bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to Develop the American College of Rheumatology's Toolkit for Implementation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Outcome Measures in Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nasrallah Catherine , Schmajuk Gabriela , Hamblin Alicia , Wilson Cherish , Kersey Emma , Young Cammie , Katz Patti , Bajaj Puneet , Downey Christina , Bartels Christie , Zell JoAnn , Danila Maria I. , Ferguson Sancia , Barton Jennifer L. , DeQuattro Kimberly , Yazdany Jinoos
Published: August 2024

Objective

Despite the recognized benefits of collecting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) outcomes measures, their use in routine care is inconsistent. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we conducted semistructured interviews with US rheumatologists and practice personnel to assess workflows, opportunities, and challenges in collecting RA outcome measures. Using insights from interviews, we developed the RA Measures Toolkit to enhance their use in clinical practice.

Methods

We invited 138 Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) registry practices and 5 academic medical centers with ≥30 patients eligible for RA outcome measures to participate in the study. Practices were classified based on their performance in quality payment programs. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using deductive and inductive techniques. The findings were used to create the RA Measures Toolkit.

Results

We conducted 20 interviews with 38 participants across 20 practices. Key themes within the CFIR domains highlighted the challenges and best practices in RA outcome measure collection and included (1) process: the variability in practices’ use of RA outcome measures and the importance of streamlined workflows; (2) intervention: challenges of integrating patient‐reported outcomes into electronic health records; and (3) individual characteristics: importance of clinic culture around quality improvement. Using these data, we developed the RA Measures Toolkit, a multimedia online resource, featuring guidelines, best practices, and educational resources to improve the efficiency of current workflows and to enhance patient care.

Conclusion

This study identifies critical gaps in the collection of RA outcome measures in US rheumatology practices and provides actionable recommendations and resources to address challenges via the RA Measures Toolkit.
Dual Modulation of Bulk Electronic Structure and Surficial Active Sites in Sea Urchin‐Like MoO2 Nanoreactors Promoting Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhang Chunyan , Cao Zhuwei , Zeng Guang , Liu Jian , Ye Sheng
Published: August 2024

Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a promising strategy for realizing carbon neutralization as well as for the production of green hydrogen. Molybdenum dioxide (MoO2), possesses acid corrosion resistance and near‐metal‐level conductivity, endowing its widespread application in acidic HER. However, due to spatial barriers at the edge of sites and weak H* adsorption, the HER activity of MoO2 is greatly limited. Herein, a sea urchin‐like Pt@N‐MoO2 nanoreactor is designed, in which the bulk electronic structure and surface‐active sites are modulated by N doping and Pt single atoms anchoring, respectively. DFT calculations indicate that Mo─N coupling changes the charge density of Mo atoms, enhances the adsorption of H*, and thus optimizes the Gibbs free energy. The appearance of Pt‐O/N sites compensates for the lack of active sites exposed by MoO2, while promoting the desorption of H2 from the catalyst surface and accelerating the HER process. This work provides an effective strategy for activating inert electrocatalysts to promote energy conversion via a dual modulation strategy of bulk and surface engineering.
Targeted Cancer Therapy‐on‐A‐Chip
Authors: Abed Heba , Radha Remya , Anjum Shabana , Paul Vinod , AlSawaftah Nour , Pitt William G. , Ashammakhi Nureddin , Husseini Ghaleb A.
Published: August 2024

Targeted cancer therapy (TCT) is gaining increased interest because it reduces the risks of adverse side effects by specifically treating tumor cells. TCT testing has traditionally been performed using two‐dimensional (2D) cell culture and animal studies. Organ‐on‐a‐chip (OoC) platforms have been developed to recapitulate cancer in vitro, as cancer‐on‐a‐chip (CoC), and used for chemotherapeutics development and testing. This review explores the use of CoCs to both develop and test TCTs, with a focus on three main aspects, the use of CoCs to identify target biomarkers for TCT development, the use of CoCs to test free, un‐encapsulated TCTs, and the use of CoCs to test encapsulated TCTs. Despite current challenges such as system scaling, and testing externally triggered TCTs, TCToC shows a promising future to serve as a supportive, pre‐clinical platform to expedite TCT development and bench‐to‐bedside translation.
Phosphorus Dendrimers Co‐deliver Fibronectin and Edaravone for Combined Ischemic Stroke Treatment via Cooperative Modulation of Microglia/Neurons and Vascular Regeneration
Authors: Ma Jie , Zhan Mengsi , Sun Huxiao , He Liangyu , Zou Yu , Huang Tianyu , Karpus Andrii , Majoral Jean‐Pierre , Mignani Serge , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: August 2024

The development of new multi‐target combination treatment strategies to tackle ischemic stroke (IS) remains to be challenging. Herein, a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of an advanced nanomedicine formulation composed of macrophage membrane (MM)‐camouflaged phosphorous dendrimer (termed as AK137)/fibronectin (FN) nanocomplexes (NCs) loaded with antioxidant edaravone (EDV) to modulate both microglia and neurons for effective IS therapy is showcased. The created MM@AK137‐FN/EDV (M@A–F/E) NCs with a mean size of 260 nm possess good colloidal stability, sustained EDV release kinetics, and desired cytocompatibility. By virtue of MM decoration, the M@A–F/E NCs can cross blood–brain barrier, act on microglia to exert the anti‐inflammatory (AK137 and FN) and antioxidative (FN and EDV) effects in vitro for oxidative stress alleviation, microglia M2 polarization, and reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion, and act on neuron cells to be anti‐apoptotic. In a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model, the developed M@A–F/E NCs can exert enhanced antioxidant/anti‐inflammatory/anti‐apoptotic therapeutic effects to comprehensively regulate the brain microenvironment and promote vascular regeneration to collaboratively restore the blood flow after ischemia‐reperfusion. The designed MM‐coated NCs composed of all‐active ingredients of phosphorous dendrimers, FN, and EDV that can fully regulate the brain inflammatory microenvironment may expand their application scope in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Hibernating/Awakening Nanomotors Promote Highly Efficient Cryopreservation by Limiting Ice Crystals
Authors: Gao Rui , Wang Weixin , Wang Zhongchao , Fan Yapeng , Zhang Lin , Sun Jiahui , Hong Miaofang , Pan Min , Wu Jianming , Mei Qibing , Wang Yini , Qiao Lingyan , Liu Jin , Tong Fei
Published: August 2024

The disruptions caused by ice crystal formation during the cryopreservation of cells and tissues can cause cell and tissue damage. Thus, preventing such damage during cryopreservation is an important but challenging goal. Here, a hibernating/awakening nanomotor with magnesium/palladium covering one side of a silica platform (Mg@Pd@SiO2) is proposed. This nanomotor is used in the cultivation of live NCM460 cells to demonstrate a new method to actively limit ice crystal formation and enable highly efficient cryopreservation. Cooling Mg@Pd@SiO2 in solution releases Mg2+/H2 and promotes the adsorption of H2 at multiple Pd binding sites on the cell surface to inhibit ice crystal formation and cell/tissue damage; additionally, the Pd adsorbs and stores H2 to form a hibernating nanomotor. During laser‐mediated heating, the hibernating nanomotor is activated (awakened) and releases H2, which further suppresses recrystallization and decreases cell/tissue damage. These hibernating/awakening nanomotors have great potential for promoting highly efficient cryopreservation by inhibiting ice crystal formation.
Large Mid‐Infrared Magneto‐Optic Response from Doped Cadmium Oxide at Its Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Frequency
Authors: Schrecengost Jonathon R. , Cleri Angela J. , Tolchin Maxwell J. , Mohan Ramya , Murphy John P. , Adamkovic Sara , Grede Alex J. , Imperatore Mario V. , Hopkins Patrick E. , Maria Jon‐Paul , Giebink Noel C.
Published: August 2024

The epsilon‐near‐zero (ENZ) frequency regime of transparent conducting oxide materials is known to yield large enhancements in their optical nonlinearity and electro‐optic response. Here, Faraday rotation is investigated in Gd and In‐doped CdO films and it is found that the Verdet constant peaks at values >3 105 deg T−1 m−1 near the  ENZ frequency, which is tunable in the wavelength range 2 < λ< 10 µm by varying the doping concentration. These results are among the highest reported to date in the mid‐infrared spectral range and are in good agreement with the Drude model, which confirms that the magneto‐optic response of doped CdO derives from its free carriers. The combination of a tunable Verdet constant, low optical loss compared to other plasmonic materials, and the ability to deposit CdO on Si with no loss in performance make this material a promising platform for integrated magneto‐optic and magnetoplasmonic devices that operate across the mid‐infrared.
Magnetic Circularly Polarized Luminescence with Heterometallic Molecular Cluster‐Aggregates
Authors: Gálico Diogo A. , Murugesu Muralee
Published: August 2024

Magnetic circularly polarized luminescence (MCPL) is a technique based on the differential emission of left and right circularly polarized light induced by a magnetic field. This technique is the emission counterpart of to the widely explored magnetic circular dichroism. In this work, the first demonstration of MCPL is presented in heterometallic lanthanide(III) systems by using two molecular cluster aggregates, {Eu1Tb19} and {Eu3Tb17}. The results presented here indicate the potential that MCPL holds for obtaining highly tuned magneto‐optical materials for various applications, such as anti‐counterfeiting materials. Additionally, the findings suggest that magnetic interactions between the ions modulate the dissymmetry factor, opening the possibility of the development of highly tunable MCPL materials.
Exploring Aptamer‐Based Metasurfaces for Label‐Free Plasmonic Biosensing of Breast Tumor‐Derived Exosomes
Authors: Hu Rongsheng , Lin Shaowei , Li Fajun , Shen Jiaqing , Xie Yinong , Deng Baichang , Zhang Youyu , Dong Zhaogang , Zhu Jinfeng
Published: August 2024

Exosomes are critical tumor biomarkers, which can be detected by label‐free sensing of plasmonic metasurfaces with expensive antibody functionalization. Due to their low cost and small size, aptamers should be promising to replace antibodies in plasmonic metasensing of exosomes. However, research on aptamer‐based plasmonic metasensing of exosomes is still unexplored. Here, the optical near‐field sensing mechanism of aptamer‐based plasmonic metasurface (APM) is investigated. Based on the study of the evanescent field of APM, using thiol‐modified aptamer boosts the utilization rate of resonance wavelength shift from 27.5% to 83.3% compared to biotinylated aptamers, attributed to a significant reduction in the near‐field occupation of the biofunction layer. Moreover, APM biosensors effectively detect clinical serum exosomes for breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and classification. The receiver operating characteristic analysis shows an area under the curve of 99.3% for APM diagnosis, surpassing the 79.1% for hematological tests of the conventional BC biomarker CA153. The results also indicate that APM biosensors can be a noninvasive tool for molecular classification of BC with great distinguishment of P < 0.0001. The research demonstrates that APM biosensors are enabling a reliable and convenient platform to facilitate clinical hematological tests of exosomes for auxiliary diagnosis of cancer.
Theoretical and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approaches to Praseodymium Content Effect on Radiation Shielding and Time Dependent Volume‐Collapse for a Newly Produced Borate Glass
Authors: Aygün Murat , Aygün Zeynep , Celik Fatih Ahmet , Karabulut Ezman , Yilmaz Mücahit
Published: August 2024

Gamma‐ray, fast neutron and charged particle shielding characteristics of Praseodymium (Pr3+) activated glasses with composition 10ZnF2‐(10‐x)SrO‐15Li2O‐65H3BO3‐xPr2O3(where x = 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0) are investigated. For this, the radiation shielding parameters are estimated by using Photon Shielding and Dosimetry (Phy‐X/PSD), Interaction of Proton, Alpha, Gamma rays, Electrons, and X‐rays with matter (PAGEX), Stopping Powers and Ranges for Electrons (ESTAR), and The Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) codes. Furthermore, the results are compared comprehensively and comparatively. The glasses with increasing Pr3+ content exhibited higher shielding potential. It can be said that the ZFLHBPr2.0 sample could be used as a shielding material in various applied fields. Additionally, the effect of Pr composition on structural transitions and time‐dependent volume‐collapse of this new family of borate glass doped with Pr is analyzed by molecular dynamics study (MD) based density functional tight binding method. The simulation results show that the addition of Pr led to the cubic‐orthorhombic transformation of simulation cell at determined temperature and 1 atm pressure. Also, a sudden decrease in volume are observed within a short time at 8% Pr composition (x = 2.0) atmospheric pressure. This result provides a strong connection between Pr composition and volume change with time and at constant low pressure.
A Reconfigurable Ferroelectric Transistor as An Ultra‐Scaled Cell for Low‐Power In‐Memory Data Processing
Authors: Zhu Zhongyunshen , Persson Anton E. O. , Wernersson Lars‐Erik
Published: August 2024

Compact in‐memory computing architectures are desirable to embed artificial intelligence (AI) in resource‐restricted edge devices. However, current technologies face limitations in both the area and energy efficiency. Here, a reconfigurable ferroelectric tunnel field‐effect transistor (ferro‐TFET) is presented that can be used as an ultra‐scaled cell for low‐power in‐memory data processing. A gate‐all‐around ferroelectric film is integrated on a vertical nanowire TFET with a gate/source overlapped channel, enabling non‐volatilely reconfigurable anti‐ambipolarity by programming the ferroelectric polarization state. By considering the stored polarization state and reading voltage as inputs, an XNOR operation is achieved in a single‐gate ferro‐TFET. It is shown that the ferro‐TFETs can be implemented in a crossbar array for convolutional frequency filtering whose performance can be evaluated by an impulse‐response method considering the effect of device‐to‐device variation based on statistics. Benefiting from the miniaturized footprint, non‐volatility, and low‐power operation, ferro‐TFETs show promises as a one‐transistor in‐memory computing cell for area‐ and energy‐efficient edge AI applications.
Unveiling High Electro‐Optic Performance in a Proton–π‐Electron‐Coupled Ferroelectric Crystal
Authors: Sunami Keishi , Horiuchi Sachio , Ishibashi Shoji , Tsutsumi Jun'ya
Published: August 2024

The convergence of electronics and photonics is attracting attention for its potential to surpass performance limitations of existing information‐processing devices. In particular, the electro‐optic (EO) effect plays a critical role in high‐speed and low‐power conversion between electrical and optical signals, which is demanded for future communication networks. Here, a novel class of EO material is demonstrated, the organic ferroelectric crystal of croconic acid (CRCA). The recently developed birefringence field‐modulation imaging technique enables high‐throughput evaluation of the EO coefficient for as‐grown bulk crystals, unveiling a figure of merit of >400 for CRCA, which exceeds that of 320 in the conventional EO material LiNbO3 in the visible‐light range. Analyses in conjunction with theoretical calculations clarify that its remarkable EO performance is attributable to deformation of the π‐orbital coupled with the proton displacement. This finding provides a new route for the molecular design of high‐performance EO materials: proton–π‐electron‐coupled ferroelectrics.
Computational and Machine Learning‐Assisted Discovery and Experimental Validation of Conjugated Sulfonamide Cathodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Xu Cheng , Guo Xiaolong , Apostol Petru , Vlad Alexandru , Janssen René A. J. , Er Süleyman
Published: August 2024

Conjugated sulfonamides (CSAs) stand out for their propitious electroactivity and notable stability in ambient conditions, making them suitable candidates for high‐potential cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). This study employs a combination of machine learning, semi‐empirical quantum mechanics, and density functional theory methods to evaluate a large library of 11 432 CSA molecules, focusing on material properties crucial for application in batteries, such as synthetic complexity, redox potential, gravimetric charge capacity, and energy density. After applying the thresholds for the synthetic complexity score at 2.62 and the redox potential at 3.25 V versus Li/Li+, we identify 50 CSA molecules that are easy to synthesize and suitable for the positive electrode in LIBs. By ranking on the basis of redox potential, 13 CSA molecules having potentials greater than 3.50 V versus Li/Li+are identified. Through further investigations using molecular dynamics simulations on these reactant molecules and their lithiated products, a molecule is singled out for synthesis and electrochemical evaluation. This molecule, lithium (2,5‐dicyano‐1,4‐phenylene)bis((methylsulfonyl)amide)(Li2‐DCN‐PDSA), demonstrates a redox potential surpassing those previously reported within the class of CSA molecules. Moreover, the study explores the quantitative structure‐property relations of CSAs, yielding insights for the development of CSA‐based LIB cathode materials, informed by the comprehensive data assembled.
A Small Electrolyte Drop Enables a Disruptive Semisolid High‐Energy Sulfur Battery Cell Design via an Argyrodite‐Based Sulfur Cathode in Combination with a Metallic Lithium Anode
Authors: Kirchhoff Sebastian , Fiedler Magdalena , Dupuy Arthur , Härtel Paul , Semmler Maria , Hippauf Felix , Dörfler Susanne , Schumm Benjamin , Abendroth Thomas , Althues Holger , Kaskel Stefan
Published: August 2024

Lithium–sulfur batteries with liquid electrolytes are discussed as the most promising post‐lithium‐ion‐battery technology in literature due to their high theoretical specific energy and first prototype cells delivering >470 Wh kg−1. Although several electrolyte and material concepts are developed that partially solve the issue of the so‐called shuttle mechanism, the most promising concept to genuinely confine sulfur species in the cathode is all‐solid‐state argyrodite–sulfur cathodes leading to almost theoretical active material utilization by maintaining reasonable sulfur loadings and electrolyte to sulfur ratios. However, this battery concept has so far not achieved reversible cycling against metallic lithium anodes as it requires high pressures for manufacturing, and ductile lithium metal creeps along the grain boundaries of the solid electrolyte particles leading to short cuts of the cells. Recent findings show that metallic lithium, however, can be stably cycled with dimethoxyethane/lithium‐bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (DME/LiFSI)‐based electrolytes. Herein, for the first time, a semisolid concept is presented combining the benefits of an argyrodite‐based solid‐state cathode and a DME/LiFSI/hydrofluoroether‐based anolyte concept – in coin cells and first pouch cells. This disruptive approach enables projected specific energies higher than 600 Wh kg−1 at cell stack level.
A Machine Learning‐Enhanced Framework for the Accelerated Development of Spinel Oxide Electrocatalysts
Authors: Jeong Incheol , Shim Yoonsu , Oh Seeun , Yuk Jong Min , Roh Ki‐Min , Lee Chan‐Woo , Lee Kang Taek
Published: August 2024

The surging demand for sustainable energy has spurred intensive research into electrochemical conversion devices such as fuel cells, water splitting, and metal‐air batteries. The performance of oxygen electrocatalysts significantly impacts overall electrochemical efficiency. Recently, spinel oxides (AB2O4) have emerged as promising candidates; however, the scarcity of prior studies underscores the need for a thorough and comprehensive exploration. This study presents a computational framework that integrates machine learning and density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the systematic screening of 1240 spinel oxides. The data scarcity is addressed while enhancing prediction accuracy. Selected candidates are identified to outperform the benchmarking perovskite oxide. Additionally, their potential as mixed ionic and electronic conductors with a 3D network of ion diffusion pathways is highlighted. To further enhance the understanding and prediction of stability, catalytic activity, and reaction mechanisms, a new undemanding descriptor is introduced: the covalency indicator. This study offers a design principle for the development of high‐performance spinel oxide oxygen electrocatalysts.
Planting trees in buffer strips for attenuating phosphorus runoff in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Naka Kozma , Wu Yongbo , Kennedy Michael , Yang Jing , Zhu Ying , Mao Anmin , Lü Jian
Published: August 2024

In the last four decades, the Jiangsu province, like the rest of China, has undergone rapid economic development coupled with a rapid increase in environmental pollution. Freshwater ecosystems have been particularly affected. In Lake Tai, China's third‐largest freshwater lake by volume, water quality has been severely reduced. There is a renewed interest in establishing riparian buffer strips in China as a conservation practice for mitigating agricultural non‐point source pollution. To study the effect of riparian buffers on phosphorus attenuation, eight 50 m × 20 m plots were established between a rice farm and the shore of Lake Tai in China, with the 20 m width facing the lake shore. They were planted with hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × euramericana), hybrid cypress (Taxodium ascendens × mucronatum), or a mixture of both at densities of 2 m × 3 m, 2 m × 5 m, or 5 m × 5 m, while one plot was left as a control. Samples collected from soil, tree leaves, and groundwater during 2014–2018 were analyzed for multiple forms of phosphorus. Results indicated that riparian buffer width and time (year) were the most significant factors of phosphorus attenuation on all plots. Tree density had a minor effect, with medium density being the most effective, and we found negligible differences among hybrid tree species on attenuating phosphorus. Farmers should use densely vegetated buffer strips at least 15 m wide to ensure a significant reduction in nutrient runoff. Species selection should be based on market value and ecological benefits.
Efficacy, crop response, and economics of alternatives to glyphosate for pre‐plant weed control in small grains
Authors: Montgomery Chandra L.‐M. , Spackman Jared A. , Schroeder Kurtis L. , Adjesiwor Albert T.
Published: August 2024

The value of glyphosate to growers practicing minimum or no‐till farming has been primarily a function of three factors: broad‐spectrum weed control, little to no carryover effect, and cost effectiveness. A 2‐year field study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 at the University of Idaho Research and Extension Centers at Kimberly and Aberdeen, ID, to evaluate the efficacy of alternative pre‐plant burndown herbicide treatments as compared to glyphosate treatment, the industry standard in small grain production systems. Herbicide cost comparison and crop injury observation were also conducted. Most herbicide treatments provided 90% control of the predominant weed species at 3 weeks after herbicide application. At least six different herbicide treatments had an equivalent cost to that of glyphosate at $26.50 ha−1. No observable damage from herbicide treatments was observed and crop yield was not affected by the treatments. These factors indicate that there are alternatives to pre‐plant burndown herbicides that are equally effective as glyphosate. With combinations of herbicides, each having a different site of action, weed control can be achieved while simultaneously reducing the risk of herbicide resistance.
BrainQN: Enhancing the Robustness of Deep Reinforcement Learning with Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Feng Shuo , Cao Jian , Ou Zehong , Chen Guang , Zhong Yi , Wang Zilin , Yan Juntong , Chen Jue , Wang Bingsen , Zou Chenglong , Feng Zebang , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2024

As the third‐generation network succeeding artificial neural networks (ANNs), spiking neural networks (SNNs) offer high robustness and low energy consumption. Inspired by biological systems, the limitations of low robustness and high‐power consumption in deep reinforcement learning (DRL) are addressed by introducing SNNs. The Brain Q‐network (BrainQN) is proposed, which replaces the neurons in the classic Deep Q‐learning (DQN) algorithm with SNN neurons. BrainQN is trained using surrogate gradient learning (SGL) and ANN‐to‐SNN conversion methods. Robustness tests with input noise reveal BrainQN's superior performance, achieving an 82.14% increase in rewards under low noise and 71.74% under high noise compared to DQN. These findings highlight BrainQN's robustness and superior performance in noisy environments, supporting its application in complex scenarios. SGL‐trained BrainQN is more robust than ANN‐to‐SNN conversion under high noise. The differences in network output correlations between noisy and original inputs, along with training algorithm distinctions, explain this phenomenon. BrainQN successfully transitioned from a simulated Pong environment to a ball‐catching robot with dynamic vision sensors (DVS). On the neuromorphic chip PAICORE, it shows significant advantages in latency and power consumption compared to Jetson Xavier NX.
Multistable Soft Robots Assembled from Bistable Auxetic Building Blocks
Authors: Zhang Bojian , Meng Zhiqiang , Yang Xudong , Zhang Yiran , Chen Tianyu , Chen Yu , Wang Yifan
Published: August 2024

Soft robotics have significantly influenced both scientific and industrial domains over the past decades. However, their inherent limitations of material or structural softness pose a persistent challenge in terms of shape retention and load capacity for various applications. To address this challenge, bistable and multistable structures with two or more mechanically stable states and snap‐through switchability emerge as a promising solution. Herein, a multistable soft robot design assembled from bistable auxetic building blocks with negative Poisson's ratio and a large volumetric change is presented. The bistable mechanical behavior and optimal structural parameters have been investigated by mechanical modeling, finite element analysis, and experimental testing. To demonstrate the shape retention ability and enhanced load capacity of our robotic design, a multistable manipulator with a low‐complexity closed‐loop control system is presented, capable of maintaining 216 discrete stable states even when the pneumatic pressure supply is removed. To validate the multifunctionality of design, a multistable tube crawler with a notable load capacity of approximately five times its own body weight is developed.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Highly Specific Bioorthogonal Catalysis Inside Cells
Authors: Gao Zhiguo , Shao Quanlin , Xing Jiaqi , Liang Yi , Meng Fanzhen , Chen Jian , He Wei , Li Yaojia , Sun Baiwang
Published: August 2024

Transition metal catalysts (TMCs) mediated bioorthogonal catalysis expand the chemical possibilities within cells. Developing synthetic TMCs tools that emulate the efficiency and specificity of natural metalloenzymes is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Here, we highlight the potential of molecularly imprinted enzyme mimics (MIEs) containing a Cu center and specific substrate binding domain, for conducing dimethylpropargyloxycarbonyl (DmProc) cleavage reactions within cells. Our studies reveal that the Cu‐MIEs act as highly specific guides, precisely catalyzing target substrates, even in glutathione (GSH)‐rich cellular environments. By adapting templates similar to the target substrates, we evolved Cu‐MIEs activity to a high level and provided a method to broaden its scope to other unique substrates. This system was applied to a thyroid hormone (T3)‐responsive gene switch model, inducing firefly luciferase expression by T3 in cells. This approach verifies that MIEs effectively rescue DmProc‐bearing T3 prodrugs and seamlessly integrating themself into cellular biocatalytic networks.
Hydrophilic modification of feed spacer and its impacts on antifouling performance of reverse osmosis membrane
Authors: Tan J. X. , Foo K. , Lau W. J. , Chua S. F. , Rahim M. H. Ab , Ahmad A. L. , Liang Y. Y.
Published: August 2024

Feed spacers improve mixing and mass transfer in membrane modules. However, they also lead to foulant deposition in the vicinity of the spacer surface. In this paper, two hydrophilic monomers, namely, acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), are respectively coated on the surface of a commercial feed spacer via a plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. The resulting modified spacers are then evaluated alongside with a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane for its solute rejection, water permeability, and antifouling properties. Results show that the surface hydrophilicity of feed spacers has been enhanced upon the AA and HEMA deposition. During filtration test, the HEMA‐modified spacer demonstrates higher flux recovery rate (94.17%) and salt rejection (95.78%) for the RO membrane. In contrast, the membrane with the unmodified spacer only shows 89.44% and 92.46%, respectively. Additionally, the membrane with the HEMA‐modified spacer has a thinner fouling layer (200 nm) compared to the unmodified spacer (700 nm). The HEMA‐coated spacer outperforms all the tested spacers, demonstrating that feed spacer modification with a hydrophilic monomer via the PECVD method can effectively reduce membrane fouling.
Observation of Thermally Induced Piezomagnetic Switching in Cu2OSeO3 Polymorph Synthesized under High‐Pressure
Authors: Wu Hung‐Cheng , Aoyama Takuya , Morikawa Daisuke , Okuyama Daisuke , Nawa Kazuhiro , Chen Wei‐Tin , Lu Chan‐Hung , Yen Tsung‐Wen , Huang Shin‐Ming , Calder Stuart , Torii Shuki , Ohgushi Kenya , Terauchi Masami , Sato Taku J.
Published: August 2024

A polymorph of Cu2OSeO3 with the distorted kagome lattice is successfully obtained using the high‐pressure synthesis technique (Cu2OSeO3‐HP). The structural analysis using X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction suggests that the tetrahedral Cu2+ clusters [similar to those in Cu2OSeO3 ambient‐pressure phase (Cu2OSeO3‐AP)] exist in Cu2OSeO3‐HP but with three symmetry inequivalent sites. No structural change is observed between 1.5 K and the room temperature. The complex magnetic H‐T phase diagram is established based on the temperature‐ and field‐dependent magnetization data, indicating two distinct antiferromagnetic phases at low and intermediate temperatures, in addition to the higher‐temperature spin‐glass‐like phase. The low temperature phase is identified by neutron powder diffraction refinements as a canted noncollinear antiferromagnetic order with a weak ferromagnetic component along the b‐axis. Size of the refined ordered moment is ≈1.00(4) µB in Cu2OSeO3‐HP, indicating a large enhancement compared to that of Cu2OSeO3‐AP (≈0.61 µB). By applying a uniaxial stress, finite enhancement of weak ferromagnetic component in the noncollinear antiferromagnetic phase in Cu2OSeO3‐HP is observed, which is the clear evidence of the piezomagnetic effect. Interestingly, the sign of the induced magnetization changes on heating from the low‐temperature to the intermediate‐temperature phases, indicating a novel piezomagnetic switching effect in this compound.
Fluorometric detection of copper and imidacloprid using nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon dots: A promising method for environmental monitoring
Authors: Radhakrishnan Kothalam , Suriyaprakash Rajadesingu , Balamurugan S. , Kumar Jothi Vinoth , Albeshr Mohammed F. , Mythili R. , Srinivasan P. , Nunna Guru Prakash , Ko Tae Jo
Published: August 2024

Pesticides in environmental samples pose significant risks to ecosystems and human health since they require precise and efficient detection methods. Imidacloprid (IMI), a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide, exemplifies these hazards due to its potential toxicity. This study addresses the urgent need for improved monitoring of such contaminants by introducing a novel fluorometric method for detecting IMI using nitrogen‐doped graphite carbon dots (N‐GCDs). The sensor operates by quenching fluorescence through the interaction of Cu2+ ions with N‐GCDs. Subsequently, IMI binds to the imidazole group, chelates with Cu2+, and restores the fluorescence of N‐GCDs. This alternating fluorescence behavior allows for the accurate identification of both Cu2+ and IMI. The sensor exhibits linear detection ranges of 20–100 nM for Cu2+ and 10–140 μg/L for IMI, with detection limits of 18 nM and 1.2 μg/L, respectively. The high sensitivity of this sensor enables the detection of real‐world samples, which underscores its potential for practical use in environmental monitoring and agricultural safety.
Depressive symptom as a risk factor for cirrhosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: Analysis based on Lasso‐logistic regression and decision tree models
Authors: Zhou Simin , Li Jiwen , Liu Jiangpeng , Dong Shijing , Chen Nian , Ran Ying , Liu Haifeng , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Hui , Liu Man , Chu Hongyu , Wang Bangmao , Li Yanni , Guo Liping , Zhou Lu
Published: August 2024

Background

Depressive symptoms are frequently observed in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The role of depressive symptoms on cirrhosis has not been fully noticed in PBC. We aimed to establish a risk model for cirrhosis that took depressive symptoms into account.

Methods

Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐17). HAMD‐17 score was analyzed in relation to clinical parameters. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso)‐logistic regression and decision tree models were used to explore the effect of depressive symptoms on cirrhosis.

Results

The rate of depressive symptom in patients with PBC (n = 162) was higher than in healthy controls (n = 180) (52.5% vs. 16.1%; p < .001). HAMD‐17 score was negatively associated with C4 levels and positively associated with levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), Immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and IgM (r = −0.162, 0.197, 0.355, 0.203, 0.182, 0.314, p < .05). In Lasso‐logistic regression analysis, HAMD‐17 score, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1*03:01 allele, age, ALP levels, and IgM levels (odds ratio [OR] = 1.087, 7.353, 1.075, 1.009, 1.005; p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for cirrhosis. Elevated HAMD‐17 score was also a discriminating factor for high risk of cirrhosis in patients with PBC in decision tree model.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms were associated with disease severity. Elevated HAMD‐17 score was a risk factor for cirrhosis in patients with PBC.
Is CEO power linked to corporate social responsibility disclosure? Evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Khuong Nguyen Vinh , Anh Nguyen Nhat , Trang Nguyen Thuy , Uyen Trinh Hoang , Tien Nguyen Ngoc Khanh
Published: August 2024

The research aims to analyze the influence of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) power factors on corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure by listed companies on the Vietnamese stock market. To examine the relationship between CEO power and CSR disclosure (CSRD), our study used the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation method with panel data from 210 listed companies on the Vietnamese stock market during the period 2015–2022. The research results indicate that factors such as duality, tenure, share ownership, and CEO compensation reduce the level of CSR disclosure by companies. On the other hand, CEO education and age show a positive relationship with disclosure level. The empirical results of this study provide a solid foundation for managers to establish effective corporate governance mechanisms and enhance the quality of sustainable reporting by companies.
Bilayer 3D co‐culture platform inducing the differentiation of normal fibroblasts into cancer‐associated fibroblast like cells: New in vitro source to obtain cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Kim Yeon Ju , Lee Hyeon Song , Kim Dohyun , Byun Hwa Kyung , Koom Woong Sub , Koh Won‐Gun
Published: August 2024

This study presents a novel in vitro bilayer 3D co‐culture platform designed to obtain cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs)‐like cells. The platform consists of a bilayer hydrogel structure with a collagen/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel for fibroblasts as the upper layer and an alginate hydrogel for tumor cells as the lower layer. The platform enabled paracrine interactions between fibroblasts and cancer cells, which allowed for selective retrieval of activated fibroblasts through collagenase treatment for further study. Fibroblasts remained viable throughout the culture periods and showed enhanced proliferation when co‐cultured with cancer cells. Morphological changes in the co‐cultured fibroblasts resembling CAFs were observed, especially in the 3D microenvironment. The mRNA expression levels of CAF‐related markers were significantly upregulated in 3D, but not in 2D co‐culture. Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins associated with CAFs, further confirming the transformation of normal fibroblasts into CAF within the proposed 3D co‐culture platform. Moreover, co‐culture with CAF induced radio‐ and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC‐1). Survival rate of cancer cells post‐irradiation and gemcitabine resistance increased significantly in the co‐culture setting, highlighting the role of CAFs in promoting cancer cell survival and therapeutic resistance. These findings would contribute to understanding molecular and phenotypic changes associated with CAF activation and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.
Open your eyes, open your mind: The profile of cognitive liberalization and intergroup contact experiences
Authors: Fuochi Giulia , Boin Jessica , Lucarini Alice , Voci Alberto
Published: August 2024

According to the cognitive liberalization hypothesis, exposure to intergroup contact improves cognitive outcomes related to open‐mindedness and out‐of‐the‐box thinking. In a sample of Italian adults (N = 708), we: (a) investigated the profile of cognitive liberalization through a latent profile analysis including cognitive (i.e., cognitive flexibility, socio‐cognitive mindfulness, curiosity and low need for structure) and socio‐cultural (i.e., deprovincialization, beliefs supporting societal diversity and low social dominance orientation [SDO]) dimensions of cognitive liberalization; (b) tested how intergroup contact experiences differed between the profile of cognitive liberalization and the other profiles. Results showed three profiles: Cognitive Liberalization (high scores in both cognitive and socio‐cultural dimensions of cognitive liberalization), Cognitive Rigidity (low scores on cognitive, high scores in socio‐cultural dimensions) and Anti‐Liberalization (low scores on all liberalization variables). Individuals belonging to the Cognitive Liberalization profile reported less negative, and more positive and intimate contact experiences with the outgroup compared with the other two profiles; they had a higher proportion of outgroup members in their acquaintances, and perceived those outgroup members involved in positive contact as more representative of their outgroup. Diversity of contacted outgroup members did not matter for the profiles. Close and positive relationships with the outgroup could be key to cognitive liberalization. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's .
Distribution and disparities of healthy lifestyles and noncommunicable diseases risk factors between men and women aged 20–59 years in Bangladesh: Evidence from a nationwide survey
Authors: Hossain Md. Mokbul , Roy Abhijeet , Hanif Abu Abdullah Mohammad , Akter Fahmida , Hasan Mehedi , Khan Md. Showkat Ali , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Hossaine Moyazzam , Ullah Mohammad Aman , Rahman S. M. Mustafizur , Bulbul Mofijul Islam , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Mridha Malay Kanti
Published: August 2024

Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are public health threats globally and recognized impediments to socioeconomic development. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and clustering of NCDs risk factors among Bangladeshi men and women aged 20–59 years using nationally representative data.

Methods

This study was conducted in 82 rural, nonslum urban, and slum clusters across all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh using multistage cluster sampling. A total of 4917 men and 4905 women aged 20–59 years were included in the study. Descriptive analyses were performed to report the prevalence and distribution of behavioral and clinical risk factors. Multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the coexistence of three or more NCD risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of tobacco use (any form), insufficient physical activity, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, overweight and obesity, and central obesity were 38.3%, 13.6%, 87.1%, 42.3%, and 36.0%, respectively. Furthermore, 21.9% and 4.9% participants had hypertension and self‐reported diabetes, respectively. Regarding the clustering of risk factors, 37.1% men and 50.8% women had at least three NCD risk factors. Only 3.0% men and 1.8% women reported no NCD risk factors. Age, place of residence, education, and wealth status were associated with the presence of at least three risk factors for both sexes.

Conclusion

Since a large proportion of Bangladeshi 20–59 years old population had multiple risk factors, population‐based programs with multisectoral approaches are essential to reduce NCDs among Bangladeshi women and men.
Mechanochemical Diversity in Block Copolymers
Authors: Zhang Hang , Diesendruck Charles E.
Published: August 2024

Covalent polymer chains are known to undergo mechanochemical events when subjected to mechanical forces. Such force‐coupled reactions, like C−C bond scission in homopolymers, typically occur in a non‐selective manner but with a higher probability at the mid‐chain. In contrast, block copolymers (BCPs), composed of two or more chemically distinct chains linked by covalent bonds, have recently been shown to exhibit significantly different mechanochemical reactivities and selectivities. These differences may be attributable to the atypical conformations adopted by their chains, compared to the regular random coil. Beyond individual molecules, when BCPs self‐assemble into ordered aggregates in solution, the non‐covalent interactions between the chains lead to meaningful acceleration in the activation of embedded force‐sensitive motifs. Furthermore, the microphase segregation of BCPs in bulk creates periodically dispersed polydomains, locking the blocks in specific conformations which have also been shown to affect their mechanochemical reactivity, with different morphologies influencing reactivity to varying extents. This review summarizes the studies of mechanochemistry in BCPs over the past two decades, from the molecular level to assemblies, and up to bulk materials.
Promethium – das schwierige Element
Authors: Fischer‐Henningsen Doris
Published: August 2024

In der Reihe der Seltenerdmetalle Lanthan und den folgenden Lanthanoide Cer bis Lutetium nimmt das Promethium mit der Ordnungszahl 61 eine Sonderrolle ein: Alle seine Isotope sind radioaktiv, so dass es bisher nur selten in experimentellen Studien zu den Lanthanoiden berücksichtigt wurde. Nun gelang einer Guppe um Ilja Popovs vom Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee, USA, erstmals die Synthese einer löslichen Verbindung des Promethiums. Daran ließen sich grundlegende strukturelle Parameter wie Ionengröße und Bindungslänge bestimmen. Auch die Lanthanoidenkontraktion wurde experimentell bestätigt.
Single‐detector multiplex imaging flow cytometry for cancer cell classification with deep learning
Authors: Wang Zhiwen , Liu Qiao , Zhou Jie , Su Xuantao
Published: August 2024

Imaging flow cytometry, which combines the advantages of flow cytometry and microscopy, has emerged as a powerful tool for cell analysis in various biomedical fields such as cancer detection. In this study, we develop multiplex imaging flow cytometry (mIFC) by employing a spatial wavelength division multiplexing technique. Our mIFC can simultaneously obtain brightfield and multi‐color fluorescence images of individual cells in flow, which are excited by a metal halide lamp and measured by a single detector. Statistical analysis results of multiplex imaging experiments with resolution test lens, magnification test lens, and fluorescent microspheres validate the operation of the mIFC with good imaging channel consistency and micron‐scale differentiation capabilities. A deep learning method is designed for multiplex image processing that consists of three deep learning networks (U‐net, very deep super resolution, and visual geometry group 19). It is demonstrated that the cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) imaging channel is more sensitive than the brightfield, nucleus, or cancer antigen 125 (CA125) imaging channel in classifying the three types of ovarian cell lines (IOSE80 normal cell, A2780, and OVCAR3 cancer cells). An average accuracy rate of 97.1% is achieved for the classification of these three types of cells by deep learning analysis when all four imaging channels are considered. Our single‐detector mIFC is promising for the development of future imaging flow cytometers and for the automatic single‐cell analysis with deep learning in various biomedical fields.