bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain‐inspired Multimodal Synaptic Memory via Mechano‐photonic Plasticized Asymmetric Ferroelectric Heterostructure
Authors: Gong Jie , Wei Yichen , Wang Yifei , Feng Zhenyu , Yu Jinran , Cheng Liuqi , Chen Mingxia , Li Linlin , Wang Zhong Lin , Sun Qijun
Published: September 2024

Neuromorphic devices capable of emulating biological synaptic behaviors are crucial for implementing brain‐like information processing and computing. Emerging 2D ferroelectric neuromorphic devices provide an effective means of updating synaptic weight aside from conventional electrical/optical modulations. Here, by further synergizing with an energy‐efficient synaptic plasticity strategy, a multimodal mechano‐photonic synaptic memory device based on 2D asymmetric ferroelectric heterostructure is presented, which can be modulated by external mechanical behavior and light illumination. By integrating the asymmetric ferroelectric heterostructured field‐effect transistor and a triboelectric nanogenerator, the mechanical displacement‐derived triboelectric potential is ready for gating, programming, and plasticizing the synaptic device, resulting in superior electrical properties of high on/off ratios (> 107), large storage windows (equivalent to ≈95 V), excellent charge retention capability (> 104 s), good endurance (> 103 cycles), and primary synaptic behaviors. Besides, optical illumination can effectively synergize with mechanoplasticity to implement multimodal spatiotemporally correlated dynamic logic. The demonstrated multimodal memory synapse provides a facile and promising strategy for multifunctional sensory memory, interactive neuromorphic devices, and future brain‐like electronics embodying artificial intelligence.
MXenes: Multifunctional Materials for the Smart Cities of Tomorrow
Authors: Purbayanto Muhammad A. K. , Presser Volker , Skarżyński Kacper , Słoma Marcin , Naguib Michael , Jastrzębska Agnieszka M.
Published: September 2024

Currently, over 60% of the world's population lives in cities. Urban living has many advantages but there are also challenges regarding the need for smart urbanization. The next generation of tunable 2D nanomaterials, called MXenes, is the critical enabling technology that can bring the current urban thinking to the next level, called a smart city. The smart city is a novel concept based on a framework of self‐sufficient technologies that are interactive and responsive to citizens’ needs. In this perspective, MXene‐enabled technologies for sustainable urban development are discussed. They can advance self‐sufficient, adaptive, and responsive buildings that can minimize resource consumption, solving the deficiency of essential resources such as clean energy, water, and air. MXenes are at the cutting edge of technological limitations associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and telemedicine, combining diverse properties and offering multitasking. It is foreseen that MXenes can have a bright future in contributing to the smart city concept. Therefore, the roadmap is presented for demonstrating the practical feasibility of MXenes in the smart city. Altogether, this study promotes the role of MXenes in advancing the well‐being of citizens by raising the quality of urban living to the next level.
Metastable Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation and Aging Lead to Strong Processing Path Dependence in Mini‐Spidroin Solutions
Authors: Fedorov Dmitrii , Sammalisto Fred‐Eric , Harmat Adam L. , Ahlberg Martin , Koskela Salla , Haataja Mikko P. , Scacchi Alberto , Sammalkorpi Maria , Linder Markus B.
Published: September 2024

Recombinant silk proteins provide a route toward sustainable and biocompatible materials. For making such materials, the assembly process from dilute protein into a functional material is central. The assembly mechanism in engineered materials is by necessity different from the natural ones—this poses challenges but also opens opportunities for scaling up and for developing novel properties. The phase behavior of a mini‐spidroin, NT‐2Rep‐CT is studied, which is a widely studied variant of recombinant silk. NT‐2Rep‐CT can be triggered to assemble by lowering the pH, but even at high pH—considered as storage conditions—it can be in various states, such as forming condensates, clusters, gels, and soluble protein. It is shown how its assembly phases evolve through both metastable and dynamically arrested states. The observed behavior of silk protein solutions is highly complex, and elements thereof from phase diagrams associated with polymers, colloidal systems, and globular proteins are found. Based on the characterization of cluster formation and structural intermediates, a minimalist phase diagram is proposed for NT‐2Rep‐CT and argues that the understanding and insight into silk assembly via its phase behavior, and especially the arrested states, is central for designing recombinant silk proteins and their processing for materials applications.
3D‐Shape Recoverable Hydrogel with Highly Efficient Water Transport for Solar Water Desalination
Authors: Fu Chao , Liu Luqi , Xu Chenchen , Tao Ping , Yang Yuequan , Lu Liquan , Zeng Zhixiang , Ren Tianhui
Published: September 2024

Porous hydrogels have been developed to be highly efficient interfacial solar vapor generation materials for obtaining affordable freshwater supplies. However, realizing hydrogel materials with portability, adequate water supply, and durable mechanical properties remains challenging. Herein, a scalable and portable hydrogel with 3D‐shaped recovery, highly efficient water transport, and robust mechanical stability is reported, which is prepared by foaming polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and modification of phosphotungstic acid (PTA). Due to the interconnected porous structure and highly permeable polymer network, the PVA/PTA‐PH hydrogel has good repetitive compressibility and rapid shape recovery when in contact with water. Combined with light‐absorbing nanoparticles, the PVA/PTA‐PH hydrogel presents an impressive solar evaporation rate of 3.876 kg m−2 h−1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of ≈94% under 1‐sun irradiation. With 3D‐shape recovery and highly efficient water transport, the compressed hydrogel can be quickly unfolded without human intervention and restored to five times the original size for the working state. The good portability, excellent seawater desalination performance, and simple preparation process are anticipated to make the PVA‐/PTA‐PH hydrogel a promising material to continuously and conveniently produce pure water from seawater.
Precision Self‐Assembly of Supramolecules with Heterogeneous Derivatives
Authors: Zhang Jiawen , Xiang Li , Zhou Binglin , Zhang Yuhao , Zhang Weijie , Jiang Jinyang , Zeng Hongbo
Published: September 2024

Supramolecular self‐assembly with well‐defined building blocks like lipids, deoxyribonucleic acid, or ligands relies on accessible molecular structures and predictable interactions. However, assembling heterogeneous, undefined blocks, such as disordered proteins, amorphous solids, and catecholic derivatives, remains challenging due to their unpredictable assembly, leading to irreversible aggregation, severe precipitation, and unreliable performance. Here, the first programmable, sustainable, and durable self‐assembly strategy of supramolecules with heterogenous is presented, derived blocks via harmonizing multiple molecular interactions. This approach achieves reversible assembly/disassembly, ≈73.7% reduced precipitation, and salt‐ and alkaline‐durability under freeze‐thaw cycles in model catecholic derivatives, functioning effectively as robust adhesive primers and hydrogel interfacial strengtheners. Moreover, through molecular force measurements and computational simulations, the first general criterion and benchmark for high precision supramolecular self‐assembly is proposed, applicable to complex derivatives and interactions: with blocks bearing multiple binding sites existing, the co‐assembling blocks should bear at least two binding sites with minimum binding strength (≈17 to ≈37 kJ mol−1) to prevent disassembly. This study paves the way and provides benchmarks for precision self‐assembly of diverse supramolecules using heterogeneous derivatives for adhesion technology, nanomaterial synthesis and bio‐inspired applications.
A Full‐Process, Fine‐Grained, and Quantitative Rehabilitation Assessment Platform Enabled by On‐Skin Sensors and Multi‐Task Gait Transformer Model
Authors: Wang Zhixin , He Xinrun , Bu Tianzhao , Pang Bo , Guo Wei , Tu Zhongyi , Zhang Zhiqiang , Xiao Xiling , Yin Zhouping , Huang Jian , Wu Hao
Published: September 2024

Rehabilitation of patients with lower limb movement disorders is a gradual process, which requires full‐process assessments to guide the implementation of rehabilitation plans. However, the current methods can only complete the assessment in one stage and lack objective and quantitative assessment strategies. Here, a full‐process, fine‐grained, and quantitative rehabilitation assessments platform (RAP) supported by on‐skin sensors and a multi‐task gait transformer (MG‐former) model for patients with lower limb movement disorders is developed. The signal quality and sensitivity of on‐skin sensor is improved by the synthesis of high‐performance triboelectric material and structure design. The MG‐former model can simultaneously perform multiple tasks including binary classification, multiclassification, and regression, corresponding to assessment of fall risk, walking ability, and rehabilitation progress, covering the whole rehabilitation cycle. The RAP can assess the walking ability of 23 hemiplegic patients, which has highly consistent results with the scores by the experienced physician. Furthermore, the MG‐former model outputs fine‐grained assessment results when performing regression task to track slight progress of patients that cannot be captured by conventional scales, facilitating adjustment of rehabilitation plans. This work provides an objective and quantitative platform, which is instructive for physicians and patients to implement effective strategy throughout the whole rehabilitation process.
Optical and Catalytic Properties of Nanozymes for Colorimetric Biosensors: Advantages, Limitations, and Perspectives
Authors: Panferov Vasily G. , Liu Juewen
Published: September 2024

Detection of colorimetric signals is commonly used in various analytical methods and for testing in non‐laboratory and resource‐limited settings. The performance of colorimetric assays is largely based on nanoparticles and their unique optical properties. Multifunctional nanoparticles combining optical and enzyme‐like catalytic properties—known as nanozymes—hold great promise for analytical applications as signal‐generating labels. However, the extensive focus on the catalytic properties leaves their unique optical properties overlooked. In this article, the use of the optical and catalytic properties of nanozymes is reviewed for analytical applications relying on the inherent optical properties of nanozymes, the colorimetric detection of a catalytically‐formed product, and colorimetric changes of nanoparticles caused by the catalytically‐formed product. The impact of the extinction coefficient of nanozymes and reaction products, as well as the kinetic parameters of nanozymes on the sensitivity and limit of detection of assays, are quantitatively evaluated. Finally, the existing limitations and prospects of nanozymes for colorimetric biosensors are summarized.
Enhanced Piezocatalytic Water Splitting by Platinum‐Decorated Barium Titanate
Authors: Subramaniam Guru Prasanna Ganapathi , Billing Matthew , Nguyen Hoang‐Duy P. , Nguyen Nguyen‐Phuong , Le Bao‐Ngoc T. , Park Seonghyeok , Sathasivam Sanjayan , Pham Thuy‐Phuong T. , Dunn Steve
Published: September 2024

Piezocatalysis has emerged as a promising field of research that uses mechanical energy to drive a chemical change. There is growing evidence that piezocatalysts can perform challenging chemical conversions from organic transformations to water splitting. A key challenge to piezocatlaysis is mitigating the inherent high relative permittivity of a ferroelectric material. This high permittivity restricts the transfer of carriers required for a chemical reaction to occur and reduces the reaction rate. Here the concept of producing a co‐catalyst system is taken to enhance carrier mobility increasing the observed reaction rate. The study highlights the importance of determining the sonochemical and piezocatalytic contributions to catalysis. The combination of a Pt metal co‐catalyst with BaTiO3 through a simple solid‐state method led to a four fold increase in the rate of H2 production compared to BaTiO3 and sonochemical reactions in the absence of a catalyst. BaTiO3/Pt is found to exhibit stable piezocatalytic performance over 12 h. Where there is a deviation from steady‐state water splitting, it is shown that this is due to mechanical removal of Pt rather than a phase change in the catalyst system. This work confirms the additive benefits of hybrid materials for improving piezocatalytic processes.
VPS34 Governs Oocyte Developmental Competence by Regulating Mito/Autophagy: A Novel Insight into the Significance of RAB7 Activity and Its Subcellular Location
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Wang Kehan , Lin Yuting , Wang Lu , Jin Xin , Qiu Yuexin , Sun Wenya , Zhang Ling , Sun Yan , Dou Xiaowei , Luo Shiming , Su Youqiang , Sun Qingyuan , Xiang Wenpei , Diao Feiyang , Li Jing
Published: September 2024

Asynchronous nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation in human oocytes is believed to cause morphological anomalies after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Vacuolar protein sorting 34 (VPS34) is renowned for its pivotal role in regulating autophagy and endocytic trafficking. To investigate its impact on oocyte development, oocyte‐specific knockout mice (ZcKO) are generated, and these mice are completely found infertile, with embryonic development halted at 2‐ to 4‐cell stage. This infertility is related with a disruption on autophagic/mitophagic flux in ZcKO oocytes, leading to subsequent failure of zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in derived 2‐cell embryos. The findings further elucidated the regulation of VPS34 on the activity and subcellular translocation of RAS‐related GTP‐binding protein 7 (RAB7), which is critical not only for the maturation of late endosomes and lysosomes, but also for initiating mitophagy via retrograde trafficking. VPS34 binds directly with RAB7 and facilitates its activity conversion through TBC1 domain family member 5 (TBC1D5). Consistent with the cytoplasmic vacuolation observed in ZcKO oocytes, defects in multiple vesicle trafficking systems are also identified in vacuolated human oocytes. Furthermore, activating VPS34 with corynoxin B (CB) treatment improved oocyte quality in aged mice. Hence, VPS34 activation may represent a novel approach to enhance oocyte quality in human artificial reproduction.
Imperfection‐Enabled Strengthening of Ultra‐Lightweight Lattice Materials
Authors: Ding Junhao , Ma Qingping , Li Xinwei , Zhang Lei , Yang Hang , Qu Shuo , Wang Michael Yu , Zhai Wei , Gao Huajian , Song Xu
Published: September 2024

Lattice materials are an emerging family of advanced engineering materials with unique advantages for lightweight applications. However, the mechanical behaviors of lattice materials at ultra‐low relative densities are still not well understood, and this severely limits their lightweighting potential. Here, a high‐precision micro‐laser powder bed fusion technique is dveloped that enables the fabrication of metallic lattices with a relative density range much wider than existing studies. This technique allows to confirm that cubic lattices in compression undergo a yielding‐to‐buckling failure mode transition at low relative densities, and this transition fundamentally changes the usual strength ranking from plate > shell > truss at high relative densities to shell > plate > truss or shell > truss > plate at low relative densities. More importantly, it is shown that increasing bending energy ratio in the lattice through imperfections such as slightly‐corrugated geometries can significantly enhance the stability and strength of lattice materials at ultra‐low relative densities. This counterintuitive result suggests a new way for designing ultra‐lightweight lattice materials at ultra‐low relative densities.
Enhanced Lithium Extraction from Brines: Prelithiation Effect of FePO4 with Size and Morphology Control
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Yang Shuo , Song Xiuli , Wang Yushuang , Zhang Hui , Li Muhan , Wang Yanfei
Published: September 2024

Extracting lithium resources from seawater and brine can promote the development of the new energy materials industry. The electrochemical method is green and efficient. Iron phosphate (FePO4) crystal, with its 1D ion channel, holds significant potential as a primary lithium extraction electrode material. Li+ encounters a substantial concentration disadvantage in brines, and the co‐intercalation of Na+ diminishes Li+ selectivity. To address this issue, this work enhances the energy barrier for Na+ insertion through prelithiation strategies applied to the 1D channels of FePO4 crystal, thereby improving Li+ selectivity, and further investigating the prelithiation effect with particle size and morphology control. The results indicate that the Li(4C‐40%)FePO4// Activated carbon(AC) system enhances selectivity of lithium. The Li(4C‐40%)FePO4 with size diameter of 2500 nm demonstrates an energy consumption of 0.79 Wh mol−1 and a purity of 97.94% for lithium extraction at a unit lithium extraction of 5.93 mmol g−1 in simulated brine. Li(4C‐40%)FePO4‐nanoplates demonstrate the most optimal lithium extraction performance among the three morphologies due to their lamellar structure's short ion diffusion path in the [010] channel, favoring Li+ diffusion. The diffusion energy barriers of Li+ and Na+ are calculated using Density Functional Theory (DFT) before and after prelithiation, showing good agreement with experimental results.
PTBP1 Regulates DNMT3B Alternative Splicing by Interacting With RALY to Enhance the Radioresistance of Prostate Cancer
Authors: He Haixia , Zhou Qianghua , Zhang Yangjie , Li Yi , Ding Lin , Shen Ting , Liu Sen , Peng Shengmeng , Huang Ming , Zhou Hua , Cheng Liang , Xie Ruihui , Zhang Qiang , Lu Junlin , Li Liting , Yang Jing , Bai Shoumin , Lin Tianxin , Chen Xu
Published: September 2024

Radiotherapy is a curative arsenal for prostate cancer (PCa), but radioresistance seriously compromises its effectiveness. Dysregulated RNA splicing factors are extensively involved in tumor progression. Nonetheless, the role of splicing factors in radioresistance remains largely unexplored in PCa. Here, 23 splicing factors that are differentially expressed between PCa and adjacent normal tissues across multiple public PCa databases are identified. Among those genes, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) is significantly upregulated in PCa and is positively associated with advanced clinicopathological features and poor prognosis. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments demonstrate that PTBP1 markedly reinforces genomic DNA stability to desensitize PCa cells to irradiation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PTBP1 interacts with the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNP) associated with lethal yellow protein homolog (RALY) and regulates exon 5 splicing of DNA methyltransferase 3b (DNMT3B) from DNMT3B‐S to DNMT3B‐L. Furthermore, upregulation of DNMT3B‐L induces promoter methylation of dual‐specificity phosphatase‐2 (DUSP2) and subsequently inhibits DUSP2 expression, thereby increasing radioresistance in PCa. The findings highlight the role of splicing factors in inducing aberrant splicing events in response to radiotherapy and the potential role of PTBP1 and DNMT3B‐L in reversing radioresistance in PCa.
Titania‐Based Coral‐Structured Solar Absorber Coating with Improved Scalability and Durability at High Temperature
Authors: Guo Yifan , Tsuda Kaoru , Mohsenzadeh Milad , Hosseini Sahar , Murakami Yasushi , Coventry Joe , Torres Juan F.
Published: September 2024

Solar energy harvesting and storage are essential in the future mix of renewable energy technologies. Hierarchical coral‐structured coatings have been shown to yield high solar absorptance in concentrating solar thermal (CST) systems. However, interfacial delamination and scalability challenges owing to material complexity pose significant hurdles for the widespread industrial adoption of these hierarchical CST coatings. Here, a coral‐structured coating is proposed whose black pigments are strongly bonded by titania, which is a material that mitigates interfacial delamination. Importantly, this coating follows a facile deposition procedure suitable for large‐scale solar receivers. The drone‐deposited coating inhibits cation diffusion and maintains a stable solar absorptance of even after long‐term (3000 h) high‐temperature () aging. The scalability of developed coating represents a substantial advancement in the implementation of light‐trapping enhancement and maintenance approaches across a wide range of CST applications.
2D to 3D Magnetism in Synthetic Micas
Authors: Rosas‐Huerta José Luis , Wolber Jonas , Minaud Claire , Fabelo Oscar , Ritter Clemens , Mentré Olivier , Arévalo‐López Ángel M.
Published: September 2024

Fe‐based mica minerals usually display two opposing magnetic ground states, either they behave as spin‐glasses or as layered ferrimagnets. No definite reason has been proposed as an explanation for this duality. This conundrum is unraveled by comparing the synthetic micas KFe3[MGe3]O10X2 with M═Fe and Ga, X═OH− and F−. Neutron diffraction demonstrates a 2D to 3D magnetic transition in KFe3[FeGe3]O10(OH)2 while just hints or no order at all are observed for the fluorides with M═Fe and Ga respectively. The 3D transition is triggered by the presence of iron in the intralayer tetrahedra. DFT+U calculations show that the magnetic exchange couplings between the previously believed solely magnetic octahedral layers would otherwise be frustrated without this intralayer iron.
Combinatorial Optimization of Metal‐Insulator‐Insulator‐Metal (MIIM) Diodes With Thickness‐Gradient Films via Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Alshehri Abdullah H. , Asgarimoghaddam Hatameh , Delumeau Louis‐Vincent , Nguyen Viet Huong , Ali AlRasheed , Aljaghtham Mutabe , Alamry Ali , Ozyigit Dogu , Yavuz Mustafa , Musselman Kevin P.
Published: September 2024

Metal‐insulator‐insulator‐metal (MIIM) diodes with thickness‐gradient films for the insulator layers are fabricated for the first time. Spatially varying atmospheric‐pressure chemical vapor deposition is used to deposit ZnO and Al2O3 films with orthogonal gradient directions, producing 414 MIIM diodes with 414 different ZnO/Al2O3 film‐thickness combinations on a single substrate for combinatorial and high‐throughput optimization. The nm‐scale ZnO/Al2O3 films are printed in only 2 min and the entire device fabrication takes 7 h, which is much less than conventional approaches for investigating many insulator‐thickness combinations. Rapid identification of the optimal thickness combination is demonstrated; high‐performance diodes (asymmetry = 227, nonlinearity = 13.1, and responsivity = 12 A/W) are observed when a trap‐assisted tunneling mechanism is dominant for insulator thicknesses of 3.4–4.4 nm (ZnO) and 7.4 nm (Al2O3).
Recent Advances in the Large‐Scale Production of Photo/Electrocatalysts for Energy Conversion and beyond
Authors: Li Jinhao , Li Zixian , Sun Qiuhong , Wang Yujun , Li Yang , Peng Yung‐Kang , Li Ye , Zhang Ce , Liu Bin , Zhao Yufei
Published: September 2024

Photocatalysis and electrocatalysis have emerged as promising technologies for addressing the energy crisis and environmental issues. However, the widespread application of these technologies is hampered by the challenge of scaling up the production of photo/electrocatalysts that are not only highly active and stable but also cost‐effective and environmentally benign. This review delves into the latest advancements in the large‐scale synthesis of photo/electrocatalysts. The factors to be considered in the large‐scale production of catalysts are discussed first. The synthesis methods for batch preparation of photo/electrocatalysts are then comprehensively introduced, with a thorough discussion of their respective advantages and limitations. Moreover, the data analysis via machine learning techniques, which not only accelerates the identification and refinement of potential new catalysts but also offers insights for enhancing the high‐throughput synthesis of catalysts, is introduced in detail. Then the representative examples are presented to illustrate the applications of large‐scale catalysts in the field of industrial‐level photo/electrocatalysis. Finally, the challenges and prospects in the development of large‐scale production of photo/electrocatalysts are discussed. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application, this review aims to provide a reference for the future of large‐scale preparation of photo/electrocatalysts in sustainable energy conversion and beyond.
Crystal Step‐Induced Uniform and Rapid Deposition on Zinc Anodes
Authors: Yan Mengdie , Zhao Xuesong , Chen Diancheng , Li Wanxia , Liu Liqi , Sun Yang , Jiao Shuhong , Pan Huilin
Published: September 2024

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries have emerged as promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage owing to their high safety and low cost. However, dendrite growth and side reactions compromise the stability of the Zn anode in practical applications. Here, a novel Zn anode featuring well‐designed crystal steps along the (002) facets, referred to as Step‐Zn is introduced. The intersections of the (002) and (100) planes in these crystal steps create preferential adsorption sites for Zn2⁺ ions, promoting initial electro‐epitaxial growth of Zn that uniformly covers the crystal steps. This process effectively regulates subsequent Zn deposition, ensuring fast reaction kinetics and smooth morphology without dendrite formation. Consequently, the unique Step‐Zn anode exhibits excellent cycle life over 6000 times at 3 mA cm−2 and low greatly reduced polarization voltage under high areal currents and capacities. Integrated with activated carbon (AC) cathode, the Step‐Zn||AC full cell demonstrates excellent durability over 10 000 cycles at 5 A g−1. This work offers valuable insights into controlling Zn deposition modes by engineering the surface microstructure of Zn anodes with greatly extended cycling stability.
Global optimization for large‐scale water network synthesis based on dynamic partition and adaptive bound tightening
Authors: Zhou Wenjin , Liu Linlin , Du Jian
Published: September 2024

The synthesis of large‐scale integrated water networks is typically formulated as nonconvex mixed‐integer quadratic constrained programming (MIQCP) or QCP problems. With the complexity arising from bilinear terms in modeling mass flows of contaminants and binary variables representing the presence of units or streams, numerous local optima exist, thus presenting a significant optimization challenge. This study introduces a deterministic global optimization algorithm based on mixed‐integer programming (MIP) to tackle such problems. The approach involves dynamically strengthening the relaxed problems to converge towards the original problems. A simultaneous partition strategy is proposed combining locally uniform division with dynamic partitioned variables choosing. Furthermore, several adaptive bound contraction schemes are introduced to efficiently manage the size of the relaxed problems, assisting in accelerating the solution process. The algorithm's effectiveness and robustness are demonstrated with a large test set, showing superior performance compared to commercial solvers specifically on MIQCP problems.
Perspectives and Insights Into Phenylketonuria: Patient Narratives About the Early Years Following Newborn Screening
Authors: Holmes Brittany M. , Hollander Suzanne , Sacharow Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Newborn screening for Phenylketonuria (PKU) began in 1963, and since then knowledge and treatment recommendations have evolved. In the decades following newborn screening for PKU, individual and family experiences varied widely. We present narratives by people living with PKU during these years, including individuals actively following in PKU clinic and those who have been out of PKU clinic for many years. These stories describe different individual experiences, including diet discontinuation in childhood, changing treatment guidelines, and new treatments that have become available.
Fluorine‐Lodged High‐Valent High‐Entropy Layered Double Hydroxide for Efficient, Long‐Lasting Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Li Bo , Zhong Jing , Wang Hao , Gu Jialun , Lyu Fucong , Chen Shengmei , Wu Haikun , Li Lanxi , Zhi Chunyi , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang
Published: September 2024

Efficient and stable bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts are urgently needed to unlock the full potential of zinc‐air batteries (ZABs). High‐valence oxides (HVOs) and high entropy oxides (HEOs) are suitable candidates for their optimal electronic structures and stability but suffer from demanding synthesis. Here, a low‐cost fluorine‐lodged high‐valent high‐entropy layered double hydroxide (HV‐HE‐LDH) (FeCoNi2F4(OH)4) is conveniently prepared through multi‐ions co‐precipitation, where F− are firmly embedded into the individual hydroxide layers. Spectroscopic detections and theoretical simulations reveal high valent metal cations are obtained in FeCoNi2F4(OH)4, which enlarge the energy band overlap between metal 3d and O 2p, enhancing the electronic conductivity and charge transfer, thus affording high intrinsic OER catalytic activity. More importantly, the strengthened metal‐oxygen (M−O) bonds and stable octahedral geometry (M−O(F)6) in FeCoNi2F4(OH)4 prevent structural reorganization, rendering long‐term catalytic stability. Furthermore, an efficient three‐phase reaction interface with fast oxygen transportation was constructed, significantly improving the ORR activity. ZABs assembled with FeCoNi2F4(OH)4@HCC (hydrophobic carbon cloth) cathodes deliver a top performance with high round‐trip energy efficiency (61.3 % at 10 mA cm−2) and long‐term stability (efficiency remains at 58.8 % after 1050 charge–discharge cycles).
Photoinduced Pd‐Catalyzed Direct Sulfonylation of Allylic C−H Bonds
Authors: Mukherjee Kallol , Cheung Kelvin Pak Shing , Gevorgyan Vladimir
Published: September 2024

Allylic sulfones are valuable motifs due to their medicinal and biological significance and their versatile chemical reactivities. While direct allylic C−H sulfonylation represents a straightforward and desirable approach, these methods are primarily restricted to terminal alkenes, leaving the engagement of the internal counterparts a formidable challenge. Herein we report a photocatalytic approach that accommodates both cyclic and acyclic internal alkenes with diverse substitution patterns and electronic properties. Importantly, the obtained allylic sulfones can be readily diversified into a wide range of products, thus enabling formal alkene transposition and all‐carbon quaternary center formation through the sequential C−H functionalization.
An Insight Into Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Structure, Photophysical Property by ESIPT Processes and Biological Activities of Schiff Base Copper Complex
Authors: Rama Iravatham , Nathiya Singaravel , Panneerselvam Murugesan , Subashini Annamalai , Costa Luciano T. , Jeeva Gothandam , Achiraman Shanmugam , Dhinesh Kumar
Published: September 2024

A novel Schiff base (BSSMO) and its copper complex have been synthesized, and their structure was delineated using single crystal XRD studies. Computational techniques were used to design and evaluate BSSMO‐based luminophores, revealing a significant intramolecular hydrogen bond within the molecule. Understanding ESIPT is crucial for optimizing photophysical and luminophore properties of organic molecules, especially for advancing optoelectronic devices. The study also explored the mechanisms of GSIPT and ESIPT for these BSSMO‐based luminophores using transition state theory, charge distribution, molecular orbital analysis, and quantum theory of atoms in molecules. Results advocated that BSSMO‐L2 exhibits higher absorption compared with BSSMO‐L1 and the same trend is observed in emission spectral studies. However, the intensity of enol emissions in BSSMO‐L2 is lower than that of keto (BSSMO‐L3) emissions and the S1 (Keto form) emission of BSSMO‐L3 shows significantly larger values, making it attractive for optoelectronic devices. The findings offer valuable insights for the development of ESIPT emitters with distinct photophysical properties. The in silico antidiabetic study of BSSMO‐L2 explores the interaction with PPAR‐γ protein, revealing a moderate affinity and stable complex, enhancing its bio‐potential for future applications. The in vitro anticancer study of Cu‐BSSMO‐L2 complex shows a potential anticancer effect through mitochondrial and extrinsic death receptor mediated pathways. These insights contribute to the design of novel benzenesulfonamide‐based bioactive molecules.
Schlankheitskur für Stützen in einer Bonner Tiefgarage
Authors: Walz Marcus , Bach Alexander , Scherzer Jan , Loos Julian
Published: September 2024

Unter der Bundesstraße 56 in Bonn befindet sich eine Tiefgarage, die sich über drei Untergeschosse erstreckt und 425 Parkplätze bietet. Die Zugangsmöglichkeiten sind über die Straße Annagraben und eine Zufahrtsrampe unter dem Sterntorhaus. Über der Tiefgarage verläuft eine Straßenbahntrasse. Die Tiefgarage, errichtet in den 1960er‐Jahren, trägt Lasten aus Schwerverkehr und Straßenbahn durch massive Stützen in den Untergrund ab. Aufgrund der starken Kontaminierung des Betons durch Chloride, insbesondere im Bereich der Stützen, ist eine umfangreiche Instandsetzung der Tiefgarage erforderlich. Zudem entspricht die Betondeckung nicht mehr dem Stand der Technik und ist v. a. an den Stützen deutlich zu gering. Da die Stellplatzbreiten mit 2,20 m sehr nutzerunfreundlich sind, ist eine Instandsetzung durch Erhöhung der Betondeckung nicht möglich. Aus diesem Grund hat man sich dazu entschlossen, die betreffenden Stützen, insgesamt 154 Stück, vollständig zu entfernen und anschließend wieder neu mit geringeren Abmessungen zu erstellen. Die Nachrechnung der obersten Stahlbetondecke erfolgte nach der „Richtlinie zur Nachrechnung von Straßenbrücken im Bestand“. Verkehrslast und Erdüberschüttung wurden präzise vermessen. Die ausreichende Tragfähigkeit der Decke wurde nachgewiesen. Neue Stützen werden stumpf angeschlossen und nicht monolithisch mit den bestehenden Decken verbunden, was eine Neuberechnung der Stahlbetonkonstruktion erfordert. Eine Fertigteillösung wurde wegen Einbringungsproblemen verworfen. Aufgrund der Brandschutzanforderungen wurde eine Stahlbetonlösung bevorzugt. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass die vorgeschlagene Lösung tragfähig und brandschutzkonform ist.
Association Between Self‐Reported Infections and Seropositivity Among Pregnant Women With Gastroschisis: A Case Control Study, With Emphasis on Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Feldkamp M. L. , Baum‐Jones E. , Enioutina E. Y. , Krikov S. , Kamath K.
Published: September 2024

Background

Gastroschisis is a birth defect with the greatest risk among women <20 years of age.

Methods

Pregnant women attending the University of Utah's Maternal‐Fetal Medicine Diagnostic Center between 2011 and 2017 for either their routine diagnostic ultrasound or referral were recruited (cases: pregnant women with fetal gastroschisis, n = 53 participated/57, 93%; controls: pregnant women without fetal abnormalities, n = 102 participated/120, 85%). A clinic coordinator consented and interviewed women and obtained a blood sample and prenatal medical records. We evaluated self‐reported maternal characteristics, risk factors, and infections. To assess pathogen seropositivity we used Serimmune's Serum Epitope Repertoire Analysis validated 35 pathogen panels and Chlamydia trachomatis and compared seropositivity to self‐report and prenatal medical record screening to assess sensitivity.

Results

Cases were more likely to report a younger age at sexual debut (p = <0.01), more sexual partners (p = 0.02), being unmarried (p < 0.01), changing partners between pregnancies (p = <0.01), smoking cigarettes (<0.01), and a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) (p = 0.02). No differences were observed for self‐report of illicit drug use or periconceptional urinary tract infections. Cases had a higher seropositivity for cytomegalovirus (p = 0.01). No differences were observed for herpes simplex I, II, or Epstein–Barr. Though based on small numbers, C. trachomatis seropositivity was highest in cases (17%) compared to controls (8.8%) with the highest proportion observed in case women <20 years of age (cases 33%; controls 0%). Any STI (self‐report or seropositivity) was also highest among cases <20 years of age (cases 47%; controls 0%). Among C. trachomatis seropositive women, self‐report and prenatal medical record sensitivity was 27.8% and 3%, respectively.

Conclusions

Cases were more likely to engage in behaviors that can increase their risk of exposure to sexually transmitted pathogens. Case women <20 years of age had the highest proportion of C. trachomatis seropositivity and any STI. Prenatal medical records and self‐report were inadequate to identify a recent chlamydial infection whereas, the SERA assay is a novel approach for evaluating subclinical infections that may impact the developing embryo.
A highly specific red‐emitting fluorescent probe for monitoring of Cu2+ in living cells and zebrafish
Authors: Kong Shuai , Zhang Yan , Xie Lianke , Qi Guodong , Li Yanping , Dai Haitao , Qi Qiubo , Chen Yimin
Published: September 2024

A novel seminaphthorhodafluor‐based fluorescent probe was designed and prepared. It exhibited an outstanding off–on fluorescence response (about 45‐fold enhancement) to Cu2+ because the structure changed from a spirocyclic form to a ring‐open state. It showed satisfactory detection performances for Cu2+ with fast response speed, high selectivity and anti‐interference, and a low detection limit (22.9 nM) due to its long emission wavelength and off–on fluorescence response mode. This probe was also satisfactorily applied for the monitoring of Cu2+ in living cells and zebrafish.
Development of a multigene expression system using 2A peptides in Rhodosporidium toruloides
Authors: Guo Xiao , Bai Zhenzhen , Zhao Huimin , Shi Shuobo
Published: September 2024

In eukaryotes, gene expression typically requires individual promoter and terminator for each gene, making the expression of multiple genes tedious and sometimes too difficult to handle. This is especially true for underdeveloped nonmodel organisms with few genetic engineering tools and genetic elements such as Rhodosporidium toruloides. In contrast, polycistronic expression offers advantages such as smaller size and ease of cloning. Here we report the development of a multigene expression system using 2A peptides in R. toruloides. First, twenty‐two 2A peptides were evaluated for their cleavage efficiencies, which ranged from 33.65% to 93.32%. Subsequently, the 2A peptide of ERBV‐1 with the highest efficiency was selected to enable simultaneous expression of four proteins. In addition, we demonstrated the optimization of the α‐linolenic acid biosynthetic pathway using ERBV‐1 peptide mediated polycistronic expression, which increased the α‐linolenic acid production by 104.72%. These results suggest that using ERBV‐1 peptide is an efficient strategy for multigene expression in R. toruloides.
Exploring the power of informal institutions: How does social trust affect corporate's greenwashing strategy
Authors: Shuang Qi , Lu Jintao , Wang Sen , Callari Denise , Cucari Nicola
Published: September 2024

Corporate greenwashing seriously impedes global sustainable development. Despite the discussion on the factors influencing corporate greenwashing strategy, the impact of informal institutions, particularly social trust, remains underexplored. Based on institutional theory and the attention‐based view, this study examines the effect of social trust on corporate greenwashing strategy. Additionally, it also explores the mediating roles of managers' environmental attention and firms' green open innovation, as well as the moderating roles of government environmental regulation and market competition. Using a sample of 3,143 heavily polluting companies listed on China's A‐share market, the results show that social trust negatively impacts corporate greenwashing strategy. Managers' environmental attention and firms' green open innovation are the chain mediators through which social trust constrains firms' greenwashing strategy. Moreover, government environmental regulation strengthens the effect of social trust on corporate greenwashing, while market competition weakens the effect. The obtained conclusions provide an important guidance for curbing corporate greenwashing strategy and highlight the role of social trust.
Fed‐batch strategies for intensified rVSV vector production in high cell density cultures of suspension HEK293 cells
Authors: Silva Cristina A. T. , Kamen Amine A. , Henry Olivier
Published: September 2024

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) has been increasingly demonstrated as a promising viral vector platform. As the interest over this modality for vaccine and gene therapy applications increases, the need for intensified processes to produce these vectors emerge. In this study, we develop fed‐batch‐based operations to intensify the production of a recombinant VSV‐based vaccine candidate (rVSV‐SARS‐CoV‐2) in suspension cultures of HEK293 cells. A feeding strategy, in which a commercial concentrated medium was added to cultures based on cell growth through a fixed cell specific feeding rate (CSFR), was applied for the development of two different processes using Ambr250 modular bioreactors. Cultures operated in hybrid fed‐batch/perfusion (FB/P) or fed‐batch (FB) were able to sustain infections performed at 8.0 × 106 cells/mL, respectively resulting in 3.9 and 5.0‐fold increase in total yield (YT) and 1.7 and 5.6‐fold increase in volumetric productivity (VP) when compared with a batch reference. A maximum viral titer of 4.5 × 1010 TCID50/mL was reached, which is comparable or higher than other processes for VSV production in different cell lines. Overall, our study reports efficient fed‐batch options to intensify the production of a rVSV‐based vaccine candidate in suspension HEK293 cells.
MRSA Inhibitory Activity of Some New Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines Linked to Arene and/or Furan or Thiophene Units
Authors: Elneairy Mohamed A. A. , Youssef Emad G. N. , Ebrahim Sama A. A. , Mohammad Nour E. M. , Abd El‐Rahman Nourhan M. S. , Elhewaty Ahmed S. M. , Sanad Sherif M. H. , Mekky Ahmed E. M.
Published: September 2024

Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major contributor to hospital‐acquired infections and is highly resistant to treatment. Ongoing research focuses on developing new antimicrobial medications to prevent the spread of resistance. A facile method was employed to efficiently synthesize new pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines in 84–93 % yields by reacting 4‐benzyl‐1H‐pyrazole‐3,5‐diamine with the respective α,β‐unsaturated ketones. The reaction was carried out in ethanol containing 1.2 equivalents of potassium hydroxide at reflux for 5–6 h. The new products are attached to a para‐substituted aryl group with variable electronic properties at pyrazolopyrimidine‐C5, in addition to one of three units at C7, namely phenyl, thiophen‐2‐yl, or furan‐2‐yl units. A wide spectrum of antibacterial activity was displayed by the new pyrimidines against six different bacterial strains. In general, pyrimidines attached to furan‐2‐yl units at C7, in addition to another aryl unit at C5, attached to 4‐Me or 4‐OMe groups, demonstrate significant antibacterial activity, particularly against S. aureus strain. They had MIC/MBC of 2.5/5.1 and 2.4/4.9 μM, respectively, which exceeded that of ciprofloxacin. Moreover, they demonstrate more effective MRSA inhibitory activity than linezolid, with MIC/MBC values up to 4.9/19.7 and 2.4/19.7 μM against MRSA ATCC:33591 and ATCC:43300 strains, respectively.
Ectonucleotidase activity driven by acid ectophosphatase in luminal A MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Lacerda‐Abreu Marco Antonio , Mendonça Bruna dos Santos , Nestal de Moraes Gabriela , Meyer‐Fernandes José Roberto
Published: September 2024

Ectophosphatases catalyse the hydrolysis of phosphorylated molecules, such as phospho‐amino acids, in the extracellular environment. Nevertheless, the hydrolysis of nucleotides in the extracellular environment is typically catalysed by ectonucleotidases. Studies have shown that acid ectophosphatase, or transmembrane‐prostatic acid phosphatase (TM‐PAP), a membrane‐bound splice variant of prostatic acid phosphatase, has ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase activity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that ectophosphatase cannot hydrolyse ATP, ADP, or AMP in triple‐negative breast cancer cells. In contrast to previous findings in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the ectophosphatase studied in the present work displayed a remarkable capacity to hydrolyse AMP in luminal A breast cancer cells (MCF‐7). We showed that AMP dose‐dependently inhibited p‐nitrophenylphosphate (p‐NPP) hydrolysis. The p‐NPP and AMP hydrolysis showed similar biochemical behaviours, such as increased hydrolysis under acidic conditions and comparable inhibition by NiCl2, ammonium molybdate, and sodium orthovanadate. In addition, this ectophosphatase with ectonucleotidase activity was essential for the release of adenosine and inorganic phosphate from phosphorylated molecules available in the extracellular microenvironment. This is the first study to show that prostatic acid phosphatase on the membrane surface of breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) is correlated with cell adhesion and migration.
Establishment and characterization of fibroblast lines from the northern tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus, Schreber, 1775) during extended passage and cryopreservation
Authors: Viana João Vitor da Silva , de Oliveira Lhara Ricarliany Medeiros , Rodrigues Luanna Lorenna Vieira , Silva Yara Letícia Frutuoso e , Rodrigues Ana Lívia Rocha , Silva Alexandre Rodrigues , Alves Patrícia Vasconcelos , Silva Herlon Victor Rodrigues , Pereira Alexsandra Fernandes
Published: September 2024

The establishment of fibroblast lines enables several applications from the formation of biobanks for the conservation of biodiversity to the use of these cells in physiological and toxicological assays. Considered a species vulnerable to extinction, the characterization of fibroblastic lines of northern tiger cat would contribute to its conservation. Therefore, we established and characterized fibroblasts derived from northern tiger cat during extended passage (third, seventh, and eleventh passages) and cryopreservation with regard to the morphology, viability, apoptotic classification, metabolism, proliferative activity, and oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Initially, we identified four dermal fibroblast lines by morphology, immunophenotyping, and karyotyping assays. In vitro culture after the third, seventh, and eleventh passages did not affect the viability, apoptotic classification, and ROS levels. Nevertheless, cells at seventh and eleventh passages featured a reduction in metabolism and an alteration in ΔΨm when compared to third passage cells. Additionally, cells at eleventh passage showed changes in the proliferative activity and morphology when compared to other passages. Regarding cryopreservation, no effect was observed on cryopreserved cells for morphology, viability, apoptotic classification, metabolism, and proliferative activity. Nevertheless, cryopreserved cells had alteration for ROS levels and ΔΨm. In summary, fibroblasts from northern tiger cat were affected by extended passage (seventh and eleventh passages) and cryopreservation. Adjustments to the in vitro culture and cryopreservation are necessary to reduce cellular oxidative stress caused by in vitro conditions.