bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hollow Fe‐Doped Ni(OH)2–NiS@Ni(OH)2 Nanorod Array with Regulated Heterostructural Interface and Band Structure for Expediting Alkaline Electrocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Shi Ruidong , Li Yuanting , Xu Xiaoxin , Wang Xue , Zhou Gongbing
Published: August 2024

Aiming to efficiently expedite alkaline overall water splitting (OWS) by addressing challenges such as sluggish kinetics and limited stability, a hollow Fe‐doped Ni(OH)2‐NiS@Ni(OH)2 nanorod array with surface nanosheets is devised, featuring a high‐index Fe‐doped Ni(OH)2(101)‐NiS(211) heterostructural interface and an upshifted d‐band center. This nanoarchitecture intensifies the adsorption and interaction of H2O and OH− reactants on the electrocatalyst surface, suitably bonds the *H intermediate in hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and accelerates electron movement of *H, minimizes the energy requirement of the rate‐limiting phase (*OH → *O) in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) by facilitating O─H cleavage of *OH and optimally adsorbs *O, amplifies the exposure of surface‐active centers, and ultimately reduces the apparent activation energy. Consequently, the overpotentials are as low as 66.4 mV (HER) and 254.9 mV (OER) at 10 mA cm−2, alongside high turnover frequencies of 142 s−1 (H2) and 279 s−1 (O2) at 100 and 300 mV, respectively, markedly outperforming direct‐electrodeposited analogues. When functioning as a bifunctional electrode in OWS, this material merely requires 1.57 V at 10 mA cm−2 and sustains an operation for 168 h, approaching Pt/C||RuO2 benchmark.
Probing the Topological Effects on Stability Enhancement and Therapeutic Performance of Protein Bioconjugates: Tadpole, Macrocycle versus Figure‐of‐Eight
Authors: Liu Yajie , Tian Xibao , Zhang Fan , Zhang Wen‐Bin
Published: August 2024

Chemical topology provides a unique dimension for making therapeutic protein bioconjugates with native structure and intact function, yet the effects of topology remain elusive. Herein, the design, synthesis, and characterization of therapeutic protein bioconjugates in three topologies (i.e., tadpole, macrocycle, and figure‐of‐eight), are reported. The interferon α2b (IFN) and albumin binding domain (ABD) are selected as the model proteins for bioconjugation and proof‐of‐concept. The biosynthesis of these topological isoforms is accomplished via direct expression in cells using SpyTag‐SpyCatcher chemistry and/or split‐intein‐mediated ligation for topology diversification. The corresponding topologies are proven with combined techniques of LC‐MS, SDS‐PAGE, and controlled proteolytic digestion. While the properties of these topological isoforms are similar in most cases, the figure‐of‐eight‐shaped bioconjugate, f8‐IFN‐ABD, exhibits the best thermal stability and anti‐aggregation properties along with prolonged half‐life and enhanced tumor retention relative to the tadpole‐shaped control, tadp‐IFN‐ABD, and the macrocyclic control, c‐IFN‐ABD, showcasing considerable topological effects. The work expands the topological diversity of proteins and demonstrates the potential advantages of leveraging chemical topology for functional benefits beyond multi‐function integration in protein therapeutics.
G‐quadruplex‐Based Artificial Transmembrane Channels Induce Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Perturbing Potassium Ion Homeostasis
Authors: Liu Shuangna , Xu Wanyu , Zheng Jing , Ngocho Kleins , Chen Hui , Wang Kemin , Xiong Siqi , He Xiaoxiao , Liu Jianbo
Published: August 2024

Transmembrane ion transport modality has received a widespread attention due to its apoptotic activation toward anticancer cell activities. In this study, G‐quadruplex‐based potassium‐specific transmembrane channels have been developed to facilitate the intracellular K+ efflux, which perturbs the cellular ion homeostasis thereby inducing cancer cell apoptosis. Cholesterol‐tag, a lipophilic anchor moiety, serves as a rudiment for the G‐quadruplex immobilization onto the membrane, while G‐quadruplex channel structure as a transport module permits ion binding and migration along the channels. A c‐Myc sequence tagged with two‐cholesterol is designed as a representative lipophilic G‐quadruplex, which forms intramolecular parallel G‐quadruplex with three stacks of G‐quartets (Ch2‐Para3). Fluorescence transport assay demonstrates Ch2‐Para3 a high transport activity (EC50 = 10.9 × 10−6 m) and an ion selectivity (K+/Na+ selectivity ratio of 84). Ch2‐Para3 mediated K+ efflux in cancer cells is revealed to purge cancer cells through K+ efflux‐mediated cell apoptosis, which is confirmed by monitoring the changes in membrane potential of mitochondria, leakage of cytochrome c, reactive oxygen species yield, as well as activation of a family of caspases. The lipophilic G‐quadruplex exhibits obvious antitumor activity in vivo without systemic toxicity. This study provides a functional scheme aimed at generating DNA‐based selective artificial membrane channels for the purpose of regulating cellular processes and inducing cell apoptosis, which shows a great promising for anticancer therapy in the future.
Engineering d‐p Orbital Hybridization with P, S Co‐Coordination Asymmetric Configuration of Single Atoms Toward High‐Rate and Long‐Cycling Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Dong Chenxu , Ma Changning , Zhou Cheng , Yu Yongkun , Wang Jiajing , Yu Kesong , Shen Chunli , Gu Jiapei , Yan Kaijian , Zheng Aqian , Gong Minjian , Xu Xu , Mai Liqiang
Published: August 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have been increasingly explored in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries to address the issues of severe polysulfide shuttle effects and sluggish redox kinetics. However, the structure‐activity relationship between single‐atom coordination structures and the performance of Li–S batteries remain unclear. In this study, a P, S co‐coordination asymmetric configuration of single atoms is designed to enhance the catalytic activity of Co central atoms and promote d‐p orbital hybridization between Co and S atoms, thereby limiting polysulfides and accelerating the bidirectional redox process of sulfur. The well‐designed SACs enable Li–S batteries to demonstrate an ultralow capacity fading rate of 0.027% per cycle after 2000 cycles at a high rate of 5 C. Furthermore, they display excellent rate performance with a capacity of 619 mAh g−1 at an ultrahigh rate of 10 C due to the efficient catalysis of CoSA‐N3PS. Importantly, the assembled pouch cell still retains a high discharge capacity of 660 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.2 C and provides a high areal capacity of 4.4 mAh cm−2 even with a high sulfur loading of 6 mg cm−2. This work demonstrates that regulating the coordination environment of SACs is of great significance for achieving state‐of‐the‐art Li–S batteries.
Designing Molybdenum Trioxide and Hard Carbon Architecture for Stable Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Shahzad Rana Faisal , Rasul Shahid , Mamlouk Mohamed , Brewis Ian , Shakoor Rana Abdul , Lukose Cecil Cherian , Zia Abdul Wasy
Published: August 2024

Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3) is a promising candidate as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIB), with a theoretical capacity of 1 117 mAhg−1. Nevertheless, MoO3 has inherent lower electronic conductivity and suffers from significant volume expansion during the charge–discharge cycle, which hinders its ability to attain a substantial capacity and cyclability for practical applications. In this study, a novel material design strategy is reported for LIB anodes containing MoO3 and hard carbon (HC) architecture fabricated using a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique. MoO3/HC as anode materials are evaluated for LIBs, which demonstrate an exceptional performance with a capacity of 953 mAhg−1 at a discharging rate of 0.2 C. Additionally, MoO3/HC anode demonstrated exceptional rate capability during fast charging at 5 C and achieved a capacity of 342 mAhg−1. The MoO3/HC anode demonstrates remarkable cycle life, retaining over > 99% Coulombic efficiency after 3 000 cycles at a rate of 0.2 C. The exceptional performance of MoO3/HC anode can be attributed to the novel material design strategy based on a multi‐layered structure where HC provides a barrier against the possible volumetric expansion of LIB anode.
An Assist for Arthritis Studies: A 3D Cell Culture of Human Fibroblast‐Like Synoviocytes by Encapsulation in a Chitosan‐Based Hydrogel
Authors: Bisconti Francesco , Vilardo Beatrice , Corallo Gaia , Scalera Francesca , Gigli Giuseppe , Chiocchetti Annalisa , Polini Alessandro , Gervaso Francesca
Published: August 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common arthritis in which the synovium is involved, but the cellular and molecular basis of these pathologies still need better elucidation. Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), one of the cellular elements of the synovium, play a key role in RA, an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and systemic symptoms that afflicts 1% of worldwide population. Despite articular damage starts from synovium and then proceeds involving cartilage till bone erosion, several 3D in vitro models are reported for cartilage and bone while only a few studies focused on the synovial component. Here, a hydrogel formulation suitable for 3D culturing human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes and evaluated its suitability with non‐RA and RA patients derived‐cells is developed. Among different formulations, a chitosan (Cs)‐based hydrogel, constituted by 70% of Cs and 30% of Matrigel, showed the best results in terms of stability as well as cell growth and morphology: non‐RA and RA FLS are able to grow within the hydrogel forming a complex 3D network. Thanks to the low cost, and high market availability of chitosan, this system represents a good alternative to the use of sole Matrigel for encapsulating human synoviocytes.
KS‐133/KS‐487 Nanoparticles Exhibit Potent Antitumor Effects through Synergistic LRP1 Targeting and VIPR2 Inhibition: Therapeutic Nanoarchitectonics for Solid Tumors
Authors: Sakamoto Kotaro , Nishiyama Taisei , Miyako Eijiro
Published: August 2024

VIPR2 is associated with psychiatric disorders, breast cancer metastasis, and cancer immunostimulation. The VIPR2 antagonist KS‐133 changes the polarity of macrophages to the M1 type, and nanoparticles (NPs) releasing KS‐133 exhibit antitumor effects against mouse colon cancer cells (CT26) in vivo. To enhance the antitumor effect of KS‐133 NPs, KS‐133 NPs are combined with the peptide KS‐487 targeting LRP1, which is expressed on CT26 cells. Subcutaneous injection of NPs containing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye and presenting KS‐487 in CT26 subcutaneous tumor‐bearing mice resulted in significant accumulation of ICG in the CT26 tumor compared to administration of NPs without KS‐487. NPs containing KS‐133 and presenting KS‐487 (KS‐133/KS‐487 NPs) exhibited dose‐dependent antitumor effects in CT26 subcutaneous tumor‐bearing mice; the antitumor effects are more potent than the effects of KS‐133 NPs without KS‐487. In addition, CD8‐positive T cells and macrophages significantly infiltrated into CT26 tumors after injection of KS‐133/KS‐487 NPs. Thus, KS‐133/KS‐487 NPs efficiently deliver KS‐133 to CT26 tumors via LRP1‐targeting and activate immune system cells such as CD8 positive T cells and macrophages via KS‐133 inhibition of VIPR2 signaling, resulting in antitumor effects. These results demonstrate the potential of KS‐133/KS‐487 NPs as a therapeutic candidate for treating solid tumors.
Printed Memristors: An Overview of Ink, Materials, Deposition Techniques, and Applications
Authors: Franco Miguel , Kiazadeh Asal , Martins Rodrigo , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu , Carlos Emanuel
Published: August 2024

Industry 4.0 is accelerating the growth of connected devices, resulting in an exponential increase in generated data. The current semiconductor technology is facing challenges in miniaturization and power consumption, demanding for more efficient computation where new materials and devices need to be implemented. One of the most promising candidates for the next technological leap is the memristor. Due to their up‐scale manufacturing, the majority of memristors employed conventional deposition techniques (physical and chemical vapor deposition), which can be highly costly. Recently, printed memristors have gained a lot of attention because of their potential for large‐scale, fast, and affordable manufacturing. They can also help to reduce material waste, which supports the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly economy. This review provides a perspective on the potential of printed electronics in the fabrication of memristive devices, presenting an overview of the main printing techniques, most suitable for memristors development. Additionally, it focuses on the materials used for the switching layer by comparing its performance. Ultimately, the application of printed memristors is highlighted by showing the tremendous evolution in this field, as well as the main challenges and opportunities that printed memristors are expected to face in the following years.
Adsorption–Activation Bifunctional Center of Al/Co‐Base Catalyst for Boosting 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation
Authors: Dai Hongliang , Huang Yifei , Bai Hongye , Li Hongping , Zhao Huaiquan , Wang Fagen , Fan Weiqiang , Shi Weidong
Published: August 2024

Electrocatalytic conversion of biomass‐derived 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to value‐added 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is of great significance in compensating for the rapid consumption of fossil resources. However, it is a challenge to further improve the performance of HMF electrocatalytic oxidation (HMFOR) by synergistic kinetics (active sites) and thermodynamics (adsorption sites). In this work, Al(OH)3/Co(OH)2 is successfully fabricated as an efficient catalyst, and its catalytic mechanism for HMF oxidation is clarified. Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis demonstrate that electrochemically generated Co3+ is the main catalytic site for HMF oxidation. The HMF equilibrium adsorption capacity of Al(OH)3 reach 57.0 mg g−1, which effectively increase the initial concentration of substrate and promoted the reaction rate. The combined results, based on 24 stable cycles and an FDCA yield retention rate of 98.6% after 180 days, are the highest ever achieved. Additionally, it is shown that this system can oxidize four other biomass‐derived substrates. Therefore, this work provides insight into a hydroxide catalyst that owes its efficiency to synergy between active and adsorption sites.
Winter wheat yield stability as affected by fertilizer‐N, tillage, and yield environment
Authors: Obour Augustine K. , Holman Johnathan D. , Prasad P. V. V. , Assefa Yared
Published: August 2024

With an increase in the frequency of hot‐dry‐windy weather and reported significant increase in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in‐season average temperatures, it is important to understand how soil management affects yield stability. This study quantified the combined effects of tillage and fertilizer‐N on winter wheat yield stability in a wheat–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]–fallow crop rotation. The research was conducted from 1975 to 2022 and the experimental design was a randomized complete block with a split‐split‐plot arrangement. Crop phases were the main plots, tillage (conventional tillage [CT], reduced tillage [RT], and no‐tillage [NT]) in the sub‐plot, and N application rates (0, 22, 45, and 67 kg N ha−1 or 0, 45, 90, and 134 kg N ha−1) in the sub‐sub‐plot. Results showed winter wheat yield under NT increased by 0.8 Mg ha−1, compared with about 1.1 Mg ha−1 for CT and RT, when environmental average increased by 1 Mg ha−1 for N rates ≤90 kg ha−1. Yields with CT and RT increased by 0.8 Mg ha−1, compared with about 1.1 Mg ha−1 rate for NT, when environmental average increased by 1 Mg ha−1 for N >90 kg ha−1. In 30%–52% of the time, CT wheat yield was greater than NT, but yield advantage with CT decreased as fertilizer‐N rate increases. Yield stability of winter wheat varied by tillage and fertilizer rate. We concluded that NT wheat required greater N rates to reach the same yield potential as CT and RT, and long‐term CT or RT wheat at 45 kg N ha−1 was most stable.
Safe transportation and targeted destruction: Albumin encapsulated aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer nanoaggregate for tumor photodynamic therapy through mitochondria damage‐triggered pyroptosis
Authors: Cao Juanmei , Qu Yong , Zhu Shaojie , Zhan Jinshan , Xu Yiting , Jin Yifan , Wang Yuqing , Li Zhuoxia , Chai Chuxing , Wu Xiangwei , Gao Meng , Huang Changzheng , Li Min
Published: August 2024

Photodynamic therapy is a highly recommended alternative treatment for solid tumors, such as cutaneous or luminal tumors, in clinical practice. However, conventional photosensitizers (PSs) often induce undesirable phototoxic effects because of their normal tissue distribution and a reduction in antitumor effects resulting from aggregation‐caused quenching effects. The present study developed a novel nano‐formulated aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐characteristic PS, nab‐TTVPHE, which is composed of human serum albumin as a carrier and TTVPHE as a therapeutic agent, as a more effective cancer treatment with lower phototoxic effects. Notably, the reactive oxygen species generated by TTVPHE were shielded by the nanoaggregate structure, and the photodynamic activity was after nanostructure dissociation. Nab‐TTVPHE was actively internalized in tumor cells via secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine and released to form nanoaggregates. TTVPHE accumulated in mitochondria, where it triggered mitochondrial damage under light irradiation via its photodynamic activity and induced pyroptosis via the caspase‐3/gasdermin E (GSDME) signaling pathway to kill tumor cells. Therefore, this nano‐formulated AIE‐characteristic PS provides an innovative strategy for cancer treatment with lower phototoxic effect and the ability to boost potential antitumor immunity via GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis.
Ultralong thermally activated delayed fluorescence based on intermolecular charge transfer induced by isomer in carbazole derivative
Authors: Chen Junru , Zhang Xianhe , Xie Zongliang , Liu Bin
Published: August 2024

Ultralong thermally activated delayed fluorescence (UTADF) materials play an important role in realizing time‐dependent color‐tunable afterglow. Some typical carbazole (Cz) derivatives have been reported to exhibit UTADF properties. However, a 10‐fold difference in TADF lifetime was found between commercial Cz derivatives and the corresponding lab‐synthesized ones, which indicated that UTADF may not be derived from the single Cz derivatives as reported. To reveal the real mechanism, we synthesized three Cz derivatives and one isomer to form three host‐guest pairs for optical studies. The photophysical properties revealed that UTADF originated from the intermolecular charge transfer between host and guest, while the ultralong organic phosphorescence was from the guest. Thanks to the rich color variations in luminescence displayed by 4‐(1H‐benzo[f]indol‐1‐yl)−4′‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]−3,3′‐dicarbonitrile/4,4′‐di(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]−3,3′‐dicarbonitrile (CBP‐2CN) at different delay times, it can be applied to realize multi‐dimensional encryption in both delay time and luminescent color.
In memory of our mentor: Frans de Waal (1948–2024)
Authors: Brosnan Sarah F. , Aureli Filippo , Bonnie Kristin , Calcutt Sarah , Campbell Matthew , Carter Devyn , Clay Zanna , Danforth Marietta D. , Eppley Timothy M. , Flack Jessica , Hall Katie , Huneycutt Sarah , Judge Peter , Long Darren , Parish Amy , Plotnik Joshua M. , Pokorny Jennifer J. , Preston Stephanie D. , Proctor Darby , Romero Teresa , Seres Michael , Suchak Malini , Verbeek Peter , Weaver Ann , Webb Christine
Published: August 2024

The world lost a towering figure when primatologist Frans de Waal passed away on March 14, 2024. Many are aware of his multitude of contributions to the field. His ability to see what animals were actually doing changed how we viewed first primates, then other species. He shared these insights through both traditional scientific outputs, such as journal articles and scientific presentations, and less common outputs, such as 15 books and two TED talks viewed millions of times. What may be less well known is his impact as a mentor. Here, 25 of us who were Frans' graduate students, postdocs, and long‐term research assistants share his personal impact on our lives.
The Bayesian approach for real‐world implementation of plasma p‐tau217 in tertiary care memory clinics in Thailand
Authors: Thanapornsangsuth Poosanu , Booncharoen Kittithatch , Khieukhajee Jedsada , Luechaipanit Watayuth , Haethaisong Thanaporn , Chongsuksantikul Adipa , Supharatpariyakorn Thirawat , Chunharas Chaipat , Likitjaroen Yuttachai , Hemachudha Thiravat
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)217 is a promising biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis, but its clinical implementation remains challenging. We propose a strategy based on Bayes’ theorem and test it in real‐life memory clinics.

METHODS

Memory clinic patients were evaluated by neurocognitive specialists for prespecified diagnosis and subsequently underwent blood collection for p‐tau217, cerebrospinal fluid, or amyloid positron emission tomography. Using cross‐validation, the Bayesian approach (pretest probability × individualized likelihood ratio) was compared to other models for AD diagnosis.

RESULTS

The Bayesian strategy demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–1.0), significantly outperforming multivariable logistic regression (p‐tau217, age, apolipoprotein E; AUC 0.95, p = 0.024) and p‐tau217 alone (AUC = 0.94, p = 0.007). When applying the two‐threshold approach, the Bayesian strategy yielded an accuracy of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.88–1.0) without requiring confirmatory tests in 62.9% of the iterations.

DISCUSSION

The Bayesian strategy offers an effective and flexible approach to address the limitations of plasma p‐tau217 in clinical practice.

Highlights

Incorporating pretest probability into the interpretation of plasma phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)217 improves the diagnostic performance significantly.

The strategy could obviate the need for confirmatory testing in most of the patients.

Plasma p‐tau217 proves useful as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in low‐ and middle‐income country such as Thailand.
SnF2‐Catalyzed Lithiophilic–Lithiophobic Gradient Interface for High‐Rate PEO‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Wu Kai , Li Ao , Tan Jin , Zhou Fu , Yan Hanbing , Wang Pengcheng , Xie Ting , Zeng Qing , Han Cuiping , Liu Qi , Li Baohua
Published: August 2024

Polyethylene oxide (PEO)‐based all‐solid‐state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) are strongly hindered by the fast dendrite growth at the Li metal/electrolyte interface, especially under large rates. The above issue stems from the suboptimal interfacial chemistry and poor Li+ transport kinetics during cycling. Herein, a SnF2‐catalyzed lithiophilic‐lithiophobic gradient solid electrolyte interphase (SCG‐SEI) of LixSny/LiF‐Li2O is in situ formed. The superior ionic LiF‐Li2O rich upper layer (17.1 nm) possesses high interfacial energy and fast Li+ diffusion channels, wherein lithiophilic LixSny alloy layer (8.4 nm) could highly reduce the nucleation overpotential with lower diffusion barrier and promote rapid electron transportation for reversible Li+ plating/stripping. Simultaneously, the insoluble SnF2‐coordinated PEO promotes the rapid Li+ ion transport in the bulk phase. As a result, an over 46.7 and 3.5 times improvements for lifespan and critical current density of symmetrical cells are achieved, respectively. Furthermore, LiFePO4‐based ASSLMBs deliver a recorded cycling performance at 5 C (over 1000 cycles with a capacity retention of 80.0 %). More importantly, impressive electrochemical performances and safety tests with LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 and pouch cell with LiFePO4, even under extreme conditions (i.e., 100 °C), are also demonstrated, reconfirmed the importance of lithiophilic‐lithiophobic gradient interfacial chemistry in the design of high‐rate ASSLMBs for safety applications.
Orthogonal Persulfide Generation through Precision Tools Provides Insights into Mitochondrial Sulfane Sulfur
Authors: Manna Suman , Agrawal Ragini , Yadav Tarun , Kumar T. Anand , Kumari Pooja , Dalai Aadishakti , Kanade Shaunak , Balasubramanian Nagaraj , Singh Amit , Chakrapani Harinath
Published: August 2024

The sulfane sulfur pool, comprised of persulfide (RS‐SH) and polysulfide (RS‐SnH) derived from hydrogen sulfide (H2S), has emerged as a major player in redox biochemistry. Mitochondria, besides energy generation, serve as significant cellular redox hubs, mediate stress response and cellular health. However, the effects of endogenous mitochondrial sulfane sulfur (MSS) remain largely uncharacterized as compared with their cytosolic counterparts, cytosolic sulfane sulfur (CSS). To investigate this, we designed a novel artificial substrate for mitochondrial 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3‐MST), a key enzyme involved in MSS biosynthesis. Using cells expressing a mitochondrion‐localized persulfide biosensor, we demonstrate this tool's ability to selectively enhance MSS. While H2S was previously known to suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV‐1), we found that MSS profoundly affected the HIV‐1 life cycle, mediating viral reactivation from latency. Additionally, we provide evidence for the role of the host's mitochondrial redox state, membrane potential, apoptosis, and respiration rates in managing HIV‐1 latency and reactivation. Together, dynamic fluctuations in the MSS pool have a significant and possibly conflicting effect on HIV‐1 viral latency. The precision tools developed herein allow for orthogonal generation of persulfide within both mitochondria and the cytosol and will be useful in interrogating disease biology.
Multi‐Axial Self‐Driven X‐Ray Detection by a Two‐Dimensional Biaxial Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Perovskite Ferroelectric
Authors: Jiang Yuhang , Zhang Chengshu , Zhu Zeng‐Kui , Wu Jianbo , Yu Panpan , Zeng Ying , Ye Huang , Dai Hongliang , Li Ruiqing , Guan Qianwen , Chen Guirong , Yang Huawei , Luo Junhua
Published: August 2024

Metal halide perovskite ferroelectrics combining spontaneous polarization and excellent semiconducting properties is an ideal platform for enabling self‐driven X‐ray detection. However, achievements to date have been only based on uniaxiality, which increases the complexity of device fabrication. Multi‐axial ferroelectric materials have multiple equivalent polarization directions, making them potentially amenable to multi‐axial self‐driven X‐ray detection, but the report on these types of materials is still a huge blank. Herein, a high‐quality (BA)2(EA)2Pb3I10 (1) biaxial ferroelectric single crystal was successfully grown, which exhibited significant spontaneous polarization along the c‐axis and b‐axis. Under X‐ray irradiation, bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) was exhibited along both the c‐axis and b‐axis, with open circuit voltages (Voc) of 0.23 V and 0.22 V, respectively. Then, the BPVE revealed along the inversion of polarized direction with the polarized electric fields. Intriguingly, due to the BPVE of 1, 1 achieved multi‐axial self‐driven X‐ray detection for the first time (c‐axis and b‐axis) with relatively high sensitivities and ultralow detection limits (17.2 nGyair s−1 and 19.4 nGyair s−1, respectively). This work provides a reference for the subsequent use of multi‐axial ferroelectricity for multi‐axial self‐driven optoelectronic detection.
The Formation Mechanism of Carbonized Polymer Dots: Crosslinking‐Induced Nucleation and Carbonization
Authors: Xia Chunlei , Zhong Jundong , Han Xiao , Zhu Shoujun , Li Yunfeng , Liu Hong , Yang Bai
Published: August 2024

Carbon dots (CDs), as a kind of zero‐dimensional nanomaterials, have been widely synthesized by bottom‐up methods from various precursors. However, the formation mechanism is still unclear and controversial, which also brings difficulty to the regulation of structures and properties. Only some tentative formation processes were postulated by analyzing the products obtained at different reaction times and temperatures. Here, the effect of crosslinking on the formation of carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) is explored. Crosslinking‐induced nucleation and carbonization (CINC) is proposed as the driving force for the formation of CPDs. Under hydrothermal synthesis, the precursors are initiated to polymerize and crosslink. The crosslinking brings higher hydrophobicity to generate the hydrophilic/hydrophobic microphase separation, which promotes dehydration and carbonization resulting in the formation of CPDs. Based on the principle of CINC, the influence factors of size are also revealed. Moreover, the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation is employed to support this formation mechanism. This concept of CINC will bring light to the formation process of CPDs, as well as facilitate the regulation of CPDs’ size and photoluminescence.
Advances in Metasurface‐Based Terahertz Sensing
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Lei , Liang Huawei
Published: August 2024

Terahertz (THz) technology has attracted significant attention because of its unique applications in biological/chemical sensing, medical imaging, non‐invasive detection, and high‐speed communication. Metasurfaces provide a dynamic platform for THz sensing applications, showcasing greater flexibility in design and the ability to optimize light‐matter interactions for specific target enhancements, which includes enhancing the intramolecular and intermolecular vibration modes of the target biological/chemical molecules, setting them apart from conventional approaches. This review focuses on recent THz metasurface sensing methods, including metasurfaces based on toroidal dipole and quasi‐bound states in the continuum to improve sensing sensitivity, nanomaterial‐assisted metasurfaces for specific recognition, and metasurfaces combined with microfluidic with reduce water absorption loss. Furthermore, the applications of THz metasurface sensing is reviewed, including detecting the concentration of biomolecules, cells, tissues, and microbes, THz biomolecular fingerprint absorption spectra recognition, and identifying chiral compounds using chiral and achiral metasurfaces. Finally, the prospects for the next generation of THz sensors are examined.
Perspectives of a non‐medically and a medically qualified early career anatomy academic on facilitating case‐based learning sessions for undergraduate medical students
Authors: Patera Eleni , Adwan Mustafa Mohammedyiya
Published: August 2024

Case‐based learning (CBL) is a student‐centered pedagogy where medical students are given a real‐world clinical problem. At St George's University of London (SGUL), anatomy academics can volunteer to facilitate CBL sessions for pre‐clinical undergraduate medical students. The major benefits of facilitating CBL sessions from the perspective of a non‐medically qualified early career anatomy academic (ECAA) include exposure to clinical cases that help the academic develop an understanding over key clinical cases at the context of clinical anatomy and other disciplines including physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Furthermore, facilitating CBL sessions assists in the acquisition of basic knowledge over history taking, the conduction of clinical examinations, the investigations performed for the diagnosis of a condition as well as how it is managed. The major benefits of facilitating CBL sessions from the perspective of a medically qualified ECAA include staying in touch with the clinical aspect of medicine and becoming familiar with the country's healthcare system and its professional standards. Perceived benefits shared by both the non‐medically and medically qualified ECAA include the opportunity to become familiar with the structure and key elements of the pre‐clinical medical curriculum as well as gain experience in facilitating small group teaching sessions. Overall, facilitating CBL sessions can help non‐medically and medically qualified ECAAs in different contexts that may help them with their individual career goals, can encourage collaborative discussions between clinical and non‐clinical anatomy academics as well as help bridge the gap between the anatomy teaching approaches employed by non‐medically qualified and medically qualified anatomy academics.
Sustainable synthesis of fluorescent polymer carbon dots@PVA for sensitive chlortetracycline detection
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kothalam , Kumar J. Vinoth , Bhagyalakshmi J. , Devanesan Sandhanasamy , Mythili R. , Reddy I. Neelakanta , Bai Cheolho
Published: August 2024

Antibiotic residues persist in the environment and represent serious health hazards; thus, it is important to develop sensitive and effective detection techniques. This paper presents a bio‐inspired way to make water‐soluble fluorescent polymer carbon dots (PCDs@PVA) by heating biomass precursors and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) together. For example, the synthesized PCDs@PVA are very stable with enhanced emission intensity. This property was observed in a wide range of environmental conditions, including those with changing temperatures, pH levels, UV light, and ionic strength. PCDs@PVA detected the antibiotic chlortetracycline (CTCs) with great selectivity against structurally related compounds and a low detection limit of 20 nM, demonstrating outstanding sensitivity and specificity. We confirmed the sensor's practical application through real sample analysis, yielding recovery rates of 98%–99% in samples of milk, honey, and river water. The synthesized PCDs@PVA fluorescence sensor was successfully used for CTCs detection in real samples.
A quantitative method for the analysis of total and unbound concentrations of amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ertapenem, fosfomycin and penicillin G in human plasma with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay
Authors: van der Veer Marlotte A. A. , van der Meer‐Vos Marloes , de Haan Timo R. , Franken Linda G. W. , Bijleveld Yuma. A. , Mathôt Ron A. A.
Published: August 2024

Monitoring antibiotic plasma levels is critical in populations with altered pharmacokinetics, such as critically ill patients in neonatal or adult intensive care units. This study aimed to develop and validate a rapid, reproducible and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay (LC–MS/MS) for measuring total and unbound concentrations of amoxicillin, ampicillin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ertapenem, fosfomycin and penicillin G in human plasma. The method required 20 and 250 μl sample volumes for measuring total and unbound concentrations, respectively. Sample preparation involved protein precipitation and the addition of an internal standard. Ultrafiltration separated unbound drugs. Method validation covered selectivity, carryover, linearity, accuracy, precision, dilution effects, matrix effects and stability. The LC–MS/MS was performed within a run time of 7.5 min. Calibration curves were linear for ceftazidime and ertapenem (ranges 0.1–50 and 0.05–100 mg/l, respectively) and quadratic for other analytes (0.1–50 mg/l, except for ampicillin: 0.1–20 mg/l; R2 > 0.990). Accuracy was within ±15% of the nominal concentration, and precision did not exceed ±15% (relative standard deviation). Samples showed no significant degradation at the tested temperatures and time points. Clinical applicability was demonstrated in a critically ill neonate. This method with minimal sample volume and short analysis time enables the measurement of total and unbound concentrations of selected antibiotics, and is suitable for routine clinical care and studies.
Profit first, environmental impact second? Investigating hybrid institutional logics in venture capital investment approaches
Authors: Siefkes Meike , Hamer Anton Lohne , Haaland Gustav , Bjørgum Øyvind
Published: August 2024

Despite a potential mismatch between characteristics of cleantech innovations and the venture capital model, there has been a surge of cleantech venture capital firms (VCs). This paper investigates how cleantech VC investment approaches are aligned with hybrid institutional logics. We mapped 36 European VCs regarding their portfolio firms' industries, technology focus, and level of innovation. From this sample, we interviewed nine VC investors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The findings show a heterogenous landscape of cleantech VC investment approaches. Cleantech VCs finance mostly incremental innovations in highly emissive sectors. For several of the VCs, the findings highlight a disconnect between the externally communicated cleantech mission and lack of approaches for environmental impact management. We develop propositions for future research. This study adds novel empirical perspectives and contributes to the development of hybrid logics in institutional logics theory with a nuanced examination of the European VC cleantech market.
Acceptance of or resistance to facial recognition payment: A systematic review
Authors: Yu Teng , Wang Chengliang , Bian Qing , Teoh Ai Ping
Published: August 2024

With increasing evidence supporting the use of biometric identification methods for authentication, this study aims to enhance our understanding of the factors influencing the acceptance of and resistance to facial recognition payment (FRP) systems. To provide a comprehensive review of these factors, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) of empirical studies. We examined 22 key research articles from an initial pool of 1372 publications, identifying 37 factors that influence consumer acceptance or resistance to FRP. These factors were categorized into usage‐related aspects, attitudes and evaluations, user‐related traits, privacy and security concerns, and other factors. Our findings reveal that the most frequently cited factors include performance expectancy, effort expectancy, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use. These factors are crucial in contexts where FRP can increase productivity by providing prompt information and effective assistance. This research proposes a collective model for understanding the determinants of FRP acceptance or resistance, integrating theoretical frameworks and empirical findings. The model emphasizes the context‐dependency of user acceptance, highlighting the importance of addressing both technological and psychological factors. It incorporates usage characteristics, user characteristics, and privacy and security concerns, which are mediated by attitudes and evaluations. The proposed model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing the factors influencing acceptance of and resistance to FRP, guiding FRP service providers in developing effective strategies to increase user adoption, with future research needed to refine and assess the model further.
Synergistic modulation of valence state and oxygen vacancy induced by surface reconstruction of the CeO2/CuO catalyst toward enhanced electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Chang Fangfang , Zhang Zhenmao , Zhang Yan , Liu Yongpeng , Yang Lin , Wang Xiaolei , Bai Zhengyu , Zhang Qing
Published: August 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) offers a promising strategy for CO2 conversion into value‐added C2+ products and facilitates the storage of renewable resources under comparatively mild conditions, but still remains a challenge. Herein, we propose the strategy of surface reconstruction and interface integration engineering to construct tuneable Cu0–Cu+–Cu2+ sites and oxygen vacancy oxide derived from CeO2/CuO nanosheets (OD‐CeO2/CuO NSs) heterojunction catalysts and promote the activity and selectivity of CO2RR. The optimized OD‐CeO2/CuO electrocatalyst shows the maximum Faradic efficiencies for C2+ products in the H‐type cell, which reaches 69.8% at −1.25 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Advanced characterization analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirm the fact that the existence of oxygen vacancies and Cu0–Cu+–Cu2+ sites modified with CeO2 is conducive to CO2 adsorption and activation, enhances the hydrogenation of *CO to *CHO, and further promotes the dimerization of *CHO, thus promoting the selectivity of C2+ generation. This facile interface integration and surface reconstruction strategy provides an ideal strategy to guide the design of CO2RR electrocatalysts.
Perovskite oxides as electrocatalysts for water electrolysis: From crystalline to amorphous
Authors: Sun Hainan , Xu Xiaomin , Chen Gao , Shao Zongping
Published: August 2024

Crystalline perovskite oxides are regarded as promising electrocatalysts for water electrolysis, particularly for anodic oxygen evolution reactions, owing to their low cost and high intrinsic activity. Perovskite oxides with noncrystalline or amorphous characteristics also exhibit promising electrocatalytic performance toward electrochemical water splitting. In this review, a fundamental understanding of the characteristics and advantages of crystalline, noncrystalline, and amorphous perovskite oxides is presented. Subsequently, recent progress in the development of advanced electrocatalysts for water electrolysis by engineering and breaking the crystallinity of perovskite oxides is reviewed, with a special focus on the underlying structure–activity relationships. Finally, the remaining challenges and unsolved issues are presented, and an outlook is briefly proposed for the future exploration of next‐generation water‐splitting electrocatalysts based on perovskite oxides.
Turnaround mit 360‐Grad‐Perspektive
Authors: Pfeiffer Reinhard
Published: August 2024

Für Betreiber sind Anlagenrevisionen Phasen mit hoher Intensität und Verantwortung. Denn die im Rahmen eines Turnarounds durchgeführten Wartungs‐ und Instandhaltungsarbeiten sind essenziell für den reibungslosen Betrieb. Ein Flanschmontagesystem kann helfen, Monteure zu schulen und Fehler zu vermeiden.
Scaling in reverse osmosis seawater desalination: Mechanism and prevention—A literature review
Authors: Shen Jiaxuan , Wang Xiaodong , Zhu Xiaoyi , Tang Bojin , Liu Cong , Li Wan , Gao Xueqiang
Published: August 2024

There is currently a huge imbalance between the demand and supply of freshwater resources. The shortage of fresh water can be mitigated by seawater desalination. Reverse osmosis (RO) is currently the most popular desalination technology around the world. Despite its various advantages, fouling has been one of its major limitations of RO. Membrane fouling can be divided into four categories: colloidal fouling, inorganic fouling, organic fouling, and biofouling. Precipitation of inorganic salts of small solubility, among which CaCO3, CaSO4, BaSO4, and SiO2 are the most common ones, are the cause of inorganic fouling, which is commonly referred to as scaling. Pretreatment technologies for prevention or mitigation of scaling in the RO process can be classified as conventional pretreatment technologies, which include water softening and scale inhibitors, and membrane‐based pretreatment technologies which include nanofiltration, forward osmosis, and membrane surface modification.
Physics‐informed neural networks guided modelling and multiobjective optimization of a mAb production process
Authors: Alam Md Nasre , Anurag Anurag , Gangwar Neelesh , Ramteke Manojkumar , Kodamana Hariprasad , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we aim to correlate various process and product quality attributes of a mammalian cell culture process with process parameters. To achieve this, we employed physics‐informed neural networks that solve the governing ordinary differential equations comprising independent variables (inputs‐ time, flow rates, and volume) and dependent variables (outputs‐ viable cell density, dead cell density, glucose concentration, lactate concentration, and monoclonal antibody concentration). The proposed model surpasses the prediction and accuracy capabilities of other commonly used modelling approaches, such as the multilayer perceptron model. It has higher R‐squared (R2), lower root mean square error, and lower mean absolute error than the multilayer perceptron model for all output variables (viable cell density, viability, glucose concentration, lactate concentration, and monoclonal antibody concentration). Furthermore, we incorporate a Bayesian optimization study to maximize viable cell density and monoclonal antibody concentration. Single objective optimization and weighted sum multiobjective optimization were carried out for viable cell density and monoclonal antibody concentration in separate (single objective optimization) and combined (multiobjective optimization) forms. An increment of 13.01% and 18.57% for viable cell density and monoclonal antibody concentration, respectively, were projected under single objective optimization, and 46.32% and 67.86%, respectively, for multiobjective optimization as compared to the base case. This study highlights the potential of the physics‐informed neural networks‐based modelling and optimization of upstream processing of mammalian cell‐based monoclonal antibodies in biopharmaceutical operations.
Evaluation of lamin A/C mechanotransduction under different surface topography in LMNA related muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dutta Subarna , Muraganadan T. , Vasudevan Madavan
Published: August 2024

Most of the single point mutations of the LMNA gene are associated with distinct muscular dystrophies, marked by heterogenous phenotypes but primarily the loss and symmetric weakness of skeletal muscle tissue. The molecular mechanism and phenotype–genotype relationships in these muscular dystrophies are poorly understood. An effort has been here to delineating the adaptation of mechanical inputs into biological response by mutant cells of lamin A associated muscular dystrophy. In this study, we implement engineered smooth and pattern surfaces of particular young modulus to mimic muscle physiological range. Using fluorescence and atomic force microscopy, we present distinct architecture of the actin filament along with abnormally distorted cell and nuclear shape in mutants, which showed a tendency to deviate from wild type cells. Topographic features of pattern surface antagonize the binding of the cell with it. Correspondingly, from the analysis of genome wide expression data in wild type and mutant cells, we report differential expression of the gene products of the structural components of cell adhesion as well as LINC (linkers of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) protein complexes. This study also reveals mis expressed downstream signaling processes in mutant cells, which could potentially lead to onset of the disease upon the application of engineered materials to substitute the role of conventional cues in instilling cellular behaviors in muscular dystrophies. Collectively, these data support the notion that lamin A is essential for proper cellular mechanotransduction from extracellular environment to the genome and impairment of the muscle cell differentiation in the pathogenic mechanism for lamin A associated muscular dystrophy.