bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CNOT4 enhances the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy in a model of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Biao , Han Song , Ma Haitao , Chen Shaomu
Published: October 2020

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors that target programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) has been proposed for the treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in clinical trials, cumulative response rates to anti‐PD‐1 treatment were approximately 20% in patients with NSCLC. CCR4‐NOT transcription complex, subunit 4 (CNOT4) is a RING finger protein with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. We previously reported that CNOT4 may act as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC. Here, we examined whether CNOT4 can enhance the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy in a model of NSCLC. The association of CNOT4 and overall survival was analyzed using datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Tumor models were established by subcutaneously implanting tumor cells line (A549 cell) into mice. CNOT4 was observed to be positively associated with relapse‐free survival and overall survival in patients with NSCLC. CNOT4 overexpression suppressed tumor growth in vivo and enhanced the effect of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy, which was accompanied by increased CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration and higher interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels. In conclusion, CNOT4 may enhance the efficacy of anti‐PD‐1 immunotherapy and may have potential as a prognostic marker for NSCLC, or as a combinational target with anti‐PD‐1 treatment for patients with NSCLC.
Small instream infrastructure: Comparative methods and evidence of environmental and ecological responses
Authors: Januchowski‐Hartley Stephanie R. , Mantel Sukhmani , Celi Jorge , Hermoso Virgilio , White James C. , Blankenship Scott , Olden Julian D.
Published: October 2020

1. Around the globe, instream infrastructures such as dams, weirs, and culverts associated with roads are wide‐spread and continue to be constructed. There is limited documentation of smaller infrastructure because of mixed regulation and laws related to instream construction, as well as difficulty in documentation because of their size and frequency in waterscapes.

2. We reviewed evidence of different methods used to quantify environmental and ecological responses (positive, negative, or neutral) to dams, weirs, and culverts.

3. Most studies (78% of 87) in our review evaluated dams or weirs, and more than half evaluated environmental or ecological responses at more than one of these structures. More than half of the studies used spatial (disturbed–undisturbed in the same or a different catchment) rather than temporal (before–after construction or before–after destruction) comparative methods. Evaluations also tended to focus on ecological variables, most specifically on fish community responses (just over a quarter) to infrastructure.

4. More than half (58%) of the evaluations at dams, weirs, or culverts reported negative environmental or ecological responses. Discrepancies in responses recorded for different infrastructure types could be partially explained by the focus on ecological responses in reviewed studies and related metrics used for evaluations (e.g. biotic groups, richness, and abundance), the imbalance of studies at different infrastructure types, and discrepancies in spatial and temporal scales of evaluations compared to those at which the variables respond to infrastructure.

5. Despite the abundance of road culverts greatly exceeding the number of small or large dams worldwide, they were evaluated in only 22% of studies that we reviewed. Our findings underscore the need for studies to not only better understand local but also cumulative impacts of these smaller infrastructure, as these could be greater than those caused by large infrastructure depending on their location, density, and type, among other factors. Such studies are needed to inform infrastructure planning and watershed management.
Highly CO2 Selective Metal–Organic Framework Membranes with Favorable Coulombic Effect
Authors: Chiou Da‐Shiuan , Yu Hyun Jung , Hung Ting‐Hsiang , Lyu Qiang , Chang Chung‐Kai , Lee Jong Suk , Lin Li‐Chiang , Kang Dun‐Yen
Published: October 2020

The topology and chemical functionality of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) make them promising candidates for membrane gas separation; however, few meet the criteria for industrial applications, that is, selectivity of >30 for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2. This paper reports on a dense CAU‐10‐H MOF membrane that is exceptionally CO2‐selective (ideal selectivity of 42 for CO2/N2 and 95 for CO2/CH4). The proposed membrane also achieves the highest CO2 permeability (approximately 500 Barrer) among existing pure MOF membranes with CO2/CH4 selectivity exceeding 30. State‐of‐the‐art atomistic simulations provide valuable insights into the outstanding separation performance of CAU‐10‐H at the molecular level. Adsorbent–adsorbate Coulombic interactions are identified as a crucial factor in the design of CO2‐selective MOF membranes.
Structure and Properties of Prussian Blue Analogues in Energy Storage and Conversion Applications
Authors: Yi Haocong , Qin Runzhi , Ding Shouxiang , Wang Yuetao , Li Shunning , Zhao Qinghe , Pan Feng
Published: October 2020

In recent years, Prussian blue analogue (PBA) materials have been widely explored and investigated in energy storage/conversion fields. Herein, the structure/property correlations of PBA materials as host frameworks for various charge‐carrier ions (e.g., Na+, K+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Al3+) is reviewed, and the optimization strategies to achieve advanced performance of PBA electrodes are highlighted. Prospects for further applications of PBA materials in proton, ammonium‐ion, and multivalent‐ion batteries are summarized, with extra attention given to the selection of anode materials and electrolytes for practical implementation. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of PBA materials, and will serve as a guidance for future research and development of PBA electrodes.
Light Engineering in Nanometer Space
Authors: Kim Yushin , Park Byoung Jun , Kim Moohyuk , Jin Young‐Ho , Park Nu‐Ri , Kim Myung‐Ki
Published: October 2020

Significant advances have been made in photonic integrated circuit technology, similar to the development of electronic integrated circuits. However, the miniaturization of cavity resonators, which are the essential components of photonic circuits, still requires considerable improvement. Over the past decades, various optical cavities have been utilized to implement next‐generation light sources in photonic circuits with low energy, high data traffic, and integrable physical sizes. Nevertheless, it has been difficult to reduce the size of most commercialized cavities beyond the diffraction limit while maintaining high performance. Herein, recent advancements in subwavelength metallic cavities that can improve performance, even with the use of lossy plasmonic modes, are reviewed. The discussion is divided in three parts according to light engineering methods: subwavelength metal‐clad cavities engineered using intermediate dielectric cladding; implementation of plasmonic cavities and waveguides using plasmonic crystals; and development of deep‐subwavelength plasmonic waveguides and cavities using geometric engineering. A direction for further developments in photonic integrated circuit technology is also discussed, along with its practical application.
Switchable Two‐Photon Pumped Polarized Lasing Performance in Composition‐Graded MOFs Based Heterostructures
Authors: Li Hongjun , Zhang Lin , He Huajun , Hu Enlai , Yang Yu , Li Bin , Cui Yuanjing , Qian Guodong
Published: October 2020

The manipulation on dual‐/multi‐band multiphoton pumped lasing in a single microcrystal is critically essential and technologically needed, which still faces difficulties such as the lack of effective approaches to integrate various multiphoton gain media while avoiding undesirable energy transfer processes. Herein, for the first time, the switchable dual‐band two‐photon pumped (TPP) lasing is realized by constructing composition‐graded metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) heterostructures. The epitaxial growth strategy is adopted for the development of heterostructures, which achieves the hierarchical encapsulation of different linear dye molecules along the 1D channels, thereby effectively restraining unnecessary intermolecular interactions. Strong position dependence of emission response in such deliberately designed heterostructures is observed, enabling a switchable dual‐band TPP polarized lasing through precise selection on excited positions. Furthermore, the excitation wavelength dependence of emission also endows such heterostructures with switchable optical behaviors (two‐photon fluorescence or lasing) via controlling the incident wavelength. The novel heterostructures for switchable dual‐band TPP lasing with uniquely position‐dependent and excitation wavelength‐dependent features open an avenue to develop controllable miniaturized lasers and make such MOFs based micro‐lasers promising for practical applications in future optoelectronic devices.
Liquid Exfoliation of Decagonal Quasicrystals and Its Light Out‐Coupling Performance in Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Ramakrishnan Anbalagan , Kesavan Kiran Kishore , Chavhan Sudam , Nagar Mangey Ram , Jou Jwo-Huei , Chen Sinn-Wen , Hsiao Haw-Wen , Zuo Jian-Min , Hung Lin Yu
Published: October 2020

Decagonal quasicrystals are receiving considerable attention because of their unique crystallographic structure, electrical, magnetic, and mechanical properties. Hence, anisotropic decagonal nano‐quasicrystals (NQCs) will have potential applications in multifunctional devices. Here, the decagonal NQCs are prepared from an anisotropic bulk sample by liquid exfoliation via the ultrasonic process at room temperature. The NQCs have high transmittance and are incorporated into green organic light‐emitting diodes via solution and dry processes for light out‐coupling. The overall device performance is markedly enhanced with NQC incorporation. A power efficacy of 31.4 lm W−1is achieved at 1000 cd m−2with a 37% increment for the solution‐processed device. For the dry‐processed device, 66.4 lm W−1is obtained with an increment of 108%. These NQCs can be made free standing, providing OLED devices an extremely convenient and effective measure for maximizing out‐coupling of the generated light, near 80% of which would otherwise be trapped and wasted within.
Id1 and Id3 Are Regulated Through Matrix‐Assisted Autocrine BMP Signaling and Represent Therapeutic Targets in Melanoma
Authors: Sedlmeier Georg , Al‐Rawi Vanessa , Buchert Justyna , Yserentant Klaus , Rothley Melanie , Steshina Anastasia , Gräßle Simone , Wu Ruo‐Lin , Hurrle Thomas , Richer Wilfrid , Decraene Charles , Thiele Wilko , Utikal Jochen , Abuillan Wasim , Tanaka Motomu , Herten Dirk‐Peter , Hill Caroline S. , Garvalov Boyan K. , Jung Nicole , Bräse Stefan , Sleeman Jonathan P.
Published: October 2020

The tumorigenicity of cancer cells is highly influenced by the extracellular matrix (ECM) through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here it is reported that a variety of 3D ECM microenvironments strongly induce expression of Id1 and Id3 in melanoma cells. Genetic ablation of Id1/Id3 impairs melanoma cell outgrowth in 3D Matrigel culture and inhibits melanoma initiation in vivo. Mechanistically, 3D ECM microenvironments hinder diffusion of endogenously produced bone morphogenetic proteins, thereby fostering autocrine signaling and Id1/Id3 expression. A compound screen identifies new coumarin derivatives that potently inhibit both Id1/Id3 expression and melanoma initiation in vivo. Together, the findings reveal a novel mechanism through which the ECM increases tumorigenicity, identify Id1/Id3 as melanoma‐relevant therapeutic targets, and characterize inhibitors of Id1/Id3 expression with therapeutic potential.
Faradaic Electrodes Open a New Era for Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Li Qian , Zheng Yun , Xiao Dengji , Or Tyler , Gao Rui , Li Zhaoqiang , Feng Ming , Shui Lingling , Zhou Guofu , Wang Xin , Chen Zhongwei
Published: October 2020

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an emerging desalination technology for effective removal of ionic species from aqueous solutions. Compared to conventional CDI, which is based on carbon electrodes and struggles with high salinity streams due to a limited salt removal capacity by ion electrosorption and excessive co‐ion expulsion, the emerging Faradaic electrodes provide unique opportunities to upgrade the CDI performance, i.e., achieving much higher salt removal capacities and energy‐efficient desalination for high salinity streams, due to the Faradaic reaction for ion capture. This article presents a comprehensive overview on the current developments of Faradaic electrode materials for CDI. Here, the fundamentals of Faradaic electrode‐based CDI are first introduced in detail, including novel CDI cell architectures, key CDI performance metrics, ion capture mechanisms, and the design principles of Faradaic electrode materials. Three main categories of Faradaic electrode materials are summarized and discussed regarding their crystal structure, physicochemical characteristics, and desalination performance. In particular, the ion capture mechanisms in Faradaic electrode materials are highlighted to obtain a better understanding of the CDI process. Moreover, novel tailored applications, including selective ion removal and contaminant removal, are specifically introduced. Finally, the remaining challenges and research directions are also outlined to provide guidelines for future research.
USP38 Couples Histone Ubiquitination and Methylation via KDM5B to Resolve Inflammation
Authors: Zhao Zhiyao , Su Zexiong , Liang Puping , Liu Di , Yang Shuai , Wu Yaoxing , Ma Ling , Feng Junyan , Zhang Xiya , Wu Chenglei , Huang Junjiu , Cui Jun
Published: October 2020

Chromatin modifications, such as histone acetylation, ubiquitination, and methylation, play fundamental roles in maintaining chromatin architecture and regulating gene transcription. Although their crosstalk in chromatin remodeling has been gradually uncovered, the functional relationship between histone ubiquitination and methylation in regulating immunity and inflammation remains unclear. Here, it is reported that USP38 is a novel histone deubiquitinase that works together with the histone H3K4 modifier KDM5B to orchestrate inflammatory responses. USP38 specifically removes the monoubiquitin on H2B at lysine 120, which functions as a prerequisite for the subsequent recruitment of demethylase KDM5B to the promoters of proinflammatory cytokines Il6 and Il23a during LPS stimulation. KDM5B in turn inhibits the binding of NF‐κB transcription factors to the Il6 and Il23a promoters by reducing H3K4 trimethylation. Furthermore, USP38 can bind to KDM5B and prevent it from proteasomal degradation, which further enhances the function of KDM5B in the regulation of inflammation‐related genes. Loss of Usp38 in mice markedly enhances susceptibility to endotoxin shock and acute colitis, and these mice display a more severe inflammatory phenotype compared to wild‐type mice. The studies identify USP38‐KDM5B as a distinct chromatin modification complex that restrains inflammatory responses through manipulating the crosstalk of histone ubiquitination and methylation.
On Charge Carrier Density in Organic Solar Cells Obtained via Capacitance Spectroscopy
Authors: Vollbrecht Joachim , Brus Viktor V.
Published: October 2020

The determination of the voltage‐dependent density of free charge carriers via capacitance spectroscopy is considered an important step in the analysis of emerging photovoltaic technologies, such as organic and perovskite solar cells. In particular, an intimate knowledge of the density of free charge carriers is required for the determination of crucial parameters such as the effective mobility, charge carrier lifetime, nongeminate recombination coefficients, average extraction times, and competition factors. Hence, it is paramount to verify the validity of the commonly employed approaches to obtain the density of free charge carriers. The advantages, drawbacks, and limitations of the most common approaches are investigated in detail and strategies to mitigate misleading values are explored. To this end, two types of nonfullerene organic solar cells based on a PTB7‐Th:ITIC‐2F blend and a PM6:Y6 blend, respectively, are used as a case study to assess how subsequent analyses of the nongeminate recombination dynamics depend on the chosen approach to calculate the density of free charge carriers via capacitance spectroscopy.
Rigid Exchange Coupling in Rare‐Earth‐Lean Amorphous Hard/Soft Nanocomposites
Authors: Rani Parul , Muscas Giuseppe , Stopfel Henry , Andersson Gabriella , Jönsson Petra Erika
Published: October 2020

Electrification of vehicles and renewable energy is increasing the demand for permanent magnets, but the cost and scarcity of rare‐earth metals is an obstacle. Creating nanocomposites of rigidly exchange‐coupled hard and soft magnets, for which the magnetization reversal occurs as in a single magnetic‐phase material, is a promising route toward rare‐earth‐lean permanent magnets with high energy products. The hard/soft exchange coupling is, however, often reduced due to rough interfaces and structural defects, resulting in exchange‐spring behavior rather than rigid exchange coupling. Here, it is shown that artificially sandwiched hard and soft amorphous magnets produced by magnetron sputtering exhibit smooth interfaces, and the first order reversal curve (FORC) technique is used to show that the hard and the soft phases are rigidly exchange coupled. Micromagnetic simulations, using a random‐anisotropy model, are used to predict the thickness limit of the rigid exchange coupling. A great advantage of amorphous hard/soft composites is the possibility to obtain a wide range of magnetic properties by finely tuning the composition of the individual phases.
Size‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Suppression of Phonon Thermal Conductivity in Carbon Nanotube Thermoelectric Films
Authors: Wesenberg Devin J. , Roos Michael J. , Avery Azure D. , Blackburn Jeffrey L. , Ferguson Andrew J. , Zink Barry L.
Published: October 2020

Heat transport in nanoscale carbon materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene is normally dominated by phonons. Here, measurements of in‐plane thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and thermopower are presented from 77–350 K on two films with thickness <100 nm formed from semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes. These measurements are made with silicon–nitride membrane thermal isolation platforms. The two films, formed from disordered networks of tubes with differing tube and bundle size, have very different thermal conductivity. One film matches a simple model of heat conduction assuming constant phonon velocity and mean free path, and 3D Debye heat capacity with a Debye temperature of 770 K. The second film shows a more complicated temperature dependence, with a dramatic drop in a relatively narrow window near 200 K where phonon contributions to thermal conductivity essentially vanish. This causes a corresponding large increase in thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit at the same temperature. A better understanding of this behavior can allow significant improvement in thermoelectric efficiency of these low‐cost earth‐abundant, organic electronic materials. Heat and charge conductivity near room temperature is also presented as a function of doping, which provides further information on the interaction of dopant molecules and phonon transport in disordered nanotube films.
Self‐Assembled Monolayers as Interface Engineering Nanomaterials in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Seo Yeon , Cho Soo Jin , Byeon Seo Eun , He Xin , Yoon Hyo Jae
Published: October 2020

Self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), owing to their unique and versatile abilities to manipulate chemical and physical interfacial properties, have emerged as powerful nanomaterials for improving the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Indeed, in the last six years, a collection of studies has shown that the application of SAMs to PSCs boosts the performance of devices compared to the pristine PSCs. This review describes recent studies that demonstrate the direct advantages of SAM‐based interfacial engineering to power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. This review includes 1) a brief introduction on SAMs as interfacial engineering nanomaterials; 2) a thorough survey of molecules used in SAM‐engineered PSCs and analysis of chemical structures; 3) an extensive discussion on how SAMs affect the morphology of perovskite film and the electronic function of devices; and 4) a comprehensive summary of various types of approaches for producing SAM‐engineered PSCs. This review provides an insightful perspective to stimulate new ideas and innovation in the development of PSCs for the next‐generation photovoltaics and beyond.
Altering the Positions of Chlorine and Bromine Substitution on the End Group Enables High‐Performance Acceptor and Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Zhenghui , Ma Ruijie , Chen Zhanxiang , Xiao Yiqun , Zhang Guangye , Liu Tao , Sun Rui , Zhan Qun , Zou Yang , Zhong Cheng , Chen Yuzhong , Sun Huiliang , Chai Gaoda , Chen Kai , Guo Xugang , Min Jie , Lu Xinhui , Yang Chuluo , Yan He
Published: October 2020

It is widely recognized that subtle changes in the chemical structure of organic semiconductors can induce dramatic variations in their optoelectronic properties and device performance, especially for the nonfullerene small‐molecule acceptors (SMAs). For instance, halogenation of the end groups in the acceptor–donor–acceptor‐type SMAs is an effective strategy to modulate the properties of the end group and thus the entire SMA. While previous position modulations have focused on only one substituent, this study shows the development of three isomeric SMAs (BTP‐ClBr, BTP‐ClBr1, and BTP‐ClBr2) via manipulating the position of two halogen substituents (chlorine and bromine) on the terminal unit. BTP‐ClBr exhibits a blueshifted absorption, a shallower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level, and a weaker crystallization tendency relative to BTP‐ClBr1 and BTP‐ClBr2. A power conversion efficiency (16.82%) and an excellent fill factor (FF) (0.79) are realized in the optimal PM6:BTP‐ClBr organic solar cell device. The higher FF is consistent with the results of the characterization including a longer charge recombination lifetime, a faster photocurrent decay, a weaker bimolecular recombination, and a more favorable domain size for PM6:BTP‐ClBr, which all originate from a subtle change in the substitution sites that strongly influences the physicochemical properties of the SMA.
Nutrient management strategy in rice–chickpea system for improving chemical and biological properties of lateritic soil
Authors: Kumar K. Ashok , Swain Dillip Kumar
Published: October 2020

Field experiments were conducted during 2013–2015 under a long‐term organic and inorganic fertilization experiment established in 2009 at Kharagpur in India to assess the impact of rate and application timing of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on changes in fertility of lateritic soils. Vermicompost (VC), crop residue (CR), vermiwash (VW), and Azotobacter (AZ) were used as organic sources and chemical fertilizers (CF) as inorganic sources. The nine treatments were Control, CF at 100% N, P, and K (CF 100), VC at 100% N applied onetime as basal (VC‐b100), VC at 100% N applied in two splits (VC 100), VC 50+CF 50, CR, CF 50+CR, VC 50+CR, and VC 50+VW+AZ. After 2 yr of rice (Oryza sativa L.)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) system, significant increase in soil pH (from 5.43 to 5.72) and soil organic carbon (SOC) content (from 3.3 g kg‐1 to 3.8 g kg‐1) was noted with VC100, compared to CF100 (from 5.21 to 5.08 for pH and 3.1 to 2.9 g kg‐1 for SOC). Further, the total soil N content decreased from their initial values in all the nutrient treatments, except VC100, which registered an accumulation of 22 kg ha‐1 over its initial value (874 kg ha‐1). The VC‐based nutrient treatments had significantly higher soil available micro‐nutrients content (Fe, Zn, and Mn) compared to their initial levels. The VC‐based treatments significantly reduced accumulation of heavy metals (available Pb and Ni) content in soil compared to inorganic nutrient treatments. This nutrient management strategy could reduce environmental risk associated with synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Kinetic features of iron‐based electrochemically mediated ATRP revealed by Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Jin Jie , Guo Jun‐Kang , Zhou Yin‐Ning , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: October 2020

A comprehensive kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) model of a reaction–diffusion system has been developed to illustrate the heterogeneous reaction of electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP). The equilibrium coefficient for the initiator obtained from the Genetic Algorithm was lower than that for polymeric species, explaining the low initiation efficiency of the iron‐based eATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) system. A comparative study demonstrated that the composite kt model, explicitly considering the chain length dependency, presented the most adequate description of the polymerization kinetic behaviors to account for diffusional limitations on termination. In addition, a positive effect of the applied potential on the apparent polymerization rate was observed, and an exponential regression equation correlating the reduction rate coefficient and the applied potential was obtained. Attractively, simulation results indicated the viscosity effect on the mass transfer using the model based on free volume theory enhanced the controllability and livingness of the system.
Intestinal bezoar aggravated by hypomotility of ischemic small intestine: A case report
Authors: Chiang Ting‐Hsuan , Yeh Hsing‐Jung , Chang Chun‐Chao , Fang Kuan‐Chieh
Published: October 2020

There is limited literature on the subject of intestinal bezoars in the setting of small bowel ischemia. Furthermore, no evidence‐based pathogenesis has been offered in current case reports. This report describes a unique case of small bowel ischemia with simultaneous bezoar aggravation in the small intestine. An 82‐year‐old woman with a history of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia presented with intermittent severe postprandial abdominal pain over the last 2 days. An upper endoscopy 3 weeks prior revealed a gastric bezoar approximately 1.5 cm in diameter. However, during this visit, the gastric bezoar was not visible upon repeat upper endoscopy. A plain abdominal X‐ray was ordered and revealed patterns consistent with small bowel ileus. Upon further investigation, an abdominal computed tomography revealed mid‐ileum vessel delayed arterial enhancement and dilatation of the proximal ileum. This finding is consistent with intestinal ischemia‐induced congestion and bowel obstruction. Bowel perforation was also suspected. A subsequent laparoscopic surgery revealed a bezoar at the level of bowel ischemia. The bezoar was removed and the ischemic segment was resected. Coexistence of intestinal bezoar and small bowel ischemia is rare. Based on the patient's clinical evidence and published experimental evidence, we hypothesized that intestinal ischemia predisposes a patient to intestinal hypomotility, causing bezoar aggravation or formation in the small intestine. Early treatment of gastric bezoars and consideration of bowel ischemia risk due to atherosclerosis are crucial to minimizing bezoar complications.
Elucidation of Diverse Solid‐State Packing in a Family of Electron‐Deficient Expanded Helicenes via Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED)**
Authors: Samkian Adrian E. , Kiel Gavin R. , Jones Christopher G. , Bergman Harrison M. , Oktawiec Julia , Nelson Hosea M. , Tilley T. Don
Published: October 2020

Solid‐state packing plays a defining role in the properties of a molecular organic material, but it is difficult to elucidate in the absence of single crystals that are suitable for X‐ray diffraction. Herein, we demonstrate the coupling of divergent synthesis with microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) for rapid assessment of solid‐state packing motifs, using a class of chiral nanocarbons—expanded helicenes—as a proof of concept. Two highly selective oxidative dearomatizations of a readily accessible helicene provided a divergent route to four electron‐deficient analogues containing quinone or quinoxaline units. Crystallization efforts consistently yielded microcrystals that were unsuitable for single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, but ideal for MicroED. This technique facilitated the elucidation of solid‐state structures of all five compounds with <1.1 Å resolution. The otherwise‐inaccessible data revealed a range of notable packing behaviors, including four different space groups, homochirality in a crystal for a helicene with an extremely low enantiomerization barrier, and nanometer scale cavities.
Microtube Electrodes for Imaging the Electrochemiluminescence Layer and Deciphering the Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Guo Weiliang , Zhou Ping , Sun Lei , Ding Hao , Su Bin
Published: October 2020

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is a powerful transduction technique in biosensing and diagnostics, while mechanistic studies are still scarce. Herein we report the combined use of microtube electrode (MTE) and microscopy to measure the thickness of ECL layer (TEL) to decipher reaction mechanisms. For the classical system involving tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium and tri‐n‐propylamine, the ECL pattern generated at the MTE tends to change from ring to spot upon increasing the luminophore concentration, with the TEL varying from ca. 3.1 μm to >4.5 μm. This variation is rationalized to arise from the contribution of the so‐called catalytic route. While using 2‐(dibutylamino)ethanol as the co‐reactant, the ECL pattern remains ring‐shaped and independent on the luminophore concentration. The TEL in this case is ca. 2.1 μm, implying that ECL generation is always surface‐confined. MTEs can thus act as optical rulers for measuring the TEL and providing insightful mechanistic information.
Enhanced impact resistance and electromagnetic interference shielding of carbon nanotubes films composites
Authors: Mei Hui , Lu Mingyang , Zhou Shixiang , Cheng Laifei
Published: October 2020

High reliability and high‐performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding polymeric composite was fabricated by introducing carbon nanotube films (CNTf) into an epoxy (EP) matrix as mechanical and EMI shielding reinforcement simultaneously. According to the computed tomography (CT) detection recorded by a high‐speed camera, CNTfexhibited excellent mechanical behavior and good energy absorption. While being introduced into laminated EP composite, the CNTfenhanced both the mechanical performance and EMI shielding performance. The damage mechanism of CNTf/EP was studied by CT detection of the impact process, indicating that the CNTfabsorbed the impact energy by improving the delamination resistance. Additionally, the multilayered CNTfcan trap and attenuate the entered electromagnetic microwaves by repeated adsorption, reflection, and scattering in the composite, resulting in excellent EMI shielding performance. Consequently, the energy absorption and the total shielding effectiveness of the CNTf/EP reached to 4.58 × 10−3J and 52.31 dB, respectively. Therefore, we demonstrated that the CNTfwas an ideal functional reinforcement for mechanically strong and high‐performance EMI shielding polymeric composites and the CNTfreinforced EP composite is promising in practical EMI‐shielding applications.
A virtual laboratory module exploring photosynthesis during COVID‐19
Authors: Sherrer Shanen M.
Published: October 2020

Virtual laboratory activities are flexible approaches to engage undergraduate students in scientific practices during the COVID‐19 pandemic. By utilizing online simulations, students can conduct virtual experiments on important biochemical reactions that occur during photosynthesis. The learning module described here provides students with this experience and was implemented for first‐year students in a virtual summer bridge program. It introduces new biochemistry majors and nonmajors to the discipline, and it is based on an in‐person photosynthesis laboratory module taught for the summer bridge program before the emergence of COVID‐19. This virtual laboratory module can be readily adapted for use during the academic year in introductory biochemistry courses.
Cobalt−NHC Catalyzed C(sp2)−C(sp3) and C(sp2)−C(sp2) Kumada Cross‐Coupling of Aryl Tosylates with Alkyl and Aryl Grignard Reagents
Authors: Piontek Aleksandra , Ochędzan‐Siodłak Wioletta , Bisz Elwira , Szostak Michal
Published: October 2020

The first cobalt‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of aryl tosylates with alkyl and aryl Grignard reagents is reported. The catalytic system uses CoF3 and NHCs (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) as ancillary ligands. The reaction proceeds via highly selective C−O bond functionalization, leading to the corresponding products in up to 98 % yield. The employment of alkyl Grignard reagents allows to achieve a rare C(sp2)−C(sp3) cross‐coupling of C−O electrophiles, circumventing isomerization and β‐hydride elimination problems. The use of aryl Grignards leads to the formation of biaryls. The C−O cross‐coupling sets the stage for a sequential cross‐coupling by exploiting the orthogonal selectivity of the catalytic system.
Comparison of the Generalized Species Transfer Model with a Two‐Field Approach for Interfacial Mass Transfer
Authors: Losher Tobias , Kleiner Thomas , Hill Simon , Sarajlic Nadin , Rehfeldt Sebastian , Klein Harald
Published: October 2020

Two different approaches can be applied to calculate the mass transfer in a two‐phase system using computational fluid dynamics and the volume‐of‐fluid method, single‐field and two‐field approaches. The used method affects the stability of the calculation as well as the accuracy of the result. Two volume‐of‐fluid‐based approaches, namely, the generalized continuous species transfer model, a single‐field approach, and a two‐field approach are compared. The models are implemented in the OpenFOAM® framework and validated in a 1D test case. Although both approaches show great agreement with the analytical solution for large time steps, numerical instabilities of the two‐field model are revealed with a reduced time step size, which leads to false results.
The Usanovich definition of acids and bases – A forgotten pioneer of the donor−acceptor principle
Authors: Reiners Christiane S. , Marniok Karl , Müller Stefan
Published: October 2020

Ein nahezu in Vergessenheit geratenes Säure‐Base‐Konzept ist die Ende der 1930er‐Jahre, etwa zeitgleich mit dem ungleich bekannteren Lewis‐Konzept, publizierte Definition des sowjetischen Chemikers Michail Ussanowitsch. Sein sehr weit gefasstes Konzept zeigte die Parallelen zwischen Protonen‐ und Elektronenübertragungen bei einer Vielzahl chemischer Reaktionen auf, lange bevor der Begriff des Donator‐Akzeptor‐Prinzips eine prominente Rolle in der Chemiedidaktik erlangte. In diesem Artikel wird nicht nur das Ussanowitsch‐Konzept an sich und seine Verbreitung dargestellt, sondern auch eine Möglichkeit, dieses als historisches Fallbeispiel zur Vermittlung der „Natur der Naturwissenschaften“ (NOS) zu verwenden. Dazu werden auch Ergebnisse einer entsprechenden Studie mit Lehramtsstudierenden vorgestellt.
Outcomes of Black men with prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: McKay Rana R. , Sarkar Reith R. , Kumar Abhishek , Einck John P. , Garraway Isla P. , Lynch Julia A. , Mundt Arno J. , Murphy James D. , Stewart Tyler F. , Yamoah Kosj , Rose Brent S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Population‐based studies demonstrate that Black men in the United States have an increased risk of death from prostate cancer. Determinants of racial disparities are multifactorial, including socioeconomic and biologic factors.

Methods

The authors conducted a pooled analysis of patients derived from 152 centers within the Veterans Health Administration. The cohort included men who had nonmetastatic prostate diagnosed between 2001 and 2015 and received definitive radiation therapy. The primary endpoint was prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM). Secondary endpoints included all‐cause mortality (ACM) and the time from a prostate‐specific antigen level ≥4 ng/mL to biopsy and radiation therapy. A Cox regression model was performed to adjust for differences between clinical parameters.

Results

Among the 31,131 patients included in the cohort, 9584 (30.8%) were Black. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of death from prostate cancer was lower in Black men compared with White men (4.0% vs 4.8%; P = .004). In a competing risk model, Black race was associated with a decreased risk of PCSM (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.69‐0.92; P = .002). Similarly, the 10‐year cumulative incidence of death from any cause was lower in Black men (27.6% vs 31.8%; P < .001). In multivariable analysis, Black men had a 10% decreased risk of ACM (hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.85‐0.95; P < .001).

Conclusions

The current results indicate relatively lower PCSM and ACM among Black men who were included in a large Veterans Health Administration cohort and received radiation therapy as primary treatment for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. There is an ongoing need to continue to understand and mitigate the factors associated with disparities in health care outcomes.
Patient and caregiver agreement on prognosis estimates for older adults with advanced cancer
Authors: Loh Kah Poh , Soto Pérez de Celis Enrique , Duberstein Paul R. , Culakova Eva , Epstein Ronald M. , Xu Huiwen , Kadambi Sindhuja , Flannery Marie , Magnuson Allison , McHugh Colin , Trevino Kelly M. , Tuch Gina , Ramsdale Erika , Yousefi‐Nooraie Reza , Sedenquist Margaret , Liu Jane Jijun , Melnyk Nataliya , Geer Jodi , Mohile Supriya G.
Published: October 2020

Background

Disagreements between patients and caregivers about treatment benefits, care decisions, and patients' health are associated with increased patient depression as well as increased caregiver anxiety, distress, depression, and burden. Understanding the factors associated with disagreement may inform interventions to improve the aforementioned outcomes.

Methods

For this analysis, baseline data were obtained from a cluster‐randomized geriatric assessment trial that recruited patients aged ≥70 years who had incurable cancer from community oncology practices (University of Rochester Cancer Center 13070; Supriya G. Mohile, principal investigator). Patient and caregiver dyads were asked to estimate the patient's prognosis. Response options were 0 to 6 months, 7 to 12 months, 1 to 2 years, 2 to 5 years, and >5 years. The dependent variable was categorized as exact agreement (reference), patient‐reported longer estimate, or caregiver‐reported longer estimate. The authors used generalized estimating equations with multinomial distribution to examine the factors associated with patient‐caregiver prognostic estimates. Independent variables were selected using the purposeful selection method.

Results

Among 354 dyads (89% of screened patients were enrolled), 26% and 22% of patients and caregivers, respectively, reported a longer estimate. Compared with dyads that were in agreement, patients were more likely to report a longer estimate when they screened positive for polypharmacy (β = 0.81; P = .001), and caregivers reported greater distress (β = 0.12; P = .03). Compared with dyads that were in agreement, caregivers were more likely to report a longer estimate when patients screened positive for polypharmacy (β = 0.82; P = .005) and had lower perceived self‐efficacy in interacting with physicians (β = −0.10; P = .008).

Conclusions

Several patient and caregiver factors were associated with patient‐caregiver disagreement about prognostic estimates. Future studies should examine the effects of prognostic disagreement on patient and caregiver outcomes.
Roadmap of moving urban colour toward cultural sustainability in China
Authors: Xu Zhengping , Zheng Xin
Published: October 2020

With the gradual refinement of urban space in China, the aesthetic quality of the urban visual environment has been getting more attention. Urban colour, one of the visual aesthetic elements, is a significant carrier of urban characteristics, sociocultural and history in cultural policies. As a type of cultural capital, it provides creative methods to approach problems of economic, environmental, social, and especially cultural sustainability. The interdisciplinary theory of urban planning is innovatively applied to guide, coordinate, and advance the sustainable production of urban colour in China. The objectives of this study are to: (a) explain the way urban colour is produced through the urban planning system in Chinese context; (b) elaborate affecting factors related to urban colour sustainability from the perspective of planning strategies and cultural policies; (c) propose sustainable planning strategies of urban colour production. To answer the above questions, we reviewed over 200 articles, plans, and official documents, and conducted several semi‐structured interviews. The results show that the Chinese municipal government has regarded urban planning strategies and policies as a strategic tool for achieving sustainable urban colour development. Our discoveries would expend the research and application on the aesthetics of cities through the contextual analysis of Chinese urban colour planning system. By exploring the points of planning strategies and cultural policies, it also fills gaps in the literature on the sustainability of urban colour.
Across the Board: Pablo Domínguez de María on the Biocatalytic Synthesis of Esters and Amides in Aqueous Media
Authors: Domínguez de María Pablo
Published: October 2020

In this series of articles, the board members of ChemSusChem discuss recent research articles that they consider of exceptional quality and importance for sustainability. This entry features Dr. P. Domínguez de María, who introduces the biocatalytic synthesis of esters and amides in aqueous media by means of some acyltransferases that seem to proceed against Le Chatelier's principle. Continuous processes with immobilized forms of these enzymes enable the efficient production of aroma esters and important amides (e. g., melatonin) in aqueous solutions and using natural substrates with limited environmental impact.
Influence of size, sex, and reproductive status on the thermal biology of endemic Florida scrub lizards
Authors: Gainsbury Alison M.
Published: October 2020

Climate change is impacting species globally, with many populations declining at an accelerated rate toward extinction. Ectothermic species are particularly vulnerable given their reproductive success is linked to environmental temperatures. Studies of the effect of temperature on reproductive success in oviparous squamates have focused mostly on nest temperatures, after eggs are deposited. However, in some species gravid females are known to thermoregulate differently than other adults to increase reproductive success. It is essential to understand what influences the thermal biology of breeding adults in a population to implement targeted conservation strategies. The Florida scrub lizard Sceloporus woodi is an endemic species listed as near‐threatened due to decreasing populations. This study is the first to document the thermal biology of these breeding adults in relation to size, sex, and reproductive status. A t test was used to determine whether sexual dimorphism was present in the sampled S. woodi. Full linear mixed‐effects models were used to test the influence of size, sex, and reproductive status on the thermal biology of S. woodi. Despite female‐biased sexual size dimorphism, there were no sex‐based differences in body temperature in the studied population. Interestingly, reproductive status influenced thermal biology of females during the breeding season, with gravid females maintaining lower body temperatures compared to nongravid females. However, gravid females did not regulate their body temperatures more precisely compared to nongravid females. These results indicate the population viability of this endemic species is potentially linked to the different thermoregulatory requirements of gravid females as compared to other adults. Lower body temperatures of gravid females, exacerbated by their lack of thermal precision, have disconcerting conservation implications in the face of climate warming. Future studies focusing on gravid females are warranted to attain effective biodiversity conservation strategies mitigating the impacts of climate warming.
Compounding effects of white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetle, and fire threaten four white pine species
Authors: Dudney Joan C. , Nesmith Jonathan C. B. , Cahill Matthew C. , Cribbs Jennifer E. , Duriscoe Dan M. , Das Adrian J. , Stephenson Nathan L. , Battles John J.
Published: October 2020

Invasive pathogens and bark beetles have caused precipitous declines of various tree species around the globe. Here, we characterized long‐term patterns of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae; MPB) attacks and white pine blister rust, an infectious tree disease caused by the pathogen, Cronartium ribicola. We focused on four dominant white pine host species in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI), including sugar pine (Pinus lambertiana), western white pine (P. monticola), whitebark pine (P. albicaulis), and foxtail pine (P. balfouriana). Between 2013 and 2017, we resurveyed 152 long‐term monitoring plots that were first surveyed and established between 1995 and 1999. Overall extent (plots with at least one infected tree) of white pine blister rust (blister rust) increased from 20% to 33%. However, the infection rate across all species decreased from 5.3% to 4.2%. Blister rust dynamics varied greatly by species, as infection rate decreased from 19.1% to 6.4% in sugar pine, but increased in western white pine from 3.0% to 8.7%. For the first time, blister rust was recorded in whitebark pine, but not foxtail pine plots. MPB attacks were highest in sugar pines and decreased in the higher elevation white pine species, whitebark and foxtail pine. Both blister rust and MPB were important factors associated with elevated mortality in sugar pines. We did not, however, find a relationship between previous fires and blister rust occurrence. In addition, multiple mortality agents, including blister rust, fire, and MPB, contributed to major declines in sugar pine and western white pine; recruitment rates were much lower than mortality rates for both species. Our results highlighted that sugar pine has been declining much faster in SEKI than previously documented. If blister rust and MPB trends persist, western white pine may follow similar patterns of decline in the future. Given current spread patterns, blister rust will likely continue to increase in higher elevations, threatening subalpine white pines in the southern Sierra Nevada. More frequent long‐term monitoring efforts could inform ongoing restoration and policy focused on threats to these highly valuable and diverse white pines.