bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of interfacial dielectric loss in aluminum-on-silicon superconducting qubits
Authors: Biznárová Janka , Osman Amr , Rehnman Emil , Chayanun Lert , Križan Christian , Malmberg Per , Rommel Marcus , Warren Christopher , Delsing Per , Yurgens August , Bylander Jonas , Fadavi Roudsari Anita
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate aluminum-on-silicon planar transmon qubits with time-averaged T1 energy relaxation times of up to 270 μs, corresponding to Q = 5 million, and a highest observed value of 501 μs. Through materials analysis techniques and numerical simulations we investigate the dominant source of energy loss, and devise and demonstrate a strategy toward its mitigation. Growing aluminum films thicker than 300 nm reduces the presence of oxide, a known host of defects, near the substrate-metal interface, as confirmed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. A loss analysis of coplanar waveguide resonators shows that this results in a reduction of dielectric loss due to two-level system defects. The correlation between the enhanced performance of our devices and the film thickness is due to the aluminum growth in columnar structures of parallel grain boundaries: transmission electron microscopy shows larger grains in the thicker film, and consequently fewer grain boundaries containing oxide near the substrate-metal interface.
Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein and GP38 subunit vaccine combination prevents morbidity in mice
Authors: Karaaslan Elif , Sorvillo Teresa E. , Scholte Florine E. M. , O’Neal Troy Justin , Welch Stephen R. , Davies Katherine A. , Coleman-McCray JoAnn D. , Harmon Jessica R. , Ritter Jana M. , Pegan Scott D. , Montgomery Joel M. , Spengler Jessica R. , Spiropoulou Christina F. , Bergeron Éric
Published: August 2024

Immunizing mice with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) nucleoprotein (NP), glycoprotein precursor (GPC), or with the GP38 domain of GPC, can be protective when the proteins are delivered with viral vectors or as a DNA or RNA vaccine. Subunit vaccines are a safe and cost-effective alternative to some vaccine platforms, but Gc and Gn glycoprotein subunit vaccines for CCHFV fail to protect despite eliciting high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Here, we investigated humoral and cellular immune responses and the protective efficacy of recombinant NP, GP38, and GP38 forms (GP85 and GP160) associated with the highly glycosylated mucin-like (MLD) domain, as well as the NP + GP38 combination. Vaccination with GP160, GP85, or GP38 did not confer protection, and vaccination with the MLD-associated GP38 forms blunted the humoral immune responses to GP38, worsened clinical chemistry, and increased viral RNA in the blood compared to the GP38 vaccination. In contrast, NP vaccination conferred 100% protection from lethal outcome and was associated with mild clinical disease, while the NP + GP38 combination conferred even more robust protection by reducing morbidity compared to mice receiving NP alone. Thus, recombinant CCHFV NP alone is a promising vaccine candidate conferring 100% survival against heterologous challenge. Moreover, incorporation of GP38 should be considered as it further enhances subunit vaccine efficacy by reducing morbidity in surviving animals.
Bacteria modulate microalgal aging physiology through the induction of extracellular vesicle production to remove harmful metabolites
Authors: Deng Yun , Yu Ruyi , Grabe Veit , Sommermann Thomas , Werner Markus , Vallet Marine , Zerfaß Christian , Werz Oliver , Pohnert Georg
Published: August 2024

The bloom and bust patterns of microalgae in aquatic systems contribute massively to global biogeochemical cycles. The decline of algal blooms is mainly caused by nutrient limitation resulting in cell death, the arrest of cell division and the aging of surviving cells. Nutrient intake can re-initiate proliferation, but the processes involved are poorly understood. Here we characterize how the bloom-forming diatom Coscinodiscus radiatus recovers from starvation after nutrient influx. Rejuvenation is mediated by extracellular vesicles that shuttle reactive oxygen species, oxylipins and other harmful metabolites out of the old cells, thereby re-enabling their proliferation. By administering nutrient pulses to aged cells and metabolomic monitoring of the response, we show that regulated pathways are centred around the methionine cycle in C. radiatus. Co-incubation experiments show that bacteria mediate aging processes and trigger vesicle production using chemical signalling. This work opens new perspectives on cellular aging and rejuvenation in complex microbial communities.
Unimolecular net heterolysis of symmetric and homopolar σ-bonds
Authors: Tiefel Anna F. , Grenda Daniel J. , Allacher Carina , Harrer Elias , Nagel Carolin H. , Kutta Roger J. , Hernández-Castillo David , Narasimhamurthy Poorva R. , Zeitler Kirsten , González Leticia , Rehbein Julia , Nuernberger Patrick , Breder Alexander
Published: August 2024

The unimolecular heterolysis of covalent σ-bonds is integral to many chemical transformations, including SN1-, E1- and 1,2-migration reactions. To a first approximation, the unequal redistribution of electron density during bond heterolysis is governed by the difference in polarity of the two departing bonding partners1–3. This means that if a σ-bond consists of two identical groups (that is, symmetric σ-bonds), its unimolecular fission from the S0, S1, or T1 states only occurs homolytically after thermal or photochemical activation1–7. To force symmetric σ-bonds into heterolytic manifolds, co-activation by bimolecular noncovalent interactions is necessary4. These tactics are only applicable to σ-bond constituents susceptible to such polarizing effects, and often suffer from inefficient chemoselectivity in polyfunctional molecules. Here we report the net heterolysis of symmetric and homopolar σ-bonds (that is, those with similar electronegativity and equal leaving group ability3) by means of stimulated doublet–doublet electron transfer (SDET). As exemplified by Se–Se and C–Se σ-bonds, symmetric and homopolar bonds initially undergo thermal homolysis, followed by photochemically SDET, eventually leading to net heterolysis. Two key factors make this process feasible and synthetically valuable: (1) photoexcitation probably occurs in only one of the incipient radical pair members, thus leading to coincidental symmetry breaking8 and consequently net heterolysis even of symmetric σ-bonds. (2) If non-identical radicals are formed, each radical may be excited at different wavelengths, thus rendering the net heterolysis highly chemospecific and orthogonal to conventional heterolyses. This feature is demonstrated in a series of atypical SN1 reactions, in which selenides show SDET-induced nucleofugalities3 rivalling those of more electronegative halides or diazoniums.
A hot-emitter transistor based on stimulated emission of heated carriers
Authors: Liu Chi , Wang Xin-Zhe , Shen Cong , Ma Lai-Peng , Yang Xu-Qi , Kong Yue , Ma Wei , Liang Yan , Feng Shun , Wang Xiao-Yue , Wei Yu-Ning , Zhu Xi , Li Bo , Li Chang-Ze , Dong Shi-Chao , Zhang Li-Ning , Ren Wen-Cai , Sun Dong-Ming , Cheng Hui-Ming
Published: August 2024

Hot-carrier transistors are a class of devices that leverage the excess kinetic energy of carriers. Unlike regular transistors, which rely on steady-state carrier transport, hot-carrier transistors modulate carriers to high-energy states, resulting in enhanced device speed and functionality. These characteristics are essential for applications that demand rapid switching and high-frequency operations, such as advanced telecommunications and cutting-edge computing technologies1–5. However, the traditional mechanisms of hot-carrier generation are either carrier injection6–11 or acceleration12,13, which limit device performance in terms of power consumption and negative differential resistance14–17. Mixed-dimensional devices, which combine bulk and low-dimensional materials, can offer different mechanisms for hot-carrier generation by leveraging the diverse potential barriers formed by energy-band combinations18–21. Here we report a hot-emitter transistor based on double mixed-dimensional graphene/germanium Schottky junctions that uses stimulated emission of heated carriers to achieve a subthreshold swing lower than 1 millivolt per decade beyond the Boltzmann limit and a negative differential resistance with a peak-to-valley current ratio greater than 100 at room temperature. Multi-valued logic with a high inverter gain and reconfigurable logic states are further demonstrated. This work reports a multifunctional hot-emitter transistor with significant potential for low-power and negative-differential-resistance applications, marking a promising advancement for the post-Moore era.
Mitochondrial complex I promotes kidney cancer metastasis
Authors: Bezwada Divya , Perelli Luigi , Lesner Nicholas P. , Cai Ling , Brooks Bailey , Wu Zheng , Vu Hieu S. , Sondhi Varun , Cassidy Daniel L. , Kasitinon Stacy , Kelekar Sherwin , Cai Feng , Aurora Arin B. , Patrick McKenzie , Leach Ashley , Ghandour Rashed , Zhang Yuanyuan , Do Duyen , McDaniel Phyllis , Sudderth Jessica , Dumesnil Dennis , House Sara , Rosales Tracy , Poole Alan M. , Lotan Yair , Woldu Solomon , Bagrodia Aditya , Meng Xiaosong , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. , Mishra Prashant , Garcia-Bermudez Javier , Pedrosa Ivan , Kapur Payal , Courtney Kevin D. , Malloy Craig R. , Genovese Giannicola , Margulis Vitaly , DeBerardinis Ralph J.
Published: August 2024

Most kidney cancers are metabolically dysfunctional1–4, but how this dysfunction affects cancer progression in humans is unknown. We infused 13C-labelled nutrients in over 80 patients with kidney cancer during surgical tumour resection. Labelling from [U-13C]glucose varies across subtypes, indicating that the kidney environment alone cannot account for all tumour metabolic reprogramming. Compared with the adjacent kidney, clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) display suppressed labelling of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates in vivo and in ex vivo organotypic cultures, indicating that suppressed labelling is tissue intrinsic. [1,2-13C]acetate and [U-13C]glutamine infusions in patients, coupled with measurements of respiration in isolated human kidney and tumour mitochondria, reveal lower electron transport chain activity in ccRCCs that contributes to decreased oxidative and enhanced reductive TCA cycle labelling. However, ccRCC metastases unexpectedly have enhanced TCA cycle labelling compared with that of primary ccRCCs, indicating a divergent metabolic program during metastasis in patients. In mice, stimulating respiration or NADH recycling in kidney cancer cells is sufficient to promote metastasis, whereas inhibiting electron transport chain complex I decreases metastasis. These findings in humans and mice indicate that metabolic properties and liabilities evolve during kidney cancer progression, and that mitochondrial function is limiting for metastasis but not growth at the original site.
Black holes regulate cool gas accretion in massive galaxies
Authors: Wang Tao , Xu Ke , Wu Yuxuan , Shi Yong , Elbaz David , Ho Luis C. , Zhang Zhi-Yu , Gu Qiusheng , Wang Yijun , Shu Chenggang , Yuan Feng , Xia Xiaoyang , Wang Kai
Published: August 2024

The nucleus of almost all massive galaxies contains a supermassive black hole (BH)1. The feedback from the accretion of these BHs is often considered to have crucial roles in establishing the quiescence of massive galaxies2–14, although some recent studies show that even galaxies hosting the most active BHs do not exhibit a reduction in their molecular gas reservoirs or star formation rates15–17. Therefore, the influence of BHs on galaxy star formation remains highly debated and lacks direct evidence. Here, based on a large sample of nearby galaxies with measurements of masses of both BHs and atomic hydrogen (HI), the main component of the interstellar medium18, we show that the HI gas mass to stellar masses ratio (μHI = MHI/M⋆) is more strongly correlated with BH masses (MBH) than with any other galaxy parameters, including stellar mass, stellar mass surface density and bulge masses. Moreover, once the μHI–MBH correlation is considered, μHI loses dependence on other galactic parameters, demonstrating that MBH serves as the primary driver of μHI. These findings provide important evidence for how the accumulated energy from BH accretion regulates the cool gas content in galaxies, by ejecting interstellar medium gas and/or suppressing gas cooling from the circumgalactic medium.
Structural basis for transthiolation intermediates in the ubiquitin pathway
Authors: Kochańczyk Tomasz , Hann Zachary S. , Lux Michaelyn C. , Delos Reyes Avelyn Mae V. , Ji Cheng , Tan Derek S. , Lima Christopher D.
Published: August 2024

Transthiolation (also known as transthioesterification) reactions are used in the biosynthesis of acetyl coenzyme A, fatty acids and polyketides, and for post-translational modification by ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) proteins1–3. For the Ub pathway, E1 enzymes catalyse transthiolation from an E1~Ub thioester to an E2~Ub thioester. Transthiolation is also required for transfer of Ub from an E2~Ub thioester to HECT (homologous to E6AP C terminus) and RBR (ring-between-ring) E3 ligases to form E3~Ub thioesters4–6. How isoenergetic transfer of thioester bonds is driven forward by enzymes in the Ub pathway remains unclear. Here we isolate mimics of transient transthiolation intermediates for E1–Ub(T)–E2 and E2–Ub(T)–E3HECT complexes (where T denotes Ub in a thioester or Ub undergoing transthiolation) using a chemical strategy with native enzymes and near-native Ub to capture and visualize a continuum of structures determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. These structures and accompanying biochemical experiments illuminate conformational changes in Ub, E1, E2 and E3 that are coordinated with the chemical reactions to facilitate directional transfer of Ub from each enzyme to the next.
Synthesis of superparamagnetic Fe3O4–graphene oxide-based material for the photodegradation of clonazepam
Authors: da Silva Maryne Patrícia , de Souza Ana Caroline Alves , Ferreira Ágata Rodrigues Deodato , do Nascimento Pedro Lucas Araújo , Fraga Tiago José Marques , Cavalcanti Jorge Vinícius Fernandes Lima , Ghislandi Marcos Gomes , da Motta Sobrinho Maurício Alves
Published: August 2024

The global concern over water pollution caused by contaminants of emerging concern has been the subject of several studies due to the complexity of treatment. Here, the synthesis of a graphene oxide-based magnetic material (GO@Fe3O4) produced according to a modified Hummers’ method followed by a hydrothermal reaction was proposed; then, its application as a photocatalyst in clonazepam photo-Fenton degradation was investigated. Several characterization analyses were performed to analyze the structure, functionalization and magnetic properties of the composite. A 23 factorial design was used for the optimization procedure to investigate the effect of [H2O2], GO@Fe3O4 dose and pH on clonazepam degradation. Adsorption experiments demonstrated that GO@Fe3O4 could not adsorb clonazepam. Photo-Fenton kinetics showed that total degradation of clonazepam was achieved within 5 min, and the experimental data were better fitted to the PFO model. A comparative study of clonazepam degradation by different processes highlighted that the heterogeneous photo-Fenton process was more efficient than homogeneous processes. The radical scavenging test showed that $${O}_{2}^{\cdot -}$$

O

2

·
-

was the main active free radical in the degradation reaction, followed by hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and holes (h+) in the valence layer; accordingly, a mechanism of degradation was proposed to describe the process.
Utilising activity patterns of a complex biophysical network model to optimise intra-striatal deep brain stimulation
Authors: Spiliotis Konstantinos , Appali Revathi , Fontes Gomes Anna Karina , Payonk Jan Philipp , Adrian Simon , van Rienen Ursula , Starke Jens , Köhling Rüdiger
Published: August 2024

A large-scale biophysical network model for the isolated striatal body is developed to optimise potential intrastriatal deep brain stimulation applied to, e.g. obsessive-compulsive disorder. The model is based on modified Hodgkin–Huxley equations with small-world connectivity, while the spatial information about the positions of the neurons is taken from a detailed human atlas. The model produces neuronal spatiotemporal activity patterns segregating healthy from pathological conditions. Three biomarkers were used for the optimisation of stimulation protocols regarding stimulation frequency, amplitude and localisation: the mean activity of the entire network, the frequency spectrum of the entire network (rhythmicity) and a combination of the above two. By minimising the deviation of the aforementioned biomarkers from the normal state, we compute the optimal deep brain stimulation parameters, regarding position, amplitude and frequency. Our results suggest that in the DBS optimisation process, there is a clear trade-off between frequency synchronisation and overall network activity, which has also been observed during in vivo studies.
Identifying COVID-19 survivors living with post-traumatic stress disorder through machine learning on Twitter
Authors: Baqir Anees , Ali Mubashir , Jaffar Shaista , Sherazi Hafiz Husnain Raza , Lee Mark , Bashir Ali Kashif , Al Dabel Maryam M.
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people’s lives and caused significant economic damage around the world, but its impact on people’s mental health has not been paid due attention by the research community. According to anecdotal data, the pandemic has raised serious concerns related to mental health among the masses. However, no systematic investigations have been conducted previously on mental health monitoring and, in particular, detection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The goal of this study is to use classical machine learning approaches to classify tweets into COVID-PTSD positive or negative categories. To this end, we employed various Machine Learning (ML) classifiers, to segregate the psychotic difficulties with the user’s PTSD in the context of COVID-19, including Random Forest Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes, and K-Nearest Neighbor. ML models are trained and tested using various combinations of feature selection strategies to get the best possible combination. Based on our experimentation on real-world dataset, we demonstrate our model’s effectiveness to perform classification with an accuracy of 83.29% using Support Vector Machine as classifier and unigram as a feature pattern.
Correlated normal state fermiology and topological superconductivity in UTe2
Authors: Choi Hong Chul , Lee Seung Hun , Yang Bohm-Jung
Published: August 2024

UTe2 is a promising candidate for spin-triplet superconductors, in which a paramagnetic normal state becomes superconducting due to spin fluctuations. Here, we theoretically show that electron correlation induces a dramatic change in the normal state fermiology with an emergent correlated Fermi surface (FS) driven by Kondo resonance at low temperatures. This emergent correlated FS can account for various unconventional superconducting properties in a unified way. In particular, the geometry of the correlated FS can naturally host topological superconductivity in the presence of odd-parity pairings, which become the leading instability due to strong ferromagnetic spin fluctuations. Moreover, two pairs of odd-parity channels appear as nearly degenerate solutions which may lead to time-reversal breaking multicomponent superconductivity. The resulting time-reversal-breaking superconducting state is a Weyl superconductor in which Weyl points migrate along the correlated FS as the relative magnitude of nearly degenerate pairing solutions varies.
Wearable sensors for monitoring chronic kidney disease
Authors: Han Sanggil , Yamamoto Shunsuke , Jung Chan-Young , Jin Do Young , Lee Taegyu , Kim Jun-Seob
Published: August 2024

Wearable sensors have evolved significantly, making personalized medicine and real-time disease management possible. However, current digital healthcare is limited to only certain diseases, such as diabetes, due to the lack of mature technologies that can detect small biomolecules. In particular, despite the early detection of chronic kidney disease (CKD) being significant in preventing life-threatening end-stage kidney disease, the development of wearable sensors for CKD monitoring is still in the early stages. In this Perspective, we propose a wearable digital healthcare concept for non-invasive, continuous CKD monitoring, discuss optimal biofluids, biomarkers and bioreceptors to create a wearable CKD sensing platform, and provide insight into potential challenges faced by the technology as well as opportunities.
Satellite cell-derived TRIM28 is pivotal for mechanical load- and injury-induced myogenesis
Authors: Lin Kuan-Hung , Hibbert Jamie E , Flynn Corey GK , Lemens Jake L , Torbey Melissa M , Steinert Nathaniel D , Flejsierowicz Philip M , Melka Kiley M , Lindley Garrison T , Lares Marcos , Setaluri Vijayasaradhi , Wagers Amy J , Hornberger Troy A
Published: August 2024

Satellite cells are skeletal muscle stem cells that contribute to postnatal muscle growth, and they endow skeletal muscle with the ability to regenerate after a severe injury. Here we discover that this myogenic potential of satellite cells requires a protein called tripartite motif-containing 28 (TRIM28). Interestingly, different from the role reported in a previous study based on C2C12 myoblasts, multiple lines of both in vitro and in vivo evidence reveal that the myogenic function of TRIM28 is not dependent on changes in the phosphorylation of its serine 473 residue. Moreover, the functions of TRIM28 are not mediated through the regulation of satellite cell proliferation or differentiation. Instead, our findings indicate that TRIM28 regulates the ability of satellite cells to progress through the process of fusion. Specifically, we discover that TRIM28 controls the expression of a fusogenic protein called myomixer and concomitant fusion pore formation. Collectively, the outcomes of this study expose the framework of a novel regulatory pathway that is essential for myogenesis.
Lab-on-a-chip: A Stepping Stone for Personalized Healthcare Management
Authors: Kuru Cansu İlke , Ulucan-Karnak Fulden
Published: August 2024

Modern technology’s key innovation and trend towards improvement is based on the miniaturization process. This trend began in microelectronics and is now present in a variety of fields, including the integration of sensors into lab-on-a-chip platforms. Several research and organic systems, including DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction, electrophoresis, DNA division, enzymatic testing, immunoassays, cell counting, cell arrangement, and cell culture, have been scaled down into chip designs as a result of important mechanical improvements. This multitude of parts and systems has permitted us to move from verifications of an idea to significant applications in biomedical sciences, giving biochips that are quicker, less difficult, less expensive, and more impressive than conventional devices. By including blood samples, primary human tissue, and cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, as well as by adjusting key physicochemical parameters of the cell culture microenvironment based on personal health data, they can theoretically be “personalized” to reflect an individual’s physiology. The individualized nature of these systems, when combined with relevant physiologically relevant readouts, opens up new possibilities for person-specific evaluations of drug safety and efficacy, as well as personalized approaches to disease prevention and treatment in precision medicine. In this concept, major advantages, challenges, and milestones of lab-on-a-chip devices, and organ-on-a-chip platforms in personalized medicine and healthcare management will be discussed.
Anatomical and Physiological Bases of Food Perception
Authors: Lamy Elsa , Simões Carla , Caeiro Inês , Guedes David , Capela e Silva Fernando
Published: August 2024

The perception and appreciation of the sensory qualities of foods largely determine their acceptance by consumers. Food sensory perception starts with the senses and their unique sensory systems, which detect, encode and relay different information inputs to the brain in response to exposure to food stimuli. This chapter describes the anatomical and physiological bases of such processes, from a biological perspective, and how they may vary across individuals, focusing on the structures involved in food stimuli detection in the oral cavity, i.e., while eating. Its initial sections provide an overview of the mechanisms responsible for taste, olfaction and somatosensation. The role played by saliva in food perception is presented, since this is the fluid that mixes with food, in the mouth, interacting with oral structures and food molecules. Moreover, the way sensory information is transmitted and integrated in the brain, leading to the final perception, will be discussed. The final sections of the present chapter will present the state of the art regarding the effects of physiological and metabolic factors on oral food perception, including variations occurring across the human lifespan.
Rapid Sensory Profiling Methods for Research and Industrial Applications
Authors: Cunha Luís Miguel , Lima Rui Costa , Ribeiro José Carlos , Rocha Célia
Published: August 2024

Developing new products that satisfy consumer needs is a challenge for the food industry, wherein brands must strike a balance between meeting customer expectations and outperforming competitors in the marketplace. The sensory properties of foods significantly influence consumer preferences. Their evaluation using human senses as measurement instruments, aka sensory analysis, bridges food science and technology research with new product development and marketing activities. In this context, the sensory analyst toolkit is expected to provide an accurate portrayal of consumers’ expectations and judgements of the sensory properties of food products while meeting the requirements and constraints of industrial research and innovation activities. As these requirements and constraints impose the need for more insightful, flexible, faster and cheaper sensory evaluation methods, rapid profiling techniques continue to emerge, replacing conventional descriptive analysis in both academic and industry applications. Their advantage lies in the ability to generate sensory maps from semi-trained panellists and untrained consumers’ product evaluations that closely mimic those delivered by conventional descriptive techniques using trained panellist assessments. This chapter offers a comparative overview of some of the most relevant techniques – flash profile, check-all-that-apply (CATA), Napping®-Ultra flash profiling and open/free comments – and illustrates their use with own research reflecting recent advances.
Assessment of Psychophysiological Responses to Sensory Stimuli
Authors: Duerrschmid Klaus , Danner Lukas , Gere Atilla
Published: August 2024

Non-invasive methods for investigating physiological responses to sensory stimuli give insights into the inner experience and behaviour control mechanisms of humans. The advantage of such measures is their implicit nature, meaning that they are automatic, not controlled by will and do not use introspective self-reports using verbal description. Responses of the autonomic nervous system, like cardiac reactions, skin conductance and pupil dilation, serve as indicators of arousal and cognitive or emotional load. Eye movements can be characterised by eye-tracking methods, thus contributing to the explanation of visual attention and the development of food choice. Emotions are involved in the nutritional behaviour of everyday life and facial muscle reactions give insights into spontaneous emotional responses to food stimuli without any biasing question–answer situations. Brain imaging technology enables the study of several responses to food and sensory stimuli, like the individual’s hedonic experiences of wanting and liking, attention or emotions. These methods, their applications, findings, limitations, opportunities, and prospects are reviewed and discussed in this chapter.
Using Netnography and Online Platforms for Qualitative Consumer Insight
Authors: Jacobsen Lina Fogt , Lähteenmäki Liisa
Published: August 2024

Online platforms are increasingly used, not only by companies connecting with consumers, but also by consumers communicating with other consumers about their product choices and experiences. This chapter provides an overview of the qualitative methods used to study consumers’ online communication and gather consumer insight from online platforms in order to understand consumers’ wishes, desires, and needs. We will draw on existing literature first to provide an explanation of what netnography is, and second, to elucidate the types of consumer-related questions it can answer. Moreover, selected examples will present different applications of netnography including data mining, virtual consumer communities and other forms of user generated content.
Traditional, Artisan, and Craft Foods and Drinks
Authors: Lahne Jacob , Trubek Amy
Published: August 2024

How do you define a food or drink product as “traditional”, “artisan”, or “craft”? These categories are fluid, relying on changes over time in the organization of production, as well as differentiation from other methods of making foods, particularly large scale, “industrialized” production. This chapter summarizes issues and methodologies involved in evaluating traditional, artisan and craft foods—foods that are not new or novel, but rather embedded in place, culture, and history. It explores the importance of acknowledging and incorporating both the intrinsic and extrinsic qualities which can comprise the “craft”, “traditional”, or “artisan” nature of these foods and drinks throughout a research study, from the parameters of production to marketing and sales. To this end, it reviews research from both social and sensory science fields on the importance of extrinsic qualities to an individual’s perception of a product’s quality through the lens of traditional, artisan and craft food production. Studying consumer perception and acceptance of these foods from a holistic perspective can lead to new markets and can also provide generalizable insight into how and why some products succeed and persist, while many others fail and disappear.
Sensory Profile and Consumer Acceptance of Edible Insects and Insect-based Foods
Authors: Ribeiro José Carlos R. , Lima Rui Costa , Cunha Luís Miguel
Published: August 2024

Edible insects represent a novel food source that is still not widely accepted by Western consumers. Psychological traits and other variables can predict the willingness to eat edible insects, but the sensory characteristics and appropriateness of these insects and insect-based foods remain critical for their widespread acceptance and adoption. This chapter provides an overview of the sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of edible insects and the food products incorporating them. Several factors determine the sensory properties of edible insects, such as species, feed type and cooking/processing methods. For example, steaming or boiling Tenebrio molitor (meal worm) imparts a corn aroma/flavour while roasting enhances seafood aroma/flavour. However some common sensory characteristics can be observed in derived products. For instance, three primary flavour notes – protein/meat, cereal/bread and old foods – can be distinguished in insect flours. Their incorporation as food ingredients generally leads to negative sensory evaluations, which can be particularly detrimental in the case of meat substitutes. This is due to their poor ability to mimic key sensory characteristics of meat and the negative flavour/odour attributes imparted by lipid oxidation of insect materials. In view of this, the use of defatted insect fractions or proteins as food ingredients is also discussed.
Advanced materials for micro/nanorobotics
Authors: Kim Jeonghyo , Mayorga-Burrezo Paula , Song Su-Jin , Mayorga-Martinez Carmen C. , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Pané Salvador , Pumera Martin
Published: August 2024

This review explores advanced materials in micro/nanorobotics, focusing on five key material families that enhance robotic functionality and intelligence, and discusses their applications and future perspectives.
Immunologically effective biomaterials enhance immunotherapy of prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Siqi , Guo Hui , Li Di , Wang Chunxi
Published: August 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant neoplasms affecting the male population.
Bilayer hydrogel with a protective film and a regenerative hydrogel for effective diabetic wound treatment
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Li Jing , Zhang Yang , Zhao Yueshui , Shen Jing , Du Fukuan , Chen Yu , Li Mingxing , Wu Xu , Chen Meijuan , Xiao Zhangang , Deng Shuai
Published: August 2024

A bilayer hydrogel, combining a GelMA-ALG-nZnO protective film and a COL1-PRP regenerative hydrogel, offers protection against bacterial infection and promotes wound healing function, addressing the complexities of diabetic foot treatment.
Altering the structures of 3D supramolecular assemblies from melamine and cyanuric acid derivatives in water
Authors: Orekhov Nikita , Bukhtiiarova Nina , Brushevich Zlata A. , Muravev Anton A. , Nadav Elad , Tsarfati Yael , Kossoy Anna , Feldman Isai , Zelenina Anastasia , Rubekina Anna A. , Semenov Sergey N. , Skorb Ekaterina V.
Published: August 2024

We characterized two 3D supramolecular structures formed from derivatives of cyanuric acid and melamine in water. Introduction of one methyl group in melamine disrupts H-bonding and alters the arrangement of the layers in these structures.
Optical control of pH via chromoselective photodosimetry
Authors: Chaudhuri Amrita , Eijsink Linda E. , Simeth Nadja A.
Published: August 2024

The precise control over the pH levels of a medium is achieved through irradiation with two different colours of light dosing photonic energy to trigger two independent chemical transformation.
RAPTA-coordinated polydiacetylene self-assembly: A chameleon-like prodrug with a dual-lock strategy for real-time release monitoring of metallodrug
Authors: Sumithaa Chezhiyan , Sugantharam Karnan , Karanath-Anilkumar Aswathy , Munuswamy-Ramanujam Ganesh , Ganeshpandian Mani
Published: August 2024

A self-reporting photo-responsive nanocarrier based on RAPTA-coordinated diacetylene acts as both a delivery vehicle and a real-time monitoring agent in vitro.
Photomechanical responses of coordination polymers regulated by precise organization of the photoactive centers
Authors: Wu Jia-Wei , Qin Zhen , Dong Qing-Shu , Young David James , Hu Fei-Long , Mi Yan
Published: August 2024

Mechanical motion was triggered by [2+2] photocycloaddition and regulated by positioning of the photoactive alkene centers relative to the crystal axis.
Carbon–phosphorus stapled Au(i) anticancer agents via bisphosphine induced reductive elimination
Authors: Gilpatrick Sean T. , Obisesan Oluwatosin A. , Parkin Sean , Awuah Samuel G.
Published: August 2024

We report a novel class of Au(i) agents generated from Au(iii)-mediated Caryl–P bond formation captured within the same complex that demonstrate potent anticancer activity and induce mitochondrial disruption.
Selective synthesis of the missing tiara-like Ni10, Ni5 and Ni6 thiolates by the C–S bond cleavage of bis(thioether) molecules with a DFT study
Authors: Debnath Suparno , Giri Sandip , Mani Ganesan
Published: August 2024

The contrasting reactions of a series of new bis(thioether) molecules with nickel salts have led to synthetic methods selective for particular toroidal nickel(ii) thiolates by the C–S bond cleavage with X-ray structures and DFT study.
The performance and mechanism of phosphotungstic acid-modified NiFe-LDH heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst for efficient degradation of tetracycline
Authors: Sun Shuanghui , Zhou Yuting , Chen Yanshu , Wu Yunfeng , Bao Siqi
Published: August 2024

Mechanism diagram of TC-HCl degradation in the PTA-LDHs/H2O2/vis system.
Study on the signaling pathways involved in the anti-hyperglycemic effect of raspberry ketone on zebrafish using integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses
Authors: Zhu Xinliang , Zhang Dengcai , Wang Yong , Wang Chuangxin , Liu Xiaoxiao , Niu Yicong
Published: August 2024

Raspberry ketone alleviated hyperglycemiaviaregulating insulin synthesis and secretion pathways and homeostasis of purine metabolism in a zebrafish hyperglycemia model.
Directional glycolysis of waste PET using deep eutectic solvents for preparation of aromatic-based polyurethane elastomers
Authors: Li Fei , Yao Xiaoqian , Ding Rong , Bao Yinan , Zhou Qing , Yan Dongxia , Li Yi , Xu Junli , Xin Jiayu , Lu Xingmei
Published: August 2024

Glycolysis of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a green and high-value PET recovery approach, the product of which can be used as raw materials to prepare polyurethanes.
Generation, control, and application of stable bubbles in a hypersonic acoustic system
Authors: Shen Xiaotian , Ke Xianwu , Li Tiechuan , Sun Chongling , Duan Xuexin
Published: August 2024

This work provided a novel methodology for the generation and control of stable bubbles in microfluidics using a hypersonic acoustic system. The stable bubble enabled the dynamic splitting of continuous droplets.
A poly-vinyl alcohol aided multiphase Z-scheme ZnO–AgI–CuO nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for dye photodegradation
Authors: Gindose Teketel Girma , Atisme Tsegaye Belege , Gebreslassie Gebrehiwot , Gebresilassie Abera Beyene , Zereffa Enyew Amare
Published: August 2024

Single-phase ZnO and CuO photocatalysts as well as a multiphase PVA-assisted ZnO–AgI–CuO nanocomposite were synthesized by the sol–gel method.
A high-temperature-triggered crosslinking reaction to achieve excellent intrinsic flame retardancy of organic phase change composites
Authors: Liu Jingkai , Xiao Yunyun , Wang Yiqing , Wuliu Yishun , Zhu Xinbei , Zhang Liyue , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: August 2024

A latent crosslinking reaction between the polymer aerogel and organic PCMs was designed, enabling the PCC to form a copolymer monolith with improved charring ability and intrinsic fire safety when overheated, without flame-retardant modification.
A novel photosensitizer based on hypocrellin B activated by cysteine over-expressed in cancer cells
Authors: Ishida Fumihisa , Onishi Rikuto , Takahashi Daisuke , Toshima Kazunobu
Published: August 2024

A purpose-designed synthetic Cys-activatable photosensitizer 3 based on hypocrellin B (1) showed selective photocytotoxicity against target cancer cells upon photo-irradiation with highly tissue penetrating 660 nm light.
A minor difference in the hydrogen-bonding group structure has a major impact on the mechanical properties of polymers
Authors: Ishizaka Shogo , Nakagawa Shintaro , Yoshie Naoko
Published: August 2024

We have discovered that the mechanical properties of norbornene-based random copolymers can be greatly altered by making subtle differences in the placement of hydrogen-bonding groups within the repeat unit structure.
Constructing 2D MOF/In2S3 heterojunctions for efficient solar-driven H2O2 synthesis in pure water
Authors: Xia Sa-Sa , Li Lan , Bao Chenhao , Li Chunyan , Wu Jianhao , Wang Xiaozhuo , Wang Xusheng , Jin Cheng-Chao , Cao Changsheng , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2024

A two-dimensional Z-scheme Al-TCPP/In2S3 heterojunction demonstrated an enhanced photocatalytic H2O2 yield in pure water. Additionally, the film samples allowed for easy recovery from the photocatalytic system and demonstrated excellent stability.
Constructing Ni species-incorporated CoP@N-doped carbon nanosheet arrays for efficient self-powered hydrazine-assisted seawater electrolysis
Authors: Yan Feng-Xiao , Wang Hao-Yu , Wang Lei , Wang Hao , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: August 2024

Ni species-incorporated CoP nanosheet arrays encapsulated in N-doped carbon layers that exhibit excellent HER, HzOR and hydrazine-assisted seawater splitting activities were synthesized, and a multi-powered hydrogen production system was proposed.
Photoinduced catalyst-free difluoromethylation–cyclization of indole derivatives via electron donor–acceptor complexes under visible light
Authors: Jin Hong-Xian , Zhu Yuping , Zhang Jie , Zhang Yun-Peng , Zhu Ling , Long Lipeng , Chen Zhengwang , Luo Haiqing , Yu Daohong
Published: August 2024

A novel catalyst-free photoinduced difluoromethylation–cyclization via electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes was developed for the synthesis of fluorinated compounds.
Photoelectrochemical synthesis of 4-halomethyl benzoxazines with a halogen anion source
Authors: Chen Xiang , Li Xiao , Dai Hui , Wang Yao-Hui , Wu Zhi-Lin , He Wei-Min
Published: August 2024

A mild and efficient protocol for preparing 4-halomethyl benzoxazines via a photoelectrochemical process with ammonium halide as the halogenating reagent was developed.
Recent advances in late-stage monofluorination of natural products and their derivatives
Authors: Singh Amardeep , Sindhe Haritha , Kamble Akshay , Rajkumar Karthikeyan , Agrawal Vanshika , Sharma Satyasheel
Published: August 2024

In this review, we have discussed the monofluorination of natural products or their derivatives occurring via direct C–H functionalization, late-stage functionalization and late-stage functional group transformation from 2011–2023.
Visible-light-driven α-hydroxylation of β-dicarbonyl compounds mediated by NaI/NPh3 or NaI/PPh3 in water
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Zhongjie , Luo Hui , Wang Guohui , Shi Zhendong , Ma Yinfeng , Wu Jianglong , Li Dianjun , Yang Jinhui
Published: August 2024

A mild and efficient light-mediated CH-hydroxylation of carbonyl compounds with water in the aqueous phase has been developed. Most attractively, NaI-NPh3 was initially employed as an intermediate for photovoltaic conversion and electron transfer.
Defluorinative functionalization of perfluoroalkyl alkenes with ureas: synthesis of C4-perfluoroalkenyl 2-imidazolones
Authors: Han Wei , Tang Ming-Yao , Chen Ye-Kun , Ma Mengtao , Shen Zhi-Liang , Chu Xue-Qiang
Published: August 2024

A defluorinative 1,2,3,4-tetrafunctionalization of perfluoroalkyl alkenes with readily available ureas via multi-bond interconversion at four carbon sites has been developed for the synthesis of perfluoroalkenyl 2-imidazolones.
Unleashing synergistic co-sensitization of BOA dyes and Ru(ii) complexes for dye-sensitized solar cells: achieving remarkable efficiency exceeding 10% through comprehensive characterization, advanced modeling, and performance analysis
Authors: Badawy Safa A. , Abdel-Latif Ehab , Mohamed Walid H. , Elmorsy Mohamed R.
Published: August 2024

The synthesis and characterization of four 2-acetonitrile-benzoxazole (BOA) sensitizers MSW-1–4 with different additional donor groups are presented along with their chemical structures.
Conformational studies of biaryl-bridged seven-membered lactones with a quaternary carbon center
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yu Yueyang , Ma Xiaoqiang , Zhao Xiaofei , Huang Jialin , Zhao Depeng
Published: August 2024

Here, conformations of a series of 7,7-disubstituted-dibenzo[b,d]oxepin-6(7H)-ones were studied and we found that the stable conformers all favor to place the larger group in the axial position instead of the equatorial position.
Pyrolysis study of a waste plastic mixture through different kinetic models using isothermal and nonisothermal mechanism
Authors: Das Prasanta
Published: August 2024

We report the solid fuel WPM (Waste Plastic Mixture) characterization, the physico-chemical properties of the pyrolytic oil, and the pyrolysis investigation of WPM using several kinetic models.
Effect of rotational shear on the dielectric dispersion of a nematic liquid crystal above the Freedericksz threshold field
Authors: Das K. Anaswara , Kumar M. Praveen , Čopar Simon , Dhara Surajit
Published: August 2024

Rheo-dielectric studies of soft materials provide important information on the dynamic structure and electric polarization.
Addressing the persistence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): current challenges and potential solutions
Authors: Itumoh Emeka J. , Data Shailja , Chen Jack L.-Y. , Kah Melanie , Padhye Lokesh P. , Leitao Erin M.
Published: August 2024

The combined stability, mobility, and bioaccumulation of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has prompted a global environmental crisis.
Synthetic design of active and stable bimetallic PtTi nanoparticle electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen reduction at fuel cell cathodes
Authors: Herzog Antonia , Kühl Stefanie , Lu Jiasheng , Amitrano Raffaele , Selve Sören , Schmidt Johannes , Merzdorf Thomas , Strasser Peter
Published: August 2024

Careful synthetic design of PtTi/C alloy nanoparticle catalysts offers pathways to 3 nm sized TiO2-phase free PtTi alloys with high catalytic ORR reactivity and stability.
Injectable and biodegradable collagen–chitosan microspheres for enhanced skin regeneration
Authors: Yan Huiyu , Wang Qi , Li Wenhua , Li Na , Huang Peiling , Xiao Jianxi
Published: August 2024

Schematic representation of the emulsification-crosslinking strategy for constructing collagen–chitosan double-crosslinked composite microsphere implants.
Optimization of a nanoparticle uptake protocol applied to amniotic-derived cells: unlocking the therapeutic potential
Authors: Peserico Alessia , Canciello Angelo , Prencipe Giuseppe , Gramignoli Roberto , Melai Valeria , Scortichini Giampiero , Bellocci Mirella , Capacchietti Giulia , Turriani Maura , Di Pancrazio Chiara , Berardinelli Paolo , Russo Valentina , Mattioli Mauro , Barboni Barbara
Published: August 2024

MitoCeption and G-force assist in the uptake of nanorods into amniotic-derived cells.
Patterned graphene oxide via one-step thermal annealing for controlling collective cell migration
Authors: Huang Chien-Yu , Chen Chong-You , Wei Chia-Hung , Yang Jia-Wei , Lin Yu-Chien , Kao Chih-Fei , Chung Johnson H. Y. , Chen Guan-Yu
Published: August 2024

This study presents a method for preparing heterogeneous graphene oxide interfaces with varying annealing and oxygen functional groups, capable of linking biomolecules, modulating cell migration, and influencing fluorescence changes.
Ultrasonication-driven downscaling and formation of Lewis acid–base sites in hydrogen-bonded Co metal–organic frameworks trigger exceptional catalytic performance for the Knoevenagel condensation reaction
Authors: Liu Zhida , Zhou Yan , Chen Zheng , Zheng Meng , Chen Wenxiao , Ma Haiqing , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Jin
Published: August 2024

Ultrasonication has been employed as an effective approach to break down bulk materials into nanoscale size.
A strong coupling mechanism between ferromagnetism and piezoelectricity in 2D ferroelectric CrXSYBrZ with high carrier mobility
Authors: Shang Xiao , Du Gui-Juan , Wang Jun-Hui , Zhu Dan-Yang , Liu Fu-Chun , Liu Xi-Zhe , Lv Zeng-Tao , Guo Feng , Wang Xiao-Chun
Published: August 2024

Materials with both ferromagnetism and excellent piezoelectricity can be classified as multifunctional materials and have been a focus of recent studies.
Coordination of hydrogen-bonding and π–π stacking induced elasticity and efficient optical-waveguiding in 4,7-bis(phenyl ethynyl)benzo[c][1,2,5] thiadiazole-based crystals
Authors: Li Geng , Xia Yan , Guo Kunpeng , Li Jie , Yan Yongli , Sagara Yoshimitsu , Yang Yongzhen
Published: August 2024

Hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking were combined in a single component, inducing elasticity and efficient optical waveguiding properties in crystals.
Preparation and properties of broadband reflective cholesteric-phase liquid crystal films based on chiral and achiral bilayer structures
Authors: Xu Yazhen , He Wanli , Sheng Xiaolong , Yang Zhou , Cao Hui , Wang Dong
Published: August 2024

In this work, N* and N bilayer liquid crystal composite systems were constructed. With the synergistic effect of diffusion and UV-induced photopolymerization, CLC films reflecting over the wavelength range of 1500 nm were prepared.