bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advanced Piezoelectric Materials, Devices, and Systems for Orthopedic Medicine
Authors: Zhang Jingkai , Liu Chang , Li Jun , Yu Tao , Ruan Jing , Yang Fan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHarnessing the robust electromechanical couplings, piezoelectric materials not only enable efficient bio‐energy harvesting, physiological sensing and actuating but also open enormous opportunities for therapeutic treatments through surface polarization directly interacting with electroactive cells, tissues, and organs. Known for its highly oriented and hierarchical structure, collagen in natural bones produces local electrical signals to stimulate osteoblasts and promote bone formation, inspiring the application of piezoelectric materials in orthopedic medicine. Recent studies showed that piezoelectricity can impact microenvironments by regulating molecular sensors including ion channels, cytoskeletal elements, cell adhesion proteins, and other signaling pathways. This review thus focuses on discussing the pioneering applications of piezoelectricity in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases, aiming to offer valuable insights for advancing next‐generation medical technologies. Beginning with an introduction to the principles of piezoelectricity and various piezoelectric materials, this review paper delves into the mechanisms through which piezoelectric materials accelerated osteogenesis. A comprehensive overview of piezoelectric materials, devices, and systems enhancing bone tissue repair, alleviating inflammation at infection sites, and monitoring bone health is then provided, respectively. Finally, the major challenges faced by applications of piezoelectricity in orthopedic conditions are thoroughly discussed, along with a critical outlook on future development trends.
Bacteroides Fragilis Exacerbates T2D Vascular Calcification by Secreting Extracellular Vesicles to Induce M2 Macrophages
Authors: Chen Cong , Liang Zhengfeng , He Yuqi , Gao Yan , Ouyang Shuhui , Wang Lili , Liu Jianghua , Cao Jingsong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVascular calcification (VC) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses a serious threat to the life and health of patients. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear, resulting in a lack of effective treatment for the root cause. It is found that both intestinal Bacteroides fragilis (BF) and peripheral M2 monocytes/macrophages are significantly elevated in patients with T2D VC. M2 macrophages are identified as a significant risk factor for T2D VC. Both BF and their extracellular vesicles (EV) promote T2D VC and facilitate macrophage M2 polarization. Macrophages clearance significantly antagonized BF EV‐induced T2D VC in mice. Mechanistically, EV‐rich double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) activates stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1 (Sting), promotes myocyte enhancer factor 2D (Mef2d) phosphorylation, upregulates tribbles pseudokinase 1 (Trib1) expression, and induces macrophage M2 polarization. Concurrently, Mef2d activated by the EV targets and upregulates the expression of pro‐calcification factor Serpine1, thereby exacerbating T2D VC. Clinical studies have shown that Serpine1 is significantly elevated in the peripheral blood of patients with T2D VC and is closely associated with T2D VC. In summary, this study reveals that intestinal BF promotes Trib1 expression through the EV‐Sting‐Mef2d pathway to induce macrophage M2 polarization and upregulates serpin family E member 1 (Serpine1) expression, thereby aggravating T2D VC. The findings provide a new theoretical and experimental bases for optimizing the strategies for prevention and treatment of T2D VC.
High‐Entropy Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Derivatives: Advances in Design, Synthesis, and Applications for Catalysis and Energy Storage
Authors: Xing Jiangyuan , Liu Yan , Mathew George , He Qiu , Aghassi‐Hagmann Jasmin , Schweidler Simon , Breitung Ben 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAs a nascent class of high‐entropy materials (HEMs), high‐entropy metal–organic frameworks (HE‐MOFs) have garnered significant attention in the fields of catalysis and renewable energy technology owing to their intriguing features, including abundant active sites, stable framework structure, and adjustable chemical properties. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the latest developments in HE‐MOFs, focusing on functional design, synthesis strategies, and practical applications. This work begins by presenting the design principles for the synthesis strategies of HE‐MOFs, along with a detailed description of commonly employed methods based on existing reports. Subsequently, an elaborate discussion of recent advancements achieved by HE‐MOFs in diverse catalytic systems and energy storage technologies is provided. Benefiting from the application of the high‐entropy strategy, HE‐MOFs, and their derivatives demonstrate exceptional catalytic activity and impressive electrochemical energy storage performance. Finally, this review identifies the prevailing challenges in current HE‐MOFs research and proposes corresponding solutions to provide valuable guidance for the future design of advanced HE‐MOFs with desired properties.
High Relative Humidity‐Induced Growth of Perovskite Nanowires from Glass toward Single‐Mode Photonic Nanolasers at Sub‐100‐nm Scale
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Li Xinkuo , Chen Chenduan , Lou Minhan , Wu Jiajia , Gao Kai , Li Zengling , Sun Ke , Li Zhou , Xiao Zhu , Li Linhan , Wang Pan , Bai Sai , Qiu Jianrong , Tan Dezhi 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMetal halide perovskites (MHPs) have achieved substantial progress in their applications; however, their ionic crystal character and low formation energy result in poor structural stability and limited morphological tunability. In particular, high relative humidity (RH) commonly causes severe MHP degradation, which poses a major obstacle to long‐term device operation. Herein, high RH‐induced growth of anisotropic MHP structures on glass surfaces is reported under 25 °C and atmospheric conditions on a basis of glass corrosion by moisture. Nanowires (NWs) with tunable length and composition are obtained under 85% RH air, and water molecule‐induced facet engineering of perovskite is established for anisotropic growth. Importantly, single‐mode photonic lasing in these MHP NWs with thickness at sub‐100‐nm scale (down to 75 nm ∼ 1/7 lasing wavelength) is achieved via both one‐photon and multiphoton pumping. These nanowire lasers exhibited high quality factor (>3000), high degree of polarization (≈0.9), and excellent stability under laser irradiation. The work not only presents a distinctive technique for the growth of MHPs but also endows MHP NWs with new opportunities for nonlinear optics, strong light‐matter interactions, and active photonic integrated devices.
High‐Performance Quasi‐Solid‐State Thermogalvanic Cells with Metallized Fibril‐Based Textile Electrodes and Structure‐Breaking Salts
Authors: Choi Jaejin , Mo Jeongmin , Jung Jaemin , Jeong Yeongje , Cho Jinhan , Jang Jaeyoung 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThermogalvanic cells (TGCs) convert heat into electricity through thermoelectrochemical reactions of redox couples, generating a millivolt‐scale Seebeck coefficient. However, TGCs based on liquid electrolytes are prone to leakage, whereas quasi‐solid‐state TGCs (QTCs) using gel‐based electrolytes typically have low power outputs due to slow ion diffusion and limited reaction rates. Herein, we present novel strategies for developing high‐performance all‐flexible QTCs using both metallized fibril‐based textile electrodes with extremely large surface area, (specifically Ni textiles), and structure‐breaking salts for hydrogel electrolytes. The electrodes are oxidized to create Ni and Ni oxide heterostructures, forming numerous O vacancy defects that enhance redox reactions. Meanwhile, the structure‐breaking salts facilitate redox reactions and improve ion diffusion by disrupting water structures in the hydrogel electrolyte. These advancements significantly enhance the performance of the QTCs without the need for precious‐metal electrodes, achieving a remarkable maximum power density of 4.05 mW m−2 K−2 and a record‐high effective cell conductivity of 17.3 S m−1, compared to previously reported QTCs. Finally, the proposed QTCs can generate a stable open‐circuit voltage and output power for wearable applications owing to the flexibility of the electrodes and electrolyte, achieving successful electronic device operation using body heat from the forearm (ΔT ≈ 2 K).
Respiratory Ill‐Health and Welding Exposures: A Canadian Cohort Study
Authors: Galarneau Jean‐Michel , Beach Jeremy , Cherry Nicola 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionRespiratory ill‐health in welders is well documented but without a clear indication of exposures responsible.MethodsIn a Canadian cohort study of welders and electrical workers, we collected self‐reports of asthma/wheeze and rhinitis at each 6‐monthly contact for up to 5 years. Physician diagnoses of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/bronchitis) were extracted from the Alberta administrative health database (AHDB). Welders provided task‐specific information at each contact. Estimates were derived for cumulative exposure to particulates, chromium, and nickel. Factors associated with time to first and recurrent events were identified by proportional hazards regression, adjusting for sex, age, and smoking.ResultsOf 1001 welders and 884 workers in electrical trades recruited, 1338 in Alberta were matched to the AHDB. Welders were more at risk of physician‐diagnosed COPD/bronchitis than those in the electrical trades (HR for first report = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.27–2.77) but not of asthma. Times to first self‐report of asthma/wheezing (HR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.23–2.04) and rhinitis (HR = 1.29; 95%CI = 1.11–1.49) were shorter in welders. Among welders, time to physician‐diagnosed asthma was weakly related to cumulative nickel exposure (mg/m3_h/100) (HR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.00–1.17). COPD/bronchitis was related to cumulative exposure to total dust (g/m3_h) (HR = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00–1.03) and to chromium (mg/m3_h/100) (HR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.04–1.26). The risk of both asthma and COPD/bronchitis reduced with time using local exhaust ventilation. Self‐reported rhinitis increased with cumulative nickel exposure (HR = 1.00; 95% CI = 1.00–1.01).ConclusionsWelders were at increased risk of COPD/bronchitis, with risk related to cumulative dust and chromium exposure. Nickel exposure increased the risk of asthma and rhinitis.
Autocatalytic Nucleation and Self‐Assembly of Inorganic Nanoparticles into Complex Biosimilar Networks
Authors: McGlothin Connor N. , Whisnant Kody G. , Turali Emre Emine Sumeyra , Owuor Dickson , Lu Jun , Xiao Xiongye , Vecchio Drew , Van Epps Scott , Bogdan Paul , Kotov Nicholas 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSelf‐replication of bioorganic molecules and oil microdroplets have been explored as models in prebiotic chemistry. An analogous process for inorganic nanomaterials would involve the autocatalytic nucleation of metal, semiconductor, or ceramic nanoparticles‐an area that remains largely uncharted. Demonstrating such systems would be both fundamentally intriguing and practically relevant, especially if the resulting particles self‐assemble into complex structures beyond the capabilities of molecules or droplets. Here, we show that autocatalytic nucleation occurs with silver nanoparticles, which subsequently self‐assemble into chains through spatially restricted attachment. In dispersions containing “hedgehog” particles, these reactions produce complex colloids with hierarchical spike organization. On solid surfaces, autocatalytic nucleation of nanoparticles yields conformal networks with hierarchical organization, including nanoparticle “colonies.” We analyzed the complexity of both types of solid‐stabilized particle assemblies via graph theory (GT). The complexity index of idealized spiky colloids is comparable to that of complex algal skeletons. The GT analysis of the percolating nanoparticle networks revealed their similarities to the bacterial, but not fungal, biofilms. We conclude that coupling autocatalytic nucleation with self‐assembly enables the generation of complex, biosimilar particles and films. This work establishes mathematical and structural parallels between biotic and abiotic matter, integrating self‐organization, autocatalytic nucleation, and theoretical description of complex systems. Utilization of quantitative descriptors of connectivity patterns opens possibility to GT‐based biomimetic engineering of conductive coatings and other complex nanostructures.
Dual Zn5−NiS4 Sites in a Redox‐Active Metal–Organic Framework Enables Efficient Cascade Catalysis for Nitrate‐to‐Ammonia Conversion
Authors: Zhang Zedong , Lv Yang , Gu Yuming , Zhou Xiaocheng , Tian Bailin , Zhang Anqi , Yang Zhimei , Chen Shizheng , Ma Jing , Ding Mengning , Zuo Jing‐Lin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractElectrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction to Ammonia (NO3RR) offers a promising solution to both environmental pollution and the sustainable energy conversion. Here we propose an efficient cascade catalytic mechanism based on a dual Zn5−NiS4 sites, orderly assembled in a redox‐active metal–organic framework structure, which separately promotes the reaction kinetics of nitrate‐to‐nitrite and nitrite‐to‐ammonia conversions. Specifically, the Zn5 clusters adsorb and selectively reduce the NO3− to NO2−, whereas [NiS4] acts as an analogue to the ferredoxins, subsequently boosts the reduction of NO2− to produce NH3. To this end, the bimetallic Zn5−NiS4TP MOF was synthesized based on the redox‐active ligand [Ni(C2S2(TPCOOH)2)2]. A maximum ammonia production rate of 23477.59 μg ⋅ h−1 ⋅ mg−1cat. and faradaic efficiency 92.87 % was achived by Zn5−NiS4TP MOF under neutral conditions. To validate the critical role of dual Zn5−NiS4 sites, Mn5−NiS4TP and Cd2−NiS4TP were synthesized as control samples, together with Zn‐TTFTB, Zn−NiS4Ph and other Zn5‐cluster‐based MOFs applied for the investigation of electrocatalytic nitrate reduction. Our results indicated that substitution by ‐thienyl instead of ‐phenyl group increases the S‐heteroatom content, improves the conductivity and facilitates electron transfer. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the energy changes for the reduction of each species could rationalize experimental results.
Metal‐Free Electrocatalytic Alkaline Water Splitting by Porous Macrocyclic Proton Sponges
Authors: Basak Ananda , Karmakar Arun , Dutta Sayantani , Roy Diptendu , Paul Satyadip , Nishiyama Yusuke , Pathak Biswarup , Kundu Subrata , Banerjee Rahul 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMacrocycles are unique as they encapsulate and transfer guest molecules or ions and facilitate catalytic processes. Although metalated macrocycles are pivotal in electrocatalytic processes, using metal‐free analogs has been rare. Following the strategy of Kanbara et al., we synthesized an azacalixarene macrocycle‐N, N’, N’’‐tris(p‐aminophenyl)azacalix[3](2,6)pyridine (CalixNH2). The macrocycle encapsulates a proton in its cavity, maintaining the protonation even in highly alkaline media. Notably, it retains almost 50 % protonated form in 1 M KOH (~pH 14)‐acting as a proton sponge. As hydrogen evolution is complex in alkaline media owing to sluggish water dissociation, we implemented the proton sponge (CalixNH2) in an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction. Conjugated Porous polymers, TpCalix and DhaCalix, have been synthesized from the triamine‐CalixNH2. The most efficient catalyst, TpCalix, has shown excellent performance in alkaline HER and OER in 1 M KOH (~pH 14), with low overpotentials of only 112(±2) and 290(±2) mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively, and durable up to 24 hours. A full‐cell reaction using TpCalix in both the cathode and anode exhibited a low full‐cell voltage of 1.73 V and was stable for 12 hours. DFT calculations verified the tripyridinic core, which acts as the principal site for proton abstraction and binding.
Synthesis of New Nano‐Sized Cu (II), Co (II), and Zn (II) Complexes From β,β′‐Dihydroxy‐Dithioether Derivative: Spectroscopic Characterization, DNA Interactions, in Vitro Cytotoxicity, Cell Cycle Analysis and Quantum Chemical Calculations
Authors: Alaghaz Abdel‐Nasser M. A. , Hakami Othman , Alamri Abdullah Ali , Amri Nasser , Souadi G. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTNano‐sized β,β′‐dihydroxydithioether bivalent metal complexes of Cu (II) (C1), Co (II) (C2), and Zn (II) (C3) were produced and analyzed of the form [M(L)(H2O)n]·X(H2O) where M = Cu (II); n = 0; X = 0, M = Co (II); n = 2; X = 3, M = Zn (II); n = 2; X = 2, and H2L = [2,2′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylbis (sulfanediyl))‐bis(1‐phenylethan‐1‐ol)]. Several characteristic methodologies were employed to evaluate our monometallic complexes. Quantum chemical computations were made using DFT (density functional theory), B3LYP functional and 6‐31++G(d,p)/SDD basis set in order to determine optimized structure parameters and frontier molecular orbital parameters. Based on DFT and experimental evidence, the complexes ensured that the square planar geometry has been proposed for complex C1, octahedral for complexes C2 and C3. The SEM, XRD, EDX, and AFM investigations of the bivalent metal complexes revealed that the presence of distinct and prominent diffraction peaks signify their crystalline indicates with nanoscale particle dimensions. The absorption measurements reveal the interaction of the nano‐sized complexes with CT‐DNA via intercalation, exhibiting an intrinsic binding constant (Kb) of 4.69 × 106–6.03 × 106 M−1. Nano‐sized metal (II) complexes show a higher viscous nature than H2SOSO. The antiproliferative activity of the ligand (H2SOSO) and complexes (C1 to C3) were evaluated in vitro against human liver cells (HepG2) and normal skin fibroblast cells (FG0). Our flow cytometry data indicate significant levels of apoptosis and cell cycle arresting in liver cancer cell lines.
Genetic Divergence in the Natural Regeneration of Black Poplar Along the Vistula River in Poland
Authors: Robak Dominika , Lewandowski Andrzej , Żukowska Weronika Barbara 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMany years of land use transformation within river valleys have drastically changed these ecosystems. Black poplar is a tree species characteristic of riparian habitats, but due to specific environmental requirements, their populations have difficulties with natural regeneration. Here, we genotyped 623 black poplar individuals from four populations located along different sections of the Vistula River. This river, which is the largest in Poland, is characterized by the variable degrees of regulation and transformation of its natural environment. Each black poplar population consisted of a group of mature trees and a group of naturally regenerated trees. Our main goal was to assess the differences between the gene pools of mature trees and natural regenerations. The results showed that all populations were characterized by high and comparable values of the parameters of genetic diversity. Despite this, we distinguished two to three genetic clusters (depending on the method). The genetic differentiation among the natural regeneration groups was almost twice as high as that among the mature tree groups. The gene pools of most natural regenerations diverged from the gene pools of mature tree groups except for one population. This was also the only population where fully generative regeneration occurred, growing in the least transformed middle section of the river. Our research confirms the need to monitor seedlings and saplings along major rivers and to conduct molecular analyses to assess their gene pools. It can be assumed that due to the lack of suitable areas for seed germination, black poplar will reproduce mainly vegetatively, which may be a way to ensure the survival of the species. However, the adaptive potential of the youngest generations is unknown, especially in the face of progressive climate change. We conclude that to preserve black poplar genetic resources, ex situ protection in the form of local clone archives is necessary.
Cuticular Hydrocarbons as Putative Sex Pheromones and Mating Peculiarity of Cuckoo Wasps Chrysis Angustula, Chrysis fulgida and Chrysis Iris (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae)
Authors: Būda Vincas , Radžiutė Sandra , Apšegaitė Violeta , Budrys Eduardas , Budrienė Anna , Blažytė‐Čereškienė Laima 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCuckoo wasps, also known as jewel or gold wasps (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae), are kleptoparasites and parasitoids that impose their offspring on the breeding efforts of other wasp species. Chrysidids oviposit in the nests of predatory wasps, and the hatched larva kills the host's larva and consumes the resources collected by the host. When a cuckoo wasp is detected by the host wasp, the host may abandon the nest or take other measures to prevent the development of the kleptoparasite. Chemical camouflage, particularly involving cuticlar hydrocarbons (CHCs), is crucial for cuckoo wasp females. There is a conflict because females need chemical signals that are easily detectable by males but not by the host wasps. It was demonstrated that virgin females of Chrysis angustula, Chrysis fulgida, and Chrysis iris contain CHCs that stimulate behavioral reactions in conspecific males. Coupled gas chromatography‐electroantennogram detection analysis revealed 16 hydrocarbons with carbon chain lengths of C23‐27 in virgin females: 6 in C. angustula, 8 in C. fulgida, and 13 in C. iris. A specific ratio of CHC compounds, including putative sex pheromones, was established for these three chrysidid species. Observations of re‐mating refusals led to the hypothesis that virgin females of cuckoo wasps cease production of some unsaturated CHCs, functioning as sex pheromones, following mating. This change could reduce the risk of detection of CHCs traces left while entering the host's nest.
Associations Between Maternal Periconceptional Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Craniosynostosis Among Offspring, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997–2011
Authors: Fisher Sarah C. , Romitti Paul A. , Tracy Melissa , Howley Meredith M. , Jabs Ethylin Wang , Browne Marilyn L. ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrevious studies of maternal alcohol consumption and craniosynostosis have reported null or inverse associations. We updated a previous analysis of National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) data to further examine associations between maternal alcohol consumption and craniosynostosis.MethodsNBDPS was a multi‐site, population‐based case–control study. Mothers of craniosynostosis cases and randomly selected liveborn controls delivered during 1997–2011 completed a telephone interview about pregnancy exposures. We examined associations for self‐reported periconceptional maternal alcohol consumption (during the month before conception through the third gestational month) and odds of craniosynostosis in offspring. We used logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between any alcohol consumption and binge consumption and craniosynostosis, overall and by affected suture. Finally, we performed a probabilistic bias analysis using a range of assumptions about the sensitivity and specificity of self‐reported consumption by case/control status.ResultsWe analyzed interview data from 1435 mothers of craniosynostosis cases and 11,216 mothers of controls. Periconceptional alcohol consumption prevalence was similar among case (36.9%) and control (38.2%) mothers. We observed point estimates near or below 1.0 for alcohol consumption (any and binge) and all suture subtypes of craniosynostosis, with all CIs including the null. Our bias‐adjusted estimates for periconceptional alcohol consumption were higher than our conventional estimates but supported the null findings.ConclusionsWe observed primarily null associations between maternal periconceptional alcohol consumption and craniosynostosis. However, our findings do not diminish the prevailing clinical guidance in the United States that pregnant people should abstain from alcohol consumption.