bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Droplets Stabilized by Designer Surfactants: From Biomimicry to Active Motion to Materials Healing
Authors: Yang Zhefei , Snyder Deborah , Sathyan Ashlin , Balazs Anna , Emrick Todd
Published: September 2023

The science and technologies of emulsion droplets have been a long‐term focus of extensive research endeavors for their practical utility across a breadth of industries, including pharmaceutical products, oil recovery processes, and the food sciences. However, with advances in materials chemistry and characterization tools, new emerging areas are arising with a focus on “smart droplets”. The versatility of emulsion droplets across is based on their ability to partition and create isolated systems with properties defined by the liquid–liquid interface, while preparative routes allow manipulation of droplet size, stability, and encapsulated contents. As described in this article, significant efforts are being devoted to creating new types of droplets by “activating” this interface through the incorporation of reactive structures that trigger droplet response to applied or environmental stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature, salt, or external fields). Moreover, parallels between droplets and live cells inspire efforts to conceive systems that resemble biological motifs or that can produce cellular behaviors that imitate biology (e.g., swarming, communication, or motion). The authors highlight recent advances in smart droplets, with emphasis on organic, polymer, and/or particle surfactants that give rise to inter‐droplet communication (via aggregation, fusion, division, or mass transfer), droplet vehicles for controlled delivery, autonomous droplet motion, and tunable emulsion inversion. Especially emphasized is the macromolecular design to produce reactive and functional surfactants, which are crucial to responsive droplet behavior and their underlying mechanisms. More generally, the exquisite interplay between materials science and biology inspires the review of this research area that provides unique opportunities for insight and inspiration into the capabilities of new droplet designs.
Bioinspired Materials for Immunoengineering of T Cells and Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Sasidharan Sisini , Davis Daniel M. , Dunlop Iain E.
Published: September 2023

Immune responses are directed by the complex interactions of different cell types, including T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells, with a key type of interaction being the formation of close cell‐cell adhesions: immune synapses. Drawing on biophysical characteristics of the immune synapse and the immune cell surface, researchers are developing bioinspired materials for immunoengineering. Here are reviewed key biophysical variables that impact immune cell signaling, and how these have been exploited to develop immunomodulatory biomaterials. Mechanical forces and material properties such as stiffness are sensed by immune cells. This has enabled the modulation of cell activation using mechanically‐controlled biomaterials: hydrogels, micropillars, and nanowire arrays. In parallel, microscopy has revealed micro‐scale and nanoscale molecular patterning at cell surfaces, inspiring the creation of micro‐ and nanopatterned materials using lithography and nanoparticle approaches. The complex 3D structures of immune cells have inspired the creation of topographically patterned substrates and controlled 3D microenvironments. Finally, technologies have been developed to externally modulate biophysical variables, using magnetic and optical fields to stimulate biomaterials and drive immune cell activation. Together, these bioinspired materials are enhancing the understanding of immunology. A challenge is translation to the clinic, e.g., via improved ex vivo cell engineering for adoptive immunotherapies.
All‐Weather Self‐Powered Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System Based on a Conjunction of Self‐Healable Piezoresistive Sensors and Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Li Yongji , Tian Zhongyuan , Gao Xuan‐Zhi , Zhao Hao‐Yu , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Zhong Lin , Yu Zhong‐Zhen , Yang Dan
Published: September 2023

A self‐powered and sustainable traffic monitoring system is highly required for future urban development. Herein, self‐healable piezoresistive sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are constructed by in situ polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol‐polyacrylamide double network hydrogel in the presence of sodium alginate and tannic acid‐modified cellulose nanocrystals (denoted as PPC) for all‐weather self‐powered intelligent traffic monitoring applications. Because of hydrogen bonding and boron ester bonding, the resultant PPC‐based strain sensor can rapidly self‐heal and restore its sensing ability within 1 min with a self‐healing efficiency of 97.4%. Based on piezoresistive effect, the ions in sodium alginate endow the PPC‐based strain sensor with a relatively high gauge factor of 8.39, which can monitor the motion and fatigue of drivers. Based on triboelectrification effect, the PPC‐based TENG sensor can detect instantaneous vehicle speed, judge traffic accident liability, evaluate vehicle weight, and alert the driver to prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving. After partially replacing water in the PPC with glycerin, the resulting PPC‐based TENG sensor exhibits stable performance at temperatures ranging from ‐30 to 40 °C, ensuring its all‐weather monitoring ability. The all‐weather and self‐powered intelligent traffic monitoring system is promising for ensuring the security of future cities.
Unleashing the Full Potential of Photo‐Driven CO Hydrogenation to Light Olefins over Carbon‐Coated CoMn‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Li Ruizhe , Li Yuan , Li Zhenhua , Ouyang Shuxin , Yuan Hong , Zhang Tierui
Published: September 2023

As a nonpetroleum process, photodriven Fischer–Tropsch synthesis provides a practical approach for the synthesis of light olefins. However, maximizing the solar‐energy conversion efficiency based on the design of the composite catalyst and understanding the catalytic mechanism remain challenging. Herein, a novel carbon‐coated CoMn‐based catalyst, a C‐coated mixture of Co and MnO, is designed for the efficient conversion of syngas to light olefins under light irradiation. The CoMnC‐450 catalyst exhibits a CO conversion of 12.6% with a selectivity to light olefins of 36.5% under light irradiation, showing 5.5‐fold the activity of thermocatalysis. Experimental characterizations as certain the CoMnC‐450 catalyst can be excited to generate photogenerated carriers under light irradiation and then the electron transfer to metallic Co to form electron‐rich active sites with carbon mediation, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and theoretical calculation based on density functional theory reveal the unique roles of photogenerated carriers in promoting the adsorption and activation of CO molecules. This study demonstrates a feasible catalyst model to efficiently utilize full‐spectral solar light to produce the value‐added chemical.
Synthesis of Triaminocyclopentadienyl Iron(II) Tricarbonyl Complexes and Application to the Synthesis of Aminophosphines
Authors: Gaignard Gaillard Quentin , Bettoni Léo , Paris Déborah , Lequertier Clémence , Lohier Jean‐François , Gaillard Sylvain , Renaud Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2023

A new family of triaminocyclopentadienyl iron(II) tricarbonyl complexes has been synthesized, fully characterized and applied in hydrogenation transfer. These complexes are the first Earth‐abundant metal complexes able to catalyze reductive alkylation of primary and secondary aliphatic amines with 2‐diarylphosphinobenzaldehyde derivatives at room temperature. These non‐pincer type cyclopentadienyl iron(II) complexes demonstrate not only better efficiency than known cyclopentadienone iron carbonyl complexes but also high functionality tolerance. The resulting aminophosphines provide a straightforward and rapid access to potential P−N ligands.
Rotation of the c‐Ring Promotes the Curvature Sorting of Monomeric ATP Synthases
Authors: Valdivieso González David , Makowski Marcin , Lillo M. Pilar , Cao‐García Francisco J. , Melo Manuel N. , Almendro‐Vedia Víctor G. , López‐Montero Iván
Published: September 2023

ATP synthases are proteins that catalyse the formation of ATP through the rotatory movement of their membrane‐spanning subunit. In mitochondria, ATP synthases are found to arrange as dimers at the high‐curved edges of cristae. Here, a direct link is explored between the rotatory movement of ATP synthases and their preference for curved membranes. An active curvature sorting of ATP synthases in lipid nanotubes pulled from giant vesicles is found. Coarse‐grained simulations confirm the curvature‐seeking behaviour of rotating ATP synthases, promoting reversible and frequent protein‐protein contacts. The formation of transient protein dimers relies on the membrane‐mediated attractive interaction of the order of 1.5 kBT produced by a hydrophobic mismatch upon protein rotation. Transient dimers are sustained by a conic‐like arrangement characterized by a wedge angle of θ ≈ 50°, producing a dynamic coupling between protein shape and membrane curvature. The results suggest a new role of the rotational movement of ATP synthases for their dynamic self‐assembly in biological membranes.
Red Light‐Triggered Anti‐Angiogenic and Photodynamic Combination Therapy of Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Xu Shuting , Cui Kaixuan , Long Kaiqi , Li Jia , Fan Ni , Lam Wai‐Ching , Liang Xiaoling , Wang Weiping
Published: September 2023

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the key pathological event of wet age‐related macular degeneration (wAMD) leading to irreversible vision loss. Currently, anti‐angiogenic therapy with anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents has become the standard treatment for wAMD, while it is still subject to several limitations, including the safety concerns of monthly intravitreal administration and insufficient efficacy for neovascular occlusion. Combined therapy with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti‐angiogenic agents has emerged as a novel treatment paradigm. Herein, a novel and less‐invasive approach is reported to achieve anti‐angiogenic and photodynamic combination therapy of wAMD by intravenous administration of a photoactivatable nanosystem (Di‐DAS‐VER NPs). The nanosystem is self‐assembled by reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive dasatinib (DAS) prodrug and photosensitizer verteporfin (VER). After red‐light irradiation to the diseased eyes, intraocular release of anti‐angiogenic DAS is observed, together with selective neo‐vessels occlusion by VER‐generated ROS. Notably, Di‐DAS‐VER NPs demonstrates promising therapeutic efficacy against CNV with minimized systemic toxicity. The study enables an efficient intravenous wAMD therapy by integrating a photoactivation process with combinational therapeutics into one simple nanosystem.
Surface‐Redox Pseudocapacitance‐Dominated Charge Storage Mechanism Enabled by the Reconstructed Cathode/Electrolyte Interface for High‐Rate Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Wu Dongzheng , Kang Yuanhong , Wang Fei , Yang Jin , Xu Yaoqi , Zhuang Yichao , Wu Jiayue , Zeng Jing , Yang Yang , Zhao Jinbao
Published: September 2023

Th all phenyl complex (APC) electrolyte is generally accepted to be compatible with Mg metal anodes, offering excellent plating/stripping reversibility. However, the large Cl desolvation penalty of the MgCl+ solvation structure in APC electrolyte causes a high reaction energy barrier at the cathode/electrolyte interface, resulting in unsatisfactory rate performance. Herein, the interface reconstruction strategy of an anatase TiO2 cathode is proposed by the combination of ultrathin carbon coating and oxygen vacancies, which realizes the fast surface‐redox pseudocapacitance charge storage mechanism via MgCl+, circumventing the sluggish solid‐phase migration of Mg2+. Theoretical calculations verify that the introduction of oxygen vacancies in TiO2, not only increases the intrinsic electronic conductivity, but also improves the adsorption capability for MgCl+, which enhances the surface‐redox pseudocapacitance of TiO2. Moreover, in situ Raman measurements, ex situ XPS spectra and XRD patterns demonstrate the structural integrity of TiO2 without undergoing phase change and the rapid reversible storage of MgCl+. Furthermore, in situ electrochemical impedance spectra reveal that the reconstructed cathode/electrolyte interface promotes the kinetics of active cations and induces the less potential‐dependent charge storage process. Consequently, TiO2 exhibits a remarkable rate performance (discharge capacity of 68.9 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and long‐lifespan over 3000 cycles at 0.5 A g−1.
PIDA Mediated Synthesis of Benzopyranoisoxazoles via an Intramolecular Nitrile Oxide Cycloaddition (INOC): Application to the Synthesis 4H‐chromeno[4,3‐c]isoxazol‐4‐ones.
Authors: Maurya Rohit Kumar , Kumar Shubham , Kumar Vikash , Dey Ashutosh , Patlolla Ravinder Reddy , Burra Amarender Goud , Khatravath Mahender
Published: September 2023

Presented herein is an approach for the synthesis of highly substituted tricyclic benzopyranoisoxazoles from the corresponding aldoximes via an intramolecular nitrile oxide cycloaddition (INOC) reaction using a hypervalent iodine reagent (Diacetoxyiodo)benzene (PIDA/DIB/(PhI(OAc)2) as the single inexpensive oxidizing agent. The key step involved in this reaction is a sequential intramolecular C−C and C−O bond formation. A variety of benzopyranoisoxazoles were constructed in moderate to high yields. In addition, some of the benzopyranoisoxazoles were converted to 4H‐chromeno[4,3‐c]isoxazol‐4‐ones via allylic oxidation using CrO3 as an oxidant.
Primate field research during a pandemic: Lessons learned from the SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak
Authors: Jack Katharine M. , Kulick Nelle K.
Published: September 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic abruptly halted most primate field research in early 2020. While international travel bans and regional travel restrictions made continuing primate field research impossible early on in the pandemic, ethical concerns of transmitting the virus from researchers to primates and surrounding human communities informed decisions regarding the timing of resuming research. Between June and September 2020, we surveyed field primatologists regarding the impacts of the pandemic on their research. We received 90 completed surveys from respondents residing in 21 countries, though most were from the United States and Canada. These data provide a valuable window into the perspectives and actions taken by researchers during the early stages of the pandemic as events were still unfolding. Only 2.4% of projects reported continuing research as usual, 33.7% continued with some decrease in productivity, 42.2% reported postponing research projects, and 21.7% reported canceling projects or postponing research indefinitely. Respondents most severely impacted by the pandemic were those establishing new field sites and graduate students whose projects were postponed or canceled due to pandemic‐related shutdowns. Fears about increased poaching, the inability to pay local assistants, frozen research funds, declining habituation, disruptions to data collection, and delays in student projects were among the top concerns of respondents. Nearly all the projects able to continue research in any capacity during the early months of the pandemic were run by or employed primate habitat country primatologists. This finding is a major lesson learned from the pandemic; without habitat country scientists, primate research is not sustainable.
It is time for nationally equitable access to assistive technology and home modifications in Australia: An equity benchmarking study
Authors: Layton Natasha , Brusco Natasha , Callaway Libby , Henley Lauren , Wang Rosalie H.
Published: September 2023

Australians with disability have inequitable access to assistive technology (AT) and home modifications (HMs). This is inconsistent with human rights obligations and fails to capitalise on internationally recognised potential return on investment. Co‐designed with a consortium of AT stakeholders, this study quantifies the public provision of AT and HM in Australia by identifying all publicly funded national and state‐/territory‐based schemes and reporting and comparing available data on the spend per person. An environmental scan and data survey identified 88 government funders administering 109 schemes. Data were available for 1/3 of schemes. Economic evaluation of available cost and participant data estimated the annual AT/HM and wrap‐around support spend per person per scheme and organisational costs. Data demonstrated significant AT/HM spend variability across schemes, for example a 50‐fold difference between Aged Care ($51) and National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS, $2500). Modelled costs are presented for a $16 billion national scheme where all Australians with disability are funded NDIS‐equivalent. These foundation data demonstrate substantial service provision gaps and an urgent need for change in disability policy. A cost model and policy principles have been proposed to achieve economies of scale and equity in the provision of AT and HM.
Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes of Rhesus Macaques Following Neonatal Exposure to Antiseizure Medications
Authors: Colman Ricki , Pierre Peter , Adriansjach Julie , Crosno Kristin , Noguchi Kevin K. , Ikonomidou Chrysanthy
Published: September 2023

Objective

Exposure of neonatal macaques to the antiseizure medications phenobarbital and midazolam (PbM) causes widespread apoptotic death of neurons and oligodendrocytes. We studied behavior and neurocognitive performance in 12 to 24 month‐old macaques treated as neonates with PbM.

Methods

A total of 14 monkeys received phenobarbital and midazolam over 24 hours under normothermia (n = 8) or mild hypothermia (n = 6). Controls (n = 8) received no treatment. Animals underwent testing in the human intruder paradigm at ages 12 and 18 months, and a 3‐step stimulus discrimination task at ages 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

Animals treated with PbM displayed lower scores for environmental exploration, and higher scores for locomotion and vocalizations compared with controls. Combined PbM and hypothermia resulted in lower scores for aggression and vigilance at 12 months compared with controls and normothermic PbM animals.

A mixed‐effects generalized linear model was used to test for differences in neurocognitive performance between the control and PbM groups in the first step of the stimulus discrimination task battery (shape center baited to shape center non‐baited). The odds of passing this step differed by group (p = 0.044). At any given age, the odds of passing for a control animal were 9.53‐fold (95% CI 1.06–85) the odds for a PbM animal. There was also evidence suggesting a higher learning rate in the shape center non‐baited for the control relative to the PbM group (Cox model HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.02–4.43; p = 0.044).

Interpretation

These findings demonstrate that a 24‐hour‐long neonatal treatment with a clinically relevant combination of antiseizure medications can have long‐lasting effects on behavior and cognition in nonhuman primates. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:57–70
Rational Design of Porous Ionic Liquids for Coupling Natural Gas Purification with Waste Gas Conversion
Authors: Ning Hailong , Shi Mingzhen , Yang Qian , Huang Jingwei , Zhang Xiaomin , Wu Youting , Jie Kecheng
Published: September 2023

Removal of trace impurities for natural gas purification coupled with waste gas conversion is highly desired in industry. We here report a type of porous ionic liquids (PILs) that can realize the continuous flow separation of CH4/CO2/H2S and the conversion of the captured H2S to useful products. The PILs are synthesized through a step‐by‐step surface modification of ionic liquids (ILs) onto UiO‐66‐OH nanocrystals. The introduction of free tertiary amine groups on the nanocrystal surface endows these PILs with an exceptional ability to enrich H2S from CO2 and CH4 with impressive selectivity, while the permanent pores of UiO‐66‐OH act as containers to store an exceptionally higher amount of the selectively captured H2S than the corresponding nonporous ILs. Simultaneously, the tertiary amines as dual functional moieties offer effective catalytic sites for the conversion of the H2S stored in PILs into 3‐mercaptoisobutyric acid, a key intermediate required for the synthesis of Captopril (an antihypertensive drug). Molecular dynamics, density functional theory calculations and Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations help understand both the mechanisms of separation and catalysis performance, confirming that the tertiary amines as well as the permanent pores in UiO‐66‐OH play vital roles in the whole procedure.
Electrochemical NiH‐Catalyzed C(sp3)−C(sp3) Coupling of Alkyl Halides and Alkyl Alkenes
Authors: Li Pengfei , Kou Guangsheng , Feng Tian , Wang Minyan , Qiu Youai
Published: September 2023

Herein, an electrochemically driven NiH‐catalyzed reductive coupling of alkyl halides and alkyl alkenes for the construction of Csp3−Csp3bonds is firstly reported. Notably, alkyl halides serve dual function as coupling substrates and as hydrogen sources to generate NiH species under electrochemical conditions. The tunable nature of this reaction is realized by introducing an intramolecular coordinating group to the substrate, where the product can be easily adjusted to give the desired branched products. The method proceeds under mild conditions, exhibits a broad substrate scope, and affords moderate to excellent yields with over 70 examples, including late‐stage modification of natural products and drug derivatives. Mechanistic insights offer evidence for an electrochemically driven coupling process. Thesp3‐carbon‐halogen bonds can be activated through single electron transfer (SET) by the nickel catalyst in its low valence state, generated by cathodic reduction, and the generation of NiH species from alkyl halides is pivotal to this transformation.
Tetracopper σ‐Bound μ‐Acetylide and ‐Diyne Units Stabilized by a Naphthyridine‐based Dinucleating Ligand
Authors: Ríos Pablo , See Matthew S. , Handford Rex C. , Cooper Jason K. , Don Tilley T.
Published: September 2023

Reactions of a dicopper(I) tert‐butoxide complex with alkynes possessing boryl or silyl capping groups resulted in formation of unprecedented tetracopper(I) μ‐acetylide/diyne complexes that were characterized by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These compounds possess an unusual μ4‐η1:η1:η1:η1 coordination mode for the bridging organic fragment, enforced by the rigid and dinucleating nature of the ligand utilized. Thus, the central π system remains unperturbed and accessible for subsequent reactivity and modification. This has been corroborated by addition of a fifth copper atom, giving rise to a pentacopper acetylide complex. This work may provide a new approach by which metal‐metal cooperativity can be exploited in the transformation of acetylide and diyne groups to a variety of substrates, or as a starting point for the controlled synthesis of copper(I) alkyne‐containing clusters.
Synergetic Coupling of Redox‐Active Sites on Organic Electrode Material for Robust and High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Yang Pan , Wu Zhenzhen , Wang Shouyue , Li Meng , Chen Hao , Qian Shangshu , Zheng Mengting , Wang Yun , Li Sheng , Qiu Jingxia , Zhang Shanqing
Published: September 2023

Organic electrode materials (OEMs), valued for their sustainability and structural tunability, have been attracting increasing attention for wide application in sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and other rechargeable batteries. However, most OEMs are plagued with insufficient specific capacity or poor cycling stability. Therefore, it′s imperative to enhance their specific capacity and cycling stability through molecular design. Herein, we designed and synthesized a heteroaromatic molecule 2,3,8,9,14,15‐hexanol hexaazatrinaphthalene (HATN‐6OH) by the synergetic coupling of catechol (the precursor of ortho‐quinone)/ortho‐quinone functional groups and HATN conjugated core structures. The abundance of catechol/ortho‐quinone and imine redox‐active moieties delivers a high specific capacity of nine‐electron transfer for SIBs. Most notably, the π–π interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bond forces among HATN‐6OH molecules secure the stable long‐term cycling performance of SIBs. Consequently, the as‐prepared HATN‐6OH electrode exhibited a high specific capacity (554 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (202 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), and stable long‐term cycling performance (73 % after 3000 cycles at 10 A g−1) in SIBs. Additionally, the nine‐electron transfer mechanism is confirmed by systematic density functional theory (DFT) calculation, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), and Raman analysis. The achievement of the synergetic coupling of the redox‐active sites on OEMs could be an important key to the enhancement of SIBs and other metal‐ion batteries.
Photoinduced electron transfer reaction for synthesis of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives with conjugated structure using chlorophyll b‐modified magnetic titanium dioxide photocatalyst
Authors: Heidari Aida , Teimuri‐Mofrad Reza , Safa Kazem D.
Published: September 2023

Photocatalytic conversion of organic compounds has recently emerged as a cost‐effective, safe, and easy‐to‐operate procedure to synthesize value‐added materials. In this study, the magnetic titanium dioxide‐based (Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2) photocatalyst was designed to synthesize conjugated derivatives of tetrahydroquinoline through a photoinduced electron transfer (PET) reaction. Chlorophyll b was immobilized on the surface of magnetic titanium dioxide, as a natural visible‐light‐sensitive compound using 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a coupling agent containing terminal amine (Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2‐NH2‐Chb) to improve light harvesting ability. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer (EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) results confirmed the successful synthesis of Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2‐NH2‐Chb. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images displayed the preserved spherical morphology of Fe3O4/SiO2/TiO2‐NH2‐Chb. Chlorophyll b‐modified magnetic titanium dioxide was highly active under visible‐light irradiation toward the cyclization of (E)‐3‐[4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)]‐1‐arylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one with 1‐aryl‐1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐dione to achieve new tetrahydroquinoline derivatives with conjugated structure in high yields at ambient temperature, in air. The incorporation of chlorophyll b in the photocatalyst plays an important role in the photocatalytic mechanism, facilitating photoinduced electron transfer to the conduction band of TiO2. Moreover, the magnetic property enabled easy recovery of the photocatalyst and improved its reusability up to three runs. The characteristics of tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were studied by FT‐IR, CHN, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR analyses.
Photoswitchable diarylethene‐based polyurethane film for photorewritable patterning and stable information storage
Authors: Yu Maolin , Wang Hong , Li Yuqi , Zhang Peisheng , Chen Shu , Zeng Rongjin , Gao Yong , Chen Jian
Published: September 2023

Photoswitchable polymeric materials are promising candidates for rewritable patterning and optical information storage. However, traditional solid photoswitchable polymers are generally hampered by a low fatigue resistance and slow photoresponse. To overcome these two key deficiencies, in this study, we examined a simple synthetic strategy for producing photoswitchable polyurethane films via the covalent attachment of an excellent photochromic diarylethene. The as‐prepared diarylethene‐based polyurethane (DTE–PU) film showed rapidly reversible isomerization and splendid photoreversibility (>20 times). Additionally, the as‐prepared DTE–PU film in the closed form possessed outstanding thermal irreversibility and long‐term optical stability. Photowritten patterns on the DTE–PU film remained steady for more than 2 weeks. These eminent properties made the DTE–PU film a promising candidate for multifarious applications, including rewritable patterning and stable optical information storage. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47466.
Effectiveness of modified lignin on poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(lactic acid) mulch film performance
Authors: Barros Janetty J. P. , Oliveira Rene R. , Luna Carlos B. B. , Wellen Renate M. R. , Moura Esperidiana A. B.
Published: September 2023

In this work, the biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blend (ECOVIO®) and lignin, a renewable and biodegradable natural polymer with high UV absorption and modified by gamma radiation were used to produce agriculture mulch films. Lignin was gamma‐irradiated at 30 and 60 kGy. The irradiated and non‐irradiated lignin content of 2 wt% was incorporated into PBAT/PLA blend matrix using a twin‐screw extruder and extrusion blown film to prepare flexible films. PBAT/PLA/LIGNIN films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), tensile tests, contact angle, and UV–Vis analysis. FTIR spectra showed partial miscibility between PBAT/PLA and lignin, being intensified in irradiated lignin compounds. The DSC and XRD results confirmed that the degree of crystallinity of the blends was not significantly influenced by lignin addition. FE‐SEM images showed better dispersion and miscibility in PBAT/PLA/Irradiated lignin. Miscibility improvement provided by irradiated lignin promoted better mechanical properties, mainly with lignin irradiated at 60 kGy. PBAT/PLA/LIGNIN films containing 2 wt% showed excellent UV‐barrier property and greater hydrophobicity. Summing up, incorporation of low contents of irradiated lignin could be an interesting alternative to produce biodegradable UV‐blocking agriculture mulch films.
Potent inhibitors of tumor associated carbonic anhydrases endowed with cathepsin B inhibition
Authors: Kumar Amit , Arya Priyanka , Sharma Vikas , Giovannuzzi Simone , Raghav Neera , Supuran Claudiu T. , Sharma Pawan K.
Published: September 2023

Twenty‐one novel extended analogs of acetazolamide were synthesized and screened in vitro for their inhibition efficacy against human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) isoforms I, II, IX, XII, and cathepsin B. The majority of the compounds were found to be effective inhibitors of tumor‐associated hCA IX and XII, and poor inhibitors of cytosolic hCA I. Despite the strong to moderate inhibition potential possessed by these compounds toward another cytosolic isoform hCA II, some of them demonstrated better potency against hCA IX and/or XII isoforms as compared to hCA II. Four compounds (11f, 11g, 12c, and 12g) effectively inhibited hCA IX and/or XII isoforms with considerable selectivity over the off‐targets hCA I and II. Interestingly, five compounds, including 11f, 11g, 12c, 12d, and 12g, inhibited hCA IX even better than the clinically used acetazolamide. Some of the novel synthesized compounds exhibited higher anti‐cathepsin B potential than acetazolamide, with % inhibition of around 50%, at a concentration of 10−7 M. Further, two compounds (12g and 12c) that showed effective and selective inhibition activity profiles against hCA IX and XII were additionally found to be effective inhibitors of cathepsin B.
Robust normalization and stabilization of descriptor fractional‐order systems with polytopic uncertainties in all matrices
Authors: Luo Siyou , Lu Jun‐Guo
Published: September 2023

This paper addresses the robust normalization and stabilization problems for descriptor fractional‐order systems with polytopic uncertainties in all system coefficient matrices, including the state derivative coefficient matrix. Firstly, novel sufficient conditions for the robust normality and stability of polytopic uncertain descriptor fractional‐order systems are presented based on linear matrix inequalities. Then, for the cases when the uncertain parameters are known and unknown, the proportional and derivative state feedback control with constant feedback gain and parameter‐dependent feedback gain are introduced to normalize and stabilize such systems, respectively. Finally, numerical examples are provided to show that the proposed approach is effective and less conservative than the results obtained by other researchers.
Calciumsulfatgebundene Deckschichten in Brettstapel‐Beton‐Verbunddecken
Authors: Imp Julian , Rempel Sergej , Mikoschek Michael
Published: September 2023

Aus ökologischer Motivation wurde die Holz‐Beton‐Verbundbauweise mit Kervenverbund optimiert, indem der herkömmliche Stahlbeton durch eine calciumsulfatgebundene Deckschicht und Bewehrung aus Basaltfasern substituiert wurde. In diesem Beitrag werden zunächst die grundlegenden Eigenschaften von Calciumsulfat als Bindemittel erläutert, gefolgt von experimentellen Bauteilversuchen, die das Trag‐ und Verformungsverhalten mittels Scher‐ und Biegeversuchen untersuchen und dabei einen Vergleich zu herkömmlichen Stahlbetondeckschichten ziehen. Als Ergebnis konnten vergleichbare Tragfähigkeiten und Steifigkeiten gegenüber Stahlbetondeckschichten erzielt werden. Langzeitbiegeversuche über einen Zeitraum von etwa zwei Jahren zeigten annähernd gleiche Durchbiegungen. Abschließend wird auf Besonderheiten in der baupraktischen Anwendung hingewiesen.
Bildbasierte Frischbetonprüfung
Authors: Schack Tobias , Coenen Max , Haist Michael
Published: September 2023

Homogenität – d.h. die Gleichmäßigkeit der Zusammensetzung und Eigenschaften des Betons im frischen und festen Zustand – ist eine zentrale Anforderung an den Baustoff Beton. Variationen der Homogenität äußern sich in der Regel in lokalen Veränderungen z.B. des E‐Moduls, der Festigkeit oder Dauerhaftigkeit. Insbesondere bei hochfließfähigen (≥F5) und selbstverdichtenden Betonen (SVB), aber z.B. auch bei LP‐Betonen ist die Homogenität eine zeitabhängige Größe und ändert sich durch Entmischungsprozesse wie z.B. Sedimentation der groben Gesteinskörnung und Wasserabsonderung oder infolge einer ungeeigneten Verarbeitung. Eine Bewertung der Homogenität des frischen Betons ist mit den gegenwärtigen Prüfverfahren auf der Baustelle nur augenscheinlich möglich, da insbesondere die räumliche Verteilung der Betonausgangsstoffe (und damit die Homogenität) bislang nicht quantifiziert werden kann. Aufbauend auf den bereits in den ersten beiden Teilen dieses Beitrags vorgestellten bewertbaren Eigenschaften wird in diesem Beitrag das Eigenschaftsspektrum der bildbasierten Frischbetonprüfung um die Homogenität des Frischbetons erweitert. Dazu werden visuell erfassbare Eigenschaften des ausgebreiteten Frischbetons im Rahmen der Ausbreitmaßprüfung – Leimabsonderungen im Randbereich sowie geometrische Verteilung der Gesteinskörnung an der Oberfläche – herangezogen.
Using biomaterials to improve mesenchymal stem cell therapies for chronic, nonhealing wounds
Authors: Keshavarz Romina , Olsen Sara , Almeida Bethany
Published: September 2023

Historically, treatment of chronic, nonhealing wounds has focused on managing symptoms using biomaterial‐based wound dressings, which do not adequately address the underlying clinical issue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell‐based therapy for the treatment of chronic, nonhealing wounds, yet inherent cellular heterogeneity and susceptibility to death during injection limit their clinical use. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the synergistic effects of combined MSC‐biomaterial therapies, where the biomaterial serves as a scaffold to protect the MSCs and provides physiologically relevant physicochemical cues that can direct MSC immunomodulatory behavior. In this review, we highlight recent progress in this field with a focus on the most commonly used biomaterials, classified based on their source, including natural biomaterials, synthetic biomaterials, and the combination of natural and synthetic biomaterials. We also discuss current challenges regarding the clinical translation of these therapies, as well as a perspective on the future outlook of the field.
Pembrolizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Lang Yitian , Lin Yan , Li Dan , Liu Jiyong , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The KEYNOTE‐062 trial demonstrated the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab for advanced gastric cancer (GC). The current study evaluated the cost‐effectiveness of pembrolizumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy for advanced GC from the perspective of the United States and China. And the results will provide evidence and data support for more drug selection‐related decisions and research in the future.

Methods

A partitioned survival approach with three states was created for treatment of advanced GC. The survival data were derived from KEYNOTE‐062 trial and the individual patient data were generated by a specific algorithm. We fitted 21 survival functions to each treatment arm and selected the most suitable distribution type for each one. Direct costs and utility values were collected from the published, available database. Cost, quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs), and incremental cost‐utility ratios (ICURs) were considered as the primary measure outcomes. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the analyses.

Results

In the base‐case analysis of combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 patients, the ICUR of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in American and Chinese setting is $345,209/QALY and $186,802.6/QALY, respectively. And the ICUR of pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy is $473,650/QALY and $377,753/QALY in the context of the US and China, respectively. For CPS≥10 patients, the ICUR of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy in American and Chinese setting is $483,742/QALY and $262,965/QALY, respectively. And that of pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy is $96,550/QALY and $67,896/QALY in the context of the US and China.

Conclusion

Compared with chemotherapy, either pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy or pembrolizumab monotherapy is not regarded as a cost‐effective strategy for patients with CPS≥1, advanced gastric cancer in the current American and Chinese setting. But pembrolizumab monotherapy for CPS≥10 patients would become a cost‐effective option in the American setting.
Long‐term outcomes of second‐line versus later‐line zanubrutinib treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma: An updated pooled analysis
Authors: Song Yuqin , Zhou Keshu , Zou Dehui , Li Dengju , Hu Jianda , Yang Haiyan , Zhang Huilai , Ji Jie , Xu Wei , Jin Jie , Lv Fangfang , Feng Ru , Gao Sujun , Zhou Daobin , Tam Constantine S. , Simpson David , Wang Michael , Phillips Tycel J. , Opat Stephen , Fang Cheng , Sun Shaohui , Zhu Jun
Published: September 2023

Background

We previously reported results of a pooled analysis of two zanubrutinib studies in relapsed or refractory (R/R) MCL showing better survival outcomes when zanubrutinib is used in second‐line versus later‐line. Here, we present an updated pooled analysis with a longer follow‐up of 35.2 months.

Methods

Data were pooled from two studies—BGB‐3111‐AU‐003 (NCT02343120) and BGB‐3111‐206 (NCT03206970) of zanubrutinib in R/R MCL. The patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment line of zanubrutinib: the second‐line and the later‐line group. The inverse propensity score weighting method was used to balance the baseline covariates between the groups. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes included progression‐free survival (PFS), PFS, and OS rates, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), and safety.

Results

Among 112 pooled patients, 41 (36.6%) patients received zanubrutinib as second‐line and 71 (63.4%) patients as later‐line therapy. After weighting, OS was significantly improved in the second‐line versus later‐line group (HR, 0.459 [95% CI: 0.215, 0.98]; p = 0.044) with median OS not estimable in both groups. The PFS was similar between the two groups (HR, 0.78 [95% CI: 0.443, 1.373]; p = 0.389) but with numerically longer median PFS in the second‐line versus later‐line group (27.8 vs. 22.1 months). ORR was numerically higher in the second‐line versus later‐line (88.6% vs. 85.7%), and DOR was similar between the two groups (25.2 vs. 25.1 months). Zanubrutinib showed a similar safety profile in both groups.

Conclusion

Zanubrutinib in second‐line treatment was associated with significantly improved OS compared with later‐line treatment of R/R MCL.
Association between adjuvant radiation treatment and breast cancer‐specific mortality among older women with comorbidity burden: A comparative effectiveness analysis of SEER‐MHOS
Authors: Lee Eunkyung , Hines Robert B. , Zhu Jianbin , Rovito Michael J. , Dharmarajan Kavita V. , Mazumdar Madhu
Published: September 2023

Background

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggested that older women with low‐risk breast cancer (LRBC; i.e., early‐stage, node‐negative, and estrogen receptor‐positive) could omit adjuvant radiation treatment (RT) after breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) if they were treated with hormone therapy. However, the association between RT omission and breast cancer‐specific mortality among older women with comorbidity is not fully known.

Methods

1105 older women (≥65 years) with LRBC in 1998–2012 were queried from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare Health Outcomes Survey data resource and were followed up through July 2018. Latent class analysis was performed to identify comorbidity burden classes. A propensity score‐based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to Cox regression models to obtain subdistribution hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI for cancer‐specific mortality considering other causes of death as competing risks, overall and separately by comorbidity burden class.

Results

Three comorbidity burden (low, moderate, and high) groups were identified. A total of 318 deaths (47 cancer‐related) occurred. The IPTW‐adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that RT omission was not associated with short‐term, 5‐ and 10‐year cancer‐specific death (p = 0.202 and p = 0.536, respectively), regardless of comorbidity burden. However, RT omission could increase the risk of long‐term cancer‐specific death in women with low comorbidity burden (HR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.17, 3.33), which warrants further study.

Conclusions

Omission of RT after BCS is not associated with an increased risk of cancer‐specific death and is deemed a reasonable treatment option for older women with moderate to high comorbidity burden.
Demographics and access to head and neck cancer care in rural areas compared to urban areas in Germany
Authors: Vahl Julius M. , Nagel Gabriele , Grages Ayla , Brand Matthias , von Witzleben Adrian , Sonntag Michael , Theodoraki Marie‐Nicole , Greve Jens , Aboukors Tsima , Denkinger Michael , Dallmeier Dhayana , Idel Christian , Hoffmann Thomas K. , Laban Simon
Published: September 2023

Background

Demographic development in rural and urban areas differs substantially. Demographics and access to specialized head and neck cancer centers may affect head and neck cancer patients' (HNCP) outcomes. Here, we compare epidemiological indicators and outcomes of HNCP in rural and urban Germany.

Patients and Methods

In a retrospective analysis of data from the Center for Cancer Registry Data (ZfKD) between 2002 and 2017, 212,920 HNCP were included. Incidence, demographics, travel distance to specialized centers, and ground values were compared between rural and urban areas with a focus on their association with patient outcomes.

Results

The mean age of HNCP was significantly higher in urban areas (mean difference = 1.4 years; p < 0.0001), but increased at a comparable rate (p = 0.26) in rural and urban areas during the observation period. Gender imbalance was higher in rural areas (mean ratio of men/women: 4.1 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001), but showed a comparable trend toward equilibration in both, rural and urban districts (p = 0.46). The portion of HNCP of the entire HNCP population living in urban areas increased from 55.9% in the year 2002 to 76.4% in the year 2017. There was no significant difference or change in the ratio of advanced to low UICC stage during the observation period (p = 0.26). However, travel distances to medical centers were higher in rural areas, especially (p < 0.0001) in East Germany. Median survival of HNCP in rural areas was significantly lower than in urban areas (42 months [SEM = 0.7; CI: 40.5–43.5] vs. 54 months [SEM = 1.2; CI: 51.7–56.3]; p < 0.0001) in East Germany, whereas in West Germany no significant difference was observed (59 months [SEM = 0.8; CI: 57.4–60.6] vs. 60 months [SEM = 0.5; CI: 59.0–61.0]; p = 0.15).

Conclusions

Place of residence contributes to survival outcome of HNCP. Access to specialized care and socioeconomic factors could be improved in East Germany.
Molecular and genetic bases of rice cooking and eating quality: An updated review
Authors: Bao Jinsong , Deng Bowen , Zhang Lin
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

Rice grain quality is a primary determinant of its market price and consumer acceptance. Although milling quality, appearance, cooking and eating quality (CEQ), and nutritional quality represent the main features of grain quality, rice CEQ is the most important feature in terms of price. Starch physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation have been widely applied to predict and assess rice CEQ. Understanding the genetic and molecular bases of CEQ formation will facilitate improvements in rice quality through a molecular breeding strategy.

Findings

The major genes responsible for rice CEQ formation have already been characterized in previous studies. Waxy (Wx) encoding granule‐bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) controls the apparent amylose content (AAC), starch synthase IIa (SSIIa) controls the gelatinization temperature, and fragrant gene (fgr) controls the aroma of cooked rice. Many natural variations (allelic variants) have been identified in these genes among rice germplasm. The protein content in rice grains is not only responsible for the nutritional quality but also CEQ. Two major genes that control the protein content have been identified and cloned. Pyramiding of different alleles by marker‐assisted selection and creation of new alleles by genome editing technology have facilitated improvements in new rice varieties with desirable CEQ.

Conclusions

In addition to presenting updates on the advances made in the important CEQ genes, we have identified some future challenges. These include the need to exploit new alleles in these genes, especially in Wx, to confer low AAC with a transparent appearance; identification of alleles in Wx that can improve the texture of cooked rice with high AAC and high‐resistant starch; formulation of methods to manipulate genes and modify agronomic practices to reduce the protein content to improve CEQ; and development of methods to breed climate‐smart rice with good, stable CEQ in changing environments.

Significance and Novelty

This article identifies some priorities for future research, which can enhance our understanding of the molecular basis of CEQ to improve this important rice quality attribute.