and enhances the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. On the other hand, Fe2+ also triggers the ferroptosis and promotes the accumulation of lipid peroxides. Subsequently, the depletion of glutathione and accumulation of lipid peroxidation in tumor cells leads to the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferroptosis, thereby enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy. The nanoplatform provides a novel strategy for generating novel nanomedicines for ferroptosis‐assisted radiotherapy.
Toward Photosynthetic Mammalian Cells through Artificial Endosymbiosis
Authors: Hu Guipeng , Huang Jinbo , Fussenegger Martin
Published: March 2024

Photosynthesis in plants occurs within specialized organelles known as chloroplasts, which are postulated to have originated through endosymbiosis with cyanobacteria. In nature, instances are also observed wherein specific invertebrates engage in symbiotic relationships with photosynthetic bacteria, allowing them to subsist as photoautotrophic organisms over extended durations. Consequently, the concept of engineering artificial endosymbiosis between mammalian cells and cyanobacteria represents a promising avenue for enabling photosynthesis in mammals. The study embarked with the identification of Synechocystis PCC 6803 as a suitable candidate for establishing a long‐term endosymbiotic relationship with macrophages. The cyanobacteria internalized by macrophages exhibited the capacity to rescue ATP deficiencies within their host cells under conditions of illumination. Following this discovery, a membrane‐coating strategy is developed for the intracellular delivery of cyanobacteria into non‐macrophage mammalian cells. This pioneering technique led to the identification of human embryonic kidney cells HEK293 as optimal hosts for achieving sustained endosymbiosis with Synechocystis PCC 6803. The study offers valuable insights that may serve as a reference for the eventual achievement of artificial photosynthesis in mammals.
Titanium Dioxide and N‐Doped Carbon Hybrid Nanofiber Modulated Ru Nanoclusters for High‐Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Chenxi , Song Honghua , Wang Zhichong , Ye Qing , Zhang Dan , Zhao Yanxia , Ma Jiani , Cheng Yongliang
Published: March 2024

The designing and fabricating highly active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts that can superior to Pt/C is extremely desirable but challenging. Herein, the fabrication of Ru/TiO2/N‐doped carbon (Ru/TiO2/NC) nanofiber is reported as a novel and highly active HER electrocatalyst through electrospinning and subsequent pyrolysis treatment, in which Ru nanoclusters are dispersed into TiO2/NC hybrid nanofiber. As a novel support, experimental and theoretical calculation results reveal that TiO2/NC can more effectively accelerate water dissociation as well as optimize the adsorption strength of *H than TiO2 and NC, thus leading to a significantly enhanced HER activity, which merely requires an overpotential of 18 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2, outperforming Pt/C in an alkaline solution. The electrolytic cell composed of Ru/TiO2/NC nanofiber and NiFe LDH/NF can generate 500 and 1000 mA cm−2 at voltages of 1.631 and 1.753 V, respectively. Furthermore, the electrolytic cell also exhibits remarkable durability for at least 100 h at 200 mA cm−2 with negligible degradation in activity. The present work affords a deep insight into the influence of support on the activity of electrocatalyst and the strategy proposed in this research can also be extended to fabricate various other types of electrocatalysts for diverse electrocatalytic applications.
Numerical Simulation Technologies in Solar‐Driven Interfacial Evaporation Processes
Authors: Wei Yumeng , Yang Yawei , Zhao Qi , Ma Yong , Qiang Mengyuan , Fu Linjing , Liu Yihong , Zhang Jianfei , Qu Zhiguo , Que Wenxiu
Published: March 2024

Solar interfacial evaporation technology has the advantages of environmentally conscious and sustainable benefits. Recent research on light absorption, water transportation, and thermal management has improved the evaporation performance of solar interfacial evaporators. However, many studies on photothermal materials and structures only aim to improve performance, neglecting explanations for heat and mass transfer coupling or providing evidence for performance enhancement. Numerical simulation can simulate the diffusion paths and heat and water transfer processes to understand the thermal and mass transfer mechanism, thereby better achieving the design of efficient solar interfacial evaporators. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest exciting findings and tremendous advances in numerical simulation for solar interfacial evaporation. First, it presents a macroscopic summary of the application of simulation in temperature distribution, salt concentration distribution, and vapor flux distribution during evaporation. Second, the utilization of simulation in the microscopic is summed up, specifically focusing on the movement of water molecules and the mechanisms of light responses during evaporation. Finally, all simulation methods have the goal of validating the physical processes in solar interfacial evaporation. It is hoped that the use of numerical simulation can provide theoretical guidance and technical support for the application of solar‐driven interfacial evaporation technology.
Elastocaloric Response of Isotropic Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
Authors: Herman Jeremy A. , Hoang Jonathan D. , White Timothy J.
Published: March 2024

Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are soft materials that associate order and deformation. Upon deformation, mechanically induced changes order affect entropy and can produce a caloric output (elastocaloric). Elastocaloric effects in materials continue to be considered for functional use as solid state refrigerants. Prior elastocaloric investigations of LCEs and related materials have measured ≈2 °C temperature changes upon deformation (100% strain). Here, the elastocaloric response of LCEs is explored that are prepared with a subambient nematic to isotropic transition temperature. These materials are referred as “isotropic” liquid crystalline elastomers. The LCEs are prepared by a two‐step thiol‐Michael/thiol‐ene reaction. This polymer network chemistry enhances elastic recovery and reduces hysteresis compared to acrylate‐based chemistries. The LCEs exhibit appreciable elastocaloric temperature changes upon deformation and recovery (> ± 3 °C, total ΔT of 6 °C) to deformation driven by minimal force (<< 1 MPa). Notably, the strong association of deformation and order and the resulting temperature change attained at low force achieves a responsivity of 14 °C MPa−1 which is seven times greater than natural rubber.
Lithium Borohydride Nanorods: Self‐Assembling Growth and Remarkable Hydrogen Cycling Properties
Authors: Zhang Wenxuan , Zhou Linming , Zhang Xin , Huang Zhenguo , Fang Fang , Hong Zijian , Li Juan , Gao Mingxia , Sun Wenping , Pan Hongge , Liu Yongfeng
Published: March 2024

Nanostructured metal hydrides with unique morphology and improved hydrogen storage properties have attracted intense interests. However, the study of the growth process of highly active borohydrides remains challenging. Herein, for the first time the synthesis of LiBH4 nanorods through a hydrogen‐assisted one‐pot solvothermal reaction is reported. Reaction of n‐butyl lithium with triethylamine borane in n‐hexane under 50 bar of H2 at 40–100 °C gives rise to the formation of the [100]‐oriented LiBH4 nanorods with 500–800 nm in diameter, whose growth is driven by orientated attachment and ligand adsorption. The unique morphology enables the LiBH4 nanorods to release hydrogen from ≈184 °C, 94 °C lower than the commercial sample (≈278 °C). Hydrogen release amounts to 13 wt% within 40 min at 450 °C with a stable cyclability, remarkably superior to the commercial LiBH4 (≈9.1 wt%). More importantly, up to 180 °C reduction in the onset temperature of hydrogenation is successfully attained by the nanorod sample with respect to the commercial counterpart. The LiBH4 nanorods show no foaming during dehydrogenation, which improves the hydrogen cycling performance. The new approach will shed light on the preparation of nanostructured metal borohydrides as advanced functional materials.
In Situ Growth of Wafer‐Scale Patterned Graphene and Fabrication of Optoelectronic Artificial Synaptic Device Array Based on Graphene/n‐AlGaN Heterojunction for Visual Learning
Authors: Chen Yang , Shi Zhiming , Lv Bingchen , Zhang Wei , Zhang Shanli , Zang Hang , Yue Yuanyuan , Jiang Ke , Ben Jianwei , Jia Yuping , Liu Mingrui , Lu Shunpeng , Sun Rui , Wu Tong , Li Shaojuan , Sun Xiaojuan , Li Dabing
Published: March 2024

The unique optical and electrical properties of graphene‐based heterojunctions make them significant for artificial synaptic devices, promoting the advancement of biomimetic vision systems. However, mass production and integration of device arrays are necessary for visual imaging, which is still challenging due to the difficulty in direct growth of wafer‐scale graphene patterns. Here, a novel strategy is proposed using photosensitive polymer as a solid carbon source for in situ growth of patterned graphene on diverse substrates. The growth mechanism during high‐temperature annealing is elucidated, leading to wafer‐scale graphene patterns with exceptional uniformity, ideal crystalline quality, and precise control over layer number by eliminating the release of volatile from oxygen‐containing resin. The growth strategy enables the fabrication of two‐inch optoelectronic artificial synaptic device array based on graphene/n‐AlGaN heterojunction, which emulates key functionalities of biological synapses, including short‐term plasticity, long‐term plasticity, and spike‐rate‐dependent plasticity. Moreover, the mimicry of visual learning in the human brain is attributed to the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory post‐synapse currents, following a learning rule that prioritizes initial recognition before memory formation. The duration of long‐term memory reaches 10 min. The in situ growth strategy for patterned graphene represents the novelty for fabricating fundamental hardware of an artificial neuromorphic system.
Nickel Hydroxide‐Based Electrocatalysts for Promising Electrochemical Oxidation Reactions: Beyond Water Oxidation
Authors: Sun Hainan , Song Sanzhao
Published: March 2024

Transition metal hydroxides have attracted significant research interest for their energy storage and conversion technique applications. In particular, nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)2), with increasing significance, is extensively used in material science and engineering. The past decades have witnessed the flourishing of Ni(OH)2‐based materials as efficient electrocatalysts for water oxidation, which is a critical catalytic reaction for sustainable technologies, such as water electrolysis, fuel cells, CO2 reduction, and metal–air batteries. Coupling the electrochemical oxidation of small molecules to replace water oxidation at the anode is confirmed as an effective and promising strategy for realizing the energy‐saving production. The physicochemical properties of Ni(OH)2 related to conventional water oxidation are first presented in this review. Then, recent progress based on Ni(OH)2 materials for these promising electrochemical reactions is symmetrically categorized and reviewed. Significant emphasis is placed on establishing the structure–activity relationship and disclosing the reaction mechanism. Emerging material design strategies for novel electrocatalysts are also highlighted. Finally, the existing challenges and future research directions are presented.
Controlled Fabrication of Composite Transparent Electrodes for Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells with above 84% Fill Factor
Authors: Yu Wei , Liu Chunming , Li Chi , Wang Can , Li Tinghao , Xiong Qiu , Liang Lusheng , Zhang Zilong , Yu Xuteng , Wang Yao , Lien Shui‐Yang , Gao Peng
Published: March 2024

In the quest to develop efficient semitransparent perovskite solar cells (ST‐PSCs), the primary challenge lies in transparent electrode fabrication. n–i–p‐type ST‐PSCs often suffer from low fill factors (FF) and power conversion efficiency (PCE), attributed to the undesirable buffer layer/transparent conductive oxide combination of the transparent electrode. In this context, this study proposes an efficient composite transparent electrode (CTE) system comprising an ultrathin MoO3 buffer layer (5 nm) and low‐power sputtered indium zinc oxide (45 W–220 nm). The electrode demonstrates excellent compatibility with Spiro‐OMeTAD‐based devices, effectively addressing the low FF and PCE challenges of ST‐PSCs. Employing the new CTE, the best‐performing ST‐PSCs with the absorption edge at 1.57 eV achieve a remarkable PCE of 21.96% with an FF of up to 83.80%. More transparent ST‐PSCs with thickness‐modulated absorbers and average transmittance of 50.77% at 600–1200 nm wavelength result in a PCE of up to 20.91% with the highest known FF of 84.02%. This study presents a general and viable approach for fabricating efficient ST‐PSCs.
Texturing to Dramatically Increase Thermal Deformation of Bilayer Film and Application to Actuator
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Takahara Yuki , Wakimoto Shuichi , Kanda Takefumi
Published: March 2024

The effect of adding texture to increase the deformation of a bilayer actuator by a factor of over 100 was demonstrated. A bilayer actuator is driven by the difference in thermal deformation. Therefore, two films or plates with a large difference in thermal expansion coefficient are required. The newly developed textured film actuator (TFA) obtained large deformation even in a case involving a combination of two films with a small difference in thermal expansion coefficient. The TFA was fabricated by transferring the texture when laminating two PI films with different coefficients of thermal expansion. A TFA with thin‐film electrodes was heated by applying electric power. Thereby, it unfolded from a curled state. The maximum generated force and curvature of the TFA were 7.4 mN and 0.19 mm−1, respectively, at 0.38 W. The manufacturing process for the TFA is simple and convenient, as it does not require adhesives or special materials. In thermal drive bilayer actuator fabrication, the range of material selection is expanded substantially. In addition, large deformations are generated with less energy. Therefore, the energy consumption is likely to be reduced. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Survey of ectoparasites affecting dog and cat populations living in sympatry in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Taddesse Hana , Grillini Marika , Ayana Dinka , Frangipane di Regalbono Antonio , Cassini Rudi , Kumsa Bersissa
Published: March 2024

Background

Ectoparasites of dogs and cats are implicated to be responsible for life‐threatening anaemia, allergic dermatitis and pruritic and non‐pruritic skin disorders. In Ethiopia, few studies have been conducted on the arthropods of dogs and cats.

Objectives

In order to shed light on some of these aspects, a survey was conducted to investigate the presence of ectoparasites in dogs and cats living in sympatry in the urban and rural areas of Gamo Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 297 dogs and 110 cats were examined for ectoparasites, and questionnaires were employed to obtain information concerning owner's knowledge about arthropods and vector‐borne diseases (VBDs).

Results

The overall prevalence of ticks, fleas and lice in dogs was 36.7%, 69.7% and 4.7%, respectively. Similarly, on cats, an overall prevalence of 2.7% ticks and 21.8% fleas was recorded. On dogs, fleas (Ctenocephalides felis 69.4%, Echidnophaga gallinacea 1.3%, Ctenocephalides canis 1.0% and Pulex irritans 0.3%), ticks (Amblyomma variegatum 22.9%, Rhipicephalus sanguineus 14.1%, Haemaphysalis leachi 8.8%, Rhipicephalus praetextatus 4.0% and Rhipicephalus pulchellus 3.4%) and lice (Heterodoxus spiniger 4.0% and Trichodectes canis 0.7%) were identified. Likewise, on cats, fleas (C. felis [15.5%] and E. gallinacea [7.3%]) and ticks (H. leachi [2.7%]) were identified. The abundance of C. felis was significantly higher (p < 0.001) on dogs, whereas in cats, the abundance of E. gallinacea was significantly higher (p = 0.002) than the other ectoparasites. On dogs, a significantly higher prevalence of Rh. sanguineus was recorded in urban areas (<0.001) and on dogs which live in indoor environments (p = 0.003) than on dogs which live in other environments. On the other hand, the prevalence of A. variegatum in rural areas and midland agroecology was significantly higher (p < 0.001). The prevalence of H. leachi was significantly higher in midland (p < 0.001) and on adult dogs (p = 0.001). Overall, fleas were more prevalent in rural (p = 0.029) than in urban areas, and female dogs were with higher infestation than the male (p = 0.047) dogs; C. felis was prevalent in female (p = 0.038) dogs than males. Overall, 88.3% owners in the study area had no knowledge about ectoparasites and VBDs of dogs and cats. Majority of the owners (64.8%) attest that they had never visited veterinary clinics.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the data presented in the present study provide additional knowledge on the importance of ectoparasites of dogs and cats and are believed to contribute in awareness creation and strengthening of veterinary services of dogs and cats of the study area.