bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pruriception and neuronal coding in nociceptor subtypes in human and nonhuman primates
Authors: Klein Amanda , Solinski Hans Jürgen , Malewicz Nathalie M , Ieong Hada Fong-ha , Sypek Elizabeth I , Shimada Steven G , Hartke Timothy V , Wooten Matthew , Wu Gang , Dong Xinzhong , Hoon Mark A , LaMotte Robert H , Ringkamp Matthias
Published: April 2021

In humans, intradermal administration of β-alanine (ALA) and bovine adrenal medulla peptide 8–22 (BAM8-22) evokes the sensation of itch. Currently, it is unknown which human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express the receptors of these pruritogens, MRGPRD and MRGPRX1, respectively, and which cutaneous afferents these pruritogens activate in primate. In situ hybridization studies revealed that MRGPRD and MRGPRX1 are co-expressed in a subpopulation of TRPV1+ human DRG neurons. In electrophysiological recordings in nonhuman primates (Macaca nemestrina), subtypes of polymodal C-fiber nociceptors are preferentially activated by ALA and BAM8-22, with significant overlap. When pruritogens ALA, BAM8-22, and histamine, which activate different subclasses of C-fiber afferents, are administered in combination, human volunteers report itch and nociceptive sensations similar to those induced by a single pruritogen. Our results provide evidence for differences in pruriceptive processing between primates and rodents, and do not support the spatial contrast theory of coding of itch and pain.
Tyramine induces dynamic RNP granule remodeling and translation activation in the Drosophila brain
Authors: Formicola Nadia , Heim Marjorie , Dufourt Jérémy , Lancelot Anne-Sophie , Nakamura Akira , Lagha Mounia , Besse Florence
Published: April 2021

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules are dynamic condensates enriched in regulatory RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and RNAs under tight spatiotemporal control. Extensive recent work has investigated the molecular principles underlying RNP granule assembly, unraveling that they form through the self-association of RNP components into dynamic networks of interactions. How endogenous RNP granules respond to external stimuli to regulate RNA fate is still largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate through high-resolution imaging of intact Drosophila brains that Tyramine induces a reversible remodeling of somatic RNP granules characterized by the decondensation of granule-enriched RBPs (e.g. Imp/ZBP1/IGF2BP) and helicases (e.g. Me31B/DDX-6/Rck). Furthermore, our functional analysis reveals that Tyramine signals both through its receptor TyrR and through the calcium-activated kinase CamkII to trigger RNP component decondensation. Finally, we uncover that RNP granule remodeling is accompanied by the rapid and specific translational activation of associated mRNAs. Thus, this work sheds new light on the mechanisms controlling cue-induced rearrangement of physiological RNP condensates.
SARS-CoV-2 requires cholesterol for viral entry and pathological syncytia formation
Authors: Sanders David W , Jumper Chanelle C , Ackerman Paul J , Bracha Dan , Donlic Anita , Kim Hahn , Kenney Devin , Castello-Serrano Ivan , Suzuki Saori , Tamura Tomokazu , Tavares Alexander H , Saeed Mohsan , Holehouse Alex S , Ploss Alexander , Levental Ilya , Douam Florian , Padera Robert F , Levy Bruce D , Brangwynne Clifford P
Published: April 2021

Many enveloped viruses induce multinucleated cells (syncytia), reflective of membrane fusion events caused by the same machinery that underlies viral entry. These syncytia are thought to facilitate replication and evasion of the host immune response. Here, we report that co-culture of human cells expressing the receptor ACE2 with cells expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike, results in synapse-like intercellular contacts that initiate cell-cell fusion, producing syncytia resembling those we identify in lungs of COVID-19 patients. To assess the mechanism of spike/ACE2-driven membrane fusion, we developed a microscopy-based, cell-cell fusion assay to screen ~6000 drugs and >30 spike variants. Together with quantitative cell biology approaches, the screen reveals an essential role for biophysical aspects of the membrane, particularly cholesterol-rich regions, in spike-mediated fusion, which extends to replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Our findings potentially provide a molecular basis for positive outcomes reported in COVID-19 patients taking statins and suggest new strategies for therapeutics targeting the membrane of SARS-CoV-2 and other fusogenic viruses.
Re-positive of SARS-CoV-2 test is common in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. Data from high standard post-discharge quarantined patients in Macao SAR, China
Authors: Wong Chi Leong , Lei Sao Kuan , Lei Chin Ion , Lo Iek Long , Lam Chong , Leong Iek Hou
Published: April 2021

During the pandemic of COVID-19, Macau faces tremendous pressure because it is a famous gambling and tourism city with the world’s highest population density. The Macau government implemented decisive public health intervention to control the transmission of COVID-19, and there were only two independent outbreaks in Macau. In the second outbreak, all 35 cases were infected in foreign countries. They were quarantined in airborne infection isolation rooms for at least 14 days with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests after hospital discharge. Twelve (34.3%) of them had re-positive SARS-CoV-2 test results, and none of them presented any COVID-19 signs or symptoms during the entire quarantine period. In this study, the re-positive patients were more likely to be diagnosed in the early stage of the disease with a longer hospital stay. Virus re-infection is impossible in this high standard isolation setting, and reactivation is also unlikely, so that residual virus nucleic acid should be the possible reason for this phenomenon. Due to limited data about the risk of re-positive patients, it is better to quarantine patients after discharge for a prolonged period with repeat RT-PCR tests to minimize the community’s potential risk, particularly in the regions with relative plenty of resources and low community infection rate such as Macau.
Planktonic associations between medusae (classes Scyphozoa and Hydrozoa) and epifaunal crustaceans
Authors: Muffett Kaden , Miglietta Maria Pia
Published: April 2021

Jellyfish are known to carry various epibionts, including many of the subphylum Crustacea. However, the associations between gelatinous zooplankton and other invertebrates have been chronically overlooked. Crustacea, a massive clade of economically, ecologically, and culturally important species, includes many taxa that utilize gelatinous zooplankton for food, transport, and protection as both adults and juveniles. Here we compile 211 instances of epifaunal crustaceans recorded on Hydromedusae and Scyphomedusae from a century of literature. These include 78 identified crustacean species in 65 genera across nine orders found upon 37 Hydromedusa species and 48 Scyphomedusae. The crustacean life stage, location, nature of the association with the medusa, years, months, and depths are compiled to form a comprehensive view of the current state of the literature. Additionally, this review highlights areas where the current literature is lacking, particularly noting our poor understanding of the relationships between juvenile crabs of commercially valuable species and medusae.
Estimación del riesgo en cirugía cardiaca en el “Mundo Real”: ArgenSCORE ajustado al centro
Authors: Carosella Victorio , Grancelli Hugo , Stutzbach Pablo , Sigal Alan , Lerech Ezequiel , Morcos Ludmila , Villalba César , Lowenstein Haber Diego , Hita Alejandro , Nojek Carlos
Published: April 2021

Introducción: El ArgenSCORE tiene una versión original (I) desarrollada en 1999 sobre una población con mortalidad del 8% y una versión II (recalibración del modelo en 2007) sobre una población con una mortalidad del 4%. Evaluamos en el registro CONAREC XVI la hipótesis de que el ArgenSCORE II podría estimar mejor el riesgo de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en los centros con baja mortalidad; en cambio, el ArgenSCORE I estimaría mejor la mortalidad en los centros con alta mortalidad. Material y métodos: Se analizaron 2548 pacientes de 44 centros del registro prospectivo y multicéntrico en cirugía cardíaca, CONAREC XVI. En cada centro se evaluó la mortalidad media observada (MO) y se calculó la mortalidad estimada media (ME) aplicando ambas versiones del ArgenSCORE. Se calculó la relación MO/ME de cada centro para los dos modelos y se evaluó si había diferencias significativas mediante el test Z. Resultados: La mortalidad intrahospitalaria del registro fue del 7,69%. El 75% de los centros (33/44) presentaban una mortalidad mayor del 6%. En centros con mortalidad menor del 6%, al aplicar el ArgenSCORE II, la relación MO/ME mostró valores cercanos a 1 y sin diferencias significativas. En centros con mortalidad mayor del 6%, el ArgenSCORE II subestima significativamente el riesgo. En cambio, cuando se aplica en estos centros el ArgenSCORE I, la relación MO/ME es cercana a 1 (sin diferencias significativas). Conclusiones: En centros con mortalidad menor del 6%, es recomendable utilizar el ArgenSCORE II-recalibrado; en centros con mortalidad mayor del 6%, tiene mejor desempeño el ArgenSCORE I-original.
Current Status of Approaches to EradicateHIVInfection
Authors: Wolkenberg Scott E. , Marrouni Abdellatif El , Converso Antonella , Tellers David M. , Barnard Richard J. O. , Diamond Tracy L.
Published: April 2021

Direct acting antiretroviral therapy is highly effective in suppressing viremia and preventing progression ofhuman immunodeficiency virus(HIV) toacquired immunodeficiency syndrome(AIDS), but requires strict adherence to lifelong treatment. Upon cessation of therapy, viral rebound is observed within two to four weeks. Recently, significant effort has focused on the development of a finite drug regimen capable of providing sustained virologic response for years or decades; that is, an HIV cure. This review will provide an update on the strategies being pursued and summarize advances in the medicinal chemistry of individual targets.
The Blood–Brain Barrier and CNS Drug Delivery
Authors: Banks William A.
Published: April 2021

One of the biggest obstacles to drug development for the central nervous system (CNS) is the blood–brain barriers (BBBs). These consist of the vascular BBB, the choroid plexus (blood‐cerebrospinal fluid barrier), the tanycytic barrier at the circumventricular organs, and some specialized barriers, such as the blood–retinal barrier. Of these barriers, the vascular BBB is the most studied and most targeted for CNS drug delivery. An understanding of the composition and nature of the barriers is useful in drug development and explains both the success and difficulties of using transcellular diffusion, the mechanism used by nearly all the currently CNS active drugs, for small molecules. An understanding of the vascular BBB also explains why the intuitively appealing approaches of BBB disruption and Trojan horse have been so disappointing. Alternative approaches, including discovery, use, or modulation of transporters, adaption of adsorptive transcytosis, and targeting the BBB itself are intriguing but largely unexploited. Strategies for using these underexploited approaches are examined and specific examples are given.
CCBHC Thrive launches MAT with CODAC in Rhode Island
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2021

Last week, Thrive Behavioral Health and CODAC Behavioral Healthcare announced they would work together to provide medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder adjacent to Kent Hospital in Rhode Island. A certified community behavioral health Clinic (CCBHC), Thrive provides a comprehensive range of services that increase access, stabilize individuals in crisis and treat children, adults and families facing serious, complex mental illnesses and substance use disorders. “When Thrive applied for the CCBHC grant, we were charged with identifying gaps in services and creating solutions to those gaps that would break down treatment barriers,” stated Dawn Allen, CCBHC project director. “We determined that there was a need for medication‐assisted treatment in Kent County. Together with CODAC, we are connecting our community members to high‐quality treatment, decreasing their risk of experiencing a fatal overdose, expediting their transitions into long‐term recovery and providing support for them to live healthy, fulfilling lives.” CODAC's President and CEO Linda Hurley stated, “We are proud to partner with Thrive Behavioral Health on this important initiative. Together, we are moving forward in treating individuals struggling with addiction as patients, just like those facing diabetes or cancer, and offering them the most comprehensive, evidence‐based therapeutic approaches available.” Founded in 1971, CODAC has provided MAT services in Rhode Island for more than 40 years, and is the state's longest‐running not‐for‐profit outpatient opioid use disorder treatment provider. CODAC will administer the MAT services, and additional clinical support will come from Thrive's adult outpatient program, which offers wraparound services including individual, group and family counseling; psychiatric medication evaluation and management; case management services;, and an Intensive Outpatient Program for substance use and co‐occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Intra‐Operative Bioprinting of Hard, Soft, and Hard/Soft Composite Tissues for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction
Authors: Moncal Kazim K. , Gudapati Hemanth , Godzik Kevin P. , Heo Dong N. , Kang Youngnam , Rizk Elias , Ravnic Dino J. , Wee Hwabok , Pepley David F. , Ozbolat Veli , Lewis Gregory S. , Moore Jason Z. , Driskell Ryan R. , Samson Thomas D. , Ozbolat Ibrahim T.
Published: April 2021

Reconstruction of complex craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defects is challenging due to the highly organized layering of multiple tissue types. Such compartmentalization necessitates the precise and effective use of cells and other biologics to recapitulate the native tissue anatomy. In this study, intra‐operative bioprinting (IOB) of different CMF tissues, including bone, skin, and composite (hard/soft) tissues, is demonstrated directly on rats in a surgical setting. A novel extrudable osteogenic hard tissue ink is introduced, which induced substantial bone regeneration, with ≈80% bone coverage area of calvarial defects in 6 weeks. Using droplet‐based bioprinting, the soft tissue ink accelerated the reconstruction of full‐thickness skin defects and facilitated up to 60% wound closure in 6 days. Most importantly, the use of a hybrid IOB approach is unveiled to reconstitute hard/soft composite tissues in a stratified arrangement with controlled spatial bioink deposition conforming the shape of a new composite defect model, which resulted in ≈80% skin wound closure in 10 days and 50% bone coverage area at Week 6. The presented approach will be absolutely unique in the clinical realm of CMF defects and will have a significant impact on translating bioprinting technologies into the clinic in the future.
Highly Reversible Aqueous Zn‐MnO2 Battery by Supplementing Mn2+‐Mediated MnO2 Deposition and Dissolution
Authors: Shen Xiaofan , Wang Xiaona , Zhou Yurong , Shi Yanhong , Zhao Liming , Jin Hehua , Di Jiangtao , Li Qingwen
Published: April 2021

Rechargeable Zn‐MnO2 batteries are boosted by the reversible intercalation reactions in mild aqueous electrolytes, but they still suffer from cathode degradation. Herein, Zn‐MnO2 batteries with high durability and high energy density are achieved by supplementing MnO2 deposition and dissolution in a mild aqueous electrolyte. The main finding is that adjusting Mn2+ concentration to a critical range enables a reversible MnO2/Mn2+ redox conversion without the involvement of oxygen evolution. This can recycle the by‐products from MnOOH disproportionation (MnOOH → MnO2 + Mn2+), resulting in a battery with extremely high durability (16 000 cycles without obvious capacity fading), high energy density (602 Wh kg−1 based on the active mass of the cathode), and high‐rate capacity (430 mAh g−1 at 19.5 A g−1). The utilization of a 3D carbon nanotube foam skeleton can accommodate the volume change during MnO2 deposition/dissolution and provide paths for efficient charge and mass transport. This work provides a feasible way to push the development of Zn‐MnO2 batteries in mild aqueous electrolytes.
Fluorinated Bifunctional Solid Polymer Electrolyte Synthesized under Visible Light for Stable Lithium Deposition and Dendrite‐Free All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Jia Minyi , Wen Peng , Wang Zongtao , Zhao Yucheng , Liu Yimin , Lin Jun , Chen Mao , Lin Xinrong
Published: April 2021

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) that can offer flexible processability, highly tunable chemical functionality, and cost effectiveness are regarded as attractive alternatives for liquid electrolytes (LE) to address their safety and energy density limitations. However, it remains a great challenge for SPEs to stabilize Li+ deposition at the electrolyte–electrode interface and impede lithium dendrite proliferation compared with LE‐based systems. Herein, a design of solid‐state fluorinated bifunctional SPE (FB‐SPE) that covalently tethers fluorinated chains with polyether‐based segments is proposed and synthesized via photo‐controlled radical polymerization (photo‐CRP). In contrast to the conventional non‐fluorinated polyether‐derived SPEs, FB‐SPE is able to provide conducting Li+ transport pathways up to ≈5.0 V, while simultaneously forming a LiF interaction that can enhance Li anode compatibility and prevent Li dendrites growth. As a result, the FB‐SPE exhibits outstanding cycling stability in Li||Li symmetrical cells of over 1500 operating hours at as high current density as 0.2 mA cm−2. A thin and uniform Li deposition layer and LiF‐rich SEI at the surface of Li anode are found, and stable cycling with average coulombic efficiencies of 99% is demonstrated in Li||LFP and Li||NCM all‐solid‐state batteries based on such bifunctional fluorinated SPEs. The interesting fluorine effect and effective self‐suppression of lithium dendrites will inform rational molecular design of novel electrolytes and practical development of all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries.
Fabrication of Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Scaffolds with Engineered Microscale Vasculatures
Authors: Li Shuai , Wang Wenhao , Li Wentao , Xie Mengfan , Deng Changxu , Sun Xin , Wang Chengwei , Liu Yang , Shi Guohong , Xu Yuanjing , Ma Xiaojun , Wang Jinwu
Published: April 2021

Precise fabrication of microscale vasculatures (MSVs) has long been an unresolved challenge in tissue engineering. Currently, light‐assisted printing is the most common approach. However, this approach is often associated with an intricate fabrication process, high cost, and a requirement for specific photoresponsive materials. Here, thermoresponsive hydrogels are employed to induce volume shrinkage at 37 °C, which allows for MSV engineering without complex protocols. The thermoresponsive hydrogel consists of thermosensitive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and biocompatible gelatin methacrylate (GelMA). In cell culture, the thermoresponsive hydrogel exhibits an apparent volume shrinkage and effectively triggers the creation of MSVs with smaller size. The results show that a higher concentration of GelMA blocks the shrinkage, and the thermoresponsive hydrogel demonstrates different behaviors in water and air at 37 °C. The MSVs can be effectively fabricated using the sacrificial alginate fibers, and the minimum MSV diameter achieved is 50 µm. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells form endothelial monolayers in the MSVs. Osteosarcoma cells maintain high viability in the thermoresponsive hydrogel, and the in vivo experiment shows that the MSVs provide a site for the perfusion of host vessels. This technique may help in the development of a facile method for fabricating MSVs and demonstrates strong potential for clinical application in tissue regeneration.
Design and Evaluation of an In Vitro Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Modeling System Using 3D Printed Mini Impact Device on the 3D Cultured Human iPSC Derived Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Shi Wen , Dong Pengfei , Kuss Mitchell A. , Gu Linxia , Kievit Forrest , Kim Hyung Joon , Duan Bin
Published: April 2021

Despite significant progress in understanding the disease mechanism of traumatic brain injury (TBI), promising preclinical therapeutics have seldom been translated into successful clinical outcomes, partially because the model animals have physiological and functional differences in the central nervous system (CNS) compared to humans. Human relevant models are thus urgently required. Here, an in vitro mild TBI (mTBI) modeling system is reported based on 3D cultured human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived neural progenitor cells (iPSC‐NPCs) to evaluate consequences of single and repetitive mTBI using a 3D printed mini weight‐drop impact device. Computational simulation is performed to understand the single/cumulative effects of weight‐drop impact on the NPC differentiated neurospheres. Experimental results reveal that neurospheres show reactive astrogliosis and glial scar formation after repetitive (10 hits) mild impacts, while no astrocyte activation is found after one or two mild impacts. A 3D co‐culture model of human microglia cells with neurospheres is further developed. It is found that astrocyte response is promoted even after two mild impacts, possibly caused by the chronic neuroinflammation after microglia activation. The in vitro mTBI modeling system recapitulates several hallmarks of the brain impact injury and might serve as a good platform for future drug screening.
Synergetic Advantages of Atomically Coupled 2D Inorganic and Graphene Nanosheets as Versatile Building Blocks for Diverse Functional Nanohybrids
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Gu Tae‐Ha , Kwon Nam Hee , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: April 2021

2D nanostructured materials, including inorganic and graphene nanosheets, have evoked plenty of scientific research activity due to their intriguing properties and excellent functionalities. The complementary advantages and common 2D crystal shapes of inorganic and graphene nanosheets render their homogenous mixtures powerful building blocks for novel high‐performance functional hybrid materials. The nanometer‐level thickness of 2D inorganic/graphene nanosheets allows the achievement of unusually strong electronic couplings between sheets, leading to a remarkable improvement in preexisting functionalities and the creation of unexpected properties. The synergetic merits of atomically coupled 2D inorganic–graphene nanosheets are presented here in the exploration of novel heterogeneous functional materials, with an emphasis on their critical roles as hybridization building blocks, interstratified sheets, additives, substrates, and deposited monolayers. The great flexibility and controllability of the elemental compositions, defect structures, and surface natures of inorganic–graphene nanosheets provide valuable opportunities for exploring high‐performance nanohybrids applicable as electrodes for supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries, electrocatalysts, photocatalysts, and water purification agents, to give some examples. An outlook on future research perspectives for the exploitation of emerging 2D nanosheet‐based hybrid materials is also presented along with novel synthetic strategies to maximize the synergetic advantage of atomically mixed 2D inorganic–graphene nanosheets.
Quantum Plasmonics: Energy Transport Through Plasmonic Gap
Authors: Lee Jihye , Jeon Deok‐Jin , Yeo Jong‐Souk
Published: April 2021

At the interfaces of metal and dielectric materials, strong light–matter interactions excite surface plasmons; this allows electromagnetic field confinement and enhancement on the sub‐wavelength scale. Such phenomena have attracted considerable interest in the field of exotic material‐based nanophotonic research, with potential applications including nonlinear spectroscopies, information processing, single‐molecule sensing, organic‐molecule devices, and plasmon chemistry. These innovative plasmonics‐based technologies can meet the ever‐increasing demands for speed and capacity in nanoscale devices, offering ultrasensitive detection capabilities and low‐power operations. Size scaling from the nanometer to sub‐nanometer ranges is consistently researched; as a result, the quantum behavior of localized surface plasmons, as well as those of matter, nonlocality, and quantum electron tunneling is investigated using an innovative nanofabrication and chemical functionalization approach, thereby opening a new era of quantum plasmonics. This new field enables the ultimate miniaturization of photonic components and provides extreme limits on light–matter interactions, permitting energy transport across the extremely small plasmonic gap. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the recent developments of quantum plasmonic resonators with particular focus on novel materials is presented. By exploring the novel gap materials in quantum regime, the potential quantum technology applications are also searched for and mapped out.
Regulating the Superficial Vacancies and OH− Orientations on Polarized Hydroxyapatite Electrocatalysts
Authors: Sans Jordi , Arnau Marc , Estrany Francesc , Turon Pau , Alemán Carlos
Published: April 2021

Smart designs of hydroxyapatite (HAp) materials with customized electrical properties are drawing increasing attention for their wide range of potential applications. Such enhanced electrical properties directly arise from the number and orientation of OH− groups in the HAp lattice. Although different polarization treatments have been proposed to enhance the final conductivity by generating vacancies at high temperatures and imposing specific OH− orientations through electric voltages, no direct measurement showing the evolution that OH− groups undergo has been described yet. In this article, the first direct empirical observation that allows the characterization of both the generation of vacancies and the polarization of OH− groups is reported. The mechanisms behind the electrical enhancement are elucidated allowing to distinguish between charge accumulation at the crystal grains, which is due to the formed vacancies, and charge accumulation in the boundaries of particles. In addition, a linear dependence between the number of vacancies and the superficial charge is observed. Therefore, it is demonstrated that the charge accumulation at the micrometric grain boundaries has a great impact on the catalytic properties of the thermally stimulated polarized HAp. These results will be used for further optimization of the catalyst properties.
Photoelectrochemical Activity of Layered Metal Phosphorous Trichalcogenides for Water Oxidation
Authors: Oliveira Filipa M. , Paštika Jan , Pires Laura S. , Sofer Zdeněk , Gusmão Rui
Published: April 2021

2D layered materials are currently one of the most explored materials in developing efficient and stable photoelectrocatalysts in energy conversion applications. Some of the 2D metal phosphorus chalcogenides (M2P2X6 or plainly MPX3) have been reported to be useful catalysts for water splitting. Herein, the photoresponsivity of a series of synthesized M2P2X6 (M2+ = Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Cd; X = S, Se), tested for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) region in alkaline media, with excitation wavelengths from 385 to 700 nm, is reported. The experimentally determined optical bandgaps of the MPX3 materials range from 1.5 eV for FePSe3 to 3.7 eV for ZnPS3. At +1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), the photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity in the OER region of MnPSe3 exhibits superior performance, while the exfoliation of CoPS3 improves its PEC activity up to double in contrast with its bulk counterpart. The influence of the substrate (glassy carbon (GC), indium tin oxide (ITO), and aluminum‐doped zinc oxide (AZO)) and applied potential is also studied. Exfoliated CoPS3 reaches a photoresponsivity of up to 0.6 mA W‐1 under 450 nm excitation wavelength and at +1.23 V versus RHE in alkaline electrolyte.
Remote Sensing and Remote Actuation via Silicone–Magnetic Nanorod Composites
Authors: Stottlemire Bryce J. , Miller Jonathan D. , Whitlow Jonathan , Huayamares Sebastian G. , Dhar Prajnaparamita , He Mei , Berkland Cory J.
Published: April 2021

The capacity for a soft material to combine remote sensing and remote actuation is highly desirable for many applications in soft robotics and wearable technologies. This work presents a silicone elastomer with a suspension of a small weight fraction of ferromagnetic nickel nanorods, which is capable of both sensing deformation and altering stiffness in the presence of an external magnetic field. Cylinders composed of silicone elastomer and 1% by weight nickel nanorods experience large increases in compressive modulus when exposed to an external magnetic field. Incremental compressions totaling 600 g of force applied to the same silicone–nanorod composites increase the magnetic field strength measured by a Hall effect sensor enabling the material to be used as a soft load cell capable of detecting the rate, duration, and magnitude of force applied. In addition, lattice structures are 3D printed using an ink composed of silicone elastomer and 1% by weight nickel nanorods, which possess the same sensing capacity.
Direct Laser Writing for the Formation of Large‐Scale Gold Microbumps Arrays Generating Hybrid Lattice Plasmon Polaritons in Vis–NIR Range
Authors: Stankevičius Evaldas , Vilkevičius Kernius , Gedvilas Mindaugas , Bužavaitė‐Vertelienė Ernesta , Selskis Algirdas , Balevičius Zigmas
Published: April 2021

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) based light–matter interactions play a major role in photonic sensor applications. In order to implement such sensors in microchip devices or reduce the fabrication costs, a method with high flexibility and large‐scale capabilities must be developed. Here, the formation of large‐scale gold microbumps arrays by using a direct laser writing technique is presented. The fabricated arrays exhibit the hybrid lattice plasmon polaritons in the Vis–NIR range, in the same range as metallic gratings fabricated by lithography‐based techniques. The peak of hybrid lattice plasmon resonance depends on the period of the fabricated arrays, the thickness of the gold film, coupled light polarization, and sample orientation. The experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical estimation. The demonstrated method shows relevant technological progress in the formation of large‐scale metallic gratings by using a cost‐effective laser‐based technique. It provides new opportunities for hybrid lattice plasmon polariton (HLPP)‐based applications in biotechnology, photonics, plasmonics, and so on.
Edge‐Orientation Dependent Nanoimaging of Mid‐Infrared Waveguide Modes in High‐Index PtSe2
Authors: Wong Kin Ping , Hu Xin , Lo Tsz Wing , Guo Xuyun , Fung Kin Hung , Zhu Ye , Lau Shu Ping
Published: April 2021

All‐dielectric nanophotonics is a rapidly developing field that employs high‐index low‐loss dielectric materials to boost light–matter interactions at the nanoscale. This is owing to their potential in achieving low‐loss optical responses and the coexistence of strong enhancement of electric and magnetic fields, which are absent in their plasmonic counterparts. Transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have been utilized for high‐index dielectric Mie nanoresonators in the visible to near‐infrared spectral range due to their high in‐plane and out‐of‐plane optical anisotropy, excitonic effect, and high‐index properties. However, high‐index materials for mid‐infrared (MIR) nanophotonics are still highly sought after. Here, it is shown that PtSe2, a group‐10 TMDC, could support dielectric waveguide modes in MIR despite its semimetallic nature. It is revealed that PtSe2optically acts as a dielectric material with a high refractive index of ≈5 and a low extinction coefficient in the MIR region. The value is among the highest in the low‐loss TMDCs and mainstream dielectric materials. A comprehensive sample‐edge‐orientation dependent nanoimaging together with spectroscopic nanoimaging characterization of the PtSe2 allows the extraction of the dispersion relations of the modes, from which the velocity parameters could be determined. This work paves the way for high‐performance MIR devices via high‐index PtSe2‐based nanostructures.
Performance of a model in simulating growth and stability for cassava grown after rice
Authors: Sawatraksa Nateetip , Banterng Poramate , Jogloy Sanun , Vorasoot Nimitr , Cadena Leidy Patricia Moreno , Hoogenboom Gerrit
Published: April 2021

Selecting the appropriate genotype for growing cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) after rice (Oryza sativa L.) can help increase the supply of cassava and improve land use efficiency. However, conducting the selection requires data from many years of multi‐environment yield trials. A systems analysis approach using crop models can support this process. This study aimed to evaluate a potential application of the Cropping System Model (CSM)‐MANIHOT‐Cassava in determining genotype stability across different upper paddy field conditions when planted following rice. Four cassava genotypes, that is, Kasetsart 50, Rayong 9, Rayong 11, and CMR38‐125‐77, were evaluated for the six different environments in Thailand from the 2015 through 2018 growing seasons. The data required for the model were recorded, including biomass and yield. The cultivar coefficients of the CSM‐MANIHOT‐Cassava model for the four genotypes were calibrated and evaluated with the experimental data. The model was then run for historical weather data from 1988 to 2018 for the six environments for production under rain‐fed conditions in upper paddy fields following rice. The overall results showed that the model was able to simulate biomass and yield of the four cassava genotypes quite well when compared to the experimental data. The model identified the same stable genotypes as presented in the actual trials. The genotype CMR38‐125‐77 was found to be a stable genotype and had the highest mean performance for both the actual yield trials and the simulation study. Therefore, the CSM‐MANIHOT‐Cassava model could be used to help identify the favorable genotype for planting in various paddy field conditions after rice harvest.
Reduced global cerebral oxygen metabolic rate in sickle cell disease and chronic anemias
Authors: Vu Chau , Bush Adam , Choi Soyoung , Borzage Matthew , Miao Xin , Nederveen Aart J. , Coates Thomas D. , Wood John C.
Published: April 2021

Anemia is the most common blood disorder in the world. In patients with chronic anemia, such as sickle cell disease or major thalassemia, cerebral blood flow increases to compensate for decreased oxygen content. However, the effects of chronic anemia on oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) are less well understood. In this study, we examined 47 sickle‐cell anemia subjects (age 21.7 ± 7.1, female 45%), 27 non‐sickle anemic subjects (age 25.0 ± 10.4, female 52%) and 44 healthy controls (age 26.4 ± 10.6, female 71%) using MRI metrics of brain oxygenation and flow. Phase contrast MRI was used to measure resting cerebral blood flow, while T2‐relaxation‐under‐spin‐tagging (TRUST) MRI with disease appropriate calibrations were used to measure OEF and CMRO2. We observed that patients with sickle cell disease and other chronic anemias have decreased OEF and CMRO2 (respectively 27.4 ± 4.1% and 3.39 ± 0.71 ml O2/100 g/min in sickle cell disease, 30.8 ± 5.2% and 3.53 ± 0.64 ml O2/100 g/min in other anemias) compared to controls (36.7 ± 6.0% and 4.00 ± 0.65 ml O2/100 g/min). Impaired CMRO2 was proportional to the degree of anemia severity. We further demonstrate striking concordance of the present work with pooled historical data from patients having broad etiologies for their anemia. The reduced cerebral oxygen extraction and metabolism are consistent with emerging data demonstrating increased non‐nutritive flow, or physiological shunting, in sickle cell disease patients.
Development of a Liquid‐Liquid Biphasic Reaction Using a Taylor Vortex Flow Reactor
Authors: Hosoya Masahiro , Manaka Atsushi , Nishijima Shogo , Tsuno Naoki
Published: April 2021

This paper describes a liquid‐liquid biphasic flow reaction system that is simple to control. In a liquid‐liquid biphasic flow reaction, the slug‐flow in the tube reactors generally improves the reaction rate. However, we show that larger tube diameters decreased the reaction rate and the formation of the slug‐flow was influenced by the tube diameter, the size of the mixer, and the pump mechanism. These results indicated that technical difficulties with the slug‐flow could be an obstacle to scale‐up. To resolve this problem, we suggest the use of a Taylor vortex flow reactor to achieve a higher reaction rate than with batch and slug‐flow systems.
Ethyl‐2‐Cyano‐2‐(2‐Nitrophenylsulfonyloximino)Acetate (ortho‐NosylOXY) Mediated One‐Pot Racemization Free Synthesis of Ureas, Carbamates, and Thiocarbamates via Curtius Rearrangement
Authors: Kalita Tapasi , Dev Dharm , Mondal Sandip , Giri Rajat Subhra , Mandal Bhubaneswar
Published: April 2021

Direct conversion of carboxylic acids to ureas, carbamates, and thiocarbamates in a single pot via Curtius rearrangement is accomplished. One recently established coupling reagent, Ethyl‐2‐cyano‐2‐(2‐nitrophenylsulfonyloximino)acetate (ortho‐NosylOXY, I), is successfully used for the racemization free synthesis of ureas, di‐peptidyl ureas, and carbamates with moderate to good yield (82–69%). This single‐pot hassle‐free procedure works with a diverse range of N‐protecting groups Fmoc, Boc, and Cbz. Various amine, including aromatic, methyl esters of amino acids, t‐butylamine, alcohols, and thiols, are used as nucleophiles. A detailed NMR‐based mechanism study is incorporated here. Racemization suppression, easy removal of by‐products, and less waste generation make this methodology useful.
Preclinical animal studies in ischemic stroke: Challenges and some solutions
Authors: Narayan Sunil K. , Grace Cherian Simy , Babu Phaniti Prakash , Babu Chidambaram Saravana , Rachel Vasanthi A. Hannah , Arumugam Murugesan
Published: April 2021

Despite the impressive efficacies demonstrated in preclinical research, hundreds of potentially neuroprotective drugs have failed to provide effective neuroprotection for ischemic stroke in human clinical trials. Lack of a powerful animal model for human ischemic stroke could be a major reason for the failure to develop successful neuroprotective drugs for ischemic stroke. This review recapitulates the available cerebral ischemia animal models, provides an anatomical comparison of the circle of Willis of each species, and describes the functional assessment tests used in these ischemic stroke models. The distinct differences between human ischemic stroke and experimental stroke in available animal models is explored. Innovative animal models more closely resembling human strokes, better techniques in functional outcome assessment and better experimental designs generating clearer and stronger evidence may help realise the development of truly neuroprotective drugs that will benefit human ischemic stroke patients. This may involve use of newer molecules or revisiting earlier studies with new experimental designs. Translation of any resultant successes may then be tested in human clinical trials with greater confidence and optimism.
Supramolekulare Bindungstaschen in [n]Cyclo‐2,7‐pyrenylenen
Authors: Grabicki Niklas , Nguyen Khoa T. D. , Weidner Steffen , Dumele Oliver
Published: April 2021

Eine Reihe gespannter aromatischer Makrozyklen basierend auf [n]Cyclo‐2,7‐(4,5,9,10‐tetrahydro)pyrenylenen wurde an der K‐Region der Pyreneinheit mit Ethylenglykol‐Gruppen funktionalisiert, um im Innenraum des Makrozyklus eine definierte Bindungstasche zu formen. Diese ist für den fünfgliedrigen Makrozyklus besonders ausgeprägt, was zu einer Bindungskonstante von 8.0×104 m−1 zwischen dem Ether‐dekorierten [5]Cyclo‐2,7‐pyrenylen und einem komplementären Kronenether‐Kation‐Komplex führt. Die Ether‐dekorierten [n]Cyclopyrenylene sowie einer der Wirt‐Gast‐Komplexe wurden durch Kristallstrukturanalyse charakterisiert. In Kombination mit computergestützten Berechnungsmethoden wurden die strukturellen und thermodynamischen Hintergründe für die besonders starken nicht‐kovalenten Bindungseigenschaften erklärt. Die hier vorgestellte Strategie zur Formung von Bindungstaschen erschließt die Stoffklasse der Cycloparaphenylene als eine attraktive supramolekulare Wirt‐Familie, die größenunabhängige Ausleseparameter und Bindungseigenschaften über Fulleren‐Gäste hinaus zeigt.
Synthesis of Arylpalladium(II) Boronates: Confirming the Structure and Chemical Competence of Pre‐transmetalation Intermediates in the Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction
Authors: Olding Angus , Ho Curtis C. , Canty Allan J. , Lucas Nigel T. , Horne James , Bissember Alex C.
Published: April 2021

Palladium(II) boronates are recognized as fundamental pre‐transmetalation intermediates in Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐couplings. While these typically transient species have been detected and studied spectroscopically, it is conspicuous that they have never been isolated since this important reaction was discovered over forty years ago. This study reports the synthesis of a family of unprecedented arylpalladium(II) boronates that are, by design, kinetically stable at ambient temperature, both in solution and in the solid state. These properties enabled unambiguous crystallographic confirmation of their structure for the first time and their chemical competence in a Suzuki–Miyaura reaction was demonstrated.
Confined Spaces in [n]Cyclo‐2,7‐pyrenylenes
Authors: Grabicki Niklas , Nguyen Khoa T. D. , Weidner Steffen , Dumele Oliver
Published: April 2021

A set of strained aromatic macrocycles based on [n]cyclo‐2,7‐(4,5,9,10‐tetrahydro)pyrenylenes is presented with size‐dependent photophysical properties. The K‐region of pyrene was functionalized with ethylene glycol groups to decorate the outer rim and thereby confine the space inside the macrocycle. This confined space is especially pronounced for n=5, which leads to an internal binding of up to 8.0×104 m−1 between the ether‐decorated [5]cyclo‐2,7‐pyrenylene and shape‐complementary crown ether–cation complexes. Both the ether‐decorated [n]cyclo‐pyrenylenes as well as one of their host–guest complexes have been structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. In combination with computational methods the structural and thermodynamic reasons for the exceptionally strong binding have been elucidated. The presented rim confinement strategy makes cycloparaphenylenes an attractive supramolecular host family with a favorable, size‐independent read‐out signature and binding capabilities extending beyond fullerene guests.
Reduced Arene Complexes of Hafnium Supported by a Triamidoamine Ligand
Authors: Ghana Priyabrata , Schrader Sebastian , Rajeshkumar Thayalan , Spaniol Thomas P. , Englert Ulli , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: April 2021

A series of hafnium complexes with a reduced arene of the general formula [K(L)][Hf(Xy‐N3N)(arene)] (Xy‐N3N={(3,5‐Me2C6H3)NCH2CH2}3N3−, L=THF, 18‐crown‐6; arene=C10H82−, C14H102−) mimic the chemistry of hafnium in its formal oxidation state +II. All compounds were obtained upon reduction of the chlorido complex [HfCl(Xy‐N3N)(thf)] with two equivalents of potassium naphthalenide or anthracenide. The reducing nature and the basicity of the reduced anthracene ligand were explored in the reaction of benzonitrile and azobenzene, and by deprotonation of tert‐butylacetylene, respectively. The reduction of benzonitrile provides an initial double nitrile insertion product under kinetic control that rearranges after extrusion of one of the inserted nitriles to a hafnium imido complex as the thermodynamic product. The reduction of azobenzene resulted in a diphenylhydrazido(2−) complex. Treatment of terminal alkynes with the anthracene or diphenylhydrazido(2−) complex led to the selective protonation of the corresponding dianionic ligand.
Engineering Nanoparticulate Organic Photocatalysts via a Scalable Flash Nanoprecipitation Process for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yu Miaojie , Zhang Weiwei , Guo Zhiqian , Wu Yongzhen , Zhu Weihong
Published: April 2021

Directly converting sunlight into hydrogen fuels using particulate photocatalysts represents a sustainable route for clean energy supply. Organic semiconductors have emerged as attractive candidates but always suffer from optical and exciton recombination losses with large exciton “dead zone” inside the bulk material, severely limiting the catalytic performance. Herein, we demonstrate a facile strategy that combines a scalable flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method with hydrophilic soluble polymers (PC‐PEG5 and PS‐PEG5) to prepare highly efficient nanosized photocatalysts without using surfactants. Significantly, a 70‐fold enhancement of hydrogen evolution rate (HER) is achieved for nanosized PC‐PEG5, and the FNP‐processed PS‐PEG5 shows a peak HER rate of up to 37.2 mmol h−1 g−1 under full‐spectrum sunlight irradiation, which is among the highest results for polymer photocatalysts. A scaling‐up production of nanocatalyst is demonstrated with the continuously operational FNP.
Tuning biological activity in dinuclear Cu (II) complexes derived from pyrazine ligands: Structure, magnetism, catecholase, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antibreast cancer activity
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad Shahwaz , Khalid Mohd , Khan Mohammad Shahnawaz , Shahid Mohammad , Ahmad Musheer , Saeed Haris , Owais Mohammad , Ashafaq Mo
Published: April 2021

In a thrust to establish a structure–activity relationship of dinuclear Cu (II) complexes for derived biological activities, two complexes bearing composition [Cu2(pza)2(2‐methoxybenzoate)4] (1) and [Cu2(pza)2(3‐methoxybenzoate)4] (2) are designed. The complexes are characterized thoroughly via single crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), spectroscopic, and magnetic analysis. The exact structure of complexes was elucidated as dinuclear bridged by carboxylates with Cu (II) in each complex present in a distorted square‐pyramidal geometry. The ortho and meta substituted benzoates are used in order to investigate its effect on catecholase and other biological activities. The magnetic data on variable temperature dispense the presence of moderate antiferromagnetic interactions in both the complexes with J = −88.7(2) cm−1, R = 2.13 × 10−4 for 1 and J = −86.3(2) cm−1, R = 3.11 × 10−4 for 2 (g = 2.0). As corroborated from UV–visible titrations, cyclic voltammetry (CV), and Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data, the 2 shows enhanced catecholase activity due to higher redox‐active Cu (II) center in 2, which is directly related to the inductive effect of the methoxy substituent. Both the complexes were screened against some bacteria and fungi, and 2 has shown potent activity Escherichia coli. Moreover, the complexes have also shown better antibiofilm properties as compared to their parent salts. The excellent antibreast cancer activity has been observed against MCF‐7 cell line and, 2has greater IC50 (lower activity) than 1. Thus, a structure–activity relationship can further direct us to design other substituted complexes with enhanced biological activity in the future course.