bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NADH Photosynthesis System with Affordable Electron Supply and Inhibited NADH Oxidation
Authors: Chen Yu , Shi Jiafu , Wu Yizhou , Guo Zheyuan , Li Shihao , Li Wenping , Wu Zhenhua , Wang Hongjian , Jiang Haifei , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: September 2023

Photosynthesis offers a green approach for the recycling of nicotinamide cofactors primarily NADH in bio‐redox reactions. Herein, we report an NADH photosynthesis system where the oxidation of biomass derivatives is designed as an electron supply module (ESM) to afford electrons and superoxide dismutase/catalase (SOD/CAT) cascade catalysis is designed as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination module (REM) to inhibit NADH degradation. Glucose as the electron donor guarantees the reaction sustainability accompanied with oxidative products of gluconic acid and formic acid. Meanwhile, enzyme cascades of SOD/CAT greatly eliminate ROS, leading to a ≈2.00‐fold elevation of NADH yield (61.1 % vs. 30.7 %). The initial reaction rate and turnover frequency (TOF) increased by 2.50 times and 2.54 times, respectively, compared with those systems without REM. Our study establishes a novel and efficient platform for NADH photosynthesis coupled to biomass‐to‐chemical conversion.
Correlating Polysulfide Solvation Structure with Electrode Kinetics towards Long‐Cycling Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Zheng , Hou Li‐Peng , Yao Nan , Li Xi‐Yao , Chen Zi‐Xian , Chen Xiang , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Li Bo‐Quan , Zhang Qiang
Published: September 2023

Lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries are promising due to ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, their cycling lifespan is crucially affected by the electrode kinetics of lithium polysulfides. Herein, the polysulfide solvation structure is correlated with polysulfide electrode kinetics towards long‐cycling Li−S batteries. The solvation structure derived from strong solvating power electrolyte induces fast anode kinetics and rapid anode failure, while that derived from weak solvating power electrolyte causes sluggish cathode kinetics and rapid capacity loss. By contrast, the solvation structure derived from medium solvating power electrolyte balances cathode and anode kinetics and improves the cycling performance of Li−S batteries. Li−S coin cells with ultra‐thin Li anodes and high‐S‐loading cathodes deliver 146 cycles and a 338 Wh kg−1 pouch cell undergoes stable 30 cycles. This work clarifies the relationship between polysulfide solvation structure and electrode kinetics and inspires rational electrolyte design for long‐cycling Li−S batteries.
A Multidimensional Approach to Modulating Ionizable Lipids for High‐Performing and Organ‐Selective mRNA Delivery
Authors: He Zepeng , Le Zhicheng , Shi Yi , Liu Lixin , Liu Zhijia , Chen Yongming
Published: September 2023

The development of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has enabled a successful clinical application of mRNA vaccines. However, disclosure of design principles for the core component‐ionizable lipids (ILs), improving the delivery efficacy and organ targeting of LNPs, remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a powerful strategy to modulate ILs in one‐step chemistry using the Ugi four‐component reaction (Ugi‐4CR) under mild conditions. A large IL library of new structures was established simply and efficiently through a multidimensional approach, allowing us to identify the top‐performing ILs in delivering mRNA via the formulated LNPs. Adjusting the skeleton of ILs has transformed the organ‐specific and robust transfection in mRNA delivery from the liver to the spleen following different administration routes. Of note, a series of isomeric ILs were prepared and we found that the isomers mattered greatly in the performance of LNPs for mRNA delivery. Furthermore, owing to the bis‐amide bonds formed in the Ugi‐4CR reaction, the ILs within LNPs may form hydrogen bonding intermolecularly, facilitating the colloidal stabilization of LNPs. This work provides clues to the rapid discovery and rational design of IL candidates, assisting the application of mRNA therapeutics.
Exploiting Chirality in Confined Nanospaces
Authors: Begato Federico , Licini Giulia , Zonta Cristiano
Published: September 2023

Spatial organization using confinement has been of great interest since the early ages of supramolecular chemistry. Application such as sensing, catalysis and delivery are continuously emerging. This minireview highlights the evolution of chiral supramolecular cages (CSC) applications in the fields of catalysis, sensing and chiroptical properties. More in detail, beside the description of the strategies adopted for the preparation of chiral supramolecular cages, either of purely organic supramolecular architectures or prepared using metal‐ligand coordination bonds, recent findings on their applications, with particular attention to stereodynamic systems, are presented to highlight the recent scientific interests and the future opportunities.
Recent advances in catalytic and electrocatalytic applications of half‐sandwich nickel(0/II) N–heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Budagumpi Srinivasa , Narayana Brinda Kadur , Keri Rangappa Sangappa , Hanumantharayudu Nagaraju Doddahalli , Vijayakumar Monica , Viswanathamurthi Periasamy
Published: September 2023

Diverse structural and catalytic features of half‐sandwich nickel N–heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes provide an encouraging platform not only to address the drawbacks of other group X (palladium and platinum) metal NHC catalysts but also to bring about their superior performance. The chemistry of nickel NHC complexes has gained substantial interest from the organometallic community owing to their remarkable stability to air and moisture, easier preparation protocols, and availability of wide scope for structural fine tuning in order to achieve targeted applications. The recent progress in the field of half‐sandwich nickel(0/II) NHC complexes is covered in this review article with a special emphasis on the different synthetic strategies employed, structural characterization including spectral and X‐ray diffraction techniques, and surface morphology of the films of complexes. Both, homogeneous and electrocatalytic applications of half‐sandwich nickel NHC complexes are discussed with respect to their potential in various C–C and C–S bond constructions, targeted C–H bond activations, reductions using silylating agents, electrocatalytic glucose sensing, and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions. Donor functionalized complexes displayed improved catalytic potential in several C–C and C–S coupling reactions over non–functionalized counterparts. Overall, this assessment, from a comprehensive standpoint, affords evidence that is advantageous in the design of novel NHC ligands to access targeted half‐sandwich nickel(0/II) NHC complexes encompassing potential homogeneous catalytic and electrocatalytic applications.
Microwave‐assisted fractionation and functionalization of technical lignin toward thermoset resins
Authors: Truncali Alessio , Ribca Iuliana , Yao Jenevieve , Hakkarainen Minna , Johansson Mats
Published: September 2023

Lignin is the most abundant aromatic biopolymer, with a potential to serve as a building block of rigid and thermally stable bio‐based materials. However, it is still underutilized because of the heterogeneous and not fully understood chemical structure. Here, technical softwood Kraft lignin is refined in to narrow‐dispersity and relatively low molar mass fractions by microwave‐assisted processing, followed by microwave‐assisted allylation and further application in lignin‐based thermosets. This microwave processing is carried out under non‐catalyzed conditions using a low boiling point solvent and elevated pressure. The properties of the retrieved fractions are investigated by 31P‐NMR, heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectroscopy‐NMR, SEC, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The extraction yield of the selected lignin fraction is around 25%, with the number‐average molar mass (Mn), weight‐average molar mass (Mw), and dispersity (Đ) significantly reduced. The chemically modified lignin is characterized by 31P NMR and FTIR, which provides evidence of the introduction of the allyl moieties. The analyses demonstrate that 90 ± 3% of the hydroxyl groups in fractionated lignin are successfully allylated. Subsequently, the allylated lignin is cross‐linked through thermally induced thiol‐ene chemistry to produce lignin‐based thermosets. The final thermosets exhibit a storage modulus of 4050 ± 60 MPa and a Tg of 105 ± 5°C.
Drug design education in China
Authors: Fu Wei , Li Wei , Chen Boyu , Zhang Junjie , Xie Qiong , Zhou Lu , Zhang Xuemei
Published: September 2023

With the emergence of innovative technologies, including combinatorial chemistry, high‐throughput screening, computer‐aided drug design (CADD), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, the importance of drug design in the field of drug discovery and development is increasing. Additionally, education in drug design plays an important role in the training of pharmaceutical talent. Starting with undergraduates, cultivating pharmaceutical design thinking, developing innovation and creativity, and establishing an interdisciplinary knowledge system will not only provide students with a solid knowledge basis but also promote the development of the pharmaceutical industry in China. This article presents the current status of pharmaceutical education and the distribution of drug design courses in China and summarizes the employment prospects of graduates, thus providing valuable references and evidence for global pharmaceutical design education.
Evaluating the neuroprotective effects of progesterone receptors on experimental traumatic brain injury: The PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Amirkhosravi Ladan , khaksari Mohammad , Amiresmaili Sedigheh , Sanjari Mojgan , Khorasani Parisa , Hashemian Morteza
Published: September 2023

Background

Studies have confirmed the salutary effects of progesterone (P4) on traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study investigated the beneficial effects of P4 via its receptors on TBI, and also whether progesterone receptors (PRs) can modulate TBI through PI3K/Akt pathway.

Material and methods

Marmarou method was utilized to induce diffuse TBI in ovariectomized rats. P4 (1.7 mg/kg) or the vehicle (oil) was administered 30 min after TBI induction. Moreover, RU486 (PR antagonist) and its vehicle (DMSO) were injected before TBI induction and P4 injection. Brain Evans blue content, brain water content (WC), various oxidative stress parameters, IL‐1β levels, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), histopathological alterations, and also phosphorylated Akt (p‐Akt) and PI3K expressions in the brain were assessed 24 h after TBI. The veterinary comma scale (VCS) was measured before and after TBI at different times.

Results

The findings revealed that P4 caused an increase in VCS and a decrease in brain WC, oxidative stress, TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels. RU486 inhibited the beneficial effects of P4 on these indices. Moreover, RU486 prevented the reduction of brain edema, inflammation, and apoptosis caused by P4. Moreover, P4 following TBI increased the expression of PI3K/p‐Akt protein in the brain. RU486 eliminated the effects of P4 on PI3K/p‐Akt expression.

Conclusion

According to these findings, PRs are acting as critical mediators for the neuroprotective properties of P4 on oxidative stress, pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, and neurological outcomes. PRs also play an important role in regulating the PI3K/p‐Akt expression and nongenomic function of P4.
Isolation of (Aryl)‐(Imino) Phosphide and (Aryl)‐(Phosphaalkene) Amide Complexes of Alkali Metals from Carbene‐Phosphinidenes under Reductive‐Thermal Rearrangements
Authors: Nag Ekta , Francis Maria , Putta Divya , Roy Sudipta
Published: September 2023

Two‐electron reduction of cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene (cAAC)‐supported chloro‐phosphinidene cAAC=P−Cl (1) followed by unprecedented thermal rearrangements afforded the alkali metal complexes of (aryl)‐(cyclic alkyl(imino)) phosphides 3 a–3 c, 4 a–4 b through migration of the 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl (dipp) group from N to the P centre, and the (aryl)‐(cyclic alkyl(phosphaalkene)) amide 5 through cleavage of the CMe2−N bond followed by energetically favoured 5‐exo‐tet ring‐closure in the presence of the alkali metals Cs (3 a–3 c), K (4 a, 4 b), and Li (5). Compound 3 a was found to be photoluminescent (PL), emitting bright orange light under a laboratory UV lamp of wavelength 365 nm with PL quantum yield (ϕPL) of 2.6 % (λem=600 nm), and an average lifetime (τ) of 4.8 μs. Reaction of 3 a with CuCl and AgOTf afforded (aryl)‐(cyclic alkyl(imino)) phosphide‐stabilized tetra‐nuclear CuI (6), and octa‐nuclear AgI (7) clusters, respectively. Moreover, complexes 3 a–3 c provided a direct route for the stabilization of cyclic alkyl(aminoboryl) phosphaalkenes 8 a‐8 c when treated with 1‐bromo‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetraisopropylboranediamine.
Localized Crystallization of Calcium Phosphates by Light‐Induced Processes
Authors: Besirske Patricia , Menichetti Arianna , Montalti Marco , García‐Ruiz Juan Manuel , Winterhalder Martin , Boneberg Johannes , Cölfen Helmut
Published: September 2023

Medical treatment options for bones and teeth can be significantly enhanced by taking control over the crystallization of biomaterials like hydroxyapatite in the healing process. Light‐induced techniques are particularly interesting for this approach as they offer tremendous accuracy in spatial resolution. However, in the field of calcium phosphates, light‐induced crystallization has not been investigated so far. Here, proof of principle is established to successfully induce carbonate‐hydroxyapatite precipitation by light irradiation. Phosphoric acid is released by a photolabile molecule exclusively after irradiation, combining with calcium ions to form a calcium phosphate in the crystallization medium. 4‐Nitrophenylphosphate (4NPP) is established as the photolabile molecule and the system is optimized and fully characterized. A calcium phosphate is crystallized exclusively by irradiation in aqueous solution and identified as carbonate apatite. Control over the localization and stabilization of the carbonate apatite is achieved by a pulsed laser, triggering precipitation in calcium and 4NPP‐containing gel matrices. The results of this communication open up a wide range of new opportunities, both in the field of chemistry for more sophisticated reaction control in localized crystallization processes and in the field of medicine for enhanced treatment of calcium phosphate containing biomaterials.
Dynamic chaos of imaging measurements for characterizing gas–liquid nonlinear flow behaviour in a metallurgical reactor stirred by top‐blown air
Authors: Yang Kai , Zhang Xiaoxue , Yang Guiyan , Li Meng , Wang Hua , Xiao Qingtai
Published: September 2023

A modern chaos detection strategy for imaging measurements is proposed in this work to quantify the thermal mixing state quality in a metallurgical reactor stirred by top‐blown air. Specifically, the improved C‐C algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the phase space of the nonlinear time series of the bubble characteristics under thermal conditions. Moreover, a chaos decision tree algorithm is introduced to extract the chaotic mixing characteristics of the thermal two‐phase mixing system for the first time. Experimental and calculated results show that all the possible mixing states of the mixing system are visualized by reconstructing the phase space with the help of the visualization technique of the thermal gas–liquid two‐phase flow. It is found that the attractor of the nonlinear time series of bubbles exhibited more serious variations while the chosen working condition was optimal. Furthermore, the obtained parameter represents the chaotic characteristics of the thermal gas–liquid two‐phase mixing system which has chaotic characteristics under various experimental conditions. Hence, the new strategy would be helpful and effective in beneficial exploration for understanding the nonlinear intensification mechanism of metallurgical thermal processes.
Ionothermal Synthesis and Photoactivity of Ti17 and Ti19‐Oxo Clusters Functionalized by Sulfate and 1,10‐Phenanthroline Ligands
Authors: Chintakrinda Kalpana , Narayanam Nagaraju , Chen Guang‐Hui , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

In this study, we successfully synthesized two titanium‐oxo clusters, namely Ti19(μ3‐O)19(μ2‐O)10(1,10‐phn)2(OiPr)18] (PTC‐178) and (EMIm)3[Ti17(μ4‐O)4(μ3‐O)16(μ2‐O)4(SO4)3(μ2‐OiPr)4(OiPr)13] (PTC‐179). These clusters were synthesized using an ionothermal reaction and possess similar nuclearity (Ti19 vs. Ti17) moieties. Additionally, we observed that these complexes exhibit varying activities for photocatalytic degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye and distinct photocurrent responses for photoelectrochemical studies due to their different surface‐decorated ligands. This study provides valuable insights into the design of Ti‐oxo molecular clusters with similar nuclearity but different surface environments, allowing for the establishment of critical structure‐property relationships. Furthermore, our research contributes to the exploration of sustainable synthetic methods for high nuclearity TOCs using ionic liquids.
Copper‐Catalyzed Highly Stereoselective Hydrodifluoroallylation of Cyclopropenes and Alkenyl Boronates with 3,3‐Difluoroallyl Sulfonium Salts†
Authors: Gao Xing , Ren Xiaoxiao , Deng Wei , Zhang Xingang
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Despite the paramount applications of organofluorine compounds in life and materials sciences, efficient strategies for stereoselectively constructing the C(sp3)‐CF2R bond at the stereogenic center remain limited. Here, we report a copper‐catalyzed hydrodifluoroallylation of cyclopropenes and alkenyl boronates with 3,3‐difluoroallyl sulfonium salts (DFASs). The use of DFASs overcomes the previous challenge of suppressing the reduction of fluoroalkylating reagents with M‐H species. The reaction provides an array of gem‐difluoroallyl cyclopropanes and borylalkanes with high efficiency and stereoselectivity under mild reaction conditions. Using chiral phosphine ligand could provide gem‐difluoroallyl borylalkanes with high enantioselectivities, paving a new way for the catalytic asymmetric fluoroalkylation with ubiquitous alkenes. The advantages of this protocol are synthetic convenience, high functional group tolerance, and the synthetic versatility of the resulting gem‐difluoroallyl cyclopropanes and borylalkanes. The synthetic utility of this approach has also been demonstrated by the diversified transformations of the gem‐difluoroallylated products and the rapid synthesis of bioactive molecule analogs.
In‐situ Generation of Hydroxyl Layers in CoO@FeSe2 Catalyst for High Selectivity Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Feng Suyang , Rao Peng , Wu Xiao , Li Ke , Qi Anyuan , Yu Yanhui , Li Jing , Deng Peilin , Yuan Yuliang , Wang Shaolei , Tian Xinlong , Kang Zhenye
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Seawater electrolysis holds great promise for hydrogen production in the future, while the development of anodic catalysts has been severely hampered by the side‐reaction, chloride evolution reaction. In this work, nano‐flower‐cluster structured CoO@FeSe2/CF catalysts are synthesized via a scalable electrodeposition technique, and the performance is systematically studied. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential of CoO@FeSe2/CF is 267 mV at 100 mA·cm−2, which is significantly lower than that of the IrO2 catalyst (435 mV). Additionally, the catalyst shows high selectivity for OER (97.9%) and almost no loss of activity after a durability test for 1100 h. The impressive performance is attributed to the dense rod‐like structure with abundant active centers after electrochemical activation and the in‐situ generated CoOOH and FeOOH that improve the catalytic activity of the catalyst. The synergistic effect induced by the non‐uniform structure endows the catalyst with excellent stability.
Construction of a Metallacyclopentadiene Ring through the Attack of Carbanions to M≡C Bond Followed by C—H Activation†
Authors: Tang Chun , Zhang Shengjie , Lu Zhengyu , Li Qian , Luo Ming , Chen Dafa , Xia Haiping
Published: September 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Metallacyclopentadienes are important metallacycles and regarded as intermediates in many reactions, therefore, new methods to achieve them are anticipated. In this study, a formal [3+2] method, through the reactions of an osmapentalyne with benzyl carbanions, was developed. The reactions underwent a nucleophilic attack of carbanions to the Os≡C bond, followed by C—H activation to form the five‐membered osmacyclopentadiene ring. Most of the reactions were carried out at room temperature, the substituents on the aromatic rings of benzyl carbanions are diverse, and the resulting products contain an Os—H bond, representing a novel type of 10C‐carbolong complexes. This work provides a new convenient route to construct metallacyclopentadienes, which is expected to further promote the development of such a type of substances.
Long‐term safety of ultrathin bioabsorbable‐polymer sirolimus‐eluting stents versus thin durable‐polymer drug‐eluting stents in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Fadong , Wang Shen , Wang Yue , Wei Can , Wang Yue , Liu Xinyan , Sun Shuaifeng , Zhao Wenxin , Guo Pengrong , Wu Xiaofan
Published: September 2023

Background

Because of the advancement of bioabsorbable polymers and thinner struts, bioabsorbable‐polymer sirolimus‐eluting stents (BP‐SES) with ultrathin struts may be related to superior performance when compared to durable‐polymer drug‐eluting stents (DP‐DES) with thin struts. Nonetheless, the long‐term safety of ultrathin BP‐SES in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unknown.

Methods

We sought to assess the long‐term safety of ultrathin BP‐SES in ACS patients, conducting a thorough meta‐analysis of all relevant trials drawing a comparison between ultrathin BP‐SES and contemporary thin DP‐DES. Target lesion failure (TLF), which includes cardiac death (CD), target‐vessel myocardial infarction (TV‐MI), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR) was considered the primary endpoint. Multiple databases comprising Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Pubmed were all thoroughly searched.

Results

There were seven randomized controlled trials included in our study with 7522 randomized patients with ACS (BP‐SES = 3888, DP‐DES = 3634). TLF occurred in 371 (9.5% in BP‐SES) and 393 (10.8% in DP‐DES) patients, respectively, across a 40.7‐month weighted mean follow‐up, with no statistically significant group differences (risk ratio [RR]: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73–1.04; p = .12). Furthermore, no significant differences in cardiac death (RR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.68–1.35; p = .81), TV‐MI (RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.36–1.10; p = .10) and CD‐TLR (RR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.46–1.29; p = .32) were detected between two groups.

Conclusion

During a follow‐up of 40.7 months, ultrathin BP‐SES and thin DP‐DES had a comparable risk of TLF and its individual components (CD, TV‐MI, and CD‐TLR), indicating that ultrathin BP‐SES held at least the same safety and efficiency as thin DP‐DES presented in patients with ACS.
Simple Hydrothermal Synthesis of Molybdenum Disulfide and Its Application for a Large‐Area Photodetector
Authors: Hou Kaiqiang , Liu Shengqian , Liao Gengcheng , Qiao Hui , Li Jun , Qi Xiang
Published: September 2023

Here, molybdenum disulfide with graphene‐like structure is prepared by a feasible and simple hydrothermal method. It is also characterized by X‐ray diffraction and a scanning electron microscope to verify the yield and quality of the prepared molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). In addition, a type of photodetector is prepared from the prepared MoS2 as a photosensitive material, and its light response characteristics are explored. The experimental results show that the prepared MoS2 has good photoresponse performance, and it can achieve a photocurrent of 2.40 µA under 660 nm light of 9.85 mW mm−2. At the same time, it shows stable and repeatable light response characteristics at different bending angles. This work is considered as a way to construct a new type of photodetector with a simple manufacturing process and low cost.
Growth and Various Characterizations of Lithium Sulfate Monohydrate Single Crystals after Eu3+ and Tb3+ Ion Doping
Authors: Najar Fayaz A. , Naik Mudassar M. , Mir Feroz A. , Vakil Gowher B. , Want Basharat
Published: September 2023

A slow evaporation solution growth technique is used to grow rare earth (Eu3+ and Tb3+) doped lithium sulfate monohydrate (LSMH) single crystals. X‐ray diffraction analysis of these crystals confirms the monoclinic crystal structure with P21 space group. Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy is used to check the incorporation of dopants into the crystal lattice of these LSMH crystals. Dielectric, UV–vis photoluminescence spectroscopy studies are carried out to study the electrical and optical behavior of these crystals. The optical bandgap decreases by doping and the current material follows the direct allowed transition. The dielectric constant and ac conductivity slightly increase with the incorporation of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions in the crystal matrix. The effect of doping on the functional groups of LSMH crystals is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The micro‐Raman spectroscopic technique is carried out on these samples, confirming the stress experienced by the crystal with dopants, and further leading to the degradation of the crystal structure. The photoluminescence emission with a large decay time of the as‐grown crystals is dominated by the 5D0 → 7Fj transitions of Eu3+ and 5D4 → 7Fj transitions of Tb3+ ions, and further provides a possibility of using them as potential optical materials.
Constructing Z‐Scheme Bi2O3/In2O3 Heterojunction for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Chen Hongjun , Wang Zi , Xue Zeyang , Yu Chunhu , Pei Lizhai , Fan Chuangang
Published: September 2023

A Bi2O3/In2O3 heterojunction is successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method using sodium bismuthate and indium nitrate as the source materials. The crystal structure, composition, micromorphology, and optical property of the Bi2O3/In2O3 heterojunction are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and solid ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) diffuse reflectance spectra. The Bi2O3/In2O3 heterojunction exhibits a remarkable photocatalytic degradation capacity for Rhodamine B, which is better than that of pure Bi2O3 and In2O3. The photogenerated charges separation and transfer process of the Bi2O3/In2O3 heterojunction follows a direct Z‐scheme mechanism under UV–vis light irradiation. The trapping experiment indicates that oxidative radicals including •OH, h+, and •O2− play crucial roles in the photodegradation process. The outstanding photodegradation capacity is ascribed to spatially separated charge carriers, fast‐charge transportation characteristic, and special bandgap structure of the Bi2O3/In2O3 heterojunction. The introduction of H+ and OH− ions into the reaction system promotes the formation of •OH and •O2− radicals, significantly enhancing the photodegradation rate of RhB. This study presents a new insight into the construction of the Z‐scheme Bi2O3/In2O3 heterojunction photocatalyst with potential application in wastewater treatment.
Lattice‐Strained Metallic Aerogels as Efficient and Anti‐Poisoning Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Fu Hui , Huang Honggang , Chen Yao , Jiang Kezhu , Lai Feili , Chen Cun , Zhang Zhe , Li Hanjun , Zhang Nan , Liu Tianxi
Published: September 2023

Lattice strain engineering optimizes the interaction between the catalytic surface and adsorbed molecules. This is done by adjusting the electron and geometric structure of the metal site to achieve high electrochemical performance, but, to date, it has been rarely reported on anti‐poisoned oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, lattice‐strained Pd@PdBiCo quasi core‐shell metallic aerogels (MAs) were designed by “one‐pot and two‐step” method for anti‐poisoned ORR. Pd@PdBiCo MAs/C maintain their original activity (1.034 A mgPd−1) in electrolytes with CH3OH and CO at 0.85 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), outperforming the commercial Pd/C (0.156 A mgPd−1), Pd MAs/C (0.351 A mgPd−1), and PdBiCo MAs/C (0.227 A mgPd−1). Moreover, Pd@PdBiCo MAs/C also show high stability and anti‐poisoning with negligible activity decay after 8000 cycles in 0.1 m KOH+0.3 m CH3OH. These results of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, CO stripping, and diffuses reflectance FTIR spectroscopy reveal that the tensile strain and strong interaction between different elements of Pd@PdBiCo MAs/C effectively optimize the electronic structure to promote O2 adsorption and activation, while suppressing CH3OH oxidation and CO adsorption, leading to high ORR activity and anti‐poisoning property. This work inspires the rational design of MAs in fuel cells and beyond.
A novel STING agonist with systemic and durable anti‐tumour activity
Authors: Wang Xiyuan , Shen Ancheng , Zhang Yan , Chen Xiaoxu , Ding Jian , Zhang Ao , Geng Meiyu , Ding Chunyong , Xie Zuoquan
Published: September 2023

Background

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has emerged as a crucial and promising target in tumor immunotherapy in recent years. Its agonists play a vital role in activating both innate and adaptive immune responses to combat cancer. Currently, STING agonists are primarily administered through intratumoral or intravenous injection, with only a few could be administered by orally. Therefore, orally available STING agonists are urgently needed to be developed.

Approach and results

Based on previous structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies, we made a structure modification to MSA‐2 by replacing the carbonyl group with a difluoromethylene to get a new compound 202 (C202) that exhibited better plasma exposure and oral bioavailability than MSA‐2. Thus, we conducted extensive pharmacological evaluations to understand its effects. C202 demonstrated the ability to activate various human STING isoforms and murine STING protein, showcasing a potent and specific activation of the STING signalling pathway at cellular level. In diverse immunocompetent mouse models representing both ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ tumors, C202, whether administered intratumorally or orally, displayed broad‐spectrum anti‐tumor activity. Encouragingly, it induced complete tumor regression in several tumor models of mice and stimulated immune memory effects, contributing to long‐term immune response against cancer. Additionally, our investigations into the impact of C202 on the tumor microenvironment found that it enhanced the anti‐tumor response of both innate and adaptive immune systems, bolstering the immune‐mediated fight against tumors. Furthermore, we made an intriguing observation regarding C202's synergistic effects. It was found to enhance the anti‐tumor activity of chemotherapy drug gemcitabine and the angiogenesis inhibitor AL3810, which provide potential combination therapies in future translational studies.

Conclusions

Our research highlights C202 as a novel STING agonist with durable anti‐tumor activity that can be administered orally, presenting a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
Adaptive rate energy‐saving data collecting technique for health monitoring in wireless body sensor networks
Authors: Shawqi Jaber Alaa , Kadhum Idrees Ali
Published: September 2023

One of the best and cheapest solutions for continuous and remote monitoring and evaluation of patient health is to use the WBSNs (wireless body sensor networks) due to its great role in decreasing the expenses of the health care system. In this type of network, the sensed vital signs are gathered by biosensor devices then transmitted to the coordinator for further processing and fusion. Since the limited resources for biosensor devices (energy, memory, and processing) in addition to the periodic transmission for the large volume of data, it is essential to optimize the data transmission to save energy while keeping the data accuracy at the coordinator. This work suggests an AREDaCoT (adaptive rate energy‐saving data collecting technique) which aims to energy‐efficient patient health monitoring in periodic WBSNs. The AREDaCoT works in terms of so‐called periods. Each period has two stages: removing redundancy and adapting the sampling rate. The first stage uses improved LED to remove the redundancy in measurement of vital signs, whereas the second stage applies two techniques, assesses the risk score according to the risk level of the patient and the CSr (calibrate sampling rate) fittingly with different ranges of risk level for the sensor sampling ratio to be adapted. The performance of AREDaCoT has been evaluated in light of multiple series of simulations on real health datasets being compared to an existing approach. The acquired results illustrate how AREDaCoT decreases the volume of gathered data; thus, a significant energy saving has been made whilst preserving data accuracy and integrity. Moreover, the percentage results of data reduction over the original data set and the score differences between them are both acceptable.
An adaptive and secure traffic information forwarding mechanism in Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Fan Na , Duan Zongtao , Wu Chase Q. , Zhu Guangyuan , Yang Jingze , Zhu Yishui
Published: September 2023

Traffic information of disparate types in Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is the basis for supporting various IoV applications. Since traffic flows vary in real time, it is challenging to carry out efficient and reliable transfer of such information. Moreover, IoV is vulnerable to security threats due to its inherent properties such as dynamically changing topology and high‐speed motion of vehicles. Attacks, once launched successfully, would also disrupt message transmission between vehicles. We propose an adaptive traffic information forwarding mechanism, which divides traffic information in two categories, that is, early warning information and service information. The former is handled by selecting a relay node based on node connection stability evaluation, while the latter is handled by adopting an appropriate forwarding method according to the identified traffic flow density. Specifically, in a low‐density environment, we employ a broadcast method; while in a high‐density environment, we evaluate the cognitive interaction values of vehicle nodes and employ a cognitive interaction‐based method to select a relay node. Simulation results show that the proposed mechanism improves the forwarding efficiency of traffic information and yields satisfactory performance in mitigating black hole attacks.
Modified Bayesian algorithm‐based compressive sampling for wideband spectrum sensing in cognitive radio network using wavelet transform
Authors: Nigam Rohit , Pawar Santosh , Sharma Manish
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the implementation of a modified version of Bayesian relevance vector machine (RVM)‐based compressive sensing method on cognitive radio network with wavelet transform for spectrum hole detection. Bayesian compressive sensing is used in this work to deal with the complexity and uncertainty of the process. The dependency of the Bayesian compressive sensing on the knowledge of noise levels in the measurement has been relaxed through the proposed Bayesian RVM‐based compressive sensing algorithm. This technique recovers the wideband signals even with fewer measurements maintaining considerably good accuracy and speed. Wavelet transform is used in this paper to enable the detection of primary user (PU) even in the low regulated transmission from unlicensed user. The advantage of this approach lies in the fact that it enables the evaluation of all possible hypotheses simultaneously in the global optimization framework. Simulation study is performed to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed technique over the cognitive radio environment. The performance of the proposed technique is compared with the conventional Bayesian approach on the basis of recovery error, recovery time and covariance to verify its superiority.
Convergence of user and service provider perspectives in mobile cloud computing environment: Taxonomy and challenges
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Amita , Dhurandher Sanjay K.
Published: September 2023

Mobile cloud computing (MCC) has been introduced with the intuition to ascertain the computing requirements of resource constraint smart mobile devices (SMDs). Meanwhile, the research community has put forward a wide variety of solutions by independently considering the operational issues of cloud service user (CSU) side (e.g., when to offload) and cloud service provider (CSP) side (e.g., where to deploy the cloud data centers). As the MCC will evolve, the decision regarding the adoption of a solution at one end would likely rely on the features supported or required from the other side; for example, a CSU might decide to offload the execution of delay‐sensitive applications only if the CSP deploys the cloud data centers in his/her proximity. The identification and convergence of such dependencies are vital for flourishing the MCC. However, a cognitive representation of CSU and CSP side research proposals can only aid in the identification of such dependencies. In this paper, we develop a thematic taxonomy of the current CSU side as well as CSP side frameworks. Further, we review the current CSU side and CSP side frameworks by using the thematic taxonomy and analyze the implications as well as critical aspects of proposed solutions. We also outline the potential dependencies between the solutions of both sides. These dependencies are derived on the basis of elicited taxonomy. Finally, we put forward open research challenges that demand future efforts for the seamless integration of CSU side perspectives and CSP side perspectives.
An independent three‐factor mutual authentication and key agreement scheme with privacy preserving for multiserver environment and a survey
Authors: Chuang Yun‐Hsin , Lei Chin‐Laung
Published: September 2023

In the past decades, the demand for remote mutual authentication and key agreement (MAKA) scheme with privacy preserving grows rapidly with the rise of the right to privacy and the development of wireless networks and Internet of Things (IoT). Numerous remote MAKA schemes are proposed for various purposes, and they have different properties. In this paper, we survey 49 three‐factor–based remote MAKA schemes with privacy preserving from 2013 to 2019. None of them can simultaneously achieve security, suitability for multiserver environments, user anonymity, user untraceability, table free, public key management free, and independent authentication. Therefore, we propose an efficient three‐factor MAKA scheme, which achieves all the properties. We propose a security model of a three‐factor–based MAKA scheme with user anonymity for multiserver environments and formally prove that our scheme is secure under the elliptic curve computational Diffie‐Hellman problem assumption, decisional bilinear Diffie‐Hellman problem assumption, and hash function assumption. We compare the proposed scheme to relevant schemes to show our contribution and also show that our scheme is sufficiently efficient for low‐power portable mobile devices.
Measurements of electrical resistances and investigations of factors affecting corrosion and breakages of shielding layers in extruded three‐layer 6.6 kV XLPE cables
Authors: Kurihara Takashi , Kimura Kenichi , Watanabe Takuya , Sato Tomoyuki
Published: September 2023

Corrosion and breakages of shielding layers are one of the factors for degradation of extruded three‐layer (E‐E type) 6.6 kV cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) cables. Tohoku Electric Power Network has been measuring electrical resistances of shielding layers in E‐E type 6.6 kV XLPE cables, and recently has found breakages of shielding layers. The authors performed an accelerated degradation test for shielding layers of E‐E type 6.6 kV XLPE cables by taking account of aqueous solution, temperature, heat cycles, bending stress, frequency of an applied voltage, and water‐proof layer in the test conditions, and investigated factors affecting corrosion and breakages of shielding layers. Corrosion, cracks, and breakages were found on shielding layers in the cables without water‐proof layer, but no crack was found in the cables with water‐proof layer, when heat cycles were applied to the cables, and shielding layers were supplied with artificial sea water. We investigated the suppressive effect of the cables with water‐proof layer on cracks and breakages of shielding layers by measuring tensile strengths of copper tapes obtained from the shielding layers of the cables with and without water‐proof layers.
Underdiagnosed Roifman syndrome manifested as non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Xi Qianlan , Plaza Enriquez Leidy J. , Tanni Nusrat Uddin , Patsias Iani
Published: September 2023

Roifman syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by growth retardation, cognitive delay, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, immunodeficiency, and retinal dystrophy. However, very rarely, with only one case reported to date, a patient with Roifman syndrome may develop cardiomyopathy in their lifetime. We reported a case with underdiagnosed Roifman syndrome confirmed by whole genome sequencing, manifested as non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy, which has broadened the association between non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy and the genetic disorder Roifman syndrome. We also underscored that cardiomyopathy might be part of the clinical manifestations of Roifman syndrome and the importance of whole genome sequencing for diagnosis, as RNU4ATAC is not targeted by many commercially available exome capture kits.
Associations between baseline heart rate and blood pressure and time to events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction patients: Data from the QUALIFY international registry
Authors: Abdin Amr , Anker Stefan D. , Cowie Martin R. , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Tavazzi Luigi , Schöpe Jakob , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Komajda Michel , Böhm Michael
Published: September 2023

Aims

A high resting heart rate (RHR) and low systolic blood pressure (SBP) are a risk factor and a risk indicator, respectively, for poor heart failure (HF) outcomes. This analysis evaluated the associations between baseline RHR and SBP with outcomes and treatment patterns in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the QUALIFY (QUality of Adherence to guideline recommendations for LIFe‐saving treatment in heart failure surveY) international registry.

Methods and results

Between September 2013 and December 2014, 7317 HFrEF patients with a previous HF hospitalization within 1–15 months were enrolled in the QUALIFY registry. Complete follow‐up data were available for 5138 patients. The relationships between RHR and SBP and outcomes were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model and were analysed according to baseline values as high RHR (H‐RHR) ≥75 bpm versus low RHR (L‐RHR) <75 bpm and high SBP (H‐SBP) ≥110 mmHg versus low SBP (L‐SBP) <110 mmHg and analysed according to each of the following four phenotypes: H‐RHR/L‐SBP, L‐RHR/L‐SBP, H‐RHR/H‐SBP and L‐RHR/H‐SBP (reference group). Compared to the reference group, H‐RHR/L‐SBP was associated with the worst outcomes for the combined primary endpoint of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–2.21, p < 0.001), cardiovascular death (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.69–4.33, p < 0.001), and HF hospitalization (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.30–2.01, p < 0.001). Low‐risk patients with L‐RHR/H‐SBP achieved more frequently ≥50% of target doses of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and beta‐blockers (BBs) than the other groups. However, 48% and 46% of low‐risk patients were not well treated with ACEIs and BBs, respectively (≤50% of target dose or no treatment).

Conclusion

In patients with HFrEF and recent hospitalization, elevated RHR and lower SBP identify patients at increased risk for cardiovascular endpoints. While SBP and RHR are often recognized as barriers that deter physicians from treating with high doses of recommended drugs, they are not the only reason leaving many patients suboptimally treated.
Time series prediction model based on autoregression weight network
Authors: Li Zhenpeng , Qian Xu , Li Luo , Xia Zhile
Published: September 2023

We propose an autoregressive weighted network (ARWNet) time series forecasting model inspired by the idea of ensemble learning. The model adopts the classical autoregressive analysis to optimize weak learners. Meanwhile, the combined weight optimization method is used to construct an efficient, strong learner. With these methodological foundations, the scalability of the framework is greatly enhanced by the possibility of experimenting with other learners to assist in decision‐making. Machine learning can provide great utility and acceptable cost in the prediction process of electricity transformers. Over the years, many research papers on time series prediction have been reported. This work will focus on the analysis using the potential properties in the series: long‐term, continuity, periodicity, and delay. In our experiments, the ETT‐small dataset is used to compare the prediction accuracy of ARWNet and other mainstream models. All results suggest that the proposed ARWNet model demonstrates strong generalization ability and high predicting accuracy with delay characteristics, which outperform current popular time‐series prediction methods.
Thermal analysis of a cascaded latent thermal storage tank in a solar domestic water heating system
Authors: Elbahjaoui Radouane , Hanchi Nisrine
Published: September 2023

To enhance the thermal characteristics of a solar collector storage system, this study investigates the performance of a rectangular thermal energy storage (TES) tank by incorporating cascade phase change materials (cascade‐PCMs). Three different commercially available PCMs (RT44HC, RT54HC, and RT62HC) with distinct melting temperatures are employed. These cascade‐PCMs are utilized as slabs in vertical rectangular modules, which are integrated into the water TES tank. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) in the flat‐plate solar collector captures solar energy and transfers it to the TES tank, where it is stored as latent thermal energy. A two‐dimensional (2D) numerical model, utilizing the enthalpy‐porosity approach and conservation equations, is developed to analyze the melting and heat transfer processes within the TES tank. The model is validated against previous experimental and numerical data. Performance evaluation of the cascade‐PCMs tank is conducted during a 9‐h charging period (from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) under Marrakesh weather conditions in Morocco. An optimization study is carried out to determine the optimal height of each cascade‐PCM. The results suggest that an optimal design with heights of 23, 16, and 11 cm for RT44HC, RT54HC, and RT62HC respectively, offers improved melting and storage quality. The thermal characteristics of the TES tank incorporating cascade‐PCMs are compared to those of a TES tank filled with a single phase change material (single‐PCM) during the charging period. The findings indicate that the cascade‐PCMs achieve complete melting, while the single‐PCM only reaches a melting fraction of 0.903 at the end of the charging process. Furthermore, the optimal configuration of the cascade‐PCMs storage tank exhibits slightly higher sensible and latent thermal energy storage capacity compared to the single‐PCM tank. The combination of the solar collector with the cascade‐PCMs storage tank results in a 3.47% higher average collection efficiency when compared to the single‐PCM tank.