bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Niclosamide with Water‐Soluble β‐Cyclodextrins for Dissolution and Bioavailability Enhancement
Authors: Gupta Deepank S. , Kotwal Pankul , Nandi Utpal , Bharate Sonali S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides widely employed for the solubility enhancement of poorly water‐soluble drugs. Niclosamide is a BCS class II drug for tapeworm infections and is currently under repurposing for various other indications, including COVID‐19. Due to its low aqueous solubility, a high daily dose (2 g) is required for clinical efficacy. Herein, we investigate the potential of beta‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and its sulfobutylether and hydroxypropyl derivatives for the dissolution enhancement of niclosamide. The solid dispersions were prepared by kneading the drug and cyclodextrins together by adding solvent, water: methanol (1 : 1 v/v). Among various CDs studied, 2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) in the 1: 2 molar ratio (SB‐IC‐N4 batch) shows the most significant improvement in water solubility of niclosamide (6.3 vs. 182 μg/ml), resulting in 2‐fold improved in‐vitro dissolution. The comparative oral pharmacokinetics in Wistar rats at 50 mg/kg produced 1.69‐fold higher plasma exposure of niclosamide. The spectral characterization provided molecular insights into interactions of niclosamide with HP‐β‐CD. These results suggest that the dispersion of niclosamide with HP‐β‐CD aid in faster dissolution and better drug bioavailability.
Modulating d‐Band Electronic Structures of Molybdenum Disulfide via p/n Doping to Boost Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Guo , Zeng Qi , Sui Xinyi , Tian Shuhao , Sun Xiao , Wu Qingfeng , Li Xijuan , Zhang Yuhao , Tao Kun , Xie Erqing , Zhang Zhenxing 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPolysulfide shuttle effect and sluggish sulfur reaction kinetics severely impede the cycling stability and sulfur utilization of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries. Modulating d‐band electronic structures of molybdenum disulfide electrocatalysts via p/n doping is promising to boost polysulfide conversion and suppress polysulfide migration in lithium‐sulfur batteries. Herein, p‐type V‐doped MoS2 (V‐MoS2) and n‐type Mn‐doped MoS2 (Mn‐MoS2) catalysts are well‐designed. Experimental results and theoretical analyses reveal that both of them significantly increase the binding energy of polysulfides on the catalysts’ surface and accelerate the sluggish conversion kinetics of sulfur species. Particularly, the p‐type V‐MoS2 catalyst exhibits a more obvious bidirectional catalytic effect. Electronic structure analysis further demonstrates that the superior anchoring and electrocatalytic activities are originated from the upward shift of the d‐band center and the optimized electronic structure induced by duplex metal coupling. As a result, the Li‐S batteries with V‐MoS2 modified separator exhibit a high initial capacity of 1607.2 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and excellent rate and cycling performance. Moreover, even at a high sulfur loading of 6.84 mg cm−2, a favorable initial areal capacity of 8.98 mAh cm−2 is achieved at 0.1 C. This work may bring widespread attention to atomic engineering in catalyst design for high‐performance Li‐S batteries.
In Situ Formed Gradient Composite Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer for Stable Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Cai Hong , Jin Tong , Liu Jiandong , Ma Jianmin , Li Nian Wu , Yu Le 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLithium (Li) metal anode (LMA) is highly considered as a desirable anode material for next‐generation rechargeable batteries because of its high specific capacity and the lowest reduction potential. However, uncontrollable growth of Li dendrites, large volume change, and unstable interfaces between LMA and electrolyte hinder its practical application. Herein, a novel in situ formed artificial gradient composite solid electrolyte interphase (GCSEI) layer for highly stable LMAs is proposed. The inner rigid inorganics (Li2S and LiF) with high Li+ ion affinity and high electron tunneling barrier are beneficial to achieve homogeneous Li plating, while the flexible polymers (poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(vinylidene fluoride)) on the surface of GCSEI layer can accommodate the volume change. Furthermore, the GCSEI layer demonstrates fast Li+ ion transport capability and increased Li+ ion diffusion kinetics. Accordingly, the modified LMA enables excellent cycling stability (over 1000 h at 3 mA cm−2) in the symmetric cell using carbonate electrolyte, and the corresponding Li‐GCSEI||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cell demonstrates 83.4% capacity retention after 500 cycles. This work offers a new strategy for the design of dendrite‐free LMAs for practical applications.
Sand‐Fixation Model for Interface Engineering of Layered Titania and N/O‐Doped Carbon Composites to Enhance Potassium/Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhang Ruiying , Tian Yaxiong , Otitoju TunmiseAyode , Feng Zhongmin , Wang Yun , Sun Ting 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLayered titania (L‐TiO2) holds great potential for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high specific capacity. Synthesizing L‐TiO2 functional materials for high‐capacity and long cyclability battery remains challenging due to the unstable and poor conductivity of bare L‐TiO2. In nature, plant growth can stabilize land by preventing sands from dispersing following desertification. Inspired by nature's “sand‐fixation model,” Al3+ “seeds” are in situ grown on layered Ti3C2Tx “land.” Subsequently, NH2‐MIL‐101(Al) “plants” with Al as metal nodes are grown on the Ti3C2Tx “land” by self‐assembly. After annealing and etching processes (similar to desertification), NH2‐MIL‐101(Al) is transformed into interconnected N/O‐doped carbon (MOF‐NOC), which not only acts as a plant‐like function to prevent the pulverization of L‐TiO2 transformed from Ti3C2Tx but also improves the conductivity and stability of MOF‐NOC@L‐TiO2. Al species are selected as seeds to improve interfacial compatibility and form intimate interface heterojunction. Systematic ex situ analysis discloses that the ions storage mechanism can be endowed by mixed contribution of non‐Faradaic and Faradaic capacitance. Consequently, the MOF‐NOC@L‐TiO2 electrodes exhibit high interfacial capacitive charge storage and outstanding cycling performance. The interface engineering strategy inspired by “sand‐fixation model” provides a reference for designing stable layered composites.
Buried Interface Passivation: A Key Strategy to Breakthrough the Efficiency of Perovskite Photovoltaics
Authors: Huang Lei , Lou Yan‐Hui , Wang Zhao‐Kui 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOwing to the merits of low cost and high power conversion efficiency (PCE), perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become the best candidate to replace the commonly used silicon solar cells. However, PSCs have been slow to enter the market for a number of reasons, including poor stability, high toxicity, and rigorous preparation process. Passivation strategies including surface passivation and bulk passivation have been successfully applied to improve the device performance of PSCs. The passivation of the defects at the buried interface, which is regarded as a key strategy to breakthrough the device efficiency and stability of PSCs in the future, is ongoing with challenge. Herein, in detail the recent passivation of the buried interface is introduced from three aspects: perovskite layer, buried interlayer, and transport layer. The passivation effect of the buried interface is clearly demonstrated through three categories of salts, organics, and 2D materials. In addition, the transport layer is classified into electron transport layer (ETL) and hole transport layer (HTL). These classifications can help to have a clear understanding of substances which generate passivating effect and guide the continuous promotion of the follow‐up buried interface passivating work.
High Performance and Multifunction Moisture‐Driven Yin–Yang‐Interface Actuators Derived from Polyacrylamide Hydrogel
Authors: Li Jingjing , Zhang Guanghao , Cui Zhanpeng , Bao Lili , Xia Zhigang , Liu Zunfeng , Zhou Xiang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractHigh actuation performance of a moisture actuator highly depends on the presence of a large property difference between the two layers, which may cause interfacial delamination. Improving interfacial adhesion strength while increasing the difference between the layers is a challenge. In this study, a moisture‐driven tri‐layer actuator with a Yin–Yang‐interface (YYI) design is investigated in which a moisture‐responsive polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel layer (Yang) is combined with a moisture‐inert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer (Yin) using an interfacial poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEA) adhesion layer. Fast and large reversible bending, oscillation, and programmable morphing motions in response to moisture are realized. The response time, bending curvature, and response speed normalized by thickness are among the best compared with those of previously reported moisture‐driven actuators. The excellent actuation performance of the actuator has potential multifunctional applications in moisture‐controlled switches, mechanical grippers, and crawling and jumping motions. The Yin–Yang‐interface design proposed in this work provides a new design strategy for high‐performance intelligent materials and devices.
Photodynamic and photothermal therapies for bacterial infection treatment
Authors: Kim Heejeong , Lee You Rim , Jeong Hyunsun , Lee Jiah , Wu Xiaofeng , Li Haidong , Yoon Juyoung 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBacteria can cause numerous infectious diseases and has been a major threat to human humans. Although antibiotics have partially succeeded in treating bacteria, owing to antibiotic abuse, the emergence of multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria has drastically diminished their potency. Since the invention of laser, the combination of light and photosensitizers, photodynamic therapy (PDT), has become an effective noninvasive treatment along with photothermal therapy (PTT), in which heat is generated by nonradiative relaxation. Antimicrobial PDT and PTT are emerging as effective treatments for bacterial infection, particularly against MDR bacteria. This mini review covers the recent progresses in PDT and PTT for bacterial treatment.
An acidic medium‐compatible deep‐near‐infrared dye for in vivo imaging
Authors: Dong Yan , Zou Ye , Jia Xiaotong , Yin Lei , He Weiwei , Luo Xiao , Qian Xuhong , Yang Youjun 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn vivo imaging in the deep near‐infrared (NIR) spectral region, that is, beyond 800 nm, has become popular due to its penetration depth. While imaging of the neutral medium/tissue has been repeatedly showcased, imaging of the high‐acidic medium remains challenging partly because of the high‐lying HOMO orbital and hence a high pKa of the electron‐donating group of the NIR fluorophores. We devised a novel electron‐donating group (D6) with which we further synthesized ECJ. ECJ exhibits an absorption wavelength beyond 900 nm and is fluorescent. Its pKa was found to be lower than zero, rendering it suitable for bioimaging of a highly‐acidic medium. Its potential for practical applications was showcased in proof‐of‐concept in vivo imaging with a mouse model.
Resent Development of Binder‐Free Electrodes of Transition Metal Oxides and Nanohybrids for High Performance Supercapacitors – A Review
Authors: Parveen Nazish 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe entire world is aware of the serious issue of global warming and therefore utilizing renewable energy sources is the most encouraging steps toward solving energy crises, and as a result, energy storage solutions are necessary. The supercapacitors (SCs) have a high‐power density and a long cycle life, they are promising as an electrochemical conversion and storage device. In order to achieve high electrochemical performance, electrode fabrication must be implemented properly. Electrochemically inactive and insulating binders are utilized in the conventional slurry coating method of making electrodes to provide adhesion between the electrode material and the substrate. This results in an undesirable “dead mass,” which lowers the overall device performance. In this review, we focused on binder‐free SCs electrodes based on transition metal oxides and composites. With the best examples providing the critical aspects, the benefits of binder‐free electrodes over slurry‐coated electrodes are addressed. Additionally, different metal‐oxides used in the fabrication of binder‐free electrodes are assessed, taking into account the various synthesis methods, giving an overall picture of the work done for binder‐free electrodes. The future outlook is provided along with the benefits and drawbacks of binder‐free electrodes based on transition metal oxides.
Preparation of Nanoparticles and Diffusion Behavior of Metal Ions in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Imanishi Akihito 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIonic liquids (ILs) have attracted much attention as tunable liquids because of their unique structures and properties. However, the mechanisms of chemical reactions and solute diffusion in ionic liquids are still unknown. This article summarizes our previous studies and recent results on the mechanisms of metal particle formation and solute diffusion in ionic liquids, focusing on the local structure of ionic liquids. It was found that the shape and size of metal particles formed in ionic liquids using electron beams or X‐rays are strongly influenced by the local structure. In the study of the diffusion behavior of metal ions in ionic liquids, we proposed a hopping‐like diffusion model and proposed that this behavior could be strongly influenced by local structures such as hole concentration and/or domain structures.
Multi‐trait genomic selection improves the prediction accuracy of end‐use quality traits in hard winter wheat
Authors: Gill Harsimardeep S. , Brar Navreet , Halder Jyotirmoy , Hall Cody , Seabourn Bradford W. , Chen Yuanhong R. , St. Amand Paul , Bernardo Amy , Bai Guihua , Glover Karl , Turnipseed Brent , Sehgal Sunish K. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractImprovement of end‐use quality remains one of the most important goals in hard winter wheat (HWW) breeding. Nevertheless, the evaluation of end‐use quality traits is confined to later development generations owing to resource‐intensive phenotyping. Genomic selection (GS) has shown promise in facilitating selection for end‐use quality; however, lower prediction accuracy (PA) for complex traits remains a challenge in GS implementation. Multi‐trait genomic prediction (MTGP) models can improve PA for complex traits by incorporating information on correlated secondary traits, but these models remain to be optimized in HWW. A set of advanced breeding lines from 2015 to 2021 were genotyped with 8725 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and was used to evaluate MTGP to predict various end‐use quality traits that are otherwise difficult to phenotype in earlier generations. The MTGP model outperformed the ST model with up to a twofold increase in PA. For instance, PA was improved from 0.38 to 0.75 for bake absorption and from 0.32 to 0.52 for loaf volume. Further, we compared MTGP models by including different combinations of easy‐to‐score traits as covariates to predict end‐use quality traits. Incorporation of simple traits, such as flour protein (FLRPRO) and sedimentation weight value (FLRSDS), substantially improved the PA of MT models. Thus, the rapid low‐cost measurement of traits like FLRPRO and FLRSDS can facilitate the use of GP to predict mixograph and baking traits in earlier generations and provide breeders an opportunity for selection on end‐use quality traits by culling inferior lines to increase selection accuracy and genetic gains.
A chromosome‐scale reference of Chenopodium watsonii helps elucidate relationships within the North American A‐genome Chenopodium species and with quinoa
Authors: Young Lauren A. , Maughan Peter Jeffrey , Jarvis David E. , Hunt Spencer P. , Warner Heather C. , Durrant Kristin K. , Kohlert Tyler , Curti Ramiro N. , Bertero Daniel , Filippi Gabrielle A. , Pospíšilíková Tereza , Krak Karol , Mandák Bohumil , Jellen Eric N. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractQuinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), an Andean pseudocereal, attained global popularity beginning in the early 2000s due to its protein quality, glycemic index, and high fiber, vitamin, and mineral contents. Pitseed goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri), quinoa's North American free‐living sister species, grows on disturbed and sandy substrates across the North America, including saline coastal sands, southwestern deserts, subtropical highlands, the Great Plains, and boreal forests. Together with South American avian goosefoot (Chenopodium hircinum) they comprise the American tetraploid goosefoot complex (ATGC). Superimposed on pitseed goosefoot's North American range are approximately 35 AA diploids, most of which are adapted to a diversity of niche environments. We chose to assemble a reference genome for Sonoran A‐genome Chenopodium watsonii due to fruit morphological and high (>99.3%) preliminary sequence‐match similarities with quinoa, along with its well‐established taxonomic status. The genome was assembled into 1377 scaffolds spanning 547.76 Mb (N50 = 55.14 Mb, L50 = 5), with 94% comprised in nine chromosome‐scale scaffolds and 93.9% Benchmarking Universal Single‐Copy Orthologs genes identified as single copy and 3.4% as duplicated. A high degree of synteny, with minor and mostly telomeric rearrangements, was found when comparing this taxon with the previously reported genome of South American C. pallidicaule and the A‐subgenome chromosomes of C. quinoa. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using 10,588 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms generated by resequencing a panel of 41 New World AA diploid accessions and the Eurasian H‐genome diploid Chenopodium vulvaria, along with three AABB tetraploids previously sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis of these 32 taxa positioned the psammophyte Chenopodium subglabrum on the branch containing A‐genome sequences from the ATGC. We also present evidence for long‐range dispersal of Chenopodium diploids between North and South America.
Use of artificial intelligence algorithms to predict systemic diseases from retinal images
Authors: Khan Rehana , Surya Janani , Roy Maitreyee , Swathi Priya M. N. , Mohan Sashwanthi , Raman Sundaresan , Raman Akshay , Vyas Abhishek , Raman Rajiv 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe rise of non‐invasive, rapid, and widely accessible quantitative high‐resolution imaging methods, such as modern retinal photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), has significantly impacted ophthalmology. These techniques offer remarkable accuracy and resolution in assessing ocular diseases and are increasingly recognized for their potential in identifying ocular biomarkers of systemic diseases. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) has been demonstrated to have promising results in identifying age, gender, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, and assessing cardiovascular disorders from the fundus and OCT images. Although our understanding of eye–body relationships has advanced from decades of conventional statistical modeling in large population‐based studies incorporating ophthalmic assessments, the application of AI to this field is still in its early stages. In this review article, we concentrate on the areas where AI‐based investigations could expand on existing conventional analyses to produce fresh findings using retinal biomarkers of systemic diseases. Five databases—Medline, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched using terms related to ocular imaging, systemic diseases, and artificial intelligence characteristics. Our review found that AI has been employed in a wide range of clinical tests and research applications, primarily for disease prediction, finding biomarkers and risk factor identification. We envisage artificial intelligence‐based models to have significant clinical and research impacts in the future through screening for high‐risk individuals, particularly in less developed areas, and identifying new retinal biomarkers, even though technical and socioeconomic challenges remain. Further research is needed to validate these models in real‐world setting.This article is categorized under:
Application Areas > Health Care
Technologies > Machine Learning
Technologies > Prediction
Postoperative mometasone irrigations improve quality of life in skull base tumor patients
Authors: Salmon Mandy K. , Kshirsagar Rijul S. , Eide Jacob G. , Sweis Auddie M. , Davin Kathleen , Prasad Aman , Ungerer Heather , Stevens Elizabeth , Ig‐Izevbekhai Kevin , Tripathi Siddhant , Locke Tran B. , Lin Theodore , Sweis Brian M. , Kohanski Michael A. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivesThe use of topical corticosteroids to manage postoperative sinonasal symptoms after endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) has not been well studied. We quantified long‐term impact of postoperative steroid irrigations (SIs) on quality of life of patients after ESBS.MethodsRetrospective review of patients at the University of Pennsylvania undergoing ESBS from 2010 to 2019. Data on patient demographics and postoperative treatment with nasal saline irrigation twice daily with and without dissolved steroids (mometasone or budesonide) was collected. Preoperative, and 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month postoperative Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores were assessed.ResultsA total of 727 patients were assessed (53.4% males), with 479 patients in the no SI group and 248 patients in the SI group. Preoperative SNOT‐22 scores did not differ significantly (P = 0.19). 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, 18‐, and 24‐month post‐op SNOT‐22 scores did not significantly differ between groups. However, mometasone irrigations resulted in significantly lower postoperative 2‐year SNOT‐22 scores compared to budesonide (P < 0.01) and saline (P = 0.03).ConclusionsThough corticosteroid irrigations are routine in managing inflammatory sinus disease, their role in postoperative management after ESBS for tumors is unclear. Our findings suggest that mometasone irrigation may be effective at improving postoperative quality of life in patients after ESBS.
Sustainable Consumption
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this chapter we exam the concept of sustainable consumption, we look at how consumption not only drives resource consumption at home but also abroad. We examine the areas requiring the most action. While the actions that consumers can take to reduce their consumption of resources may seem on the face of it trivial, putting them into practice is no simple task. This leads us to briefly discuss what can be done to encourage people to make more sustainable choices through choice architechture and cost transparency.
The Future of Sustainable Business: The Circular Economy
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias 
Published: May 2023

AbstractTo meet environmental targets, it will be central that we use existing materials more efficiently. Accordingly, the future of sustainable business will be closely linked to our ability to build a circular economy. Companies today usually work with linear business models that assume that goods are disposed of by consumers after use and thus become waste. In contrast, the idea of a circular economy is to maximize the benefits of everything that already exists. In this Chapter, we introduce the concept of circular economy and explain why it is relevant for future ecological and economic development.