bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trimetallic Atom‐Doped Functional Carbon Catalyst Enables Fast Redox Kinetics and Durable Cyclic Stability of Zinc‐Iodine Batteries
Authors: Gao Yating , Liu Yurong , Guo Xun , Zhang Jie , Zhou Chuancong , Li Fulong , Xu Zhenming , Zhao Zaowen , Xing Zhenyue , Rao Peng , Kang Zhenye , Tian Xinlong , Shi Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

Active iodine dissolution and polyiodide shuttle are two major obstacles hindering the application of zinc‐iodine batteries (ZIBs). Designing functional carriers with strong physisorption/chemisorption capability, abundant active sites, and high catalytic activity for iodine redox reaction kinetics, is considered an effective strategy to solve the current problems of ZIBs. In this work, Fe, Co, Ni‐doping porous carbon (FeCoNi) is comprehensively investigated as carrier material to prepare the iodine‐loading cathode of FeCoNi@I2. On the basis of experimental tests and theoretical calculations, the introduction of FeCoNi trimetallic atoms effectively regulates the electronic structure, charge distribution, active sites, and electronic conductivity of porous carbon substrate, promoting the iodine conversion reaction kinetics as well as chemisorption capability for iodine species, which is conducive to inhibit the polyiodide shuttle and active iodine dissolution. As expected, Zn//FeCoNi@I2 batteries exhibit high specific capacity and strong self‐discharge resistance capability, and the reversible capacity of FeCoNi@I2 cathode stabilizes at 108.8 mAh g−1 after 13000 cycles at 1 A g−1, and 94.7 mAh g−1 after 14000 cycles at 3 A g−1. This work will open new horizons for the structural design of catalyst‐type carrier materials for durable ZIBs, and facilitate the application of trimetallic atom‐doped porous carbon in high‐performance secondary batteries.
Electrical Spin State Manipulation in All‐Magnet Heterojunctions Using a Ferromagnetic Spin Source
Authors: Xie Hang , Mu Zhiqiang , Si Yuxin , Wang Jiaqi , Wang Xiangrong , Wu Yihong
Published: December 2024

The ability to electrically manipulate spin states in magnetic materials is essential for the advancement of energy‐efficient spintronic device, which is typically achieved in systems composed of a spin source and a magnetic target, where the magnetic state of the target is altered by a charge current. While theories suggest that ferromagnets could function as more versatile spin sources, direct experimental studies involving only the spin source and target layers have been lacking. Here electrical manipulation of spin states in noncolinear antiferromagnet Mn3Sn using ferromagnets (Ni, Fe, NiFe, CoFeB) as the spin sources is reported. Both field‐free switching and switching with an assistive field are achieved in Mn3Sn/ferromagnet bilayers, where the switching polarity correlates with the sign of anomalous Hall effect of the ferromagnets. The experimental findings can be accounted for by the presence of spin currents arising from spin‐dependent scattering within the ferromagnets. This finding provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of spin‐conversion in ferromagnets, offering an alternative spin source for novel technological applications.
Low‐Temperature Lithium Metal Batteries Achieved by Synergistically Enhanced Screening Li+ Desolvation Kinetics
Authors: Zhu Fengyi , Wang Jian , Zhang Yongzheng , Tu Haifeng , Xia Xueqing , Zhang Jing , He Haiyan , Lin Hongzhen , Liu Meinan
Published: December 2024

Lithium metal anode is desired by high capacity and low potential toward higher energy density than commercial graphite anode. However, the low‐temperature Li metal batteries suffer from dendrite formation and dead Li resulting from uneven Li behaviors of flux with huge desolvation/diffusion barriers, thus leading to short lifespan and safety concern. Herein, differing from electrolyte engineering, a strategy of delocalizing electrons with generating rich active sites to regulate Li+ desolvation/diffusion behaviors are demonstrated via decorating polar chemical groups on porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). As comprehensively indicated by theoretical simulations, electrochemical analysis, in situ spectroscopies, electron microscope, and time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry, the sieving kinetics of desolvation is not merely relied on pore size morphology but also significantly affected by the ─NH2 polar chemical groups, reducing energy barriers for realizing non‐dendritic and smooth Li metal plating. Consequently, the optimal cells stabilize for long lifespan of 2000 h and higher average Coulombic efficiency, much better than the‐state‐of‐art reports. Under a lower negative/positive ratio of 3.3, the full cells with NH2‐MIL‐125 deliver a high capacity‐retention of 97.0% at 0.33 C even under −20 °C, showing the great potential of this kind of polar groups on boosting Li+ desolvation kinetics at room‐ and low‐temperatures.
MXene‐Vitrimer Nanocomposites: Photo‐Thermal Repair, Reinforcement, and Conductivity at Low Volume Fractions Through a Percolative Voronoi‐Inspired Microstructure
Authors: Carey Michael S. , Taussig Laine , Nantz Jacob M. , Lipp Jeremiah W. , Mirau Peter , Barsoum Michel W. , Nepal Dhriti , Magenau Andrew J. D.
Published: December 2024

An innovative process to multifunctional vitrimer nanocomposites with a percolative MXene minor phase is reported, marking a significant advancement in creating stimuli‐repairable, reinforced, sustainable, and conductive nanocomposites at diminished loadings. This achievement arises from a Voronoi‐inspired biphasic morphological design via a straight‐forward three‐step process involving ambient‐condition precipitation polymerization of micron‐sized prepolymer powders, aqueous powder‐coating with 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tz), and melt‐pressing of MXene‐coated powders into crosslinked films. Due to the formation of MXene‐rich boundaries between thiourethane vitrimer domains in a pervasive low‐volume fraction conductive network, a low percolation threshold (≈0.19 vol.%) and conductive polymeric nanocomposites (≈350 S m−1) are achieved. The embedded MXene skeleton mechanically bolsters the vitrimer at intermediate loadings, enhancing the modulus and toughness by 300% and 50%, respectively, without mechanical detriment compared to the neat vitrimer. The vitrimer's dynamic‐covalent bonds and MXene's photo‐thermal conversion properties enable repair in minutes through short‐term thermal treatments for full macroscopic mechanical restoration or in seconds under 785 nm light for rapid localized surface repair. This versatile fabrication method to nanocoated pre‐vitrimer powders and morphologically complex nanocomposites is compatible with classic composite manufacturing, and when coupled with the material's exceptional properties, holds immense potential for revolutionizing advanced composites and inspiring next‐generation smart materials.
Silkworm‐Shaped MoS2 Growing on Graphene Foam for Highly Sensitive and Flexible Strain Sensor with Full‐Scale Human Motion Detection Ability
Authors: Song Tengyue , Xu Minxuan , Weng Yunjie , Zhang Wen , Shi Yueqin , Li Xin , Zhang Qi
Published: December 2024

High‐performance piezoresistive strain sensors (PSS) are important components of wearable electronics for human health management and are considered a key technology for future applications in fields such as artificial intelligence and human medical monitoring. Recently, many PSS have been developed based on a variety of electrosensitive materials. Among them, 3D graphene foams (GrF) have attracted significant attention owing to their excellent thermal conductivity, tensile properties, and light weight. Herein, a novel GrF‐based composite is developed by growing 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets directly. Many lathy nanosheets stand vertically on the GrF, similar to silkworms creeping on the leaf, making the composite more sensitive to mechanical deformation stimuli. The obtained MoS2@GrF composite is processed into PSS with a wide sensing range (0%–80%), high gauge factor values (16 below 1% and 39 over 40%), detection limit of 0.1% strain with 106/123 ms response/recovery time, and good cyclic stability (≥3000 cycles). Moreover, the as‐fabricated strain sensors exhibit excellent Joule heating performance, which can be adjusted by strain. As such, the PSS allows for full‐range body motion monitoring and thermal management, which has great potential for next‐generation smart wearable electronics.
Digitized Phase‐Change Material Heterostack for Transmissive Diffractive Optical Neural Network
Authors: Chen Ruiyang , Fan Jichao , Yu Cunxi , Gao Weilu
Published: December 2024

All‐optical and fully reconfigurable transmissive diffractive optical neural network (DONN) architectures emerge as high‐throughput and energy‐efficient machine learning (ML) hardware accelerators in broad applications. However, current device and system implementations have limited performance. In this work, a novel transmissive diffractive device architecture, a digitized phase‐change material (PCM) heterostack, which consists of multiple nonvolatile PCM layers with different thicknesses, is demonstrated. Through this architecture, the advantages of PCM electrical and optical properties can be leveraged and challenges associated with multilevel operations in a single PCM layer can be mitigated. Through proof‐of‐concept experiments, the electrical tuning of one PCM layer is demonstrated in a transmissive spatial light modulation device, and thermal analysis guides the design of multilayer devices and DONN systems to avoid thermal cross talk if individual heterostacks are assembled into an array. Further, a heterostack containing three PCM layers is designed based on experimental results to produce a large‐phase modulation range and uniform coverage, and the ML performance of DONN systems with the designed heterostack is evaluated. The developed device architecture is practically feasible and scalable for future energy‐efficient, fast‐reconfigured, and compact transmissive DONN systems.
Electrochemical Determination of Gallic Acid in Tea Samples Using Pyramidal Pt Nanoparticles
Authors: Di Giulio Tiziano , Ramírez‐Morales Maria Antonieta , Mastronardi Valentina , Mele Giuseppe , Brescia Rosaria , Pompa Pier Paolo , Malitesta Cosimino , De Benedetto Giuseppe Egidio , Moglianetti Mauro , Malvindi Maria Ada , Mazzotta Elisabetta
Published: December 2024

Gallic acid (GA) is a natural phenolic compound with significant biological properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Detecting GA in biological matrices like food and beverages is essential but challenging due to the multitude of GA‐like molecules with similar proprieties and functional moieties. In this study, ultra‐small (≈4 nm) pyramidal platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) with a high fraction of {111} surface domains are used to design a new electrochemical sensor for GA detection in tea, which is the most popular manufactured drink consumed in the world. PtNPs are deposited on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using a simple drop deposition method, requiring a minimal amount of nanoparticles and, hence, metal precursor. With just 2.7 µg of PtNPs, the sensor demonstrated a linear response in the concentration range from 50 to 600 µm, a detection limit of 16 µm, and a quantification limit of 49 µm. The sensor selectivity is tested against other antioxidant compounds commonly present in tea, consistently showing a higher response for GA. Furthermore, the sensor capability to detect GA in real green and black tea samples is further validated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, with high correlation between chromatographic data and sensor response.
Vacancy‐Anchored Sub‐Nanometer Ru Catalyst with High Activity and Strong Durability at 800 °C Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Yang Juanjuan , Cao Zhiyang , Wan Yujie , Guan Shuhui , Jiang Bo , Yamauchi Yusuke , Li Hexing
Published: December 2024

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) represents an important way to convert both CO2 and CH4 to reduce greenhouse effects and produce valuable chemical products. Owing to the strong bonding energies of both CO2 and CH4 molecules, DRM usually proceeds at a high temperature, which inevitably causes catalyst sintering, leading to catalyst deactivation. This work develops a highly stable sub‐nanometer Ru catalyst on a Ni‐doped MgO support using Mg2+ vacancies as anchors. The optimized Ru1.5/Ni1‐MgO‐R catalyst displays 90% CH4 conversion and 92% CO2 conversion to syngas in DRM at 800 °C. More importantly, it exhibits strong durability and can run continuously for more than 1200 h. Both the characterizations and the density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the Ni2+ substituted Mg2+ in the MgO matrix produces Mg2+ vacancies (MgV), which can stabilize sub‐nanometer Ru clusters of ≈0.9 nm. Moreover, the presence of Mgv‐Ru8 clusters strongly stabilizes sub‐nanometer Ru. This study contributes valuable insights into the design of sub‐nanometer metal catalysts with strong sintering resistance at high temperatures.
A Novel Parameter Estimation Method for Pneumatic Soft Hand Control Applying Logarithmic Decrement for Pseudo‐Rigid Body Modeling
Authors: Zhang Haiyun , Heung Kelvin HoLam , Naquila Gabrielle J. , Hingwe Ashwin , Deshpande Ashish D.
Published: December 2024

Controlling soft robots, especially soft hand grasping, is complex due to their ubiquitous deformation, prompting the use of reduced model‐based controllers to provide sufficient state information for high dynamic response control performance. However, most modeling techniques face computational efficiency and complexity of parameter identification issues. To alleviate this, a paradigm coupling an analytical modeling approach based on pseudo‐rigid body modeling and the logarithmic decrement method (PRBM + LDM) for parameter estimation is proposed. Using a soft robot hand test bed, the PRBM + LDM model for a closed‐loop position controller is applied and is compared with a simple proportional–integral–derivative controller (PID controller) static shape control of soft continuum robots using deep visual inverse kinematic models. Furthermore, the PRBM + LDM model‐based force controller is compared with simple constant pressure grasping control by pinching tasks on low‐weight, small objects—a screwdriver, a potato chip, and a brass coin. The PRBM + LDM‐based position controller outperforms the simple PID position controller, and the PRBM + LDM‐based force controller achieves a higher success rate than the constant pressure grasping control in the pinching tasks. In conclusion, the PRBM + LDM modeling technique proves to be a convenient and efficient way to model the dynamic behavior of soft actuators closely and can be applied to build high‐precision position and force controllers.
A Catch‐Release Strategy for the Genomics‐Driven Discovery of Antiproliferative Furan‐Functionalized Peptides
Authors: Ehinger Friedrich J. , Scherlach Kirstin , Trottmann Felix , Fiedler Jonas , Richter Ingrid , Hertweck Christian
Published: December 2024

Furan‐functionalized peptides are of significant pharmacological interest due to their pronounced bioactivities and unique potential for orthogonal bioconjugation and derivatization. However, naturally occurring peptides with furyl side chains are exceedingly rare. This study presents a streamlined method to predict and assess the microbial production of peptides incorporating 3‐furylalanine (Fua) moieties. The approach integrates genome mining and the reversible, chemoselective tagging of furyl residues, utilizing their unique Diels–Alder reactivity, for mass‐spectrometry‐guided identification of candidate compounds. By employing the rhizonin Fua synthase as a bioinformatic handle and through heterologous reconstitution of Fua biosynthesis, we identified previously unknown Fua biosynthetic pathways in diverse bacterial phyla, including actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, actinobacteria, and γ‐proteobacteria, suggesting that Fua‐containing peptides are remarkably widely distributed. Metabolic profiling by reversible tagging facilitated the detection of Fua‐containing metabolites in their native producers. The successful adaptation of this method for solid support enabled the direct enrichment of furyl‐substituted peptides from complex mixtures. This multi‐pronged approach enabled the discovery and characterization of two novel families of Fua cyclopeptides (rubriamides and typhamides) with potent antiproliferative effects against human tumor cells and nematodes. The innovative catch‐and‐release strategy, in conjunction with genome mining, represents a valuable tool for the discovery of new furan‐substituted natural products.
Innovation of Some Novel Complexes Based on N‐[(Ethylcarbamothioyl)amino]‐1‐(hydrazine Carbonyl)formamide (L2) and (L3) N,N′‐Bis‐[(ethylcarbamothioyl)amino]ethane Diamide Ligands: Synthesis, Structural Elucidation, DFT Calculations, and Biological Studies
Authors: Sadak Sara A. , Nawar Nagawa A. , El‐khawaga Omali Y. , Mostafa Mohsen M.
Published: December 2024

Different chelates derived from, N‐[(ethylcarbamothioyl)amino]‐1‐(hydrazinecarbonyl)formamide (L2) and N,N′‐bis‐[(ethylcabomothioyl)amino]ethanediamide (L3), with metal ions were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV–Vis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass), TGA, and magnetic measurements. The two new ligands (L2 and L2) were synthesized using L1 (oxalic acid dihydrazide [ODH]). Theoretical studies and molecular docking calculations were investigated. IR spectra suggest that L2 behaves in a bidentate manner coordinating either via the carbonyl oxygen and the nitrogen atom of the hydrazine group and/or through the sulfur (C=S and/or C–S) and the NH groups. In the case of L3, the metal complexes were obtained in the enol form with the removal of proton or more from either the carbonyl (C=O) and/or thioketo (C=S) or both groups after enolization is occurred, except the Pd2+, which was isolated in the keto form without removal of hydrogen atoms. The computational estimation of L2, and L3 and their complexes were approved with the Gaussian 09 W program in DFT/B3LYP. DPPH and ABTS were tested against two free radical scavengers that were utilized in order to evaluate the antioxidant potential of complexes in vitro. Biological effectiveness of L2 and L3 and their complexes against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria was in vitro investigated. Antifungal action was investigated utilizing inhibition zone diameter. Moreover, the ligands and its complexes were exhibited a broad spectrum of DNA degradation effects, as measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. The antioxidant activity of the complexes was determined based on the radical scavenging ability in reacting with a stable DPPH. Wound healing assay was tested with the most active complexes against liver cancer cell line HepG‐2.
Effects of Platycodon grandiflorum seeds exposure to static magnetic field on germination and early seedling growth
Authors: Yang Xingxing , Wang Xin , Zhang Xuhan , Hu Jinlan , Wang Jing , Chen Yansong , Zhu Yong
Published: December 2024

Effects of non‐uniform upward (north) and downward (south) 300 mT static magnetic field (SMF) 14 days (24 h/day) treatment of Platycodon grandiflorum seeds on germination, seedling growth, enzyme activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and seedling chlorophyll content were investigated under laboratory conditions. Germination rate, index and potential from magnetically exposed Anhui and Hebei Platycodon grandiflorum seeds were significantly not affected (p > 0.05), however, the values of these germination variables were notably higher in Anhui Platycodon grandiflorum seeds than Hebei seeds. Treatment of Hebei Platycodon grandiflorum seeds with 300 mT SMFs increased (p < 0.05) the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), α‐and β‐amylase activities and chlorophyll content significantly, the root length and MDA level of Anhui seeds were reduced, while the MDA level was had no obviously affect. The results suggest that non‐uniform upward 300 mT SMF had potential to active the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and hydrolytic enzymes (α‐and β‐amylase activities) and increase the chlorophyll content of Platycodon grandiflorus seeds under laboratory conditions.
Exploring the Impact of a No‐Cost, Self‐Directed Self‐Compassion Intervention in Promoting Mental Health, Resilience and Self‐Compassion Among Women in Violent and Non‐Violent Relationships
Authors: Davidson Cara A. , Shillington Katie J. , Irwin Jennifer D. , Mantler Tara
Published: December 2024

Limited access to social services often hinders women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) from seeking support. This mixed‐methods (survey‐ and interview‐based) study investigated the impact of a no‐cost, one‐month, self‐directed self‐compassion intervention on women experiencing IPV compared with women in non‐violent relationships. Among the 28 participants (n = 15 non‐IPV, n = 13 IPV), significant improvements were noted in total self‐compassion scores (F(2,52) = 6.126, p = 0.004, η2p = 0.18), and specific domains such as self‐kindness (F(2,52) = 6.552, p = 0.003, η2p = 0.20) and over‐identification (F(2,52) = 4.251, p = 0.020, η2p = 0.14) over time. Interview findings indicated that women perceived meaningful improvements in their mental health and resilience because of the intervention, with some women in violent relationships reporting that the intervention facilitated leaving the relationship. This intervention demonstrates strong potential as an accessible, effective health promotion intervention for women in violent relationships.
Synthesis and Preliminary Evaluation of Tanshinone Mimic Conjugates for Mechanism of Action Studies
Authors: Assoni Giulia , Assunção Carreira Ágata Sofia , Tomiello Matteo , Seneci Pierfausto , Provenzani Alessandro , Arosio Daniela
Published: December 2024

Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA binding protein (RBP) belonging to the ELAV (Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision) family, which stabilizes mRNAs and regulates the expression of multiple genes. Its altered expression or localization is related to pathological features such as cancer or inflammation. Dihydrotanshinone I (DHTS I) is a naturally occurring, tetracyclic ortho‐quinone inhibitor of the HuR‐mRNA interaction. Our earlier efforts led to the identification of a synthetic Tanshinone Mimic (TM) 2 with improved affinity for HuR. Here we report five new TM probes 3–5 bearing a detection‐promoting moiety (either photo affinity probe ‐ PAP or biotin) as a para‐substituent on the phenyl‐sulphonamide for mechanism of action (MoA) studies. Biological and biochemical assays were used to characterize the novel TM conjugates 3–5. They showed similar toxic activity in HuR‐expressing triple‐negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells, with micromolar CC50s. REMSAs revealed that photoactivatable groups (4 a and 4 b), but not biotin (5 a and 5 b), prevented conjugates’ ability to disrupt rHuR‐RNA complexes. Further biochemical studies confirmed that biotinylated probes, in particular 5 a, can be used to isolate rM1 M2 from solutions, taking advantage of streptavidin‐coated magnetic beads, thus being the most promising HuR inhibitor to be used for further MoA studies in cell lysates.
Sulfur and Oxygen Transfer Reactions with Simultaneous NHC‐Coordination from Cyclic Thioureas and Ureas to a Stable Silylene
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Toyooka Takuto , Tamura Tomofumi , Abe Tetsuro , Akasaka Naohiko , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: December 2024

Reactions of cyclic thioureas (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐thione and 1,3‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐thione) and ureas (1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐one and 1,3‐dimethylimidazolidin‐2‐one) with an isolable dialkylsilylene were examined. In these reactions, cyclic thioureas served as sulfur and NHC (N‐heterocyclic carbene) sources, and the corresponding silanethione and NHC‐derived products formed via silanethione‐NHC complexes. Reactions of cyclic ureas with the silylene afforded a new NHC and an isolable azomethine ylide. These reactions involved oxygen atom transfer and 1,3‐silyl migrations, which were supported by computational studies.
Designing Double Perovskites with Organic Dications for Enhancing Stability and Photoelectrical Performance
Authors: Chen Yan , Ding Xun‐Lei , Xu Shao‐Peng , Shi Xin‐Ying , Yan Yan , Wen Ang‐Ran , Li Wei , Chen Jiao‐Jiao
Published: December 2024

Recently, the research on developing lead‐free double‐B‐cation halide perovskites has attracted attention. However, Cs2InBiCl6, the most promising one, was shown to be thermodynamically unstable. To improve the stability, organic dication DiMA2+ (i. e., (CH2NH3)+(CH2)3(CH2NH3)+) is introduced to design the new double perovskite DiMAInBiX6 (X=Cl, Br, and I) based on Cs2InBiX6 by replacing two Cs+ with a DiMA2+. Density functional theory calculations were performed to study the geometric and photoelectric properties of the newly designed materials. Unlike Cs2InBiX6, both DiMAInBiCl6 and DiMAInBiBr6 can exist stably against decompositions, indicating that the replacement of Cs+ by DiMA2+ will improve stability of double perovskites due to the staple effect. In addition, the replacement causes an increase in the band gaps of DiMAInBiX6. Particularly, the calculated band gap of DiMAInBiBr6 (1.31 eV) is close to the optimal value of single junction perovskite solar cell (PSC). Under ideal conditions, the PSC model constructed with DiMAInBiBr6 performs the best in theoretical simulation. This work proposes DiMAInBiBr6 as a promising light absorber of PSC, which has high stability and photoelectric performance. It also suggests that the replacement of Cs+ by DiMA2+ may serve as a rational and practical way to design new organic‐inorganic hybrid double perovskites.
A Novel High‐Speed Ultralow Power Double‐Node‐Upsets Tolerant Automotive Latch Design
Authors: Qiu Guoji , Bi Dawei , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhengxuan
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel High‐speed Ultralow power Double‐Node Upsets (DNU) Tolerant Automotive Latch (HUDTAL) fabricated in the 55‐nm CMOS technology. Through the integration of Muller‐C‐Element (MCE), Node‐Hardened MCE, CLK‐Gating MCE (CG‐MCE), and Transmission Gate techniques, the proposed latch can fully resist DNU. Compared with similar types of latches through simulation, the proposed latch has higher critical charges and does not generate any TFs at the output that may affect the next stage circuit, saving 4.89% area power delay product on average. Additionally, it exhibits lower sensitivity to process voltage temperature variations, enabling stable operation in harsh environmental conditions.
Double‐balloon endoscopy for duodenal diverticulitis with calculus after intestinal reconstruction: A case report
Authors: Toyoshima Kai , Takishin Yunosuke , Toda Kiko , Nakajima Katsuma , Otuka Yutaro , Yokoyama Daisuke , Muranaka Tetsuhito , Kunieda Yasuyuki
Published: December 2024

Small‐bowel diverticulosis is relatively common, but there is no set treatment strategy for duodenal diverticulitis with stone impaction. A woman aged in her 70s presented with a chief complaint of abdominal pain, and she had been reconstructed by the Roux‐en‐Y method after total gastrectomy. We performed an enhanced computed tomography which revealed edematous wall thickening of the duodenum. We diagnosed her with duodenal diverticulitis and treated them with antibiotics but her disease was not cured, we therefore attempted endoscopic stone removal as a nonoperative treatment. After stone removal with a nonoperative procedure, when we contrasted the duodenal papillary diverticulum, it was found to form a fistula on the other side, and the successful treatment made her discharged on the 17th day. The duodenal diverticulitis with calculus is extremely rare, and there is no report to treat it using double‐balloon endoscopy, therefore we report this case with a literature review.
Detecting Fish Diversity in Urban‐Impacted Ecosystems: A Comparative Approach of eDNA Metabarcoding and UVC
Authors: Chung Arthur , Kam Y. C. , Shea Stanley K. H. , Schunter Celia
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive assessments of coastal biodiversity in complex coral communities are crucial but challenging, particularly under unfavorable conditions such as poor underwater visibility in urbanized and eutrophic environments. Here we aim to examine the scope of underwater diversity detection and community shifts across habitat transitions spanning different geographic regions in Hong Kong SAR, a highly urbanized coastal city with limited underwater visibility of 3.93 ± 1.25 m during the sampling period. We employ and compare two methods: 12S rRNA eDNA metabarcoding coupled with custom built reference database and simultaneous extensive underwater visual census (UVC) surveys. eDNA detected a higher species richness per site. Yet, each survey method featured a distinct species profile with associated trophic guilds, where 98 (32.3%) species found exclusively by UVC and 120 (39.6%) species detected only by eDNA. eDNA featured species from diverse habitats and evolutionary distances, including cryptic and large mobile fishes, offering enhanced prediction on local ecosystem functions. eDNA also recorded 90 putative species that had never been recorded in additional seven yearlong UVC dataset, with seven prospective new occurrence records to the territorial waters. UVC on the other hand was more efficient in documenting reef‐associated species. Both methods captured similar patterns of community spatial structure along the habitat transitions while only eDNA detected more large fish species in offshore compared to sheltered inshore environments, This may suggest inshore overfishing and incapability of UVC in surveying large mobile species in turbid environments. Considering the discrepancies between two methods, we highlight the importance of complementing both UVC and eDNA metabarcoding survey for a complete overview of local biodiversity under unfavored underwater conditions in an urbanized seascape.
Distinct Tissue‐Dependent Composition and Gene Expression of Human Fetal Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Rødahl Inga E. , Ivarsson Martin A. , Loh Liyen , Mold Jeff E. , Westgren Magnus , Friberg Danielle , Mjösberg Jenny , Björkström Niklas K. , Marquardt Nicole , Nixon Douglas F. , Michaëlsson Jakob
Published: December 2024

The human fetal immune system starts to develop in the first trimester and likely plays a crucial role in fetal development and maternal‐fetal tolerance. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the earliest lymphoid cells to arise in the human fetus. ILCs consist of natural killer (NK) cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, and ILC3s that all share a common lymphoid origin. Here, we studied fetal ILC subsets, mainly NK cells and ILC3s and their potential progenitors, across human fetal tissues. Our results show that fetal ILC subsets have distinct distribution, developmental kinetics, and gene expression profiles across human fetal tissues. Furthermore, we identify CD34+RORγt+Eomes− and CD34+RORγt+Eomes+ cells in the fetal intestine, indicating that tissue‐specific ILC progenitors exist already during fetal development.
KIRA6 is an Effective and Versatile Mast Cell Inhibitor of IgE‐mediated Activation
Authors: Wunderle Veronika , Wilhelm Thomas , Boukeileh Shatha , Goßen Jonas , Margreiter Michael A. , Sakurov Roman , Capellmann Sandro , Schwoerer Maike , Ahmed Nabil , Bronneberg Gina , Arock Michel , Martin Christian , Schubert Thomas , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Rossetti Giulia , Tirosh Boaz , Huber Michael
Published: December 2024

Mast cell (MC)‐driven allergic diseases are constantly expanding and require the development of novel pharmacological MC stabilizers. Allergen/antigen (Ag)‐triggered activation via crosslinking of the high‐affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) is fundamentally regulated by SRC family kinases, for example, LYN and FYN, exhibiting positive and negative functions. We report that KIRA6, an inhibitor for the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE1α, suppresses IgE‐mediated MC activation by inhibiting both LYN and FYN. KIRA6 attenuates Ag‐stimulated early signaling and effector functions such as degranulation and proinflammatory cytokine production/secretion in murine bone marrow‐derived MCs. Moreover, Ag‐triggered bronchoconstriction in an ex vivo model and IgE‐mediated stimulation of human MCs were repressed by KIRA6. The interaction of KIRA6 with three MC‐relevant tyrosine kinases, LYN, FYN, and KIT, and the potential of KIRA6 structure as a pharmacophore for the development of respective single‐, dual‐, or triple‐specificity inhibitors, was evaluated by homology modeling and molecular dynamics simulations. We found that KIRA6 particularly strongly binds the inactive state of LYN, FYN, and KIT with comparable affinities. In conclusion, our data suggest that the chemical structure of KIRA6 as a pharmacophore can be further developed to obtain an effective MC stabilizer.
Lanthanide(III) Metal‐Organic Frameworks (Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy) Based on a C3 Symmetrical Tricarboxylate Linker
Authors: McHugh Darragh , Tong Wenming , Bezrukov Andrey , Farras Pau , Zaworotko Michael J. , Mayans Julia , Skelton Jonathan M. , Barnett Sarah , Pallipurath Anuradha R. , Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina
Published: December 2024

Lanthanide‐based metal‐organic frameworks have attracted significant interest due to their ability to combine porosity with one or more additional properties, providing an alternative method for the development of multifunctional materials. With this in mind, we report the synthesis and characterisation of the OnG5 family of MOFs with the formula [LnLH(DMF)3][(4‐NH2Ph)3C](NO3)(CH3CO2H), where Ln=Gd (OnG5‐Gd), Tb (OnG5‐Tb), Dy (OnG5‐Dy), and LH3−= the trianion of 4,4′,4′′‐(1 E)‐[4,4′,4′′‐(methanetriyl)tris(benzene‐4,1‐diyl)tris(azan‐1‐ yl‐1‐ylidene)]tris(methan‐1‐yl‐1‐ylidene)tribenzoic acid. OnG5 were synthesised in situ from the reaction of Ln(NO3)3.xH2O, pararosaniline base [(4‐NH2Ph)3COH] and terephthalaldehydic acid in DMF. Their structure was studied through single crystal x‐ray crystallography and confirmed with DFT calculations. OnG5 display a 2D, three‐fold interpenetrated structure with a honeycomb lattice topology. They are the first examples bearing the ligand LHH3 and they display photoluminescence originating from an intraligand π‐π* or n‐π* transition. Dc and ac magnetic susceptibility studies conducted on the OnG5‐Gd analogue revealed an absence of magnetic interaction between the metal centres.
Fundamentals of Viscoelastic Particle Focusing in Suddenly Expanded Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Chen Dalin , Huang Di , Zhu Zhixian , Huang Qiang , Ni Zhonghua , Wang Yiduo , Xiang Nan
Published: December 2024

Particles focusing in suddenly expanded microfluidic channels with viscoelastic biofluids have attracted increased interests due to the potential biomedical applications. In this work, three types of suddenly expanded channels were designed and employed for experiments. These suddenly expanded channels contained a certain number of triangular expansion structures on the sides of the straight channel to investigate the effect of secondary flow on particle viscoelastic focusing and we investigated particle focusing behavior in those three channels with 0.1% hyaluronic acid (HA) solution. The effects of various suddenly expanded channel structures on particle focusing were discussed. The results indicated that the viscoelastic focusing effect was enhanced by using the sudden expansion structures. Consequently, particles with multi‐peak distributions were successfully focused into a focusing stream by using the secondary flow induced by the suddenly expanded structure. Finally, the viscoelastic focusing of leukocytes was explored using suddenly expanded channels. This work offers a deep understanding on the fundamentals of particle focusing in suddenly expanded channels and the results will enable the design of particles focusing microfluidic devices with suddenly expanded channels for critical applications in biomedicine.
Neuronal ‘Ensemble’ Recording and the Search for the Cell Assembly: A Personal History
Authors: McNaughton Bruce L.
Published: December 2024

This contribution is part of the special issue on the Hippocampus focused on personal histories of advances in knowledge on the hippocampus and related structures. An account is offered of the author's role in the development of neural ensemble recording: stereo recording (stereotrodes, tetrodes) and the use of this approach to search for evidence of Hebb's “cell assemblies” and “phase sequences”, the holy grail of the neuroscience of learning and memory.
Combining Total Metabolic Tumor Volume With Beta‐2‐Microglobulin Levels Predicts Outcomes in High‐Burden Follicular Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Zduniak A. , Lévêque E. , Draye‐Carbonnier S. , Becker S. , Tonnelet D. , Dubois S. , Vera P. , Tilly H. , Jardin F. , Decazes P. , Camus V.
Published: December 2024

We aimed to explore the predictive value of total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) and beta‐2‐microglobulin (B2M) levels in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) with a high tumor burden receiving standard first‐line immunochemotherapy. We analyzed 125 patients with the following characteristics: median age, 61 years (55; 67), advanced‐stage disease, 88.8%; high FLIPI, 49.6%; TMTV, > 510 cm3; B2M, > 3 mg/L (24.8%); and R‐CHOP‐like treatment, 86.4%. We defined the following categories: low‐risk (36%), TMTV ≤ 510 cm3 and B2M ≤ 3 mg/L; intermediate‐risk (45.6%), TMTV > 510 cm3 or B2M > 3 mg/L; and high‐risk (18.4%), TMTV > 510 cm3 and B2M > 3 mg/L. The 5‐year overall survival rates were estimated to be 96.1%, 89.1% and 73.7% for low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk patients, respectively (p = 0.003). Patients at intermediate and high risk according to the TMTV/B2M score were at high risk of disease progression within 24 months of treatment initiation (HR = 2.45 [95% CI: 1.23–4.85] and HR = 3.75 [95% CI: 1.7–8.2], respectively). This TMTV/B2M score may identify patients with the highest unmet medical needs.
Smokeless tobacco (snuff) and site‐specific cancer risks in adult Black South African women: Findings from the Johannesburg Cancer Study
Authors: Motlhale Melitah , Sitas Freddy , de Villiers Chantal Babb , Simba Hannah , Feliu Ariadna , Chen Wenlong Carl , Schüz Joachim , Muchengeti Mazvita , McCormack Valerie
Published: December 2024

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is an established carcinogen to the nasal cavity, lip, and oropharynx, however, few studies have examined cancer risks in older African women among whom SLT use is common. We investigated snuff use and the risk of site‐specific cancers among 15,336 newly diagnosed female cancer patients in the Johannesburg Cancer Study, South Africa. We designed case–control comparisons across multiple cancer outcomes: (a) known SLT‐associated cancers; (b) other tobacco‐related cancers and (c) genital cancers owing to intravaginal snuff use. Controls (n = 2961) comprised all other cancer patients. We also investigated (d) each control cancer type versus the remaining controls to explore possible associations with other cancers. Logistic models were fitted to estimate odds ratios adjusted for age, education, tobacco smoking, alcohol, HIV, and language. Overall, ever use of snuff was 22% among control cancers. Ever snuff use was associated with cervical (OR 1.14 [95%CI 1.00–1.30]) and eye and adnexa cancer (OR 1.95 [95%CI 1.03–3.70]). Associations with vulva cancer were less clear, 95% CI's for the main effects included 1 but a subgroup analysis restricted to never‐smokers of current‐versus‐never users was positive (OR 2.10 [95%CI 1.25–3.50]). Surprisingly SLT users have lower risks of stomach cancer (OR 0.60 [95%CI 0.37–0.99]) and Hodgkin Lymphoma (OR 0.48 [95%CI 0.23–0.97]). Snuff use may increase the risk for cervical and vulva cancer in women, which is plausible via intravaginal use. Further research on the impact of SLT on female genital cancers with more detailed exposure data, including timing, intensity, and routes of use are required.
Deep Depthwise Residual Network for Knee Meniscus Segmentation From Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Thengade Anita , Rajurkar A. M. , Talbar Sanjay N.
Published: December 2024

The menisci within the knee are essential for various anatomical functions, including load‐bearing, joint stability, cartilage protection, shock absorption, and lubrication. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides highly detailed images of internal organs and soft tissues, which are indispensable for physicians and radiologists assessing the meniscus. Given the multitude of images in each MRI sequence and diverse MRI data, the segmentation of the meniscus presents considerable challenges through image processing methods. The region‐specific characteristics of the meniscus can vary from one image to another within the sequence. Consequently, achieving automatic and accurate segmentation of meniscus in knee MRI images is a crucial step in meniscus analysis. This paper introduces the “UNet with depthwise residual network” (DR‐UNet), a depthwise convolutional neural network, designed specifically for meniscus segmentation in MRI images. The proposed architecture significantly improves the accuracy of meniscus segmentation compared to different segmentation networks. The training and testing phases utilized fat suppression turbo‐spin‐echo (FS TSE) MRI sequences collected from 100 distinct knee joints using a Siemens 3 Tesla MRI machine. Additionally, we employed data augmentation techniques to expand the dataset strategically, addressing the challenge of a substantial training dataset requirement. The DR‐UNet model demonstrated impressive meniscus segmentation performance, achieving a Dice similarity coefficient range of 0.743–0.9646 and a Jaccard index range of 0.653–0.869, thereby showcasing its advanced segmentation capabilities.
Temporal Order and Developmental Context of Aggressive Attitude and Aggressive Behavior: Testing a Within‐Person Reciprocal Effects Model
Authors: Walters Glenn D. , Runell Lindsey , Kremser Jon
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the relationship between aggressive attitude and aggressive behavior is reciprocal or bidirectional in nature.

Method

A sample of 845 early adolescent youth (406 boys, 439 girls) between the ages of 10 and 13 (mean = 11.21) served as participants in this study. Aggressive attitudes were assessed with 4 items from the Denver Youth Survey Neutralization scale and aggressive behavior was assessed with 5 items from the Self‐Reported Offending scale.

Results

A random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model (RI‐CLPM) analysis revealed that aggressive attitude predicted aggressive behavior from Wave 1 to Wave 2 and from Wave 2 to Wave 3, whereas aggressive behavior only predicted aggressive attitude from Wave 1 to Wave 2. These findings insinuate that while aggressive attitude consistently predicted within‐person increases in aggressive behavior, aggressive behavior may have been less consistent in predicting within‐person increases in aggressive behavior.

Conclusion

A partial or restricted bidirectional relationship may link aggressive attitude to aggressive behavior such that the reciprocal effect between the two is only or most clearly evident during the transition from childhood to adolescence (i.e., the age 11‐to‐12‐year transition). The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Study of Serum Metabolic Biomarkers and Prediction Models of Cantharidin‐Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats Based on Dynamic Metabolomics
Authors: Cheng Weina , Feng Wenzhong , Tian Guanghuan , Liu Jingxian , Bai Zhixun , Yu Ming , Yan Rong , Liu Liu , He Yanmei , Li Xiaofei , Zhang Jianyong
Published: December 2024

The clinical application of cantharidin (CTD) is seriously limited due to its nephrotoxicity. Therefore, this study aims to investigate sensitive biomarkers for the evaluation and prediction of nephrotoxicity induced by CTD in rat. A total of 80 rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group and three doses of CTD groups. After 0, 1, 5, 15, and 28 days of intragastric administration, rat serum and urine were collected for biochemical indexes, then serum was used for metabolomic analyses, and rat kidney was collected for pathological and ultrastructural observation. The levels of serum crea (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, urine crea (Ucrea), and urinary microalbumin (UmALB) were significantly increased after administration of different doses of CTD (p < 0.05). Additionally, histopathology and cell ultrastructure observation of kidney showed significant cell inflammatory infiltration and glomerular edema. Seven metabolic biomarkers including 6‐hydroxymelatonin were significantly disturbed by CTD. The CatBoost Classifier prediction model was used to establish the CTD nephrotoxicity prediction model, and the prediction accuracy and precision were 0.645 and 0.640, respectively. Moreover, 6‐hydroxymelatonin was found to be most useful biomarkers for evaluating the CTD nephrotoxicity. Finally, the seven metabolic biomarkers were found mainly involved in pyruvate metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis.
The Scale Dilemma: Investigating the Non‐Monotonic Relationship Between Bank Size and Market Value in Emerging Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Economies
Authors: Kullab Yarob , Sahyouni Ahmad , Shehada Mohammed
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the non‐monotonic relationship between bank size and market value in the emerging economies of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a focus on comparing Islamic and conventional banks. The analysis uses fixed‐effects panel techniques, supported by random‐effects, pooled OLS, and Hausman–Taylor methods for robustness, based on a sample of 161 publicly listed banks across 17 MENA countries from 2009 to 2022. The findings show that bank size positively influences market value initially, indicating economies of scale, but larger sizes lead to diminishing returns, reflecting a non‐monotonic relationship. This pattern is more evident for conventional banks, while the results for Islamic banks are less conclusive, suggesting the need for further investigation. Islamic banks seem to benefit less from economies of scale, possibly due to unique operational and governance challenges. This study fills a gap in the literature on the size‐market value relationship in emerging markets, offering insights into how local conditions and regulations shape bank performance. It also provides a novel comparison between Islamic and conventional banks, enhancing understanding of sector‐specific dynamics. By challenging the linear assumptions of prior research, the study highlights the complex non‐linear effects of bank size, emphasizing the role of agency conflicts and regulatory oversight in managing systemic risks. The research contributes to both empirical and theoretical discussions on banking scale management and agency theory in emerging market contexts.