bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Near Infrared Light Photography and Middle Infrared Light Photography for Deciphering Obliterated Writings
Authors: Sugawara S
Published: August 2004

There are obliterated writings that are undecipherable by conventional visible and near infrared monochromatic light photography. Some of them could be deciphered undestructively by middle infrared light photography. Characters were written on paper with 101 kinds of pens. Middle infrared light photographs and near infrared light photographs of them were taken and compared to recognize what kinds of inks is transparent at examined wavelength regions. Based on the results obtained, the combination of ink for drawing and obliterating (which is not deciphered by visible and near infrared light photography, but expected to be deciphered with middle infrared light photography) is selected. From the examined photographs, it is demonstrated that there exist obliterated writings which are undecipherable by conventional near infrared light photography, but decipherable by middle infrared light photography.
The Evidential Value of Cosmetic Foundation Smears in Forensic Casework
Authors: Gordon A , Coulson S
Published: August 2004

Cosmetic foundation products are easily transferred to clothing and other surfaces asa result ofcontact with such objects. Examination of past cases involving cosmetics in New Zealand has shown cosmetic foundation to be one of the more common cosmetic products encountered. The aim of this research was to determine the most discriminating method for the comparison of transferred foundation with samples obtained from a known source in forensic casework. Fifty-three foundation samples were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-Ray analysis (SEM-EDX). It was found that a 5 mm2 section of a light smearing was enough to provide detectable results. The discriminating powers for FTIR, SEM-EDX and GC-FID were 98.3, 93.8, and 82.0% respectively. A combination of all three techniques provided a discriminating power of 99.7%, meaning that almost complete discrimination was achieved between the foundation samples.
Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks—A New Application of the ABFO #2 Scale
Authors: Kaminski JA
Published: August 2004

In 1984 at its first Bitemark Workshop, the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO) developed guidelines for the analysis of bitemark evidence. Prior to this, no standards had been established for the evaluation of bitemarks. The development of the ABFO #2 scale in 1987 gave the forensic odontologist a reproducible way to rectify and measure bitemarks that had been documented photographically. Primarily developed for the analysis of bitemark evidence, its use has expanded to encompass myriad forms of evidence. While the ABFO #2 scale can depict horizontal and vertical measurements, it is unable to depict depth accurately. The purpose of this paper is to show its successful application to three dimensions.
Dental Maturity Curves in Finnish Children: Demirjian's Method Revisited and Polynomial Functions for Age Estimation
Authors: Chaillet N , Nyström M , Kataja M , Demirjian A
Published: August 2004

Dental maturity was studied from 2213 dental panoramic radiographs of healthy ethnic Finns from southern Finland, aged between 2 and 19 years. The aim was to provide new Finnish maturity tables and curves and to compare the efficiency of Demirjian's method when differently weighted scores and polynomial regressions are used. The inter-ethnic variations lead us to calculate specific Finnish weighted scores. Demirjian's method gives maturity score as a function of age and seems better adapted for clinicians because, in their case, the maturity score is unknown. Polynomial functions give age as a function of maturity score and are statically adapted for age estimation studies. Finnish dental maturity tables and development curves are given for Demirjian's method and for polynomial functions. Sexual dimorphism is established for the same weighted score for girls and boys, and girls present a greater maturity than boys for all of age groups. Polynomial functions are highly reliable (0.19% of misclassifies) and the percentile method, using Finnish weighted scores, is very accurate (±1.95 years on average, between 2 and 18 years of age). This suggests that polynomial functions are most useful in forensic sciences, while Demirjian's method is most useful for dental health clinicians.
Allele Frequency Distribution of STR Loci D5S2848 in Four Populations
Authors: Xu Y , Lv M , Liang W , Gou H , Zhang L
Published: August 2004

100 unrelated Chinese volunteer donors, 100 unrelated Thai volunteer donors, 100 unrelated Mongol volunteer donors, 100 unrelated Germany volunteer donors.
Evidence of increased substrate availability to in vitro-derived bovine foetuses and association with accelerated conceptus growth
Authors: Bertolini M , Moyer A L , Mason J B , Batchelder C A , Hoffert K A , Bertolini L R , Carneiro G F , Cargill S L , Famula T R , Calvert C C , Sainz R D , Anderson G B
Published: August 2004

Changes in placental development have been associated with foetal abnormalities afterin vitroembryo manipulations. This study was designed to investigate bovine conceptus development and substrate levels in plasma and fluids inin vivo- andin vitro-produced (IVP) concepti and neonates.In vivo-produced and IVP embryos were derived by established embryo production procedures. Pregnant animals from both groups were slaughtered on days 90 or 180 of gestation, or allowed to go to term. Conceptus and neonatal physical traits were recorded; foetal, maternal and neonatal blood, and foetal fluids were collected for the determination of blood and fluid chemistry, and glucose, fructose and lactate concentrations. Placental transcripts for specific glucose transporters were determined by quantitative RT-PCR. No significant differences in uterine and conceptus traits were observed between groups on day 90. On day 180, larger uterine, placental and foetal weights, and an increase in placental gross surface area (SA) in IVP pregnancies were associated with increased glucose and fructose accumulation in foetal plasma and associated fluids, with no differences in the expression of components of the glucose transporter system. Therefore, the enlarged placental SA in IVP pregnancies suggests an increase in substrate uptake and transport capacity. Newborn IVP calves displayed higher birth weights and plasma fructose concentrations soon after birth, findings which appeared to be associated with clinical and metabolic distress. Our results indicated larger concepti and increased placental fructogenic capacity in mid- to late IVP pregnancies, features which appeared to be associated with an enhanced substrate supply, potentially glucose, to the conceptus.
Cumulus expansion and glucose utilisation by bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes during in vitro maturation: the influence of glucosamine and follicle-stimulating hormone
Authors: Sutton-McDowall Melanie L , Gilchrist Robert B , Thompson Jeremy G
Published: August 2004

Glucose is an important metabolite and its presence duringin vitrooocyte maturation (IVM) can have profound effects on the oocyte’s developmental capacity. We have demonstrated that glucose uptake increases over a 24 h IVM period, with most accounted for asl-lactate production. However, as maturation proceeds,l-lactate production remains constant, suggesting an alternative role for glucose metabolism. We hypothesised that in the latter stages of oocyte maturation, glucose not accounted for byl-lactate production is utilised for FSH-stimulated extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. To examine precursor utilisation for synthesis of ECM, bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured in ± FSH and/or glucosamine (an alternative substrate of matrix components). Measurements included COC diameters, glucose consumption andl-lactate production in spent media and [U-14C]glucose incorporation into ECM. FSH significantly stimulated both diameter and glucose consumption during 20–24 h maturation compared with unstimulated complexes, although co-incubation with glucosamine and FSH decreased total glucose consumption 1.7-fold compared with FSH alone (P< 0.05). Furthermore, there was a linear relationship between glucose andl-lactate metabolism in the presence of glucosamine, suggesting that the majority of glucose was being utilised forl-lactate production via glycolysis. In the presence of glucosamine, twofold less [U-14C]glucose was incorporated into matrix compared with COCs cultured without glucosamine. These results support the hypothesis that there is a link between glucose and glucosamine uptake in FSH-stimulated ECM synthesis. Furthermore, glucose has multiple fates within the COC during maturation and levels of utilisation are dependent on the composition of the maturation environment.
Derivation, growth and applications of human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Stojkovic Miodrag , Lako Majlinda , Strachan Tom , Murdoch Alison
Published: August 2004

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass cells of blastocysts with the potential to maintain an undifferentiated state indefinitely. Fully characterised hES cell lines express typical stem cell markers, possess high levels of telomerase activity, show normal karyotype and have the potential to differentiate into numerous cell types underin vitroandin vivoconditions. Therefore, hES cells are potentially valuable for the development of cell transplantation therapies for the treatment of various human diseases. However, there are a number of factors which may limit the medical application of hES cells: (a) continuous culture of hES cells in an undifferentiated state requires the presence of feeder layers and animal-based ingredients which incurs a risk of cross-transfer of pathogens; (b) hES cells demonstrate high genomic instability and non-predictable differentiation after long-term growth; and (c) differentiated hES cells express molecules which could cause immune rejection. In this review we summarise recent progress in the derivation and growth of undifferentiated hES cells and their differentiated progeny, and the problems associated with these techniques. We also examine the potential use of the therapeutic cloning technique to derive isogenic hES cells.
Plasmid Profiling of Japanese Flavobacterium psychrophilum Isolates
Authors: Izumi Shotaro , Aranishi Futoshi
Published: August 2004

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease and rainbow trout fry syndrome in salmonids, cyprinids, and ayu Plecoglossus altivelis. To investigate genetic variability of this bacterium, plasmid profiling analysis was undertaken in 104 isolates of F. psychrophilum from Japan (n = 92), Europe (n = 9) and the USA (n = 3). Plasmids were isolated by a simple and inexpensive procedure using silica particles and then analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Seventy-two of 104 isolates (69.2%) possessed plasmids, which were distributed at 2.8 kilobases (kb) (n = 33), 3.4 kb (n = 15), 4.1 kb (n = 23), and 5.2 kb (n = 1). The type strain of F. psychrophilum possessed a 2.8-kb plasmid, and a 3.4-kb plasmid was found mainly in isolates from rainbow trout O. mykiss. The 4.1-kb and 5.2-kb plasmids were found in Japanese isolates. Although the functions of these plasmids remain cryptic, no plasmids were associated with antibiotic resistance to ampicillin, sodium nifurstyrenate, or streptomycin, and some of these plasmids were not needed for growth of F. psychrophilum on tryptone and yeast extract medium.
Influence of Oxygen on the Toxicity of Chloramine-T to Atlantic Salmon Smolts in Freshwater and Seawater
Authors: Powell Mark , Harris James
Published: August 2004

Chloramine-T is a widely used disinfectant for the treatment of gill diseases of fish in freshwater, and more recently attention has turned to its use in seawater. However, despite the wide use of chloramine-T, few studies have examined its acute toxicity to fish. In this study we examined the acute (within 12 h) toxicity of freshwater- and seawater-acclimated Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts under aerated (100% air saturation with O2) and oxygen supersaturation conditions (200% air saturation with O2). Chloramine-T was more acutely toxic to salmon in seawater than to those in freshwater, and oxygen supersaturation enhanced the toxicity in both sea- and freshwater. In aerated freshwater the median lethal times (LT50s) for chloramine-T concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/L were 166.8 and 474.3 min, respectively; in aerated seawater they were 119.1 and 297.3 min, respectively. However, in freshwater at 200% air saturation with oxygen, the 50 and 25 mg/L LT50s were 133.6 and 190.9 min, respectively; in seawater at 200% air oxygen saturation, the values were 85.3 and 158.9 min, respectively. Freshwater Atlantic salmon appear to be as sensitive as rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and more sensitive than channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus to chloramine-T toxicity. Seawater-acclimated salmon, however, appear to be more sensitive to chloramine-T than are trout and catfish. The primary mechanism of toxicity in both seawater and freshwater appears to be extensive oxidative necrosis of the gill filament and lamellar epithelium, causing acute osmoregulatory dysfunction.
Delivering Effective Messages in the Patient-Clinician Encounter
Authors: Cappella Joseph N. , Street Richard L.
Published: February 2024

This JAMA Insights discusses the importance of effective patient-clinician communication and provides strategies for clinicians that can enhance accurate information gathering and exchange, encourage patient engagement, enhance comprehension, and ensure retention of the information.
Transforming Value-Based Dementia Care—Implications for the GUIDE Model
Authors: Ramesh Tarun , Kadakia Kushal , Moura Lidia
Published: February 2024

This Viewpoint reviews the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model to assess its suitability in providing equitable and cost-effective dementia care and to compare it with previously introduced specialty care payment models to identify opportunities for refining payment innovation in dementia care.
Optimizing Nickel Orbital Occupancy via Co‐Modulation of Core and Shell Structures to Accelerate Alkaline Hydrogen Electro‐Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Yu Wanqing , Liu Jing , Hu Hao , He Zeyu , Cui Xuejing , Jiang Luhua
Published: February 2024

Nickel‐based catalysts are recognized as a promising alternative to platinum‐based catalysts for the alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) yet suffer from poor stability and relatively low activity. Herein, a nitrogen ligand‐assisted approach is reported to encapsulate nickel‐copper nanoparticles within few carbon layers, and by modulating the core and shell components/structure, the charge distribution in the nanostructures can be finely regulated. The optimized Ni93Cu7@NC catalyst exhibits outstanding HOR activity with an intrinsic activity of 61.0 µA cm−2 and excellent stability, which is among the most advanced Ni‐based HOR catalysts. Notably, an alkaline exchange membrane fuel cell utilizing this catalyst achieves a peak power density of 381 mW cm−2 and maintains stability at 100 mA cm−2 for over 24 h. Experimental and theoretical investigations unveil that the electron re‐distribution at the interface of NiCu core and nitrogen‐doped carbon reduces the electron occupancy in Ni 4s‐H 1s bonding orbitals and Ni 3dz2/yz‐O 2p antibonding orbitals, leading to a weakened hydrogen binding energy and enhance hydroxide binding energy. Consequently, the limiting energy for the HOR is reduced following a bifunctional mechanism on the Ni93Cu7@NC. This work provides a core‐shell co‐modulation strategy to accurately regulate the electronic structure of transition metals to design robust catalysts.
Angulated Edge Intrinsic Defect in Carbon as Bridge‐Adsorption Site of CO for Highly Efficient CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Zeng Zhouliangzi , Liu Zhixiao , Cao Linlin , Dai Minyang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yan , Ni Wenpeng , Zhang Shiguo
Published: February 2024

Pervasive intrinsic defects have a significant impact on the electrocatalytic activity of carbon materials, but previous research has focused on the effects of topological structures exclusively. Herein, a compelling demonstration of the pivotal role played by the positions and spatial arrangement of intrinsic defects in determining their efficacy for electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) is presented. Theoretical calculations reveal a substantial reduction in energy barriers for *COOH formation at intrinsic defects positioned along the edges while hindering the transformation of *COOH to *CO in the ECR process. To address this issue, a sea urchin‐like nanocarbon (F1100) is designed, which provides adjacent intrinsic defects located in V‐type arranged carbon nanorods. The angulated edge intrinsic defects facilitate the bridge adsorption of carbon monoxide (CO), as confirmed by in situ attenuated total reflection surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy, thereby enhancing the specific activity of ECR on intrinsic carbon defects. In a 0.1 m potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) solution, F1100 achieves a FECO of 95.0%, while in an ionic liquids‐based electrolyte, a current density of 90.0 mA cm−2 is obtained with nearly complete conversion of CO2 to CO in an H‐type cell.
Dissolvable Immunomodulatory Microneedles for Treatment of Skin Wounds
Authors: Ghelich Pejman , Samandari Mohamadmahdi , Hassani Najafabadi Alireza , Tanguay Adam , Quint Jacob , Menon Nikhil , Ghanbariamin Delaram , Saeedinejad Farnoosh , Alipanah Fatemeh , Chidambaram Ramaswamy , Krawetz Roman , Nuutila Kristo , Toro Steven , Barnum Lindsay , Jay Gregory D. , Schmidt Tannin A. , Tamayol Ali
Published: February 2024

Sustained inflammation can halt or delay wound healing, and macrophages play a central role in wound healing. Inflammatory macrophages are responsible for the removal of pathogens, debris, and neutrophils, while anti‐inflammatory macrophages stimulate various regenerative processes. Recombinant human Proteoglycan 4 (rhPRG4) is shown to modulate macrophage polarization and to prevent fibrosis and scarring in ear wound healing. Here, dissolvable microneedle arrays (MNAs) carrying rhPRG4 are engineered for the treatment of skin wounds. The in vitro experiments suggest that rhPRG4 modulates the inflammatory function of bone marrow‐derived macrophages. Degradable and detachable microneedles are developed from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) attach to a dissolvable gelatin backing. The developed MNAs are able to deliver a high dose of rhPRG4 through the dissolution of the gelatin backing post‐injury, while the GelMA microneedles sustain rhPRG4 bioavailability over the course of treatment. In vivo results in a murine model of full‐thickness wounds with impaired healing confirm a decrease in inflammatory biomarkers such as TNF‐α and IL‐6, and an increase in angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Collectively, these results demonstrate rhPRG4‐incorporating MNA is a promising platform in skin wound healing applications.
In Situ Piezoelectric‐Catalytic Anti‐Inflammation Promotes the Rehabilitation of Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Synergy
Authors: You Yanling , Jiang Junjie , Zheng Gang , Chen Zhixin , Zhu Ya‐Xuan , Ma Hongshi , Lin Han , Guo Xiang , Shi Jianlin
Published: February 2024

Relieving inflammation via scavenging toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the acute phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) proves to be an effective strategy to mitigate secondary spinal cord injury and improve recovery of motor function. However, commonly used corticosteroid anti‐inflammatory drugs show adverse side effects which may induce increased risk of wound infection. Fortunately, hydrogen (H2), featuring selective antioxidant performance, easy penetrability, and excellent biosafety, is being extensively investigated as a potential anti‐inflammatory therapeutic gas for the treatment of SCI. In this work, by a facile in situ growth approach of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the piezoelectric BaTiO3, a particulate nanocomposite with Schottky heterojunction (Au@BT) is synthesized, which can generate H2 continuously by catalyzing H+ reduction through piezoelectric catalysis. Further, theoretical calculations are employed to reveal the piezoelectric catalytic mechanism of Au@BT. Transcriptomics analysis and nontargeted large‐scale metabolomic analysis reveal the deeper mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of H2 therapy. The as‐prepared Au@BT nanoparticle is first explored as a flexible hydrogen gas generator for efficient SCI therapy. This study highlights a promising prospect of nanocatalytic medicine for disease treatments by catalyzing H2 generation; thus, offering a significant alternative to conventional approaches against refractory spinal cord injury.
A Nanoscale Trans‐Platinum(II)‐Based Supramolecular Coordination Self‐Assembly with a Distinct Anticancer Mechanism
Authors: He Xidong , Yu Jie , Yin Renyong , Zhang Peng , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2024

Drug resistance significantly hampers the clinical application of existing platinum‐based anticancer drugs. New platinum medications that possess distinct mechanisms of action are highly desired for the treatment of Pt‐resistant cancers. Herein, a nanoscale trans‐platinum(II)‐based supramolecular coordination self‐assembly (Pt–TCPP–BA) is prepared via using trans‐[PtCl2(pyridine)(NH3)] (transpyroplatin), tetracarboxylporphyrin (TCPP), and benzoic acid (BA) as building blocks to combat drug resistance in platinum‐based chemotherapy. Mechanistic studies indicate that Pt–TCPP–BA shows a hydrogen‐peroxide‐responsive dissociation behavior along with the generation of bioactive trans‐Pt(II) and TCPP–Pt species. Different from cisplatin, these degradation products interact with DNA via interstrand cross‐links and small groove binding, and induce significant upregulation of cell‐death‐related proteins such as p53, cleaved caspase 3, p21, and phosphorylated H2A histone family member X in cisplatin‐resistant cancer cells. As a result, Pt–TCPP–BA exhibits potent killing effects against Pt‐resistant tumors both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, this work not only provides a new platinum drug for combating drug‐resistant cancer but also offers a new paradigm for the development of platinum‐based supramolecular anticancer drugs.
Ester‐Functionalized Polythiophene Interlayers for Enhanced Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Rai Nitish , Reddy Saripally Sudhaker , Scully Andrew D. , Weerarathna K. Lakshani Jayaprada , Bach Udo , Simonov Alexandr N.
Published: February 2024

Interfacial defects between the organic–inorganic lead halide perovskite and hole‐transporting layers are one significant factor limiting the performance of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). These defects typically result from either lead or halide atom vacancies or under‐coordinated Pb2+ atoms, which act as recombination centers for holes. To address this, it is demonstrated that a thin layer of a poly(bithiophene ester) (PBTE) or a poly(terthiophene diester) (PTTDE) introduced between the FA0.92MA0.08Pb(I0.92Br0.08)3 (MA+ = methylammonium; FA+ = formamidinium) perovskite and spiro‐OMeTAD hole transporting material (HTM) layers improves the device stability and power‐conversion efficiency (PCE). The PCE improvements are primarily associated with enhanced open‐circuit voltage and fill factor arising from Lewis‐base passivation of under‐coordinated Pb2+ through interaction with the polymer carbonyl groups, as well as enhanced charge transfer between the perovskite and HTM layers facilitated by the conjugated thiophene functionalities of the polymeric interlayer. Furthermore, the examined polymers improve the thermal and moisture stability of the devices. Encapsulated PSCs with PBTE and PTTDE retain 89 ± 1 and 94 ± 3% of their initial PCE after 1440 h at 65 °C under 0.5‐sun irradiation, respectively, while PSCs without a polymeric interlayer lose almost half of the performance. These results can guide future designs of polymeric interlayers for high‐performance PSCs.
WS2/Mesoporous Carbon Nanostructures as a Bifunctional Electrode for All Quasi‐Solid‐State Supercapacitor and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Iqbal Muzahir , Saykar Nilesh G. , Singh Abhijeet , Ahmed Imtiaz , Arya Anil , Haldar Krishna Kanta , Mahapatra S. K.
Published: February 2024

2D transition‐metal sulfides have developed as favorable electroactive materials for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications. In this work, WS2/mesoporous carbon (MC) is developed by a one‐step hydrothermal technique for supercapacitor and oxygen evaluation reaction (OER) application. However, the metal sulfides have poor rate and cyclic performance due to the aggregations between two layers of structures restricting their performance. The interaction between WS2 nanosheets and MC produces a synergistic effect, resulting in a decent electrochemical energy storage and conversion application. The synthesized materials used to prepare quasi‐solid‐state symmetric (QSSS) and asymmetric (QSSA) supercapacitor configuration enable the highest specific capacitance (CSP) of 305.45 F g−1 and 204.21 F g−1@ 10 mV s−1, respectively. Moreover, the specific energy and power density of QSSS and QSSA devices are 31.1 Wh kg−1 @824.95 W kg−1 and 24.74 Wh kg−1 @549.84 W kg−1, respectively. Additionally, the multifunctionality of the synthesized binary nanocomposite is also tested for OER. The composite shows a desirable over potential of 307 mV in 6 m KOH electrolyte, with a 69 mV dec−1 Tafel slope. The dual role of WS2/MC for energy storage and oxygen evaluation reaction conversion reveals the potential of metal sulfides.
Harnessing Protein Waste into Reduced Graphitic Carbon Oxide‐Copper‐Collagen Nanocomposite for Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Nano Plastics
Authors: Subbiah Nagaraj , Palanisamy Thanikaivelan
Published: February 2024

Nano and micro plastics are harmful to the aqueous environment and the current treatment systems are either ineffective or expensive, which restricts their widespread use. In this research, reduced graphitic carbon oxide (rGO)‐Cu nanoparticles crosslinked with collagen support (rGO‐Cu/Coll) are employed as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of polystyrene (PS) nano plastics in water. It is shown that rGO‐Cu/Coll nanocomposite can degrade PS nano plastics when subjected to simulated visible light and direct sunlight. In the photocatalytic degradation of PS nano plastics, the reactive radical species (•OH and O2•−) produced on the surfaces of rGO‐Cu/Coll nanocomposite materials play major roles in de‐polymerization. The investigation of the FESEM, Raman, and UV–vis spectra of the irradiated and non‐irradiated samples reveal observable changes, including the distorted morphology and formation of a new band, with longer exposure times and greater degradation. Additionally, evidence for the photodegradation of PS chains is demonstrated by the observed increase in the intensities of the carboxylate, carbonyl, and hydroxyl absorption regions of the ATR‐FTIR spectra. The study provides a simple approach to the battle against plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems using green photocatalysts under visible light including direct sunlight without consuming additional energy.
Quadruple Control Electrochromic Devices Utilizing Ce4W9O33 Electrodes for Visible and Near‐Infrared Transmission Intelligent Modulation
Authors: Ma Dongyun , Yang Ting , Feng Xingzhe , Wang Pengfei , Huang Jiahui , Wang Jinmin , Li Haizeng
Published: February 2024

Electrochromic smart windows are promising for building energy savings due to their dynamic regulation of the solar spectrum. Restricted by materials or traditional complementary device configuration, precisely and independently controlling of visible (VIS) and near‐infrared (NIR) light is still on the drawing board. Herein, a novel Zn2+ electrochemically active Ce4W9O33 electrode is reported, which demonstrates three distinct states, including VIS and NIR transparent “bright and warm” state, VIS and NIR opaque “dark and cool” state, VIS transparent and NIR opaque “bright and cool” state. A dual‐operation mode electrochromic platform is also presented by integrating Ce4W9O33/NiO complementary device and Zn anode‐based electrochromic device (Ce4W9O33/Zn/NiO device). Such a platform enables an added VIS opaque and NIR transparent “dark and warm” state, thus realizing four color states through individually controlling Ce4W9O33 and NiO electrodes, respectively. These results present an effective approach for facilitating electrochromic windows more intelligent to weather/season conditions and personal preferences.
Impact of dupilumab prescribing on utilization of medical and surgical therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Low Christopher M. , Wang Allan R. , Yong Michael , Nayak Jayakar , Patel Zara , Hwang Peter H.
Published: February 2024

Key points

Increased dupilumab utilization coincided with decreased ESS in patients with CRSwNP between 2019 and 2021.

One potential confounder was the concurrent COVID‐19 pandemic, which may have negatively impacted surgery utilization rates.
Amphiphilic Covalent Organic Framework Nanoparticles for Pickering Emulsion Catalysis with Size Selectivity
Authors: Zou Houbing , Li Qibiao , Zhang Rongyan , Xiong Zeshan , Li Binghua , Wang Junhao , Wang Runwei , Fang Qianrong , Yang Hengquan
Published: February 2024

Exploiting advanced amphiphilic solid catalysts is crucial to the development of Pickering emulsion catalysis. Herein, covalent organic framework (COF) nanoparticles constructed with highly hydrophobic monomers as linkers were found to show superior amphiphilicity and they were then developed as a new class of solid emulsifiers for Pickering emulsion catalysis. Employing amphiphilic COFs as solid emulsifiers, Pickering emulsions with controllable emulsion type and droplet sizes were obtained. COF materials have also been demonstrated to serve as porous surface coatings to replace traditional surface modifications for stabilizing Pickering emulsions. After implanting Pd nanoparticles into amphiphilic COFs, the obtained catalyst displayed a 3.9 times higher catalytic efficiency than traditional amphiphilic solid catalysts with surface modifications in the biphasic oxidation reaction of alcohols. Such an enhanced activity was resulted from the high surface area and regular porous structure of COFs. More importantly, because of their tunable pore diameters, Pickering emulsion catalysis with remarkable size selectivity was achieved. This work is the first example that COFs were applied in Pickering emulsion catalysis, providing a platform for exploring new frontiers of Pickering emulsion catalysis.
Transformation of the pheromone 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol in the presence of [RuClCp (PTA)2] and [RuCp (OH2)(PTA)2]CF3SO3
Authors: López‐Sánchez Belén , Scalambra Franco , Romerosa Antonio
Published: February 2024

The catalytic conversion of the substituted cyclic allylic alcohol 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol was studied in the presence of the metal complexes [RuClCp (PTA)2] (1) and [RuCp (OH2)(PTA)2]CF3SO3 (2) (PTA = 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane) in different media such as water, methanol, and biphasic water/cyclohexane. Slight changes of the reaction conditions led to the isomerization to 3‐methylcyclohexanone, oxidation to 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexenone, or 1,3‐transposition to 1‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol. The 1,3‐transposition and oxidation reactions took place in water, and the selective formation of the isomerization product was achieved in freshly dried methanol, or biphasic water/cyclohexane mixture, achieving the highest TON values known to date. Furthermore, the reactivity of 3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol in water was also investigated in the absence of a catalyst, revealing the formation of the 1,3‐transpostion product 1‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐ol and the etherification product 1‐methyl‐3‐(3‐methyl‐2‐cyclohexen‐1‐yl)oxycyclohexene. Finally, key mechanistic aspects of the different reaction pathways were enlightened by NMR spectroscopy.
Salt resistant and self‐cleaning CNTs‐SEBS‐MAH composite membrane for seawater desalination
Authors: Cui Baozheng , Chen Xuelong , Chen Lina , Zhu Jingbo , Zhang Caiyan , Bai Ningjing , Wang Wei , Wang Huixin , Zhao Dongyu , Li Zewen , Niu Haijun , Wang Zhe
Published: February 2024

Solar‐driven steam generation membranes have garnered increasing attention for freshwater production. Nonetheless, the adverse impact of salt accumulation on membrane surfaces directly undermines the efficacy of solar evaporation. In this work, one type of composite membrane comprised of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐styrene‐ethylene‐butadiene‐styrene (SEBS) was fabricated by modified vapor phase pore‐forming technique. Through the grafting of maleic anhydride (MAH), the CNTs‐SEBS‐MAH composite membrane was successfully hydrolyzed. As a consequence, the composite membrane exhibits evaporation rate as high as 1.28 kg m−2 h−1 under one sun solar irradiation, accompanied by an outstanding solar vapor conversion efficiency of 87.5%. In addition, the fabricated composite membrane has high resistance to salt accumulation, as well as self‐cleaning capability. This work provides a route for manufacturing hydrophilic polymer composite membrane towards solar energy driven seawater desalination.
Schiff‐base Polymer Immobilized Ruthenium for Efficient Catalytic Cross‐coupling of Secondary Alcohols with 2‐amino‐ and γ‐aminobenzyl Alcohols to Give Quinolines and Pyridines
Authors: Li Lei , Zhao Yuting , Zang Jiyuan , Yu Lei , Young David J. , Ren Zhi‐Gang , Li Hong‐Xi
Published: February 2024

A Schiff–base porous polymer has been impregnated with ruthenium trichloride for acceptor–free dehydrogenation coupling (ADC) of secondary alcohols with γ‐amino‐ and 2‐aminobenzyl alcohols to give pyridines and quinolines. This heterogenous catalyst exhibited high catalytic efficiency over repeated cycles with wide functional group tolerance.
Docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil with pegfilgrastim on day 3 as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for esophageal cancer
Authors: Maeda Osamu , Furune Satoshi , Kanda Mitsuro , Miyata Kazushi , Shimizu Dai , Sugita Shizuki , Nishida Kazuki , Ando Masahiko , Kodera Yasuhiro , Ando Yuichi
Published: February 2024

Purpose

A high risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) from neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (DCF) for esophageal cancer has been reported. The optimal timing of prophylactic use of pegfilgrastim remains to be elucidated. To evaluate the effect of pegfilgrastim administered on day 3, we conducted a feasibility study.

Methods

Chemotherapy consisted of intravenous administration of docetaxel (70 mg/m2 per day) and cisplatin (70 mg/m2 per day) on day 1 and continuous infusion of 5‐fluorouracil (750 mg/m2 per day) on days 1–5. Pegfilgrastim was given as a single subcutaneous injection at a dose of 3.6 mg on day 3 during each treatment course. This regimen was repeated every 3 weeks for up to a maximum of three courses. Prophylactic antibiotics were not needed but were allowed to be given at the discretion of the physician. The primary endpoint was the incidence of FN.

Results

Twenty‐six patients were administered DCF in combination with pegfilgrastim on day 3. After the first course of DCF, 10 out of 26 patients (38.5%) experienced grade 4 neutropenia, and two patients (7.7%) experienced FN. Of the 14 patients who did not receive prophylactic antibiotics, four had grade 4 neutropenia, including two who developed FN. On the contrary, of the 12 patients who received prophylactic levofloxacin, six had grade 4 neutropenia, but no cases of FN were observed.

Conclusion

Administration of pegfilgrastim on day 3 was not sufficient to prevent FN due to DCF treatment, and prophylactic administration of both pegfilgrastim and antibiotics could be a solution.
Effect of DNA Origami Nanostructures on Bacterial Growth
Authors: Garcia‐Diosa Jaime Andres , Grundmeier Guido , Keller Adrian
Published: February 2024

DNA origami nanostructures are a powerful tool in biomedicine and can be used to combat drug‐resistant bacterial infections. However, the effect of unmodified DNA origami nanostructures on bacteria is yet to be elucidated. With the aim to obtain a better understanding of this phenomenon, the effect of three DNA origami shapes, i.e., DNA origami triangles, six‐helix bundles (6HBs), and 24‐helix bundles (24HBs), on the growth of Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis is investigated. The results reveal that while triangles and 24HBs can be used as a source of nutrients by E. coli and thereby promote population growth, their effect is much smaller than that of genomic single‐ and double‐stranded DNA. However, no effect on E. coli population growth is observed for the 6HBs. On the other hand, B. subtilis does not show any significant changes in population growth when cultured with the different DNA origami shapes or genomic DNA. The detailed effect of DNA origami nanostructures on bacterial growth thus depends on the competence signals and uptake mechanism of each bacterial species, as well as the DNA origami shape. This should be considered in the development of antimicrobial DNA origami nanostructures.
Amorphous Anode Materials for Fast‐charging Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Vishwanathan Savithri , Pandey Harshit , Ramakrishna Matte H. S. S.
Published: February 2024

Fast‐charging technology is set to revolutionize the field of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), driving the creation of next‐generation devices with the ability to get charged within a short span of time. From the anode perspective, it is of paramount importance to design materials that can withstand continuous Li+ insertion/deinsertion at high charging rates and still remain unaffected by factors such as mechanical fractures, electrolyte side reactions, polarisation, lithium plating and heat generation. Herein, the recent advancements in the design of amorphous materials as anodes for fast‐charging LIBs have been discussed. While the development of this particular class of materials for application in high‐rate anodes has been paid limited attention in recent literature, it holds immense promise for improving the fast‐charging capabilities. This concept summarizes the recent strides made in this emerging field, outlining the strategies employed in the design of amorphous anodes and emphasizing the crucial role played by the amorphous nature in achieving fast‐charging performance. Further, the successive initiatives that can be undertaken to drive the progress of amorphous materials for fast charging LIBs have also been detailed, which could potentially improve their commercial viability.
Strong Circularly Polarized Luminescence Promoted by AIE‐active Chiral Co‐assemblies in Liquid Crystal Polymer Films
Authors: Li Hang , Luo Jiaxin , Liu Chao , Yu Wenting , Cheng Yixiang
Published: February 2024

Recently, extensive works have focused on increasing the dissymmetry factors (glum) of various circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials, which is one of the most important factors for future applications of CPL. Herein, we designed a chiral co‐assembled liquid crystal polymer (LCP) PTZ@R/S‐PB2, which was prepared by chiral binary co‐polymer (R/S‐PB2) doped with achiral phenothiazine derivation dye (PTZ). For comparison, ternary co‐polymerized LCP (R/S‐PT) was synthesized by co‐polymerizing with mesogenic monomer, chiral monomer and emissive monomer. Both PTZ@R/S‐PB2 and R/S‐PT showed aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties. Interestingly, the CPL signals of both PTZ@R/S‐PB2 and R/S‐PT were reversed and amplified after thermal annealing treatment. The |glum| values of the co‐assembled PTZ@R/S‐PB2 were up to 0.13 at a 32 nm thickness, which was 5.4 times that of R/S‐PT (|glum|=0.024). This is due to PTZ@R/S‐PB2 could form more orderly chiral co‐assembly structures. Noticeably, increasing the LCP film thickness could further improve the glum value, and the maximum glum of PTZ@R/S‐PB2 could be enhanced to +0.91/−0.82 at a 220 nm thickness.
In‐situ confining selenium within bubble – like carbon nanoshells for ultra‐stable Li−Se batteries
Authors: Wang Ying , Cen Xinnuo , Liao Fang , Wang Qingqing , Luo Wanshu , Huang Yan , Al‐Mamun Mohammad , Dou Yuhai , Wu Chao , Zhang Lei , Wang Yun
Published: February 2024

Lithium‐selenium (Li−Se) batteries are promising energy storage devices. However, the long‐term durability and high‐rate performance of the Se cathode have been limited by significant volume expansion and the troublesome shuttle effect of polyselenides during repeated charging/discharging processes. To revolutionize these issues, we applied a top‐down strategy through the in‐situ trapping of amorphous Se within bubble‐like carbon (BLC) frameworks, which can radically minimize the presence of surface‐absorbed Se while enhancing Se loading capacity. This ingenious technique successfully encapsulates all Se species within carbon nanoshells, creating a distinct half‐filled core‐shell structure known as Se@void@BLC. This in‐situ trapping approach ensures the efficient management of Se volume changes during repeated discharge and charge cycles. Moreover, an extraordinary Se loading capacity of up to 65.6 wt% is reached. Using the Se@void@BLC as cathode for Li−Se battery, we achieve a high initial Columbic efficiency of 84.2 %, a high reversible capacity of 585 mAh g−1, and an ultralow capacity decay of only 0.0037 % per cycle during 4000 cycles at 10 A g−1.
Metal Organic Frameworks Synthesis: The Versatility of Triethylamine
Authors: Zhang Wei , Pinna Nicola
Published: February 2024

Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are organic‐inorganic hybrid materials with exceptionally customizable composition and properties. MOFs intrinsically possess open metal sites, tunable pore size/shape and an ultra‐large specific surface area, and have obtained significant attention over the past 30 years. Furthermore, through the integration of functional moieties such as, molecules, functional groups, noble metal clusters and nanocrystals or nanoparticles into MOFs, the resulting composites have greatly enriched the physical and chemical properties of pure MOFs, enabling their application in a wider range of fields. Triethylamine (TEA) as an organic base has consistently played a fundamental role in the development of MOFs. In this Concept, the versatility of triethylamine when involved in the synthesis of MOFs is discussed. Four sections are used to elaborate on the role of TEA including: (1) Single crystal synthesis; (2) Size and morphology control; (3) Counterion of MOFs; (4) MOFs composites synthesis. In the last part, we highlight the potential of TEA for further developments.
Results from a Phase 1 Study Assessing the Pharmacokinetics of the Aldosterone Synthase Inhibitor Baxdrostat in Participants with Varying Degrees of Renal Function
Authors: Freeman Mason W. , Halvorsen Yuan‐Di , Bond Mary , Murphy Brian , Isaacsohn Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Baxdrostat is a selective small‐molecule aldosterone synthase inhibitor in development for treatment of hypertension and chronic kidney disease. This phase 1, open‐label, parallel‐group study assessed the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of baxdrostat in participants with varying degrees of renal function. Participants were enrolled into control (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥60 mL/min), moderate to severe renal impairment (eGFR 15‐59 mL/min), or kidney failure (eGFR <15 mL/min) groups and received a single 10‐mg baxdrostat dose followed by 7 days of inpatient PK blood and urine sampling. Safety was assessed by adverse events, clinical laboratory evaluations, vital signs, physical examinations, and electrocardiograms (ECGs). Thirty‐2 participants completed the study. There were no deaths and only 1 mild drug‐related adverse event (diarrhea). No clinically meaningful changes in laboratory values, vital signs, physical examinations, or ECGs occurred. Plasma concentration‐time curves of baxdrostat were similar among all groups. Urine PK parameters were similar (approximately 12% excreted) in the moderate to severe renal impairment and control groups. Inadequate urine production in the kidney failure group resulted in minimal urinary baxdrostat excretion. Renal impairment had no significant impact on systemic exposure or clearance of baxdrostat, suggesting that dose adjustment due to PK differences in patients with kidney disease is unnecessary.
Long‐Term Stability of Light‐Induced Ti3+ Defects in TiO2 Nanotubes for Amplified Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Wierzbicka Ewa , Szaniawska‐Białas Ewelina , Schultz Thorsten , Basilio Amanda O. , Siemiaszko Dariusz , Ray Kallol , Koch Norbert , Pinna Nicola , Polański Marek
Published: February 2024

This study shows that the simple approach of keeping anodic TiO2 nanotubes at 70 °C in ethanol for 1 h results in improved photoelectrochemical water splitting activity due to initiation of crystallization in the material amplified by the light‐induced formation of a Ti3+−Vo states under UV 365 nm illumination. For the first time, the light‐induced Ti3+−Vo states are generated when oxygen is present in the reaction solution and are stable when in contact with air (oxygen) for a long time (two months). We confirmed here that the amorphous or nearly amorphous structure of titania supports the survival of Ti3+ species in contact with oxygen. It is also shown that the ethanol treatment substantially improves the morphology of the titania nanotube arrays, specifically, less surface cracking and surface purification from C‐ and F‐based contamination from the electrolyte used for anodizing.
A novel intelligent control approach for wind energy conversion systems with synchronous reluctance generators
Authors: Selma Belkacem , Bounadja Elhadj , Belmadani Bachir , Selma Boumediene , Fliess Michel
Published: February 2024

This study addresses a significant research gap in the field of wind energy, focusing on the underutilized potential of synchronous reluctance generators (SynRG) in wind power conversion systems (WPCS). Despite notable advancements in wind energy controls, the capabilities of SynRG within these systems have not been fully explored. In response, we introduce an innovative model‐free control (MFC) approach, termed intelligent proportional (iP), specifically designed and optimized for WPCS equipped with SynRG. This research encompasses the modeling, control, and simulation of SynRG‐based WPCS, aiming to optimize system performance and enhance the quality of grid power supply. The proposed vector control (VC) method utilizes a MFC approach (VC‐iP) to address the limitations inherent in traditional VC methods with proportional‐integral (PI) controllers (VC‐PI). Although widely used for their simplicity, VC‐PI methods often lead to power fluctuations and decreased power and current quality, consequently reducing overall system efficiency. In contrast, VC‐iP markedly enhances power quality and system efficiency, especially in situations involving fluctuating power demand and variable wind speeds. The efficacy of VC‐iP is demonstrated through simulations in two distinct test scenarios that include variations in power demand and random wind speed fluctuations. The results affirm the superiority of VC‐iP in maintaining stable, high‐quality power output from WPCS. This method notably minimizes fluctuations, improves current quality, reduces harmonic distortion and steady‐state error, ensures reliable grid integration, and contributes to a more efficient and sustainable energy system.