bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theranostic Heterodimeric Prodrug with Dual‐Channel Fluorescence Turn‐On and Dual‐Prodrug Activation for Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jiang Maolin , Wang Kewei , Xiao Xuan , Zong Qingyu , Zheng Rui , Yuan Youyong
Published: August 2021

Theranostic prodrugs that can precisely monitor drug activation with synergistic therapeutic effects are highly desirable for personalized medicine. In this study, a theranostic heterodimeric prodrug, CyNH‐SS‐DOX, with synchronous and independent dual‐channel fluorescence turn‐on and dual‐prodrug activation for synergistic cancer therapy is developed. A hemicyanine fluorescent drug, CyNH2, with good therapeutic effects found in this work, is conjugated to doxorubicin (DOX) through a disulfide linker to form CyNH‐SS‐DOX. Before activation, both the fluorescence of DOX and CyNH2 are in the off state and the toxicity is low. In the presence of intracellular glutathione, both the fluorescence of DOX and CyNH2 at different channels are turned on. Meanwhile, DOX and CyNH2 are activated in a synergistic anticancer effect. It is believed that CyNH‐SS‐DOX is promising for monitoring prodrug activation in dual‐fluorescence channels and for enhancing therapeutic efficacy with few side effects.
Carbon Nanotube–Hydrogel Composites Facilitate Neuronal Differentiation While Maintaining Homeostasis of Network Activity
Authors: Ye Lijun , Ji Haichao , Liu Jie , Tu Chien‐Hua , Kappl Michael , Koynov Kaloian , Vogt Johannes , Butt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: August 2021

It is often assumed that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) stimulate neuronal differentiation by transferring electrical signals and enhancing neuronal excitability. Given this, CNT–hydrogel composites are regarded as potential materials able to combine high electrical conductivity with biocompatibility, and therefore promote nerve regeneration. However, whether CNT–hydrogel composites actually influence neuronal differentiation and maturation, and how they do so remain elusive. In this study, CNT–hydrogel composites are prepared by in situ polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) around a preformed CNT meshwork. It is demonstrated that the composites facilitate long‐term survival and differentiation of pheochromocytoma 12 cells. Adult neural stem cells cultured on the composites show an increased neuron‐to‐astrocyte ratio and higher synaptic connectivity. Moreover, primary hippocampal neurons cultured on composites maintain morphological synaptic features as well as their neuronal network activity evaluated by spontaneous calcium oscillations, which are comparable to neurons cultured under control conditions. These results indicate that the composites are promising materials that could indeed facilitate neuronal differentiation while maintaining neuronal homeostasis.
Designing New‐Generation Piezoelectric Transducers by Embedding Superior Graphene‐Based Thermal Regulators
Authors: Shan Junjie , Wang Sha , Zhou Fan , Hu Jingyi , Liu Qingqing , Lin Shuyu , Zhang Yanfeng , Liu Zhongfan
Published: August 2021

Cascaded‐piezoelectric‐transducers (CPETs) is a key component in modern energy‐conversion fields, possessing versatile applications in ultrasonic scalpels, acoustic levitation, and sonar. However, serious self‐heating inevitably occurs inside high‐power CPETs, severely limiting their practical applications in broader fields. To tackle this, multidirectional heat‐escape channels of multidimensional (multi‐D, 3D/2D) graphene films are introduced in designing new‐type thermal regulators. A porous AlN‐ceramic thermal‐sink is creatively selected as a template for directly synthesizing graphene via a two‐step chemical vapor deposition strategy. This perfect combination of 3D/2D‐graphene and the AlN ceramic can integrate their complementary advantages in uniformizing, transmitting, and releasing heat. Amazingly, in the new‐generation CPETs embedded with these graphene‐based thermal regulators, the self‐heating‐induced temperature rise can be substantially reduced by ≈60% (far exceeding actual demand standard). As another kernel parameter, electroacoustic‐energy‐conversion efficiency is dramatically improved in the new‐generation CPETs. Briefly, this research realizes the first synthesis of a novel multi‐D‐graphene/AlN‐ceramic hybrid, and propels its brand‐new application directions in new‐generation energy‐conversion‐ and thermal‐management‐related territories.
Multi‐Step Chemical Solution Deposition‐Annealing Process Toward Wake‐Up Free Ferroelectricity in Y:HfO2 Films
Authors: Samanta Shibnath , Anoop Gopinathan , Joh HyunJin , Seol WooJun , Park Seong Min , Unithrattil Sanjith , Lee Jun Young , Kim Tae Yeon , Kim Hoon , Yeom Jiwon , Hong Seungbum , Jo Ji Young
Published: August 2021

Ferroelectricity in HfO2 thin films can be utilized for fast, power‐efficient, and highly scalable non‐volatile memories. However, the required wake‐up process for inducing ferroelectricity/ achieving higher polarization is one of the major hurdles that hinder HfO2‐based thin films from developing reliable electronic devices. The wake‐up effect is believed to originate from i) phase transformation from non‐ferroelectric to ferroelectric, ii) movement of defect entities (mainly oxygen vacancy defects) near the film‐electrode interface, and iii) heterogeneity of the electrode interfaces. In the present study, an experimental strategy is designed to overcome these sources of the wake‐up process. A multi‐step deposition and annealing process is carried out to induce wake‐up‐free ferroelectricity in Yttrium doped HfO2 (Y:HfO2) thin film directly grown on Si‐substrate. Furnace annealing is utilized instead of the standard rapid thermal annealing process to reduce the oxygen deficiencies and stimulate the direct growth of the polar Y:HfO2. The oxygen‐vacancy‐related defects are found to be the dominating source of wake‐up effect in Y‐doped HfO2 films. The step‐wise deposition and annealing in the oxygen atmosphere facilitate direct growth of the polar phase, reduce the oxygen vacancies, and induce wake‐up‐free ferroelectricity in Y:HfO2.
Radical Cascade Reactions of β,γ‐Unsaturated Hydrazones/Oximes
Authors: Si Ya‐Feng , Lv Qi‐Yan , Yu Bing
Published: August 2021

Radical cascade cyclization of β,γ‐unsaturated hydrazones/oximes has recently emerged as an efficient and powerful protocol for the construction of diverse and valuable functionalized pyrazolines and isoxazolines. In this review, three catalytic ways of radical cascade cyclization of β,γ‐unsaturated hydrazones/oximes are summarized and classified; these are transition‐metal‐catalyzed systems, transition‐metal‐free systems, and photo‐/electrocatalytic systems, respectively. Through these methods, various functional groups are installed on the pyrazoline and isoxazoline skeletons to enrich the small organic molecule library.

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Enantioselective 1,6‐Conjugate Addition of Dialkyl α‐Diazo Methylphosphonate to para‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Chen Yuan , Yu Rui , Wang Min , Huang Yanmin , Peng Yungui
Published: August 2021

An asymmetric 1,6‐conjugate addition reaction of dialkyl diazomethylphosphonates to para‐quinone methides promoted by phase‐transfer catalysis has been developed. A series of chiral diarylmethylated diazomethylphosphonates were accessed with up to 85% yields and 99% ee enantioselectivities. The resulting products were further transformed into bioactive compounds, namely, a chiral dihydrocinnoline phosphonate and a chiral α‐aminophosphonate, bearing diarylmethine stereogenic centers.

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An Avascular Niche Created by Axitinib‐Loaded PCL/Collagen Nanofibrous Membrane Stabilized Subcutaneous Chondrogenesis of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Ji Tian‐Ji , Feng Bei , Shen Jie , Zhang Min , Hu Yu‐Qing , Jiang Ai‐Xia , Zhu Di‐Qi , Chen Yi‐Wei , Ji Wei , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Hao , Li Fen
Published: August 2021

Engineered cartilage derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) always fails to maintain the cartilaginous phenotype in the subcutaneous environment due to the ossification tendency. Vascular invasion is a prerequisite for endochondral ossification during the development of long bone. As an oral antitumor medicine, Inlyta (axitinib) possesses pronounced antiangiogenic activity, owing to the inactivation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway. In this study, axitinib‐loaded poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/collagen nanofibrous membranes are fabricated by electrospinning for the first time. Rabbit‐derived MSCs‐engineered cartilage is encapsulated in the axitinib‐loaded nanofibrous membrane and subcutaneously implanted into nude mice. The sustained and localized release of axitinib successfully inhibits vascular invasion, stabilizes cartilaginous phenotype, and helps cartilage maturation. RNA sequence further reveals that axitinib creates an avascular, hypoxic, and low immune response niche. Timp1 is remarkably upregulated in this niche, which probably plays a functional role in inhibiting the activity of matrix metalloproteinases and stabilizing the engineered cartilage. This study provides a novel strategy for stable subcutaneous chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stromal cells, which is also suitable for other medical applications, such as arthritis treatment, local treatment of tumors, and regeneration of other avascular tissues (cornea and tendon).
Ultrathin Self‐Assembly MXene@flake Carbonyl Iron Composites with Efficient Microwave Absorption at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Yao Junru , Yang Feng , Yao Zhengjun , Wan Li , Hou Jinsen , Jiao Zibao , Huyan Wenjun , He Yanru , Chen Ping , Zhou Jintang
Published: August 2021

The exploration for the potential lightweight and high efficiency microwave absorbers with thermal stability is a great challenge for researchers. More importantly, the electromagnetic parameters of absorbers at elevated temperatures are seldom studied. In this work, sandwich MXene‐Ti3C2Tx@flake carbonyl iron (MF) composites with tunable and efficient microwave absorption at elevated temperatures are successfully fabricated by an electrostatic self‐assembly method. Both the complex permittivity and permeability of the MF are strongly temperature dependent in the temperature range of 298–473 K and X band (8.2–12.4 GHz). The efficient microwave absorption of MF at different temperatures can be achieved by changing the ratio of raw materials. Specifically, at room temperature, reflection loss (RL) ≤−10 dB of MF composite covers the whole X band at 2.12 mm, while the optimum RL value is −26.3 dB at 11.81 GHz. At 373 K, the optimum microwave absorption value of the MF composite reaches up to −63 dB at 10.27 GHz and RL ≤−10 dB can cover a whole X band with a thickness of 1.52 mm. Therefore, MF composites are expected to be promising candidates as ultrathin, highly efficient, and broadband absorbing materials at elevated temperatures.
Tuning the Phase Separation, Charge Ordering, and Electronic Transport in Electron‐Doped Manganite Films by Piezo‐Strain and Magnetic Field
Authors: Zheng Ming , Guan Pengfei , Qi Yaping , Tang Zhenhua , Ni Hao , Gao Ju
Published: August 2021

The macroscopic physical properties and functionalities of strongly correlated complex oxides usually originate from and depend sensitively on microscopic interactions, which can be controlled by an external stimulus. Here, in electron‐doped La0.85Hf0.15MnO3/Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐PbTiO3 multiferroic heterostructure, the role of phase separation in manipulating charge ordering and electronic transport by piezo‐strain and magnetic field is determined. The electric‐field‐induced lateral compressive piezo‐strain suppresses the charge‐ordering transition temperature and decreases the film resistance with a giant gauge factor of 27 368, due to the enhancement of the double‐exchange interaction between the Mn3+–Mn2+ ions and the suppression of the electron‐phonon coupling stemming from the Jahn‐Teller deformation. Moreover, the magnetic field can weaken the piezo‐resistance effect by 342 times. This result, together with elastically controlled magnetoresistance effect, demonstrates intimate correlation between the piezo‐strain‐induced and magnetic‐field‐induced effects by adjusting phase separation tendency. The findings indicate the importance of phase separation in multi‐field quantum control of electron‐doped perovskite manganites.
Engineering Single Atom Catalysts to Tune Properties for Electrochemical Reduction and Evolution Reactions
Authors: Maiti Kakali , Maiti Sandip , Curnan Matthew T. , Kim Hyung Jun , Han Jeong Woo
Published: August 2021

Electrocatalysis is important to the conversion and storage of renewable energy resources, including fuel cells, water electrolysers, and batteries. Engineering metal‐based nano‐architectures and their atomic‐scale surfaces is a promising approach for designing electrocatalysts. Single metal atom interactions with substrates and reaction environments crucially modulate the surface electronic properties of active metal centers, yielding controllable scaling relationships and transitions between different reaction mechanisms that improve catalytic activity. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) allow activity and selectivity tuning while maintaining relatively consistent morphologies. SACs have well‐defined configurations and active centers within homogeneous single‐atom dispersions, producing exceptional selectivities, activities, and stabilities. Furthermore, SACs with high per‐atom utilization efficiencies, well‐controlled substrate compositions, and engineered surface structures develop single atom active sites for molecular reactions, enhancing mass activities. Recent developments in different metal‐based SAC nanostructures are discussed to explain their remarkable bi‐functional electrocatalytic activities and high mechanical flexibility, especially in the oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, and in battery applications. Existing barriers to and future insights into improving SAC performance are addressed. This study develops practical and fundamental insights on single atom electrocatalysts directed towards tuning their electrocatalytic activities and enhancing their stabilities.
Methodologies for the application of calcium compounds in agropastoral systems: Effects on crop yields
Authors: Borges Wander Luis Barbosa , Hipólito Jorge Luiz , Tokuda Flavio Sueo , Gasparino Adriano Custódio , de Freitas Rogério Soares , Andreotti Marcelo
Published: August 2021

Soil acidity (pH <4.4) restricts exploration by the root system and impairs crop yield. To contribute to the development of alternative methodologies for correcting acidity in the surface and subsurface layers of soil, the present study evaluated the effects of seven combinations of application technique (surface, incorporation under soil tillage, or subsurface) and calcium (Ca) compounds (limestone [LS], phosphogypsum [PG], and hydrated lime [HL]) on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and maize (Zea mays L.) grain yields and on the absorption of macronutrients and dry matter yield of palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha syn. Brachiaria brizantha ‘Marandu’) in a Typic Hapludalf in an agropastoral system in Brazil. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with four replications. The results support the following conclusions: (a) applying HL plus PG is a viable alternative to applying LS plus PG for soybean and maize crops, (b) incorporating LS by plowing and harrowing is not a viable alternative to applying LS on the surface, (c) applying HL plus PG on the subsurface is superior to applying HL plus PG on the surface for soybean and palisade grass cultivation, (d) incorporating LS plus PG followed by annually applying LS on the surface improves palisade grass crop yield, (e) annually applying LS plus PG 2 yr before and annually applying LS plus PG increase palisade grass crop yield, and (f) annually applying LS or HL plus PG increases the absorption of Mg and S by palisade grass.
A delicate balance: Psychotropic polypharmacy and anti‐cholinergic use are correlated with fall incidence in Australian inpatients with dementia
Authors: Tan Samuel X. , Cameron Sarah C. , Sam Lit Min , Eigeland Hugh , Hay Karen , Eeles Eamonn , Natarajan Kannan
Published: August 2021

Background

Persons with dementia commonly experience a range of behavioural and psychological symptoms, including agitation, aggression, perceptual disturbances, and depression. While psychotropic medications areregularly prescribed to mitigate these symptoms, these agents also carry a broad adverse effect profile. This study aimed to characterize psychotropic medication use in patients with dementia, as well as identify prescribing factors associated with falls in this cohort.

Methods

This retrospective study collected longitudinal demographic and medication data from all patients admitted to a neuro‐cognitive unit at an Australian metropolitan hospital over a 2‐year period. Psychotropic polypharmacy and psychotropic agent use per patient‐fortnight were investigated for their association with inpatient falls.

Results

All patients (n = 147) were prescribed at least one psychotropic medication, with 96% receiving anti‐psychotic medications and 90% receiving benzodiazepines. Patient fall rate was significantly associated with anticholinergic drug use (Incidence rate ratio: 2.2;P < .001), as well as concomitant use of ≥5 daily psychotropic agents (Incidence rate ratio: 3.1;P = .001).

Conclusions

Patients with dementia are routinely prescribed a wide variety of psychotropic medications. Use of anticholinergic drugs and psychotropic polypharmacy are correlated with fall incidence in persons with dementia.
Combining trace Pt with surface silylation to boost Au/uncalcined TS‐1 catalyzed propylene epoxidation with H2 and O2
Authors: Wang Gang , Du Wei , Zhang Zhihua , Tang Yanqiang , Xu Jialun , Cao Yueqiang , Qian Gang , Duan Xuezhi , Yuan Weikang , Zhou Xinggui
Published: August 2021

Modification of bifunctional Au‐Ti catalysts for direct epoxidation of propylene with H2 and O2 is of burgeoning interest for potential commercialization requirements with desirable overall catalytic performance. Herein, we report a strategy by combining the addition of trace Pt into Au particles to enhance hydroperoxide species formation with the surface silylation to promote propylene oxide (PO) desorption. The resultant catalyst, that is, silylated Au20Pt1/uncalcined TS‐1, gives rise to significantly enhanced propylene conversion of 11%, PO selectivity of 88%, and H2 efficiency of 41%. The underlying nature of the above enhanced performance is elucidated by multiple techniques, such as high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and theoretical calculations. The insights revealed here, the synergy of Au‐Pt‐Ti triple active sites together with the surface silylation, could guide the rational design of Au‐Ti catalysts for propylene epoxidation to boost PO production.
Solid–liquid mass transfer characteristics and mechanism of alkali‐soluble heteropolysaccharides from hemp stalk
Authors: Miao Guohua , Peng Lijuan , Liu Enfen , He Liang , Guan Qingqing , Zhang Junhua , Peng Lincai
Published: August 2021

Establishment of a precise control model is conducive to efficient extraction of heteropolysaccharides (Hete) from lignocellulose biomass during alkali treatment process. Thus, this work focused on studying the dissolution behaviors of heteropolysaccharides from hemp stalk under different extraction conditions and developing a precise model to describe its solid–liquid mass transfer process. The results showed that under the optimal liquid to material ratio condition, alkali concentration and extraction time were the main factors affecting the extraction efficiency, followed by temperature and hydrogen peroxide dosage. Meanwhile, the influence of the flow state of lye and the particle size of hemp stalk cannot be also ignored. The established mass transfer models showed that the diffusion activation energy of heteropolysaccharides during laminar‐ and turbulent‐flow states were 1.1044 and 1.1015 kJ/mol, respectively, which totally proved that the dissolution of heteropolysaccharide under alkaline condition was a solid–liquid diffusion‐dominated mass transfer process. The internal and external verification results showed that the correlation and robustness of laminar‐ and turbulent‐type diffusion models were very good and suitable for controlling the dissolution of heteropolysaccharides from hemp stalk or similar plants.
Cerebral venous thrombosis and myeloproliferative neoplasms: A three‐center study of 74 consecutive cases
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Guglielmelli Paola , Betti Silvia , Farrukh Faiqa , Carobbio Alessandra , Barbui Tiziano , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , De Stefano Valerio , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: August 2021

The recent association of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) with COVID‐19 vaccinations prompted the current retrospective review of 74 cases of CVT (median age = 44 years, range 15–85; 61% females) associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), seen at the Mayo Clinic, Catholic University of Rome, and University of Florence, between 1991 and 2021. Disease‐specific frequencies were 1.3% (39/2893), 1.2% (21/1811) and 0.2% (3/1888) for essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and primary myelofibrosis, respectively. Cerebral venous thrombosis occurred either prior to (n = 20, 27%), at (n = 32, 44%) or after (n = 22) MPN diagnosis. A total of 72% of patients presented with headaches. Transverse (51%), sagittal (43%) and sigmoid sinuses (35%) were involved with central nervous system hemorrhage noted in 10 (14%) patients. In all, 91% of tested patients harbored JAK2V617F. An underlying thrombophilic condition was identified in 19 (31%) cases and history of thrombosis in 10 (14%). Treatment for CVT included systemic anticoagulation alone (n = 27) or in conjunction with aspirin (n = 24), cytoreductive therapy (n = 14), or both (n = 9). At a median follow‐up of 5.1 years (range 0.1–28.6), recurrent CVT was documented in three (4%) patients while recurrent arterial and venous thromboses and major hemorrhage were recorded in 11%, 9% and 14%, respectively. Follow‐up neurological assessment revealed headaches (n = 9), vision loss (n = 1) and cognitive impairment (n = 1). The current study lends clarity to MPN‐associated CVT and highlights its close association with JAK2V617F, younger age and female gender. Clinical features that distinguish COVID vaccine‐related CVT from MPN‐associated CVT include, in the latter, lower likelihood of concurrent venous thromboses and intracerebral hemorrhage; as a result, MPN‐associated CVT was not fatal.
Thrombopoietin level predicts response to treatment with romiplostim in chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Song Andrew B. , Goodarzi Katayoon , Karp Leaf Rebecca , Kuter David J. , Al‐Samkari Hanny
Published: August 2021

Chemotherapy‐induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) is a common complication of cancer treatment. Evidence has emerged supporting use of romiplostim to treat CIT but predicting clinical response to romiplostim is not possible. To determine utility of endogenous thrombopoietin (TPO) as a biomarker of romiplostim response, we performed an observational cohort study of patients with CIT and known baseline TPO levels receiving romiplostim. For weekly on‐romiplostim platelet (Plt) count assessment, clinical response was defined as Plt ≥ 75 × 109/L and ≥ 30 × 109/L above pretreatment baseline. Overall, moderate, and superior classes of treatment response were defined based on fraction of Plt assessments meeting clinical response criteria (> 0, ≥ 0.6, and ≥ 0.8, respectively). Sixty‐three patients with CIT were included; median age was 62 years, 41.3% were female, and median (IQR) romiplostim treatment duration was 14 (4–38) weeks. Median (IQR) TPO was lower in patients achieving moderate response to romiplostim vs those who did not, 234 (135–1085) pg/mL vs 665 (244–1970) pg/mL (p = .034) and lower still in patients achieving superior response vs those who did not, 212 (91–690) pg/mL versus 559 (173–1851) pg/mL (p = .023). Negative correlations were found between TPO level and baseline Plt and TPO level and response fraction. A positive correlation was found between TPO level and lowest effective romiplostim dose. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, optimally discriminant TPO level thresholds (as defined by Youden's Index) were ≤ 457 pg/mL for moderate response and ≤ 260 pg/mL for superior response. In conclusion, TPO levels predict response to romiplostim in CIT, with lower levels predicting improved probability and depth of response.
Metathesis Cascade‐Triggered Depolymerization of Enyne Self‐Immolative Polymers**
Authors: Yuan Jingsong , Giardino Gavin J. , Niu Jia
Published: August 2021

A novel class of enyne self‐immolative polymers (SIPs) capable of metathesis cascade‐triggered depolymerization is reported. Studies on model compounds established 1,6‐enyne structures for efficient metathesis cascade reactions. SIPs incorporating the optimized 1,6‐enyne motif were prepared via both polycondensation and iterative exponential growth approaches. These SIPs demonstrated excellent stability in strong acid, base, nucleophiles, or at elevated temperatures, and can undergo efficient and complete depolymerization once triggered by a metathesis catalyst. Further studies revealed that introducing a terminal alkene to the chain end of the enyne SIPs improved the depolymerization efficiency, and established their potential as stimuli‐responsive materials.
Novel paraffin wax/ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene composite phase change materials modified by carbon nanotubes with excellent combination property
Authors: Cao Xianwu , Li Chunnong , Li Yuping , Tong Yizhang , He Guangjian , Yang Zhitao
Published: August 2021

Phase change materials store and release heat energy in the process of phase change, so as to realize the effective recovery and utilization of heat energy. In this work, ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)@carbon nanotubes (CNT) 3D porous matrix were fabricated by rotary sintering. By vacuum adsorbing paraffin wax (PW) into UHMWPE@CNT porous matrix, composite phase change materials (CPCM) with excellent shape stability and mechanical properties were obtained. In addition, thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) results showed that the thermal stability of PW in CPCM was significantly improved. Moreover, the highest thermal conductivity of CPCM was 0.31 W m−1 K−1 at a relatively low content of CNT, which was 1.71 times that of CPCM without CNT. CNT was uniformly dispersed in the porous matrix of UHMWPE to enhance the thermal properties of CPCM. Especially when the CNT content was 1.5%, the thermal storage performance and photothermal conversion efficiency of CPCM were effectively improved. Therefore, the CPCM prepared by this method with excellent combination property, had great application prospect in energy storage.
Two‐dimensional MOFs: Design & Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Lin Yuting , Li Yuehua , Cao Yu , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: August 2021

For the past few years, two‐dimensional materials have attracted widespread attention owing to their special properties and potential applications. It is well‐known that graphene, transition metal disulfide compounds (TMDC), carbon nitride, transition metal carbonitrides (Mxenes), silene and hexagonal boron nitride are typical two‐dimensional materials. Compared with these traditional two‐dimensional materials, two‐dimensional MOF is favored by numerous researchers because of its unique structure. Based on the unique metal ion and organic ligand coordination of MOF and two‐dimensional layered structure, the applications of two‐dimensional MOF were getting serious, including catalysis, supercapacitor, gas adsorption/separation, sensors and so on. This review presents a relatively comprehensive summary of the design & synthesis and applications of two‐dimensional MOF over the past few years. Furthermore, the opportunities and challenges have been discussed to supply a promising prospect to this field.
Impedance spectroscopy for identifying tau protein to monitor anesthesia‐based issues
Authors: Yin Miaomiao , Xu Defang , Yu Jinyong , Huang Saisai , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Kang Peipei
Published: August 2021

Anesthesia‐related drugs cause various side effects and health‐related illnesses after surgery. In particular, neurogenerative disorder is a common problem of anesthesia‐related drugs. A patient gets anesthesia as a requirement of the preoperative evaluation to diagnose the medical illness, which is caused by anesthetic drug treatment. Different blood‐based biomarkers help in identifying the changes appearing in patients after anesthesia treatment. Among them, tau protein is a sensitive biomarker of neurodegenerative diseases, and the fluctuations in tau proteins are highly associated with various diseases. Furthermore, researchers have found unstable levels of tau protein after the anesthesia process. The current research has focused on quantifying tau protein via impedance spectroscopy to identify the problems caused by anesthesia‐related drugs. An impedance spectroscopy electrode was modified into a multiwalled carbon nanotube, and an amine‐ended aptamer was then attached. This electrode surface was used to quantify the tau protein level and reached the detection limit of 1 fM. The determination coefficient was found to bey= 369.93x+ 1144.9, withR2= 0.9846 in the linear range of 1 fM–1 nM. Furthermore, tau protein spiked human serum was clearly identified on the immobilized aptamer surface, indicating the specific detection.
Data Management Plans: the Importance of Data Management in the BIG‐MAP Project**
Authors: Castelli Ivano E. , Arismendi‐Arrieta Daniel J. , Bhowmik Arghya , Cekic‐Laskovic Isidora , Clark Simon , Dominko Robert , Flores Eibar , Flowers Jackson , Ulvskov Frederiksen Karina , Friis Jesper , Grimaud Alexis , Hansen Karin Vels , Hardwick Laurence J. , Hermansson Kersti , Königer Lukas , Lauritzen Hanne , Le Cras Frédéric , Li Hongjiao , Lyonnard Sandrine , Lorrmann Henning , Marzari Nicola , Niedzicki Leszek , Pizzi Giovanni , Rahmanian Fuzhan , Stein Helge , Uhrin Martin , Wenzel Wolfgang , Winter Martin , Wölke Christian , Vegge Tejs
Published: August 2021

Open access to research data is increasingly important for accelerating research. Grant authorities therefore request detailed plans for how data is managed in the projects they finance. We have recently developed such a plan for the EU−H2020 BIG‐MAP project—a cross‐disciplinary project targeting disruptive battery‐material discoveries. Essential for reaching the goal is extensive sharing of research data across scales, disciplines and stakeholders, not limited to BIG‐MAP and the European BATTERY 2030+ initiative but within the entire battery community. The key challenges faced in developing the data management plan for such a large and complex project were to generate an overview of the enormous amount of data that will be produced, to build an understanding of the data flow within the project and to agree on a roadmap for making all data FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable). This paper describes the process we followed and how we structured the plan.
Protein networks linking Warburg and reverse Warburg effects to cancer cell metabolism
Authors: Johar Dina , Elmehrath Ahmed O. , Khalil Rania M. , Elberry Mostafa H. , Zaky Samy , Shalabi Samy A. , Bernstein Larry H.
Published: August 2021

It was 80 years after the Otto Warburg discovery of aerobic glycolysis, a major hallmark in the understanding of cancer. The Warburg effect is the preference of cancer cell for glycolysis that produces lactate even when sufficient oxygen is provided. “reverse Warburg effect” refers to the interstitial tissue communications with adjacent epithelium, that in the process of carcinogenesis, is needed to be explored. Among these cell–cell communications, the contact between epithelial cells; between epithelial cells and matrix; and between fibroblasts and inflammatory cells in the underlying matrix. Cancer involves dysregulation of Warburg and reverse Warburg cellular metabolic pathways. How these gene and protein‐based regulatory mechanisms have functioned has been the basis for this review. The importance of the Warburg in oxidative phosphorylation suppression, with increased glycolysis in cancer growth and proliferation is emphasized. Studies that are directed at pathways that would be expected to shift cell metabolism to an increased oxidation and to a decrease in glycolysis are emphasized. Key enzymes required for oxidative phosphorylation, and affect the inhibition of fatty acid metabolism and glutamine dependence are conferred. The findings are of special interest to cancer pharmacotherapy. Studies described in this review are concerned with the effects of therapeutic modalities that are intimately related to the Warburg effect. These interactions described may be helpful as adjuvant therapy in controlling the process of proliferation and metastasis.
Potent neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2 including variants of concern by vaccines presenting the receptor‐binding domain multivalently from nanoscaffolds
Authors: Halfmann Peter J. , Castro Ana , Loeffler Kathryn , Frey Steven J. , Chiba Shiho , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Kane Ravi S.
Published: August 2021

The persistence of the global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic has brought to the forefront the need for safe and effective vaccination strategies. In particular, the emergence of several variants with greater infectivity and resistance to current vaccines has motivated the development of a vaccine that elicits a broadly neutralizing immune response against all variants. In this study, we used a nanoparticle‐based vaccine platform for the multivalent display of the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein, the primary target of neutralizing antibodies. Multiple copies of RBD were conjugated to the SpyCatcher‐mi3 protein nanoparticle to produce a highly immunogenic nanoparticle‐based vaccine. RBD‐SpyCatcher‐mi3 vaccines elicited broadly cross‐reactive antibodies that recognized the spike proteins of not just an early isolate of SARS‐CoV‐2, but also three SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern as well as SARS‐CoV‐1. Moreover, immunization elicited high neutralizing antibody titers against an early isolate of SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as four variants of concern, including the delta variant. These results reveal the potential of RBD‐SpyCatcher‐mi3 as a broadly protective vaccination strategy.
Gene signatures predict biochemical recurrence‐free survival in primary prostate cancer patients after radical therapy
Authors: Su Qiang , Liu Zhenyu , Chen Chi , Gao Han , Zhu Yongbei , Wang Liusu , Pan Meiqing , Liu Jiangang , Yang Xin , Tian Jie
Published: August 2021

Background

This study evaluated the predictive value of gene signatures for biochemical recurrence (BCR) in primary prostate cancer (PCa) patients.

Methods

Clinical features and gene expression profiles of PCa patients were attained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, which were further classified into a training set (n = 419), a validation set (n = 403). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox (LASSO‐Cox) method was used to select discriminative gene signatures in training set for biochemical recurrence‐free survival (BCRFS). Selected gene signatures established a risk score system. Univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors about BCRFS were performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression models. A nomogram based on multivariate analysis was plotted to facilitate clinical application. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analyses were then executed for differentially expressed genes (DEGs).

Results

Notably, the risk score could significantly identify BCRFS by time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (t‐ROC) curves in the training set (3‐year area under the curve (AUC) = 0.820, 5‐year AUC = 0.809) and the validation set (3‐year AUC = 0.723, 5‐year AUC = 0.733).

Conclusions

Clinically, the nomogram model, which incorporates Gleason score and the risk score, could effectively predict BCRFS and potentially be utilized as a useful tool for the screening of BCRFS in PCa.
Insecticidal and Repellent Activity ofThymus quinquecostatusCelak. Essential Oil and Major Compositions against Three Stored‐Product Insects
Authors: Lu Xin‐Xin , Feng YI‐Xi , Du Yue‐Shen , Zheng Yu , Borjigidai Almaz , Zhang Xu , Du Shu‐Shan
Published: August 2021

Thymus quinquecostatusCelak. of the Lamiaceae family has a long history of dual use of medicine and food with high economic value, and has been proved to have good antioxidative, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. Essential oil (EO) extracted from the aerial part ofT. quinquecostatuswas obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and GC. Totally 45 compounds were identified accounting for 98.5 % of the EO. The major constituents of the EO were linalool (52.003 %), borneol (10.911 %) and anethole (5.325 %). Fumigant, contact and repellent activity ofT. quinquecostatusessential oil (EO) againstTribolium castaneum(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae),Lasioderma Serricorne(Coleoptera: Anobiidae),Liposcelis bostrychophila(Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) were evaluated in this work.T. quinquecostatusEO and three major constituents showed varying degrees of insecticidal and repellent activities to three stored‐product insects. Anethole stated the best fumigant and contact activity than others did to all three insect species. EO and compoundsshowed general repellent activity against three target insects. This work suggests that the EO ofT. quinquecostatushas promising potential to be developed into botanical pesticides and repellents controlling pest damage in warehouses and grain stores.
Chemical Composition and Spectrum of Insecticidal Activity of the Essential Oils of Ocimum gratissimum L. and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf on the Main Insects of the Cotton Entomofauna in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kobenan Koffi Christophe , Bini Kouadio Kra Norbert , Kouakou Malanno , Kouadio Ibrahime Sinan , Zengin Gokhan , Ochou Germain Elisabeth Cynthia , Boka Nina Reine Kosso , Menozzi Philippe , Ochou Ochou Germain , Dick Acka Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

Among the alternatives to environmentally toxic and socio‐economically unacceptable chemical pesticides, essential oils from Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus were tested on the main pests and beneficial insects of the cotton plant in Côte d′Ivoire. After extraction and chemical analysis of the essential oils, field trials were carried out using a Fisher block system with three treatment repetitions where their effects compared with those of a registered synthetic insecticide (IBIS A 52 EC). Foliar applications of the products were carried out in accordance with the cotton plant protection extension programme in Côte d′Ivoire from the 45th to the 115th day after plant emergence, with one application every fortnight. Twenty‐three and forty compounds representing about 96 and 99 % of the oil composition of O. gratissimum and C. citratus respectively were elucidated. The most abundant compounds were p‐cymene and thymol (O. gratissimum) and myrcene, neral and geranial (C. citratus). The essential oil of O. gratissimum at concentrations of 2 and 5 % showed insecticidal activity on all pests (biting‐sucking and carpophagous), except the phyllophagous Syllepte derogata. C. citratus, at a low concentration (1 %), was particularly toxic to whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), however, it favoured the action of beneficial insects, specifically black ants and ladybirds in the cotton plots, unlike the chemical product. EO of O. gratissimum (1.60 and 4.62 mg GALAE/g, respectively) and C. citratus (2.26 and 2.78 mg GALAE, respectively) exhibited also significant acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase inhibitors. Insecticide formulations based on the essential oils of O. gratissimum and C. citratus offer favourable prospects for their use in cotton cultivation as an alternative to chemical pesticides.
Feasibility and safety of the successive use of distal transradial access for coronary angiography and intervention in the same arm
Authors: Yamada Takeshi , Washimi Soichiro , Hashimoto Sho , Taniguchi Norimasa , Nakajima Shunsuke , Hata Tetsuya , Takahashi Akihiko
Published: August 2021

Distal transradial access (dTRA) is a novel alternative to conventional radial artery access for coronary catheterization. However, the feasibility and safety of repeated use of dTRA have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the repeated use of dTRA for coronary angiography and intervention in the same arm. A total of 1717 patients underwent angiography or angioplasty via dTRA. We retrospectively analyzed the catheterization records of patients who underwent repeated puncture of the distal radial artery in the same arm. The incidence of successive applications of dTRA and the reasons for dropout were retrospectively investigated. A total of 416 patients, including three who underwent coronary catheterization with the bilateral dTRA in the initial attempt were analyzed. A 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, or 6‐French sheath or sheathless guide catheter was used in the initial procedure. A maximum of four successive coronary catheterization procedures were performed. The second procedure with dTRA on the same arm was successfully performed in 395 cases (94.3%), with a successive rate of 89.6% for both the third and fourth dTRA procedures. Conversion to another approach site (n = 30) was attributed to radial artery occlusion (n = 9), narrowing of the distal radial artery (n = 19), and puncture failure (n = 2). The current data indicate that the repeated use of dTRA is safe and feasible, and this approach may become a standard approach site in the future.
Comparison of variable‐rate prescriptions and optimum seeding rate in soybean
Authors: Hamman William P. , Matcham Emma G. , Singh Maninder P. , Lindsey Laura E.
Published: August 2021

As the cost of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed increases, farmers are interested in reducing seeding rates. Variable‐rate seeding (VRS) allows farmers to adjust seeding rates within a field by management zone, and many farmers practice VRS in soybean. However, without field validation, the accuracy of existing VRS practices is unknown. The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine the agronomic optimum seeding rate (AOSR) of soybean in predetermined management zones and (b) compare the AOSR to each farmer's standard VRS practice. Ten on‐farm trials were established in Ohio and Michigan during 2017 and 2018. The trials consisted of three uniform seeding rate treatments of low, moderate, and high and a variable‐rate treatment determined by each cooperating farmer. Farmers used a variety of methods to create management zones within their fields. Within each site‐year, soybean grain yield was not different among management zones. The farmer‐selected seeding rate was within 10% of the calculated AOSR in 6 out of 15 management zones. In 8 out of 15 management zones, soybean was underseeded by >10%, and one management zone out of 15 was overseeded by >10%. Underseeding was likely due to low plant populations caused by heavy rainfall after planting or late planting, even though seeding rate was high. We recommend farmers take a stand count to understand the relationship between seeding rate and plant population in their individual field management zones and adjust their seeding rates accordingly.
Salicylideneaniline is a Photoswitchable Ferroelectric Crystal
Authors: Wang Zhong‐Xia , Huang Chao‐Ran , Liu Jun‐Chao , Zeng Yu‐Ling , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: August 2021

Since the discovery of the first ferroelectric Rochelle salt, most ferroelectrics have been investigated showing thermally triggered symmetry‐breaking phase transition. Although photochromism arising from geometrical isomerization was reported as early as 1867, such photoswitchable ferroelectric crystals have scarcely been developed to date. Herein, we report that salicylideneaniline is a photochromic ferroelectric crystal. Upon photoirradiation, the dielectric constant shows obvious switching between high and low dielectric states, and more importantly, the ferroelectric polarization demonstrates quick and reversible switching. This work opens the gate to developing photoswitchable ferroelectrics, which holds great potential for applications in optically controlled smart devices.
Additive and Emergent Catalytic Properties of Dimeric Unnatural Amino Acid Derivatives: Aldol and Conjugate Additions
Authors: de Gracia Retamosa María , Ruiz‐Olalla Andrea , Agirre Maddalen , de Cózar Abel , Bello Tamara , Cossío Fernando P.
Published: August 2021

Different densely substituted L‐ and D‐proline esters were prepared by asymmetric (3+2) cycloaddition reactions catalyzed by conveniently selected EhuPhos chiral ligands. The γ‐nitro‐2‐alkoxycarbonyl pyrrolidines thus obtained in either their endo or exo forms were functionalized and coupled to yield the corresponding γ‐dipeptides. The catalytic properties of these latter dimers were examined using aldol and conjugate additions as case studies. When aldol reactions were analyzed, an additive behavior in terms of stereocontrol was observed on going from the monomers to the dimers. In contrast, in the case of the conjugate additions between ketones and nitroalkenes, the monomers did not catalyze this reaction, whereas the different γ‐dipeptides promoted the formation of the corresponding Michael adducts. Therefore, in this latter case emergent catalytic properties were observed for these novel γ‐dipeptides based on unnatural proline derivatives. Under certain conditions stoichiometric amounts of ketone, acid and nitroalkene), formation of N‐acyloxy‐2‐oxooctahydro‐1H‐indoles was observed.
Energetic characterization and flash pyrolysis of different elephant grass cultivars (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.)
Authors: de O. Lessa Mayara , Q. Calixto Guilherme , das Chagas Bruna M. E. , M. Aguiar Emerson , de F. Melo Marcus A. , M. Braga Renata
Published: August 2021

Limited fossil fuel reserves combined with greenhouse gas intensification due to CO2 emissions has encouraged research in renewable fuels. In this work, a flash pyrolysis study of elephant grass cultivars—Pennisetum purpureum Schum cultivar Mott (MEG), P. purpureum Schum cultivar Roxo (REG), and P. purpureum Schum cultivar Capiaçu (CEG)—was carried out. The biomasses were evaluated in terms of energy characterization by proximate and ultimate analysis, thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and analytical pyrolysis (Py‐GC/MS) at 600°C. The characterization results showed that these biomasses have potential for energy applications and to produce valuable chemicals. The pyrolysis products produced were mainly oxygenated, including short‐chain organic acids (C1‐C4), furans, esters, aldehydes, ketone, and phenols. Although the obtained results were similar for the three biomasses with small variations in the yields of the pyrolysis products, the study reveals an important difference in terms of energy density. CEG was proven as the most promising elephant grass cultivar to be applied for fast pyrolysis to obtain bio‐oil due to its higher dry matter production (2115 t km−2), power generated (9529 MWh km−2), HHV (16.22 MJ kg−1), lower ash content (6.75%), higher volatile content (74.84%), and higher carbon content (42.57%).