bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why do we need interdisciplinary cooperation with anthropologists and archaeologists in soil science?
Authors: Teuber Sandra , Bartelheim Martin , Hardenberg Roland , Knopf Monica , Knopf Thomas , Kühn Peter , Schade Tobias , Schmidt Karsten , Scholten Thomas
Published: October 2022

Looking at soils from the perspective of an environmental scientist or agronomist might neglect various dimensions of valuation that can be attributed to soils. Especially social and cultural connoted values including ecosystem services cannot always be measured in terms of scientific values or classified as soil types or soil qualities in a modern, economic way.

Even though soils are a fact and have been present on the Earth's surface and used by people, at least for food production, at different times and in different cultures, the ways of dealing with soils and the valuations of soils are extremely diverse. Researchers in anthropology, archaeology, and agriculture, for example, are investigating different perspectives like soils as common good or as private property. This concerns not only different knowledge orders about soils, but also beliefs, techniques, foodways, practices, and power relations concerning soils and cereal cultivation.

Based on the example of agriculture with a focus on cereal cultivation, we argue that there is still a great need for interdisciplinarity between the sciences and humanities. However, there is also a need to distinguish and explain between fundamental interdisciplinary research and application of findings in a socio‐economic context. It is necessary to understand different knowledge orders and valuations in time or space and to reevaluate today's perspectives on soils and agriculture for facing modern problems such as soil degradation, erosion, salinization, and an overall loss of soil fertility.
Determination of carbonate content in barite ore by headspace gas chromatography
Authors: Liu Xue‐Yan , Li Wei , Yu Kang , Fan Zhi‐Yu , Luo Bin , Nie Deng‐Pan , Luo Ying‐Chun , Dai Yi , Wang Hao
Published: October 2022

This paper reports a method for determining the carbonate content in barite ore using headspace gas chromatography. Based on the acidification reaction, the carbonate in the barite ore was converted to CO2 in a closed headspace vial. When the carbonate content was significant, the pressure caused changes in the CO2 and O2 signals and affected the measurement accuracy. It was found that carbonate content is proportional to the intensity ratio of the CO2 to O2 signals. Thus, the carbonate content in barite ore can be measured indirectly using a theoretical model. The results showed that the carbonate in 3 g of barite ore sample with a particle size of 74 μm could react completely with a hydrochloric acid solution (2 mol/L) at 65°C for 5 min. The method described herein had good precision (relative standard deviation < 4.14%) and accuracy (relative differences < 6.12%). Further, the limit of quantification was 0.07 mol/L. Owing to its simplicity and speed, this method can be used for the batch determination of carbonate content in barite ore.
Preoperative perforator localization in anterolateral thigh free flap using acoustic doppler and computed tomography angiography
Authors: Kim Sungryeal , Lee Hye Ran , Yun Ju Hyun , Yang Jisun , Jang Jeon Yeob , Shin Yoo Seob , Kim Chul‐Ho
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Our aim in this study was to investigate if we could predict perforator localization during ALTF elevation, using information from acoustic Doppler (AD) and computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

Prospective observational data were collected from H&N cancer patients who received reconstruction with ALTF in Ajou University Hospital Cancer Center from June to December, 2021. Total of 21 cases were included in the analysis. Lower extremity angio‐CT scans were used to determine the course and depth of the perforator before surgery. During intraoperative design of the ALTF, the possible location of the perforator was identified by AD. After flap elevation, the distance between the actual and Doppler‐identified location of the perforator was measured.

Results

The average distance from the actual location to the Doppler‐identified location was 1.29 ± 1.26 cm. Among 21 cases, almost all perforators (20 cases) were identified in a circle with a radius equivalent to the depth of the perforator. Perforator depth measured by CTA showed a significant positive correlation with the distance from the actual to Doppler‐identified location, regardless of skin thickness or body mass index (BMI).

Conclusions

A circle with a radius equivalent to the CTA‐assessed depth of the perforator successfully predicted the location of the perforator in almost all cases. Depth of the perforator measured by CTA combined with Doppler‐identified location can help safely locate the perforator during ALTF harvesting.

Level of Evidence: 4.
Recycling Tetrafluoroethylene–Perfluoroalkyl Vinylether Copolymer (PFA) Using Extrusion Process
Authors: Romoaldo Carlos Henrique , Francisquetti Edson Luiz , Simon Douglas Alexandre , Ernze Juliano Roberto , Bischoff Eveline
Published: October 2022

Tetrafluoroethylene–perfluoroalkyl vinylether copolymer (PFA) has a broad application ranging from biomedical and aerospace to corroding environments in the chemical industry. Despite a low share in end‐of‐life products, PFA processing can produce up to 30% of waste. Thus, understanding how recycled fluorinated polymers affect product performance is crucial to ensure primary recycling, besides economic and environmental reasons. In this paper, the utilization feasibility of PFA waste materials is investigated, i.e., recycled PFA (PFAr) in closed‐loop recycling. The effect of PFAr loading (5–100 wt.%) on the thermal, mechanical, rheological, and color properties and chemical resistance are studied. Thermal properties and chemical resistance showed no significant changes in all ranges of PFAr content tested. The addition of higher loads of PFAr (≥50 wt.%) leads to a reduction in mechanical properties, particularly stress‐strength analysis and elongation at break. However, elastic modulus and hardness have improved concurrently with an increase in the degree of crystallinity. The decrease in complex viscosity and yellowing of the samples occurred probably induced by a polymer chain degradation. Despite that, the addition of up to 10 wt.% of PFAr proved to be an effective alternative to reusing PFA residues based on mechanical recycling.
In Situ Incorporation of Liquid Polysulfide Oligomer Modified MoS2 into Polysulfide Rubber (PSR) as Solid Crosslinker with Greatly Improved Dispersion Ability and Interfacial Interaction
Authors: Yin Yuanyuan , Zhang Chen , Li Xilian , Zeng Shaohua , Xu Ying , Nie Wangyan , Zhou Yifeng , Chen Pengpeng
Published: October 2022

Polysulfide rubber (PSR) is a versatile sealing material, but suffers from poor mechanical properties, which can be solved by increasing the crosslinking density and introducing fillers. In this study, functionalized molybdenum disulfide (MMoS2) by in situ incorporation with different thiol‐containing compounds is obtained. On the basis of the optimum content of 0.5 wt.%, the performance of MMoS2/PSR is systematically studied. The results show that the interfacial interaction between MMoS2 and the matrix is improved. In particular, PSR reinforced by MoS2 modified with polysulfide oligomer (MoS2‐LPO) behaves the most excellently. Its solvent resistance and crosslink density are also improved by 14.2% and 39.4%, respectively. The storage modulus of MoS2‐LPO/PSR is 394% higher than that of the unmodified one. This is attributed to the MoS2‐LPO playing the role of filler and large‐sized solid crosslinker at the same time. Through broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), it is determined that MoS2‐LPO/PSR has the longest relaxation time due to the stronger interfacial interaction. In order to understand the effect of interfacial interaction between MoS2 and PSR on the properties of the composites more clearly, MoS2 modified with other functional groups are also discussed.
Facile Fabrication of PEDOT:PSS‐Based Free‐Standing Conducting Film for Highly Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Wu Xianrui , Huang Sanqing , Hu Lin , Jiang Yue , Cui Xihua , Wu Yan , Nie Shisong , Jin Yingzhi , Su Zhen , Song Jiaxing , Yin Xinxing , Xu Zhiguang , Li Zaifang
Published: October 2022

With the growing popularity of portable and wearable smart electronics, the electromagnetic shielding materials with high shielding effectiveness (SE) as well as light weight and excellent mechanical strength are in high. In this work, the PEDOT:PSS‐based free‐standing conducting film with superior conductivity and mechanical strength is prepared through a facile fabrication. The cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are first introduced to induce an orderly grow and stack of the PEDOT grains. A phosphoric acid immersion process is then employed to remove the insulating CNF and PSS in the film. The obtained free‐standing conducting film shows a record conductivity of 3508 S cm−1 and its elongation at break reaches 3.75%. Encouragingly, the film delivers an excellent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding behavior with a SE of 49 dB in the X‐band (8.2–12.4 GHz) at a thickness of 4 µm. The superior conductivity, mechanical strength, and high SE as well as its facile solution processability make this free‐standing conducting film to be an attractive EMI material for portable and wearable smart electronics.
Fluorescent Mechanism and Optical Switching of Fluorophore‐Free Organogel
Authors: Liang Shumin , Zhang Lidong
Published: October 2022

Fluorophore is essential to enable the fluorescence and optical switching in most of polymer gels. Herein, a novel concept is proposed to develop a fluorophore‐free organogel that is capable of generation of blue fluorescence at transparent state, while it proceeds with optical switching from blue to purple upon phase transition into non‐transparent state in water. Ammonium persulphate (APS) is utilized to initiate co‐crosslinking of hydrophilic acrylamide (AM) and hydrophobic 2,2,3,4,4,4‐hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) to give organogel of AM@HFBA at 80 °C. APS decomposes to generate not only radicals, but also ammonium bisulfate (ABS) during heating, in which the elements of ABS produce blue fluorescence (λ = 440 nm), excited by UV light (λ = 365 nm). After the phase transition into non‐transparent state, light‐reflection behavior at the phase‐transitioned surface triggers the optical switching of the organogel from blue to purple under UV light. The optical switching is patternable and reversible, which enables the applications of organogel of AM@HFBA for information encoding/encryption and optical‐switchable soft actuators. This method is universal to achieve fluorescence and optical switching for free radical polymerization‐based gel systems as long as they are initiated by APS in DMSO.
Sodium Danshensu mediates human T lymphocyte activation via NF‐κB and MAPK pathway regulation
Authors: Chen Yanan , Tian Rongrong , Xue Jin , Yu Jie , Wang Hui
Published: October 2022

Sodium Danshensu (SDSS), a vital constituent of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, reportedly protects the myocardium and inhibits platelet aggregation, while displaying antiatherosclerotic, hypolipidemic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. In the research, the immune regulatory influences and mechanisms of SDSS on the T lymphocytes in the human peripheral blood were investigated. The results showed that administering specific SDSS doses enhanced T lymphocyte growth, while distinctly promoting their tumor cell cytotoxicity. However, SDSS showed no effect on the proliferation of A549, HCT116, and K562 cancer cells. The gene expression of the IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐2, and IL‐6 cytokines secreted by T cells was positively regulated. Furthermore, SDSS dose‐dependently facilitated phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase (p‐ERK) as well as phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (p‐JNK) protein expression, increased IKKβ and Ikappa B kinase α (IKKα) protein expression and decreased the nuclear factor kappa‐B kinase α (IκBα) inhibitor; negatively regulated p‐p65 protein expression in the cytoplasm, and positively in the nucleus. In addition, blockage of protein expression with specific ERK, JNK, or IκBα inhibitors significantly restricted the T lymphocyte growth induced by SDSS, identifying the specific regulatory influence of SDSS on T lymphocytes via the signaling pathways involving nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). In conclusion, SDSS can explicitly encourage T lymphocyte propagation in the peripheral blood of humans, while enhancing their cytotoxicity by activating the pathways involving NF‐κB and MAPK.
Free tissue reconstruction in the “vessel‐depleted” neck: A multi‐institutional cohort study
Authors: Chang Katherine , Akakpo Kenneth E. , Graboyes Evan M. , Zenga Joseph , Puram Sidharth V. , Pipkorn Patrik
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Much of the literature on free tissue reconstruction in the “vessel‐depleted” neck is focused on identification of vessels outside the pretreated field and data on free flap outcomes when infield microvascular anastomosis is performed remain scarce. We aim to report on free flap outcomes and recipient vessel choice in a large cohort of patients with prior radiation and neck dissection (RTND) to the ipsilateral side of vessel anastomosis.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed including patients who received head and neck free tissue transfer following prior RTND to the ipsilateral side of vessel anastomosis. Pretreatment data, free flap type, defect site, and recipient vessel choice were reported. Recipient vessel choice was stratified according to neck dissection level and prior free flap. Primary outcome was free flap survival (total failure, partial failure, success) within 30 days after surgery.

Results

This study included 72 free flap cases in 68 patients. Free flap success was 94.4%; one case (1.4%) resulted in total flap loss and three cases (4%) had partial flap loss. The facial (35%), external carotid (ECA) (25%), and superior thyroid arteries (16%) were the most common recipient arteries. The external jugular (EJV) (38%), facial (30%), and internal jugular veins (IJV) (15%) were the most common recipient veins. The superior thyroid artery was used less frequently with a prior level 2–3/4 neck dissection compared to a prior level 1–3/4 neck dissection (6% vs. 17%, p = 0.83). The facial artery (7% vs. 67%, p < 0.01) and vein (13% vs. 46%, p = 0.04) were used less frequently when a prior free flap with ipsilateral anastomosis was performed. The superior thyroid, ECA, IJV, and EJV were more commonly used in this subgroup.

Conclusion

Free tissue transfer with infield microvascular anastomosis in a neck with prior RTND can be safely done with comparable outcomes to surgically naïve, non‐irradiated necks.
A diagnostic conundrum: Is it a periurethral diverticulum/cyst or a bulking agent (Bulkamid)?
Authors: Akinjise‐Ferdinand Oluwaseun , Hubbard Rachel , Osman Nadir I. , Chapple Christopher R.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Urethral bulking agents are commonly used to manage female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) as they have been suggested to be safe, efficacious, and a minimally invasive surgical option. Bulkamid is a newer bulking agent that has been introduced and promoted in the market for use. It is non‐particulate in nature with high tissue biocompatibility, and consequently, it is difficult to differentiate between Bulkamid and a periurethral cyst on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This, therefore, presents a diagnostic dilemma.

Methods and Materials

Here we describe two cases with previous injections of Bulkamid referred to our Centre for management of a presumed periurethral diverticulum based on MRI findings. Both patients were reviewed and examined in outpatient clinics with MRI findings discussed at MDT, further imaging was required.

Results

We found that a limited noncontrast computed tomography (CT) pelvis, followed by a voiding cystometrogram (VCMG), and then a repeat limited noncontrast CT pelvis effectively differentiated between Bulkamid and these presumed periurethral diverticulae. The theory behind this was that during micturition, the contrast would pass through to the urethral diverticulum and appear as high‐density (bright) material within the periurethral region (the pre‐VCMG was required to prove that any high‐density material was due to the contrast and not pre‐existing high‐contrast material).

Conclusion

A CT scan done in conjunction with a VCMG is likely to be more effective in differentiating between Bulkamid and a true periurethral diverticulum than an MRI scan. Appropriate diagnostic evaluation of periurethral lesions can lead to time‐saving and cost‐effective patient management as this will bypass the need for unnecessary investigations and possible unwarranted surgical intervention.
Oxidation of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate in isolated rat kidneys
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Maptue Nesmine , Rahim Mohsin , Trigo Mijes Miriam L. , Hever Thomas , Wen Xiaodong , Funk Alexander M. , Malloy Craig R. , Young Jamey D. , Khemtong Chalermchai
Published: October 2022

Kidneys play a central role in numerous disorders but current imaging methods have limited utility to probe renal metabolism. Hyperpolarized (HP) 13C magnetic resonance imaging is uniquely suited to provide metabolite‐specific information about key biochemical pathways and it offers the further advantage that renal imaging is practical in humans. This study evaluated the feasibility of hyperpolarization examinations in a widely used model for analysis of renal physiology, the isolated kidney, which enables isolation of renal metabolism from the effects of other organs and validation of HP results by independent measurements. Isolated rat kidneys were supplied with either HP [1‐13C]pyruvate only or HP [1‐13C]pyruvate plus octanoate. Metabolic activity in both groups was confirmed by stable renal oxygen consumption. HP [1‐13C]pyruvate was readily metabolized to [13C]bicarbonate, [1‐13C]lactate, and [1‐13C]alanine, detectable seconds after HP [1‐13C]pyruvate was injected. Octanoate suppressed but did not eliminate the production of HP [13C]bicarbonate from [1‐13C]pyruvate. Steady‐state flux analyses using non‐HP 13C substrates validated the utilization of HP [1‐13C]pyruvate, as observed by HP 13C NMR. In the presence of octanoate, lactate is generated from a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate, oxaloacetate. The isolated rat kidney may serve as an excellent model for investigating and establishing new HP 13C metabolic probes for future kidney imaging applications.
The protective effect of rs373863828 on type 2 diabetes does not operate through a body composition pathway in adult Samoans
Authors: Hawley Nicola L. , Duckham Rachel L. , Carlson Jenna C. , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia Sefuiva , Lameko Viali , Pomer Alysa , Wetzel Abigail , Selu Melania , Lupematisila Vaimoana , Unasa Folla , Vesi Lupesina , Fatu Tracy , Unasa Seipepa , Faasalele‐Savusa Kima , Rivara Anna C. , Russell Emily , Delany James P. , Viali Satupaitea , Kershaw Erin E. , Minster Ryan L. , Weeks Daniel E. , McGarvey Stephen T.
Published: October 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand whether the paradoxical association of missense variant rs373863828 in CREB3 regulatory factor (CREBRF) with higher BMI but lower odds of diabetes is explained by either metabolically favorable body fat distribution or greater fat‐free mass.

Methods

This study explored the association of the minor allele with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐derived body composition in n = 421 Samoans and used path analysis to examine the mediating role of fat and fat‐free mass on the relationship between rs373863828 and fasting glucose.

Results

Among females, the rs373863828 minor A allele was associated with greater BMI. There was no association of genotype with percent body fat, visceral adiposity, or fat distribution in either sex. In both females and males, lean mass was greater with each A allele: 2.16 kg/copy (p = 0.0001) and 1.73 kg/copy (p = 0.02), respectively. Path analysis showed a direct negative effect of rs373863828 genotype on fasting glucose (p = 0.004) consistent with previous findings, but also an indirect positive effect on fasting glucose operating through fat‐free mass (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

The protective effect of rs373863828 in CREBRF, common among Pacific Islanders, on type 2 diabetes does not operate through body composition. Rather, the variant's effects on body size/composition and fasting glucose likely operate via different, tissue‐specific mechanisms.
mHealth program for patients with advanced cancer receiving treatment in a public health hospital in Brazil
Authors: Tumeh Isabella Barros Rabelo Gontijo , Bergerot Cristiane Decat , Lee David , Philip Errol J. , Freitas‐Júnior Ruffo
Published: October 2022

Objective

Previous studies have suggested the benefit of routine screening for biopsychosocial symptoms among patients with cancer. In recognition of the lack of data from low‐ and middle‐income countries, this study sought to test and determine the effect of a mHealth program to screen biopsychological symptoms among patients with advanced breast or gynecological cancer.

Methods

This was a quasi‐experimental pre‐post study conducted in a public hospital located in central western Brazil. Patients diagnosed with advanced breast of gynecological cancer who were about to initiate chemotherapy treatment at this institution and had access to Internet by smartphone, computer or tablet were invited to participate. Patients received training on using the app Comfort, a program developed to rate their physical and emotional symptoms during the 6‐month of the proposed study. Patients were also asked to complete the EuroQOL 5D (EQ‐5D‐3L) every month. Mann‐Whitney U test was used to determine differences among groups of patients (engaged and non‐engaged). RM‐ANOVA was used to determine the effect of time on mean visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Results

A total of 125 patients were recruited (median age = 46.6 years old, 41.6% married). Mostly, patients possessed lower levels of education and had relatively low monthly incomes. Notably, 67.2% of patients engaged with the Comfort program, and few patients (4%) withdrew due to lack of engagement with the program or issues with internet connection. In general, patients who engaged with the program reported improvement in physical and emotional symptoms (p < 0.01), as well as in their overall quality of life (VAS; p = 0.009), compared with patients who did not engage with the program.

Conclusions

This is the first mHealth program developed in Brazil for patients in a low resource setting. Our findings suggest that Comfort could be an effective resource to assist patients and health care providers track symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.
Tunable Superconductivity in Phosphorus‐Doped Topological Transition‐Metal Germanide Mo5Ge3
Authors: Xiao Guorui , Ji Liangwen , Yang Wuzhang , Zhu Qinqing , Song Shijie , Cao Guang‐Han , Ren Zhi
Published: October 2022

The effect of phosphorus doping in the transition metal germanide Mo5Ge3, which is predicted to be a nodal line semimetal and exhibits superconductivity below Tc = 0.75 K, is studied. It is found that Mo5GePx retains the tetragonal W5Si3‐type structure up to x = 1.0, and the incorporation of phosphorus leads to a shrinkage of the unit cell volume. Remarkably, Tc of Mo5GePx is enhanced by more than one order of magnitude with increasing x, reaching 8.24 K at x = 1.0. This enhancement is attributed to the increases in both the density of states at the Fermi level and electron–phonon coupling strength. Theoretical calculations show that the phosphorus doping leads to a nearly rigid‐band shift of the Fermi level into a local maximum of the density of states. This study unveils that transition metal germanides offer an emerging platform to study the interplay between superconductivity and nontrivial band topology.
Sustainable development in circular agriculture: An illustrative bee↺legume↺poultry example
Authors: Rauw Wendy M. , Gomez‐Raya Luis , Star Laura , Øverland Margareth , Delezie Evelyne , Grivins Mikelis , Hamann Karen T. , Pietropaoli Marco , Klaassen Michiel T. , Klemetsdal Gunnar , Gil María G. , Torres Olga , Dvergedal Hanne , Formato Giovanni
Published: October 2022

Circular economic principals of production are based on material flows through the system with minimum external inputs, recycling of resources, generating minimum waste, emissions, or pollution. Agriculture presents a major opportunity for the utilization of wastes, by‐products and co‐products in the development of a circular economy via the design of circular agricultural production systems and the creation of new sustainable value chains. The present work outlines an illustrative example of a circular bee↺legume↺poultry agricultural production system, based on the premise that: (1) there is an urgent need to prioritize pollinator stewardship and pollinator ecosystem restoration to counteract pollinator decline, (2) the EU Plant Protein Plan fosters EU‐grown plant proteins including local legumes, and (3) poultry production is the most important segment of the animal production industry, and the fastest growing agricultural sub‐sector. For the successful implementation of circular agriculture, multidisciplinary research is needed regarding all sectors involved, as well as practical evaluations and the realization of proof of concept depending on the geographical location. For sustainable circular agricultural practices to be adopted by agriculturists and agricultural workers, a culture shift is needed, with close cooperation between all actors involved.
Ultrasound Assisted α‐Arylation of Ketones: A Rapid Access to Isoquinolinone Derivatives
Authors: Sangepu Venkateswara Rao , Sharma Deepika , Venkateshwarlu Rapolu , Bhoomireddy Rama Devi , Jain Kirti Kumar , Dandela Rambabu , Pal Manojit
Published: October 2022

In the current study we have demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrasound, a source of green energy, in accessing various isoquinolin‐1(2H)‐one derivatives via the sequential two‐step reaction in a single pot. The methodology involved ultrasound assisted Cu‐catalyzed α‐arylation of ketones with 2‐iodobenzamide (via a C−C bond formation) followed by intramolecular cyclization (via the C−N bond formation) in the same pot. The role of ultrasound, catalyst, base and solvent in the current transformation was evaluated and the generality as well as scope of the methodology was examined via synthesizing a variety of compounds in acceptable to good (49–93 %) yields. The application potential of the methodology was demonstrated further via synthesizing a reported bioactive arylisoquinolinamine derivative of medicinal significance. Further, the encouraging inhibition of TNF‐α in vitro (>50 % at 10 μM) was shown by some of the synthesized compounds e. g. 3 j, 3 m and 3 p.
Cytotoxic Activity, Apoptosis Induction and Structure–Activity Relationship of 2‐Phenylphthalazin‐2‐ium Salts as Promising Antitumor Agents
Authors: Cao Fang‐Jun , Hou Xiang , Wang Lu , Li Pei‐Wei , Ma Li , Feng Hui
Published: October 2022

Inspired by sanguinarine and chelerythrine, various 2‐phenylphthalazin‐2‐ium salts as simple analogues were designed according to the structure of natural products. On the basis of previous research, this study evaluated the inhibition activity of these compounds on tumor cells, apoptosis induction as well as their structure‐activity relationship (SAR). The results indicated that the compounds showed IC50 values of 1.21–14.77 μM against NB4 cells and 4.68–17.44 μM against MKN‐45 cells, respectively, superior to positive control cis‐platinum with IC50 values of 2.39 and 11.36 μM or their model compound chelerythrine with IC50 values of 1.49 and 12.70 μM. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide and ultrastructure observation of cells suggested that these compounds could induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Meanwhile, 2‐(3,4‐Dichlorophenyl)phthalazin‐2‐ium Bromide‐induced apoptosis was dependent on the excessive formation of ROS and amplified by the mitochondrial pathway. The preliminary SAR indicated that substitution pattern on the N‐aromatic ring remarkably influenced the cytotoxicity of the compounds. The trend showed that the presence of electron‐donating groups caused a significant improvement of the cytotoxicity. And in many cases that the 3’ site was the most advantageous substitution position for the enhancement of the cytotoxicity. Hence, the results demonstrated that the title compounds werea class of potential compounds for the development of novel antitumor drugs.
Green Synthesis Design, Spectroscopic Characterizations, and Biological Activities of Novel Pyrrole Derivatives: An Application to Evaluate Their Toxic Effect on Cotton Aphids
Authors: Kamel Moumen S. , Aboelez Moustafa O. , Elnagar Mohamed R. , Shokr Elders Kh. , Selim Heba Mohammed Refat M. , Abdel‐Ghany Hossam Eldin , Drar Ali M. , Belal Amany , El Hamd Mohamed A. , Abd El Aleem Ali Ali El‐Remaily Mahmoud
Published: October 2022

Green synthesis design and spectroscopic characterizations of novel pyrrole derivatives (1–6) with insecticidal bioefficacy have been achieved. The toxic effect using a leaf dip bioassay method was used to assess the insecticidal bioefficacy of six ecofriendly‐synthesized pyrrole derivatives. The results demonstrated the significant insecticide effect of the proposed compounds against cotton aphids, after 24 hours of application. All these compounds (1–6) showed promising results against cotton aphids especially compound 4 with an LC50 of 0.04 ppm which had a higher activity compared to a commercial reference of Chlorfenapyr deadly agent used for cotton aphids. The biological activity profile of these compounds, using Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay, antimicrobial activities against four gram‐positive bacteria, and antifungal activities against a yeast‐like fungus, in comparison with well‐known antimicrobial and antifungal referenced standards were evaluated and confirmed. The results revealed that some of these compounds showed antibacterial activities against bacterial species known to plant pathogenic. Additional investigation of the newly obtained derivatives was performed and discussed in this research work through computational tools to give better insights into the possible protein targets of these new analogues.
Study on a Novel Process for the Synthesis of P‐Xylene by Selectivity Intensification in Benzene Alkylation with Methanol
Authors: Li Qian , Wang Xiaorui , Chen Rui , Dong Peng
Published: October 2022

The alkylation reaction process of benzene with methanol was researched by Aspen Plus simulation based on the reaction kinetics data of modified ZSM‐5 catalyst. A novel production process was proposed for the alkylation of benzene with methanol to prepare p‐xylene (PX) based on selectivity intensification. The results showed that the selectivity of PX based on process optimization was more than 99.7 %. Selectivity intensification of PX production process could eliminate the separation of o‐xylene and m‐xylene, which owned the characteristics of high raw material utilization, low energy consumption and good economy. The research of current process could provide technical guidance for the production process of PX by alkylation of benzene with methanol, and help to form a new pattern of complementary and coordinated development of coal chemical and petrochemical technologies by using non‐petroleum‐based methanol and benzene surplus in the petroleum production chain.
Ion‐in‐Conjugation: A Promising Concept for Multifunctional Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Yu Chuang , He Jing‐Hui , Lu Jian‐Mei
Published: October 2022

Most organic semiconductors (OSCs) consist of conjugated skeletons with flexible peripheral chains. Their weak intermolecular interactions from dispersion and induction forces result in environmental susceptibilities and are unsuitable for many multifunctional applications where direct exposure to external environments is unavoidable, such as gas absorption, chemical sensing, and catalysis. To exploit the advantages of inorganic semiconductors in OSCs, ion‐in‐conjugation (IIC) materials are proposed. An IIC material refers to any conjugated material (molecules, polymers, and crystals) in Kekule's structural formula containing stoichiometric ionic states in its conjugated backbone in the electronic ground state. In this review, the definitions, structures, synthesis, properties, and applications of IIC materials are described briefly. Four types of IIC material, including zwitterionic conjugated molecules/polymers, conjugated ionic dyes, π‐d conjugated molecules and polymers, and coordinatively doped polymers, are reported. Their applications in gas sensing, humidity sensing, resistive memory devices, and thermal/photo‐/electro‐catalysis are demonstrated. The challenges and opportunities for future research are also discussed. It is expected that this work will inspire the design of new organic electronic information materials.
Advances in the Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Metal Nanoclusters‐based Materials
Authors: Ding Junyang , Yang Hui , Zhang Shusheng , Liu Qian , Cao Huanqi , Luo Jun , Liu Xijun
Published: October 2022

With the development of renewable energy systems, clean hydrogen is burgeoning as an optimal alternative to fossil fuels, in which its application is promising to retarding the global energy and environmental crisis. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), capable of producing high‐purity hydrogen rapidly in electrocatalytic water splitting, has received much attention. Abundant research about HER has been done, focusing on advanced electrocatalyst design with high efficiency and robust stability. As potential HER catalysts, metal nanoclusters (MNCs) have been studied extensively. They are composed of several to a hundred metal atoms, with sizes being comparable to the Fermi wavelength of electrons, that is, < 2.0 nm. Different from metal atoms/nanoparticles, they exhibit unique catalytic properties due to their quantum size effect and low‐coordination environment. In this review, the activity‐enhancing approaches of MNCs applied in HER electrocatalysis are mainly summarized. Furthermore, recent progress in MNCs classified with different stabilization strategies, that is, the freestanding MNCs, MNCs with organic, metal and carbon supports, are introduced. Finally, the current challenges and deficiencies of these MNCs for HER are prospected.
Tuning Structural and Optical Properties of Porphyrin‐based Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks by Metal Insertion
Authors: Tholen Patrik , Peeples Craig A. , Ayhan Mehmet M. , Wagner Lukas , Thomas Heidi , Imbrasas Paulius , Zorlu Yunus , Baretzky Clemens , Reineke Sebastian , Hanna Gabriel , Yücesan Gündoğ
Published: October 2022

Herein, a simple way of tuning the optical and structural properties of porphyrin‐based hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) is reported. By inserting transition metal ions into the porphyrin cores of GTUB‐5 (p‐H8‐TPPA (5,10,15,20‐Tetrakis[p‐phenylphosphonic acid] HOF), the authors show that it is possible to generate HOFs with different band gaps, photoluminescence (PL) life times, and textural properties. The band gaps of the resulting HOFs (viz., Cu‐, Ni‐, Pd‐, and Zn‐GTUB‐5) are measured by diffuse reflectance and PL spectroscopy, as well as calculated via DFT, and the PL lifetimes are measured. Across the series, the band gaps vary over a narrow range from 1.37 to 1.62 eV, while the PL lifetimes vary over a wide range from 2.3 to 83 ns. These differences ultimately arise from metal‐induced structural changes, viz., changes in the metal‐to‐nitrogen distances, number of hydrogen bonds, and pore volumes. DFT reveals that the band gaps of Cu‐, Zn‐, and Pd‐ GTUB‐5 are governed by highest occupied/lowest unoccupied crystal orbitals (HOCO/LUCO) composed of π‐ orbitals on the porphyrin linkers, while that of Ni‐GTUB‐5 is governed by a HOCO and LUCO composed of Ni dorbitals. Overall, our findings show that metal‐insertion can be used to optimize HOFs for optoelectronics and small‐molecule capture applications.
Molecular‐Level Zn‐Ion Transfer Pump Specifically Functioning on (002) Facets Enables Durable Zn Anodes
Authors: Zhu Zehao , Jin Hongrun , Xie Kefeng , Dai Simin , Luo Yongxin , Qi Bei , Wang Zidong , Zhuang Xinyan , Liu Kaisi , Hu Bin , Huang Liang , Zhou Jun
Published: October 2022

The modification of metallic Zn anode contributes to solving the cycling issue of Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs) by restraining the dendrite growth and side reactions. In this regard, modulating (002) Zn is an effective way to prolong the lifespan of ZIBs with a parallel arrangement of Zn deposition. Herein, the authors propose to add trace amounts of Zn(BF4)2 additive in 3 M ZnSO4 to promote in‐plane Zn deposition by forming a BF4−‐[Zn(H2O)6]2+‐[Zn(BF4)3]− transfer process and specifically functioning on (002) facets. In this way, the optimized electrolyte highly boosts the cycling stability of Zn anodes with a long lifespan at 34.2% Zn utilization (500 h/10 mA cm−2) and 51.3% Zn utilization (360 h/10 mA cm−2; 834 h/1 mA cm−2). Moreover, the electroplated Zn on Cu substrate exhibits a competitive cumulative plating capacity (CPC) of 2.87 Ah cm−2 under harsh conditions. The assembled Zn|(NH4)2V6O16·3H2O full cells with a high cathode loading of 29.12 mg cm−2 also realizes almost no capacity degradation even after 2000 cycles at 2 A g−1. With this cost‐effective strategy, it is promising to push the development of aqueous ZIBs as well as provide inspiration for metal anode optimization in other energy storage systems.
24.20%‐Efficiency MA‐Free Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by Siloxane Derivative Interface Engineering
Authors: Duan Yuwei , He Kun , Yang Lu , Xu Jie , Zhao Wenjing , Liu Zhike
Published: October 2022

Suppressing defects at the interface between the TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite film is critical for high efficiency and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a siloxane derivative diethylphosphatoethylsilicic acid (PSiOH) is developed to modify the interface of TiO2 ETL/FA0.83Cs0.17PbI3 perovskite. Comprehensive characteristics reveal that silicon hydroxyl (SiOH) in PSiOH can reduce surface defects, improve the electrical properties and optimize the energy band structure of TiO2 by forming a SiOTi bond, while the phosphate bond (PO) in PSiOH can passivate Pb‐related defects on the perovskite bottom surface. Consequently, PSiOH‐modified PSCs yield a remarkable power conversation efficiency of 24.20% and improved air, thermal, or illumination stabilities. This study provides insight into passivation defects at the buried interface for efficient and stable PSCs.
High‐Resolution Surface Replication of Living Organisms using Air‐Through‐Precursor Suction‐Augmented Replica Molding
Authors: Mun Seok Joon , Jang Wookyoung , Eom Ji Yeon , Kim Hyeon Ung , Bong Ki Wan
Published: October 2022

Replica molding is widely used to reproduce the surface microstructures that provide living organisms with distinct and useful functions. However, the existing methods are limited by the low resolution resulting from the air trapped in the structures during precursor solution loading. This study investigated replica molding with an air‐through‐precursor suction (APS) process, which used a degassed polydimethylsiloxane substrate to remove the trapped air through the precursor solution. The liquid loading times are characterized using a model template, and air suction that is up to 36 times faster can be achieved using the APS process relative to a conventional method. Using APS replica molding, biocompatible replicates from human fingerprints and gecko skin are fabricated using only a 3 min precursor solution loading step. Owing to the enhanced and reproducible resolution from APS replica molding, for the first time, the structural changes in the foot of a living gecko at the microscale can be observed when standing on a horizontal or vertical surface.
Hypoxia‐Responsive Photosensitizer Targeting Dual Organelles for Photodynamic Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Tang Yuqi , Wang Xing , Zhu Guanqun , Liu Zhiyang , Chen Xu‐Man , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Chen Xiao , Chen Xiaofei , Xu Yiyi , Li Juping , Li Quan
Published: October 2022

Developing safe and precise image‐guided photodynamic therapy is a challenge. In this study, the hypoxic properties of solid tumors are exploited to construct a hypoxia‐responsive photosensitizer,TPA‐Azo. Introducing the azo group into the photosensitizerTPA‐BNwith aggregation‐induced emission quenches its fluorescence. When the nonfluorescentTPA‐Azoenters hypoxic tumors, it is reduced by the overexpressed azoreductase to generate a fluorescent photosensitizerTPA‐BNwith an amino group that exhibits fluorescence‐activatable image‐guided photodynamic therapy with dual‐organelle (lipid droplets and lysosomes) targeting. This design strategy provides a basis for the development of fluorescence‐activatable photosensitizers.
Precision 1070 nm Ultrafast Laser‐Induced Photothrombosis of Depth‐Targeted Vessels In Vivo
Authors: Zhu Liang , Wang Mengqi , Fu Peng , Liu Yin , Zhang Hequn , Roe Anna Wang , Xi Wang
Published: October 2022

The cerebrovasculature plays an essential role in neurovascular and homeostatic functions in health and disease conditions. Many efforts have been made for developing vascular thrombosis methods to study vascular dysfunction in vivo, while technical challenges remain, such as accuracy and depth‐selectivity to target a single vessel in the cerebral cortex. Herein, this paper first demonstrates the evaluation and quantification of the feasibility and effects of Rose Bengal (RB)‐induced photothrombosis with 720–1070 nm ultrafast lasers in a raster scan. A flexible and reproducible approach is then proposed to employ a 1070 nm ultrafast laser with a spiral scan for producing RB‐induced occlusion, which is described as precision ultrafast laser‐induced photothrombosis (PLP). Combine with two‐photon microscopy imaging, this PLP displays highly precise and fast occlusion induction of various vessel types, sizes, and depths, which enhances the precision and power of the photothrombosis protocol. Overall, the PLP method provides a real‐time, practical, precise, and depth‐selected single‐vessel photothrombosis technology in the cerebral cortex with commercially available optical equipment, which is crucial for exploring brain vascular function with high spatial‐temporal resolution in the brain.
Rapid increase in sensitive indicator plants concurrent with deer management in an oak forest landscape
Authors: Abella Scott R. , Schetter Timothy A. , Gallaher Timothy D.
Published: October 2022

Wildlife managers are implementing programs to reduce abundant populations of large herbivores, such as white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in eastern North America, with renewed research interest in understanding these programs' ecological effects. To examine plant community change following culling of white‐tailed deer in oak (Quercusspp.) forests in Ohio, USA, we measured browse severity on tree seedlings and cover of 43 deer‐sensitive, native indicator plant species across 20 years spanning pre‐ (2002–2015) and post‐ (2016–2021) deer culling periods. After culling halved deer abundance from 16.7 deer/km2to 8.6 deer/km2, browse patterns on tree seedlings reversed from most seedlings exhibiting browse damage to most being undamaged. Cover of deer‐sensitive indicator plants increased 7‐fold in the 6 years after deer culling. Five of 6 indicator plant groups (e.g., Liliaceae) and 32 of 43 indicator species (74%) increased in cover after deer culling. Rhizomatous, clonally reproducing and early flowering (May–Jun) species were generally most responsive. The rapid increase in deer‐sensitive plants after deer culling in our study is among the fastest and largest reported among eastern North American studies. The plant community resilience observed in this study could partly relate to the relatively short duration (~10 yr) that deer populations were elevated before culling began, allowing persistence of local plant regeneration potential. Deer culling enabled a moderate deer population to coexist with a rising sensitive plant population.
Smart prototype for an electronic color sensor device for visual simultaneous detection of macrofuran based on a coated paper strip
Authors: Sheta Sheta M. , Abdelelmoaty Alaa S. , Abu Hashish Hassan M. , kamel Amira M. , Abd-Elzaher Mohkles M. , El-Sheikh Said M.
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, in the clinical, pharmaceutical, and environmental sectors, the development of facile and sensitive analytical methods and/or innovative devices for the follow-up and detection of antibiotics and pharmaceutical formulations, in general, are urgently needed and still challenging. This work declared three vital applications for broad-spectrum nitrofurantoin (macrofuran) antibiotic detection and quantification: A colorimetric method, a coated paper strip-based nano-lanthanum complex prototype and fabrication of smart electronic color sensor device-based coated paper strips. The colorimetric method showed a significant response upon increasing the concentration of the nitrofurantoin in a range between (1.0–100.0 ng/mL) via a visual color change from orange-yellow to red colors degree with detection and quantification limits of 0.175 and 0.53 ng/mL, respectively, whereas the nano-lanthanum complex coated paper strip prototype showed qualitative on-site sensing for nitrofurantoin via naked eye color changes which can be detected anywhere. Moreover, a smart prototype for detecting macrofuran in the means of paper color change in the RGB color component extraction algorithm and the grayscale projection value processing algorithm was fabricated. The change in RGB color on the coated paper strip was detected using an electronic color sensor device. The developed colorimetric method, coated paper strip, and the electronic color sensor device prototype exhibited fast, simple, costless, and selective towards macrofuran over the competing analyzed. As well as, showed good applicability in the different real samples spiked with different concentrations of macrofuran.

Graphical abstract
On the Role of Speed in Technological and Biological Information Transfer for Computations
Authors: Végh János , Berki Ádám József
Published: October 2022

In all kinds of implementations of computing, whether technological or biological, some material carrier for the information exists, so in real-world implementations, the propagation speed of information cannot exceed the speed of its carrier. Because of this limitation, one must also consider the transfer time between computing units for any implementation. We need a different mathematical method to consider this limitation: classic mathematics can only describe infinitely fast and small computing system implementations. The difference between mathematical handling methods leads to different descriptions of the computing features of the systems. The proposed handling also explains why biological implementations can have lifelong learning and technological ones cannot. Our conclusion about learning matches published experimental evidence, both in biological and technological computing.