bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mouse Model to Investigate the Impact of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy with Estradiol on Reproduction
Authors: Pfau Daniel R. , Schwartz Amanda R. , Dela Cruz Cynthia , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Moravek Molly B. , Shikanov Ariella
Published: September 2023

Gender‐affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) can help transgender and/or gender diverse (TGD) individuals achieve emobidment goals that align with their transition needs. Clinical evidence from estradiol (E)‐GAHT patients indicate widespread changes in tissues sensitive to E and testosterone (T), particularly in the reproductive system. Notably, E‐GAHTs effects on hormones and reproduction vary greatly between patients. With the goal of informing clinical research and practice for TGD individuals taking E, this study examines intact male mice implanted with capsules containing one of three different E doses (low 1.25 mg; mid 2.5 mg; high 5 mg), or a blank control capsule. All E‐GAHT doses suppress T and follicle stimulating hormone levels while elevating E levels. Only the high E‐GAHT dose significantly supresses luteinizing hormone levels. All E‐GAHT doses affect epididymis tubule size similarly while seminiferous tubule morphology and bladder weight changes are dose‐dependent. E‐GAHT does not alter the presence of mature sperm, though E‐exposed sperm have altered motility. These data represent the first evidence that mouse models offer an effective tool to understand E‐GAHTs impact on reproductive health and the dose‐dependent effects of this model permit examinations of diverse patient outcomes.
Pericellular Matrix Formation and Atomic Force Microscopy of Single Primary Human Chondrocytes Cultured in Alginate Microgels
Authors: Fredrikson Jacob P. , Brahmachary Priyanka P. , June Ronald K. , Cox Lewis M. , Chang Connie B.
Published: September 2023

One of the main components of articular cartilage is the chondrocyte's pericellular matrix (PCM), which is critical for regulating mechanotransduction, biochemical cues, and healthy cartilage development. Here, individual primary human chondrocytes (PHC) are encapsulated and cultured in 50 µm diameter alginate microgels using drop‐based microfluidics. This unique culturing method enables PCM formation and manipulation of individual cells. Over ten days, matrix formation is observed using autofluorescence imaging, and the elastic moduli of isolated cells are measured using AFM. Matrix production and elastic modulus increase are observed for the chondrons cultured in microgels. Furthermore, the elastic modulus of cells grown in microgels increases ≈ten‐fold over ten days, nearly reaching the elastic modulus of in vivo PCM. The AFM data is further analyzed using a Gaussian mixture model and shows that the population of PHCs grown in microgels exhibit two distinct populations with elastic moduli averaging 9.0 and 38.0 kPa. Overall, this work shows that microgels provide an excellent culture platform for the growth and isolation of PHCs, enabling PCM formation that is mechanically similar to native PCM. The microgel culture platform presented here has the potential to revolutionize cartilage regeneration procedures through the inclusion of in vitro developed PCM.
A Novel Elastic Conductive Yarn for Smart Textile Applications
Authors: Shekhar Ravi , Choudhry Nauman A. , Islam Saniyat , Ahnood Arman , Pirogova Elena , Troynikov Olga
Published: September 2023

Conductive yarns are crucial for electrical connections in electronic textiles. Challenges in conductive and elastic properties of conductive yarns, their durability, and compatibility with existing manufacturing processes limit mass production and affordability of conductive yarn. This work investigates elastic, shell‐conductive, and noncorrosive electroconductive yarns for textile‐based wearable electronics. The existing textile manufacturing processes (plaiting, coiling, and twisting) are used to fabricate elastic conductive yarn (ECY) using different blend ratios of stainless steel conductive yarn and elastomeric yarn. The ECY samples are inspected for structural uniformity, conductive coverage, ability to be woven, thickness, and extensibility. The most promising ECY exhibits a breaking force of 10.87 N, a tenacity of 2.04 cN tex−1, and an elongation at break of 61.1%, suitable for integration into e‐textiles where elasticity is required. The ECY with a conductive coverage of 85.36% provides better electrical connection points, while a thickness of 0.69 mm and linear density of 534 tex make it compatible with traditional textile manufacturing equipment. Findings demonstrate that the fabrication method and input parameters significantly impact the properties of ECY, including their elasticity and conductive coverage. Utilizing ECYs in fabric circuit boards can enable improved smart wearables for sustainable and modular integration of electronic components.
Retrospect and Prospect: Nanoarchitectonics of Platinum‐Group‐Metal‐Based Materials
Authors: Han Minsu , Kani Kenya , Na Jongbeom , Kim Jeonghun , Bando Yoshio , Ahamad Tansir , Alshehri Saad M. , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: September 2023

Nanoarchitectonics, a concept encompassing nanoscale microstructures and atomic arrangements in materials, enables the precise modification of materials for desired applications by controlling their physical and chemical properties, as well as surface charge or energy. Particularly in metal materials, where surface reactions play a critical role, nanoarchitecture becomes the most influential factor affecting activity, selectivity, and stability. Focusing on platinum‐group metals (PGMs) due to their inherently high efficiency in energy and environmental applications, this article provides a comprehensive review of synthetic methods for the morphological control of metal nanomaterials. The morphological control is classified into atomic arrangements in 0D, 1D, and 2D nanocrystals, as well as nanoporous structures, and the mechanisms of major reactions are covered in detail. Each chapter is supplemented with a table featuring several examples, facilitating the reader's understanding of the structural controls of PGMs. Finally, the article outlines future challenges in achieving novel metal nanoarchitecture. The hope is that this review provides valuable insights into the synthesis of PGM‐based nanomaterials and serves as a guide for designing and synthesizing innovative metal nanostructures for diverse applications.
4D Printing of Chiral Mechanical Metamaterials with Modular Programmability using Shape Memory Polymer
Authors: Wu Yi , Han Ying , Wei Zhuxuan , Xie Yu , Yin Jun , Qian Jin
Published: September 2023

The rational design of mechanical metamaterials endows them with unusual properties inaccessible by conventional materials. In this study, compression–twist coupling building blocks with embedded chirality are fabricated by multimaterial 4D printing of shape memory polymers. Each chiral unit can be programmed individually by mechanical compression at a selected high temperature, whose temporary shape is self‐maintained at the reduced temperature when the load is removed. With these building blocks, lattice‐like architectures can be constructed in planar and layer‐to‐layer assemblies. Such modular design overcomes the limitation of conventional material arrangement by allowing on‐demand re‐programmability of chirality‐defined structural heterogeneity. Using this strategy, metamaterials with tunable Poisson's ratio and shape‐morphing metastructures are developed by harnessing the cooperative deformation of spatially heterogenous tessellation that undergoes local shrinkage or expansion, depending on the encoded Poisson response. An untethered multimodal soft gripper is assembled by chiral metastructures with distinct morphing modes, capable of unscrewing up a bottle cap attributed by the programmed functionality at module‐level. The present modular chiral metamaterials with embedded chirality and flexible deployability may promote the applications of mechanical metamaterials in active shape‐morphing structures and functional soft machines.
Graphene‐Enhanced Single Ion Detectors for Deterministic Near‐Surface Dopant Implantation in Diamond
Authors: Collins Nicholas F. L. , Jakob Alexander M. , Robson Simon G. , Lim Shao Qi , Räcke Paul , Johnson Brett C. , Liu Boqing , Lu Yuerui , Spemann Daniel , McCallum Jeffrey C. , Jamieson David N.
Published: September 2023

Diamond color centers with applications to single photon sources, quantum computation, and magnetic field sensing down to the nanoscale have been investigated using ensembles of near‐surface implanted atoms. Deterministic ion implantation for ions stopping between 30 and 130 nm deep is demonstrated by configuring an electronic‐grade diamond substrate with a biased surface graphene electrode connected to charge sensitive electronics. The thin graphene electrode has a negligible surface dead layer, so implantation events are signaled from the drift of electron–hole pairs induced by the dissipation of ion kinetic energy in the substrate. Ion beam induced charge maps from a scanned 1 MeV He microbeam show the graphene electrode is highly effective with a charge collection efficiency up to 86% compared to an O‐terminated diamond surface of 30%. For lower energy ions, applicable to near surface implantation, single ion detection confidence is >99(1)% for 19.5 keV H and 85(2)% for 24 keV N ions to allow maps of device surface features by employing a focused ion beam microscope or an atomic force microscope cantilever incorporating a nanostencil beam collimator. In the near‐term, this system can be used to investigate the annealing dynamics for the conversion of single implanted ions into diamond color centers.
Alleviating the Crystallization Dynamics and Suppressing the Oxidation Process for Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells with Fill Factors Exceeding 80 Percent
Authors: Li Tianpeng , Zhang Zhiguo , He Feifei , Deng Liangliang , Yang Yingguo , Mo Xiaoliang , Zhan Yiqiang , Liang Jia
Published: September 2023

The low toxicity and a near‐ideal bandgap endow tin (Sn)‐based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) a promising future in photovoltaic technologies. However, in general the Sn‐based perovskites suffer from poor resistance to oxidation and fast crystallization dynamics, resulting in low fill factors (FFs) and power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Herein, a strategy to improve the performance of TPSCs by incorporating 2‐(2‐aminoethyl)–2‐thiopseudourea dihydrobromide (AET) into the Sn‐based perovskites is proposed. AET interacts strongly with the Sn‐based perovskites, and thus effectively inhibits the oxidation from Sn2+ to Sn4+ and slows down the crystallization process. As a result, the TPSCs with AET achieve a high FF of 80.26% and a high PCE of 13.55%. Notably, this FF value represents the highest reported in the field of TPSCs with narrow bandgaps. Furthermore, encapsulated TPSCs demonstrate good stability, maintaining 80% of their initial performance over the course of 700 h.
Flexible Allyl‐Modified Gelatin Photoclick Resin Tailored for Volumetric Bioprinting of Matrices for Soft Tissue Engineering
Authors: Cianciosi Alessandro , Stecher Sabrina , Löffler Maxi , Bauer‐Kreisel Petra , Lim Khoon S. , Woodfield Tim B. F. , Groll Jürgen , Blunk Torsten , Jungst Tomasz
Published: September 2023

Volumetric bioprinting (VBP) is a light‐based 3D printing platform, which recently prompted a paradigm shift for additive manufacturing (AM) techniques considering its capability to enable the fabrication of complex cell‐laden geometries in tens of seconds with high spatiotemporal control and pattern accuracy. A flexible allyl‐modified gelatin (gelAGE)‐based photoclick resin is developed in this study to fabricate matrices with exceptionally soft polymer networks (0.2–1.0 kPa). The gelAGE‐based resin formulations are designed to exploit the fast thiol‐ene crosslinking in combination with a four‐arm thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG4SH) in the presence of a photoinitiator. The flexibility of the gelAGE biomaterial platform allows one to tailor its concentration spanning from 2.75% to 6% and to vary the allyl to thiol ratio without hampering the photocrosslinking efficiency. The thiol‐ene crosslinking enables the production of viable cell‐material constructs with a high throughput in tens of seconds. The suitability of the gelAGE‐based resins is demonstrated by adipogenic differentiation of adipose‐derived stromal cells (ASC) after VBP and by the printing of more fragile adipocytes as a proof‐of‐concept. Taken together, this study introduces a soft photoclick resin which paves the way for volumetric printing applications toward soft tissue engineering.
Efficient and Bright Organic Radical Light‐Emitting Diodes with Low Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Cho Hwan‐Hee , Gorgon Sebastian , Hung Hsiao‐Chun , Huang Jun‐Yu , Wu Yuh‐Renn , Li Feng , Greenham Neil C. , Evans Emrys W. , Friend Richard H.
Published: September 2023

Organic radicals have been of interest due to their potential to replace nonradical‐based organic emitters, especially for deep‐red/near‐infrared (NIR) electroluminescence (EL), based on the spin‐allowed doublet fluorescence. However, the performance of the radical‐based EL devices is limited by low carrier mobility which causes a large efficiency roll‐off at high current densities. Here, highly efficient and bright doublet EL devices are reported by combining a thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) host that supports both electron and hole transport and a tris(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl‐based radical emitter. Steady‐state and transient photophysical studies reveal the optical signatures of doublet luminescence mechanisms arising from both host and guest photoexcitation. The host system presented here allows balanced hole and electron currents, and a high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17.4% at 707 nm peak emission with substantially improved efficiency roll‐off is reported: over 70% of the maximum EQE (12.2%) is recorded at 10 mA cm−2, and even at 100 mA cm−2, nearly 50% of the maximum EQE (8.4%) is maintained. This is an important step in the practical application of organic radicals to NIR light‐emitting devices.
Machine Learning Paves the Way for High Entropy Compounds Exploration: Challenges, Progress, and Outlook
Authors: Wan Xuhao , Li Zeyuan , Yu Wei , Wang Anyang , Ke Xue , Guo Hailing , Su Jinhao , Li Li , Gui Qingzhong , Zhao Songpeng , Robertson John , Zhang Zhaofu , Guo Yuzheng
Published: September 2023

Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful tool in the research field of high entropy compounds (HECs), which have gained worldwide attention due to their vast compositional space and abundant regulatability. However, the complex structure space of HEC poses challenges to traditional experimental and computational approaches, necessitating the adoption of machine learning. Microscopically, machine learning can model the Hamiltonian of the HEC system, enabling atomic‐level property investigations, while macroscopically, it can analyze macroscopic material characteristics such as hardness, melting point, and ductility. Various machine learning algorithms, both traditional methods and deep neural networks, can be employed in HEC research. Comprehensive and accurate data collection, feature engineering, and model training and selection through cross‐validation are crucial for establishing excellent ML models. ML also holds promise in analyzing phase structures and stability, constructing potentials in simulations, and facilitating the design of functional materials. Although some domains, such as magnetic and device materials, still require further exploration, machine learning's potential in HEC research is substantial. Consequently, machine learning has become an indispensable tool in understanding and exploiting the capabilities of HEC, serving as the foundation for the new paradigm of Artificial‐intelligence‐assisted material exploration.
Electrochemically and Thermally Stable Inorganics–Rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Robust Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Cheng Xin‐Bing , Yang Shi‐Jie , Liu Zaichun , Guo Jia‐Xin , Jiang Feng‐Ni , Jiang Feng , Xiong Xiaosong , Tang Wen‐Bo , Yuan Hong , Huang Jia‐Qi , Wu Yuping , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2023

Severe dendrite growth and high‐level activity of the lithium metal anode lead to a short life span and poor safety, seriously hindering the practical applications of lithium metal batteries. With a trisalt electrolyte design, an F‐/N‐containing inorganics–rich solid electrolyte interphase on a lithium anode is constructed, which is electrochemically and thermally stable over long‐term cycles and safety abuse conditions. As a result, its Coulombic efficiency can be maintained over 98.98% for 400 cycles. An 85.0% capacity can be retained for coin‐type full cells with a 3.14 mAh cm−2 LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 cathode after 200 cycles and 1.0 Ah pouch‐type full cells with a 4.0 mAh cm−2 cathode after 72 cycles. During the thermal runaway tests of a cycled 1.0 Ah pouch cell, the onset and triggering temperatures were increased from 70.8 °C and 117.4 °C to 100.6 °C and 153.1 °C, respectively, indicating a greatly enhanced safety performance. This work gives novel insights into electrolyte and interface design, potentially paving the way for high‐energy‐density, long‐life‐span, and thermally safe lithium metal batteries.
A Specific Mini‐Intrabody Mediates Lysosome Degradation of Mutant Huntingtin
Authors: Li Caijuan , Lin Yingqi , Chen Yizhi , Song Xichen , Zheng Xiao , Li Jiawei , He Jun , Chen Xiusheng , Huang Chunhui , Wang Wei , Wu Jianhao , Wu Jiaxi , Gao Jiale , Tu Zhuchi , Li Xiao‐Jiang , Yan Sen , Li Shihua
Published: September 2023

Accumulation of misfolded proteins leads to many neurodegenerative diseases that can be treated by lowering or removing mutant proteins. Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by the intracellular accumulation of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) that can be soluble and aggregated in the central nervous system and causes neuronal damage and death. Here, an intracellular antibody (intrabody) fragment is generated that can specifically bind mHTT and link to the lysosome for degradation. It is found that delivery of this peptide by either brain injection or intravenous administration can efficiently clear the soluble and aggregated mHTT by activating the lysosomal degradation pathway, resulting in amelioration of gliosis and dyskinesia in HD knock‐in (KI‐140Q) mice. These findings suggest that the small intrabody peptide linked to lysosomes can effectively lower mutant proteins and provide a new approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by the accumulation of mutant proteins.
Recent Advances in Anti‐Atherosclerosis and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Nanomaterial‐Derived Drug Formulations
Authors: Xiao Zhicheng , Li Yi , Xiong Liyan , Liao Jun , Gao Yijun , Luo Yunchun , Wang Yun , Chen Ting , Yu Dahai , Wang Tingfang , Zhang Chuan , Chen Zhe‐Sheng
Published: September 2023

Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of death worldwide, is responsible for ≈17.6 million deaths globally each year. Most therapeutic drugs for atherosclerosis have low delivery efficiencies and significant side effects, and this has hampered the development of effective treatment strategies. Diversified nanomaterials can improve drug properties and are considered to be key for the development of improved treatment strategies for atherosclerosis. The pathological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis is summarized, rationally designed nanoparticle‐mediated therapeutic strategies, and potential future therapeutic targets for nanodelivery. The content of this study reveals the potential and challenges of nanoparticle use for the treatment of atherosclerosis and highlights new effective design ideas.
Smart Manipulation of Complex Optical Elements via Contact‐adaptive Dry Adhesives
Authors: Li Shuai , Tian Hongmiao , Wang Chunhui , Li Xiangming , Chen Xiaoliang , Chen Xiaoming , Shao Jinyou
Published: September 2023

The implementation of complex, high‐precision optical devices or systems, which have vital applications in the aerospace, medical, and military fields, requires the ability to reliably manipulate and assemble optical elements. However, this is a challenging task as these optical elements require contamination‐free and damage‐free manipulation and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Here, a smart, contact‐adaptive adhesive based on magnetic actuation is developed to address this challenge. Specifically, the surface bio‐inspired adhesives made of fluororubber facilitate contamination‐free and damage‐free adhesion. The stiffness modulation of packaged magnetorheological grease based on the magnetorheological effect endows the smart adhesive with a high conformability to the optical elements in the soft state, a high grip force in the stiff state, and the ability to quickly release the optical elements in the recovered soft state. The smart adhesive provides a versatile solution for reliably and quickly manipulating and assembling multiscale optical elements with planar or complex 3D shapes without causing surface contamination or damage. These extraordinary capabilities are demonstrated by the manipulation and assembly of various optical elements, such as convex/concave/ball lenses and extremely complex‐shaped light guide plates. The proposed smart adhesive is a promising candidate for conventional optical element manipulation technologies.
Suppression of Methanol and Formate Crossover through Sulfanilic‐Functionalized Holey Graphene as Proton Exchange Membranes
Authors: Jeong Samuel , Ohto Tatsuhiko , Nishiuchi Tomohiko , Nagata Yuki , Fujita Jun‐ichi , Ito Yoshikazu
Published: September 2023

Proton exchange membranes with high proton conductivity and low crossover of fuel molecules are required to realize advanced fuel‐cell technology. The selective transportation of protons, which occurs by blocking the transportation of fuel molecules across a proton exchange membrane, is crucial to suppress crossover while maintaining a high proton conductivity. In this study, a simple yet powerful method is proposed for optimizing the crossover‐conductivity relationship by pasting sulfanilic‐functionalized holey graphenes onto a Nafion membrane. The results show that the sulfanilic‐functionalized holey graphenes supported by the membrane suppresses the crossover by 89% in methanol and 80% in formate compared with that in the self‐assembled Nafion membrane; an ≈60% reduction is observed in the proton conductivity. This method exhibits the potential for application in advanced fuel cells that use methanol and formic acid as chemical fuels to achieve high energy efficiency.
Ga2O3 Schottky Avalanche Solar‐Blind Photodiode with High Responsivity and Photo‐to‐Dark Current Ratio
Authors: Yan Shiqi , Jiao Teng , Ding Zijian , Zhou Xinyu , Ji Xingqi , Dong Xin , Zhang Jiawei , Xin Qian , Song Aimin
Published: September 2023

Solar‐blind photodetectors have attracted extensive attention due to their advantages such as ultra‐low background noise and all‐weather. In this study, the planar Ti/Ga2O3/Au Schottky avalanche photodetector (APD) is fabricated based on β‐Ga2O3 epitaxial film on the sapphire substrate grown by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The Schottky APD exhibits a high responsivity of 9780.23 A W−1, an ultrahigh photo‐to‐dark current ratio of 1.88 × 107, an external quantum efficiency of 4.77 × 106%, a specific detectivity of 9.48 × 1014 Jones, with an ultrahigh gain of 1 × 106 under 254 nm light illumination at 60 V reverse bias, indicating high application potential for solar‐blind imaging. The superior photoresponse performances ascribe to the effective carrier avalanche multiplication, which contributes to the high photocurrent, and the high quality Schottky junction depletion, which leads to the low dark current.
Rational Design Strategy for Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based on Electron Back Flow and Ionic Defects: The Case of Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Fatti Giulio , Ciniero Alessandra , Ko Hyunseok , Lee Han Uk , Na Yujin , Jeong Chang Kyu , Lee Sang‐Geul , Kwak Dongyub , Park Kwi‐Il , Cho Sung Beom , Dini Daniele
Published: September 2023

The lack of theoretical understanding of triboelectrification has hindered the development of energy harvesting technologies like triboelectric nanogenerators. Focusing on polytetrafluoroethylene, a material with a strong triboelectric output, a model predictive of its triboelectric behavior, driving the development of improved nanogenerators are formulated. With a combined computational‐experimental approach it is shown that defluorination enhances polytetrafluoroethylene nanoscale triboelectric charging. Then a model, explaining the macroscale triboelectric output as determined by the competition of two mechanisms is developed. Defluorination enhances charging while also reducing the interface gap, favoring the backflow of electrons, and possibly reducing charging. However, numerical analysis shows that backflow is negligible, aligning with the prediction of increased triboelectric output. By building triboelectric nanogenerators with defluorinated polytetrafluoroethylene samples, achieved by X‐ray irradiation, a one‐order‐of‐magnitude output increase is demonstrated. The predictive models, supported by experiments, lead to an improved strategy for designing effective energy harvesting devices and new applicative breakthroughs.
Randomized controlled trial of olanexidine gluconate and povidone iodine for surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Iida Hiroya , Maehira Hiromitsu , Kaida Sachiko , Takebayashi Katsushi , Miyake Toru , Tani Masaji
Published: September 2023

Aim

Antiseptics used at surgical sites are vital to preventing surgical site infections (SSI). In this study, a comparative investigation of the novel antiseptics olanexidine gluconate (OG) and povidone‐iodine (PI) was conducted to determine whether OG is more effective than PI against SSI after gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, single‐blind, interventional, single‐center study was conducted between August 2018 and February 2021. Patients scheduled for large‐scale gastrointestinal surgeries were randomized into two groups and administered OG (OG group) or PI (PI group) as preoperative antiseptics. The primary endpoint was the SSI occurrence rate within 30 days after surgery.

Results

In total, 525 patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 256 and 254 were in the OG and PI groups, respectively. The total SSI occurrence rate in the OG group (10.8%; n = 26) and the PI group (13.0%; n = 33) was not significantly different (p = 0.335). The occurrence rate of superficial incisional SSI and organ/space SSI did not significantly differ between the groups; however, that of deep incisional SSI showed a significant difference, with 0.4% (n = 1) in the OG group and 4.3% (n = 11) in the PI group (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

OG, as a preoperative skin antiseptic, did not reduce the occurrence rate of total SSI. However, deep incisional SSI may be reduced using OG.
Experimental Simulation of Topological Quantum Computing with Classical Circuits
Authors: Zou Deyuan , Pan Naiqiao , Chen Tian , Sun Houjun , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: September 2023

The key obstacle to the realization of a scalable quantum computer is overcoming environmental and control errors. Topological quantum computation attracts great attention because it emerges as one of the most promising approaches to solving these problems. Various theoretical schemes for building topological quantum computation have been proposed. However, experimental implementation has always been a great challenge because it has proved to be extremely difficult to create and manipulate topological qubits in real systems. Therefore, topological quantum computation has not been realized in experiments yet. Herein, the first experimental simulation of topological quantum computation with classical circuits is reported. Based on the proposed new scheme with circuits, not only Majorana‐like edge states are simulated experimentally, but also T junctions are constructed for simulating the braiding process. Furthermore, the feasibility of simulated topological quantum computing through a set of one‐ and two‐qubit unitary operations is demonstrated. Finally, the simulation of Grover's search algorithm demonstrates that simulated topological quantum computation is ideally suited for such tasks. The developed circuit‐based topological quantum‐computing simulator can provide important references for developing future topological quantum circuits.
Ultrarobust, Highly Sensitive and Swinging‐Independent Droplets‐Spatial Manipulator Enabled via Laser‐Printed Magnetically Actuated Shape‐Morphing Microshutters
Authors: Yao Hao , Chen Chao
Published: September 2023

Spatial manipulation of liquid droplets holds great significance in various areas from laboratory research to everyday life. Unfortunately, current manipulators are limited to lower responsivity and unreliable durability together with swinging‐dependent manner. Herein, an ultrarobust, sensitive, and swinging‐independent droplet‐spatial manipulator is reported, namely, magnetically actuated shape‐morphing microshutters (MASM) enabled by laser printing and soft transfer technique. Leveraging the loading/discharging of a remote magnet, the MASM can be reversibly switched between a bending mode and an erect mode within 1 s, thereby modulating the three‐phase contact line (TCL). The underlying hydrodynamics is that B‐mode MASM renders a longer TCL and an exaggerated adhesion force (Fa), thereby pinning the surface droplets under the assistance of a magnetic field. Once the magnetic trigger is removed, the bent shutters reverse back to the E‐mode so as to grant a shorter TCL and smaller Fa. Based on this phenomenon, the droplet's capture/release can be readily realized in response to magnetic stimuli. Last but not least, by taking advantage of an optimized MASM, pattern‐free configuration and droplets on‐demand marriage and targeted chemical reaction together with programmable circuit remedy are deployed. This work provides impetus for researchers in constructing intelligent droplet manipulation systems for multidisciplinary areas.
Braiding Polythene Lay‐Flat Tube into Cotton Threads for Artificial Muscle Actuation
Authors: Wu Changchun , Liu Hao , Lin Senyuan , Chen Yonghua
Published: September 2023

In wearable robotics, soft actuation principles have been increasingly explored and tested due to their safety and comfort in human–robot interactions. Herein, a braided flat‐tube artificial muscle (BFAM) is presented. BFAMs are fabricated by braiding cotton threads together with an inexpensive lay‐flat tube (LFT) in a specific conform‐to‐LFT weaving method. They generate uniaxial contractions when powered by compressed fluids. The basic structure and working mechanism of the proposed BFAM are explained, and a quasistatic model is also developed. A comparison with other fluidic driven soft actuators is made and tabulated. Based on experimental studies, the proposed BFAM can contract close to 30% and yield force outputs more than 150 times their weight at an air pressure of 0.12 MPa. BFAM can be braided with multiple layers of flat tube without large increase of size. Experimental studies have shown that more layers of flat tube give a larger strain and output force up to four layers, beyond which layer increase does not yield visible improvement in strain and output force. Finally, potential applications of BFAM to arm joint actuations are illustrated to show its easy fitting to wearable robotics.
Systematic ophthalmologic evaluation in cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome: A genotype–endophenotype correlation
Authors: Crincoli Emanuele , Leoni Chiara , Viscogliosi Germana , Onesimo Roberta , Mattei Roberta , Tartaglia Marco , Catania Fiammetta , Rizzo Stanislao , Zampino Giuseppe , Salerni Annabella
Published: September 2023

Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) is a rare genetic disorder belonging to the RASopathies, a group of developmental syndromes caused by upregulated RAS/MAPK signaling. Pathogenic variants affecting four genes, KRAS, BRAF, MAP2K1 and MAP2K2, encoding core signal transducers of the pathway, underlie the condition. Major clinical features include a distinctive facies, ectodermal and cardiac anomalies, reduced postnatal growth, intellectual disability, and musculoskeletal abnormalities. Similar to other RASopathies, reports of visual impairment, high refractive error, optic nerve pallor, and other ocular abnormalities have been anecdotally reported in the literature. The aim of our study is to report the prevalence of ophthalmologic abnormalities in a large monocentric cohort of individuals affected by CFCS and explore the occurrence of genotype–endophenotype correlations in this series of patients. We observed that BRAF mutations are associated to a higher prevalence of anisometropia >3D (11.8% vs. 0%) and high astigmatism (29.4% vs. 0%; both p < 0.001) while patients with mutations in other genes had a significantly higher prevalence of myopia >6 D (60% vs. 5.9%; p = 0.012). Pale optic disc was associated with higher prevalence of inferior oblique muscle (IO) overaction (33.3% vs. 0%) and lower prevalence of ptosis (0% vs. 11.8%; both p < 0.001). Combined exotropia, IO overaction and nystagmus were frequent in patients with pale optic nerve. Our findings might suggest the need for earlier ophthalmologic referral for CFCS patients due to high risk of amblyopia, especially those expressing BRAF mutations.
Organocatalytic Diastereoselective Dearomative [4+2] Cyclodimerization of In‐situ Generated ortho‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Sahoo Sushree Ranjan , Singh Vinod K.
Published: September 2023

We disclose a catalytic, diastereoselective dearomative [4+2] cyclodimerization of in‐situ generated naphthol‐derived ortho‐quinone methides for the synthesis of spiro‐naphthalenones (having an all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter). This methodology offers a wide range of spiro‐naphthalenone compounds in high yield with excellent diastereoselectivity and regiospecificity. Moreover, in the process, a diastereomeric interconversion of the cyclo‐adduct in the presence of NaBH4 was also observed.
Crosstalk between Hepatic Glutathione Efflux and Tumor Targeting Efficiency of Indocyanine Green‐Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Yingyu , Xiao Wei , Ahrari Samira , Yu Mengxiao , Zheng Jie
Published: September 2023

The elevated glutathione (GSH) level in solid tumors has been used as a major hallmark for GSH‐responsive nanoparticles to enhance targeting efficiency and specificity. Meanwhile, GSH is mainly synthesized inside the hepatocytes of the liver in the body and constantly released into the blood through hepatic GSH efflux to regulate redox potential of the entire body. However, it remains largely unknown how this hepatic GSH efflux affects the tumor targeting of GSH‐responsive nanoparticles. Herein, we report that depletion of hepatic GSH enhanced the tumor targeting of GSH‐responsive indocyanine green‐conjugated Au25 nanoclusters coated with 18 GSH ligand (ICG‐Au25SG18). The dissociation of ICG from Au25SG18 by the hepatic GSH through thiol‐exchange reaction and the subsequent hepatobiliary clearance of the detached ICG were slowed down by GSH depletion, which in turn prolonged the blood circulation of intact ICG‐Au25SG18 and enhanced its tumor targeting. Our work highlights glutathione‐mediated crosstalk between the liver and tumor, in addition to well‐known Kupffer cell‐mediated uptake, in the tumor targeting of engineered nanoparticles, which could be modulated to enhance targeting efficiency and specificity of cancer nanomedicines while reducing their nonspecific accumulation.
Residual‐Chemical‐Shift‐Anisotropy‐Based Enantiodifferentiation in Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Phases Based on Helically Chiral Polyacetylenes
Authors: Fuentes‐Monteverde Juan Carlos , Noll Markus , Das Akhi , Immel Stefan , Reggelin Michael , Griesinger Christian , Nath Nilamoni
Published: September 2023

Anisotropic NMR spectroscopy, revealing residual dipolar couplings (RDCs) and residual chemical shift anisotropies (RCSAs) has emerged as a powerful tool to determine the configurations of synthetic and complex natural compounds. The deduction of the absolute in addition to the relative configuration is one of the primary goals in the field. Therefore, the investigation of the enantiodiscriminating capabilities of chiral alignment media becomes essential. While RDCs and RCSAs are now used for the determination of the relative configuration routinely, RCSAs have not been measured in chiral alignment media such as chiral liquid crystals. Herein, we present this application by measuring RCSAs for chiral analytes such as indanol and isopinocampheol in the lyotropic liquid crystalline phase of an L‐valine derived helically chiral polyacetylenes. We have also demonstrated that a single 1D 13C−{1H} NMR spectrum suffices to get the RCSAs circumventing the necessity to acquire two spectra at two alignment conditions.
Development of nystatin‐based antifungal, biodegradable polymer composite materials for food packaging via melt processing approach
Authors: Duarah Rituparna , Aleksic Ivana , Milivojevic Dusan , Rameshkumar Saranya , Nikodinovic‐Runic Jasmina , Padamati Ramesh Babu
Published: September 2023

Novel bio‐based, biodegradable packaging material was developed with multi‐functional properties of good mechanical strength, potent biocompatibility, and antifungal attributes, predominantly against fungi vital in food spoilage. Biodegradable polymer composites were prepared with a natural antifungal agent, nystatin (Nyst), by melt processing technique for the first time. Initially, Polycaprolactone (PCL) was melt‐mixed with various percentages of nystatin to produce nystatin‐encapsulated PCL composites (PCL/Nyst). The as‐prepared PCL/Nyst composites were melt‐mixed with polylactic acid (PLA) to produce nystatin PLA/PCL blend composites. Subsequently, the prepared composites were compression molded in the form of films (1 mm) for further characterization. The composite's structural properties were evaluated by SEM, FTIR, mechanical and thermal studies. In addition, the composites were tested in vitro against a panel of pathogenic fungi and for antibiofilm attributes, specifically against three Candida species (C. albicans ATCC10231, C. parapsilosis ATCC22019, and C. glabrata ATCC2001), and foodborne Penicillium sp. All the composites containing 2 to 20 wt% nystatin displayed good activity and sustained nystatin release for up to 4 days. Thus, the overall study demonstrates the potential application of natural antifungal agents in biodegradable polymers to produce novel composite films for antimicrobial packaging without inducing any toxicity, judged from the toxicity assay using nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
Nanofibrous membranes with hydrophobic and thermoregulatory functions fabricated by coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Qin Zhuofan , Wang Haoyue , Wang Lina , Yao Juming , Zhu Guocheng , Guo Baochun , Militky Jiri , Kremenakova Dana , Zhang Ming
Published: September 2023

In the face of changing outdoor environments, it is necessary for us to develop advanced textiles with thermal regulation and hydrophobic properties. In order to create a fabric with both temperature control and waterproof properties, the study adjusted the ratio of polystyrene (PS) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to produce nanofiber membranes with excellent morphology and dirt resistant properties. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity of the nanofibers was further improved by adding SiO2 to the spinning solution. Based on this, a core solution of octadecane (Oct) was used to give it thermal regulation functionality through coaxial electrospinning technique. The resulting composite nanofiber membrane exhibited excellent hydrophobicity and thermal regulation performance. The measurement results obtained from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) indicate that the maximum Oct encapsulation rate of the PS/PVDF/SiO2@Oct nanofiber membrane is 58.36%. The latent heat of the composite nanofiber membrane is 148.84 J/g, and the water contact angle (WCA) is 135°. The multifunctional composite nanofiber has great potential for applications in outdoor protective clothing and outdoor electronic device protection.
Synthesis of a bio‐based in‐suit reinforcing flame retardant containing DOPO group and its application in EP
Authors: Zhang Xida , Wang Kai , Chen Zhongwei , Yu Yuan , Chen Tingting , Yang Boran , Rong Feng , Zhang Qingwu , Zhao Ziqi , Jiang Juncheng
Published: September 2023

It was an enormous challenge to endow flame retardant for epoxy resin (EP) with high efficiency, high compatibility, low addition and environmental protection. Herein, a bio‐based flame retardant (PHAO) was synthesized using protocatechualdehyde, p‐aminobenzonitrile, and 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phospha‐phenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) as precursors via a facile approach. PHAO was applied to EP to prepare EP/PHAO composites. Furthermore, PHAO demonstrated outstanding compatibility with the EP matrix, the interface free energy (IFE) value among PHAO and EP was 0.9 mJ/m2. For EP/3PHAO, the tensile strength enhanced from 55.4 MPa of pure EP to 67.4 MPa. EP/5PHAO, obtained by adding 5 wt% PHAO into EP, had a phosphorus content of only 0.34%, reaching the V‐0 level in UL‐94 test, and the limiting oxygen index was 32.5%. In comparison to pure EP, the peak heat release rate, total heat release and total smoke production of EP/5PHAO declined by 25.5%, 15.4%, and 15.3%, respectively. The flame retardancy of EP/5PHAO in gaseous and condensed phases was confirmed by investigating the residual carbon and pyrolysis behavior of EP/5PHAO. The synthesis of PHAO offered a solution for designing bio‐based flame retardant and advancing the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of EP.
The INSAR Community Collaborator Request: Using community–academic partnerships to enhance outcomes of participatory autism research
Authors: Poulsen Rebecca , Dwyer Patrick , Gassner Dena , Heyworth Melanie , Williams Zachary J.
Published: September 2023

Participatory approaches, in which researchers work together with members of the autism community (e.g., autistic people, family members, caregivers, or other stakeholders) to design, conduct, and disseminate research, have become increasingly prominent within the field of autism research over the past decade. Despite growing academic and community interest in conducting participatory studies, stakeholder collaboration remains infrequent in autism research, at least partially due to systemic barriers. To help reduce barriers to engaging in participatory autism research, the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) Autistic Researchers Committee has launched the INSAR Community Collaborator Request (ICCR; https://www.autism-insar.org/page/iccr), a platform on the INSAR website that allows autism researchers conducting participatory research to seek out stakeholder collaborators from the autism community (including both autistic people and their family members/caregivers, as relevant to a given research project). Interested stakeholders also have the opportunity to subscribe to ICCR posts, allowing them to be alerted of new opportunities for collaboration and potentially increasing their involvement in autism research. Overall, the ICCR provides a venue to connect autism researchers with potential community collaborators, reducing barriers to participatory autism research and increasing the frequency of successful community–academic partnerships within the field. We are hopeful that in the long term, such changes will lead to greater alignment between research outputs and the goals of the greater autism community, and consequently an increase in the overall quality and relevance of autism research.
Clinical and functional outcomes for risk‐appropriate treatments for prostate cancer
Authors: Tiruye Tenaw , O'Callaghan Michael , Ettridge Kerry , Moretti Kim , Jay Alex , Higgs Braden , Santoro Kerry , Kichenadasse Ganessan , Beckmann Kerri
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To describe real‐world clinical and functional outcomes in an Australian cohort of men with localised prostate cancer according to treatment type and risk category.

Subjects and methods

Men diagnosed from 2008 to 2018 who were enrolled in South Australian Prostate Cancer Clinical Outcomes Collaborative registry—a multi‐institutional prospective clinical registry—were studied. The main outcome measures were overall survival, cancer‐specific survival, decline in functional outcomes, biochemical recurrence and transition to active treatment following active surveillance. Multivariable adjusted models were applied to estimate outcomes.

Results

Of the 8513 eligible men, majority of men (46%) underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) followed by external beam radiation therapy with or without androgen deprivation therapy (EBRT +/− ADT) in 22% of the cohort. Five‐year overall survival was above 91%, and 5‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival was above 97% in the low‐ and intermediate‐risk categories across all treatments. Five‐year prostate cancer‐specific survival in the active surveillance group was 100%. About 37% of men with high‐risk disease treated with RP and 17% of men treated with EBRT +/− ADT experienced biochemical recurrence within 5 years of treatment. Of men on active surveillance, 15% of those with low risk and 20% with intermediate risk converted to active treatment within 2 years. The decline in urinary continence and sexual function 12 months after treatment was greatest among men who underwent RP while the decline in bowel function was greatest for men who received EBRT +/− ADT.

Conclusion

This contemporary real‐world evidence on risk‐appropriate treatment outcomes helps inform treatment decision‐making for clinicians and patients.
Real‐world prevalence, time of diagnosis, and co‐occurrence patterns of birth defects in live‐born infants, 2014–2020: A health administrative database study in Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Tomofumi , Kawame Hiroshi , Mano Nariyasu , Obara Taku
Published: September 2023

Background

A study evaluating the real‐world prevalence of birth defects (BDs), including co‐occurrence patterns, will provide the information required to estimate Japan's true BD prevalence and monitor it. Information such as when infants are diagnosed with BDs is crucial for defining the study population and data collection period in future administrative database studies.

Methods

This study utilized the DeSC database, a large claims database comprising multiple health insurance schemes. The prevalence of major BDs, including structural congenital malformations (CMs) and chromosomal abnormalities, was determined in infants born between 2014 and 2020 and continuously insured for ≥1 year. The time of the first BD diagnosis and multiple BD patterns were also evaluated.

Results

Among 43,147 infants, 3050 (7.07%) were diagnosed with major BDs, and 3002 (6.96%) with major CMs. The circulatory system (2.95%) was the most frequent organ system affected by CMs, followed by CMs and deformations of the musculoskeletal system (1.94%). The cumulative diagnostic rates of BDs and CMs at month 6 were 85.9% and 85.6%, respectively. The EUROCAT BD subgroups diagnosed in more than 1.0% of the infants were atrial septal defects (1.47%) and patent ductus arteriosus (1.07%). Among the 2997 infants with EUROCAT BDs, 241 (8.04%) were classified as having multiple BDs.

Conclusions

A large claims database is a valuable resource for evaluating and monitoring the prevalence of BDs, including multiple patterns. At least 1 year since birth should be considered in future administrative database studies evaluating BDs as outcomes.