bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Asynchronous Charge Carrier Injection in Perovskite Light‐Emitting Transistors
Authors: Klein Maciej , Blecharz Krzysztof , Cheng Bryan Wei Hao , Bruno Annalisa , Soci Cesare
Published: July 2023

Unbalanced mobility and injection of charge carriers in metal‐halide perovskite light‐emitting devices pose severe limitations to the efficiency and response time of the electroluminescence. Modulation of gate bias in methylammonium lead iodide light‐emitting transistors has proven effective in increasing the brightness of light emission up to MHz frequencies. In this work, a new approach is developed to improve charge carrier injection and enhance electroluminescence of perovskite light‐emitting transistors by independent control of drain–source and gate–source bias voltages to compensate for space‐charge effects. Optimization of bias pulse synchronization induces a fourfold enhancement of the emission intensity. Interestingly, the optimal phase delay between biasing pulses depends on modulation frequency due to the capacitive nature of the devices, which is well captured by numerical simulations of an equivalent electrical circuit. These results provide new insights into the electroluminescence dynamics of AC‐driven perovskite light‐emitting transistors and demonstrate an effective strategy to optimize device performance through independent control of the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the biasing pulses.
Managing herbicide‐resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus [Moq.] J.D. Sauer) seedbanks by integrating several management tactics
Authors: Schleich Austin H. , Licht Mark A. , Owen Micheal D. K. , Yadav Ramawatar
Published: July 2023

Herbicide‐resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus [Moq.] J.D. Sauer) continues to threaten the productivity of many US crops. Thus, integrating non‐herbicidal tactics with herbicides to reduce weed seedbanks is gaining popularity. A field study was conducted near Logan, IA from fall 2021 to fall 2022 to evaluate the impacts of cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop, herbicides, and harvest weed seed destruction on the waterhemp seedbank inputs. The cereal rye cover crop reduced waterhemp seed production by 90% compared to treatments without the cereal rye cover crop, while herbicides did not significantly affect waterhemp seed production. Furthermore, 96% of waterhemp seeds that entered the combine at harvest were destroyed and seed destruction effectiveness was not affected by cereal rye cover crop, herbicide program, or combine speed. Thus, cover crops and weed seed destruction are effective tactics to minimize waterhemp seedbank inputs. Waterhemp seed retention and combine header losses of waterhemp seeds were evaluated at harvest. Waterhemp seed retention was not affected by the cereal rye cover crop or herbicide programs. Only 30% of waterhemp seeds remained on the plant at harvest; the likely causes of seed shattering were late harvest and windy conditions prior to harvest. Waterhemp seed shattering from the combine header averaged 2.6% and was not affected by cover crop, herbicide program, or combine speed. These results support the inclusion of non‐herbicidal control tactics to reduce herbicide‐resistant waterhemp seedbanks and suggest the need for future research to optimize weed seed destruction.
Effects of genotype and environment on productivity and quality in Californian malting barley
Authors: Ramanan Maany , Nelsen Taylor , Lundy Mark , Fox Glen Patrick , Diepenbrock Christine
Published: July 2023

Malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) productivity and grain quality are of critical importance to the malting and brewing industry. In this study, we analyzed 12 malting barley genotypes across 8 locations in California and 3 years (2017–2018, 2018–2019, and 2020–2021). The effects of genotype (G), location (L), year (Y), and their interactions were assessed on grain yield (kg ha−1), grain protein content (%), individual‐grain weight (mg), thousand kernel weight (TKW; g), grain size (plump and thin; %), onset gelatinization temperature (GT; temperature at which starch starts to gelatinize), peak GT, offset GT, difference between onset and peak GT, and difference between peak and offset GT. L, Y, and their interaction explained the largest variance for all traits except TKW, peak GT, and difference between onset and peak GT, for which G explained the largest variance. Yield and plump (%) were weakly negatively correlated with onset and peak GT (Pearson's r of −0.15 to −0.21) but showed a positive correlation with the difference between peak and offset GT (Pearson's r of 0.37 and 0.36). The 2020–2021 samples formed partially distinct clusters in principal component analysis, mainly discriminated by high percentage of thins and high onset GT. These findings illustrate the key roles of G, L, and Y in determining malting barley productivity and quality.
Insight into the efficiency‐stability‐cost balanced organic solar cell based on a polymerized nonfused‐ring electron acceptor
Authors: Gu Xiaobin , Wei Yanan , Lu Guanyu , Han Ziyang , Zheng Di , Lu Guanghao , Zhang Jianqi , Wei Zhixiang , Cai Yunhao , Zhang Xin , Huang Hui
Published: July 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have attracted extensive attention from both academia and industry in recent years due to their remarkable improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, the Golden Triangle (the balance of efficiency‐stability‐cost) required for large‐scale industrialization of OSCs still remains a great challenge. Here, a new nonfused‐ring electron acceptor (NFREA) BF and its polymerized counterpart PBF were designed and synthesized, and their photovoltaic performance, storage stability and material cost were systematically investigated. When blended with a widely‐used polymer donor PBDB‐T, the PBF‐based all‐polymer solar cell (all‐PSC) displayed a record high PCE of 12.61% for polymerized NFREAs (PNFREAs) with an excellent stability (95.2% of initial PCE after 800 h storage), superior to the BF counterpart. Impressively, PBF‐based all‐PSC possesses the highest industrial figure‐of‐merit (i‐FOM) value of 0.309 based on an efficiency‐stability‐cost evaluation, in comparison to several representative OSC systems (such as PM6:Y6 and PBDB‐T:PZ1). This work provides an insight into the balance of efficiency, stability, and cost, and also indicates that the PNFREAs are promising materials toward the commercial application of OSCs.
A novel design of distribution zone in scaled‐up PEM fuel cells based on active control of transverse flow
Authors: Pan Weitong , Wang Bin , Tang Longfei , Gao Yunfei , Ding Lu , Dai Zhenghua , Chen Xueli , Wang Fuchen , Tu Shantung , Dai Gance
Published: July 2023

The flow distribution is of significance to the fuel cell performance and durability, which has been studied from a theoretical and practical level in this work. The transverse‐flow‐control‐based mechanism behind flow distribution processes is revealed. The core lies in the reasonable generation and distribution of transverse flow, which are the prerequisite and co‐requisite for flow homogeneity. For the dual purpose, a novel design of combined‐mesh‐type distribution zone is proposed incorporating central horizontal meshes and lateral vertical meshes. The design philosophy and methodology are clarified. Under these guidelines, the novel distributor design is applied to different flow field plate geometries including the shorter distribution zone, higher expansion ratio, and scaled‐up fuel cell. Through organized and detailed simulations, two key geometrical parameters (porosities of central and lateral meshes) are quantified and the superior effect on flow distribution is validated.
A Molecular Z‐Scheme Artificial Photosynthetic System Under the Bias‐Free Condition for CO2 Reduction Coupled with Two‐electron Water Oxidation: Photocatalytic Production of CO/HCOOH and H2O2
Authors: Kuttassery Fazalurahman , Ohsaki Yutaka , Thomas Arun , Kamata Ryutaro , Ebato Yosuke , Kumagai Hiromu , Nakazato Ryosuke , Sebastian Abin , Mathew Siby , Tachibana Hiroshi , Ishitani Osamu , Inoue Haruo
Published: July 2023

Bio‐inspired molecular‐engineered systems have been extensively investigated for the half‐reactions of H2O oxidation or CO2 reduction with sacrificial electron donors/acceptors. However, there has yet to be reported a device for dye‐sensitized molecular photoanodes coupled with molecular photocathodes in an aqueous solution without the use of sacrificial reagents. Herein, we will report the integration of SnIV‐ or AlIII‐tetrapyridylporphyrin (SnTPyP or AlTPyP) decorated tin oxide particles (SnTPyP/SnO2 or AlTPyP/SnO2) photoanode with the dye‐sensitized molecular photocathode on nickel oxide particles containing [Ru(diimine)3]2+ as the light‐harvesting unit and [Ru(diimine)(CO)2Cl2] as the catalyst unit covalently connected and fixed within poly‐pyrrole layer (RuCAT‐RuC2‐PolyPyr‐PRu/NiO). The simultaneous irradiation of the two photoelectrodes with visible light resulted in H2O2 on the anode and CO, HCOOH, and H2 on the cathode with high Faradaic efficiencies in purely aqueous conditions without any applied bias is the first example of artificial photosynthesis with only two‐electron redox reactions.
Electrochemical Gold‐Catalyzed 1,2‐Difunctionalization of C−C Multiple Bonds**
Authors: Kumar Anil , Shukla Khyati , Ahsan Salman , Paul Amit , Patil Nitin T.
Published: July 2023

Herein, we disclose the first report of 1,2‐difunctionalization of C−C multiple bonds using electrochemical gold redox catalysis. By adopting the electrochemical strategy, the inherent π‐activation and cross‐coupling reactivity of gold catalysis are harnessed to develop the oxy‐alkynylation of allenoates under external‐oxidant‐free conditions. Detailed mechanistic investigations such as 31P NMR, control experiments, mass studies, and cyclic voltammetric (CV) analysis have been performed to support the proposed reaction mechanism.
Optimization of the glass transition temperature of polyvinyl pyrrolidone/polyacrylamide blend films using response surface methodology
Authors: Yazie Negese , Worku Delele , Gabbiye Nigus , Alemayehu Addisu , Getahun Zerihun
Published: July 2023

In this study, we aimed at synthesizing polymeric materials consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) enhanced polyacrylamide (PAM) blend films and optimizing the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the synthesized polymeric blends. The PAM and PVP polymers were blended through solution casting techniques by varying PAM (0.3–1.2 g) and PVP (0.3–1 g) concentrations in parallel. The response surface methodology (RSM) experimental design, a mathematical and statistical method, was used to design the experiments, model the process, and determine the optimum concentrations of the blended films having the lowest Tg value. The polymeric blends were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate their phase transition temperatures such as their Tg. Moreover, the polymeric blends with the lowest Tg values were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and UV–Vis spectroscopy to investigate the interactions existing between the parental polymers, the thermal stability, and the optical properties such as energy band gap of the parental polymers and optimized blended films respectively. It was found that Tg of the blended films was strongly dependent on the concentrations of the parental polymers, and PAM polymer exhibited a more pronounced effect on the Tg of the blended films. The Tg of the synthesized films declined when the parental polymers were blended at higher concentrations. The energy band gap and the thermal stability of the optimized blended films were lower than that of the parental polymers (i.e., 4.90 eV and 210°C). The DTG curve of the optimized blended films exhibited a maximum weight loss at 467°C. The RSM statistical analysis revealed a high regression coefficient (R2) of 0.970 for the Tg of the blended films, showing the experimental values analyzed are in good agreement with the developed model. Numerical optimization results showed that an optimum concentration of the blended films yielded the lowest Tg value of 83.63°C, which is close to the predicted Tg of 82.32°C, was achieved with 1.2 g of PAM and 1 g of PVP. The higher Tg value of the optimized blended films indicates that the polymer blends formed are highly brittle at room temperature when available in a dry state.
Synthesis of bio‐based modified amphoteric acrylate epoxy emulsion surface sizing agent via RAFT polymerization
Authors: Liu Jia , Cai Zhengchun , Ji Yongxin
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of bio‐based modified amphoteric epoxy modified acrylate sizing emulsion based on reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and its application in paper sizing were studied. A macromolecular chain transfer agent for RAFT polymerization was synthesized by the esterification of epoxy resin E‐51 with RAFT agent to eliminate the active groups on RAFT agent. Amphoteric polymer emulsifiers with good emulsification and dispersion effects in acidic and alkaline media were successfully prepared by RAFT polymerization. After neutralization, other monomers were polymerized to access cationic sizing emulsion (acid neutralization) and anionic sizing emulsion (alkali neutralization). The effects of bio‐based monomer content, hydrophilic monomer dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DM) content and degree of quaternization on the properties of sizing emulsion and sizing paper were further explored. In addition to the particle size and polymer dispersion index (PDI) of latex particles in different experimental groups, the water resistance, folding resistance, bursting strength, tensile strength and surface roughness of sized paper were analyzed and evaluated. Based on these results, a better sizing emulsion formulation was established. It was confirmed that the addition of bio‐based monomers can improve the sizing performance of paper.
Ultrasonic‐Assisted Electrochemical Nanoimprint Lithography: Forcing Mass Transfer to Enhance the Localized Etching Rate of GaAs
Authors: Liu Bing , Han Lianhuan , Xu Hantao , Su Jian‐Jia , Zhan Dongping
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical nanoimprint lithography (ECNL) has emerged as a promising technique for fabricating three‐dimensional micro/nano‐structures (3D‐MNSs) directly on semiconductor wafers. This technique is based on a localized corrosion reaction induced by the contact potential across the metal/semiconductor boundaries. The anodic etching of semiconductor and the cathodic reduction of electron acceptors occur at the metal/semiconductor/electrolyte interface and the Pt mold surface, respectively. However, the etching rate is limited by the mass transfer of species in the ultrathin electrolyte layer between the mold and the workpiece. To overcome this challenge, we introduce the ultrasonics effect into the ECNL process to facilitate the mass exchange between the ultrathin electrolyte layer and the bulk solution, thereby improving the imprinting efficiency. Experimental investigations demonstrate a positive linear relationship between the reciprocal of the area duty ratio of the mold and the imprinting efficiency. Furthermore, the introduction of ultrasonics improves the imprinting efficiency by approximately 80 %, irrespective of the area duty ratio. The enhanced imprinting efficiency enables the fabrication of 3D‐MNSs with higher aspect ratios, resulting in a stronger light trapping effect. These results indicate the prospective applications of ECNL in semiconductor functional devices, such as photoelectric detection and photovoltaics.
Synthesis of gem‐Difluorinated Isoxazoles via Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxylallylation of Alkynone Oxime Ethers
Authors: Li Jianxiao , Hong Chenjing , Niu Yanan , Wang Bowen , Xiong Wenfang , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: July 2023

A novel and reliable palladium‐catalyzed oxylallylation of alkynone oxime ethers with fluorine‐containing alkenes was accomplished. Using the bulk industrial chemical 3‐bromo‐3,3‐difluoroprop‐1‐ene as the coupling partner, this synthetic methodology offers the first example for the assembly of structurally diverse gem‐difluorinated isoxazole derivatives in moderate to good yields with high atom‐ and step‐economy and excellent functional group compatibility. More importantly, this strategy allows for the direct combination of the isoxazole motifs and gem‐difluoroalkene unit, which is not easy to obtain through a general synthetic strategy.
Optimal controls of impulsive fractional stochastic differential systems driven by Rosenblatt process with state‐dependent delay
Authors: Dhayal Rajesh , Malik Muslim , Zhu Quanxin
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study a new class of noninstantaneous impulsive fractional stochastic differential systems driven by the Rosenblatt process with state‐dependent delay. We utilized the ‐resolvent family, fixed point technique, and solution operator to present the solvability of the proposed system. Further, we derived the existence of optimal multicontrol pairs for the considered system. Finally, the main results are validated with the aid of an example.
Using real‐world data to predict health outcomes—The prediction design: Application and sample size planning
Authors: Erdmann Stella , Edelmann Dominic , Kieser Meinhard
Published: July 2023

The gold standard for investigating the efficacy of a new therapy is a (pragmatic) randomized controlled trial (RCT). This approach is costly, time‐consuming, and not always practicable. At the same time, huge quantities of available patient‐level control condition data in analyzable format of (former) RCTs or real‐world data (RWD) are neglected. Therefore, alternative study designs are desirable. The design presented here consists of setting up a prediction model for determining treatment effects under the control condition for future patients. When a new treatment is intended to be tested against a control treatment, a single‐arm trial for the new therapy is conducted. The treatment effect is then evaluated by comparing the outcomes of the single‐arm trial against the predicted outcomes under the control condition. While there are obvious advantages of this design compared to classical RCTs (increased efficiency, lower cost, alleviating participants’ fear of being on control treatment), there are several sources of bias. Our aim is to investigate whether and how such a design—the prediction design—may be used to provide information on treatment effects by leveraging external data sources. For this purpose, we investigated under what assumptions linear prediction models could be used to predict the counterfactual of patients precisely enough to construct a test and an appropriate sample size formula for evaluating the average treatment effect in the population of a new study. A user‐friendly R Shiny application (available at: https://web.imbi.uni‐heidelberg.de/PredictionDesignR/) facilitates the application of the proposed methods, while a real‐world application example illustrates them.
Organic fluorescent compounds based on phenanthroimidazole: A review of highlight studies
Authors: Zurnacı Merve , Şener İzzet , Gür Mahmut , Şener Nesrin
Published: July 2023

Organic compounds containing phenanthroimidazole, and its optical, thermal, chemical, and high fluorescence, have drawn the interest of numerous researchers. Phenanthroimidazole derivatives are appealing for various applications due to these characteristics. This research provides a summary of the general information contained in studies on the synthesis, characterization, photophysical characteristics, and possible applications of phenanthroimidazole derivative compounds. The focus of this study revolves around the topic of utilization in technological fields such as sensors, solar cells, optical brighteners, and organic light‐emitting diodes, and covers significant studies on mentioned topics. We anticipate that this study will provide an outline for researchers aiming to further examine fluorescent organic compounds for technological innovations. Furthermore, we anticipate that this research will be crucial in developing long‐term high‐organic compounds for optoelectronic devices.
Symptom aggravation after withdrawal of metal chelating agent therapy in patients with Wilson's disease
Authors: Zhou Xiangxue , Liao Jian , Liu Yinjie , Qin Haolin , Xiao Xia
Published: July 2023

Objective

To study the aggravation of clinical symptoms after discontinuation of metal chelating agent therapy in Wilson's disease (WD) patients, analyze the causes of aggravation, and observe the prognosis.

Methods

40 WD patients (cerebral type 30 cases and hepatic type 10 cases) who stopped using metal chelating agent were selected, 40 WD patients with normal therapy, and 10 normal control cases were selected. All patients underwent neurological symptom evaluation using modified Young scale, Child‐Pugh liver function grading, metal metabolism, and disease typing. Magnetic sensitivity imaging (SWI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging (MRS) were performed. According to the imaging results, WD patients were divided into metal deposition stage, fiber damage stage, and neuron necrosis stage. All patients were treated with metal chelating agent for 6 months.

Results

The score of modified Young scale in drug withdrawal group was lower than that in normal treatment group before drug withdrawal (p = .032). The score of modified Young scale was higher after drug withdrawal than before (p = .011). The number of Child‐Pugh B‐grade patients after drug withdrawal was more than that before drug withdrawal and in normal treatment group. The proportion of patients in the stage of neuronal necrosis after drug withdrawal (25%) was higher than that before drug withdrawal (10%) (p = .025). After drug withdrawal, urine copper was significantly higher than that before drug withdrawal and in the normal treatment group (p = .032, .039). After the withdrawal group resumed metal chelating agent treatment, 34.2% of neurological symptoms worsened.

Conclusions

WD patients showed neurological symptoms aggravation and increased liver injury after metal chelating agent withdrawal. Increased metal deposition and new nerve injury occurred in the brain. After re‐treatment, the aggravated neurological symptoms of WD patients are difficult to reverse.
Intraventricular SEEG and laser ablation for the treatment of infantile spasm: Technical note
Authors: Xu Xinghua , Wang Qun , Zhao Yining , Xu Xin , Gan Zhichao , Zhang Shiyu , Chen Xiaolei
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Infantile spasm (IS) is an epileptic encephalopathy with ongoing neurological damage due to seizures and epileptiform abnormalities. Epilepsy surgery is considered for children refractory to drug therapy, especially when there is a focal brain lesion. In this study, we investigated the feasibility and efficacy of intraventricular stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) and laser ablation for the treatment of IS children with focal brain lesions.

Methods

We performed the first reported study using ventriculoscopic laser ablation to treat IS. Seven IS children with drug‐resistant epilepsy and definite encephalomalacia on brain magnetic resonance imaging scan were included in this study. Ablation was performed after confirmation of epileptiform discharges by SEEG under the surveillance of ventriculoscope.

Results

The median follow‐up time for the cohort was 3.1 years and 86% (6/7) of the children had an Engel class ≤III epilepsy at the final follow‐up. Five (71%) children had a reduction in seizure medication usage, and the other two were on the same amount as preablation. None of the children experienced serious new neurological deficits. Laser ablation might result in seizure freedom by destroying the local brain network and blocking the spread of abnormal discharges.

Conclusions

Intraventricular SEEG and laser ablation was feasible and effective for the treatment of IS. Further studies are warranted.
The prognosis of clinical stage IIIa non‐small cell lung cancer in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Ya‐Fu , Huang Jing‐Yang , Lin Ching‐Hsiung , Wang Bing‐Yen
Published: July 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. The treatment of stage IIIa remained the most controversial of all stages of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We reported on the heterogenicity and current treatment strategies of stage IIIa NSCLC in Taiwan. This study is a retrospective analysis using data from the Taiwan Society of Cancer Registry between January 2010 and December 2018. 4232 patients with stage IIIa NSCLC were included. Based on cell type, the best 5‐year OS (40.40%) occurred among adenocarcinoma victims. The heterogenicity of T1N2 had the best 5‐year OS (47.62%), followed by T4N0 (39.82%), and the others. Patients who underwent operations had better 5‐year OS (over 50%) than those who did not (less than 30%). Segmentectomy (75.28%) and lobectomy (54.06%) showed better 5‐year OS than other surgical methods (less than 50%). In multivariable analysis, young age, female, lower Charlson Comorbidity Index score, adenocarcinoma cell type, well differentiated, T1N2/T4N0 heterogenicity, treatment with operation, and segmentectomy/lobectomy/bilobectomy were significant factors. In conclusions, the heterogenicity of T1N2 had the best outcomes followed by T4N0. Patients received surgical treatment revealed much better outcomes than those did not. As always, multimodal therapies with individualized treatment tend to provide better survival outcomes.
Preoperative alkaline phosphatase‐to‐platelet count ratio as a prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma with microvascular invasion
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Zhang Bin , Gong Lianggeng , Xiong Liangxia , Xiao Xuehong , Bu Chao , Liang Zhiying , Li Liangcai , Tang Binghang , Lu Yangbai
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The association between platelet status and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) prognoses remains controversial. Herein, we aimed to clarify the prognostic value of multiple platelet‐related biomarkers, including platelet count, platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and alkaline phosphatase‐to‐platelet count ratio index (APPRI) in HCC with microvascular invasion (MVI) after curative resection or liver transplantation.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of 169 patients with solitary HCC and MVI who underwent resection or liver transplantation between January 2015 and December 2018 was conducted. Preoperative clinical, laboratory, pathologic, and imaging data were collected and analyzed. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were defined as the clinical endpoints. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to investigate potential predictors of DFS and OS.

Results

Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that maximum tumor diameter, poor cell differentiation, and APPRI were independent predictors of DFS; while poor cell differentiation, APRI, APPRI, prothrombin time, and alpha‐fetoprotein were independent prognostic factors for OS. The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year DFS rates were 66.90%, 48.40%, and 37.40% for patients with APPRI ≤0.74 and 40.40%, 24.20%,and 24.20% for patients with APPRI>0.74. The corresponding rates of OS over 1, 3, and 5 years were 92.40%, 88.10% and 77.70%, and 72.30%, 38.20%, and 19.10%, respectively. The DFS and OS rates of patients whose APPRI was more than 0.74 were substantially lower than those of patients whose APPRI was less than or equal to 0.74 (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Elevated preoperative APPRI is a noninvasive, simple, and easily assessable parameter linked to poor prognosis in individuals with single HCC and MVI after resection or liver transplantation.
Tn antigen promotes breast cancer metastasis via impairment of CASC4
Authors: Li Ruijun , Dong Xichen , Chen Shibin , Tan Jingyu , Chen Xiangyu , Liu Jian , Wen Tao , Ru Xiaoli
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is one of the most serious and deadly cancers in women worldwide, with distant metastases being the leading cause of death. Tn antigen, a tumor‐associated carbohydrate antigen, was frequently detected in breast cancer, but its exact role in breast cancer metastasis has not been well elucidated. Here we investigated the impact of Tn antigen expression on breast cancer metastasis and its underlying mechanisms. The expression of Tn antigen was induced in two breast cancer cell lines by deleting T‐synthase or Cosmc, both of which are required for normal O‐glycosylation. It showed that Tn‐expressing cancer cells promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastatic features as compared to Tn(−) control cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that cancer susceptibility candidate 4 (CASC4), a heavily O‐glycosylated protein, was significantly downregulated in both Tn(+) cells. Overexpression of CASC4 suppressed Tn‐induced activation of EMT and cancer metastasis via inhibition of Cdc42 signaling. Furthermore, we confirmed that O‐glycosylation is essential for the functional role of CASC4 because defective O‐glycosylated CASC4 (mutant CASC4, which lacks nine O‐glycosylation sites) exerted marginal metastatic‐suppressing effects in comparison with WT CASC4. Collectively, these data suggest that Tn‐mediated aberrant O‐glycosylation contributes to breast cancer metastasis via impairment of CASC4 expression and function.
Zero‐Dimensional Sn‐Based Enantiomeric Phase‐Transition Materials with High‐Tc and Dielectric Switching
Authors: Huang Yan‐Le , Ying Ting‐Ting , Zhao Yi‐Ran , Tang Yun‐Zhi , Tan Yu‐Hui , Li Qiao‐Lin , Liu Wei‐Fei , Wan Ming‐Yang , Wang Fang‐Xin
Published: July 2023

The combination of chirality and phase‐transition materials has broad application prospects. Therefore, based on the quasi‐spherical theory and the thought strategy of introducing chirality, we have successfully synthesized a pair of chiral enantiomeric ligands (R/S)‐triethyl‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)ammonium iodide, which can be combined with a tin hexachloride anion to obtain a pair of new organic–inorganic hybrid enantiomeric high‐temperature plastic phase‐transition materials: (R/S)‐[CH3CH(OH)CH2N(CH2CH3)3]2SnCl6 (1‐R/1‐S), which have a high temperature phase transition of Tc=384 K, crystallize in the P21 chiral space group at room temperature, and have obvious CD signals. In addition, compounds 1‐R and 1‐S have a good low‐loss dielectric switch and broadband gap. This work is conducive to the research into chiral high‐temperature reversible plastic phase‐transition materials, and promotes the development of multi‐functional phase‐transition materials.
Geometry‐Independent Ultrafast Energy Transfer in Bioinspired Arrays Containing Electronically Coupled BODIPY Dimers as Energy Donors
Authors: Ansteatt Sara , Gelfand Rachel , Pelton Matthew , Ptaszek Marcin
Published: July 2023

In photosynthetic light‐harvesting complexes, strong interaction between chromophores enables efficient absorption of solar radiation and has been suggested to enable ultrafast energy funneling to the reaction center. To examine whether similar effects can be realized in synthetic systems, and to determine the mechanisms of energy transfer, we synthesized and characterized a series of bioinspired arrays containing strongly‐coupled BODIPY dimers as energy donors and chlorin derivatives as energy acceptors. The BODIPY dimers feature broad absorption in the range of 500–600 nm, complementing the chlorin absorption to provide absorption across the entire visible spectrum. Ultrafast (~10 ps) energy transfer was observed from photoexcited BODIPY dyads to chlorin subunits. Surprisingly, the energy‐transfer rate is nearly independent of the position where the BODIPY dimer is attached to the chlorin and of the type of connecting linker. In addition, the energy‐transfer rate from BODIPY dimers to chlorin is slower than the corresponding rate in arrays containing BODIPY monomers. The lower rate, corresponding to less efficient through‐bond transfer, is most likely due to weaker electronic coupling between the ground state of the chlorin acceptor and the delocalized electronic state of the BODIPY dimer, compared to the localized state of a BODIPY monomer.
Regime Switch in the Dual‐Catalyzed Coupling of Alkyl Silicates with Aryl Bromides
Authors: Jaouadi Khaoula , Abdellaoui Mehdi , Levernier Etienne , Payard Pierre‐Adrien , Derat Etienne , Le Saux Thomas , Ollivier Cyril , Torelli Stéphane , Jullien Ludovic , Plasson Raphaël , Fensterbank Louis , Grimaud Laurence
Published: July 2023

Metallaphotoredox catalyzed cross‐coupling of an arylbromide (Ar−Br) with an alkyl bis(catecholato)silicate (R−Si⊖) has been analyzed in depth using a continuum of analytical techniques (EPR, fluorine NMR, electrochemistry, photophysics) and modeling (micro‐kinetics and DFT calculations). These studies converged on the impact of four control parameters consisting in the initial concentrations of the iridium photocatalyst ([Ir]0), nickel precatalyst ([Ni]0) and silicate ([R−Si⊖]0) as well as light intensity I0 for an efficient reaction between Ar−Br and R−Si⊖. More precisely, two regimes were found to be possibly at play. The first one relies on an equimolar consumption of Ar−Br with R−Si⊖ smoothly leading to Ar−R, with no side‐product from R−Si⊖ and a second one in which R−Si⊖ is simultaneously coupled to Ar−Br and degraded to R−H. This integrative approach could serve as a case study for the investigation of other metallaphotoredox catalysis manifolds of synthetic significance.
Characterization of clock‐related proteins and neuropeptides in Drosophila littoralis and their putative role in diapause
Authors: Manoli Giulia , Zandawala Meet , Yoshii Taishi , Helfrich‐Förster Charlotte
Published: July 2023

Insects from high latitudes spend the winter in a state of overwintering diapause, which is characterized by arrested reproduction, reduced food intake and metabolism, and increased life span. The main trigger to enter diapause is the decreasing day length in summer–autumn. It is thus assumed that the circadian clock acts as an internal sensor for measuring photoperiod and orchestrates appropriate seasonal changes in physiology and metabolism through various neurohormones. However, little is known about the neuronal organization of the circadian clock network and the neurosecretory system that controls diapause in high‐latitude insects. We addressed this here by mapping the expression of clock proteins and neuropeptides/neurohormones in the high‐latitude fly Drosophila littoralis. We found that the principal organization of both systems is similar to that in Drosophila melanogaster, but with some striking differences in neuropeptide expression levels and patterns. The small ventrolateral clock neurons that express pigment‐dispersing factor (PDF) and short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and are most important for robust circadian rhythmicity in D. melanogaster virtually lack PDF and sNPF expression in D. littoralis. In contrast, dorsolateral clock neurons that express ion transport peptide in D. melanogaster additionally express allatostatin‐C and appear suited to transfer day‐length information to the neurosecretory system of D. littoralis. The lateral neurosecretory cells of D. littoralis contain more neuropeptides than D. melanogaster. Among them, the cells that coexpress corazonin, PDF, and diuretic hormone 44 appear most suited to control diapause. Our work sets the stage to investigate the roles of these diverse neuropeptides in regulating insect diapause.
Changes in the use of color in Japanese cities
Authors: Yamamoto Sari
Published: July 2023

This study examines how the use of color in the Japanese urban landscape has changed over time and what the future holds. The colors of contemporary Japanese cities are not beautiful, but it is said that they were harmonious and beautiful in the Edo period (1603–1868). In the 1850s, as the country opened up to the outside world, Western‐style architecture was introduced and emerged side by side with Japanese architecture. As economic growth took precedence in the 20th century, there was a lack of awareness of the city's public ownership and the appearance of buildings. The attempt to achieve industrial standards and rapid urbanization were also cited as reasons for the absence of harmony in the built environment. Additionally, many outdoor advertisements appeared. The lack of effective regulations on outdoor advertising is one factor that has heavily affected the contemporary Japanese cityscape. The “Landscape Act,” which went into effect in 2004, aims to regulate landscape color use in present‐day Japan. This law allows local governments to enact regulations for urban landscape color use primarily by setting the upper limit for color saturation in terms of Munsell Chroma. It is questionable whether this will really lead to the creation of more unique cityscapes. Training in color in architecture, urban objects, and infrastructure should be compulsory as part of civic education, and more time should be devoted to the subject of color in architects' educational programs to create beautiful cities in the future. Students of architecture need time to think about the idea that the exterior of a building is part of the urban landscape, to consider the importance of color, and to study color harmony.
Solvent Effects on the 1H‐NMR Chemical Shifts of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids
Authors: Du Ming‐Xuan , Han Lin‐Xue , Wang Shi‐Rong , Xu Kuang‐Jie , Zhu Wen‐Rui , Qiao Xin , Liu Chen‐Yang
Published: July 2023

The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectrum is a useful tool for characterizing the hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding) interactions in ionic liquids (ILs). As the main hydrogen bond (H‐bond) donor of imidazolium‐based ILs, the chemical shift (δH2) of the proton in the 2‐position of the imidazolium ring (H2) exhibits significant and complex solvents, concentrations and anions dependence. In the present work, based on the dielectric constants (ϵ) and Kamlet‐Taft (KT) parameters of solvents, we identified that the δH2 are dominated by the solvents polarity and the competitive H‐bonding interactions between cations and anions or solvents. Besides, the solvents effects on δH2 are understood by the structure of ILs in solvents: 1) In diluted solutions of inoizable solvents, ILs exist as free ions and the cations will form H‐bond with solvents, resulting in δH2 being independent with anions but positively correlated with βS. 2) In diluted solutions of non‐ionzable solvents, ILs exist as contact ion‐pairs (CIPs) and H2 will form H‐bond with anions. Since non‐ionizable solvents hardly influence the H‐bonding interactions between H2 and anions, the δH2 are not related to βS but positively correlated with βIL.
Chemical Conversion of 5‐Fluoromethyl‐ and 5‐Difluoromethyl‐Uracil Bases in Oligonucleotides Using Postsynthetic Modification Strategy
Authors: Ito Yuta , Takemori Chisa , Hari Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2023

This article describes the postsynthetic modification of oligonucleotides (ONs) containing 2′‐deoxy‐5‐fluoromethyluridine (dUCH2F) and 2′‐deoxy‐5‐difluoromethyluridine (dUCHF2). Reactions of fully protected and controlled pore glass (CPG)‐attached ONs containing dUCH2F and dUCHF2 in basic solutions result in deprotection of all protecting groups except for the 4,4′‐dimethoxytrityl group, cleavage from CPG, and conversion of the fluoromethyl or difluoromethyl groups to afford the corresponding ONs containing 5‐substituted 2′‐deoxyuridines. Moreover, the difluoromethyl group can be converted to formyl, oxime, or hydrazone via the postsynthetic conversion of protection‐ and CPG‐free ON containing dUCHF2. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of fully protected and CPG‐attached oligonucleotides containing 2′‐deoxy‐5‐fluoromethyluridine and 2′‐deoxy‐5‐difluoromethyluridine

Basic Protocol 2: Postsynthetic modification of fully protected and CPG‐attached oligonucleotides containing 2′‐deoxy‐5‐fluoromethyluridine

Basic Protocol 3: Postsynthetic modification of fully protected and CPG‐attached oligonucleotide containing 2′‐deoxy‐5‐difluoromethyluridine

Basic Protocol 4: Postsynthetic modification of protection‐ and CPG‐free oligonucleotide containing 2′‐deoxy‐5‐difluoromethyluridine

Support Protocol: Synthesis of 2′‐deoxy‐5‐fluoromethyluridine and 2′‐deoxy‐5‐difluoromethyluridine phosphoramidites
A voltage lift‐based high‐gain DC‐DC converter with low input current ripple
Authors: Pratap Singh Amit , Tolani Sanjay
Published: July 2023

The switched‐inductor‐based voltage lift converters offer high voltage gain. However, their input current has step changes due to switched‐inductor configuration and is peaky due to the voltage lift capacitor charging current. This article proposes a new high‐gain DC‐DC converter where an additional boost converter cell is incorporated in a conventional voltage lift boost converter to charge the voltage lift capacitor with a constant current, avoiding a peaky charging current from the supply. The operating principle of the proposed converter demands phase‐shifted switching signals to achieve high voltage gain and reduce ripple in the input current. High‐gain, continuous input current, positive output voltage, common ground between input and output ports, and low voltage stress on active switches are the major characteristics of the proposed converter. The operating principle, steady‐state analysis, and control design have been discussed in detail. A 200 W, 30 V/300 V, and 50 kHz laboratory prototype is developed to validate the operation of the proposed converter.
Phthalimide as a versatile pharmacophore scaffold: Unlocking its diverse biological activities
Authors: Fernandes Guilherme F. S. , Lopes Juliana R. , Dos Santos Jean L. , Scarim Cauê B.
Published: July 2023

Phthalimide, a pharmacophore exhibiting diverse biological activities, holds a prominent position in medicinal chemistry. In recent decades, numerous derivatives of phthalimide have been synthesized and extensively studied for their therapeutic potential across a wide range of health conditions. This comprehensive review highlights the latest developments in medicinal chemistry, specifically focusing on phthalimide‐based compounds that have emerged within the last decade. These compounds showcase promising biological activities, including anti‐inflammatory, anti‐Alzheimer, antiepileptic, antischizophrenia, antiplatelet, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial, antiparasitic, anthelmintic, antiviral, and antidiabetic properties. The physicochemical profiles of the phthalimide derivatives were carefully analyzed using the online platform pkCSM, revealing the remarkable versatility of this scaffold. Therefore, this review emphasizes the potential of phthalimide as a valuable scaffold for the development of novel therapeutic agents, providing avenues for the exploration and design of new compounds.
Are threatened species special? An assessment of Dutch bees in relation to land use and climate
Authors: Moens Merijn , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Klumpers Saskia G. T. , Marshall Leon
Published: July 2023

Red Lists are widely used as an indicator of the status and trends of biodiversity and are often used in directing conservation efforts. However, it is unclear whether species with a Least Concern status share a common relationship to environmental correlates compared to species that are on the Red List. To assess this, we focus here on the contribution and correlates of land use, climate, and soil to the occurrence of wild bees in the Netherlands. We used observation data and species distribution models to explain the relation between wild bees and the environment. Non‐threatened bees had a relatively higher variable importance of the land use variables to their models, as opposed to the climate variables for the threatened bees. The threatened bees had a smaller extent of occurrence and occupied areas with more extreme climatic conditions. Bees with a Least Concern status showed more positive responses to urban green spaces and Red List species showed a different response to climatic variables, such as temperature and precipitation. Even though Red List bees were found in areas with a higher cover of natural areas, they showed a more selective response to natural land use types. Pastures and crops were the main contributing land use variables and showed almost exclusively a negative correlation with the distribution of all wild bees. This knowledge supports the implementation of appropriate, species‐specific conservation measures, including the preservation of natural areas, and the improvement of land use practices in agricultural and urban areas, which may help mitigate the negative impacts of future global change on species' distributions.
Medication adherence and health‐related quality of life among people with diabetes in Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Sabrina , Saif‐Ur‐Rahman K. M. , Dhungana Raja Ram , Ganbaatar Gantsetseg , Ashraf Fatema , Yano Yuichiro , Miura Katsuyuki , Ahmed M. S. A. Mansur
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Good adherence to anti‐diabetic medications is an important protective factor for decreasing diabetes‐related complications and disabilities but its association with health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is understudied. The current study aimed to assess an association between medication adherence to anti‐diabetic drugs and HRQoL among people with diabetes in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study among 480 people with diabetes aged between 50 and 70 years, who attended a tertiary‐level hospital in Dhaka city. We used the EuroQol‐5 Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ‐5D‐5L) to measure HRQoL and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale to assess the level of medication adherence to anti‐diabetic drugs. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the significance of relevant factors.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 59.0 (standard deviation [SD], 7.0) years. The majority of the participants (74%) had a lower level of medication adherence. The mean value of (EQ‐5D‐5L) was 2.0 (SD, 1.0). The percentage of severe disability in different domains were 6.7% for mobility, 3.5% for self‐care, 11.9% for usual daily activities, 11.9% for pain/discomfort and 11.3% for anxiety. After adjusting for age, sex, years of education, household expenditure, hypertension, duration of diabetes, glycemic status and multi‐morbidities; low adherence to anti‐diabetic medication was inversely associated with pain (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.08–0.80; p = .036), and positively associated with anxiety (OR, 7.18; 95% CI, 1.03–9.59; p = .043).

Conclusions

Low medication adherence to anti‐diabetic drugs was associated with anxiety and pain among the EQ‐5D‐5L indexes measured in people with diabetes in Dhaka, Bangladesh.