bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐Driven Highly Stable Implantable Triboelectric Nanogenerator with Human‐Tissue Acoustic Impedance‐Matched Polyether Ether Ketone
Authors: Jeon Sera , Meng Xiangchun , Rubab Najaf , Kim Dabin , Mo Hyeon , Xiao Xiao , Park Min Jae , Cho Daniel Sanghyun , Kim Seong Min , Choi Byung‐Ok , Kim Sang‐Woo
Published: July 2024

Implantable electrical neurostimulators offer a promising avenue for treating neurological disorders. However, their dependency on a finite battery life limits their long‐term utility. Emerging transcutaneous ultrasound‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) techniques provide solutions for converting external ultrasound waves into internal electricity. This study proposes an implantable ultrasound‐driven TENG (IU‐TENG) using polyether ether ketone (PEEK) for its exceptional stability inside a human body and acoustic impedance compatibility with human tissues. This IU‐TENG remarkably surpasses traditional titanium‐based encapsulation, resulting in a 99.94% efficiency in ultrasound transmission. In addition, PEEK contains numerous electron‐donating functional groups, making it suitable for TENG applications, particularly as a positive triboelectric layer. The device exhibits robust voltage outputs, reaching up to 11.50 and 8.75 V in water and in vivo, respectively, under body‐safe ultrasound intensities. Moreover, its ability to sustain a stable electrical output for over 300 min emphasizes the durability and mechanical resilience of PEEK. In vivo mouse models and ex vivo porcine tissue trials demonstrate the effectiveness of the IU‐TENG in nerve stimulation, showing its potential in medical treatments, enhancing the functionality and longevity of implantable medical devices.
Wireless Frequency‐Multiplexed Acoustic Array‐Based Acoustofluidics
Authors: Li Jiali , Bo Luyu , Li Teng , Zhao Penghui , Du Yingshan , Cai Bowen , Shen Liang , Sun Wujin , Zhou Wei , Tian Zhenhua
Published: July 2024

Acoustofluidics has shown great potential in enabling on‐chip technologies for driving liquid flows and manipulating particles and cells for engineering, chemical, and biomedical applications. To introduce on‐demand liquid sample processing and micro/nano‐object manipulation functions to wearable and embeddable electronics, wireless acoustofluidic chips are highly desired. This paper presents wireless acoustofluidic chips to generate acoustic waves carrying sufficient energy and achieve key acoustofluidic functions, including arranging particles and cells, generating fluid streaming, and enriching in‐droplet particles. To enable these functions, the wireless acoustofluidic chips leverage mechanisms, including inductive coupling‐based wireless power transfer (WPT), frequency multiplexing‐based control of multiple acoustic waves, and the resultant acoustic radiation and drag forces. For validation, the wirelessly generated acoustic waves are measured using laser vibrometry when different materials (e.g., bone, tissue, and hand) are inserted between the WPT transmitter and receiver. Moreover, the wireless acoustofluidic chips successfully arrange nanoparticles into different patterns, align cells into parallel pearl chains, generate streaming, and enrich in‐droplet microparticles. This research is anticipated to facilitate the development of embeddable wireless on‐chip flow generators, wearable sensors with liquid sample processing functions, and implantable devices with flow generation and acoustic stimulation abilities for engineering, veterinary, and biomedical applications.
Self‐Sensing Dandelion‐Inspired Flying Soft Actuator with Multi‐Stimuli Response
Authors: Yan Weiyu , Feng Yixiong , Song Junjie , Hong Zhaoxi , Cui Kaiyue , Brannan Alexander C. , Tan Jianrong , Song Xiuju
Published: July 2024

Controlled dispersal of microfliers over large‐scale areas is crucial for both civil and agricultural applications. Until now, the study of flying soft actuators is limited by the complexity of the motion involved and with control when miniaturized to a micro‐scale. Drawing inspiration from the dynamics of dandelion seed spread, the study proposes a novel design for a flying soft actuator comprising Ti3C2Tx MXene and polyethylene (PE), which exhibits sensitive responses to various stimuli, including humidity, temperature, applied voltage, infrared light, and selective volatile organic compounds, leading to significant deformation at a rapid rate (up to 81.82°/s). An artificial seed capable of wind‐assisted flight is further fabricated by integrating a MXene/PE actuator with fiberglass. When exposed to light, the artificial seed opens its fiberglass pappus during descent, increasing resistance and thereby prolonging falling time by an impressive 83%. Moreover, the artificial seed demonstrates self‐sensing, i.e., changes in resistance caused by humidity and infrared light, which can be attributed to the absorption and desorption of water molecules within MXene layers. This enhanced falling time enables a wider dispersal range and precise control, making it highly promising for environmental monitoring, automated large‐scale sensor deployments, and large‐scale seed sowing for endangered plants species protection.
Electrochemical Deposition of Manganese Oxide on Paper‐Based Laser‐Induced Graphene for the Fabrication of Sustainable High‐Energy‐Density Supercapacitors
Authors: Klem Maykel dos Santos , Abreu Rodrigo , Pinheiro Tomás , Coelho João , Alves Neri , Martins Rodrigo
Published: July 2024

Laser‐induced graphene (LIG) is widely used to fabricate microsupercapacitors (MSCs) on various sustainable substrates, such as wood, cork, and lignin. However, the fabrication of MSCs, especially high energy density devices on paper, has rarely been reported. In this work, LIG electrodes are fabricated on wax‐coated paper, followed by electrochemical deposition of manganese oxide (MnO2). The obtained LIG/MnO2 supercapacitors exhibit a maximum areal capacitance of 86.9 mF cm−2, while a device with pristine LIG electrodes exhibit a capacitance of 9.1 mF cm−2, both measured at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2. In addition, the supercapacitor exhibits good cycling stability, retaining 80% of its initial capacitance after 1000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 1 mA cm−2. Notably, the LIG/MnO2 supercapacitor exhibits an exceptionally high energy density of 7.3 µWh cm−2 at a power density of 38.8 µW cm−2. In summary, a simple, fast, scalable, reproducible, and energy‐efficient fabrication method is represented using electrochemical deposition of manganese oxide on paper‐based laser‐induced graphene, which are natural, abundant, and sustainable materials, paving the way for large‐scale production of environmentally friendly supercapacitors.
Switching Response in Organic Electrochemical Transistors by Ionic Diffusion and Electronic Transport
Authors: Bisquert Juan , Ilyassov Baurzhan , Tessler Nir
Published: July 2024

The switching response in organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) is a basic effect in which a transient current occurs in response to a voltage perturbation. This phenomenon has an important impact on different aspects of the application of OECT, such as the equilibration times, the hysteresis dependence on scan rates, and the synaptic properties for neuromorphic applications. Here we establish a model that unites vertical ion diffusion and horizontal electronic transport for the analysis of the time‐dependent current response of OECTs. We use a combination of tools consisting of a physical analytical model; advanced 2D drift‐diffusion simulation; and the experimental measurement of a poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) OECT. We show the reduction of the general model to simple time‐dependent equations for the average ionic/hole concentration inside the organic film, which produces a Bernards‐Malliaras conservation equation coupled with a diffusion equation. We provide a basic classification of the transient response to a voltage pulse, and the correspondent hysteresis effects of the transfer curves. The shape of transients is basically related to the main control phenomenon, either the vertical diffusion of ions during doping and dedoping, or the equilibration of electronic current along the channel length.
Enhancing Lithium–Sulfur Battery Performance with MXene: Specialized Structures and Innovative Designs
Authors: Li Fei , Mei Shijie , Ye Xing , Yuan Haowei , Li Xiaoqin , Tan Jie , Zhao Xiaoli , Wu Tongwei , Chen Xiehang , Wu Fang , Xiang Yong , Pan Hong , Huang Ming , Xue Zhiyu
Published: July 2024

Established in 1962, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries boast a longer history than commonly utilized lithium–ion batteries counterparts such as LiCoO2 (LCO) and LiFePO4 (LFP) series, yet they have been slow to achieve commercialization. This delay, significantly impacting loading capacity and cycle life, stems from the long‐criticized low conductivity of the cathode and its byproducts, alongside challenges related to the shuttle effect, and volume expansion. Strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of Li–S batteries involve improving the conductivity of the sulfur cathode, employing an adamantane framework as the sulfur host, and incorporating catalysts to promote the transformation of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). 2D MXene and its derived materials can achieve almost all of the above functions due to their numerous active sites, external groups, and ease of synthesis and modification. This review comprehensively summarizes the functionalization advantages of MXene‐based materials in Li–S batteries, including high‐speed ionic conduction, structural diversity, shuttle effect inhibition, dendrite suppression, and catalytic activity from fundamental principles to practical applications. The classification of usage methods is also discussed. Finally, leveraging the research progress of MXene, the potential and prospects for its novel application in the Li–S field are proposed.
The social and defensive function of olfactory behaviors in a pair‐living sexually monogamous primate
Authors: Garcia de la Chica Alba , Corley Margaret , Spence‐Aizenberg Andrea , Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo
Published: July 2024

Olfactory behaviors serve a wide variety of social functions in mammals. Odor may signal information about attributes of individuals important for mating and reproduction. Olfactory behaviors, such as scent‐marking, may also function as part of home range or resource defense strategies. We assessed the potential social and home range defense functions of olfactory behavior in a pair‐living and sexually monogamous primate, Azara's owl monkey (Aotus azarae), in the Argentinian Chaco. This is the most extensive investigation of owl monkey olfactory behaviors in the wild. Individuals regularly performed olfactory behaviors (group mean + SD = 1.3 + 0.5 per hour). The patterns were generally comparable to those observed in studies of captive owl monkeys, except that urine washing was the most common behavior in the wild, as opposed to scent‐marking and genital inspections. Most olfactory behaviors were performed by adults, and there were striking sex differences in genital inspections: almost all consisted of an adult male inspecting the paired adult female. These findings suggest that olfactory behaviors play an important role in signaling and coordinating reproduction among owl monkeys, particularly during periods of female conception and pregnancy. Additionally, our research indicates that these behaviors may also serve as a defense strategy for maintaining the core area of their home ranges. This study offers the first assessment of the role of olfactory behaviors in reproductive contexts and home range defense in pair‐living, monogamous platyrrhine primates.
Preformation of Insoluble Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase for Highly Reversible Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Fei Minfei , Qi Le , Han Shujuan , Li Yue , Xi Hanchen , Lin Zhichao , Wang Jingyang , Ducati Caterina , Chhowalla Manish , Kumar Ramachandran Vasant , Jin Yan , Zhu Jia
Published: July 2024

A stable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for cycling reversibility of Na‐ion batteries by mitigating continuous side reactions. So far, the severe SEI dissolution leads to low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and short cycle life. Meanwhile, the quantified relationship between SEI components and their solubility remains unclear. In this work, we establish the direct correlation between SEI components and SEI solubility, and quantify that the solubility of organic‐rich SEI is 3.26 times of inorganic‐rich SEI. We further propose a feasible strategy to preform inorganic‐rich insoluble SEI and demonstrate a practical hard carbon (HC)||NaMn0.33Fe0.33Ni0.33O2 full cell in a commercial electrolyte of 1 M NaPF6 in propylene carbonate (PC) with 80.0 % capacity retention for 900 cycles, and achieve a record‐high average CE of 99.95 % for a practical Na‐ion full cell. This study provides an effective strategy of preforming insoluble SEI to suppress its dissolution towards highly reversible Na‐ion batteries.
Promoting Surface Reconstruction in Spinel Oxides via Tetrahedral‐Octahedral Phase Boundary Construction for Efficient Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zou Anqi , Wu Chao , Zhang Qi , Tang Ying , Li Junhua , Meng Haoyan , Wang Zhen , Diao Caozheng , Yu Zhigen , Xue Junmin , Xi Shibo , Wang Xiaopeng , Wu Jiagang
Published: July 2024

Understanding the origin of surface reconstruction is crucial for developing highly efficient lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM) based spinel oxides. Traditionally, the reconstruction has been achieved through electrochemical procedures, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). In this work, we found that the surface reconstruction in LOM‐based CoFe0.25Al1.75O4 catalyst was an irreversible oxygen redox chemical reaction. And a lower oxygen vacancy formation energy (EO‐V) could benefit the combination of the activated lattice oxygen atoms with adsorbed water molecular. Motivated by this finding, a strategy of phase boundary construction from Co tetrahedral to octahedral was employed to decrease EO‐V in CoFe0.25Al1.75O4. The results showed that as the Co octahedral occupancy ratio rose to 64 %, a 3.5 nm‐thick reconstructed layer formed on the catalyst surface with a 158 mV decrease in overpotential. Further experiments indicated that the coexistence of tetrahedral‐octahedral (O−T) phase would result in lattice mismatch, promoting non‐bonding oxygen states and lowering EO‐V. Then more active lattice oxygen combined with H2O molecules to generate hydroxide ions (OH−), followed by soluble cation leaching, which enhanced the reconstruction process. This work provided new insights into the relationship between the intrinsic structure of pre‐catalysts and surface reconstruction in LOM‐based spinel electrocatalysts.
Healable, Recyclable, and Upcyclable Gel Membranes for Efficient Carbon Dioxide Separation
Authors: Xiao Jing , Zhu Tengyang , Zhang Haiyang , Xie Wei , Dong Renhao , Li Yitan , Wang Xu
Published: July 2024

Ionic liquids (ILs) are prized for their selective dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to their widespread use in ionogel membranes for gas separation. Despite their advantages, creating sustainable ionogel membranes with high IL contents poses challenges due to limited mechanical strength, leakage risks, and poor recyclability. Herein, we leverage copolymerized and supramolecularly bound ILs to develop ionogel membranes with high mechanical strength, zero leakage, and excellent self‐healing and recycling capabilities. These membranes exhibit superior ideal selectivity for gas separation compared to other reported ionogel membranes, achieving a CO2/nitrogen selectivity of 61.7 and a CO2/methane selectivity of 24.6, coupled with an acceptable CO2 permeability of 186.4 Barrer. Additionally, these gas separation ionogel membranes can be upcycled into ionic skins for sensing applications, further enhancing their utility. This research outlines a strategic approach to molecularly engineer ionogel membranes, offering a promising pathway for developing sustainable, high‐performance materials for advanced gas separation technologies.
Self‐Powered Electrochemiluminescence for Imaging the Corrosion of Protective Coating of Metal and Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Liu Hongzhan , Hussain Altaf , Zholudov Yuriy Tymofiiovych , Snizhko Dmytro Viktorovych , Sojic Neso , Xu Guobao
Published: July 2024

In almost all electrochemical systems for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) analysis, electrodes are connected with an external power source, either directly or via wireless energy transfer circuit. That is inconvenient and makes some applications impossible. Herein, we use galvanized iron with two different metals as both power source and electrodes to achieve a self‐powered ECL and exploit ECL for the imaging of the corrosion of protective coating of widely used metal (e.g. galvanized iron) for the first time. The self‐powered ECL enables the visualization of the deterioration of galvanic coating on iron using a smartphone and the detection of ascorbic acid with a linear range of 0.5–100 μM and a limit of detection of 0.31 μM. The devices based on self‐powered approach do not require external power supply, thus effectively reducing their volume and cost. The self‐powered ECL holds great promise for metal corrosion imaging and analytical applications.
Transient recurrence of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy in the immediate postoperative period following gynaecological surgery under general anaesthesia
Authors: Ra O. H. , Tan J. C. , Zhao C. W. , Burns S. L.
Published: July 2024

Peripheral neuropathy is a well‐described side effect of certain chemotherapeutic agents, including taxanes, and often improves in the weeks following treatment. The recurrence of motor and sensory neuropathies after anaesthesia has not yet been described to our knowledge. We present a case of transient recurrence of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy following general anaesthesia. Although an exact mechanism has not yet been described and is likely multifactorial in nature, anaesthetists should be prepared to address this phenomenon in the growing population of patients on chemotherapeutic agents.
Effect of Synthesis Conditions on the Composition, Local Structure and Electrochemical Behavior of (Cr,Fe,Mn,Co,Ni)3O4 Anode Material
Authors: Mishchenko Kseniya V. , Tyapkin Pavel Yu. , Slobodyuk Arseny B. , Kirsanova Maria A. , Kosova Nina V.
Published: July 2024

Disordered high entropy spinels (HES) (Cr,Fe,Mn,Co,Ni)3O4 were obtained by solid‐state synthesis and co‐precipitation using various powder precursors. They were characterized by a complex of physico‐chemical methods and investigated as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). According to XRD and TEM data, the materials are single‐phase. The structural characterization of the samples obtained at 773, 973, and 1273 K was determined using Raman and Mössbauer spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements. The degree of spinel inversion and lattice distortion (microstrains) decrease with increasing synthesis temperature, while the crystallite size increases. The insufficient nickel content in the samples ensures a more uniform distribution of iron cations in both sublattices, which leads to an increase in the lattice parameters and has a positive effect on the de‐/lithiation. Repeated ball‐milling of HES material, prepared by co‐precipitation, increases its specific capacity from 284 mAh g−1 to 492 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 25 cycles. Besides, the smaller crystallite size reduces the volume changes in the materials during de‐/lithiation.
Factor‐Analytic Variance–Covariance Structures for Prediction Into a Target Population of Environments
Authors: Piepho Hans‐Peter , Williams Emlyn
Published: July 2024

Finlay–Wilkinson regression is a popular method for modeling genotype–environment interaction in plant breeding and crop variety testing. When environment is a random factor, this model may be cast as a factor‐analytic variance–covariance structure, implying a regression on random latent environmental variables. This paper reviews such models with a focus on their use in the analysis of multi‐environment trials for the purpose of making predictions in a target population of environments. We investigate the implication of random versus fixed effects assumptions, starting from basic analysis‐of‐variance models, then moving on to factor‐analytic models and considering the transition to models involving observable environmental covariates, which promise to provide more accurate and targeted predictions than models with latent environmental variables.
Water‐filtered infrared A radiation hyperthermia combined with immunotherapy for advanced gastrointestinal tumours
Authors: Liu Pengyuan , Wu Jing , Chen Liting , Wu Zhenhai , Wu Yufei , Zhang Ganlu , Yu Bingqi , Zhang Beibei , Wei Nan , Shi Jinan , Zhang Chuanfeng , Lei Lan , Yu Shuhuan , Lai Jianjun , Guo Zhen , Zheng Yuli , Jing Zhao , Jiang Hao , Wang Tingxiang , Zhou Jueyi , Wu Yajun , Sun Chuan , Shen Jie , Zhang Jian , Wu Zhibing
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to validate the effectiveness, safety and feasibility of water‐filtered infrared A radiation (WIRA) whole‐body hyperthermia combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy (HIT) and evaluate the real‐world clinical application prospects.

Methods

This open‐label single‐arm phase 2 clinical trial (NCT06022692) aimed to enrol advanced gastrointestinal tumour (GIT) patients with the MSS/pMMR phenotype. The patients were treated with whole‐body hyperthermia on Days 1 and 8 of each HIT cycle along with administration of tislelizumab on Day 2.

Results

Between 1 June 2020 and 31 May 2022, 18 patients were enrolled in the study, including those with gastric cancer (n = 6), colon cancer (n = 7), rectal cancer (n = 3) and appendiceal cancer (n = 2). As of 19 May 2023, 17 of the 18 patients had died, including 14 deaths caused by tumour progression and three deaths caused by diseases other than cancer, while one patient was still undergoing follow‐up. In terms of efficacy, the median DCR was 55.6%, while the median PFS and OS were 53.5 days and 134 days, respectively. Four patients (22.2%) experienced immune‐related adverse events, and none of the patients reported grade 3 or higher irAEs. Hyperthermia was followed by an increase in the number of tumour immune‐activated cells.

Conclusions

HIT can provide survival benefits in patients with GITs by activating antitumour immune function and shows good safety and feasibility.
DNA/BSA Binding and Antimicrobial Properties of Biguanide‐Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Ballı Julide Nacaroğlu , Gungor Ozge , Kocer Ferudun , Kose Muhammet
Published: July 2024

The biguanide Cu(II) complexes [Cu(L1–4)2](ClO4)2 were synthesized and spectroscopic/analytical techniques were used to clarify their structures. Single crystals of complex [Cu(L4)2](ClO4)2 was obtained and its definite structure was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. The complexes [Cu(L1–4)2](ClO4)2 were screened for their FSds‐DNA interactions by using UV‐Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. The complexes [Cu(L2)2](ClO4)2 and [Cu(L3)2](ClO4)2 were shown to exhibit higher affinity for binding DNA. Examining the EB‐DNA interaction, it is believed that the complexes interact with DNA through a groove binding mechanism. The interaction of complexes with BSA were observed through the quenching of the fluorescence emission. Complexes [Cu(L2)2](ClO4)2 and [Cu(L3)2](ClO4)2 show moderate binding affinity to BSA through a static mode. Additionally, the Cu(II) complexes were screened for their antibacterial activities against various bacterial strains. Complexes showed potential antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium and S. aureus.
Synthesis, Characterization, Biological, ADMET, and Molecular Docking Studies of Transition Metal Complexes of Aminopyridine Schiff Base Derivative
Authors: Alka  , Singh Jugmendra , Kumari Pratibha , Jain Pallavi
Published: July 2024

1,2‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diylidene)bis(azanylylidene))bis(pyridine‐3‐thiol) ligand was synthesized by refluxing 2‐aminopyridine‐3‐thiol with benzil in 2 : 1 molar ratio. Manganese(II), Cobalt(II), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) were also synthesized using the same method. All the compounds were characterized employing various analytical and spectroscopic methods, including melting point determination, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurement, 1H‐NMR, FTIR, mass spectrometry, EPR, and UV‐Visible spectroscopy. The antimicrobial potential of ligand and its complexes was assessed against B. subtilis, S. typhi, A. flavus, and M. phaseolina using the well‐diffusion method. Gentamycin and Amphotericin B were used as standard reference drugs. The complexes revealed more potent antimicrobial action than the ligand. Molecular docking studies were performed using crystal structures of B. subtilis, and A. flavus receptor proteins. In silico studies suggested the druglikeness potential of the synthesized compounds. The Nickel(II) complex showed superior biological efficacy based on the experimental and computational results.
Evaluation of nontarget lesions in femoropopliteal disease using near‐infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound imaging
Authors: Sato Yusuke , Morishita Tetsuji , Shimizu Tomohiro , Kataoka Tatsuhiro , Matsunaka Yuya , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

Background

In coronary artery disease (CAD), lipid‐core‐containing plaque (LCP) in nontarget lesions detected using near‐infrared spectroscopy intravascular ultrasound (NIRS‐IVUS) was related to increased major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CAD. In the endovascular therapy field, few previous studies using NIRS‐IVUS revealed the presence of LCPs in severe stenotic lesions of femoropopliteal disease.

Aim

This study aimed to assess the plaque morphology of nontarget lesions, especially LCPs, and compare it with that of target lesions using NIRS‐IVUS in patients with femoropopliteal disease.

Methods

This single‐center prospective observational study included 14 patients who underwent endovascular therapy for FP disease. NIRS‐IVUS assessment was performed on the entire FP arterial segment. Forty‐one LCP lesions with a maximum lipid‐core burden index in any 4‐mm region (max LCBI4mm) > 100 were detected using NIRS‐IVUS. We evaluated the patient and lesion characteristics. LCP lesions were divided into the target (n = 18) and nontarget (n = 23) lesion groups for comparison.

Results

Patient characteristics were notable for advanced age (76.8 ± 6.6 years); high proportion of males (78.7%); and high incidence of hypertension (100%), dyslipidemia (78.6%), diabetes (64.3%). Regarding NIRS findings, the target lesion group exhibited a significantly smaller proportion of LCPs concerning the lesion length (25.9 ± 15.7% vs. 50.6 ± 29.2%, p = 0.002) than the nontarget lesion group. Conversely, there were no significant differences in the value of max LCBI4mm (284.4 ± 153.4 vs. 289.5 ± 113.1, p = 0.90), length of LCP lesion (9.8 ± 9.7 mm vs. 10.7 ± 6.9 mm, p = 0.74), and distribution of LCPs (p = 0.08) between the groups. In addition, the number of LCPs in the target FP artery positively correlated with max LCBI4mm in the target FP artery (r = 0.671, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

NIRS‐IVUS findings demonstrated the presence of LCPs in nontarget lesions in patients with FP disease. Moreover, the abundance of LCPs in nontarget lesions was similar to that in target lesions in FP disease.
Composition and sensory properties of breads supplemented with Brewers' spent grain from three different craft beer styles
Authors: Pereira de Freitas Fabio P. , da Silva Lannes Suzana C.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

While the beer style expresses beer's diversity by its sensory properties, ingredients, production method, recipe, and history, fibrous fraction and functional properties of Brewers' spent grain (BSG) vary according to the beer style. To investigate the effects of beer style, the physicochemical and technological properties of BSG breads containing 10% of dry BSG from beers Baltic Porter (BP), India Pale Ale (IPA), and Weissbier (W) were evaluated according to their sensory quality, firmness, staling rate, crumb color and structure, proximal composition, and dietary fiber content.

Findings

All evaluated parameters of BSG breads were significantly affected, but differed according to the BSG source. All investigated BSG significantly increased the dietary fiber levels of breads, while only BP bread presented enhanced protein content.

Conclusions

Higher deleterious BSG effects in bread quality were verified in IPA bread, which presented the highest dietary fiber content, while the fiber content of BP and W breads were inconsistent with bread quality.

Significance and Novelty

Although BSG incorporation up to 10% was reported as a limit for obtaining acceptable BSG breads, beer style must also be considered because specific volume, staling rate, and acceptance of breads may be negatively affected by its fiber content.
Exploring Synthesis Strategies and Interactions between MOFs and Drugs for Controlled Drug Loading and Release, Characterizing Interactions through Advanced Techniques
Authors: Chiñas‐Rojas Lidia E. , Domínguez José E. , Herrera Luis Ángel Alfonso , González‐Jiménez Francisco E. , Colorado‐Peralta Raúl , Arenzano Altaif Jesús Antonio , Rivera Villanueva José María
Published: July 2024

This study explores various aspects of Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs), focusing on synthesis techniques to adjust pore size and key ligands and metals for crafting carrier MOFs. It investigates MOF‐drug interactions, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals, and electrostatic interactions, along with kinetic studies. The multifaceted applications of MOFs in drug delivery systems are elucidated. The morphology and structure of MOFs are intricately linked to synthesis methodology, impacting attributes like crystallinity, porosity, and surface area. Hydrothermal synthesis yields MOFs with high crystallinity, suitable for catalytic applications, while solvothermal synthesis generates MOFs with increased porosity, ideal for gas and liquid adsorption. Understanding MOF‐drug interactions is crucial for optimizing drug delivery, affecting charge capacity, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. Kinetic studies determine drug release rates and uniformity, vital for controlled drug delivery. Overall, comprehending drug‐MOF interactions and kinetics is essential for developing effective and controllable drug delivery systems.
A case of biopsy‐proven acute interstitial nephritis following atezolizumab‐bevacizumab treatment of advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Patel Reema , Elghawy Omar , Gibbs Amanda , Gupta Srishti , Kaur Varinder
Published: July 2024

Background

The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represented a significant breakthrough in cancer therapy. Recently, the combined use of atezolizumab and bevacizumab was approved as first‐line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exposure to a novel and diverse spectrum of immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) has increased with the growing utilization of ICIs, however, a comprehensive understanding surrounding newer agents is still lacking. The incidence of kidney toxicities is rare but rising, often underreported due to the lack of confirmatory biopsies. Here, we present a rare case of biopsy‐proven acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) following atezolizumab‐bevacizumab treatment of advanced unresectable HCC.

Case

An 84‐year‐old male with T4N0M0 hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted after cycle 5 of atezolizumab due to decreased urine output and dysuria with a serum creatine of 4.7 mg/dL compared to a baseline of 1.3 mg/dL. To confirm the diagnosis of possible intrinsic renal injury, an ultrasound‐guided non‐focal biopsy of the left kidney was performed, revealing AIN. Potential exacerbatory medications, such as proton‐pump inhibitors, were discontinued. The patient was discharged on oral steroids with improvement in serum creatinine. Before completing the steroid taper, the patient developed pneumocystis pneumonia and eventually transitioned to hospice care.

Conclusion

This case highlights the valuable role renal biopsy can play in accurately capturing irAEs and guiding appropriate management in the setting of ICI‐induced AKI. It also exemplifies important considerations for steroid treatment of irAEs in the setting of comorbidities, such as diabetes.
Probing Self‐Assembly of Ammeline in Chloroform and Aqueous Media: Interplay Between Hydrogen Bonding Diversity and Dimerization
Authors: Pamies Silvana Carina , Peruchena Nélida María , Petelski Andre Nicolai
Published: July 2024

Ammeline (AM) is a molecule with a very low reputation in the field of supramolecular community, but with a recently proven potential both experimentally and theoretically. In this work, dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT‐D) computations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to understand the aggregation mechanism of AM in chloroform and water media. Our DFT‐D and MD analyses show that the most important interactions are those formed by the amine groups (−NH2) with both the pyridine‐type nitrogen atoms and the carbonyl groups (C=O). In the more polar solvent, the interactions between water molecules and the C=O group prevent the AM from forming more interactions with itself. Nevertheless, four types of dimers involving N−H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ O interactions were found to exist in water solutions. The overlooked tetrel bond between endocyclic N and C atoms can also stabilize dimers in solution. Moreover, while most AM dimers are enthalpy‐driven, our results indicate that the unique DD‐AA dimer (D=donor, A=acceptor) that originates cyclic rosettes is entropy‐driven.
Second generation current conveyor based capacitorless floating memristor emulator
Authors: Kumar Navnit , Kumar Manjeet , Pandey Neeta , Minaei Shahram
Published: July 2024

This article offers a novel flux controlled floating memristor emulator based on second‐generation current conveyor (CCII). The floating memristor is designed using two CCIIs, one resistor, and one PMOS transistor. The presented memristor emulator does not need external capacitance. The proposed designed circuit exhibits pinch hysteresis loops in voltage–current plane up to 2 GHz frequency. The performance of the circuit under consideration is evaluated using 180 nm CMOS technology parameter by the SPICE simulator. The circuit requires a DC power supply of ±1.2 V and exhibits a power consumption of 0.766 mW. Furthermore, the resilience of the planned circuit is assessed by examining process corner fluctuation, supply voltage variation, temperature variation, and transistor size variations. In addition, a Schmitt trigger circuit and high order filters based on designed memristor are used to confirm the operation of the proposed design at high and low frequency, respectively.
Tidally influenced deposits in the Río Alías Strait connecting a marginal basin with the Mediterranean Sea (Pliocene, South‐East Spain)
Authors: Sola Fernando , Puga‐Bernabéu Ángel , Braga Juan C.
Published: July 2024

The Río Alías Strait developed in the Early Pliocene as a narrow marine corridor at the connection of the microtidal Mediterranean Sea and the north‐eastern margin of the Almería‐Níjar Basin in the eastern Betic Cordillera (South‐East Spain). The orientation and topography of the strait were controlled by the transpressive Carboneras and Polopos/South Cabrera fault systems. Ten sedimentary facies occur in the up to 150 m thick mixed biogenic carbonate‐terrigenous succession distinguished on the basis of their lithology, components, grain size, stratal geometries and sedimentary structures, which were observed in seven sections at well‐exposed outcrops of four sectors. The sedimentary record of the Río Alías Strait reflects the morphological constraints, which conditioned its sedimentary dynamics and facies distribution. Even in this microtidal setting, tidal current amplification through narrow constrictions produced thick accumulations of large cross‐stratified bodies up to 15 m thick formed by the opposite migration of three‐dimensional simple and compound dunes. The Río Alías Strait reconstruction shows: (1) a very narrow constriction in the central sector from which “constriction‐related deltas” (CRDs) formed in the flood downstream (westward) and ebb (upstream) directions and (2) a relatively deep depression (>65 m water depth) separating the eastern and central‐east sectors, where tidal current energy was attenuated and dunes were not generated. The closure of the strait resulted from the tectonic uplift of the antecedent upland of Sierra Cabrera at the northern side, which promoted the southward progradation of deltaic systems over the strait. The Río Alías Strait represents the only clear record of a microtidal strait in the Betic Cordillera since the Miocene. The case study presented here improves existing models on the sedimentary dynamics of ancient tidal‐dominated straits by expanding the knowledge on their spatial environment variability.
Ecological drivers of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of bryophytes in an oceanic island
Authors: Martins Anabela , Collart Flavien , Sim‐Sim Manuela , Patiño Jairo
Published: July 2024

Montane oceanic islands possess unique geographic and ecological attributes, rendering them valuable for assessing patterns and drivers of alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. Such comparisons of diversity facets can provide insights into the mechanisms governing community assembly on islands. Herein, we aimed to characterize taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic bryophyte diversity on Madeira Island within and across areas at varying elevations. We also assessed how these diversity facets for the alpha and beta components relate to ecological and anthropogenic factors. We estimated and compared alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity using 80 plots of 0.5 m × 0.5 m across the whole elevational gradient of the island. We compiled trait databases and supplemented them with our own observations. Phylogenetic information was sourced from the Moss and Liverwort Tree of Life. To assess the impact of ecological and anthropogenic factors on the three facets, we applied linear mixed‐effects models and generalized dissimilarity models to alpha‐ and beta‐diversity matrices, respectively. All facets of diversity exhibited strong correlations within both mosses and liverworts, indicating a substantial congruence when alpha and beta are analyzed separately. The bryophyte groups categorized by the growth form demonstrated contrasting patterns, aligning with their distinctive ecological requirements. While a mid‐elevation peak emerged as a common pattern across the three facets of alpha diversity, beta diversity often displayed the opposite trend. Although the relative influence of environmental factors varied depending on the diversity facet and bryophyte grouping considered, we found that alpha and beta diversity of bryophytes are more influenced by climatic factors and the predominant type of vegetation than by anthropogenic factors. In the current context of global change, these results should be interpreted with caution, but they point to the resilience of bryophytes to survive in relatively well‐preserved natural microhabitats within anthropogenic landscapes. In this study on Madeira Island, we investigated patterns and drivers of alpha and beta taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients. We found that alpha and beta diversity of bryophytes are more strongly influenced by climatic factors and the predominant type of vegetation than by anthropogenic factors.
A statistical approach to assess interspecific consumptive competition and functional redundancy in ephemeral resource uses using camera traps
Authors: Nakashima Yoshihiro , Hashizume Akane , Kanda Akane
Published: July 2024

Camera traps have been widely used in wildlife research, offering significant potential for monitoring species interactions at ephemeral resources. However, raw data obtained from camera traps often face limitations due to observation censoring, where resource consumption by dominant animals may obscure potential resource use by less dominant animals. We extended time‐to‐detection occupancy modeling to quantify interspecific consumptive competition and redundancy of ecosystem functions through consumption between two species, while accounting for observation censoring. By treating resource use by rival species as censored data, we estimated the proportion of resources potentially used in the absence of rival species and calculated the loss caused by the rival species, which is defined as “Competition Intensity Index.” We also defined the Unique Functional Contribution, which represents the net functional loss when a species is removed, calculated by excluding the contribution potentially substituted by the other species. We also considered resource degradation and computed the quantity of resources acquired by each species. This established framework was applied to predation data on bird nests by alien squirrels and other predators (Case 1) as well as scavenging on mammalian carcasses by two carnivores (Case 2). In Case 1, the introduction of squirrels significantly affected the breeding success of birds. Although nests were being preyed upon by native crows also, our model estimated that Unique Functional Contribution by the squirrels was 0.47. This means that, by eradicating the squirrels, the reproductive success of the birds could potentially increase by as much as 47%. In Case 2, the Competition Intensity Index for foxes was 0.17, whereas that for raccoon dogs was 0.46, suggesting an asymmetric effect of resource competition between the two species. The frequency distribution of wet mass available to the two species differed significantly. This approach will enable a more robust construction of resource–consumer interaction networks.
Gene expression response under thermal stress in two Hawaiian corals is dominated by ploidy and genotype
Authors: Chille Erin E. , Stephens Timothy G. , Misri Deeksha , Strand Emma L. , Putnam Hollie M. , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: July 2024

Transcriptome data are frequently used to investigate coral bleaching; however, the factors controlling gene expression in natural populations of these species are poorly understood. We studied two corals, Montipora capitata and Pocillopora acuta, that inhabit the sheltered Kāne'ohe Bay, Hawai'i. M. capitata colonies in the bay are outbreeding diploids, whereas P. acuta is a mixture of clonal diploids and triploids. Populations were sampled from six reefs and subjected to either control (no stress), thermal stress, pH stress, or combined pH and thermal stress treatments. RNA‐seq data were generated to test two competing hypotheses: (1) gene expression is largely independent of genotype, reflecting a shared treatment‐driven response (TDE) or, (2) genotype dominates gene expression, regardless of treatment (GDE). Our results strongly support the GDE model, even under severe stress. We suggest that post‐transcriptional processes (e.g., control of translation, protein turnover) modify the signal from the transcriptome, and may underlie the observed differences in coral bleaching sensitivity via the downstream proteome and metabolome.
Bumblebees mediate landscape effects on a forest herb's population genetic structure in European agricultural landscapes
Authors: Feigs Jannis Till , Huang Siyu , Holzhauer Stephanie I. J. , Brunet Jörg , Diekmann Martin , Hedwall Per‐Ola , Kramp Katja , Naaf Tobias
Published: July 2024

Spatially isolated plant populations in agricultural landscapes exhibit genetic responses not only to habitat fragmentation per se but also to the composition of the landscape matrix between habitat patches. These responses can only be understood by examining how the landscape matrix influences among‐habitat movements of pollinators and seed vectors, which act as genetic linkers among populations. We studied the forest herb Polygonatum multiflorum and its associated pollinator and genetic linker, the bumblebee Bombus pascuorum, in three European agricultural landscapes. We aimed to identify which landscape features affect the movement activity of B. pascuorum between forest patches and to assess the relative importance of these features in explaining the forest herb's population genetic structure. We applied microsatellite markers to estimate the movement activity of the bumblebee as well as the population genetic structure of the forest herb. We modelled the movement activity as a function of various landscape metrics. Those metrics found to explain the movement activity best were then used to explain the population genetic structure of the forest herb. The bumblebee movement activity was affected by the cover of maize fields and semi‐natural grasslands on a larger spatial scale and by landscape heterogeneity on a smaller spatial scale. For some measures of the forest herb's population genetic structure, that is, allelic richness, observed heterozygosity and the F‐value, the combinations of landscape metrics, which explained the linker movement activity best, yielded lower AICc values than 95% of the models including all possible combinations of landscape metrics.

Synthesis: The genetic linker, B. pascuorum, mediates landscape effects on the population genetic structure of the forest herb P. multiflorum. Our study indicates, that the movement of the genetic linker among forest patches, and thus the pollen driven gene flow of the herb, depends on the relative value of floral resources in the specific landscape setting. Noteworthy, the population genetic structure of the long‐lived, clonal forest herb species correlated with recent land‐use types such as maize, which have been existing for not more than a few decades within these landscapes. This underscores the short time in which land‐use changes can influence the evolutionary potential of long‐lived wild plants.
FeCl3 Catalyzed Synthesis of cis‐Fused Reduced THC Analogues
Authors: Gurgone Lucía , Adessi Tonino G. , La‐Venia Agustina , Gandon Vincent , Riveira Martín J.
Published: July 2024

Studies on a cycloisomerization reaction of 2‐prenylated‐2H‐pyrans towards cis‐fused tetrahydro‐6H‐benzo[c]chromene systems (reduced cis‐THC analogues) are reported. The transformation is catalyzed by iron chloride and proceeds with the formation of two new bonds and two stereocenters diastereoselectively. The same catalyst also promotes the formation of these products via a one‐pot tandem Knoevenagel condensation of 1,3‐cyclohexanediones and citral or farnesal aldehydes, followed by cycloisomerization establishing a direct assembly of this important scaffold.
Were fewer boys born in the United States during the early months of the COVID‐19 pandemic? A test of the Trivers–Willard hypothesis
Authors: Cleaver Peyton , Non Amy L.
Published: July 2024

The Trivers–Willard hypothesis predicts that mammalian parents in poor environmental conditions will favor the offspring sex with more reliable chance of reproductive success, which in humans is females. Three months following the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic in South Africa, England, and Wales, there were significant decreases in the sex ratio at birth (SRB) (male births/total live births). We analyzed this ratio with a seasonal autoregressive moving average model, and a logistic regression, using nationwide natality data for all singleton births in the United States from 2015 to 2021 (n = 25,201,620 total births). We identified no significant change in the sex ratio in either analysis. Rather, we observed marked differences in the sex ratio by maternal characteristics of race/ethnicity, age, and education, with more vulnerable groups having lower sex ratios. These findings suggest the SRB may be an important marker of reproductive vulnerability for disadvantaged groups in the United States.