bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecularly Engineered Black Phosphorus Heterostructures with Improved Ambient Stability and Enhanced Charge Carrier Mobility
Authors: Shi Huanhuan , Fu Shuai , Liu Yannan , Neumann Christof , Wang Mingchao , Dong Haiyun , Kot Piotr , Bonn Mischa , Wang Hai I. , Turchanin Andrey , Schmidt Oliver G. , Shaygan Nia Ali , Yang Sheng , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2021

Overcoming the intrinsic instability and preserving unique electronic properties are key challenges for the practical applications of black phosphorus (BP) under ambient conditions. Here, it is demonstrated that molecular heterostructures of BP and hexaazatriphenylene derivatives (BP/HATs) enable improved environmental stability and charge transport properties. The strong interfacial coupling and charge transfer between the HATs and the BP lattice decrease the surface electron density and protect BP sheets from oxidation, resulting in an excellent ambient lifetime of up to 21 d. Importantly, HATs increase the charge scattering time of BP, contributing to an improved carrier mobility of 97 cm2 V‐1 s‐1, almost three times of the pristine BP films, based on noninvasive THz spectroscopic studies. The film mobility is an order of magnitude larger than previously reported values in exfoliated 2D materials. The strategy opens up new avenues for versatile applications of BP sheets and provides an effective method for tuning the physicochemical properties of other air‐sensitive 2D semiconductors.
Engineering Photoresponsive Ligand Tethers for Mechanical Regulation of Stem Cells
Authors: Zhang Junsheng , Wong Siu Hong Dexter , Wu Xin , Lei Hai , Qin Meng , Shi Peng , Wang Wei , Bian Liming , Cao Yi
Published: September 2021

Regulating stem cell functions by precisely controlling the nanoscale presentation of bioactive ligands has a substantial impact on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine but remains a major challenge. Here it is shown that bioactive ligands can become mechanically “invisible” by increasing their tether lengths to the substrate beyond a critical length, providing a way to regulate mechanotransduction without changing the biochemical conditions. Building on this finding, light switchable tethers are rationally designed, whose lengths can be modulated reversibly by switching a light‐responsive protein, pdDronpa, in between monomer and dimer states. This allows the regulation of the adhesion, spreading, and differentiation of stem cells by light on substrates of well‐defined biochemical and physical properties. Spatiotemporal regulation of differential cell fates on the same substrate is further demonstrated, which may represent an important step toward constructing complex organoids or mini tissues by spatially defining the mechanical cues of the cellular microenvironment with light.
High‐Quality Coating of Conformal and Oriented Metal–Organic Framework Cocatalyst Layer for Efficient Photoelectrocatalysis
Authors: Xie Jiale , Yang Pingping , Tang Chun , Chen Tao , Zhong Canyu , Wang Liuliu , Huang Yuelong
Published: September 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as cocatalyst for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is promising but still in its infancy due to the challenge to fabricate high‐quality MOFs coated photoelectrodes. Herein, a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is used to fabricate high‐quality conformal and ultrathin MOFs overlayer with preferred orientation on nanoporous BiVO4 films. 20 molecular monolayers of Co‐MOF coated BiVO4 photoanodes exhibit 3.1‐folds of photocurrent density in comparison with pristine BiVO4. The onset potential shows a negative shift of 320 mV. To further demonstrate the extensibility of SILAR method, the alternative Co‐MOF and Ni‐MOF coated BiVO4 photoanodes deliver an enhanced photocurrent density of 2.97 mA cm−2. The PEC performance achieved rivals the reported results of BiVO4 and MOF hybrid photoanodes. The PEC improvements should be attributed to the high‐quality conformal and ultrathin MOFs overlayer, which can efficiently passivate the surface states of BiVO4, and accelerate the hole transfer through Co‐MOF layer. Three critical roles of Co‐MOF overlayer are elaborately revealed. In contrast, hydrothermally prepared BiVO4/Co‐MOF photoanodes possess inferior PEC performance, such as the photocurrent, and stability. This work clearly demonstrates SILAR method is a simple and efficient approach to realize conformal and ultrathin MOF coating with high‐quality.
Facile, Low‐Cost and Flexible Ammonia Sensor Arrays Based on Metallic Ion Charge Carriers and Polymer Matrices
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Li Li , Lu Yang , Zhang Shiqi , Zhang Junyao , Shi Qianqian , Huang Jia
Published: September 2021

With the development of industrial and medical technology, chemical sensors based on electron charge carriers are difficult to meet the upping requirements on excellent sensitivity, good selectivity, and portability. Herein, a new type of sensing material is developed via facile preparation method. Metal ions, instead of electrons, are used as charge carriers and distributed in the polymer matrix. As a representative, the ionic conductive gas sensor based on polyacrylic acid and copper ions (PAA‐Cu(II)) is fabricated. The PAA‐Cu(II) sensor exhibits excellent linear response to ammonia (NH3), together with high sensitivity (50.3% for 50 ppm NH3), good selectivity, and fast response/recovery time (10/10.5 s). The sensor also displays high transparency, long‐term air stability, and excellent flexibility. In addition, sensor arrays based on various metal ions (Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Ag+, Fe3+, Mg2+) and polymers (polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethyleneimine) are also developed, and the sensing properties are investigated. The results suggest that metal ions‐based capacitive flexible sensors have great potential for low‐cost chemical sensors and provide a promising strategy for developing new sensing materials.
Multi‐Photon 4D Printing of Complex Liquid Crystalline Microstructures by In Situ Alignment Using Electric Fields
Authors: Münchinger Alexander , Hahn Vincent , Beutel Dominik , Woska Simon , Monti Joël , Rockstuhl Carsten , Blasco Eva , Wegener Martin
Published: September 2021

An approach is presented to align the direction of liquid crystal networks or elastomers in situ during multi‐photon laser printing for each voxel in three dimensions by applying a quasi‐static electric field with variable orientation. This approach enables the making of 3D micro‐heterostructures operating under ambient conditions that show large‐amplitude elastic actuation, with temperature serving as the stimulus (“4D microstructures”). The approach involves two novelties. First, a dedicated sample cell with a variable height suitable for laser printing is introduced. It is based on optically transparent electrodes and allows to apply arbitrary electric field vectors in three dimensions, for example, parallel or normal to the substrate plane. Second, a variable optical phase plate combined with a pivotable half‐wave plate warrants a single well‐defined laser focus for nearly all possible quasi‐static electric field vectors. Without the latter, one generally obtains two spatially separated laser foci, an ordinary and an extraordinary one, due to the optical birefringence of the medium induced by the alignment of the liquid crystal director via the applied quasi‐static electric field. The versatility of the approach is illustrated by manufacturing and characterizing several exemplary architectures.
Bidispersed Colloidal Assemblies Containing Xanthommatin Produce Angle‐Independent Photonic Structures
Authors: Lin Zhuangsheng , Gong Zhe , Bower Duncan Q. , Lee Daeyeon , Deravi Leila F.
Published: September 2021

The biological chromophore xanthommatin (Xa) contributes to the yellow, red, and brown colors and hues in cephalopods and arthropods. In many cases, Xa is also present as part of or coupled to supramolecular nanostructures, whose function has yet to be fully explored. To investigate how such structural elements impact the perceived color of these natural chromophores, amorphous photonic assemblies containing Xa chemically coupled to 100 nm polystyrene nanoparticles (PS100‐XA) are fabricated, and blended with pure polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of varying sizes. Structural colors are observed comprising these bidispersed colloidal assemblies that are tuned by the particle size of PS nanoparticles, the concentration of PS100‐XA, the local environment, and the method of assembly. In all cases, the addition of PS100‐XA regulates the color hue and contrast of the resultant assemblies by increasing light absorption while minimizing incoherent light scattering. Taken together, the results demonstrate how biochromes like Xa can enhance the color intensity and the diversity in colors present in common photonic assemblies.
Phase Enabled Circular Dichroism Reversal in Twisted Bi‐Chiral Propeller Metamolecule Arrays
Authors: Li Xia , Ji Chang‐Yin , Chen Shanshan , Han Yu , Liu Juan , Li Jiafang
Published: September 2021

Artificial chiral structures play a crucial role in the realization of strong chiroptical responses and flexible light manipulation. Here, a unique bi‐chiral propeller metamolecule array is demonstrated in which the geometric chirality of the subunit with intracellular blades is opposite to that of the subunit with intercellular blades. Benefited from the special propeller twists, it is demonstrated that the propeller metamolecule arrays support the phase controlled chiral surface lattice resonances, whose amplitude can be tailored by tuning the coupling of chiral centers to change the interference phase. Specifically, the circular dichroism of the metamolecule array is readily reversed by rotating the propeller blades without changing the local geometry and the lattice parameters. The proposed bi‐chiral propeller metamolecule array and the exotic circular dichroism reversal are further demonstrated in experiments by adopting a nano‐kirigami fabrication method. This work provides a novel paradigm to investigate the profound chiroptical responses and manipulate the advanced spin states of light.
Tailoring the Reactivity of the Langlois Reagent and Styrenes with Cyanoarenes Organophotocatalysts under Visible‐Light
Authors: Louvel Dan , Souibgui Amel , Taponard Alexis , Rouillon Jean , ben Mosbah Mongi , Moussaoui Younes , Pilet Guillaume , Khrouz Lhoussain , Monnereau Cyrille , Vantourout Julien C. , Tlili Anis
Published: September 2021

The selective one‐step access to fluoroalkylated hexestrol derivatives, nonsteroidal estrogens, is achieved in good to excellent isolated yields under organophotoredox conditions by using the stable and easy to handle Langlois reagent. Furthermore, the challenging selective hydrotrifluoromethylation of styrenes proceeds under mild reaction conditions without the requirement for any additive. We assume that the solvent drives the reaction pathway towards either the reduction or the dimerization of the radical intermediate generated after initial addition of the fluoroalkyl radical to the styrene. The versatility of the developed system is also extended to encompass radical‐radical cross‐coupling as exemplified here using cyanopyridine. Mechanistic investigations including luminescence and EPR spectroscopy allow to shed light on the different mechanisms.

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Phosphine‐Mediated Rauhut‐Currier‐Type/Acyl Transfer/Wittig Strategy for Synthesis of Spirocyclopenta[c]chromene‐Indolinones
Authors: Sambhaji Vagh Sandip , Hou Bo‐Jhih , Edukondalu Athukuri , Wang Pin‐Ching , Chen Yi‐Ru , Lin Wenwei
Published: September 2021

A phosphine‐mediated reaction for the construction of spirocyclopenta[c]chromene‐indolinones is reported via a Rauhut‐Currier (RC)‐type/acyl transfer/Wittig sequence. This methodology attributes the chemoselective phosphine addition to the alkynoate which generates the phosphorus zwitterion via RC‐type reaction, and that further undergoes O‐acylation to form the seven‐membered betaine intermediate with acyl chloride in the presence of base. Extensive investigations reveal that the exceptional δ‐acylation occurs through the C−O bond cleavage upon the seven‐membered betaine, and the subsequent Wittig reaction preferentially result in the aforementioned spiro compounds. Furthermore, our protocol could also be applicable to different alkynoates to provide a series of spirocyclopenta[c]chromenones bearing privileged skeletons.

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Study on Significance of Receptor Targeting in Killing of Intracellular Bacteria with Membrane‐Impermeable Antibiotics
Authors: Catania Rosa , Mastrotto Francesca , Moore Chris J. , Bosquillon Cynthia , Falcone Franco H. , Huett Alan , Mantovani Giuseppe , Stolnik Snow
Published: September 2021

Water‐soluble antibiotics are largely excluded from therapy of intracellular infections, such as Shigella spp., Listeria spp., or Salmonella spp., due to their inability to permeate mammalian cell membrane. Here, the authors study if targeting offers an advantage to deliver killing doses of membrane‐impermeable antibiotics intracellularly to infected cells. Mannose‐decorated liposomes, loaded with gentamicin, are fabricated to target mannose receptor, a recognition system of (infected) macrophages. Designing a family of liposomes with varying surface presentation of mannose ligand, the authors show a clear dependence of cellular internalization on the ligand surface presentation. Significantly for the killing of intracellular bacteria, the study demonstrates internalization of mannosylated liposomes by the entire population of macrophages, both Salmonella‐infected and non‐infected, resulting in an efficient treatment of intracellular infection. This contrasts with non‐targeted liposomes, where internalization does not occur by a substantial subpopulation of infected cells. The study points to the significance of targeted delivery of antibiotics for treatment of intracellular infections.
Inorganic Nanomaterials with Intrinsic Singlet Oxygen Generation for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Younis Muhammad Rizwan , He Gang , Qu Junle , Lin Jing , Huang Peng , Xia Xing‐Hua
Published: September 2021

Inorganic nanomaterials with intrinsic singlet oxygen (1O2) generation capacity, are emerged yet dynamically developing materials as nano‐photosensitizers (NPSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Compared to previously reported nanomaterials that have been used as either carriers to load organic PSs or energy donors to excite the attached organic PSs through a Foster resonance energy transfer process, these NPSs possess intrinsic 1O2 generation capacity with extremely high 1O2 quantum yield (e.g., 1.56, 1.3, 1.26, and 1.09) than any classical organic PS reported to date, and thus are facilitating to make a revolution in PDT. In this review, the recent advances in the development of various inorganic nanomaterials as NPSs, including metal‐based (gold, silver, and tungsten), metal oxide‐based (titanium dioxide, tungsten oxide, and bismuth oxyhalide), metal sulfide‐based (copper and molybdenum sulfide), carbon‐based (graphene, fullerene, and graphitic carbon nitride), phosphorus‐based, and others (hybrids and MXenes‐based NPSs) are summarized, with an emphasis on the design principle and 1O2 generation mechanism, and the photodynamic therapeutic performance against different types of cancers. Finally, the current challenges and an outlook of future research are also discussed. This review may provide a comprehensive account capable of explaining recent progress as well as future research of this emerging paradigm.
Repairable Polymer Solid Electrolyte Gated MoS2 Field Effect Devices with Large Radiation Tolerance
Authors: Chen Di , Li Jiankun , Wei Zheng , Wei Xinjian , Zhu Maguang , Liu Jing , Zhang Guangyu , Zhang Zhiyong , Chen Jian‐Hao
Published: September 2021

As human activities expand into naturally or man‐made radiation‐prone environment, the need for radiation‐hardened (Rad‐Hard) electronic hardware surges. The state‐of‐the‐art silicon‐based and 2D materials‐based Rad‐Hard transistors can withstand up to 1 Mrad (Si) of total ionization dose (TID), while higher TID tolerance is being heatedly sought after. Here, few‐layer MoS2 Rad‐Hard field‐effect transistors (FETs) with polymer solid electrolyte (PSE) gate dielectrics are presented. The MoS2 PSE‐FETs exhibit a TID tolerance of up to 3.75 Mrad (Si) at a dose rate of 523 rad (Si) s−1 and can be repaired with a moderate thermal annealing at 100 °C for 5 min. Combining the excellent intrinsic radiation tolerance and the reparability, the MoS2 PSE‐FETs reach a TID tolerance of up to 10 Mrad (Si). Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor‐like MoS2 PSE‐inverters are built and show high radiation tolerance as well. Furthermore, the feasibility of wafer‐scale Rad‐Hard PSE‐inverter array is demonstrated using chemical vapor deposition grown monolayer MoS2. These studies uncover the potential of 2D materials‐based PSE devices in future Rad‐Hard integrated circuits.
Foliar fertilizers rarely increase yield in United States soybean
Authors: Matcham Emma G. , Vann R. Atwell , Lindsey Laura E. , Gaska John M. , Lilley Dylan T. , Ross W. Jeremy , Wright David L. , Knott Carrie , Lee Chad D. , Moseley David , Singh Maninder , Naeve Seth , Irby J. Trenton , Wiebold William , Kandel Hans , Lofton Josh , Inman Matthew , Kleinjan Jonathon , Holshouser David L. , Conley Shawn P.
Published: September 2021

Farmers have been interested in using foliar‐applied nutrient products to increase soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield since at least the 1970s, despite limited evidence that these products offer consistent yield increases when used prophylactically. Recently, interest in foliar fertilizer products for soybean production has been renewed, likely related to elevated soybean prices. Over the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons (46 site‐years), agronomists in 16 states collaborated to test six foliar nutrient treatments (commercial mixtures of macro‐ and micro‐nutrients) on soybean grain yield and composition. Soybean grain yield and composition differed among sites but not among foliar fertilizer treatments. Results show that prophylactic foliar fertilization is likely to decrease the profitability of soybean production. Foliar fertilizer products tested in this study and similar products should not be recommended to U.S. soybean farmers in the absence of visual symptoms of nutrient deficiency.
Herbage accumulation and nutritive value of mixtures of desho grass and Vicia spp. in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Mergia , Tolera Adugna , Nurfeta Ajebu , Geleti Diriba
Published: September 2021

Grass and legume mixtures work well, but there are no data on the mixed planting of desho grass (Pennisetum glaucifolium) and Vicia species. A study was conducted to investigate whether forage dry matter yield (DMY) and quality can be improved by growing Vicia species in mixtures with desho grass. The experimental layout followed a randomized complete block design with four replications, where the treatments consisted of pure stands of three Vicia species Vicia dasycarpa, V. villosa, and V. sativa, desho grass and mixture of desho grass and each of the Vicia species. The results showed a positive effect of intercropping leading to greater herbage accumulation than expected from grass species sown in sole cropping. Growing Vicia species with desho grass resulted in higher yields and higher land equivalent ratio (LER), as well as increased crude protein (CP) content and digestibility compared to pure stand desho grass. Intercropping smooth vetch, hairy vetch, and common vetch gave 63, 67, and 48% more forage DMY than the pure stand desho grass, respectively. When desho grass was intercropped with Vicia species LER was greater by 9, 55, and 58% for common vetch, smooth vetch, and hairy vetch, respectively, over pure stand desho grass. Therefore, it can be concluded that growing a mixture of Vicia species with desho grass is a suitable practice to improve forage DM production and quality, and farmers can use land more efficiently by growing Vicia species with desho grass.
Top management challenges and concerns for agronomic crop production in California: Identifying critical issues for extension through needs assessment
Authors: Kanter Jessica , Clark Nicholas , Lundy Mark Edward , Koundinya Vikram , Leinfelder‐Miles Michelle , Long Rachael , Light Sarah E. , Brim‐DeForest Whitney B. , Linquist Bruce , Putnam Dan , Hutmacher Robert B. , Pittelkow Cameron M.
Published: September 2021

Agronomic cropping systems in many regions face growing economic and management challenges as well as new regulations designed to address negative environmental and social externalities. At the same time, public support for agricultural education and extension is decreasing. Hence, new approaches are necessary to understand the most pressing on‐farm issues and help prioritize critical needs. With a diversity of agronomic crops and new regulations for water and nitrogen, California is an important case study for other regions. The objective of this study was to identify major grower and industry concerns, management challenges, and motivations in making management decisions. In 2020, 483 growers, consultants, and allied industry of agronomic crop production responded to an online survey. The crops most widely grown by respondents included rice (Oryza sativa L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and corn (Zea mays L.). Four out of the five top concerns were related to water. Weed control and irrigation/water management were primary management challenges, though differences occurred by crop and region. The highest priorities considered in grower management decision‐making were water, profitability, and land stewardship. Crop rotation benefits were a primary reason for growing agronomic crops, with profitability and tradition ranking closely behind. This study highlights opportunities to guide research and extension efforts based on critical needs identified by growers and industry, while also informing larger policy and institutional decisions regarding new programs and funding to address key issues in agronomic crop production.
Optical nature of non‐substituted triphenylmethyl cation: Crystalline state emission, thermochromism, and phosphorescence
Authors: Nishiuchi Tomohiko , Sotome Hikaru , Fukuuchi Risa , Kamada Kenji , Miyasaka Hiroshi , Kubo Takashi
Published: September 2021

Since the discovery of the triphenylmethyl (trityl) cation 120 years ago, a variety of aromatic cations having various colors and luminescence properties have been rigorously studied. Many, differently substituted trityl cations have been synthesized, and their optical properties have been elucidated. However, the optical properties of the parent, non‐substituted and highly reactive trityl cation, which was observed to be very weakly luminescent, have not been subjected to detailed investigation. In the effort described herein, we explored the optical nature of non‐substituted trityl hexafluorophosphate (PF6) in the crystalline state. Trityl PF6 was found to exist as two crystal polymorphs including a yellow (Y) and an orange (O) form. Moreover, we observed that these crystalline forms display crystalline‐state emission with different colors. The results of X‐ray crystallographic analysis showed that the two polymorphs have totally different molecular packing arrangements. Furthermore, an investigation of their optical properties revealed that the O‐crystal undergoes a distinct color change to yellow upon cooling as a consequence of a change in the nature of the charge transfer interaction between the cation and PF6 anion, and that both the Y‐ and O‐crystal exhibit phosphorescence.
Effects of structural parameters on water film properties of transpiring wall reactor
Authors: Xu Donghai , Feng Peng , Wang Yang , Yang Wanpeng , Wang Yu , Sun Shaoyan
Published: September 2021

Corrosion and salt deposition problems severely restrict the industrialization of supercritical water oxidation. Transpiring wall reactor can effectively weaken these two problems by a protective water film. In this work, methanol was selected as organic matter, and the influences of vital structural parameters on water film properties and organic matter removal were studied via numerical simulation. The results indicate that higher than 99% of methanol conversion could be obtained and hardly affected by transpiration water layer, transpiring wall porosity and inner diameter. Increasing layer and porosity reduced reactor center temperature, but inner diameter's influence was lower relatively. Water film temperature reduced but coverage rate raised as layer, porosity, and inner diameter increased. Notably, the whole reactor was in supercritical state and coverage rate was only approximately 85% in the case of one layer. Increasing reactor length affected slightly the volume of the upper supercritical zone but enlarged the subcritical zone.
Rare and widespread: integrating Bayesian MCMC approaches, Sanger sequencing and Hyb‐Seq phylogenomics to reconstruct the origin of the enigmatic Rand Flora genus Camptoloma
Authors: Culshaw Victoria , Villaverde Tamara , Mairal Mario , Olsson Sanna , Sanmartín Isabel
Published: September 2021

Premise

Genera that are widespread, with geographically discontinuous distributions and represented by few species, are intriguing. Is their achieved disjunct distribution recent or ancient in origin? Why are they species‐poor? The Rand Flora is a continental‐scale pattern in which closely related species appear codistributed in isolated regions over the continental margins of Africa. Genus Camptoloma (Scrophulariaceae) is the most notable example, comprising three species isolated from each other on the northwest, eastern, and southwest Africa.

Methods

We employed Sanger sequencing of nuclear and plastid markers, together with genomic target sequencing of 2190 low‐copy nuclear genes, to infer interspecies relationships and the position of Camptoloma within Scrophulariaceae by using supermatrix and multispecies‐coalescent approaches. Lineage divergence times and ancestral ranges were inferred with Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approaches. The population history was estimated with phylogeographic coalescent methods.

Results

Camptoloma rotundifolium, restricted to Southern Africa, was shown to be a sister species to the disjunct clade formed by C. canariense, endemic to the Canary Islands, and C. lyperiiflorum, distributed in the Horn of Africa–Southern Arabia. Camptoloma was inferred to be sister to the mostly South African tribes Teedieae and Buddlejeae. Stem divergence was dated in the Late Miocene, while the origin of the extant disjunction was inferred as Early Pliocene.

Conclusions

The current disjunct distribution of Camptoloma across Africa was likely the result of fragmentation and extinction and/or population bottlenecking events associated with historical aridification cycles during the Neogene; the pattern of species divergence, from south to north, is consistent with the “climatic refugia” Rand Flora hypothesis.
CTNNB1‐related neurodevelopmental disorder in a Chinese population: A case series
Authors: Ho Stephanie , Tsang Mandy Ho‐Yin , Fung Jasmine Lee‐Fong , Huang Haibo , Chow Chun‐Bong , Cheng Shirley Sze‐Wing , Luk Ho‐Ming , Chung Brian Hon‐Yin , Lo Ivan Fai‐Man
Published: September 2021

CTNNB1‐related disorder is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a variable degree of cognitive impairment, microcephaly, truncal hypotonia, peripheral spasticity, visual defects, and dysmorphic features. In this case series, we report the clinical and molecular findings of nine Chinese patients affected by CTNNB1‐related disorders. The facial features of these affected individuals appear to resemble what had been previously described, with thin upper lip (77.8%) and hypoplastic alae nasi (77.8%) being the most common. Frequently reported clinical characteristics in our cohort include developmental delay (100%), peripheral spasticity (88.9%), truncal hypotonia (66.7%), microcephaly (66.7%), and dystonia (44.4%). While various eye manifestations were reported, two affected individuals (22.2%) in our cohort had familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. One of the affected individuals had craniosynostosis, a feature not reported in the literature before. To our knowledge, this is the first reported Chinese case series of CTNNB1‐related neurodevelopmental disorders. Further studies are required to look into whether ethnic differences play a role in phenotypic variations.
Parental perceptions of genetic testing for children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Lucas Heather M. , Lewis Andrea M. , Lupo Philip J. , Schaaf Christian P.
Published: September 2021

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) routinely undergo genetic testing (GT) to identify the causative genetic etiology of their ASD. As there are questions about the impact of GT beyond clinical diagnosis, we conducted a mixed methods study to assess the perceived benefits of GT by exploring factors that lead parents to pursue these tests and the benefits experienced. Respondents were part of a pretest or posttest group. The pretest group (N = 22) expressed intent to pursue GT and the posttest group (N = 32) had undergone GT and received results at least 3 months prior to completing the survey. Responses were compared between and within groups. Free text responses were coded for themes and selection questions were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests. Our results demonstrate significant differences between the groups with participants in the pretest group more likely to choose “increased access to therapies” (p = 0.026) and “improved healthcare” (p < 0.000) as reasons to pursue testing. Benefits were also significantly different with “improved healthcare” (p = 0.009), “improved access to services” (p = 0.012), and “improved access to therapies” (p = 0.003) more frequently anticipated by the pretest group than reported by the posttest group. A relationship between GT and clinical management changes was reported by 34.4–50.0% of the posttest group. Among that group, genetic result type (positive, negative, or variant of uncertain significance) was associated with differing perceived benefits of testing. Thematic analysis revealed increased knowledge and coping as reported benefits in both groups. Our findings indicate a discrepancy between parental expectations and experiences of GT. Comprehensive pretest and posttest genetic counseling are necessary to improve information retention, address potential outcomes, and set expectations of GT for parents of children with ASD.
Probing Axion‐Like‐Particles at the CERN Gamma Factory
Authors: Balkin Reuven , Krasny Mieczyslaw W. , Ma Teng , Safdi Benjamin R. , Soreq Yotam
Published: September 2021

The aim of the proposed CERN Gamma Factory is to produce ≈1017 photons per second with energies up to 400 MeV. The photon beam intensity is expected to be a factor of larger than that of the presently available photon beams in the MeV energy range. In this work, its potential to probe physics beyond the Standard Model is explored. In particular, searches for axion like particles (ALPs) with dominant couplings to photons are discussed and various production scenarios—fixed target, photon–photon collision, and conversion by a magnetic field—and detection schemes considered—via decay to photons or back‐conversion. It is found that the Gamma Factory in a fixed target mode can probe ALPs with mass and decay constants larger than 107 GeV, improving by an order of magnitude the discovery potential of previous beam dump experiments.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Radical Hydroamination of Alkenes with N‐Fluorobenzenesulfonimides
Authors: Qin Tao , Lv Guowei , Meng Qi , Zhang Ge , Xiong Tao , Zhang Qian
Published: September 2021

An efficient and general radical hydroamination of alkenes using Co(salen) as catalyst, N‐fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) and its analogues as both nitrogen source and oxidant was successfully disclosed. A variety of alkenes, including aliphatic alkenes, styrenes, α, β‐unsaturated esters, amides, acids, as well as enones, were all compatible to provide desired amination products. Mechanistic experiments suggest that the reaction underwent a metal‐hydride‐mediated hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) with alkene, followed by a pivotal catalyst controlled SN2‐like pathway between in situ generated organocobalt(IV) species and nitrogen‐based nucleophiles. Moreover, by virtue of modified chiral cobalt(II)‐salen catalyst, an unprecedented asymmetric version was also achieved with good to excellent level of enantiocontrol. This novel asymmetric radical C−N bond construction opens a new door for the challenging asymmetric radical hydrofunctionalization.
1,6‐Anthrazoline‐Linked π‐Conjugated Macrocycles and Two‐Dimensional Polymer via Friedländer Synthesis
Authors: Zhu Jun , Wu Shaofei , Hou Xudong , Wu Jishan
Published: September 2021

Synthesis of π‐conjugated crystalline two‐dimensional (2D) polymers remains largely unexplored due to limited synthetic methodology. Herein, we report the preparation of a 1,6‐anthrazoline (AZ)‐linked crystalline 2D polymer AZP via acid mediated Friedländer synthesis. The feasibility was examined first by two model reactions, followed by synthesis of three AZ‐based macrocycles MCn (n=5–7), in which hexagonal MC6 was isolated as the major product. The favorable macrocycle formation could be largely attributed to the dynamic feature of Friedländer synthesis, which involves both imine condensation and aldol condensation. The structure and crystallinity of AZP were confirmed by experiments and simulation. The skeletons of the macrocycles and polymer consist of all‐sp2 hybridized C/N atoms and are thus π‐conjugated and electro‐active. Our studies provide a rational way to access kinetically stable 2D crystalline polymers by combination of different dynamic covalent chemistries.
Light‐Induced On/Off Switching of the Surfactant Character of the o‐Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) Anion with No Covalent Bond Alteration
Authors: Abdelgawwad Abdelazim M. A. , Xavier Jewel Ann Maria , Roca‐Sanjuán Daniel , Viñas Clara , Teixidor Francesc , Francés‐Monerris Antonio
Published: September 2021

Cobaltabis(dicarbollide) anion ([o‐COSAN]−) is a well‐known metallacarborane with multiple applications in a variety of fields. In aqueous solution, the cisoid rotamer is the most stable disposition in the ground state. The present work provides theoretical evidence on the possibility to photoinduce the rotation from the cisoid to the transoid rotamer, a conversion that can be reverted when the ground state is repopulated. The non‐radiative decay mechanisms proposed in this work are coherent with the lack of fluorescence observed in 3D fluorescence mapping experiments performed on [o‐COSAN]− and its derivatives. This phenomenon induced by light has the potential to destruct the vesicles and micelles cisoid [o‐COSAN]− typically forms in aqueous solution, which could lead to promising applications, particularly in the field of nanomedicine.
A novel 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide‐based reactive flame retardant for epoxy resin: Synthesis, properties, and comparison
Authors: Xu Qibin , Zhang Shengchang , Su Zexi , Li Dazhe , Liang Shuheng , Li Bo , Lian Tingting , Qin Xiangpu , Jiang Mengjin , Liu Pengqing
Published: September 2021

9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and DOPO derivatives had always been regarded as main candidates for improving the flame retardancy of epoxy resin (EP). In this paper, a novel reactive flame retardant DOPOMAH was synthesized from the reaction between DOPO and cis‐butenedioic anhydride (MAH), thereafter acted as a co‐curing agent for EP to remarkably improve the flame retardancy of matrix. The effects of DOPOMAH and DOPO on comprehensive performance of EP were systematically investigated and compared through dynamic mechanical analysis, mechanical performance testing, limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning (UL‐94), and cone calorimetry test. These results indicated that the excellent dispersion of DOPOMAH in EP makes the EP modified by DOPOMAH has good mechanical properties. When the content of phosphorus is 2.0 wt%, compared with the EP modified by DOPO (ED), the LOI of the EP modified by DOPOMAH (EDM) increased from 30.6% to 32.8%, and the UL‐94 was also improved from no rating to V‐0. Meanwhile, the peak heat release rate of EDM was only 51% of that of pure EP, which was slightly less than that of ED. Finally, a flame‐retardant mechanism comparison between DOPOMAH and DOPO was discussed in detail to reveal the reasons why the flame reatardant effect of DOPOMAH was better than that of DOPO.
Design, synthesis, and water resistance properties of bis(4‐maleimidephenyl) adamantane and hybrid resins
Authors: Niu Yongan , Ma Yahui , Song Bolun , Yang Li , Wang Li , Zheng Shuojin , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2021

A novel bismaleimide (BMI) resin, bis(4‐maleimidephenyl) adamantane (BMA), was successfully designed and synthesized by a facile, green, and economic route. Chemical structures were characterized and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectra. Curing kinetics was investigated by the non‐isothermal curing method, and the apparent activation energy (Ea) and reaction order were further calculated by Kissinger and Ozawa equations. Compared with typical BMI resin, the heat resistance of BMA resin is significantly improved. According to thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, the decomposition temperature of 10% weight loss (T10) is about 504.3°C in N2 and 486.4°C in air atmosphere. Furthermore, BMA resin displays very excellent solubility in some organic solvents. After diamine chain expansion, BMA resin would possess the wider processing window, higher thermal stability, dielectric and water resistance properties, which could be widely applied as an matrix of advanced composites.
Electrospun composite membrane based on polyarylene sulfide sulfone/Ag/ZnO nanofibers for antibacterial effective PM2.5 filtration
Authors: Su Qing , Wei Zhimei , Wang Xiaojun , Long Shengru , Zeng Wei , Wang Shaoyu , Yang Jie
Published: September 2021

With the increase of PM2.5 and bacteria contamination in the atmosphere, an antibacterial PM2.5 filter is the need of the hour. In this study, a polyarylene sulfide sulfone/Ag/ZnO (PASS/Ag/ZnO) membrane (membrane) was fabricated via the electrospinning technology for simultaneous removal of PM2.5 and bacteria. The membrane exhibits outstanding hydrophobicity (156°), mechanical property (2.67 MPa), and thermal performance (415°C). The filtration efficiency of PASS/Ag/ZnO membrane for PM2.5 is 99.41% and 99.89% under the airflow rate of 0.5 and 2 m/s, respectively, while the filtration pressure drop is only 42 and 79 Pa. More importantly, PASS/Ag/ZnO membrane shows excellent synergistic antibacterial abilities against both Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, the antibacterial rate was up to 96.70% for E. coli and 95.41% for S. aureus, respectively. This composite membrane not only has broad application prospects but also opens new avenues for removing air pollutants including PM2.5 and bacteria from the air in a more cost‐effective method.
Performance improvement of thin film nanocomposite membranes by covalently bonding with Janus porous hollow nanoparticles for nanofiltration applications
Authors: Zhao Hongyong , Li Xiaofeng , Ding Xiaoli , Zhang Liang , Zhang Yuzhong
Published: September 2021

Incorporation of nanofillers into membranes is one of effective ways to improve the performance of membranes. Various nanofillers are induced into the polymeric matrices, including nonporous nanofillers, porous nanofillers, and hollow nanofillers. In this study, thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes covalently incorporated with Janus porous hollow nanoparticles with opposite surface charges are prepared by interfacial polymerization. The effects of the Janus porous hollow nanoparticles on performances of the composite membrane including surface hydrophilicity, surface charge, surface roughness, water permeability, salt rejection, and antifouling resistance are investigated. The incorporation of Janus porous hollow nanoparticles improves the overall performance of the membranes. The hydrophilicity and surface charge increase as the loading of nanoparticles increases, and the roughness increases firstly and then decreases. The flux of the TFN membranes (96.8 L·h−1·m−2at 0.5 MPa) has more than doubled compared with unmodified composite membranes, mainly due to the additional channel provided by hollow structure of nanoparticles with porous shells, accompanied with high level rejections (>97%) against Na2SO4and MgSO4. The NaCl rejection increases from 49.7% to 55.9% due to the synchronous rejection ability of cations and anions given by the dually charged composite nanoparticles. The chemically modified TFN membranes show improved stabilities in the pure water and the humic acid solution with decrements in flux about 2% and 6% respectively, due to the improved surface properties.
Preparation and properties of physically cross‐linked PVA/pectin hydrogels blended at different ratios for wound dressings
Authors: Oh Gun‐Woo , Choi Il‐Whan , Park Won Sun , Oh Chul Hong , Heo Soo‐Jin , Kang Do‐Hyung , Jung Won‐Kyo
Published: September 2021

In the present study, we fabricated composite polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and pectin hydrogels with different blend ratios using a freeze–thaw method. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PVA/pectin hydrogels had a porous structure, with the porosity increasing from 82.8% ± 0.5% to 93.2% ± 0.3% with an increase in the pectin content. In addition, with the addition of pectin, the gel fraction of the hydrogel decreased and the swelling ability increased compared with PVA. Of the fabricated hydrogels, the hydrogel with the 9:1 PVA/pectin ratio had the highest compressive strength (684 ± 62 kPa) and G′ value (~1014 kPa). Based on cytotoxicity studies, none of the fabricated hydrogels showed cytotoxicity against HDF or HaCaT cells. These results indicate that varying the pectin content can be used to control the mechanical characterization, porosity, and swelling ability of composite PVA/pectin hydrogels, which are thus promising candidates for use as wound dressings.
Manufacturing technology and dynamic mechanical investigation of moisture‐resistant Luffa cylindrica‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Papanicolaou George C. , Zaoutsos Stefanos P. , Anastasiou Dimitrios E.
Published: September 2021

Natural fiber (NF)‐reinforced thermosetting composites exhibit excellent properties but, due to the usually hygroscopic nature of the fibers, these composites may suffer from the effects of moisture absorption. Luffa cylindrica is a NF, potentially useful in the manufacture of composite materials, but it is highly hygroscopic. A technology is developed for the fabrication of moisture‐resistant L. cylindrica‐reinforced epoxy composites and the various parameters that affect the process are investigated using long‐term moisture absorption experiments and dynamic mechanical analysis of dry and moist specimens. The technology concludes to a L. cylindrica‐reinforced bilayer matrix made of a first linseed oil‐modified precured epoxy and a final unmodified epoxy layer. This composite offers a reduced water absorbance by 33% and an almost identical Tg compared to the non‐modified epoxy reinforced with L. cylindrica. The same technology is used to manufacture water‐resistant L. cylindrica‐reinforced composites from both, environmentally friendly, matrix and reinforcement.
Synthesis, characterization, and enhanced aggregation‐induced emission of oligomer methylacryloyl tetraphenylethylene and volatile organic compounds detection
Authors: Zhang Hong , Niu Xiaoling , Zhu Shengbo , Tian Min , Liu Weiguo
Published: September 2021

Tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivatives were studied intensively owing to their excellent aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behavior, facile synthesis, easy functionalization, and thermal stability. Herein, oligomer methylacryloyl tetraphenylethylene (TPE‐MA) containing precise number of AIE luminogens was synthesized facilely by introducing methylacryloyl group onto the phenyl ring of TPE and polymerizing the monomer. The structures of TPE‐MA and its oligomer were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and gel permeation chromatograph. The relationship between chemical structures and the photophysical properties were investigated from the aspect of UV–vis absorption, fluorescent emission spectra, (AIE property, electrochemical properties, and density functional theory studies. The results showed that the emission intensity of the oligomer TPE‐MA was enhanced by twice bigger than that of its monomer, and the maximum emission wavelengths were observed red‐shifted, when TPE was converted to TPE‐MA monomer and its oligomer. The oligomer solution spots on the thin layer chromatography plates can be turned “off” and “on” continuously and reversibly by dichloromethane vapor, which endows the material with high sensitivity, capable of detecting volatile organic compounds.
Behavioral and anatomical evidence for electroreception in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Hüttner Tim , von Fersen Lorenzo , Miersch Lars , Czech Nicole U. , Dehnhardt Guido
Published: September 2021

In the order of cetacean, the ability to detect bioelectric fields has, up to now, only been demonstrated in the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) and is suggested to facilitate benthic feeding. As this foraging strategy has also been reported for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), we studied electroreception in this species by combining an anatomical analysis of “vibrissal crypts” as potential electroreceptors from neonate and adult animals with a behavioral experiment. In the latter, four bottlenose dolphins were trained on a go/no‐go paradigm with acoustic stimuli and afterward tested for stimulus generalization within and across modalities using acoustic, optical, mechanical, and electric stimuli. While neonates still possess almost complete vibrissal follicles including a hair shaft, hair papilla, and cavernous sinus, adult bottlenose dolphins lack these features. Thus, their “vibrissal crypts” show a similar postnatal morphological transformation from a mechanoreceptor to an electroreceptor as in Sotalia. However, innervation density was high and almost equal in both, neonate as well as adult animals. In the stimulus generalization tests the dolphins transferred the go/no‐go response within and across modalities. Although all dolphins responded spontaneously to the first presentation of a weak electric field, only three of them showed perfect transfer in this modality by responding continuously to electric field amplitudes of 1.5 mV cm−1, successively reduced to 0.5 mV cm−1. Electroreception can explain short‐range prey detection in crater‐feeding bottlenose dolphins. The fact that this is the second odontocete species with experimental evidence for electroreception suggests that it might be widespread in this marine mammal group.