bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomimetic Bilayered Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: From Current Design Strategies to Medical Applications
Authors: Bertsch Christelle , Maréchal Hélène , Gribova Varvara , Lévy Benjamin , Debry Christian , Lavalle Philippe , Fath Léa
Published: February 2023

Tissue damage due to cancer, congenital anomalies, and injuries needs new efficient treatments that allow tissue regeneration. In this context, tissue engineering shows a great potential to restore the native architecture and function of damaged tissues, by combining cells with specific scaffolds. Scaffolds made of natural and/or synthetic polymers and sometimes ceramics play a key role in guiding cell growth and formation of the new tissues. Monolayered scaffolds, which consist of uniform material structure, are reported as not being sufficient to mimic complex biological environment of the tissues. Osteochondral, cutaneous, vascular, and many other tissues all have multilayered structures, therefore multilayered scaffolds seem more advantageous to regenerate these tissues. In this review, recent advances in bilayered scaffolds design applied to regeneration of vascular, bone, cartilage, skin, periodontal, urinary bladder, and tracheal tissues are focused on. After a short introduction on tissue anatomy, composition and fabrication techniques of bilayered scaffolds are explained. Then, experimental results obtained in vitro and in vivo are described, and their limitations are given. Finally, difficulties in scaling up production of bilayer scaffolds and reaching the stage of clinical studies are discussed when multiple scaffold components are used.
Spin‐Controlled Helical Quantum Sieve Chiral Spectrometer
Authors: Maity Arnab , Hershkovitz‐Pollak Yael , Gupta Ritu , Wu Weiwei , Haick Hossam
Published: February 2023

This article reports on a molecular‐spin‐sensitive‐antenna (MSSA) that is based on stacked layers of organically functionalized graphene on a fibrous helical cellulose network for carrying out spatiotemporal identification of chiral enantiomers. The MSSA structures combine three complementary features: (i) chiral separation via a helical quantum sieve for chiral trapping, (ii) chiral recognition by a synthetically implanted spin‐sensitive center in a graphitic lattice; and (iii) chiral selectivity by a chirality‐induced‐spin mechanism that polarizes the local electronic band‐structure in graphene through chiral‐activated Rashba spin–orbit interaction field. Combining the MSSA structures with decision‐making principles based on neuromorphic artificial intelligence shows fast, portable, and wearable spectrometry for the detection and classification of pure and a mixture of chiral molecules, such as butanol (S and R), limonene (S and R), and xylene isomers, with 95–98% accuracy. These results can have a broad impact where the MSSA approach is central as a precautionary risk assessment against potential hazards impacting human health and the environment due to chiral molecules; furthermore, it acts as a dynamic monitoring tool of all parts of the chiral molecule life cycles.
The Emerging Layered Hydroxide Plates with Record Thickness for Enhanced High‐Mass‐Loading Energy Storage
Authors: Guo Wei , Dun Chaochao , Marcus Matthew A. , Venturi Victor , Gainsforth Zack , Yang Feipeng , Feng Xuefei , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian , Urban Jeffrey J. , Yu Chang , Zhang Qiuyu , Guo Jinghua , Qiu Jieshan
Published: February 2023

The past decade has witnessed the development of layered‐hydroxide‐based self‐supporting electrodes, but the low active mass ratio impedes its all‐around energy‐storage applications. Herein, the intrinsic limit of layered hydroxides is broken by engineering F‐substituted β‐Ni(OH)2 (Ni–F–OH) plates with a sub‐micrometer thickness (over 700 nm), producing a superhigh mass loading of 29.8 mg cm−2 on the carbon substrate. Theoretical calculation and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy analysis demonstrate that Ni–F–OH shares the β‐Ni(OH)2‐like structure with slightly tuned lattice parameters. More interestingly, the synergy modulation of NH4+ and F− is found to serve as the key enabler to tailor these sub‐micrometer‐thickness 2D plates thanks to the modification effects on the (001) plane surface energy and local OH− concentration. Guided by this mechanism, the superstructures of bimetallic hydroxides and their derivatives are further developed, revealing they are a versatile family with great promise. The tailored ultrathick phosphide superstructure achieves a superhigh specific capacity of 7144 mC cm−2 and a superior rate capability (79% at 50 mA cm−2). This work highlights a multiscale understanding of how exceptional structure modulation happens in low‐dimensional layered materials. The as‐built unique methodology and mechanisms will boost the development of advanced materials to better meet future energy demands.
Interlayer‐Spacing Engineering of Lead‐Free Perovskite Single Crystal for High‐Performance X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Chen Ming , Dong Xiaofeng , Chu Depeng , Jia Binxia , Zhang Xiaojie , Zhao Zeqin , Hao Jinglu , Zhang Yunxia , Feng Jiangshan , Ren Xiaodong , Liang Yuqian , Shi Ruixin , Najar Adel , Liu Yucheng , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: February 2023

Lead‐free A3Bi2I9‐type perovskites are demonstrated as a class of promising semiconductors for high‐performance X‐ray detection due to their high bulk resistivity and strong X‐ray absorption, as well as reduced ion migration. However, due to their long interlamellar distance along their c‐axis, their limited carrier transport along the vertical direction is a bottleneck for their detection sensitivity. Herein, a new A‐site cation of aminoguanidinium (AG) with all‐NH2 terminals is designed to shorten the interlayer spacing by forming more and stronger NH···I hydrogen bonds. The prepared large AG3Bi2I9 single crystals (SCs) render shorter interlamellar distance for a larger mobility‐lifetime product of 7.94 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, which is three times higher than the value measured on the best MA3Bi2I9 SC (2.87 × 10−3 cm2 V−1). Therefore, the X‐ray detectors fabricated on the AG3Bi2I9 SC exhibit high sensitivity of 5791 uC Gy−1 cm−2, a low detection limit of 2.6 nGy s−1, and a short response time of 690 µs, all of which are far better than those of the state‐of‐the‐art MA3Bi2I9 SC detectors. The combination of high sensitivity and high stability enables astonishingly high spatial resolution (8.7 lp mm−1) X‐ray imaging. This work will facilitate the development of low‐cost and high‐performance lead‐free X‐ray detectors.
Multiexciton Generation from a 2D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite with Nearly 200% Quantum Yield of Red Phosphorescence
Authors: Wang Shuaiqi , Feng Shangwei , Li Renfu , Jin Jiance , Wu Junyan , Zheng Wei , Xia Zhiguo , Chen Xueyuan , Ling Qidan , Lin Zhenghuan
Published: February 2023

2D organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) show obvious advantages in the field of optoelectronics due to their high luminescent stability and good solution processability. However, the thermal quenching and self‐absorption of excitons caused by the strong interaction between the inorganic metal ions lead to a low luminescence efficiency of 2D perovskites. Herein, a 2D Cd‐based OIHP phenylammonium cadmium chloride (PACC) with a weak red phosphorescence (ΦP < 6%) at 620 nm and a blue afterglow is reported. Interestingly, the Mn‐doped PACC exhibits very strong red emission with nearly 200% quantum yield and 15 ms lifetime, thus resulting in a red afterglow. The experimental data prove that the doping of Mn2+ not only induces the multiexciton generation (MEG) process of the perovskite, avoiding the energy loss of inorganic excitons, but also promotes the Dexter energy transfer from organic triplet excitons to inorganic excitons, thus realizing the superefficient red‐light emission of Cd2+. This work suggests that guest metal ions can induce host metal ions to realize MEG in 2D bulk OIHPs, which provides a new idea for the development of optoelectronic materials and devices with ultrahigh energy utilization.
Energy‐Trapping Management in X‐Ray Storage Phosphors for Flexible 3D Imaging
Authors: Zhou Xinquan , Han Kai , Wang Yexin , Jin Jiance , Jiang Shangda , Zhang Qinyuan , Xia Zhiguo
Published: February 2023

X‐ray imaging has received sustained attention for healthcare diagnostics and nondestructive inspection. To develop photonic materials with tunable photophysical properties in principle accelerates radiation detection technologies. Here the rational design and synthesis of doped halide perovskite CsCdCl3:Mn2+, R4+ (R = Ti, Zr, Hf, and Sn) are reported as next generation X‐ray storage phosphors, and the capability is greatly improved by trap management via Mn2+ site occupation manipulation and heterovalent substitution. Specially, CsCdCl3:Mn2+, Zr4+ displays zero‐thermal‐quenching (TQ) radioluminescence and anti‐TQ X‐ray‐activated persistent luminescence even up to 448 K, further revealing the charge‐carrier compensation and redeployment mechanisms. X‐ray imaging with the resolution of 12.5 lp mm−1 is demonstrated, and convenient 3D X‐ray imaging for the curved objects is realized in a time‐lapse manner. This work demonstrates efficient modulation of energy traps to achieve high storage capacities and promote future research into flexible X‐ray detectors.
Periphery Fusion Strategy of a Carbazole‐Based Macrocycle toward Coplanar N‐Heterocycloarene for High‐Mobility Single‐Crystal Transistors
Authors: Zhang Ning , Li Wenhao , Zhu Jiangyu , Wang Teng , Zhang Rong , Chi Kai , Liu Yunqi , Zhao Yan , Lu Xuefeng
Published: February 2023

Designing (hetero)cycloarenes through the modifications of the π‐topology and molecular packing of organic semiconductors has recently garnered considerable attention. However, their applications as an organic active layer in field‐effect transistors are very limited, and the obtained hole carrier mobilities are less than 1 cm2 V‐1 s‐1. In this work, a novel alkyl‐substituted coplanar N‐heterocycloarene (FM‐C4) containing four carbazole units is successfully synthesized in crystalline form. As compared to the corresponding single‐bond‐linked carbazole‐based macrocycle M‐C4, it is found that the periphery fusion strategy greatly changes the electronic structures, energy levels, photophysical properties, host–guest interactions with fullerenes, and molecular crystal stacking motifs. In particular, the fully fused N‐heterocycloarene FM‐C4 exhibits a herringbone packing structure with an unusual long‐range π−π overlap distance as low as 3.19 Å, whereas the single crystal of M‐C4 demonstrates no π−π interactions. As a consequence, FM‐C4 in single‐crystal transistors displays the highest hole mobility of 2.06 cm2 V‐1 s‐1, significantly outperforming M‐C4 and all the reported (hetero)cycloarenes and suggesting the high potential of (hetero)cycloarenes for organic electronic applications.
Peptide‐Decorated Artificial Erythrocyte Microvesicles Endowed with Lymph Node Targeting Function for Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Gan , Cheng Wenjing , Yang Ni , Yang Baoye , Yu Shi , Zheng Jing , Li Miaomiao , Fu Yaling , Li Xinzhi , Song Yinhong , Zhang Zhihong , Yu Xiang
Published: February 2023

Microvesicles (MVs) are heterogeneous membrane‐bound sacs formed by direct plasma membrane budding, that have promising potential for targeted drug delivery and therapy. However, to date, they have limited application to lymph node (LN) targeting due to their large size. Herein, the direct size conversion of erythrocyte‐derived MVs (eMVs) via incubation with an ApoA‐I mimetic peptide (R4F) capable of binding phospholipids is performed. The interaction between the R4F peptide and phospholipid bilayers of eMVs limits the maximum possible length of the lipid‐bound conformation and induces the formation of small‐sized eMVs, which further endows them with SR‐B1 receptor and LN targeting functions. In a lymphadenitis model, dexamethasone (Dex)‐loaded eMVs functionalized with R4F peptide can specifically suppress the macrophage inflammatory response through the NF‐κB and p38 MAPK pathways along with reducing inflammatory cell infiltration to improve lymphadenitis. Moreover, celastrol (Cel)‐loaded eMVs functionalized with R4F peptide can significantly inhibit LN metastasis by selectively killing SR‐B1–overexpressing 4T1 tumor cells and inducing T cell‐mediated systemic antitumor immune responses in LN metastatic model of breast cancer. Thus, small R4F peptide‐decorated eMVs with SR‐B1–targeting ability provide an excellent drug delivery system for the targeted treatment of LN‐associated diseases, opening new frontiers for LN‐targeted drug delivery.
Intermixing‐Driven Surface and Bulk Ferromagnetism in the Quantum Anomalous Hall Candidate MnBi6Te10
Authors: Tcakaev Abdul‐Vakhab , Rubrecht Bastian , Facio Jorge I. , Zabolotnyy Volodymyr B. , Corredor Laura T. , Folkers Laura C. , Kochetkova Ekaterina , Peixoto Thiago R. F. , Kagerer Philipp , Heinze Simon , Bentmann Hendrik , Green Robert J. , Gargiani Pierluigi , Valvidares Manuel , Weschke Eugen , Haverkort Maurits W. , Reinert Friedrich , van den Brink Jeroen , Büchner Bernd , Wolter Anja U. B. , Isaeva Anna , Hinkov Vladimir
Published: February 2023

The recent realizations of the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE) in MnBi2Te4 and MnBi4Te7 benchmark the (MnBi2Te4)(Bi2Te3)n family as a promising hotbed for further QAHE improvements. The family owes its potential to its ferromagnetically (FM) ordered MnBi2Te4 septuple layers (SLs). However, the QAHE realization is complicated in MnBi2Te4 and MnBi4Te7 due to the substantial antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling between the SLs. An FM state, advantageous for the QAHE, can be stabilized by interlacing the SLs with an increasing number n of Bi2Te3 quintuple layers (QLs). However, the mechanisms driving the FM state and the number of necessary QLs are not understood, and the surface magnetism remains obscure. Here, robust FM properties in MnBi6Te10 (n = 2) with Tc ≈ 12 K are demonstrated and their origin is established in the Mn/Bi intermixing phenomenon by a combined experimental and theoretical study. The measurements reveal a magnetically intact surface with a large magnetic moment, and with FM properties similar to the bulk. This investigation thus consolidates the MnBi6Te10 system as perspective for the QAHE at elevated temperatures.
3D Printed Conductive Multiscale Nerve Guidance Conduit with Hierarchical Fibers for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Fang Yongcong , Wang Chengjin , Liu Zibo , Ko Jeonghoon , Chen Li , Zhang Ting , Xiong Zhuo , Zhang Lei , Sun Wei
Published: February 2023

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) have become a promising alternative for peripheral nerve regeneration; however, the outcome of nerve regeneration and functional recovery is greatly affected by the physical, chemical, and electrical properties of NGCs. In this study, a conductive multiscale filled NGC (MF‐NGC) consisting of electrospun poly(lactide‐co‐caprolactone) (PCL)/collagen nanofibers as the sheath, reduced graphene oxide /PCL microfibers as the backbone, and PCL microfibers as the internal structure for peripheral nerve regeneration is developed. The printed MF‐NGCs presented good permeability, mechanical stability, and electrical conductivity, which further promoted the elongation and growth of Schwann cells and neurite outgrowth of PC12 neuronal cells. Animal studies using a rat sciatic nerve injury model reveal that the MF‐NGCs promote neovascularization and M2 transition through the rapid recruitment of vascular cells and macrophages. Histological and functional assessments of the regenerated nerves confirm that the conductive MF‐NGCs significantly enhance peripheral nerve regeneration, as indicated by improved axon myelination, muscle weight increase, and sciatic nerve function index. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using 3D‐printed conductive MF‐NGCs with hierarchically oriented fibers as functional conduits that can significantly enhance peripheral nerve regeneration.
Antioxidant Cascade Nanoenzyme Antagonize Inflammatory Pain by Modulating MAPK/p‐65 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ling Yuejuan , Nie Dekang , Huang Yue , Deng Mengyuan , Liu Qianqian , Shi Jinlong , Ouyang Siguang , Yang Yu , Deng Song , Lu Zhichao , Yang Junling , Wang Yi , Huang Rongqin , Shi Wei
Published: February 2023

Chronic pain has attracted wide interest because it is a major obstacle affecting the quality of life. Consequently, safe, efficient, and low‐addictive drugs are highly desirable. Nanoparticles (NPs) with robust anti‐oxidative stress and anti‐inflammatory properties possess therapeutic possibilities for inflammatory pain. Herein, a bioactive zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐8‐capped superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Fe3O4 NPs (SOD&Fe3O4@ZIF‐8, SFZ) is developed to achieve enhanced catalytic, antioxidative activities, and inflammatory environment selectivity, ultimately improving analgesic efficacy. SFZ NPs reduce tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BOOH)‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, thereby depressing the oxidative stress and inhibiting the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory response in microglia. After intrathecal injection, SFZ NPs efficiently accumulate at the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord and significantly relieve complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced inflammatory pain in mice. Moreover, the detailed mechanism of inflammatory pain therapy via SFZ NPs is further studied, where SFZ NPs inhibit the activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p‐65 signaling pathway, leading to reductions in phosphorylated protein levels (p‐65, p‐ERK, p‐JNK, and p‐p38) and inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, interleukin [IL]‐6, and IL‐1β), thereby preventing microglia and astrocyte activation for acesodyne. This study provides a new cascade nanoenzyme for antioxidant treatments and explores its potential applications as non‐opioid analgesics.
In Vivo Assembly of Photosystem I‐Hydrogenase Chimera for In Vitro PhotoH2 Production
Authors: Wang Panpan , Frank Anna , Appel Jens , Boehm Marko , Strabel Nadine , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Conzuelo Felipe , Gutekunst Kirstin
Published: February 2023

Photosynthetic hydrogen (photoH2) production is an elegant approach to storing solar energy. The most efficient strategy is to couple the hydrogen‐producing enzyme, the hydrogenase (H2ase), directly to photosystem I (PSI), which is a light‐driven nanomachine found in photosynthetic organisms. PSI–H2ase fusions have been tested in vivo and in vitro. Both approaches have each their specific advantages and drawbacks. Here, a system to combine both approaches by assembling PSI–H2ase fusions in vivo for in vitro photoH2 production is established. For this, cyanobacterial PSI–H2ase fusion mutants are generated and characterized concerning photoH2 production in vivo. The chimeric protein is purified and embedded in a redox polymer on an electrode where it successfully produces photoH2 in vitro. The combination of in vivo and in vitro processes comes along with reciprocal benefits. The in vivo assembly ensures that the chimeric protein is fully functional and suited for the fabrication of bioelectrodes in vitro. At the same time, the photoelectrochemical in vitro characterization now permits to analyze the assemblies in detail. This will open avenues to optimize in vivo and in vitro approaches for photoH2 production in a target‐oriented manner in the future.
Unveiling the Mechanical and Electrochemical Evolution of Nanosilicon Composite Anodes in Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Cao Daxian , Ji Tongtai , Singh Avtar , Bak Seongmin , Du Yonghua , Xiao Xianghui , Xu Hongyi , Zhu Juner , Zhu Hongli
Published: February 2023

The utilization of silicon anodes in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries provides good prospects for facilitating high energy density. However, the compatibility of sulfide solid‐state electrolytes (SEs) with Si and carbon is often questioned due to potential decomposition. Herein, operando X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ex situ X‐ray nanotomography (XnT) are utilized to investigate the chemistry and structure evolution of nano‐Si composite anodes. Results from XANES demonstrate a partial decomposition of SEs during the first lithiation stage, which is intensified by the presence of carbon. Nevertheless, the performances of first three cycles in Si–SE–C are stable, which proves that the generated media is ionically conductive. XnT and SEM results show that the addition of SEs and carbon improves the structural stability of the anode, with fewer pores and voids. A chemo‐elasto‐plastic model reveals that SEs and carbon buffer the volume expansion of Si, thus enhancing mechanical stability. The balance between the pros and cons of SEs and carbon in enhancing reaction kinetics and structural stability enables the Si composite anode to demonstrate the highest Si utilization with higher specific capacities and a better rate than pure Si and Si composite anodes with only SEs.
Orientation Engineering via 2D Seeding for Stable 24.83% Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Wu Meizi , Liu Zhike , Yang Shaomin , Li Yong , Wang Jungang , Yang Lu , Han Yu , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: February 2023

Organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been extensively researched as a promising photovoltaic technology, wherein the orientation of the perovskite film plays a crucial role in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability. Here, a seed‐mediated method is developed to in situ grow a layer of 2D perovskite seed for epitaxial growth of 3D perovskite atop it to construct a high‐quality 2D/3D heterojunction. It is found that the epitaxial 3D perovskite film exhibits a preferred [112] direction, which is different from traditional perovskites with a preferred [001] orientation. The oriented perovskite film consists of large‐sized grains with low defect density, long charge‐carrier lifetime, and good stability, resulting in efficient PSCs with a champion efficiency of 24.83%. In addition, the devices exhibit high stability under ambient, thermal, and continuous light‐soaking conditions. This work provides an effective strategy for achieving high‐quality perovskite films with tunable orientation to simultaneously boost the efficiency and stability of PSCs.
Electronic Enhancement Engineering by Atomic Fe–N4 Sites for Highly‐Efficient PEMFCs: Tailored Electric‐Thermal Field on Pt Surface
Authors: Wang Kun , Yang Hao , Wang Qiushi , Yu Jinli , He Yu , Wang Yifan , Song Shuqin , Wang Yi
Published: February 2023

Lowering noble‐metal Pt usage and simultaneously enhancing electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability of Pt‐based ORR electrocatalysts is the key to realize the large‐scale application of fuel cells. Here, an effective strategy is developed to reduce Pt usage through the strong electron interaction between uniform Pt nanoparticles (≈4.0 nm) and abundant atomically dispersed Fe–N4 sites modified on an ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC) surface for efficiently enhancing ORR performance. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the strong electron interactions between Pt and Fe–N4 sites decrease the d‐band center of Pt in Pt@Fe–N–OMC‐2 by 0.21 eV relative to that of as‐prepared Pt@OMC, indicating the weakened O2 adsorption and accelerated desorption of oxygenated species on Pt sites. In situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the introduction of Fe–N4 moieties promotes the O–OH dissociation process. Finite element method simulations reveal that the electric and thermal field of the embedded Pt nanoparticle surface is enhanced through modifying Fe–N4 sites on the OMC surface, accelerating the accumulation of ORR‐related species (O2, H+, and H2O), which is conductive to electrocatalyzing the ORR. This innovative approach not only illustrates the synergistic mechanism between Pt and Fe–N4 sites, but also simultaneously provides new avenues to design advanced electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
A Deep Learning System to Predict Recurrence and Disability Outcomes in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack or Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Jing Jing , Liu Ziyang , Guan Hao , Zhu Wanlin , Zhang Zhe , Meng Xia , Cheng Jian , Pan Yuesong , Jiang Yong , Wang Yilong , Niu Haijun , Zhao Xingquan , Wen Wei , Lin Jinxi , Li Wei , Li Hao , Sachdev Perminder S. , Liu Tao , Li Zixiao , Tao Dacheng , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2023

Ischemic strokes (IS) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) account for approximately 80% of all strokes and are leading causes of death worldwide. Assessing the risk of recurrence or functional impairment in IS and TIA patients is essential to both acute phase treatment and secondary prevention. Current risk prediction systems that rely on clinical parameters alone without leveraging imaging data have only modest performance. Herein, a deep learning‐based risk prediction system (RPS) is developed to predict the probability of stroke recurrence or disability (i.e., deep‐learning stroke recurrence risk score, SRR score). Then, Kaplan–Meier analysis to evaluate the ability of SRR score to stratify patients at stroke recurrence risk is discussed. Using 15 166 Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR‐III) cases, the RPS's receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.850 for 14 day TIA recurrence prediction and 0.837 for 3 month IS disability prediction are used. Among patients deemed high risk by SRR score, 22.9% and 24.4% of individuals with TIA and IS respectively have stroke recurrence within 1 year, which are significantly higher than the rates in low‐risk individuals. Deep learning‐based RPS can outperform conventional risk scores and has the potential to assist accurate prognostication in stroke patients to optimize management.
Ultralow and Dynamic Flow Field Generator Composed of Microfluidic Peristaltic Pump
Authors: Che Bingchen , Sun Dan , Yan Ningzhe , Zhao Wei , Liu Yonggang , Jing Guangyin , Zhang Ce
Published: February 2023

Precise control over flow rate and flow pattern is critical for investigating the contribution of shear force in cellular responses, biofluidic transport, and living matter in a flowing environment. Generation and control over the ultralow flow fields at microscale are, however, difficult, due to thermal agitation and fluctuations in the surrounding environment. Herein, pa novel microfluidic flow field generator is proposed, capable of generating stable flow field down to the limit of thermal noise. Integrated with a customized MATLAB program controlling timely open–close of 18 monolithic PDMS valves, the flow generator outperforms the existing methods by both achievable low flow rate, that is, 0.01 nL s−1, temporal resolution of flow rate fluctuation down to 100 ms, and provides complex flow patterns. Moreover, unlike external devices (e.g., the syringe pump), the design can be easily integrated into any fluidic chip and sealed from the disturbance of experimental conditions, for example, the airflow and the movement of connected pipelines. The methodology is, therefore, suitable for biological and biophysical studies requiring a well‐defined flowing environment.
Carpal allometry of African apes among mammals
Authors: Goldstein Deanna M. , Sylvester Adam D.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Morphological variation in African ape carpals has been used to support the idea that Pan and Gorilla evolved knuckle‐walking independently. Little work, however, has focused on the effect of body mass on carpal morphology. Here, we compare carpal allometry in Pan and Gorilla to that of other quadrupedal mammals with similar body mass differences. If allometric trends in Pan and Gorilla carpals mirror those of other mammals with similar body mass variation, then body mass differences may provide a more parsimonious explanation for African ape carpal variation than the independent evolution of knuckle‐walking.

Materials and Methods

Three linear measurements were collected on the capitate, hamate, lunate, and scaphoid (or scapholunate) of 39 quadrupedal species from six mammalian families/subfamilies. Relationships between linear measurements and estimated body mass were analyzed using reduced major axis regression. Slopes were compared to 0.33 for isometry.

Results

Within Hominidae, higher body mass taxa (Gorilla) have relatively anteroposteriorly wider, mediolaterally wider, and/or proximodistally shorter capitates, hamates, and scaphoids than low body mass taxa (Pan). These allometric relationships are mirrored in most, but not all, mammalian families/subfamilies included in the analysis.

Conclusions

Within most mammalian families/subfamilies, carpals of high body mass taxa are proximodistally shorter, anteroposteriorly wider, and mediolaterally wider than those of low body mass taxa. These distinctions may be caused by the need to accommodate relatively higher forelimb loading associated with greater body mass. Because these trends occur within multiple mammalian families/subfamilies, some carpal variation in Pan and Gorilla is consistent with body mass differences.
Dementia occurring over a 32‐year follow‐up attributable to hypertension observed at different ages: Implications for dementia prevention
Authors: Smith Jason R. , Sharrett A. Richey , Pike James Russel , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Knopman David S. , Lee Mark , Lutsey Pamela L. , Palta Priya , Windham B. Gwen , Coresh Josef , Deal Jennifer A.
Published: February 2023

INTRODUCTION

The fraction of dementia attributable to hypertension might vary depending on the age of the population considered and the age through which dementia occurs.

METHODS

In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we quantified population attributable fractions (PAF) of dementia by age 80 and 90 from hypertension assessed at ages of 45–54 (n = 7572), 55–64 (n = 12,033), 65–74 (n = 6561), and 75–84 (n = 2086).

RESULTS

The PAF for dementia by age 80 from all non‐normal blood pressure at ages 45–54 was 15.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.9%–22.3%), 19.1% (95% CI = 9.9%–26.9%) at ages 55–64, and 19.9% (95% CI = −4.4%–38.5%) at ages 65–74. The strongest PAFs were from stage 2 hypertension (11.9%–21.3%). For dementia by age 90, PAFs from non‐normal blood pressure up through age 75 were smaller (10.9%–13.8%), and non‐significant by age 75–84.

DISCUSSION

Interventions targeting hypertension even in early late life might reduce a sizeable proportion of dementia.

Highlights

We estimated prospective population attributable risks of dementia for hypertension.

15%–20% of dementia cases by age 80 are from non‐normal blood pressure (BP).

Associations between hypertension and dementia persisted through age 75.

Midlife to early late‐life BP control might reduce a large proportion of dementia.
Measurement differences in the assessment of functional limitations for cognitive impairment classification across geographic locations
Authors: Nichols Emma , Ng Derek K. , Hayat Shabina , Langa Kenneth M. , Lee Jinkook , Steptoe Andrew , Deal Jennifer A. , Gross Alden L.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The measurement of dementia in cross‐national contexts relies on the assessment of functional limitations. We aimed to evaluate the performance of survey items on functional limitations across culturally diverse geographic settings.

Methods

We used data from the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol Surveys (HCAP) in five countries (total N = 11,250) to quantify associations between items on functional limitations and cognitive impairment.

Results

Many items performed better in the United States and England compared to South Africa, India, and Mexico. Items on the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSID) had the least variability across countries (SD = 0.73 vs. 0.92 [Blessed] and 0.98 [Jorm IQCODE]), but also the weakest associations with cognitive impairment (median odds ratio [OR] = 2.23 vs. 3.01 [Blessed] and 2.75 [Jorm IQCODE]).

Discussion

Differences in cultural norms for reporting functional limitations likely influences performance of items on functional limitations and may affect the interpretation of results from substantive studies.

Highlights

There was substantial cross‐country variation in item performance.

Items from the Community Screening Instrument for Dementia (CSID) had less cross‐country variability but lower performance.

There was more variability in performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) compared to activities of daily living (ADL) items.

Variability in cultural expectations of older adults should be taken into account.

Results highlight the need for novel approaches to assessing functional limitations.
Identification of Active Sites Formed on Cobalt Oxyhydroxide in Glucose Electrooxidation
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Quan , Zhou Hua , Dong Juncai , Xu Si‐Min , Xu Ming , Zheng Lirong , Xu Qian , Ma Lina , Li Zhenhua , Shao Mingfei , Duan Haohong
Published: February 2023

Transition‐metal‐based oxyhydroxides are efficient catalysts in biomass electrooxidation towards fossil‐fuel‐free production of valuable chemicals. However, identification of active sites remains elusive. Herein, using cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) as the archetype and the electrocatalyzed glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) as the model reaction, we track dynamic transformation of the electronic and atomic structure of the catalyst using a suite of operando and ex situ techniques. We reveal that two types of reducible Co3+‐oxo species are afforded for the GOR, including adsorbed hydroxyl on Co3+ ion (μ1‐OH−Co3+) and di‐Co3+‐bridged lattice oxygen (μ2‐O−Co3+). Moreover, theoretical calculations unveil that μ1‐OH−Co3+ is responsible for oxygenation, while μ2‐O−Co3+ mainly contributes to dehydrogenation, both as key oxidative steps in glucose‐to‐formate transformation. This work provides a framework for mechanistic understanding of the complex near‐surface chemistry of metal oxyhydroxides in biomass electrorefining.
Synergistic Fe−Se Atom Pairs as Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts Boost Low‐Temperature Rechargeable Zn‐Air Battery
Authors: Wang Yao , Wu Jiao , Tang Shuaihao , Yang Jiarui , Ye Chenliang , Chen Juan , Lei Yongpeng , Wang Dingsheng
Published: February 2023

Herein, we successfully construct bifunctional electrocatalysts by synthesizing atomically dispersed Fe−Se atom pairs supported on N‐doped carbon (Fe−Se/NC). The obtained Fe−Se/NC shows a noteworthy bifunctional oxygen catalytic performance with a low potential difference of 0.698 V, far superior to that of reported Fe‐based single‐atom catalysts. The theoretical calculations reveal that p‐d orbital hybridization around the Fe−Se atom pairs leads to remarkably asymmetrical polarized charge distributions. Fe−Se/NC based solid‐state rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs−Fe−Se/NC) present stable charge/discharge of 200 h (1090 cycles) at 20 mA cm−2at 25 °C, which is 6.9 times of ZABs−Pt/C+Ir/C. At extremely low temperature of −40 °C, ZABs−Fe−Se/NC displays an ultra‐robust cycling performance of 741 h (4041 cycles) at 1 mA cm−2, which is about 11.7 times of ZABs−Pt/C+Ir/C. More importantly, ZABs−Fe−Se/NC could be operated for 133 h (725 cycles) even at 5 mA cm−2at −40 °C.
Highly Strained Oxygen‐Doped Chiral Molecular Belts of the Zigzag‐Type with Strong Circularly Polarized Luminescence
Authors: Chen Jia‐Hui , Jiang Zhi‐Yu , Xiao Hai , Tong Shuo , Shi Tan‐Hao , Zhu Jieping , Wang Mei‐Xiang
Published: February 2023

Herein we report a two‐directional cyclization strategy for the synthesis of highly strained depth‐expanded oxygen‐doped chiral molecular belts of the zigzag‐type. From the easily accessible resorcin[4]arenes, an unprecedented cyclization cascade generating fused 2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐phenalenes has been developed to access expanded molecular belts. Stitching up the fjords through intramolecular nucleophilic aromatic substitution and ring‐closing olefin metathesis reactions furnished a highly strained O‐doped C2‐symmetric belt. The enantiomers of the acquired compounds exhibited excellent chiroptical properties. The calculated parallelly aligned electric (μ) and magnetic (m) transition dipole moments are translated to the high dissymmetry factor (|glum| up to 0.022). This study provides not only an appealing and useful strategy for the synthesis of strained molecular belts but also a new paradigm for the fabrication of belt‐derived chiroptical materials with high CPL activities.
Compatibilization of polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene blends using poly(propylene‐co‐ethylene)
Authors: Darweesh Mohamed H. , Stoll Bernhard , El‐Taweel Safaa H.
Published: February 2023

Ternary blends of polypropylene (PP), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and a random copolymer with 85% propylene and 15% ethylene (trade name Vistamaxx 6202, abbreviated here as VM) have been investigated to elucidate the efficiency of this additive in the management of recycling streams. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that VM will induce simultaneous crystallization of PP and HDPE. Polarized Optical Microscopy revealed a breakdown in the spherulitic structure already at 10% of additive (for blends with ratio PP: HDPE = 1:1), respectively 17%, (for PP/HDPE = 7:3). A similar threshold was found in the impact strength, and stress–strain‐curves. This means that VM is also advantageous for recycling of PP: HDPE blends, especially those with high PP content.
Microcrack self‐healing capability of waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate composites with dynamic disulfide bond
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wang Peng , Sun Zhanying , An Haoran , Wang Xin , Li Na
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a series of self‐healing waterborne polyurethane/polyacrylate composites (SWPUA) with different disulfide content on the main chain were synthesized. The SWPUAs were synthesized from isophorone diisocyanate, dimethylolpropionic acid, polyether diol and bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) disulfide (HEDS). The structure of the products was characterized by IR and Raman spectra. The effects of different content of HEDS on dispersion stability, mechanical property and self‐healing properties (including tensile strength and breaking elongation) of SWPUAs were studied. The results showed that all the prepared SWPUAs have excellent dispersion stability, thermal stability, self‐healing efficiency and certain hydrophobic capacity. Thereinto, SWPUA‐1 and SWPUA‐2 products with HEDS content of 0.0025 mol and 0.0050 mol have the best repair efficiency. They can recover 101.03% and 102.18%, respectively, after 3 h of repair at 75°C. In addition, SWPUA‐1 has the highest repeatedly repair efficiency of 91% for tensile strength but 75% for breaking elongation because of the influence of physical entanglement and chain link.
Thermal and electrical insulation properties of BN‐filled polymer‐based elastomer composites
Authors: Han Chang , Gao Junguo , Guo Ning , Sun Jianyu , Zhang Rui
Published: February 2023

To make the current charging time of electric vehicles meet the technical requirements of rapid charging, the higher the charging current needs to be increased. Consequently, higher requirements are put forward for the heat dissipation capacity of the charging pile cable. Therefore, obtaining insulation materials with good electrical and thermal properties is vital to solving the heat dissipation problem of charging pile cables. This paper modified polypropylene (PP) with polystyrene‐ethylene‐butadiene‐styrene (SEBS). Boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) and boron nitride nanospheres (BNNOS) were used as thermally conductive fillers to construct A‐B‐A‐B … A type thermally conductive pathways in SEBS/PP matrix. In SEM tests, it can be observed that the orientation of BNNS along the direction perpendicular to the pressure increases. DSC tests show that the introduction of BN particles lowers the melting point of the SEBS/PP matrix and increases the crystallization temperature of the composite. In the thermal conductivity experiment, with the rise of the content of BNNOS and the number of multilayer structures, the thermal conductivity gradually increases, up to 0.514 W/m K, which is three times the thermal conductivity of the SEBS/PP matrix. The tensile strength and elongation at the break of the composites decrease but the change of conductivity is not obvious.
Micro‐level reserving for general insurance claims using a long short‐term memory network
Authors: Chaoubi Ihsan , Besse Camille , Cossette Hélène , Côté Marie‐Pier
Published: February 2023

Detailed information about individual claims are completely ignored when insurance claims data are aggregated and structured in development triangles for loss reserving. In the hope of extracting predictive power from the individual claims characteristics, researchers have recently proposed to use micro‐level loss reserving approaches. We introduce a discrete‐time individual reserving framework incorporating granular information in a deep learning approach named Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. At each time period, the network has two tasks: first, classifying whether there is a payment or a recovery, and second, predicting the corresponding non‐zero amount, if any. Based on a generalized Pareto model for excess payments over a threshold, we adjust the LSTM reserve prediction to account for extreme payments. We illustrate the estimation procedure on a simulated and a real general insurance dataset. We compare our approach with the chain‐ladder aggregate method using the predictive outstanding loss estimates and their actual values.
Design and experimental study on closed‐loop process of preparing chitosan from crab shells
Authors: Wang Huiming , Zhang Huien , Liu Liping , Ma Kunqin , Huang Jinqin , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this article is to design a green and comprehensive utilization process for preparing chitosan from crab shells. Glutamate acid was used as a decalcifying agent for crab shells, and the mixed solution of potassium hydroxide/isopropanol was used for deproteinization and deacetylation to prepare chitosan. Glutamic acid and isopropanol could be recovered for recycling. At the same time, calcium carbonate and protein in crab shells were converted into calcium hydrogen phosphate and compound fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. The prepared chitosan was characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and its deacetylation degree and viscosity average molecular weight were 88.7% ± 0.68% and 792.1 ± 10.82 kDa, respectively. The recoveries of glutamic acid and isopropanol were 95.56% ± 1.39% and 88.14% ± 1.13%, respectively. The prepared chitosan has large molecular weight and deacetylation degree, controllable production cost, comprehensive utilization of crab shell components, and greatly reduced waste emissions.
Piezotronic and piezo‐phototronic effects on sonodynamic disease therapy
Authors: Zhao Yunchao , Huang Tian , Zhang Xiaodi , Cui Yuanbo , Zhang Lili , Li Linlin , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: February 2023

With the development of engineered nanomaterials and nanomedicines, utilization of nanomaterials to generate excessive reactive oxygen species under exogenous ultrasound (US) irradiation for realizing disease therapy, namely sonodynamic therapy (SDT), has attracted widespread attention. Compared with traditional photodynamic therapy, US shows deeper tissue penetration to reach deep‐seated location. However, the development of high‐efficiency sonosensitizers remains one of the gravest challenges in current related research and future clinical application. Latterly, benefiting from the piezotronic and piezo‐phototronic effects, novel sonosensitizers based on piezoelectric semiconductor (PS) nanomaterials have exhibited inspiring application prospects in SDT. In this review, we outline the structures and physicochemical properties of PS nanomaterials that has potential applications in SDT, and introduce the presumed mechanisms of PS nanomaterials in SDT. Then, the latest research progress of PS nanomaterials as sonosensitizers in cancer therapy and antibacterial applications are summarized. Finally, the existing challenges and future development trends in this field are prospected.
Cerebellar repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation versus propranolol for essential tremor
Authors: Lv Yue , Wang Mengran , Yang Juan , Shi Jin , Xuan Tingting , Zhang Junmei , Du Dandan , Cheng Jiang , Li Haining
Published: February 2023

Background

Propranolol, a nonselective beta‐adrenergic blocker, has long been used as one of the standard treatments for essential tremor (ET). Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has also been used for a long time as a substitution therapy for ET patients.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the antitremor effect of 1‐Hz (low‐frequency) cerebellar rTMS and compare it to the use of propranolol in ET patients.

Methods

In this single‐blinded, randomized, controlled pilot study, a total of 38 patients with ET were randomized into two groups. One group (n = 20) received 1200 pulses of 1‐Hz rTMS at an intensity of 90% of the resting motor threshold to the bilateral cerebellar region for 10 days. Another group (n = 18) received oral propranolol for 30 days. The initial dose was 30 mg/day, which was increased to 60 mg/day after 5 days, then to 90 mg/day on the 11th day, and continued thereafter for 20 days. The Fahn–Tolosa–Marin (FTM) clinical scale was assessed at baseline and at days 5, 10, and 30 to evaluate tremor severity, specific motor tasks, and functional disability.

Results

Low‐frequency rTMS of the cerebellum significantly improved tremor severity, specific motor tasks (writing, spiral drawing, and pouring), and FTM total scores on days 10 and 30. Nevertheless, we found no significant difference in functional disability at any point in time (p > .05). There were no statistically significant differences in FTM Part A, Part B, Part C scores and total scores of patients in propranolol group on days 5 and 10 compared with before treatment (p > .05). However, FTM total scores and FTM Part A, Part B, and Part C scores were significantly improved for patients when the dose of propranolol was 90 mg/day on day 30. Our study showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the total FTM scores and FTM Part A, Part B, and Part C scores between rTMS and propranolol on days 5, 10, and 30 (p > .05).

Conclusion

We conclude that both cerebellar low‐frequency rTMS and propranolol could be effective treatment options for patients with ET, but it is not clear which method is more effective.
How does transparency into global sustainability initiatives influence firm value? Insights from Anglo‐American countries
Authors: Gerged Ali Meftah , Salem Rami , Beddewela Eshani
Published: February 2023

Corporations use global sustainability reporting principles, certifications, guidelines, and indices to promote corporate transparency. However, the effectiveness of adopting these global transparency approaches, either separately or collectively, in increasing firm value is as yet unclear. Thus, we examine whether different global transparency approaches engender different outcomes related to firm value and whether adopting a comprehensive or integrated global transparency approach could better enhance firm value. We use a sample comprising 6978 firm‐year observations of firms listed in the United States (S&P 500), Canada (S&P‐TSX 221), and the United Kingdom (FTSE 350) from 2013 to 2019. A fixed‐effects regression model is then used to examine the primary associations in this study. This technique was complemented by a two‐step dynamic generalised method of moment (GMM) model to overcome the expected endogeneity concerns. Our findings indicate that adopting global sustainability reporting principles, certifications, and an integrated global transparency approach is positively attributable to the market value of firms. In contrast, firms' adoption of international guidelines and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings cannot predict the firm value in the study context. Our evidence implies that firms' adoption of an integrated global transparency approach adds the most value to those firms when compared with adopting a standalone transparency approach across the three sampled countries. Our study provides practical implications for policymakers and corporate managers and suggests avenues for future studies to build upon our findings.