bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surrogate Adiposity Markers and Mortality
Authors: Khan Irfan , Chong Michael , Le Ann , Mohammadi-Shemirani Pedrum , Morton Robert , Brinza Christina , Kiflen Michel , Narula Sukrit , Akhabir Loubna , Mao Shihong , Morrison Katherine , Pigeyre Marie , Paré Guillaume 
Published: September 2023

ImportanceBody mass index (BMI) is an easily obtained adiposity surrogate. However, there is variability in body composition and adipose tissue distribution between individuals with the same BMI, and there is controversy regarding the BMI associated with the lowest mortality risk.ObjectiveTo evaluate which of BMI, fat mass index (FMI), and waist-to-hip (WHR) has the strongest and most consistent association with mortality.Design, Setting, and ParticipantThis cohort study used incident deaths from the UK Biobank (UKB; 2006-2022), which includes data from 22 clinical assessment centers across the United Kingdom. UKB British participants of British White ancestry (N = 387 672) were partitioned into a discovery cohort (n = 337 078) and validation cohort (n = 50 594), with the latter consisting of 25 297 deaths and 25 297 controls. The discovery cohort was used to derive genetically determined adiposity measures while the validation cohort was used for analyses. Exposure-outcome associations were analyzed through observational and mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.ExposuresBMI, FMI, and WHR.Main Outcomes and MeasuresAll-cause and cause-specific (cancer, cardiovascular disease [CVD], respiratory disease, or other causes) mortality.ResultsThere were 387 672 and 50 594 participants in our observational (mean [SD] age, 56.9 [8.0] years; 177 340 [45.9%] male, 210 332 [54.2%], female), and MR (mean [SD] age, 61.6 [6.2] years; 30 031 [59.3%] male, 20 563 [40.6%], female) analyses, respectively. Associations between measured BMI and FMI with all-cause mortality were J-shaped, whereas the association of WHR with all-cause mortality was linear using the hazard ratio (HR) scale (HR per SD increase of WHR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.38-1.43]). Genetically determined WHR had a stronger association with all-cause mortality than BMI (odds ratio [OR] per SD increase of WHR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.32-1.72]; OR per SD increase of BMI, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.20-1.38]; P for heterogeneity = .02). This association was stronger in male than female participants (OR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.54-2.32]; P for heterogeneity = .01). Unlike BMI or FMI, the genetically determined WHR–all-cause mortality association was consistent irrespective of observed BMI.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, WHR had the strongest and most consistent association with mortality irrespective of BMI. Clinical recommendations should consider focusing on adiposity distribution compared with mass.
Circannual seizure provocation as the day lengthens in the northern and southern hemispheres
Authors: Ng Marcus C. , Zhang Tony , Toutant Darion , Pavlova Milena K. , Bergin Peter , Quigg Mark 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCircannual status epilepticus (SE) patterns in communities near Earth's poles best test the hypothesis that SE susceptibility varies with light exposure because these communities are routinely subject to large changes in annual light exposure, which may result in changes to daily sleep time. We compared northern hemispheric circannual SE occurrence in Kivalliq, Canada (latitude‐62.8° N) to southern hemispheric Auckland, New Zealand (latitude‐36.9° S). Instead of peaking at a similar calendar time, SE peaked at a similar solar time during the increasing daylight phase after each region's respective winter solstice. This demonstrates that cumulative effects of increasing light exposure can mediate SE susceptibility.
Flexible performance‐based adaptive fault‐tolerant attitude tracking control for input‐constrained satellite
Authors: Li Baomin , Yong Kenan , Chen Mou , Shao Shuyi 
Published: September 2023

SummaryUnder the actuator saturation and fault, the satellite attitude often violates the prescribed performance function, leading to the satellite attitude's instability. Therefore, the adaptive attitude tracking control problem for the satellite simultaneously considering the finite time‐based prescribed performance, the actuator saturation and the actuator fault is studied in this article. A modification performance function‐based control scheme is designed, which can avoid violating the designed modified performance functions when the actuator saturation occurs due to the actuator fault. A novel fault tolerant auxiliary system is developed, which is used to generate modification signals for adjusting the prescribed performance function. Consequently, the boundedness of all the closed‐loop signal under the designed control scheme is proved via Lyapunov function method. Finally, the feasibility of the designed satellite attitude control scheme is verified by a simulation example.
A Chemoimmunotherapy Nanogel Enables Efficient Delivery of Interleukin‐2 and Induction of Immunogenic Cell Death for Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mu Hsuan‐Yu , Ta Yen‐Nhi Ngoc , Tham Max Jing Rui , Hsu Fu‐Fei , Lin Yu‐Chieh , Huang Hsi‐Chien , Sung Yun‐Chieh , Huang Chih‐I , Wu Ching‐Ling , Chang Chao‐Hung , Yang Sheng , Lee Tsung‐Ying , Wan Dehui , Wang Jane , Duda Dan G. , Boucher Yves , Huang Jen‐Huang , Ang Wee Han , Chen Yunching 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInterleukin‐2 (IL‐2) is one of the first FDA‐approved immunotherapeutics, but its use is limited by toxicity and low efficacy. In addition, all immunotherapies are limited by the immunosuppressive and desmoplastic microenvironment of “immunologically cold” tumors, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with advanced liver fibrosis. Here, a new chemoimmunotherapy nanogel (IL2‐Pt@Nanogel) for dual delivery of IL‐2 and the type II immunogenic cell death inducer Pt‐NHC that reduces the immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor‐associated macrophages and diminishes regulatory T cell infiltration by inducing the production of type I interferon (IFN) by cancer cells is reported. Combining the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan with IL2‐Pt@Nanogel treatment reduces desmoplasia and reprogrammes the microenvironment of PDAC and HCC toward an immunostimulatory one. These effects result in potent anti‐tumor efficacy in models of primary and metastatic PDAC and HCC with underlying liver fibrosis. This study presents a strategy for IL‐2‐based chemoimmunotherapy with the potential for clinical translation to treat solid tumors.
Tunable and Robust Mid‐Infrared Saturable Absorber Employing Tungsten Doping Cadmium Oxide
Authors: Wang Mengxia , Wang Ying , Wu Yi , Ma Hao , Jiang Hang , Zhao Yuanan , Peng Yujie , Li Wenkai , Leng Yuxin , Yu Kin Man , Shao Jianda 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMid‐infrared (MIR) pulsed lasers operating at 2–5 µm have important applications in communication, sensing, and medicine. However, the lack of robust MIR saturable absorbers (SAs) remains a major obstacle. Here, a semiconductor material cadmium oxide (CdO) film with high laser‐induced damage threshold (800 nm, 134 mJ cm−2) and broadband saturable absorption (2.0–3.9 µm) is investigated. The effective tuning of the nonlinear optical response of CdO is demonstrated by adjusting the carrier concentration via a tungsten (W)‐doping scheme. The saturable absorption is improved and carrier relaxation process is accelerated after increasing the W‐dopant level. Based on these findings, the robust CdO‐SAs with customizable parameters are realized and Q‐switched lasers with decreasing pulse width from 372 to 254.3 ns are obtained at 2 µm. The design flexibility provided by CdO opens up a large parameter space that enables the continuous improvement of compact and high‐performance MIR ultrafast lasers.
Interplay between Collective and Localized Effects of Point Defects on Photoelectrochemical Performance of TiO2 Photoanodes for Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Yang Mengya , Cui Junyi , Daboczi Matyas , Law Robert V. , Luke Joel , Kim Ji‐Seon , Hankin Anna , Eslava Salvador 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAmong the various photoanode materials investigated for photoelectrochemical water splitting cells, TiO2 stands out due to its abundance, stability, and favorable valence band edge for water oxidation. In this study, the importance of introducing and combining oxygen and titanium vacancy point defects in anatase TiO2 photoanodes to improve their performance is unveiled, achieving a photocurrent density of 0.73 (±0.015) mA cm−2 at +1.23 VRHE under 100 mW cm−2 of simulated sunlight or 26.4 mA cm−2 at +1.23 VRHE under 100 mW cm−2 of 365 nm light. The characterization by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface photovoltage, and electron paramagnetic resonance demonstrates that these oxygen and titanium vacancies can have both collective and localized positive effects on the material, leading to a narrowing of the bandgap, an increase in donor density, and an increase in hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiO2. These result in enhanced light absorption, conductivity, and photovoltage, as well as a more negative flat‐band potential and increase in hole flux to the semiconductor–electrolyte interface. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of point defects in modulating the properties of TiO2 and have important implications for the development of high‐performance TiO2‐based devices.
Variability of Radionuclide Sorption Efficiency on Muscovite Cleavage Planes
Authors: Schabernack Jonas , Oliveira Augusto Faria , Heine Thomas , Fischer Cornelius 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn deep geological repositories for nuclear waste, the surrounding rock formation serves as an important barrier against radionuclide migration. Multiple potential host rocks contain phyllosilicates, which have shown high efficiency in radionuclide sorption. Recent experimental studies report a heterogeneous distribution of adsorbed radionuclides on nanotopographic mineral surfaces. In this study, the energetic differences of surface sorption sites available at nanotopographic structures such as steps, pits, and terraces are investigated. Eleven important surface sites are selected and the energies of ad‐ and desorption reactions are obtained from density functional theory calculations. The adsorption energies are then used for the parameterization of a kinetic Monte Carlo model simulating the distribution of adsorbed europium on a typical nanotopographic muscovite surface. On muscovite, silicon step sites are favorable for europium sorption and lead to an increased adsorption in regions with high step concentrations. Under identical chemical conditions, sorption on typical nanotopographic surfaces is increased by a factor of three compared to atomically flat surfaces. Desorption occurs preferentially at terrace sites, leading to an overall 2.5 times increased retention at nanotopographic structures. This study provides a mechanistic explanation for heterogeneous sorption on nanotopographic mineral surfaces due to the availability of energetically favorable sorption sites.
Janus Device Based on Liquid Crystal Regulation with a Large Incidence Angle: Analogous Quantum Optical Effect and Absorption
Authors: Liao Si‐yuan , Sui Jun‐yang , Chen Qi , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Li Bing‐Xiang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper, a Janus metastructure device (JMD) is proposed. The JMD design introduces asymmetric structures, which leads to the generation of analogous quantum optical effects when light is incident at large angles. Specifically, forward electromagnetic‐induced transparency (EIT) and backward narrowband absorption (NA) are achieved when light is incident along different directions, displaying Janus characteristics in the forward and backward directions. Additionally, the operating frequency of JMD can be controlled through the use of liquid crystal. Such features hold promising potential for various applications in photonic and optoelectronic fields. When the axial direction of the liquid crystal is oriented along the x‐direction, the JMD achieves a transparent window over 90% within 0.46–0.51 THz at forward incidence, and an absorption peak of 84.1% appears at 0.331 THz at backward incidence. When the axial direction is oriented along the y‐direction, the JMD achieves EIT in the range of 0.51–0.575 THz at forward incidence, and a backward absorption peak of 93.3% occurs at 0.305 THz. In addition, the performance changes at different polarization and incidence angles are presented. The mechanism of absorption generation, the method of suppressing excess absorption, and the parametric inversion of the electromagnetic characteristics of JMD are also discussed.
Ab Initio Thermodynamics Calculation of Beta Decay Rates
Authors: Parker Michael C. , Jeynes Christopher 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBeta‐decay half‐lives for the free neutron, for 6He and 8He, and for 8Li are calculated ab initio from geometrical thermodynamics arguments, independently of any quantum mechanics. Half‐lives for the decay of 8Be to two alphas and for the disintegration of the tetraneutron are also calculated. The calculated values are close to those experimentally observed.
Color‐Tunable Dual‐Mode Organic Afterglow for White‐Light Emission and Information Encryption Based on Carbazole Doping
Authors: Zhang Xianhe , Chong Kok Chan , Xie Zongliang , Liu Bin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDual‐mode emission materials, combining phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence, offer promising opportunities for white‐light afterglow. However, the delayed fluorescence lifetime is usually significantly shorter than that of phosphorescence, limiting the duration of white‐light emission. In this study, a carbazole‐based host–guest system that can be activated by both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light is reported to achieve balanced phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence, resulting in a long‐lived white‐light afterglow. Our study demonstrated the critical role of a charge transfer state in the afterglow mechanism, where the charge separation and recombination process directly determined the lifetime of afterglow. Simultaneously, an efficient reversed intersystem crossing process was obtained between the singlet and triplet charge transfer states, which facilitating the delayed fluorescence properties of host–guest system. As a result, delayed fluorescence lifetime was successfully prolonged to approach that of phosphorescence. This work presents a delayed fluorescence lifetime improvement strategy via doping method to realize durable white‐light afterglow.
Sulfonium Salt Reagents for the Introduction of Deuterated Alkyl Groups in Drug Discovery
Authors: Ban Kazuho , Imai Keisuke , Oyama Shuki , Tokunaga Jin , Ikeda Yui , Uchiyama Hiromasa , Kadota Kazunori , Tozuka Yuichi , Akai Shuji , Sawama Yoshinari 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe pharmacokinetics of pharmaceutical drugs can be improved by replacing C−H bonds with the more stable C−D bonds at the α‐position to heteroatoms, which is a typical metabolic site for cytochrome P450 enzymes. However, the application of deuterated synthons is limited. Herein, we established a novel concept for preparing deuterated reagents for the successful synthesis of complex drug skeletons with deuterium atoms at the α‐position to heteroatoms. (dn‐Alkyl)diphenylsulfonium salts prepared from the corresponding nondeuterated forms using inexpensive and abundant D2O as the deuterium source with a base, were used as electrophilic alkylating reagents. Additionally, these deuterated sulfonium salts were efficiently transformed into dn‐alkyl halides and a dn‐alkyl azide as coupling reagents and a dn‐alkyl amine as a nucleophile. Furthermore, liver microsomal metabolism studies revealed deuterium kinetic isotope effects (KIE) in 7‐(d2‐ethoxy)flavone. The present concept for the synthesis of deuterated reagents and the first demonstration of a KIE in a d2‐ethoxy group will contribute to drug discovery research based on deuterium chemistry.
Nanosheet‐Assembled Zirconium‐Porphyrin Frameworks Enabling Surface‐Confined, Initiator‐Free Photosynthesis of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polymers
Authors: Gao Qiang , Wang Wei , Du Jingbo , Liu Zeyu , Geng Yiyun , Ding Xiaojun , Chen Yifei , Chen Jing , Ye Gang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks with well‐organized low‐dimensional architectures provide significant thermodynamic and/or kinetic benefits for diverse applications. We present here the controlled synthesis of a novel class of hierarchical zirconium‐porphyrin frameworks (ZrPHPs) with nanosheet‐assembled hexagonal prism morphology. The crystal growth behaviors and structural evolution of ZrPHPs in an additive‐modulated solvothermal synthesis are examined, showing an “assembly‐hydrolysis‐reassembly” mechanism towards the formation of 2D nanosheets with ordered arrangement. Because of the highly‐accessible active sites harvesting broadband photons, ZrPHPs serve as adaptable photocatalysts to regulate macromolecular synthesis under full‐range visible light and natural sunlight. An initiator‐free, oxygen‐tolerant photopolymerization system is established, following a distinctive mechanism involving direct photo‐induced electron transfer to dormant species and hole‐mediated reversible deactivation. Specifically, ZrPHPs provide a surface‐confined effect towards the propagating chains which inhibits their recombination termination, enabling the highly‐efficient synthesis of ultrahigh molecular weight polymers (Mn >1,500,000) with relatively low dispersity (Đ≈1.5).
Highly Uniform DNA Monolayers Generated by Freezing‐Directed Assembly on Gold Surfaces Enable Robust Electrochemical Sensing in Whole Blood
Authors: Li Zhenglian , Lv Yanguan , Duan Xiaoman , Liu Biwu , Zhao Yongxi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAssembling DNA on solid surfaces is fundamental to surface‐based DNA technology. However, precise control over DNA conformation and organization at solid–liquid interfaces remains a challenge, resulting in limited stability and sensitivity in biosensing applications. We herein communicate a simple and robust method for creating highly uniform DNA monolayers on gold surfaces by a freeze‐thawing process. Using Raman spectroscopy, fluorescent imaging, and square wave voltammetry, we demonstrate that thiolated DNA is concentrated and immobilized on gold surfaces with an upright conformation. Moreover, our results reveal that the freezing‐induced DNA surfaces are more uniform, leading to improved DNA stability and target recognition. Lastly, we demonstrate the successful detection of a model drug in undiluted whole blood while mitigating the effects of biofouling. Our work not only provides a simple approach to tailor the DNA‐gold surface for biosensors but also sheds light on the unique behavior of DNA oligonucleotides upon freezing on the liquid‐solid interface.
Synthetic Membraneless Droplets for Synaptic‐Like Clustering of Lipid Vesicles
Authors: Li Qingchuan , Song Qingchun , Guo Wei , Cao Yang , Cui Xinyu , Chen Dairong , Shum Ho Cheung 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn eukaryotic cells, the membraneless organelles (MLOs) formed via liquid‐liquid phase separation (LLPS) are found to interact intimately with membranous organelles (MOs). One major mode is the clustering of MOs by MLOs, such as the formation of clusters of synaptic vesicles at nerve terminals mediated by the synapsin‐rich MLOs. Aqueous droplets, including complex coacervates and aqueous two‐phase systems, have been plausible MLO‐mimics to emulate or elucidate biological processes. However, neither of them can cluster lipid vesicles (LVs) like MLOs. In this work, we develop a synthetic droplet assembled from a combination of two different interactions underlying the formation of these two droplets, namely, associative and segregative interactions, which we call segregative‐associative (SA) droplets. The SA droplets cluster and disperse LVs recapitulating the key functional features of synapsin condensates, which can be attributed to the weak electrostatic interaction environment provided by SA droplets. This work suggests LLPS with combined segregative and associative interactions as a possible route for synaptic clustering of lipid vesicles and highlights SA droplets as plausible MLO‐mimics and models for studying and mimicking related cellular dynamics.
Catalytic pyrolysis of lignite with clay catalyst activated with spent pickling liquor
Authors: Kar Yakup , Mert Bayram Ali 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSpent pickling liquor (SPL) is an acidic waste with rich iron content from the stainless steel production industry. Reusability of SPL as a catalytic activity promoter in bentonite clay is crucial for the catalytic pyrolysis of various materials like biomass, coal, and waste plastics. For this aim, the bentonite catalyst activated with the SPL nomenclatured as SPL‐treated bentonite (SPLAB) catalyst was employed in the catalytic pyrolysis of lignite for an oil product with high yield and quality. The SPL‐treated bentonite catalytic pyrolysis oil (SPLABO) for the conditions of the final temperature of 600°C, heating rate of 10°C/min, and catalyst ratio of 15 wt% had a yield of 26.35 ± 1.14 wt% and good fuel properties in view of the higher heating value of 35.23 MJ/kg and density of 1076.4 kg/m3 at 20°C. Moreover, it has a rich chemical content by means of monocyclic aromatics and shorter chain alkanes compared with that of the thermal activated bentonite oil (TABO). Based on the chemical structure analysis results of the SPLABO and TABO comparatively, it was concluded that the SPL agent used as a catalytic activity promoter led to a significant increase in the catalytic activity of bentonite catalyst.
Ionic‐electronic coupling in PEO‐PEDOT/potassium triflate composite films for organic mixed conductivity enhancement
Authors: Al‐Bataineh Qais M. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Alakhras Lina A. , Telfah Ahmad 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOrganic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors (OMIECs) are organic materials capable of transporting both ionic species and electronic charges, facilitating ionic‐electronic coupling and enhancing electrical conductivity. PEO‐PEDOT/KOTf composite films synthesized in this study demonstrate significant electrical conductivity enhancement due to the ionic‐electronic coupling. The electrical conductivity of PEO‐PEDOT is 7.05 S.cm−1, predominantly arising from the electronic transport of PEDOT polarons with a minor contribution from ionic transport in PEO. However, introducing KOTf into the PEO‐PEDOT matrix at varying concentrations gradually increases electrical conductivity. At a KOTf concentration of 16 wt.%, the electrical conductivity reaches 51.06 S.cm−1. This pronounced enhancement can be primarily due to the ionic‐electronic coupling occurring at the interface between phase‐separated regions within the polymer matrix. The incorporation of KOTf into PEO‐PEDOT was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, our investigation involved X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, which unveiled a notable trend. As the KOTf concentrations increased, the degree of crystallinity in the PEO‐PEDOT/KOTf composite films declined. This observation provides valuable insights into the structural changes occurring within the films as KOTf is integrated. The potential implications of this discovery span across numerous fields, opening exciting possibilities for advancing electronic and energy‐related technologies.