bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core–Shell Co‐CoxP Nanoparticle‐Embedded N‐Doped Carbon Nanowhiskers Hollow Sphere for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhu Wei , Hu Wenhui , Wei Ying , Zhang Yi , Pan Kunming , Zhang Songtao , Hang Xinxin , Zheng Mingbo , Pang Huan
Published: July 2024

The development of efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is critical to overcome the efficiency bottleneck in hydrogen generation via water electrolysis. Hollow nanostructured materials have emerged as a hot topic for electrocatalysis research because of their advantages, including abundant active sites, a large contact area between the catalyst and the electrolyte, and a short transmission path. As highly efficient and stable OER electrocatalysts, cobalt‐based nanostructured materials have attracted more and more attention. In this work, cobalt metal/cobalt phosphides/nitrogen‐doped carbon composites (Co‐CoxP/NC) with a hierarchical hollow structure are designed by using hollow ZIF‐67 microspheres as precursors. By coating ZIF‐8 on the surface of hollow ZIF‐67 microspheres and further carbonizing, carbon nanowhiskers are successfully formed on the surface of hollow carbon spheres under the catalytic effect of Co nanoparticles at a high temperature. In the subsequent phosphating process, solid Co nanocrystalline particles are transformed into core–shell CoP and Co2P nanoparticles on account of the Kirkendall effect. Through the optimization of the microstructure of the material and the synergistic effect of transition metal, transition metal phosphide, and nitrogen doping, the overpotential of the optimal material is only 287 mV at 10 mA cm−2 current density in 1 m KOH.
OAM Driven Nucleation of Sub‐50 nm Compact Antiferromagnetic Skyrmions
Authors: Mallick Sougata , Ye Peng , Boutu Willem , Gauthier David , Merdji Hamed , Bibes Manuel , Viret Michel , Bouzehouane Karim , Cros Vincent
Published: July 2024

Owing to their high mobility and immunity to topological deflection, skyrmions in antiferromagnetic (AFM) systems are gaining attention as a potential solution for next‐generation magnetic data storage. Synthetic antiferromagnets (SAFs) offer a promising avenue to tune the properties of the individual magnetic layers, facilitating the conditions necessary for skyrmions to be used in practical devices. Despite recent advancements achieving fast skyrmion mobility, the nucleation of small and rigid circular skyrmions without an external field remains challenging in SAFs. Theoretical predictions suggest that optical vortex (OAM) beams can stabilize skyrmionic spin textures by transferring their spin and orbital angular momentum to the magnetic material. Here, this intriguing proposal is delved into and the creation of sub‐50 nm compact skyrmions in SAFs using OAM beams is successfully demonstrated, eliminating the need for external magnetic fields. Additionally, the results underscore the importance of beam energy and the number of pulses, as both factors play critical roles in the stabilization of these AFM skyrmionic textures. This breakthrough is significant as it paves the way for stabilizing true zero‐field skyrmions in AFM systems, where magnetization is minimally affected by external magnetic fields. This work will open a potential avenue for stabilizing small, compact skyrmions in antiferroic systems, facilitating their implementation in logic and memory devices.
Hydrophobic and Adhesive Elastomer Encapsulation for Anti‐Drying, Non‐Swelling, and Adhesive Hydrogels
Authors: Yuan Huixin , Zhu Tang , Huang Yuchan , Wang Zefan , Han Pei , Tan Liru , Wu Jiayi , Chen Xiaochun , Yao Pingping , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: July 2024

Traditional hydrogels often face issues like dehydration, excessive swelling, and poor adhesion, limiting their practical applications. This study presents a facile and universal method to create elastomer‐encapsulated hydrogels with improved water retention, non‐swelling, and enhanced adhesion. n‐Butyl acrylate (BA) and 2,2,3,4,4,4‐hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) are utilized as the “soft” and “hard” monomers, respectively, to in situ construct the elastomer coatings on the hydrogel surface through surface‐confined copolymerization. The resulting transparent, hydrophobic, and adhesive elastomer coating is tightly bound to the hydrogel surface, conferring upon it a robust defense against dehydration and swelling in various media, and strong adhesion to diverse substrates in both aerial and submerged conditions. Furthermore, this encapsulation strategy also augments the mechanical attributes of the bulk hydrogel, including its tensile properties and puncture resistance, and is applicable to a wide array of hydrogel types and configurations. Additionally, the in situ encapsulation method applied to conductive hydrogels results in flexible sensors with high sensitivity, reversible resistance change, exceptional sensing stability, and significantly enhanced durability in both air and underwater environments. These properties suggest potential applications in harsh environments, such as underwater acoustic detection and sonar scanning camouflage for submarines.
An Immunomodulator‐Boosted Lactococcus Lactis Platform For Enhanced In Situ Tumor Vaccine
Authors: Sun Mengna , Shi Tianyu , Tuerhong Subiyinuer , Li Mengru , Wang Qiaoli , Lu Changchang , Zou Lu , Zheng Qinghua , Wang Yingxin , Du Juan , Li Rutian , Liu Baorui , Meng Fanyan
Published: July 2024

In situ vaccination is an attractive type of cancer immunotherapy, and methods of persistently dispersing immune agonists throughout the entire tumor are crucial for maximizing their therapeutic efficacy. Based on the probiotics usually used for dietary supplements, an immunomodulator‐boosted Lactococcus lactis (IBL) strategy is developed to enhance the effectiveness of in situ vaccination with the immunomodulators. The intratumoral delivery of OX40 agonist and resiquimod‐modified Lactococcus lactis (OR@Lac) facilitates local retention and persistent dispersion of immunomodulators, and dramatically modulates the key components of anti‐tumor immune response. This novel vaccine activated dendritic cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the tumor and tumor‐draining lymph nodes, and ultimately significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival rate of tumor‐bearing mice. The combination of OR@Lac and ibrutinib, a myeloid‐derived suppressor cell inhibitor, significantly alleviated or even completely inhibited tumor growth in tumor‐bearing mice. In conclusion, IBL is a promising in situ tumor vaccine approach for clinical application and provides an inspiration for the delivery of other drugs.
Superatomic Layer of Cubic Mo4S4 Clusters Connected by Cl Cross‐Linking
Authors: Nakanishi Yusuke , Kanda Naoyuki , Aizaki Motoki , Hirata Kaito , Takahashi Yasufumi , Endo Takahiko , Lin Yung‐Chang , Senga Ryosuke , Suenaga Kazu , Aoyagi Shinobu , Maruyama Mina , Gao Yanlin , Okada Susumu , Miyata Yasumitsu , Liu Zheng
Published: July 2024

Superatomic clusters – assemblies of atoms with various sizes, shapes, and compositions – can form hierarchical architectures that exhibit emergent electronic properties not found in their individual units. In particular, cubic M4X4 clusters of chalcogenides (M = transition metal; X = chalcogen) are recognized as versatile building blocks for 3D structures with tunable morphologies and electronic properties. However, tetrahedral M4X4 clusters rarely assemble into 2D architectures, which could offer a distinct class of functional materials from their 3D analogues. Here, this work reports the preparation of 2D Mo8S8Cl11, a superatomic layer with a sandwich structure consisting of Mo4S4 clusters interconnected through Cl cross‐linking. The vapor‐phase reaction inside nanotubes promotes the selective growth of Mo8S8Cl11 nanoribbons, allowing detailed characterization via transmission electron microscopy. This methodology can be applied to the growth of layered structures containing Mo8S8Cl11 at the micrometer scale. This work has demonstrated that mono‐ and few‐layer Mo8S8Cl11 can be prepared by exfoliation of parent solids. Electronic structure calculations indicate that the 2D monolayer has quasi‐flat bands, giving rise to an indirect‐to‐direct bandgap transition under mechanical strain. Furthermore, scanning electrochemical microscopy reveals the potential of the layered structures as highly efficient catalysts for the hydrogen‐evolution reaction.
Breaking the Saturation of Sensitivity for Ultrawide Range Flexible Pressure Sensors by Soft‐Strain Effect
Authors: Li Yue , Zhang Weijie , Zhao Cheng , Li Weiwei , Dong Enchun , Xu Manzhang , Huang He , Yang Yabao , Li Lei , Zheng Lu , Mao Mao , Yao Shuxin , Wang Ling , Ma Jianbing , Wang Xuewen , Huang Wei
Published: July 2024

The flexible pressure sensors with a broad pressure range and unsaturated sensitivity are highly desired in practical applications. However, pressure sensors by piezoresistive effect are always limited by the compressibility of sensing layers, resulting in a theoretically decreasing sensitivity of less than 100%. Here, a unique strategy is proposed that utilizes the strain effect, simultaneously achieving a trade‐off between a wider pressure detection range and unsaturated sensitivity. Ascribed to the strain effect of sensing layers induced by interlaced microdomes, the sensors possess an increased sensitivity (5.22–70 MPa−1) over an ultrawide pressure range (45 Pa–4.1 MPa), a high‐pressure resolution (5 Pa), fast response/recovery time (30/45 ms), and a robust response under a high‐pressure loading of 3.5 MPa for more than 5000 cycles. These superior sensing performances allow the sensor to monitor large pressure. The flexible pressure sensor array can assist doctors in restoring the neutral mechanical axis, tracking knee flexion angles, and extracting gait features. Moreover, the flexible sensing array can be integrated into the joint motion surveillance system to map the balance medial–lateral contact forces on the metal compartments in real time, demonstrating the potential for further development into precise medical human–machine interfaces during total knee replacement surgery.
Chiral Co‐Assembly with Narrowband Multi‐Resonance Characteristics for High‐Performance Circularly Polarized Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Guo Chen‐Hao , Zhang Yuewei , Zhao Wen‐Long , Tan Ke‐Ke , Feng Liheng , Duan Lian , Chen Chuan‐Feng , Li Meng
Published: July 2024

A promising kind of ternary chiral co‐assemblies with high PLQY, large dissymmetry factor (glum), and narrowband multi‐resonance characteristics are achieved by codoped‐thermal annealing treatments of achiral luminescent polymer F8BT, chiral inducers R/S‐5011, and achiral FRET acceptor DBN‐ICZ. The optimized co‐assemblies (F8BT)0.9‐(R/S‐5011)0.1‐(DBN‐ICZ)0.005 display narrowband yellow emission with full‐width half maximum (FWHM) of 37 nm, PLQY of 79%, and intense CPL signals with |glum| of up to 0.26. Meaningfully, solution‐processed CP‐OLEDs by using those ternary chiral co‐assemblies as emitting layer are successfully fabricated, which display yellow circularly polarized electroluminescence (CPEL) with EQEmax of 4.6% and gEL of up to 0.16. The corresponding Q‐factor could reach up to 7.36 × 10−3, which is the highest of all the reported CP‐OLEDs. Moreover, the devices also exhibit excellent comprehensive device performance with low Von of 7.0 V, high Lmax of about 25 000 cd m−2, extremely low efficiency roll‐off with EQE of 4.3% at 10 000 cd m−2, as well as narrowband EL with FWHM of only 39 nm. The proposed ternary co‐assembly strategy in fabricating CP‐OLED provides the possibility to achieve high comprehensive device performance such as balancing high EQE and large gEL value, as well as narrowband emission, high brightness and low efficiency roll‐off simultaneously.
A Soft‐Fiber Bioelectronic Device with Axon‐Like Architecture Enables Reliable Neural Recording In Vivo under Vigorous Activities
Authors: Tang Chengqiang , Han Zhengqi , Liu Ziwei , Li Wenjun , Shen Jiahao , Zhang Kailin , Mai Shuting , Li Jinyan , Sun Xiao , Chen Xingfei , Li Hongjian , Wang Liyuan , Liang Jiaheng , Liao Meng , Feng Jianyou , Wang Chuang , Wang Jiajia , Ye Lei , Yang Yiqing , Xie Songlin , Shi Xiang , Zeng Kaiwen , Zhang Xuefeng , Cheng Xiangran , Zhang Kun , Guo Yue , Yang Han , Xu Yifei , Tong Qi , Yu Hongbo , Chen Peining , Peng Huisheng , Sun Xuemei
Published: July 2024

Implantable neural devices that record neurons in various states, including static states, light activities such as walking, and vigorous activities such as running, offer opportunities for understanding brain functions and dysfunctions. However, recording neurons under vigorous activities remains a long‐standing challenge because it leads to intense brain deformation. Thus, three key requirements are needed simultaneously for neural devices, that is, low modulus, low specific interfacial impedance, and high electrical conductivity, to realize stable device/brain interfaces and high‐quality transmission of neural signals. However, they always contradict each other in current material strategies. Here, a soft fiber neural device capable of stably tracking individual neurons in the deep brain of medium‐sized animals under vigorous activity is reported. Inspired by the axon architecture, this fiber neural device is constructed with a conductive gel fiber possessing a network‐in‐liquid structure using conjugated polymers and liquid matrices and then insulated with soft fluorine rubber. This strategy reconciles the contradictions and simultaneously confers the fiber neural device with low modulus (300 kPa), low specific impedance (579 kΩ µm2), and high electrical conductivity (32 700 S m−1) – ≈1–3 times higher than hydrogels. Stable single‐unit spike tracking in running cats, which promises new opportunities for neuroscience is demonstrated.
Domino Doyle‐Kirmse/Claisen‐Thioimidate Rearrangements: Access to 2‐Aminobuta‐1,3‐diene Derivatives of Benzazole‐2‐thiones
Authors: Rognan Charlou , Locquet Pierre , Pertschi Romain , Girard Nicolas , Gulea Mihaela
Published: July 2024

A domino sequence consisting of a rhodium‐catalyzed Doyle‐Kirmse rearrangement followed by a Claisen‐thioimidate rearrangement has been developed. This type of thio‐Claisen rearrangement represents the first example reported in the homoallenylsulfenyl series. The sequence involves 2‐propargylsulfenyl benzazoles and diazoesters, affording N‐butadienyl substituted benzazole‐2‐thiones as a mixture of Z and E isomers, in yields ranging from 12% to quantitative (32 examples). The method provides a rapid access to a new family of highly substituted polyfunctionalized 2‐aminobuta‐1,3‐dienes with potential synthetic applications.
A comparative analysis of radiation exposure in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided drainage versus endoscopic transpapillary drainage for acute cholecystitis
Authors: Mandai Koichiro , Inoue Takato , Nakamura Shiho , Yoshimoto Takaaki , Ogawa Tomoya , Uno Koji , Yasuda Kenjiro
Published: July 2024

Currently, reports comparing radiation exposure associated with endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided gallbladder drainage (EUS‐GBD) for acute cholecystitis are lacking. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the radiation exposure during ETGBD and EUS‐GBD. We retrospectively investigated patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent ETGBD or EUS‐GBD between January 2020 and September 2023. All procedures were performed using the same fluoroscopy device with an overcouch x‐ray tube. Parameters such as fluoroscopy time, number of radiographs, and estimated entrance surface dose were assessed for radiation exposure. After excluding patients with choledocholithiasis or acute cholangitis, a comparative analysis of patient characteristics and procedural outcomes was performed between the ETGBD and EUS‐GBD groups. Forty‐four patients (21 and 23 in the ETGBD and EUS‐GBD groups, respectively) were assessed. Although there was no significant difference in patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ≥3 between the groups, the EUS‐GBD group had a higher proportion of older patients than the ETGBD group. The EUS‐GBD group demonstrated a shorter procedure time (38 vs. 59 min, p < .001), shorter fluoroscopy time (964 vs. 1829 s, p < .001), fewer radiographs (22.9 vs. 28.4 images, p < .001), and lower estimated entrance surface dose (85.2 vs. 149.3 mGy, p < .001) compared to the ETGBD group. The EUS‐GBD group had a higher procedural success rate than the ETGBD group (100% vs. 57.1%, p < .001), with no significant difference in the incidence of early adverse events (17.4% vs. 9.5%, p = .67). In patients with permanent stenting, the 1‐year cumulative incidence of symptomatic late adverse events (recurrence of acute cholecystitis and other adverse events) was significantly lower in the EUS‐GBD group than in the ETGBD group (p = .045). In patients without concurrent bile duct stones or cholangitis, EUS‐GBD demonstrated shorter procedure and fluoroscopy times, required fewer radiographs, and had a significantly higher procedural success rate than ETGBD.
Catatonia responsive to corticosteroids in a patient with an SCN2A variant
Authors: Senko Kimberly , Saddoris Kelsey L. , Baus Ella , Soe Katherine , Vaughn Samuel E.
Published: July 2024

Variants in SCN2A are a known risk factor for developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, which occurs at a higher rate in individuals with ASD. Catatonia has also been associated with COVID‐19 infection, though the majority of these cases are associated with increased serum inflammatory markers. We present a case of a 15‐year‐old female with ASD and corticosteroid responsive stuporous catatonia to explore the relationship between SCN2A variants, ASD, COVID‐19 exposure, and treatment refractory catatonia. Despite a lack of significantly elevated serum or CSF inflammatory markers, this patient showed significant improvement following initiation of corticosteroid therapy. This case presents a novel approach to the work‐up and treatment of catatonia in individuals with SCN2A variants independent of elevated inflammatory markers.
One Iron for Two Iron Sites in a Metal–Organic Framework Toward Simultaneous N2−H2 Activation under Mild Conditions
Authors: Liu Xize , He Xingyue , Li Bo , Liu Xiao , Luo Haiqiang , Ma Jian‐Gong , Cheng Peng
Published: July 2024

Iron‐based catalysts play an important role in the ammonia industry. As one of the most abundant iron minerals, Fe3O4 containing FeII and FeIII sites is widely distributed in the earth's crust and even on exoplanets, theoretically giving it both economic and catalytic potentials in ammonia synthesis. However, in the absence of specific active co‐catalyst and harsh conditions, Fe3O4 is impossible to achieve ammonia synthesis alone. Here, we designed to activate the relatively inert FeII and FeIII sites in Fe3O4 with a third FeIII site inlayed in a coordination framework (MIL‐101(Fe)) to achieve the unpresented multi‐site collaborative catalysis. In‐depth mechanism study confirmed the roles of three different Fe sites in N2 activation, H2 activation, and product transfer, respectively. Efficient N2−H2 activation to NH3 on the Fe3O4‐based catalytic system has been achieved at extremely mild conditions. Our research provides a theoretical basis and a new strategy for designing efficient non‐noble metal‐based ammonia synthesis catalyst with minimized energy consumption.
Redox and Kinetic Properties of Composition‐Dependent Active Sites in Copper‐Exchanged Chabazite for Direct Methane‐to‐Methanol Oxidation
Authors: Brenig Andreas , Fischer Jörg W. A. , Klose Daniel , Jeschke Gunnar , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Sushkevich Vitaly L.
Published: July 2024

The CH4 oxidation performance of Cu‐chabazite zeolites characterized by distinct Si/Al ratios and Cu loadings has been studied and the observed variations in reactivity have been correlated to the differences in the nature of the formed active centers. Plug flow reactor tests, in situ Fourier‐transform infrared, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy demonstrate that a decrease in Cu loading shifts the reactivity/redox profile to higher temperatures and increases the CH3OH selectivity and Cu‐efficiency. In situ electron paramagnetic resonance, Raman, ultraviolet‐visible, Fourier‐transform infrared, and photoluminescence spectroscopies reveal that this behavior is associated with the presence of monomeric Cu active sites, including bare Cu2+ and [CuOH]+ present at low Si/Al ratio and Cu loading. Formation of two distinct [Cu2(μ‐O)]2+ moieties at higher Si/Al ratio or Cu loading forces these trends into the opposite direction. Operando electron paramagnetic resonance and ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy show that the apparent activation energy of monomeric Cu active species decreases with increasing Si/Al ratio, whereas the one of dimeric centers is unaffected.
New potent muscarinic receptor ligands bearing the 1,4‐dioxane nucleus: Investigation on the nature of the substituent in position 2
Authors: Giorgioni Gianfabio , Bonifazi Alessandro , Matucci Rosanna , Matteucci Federica , Piergentili Alessandro , Piergentili Alessia , Quaglia Wilma , Gervasoni Silvia , Vistoli Giulio , Vittorio Serena , Del Bello Fabio
Published: July 2024

A new series of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) ligands obtained by inserting different substituents in position 2 of the potent 6,6‐diphenyl‐1,4‐dioxane antagonists 4 and 5 was designed and synthesized to investigate the influence of steric bulk on the mAChR affinity. Specifically, the insertion of a 2‐methyl group, affording compounds 6 and 9, resulted as the most favorable modification in terms of affinity for all muscarinic subtypes. As supported by computational studies performed on the hM1 receptor, this substituent may contribute to stabilize the ligand within the binding site by favoring the formation of stable interactions between the cationic head of the ligand and the residue D105. The increase of steric bulk, obtained by replacing the methyl group with an ethyl (7 and 10) and especially a phenyl substituent (8 and 11), caused a marked decrease of mAChR affinity, demonstrating the crucial role played by the steric bulk of the 2‐substituent in the mAChR interaction. The most intriguing result was obtained with the tertiary amine 9, which, surprisingly, showed two different pKi values for all mAChRs, with preferential subpicomolar affinities for the M1, M3, and M4 subtypes. Interestingly, biphasic curves were also observed with both the eutomer (S)‐(–)‐9 and the distomer (R)‐( + )‐9.
Medical school students' perspectives on virtual anatomy education in a developing country
Authors: Mbagwu Smart I. , Edem Edem E. , Adegbilero‐Iwari Oluwaseun E. , Akunna Gabriel G. , Makanjuola Victor O. , Ogbo Felix O. , Enye Linus A.
Published: July 2024

Understanding the fundamental role anatomy education plays in medical training and taking into consideration the nascence of online education in Nigeria, this study evaluated the perceptions of medical and allied‐health students toward online anatomy education both during the COVID‐19 lockdown in Nigeria and for the future. For this study, Google Form questionnaires were distributed via different social and academic platforms to medical and allied‐health students in Nigeria between September 28 and December 17, 2020. A total of 954 students participated in the study and 947 valid responses were recorded. The results showed that 77.6% of the students had reported computer/IT skills and 12.1% admitted that they had never attended an online class. Interestingly, 60% of the respondents disapproved of online learning approaches as effective tools for instructions in the anatomical sciences. Majority of the students (84%) agreed that their performance in anatomy would have been better if the classes were face‐to‐face, while 55% found the online anatomy classes uninteresting. Furthermore, 91.5% agreed that anatomy educators needed advanced skills for online education, while 94.2% agreed that anatomy online teaching needs more advanced technology to be implemented in Nigeria. This study revealed an overall negative perception about the suitability and effectiveness of online anatomy education in Nigerian medical/health training. This study recommends further investigations into the challenges that were presented during online anatomy education at the peak of the pandemic. This will help direct the development and implementation of a workable and sustainable online education model for anatomical sciences in Nigeria.
Rational Design of Isolated Tetrahedrally Coordinated Ti(IV) Sites in Zeolite Frameworks for Methyl Oleate Epoxidation
Authors: Klinyod Sorasak , Yomthong Krissanapat , Iadrat Ploychanok , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Choojun Kittisak , Sooknoi Tawan , Wattanakit Chularat
Published: July 2024

The rational design of isolated metals containing zeolites is crucial for the catalytic conversion of biomass‐derived compounds. Herein, we explored the insertion behavior of the isomorphic substitution of Ti(IV) in different zeolite frameworks, including ZSM‐35 (FER), ZSM‐5, and BEA. The different aluminium topological densities of each zeolite framework lead to the creation of different degrees of vacant sites for hosting the tetrahedrally coordinated Ti(IV) active sites. These observations show the precise control of the degree of four‐coordinated Ti(IV) sites in a zeolite framework, especially in BEA topology, by tuning the degree of unoccupied sites in the host zeolite structure via dealumination. Interestingly, the more vacancies in the host zeolite structure, the more isolated tetrahedrally coordinated Ti(IV) can be increased, eventually enhancing the catalytic performance in methyl oleate (MO) epoxidation for producing methyl‐9,10‐epoxystearate (EP). The engineered Ti‐β exhibits outstanding performances in bulky MO epoxidation with the amount of produced EP per number of Ti sites up to 17.1±1.8 mol mol−1. This observation discloses an alternative strategy for optimizing catalyst efficiency in the rational design of the Ti‐embedding zeolite catalyst, endeavoring to reach highly efficient catalytic performance.
ChatGPT and generative AI in urology and surgery—A narrative review
Authors: Qin Shane , Chislett Bodie , Ischia Joseph , Ranasinghe Weranja , de Silva Daswin , Coles‐Black Jasamine , Woon Dixon , Bolton Damien
Published: July 2024

Introduction

ChatGPT (generative pre‐trained transformer [GPT]), developed by OpenAI, is a type of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that has been widely utilised since its public release. It orchestrates an advanced conversational intelligence, producing sophisticated responses to questions. ChatGPT has been successfully demonstrated across several applications in healthcare, including patient management, academic research and clinical trials. We aim to evaluate the different ways ChatGPT has been utilised in urology and more broadly in surgery.

Methods

We conducted a literature search of the PubMed and Embase electronic databases for the purpose of writing a narrative review and identified relevant articles on ChatGPT in surgery from the years 2000 to 2023. A PRISMA flow chart was created to highlight the article selection process. The search terms ‘ChatGPT’ and ‘surgery’ were intentionally kept broad given the nascency of the field. Studies unrelated to these terms were excluded. Duplicates were removed.

Results

Multiple papers have been published about novel uses of ChatGPT in surgery, ranging from assisting in administrative tasks including answering frequently asked questions, surgical consent, writing operation reports, discharge summaries, grants, journal article drafts, reviewing journal articles and medical education. AI and machine learning has also been extensively researched in surgery with respect to patient diagnosis and predicting outcomes. There are also several limitations with the software including artificial hallucination, bias, out‐of‐date information and patient confidentiality.

Conclusion

The potential of ChatGPT and related generative AI models are vast, heralding the beginning of a new era where AI may eventually become integrated seamlessly into surgical practice. Concerns with this new technology must not be disregarded in the urge to hasten progression, and potential risks impacting patients' interests must be considered. Appropriate regulation and governance of this technology will be key to optimising the benefits and addressing the intricate challenges of healthcare delivery and equity.
Hearing student voice within the context of Iran: Building schools for the future
Authors: Ahmadi Reza , Yousofi Nouroddin
Published: July 2024

Schools adopt student voice as a means of identifying educational problems and weaknesses for improvement. In recent decades, student voice work has gained momentum, and, more importantly, dwelling on hearing students has been noticed as a way of facilitating educational decisions for school reforms. To this end, the study, drawing upon a qualitative research method, investigated the student voice in schools within the context of Iran in an effort to determine what obstacles they face in education. Data was collected through an open‐ended questionnaire. Employing thematic content analysis, the major themes and patterns were extracted for codifications. The findings illustrated that students specified four major problems, including resources (books), processes (rules), relationships (teachers, parents, staff) and environment (school). To conclude, student voice needs to be embedded in the educational system of Iran if stakeholders seek improvement and reform in schools in the near future.
The history and status of dopamine cell therapies for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Barker Roger A. , Björklund Anders , Parmar Malin
Published: July 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway which has led to the successful development of drug therapies that replace or stimulate this network pharmacologically. Although these drugs work well in the early stages of the disease, over time they produce side effects along with less consistent clinical benefits to the person with Parkinson's (PwP). As such there has been much interest in repairing this pathway using transplants of dopamine neurons. This work which began 50 years ago this September is still ongoing and has now moved to first in human trials using human pluripotent stem cell‐derived dopaminergic neurons. The results of these trials are eagerly awaited although proof of principle data has already come from trials using human fetal midbrain dopamine cell transplants. This data has shown that developing dopamine cells when transplanted in the brain of a PwP can survive long term with clinical benefits lasting decades and with restoration of normal dopaminergic innervation in the grafted striatum. In this article, we discuss the history of this field and how this has now led us to the recent stem cell trials for PwP.
Eco‐friendly simultaneous estimation of atenolol and losartan potassium in spiked human plasma via synchronous fluorescence with sustainability assessment
Authors: Ghozzy Ekram A. , El‐Enany Nahed M. , Tolba Manar M. , El Abass Samah Abo
Published: July 2024

A green, sensitive, and fast spectrofluorimetric technique for the simultaneous determination of atenolol (ATN) and losartan potassium (LSR) was developed. The proposed technique relied on the implementation of a first derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy for the determination of the investigated drugs simultaneously without pretreatment procedures. The synchronous fluorescence of both drugs was measured in methanol at Δλ of 100 nm, and the first derivative peak amplitudes (1D) were measured at 321 nm for ATN and 348 nm for LSR, each at the zero‐crossing point of the other. The method was rectilinear over the concentration ranges of 100–1000 ng/mL and 50–500 ng/mL for ATN and LSR, respectively. The proposed technique was successfully applied for the determination of the studied drugs in their laboratory‐prepared mixture and pharmaceutical formulations, demonstrating high mean recoveries of 100.54% for ATN and 100.62% for LSR, without interference from common excipients. The results were in good agreement with those obtained by the comparison method. Three recent greenness assessment tools, the Eco‐Scale tool, the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) metric, and the Analytical GREEnness metric approach, were employed to affirm the greenness of the proposed method. The developed method was proven to be eco‐friendly.
Treadmill exercise prevents recognition memory impairment in VD rat model and enhancement of hippocampal structural synaptic plasticity
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Wu Hao , Fan Yongzhao , Tian Fang
Published: July 2024

Objective

In vascular dementia (VD), memory impairment caused by the damage of synaptic plasticity is the most prominent feature that afflicts patients and their families. Treadmill exercise has proven beneficial for memory by enhancing synaptic plasticity in animal models including stroke, dementia, and mental disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of treadmill exercise on recognition memory and structural synaptic plasticity in VD rat model.

Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: control group (C group, n = 6), vascular dementia group (VD group, n = 6), treadmill exercise and vascular dementia group (Exe‐VD group, n = 6), and treadmill exercise group (Exe group, n = 6). Four‐week treadmill exercise was performed in the Exe‐VD and Exe groups. Then, the common carotid arteries of rats in the VD and Exe‐VD groups were identified to establish the VD model. Behavior tests (open‐field test and novel recognition memory test) were adopted to evaluate anxiety‐like behavior and recognition memory. Transmission electron microscopy and Golgi staining were performed to observe synaptic ultrastructure and spine density in the hippocampus.

Results

Our study demonstrated that VD rat exhibited significantly anxiety‐like behavior and recognition impairment (p < .01), while treadmill exercise significantly alleviated anxiety‐like behavior and improved recognition memory in VD rat (p < .01). Transmission electron microscopy revealed that hippocampal synapse numbers were significantly decreased in the VD group compared to the control group (p < .05). These alterations were reversed by treadmill exercise, and the rats exhibited healthier synaptic ultrastructure, including significantly increased synapse (p < .05). Meanwhile, golgi staining revealed that the spine numbers of the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the VD group compared to the control group (p < .05). When compared with the VD group, hippocampal spine numbers were significantly increased in the Exe‐VD group (p < .05).

Conclusion

The improvement of VD‐associated recognition memory by treadmill exercises is associated with enhanced structural synaptic plasticity in VD rat model.
Should the city be for everyone? The relationship between worldviews, ideological attitudes, and the approval of hostile design
Authors: Kauff Mathias , Lämmle Lena , Kroll Esther , Gehring Larissa , Soucek Roman , Asbrock Frank
Published: July 2024

Expanding upon Duckitt's dual‐process motivational model of ideology and prejudice (DPM; Duckitt, 2001), this research explores the psychological underpinnings of the approval of hostile design (AoHD) measures. Hostile design measures are interventions designed to deter undesirable behaviours and specific social groups in urban areas. Across three correlational studies (N = 798) conducted in Germany and the US, we investigated the relationship between AoHD, Right‐Wing Authoritarianism (RWA), Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), as well as dangerous and competitive worldviews. AoHD was positively associated with RWA and SDO, as well as with dangerous and competitive worldviews. In line with the DPM, the relationship between a competitive worldview and AoHD is mediated by SDO in Studies 2 and 3. In addition, the relationship between a dangerous worldview and AoHD is mediated by RWA in Study 2 but not in Study 3. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Synthesis and Antifungal Activities of Glucosamine Aromatic Derivatives Against Four Phytopathogenic Fungi of Crops
Authors: Wu Lulu , Shi Lijun , Fan Liangxin , Pan Zhenliang , Zhao Zhonglin , Su Hui , Wang Caixia , Yang Nan , Xu Cuilian , Yang Guoyu
Published: July 2024

A series of diversified glucosamine derivatives (3a–3y) was synthesized and their antifungal activity was examined against four kinds of phytopathogens, Fusarium graminearum (F. graminearum), Fusarium moniliforme (F. moniliforme), Curvularia. lunata (C. lunata), and Rhizoctonia solani (R. solani) which cause seriously economic losses worldwide by affecting crops. The compound 3o showed remarkable antifungal activity against F. graminearum with EC50 value of 3.96 μg/mL, compared to the standard drug triadimefon (10.1 μg/mL). 3D‐QSAR model with the statistically recommended values (r2=0.915, q2=0.872) showed that positive charge group or bulky group in the benzyl ring was favorable for the antifungal activity. Enzyme activity assays confirmed that 3o had a moderate inhibition of trehalase with inhibition rate of 51.4 % at 5 μg/mL, which is comparable to those of commercial inhibitor validamycin A with inhibition rate of 83.3 %. Molecular docking analysis revealed that 3o also had a hydrogen bond interaction with key amino acid residue compared to validoxylamine
Career‐related parental support and learning engagement: Exploring the mediation pathways of career adaptability and life meaning
Authors: Xiao Tong , Zeng Qing , Peng Ying , Zhang Minqiang , Wang Biyao
Published: July 2024

Parents greatly affect youth's vocational and educational development. The objective of the study was to investigate how parental support in career development affects adolescents’ learning engagement and the mediating effects of four career adaptability aspects and life meaning. The participants were 516 high school students from Guangdong, China. The study found that: (1) Career‐related parental support had a positive impact on learning engagement; (2) career confidence and life meaning acted as mediators connecting career‐related parental support with learning engagement; and (3) there was a chain mediation path among career‐related parental support, career concern, control, and confidence, life meaning, and learning engagement. Our findings add to the prevailing literature by confirming and extending self‐determination theory as well as career development and systems theory. Based on these findings, we hope that schools and parents may implement some interventions to promote the academic engagement of students.
Assessing Solid Catalysts with Ionic Liquid Layers (SCILL) from Molecular Dynamics Simulations: On the Role of Local Charge Polarization
Authors: Trzeciak Simon , Zahn Dirk
Published: July 2024

Recent developments in molecular mechanics modelling of metal catalyst surfaces with interfaces to complex ad‐layers or bulk liquids enable the study of 10 nm scale systems by molecular dynamics simulations of up to microseconds. Therein, electronic polarization as otherwise benchmarked by quantum calculations is mimicked via atom‐centered partial charges that are adjusted dynamically to account for changes in local environment. Apart from thermal fluctuations, this encompasses molecule association and dissociation processes as well as externally applied voltage. Here, we elaborate the concept of employing the charge equilibration method to the molecular dynamics simulation of solid catalysts, namely metal surfaces and substrate‐supported metal nanoparticles. This showcases the association of reactants and their interplay with local charge polarization upon co‐adsorption of ionic liquids or application of external voltage – thus paving the way to understanding complex interfaces in (electro−)catalysis from molecular dynamics simulation.
Polymeric flocculation of oil sands tailings: Unveiling rheological indicators and dynamics of bitumen release
Authors: Sasar Mohammadhasan , Johnston Cliff T. , Santagata Marika
Published: July 2024

Polymeric flocculation is widely used to accelerate the dewatering and consolidation of oil sands fluid fine tailings (FFTs). Optimizing flocculation requires a fundamental understanding of the changes to the internal structure of the material with polymer addition. Key challenges include sensitivity of flocculation to polymer dose, mixing conditions, and composition of individual FFTs. Moreover, despite the environmental implications, little is known of the effects of flocculation on the mobility of the residual organics present in the tailings. In this paper, advanced rheological tests are used to probe the formation and development of the polymer–clay structure during flocculation in near‐real time. This is achieved through a novel setup for controlled delivery of the polymer directly into the measuring cell of a rheometer. This enables continuous monitoring of the rheological parameters during the flocculation process and yields consistent and reproducible samples. An optical monitoring system is used to relate rheological measurements to water release and to changes in the surface accumulation of the residual bitumen. The water‐release polymer dose is found to be associated with a distinct rheological response highlighting the potential use of rheometry for polymer dosing/mixing optimization in real time and on a continuous basis in thickeners and inline flocculation systems.
Conjugation Methods in Synthetic Glycoconjugate Vaccines
Authors: Huang Zirong , Chen Sheng , Li Xuechen , Liu Han
Published: July 2024

In the past two to three decades, synthetic glycoconjugate vaccines have shown great potential in the prevention of severe infections and protection of high‐risk populations. Conjugation of synthetic oligosaccharide haptens to carrier proteins is the key step for the vaccine preparation. In this review, the conjugation methods currently used in the synthesis of glycoconjugate vaccines from synthetic/homogeneous oligosaccharide haptens are summarized with the focus on the reaction conditions (pH and sugar/protein ratio) and performance. This information can help researchers choose the appropriate conjugation methods. Further research directions toward site‐specific conjugations and fully homogeneous glycoconjugate vaccines are also discussed.
Area‐efficient ultra‐wide‐tuning‐range ring oscillators in 65‐nm complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor
Authors: Yang Chaowei , Chen Yong , Cheng Kai , Stefano Crovetti Paolo , Martins Rui P. , Mak Pui‐In
Published: July 2024

In this paper, to analyze the tuning range (TR) of transistors, we introduced two streamlined modeling approaches that can precisely predict the extent and direction of the TR. The first approach, known as the average DC (Id) method, employed a simplified circuit model to dissect transistor characteristics, enabling us to understand the general trajectory of the TR. The second approach involved the transient current Id (tc) method, which offers a nuanced portrayal of the transistor's real‐world performance. By analyzing the current fluctuations within the transistor during transient states, its tuning capabilities could be more accurately ascertained. Further, this paper presents several designs for ultra‐wide‐tuning‐range complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) voltage‐controlled oscillators (VCOs) that employ a novel two‐mode current‐starved delay cell, featuring a tunable transistor‐based current source for coarse frequency adjustment operating in synergy with a varactor for precise tuning. Using the 65‐nm CMOS process, three prototype VCOs (Designs 2/3/4) based on the new cell and targeting different numbers of phases and performance were fabricated, thoroughly characterized, and compared with their traditional inverter‐based counterpart (Design 1). Design 1 featured an inverter‐based four‐phase structure, with an output frequency range of 3.14–9.82 GHz, i.e., a radio frequency (RF) TR of 103%, with phase noise (PN) ranging from 137.7 to 132.1 dBc/Hz at an offset of 100 MHz, figure of merit with tuning range and area (FoMTA) varying from 200.7 to 205.1 dBc/Hz, and area of 0.0036 mm2. In contrast, Designs 2/3/4, based on the new delay cell, featured 8/3/4 phases, with output frequencies in the ranges of 1.14–9.17, 1.26–16.53, and 1.15–18.32 GHz, respectively, resulting in increased RF TRs of 155.8%, 171.7% and 176.4%, as well as PN at an offset of 100 MHz in the ranges of 142.1–138, 130.5–131.3, and 131.9–129.6 dBc/Hz, respectively. This yielded better FoMTAs in the ranges of 201.2–209.9, 205.3–217.9, and 194.1–209.9 dBc/Hz, thus allowing the VCOs to maintain consistent performance across the frequency band and occupy comparable or smaller silicon areas of 0.00425, 0.000972, and 0.00348 mm2in the same 65 nm technology. These designs showcase the versatility and efficiency of the two‐mode current‐starved delay architecture, which offers wide TRs, tiny areas, and competitive performance metrics for various applications in RF integrated circuits.
Parametric coupling of whistler waves with gyrating ion beam in a complex plasma
Authors: Pahuja Twinkle , Kumar Amit , Sharma Jyotsna , Vijay Anuj
Published: July 2024

This manuscript examines the non‐linear interaction between the negative energy beam cyclotron mode and the high‐frequency whistler waves. The negative energy beam mode is supported in the vicinity of the beam gyro‐frequency harmonics by a gyrating ion beam with ring‐shaped velocity distribution. Using a gyrating ion beam, we have examined how dust charge variations affect the parametric up‐conversion of high‐frequency whistler waves (WWs) into a side band wave and a low‐frequency mode. For the linked modes, a non‐linear dispersion relation is obtained. It is demonstrated that the WWs divided by beam gyro‐frequency harmonics are up‐converted by a gyrating ion‐beam frequency. An expression for the ion cyclotron mode wave growth rate has been obtained. The estimation of the turbulence growth rate takes into account for the typical parameters of existing dusty plasma. It has been observed that an increased growth rate is reported with a rise in the pump wave amplitude, beam gyro‐frequency, number density of dust grains, and the relative density of dust grains. However, a decline in the growth rate has been observed with increasing gyrating ion beam density and dust grain's size.
Self‐Powered Nanostructured Piezoelectric Filaments as Advanced Transducers for New Cochlear Implants
Authors: Mokhtari Fatemeh , Danti Serena , Azimi Bahareh , Hellies Filippo , Zanoletti Elisabetta , Albertin Giovanna , Astolfi Laura , Varley Russell J. , Razal Joselito M.
Published: July 2024

The conversion of sound vibration into electrical potential is a critical function performed by cochlear hair cells. Unlike the regenerative capacity found in various other cells throughout the body, cochlear sensory cells lack the ability to regenerate once damaged. Furthermore, a decline in the quantity of these cells results in a deterioration of auditory function. Piezoelectric materials can generate electric charge in response to sound wave vibration, making them theoretically suitable for replacing hair cell function. This study explores an innovative approach using piezoelectric nanocomposite filaments, namely poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(vinylidene fluoride)/barium titanate, and poly(vinylidene fluoride)/reduced graphene oxide, as self‐powered acoustic sensors designed to function in place of cochlear hair cells. These flexible filaments demonstrate a unique ability to generate electricity in response to frequency sounds from 50 up to 1000 Hz at moderate sound pressure levels (60–95 dB), approaching the audible range with an overall acoustoelectric energy conversion efficiency of 3.25%. Serving as self‐powered acoustic sensors, these flexible filaments hold promise for potential applications in cochlear implants, with a high sensitivity of 117.5 mV (Pa·cm2)−1. The cytocompatibility of these filaments was assessed through in vitro viability tests conducted on three cell lines, serving as a model for inner ear cells.