bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effects of Microglial Membrane‐Derived Biomimetic Particles for Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Li Shang , Li Haiyan , Guo Peilin , Lyu Chengliang , Ye Peng , Yang Weiqiang , Wang Jinghui , Yu Dingle , Lu Guihong , Tan Hui
Published: September 2023

Inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses caused by secondary injury following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is an attractive strategy in treating traumatic SCI. However, the efficacy of drugs is severely limited owing to the poor penetration of the blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB). Here, inspired by cell chemotaxis and related chemokines production at the lesion sites of SCI, the microglial membrane is selected to construct a drug delivery system with the ability to cross the BSCB and target the lesions. PR@MM is prepared based on the assembly of polylactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) and resveratrol (RSV) followed by microglial membrane (MM) coating. Compared to that of the uncoated nanoparticles, the enrichment of PR@MM at the lesion sites of SCI increases, which is beneficial to achieve lesion targeting of RSV and exert therapeutic functions. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that PR@MM has the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species and anti‐inflammatory effects, which ultimately promotes the recovery of locomotory function after SCI. Therefore, this microglial membrane‐based drug delivery system provides a promising biomimetic nanomedicine for targeted therapy for SCI.
A Self‐Powered UV Photodetector With Ultrahigh Responsivity Based on 2D Perovskite Ferroelectric Films With Mixed Spacer Cations
Authors: Guo Linjuan , Qi Yaqian , Wu Zihao , Yang Xiaoran , Yan Guoying , Cong Ridong , Zhao Lei , Zhang Wei , Wang Shufang , Pan Caofeng , Yang Zheng
Published: September 2023

Self‐powered photodetectors (PDs) have the advantages of no external power requirement, wireless operation, and long life. Spontaneous ferroelectric polarizations can significantly increase built‐in electric field intensity, showing great potential in self‐powered photodetection. Moreover, ferroelectrics possess pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties, beneficial for enhancing self‐powered PDs. 2D metal halide perovskites (MHPs), which have ferroelectric properties, are suitable for fabricating high‐performance self‐powered PDs. However, the research on 2D metal halide perovskites ferroelectrics focuses on growing bulk crystals. Herein, 2D ferroelectric perovskite films with mixed spacer cations for self‐powered PDs are demonstrated by mixing Ruddlesden–Popper (RP)‐type and Dion–Jacobson (DJ)‐type perovskite. The (BDA0.7(BA2)0.3)(EA)2Pb3Br10 film possesses, overall, the best film qualities with the best crystalline quality, lowest trap density, good phase purity, and obvious ferroelectricity. Based on the ferro–pyro–phototronic effect, the PD at 360 nm exhibits excellent photoelectric properties, with an ultrahigh peak responsivity greater than 93 A W−1 and a detectivity of 2.5 × 1015 Jones, together with excellent reproducibility and stability. The maximum responsivities can be modulated by piezo–phototronic effect with an effective enhancement ratio of 480%. This work will open up a new route of designing MHP ferroelectric films for high‐performance PDs and offers the opportunity to utilize it for various optoelectronics applications.
Unraveling the Impact of Bromine Incorporation on the Hybrid Perovskite Film Phase Evolution Mechanism by In Situ Characterization
Authors: He Aoxi , Wang Yunfan , Tang Peng , Zhang Zhuoqiong , Zeng Zixin , Zhang Yuxuan , Hao Xia , Wu Lili , So Shu Kong , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Zhang Jingquan
Published: September 2023

Hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite materials have substantially boosted solar cell efficiency, but such multiple components complicate the crystallization kinetics and phase evolution process. In particular, the mechanisms underlying the film formation where small halide Br− is involved in, from precursor to solid‐state thin films as well as the process‐structure relationship, still need to be determined. In this study, the role of Br− ion in altering the crystallization kinetics and phase‐transition mechanism, is recognized using in situ characterization and density functional analysis method based on first principles. High‐quality perovskite film can be fabricated based on these results through precise compositional engineering. These results provide basic insight into the crystallization of hybrid perovskite materials with direct implications for fabricating high‐quality perovskite film and high‐performance perovskite solar cells.
Tin‐Based Eco‐Friendly Perovskites for Sustainable Future
Authors: Sen Suvankar , Gopalan Saianand , Sellappan Raja , Grace Andrews Nirmala , Sonar Prashant
Published: September 2023

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have opened a floodgate of diverse research. These highly functional materials have immense potential prospects in renewable energy, optoelectronic applications, to name a few. Most of the perovskites have lead (Pb) as an integral active component. Though the Pb‐based organometallic perovskites have shown outstanding performance (over 25%), significant challenges exist including the presence of Pb, its toxicity as well as the instability that can hamper the use of these devices toward practical applications. There are some instances where a complete absence of Pb has been used to achieve respectable device performance, but they face a challenge from the towering success of their counterparts. To offset the issues, significant efforts are being carried out to employ other alternatives (cations) in conjunction with Pb, without distorting the inherent material properties. To that end, tin (Sn) has emerged as a promising alternative to Pb in achieving benchmark performance. Bringing these Sn PSCs into more prominence is a crucial step in taking low Pb or Pb‐free PSCs to the next level of research and commercialization. In this topical review, the notable advancements are highlighted, overviewed and recommendations are made for prospects toward environmentally friendly Sn‐based perovskite photovoltaics.
Revisiting source versus sink limitations of wheat yield during grain filling
Authors: Rosati Adolfo , Benincasa Paolo
Published: September 2023

To further increase wheat (Triticum spp.) yield, we need to understand whether it is source or sink limited. Earlier papers suggested that wheat yield is source limited in modern cultivars, including during the grain‐filling stage. Many recent papers support this interpretation, showing that yield is strongly related to environmental conditions that affect source capacity. In contrast to this, other authors working on source–sink manipulations have concluded that wheat yield is only or predominantly sink limited during grain filling. The objective of this forum paper was to examine this contrasting literature and revisit the assumptions and the interpretation of the results. We found that the arguments for a major sink limitation to wheat yield during grain filling arose from a common approach to quantitatively assess the degree of source–sink limitations, based on relativizing the change in grain weight (in response to source–sink manipulations) to the estimated change in source availability per grain. We show that the estimated changes in source availability with source manipulations are often overestimated in the literature, thus underestimating source limitations. Most importantly, we discuss why relativizing the change in grain weight to the estimated change in source availability biases the interpretation of source versus sink limitations. We conclude that wheat yield is mostly source limited during grain filling, and thus strongly dependent on environmental (including agronomic) conditions. A new model to interpret wheat yield limitations is proposed, describing yield as source limited during the whole crop cycle, including during grain filling.
Water‐Promoted Carbon‐Carbon Bond Cleavage Employing a Reusable Fe Single‐Atom Catalyst
Authors: Qi Haifeng , Mao Shuxin , Rabeah Jabor , Qu Ruiyang , Yang Na , Chen Zupeng , Bourriquen Florian , Yang Ji , Li Jianfeng , Junge Kathrin , Beller Matthias
Published: September 2023

The development of methods for selective cleavage reactions of thermodynamically stable C−C/C=C bonds in a green manner is a challenging research field which is largely unexplored. Herein, we present a heterogeneous Fe−N−C catalyst with highly dispersed iron centers that allows for the oxidative C−C/C=C bond cleavage of amines, secondary alcohols, ketones, and olefins in the presence of air (O2) and water (H2O). Mechanistic studies reveal the presence of water to be essential for the performance of the Fe−N−C system, boosting the product yield from <1 % to >90 %. Combined spectroscopic characterizations and control experiments suggest the singlet 1O2 and hydroxide species generated from O2 and H2O, respectively, take selectively part in the C−C bond cleavage. The broad applicability (>40 examples) even for complex drugs as well as high activity, selectivity, and durability under comparably mild conditions highlight this unique catalytic system.
Nickel‐asparagine complex fixed on a magnetic substrate as a precursor for preparing substituted acridines
Authors: Abbaszadehghan Maryam , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad , Bibak Sepideh , Sarreshtehdar Aslaheh Hamideh
Published: September 2023

In this work, an efficient, novel, retrievable, and magnetic heterogeneous nanocatalyst, Fe3O4@CPTMS@Asp@Ni was successfully fabricated using Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the core that were coated with surfactant and 3‐chloropropyltrimethoxysilan and deposited asparagine and nickel metal that can be used in multicomponent reactions for the synthesis of acridines derivatives with high yield in short reaction times. The virtue of obtained nanocatalyst was identified using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, vibrating sample magnetometry, Raman, and thermogravimetric analysis. The X‐ray diffraction analysis studies demonstrate that the average crystallite sizes of the prepared nanocatalyst are estimated to be about 45.4 nm. Also, the vibrating sample magnetometry measurement shows saturation magnetization values (Ms) of 7 emu/g for Fe3O4@CPTMS@Asp@Ni nanocatalyst. Also, after the synthesis steps, the application of the prepared nanocatalyst in the preparation of acridine‐1,8(2H,5H)‐diones has been investigated. Then to evaluate and assess the efficiency of the nanocatalyst as mentioned above, and its effect on the synthesis of divergent acridines via a one‐pot, three‐component condensation reaction of cyclic 1,3‐dione, aryl glyoxal, with ammonium acetate in the water as green solvent was studied. Also, when investigating the reusability of this catalyst, it was observed that Fe3O4@CPTMS@Asp@Ni nanocatalyst could be reused at least five times without losing its efficiency. High efficiency, outstanding yields in quick intervals, easy separation using a magnetic field, and possessing reusability are significant benefits of the attained nanocatalyst.
High‐temperature platinum‐catalyzed hydrosilylation and dehydrocoupling cross‐linking of silicones
Authors: Filippova Sofia S. , Deriabin Konstantin V. , Golovenko Ekaterina A. , Baykov Sergey V. , Antonov Nikita S. , Boyarskiy Vadim P. , Islamova Regina M.
Published: September 2023

We propose to use the platinum(II)C,N‐cyclometalated complex (PCC) to catalyze the hydrosilylation and dehydrocoupling reactions of high molecular weight polysiloxanes at elevated temperatures (above 100°C). PCC was prepared via a three‐step procedure consisting of the 2‐hydrazinopyridine synthesis, its treatment with 3‐methoxy‐4‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐yloxy)benzaldehyde, and coupling of the obtained product withcis‐[PtCl2(CNXyl)2]. This complex exhibits thermal stability up to 150°C even at heating in air. PCC allows carrying out the cross‐linking of vinyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (V‐PDMS) and polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) by hydrosilylation, as well as PMHS dehydrocoupling cross‐linking at 150 and 120°C, respectively. The coupling (cross‐linking) patterns were successfully confirmed by1H,13C, and29Si solid‐state NMR spectroscopy. The thermal and swelling characteristics and the transparency of the obtained silicone materials indicate the absence of aggregation of platinum particles.
Polyaniline/manganese nickel oxide/graphene composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Ma Yunhan , Fu Yue , Wei Na , Zhu Jingbo , Niu Haijun , Qin Chuanli , Jiang Xiankai
Published: September 2023

This study introduces a novel electrode material featuring a core‐shell intercalation structure. The material was synthesized using a simple and scalable method suitable for industrial replication. The outer layer of the electrode material comprises polyaniline, enveloping a nuclear structure composed of manganese dioxide and nickel oxide. This core‐shell configuration is then integrated into the lamellar structure of graphene oxide, resulting in the formation of PANI@(MnO2 + NiO)@GO composite. The combination of polyaniline, metal oxides, and graphene oxide demonstrates robust adsorption capacity, leading to the development of a three‐dimensional stable structure between the core and the shell. Additionally, graphene oxide contributes to the bilayer capacitance of the composites, resulting in simultaneous multiple synergistic effects and improved charge storage capacity. Electrochemical characterization reveals exceptional properties of this composite material, exhibiting a specific capacitance of 396 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in a three‐electrode configuration. Furthermore, the material retains 82.6% of its capacitance after undergoing 3000 consecutive charge/discharge cycles. Calculations estimate the energy density and power density of this composite in a supercapacitor employing 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte to be 43.2 W h kg−1 and 249.99 W kg−1, respectively.
Promoting data use through understanding user behaviors: A model for human open government data interaction
Authors: Xiao Fanghui , Chi Yu , He Daqing
Published: September 2023

Recent dramatic increases in the ability to generate, collect, and use datasets have inspired numerous academic and policy discussions regarding the emerging field of human data interaction (HDI). Given the challenges in interacting with open government data (OGD) and the existing research gap in this field, our study intends to explore HDI in the OGD domain and investigate ways HDI can further contribute to OGD promotion. Building upon two existing behavioral models, we proposed an initial conceptual model for OGD interaction, then using this model, conducted two studies to empirically examine users' behaviors when interacting with OGD. Ultimately, we refined this model for OGD interaction and invited three experts to validate it to enhance its understandability, comprehensiveness, and reasonableness. This comprehensive model for human OGD interaction will contribute to the theoretical work of the HDI field as well as the practical design of OGD platforms and data literacy education.
Fully cooperative games with state and input constraints using reinforcement learning based on control barrier functions
Authors: Liu Shihan , Liu Lijun , Yu Zhen
Published: September 2023

This paper provides a novel safe reinforcement learning (RL) control algorithm to solve safe optimal problems for fully cooperative (FC) games of discrete‐time multiplayer nonlinear systems with state and input constraints. The FC game is a special case of nonzero‐sum (NZS) games, where all players cooperate to accomplish a common task. The algorithm is proposed based on the policy iteration (PI) framework utilizing only the measured data along the system trajectories in the environment. Different from most works about PI, an effective method of obtaining initial safe and stable control policies is given here. In addition, control barrier functions (CBFs) and an input constraint function are introduced to augment reward functions. And the monotonically nonincreasing property of the iterative value function in the PI algorithm maintains the safe set forward invariant. Then, the neural networks are employed to approximate the system dynamics, the iterative control policies, and the iterative value function, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is supported by theoretical proofs that guarantee both safety and convergence. Finally, the effectiveness and safety of the algorithm are illustrated by the results of the simulation.
Modulating the RAGE‐Induced Inflammatory Response: Peptoids as RAGE Antagonists
Authors: Waugh Mihyun Lim , Wolf Lauren M. , Turner James P. , Phillips Lauren N. , Servoss Shannon L. , Moss Melissa A.
Published: September 2023

While the primary pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is defined by brain deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, chronic inflammation has emerged as an important factor in AD etiology. Upregulated cell surface expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE), a key receptor of innate immune response, is reported in AD. In parallel, RAGE ligands, including Aβ aggregates, HMGB1, and S100B, are elevated in AD brain. Activation of RAGE by these ligands triggers release of inflammatory cytokines and upregulates cell surface RAGE. Despite such observation, there are currently no therapeutics that target RAGE for treatment of AD‐associated neuroinflammation. Peptoids, a novel class of potential AD therapeutics, display low toxicity, facile blood‐brain barrier permeability, and resistance to proteolytic degradation. In the current study, peptoids were designed to mimic Aβ, a ligand that binds the V‐domain of RAGE, and curtail RAGE inflammatory activation. We reveal the nanomolar binding capability of peptoids JPT1 and JPT1a to RAGE and demonstrate their ability to attenuate lipopolysaccharide‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production as well as upregulation of RAGE cell surface expression. These results support RAGE antagonist peptoid‐based mimics as a prospective therapeutic strategy to counter neuroinflammation in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Comparative evaluation of intracardiac, transesophageal, and transthoracic echocardiography in the assessment of patent foramen ovale: A retrospective single‐center study
Authors: Chaturvedi Abhishek , Moroni Francesco , Axline Michael , Tomdio Anna , Mojadidi Mohammad K. , Gertz Zachary
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Certain patent foramen ovale (PFO) characteristics, such as a large right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) or atrial septal aneurysm, identify patients who may receive the highest clinical benefit from percutaneous PFO closure. This study aimed to compare intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) with standard echocardiographic imaging in the evaluation of high‐risk PFO characteristics and RLS severity in patients with PFO‐associated stroke.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients aged ≥18 years who underwent percutaneous PFO closure for PFO‐associated stroke and received all three ultrasound‐based cardiac imaging modalities and had interpretable results (N = 51). We then compared RLS severity, high‐risk PFO characteristics, and the proportion of patients with a higher likelihood of PFO‐associated stroke by ICE versus transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

Results

The final cohort had a mean (±SE) age of 48.4 (±1.8) years and was predominantly female (58.8%). ICE was more likely to identify a large RLS versus TTE/TEE combined (66.7% vs. 45.1%; p = 0.03). The use of ICE resulted in significantly more patients being reclassified as having a higher likelihood of PFO‐associated stroke (TTE vs. TEE vs. ICE: 10.4% vs. 14.6% vs. 25%; p = 0.03). A high‐quality bubble study was found to be the single most important factor associated with identifying a larger RLS across all modalities (ρ [p]; TTE: 0.49 [<0.001], TEE: 0.60 [<0.001], ICE: 0.32 [0.02]). The presence of a hypermobile septum was associated with significantly greater RLS on ICE (ρ [p]: 0.3 [0.03]), especially with poor quality bubble studies (ρ [p]: 0.49 [0.02]).

Conclusion

In this observational study of patients with PFO‐associated stroke, ICE detected a large RLS more frequently than TTE and TEE; and reclassified some patients as having a higher likelihood of PFO‐associated stroke.
Elusive long‐standing intraoral foreign body: A rare encounter
Authors: R Chandini , R Saranya , Balasubramaniam Murali , Rajkumar Ranjini , Dhungel Safal , Ghosh Snehashish
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Foreign body ingestion/aspiration can occur during orthodontic procedures that may be of minimal risk or lead to acute medical and life‐threatening emergencies. The present report describes a rare case of retained orthodontic wire fragment in the masticator space for nearly two decades identified as an incidental radiographic finding, highlighting the importance of optimum care in the dental clinic at all times be it surgical or nonsurgical intervention.
Synergistic Activation of Inert Iron Oxide Basal Planes through Heterostructure Formation and Doping for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Su Hong , Wang Shanshan , Liao Wanyi , Gan Rong , Ran Yiling , Zhao Qin , Fang Ling , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2023

Iron oxides have emerged as a very promising and cost‐effective alternative to precious metal catalysts for hydrogen production. However, the inert basal plane of iron oxides needs to be activated to enhance their catalytic efficiency. In this study, we employed heterostructure engineering and doped nickel to cooperatively activate the basal planes of iron oxide (Ni−Fe2O3/CeO2 HSs) to achieve high hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. The Ni−Fe2O3/CeO2 HSs electrocatalyst demonstrates excellent basic HER activity and stability, such as an extremely low overpotential of 43 mV at 10 mA cm−2 current density and corresponding Tafel slope of 58.6 mV dec−1. The increase in electrocatalyst activity and acceleration of hydrogen precipitation kinetics arises from the dual modulation of Ni doping and heterostructure, which not only modulates the electrocatalyst‘s electronic structure, but also increases the number and exposure of active sites. Remarkably, the generation of heterogeneous structure makes the catalyst se. The Ni‐doped catalyst has not only increased HER activity but also low‐temperature resistance. These results suggest that the synergistic activation of inert iron oxide basal planes through heterostructure formation and doping is a feasible strategy. Furthermore, for efficient electrocatalytic water splitting, this technique can be extended to other non‐noble metal oxides.
Surface/Interface Engineering of Hierarchical MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 Heterogeneous Nanosheet Arrays for Alkaline Water Electrolysis with Fast Kinetics
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Zhang Ruixue , Zhao Yingxiu , Sun Tiantian , Gao Jianyang , Xu Guang‐Rui , Wu Zexing , Yang Yu , Wang Lei
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Realizing the hydrogen economy by water electrolysis is an attractive approach for hydrogen production, while the efficient and stable bifunctional catalysts under high current densities are the bottleneck that limits the half‐cell reactions of water splitting. Here, we propose an approach of hydrothermal and thermal annealing methods for robust MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 heterogeneous cuboid array electrocatalyst with multiplying surface‐active sites by depositing a monolayer amount of Ru. Benefiting from abundant MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 heterointerfaces, MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 heterogeneous cuboid array electrocatalysts effectively drive the alkaline water splitting with superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performances. The synthesized MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 has high HER activity, which realizes the working overpotentials of 48 mV at 50 mA·cm–2, further achieving overpotentials of 230 mV for industry‐level 1000 mA·cm–2 in alkaline water electrolysis. Moreover, it also showed an enhanced OER activity than commercial RuO2 with a small overpotential of 280 mV at 200 mA·cm–2 in alkaline media. When building an electrolyzer with electrodes of (–)MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2IIMoO2/ MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 (+), a cell voltage of 1.63 V and 1.75 V is just required to support the current density of 200 mA·cm–2 and 500 mA·cm–2 in alkaline water electrolysis, much lower than that of the electrolyzer of (–)Pt/CIIRuO2(+). This work demonstrates that MoO2/MoNi4@Ru/RuO2 heterogeneous nanosheet arrays are promising candidates for industrial water electrolysis applications, providing a possibility for the exploration of water electrolysis with a large current density.
The Potential Game‐Changer: A Concept‐to‐Proof Study on D:A Heterojunction‐Free Organic Photovoltaics†
Authors: Zuo Lijian , Jo Sae Byeok , Shi Xueliang , Lin Francis , Jen Alex
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Since 1986, the donor‐acceptor (D:A) heterojunction has been regarded a necessity for high‐efficiency organic photovoltaics (OPVs), due to its unique advantage in compensating the intrinsic limitations of organic semiconductors, such as high exciton binding energy and poor ambipolar charge mobility. While this adversely causes tremendous non‐radiative charge recombination and instability issues, which currently become the most critical limits for commercialization of OPVs. Here, we present a concept‐to‐proof study on the potential of D:A heterojunction free OPV by taking advantage of recent progress of non‐fullerene acceptors. First, we demonstrate that the “free carriers” can be spontaneously generated upon illumination in an NFA, i.e., the 6TIC‐4F single layer. Second, the 6TIC‐4F layer also exhibits good ambipolar charge transporting property. These exceptional characteristics distinguish it from the traditional organic semiconductors, and relieve it from the reliance of D:A heterojunction to independently work as active layer. As a result, the subsequent OPV by simply sandwiching the 6TIC‐4F layer between the cathode and anode yields a considerably high power conversion efficiency ~1%. Moreover, we find the D:A heterojunction free device exhibits two order of magnitude higher electroluminescence quantum efficiency and significantly reduced VOC loss by 0.16 eV compared to those of the D:A BHJ structure, validating its promise for higher efficiency in the future. Therefore, our work demonstrates the possibility of using D:A heterojunction‐free device structure for high performance, that can potentially become the next game changer of OPV.
Enhancing the Circularly Polarized Luminescence of Self‐assembled Cyanostilbenes through Extended π‐Conjugation
Authors: Lv Tongjin , Wu Song , Jin Yu , Ma Jianfei , Jiang Sixun , Xue Yuncong , Wang Feng
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Chiral supramolecular assembly of π‐conjugated luminophores provides a promising avenue for enhancing circularly polarized luminescence. In this study, we shed light on the impact of π‐conjugation length on circularly polarized luminescent performance of the resulting supramolecular assemblies, by designing a tetra‐cyanostilbene monomeric compound alongside two dicyanostilbene control compounds. These cyanostilbene‐based compounds possess the ability to form chiral supramolecular polymers in toluene, driven by a synergistic combination of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The extended π‐aromatic skeleton brings bathochromic‐shifted fluorescence and enhanced intermolecular stacking capability for the tetra‐cyanostilbene compound. Consequently, chiral supramolecular assemblies formed by the tetra‐cyanostilbene compound demonstrate a remarkable two‐fold increase in glum values relative to the assemblies formed by the dicyanostilbene compounds. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between π‐conjugation length and the circularly polarized luminescent performance of π‐conjugated supramolecular assemblies.
Advanced set containment deep learned Rabin certificateless signcryption for secured transmission with big data in cloud
Authors: Sakthivel G. , Madhubala P.
Published: September 2023

Cloud computing is distributed type of technology to offers distant services by the internet to manage, access, and store data on their server. The cloud server manages and distributes large amounts of data. During large amounts of complex structured and unstructured data transactions, in order to protect the data and cloud resources from harmful activities by using the main task of the security system. Therefore, a novel intrusion detection system is required in cloud networks to detect malicious activity and improve secure data transmission. In this paper, a novel technique called advanced set containment deep learned Rabin certificateless signcryption (ADRES) technique is employed to secure data transmission for achieving better confidentiality, and integrity, in cloud computing. The ADRES technique includes three major phases namely Registration and key generation, signcryption, and unsigncryption. At the first phase, the user registers details to the cloud server using secure transmission in big data analytics. The cloud server generates the private and public keys for each registered user. In the second phase, the signcryption process is determined by cloud user that encrypts and generates the signature by using the Rabin cryptosystem. Then encrypted data is stored in a cloud server with minimum space complexity. Finally, the unsigncryption is performed by using signature verification and decryption. First, the signature verification is performed by applying an Advanced set containment Deep belief neural network for identifying the authorized or unauthorized user (i.e., attacker). The authorized user decrypts data using the Rabin cryptosystem to achieve the original data. Thus, secure data transmission is obtained through improved data confidentiality and integrity. Simulation of the proposed ADRES technique is performed with respect to data confidentiality level, data integrity rate, and computation time, space complexity with several numbers of data. Experimental results reported ADRES obtains the improved data transmission security with better confidentiality rate by 7%, integrity by 7%, and lesser time 16% and space complexity by 18% than the conventional methods.
Automated service monitoring in the deployment of ARCHER2
Authors: Leach Kieran , Cass Philip , Robson Steven , Kazakevicius Eimantas , Lafferty Martin , Turner Andrew , Simpson Alan
Published: September 2023

The ARCHER2 service, a CPU based HPE Cray EX system with 750,080 cores (5860 nodes), has been deployed throughout 2020 and 2021, going into full service in December of 2021. A key part of the work during this deployment was the integration of ARCHER2 into our local monitoring systems. As ARCHER2 was one of the very first large‐scale EX deployments, this involved close collaboration and development work with the HPE team through a global pandemic situation where collaboration and co‐working was significantly more challenging than usual. The deployment included the creation of automated checks and visual representations of system status which needed to be made available to external parties for diagnosis and interpretation. We will describe how these checks have been deployed and how data gathered played a key role in the deployment of ARCHER2, the commissioning of the plant infrastructure, the conduct of HPL runs for submission to the Top500 and contractual monitoring of the availability of the ARCHER2 service during its commissioning and early life.
An agent‐based model to evaluate agricultural vulnerability and risk facing climate change in strawberry production
Authors: Rodríguez‐Aguirre Edgar , Badillo‐Márquez Alina Evelyn , Aguilar‐Lasserre Alberto Alfonso , Flores‐Asis Rita
Published: September 2023

Human activity has created an environmental imbalance, which is reflected in climate change and resulting temperature variations, harmful levels of air quality, and more frequent and more intense meteorological phenomena, thus having significant consequences on the agricultural sector, for example, changes in soil, climate, and water characteristics as well as in available resources for agricultural production. This paper presents an agent‐based model (ABM) to evaluate the behavior of the strawberry's (Fragaria × ananassa) agricultural system in Veracruz, Mexico, to determine the degree of existing vulnerability through a dynamic assessment of agricultural risk. Development of the ABM allows the evaluation of variations in the active entities (critical variables of the model) to determine the factors that present a better crop yield. The research showed that temperature and precipitation are determining factors in strawberry quality, as they have a direct relationship with the growth and different phenological stages of the crop from an early age to a stage of greater maturity from the budding, flowering, and fruiting stages of the strawberry.
Design, optimisation and standardisation of a high‐dimensional spectral flow cytometry workflow assessing T‐cell immunophenotype in patients with melanoma
Authors: Edwards Jack M , Andrews Miles C , Burridge Hayley , Smith Robin , Owens Carole , Edinger Mark , Pilkington Katherine , Desfrancois Juliette , Shackleton Mark , Senthi Sashendra , van Zelm Menno C
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade, most metastatic melanoma patients fail to respond to therapy or experience severe toxicity. Assessment of biomarkers and immunophenotypes before or early into treatment will help to understand favourable responses and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Methods

We present a high‐dimensional approach for blood T‐cell profiling using three multi‐parameter cytometry panels: (1) a TruCount panel for absolute cell counts, (2) a 27‐colour spectral panel assessing T‐cell markers and (3) a 20‐colour spectral panel evaluating intracellular cytokine expression. Pre‐treatment blood mononuclear cells from patients and healthy controls were cryopreserved before staining across 11 batches. Batch effects were tracked using a single‐donor control and the suitability of normalisation was assessed. The data were analysed using manual gating and high‐dimensional strategies.

Results

Batch‐to‐batch variation was minimal, as demonstrated by the dimensionality reduction of batch‐control samples, and normalisation did not improve manual or high‐dimensional analysis. Application of the workflow demonstrated the capacity of the panels and showed that patients had fewer lymphocytes than controls (P = 0.0027), due to lower naive CD4+ (P = 0.015) and CD8+ (P = 0.011) T cells and follicular helper T cells (P = 0.00076). Patients showed trends for higher proportions of Ki67 and IL‐2‐expressing cells within CD4+ and CD8+ memory subsets, and increased CD57 and EOMES expression within TCRγδ+ T cells.

Conclusion

Our optimised high‐parameter spectral cytometry approach provided in‐depth profiling of blood T cells and found differences in patient immunophenotype at baseline. The robustness of our workflow, as demonstrated by minimal batch effects, makes this approach highly suitable for the longitudinal evaluation of immunotherapy effects.
A quantitative characterization of early neuron generation in the developing zebrafish telencephalon
Authors: Casas Gimeno Glòria , Dvorianinova Ekaterina , Lembke Carla‐Sophie , Dijkstra Emma S. C. , Abbas Hussam , Liu Yuanyuan , Paridaen Judith T. M. L.
Published: September 2023

The adult brain is made up of anatomically and functionally distinct regions with specific neuronal compositions. At the root of this neuronal diversity are neural stem and progenitor cells (NPCs) that produce many neurons throughout embryonic development. During development, NPCs switch from initial expanding divisions to neurogenic divisions, which marks the onset of neurogenesis. Here, we aimed to understand when NPCs switch division modes to generate the first neurons in the anterior‐most part of the zebrafish brain, the telencephalon. To this end, we used the deep learning‐based segmentation method Cellpose and clonal analysis of individual NPCs to assess the production of neurons by NPCs in the first 24 h of zebrafish telencephalon development. Our results provide a quantitative atlas detailing the production of telencephalic neurons and NPC division modes between 14 and 24 h postfertilization. We find that within this timeframe, the switch to neurogenesis is gradual, with considerable heterogeneity in individual NPC neurogenic potential and division rates. This quantitative characterization of initial neurogenesis in the zebrafish telencephalon establishes a basis for future studies aimed at illuminating the molecular mechanisms and regulators of early neurogenesis.
Prevalence of chronic pain and chronic widespread pain among subjects with heart failure in the general population: The HUNT study
Authors: Vikan K. K. , Landmark T. , Gjeilo K. H.
Published: September 2023

Background

Pain in chronic heart failure (HF) is a significant but often unrecognized symptom. Characteristics of pain in subjects with HF are largely undescribed. The study aimed to address a knowledge gap in the relationship between HF and pain by investigating the prevalence of chronic pain and chronic widespread pain (CWP) among subjects with HF.

Methods

Population data from the HUNT3 study in Norway (2006–2008, n = 50,802) was used. HF was measured by self‐report. CWP was defined as having pain in both sides of the body, pain in the upper and lower limbs, and axial pain for at least 3 months in the last year. Associations between HF and CWP and HF and moderate to high pain intensity were analysed with logistic regression.

Results

Among subjects with HF in the general population, the prevalence of chronic pain was 67.8%, 20.7% had CWP, and 58.8% had moderate to high intensity pain. Compared to participants with cardiovascular disease but not HF, the odds of both CWP (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–2.0) and moderate to high intensity pain (OR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.3–1.8) were higher among participants with HF‐controlled for age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidity.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the high prevalence of pain among HF subjects. This pain could not be explained by comorbidity or sociodemographic factors, which are relevant for clinical and research purposes. Pain management should not be restricted to cardiac‐related pain but to chronic pain in general.

Significance

This epidemiological study corroborates previous studies reporting a high prevalence of pain in the HF‐population. We found that the relationship between HF, CWP, and pain intensity could not be explained by comorbidity or sociodemographic factors, illustrating the burden of chronic pain related to HF. Our results expand the understanding of pain in HF and highlight the need to identify and manage chronic pain among individuals with HF, as widespread pain adds to the symptom burden in individuals with HF.
Evaluation of maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor C and D levels in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Farisoğullari Nihat , Tanaçan Atakan , Sakcak Bedri , Denizli Ramazan , Başaran Ezgi , Kara Özgür , Yazihan Nuray , Şahin Dilek
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate maternal serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) C and D levels in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP).

Methods

A total of 83 patients, including 41 patients with ICP and 42 healthy pregnant women, were included in the study. We first compared the maternal serum VEGF‐C and VEGF‐D levels between the ICP and control groups and then examined the correlation between the serum VEGF‐C level and the bile acid level in patients with severe ICP.

Results

We observed statistically significantly higher serum VEGF‐C levels and lower VEGF‐D levels in the ICP group compared with the healthy controls (P < 0.001 and P = 0.015, respectively). According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal cutoff value for ICP was 147 ng/mL in the determination of the VEGF‐C level (specificity and sensitivity: 76%). In patients with severe ICP, the serum VEGF‐C statistically significantly correlated with the bile acid level (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

This study showed that the maternal serum VEGF‐C level was higher and the VEGF‐D level was lower in patients with ICP compared with healthy pregnant women. We also found that the VEGF‐C level was correlated with the serum bile acid level in patients with severe ICP. Serum VEGF‐C level can be used in the diagnosis and follow‐up of intrahepatic pregnancy cholestasis.
Fertility management of sheep and optimising flock returns
Authors: Hull Jenny , Neillans Claire , Canavan‐Hicks Emili
Published: September 2023

Background: Sheep farming can have very small margins in terms of profitability and so any activity that improves the efficiency of the enterprise and optimises flock returns is of great importance. Fertility management is one such area that is crucial for an efficient flock, with improvements leading to increased numbers of lambs produced per ewe and reduced barren rates.

Aim of the article: This article aims to outline to practitioners how to engage with sheep farmers to better manage fertility within their flocks for improved returns.
Correlation of extended Martin/Hopkins equation with a direct homogeneous assay in assessing low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Chung Soie
Published: September 2023

Background

The Friedewald or Martin/Hopkins equation is widely used to estimate low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) at triglyceride (TG) levels <400 mg/dL. In this study, we aimed to validate the recently developed Sampson and extended Martin/Hopkins equations intended for use in patients with TG levels up to 800 mg/dL by comparing them to a direct homogenous assay.

Methods

In total, 8676 participants with serum TG levels <800 mg/dL were enrolled in this study. LDL‐C was directly measured using Abbott homogeneous assay (DLDL) and estimated using the Friedewald (FLDL), Martin/Hopkins (MLDL), extended Martin/Hopkins (EMLDL), and Sampson equations (SLDL). The overall concordance between the DLDL and LDL‐C estimates was calculated. The performance of the four equations was also compared using Bland–Altman plots and mean absolute difference (MAD).

Results

The EMLDL was more accurate than other LDL‐C equations particularly for patients with TG≥400 mg/dL (MAD = 10.43; vs. FLDL: MAD = 21.1; vs. SLDL: MAD 11.62). The overall concordance of FLDL, MLDL, EMLDL, and SLDL with DLDL in TG values ranging from 200 to 799 mg/dL were 52.2, 70.5, 71.6, and 65.7%, respectively (p < 0.001), demonstrating the EMLDL as the most optimal estimation method, particularly for high TG levels (≥200 mg/dL).

Conclusion

Both the original and extended Martin/Hopkins method are optimal in estimating LDL‐C levels in clinical laboratories using the Abbott analyzer in patients with TG levels of 200–399 and 400–799 mg/dL, respectively. Meanwhile, caution is need that considerable underestimation of Friedewald and Sampson equation could lead to undertreatment in hypertriglyceridemia.
Leptin excites basolateral amygdala principal neurons and reduces food intake by LepRb‐JAK2‐PI3K‐dependent depression of GIRK channels
Authors: Boyle Cody A. , Kola Phani K. , Oraegbuna Chidiebele S. , Lei Saobo
Published: September 2023

Leptin is an adipocyte‐derived hormone that modulates food intake, energy balance, neuroendocrine status, thermogenesis, and cognition. Whereas a high density of leptin receptors has been detected in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons, the physiological functions of leptin in the BLA have not been determined yet. We found that application of leptin excited BLA principal neurons by activation of the long form leptin receptor, LepRb. The LepRb‐elicited excitation of BLA neurons was mediated by depression of the G protein‐activated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) were required for leptin‐induced excitation of BLA neurons and depression of GIRK channels. Microinjection of leptin into the BLA reduced food intake via activation of LepRb, JAK2, and PI3K. Our results may provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the physiological roles of leptin in vivo.
Mature B‐cell lymphomas in adolescents and young adults
Authors: El‐Mallawany Nader Kim , Giulino‐Roth Lisa , Burke John M. , Hermiston Michelle , Allen Carl E.
Published: September 2023

Pediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma includes over 30 histologies (many with subtypes), with approximately 800 cases per year in the US, compared to >60,000 cases of adult NHL annually. Improvements in survival in pediatric and adolescent mature B cell NHL over the past 5 decades align with the overall success of the cooperative trial model with dramatic improvements in outcomes through dose escalation of chemotherapy and, more recently, targeted therapy with rituximab. Pediatric dose‐intense strategies carry risks of long‐term consequences, but treatment failure is nearly universally fatal. By comparison, adult mature B cell lymphoma is typically less aggressive and treated with less intense chemotherapy. Optimizing therapy for adolescents and young adults remains a major challenge that requires creative solutions, including engineering study groups to combine biologically comparable adult and pediatric populations and developing effective salvage strategies that will ultimately be required for investigations of front‐line dose reduction. In this review, we discuss challenges and opportunities for improving outcomes for adolescents and young adults with high‐grade mature B cell lymphomas, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma.
CSF‐Venous Fistula of the Clival Skull Base: A Unique Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Simmons Jordan K. , Nadeem Wasiq , Maya Marcel M. , Wu Arthur W. , Schievink Wouter I. , Mamelak Adam N. , Tang Dennis M.
Published: September 2023

An adolescent male presented with orthostatic headaches following head trauma. MRI showed cerebellar tonsil displacement and a bony defect in the clival skull base. Digital subtraction myelography (DSM) confirmed a cerebrospinal fluid‐venous fistula (CVF). This was repaired endoscopically. CVFs cause uncontrolled flow of CSF into the venous system resulting in symptoms of intracranial hypotension. They're often difficult to identify on initial imaging. This is the first reported CVF originating in the central skull base, and the first treated via endoscopic trans‐nasal approach. CVFs may elude initial imaging, making DSM crucial for unexplained spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Laryngoscope, 134:645–647, 2024