bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast Neutron Dosimetry and Spectrometry Using Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Detectors
Authors: Ruddy FH , Seidel JG , Dulloo AR
Published: December 2005

Silicon carbide semiconductor neutron detectors have been irradiated with 252Cf fission neutrons, thermal-neutron induced fission neutrons from 235U, and 14-MeV neutrons from a deuterium-tritium neutron generator. In the latter case, reaction peaks corresponding to 12C(n, α)9Be and 28Si(n, α)25Mg reactions have been observed. Multiple reaction branches to the 25Mg ground state and several excited states are observed for the 28Si(n, α)25Mg reaction, and the detector energy calibration for these reactions can be derived from the peak positions. Although only the ground state branch is observed for the 12C(n, α)9Be reaction, the shift of the reaction energy with angle relative to the 14-MeV source can be used to derive an energy scale based on this reaction. These energy response measurements will form the basis for neutron spectrum unfolding methods for inferring incident neutron energy spectra from the resulting recoil-ion energy spectra in silicon carbide detectors.
High-Speed Balancing of Rotors with Overhangs: When Is Overhang Likely to Cause Problems?
Authors: Hidalgo JI , Dhingra AK
Published: December 2005

In high-speed balancing of flexible rotors with overhangs, it is important to determine ahead of time if the overhang needs to be restrained while the rotor is being tested in the bunker. This is done by adding a stub shaft to the rotor and a third pedestal to the overall system. Since the bearing properties are rarely known precisely and have a considerable influence on the rotor's dynamics, the model complexity increases tremendously if a third pedestal is needed during the balancing operation. From a balance engineer's viewpoint, it is therefore important to know ahead of time, without modeling the entire rotor, if the overhangs are likely to cause a problem during the balancing operation. This paper presents a criterion for identifying rotors with shaft overhangs that are likely to exhibit dangerous behavior while balancing. The proposed approach provides quick estimates of the L-mode frequency of the overhang using the influence coefficients and Dunkerley's formula. Two additional criteria based on further simplifications of the influence coefficient approach are also presented. Numerical results from four industrial rotors recently balanced indicate that the proposed methods are effective in determining the need for a third pedestal without having to resort to extensive rotor modeling.
Control of Noise and Specimen Temperature During 1 kHz Fatigue Experiments
Authors: Tian H , Fielden D , Kirkham MJ , Liaw PK
Published: December 2005

Both sound-proofing and sound-conditioning methods were employed in the construction of a sound-insulation room to house a 1 kHz servohydraulic fatigue testing machine to protect researchers from excessive noises caused by the running machine. The “box inside a box” construction and acoustical foams were used to improve the sound insulation of the room. Special attention was paid to a door, a window, and cable holes. In addition, the specimen self-heating effect during a high-frequency fatigue experiment was found to influence the fatigue life of materials. The specimen temperature in air during fatigue tests at 700 Hz is much higher than at 10 Hz. The fatigue resistance was lessened by a higher specimen temperature. A cooling method using nitrogen gas was employed to control the specimen temperature during fatigue testing. The fatigue lives of specimens in air were generally longer for the tests conducted at 700 Hz with cooling using nitrogen gas, as compared to those without cooling, and were comparable with those at 10 Hz in air.
Characterization of an Experimental Indoor Larval Production System for Red Snapper
Authors: Ogle John T , Lotz Jeffrey M
Published: December 2005

Over the past several years, we have developed an experimental-scale rearing system for larval red snapper Lutjanus campechanus that combines extensive outdoor production of live-feed zooplankton with intensive larval fish rearing. The salient features of the system are (1) use of size-graded copepods as live feed; (2) culture in clear water; (3) three-phase water management consisting of an initial static water phase followed by a volume-doubling phase in which water is gradually added and, finally, a recirculation-biofiltration phase; (4) a lowered salinity of 25 g/L water; and (5) an indoor location at constant temperature under artificial light. A total of 19,835 juvenile red snapper were produced from 12 larval rearing tanks in three separate batches with an overall survival of 16.5%. Survival varied from 1% to 31% in individual larval rearing tanks. Water quality variables (oxygen, temperature, salinity, total and un-ionized ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH, and alkalinity) were not significantly correlated with larval fish survival. A mean number of 5.36 copepods/mL was added daily to larval tanks during the culture period, with a range of 0.57–23.48 copepods/mL. There was no correlation between mean feed rates and survival in individual tanks. The mean residual copepods per milliliter averaged 2.24, with a range of from 0 to 15.86. There was a significant negative correlation between residual copepod density and survival.
Defining a Developmental Path to Neural Fate by Global Expression Profiling of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells and Adult Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Aiba Kazuhiro , Sharov Alexei A. , Carter Mark G. , Foroni Chiara , Vescovi Angelo L. , Ko Minoru S.H.
Published: December 2005

To understand global features of gene expression changes during in vitro neural differentiation, we carried out the microarray analysis of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), embryonal carcinoma cells, and adult neural stem/progenitor (NS) cells. Expression profiling of ESCs during differentiation in monolayer culture revealed three distinct phases: undifferentiated ESCs, primitive ectoderm-like cells, and neural progenitor cells. Principal component (PC) analysis revealed that these cells were aligned on PC1 over the course of 6 days. This PC1 represents approximately 4,000 genes, the expression of which increased with neural commitment/differentiation. Furthermore, NS cells derived from adult brain and their differentiated cells were positioned along this PC axis further away from undifferentiated ESCs than embryonic stem–derived neural progenitors. We suggest that this PC1 defines a path to neural fate, providing a scale for the degree of commitment/differentiation.
Influence of base suction on extraction of jack-up spudcans
Authors: Purwana O. A. , Leung C. F. , Chow Y. K. , Foo K. S.
Published: December 2005

Operators of mobile jack-up rigs often face difficulties when extracting spudcan foundations of jack-up rigs in the field. Centrifuge model tests were carried out to evaluate the uplift resistance of a jack-up spudcan in normally consolidated clay during extraction. The top and bottom faces of the model spudcan were instrumented with total pressure and pore pressure transducers. These pressure readings and pore pressure changes in the soil beneath the spudcan were monitored throughout the installation, operation and extraction of the spudcan. In the present study, the operation stage was simply simulated by maintaining a constant vertical load on the spudcan. Tests were conducted to examine the effects of duration of operation period and ratio of operational working load to installation load on the uplift resistance of the spudcan. The test results revealed that suction developed at the interface between the spudcan base and the underlying soil, and the magnitude of base suction increased with the operation period of the spudcan. It is noted that, during extraction, the resistance to overcome the soil resistance above the spudcan increases only slightly with spudcan operation period. Hence the increase in base suction is established to be the key contributor for the larger breakout force required to extract spudcans with longer operation periods.
Single‐Cell Transcriptomics Reveals the Ameliorative Effect of Oridonin on Septic Liver Injury
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Qian , Wong Yin Kwan , Luo Piao , Chen Junhui , Xie Lulin , Chen Jiayun , He Xueling , Shi Fei , Gong Ping , Liu Xueyan , Wang Jigang
Published: February 2024

Sepsis is a life‐threatening syndrome leading to hemodynamic instability and potential organ dysfunction. Oridonin, commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), exhibits significant anti‐inflammation activity. To explore the protective mechanisms of oridonin against the pathophysiological changes, the authors conducted single‐cell transcriptome (scRNA‐seq) analysis on septic liver models induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). They obtained a total of 63,486 cells, distributed across 11 major cell clusters, and concentrated their analysis on four specific clusters (hepatocytes/Heps, macrophages, endothelial/Endos and T/NK) based on their changes in proportion during sepsis and under oridonin treatment. Firstly, biological changes in Hep, which are related to metabolic dysregulation and pro‐inflammatory signaling, are observed during sepsis. Secondly, they uncovered the dynamic profiles of macrophage's phenotype, indicating that a substantial number of macrophages exhibited a M1‐skewed phenotype associated with pro‐inflammatory characteristics in septic model. Thirdly, they detected an upregulation of both inflammatory cytokines and transcriptomic factor Nfkb1 expression within Endo, along with slight capillarization during sepsis. Moreover, excessive accumulation of cytotoxic NK led to an immune imbalance. Though, oridonin ameliorated inflammatory‐related responses and improved the liver dysfunction in septic mice. This study provides fundamental evidence of the protective effects of oridonin against sepsis‐induced cytokine storm.
Identification and evaluation of the evolution stage of the agricultural machinery industry cluster in Shandong Province
Authors: He Qiong , Li Qixiao , Wan Zhenlong
Published: February 2024

Agricultural machinery industry clusters have great potential to solve key technological problems in China, and it is crucial to accurately identify the stage of cluster evolution. Based on the location entropy method, this paper finds that the location quotient coefficient is greater than 1.2 and the average annual growth rate is 1.11%, which indicates that the agricultural machinery industry in Shandong Province has a high degree of agglomeration, but the agglomeration speed is slow. Using the Groundings agglomeration—Economic network—Social network—Service system model, it is found that the agricultural machinery industry cluster in Shandong province is in the growth stage, in which the service system has the most significant influence on its development level. The weights of service system, social network, economic network, and basic resource aggregation derived from the Analytic Hierarchy Process model are 0.410, 0.321, 0.151, and 0.118, respectively, where agglomeration degree of the agricultural machinery industry, raw material production of agricultural machinery enterprises, exchange of tacit knowledge and intermediary service level are the four indicators with the greatest weights in the influences on sustainable development of the agricultural machinery industry. Because of the strong fuzzy nature between the indicators, this paper applies the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method to quantify the stage of evolution of Shandong Province's agricultural machinery industry cluster.
High‐Performance GdNiO3Epitaxial Film Memristor for Neuralactivity Analysis
Authors: Bai Bing , Liu Gongjie , Sun Yong , Liu Pan , Zhao Zhen , Guo Zhenqiang , Yan Xiaobing
Published: February 2024

Perovskite‐type rare earth nickelates based memristor have recently attracted extensive attention in the field of novel storage computing due to their special electronic structure and exotic physical properties. However, there is still a shortage of memristors with ultra‐high stability performance, which will provide a solid foundation for future neural network computing with high accuracy recognition rates. Here, a GdNiO3‐based interfacial memristor is presented, which possesses ultra‐high stable performance, such as electroforming‐free, low device‐to‐device variation, reliable cyclic switching, high on/off ratio (≈104) and stable pulse modulation of conduction. Combined with the comprehensive microstructure results, this behavior is ascribed to the interface Schottky barrier variation caused by the 1D oxygen vacancy channel conduction according to the transmission electron microscopy results. In particular, based on the device's stable pulse modulation plasticity performance, the study also succeeds in achieving highly accurate neural firing pattern recognition up to ≈99.75% accuracy and monitoring of pattern transitions by implementing a reservoir computing system based on the device. This research advances the progress of nickelates in novel storage computing and paves the way for future efficient memristor‐based reservoir computing systems to handle more complex temporal tasks.
Advanced Nanoarchitectonics of Drug Delivery Systems with Pyroptosis Inhibition for Noncancerous Disease Treatment
Authors: You Qian Yi , Hu Ming Dong , Qian Hang
Published: February 2024

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a controlled and organized form of death regulated by genes, allowing cells to adapt to their environment. Pyroptosis, a recently discovered type of programmed cell death, differs from apoptosis and necrosis. It is characterized by the activation of caspase and the cleavage of gasdermin. Many studies have focused on understanding the mechanisms and roles of pyroptosis, particularly in cancer research. While inducing pyroptosis in tumor cells for cancer treatment is a major research focus, it is equally important to explore methods of reducing pyroptosis in noncancerous diseases. Recent advancements in drug delivery systems, specifically nanoarchitectonics, offer site‐specific targeting, prolonged drug circulation, enhanced efficacy, improved solubility, and better absorption. Although several reviews have described how nanoarchitectonics can trigger pyroptosis in tumor cells, little attention is given to their potential to inhibit pyroptosis in noncancerous diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to bridge this gap and explore the future directions for utilizing nanoarchitectonics as a powerful tool against noncancerous diseases. This review aims to delve into the recent progress made in nanoarchitectonics‐based advanced drug delivery systems for the treatment of noncancerous diseases by reducing pyroptosis, while also highlighting potential future perspectives in this emerging field.
Coal Tar Pitch Derived sp2 Configuration‐Dominated Vacancy‐Rich Carbon with Expand Interlayer Spacing for Low‐Voltage, Durable, and Fast Potassium Storage
Authors: Jiang Yu , Xiao Nan , Song Xuedan , Xiao Jian , Yu Kai , Dai Xuehui , Lv Zhidong , Qiu Jieshan
Published: February 2024

The low‐voltage charging capacity and rate performance are two crucial but mutually restricted properties of K‐ion batteries. Herein, a sulfonamide and amide linkages‐triggered N doping high‐temperature removal strategy is proposed to obtain porous carbon with rich carbon vacancies, high sp2 hybridized C content (65.3%), and large interlayer spacing using coal tar pitch as carbon precursor. Carbon vacancies and sp2 hybridized C are proved to be not only active sites for low‐voltage potassium storage but also conducive to the fast transfer of ions and electrons, endowing reversible and fast potassium storage at low voltage. Moreover, abundant carbon vacancies and large carbon interlayer spacing alleviate volume variation, improving the cycling stability for 8500 cycles (about 3700 h). This work sheds new light on the design of low‐voltage, durable, and fast potassium storage carbon anodes, and promotes the development of practical carbon anodes for high energy density K‐ion batteries in the future.
Hierarchical Design of Tissue‐Mimetic Fibrillar Hydrogel Scaffolds
Authors: Pardo Alberto , Gomez‐Florit Manuel , Davidson Matthew D. , Öztürk‐Öncel Meftune Özgen , Domingues Rui M. A. , Burdick Jason A. , Gomes Manuela E.
Published: February 2024

Most tissues of the human body present hierarchical fibrillar extracellular matrices (ECMs) that have a strong influence over their physicochemical properties and biological behavior. Of great interest is the introduction of this fibrillar structure to hydrogels, particularly due to the water‐rich composition, cytocompatibility, and tunable properties of this class of biomaterials. Here, the main bottom‐up fabrication strategies for the design and production of hierarchical biomimetic fibrillar hydrogels and their most representative applications in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are reviewed. For example, the controlled assembly/arrangement of peptides, polymeric micelles, cellulose nanoparticles (NPs), and magnetically responsive nanostructures, among others, into fibrillar hydrogels is discussed, as well as their potential use as fibrillar‐like hydrogels (e.g., those from cellulose NPs) with key biofunctionalities such as electrical conductivity or remote stimulation. Finally, the major remaining barriers to the clinical translation of fibrillar hydrogels and potential future directions of research in this field are discussed.
A Versatile Chitosan‐Based Hydrogel Accelerates Infected Wound Healing via Bacterial Elimination, Antioxidation, Immunoregulation, and Angiogenesis
Authors: Zhang Ye , Chen Sinan , Qin Xian , Guo Ai , Li Kai , Chen Lixue , Yi Weiwei , Deng Zhongliang , Tay Franklin R. , Geng Wenbo , Miao Li , Jiao Yang , Tao Bailong
Published: February 2024

Drug‐resistant bacterial infection of cutaneous wounds causes great harm to the human body. These infections are characterized by a microenvironment with recalcitrant bacterial infections, persistent oxidative stress, imbalance of immune regulation, and suboptimal angiogenesis. Treatment strategies available to date are incapable of handling the healing dynamics of infected wounds. A Schiff base and borate ester cross‐linked hydrogel, based on phenylboronic acid‐grafted chitosan (CS‐PBA), dibenzaldehyde‐grafted poly(ethylene glycol), and tannic acid (TA), is fabricated in the present study. Customized phenylboronic acid‐modified zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) are embedded in the hydrogel prior to gelation. The CPP@ZnO‐P‐TA hydrogel effectively eliminates methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) due to the pH‐responsive release of Zn2+ and TA. Killing is achieved via membrane damage, adenosine triphosphate reduction, leakage of intracellular components, and hydrolysis of bacterial o‐nitrophenyl‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside. The CPP@ZnO‐P‐TA hydrogel is capable of scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, alleviating oxidative stress, and stimulating M2 polarization of macrophages. The released Zn2+ and TA also induce neovascularization via the PI3K/Akt pathway. The CPP@ZnO‐P‐TA hydrogel improves tissue regeneration in vivo by alleviating inflammatory responses, stimulating angiogenesis, and facilitating collagen deposition. These findings suggest that this versatile hydrogel possesses therapeutic potential for the treatment of MRSA‐infected cutaneous wounds.
Strengthening the Metal–Acid Interactions by Using CeO2 as Regulators of Precisely Placing Pt Species in ZSM‐5 for Furfural Hydrogenation
Authors: Zhao Meng , Wang Xiao , Xu Jing , Li Yuou , Wang Xiaomei , Chu Xiang , Wang Ke , Wang Zijian , Zhang Ling‐ling , Feng Jing , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie
Published: February 2024

Understanding the synergism between the metal site and acid site is of great significance in boosting the efficiency of bi‐functional catalysts in many heterogeneous reactions, particularly in biomass upgrading. Herein, a “confined auto‐redox” strategy is reported to fix CeO2‐anchored Pt atoms on the inner wall of a ZSM‐5 cage, achieving the target of finely controlling the placements of the two active sites. Compared with the conventional surface‐supported counterpart, the encapsulated Pt/CeO2@ZSM‐5 catalyst possesses remarkably‐improved activity and selectivity, which can convert >99% furfural into cyclopentanone with 97.2% selectivity in 6 h at 160 °C. Besides the excellent catalytic performance, the ordered metal–acid distribution also makes such kind of catalyst an ideal research subject for metal–acid interactions. The following mechanization investigation reveals that the enhancement is strongly related to the unique encapsulation structure, which promotes the migration of the reactants over different active sites, thereby contributing to the tandem reaction.
Dual External Electron Injection Barrier Layers Enable High‐Performance Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors Realizing Real‐Time Heart Rate Monitoring
Authors: Tang Haoran , He Zeyu , Zhang Hengyuan , Du Xiaoyang , Yu Xin , Cao Luye , Lin Hui , Yang Gang , Zheng Caijun , Tao Silu
Published: February 2024

Near‐infrared organic photodetectors (NIR‐OPDs) play important roles in medical monitoring, bio‐imaging and night vision, etc. Among them, bulk heterojunction (BHJ)‐based photodiode type NIR‐OPDs exhibit extraordinary characteristics in photoresponse and photosensitivity. However, their dark current density (Jd) often increases severely as the bias voltage increases, which seriously reduces detection sensitivity for NIR light. Here, a novel structure of dual external electron injection barrier layers (DEBLs) composed of “m‐MTDATA/DPEPO:HAT‐CN” is proposed to overcome this challenge. For DEBLs, a barrier is established with high injection barrier and long effective injection barrier width to prevent external electrons injection under bias voltage for suppressing Jd (4.22 × 10−8 A cm−2 better than 1.47 × 10−5 A cm−2 of the traditional device at −2 V). More importantly, photo‐generated carriers have almost no loss through DEBLs. Therefore, high and stable detectivity (D*) over 1013 Jones are realized under 850 nm from 0 V to nearly −1 V and even far over 1012 Jones at −2 V. More strikingly, the structure of DEBLs is proven to be effective and universal in NIR‐OPDs and the device based on it successfully realize the real‐time heart rate monitoring of various human states, which exhibits great potential in human health monitoring.
Dynamic Band‐Alignment Modulation in MoTe2/SnSe2 Heterostructure for High Performance Photodetector
Authors: Zhang Fen , Shi Hao , Yu Yali , Liu Shuo , Liu Duanyang , Zhou Xinyun , Yuan Le , Shi Jiaqi , Xia Qinglin , Wei Zhongming , He Jun , Zhong Mianzeng
Published: February 2024

For two‐dimensional (2D) layered material heterojunctions, dynamic modulation of band alignments allows for the design of devices with flexible multi‐functional applications. In this paper, a device structure is presented based on a MoTe2/SnSe2 field‐effect transistor. By applying a bias voltage to the electrostatic gate, the gate voltage is adjusted from negative to positive, causing the heterojunction to transition from type‐III band alignment to type‐II band alignment. The working mechanism and device performance of the heterojunctions with different band alignments are investigated. The device exhibited outstanding detection range (from ultraviolet to infrared), detectivity (2.42 × 109 Jones), and speed (1.3 ms). Under a positive gate voltage, a higher ratio of light current to dark current (2×103) is achieved. To further demonstrate the potential of the high‐performance devices, their reliability is confirmed through their performance in image recognition using deep learning.
Development of pH‐Sensitive Film for Detection of Implant Infection via Ultrasound Luminescent Chemical Imaging
Authors: Schober Gretchen B. , Uzair Unaiza , Reel Morgan , Abbaraju Vigjna , Behlow Herbert , Rao Apparao M. , Bhattacharya Sriparna , Anker Jeffrey N.
Published: February 2024

A new hybrid ultrasound luminescent chemical imaging technique is described along with a pH sensor to image chemical concentrations at the surface of implanted medical devices. The purpose is to detect and study local biochemistry during infection. The sensor comprises a mechanoluminescent film (SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy microphosphors embedded in a biocompatible polymer film) and a pH indicator dye. A focused ultrasound beam generates green luminescence at the ultrasound focal point. By pulsing the ultrasound ON and OFF, the modulated luminescence can be distinguished from persistent luminescence, for high spatial resolution imaging. A red fluorescent dye and the pH indicator dye bromothymol blue are added to the coating to modulate the red‐light transmittance via pH dependent absorbance. Acidosis is observed as an increase in red luminescence intensity in spectroscopy and imaging. The films are sensitive to biologically relevant changes in pH (6.0–8.0) and can be imaged through optically scattering media to mimic tissue. The images have a knife edge spatial resolution of ≈3 mm through optically scattering phantoms, limited by the focused ultrasound spot size. This novel technique may permit the elucidation of implant infection at the implant surface and can be further developed for the measurement of other relevant chemical species in the future.
Bis‐Alkoxide Dysprosium(III) Crown Ether Complexes Exhibit Tunable Air Stability and Record Energy Barrier
Authors: Xu Wen‐Jie , Luo Qian‐Cheng , Li Zi‐Han , Zhai Yuan‐Qi , Zheng Yan‐Zhen
Published: February 2024

High‐performance and air‐stable single‐molecule magnets (SMMs) can offer great convenience for the fabrication of information storage devices. However, the controversial requisition of high stability and magnetic axiality is hard to balance for lanthanide‐based SMMs. Here, a family of dysprosium(III) crown ether complexes possessing hexagonal‐bipyramidal (pseudo‐D6h symmetry) local coordination geometry with tunable air stability and effective energy barrier for magnetization reversal (Ueff) are shown. The three complexes share the common formula of [Dy(18‐C‐6)L2][I3] (18‐C‐6 = 1,4,7,10,13,16‐hexaoxacyclooctadecane; L = I, 1; L = OtBu 2 and L = 1‐AdO 3). 1 is highly unstable in the air. 2 can survive in the air for a few minutes, while 3 remains unchanged in the air for more than 1 week. This is roughly in accordance with the percentage of buried volumes of the axial ligands. More strikingly, 2 and 3 show progressive enhancement of Ueff and 3 exhibits a record high Ueff of 2427(19) K, which significantly contributes to the 100 s blocking temperature up to 11 K for Yttrium‐diluted sample, setting a new benchmark for solid‐state air‐stable SMMs.
Regioselective Arylation of Amidoaryne Precursors via Ag‐Mediated Intramolecular Oxy‐Argentation
Authors: Kwon Yong‐Ju , Kong Ye‐Jin , Lee Min‐Jung , Lim Eun‐Hye , Kwak Jaesung , Kim Won‐Suk
Published: February 2024

An unprecedented silver‐mediated intramolecular oxy‐argentation of 3‐amidoaryne precursors that quickly generates a heteroarylsilver species is developed. AgF acts as both a stoichiometric fluoride source and a reagent for the formation of a benzoxazolylsilver intermediate via aryne generation. Pd‐catalyzed coupling reactions of (hetero)aryl iodides with a silver species, generated in situ, allow for the synthesis of various C7‐arylated benzoxazoles. As a result, an aryl group is selectively introduced into the meta‐position of 3‐amidobenzyne precursors. Mechanistic studies have indicated the presence of a benzoxazolylsilver intermediate and revealed that the reaction proceeds via an intramolecular oxy‐argentation process, which is initiated by a direct fluoride attack on the silyl group.
Unveiling the Role of Side Chain for Improving Nonvolatile Characteristics of Conjugated Polymers‐Based Artificial Synapse
Authors: Sung Junho , Chung Sein , Jang Yongchan , Jang Hyoik , Kim Jiyeon , Lee Chan , Lee Donghwa , Jeong Dongyeong , Cho Kilwon , Kim Youn Sang , Kang Joonhee , Lee Wonho , Lee Eunho
Published: February 2024

Interest has grown in services that consume a significant amount of energy, such as large language models (LLMs), and research is being conducted worldwide on synaptic devices for neuromorphic hardware. However, various complex processes are problematic for the implementation of synaptic properties. Here, synaptic characteristics are implemented through a novel method, namely side chain control of conjugated polymers. The developed devices exhibit the characteristics of the biological brain, especially spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP), high‐pass filtering, and long‐term potentiation/depression (LTP/D). Moreover, the fabricated synaptic devices show enhanced nonvolatile characteristics, such as long retention time (≈102 s), high ratio of Gmax/Gmin, high linearity, and reliable cyclic endurance (≈103 pulses). This study presents a new pathway for next‐generation neuromorphic computing by modulating conjugated polymers with side chain control, thereby achieving high‐performance synaptic properties.
Efficient WO3 Nanoplate Arrays Photoanode Modified by ZnO Nanosheets for Enhanced Charge Separation and Transfer to Promote Photoelectrochemical Performances
Authors: Wu Weihao , Yan Zhehui , Wang Lijun , Zhu Xiangrong , Zhu Yongheng , Liao Guihong , Zhu Luping
Published: February 2024

A key factor in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of photoelectrodes is the efficient separation and transfer of photogenerated charges. Herein, a novel photoanode comprising three‐dimensional (3D) WO3 nanoplate@ZnO nanosheet hierarchical type‐II heterojunction arrays (3D WO3@ZnO HHAs) is designed and constructed via modification of the WO3 nanoplate arrays with ZnO nanosheets. The synthesized materials are characterized viaX‐ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry (UV–vis), scanning electon microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) test results reveal that the synthesized 3D WO3@ZnO HHAs photoanode exhibits reduced charge transfer resistance, improved electron‐hole pair life, and enhanced photocurrent density (≈4.5 times increase in comparison to that of the bare WO3). The increased light capture and high surface area in contact with the electrolyte as well as the enhanced charge transfer through the synergy between morphology and band structures may be responsible for the improved PEC characteristics.
Visualization of temperature distribution and flow behavior in water evaporation using water‐soluble spiropyran
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Wan Sibo , Chen Yahui , Fang Yu , Lu Sheng , Gu Hao , Li Yourong , Chen Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2024

Understanding the convection flows driven by the uneven temperature distribution in heated aqueous solutions is fascinating and meaningful both in fundamental and industrial aspects. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a simple and convenient method for real‐time tracking of surface temperature distribution and the solvent flow state. Herein, we designed and screened a water‐soluble spiropyran derivative (BS‐SP1) that contains benzothiazole and sulfonic acid groups. The BS‐SP1 molecule was found to exceptionally maintain the reversible photochromic characteristics in water, and then served as a photo‐responsive indicator for visualizing the temperature distribution and flow behavior on water surface with high resolution. This study provides feasible guidance on the dynamic self‐assembly and thermodynamics occurring in the water evaporation system and offers a practical tool for investigating these behaviors.
Condition‐dependent NOx adsorption/desorption over Pd/BEA: A combined microreactor and in situ DRIFTS study
Authors: Chen Junjie , Lee Jungkuk , Khatri Prateek , Toops Todd J. , Kyriakidou Eleni A.
Published: February 2024

Pd/BEA is chosen as a model passive NOx adsorber (PNA) to elucidate the effect of the feed gas composition on the NOx adsorption/desorption behavior. The Brønsted acid and the partially hydrolyzed framework Al (P‐HAl(OH)) sites in HBEA adsorb NO and NO2 under dry conditions. Moreover, the performance of HBEA is not affected by CO, while CO inhibits nitrate formation and promotes NO adsorption via the Pd(NO)(CO) complexes formation over Pd/BEA. H2O inhibits NO adsorption over the Brønsted acid and P‐HAl(OH) sites, and ionic Pd is the only active site for NOx adsorption under wet conditions. Furthermore, NO adsorption over hydrated Pd (Pd2+(OH)(NO)(H2O)3) is weaker than NO adsorption over bare ionic Pd (Z2[Pd2+(NO)], Z[Pd2+(OH)(NO)]). Dehydration of Pd2+(OH)(NO)(H2O)3 forms more stable Z[Pd2+(OH)(NO)] during desorption. The NO adsorption capacity of Pd/BEA improves in the presence of CO under both dry and wet conditions by forming a stable carbonyl–nitrosyl complex.
The impact of sex on platelet responses to aspirin in patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Suarez Ferreira Sasha P. , Hall Ryan P. , Morrow Katherine , Patel Shiv , Lee Ivy , Hagos Fanah , Zacharias Nikolaos , Machlus Kellie , Dua Anahita
Published: February 2024

Women with peripheral artery disease (PAD) have poorer limb salvage outcomes in spite of having lower risk factors for vascular disease than their male counterparts. Mono antiplatelet therapy with aspirin is the cornerstone of medical treatment for PAD to reduce the risk of arterial thrombosis, but platelets in women may have a variable response to this standard of care compared to men. Viscoelastic assays, such as thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG‐PM), have been utilized to identify prothrombotic states and may provide insight into a patient's real‐time coagulation profile and their response to specific antiplatelet medications. The aim of this prospective, observational study was to delineate the sex differences in platelet function using TEG‐PM in patients with PAD on aspirin post‐revascularization for PAD. All patients with PAD undergoing revascularization on aspirin monotherapy were prospectively enrolled between December 2020 and September 2023. The cohort was divided by sex, demographics, medications, procedure type, and outcomes were documented. Serial perioperative TEG‐PM assays (1, 3, and 6 months) were performed up to 6 months postoperatively and platelet function was evaluated in both groups. Statistical analysis between women and men was performed to identify sex‐specific differences in platelet function. Over the study period, a total of 303 patients were enrolled. Of this cohort, 149 patients met the study criteria and 266 samples were analyzed; 52 (34.89%) were women and 97 (65.11%) were men. In the platelet mapping assay, women showed significantly greater MAActF and MAAA, than men (16.66 vs. 14.94, p < .03 and 37.26 vs. 32.38, p < .01, respectively) indicating stronger thrombotic propensity. Additionally, platelet inhibition was significantly lower in women compared to men (52.95% vs. 61.65%, p < .05). In clinical outcomes reported as thrombotic events, women showed significantly higher occlusion in the area of intervention than men (4 vs. 1, p < .05). There is a growing awareness of the variations in the natural course, underlying mechanisms, and resulting outcomes of cardiovascular conditions, including PAD, in relation to sex. In this study, women did not achieve the same levels of platelet inhibition and displayed a procoagulant tendency in comparison to men when administered aspirin. Overall, aspirin monotherapy may be potentially sufficient for men, but women may require increased doses and/or additional antiplatelet medications to achieve an equivalent therapeutic effect.
Transition Metal‐Free Diastereoselective Synthesis of β‐Carboline Tethered Dihydrofurocoumarin Derivatives
Authors: Banyal Naveen , Malakar Chandi C. , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Virender
Published: February 2024

One‐pot procedure has been developed for the synthesis of novel β‐carboline tethered trans 2,3‐furocoumarins via assembling 1‐formyl‐β‐carbolines, 4‐hydroxycoumarins, and phenacyl bromides in pyridine under transition metal‐free conditions. The strategy was also found applicable to gram scale synthesis and a library of 40 molecules has been developed. The significant features of this operationally facile approach includes high efficiency, short reaction time, excellent yields, multicomponent character of the reaction, metal‐free mild reaction conditions, and a column chromatography free purification procedure.
Nitrooxylative Dearomatization Reaction of β‐Naphthols with Hypervalent Iodine Reagent
Authors: Zhang Shan‐Shan , Li Muzi , Gu Qing , You Shu‐Li
Published: February 2024

A catalyst‐free intermolecular dearomatization reaction of β‐naphthols with hypervalent‐iodine‐based nitrooxylating reagent is reported. Various nitrooxylated β‐naphthalenones bearing a quaternary carbon stereogenic center were obtained smoothly in good to excellent yields (up to 87 %) under mild conditions. This method features mild conditions, broad substrate scope and excellent chemoselectivity.
The effect of PM2.5 on acute sinusitis: A population‐based study
Authors: Grimm David , Qian Z. Jason , Yong Michael , Hwang Peter H.
Published: February 2024

Key points

PM2.5 exposure is a risk factor for the development of acute sinusitis.

PM2.5 exposure affects acute sinusitis in a dose response fashion.
Supramolecular Modular Assembly of Imaging‐Trackable Enzymatic Nanomotors
Authors: Ye Zihan , Che Yanan , Dai Dihua , Jin Dongdong , Yang Yingwei , Yan Xiaohui , Ma Xing
Published: February 2024

Self‐propelled micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have shown great application potential in biomedicine, sensing, environmental remediation, etc. In the past decade, various strategies or technologies have been used to prepare and functionalize MNMs. However, the current preparation strategies of the MNMs were mainly following the pre‐designed methods based on specific tasks to introduce expected functional parts on the various micro/nanocarriers, which lacks a universal platform and common features, making it difficult to apply to different application scenarios. Here, we have developed a modular assembly strategy based on host–guest chemistry, which enables the on‐demand construction of imaging‐trackable nanomotors mounted with suitable driving and imaging modules using a universal assembly platform, according to different application scenarios. These assembled nanomotors exhibited enhanced diffusion behavior driven by enzymatic reactions. The loaded imaging functions were used to dynamically trace the swarm motion behavior of assembled nanomotors with corresponding fuel conditions both in vitro and in vivo. The modular assembly strategy endowed with host–guest interaction provides a universal approach to producing multifunctional MNMs in a facile and controllable manner, which paves the way for the future development of MNMs systems with programmable functions.
Functional Selection of Tau Oligomerization‐Inhibiting Aptamers
Authors: Wang Bang , Pan Xiaoshu , Teng I‐Ting , Li Xiaowei , Kobeissy Firas , Wu Zo‐Yu , Zhu Jiepei , Cai Guangzheng , Yan He , Yan Xin , Liang Mingwei , Yu Fahong , Lu Jianrong , Yang Zunyi , Biondi Elisa , Haskins William , Cao Y. Charles , Benner Steven A. , Tan Weihong , Wang Kevin K.
Published: February 2024

Pathological hyperphosphorylation and aggregation of microtubule‐associated Tau protein contribute to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other related tauopathies. Currently, no cure exists for Alzheimer's Disease. Aptamers offer significant potential as next‐generation therapeutics in biotechnology and the treatment of neurological disorders. Traditional aptamer selection methods for Tau protein focus on binding affinity rather than interference with pathological Tau. In this study, we developed a new selection strategy to enrich DNA aptamers that bind to surviving monomeric Tau protein under conditions that would typically promote Tau aggregation. Employing this approach, we identified a set of aptamer candidates. Notably, BW1c demonstrates a high binding affinity (Kd=6.6 nM) to Tau protein and effectively inhibits arachidonic acid (AA)‐induced Tau protein oligomerization and aggregation. Additionally, it inhibits GSK3β‐mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation in cell‐free systems and okadaic acid‐mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation in cellular milieu. Lastly, retro‐orbital injection of BW1c tau aptamer shows the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and gain access to neuronal cell body. Through further refinement and development, these Tau aptamers may pave the way for a first‐in‐class neurotherapeutic to mitigate tauopathy‐associated neurodegenerative disorders.
DNA interaction, biological, and structural identification studies of bivalent nano‐sized Nickel, Palladium, and Platinum chelates of 2‐(((Z)‐6‐chloro‐3‐((E)‐([2‐hydroxyphenyl]imino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ylidene)amino)phenol Schiff base ligand
Authors: Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M. A. , Alamier Waleed M. , Almashnowi Majed Y.
Published: February 2024

New nano‐sized Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II) Schiff base chelates of 2‐(((Z)‐6‐chloro‐3‐((E)‐([2‐hydroxyphenyl]imino)methyl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ylidene)amino)phenol were designed and manufactured. The structural characterization of these isolated compounds was accomplished through spectral measurements, thermal and elemental analyses, and magnetic moment and conductivity determinations. The nano‐sized metal(II) complexes molar conductance indicated that they exhibited non‐electrolytic behavior. The UV–Vis spectral data and magnetic moment provided evidence for producing octahedral geometries in the nano‐sized complexes of Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II). Metal chelates' thermal characteristics and decomposition kinetics were examined through Coats‐Redfern technique. The kinetic aspects, including pre‐exponential factor (A), the entropy of activation (ΔS), and activation energy (E) were enumerated. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) calculations results of the trivalent metal complexes showed that sharp and intense diffraction peaks signify their crystalline properties with nanoscale particle size, and another proof was obtained from the images of SEM, TEM, EDX, and AFM also homogeneous distribution over the complex surface was confirmed. Molecular modeling techniques were adopted to optimize the metal complexes geometry. The viscosity and UV–Vis absorption determinations were utilized to assess the calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) interaction with the nano‐sized metal(II) chelates. The acquired data revealed that the complexes exhibit a non‐intercalative or incomplete binding pattern when interacting with DNA. The calculated DNA‐complexes binding constants are 3.93 ± 0.02 × 10,4 1.67 ± 0.3 × 105 and 2.88 ± 0.03 × 105 M−1, for nano‐sized Ni(II), Pd(II) and Pt(II) Schiff base chelates, successively. Both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pneumoniae) micro‐organisms were tested against H2L Schiff base ligand and its nano‐sized metal(II) complexes. Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus were tested for antifungal activity, revealing that most complexes had activity lower than H2L ligand, while the complex of Ni(II) exhibited no discernible antifungal activities. Furthermore, the manufactured complexes underwent testing for their in‐vitro anticancer and antibacterial effectiveness. Furthermore, the complexes antioxidant activity was appraised through DPPH and ABTS inhibition tests, revealing distinct scavenging abilities on DPPH radicals. The complexes were ordered according to their scavenging capacity as follows: Ni(II) complex > Pd(II) complex > Pt(II) complex. Finally, the study of cell cycle arrest by the Ni(II), Pd(II), and Pt(II) complexes on HEPG2 has also been performed through flow cell cytometry.
A temperature‐responsive dual network hydrogel for reversible smart actuator
Authors: Xie Ting , Gao Yi , Li Zequan , Gao Wei
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, soft actuators have received extensive attention in many application fields, among which hydrogels have become an important choice for constructing soft actuators due to their unique properties. However, the actuating behaviors of hydrogel‐based actuators are usually monotonous due to their unchangeable shapes and structures. Herein, we report a temperature‐responsive hydrogel actuator with a bilayer structure. Based on the dual network structure (polyvinyl alcohol/poly acrylamide and polyvinyl alcohol/poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide), the actuators can realize the reinforcement compared with the single network. Because of the intrinsic lower critical solution temperature of poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide, both sides of actuators have different swelling rates, enabling them to achieve the thermal‐responsive actuation and shape programming. Therefore, this work is promising to provide a new strategy for designing temperature switches and thermally driven soft robots.
Frictional characteristics and vibration behavior of silicone rubber powders modified resin‐based friction materials
Authors: Gou Zhaoxi , Li Bo , Fei Jie , Fu Qiangang
Published: February 2024

Resin‐based friction materials (RFM) are widely used in vehicle brakes. However, the thermosetting resins and rigid fillers in RFM have low toughness and produce strong vibration behavior during continuous friction processes, which adversely affects the equipment. This work proposed a method for co‐blending modification of RFM with silicone rubber powders (SRP) to mitigate friction‐induced vibrations, and the mechanism of silicone rubber modification on the vibrational behavior of RFM during friction was investigated. The results demonstrate that SRP‐modified RFM exhibit excellent damping property and frictional characteristics. SRP modification improves the stability of the coefficient of friction and reduces fatigue wear. The wear rate of RFM modified with 10 wt% SRP reduced by 29% and the average amplitude of friction‐induced vibration decreased by 35.5% compared to unmodified RFM. This work provides both theoretical and practical foundations for designing and developing RFM with high damping, low wear, and low vibration characteristic.
Reactions of Heteroallenes with Salan‐based Ti(IV) Complexes: A Joint Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Hipólito Joana , Meyrelles Ricardo , Maryasin Boris , Alves Luis G. , Martins Ana M.
Published: February 2024

The reaction of Ti(NMe2)4 with the salan ligand precursor H2N2O2H2 led to the formation of [(L*)Ti(NHMe2)2] (L*=N2O24−) that forms [(H2N2O2)TiCl2] upon reaction with two equiv. of Me3SiCl. [(L*)Ti(py)2] was obtained from the reaction of [Ti(NtBu)Cl2(py)3] with the sodium salt H2N2O2Na2. Treatment of [(L*)Ti(NHMe2)2] with two equiv. of tBuNCO led to the insertion of the isocyanate molecules into the Ti−Nsalan bonds with the formation of [{L*(N(tBu)CO)2}Ti]. Conversely, the reaction of [(H2N2O2)Ti(OiPr)2] with two equiv. of tBuNCO led to the insertion of one isocyanate molecule into a Ti−Nsalan bond with the formation of [{(HN2O2)(N(tBu)CO)}Ti(OiPr)]. Computational studies were performed to gain insight into the reactivity of isocyanates with salan‐based Ti(IV) complexes.
Practical fixed‐time tracking control of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles with input saturation
Authors: He Zhansheng , Shen Jun , Zhang Zhipeng
Published: February 2024

In this article, an adaptive fixed‐time sliding mode control method is proposed for the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with external disturbances and input saturation. Firstly, the fixed‐time sliding mode surface with a piecewise function enhances convergence speed and avoids singularity problems. The radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are selected to estimate disturbances, and auxiliary systems are designed to address input saturation. Subsequently, an adaptive controller is created to ensure that the error system can converge into the neighborhood of origin within a fixed time. Furthermore, based on the proposed control approach, the stability of the closed‐loop system is analyzed with rigorous theoretical proof. Finally, comparative simulations are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methodology.