bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunable Broadband Acoustic Vortex Generator with Multiple Orders Based on Mie Resonances Structure
Authors: Liu Chunxia , Ye Yingrui , Wu Jiu Hui
Published: April 2023

Acoustic vortices are intensely researched in metasurfaces for their potential application in acoustic communication and particle manipulation. By elaborately designing acoustic metasurfaces with phase profiles, an acoustic vortex is obtained. However, most existing studies are limited to the single working frequency and the specific topological charge. To address these limitations, a tunable broadband acoustic vortex generator is designed to generate acoustic vortices with multiple orders. For this purpose, an annulus subwavelength Mie resonator is theoretically proposed first. In the Mie resonator, the multipole mode is excited by coupling eccentric monopole sources at related resonance frequencies. Then coupling the Mie resonance structure and two eccentric monopole sources can realize the multipole crossing, thus generating acoustic vortices with topological charge m of ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, and ±5. Numerical simulations and an experiment further confirm the theory. In addition, frequency tunability, broadband characteristics, and system robustness are quantitatively studied. The designed vortex generator performs well on these characteristics, which may have potential applications in acoustic communication for multiplexing and demultiplexing.
Stretchable Ultraviolet Curable Ionic Conductive Elastomers for Digital Light Processing Based 3D Printing
Authors: He Xiangnan , Cheng Jianxiang , Li Zhenqing , Ye Haitao , Sun Zechu , Liu Qingjiang , Li Honggeng , Wang Rong , Ge Qi
Published: April 2023

Highly stretchable and transparent ionic conducting materials enable electronic devices to have a distinguishable working mechanism and performances from the conventional electronics. Compared with hydrogels which contain large amounts of water to dissolve ions, ionic conductive elastomers (ICEs) are solvent‐free, and intrinsically immune from dehydration. However, the current manufacturing technologies constrain the ICE‐based ionotronics to simple and bulk geometries with single material, which greatly limits functionality and performance of ICEs‐based ionotronics. Herein, a stretchable ultraviolet curable ICEs (SUV‐ICEs) for 3D printing approach to fabricate complex 3D flexible electronics is reported. The developed SUV‐ICEs are highly stretchable and thermally stable. Using a self‐built DLP‐based 3D printer, that is able to print 3D flexible electronics consisting of SUV‐ICE covalently bonded with other dielectric elastomer, such as SUV‐ICE strain sensors, and a flexible mini‐keyboard.
Spin‐Selective Absorption and Geometric‐Phase Modulation via Chiral Metasurface in Triple Bands
Authors: Chen Wen Qiong , Gou Yue , Zhang Jing Wei , Niu Tiao Ming , Ma Qian , Ma Hui Feng , Mei Zhong Lei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2023

Metasurfaces with spin‐selective reflection or transmission functions for circularly‐polarized (CP) incident waves have aroused researchers' great attention. However, current spin‐selective metasurface designs have yet to mature into a practical method due to the limitations of single operating band or inefficient phase modulation. Herein, a novel chiral meta‐atom is proposed, exhibiting spin‐selective absorption/reflection functions for dual‐orthogonal CP incident waves at three different operating bands. More significantly, the Pancharatnam–Berry phase theory is introduced at all working frequencies to generate a full 2π reflection phase modulation by rotating the chiral resonator, and the three distinct absorption bands remain almost constant with the rotation. Theoretical results indicate that high absorption can separately act on left‐handed or right‐handed CP incident waves at triple bands, and meanwhile, the other incident wave with different handedness is efficiently reflected without changing the handedness. As a proof of concept, two tri‐band meta‐devices with spin‐selective anomalous reflection and spin‐selective orbital angular momentum generating functions are designed and experimentally characterized, both of which exhibit excellent spin‐dependent bi‐functional performances at three different operating bands. The research results provide a promising route to realize spin‐selective meta‐devices with multi‐band operating modes in wireless communication systems and multispectral imaging and information encryption fields.
Microstructure Engineered Photon‐Managing Films for Solar Energy to Biomass Conversion
Authors: Shen Lihua , Lou Runnan , Aili Ablimit , Huggins Curtis James , Yin Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

Conversion of solar energy into chemical energy through natural photosynthesis plays a crucial role in sustainable energy transformation, bioresource production, and CO2 biofixation. Nevertheless, the overall solar energy to chemical energy (biomass) conversion efficiency in the photosynthetic organisms is still unsatisfactory because of their inefficient utilization of solar light. Here, a photonic method to improve photosynthesis of a unicellular green microalga, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a photosynthetic organism model is reported. For this purpose, an easy‐to‐fabricate microphotonic film is developed to improve the spectral quality of solar light reaching the microalgae through photon management (i.e., simultaneous solar spectral conversion and directional fluorescent emission). This study demonstrates that the short‐term oxygen evolution rate and the long‐duration biomass production of microalgae in 200‐mL laboratory photobioreactors are enhanced by a factor of 38% and 54%, respectively. In 5000‐mL scaled‐up bubble column photobioreactors placed outdoor under natural sunlight and weather conditions, the biomass yield is improved by more than 20% when compared to the control experiments conducted in parallel in an optically clear bubble column photobioreactor. Based on such experimental observations, the work here demonstrates the potential of photon management for promoting the solar energy‐to‐biomass conversion process of microalgae and other photosynthetic organisms.
Oligomeric Acceptor Enables High‐Performance and Robust All‐Polymer Solar Cells with 17.4% Efficiency
Authors: Li Zhixiang , Zhang Zhe , Chen Hongbin , Zhang Yunxin , Yi Yuan‐Qiu‐Qiang , Liang Ziqi , Zhao Bin , Li Miaomiao , Li Chenxi , Yao Zhaoyang , Wan Xiangjian , Kan Bin , Chen Yongsheng
Published: April 2023

Developing efficient and stable all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) has received increasing attention because of their mechanical robustness for flexible devices. Based on the CH‐series small molecule acceptors, a new polymer acceptor (PZC24) is reported and obtains a decent power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.82% when blended with PM6. To further improve the performance, an oligomeric acceptor (CH‐D1), which possesses the same backbone structure as PZC24, is proposed and synthesized as the third component for all‐PSC system. The creative strategy improves the crystallinity and molecular packing, and can maintain the efficient charge transport channels of the all‐PSCs binary system. Therefore, the PM6:PZC24:CH‐D1 based ternary devices exhibit an impressive PCE of 17.40%, among the highest value of all‐PSCs. Compared to the PM6:PZC24, the ternary device exhibits enhanced photosoaking stability and thermal stability, simultaneously. In addition, the introduction of oligomeric acceptor does not weaken the mechanical robustness of all‐PSCs. As such, the ternary flexible devices display an excellent PCE of 15.35%. Importantly, this strategy shows excellent universality in PM6:PY‐IT and PM6:PY‐V‐γ all‐PSCs with improved PCEs over 17%. The results provide a feasible strategy to simultaneously improve photovoltaic efficiency and stability of all‐PSCs devices and herald a bright future for all‐PSCs.
Highly Efficient Electroenzymatic Cascade Reduction Reaction For The Conversion of Nitrite to Ammonia
Authors: Zhu Xuefang , Fan Xing , Lin Haiping , Li Shuni , Zhai Quanguo , Jiang Yucheng , Chen Yu
Published: April 2023

The electrochemical nitrite reduction reaction provides an alternative approach to offer sustainable ammonia source routes for repairing imbalances in the global nitrogen cycle. In this work, electrocatalysis is combined with enzymatic catalysis to provide an efficient and clean process for recoverable ammonia production. NO2− is reduced to NH3 by electroenzymatic cascade reduction reaction on a bioconjugate, in which 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide (ILBMB) modified chloroperoxidase (CPO) is fixed on polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to from bioconjugate (CPO‐ILBMB/MWCNT‐PEI). 15N and 14N isotope labeling reveal that the NH3 species is derived from NO2− reduction. Density functional theory calculations identify that the FeII species in heme center of CPO serve as the key active site for NO2− reduction. The amino groups derived from MWCNT‐PEI not only serve as a bridge to covalently immobilize CPO but also enrich the NO2− ion at electrode/solution interface through electrostatic interactions. The low energy barrier of NO2− reduction and low adsorption free energy of the intermediate result in high Faradaic efficiency (96.4%), NH3 yield (112.7 mg h−1 mgCPO−1), and high selectivity in pH 5.0 solution. The highly efficient electroenzymatic reaction ensurespromising applications in the conversion of NO2− to NH3.
Speech Recognition Using Intelligent Piezoresistive Sensor Based on Polystyrene Sphere Microstructures
Authors: Liu Yuchi , Li Huaiyu , Liang Xiangpeng , Deng Haitao , Zhang Xinran , Heidari Hadi , Ghannam Rami , Zhang Xiaosheng
Published: April 2023

Rapid advances in wearable sensing technology have demonstrated unprecedented opportunities for artificial intelligence. In comparison with the traditional hand‐held electrolarynx, a wearable and intelligent artificial throat with sound‐sensing ability is a more comfortable and versatile method to assist disabled people with communication. Herein, a piezoresistive sensor with a novel configuration is demonstrated, which consists of polystyrene (PS) spheres as microstructures sandwiched between silver nanowires and reduced graphene oxide layers. In fact, changes in the device's conducting patterns are obtained by spay‐coating the various weight ratios and sizes of the PS microspheres, which is a fast and convenient way to establish microstructures for improving sensitivity. The wearable artificial throat device also exhibits high sensitivity, fast response time, and ultralow intensity level detection. Moreover, the device's excellent mechanical–electrical performance allows it to detect subtle throat vibrations that can be converted into controllable sounds. In this case, an intelligent artificial throat is achieved by combining a deep learning algorithm with a highly flexible piezoresistive sensor to successfully recognize five different words (help, sick, patient, doctor, and COVID) with an accuracy exceeding 96%. Herein, new opportunities in voice control as well as other human‐machine interface applications are opened.
A Flytrap‐Inspired Bistable Origami‐Based Gripper for Rapid Active Debris Removal
Authors: Zhang Yongchang , Quan Jiale , Li Pengchun , Song Wenping , Zhang Guangyu , Li Longqiu , Zhou Dekai
Published: April 2023

Space debris is considered an increasingly serious threat to on‐orbit spacecrafts. There are several potential solutions to this problem, including active debris removal. Flexible robots have shown promising adaptability and dexterity in soft manipulation owing to their inherent compliance. This compliance allows them to interact safely and efficiently during space missions such as active debris removal. Herein, inspired by the bistable structure and energy‐release mechanism of the Venus flytrap, a bistable origami‐based gripper is developed. The flexible gripper, which can rapidly achieve stable state switching, is in the form of a biomimetic flytrap leaf curvature and is actuated using a shape memory alloy actuator. Subsequently, a flytrap bristle‐like locking structure is used to ensure locking via the action of a dielectric elastomer actuator to alleviate the vibration instability of the flexible robot under rapid actuation. The experimental results showed that the flexible gripper can achieve effective capture within approximately 300 ms. In addition, it exhibits good adaptability and mechanical robustness with targets having complex shapes and sizes, indicating its potential applications in the space capture and sampling fields.
Artificial Scanning Electron Microscopy Images Created by Generative Adversarial Networks from Simulated Particle Assemblies
Authors: Bals Jonas , Epple Matthias
Published: April 2023

Particle assemblies created by software package Blender are converted into artificial scanning electron micrographs (SEM) with a generative adversarial network (GAN). The introduction of height maps (i.e., surface topography or relief structure) considerably enhances the quality of the artificial SEM images by providing 3D information on the input data. These artificial images serve as input data to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) to identify and classify nanoparticles. Although the performance of the CNN trained with artificial SEM images is slightly inferior to the same CNN trained with real SEM images, this offers a pathway to create training data for segmentation and classification networks for SEM image analysis by deep learning algorithms.
Alemtuzumab in relapsed immune severe aplastic anemia: Long‐term results of a phase II study
Authors: Aggarwal Nidhi , Manley Ash Lee , Shalhoub Ruba , Durrani Jibran , Rios Olga , Lotter Jennifer , Patel Bhavisha A. , Wu Colin O. , Young Neal S. , Groarke Emma M.
Published: April 2023

Immune severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is characterized by pancytopenia and immune‐mediated bone marrow destruction. SAA may be treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or immunosuppressive therapy (IST). However, 30% of patients treated with IST relapse. We previously reported a clinical trial of alemtuzumab in which more than half of 25 relapsed SAA patients (56%) responded hematologically. Here, we present long‐term results of a total of 42 patients. Participants with SAA who had previously completed antithymocyte globulin (ATG)‐based IST, but had relapsed, were enrolled on this study. Alemtuzumab was administered intravenously (IV) (n = 28) or subcutaneously (SC) (n = 14). The primary endpoint was hematologic response at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included relapse, clonal evolution, and survival. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00195624). Patients were enrolled over 9 years, with median follow‐up of 6 years. Median age was 32 years, with 57% being female. At 6 months, 18 patients (43%) achieved response; 15 (54%) of those who received IV compared with 3 (21%) who received SC therapy. Six patients (14%) had durable long‐term response without need for subsequent AA‐directed therapy or HSCT at last follow‐up. Nine patients had clonal evolution, with high‐risk evolution occurring in 6. Overall survival was 67% at median follow‐up of 6 years. Prolonged iatrogenic immunosuppression was observed as long as 2 years after alemtuzumab administration. Alemtuzumab induces responses in relapsed SAA, some of which are durable long‐term. However, immunosuppression can persist for years, requiring long‐term monitoring.
Cost effectiveness of non‐drug interventions that reduce nursing home admissions for people living with dementia
Authors: Jutkowitz Eric , Pizzi Laura T. , Shewmaker Peter , Alarid‐Escudero Fernando , Epstein‐Lubow Gary , Prioli Katherine M. , Gaugler Joseph E. , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

Six million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD), a major health‐care cost driver. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of non‐pharmacologic interventions that reduce nursing home admissions for people living with AD/ADRD.

METHODS

We used a person‐level microsimulation to model the hazard ratios (HR) on nursing home admission for four evidence‐based interventions compared to usual care: Maximizing Independence at Home (MIND), NYU Caregiver (NYU); Alzheimer's and Dementia Care (ADC); and Adult Day Service Plus (ADS Plus). We evaluated societal costs, quality‐adjusted life years and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios.

RESULTS

All four interventions cost less and are more effective (i.e., cost savings) than usual care from a societal perspective. Results did not materially change in 1‐way, 2‐way, structural, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Dementia‐care interventions that reduce nursing home admissions save societal costs compared to usual care. Policies should incentivize providers and health systems to implement non‐pharmacologic interventions.
Blended Conjugated Host and Unconjugated Dopant Polymers Towards N‐type All‐Polymer Conductors and High‐ZT Thermoelectrics
Authors: Han Jinfeng , Jiang Yufeng , Tiernan Emma , Ganley Connor , Song Yunjia , Lee Taein , Chiu Arlene , McGuiggan Patty , Adams Nicholas , Clancy Paulette , Russell Thomas P , Hopkins Patrick E. , Thon Susanna M. , Tovar John D. , Katz Howard E.
Published: April 2023

N‐Type thermoelectrics typically consist of small molecule dopant+polymer host. Only a few polymer dopant+polymer host systems have been reported, and these have lower thermoelectric parameters. N‐type polymers with high crystallinity and order are generally used for high‐conductivity (
) organic conductors. Few n‐type polymers with only short‐range lamellar stacking for high‐conductivity materials have been reported. Here, we describe an n‐type short‐range lamellar‐stacked all‐polymer thermoelectric system with highest
of 78 S−1, power factor (PF) of 163 μW m−1 K−2, and maximum Figure of merit (ZT) of 0.53 at room temperature with a dopant/host ratio of 75 wt%. The minor effect of polymer dopant on the molecular arrangement of conjugated polymer PDPIN at high ratios, high doping capability, high Seebeck coefficient (S) absolute values relative to
, and atypical decreased thermal conductivity (
) with increased doping ratio contribute to the promising performance.
Time‐dependent Phosphorescence Color of Carbon Dots in Binary Salt Matrices through Activations by Structural Confinement and Defects for Dynamic Information Encryption
Authors: Shi Wenying , Wang Ruixing , Liu Jing , Peng Feifei , Tian Rui , Lu Chao
Published: April 2023

The emergence of time‐dependent phosphorescence color (TDPC) materials has taken information encryption to high‐security levels. However, due to the only path of exciton transfer, it is almost impossible to obtain TDPC for chromophores with a single emission center. Theoretically, in inorganic‐organic composites, the exciton transfer of organic chromophores depends on the inorganic structure. Here, we assign two structural effects to inorganic NaCl by metal (Mg2+ or Ca2+ or Ba2+) doping, which triggers the TDPC performance of carbon dots (CDs) with a single emission center. The resulting material is used for multi‐level dynamic phosphorescence color 3D coding to achieve information encryption. The structural confinement activates the green phosphorescence of CDs; while the structural defect activates tunneling‐related yellow phosphorescence. Such simply doped inorganic matrices can be synthesized using the periodic table of metal cations, endowing chromophores with tremendous control over TDPC properties. This demonstration extends the design view of dynamic luminescent materials.
Experimental Confirmation of a Predicted Porous Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework
Authors: Shields Caitlin E. , Wang Xue , Fellowes Thomas , Clowes Rob , Chen Linjiang , Day Graeme M. , Slater Anna G. , Ward John W. , Little Marc A. , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: April 2023

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with low densities and high porosities are rare and challenging to design because most molecules have a strong energetic preference for close packing. Crystal structure prediction (CSP) can rank the crystal packings available to an organic molecule based on their relative lattice energies. This has become a powerful tool for the a priori design of porous molecular crystals. Previously, we combined CSP with structure‐property predictions to generate energy‐structure‐function (ESF) maps for a series of triptycene‐based molecules with quinoxaline groups. From these ESF maps, triptycene trisquinoxalinedione (TH5) was predicted to form a previously unknown low‐energy HOF (TH5‐A) with a remarkably low density of 0.374 g cm−3 and three‐dimensional (3D) pores. Here, we demonstrate the reliability of those ESF maps by discovering this TH5‐A polymorph experimentally. This material has a high accessible surface area of 3,284 m2 g−1, as measured by nitrogen adsorption, making it one of the most porous HOFs reported to date.
New findings on the evolution of turtles: A symposium in honor of Marcelo S. de la Fuente
Authors: Sterli Juliana , Vlachos Evangelos
Published: April 2023

With their particular body plan within amniotes and their amazing fossil record, turtles represent a great interest for both neontologists and paleontologists with a strong anatomical background. The Turtle Evolution Symposia are regular international meetings that gather scientists working with different aspects related to the evolutionary history of turtles, from their origin and early evolution until recent times. The latest edition of the Turtle Evolution Symposium was organized in 2021 amidst the COVID‐19 outbreak and held virtually from the facilities of the Museo Paleontológico Egidio Feruglio in Trelew (Patagonia, Chubut, Argentina). More than 75 scientists from 25 countries presented their latest advances on topics related to turtle evolution, some of which are published in this Special Volume of The Anatomical Record. Both the Turtle Evolution Symposium 2021 and this Special Volume are dedicated to Marcelo S. de la Fuente who was the first researcher who specialized in the study of extinct turtles in South America, and his studies have an important regional and international impact.
L‐lactate production in engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a multistage multiobjective automated design framework
Authors: Amaradio Matteo N. , Jansen Giorgio , Costanza Jole , Patanè Andrea , Branduardi Paola , Porro Danilo , Nicosia Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

The design of alternative biodegradable polymers has the potential of severely reducing the environmental impact, cost and production time currently associated with the petrochemical industry. In fact, growing demand for renewable feedstock has recently brought to the fore synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. These two interdependent research areas focus on the study of microbial conversion of organic acids, with the aim of replacing their petrochemical‐derived equivalents with more sustainable and efficient processes. The particular case of Lactic acid (LA) production has been the subject of extensive research because of its role as an essential component for developing an eco‐friendly biodegradable plastic—widely used in industrial biotechnological applications. Because of its resistance to acidic environments, among the many LA‐producing microbes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been the main focus of research into related biocatalysts. In this study, we present an extensive in silico investigation of S. cerevisiae cell metabolism (modeled with Flux Balance Analysis) with the overall aim of maximizing its LA production yield. We focus on the yeast 8.3 steady‐state metabolic model and analyze it under the impact of different engineering strategies including: gene knock‐in, gene knock‐out, gene regulation and medium optimization; as well as a comparison between results in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. We designed ad‐hoc constrained multiobjective evolutionary algorithms to automate the engineering process and developed a specific postprocessing methodology to analyze the genetic manipulation results obtained. The in silico results reported in this paper empirically show that our method is able to automatically select a small number of promising genetic and metabolic manipulations, deriving competitive strains that promise to impact microorganisms design in the production of sustainable chemicals.
Integrative single‐cell sequencing analysis distinguishes survival‐associated cells from the breast cancer microenvironment
Authors: Huang Ling , Qin Shijie , Xia Lingling , Ma Fei , Chen Liming
Published: April 2023

Background

Breast cancer shows a highly complex tumor microenvironment by containing various cell types. Identifying prognostic cell populations in the tumor microenvironment will improve the mechanistical understanding of breast cancer and facilitate the development of new breast cancer therapies by targeting the tumor microenvironment. The development of single‐cell sequencing reveals various cell types, states, and lineages within the context of heterogenous breast tumors, but identifying phenotype‐associated subpopulations is challenging.

Results

Here, we applied Scissor (single‐cell identification of subpopulations with bulk Sample phenotype correlation) to integrate single cell and bulk data of breast cancer, and found that MHC‐deficient tumor cells, FABP5+ macrophages, and COL1A1+ cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were detrimental to patient survival, while T cells and dendritic cells were the main protective cells. MHC‐deficient tumor cells show strong downregulation of MHC expression for immune evasion by downregulating interferon and JAK‐STATs signaling. FABP5+ macrophages show low antigen‐presenting activity via associating with lipid metabolism. Our data suggest that COL1A1+ CAFs may block T‐cell immune infiltration through cell interaction in breast tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study reveals survival‐associated subpopulations in breast tumor microenvironment. Importantly, subpopulations related to immune evasion of breast cancer is uncovered.
Supported Ionic Liquid Phase (SILP) Allylic Alkylation of Amines in Continuous Flow
Authors: Stagel Kristof , Pálvölgyi Ádám Márk , Delmas Clémence , Schnürch Michael , Bica‐Schröder Katharina
Published: April 2023

We present the use of Pd‐complex‐containing supported ionic liquid phases (SILPs) as a novel approach for continuous‐flow allylic alkylation of N‐nucleophiles. This immobilization strategy gave simple access to air‐tolerating catalyst frameworks, providing rapid and convenient access to various achiral and chiral N‐allylation products. Under optimized conditions, the flow‐reaction could be maintained for 3.5 hours with constant product output; meanwhile, only a marginal 0.7 wt % of ionic liquid leaching and no detectable palladium‐complex leaching could be observed.
Evaluation of the Antiparasitic and Antifungal Activities of Synthetic Piperlongumine‐Type Cinnamide Derivatives: Booster Effect by Halogen Substituents
Authors: Khan Tariq A. , Al Nasr Ibrahim S. , Koko Waleed S. , Ma Jingyi , Eckert Simon , Brehm Lucas , Ben Said Ridha , Daoud Ismail , Hanachi Riadh , Rahali Seyfeddine , van de Sande Wendy W. J. , Ersfeld Klaus , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard
Published: April 2023

A series of synthetic N‐acylpyrrolidone and ‐piperidone derivatives of the natural alkaloid piperlongumine were prepared and tested for their activities against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Replacement of one of the aryl meta‐methoxy groups by halogens such as chlorine, bromine and iodine led to distinctly increased antiparasitic activities. For instance, the new bromo‐ and iodo‐substituted compounds 3 b/c and 4 b/c showed strong activity against L. major promastigotes (IC50=4.5–5.8 μM). Their activities against L. major amastigotes were moderate. In addition, the new compounds 3 b, 3 c, and 4 a–c exhibited high activity against T. gondii parasites (IC50=2.0–3.5 μM) with considerable selectivities when taking their effects on non‐malignant Vero cells into account. Notable antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei was also found for 4 b. Antifungal activity against Madurella mycetomatis was observed for compound 4 c at higher doses. Quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) studies were carried out, and docking calculations of test compounds bound to tubulin revealed binding differences between the 2‐pyrrolidone and 2‐piperidone derivatives. Microtubules‐destabilizing effects were observed for 4 b in T. b. brucei cells.
Facile Synthesis of ZnO/Ag Nanostructure with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Huong Vu Hoang , Nguyen Tu Cam , Sai Cong Doanh , Pham Nguyen Hai , Ngac An Bang , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Van Bui Hong , Vu Van‐Phu , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Van Dang Long , Le Trang Thi Huyen , Nguyen Thu Thi , Van Do Dang
Published: April 2023

A series of x%Ag/ZnO (x: 0; 1; 2; 5; 10) nanostructures were successfully synthesized through the facile method. The material's structures were confirmed through X‐ray diffraction, while their morphology, elemental distribution, and components were analyzed using cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM), Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The optical properties of Ag/ZnO revealed a decrease in band gap from 3.2 eV to 2.83 eV and a significant reduction in photoluminescence intensity with increasing Ag nanoparticle loading on the surface of ZnO. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized Ag/ZnO flower‐like nanostructure was evaluated in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV‐Vis irradiation. The photocatalytic results indicated that decorating Ag nanoparticles on the surface of ZnO improved the photodegradation of MB. Interestingly, the 5%Ag/ZnO showed the highest effectiveness, achieving a 99% removal efficiency of MB for 60 minutes under UV‐Vis irradiation. Notably, the ultra performance liquid chromatography‐ tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC‐MS/MS) confirmed the structure of intermediates, while total organic carbon (TOC) removal was 47%. Moreover, the proposed mechanism for the charge transfer process was based on the results of radical scavenging experiments, which showed that superoxide was the dominant reactive species. Finally, the 5%Ag/ZnO was stable and reused at least five times.
Under‐recognition of leg dystonia in people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Aravamuthan Bhooma , Pearson Toni S. , Chintalapati Keerthana , Ueda Keisuke
Published: April 2023

Objective

To determine the rates of clinical under‐documentation of leg dystonia in people with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we identified independently ambulatory people age 10–20 years with CP‐associated spasticity seen in a tertiary care CP center between 1/1/20 and 11/4/21. Three pediatric movement disorders specialists assessed gait videos from these visits for leg dystonia using the Global Dystonia Rating Scale. We compared the gold standard expert consensus assessment for each patient with the clinical documentation of dystonia during a contemporaneous CP center clinic visit and also with dystonia documentation longitudinally in their medical record.

Results

Of 116 people with CP‐associated spasticity assessed in this study, 70 were found to have leg dystonia in their gait videos. Only 13% of these 70 individuals (n = 9/70) had leg dystonia documented in their contemporaneous CP center clinic visit, even though they were assessed during this visit by clinicians well trained in CP and dystonia assessment. Even with repeated assessment, only 54% (n = 38/70) of these individuals had leg dystonia documented in their medical record.

Conclusions

Leg dystonia is clinically under‐documented in people with CP‐associated spasticity, even when these people are evaluated by well‐trained clinicians. Longitudinal evaluation and vigilance for leg dystonia is critical to address this diagnostic gap.
Bioequivalence Study of Ezetimibe Tablets After a Single Oral Dose of 10 mg in Healthy Japanese Subjects Under Fasting Conditions
Authors: Wada Shigenori , Sasagane Yoshiyuki , Kagatani Seiya , Nakagami Hiroaki
Published: April 2023

This study compared the pharmacokinetic and safety profiles between a new generic and a branded reference product of 10‐mg ezetimibe (EZE) tablets in 24 healthy Japanese male volunteers under fasting conditions, obtaining sufficient evidence for the marketing approval of the new generic product. The bioequivalence study was conducted with an open‐label, 2 × 2, single‐dose, crossover design in which the test and reference products were administered to volunteers after fasting for ≥10 hours. Blood samples were collected 24 times before to 72 hours after the administration of the investigational drug. We evaluated the peak drug concentration and the area under the plasma concentration–time curve up to the last measured concentration of EZE, EZEG, and total EZE (EZE + ezetimibe glucuronide [EZEG]). The 90% confidence intervals of the geometric mean ratios for peak drug concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve up to the last measured concentration of the test and reference products fell within the bioequivalence limits of 0.80 to 1.25 for EZE, EZEG, and total EZE. The test and reference products were well tolerated, and no adverse events occurred during the study. The test product was bioequivalent to the reference product.
Dynamic Covalent Reactions and Chirality Sensing with Diphenylethene Derived Hemiaminals
Authors: Jiang Guoshan , Wang Lifeng , Ye Hebo , Zou Hanxun , You Lei
Published: April 2023

The differentiation of enantiomers is of significance in synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. Herein, we report a facile method for chirality sensing of monoalcohols, a challenging target due to the poor reactivity, by combining dynamic covalent chemistry with helical chirality. Four diphenylethene (DPE) derived cyclic hemiaminals were constructed, and the incorporation of a broad range of alcohols and thiols with high efficiency was achieved. The reversibility was further verified by dynamic component exchange. The helical chirality of the DPE motif was induced through chirality transfer by the central chirality of the analytes, resulting in circular dichroism responses. The chirality differentiation of seven chiral secondary alcohols including both alkyl and aryl alcohols was realized, further allowing the quantification of enantiomeric excess with high accuracy. The results described should lay a foundation for future endeavors in chemical sensing, asymmetric synthesis, and chiroptical materials.
CRISPR‐Cas9 Genome Editing in the Moss Physcomitrium (Formerly Physcomitrella) patens
Authors: Wu Shu‐Zon , Ryken Samantha E. , Bezanilla Magdalena
Published: April 2023

Until recently, precise genome editing has been limited to a few organisms. The ability of Cas9 to generate double stranded DNA breaks at specific genomic sites has greatly expanded molecular toolkits in many organisms and cell types. Before CRISPR‐Cas9 mediated genome editing, P. patens was unique among plants in its ability to integrate DNA via homologous recombination. However, selection for homologous recombination events was required to obtain edited plants, limiting the types of editing that were possible. Now with CRISPR‐Cas9, molecular manipulations in P. patens have greatly expanded. This protocol describes a method to generate a variety of different genome edits. The protocol describes a streamlined method to generate the Cas9/sgRNA expression constructs, design homology templates, transform, and quickly genotype plants. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Constructing the Cas9/sgRNA transient expression vector

Alternate Protocol 1: Shortcut to generating single and pooled Cas9/sgRNA expression vectors

Basic Protocol 2: Designing the oligonucleotide‐based homology‐directed repair (HDR) template

Alternate Protocol 2: Designing the plasmid‐based HDR template

Basic Protocol 3: Inducing genome editing by transforming CRISPR vector into P. patens protoplasts

Basic Protocol 4: Identifying edited plants.
Regulatory mechanisms of GCN5 in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in periodontitis
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhang Li , Ji Kun , Ding Ling , Wu Guofeng
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The regulatory mechanisms of GCN5 (General control non‐repressed protein5) in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in periodontitis are still unclear. The purpose of this review focuses on the regulating roles of GCN5 in bone metabolism and periodontitis, discusses the potential molecular mechanism and provides targets and new ideas for the treatment of periodontitis.

Material and Methods

The integrative review methodology was used. Data sources include PubMed, Cochrane Library, and additional sources.

Results

MSCs play an important role in the osteogenesis balance of periodontal tissue. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from periodontitis patients exhibited defective osteogenic differentiation capacities. Histone acetylation is important in regulating the differentiation of different types of MSCs cells and is closely related to the reduced osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. GCN5, one of the first histone acetyltransferase linked to gene transcriptional activation, participates in many biological processes of mesenchymal stem cells. Downregulation of GCN5 expression and lack of GCN5 caused decreased osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Intercellular information exchange may be an important way for MSCs to exert their regulatory and therapeutic functions.

Conclusions

GCN5 affects the function of cell metabolism‐related genes by regulating the acetylation status of histones or non‐histones, thereby regulating some important progress of MSCs such as PDLSCs' osteogenic differentiation and BMCS osteogenic differentiation.
Case report of a pan‐cytokeratin negative NUT midline carcinoma of pulmonary origin, a BRD3‐NUT variant: Challenges in cytomorphologic presentation
Authors: Hwang Jay , Marinelli Lisa , Chormanski Diana , Rose Hannah , Williams Grant , Adams Thomas , Van Dellen Melissa
Published: April 2023

NUT carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy defined genetically by a balanced translocation of the NUT gene on chromosome 15q14, most commonly associated with the bromodomain‐containing protein 4 (BRD4) gene on 19p13.1 but less frequently with variant genes, including BRD3 and NSD‐3. We present a case report of a metastatic pulmonary NUT carcinoma found to have a BRD3‐NUT fusion and to have only focal pan‐cytokeratin staining. Biopsy of the pulmonary mass revealed dyscohesive cells with enlarged nuclei, prominent nucleoli and high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio without areas of squamous differentiation. Initial immunohistochemical stains were positive for NUT, p63 and retained SMARCA4, while negative for Lu‐5 (pan‐cytokeratin), TTF‐1, p40, S100 protein, OCT‐4, HMB‐45, SMA, and PAX‐8. Tempus ×T assay revealed a BRD3‐NUTM1 fusion gene. Post‐mortem analysis revealed an ill‐defined mass abutting the trachea and superior vena cava, as well as a perirenal mass.
The role of chemokines in type 1 diabetes‐associated neuropathy
Authors: Baldimtsi Evangelia , Papadopoulou‐Marketou Nektaria , Jenmalm Maria C. , Wahlberg Jeanette
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To investigate whether circulating chemokines contribute to the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

Fifty‐two patients with childhood‐onset T1D (mean age 28 ± 4 yrs.; diabetes duration 19.5 ± 5.5 yrs.) and 19 control subjects (mean age 26.5 ± 4.5 yrs.) were included in a cross‐sectional analysis of this long‐term longitudinal cohort study. A subgroup of 24 patients was followed prospectively for a further 10 yrs. Plasma levels of Th1‐ (CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11), Th2‐ (CCL17 and CCL22) and Th17‐associated (CXCL8 and CCL20) chemokines were assessed in all subjects. Additionally, the TID patients underwent clinical examination and electroneurography.

Results

The frequency of neuropathy was 21% (11/52). Higher levels of CXCL9 levels were found in patients with DPN compared with control subjects (p = .019); by contrast, no difference between patients without DPN and control subjects was seen after adjustment for multiple comparisons. In patients with DPN, CXCL10 correlated negatively with suralis MCV and suralis SNAP (rho −0.966, p < .001 and rho −0.738, p < .001, respectively) and was positively correlated with the vibration perception threshold (rho 0.639, p = .034), while CXCL8 correlated negatively with the cold perception threshold (rho −0.645, p = .032). The frequency of neuropathy increased to 54% (13/24) in the subgroup of 23 TID patients, followed by an additional 10 yrs.

Conclusions

Changes in Th1‐ and Th17‐associated chemokines were associated with impaired peripheral sensory nerve function and nerve conduction after long disease duration in childhood‐onset T1D.
Hydrogenation of Olefins Catalyzed by a Cobalt(I) Hydride Complex with N‐Heterocyclic Silylene
Authors: Jia Hongwei , Du Shaozhi , Xu Chuangchuang , Mo Zhenbo
Published: April 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of the cobalt(I) complexes with an N‐heterocyclic imino substituted silylene. The cobalt(I) hydride complex exhibits high catalytic efficiency and chemoselectivity as well as good functional group compatibility in the hydrogenation of olefins.
Effect of Extraction Method on the Yield and Quality of Mullet Roe Oil
Authors: Georgiou Despoina , Tzika Paraskevi , Charisis Aggelos , Kalogianni Eleni P.
Published: April 2023

Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) roe is used for the production of high nutritional and added‐value delicacies. Its lipid fraction is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and bioactive compounds. This study examines scalable oil extraction methods for mullet roe oil extraction. Namely, solvent extraction (SE) using ethanol in two different temperatures, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2‐ethanol mixture (SFE‐E) in two different temperatures, expeller oil press (EP) extraction, expeller oil press combined with ethanol extraction (EP‐SE) and wet reduction (WR) are examined. The methods are evaluated with regard to the oil yield and recovery, the oil oxidation and the composition in fatty acids, and polar compounds and unsaponifiable matter. EP‐SE and SE provide the highest oil recovery for tested extraction temperatures (76% and 65% respectively), followed by SFE‐E (46%) and EP (36%). Extracted oils present high PUFA content (28.5–33.9%). The type of extraction process and the process variables affect oil oxidation as well as the concentration of polar compounds and unsaponifiable matter. In terms of oxidation levels, 85% of the extracted oil samples were within the limits set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The potential of the examined methods for industrial mullet roe oil production is discussed.

Practical applications: Oil rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids was extracted from stripped mullet roe. The work proposes several scalable extraction methods using mild conditions which could be applied to obtain edible and high nutritional value mullet roe oil with high recovery reaching up to 76%. The same methods could be employed also for mullet roe by‐products. The obtained results improve the knowledge regarding the potential of roe valorization for oil extraction as well as the effect of the extraction method on the oil yield, main composition features and the quality characteristics of oil extracted by mullet roe. This research could offer new opportunities for the food industry for fish roe valorization for high nutritional quality oil production.
Not in my group: Protecting group reputation by excluding stereotypical targets
Authors: Jacob Jorge , Chen Jacqueline M.
Published: April 2023

Across many societies, there are racial minority groups that are negatively stereotyped. In the US and Brazil, for instance, Black individuals are unjustifiably stereotyped with criminality by non‐Black individuals. Consequently, in situations where this negative stereotype could apply, Black individuals may be more motivated to protect their group's reputation than individuals from non‐stereotyped groups. This research extended the literature on racial categorization processes and stereotype threat by identifying a novel mechanism that increases the exclusion of undesirable potential ingroup targets. Across four experiments with Black and non‐Black Brazilians and Americans (n = 1202), we show that when perceivers from negatively stereotyped groups (e.g., Black individuals) can exclude targets who reinforce negative stereotypes of the ingroup, they will do so to avoid further threats to their group's public reputation. We also explore cross‐cultural variability (Brazilians vs. Americans) in the level of impact of group reputation threats in shaping racial categorization.
Enhanced Capacitance and Desalination Performance with Plasma‐Activated Biochar Electrodes
Authors: Wang Keliang , Zheng Bocong , Lee Junwoo , Schuelke Thomas , Jin Hong , Fan Qi Hua
Published: April 2023

Derived from electric double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs), capacitive deionization (CDI) using symmetric carbon‐based electrodes is an emerging approach to purifying brackish water into drinking water. The deionization performance is mainly determined by the properties of the electrode materials. This work reports a green and efficient plasma treatment for activating raw biochar, which is subsequently used as the electrode material for both EDLCs and CDI. Oxygen plasma activation effectively modulates the surface charge, morphology, and functional groups. Biochar treated with oxygen plasma exhibits pronounced improvement in supercapacitor specific capacitance from 80 to 97.5 F g−1 and 1.2 times higher desalination capacity in comparison with the raw biochar. Plasma activation can be an effective strategy to improving the capacitance and deionization performance of biochar.
Exploring the Effect of Kesterites and Zinc‐Based Charge Transport Materials on the Device Performance and Optoelectronic Properties of FAPbI3Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Aneeq Muhammad , Noman Muhammad , Jan Shayan Tariq , Khan Adnan Daud
Published: April 2023

Formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3)‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown greater structural stability but lower power conversion efficiency (PCE) than other established perovskites. The efficiency of the PSC can be improved by identifying suitable charge transport layers for FAPbI3, having good conductivity, and wide bandgap. Kesterite materials belonging to the adamantine family of chalcogenides are quaternary compounds with high conductivity and tunable bandgap. They have shown excellent results when employed in thin films and hence have emerged as an alternate option to be used for the hole transport layers (HTL). Similarly, zinc‐based materials have remarkable properties in terms of their wide bandgap, inability to oxidize, and abundance, making them a viable option to be explored as electron transport layers (ETL). Herein, six different kesterits are used as HTL to simulate FAPbI3PSC with four different zinc‐based ETL. Henceforth, a total of 24 structures is modeled and optimized using SCAPS‐1D. The effect of these materials on the optical absorption, quantum efficiency, electric field,I–Vcharacteristics, and recombination is studied. Among all the structures, CBTS/FAPbI3/CdZnS is found to be the best‐performing PSC structure with PCE of 28.55%, short‐circuit current of 26.8 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage of 1.19 V, and fill factor of 88.93%.