bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Programmable Truncated Cuboctahedral Origami Metastructures Actuated by Shape Memory Polymer Hinges
Authors: Chen Yao , Shao Zerui , Feng Jian , Sareh Pooya 
Published: October 2024

AbstractOver the past few decades, origami‐inspired structures have attracted great attention across various engineering fields due to their unique geometric and mechanical characteristics. Additionally, combining origami structures with active materials is employed to achieve programmable mechanical properties and self‐reconfigurability under external stimuli. In this work, a novel family of truncated cuboctahedral origami metastructures is proposed. These designs integrate shape memory polymers (SMPs) to actively achieve programmable mechanical properties and shape memory behavior. By utilizing SMPs for the creases and stiff materials for the panels, this approach enables deformation along the creases while enhancing the overall structural robustness. The mechanical properties and shape memory processes of these structures are investigated in detail. The proposed origami metastructures exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio and demonstrate excellent energy storage capabilities. Notably, their mechanical properties can be programmed by controlling both temperature and geometric parameters. More particularly, their Poisson's ratio can be tuned within a range of zero to −1. As a result, these truncated cuboctahedral origami metastructures hold significant potential for applications across various engineering domains, particularly in composite structures and active metamaterials.
Precision, quantitative measurement of sunflower capitulum inclination: A trigonometry‐based approach
Authors: DeValk Emily M. , Koehler Brady D. , Hulke Brent S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a widely cultivated crop that exhibits a trait known as capitulum (or head) inclination at maturity. This trait is influenced by various structural factors, including head weight, stem traits, and plant height. A sunflower head should be at an angle at which the head faces the ground to avoid damage from the sun and birds. While this desired inclination range is known, current methods, including visual estimation and a model of measuring inclined length of the stem, fail to provide precise measurements of angle. This study introduces novel approaches to mathematically measure the head inclination angle. The research, which was conducted over the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, involved an aluminum rod equipped with a ruler and a digital protractor to measure various height and angle components. Using the data collected, three methods were applied for measuring inclination: a previously published model as a control, a trigonometry‐based approach using angle and height measurements, and other model‐based approaches. A linear model resulted in a formula to calculate the head angle of any plant based solely on two height measurements, the highest point of the plant at both bloom (R5) and maturity (R9). Calculations of heritability and correlation suggest this method has created a precise alternative to existing estimation methods. The resulting formula has the potential to be paired with measurements from high‐throughput phenotyping methods, such as those facilitated with drones and ground robots, to fully automate the process of collecting head inclination data.
Drought response strategies of vascular epiphytes in isolated pasture trees in a Costa Rican tropical montane landscape
Authors: Vaughan Damon , Williams Cameron B. , Nadkarni Nalini , Dawson Todd E. , Draguljic Danel , Næsborg Rikke Reese , Gotsch Sybil G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPremiseVascular epiphytes of tropical montane cloud forests are vulnerable to climate change, particularly as cloud bases elevate and reduce atmospheric inputs to the system. However, studies have generally focused on epiphytes in contiguous forests, with little research being done on epiphytes on isolated pasture trees. We investigated water relations of pasture‐tree epiphytes at three sites located below and above the elevation of the average cloud base in Monteverde, Costa Rica.MethodsWe measured sap velocity and four microclimate variables in both the dry and wet season of 2018. We also measured functional traits, including pressure volume (PV) curves, predawn/midday water potential, and various lab‐based water relations traits. We used linear mixed models to assess the correlation between microclimate and sap velocity in both seasons and ANOVA to assess the variation in PV curve and water potential variables.ResultsThe turgor loss point generally increased from the wettest to driest site. However, this trend was driven primarily by the increasing prevalence of leaf succulence at drier sites. Microclimatic variables correlated strongly with sap velocity in the wet season, but low soil moisture availability caused this correlation to break down during the dry season.ConclusionsOur results emphasize the vulnerability of cloud forest epiphytes to rising cloud bases. This vulnerability may be more severe in pasture trees that lack the potential buffer of surrounding forest, but additional research that directly compares the canopy microclimate conditions between forest and pasture trees is needed to confirm this possibility.
Avatrombopag in immune thrombocytopenia: A real‐world study of the Spanish ITP Group (GEPTI)
Authors: Pascual‐Izquierdo Cristina , Sánchez‐González Blanca , Canaro‐Hirnyk Mariana‐Isabel , García‐Donas Gloria , Menor‐Gómez María , Gil‐Fernández Juan‐José , Monsalvo‐Saornil Silvia , de‐Laiglesia Almudena , Álvarez‐Román María‐Teresa , Jarque‐Ramos Isidro , Llácer María‐José , Pedrote‐Amador Begoña , Zafra‐Torres Denis , Caparrós‐Miranda Isabel , Ortúzar‐Pasalodos Ariana , Revilla‐Calvo Nuria , Bastida José‐María , Chica‐Gullón Esther , Alvarellos Montserrat , Jiménez‐Bárcenas Reyes , Bernat Silvia , Martínez‐Carballeira Daniel , Lakhwani Sunil , López‐Ansoar Elsa , Moreno‐Beltrán María‐Esperanza , Lorenzo‐Vizcaya Álvaro , Aguirre María‐Aránzazu , Lasa‐Eguialde Maialen , Canet Marta , González‐Gascón‐y‐Marín Isabel‐Teresa , Caballero‐Navarro Gonzalo , Cuesta Amalia , Díaz‐López Marta , Arquero Teresa , Moreno‐Carbonell Marta , Mingot‐Castellano María‐Eva ,   the Spanish ITP Group (GEPTI) of the Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (SEHH)
Published: October 2024

AbstractAvatrombopag is the newest thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO‐RA) approved to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Real‐world evidence regarding effectiveness/safety is limited. The Spanish ITP Group (GEPTI) performed a retrospective study with patients starting avatrombopag for the first time. A total of 268 ITP patients were recruited. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow‐up time was 47.5 (30.4–58.9) weeks. Among the 193 patients with baseline platelet counts <50 × 109/L, 174 (90.1%) of them achieved response (PC ≥50 × 109/L), and 113 (87.6%) of the 129 who persisted on avatrombopag at last visit had platelet levels above such threshold. Results were similar when only those patients switching to avatrombopag due to previous treatment failure were considered (n = 104). Patients reached response in 13 (7–21) days. Among patients with baseline levels ≥50 × 109/L, 73/75 (97.3%) reported response, which was maintained by 53 (94.6%) of the 56 who continued on avatrombopag at the end of the study. Loss‐of‐response was always <10%. ITP duration did not influence response. Approximately 79% (34/43) of heavily pretreated (≥4 lines) patients with baseline platelet counts <50 × 109/L switching after previous failure achieved PC ≥50 × 109/L. Previous use of eltrombopag and/or romiplostim did not influence response, regardless of whether previous TPO‐RA(s) succeeded or failed. Avatrombopag allowed dose‐reduction/suspension of corticosteroids in 40/50 (80.0%) patients with baseline platelet counts <50 × 109/L. Overall, 40/268 (14.9%) thrombocytosis and 12/268 (4.5%) thromboembolic events were reported. Our real‐world cohort supports the use of avatrombopag to manage ITP, regardless of disease severity and treatment history.
A multilayer network analysis of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis: Roles for p‐tau, synaptic peptides, and physical activity
Authors: Jones Andrea A. , Ramos‐Miguel Alfredo , Gicas Kristina M. , Petyuk Vladislav A. , Leurgans Sue E. , De Jager Philip L. , Schneider Julie A. , Bennett David A. , Honer William G. , Casaletto Kaitlin B. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIn the aging brain, cognitive abilities emerge from the coordination of complex pathways arising from a balance between protective lifestyle and environmental factors and accumulation of neuropathologies.METHODSAs part of the Rush Memory and Aging Project (n = 440), we measured accelerometer‐based actigraphy, cognitive performance, and after brain autopsy, selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry. Multilevel network analysis was used to examine the relationships among the molecular machinery of vesicular neurotransmission, Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology, cognition, and late‐life physical activity.RESULTSSynaptic peptides involved in neuronal secretory function were the most influential contributors to the multilayer network, reflecting the complex interdependencies among AD pathology, synaptic processes, and late‐life cognition. Older adults with lower physical activity evidenced stronger adverse relationships among phosphorylated tau peptides, markers of synaptic integrity, and tangle pathology.DISCUSSIONNetwork‐based approaches simultaneously model interdependent biological processes and advance understanding of the role of physical activity in age‐associated cognitive impairment.Highlights
Network‐based approaches simultaneously model interdependent biological processes.
Secretory synaptic peptides were influential contributors to the multilayer network.
Older adults with lower physical activity had adverse relationships among pathology.
There was interdependence among phosphorylated tau, synaptic integrity, and tangles.
Network methods elucidate the role of physical activity in cognitive impairment.
Unveiling the Dual Role of Oxophilic Cr4+ in Cr−Cu2O Nanosheet Arrays for Enhanced Nitrate Electroreduction to Ammonia
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Bo , Guo Fengchen , Graham Nigel , He Wenhui , Yu Wenzheng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCuprous oxide (Cu2O)‐based catalysts present a promising activity for the electrochemical nitrate (NO3−) reduction to ammonia (eNO3RA), but the electrochemical instability of Cu+ species may lead to an unsatisfactory durability, hindering the exploration of the structure‐performance relationship. Herein, we propose an efficient strategy to stabilize Cu+ through the incorporation of Cr4+ into the Cu2O matrix to construct a Cr4+−O−Cu+ network structure. In situ and quasi‐in situ characterizations reveal that the Cu+ species are well maintained via the strong Cr4+−O−Cu+ interaction that inhibits the leaching of lattice oxygen. Importantly, in situ generated Cr3+−O−Cu+ from Cr4+−O−Cu+ is identified as a dual‐active site for eNO3RA, wherein the Cu+ sites are responsible for the activation of N‐containing intermediates, while the assisting Cr3+ centers serve as the electron‐proton mediators for rapid water dissociation. Theoretical investigations further demonstrated that the metastable state Cr3+−O−Cu+ favors the conversion from the endoergic hydrogenation of the key *ON intermediate to an exoergic reaction in an ONH pathway, and facilitates the subsequent NH3 desorption with a low energy barrier. The superior eNO3RA with a maximum 91.6 % Faradaic efficiency could also be coupled with anodic sulfion oxidation to achieve concurrent NH3 production and sulfur recovery with reduced energy input.
High‐Selectivity Tandem Photocatalytic Methanation of CO2 by Lacunary Polyoxometalates‐Stabilized *CO Intermediate
Authors: Zhu Qian , Li Zhaohui , Zheng Tao , Zheng Xingxing , Liu Si , Gao Shen , Fu Xionghui , Su Xiaofang , Zhu Yi , Zhang Yuanming , Wei Yongge 
Published: October 2024

AbstractStabilizing specific intermediates to produce CH4 remains a main challenge in solar‐driven CO2 reduction. Herein, g‐C3N4 is modified with saturated and lacunary phosphotungstates (PWx, x=12, 11, 9) to tailor the CO2 reduction pathway to yield CH4 in high selectivity. Increased lacuna of phosphotungstates leads to higher CH4 yield and selectivity, with a superior CH4 selectivity of 80 % and 40.8 μmol ⋅ g−1 ⋅ h−1 evolution rate for PW9/g‐C3N4. Conversely, g‐C3N4 and PWx alone show negligible CH4 production. The conversion of CO2 to CH4 follows a tandem catalytic process. CO2 is initially activated on g‐C3N4 to form *CO intermediates, meanwhile photogenerated electrons derived from g‐C3N4 transfer to PWx. Then the reduced PWx captures *CO, which is subsquently hydrogenated to CH4. With the injection of two photogenerated electrons, PW9 is capable of adsorbing and activating *CO. However, the reduced PW12 and PW11 are incapable of adsorbing *CO due to the small energy of occupied molecular orbitals, which is the reason for the poorer activity of PWx/g‐C3N4 (x=12, 11) compared with that of PW9/g‐C3N4. This work provides new insights to regulate highly selective CO2 photoreduction to CH4 by utilizing lacuna of polyoxometalates to enhance the interaction of metals in polyoxometalates with key intermediates.
Computational Stabilization of a Non‐Heme Iron Enzyme Enables Efficient Evolution of New Function
Authors: King Brianne R. , Sumida Kiera H. , Caruso Jessica L. , Baker David , Zalatan Jesse G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDeep learning tools for enzyme design are rapidly emerging, and there is a critical need to evaluate their effectiveness in engineering workflows. Here we show that the deep learning‐based tool ProteinMPNN can be used to redesign Fe(II)/αKG superfamily enzymes for greater stability, solubility, and expression while retaining both native activity and industrially relevant non‐native functions. This superfamily has diverse catalytic functions and could provide a rich new source of biocatalysts for synthesis and industrial processes. Through systematic comparisons of directed evolution trajectories for a non‐native, remote C(sp3)−H hydroxylation reaction, we demonstrate that the stabilized redesign can be evolved more efficiently than the wild‐type enzyme. After three rounds of directed evolution, we obtained a 6‐fold activity increase from the wild‐type parent and an 80‐fold increase from the stabilized variant. To generate the initial stabilized variant, we identified multiple structural and sequence constraints to preserve catalytic function. We applied these criteria to produce stabilized, catalytically active variants of a second Fe(II)/αKG enzyme, suggesting that the approach is generalizable to additional members of the Fe(II)/αKG superfamily. ProteinMPNN is user‐friendly and widely accessible, and our results provide a framework for the routine implementation of deep learning‐based protein stabilization tools in directed evolution workflows for novel biocatalysts.
Access to Alkenyl Cyclobutanols by Ni‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Enantio‐Selective syn‐Hydrometalative 4‐exo‐trig Cyclization of Alkynones
Authors: Li Xiao‐Lin , Deng Jiang‐Lian , Long Jian , Fu Yi‐Fan , Zheng Yu‐Qing , Liu Wen‐Bo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEnantioselective synthesis of (spiro)cyclobutane derivatives poses significant challenges yet holds promising applications for both synthetic and medicinal chemistry. We report here a nickel‐catalyzed asymmetric syn‐hydrometalative 4‐exo‐trig cyclization of 1,4‐alkynones to synthesize alkenyl cyclobutanols with a tetrasubstituted stereocenter. This strategy features a broad substrate scope, delivering a variety of trifluoromethyl‐containing rigid (spiro)carbocycle skeletons in good yields with high enantioselectivities (up to 84 % yield and 98.5 : 1.5 er). The synthetic utility is demonstrated through stereospecific transformations into fused spiro molecules. Experimental and computational mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction is initiated by an active Ni−H species, with carbonyl‐directed hydrometalation as the key for regioselective control. This catalytic method provides a general solution for regioselective hydrofunctionalization of alkynes and represents an efficient reaction pattern for assembling highly strained enantioenriched bioisosteres.
An Efficient CRISPR/Cas Cooperative Shearing Platform for Clinical Diagnostics Applications
Authors: Zhao Junhong , Kong Derong , Zhang Guanghui , Zhang Shen , Wu Yungen , Dai Changhao , Chen Yiheng , Yang Yuetong , Liu Yunqi , Wei Dacheng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe CRISPR/Cas system is a powerful genome editing tool and possesses widespread applications in molecular diagnostics, therapeutics and genetic engineering. But easy folding of the target sequences causes remarkable deterioration of the recognition and shear efficiency in the case of single Cas‐CRISPR RNA (crRNA) duplex. Here, we develop a CRISPR/Cas cooperative shearing (CRISPR‐CS) system. Compared with traditional CRISPR/Cas system, two CRISPR/Cas‐crRNA duplexes simultaneously recognize different sites in the target sequence, increasing recognition possibility and shearing efficiency. Cooperative shearing cuts more methylene blue‐ssDNA reporters on the electrode, enabling unamplified nucleic acid electrochemical assay in less than 5 minutes with a detection limit of 9.5×10−20 M, 2 to 9 orders of magnitude lower than those of other electrochemical assays. The CRISPR‐CS platform detects monkeypox, human papilloma virus and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with an accuracy up to 98.1 %, demonstrating the potential application of the efficient cooperative shearing.
Toward mechanical recyclability of high barrier food packaging films through filler incorporation on the EVOH layer
Authors: Barros Carolina , Azevedo Ana G. , Cerqueira Miguel A. , Carneiro O. S. , Machado A. V. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo preserve food from moisture and oxygen, polymers, such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) are used in multilayer structures to provide oxygen barrier, while low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) is used for a water vapor barrier. While this material combination is functionally ideal, it may not comply with the new packaging recycling guidelines. Some European markets have implemented rules that limit the weight percentage of EVOH in LDPE films. One way to increase recyclability is by reducing the amount of EVOH in the film structure while maintaining the packaging's oxygen barrier properties. To achieve this, it is necessary to improve the barrier properties of EVOH. With this objective in mind, this study evaluated the incorporation of nanoclays (NC), cellulose microcrystals (MCC), silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) into an EVOH matrix. The results indicate that NC and MCC facilitate a stable blown film extrusion process and have a better dispersion in the EVOH matrix. Based on this finding, three‐layer films (with an ABA configuration) consisting of LDPE (A) and EVOH (7 μm layer) with 0.5 or 1 wt.% MCC or NC (B) were produced to protect the EVOH from moisture and enable blown film processing. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) values were lowest for 0.5 wt.% NC and 1 wt.% MCC incorporation. Although the films with micro and nanoparticles had increased haze, this did not affect the visibility of the packaged food.
Influence of functional group structures in nucleating agents on the crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Wu Jingbo , Lin Jianghua , Xiao Wenhao , Xu Ruijie , Lei Caihong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNucleating agents are crucial for modifying semi‐crystalline polymers, but the impact of different end‐group structures on crystallization behavior remains unclear. This study synthesized succinic dihydrazide nucleating agents with various end groups (methyl, ethyl, and tert‐butyl) for PET composite materials. The tert‐butyl‐terminated nucleating agent showed the best performance, increasing the crystallization peak temperature to 203.8°C, crystallinity to 27.3%, and reducing half‐crystallization time to 2.8 min at 220°C. It also enhanced the impact strength to 47.2 kJ·m−2 and flexural modulus to 2623 MPa, while improving Vicat softening temperature and heat distortion temperature by 41 and 8°C, respectively. The results from FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy indicate that the interactions between the end groups of the nucleating agent and the CH bonds in the PET structure, the π–π interactions between the nucleating agent and the PET molecular structure, as well as the modulation of the PET chain conformation by the nucleating agent, are the primary factors contributing to the enhanced crystallinity of PET. This study provides a new approach for designing efficient nucleating agents for high‐performance materials.
Toward new applications of terpenes in polymeric materials: Synthesis and characterization of myrcene‐modified unsaturated polyester resins
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tobías Heriberto , Enríquez‐Medrano Francisco Javier , Salinas‐Hernández Myrna , Cabello‐Romero Judith Nazareth , Maldonado‐Textle Hortensia , Mendoza‐Carrizales Ricardo , Díaz‐Elizondo José , Olivares‐Romero José Luis , de León Ramón Díaz 
Published: October 2024

Abstractβ‐Myrcene, a terpenic monomer, holds potential for developing sustainable polymer‐based materials with enhanced properties. This study examines the synthesis of a myrcene‐based monomer and its incorporation into unsaturated polyesters, focusing on polymerization, curing, and final properties. Unsaturated polyesters were synthesized with varying myrcene‐based monomer content (6, 12, and 24 mol%), phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, and diethylene glycol. Polymerization achieved conversion values of 0.92–0.93, resulting in polyesters with molar masses between 1400 and 1700 g mol−1 and dispersity indices of 2.0 to 2.3. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) demonstrated short branch formation in myrcene‐modified polyesters and a high maleate‐to‐fumarate isomerization rate (92.66%–95.7%), affecting carbon–carbon double bonds per polyester mole (2.27 to 4.28) and final resin performance. Rheological analysis in a styrene solution (70/30 wt%) indicated shear‐thinning behavior, with viscosities ranging from 0.59 to 3.8 Pa·s, suggesting branching affects chain entanglement. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed decreased curing enthalpy with increasing myrcene content, and it was inferred that myrcene's double bonds did not participate in curing. Glass transition temperatures of cured polyesters (70–107 °C) correlate with enthalpy trends. Thermal stability of myrcene‐modified polyesters is similar to the reference polyester, highlighting myrcene's potential as a sustainable monomer for customizable unsaturated polyesters.
FlowerMate: Multidimensional reciprocity and inaccuracy indices for style‐polymorphic plant populations
Authors: Simón‐Porcar Violeta , Muñoz‐Pajares A. Jesús , Arroyo Juan , Johnson Steven D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPremiseHeterostyly in plants promotes pollen transfer between floral morphs, because female and male sex organs are located at roughly reciprocal heights within the flowers of each morph. Reciprocity indices, which assess the one‐dimensional variation in the height of sex organs, are used to define the phenotypic structure of heterostyly in plant populations and to make inferences about selection. Other reciprocal stylar polymorphisms (e.g., enantiostyly) may function in a similar manner to heterostyly. In‐depth assessment of their potential fit with pollinators requires accounting for the multidimensional variation in the location of sex organs.Methods and ResultsWe have adapted the existing reciprocity indices used for heterostylous plant populations to incorporate multidimensional data. We illustrate the computation of the adapted and original indices in the freely available R package FlowerMate.ConclusionsFlowerMate provides fast computation of reliable indices to facilitate understanding of the evolution and function of the full diversity of reciprocal polymorphisms.