bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structure of Water in Silica Mesopores – Influence of the Pore Wall Polarity
Authors: Weinberger Christian , Zysk Frederik , Hartmann Marc , Kaliannan Naveen K. , Keil Waldemar , Kühne Thomas D. , Tiemann Michael
Published: June 2022

In the spatial confinement of cylindrical mesopores with diameters of a few nanometers, water molecules experience restrictions in hydrogen bonding. This leads to a different behavior regarding the molecular orientational freedom (‘structure of water') compared to the bulk liquid state. In addition to the pore size, the behavior is also strongly affected by the strength of the pore wall‐to‐water interactions, that is, the pore wall polarity. In this work, this is studied both experimentally and theoretically. The surface polarity of mesoporous silica (SiO2) is modified by functionalization with trimethylsilyl moieties, resulting in a change from a hydrophilic (pristine) to a hydrophobic pore wall. The mesopore surface is characterized by N2 and H2O sorption experiments. Those results are combined with IR spectroscopy to investigate pore wall‐to‐water interactions leading to different structures of water in the mesopore. Furthermore, the water's structure is studied theoretically to gain deeper insight into the interfacial interactions. For this purpose, the structure of water is analyzed by pairing densities, coordination, and angular distributions with a novel adaptation of surface‐specific sum‐frequency generation calculation for pore environments.
Air–Water Interfacial Directed Self‐Assembly of Block Copolymer Nanostrand Array
Authors: Kim Dong Hyup , Kim So Youn
Published: June 2022

Interfacial self‐assembly (ISA) of block copolymers (BCPs) creates various periodic 2D nanostructures at the air–water interface, such as dot, strand, and planar morphologies, which are widely used in various applications. Here, a directed self‐assembly strategy to control the pattern direction of ISA of strand morphology, so‐called nanostrands, in a large area using a gradual morphology transition is introduced. ISA of BCPs in a lens‐shaped droplet of a concentrated BCP solution at the air–water interface shows the gradual morphology transition from the edge to the center of the droplet. The gradual morphology transition is explained by the spreading area‐dependent dewetting mechanism. Furthermore, a dense nanostrand array in a large area which is highly aligned normal to the radial direction of the droplet at an intermediate transition regime is found. In addition, a density‐doubled metal nanowire fabrication and a hierarchical BCP nanopatterning by using the highly aligned nanostrand array as a template are demonstrated.
Importance of Monitoring the Synthesis of Light‐Interacting Nanoparticles – A Review on In Situ, Ex Situ, and Online Time‐Resolved Studies
Authors: Pinho Bruno , Zhang Kaiwen , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Torrente‐Murciano Laura
Published: June 2022

This review paper analyzes the importance of monitoring the synthesis of plasmonic and optoelectronic materials to provide a mechanistic understanding of their nucleatiçon and growth, as well as crucial kinetic insights to enable their future development. Light‐interacting nanoparticles present strong size–property relationships, such that size control is at the core of any synthetic development. However, conventional ex situ characterization of these materials has heavily limited their development to simple trial‐and‐error approaches. Over the last decade, the development of in situ and online characterization capabilities has transformed the understanding of mechanistic models. In addition, time‐resolved data are able to reveal the step rate, even for phenomena taking place in the microsecond timescale (i.e., nucleation), thanks to the use of micro‐flow‐reactors. However, the literature contains a few disagreements and inaccuracies, which are considered to be due to the general lack of attention and control on mixing (relevant when mixing time is comparable to the reaction time), and the presence of additives during synthesis (e.g., stabilizers). Finally, it is believed that recent in situ monitoring development coupled with reactor design brings unique opportunities to not only synthesize nanoparticles in a reproducible and controllable manner, but also gives data‐rich approaches for self‐regulated and automated systems.
Inhaled Gold Nano‐Star Carriers for Targeted Delivery of Triple Suicide Gene Therapy and Therapeutic MicroRNAs to Lung Metastases: Development and Validation in a Small Animal Model
Authors: Liu Yi , Sukumar Uday Kumar , Jugniot Natacha , Seetharam Sumanth Mosale , Rengaramachandran Adith , Sadeghipour Negar , Mukherjee Pinaki , Krishnan Anandi , Massoud Tarik F. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy
Published: June 2022

Pulmonary metastases pose treatment challenges for many cancers, including triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). A novel suicide gene and therapeutic microRNAs (miRs) combination therapy against lung metastases in vivo is tested in mouse models after intranasal delivery using nontoxic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) formulated to carry these molecular therapeutics. AuNPs coated with chitosan‐β‐cyclodextrin (CS‐CD) are used and functionalized with a urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) peptide to carry triple cancer suicide genes (thymidine kinase‐p53‐nitroreductase: TK‐p53‐NTR) plus therapeutic miRNAs (antimiR‐21, antimiR‐10b and miR‐100). Three AuNPs are synthesized: 20 nm gold nanodots (AuND), and 20 nm or 50 nm nanostars (AuNS), all surface coated with CS‐CD using a microfluidic‐optimized method. These positively charged AuNP‐CS‐CD cores are sequentially coated with synthetic miRNAs followed by TK‐p53‐NTR via electrostatic interactions, and uPA peptide is added through CD‐adamantane hostguest chemistry. Transfection efficiency comparisons for different AuNPs shows 50 nm AuNS allows ≈4.16‐fold higher gene transfection than other AuNPs. Intranasal delivery of uPA‐AuNS‐TK‐p53‐NTR‐microRNAs NPs (pAuNS@TK‐p53‐NTR‐miRs) in mice predominantly accumulates in lungs and facilitates ganciclovir and CB1954 prodrug‐mediated gene therapy against TNBC lung metastases. This new nanosystem can serve as an adaptable‐across‐cancer‐type, facile, and clinically scalable platform to allow future inhalational suicide gene‐miR combination therapy for patients harboring pulmonary metastases.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxides and Chalcogenides for High Performance Transistors
Authors: Shen Chengxu , Yin Zhigang , Collins Fionn , Pinna Nicola
Published: June 2022

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a deposition technique well‐suited to produce high‐quality thin film materials at the nanoscale for applications in transistors. This review comprehensively describes the latest developments in ALD of metal oxides (MOs) and chalcogenides with tunable bandgaps, compositions, and nanostructures for the fabrication of high‐performance field‐effect transistors. By ALD various n‐type and p‐type MOs, including binary and multinary semiconductors, can be deposited and applied as channel materials, transparent electrodes, or electrode interlayers for improving charge‐transport and switching properties of transistors. On the other hand, MO insulators by ALD are applied as dielectrics or protecting/encapsulating layers for enhancing device performance and stability. Metal chalcogenide semiconductors and their heterostructures made by ALD have shown great promise as novel building blocks to fabricate single channel or heterojunction materials in transistors. By correlating the device performance to the structural and chemical properties of the ALD materials, clear structure–property relations can be proposed, which can help to design better‐performing transistors. Finally, a brief concluding remark on these ALD materials and devices is presented, with insights into upcoming opportunities and challenges for future electronics and integrated applications.
Lorentz‐Boost‐Driven Magneto‐Optics in a Dirac Nodal‐Line Semimetal
Authors: Wyzula Jan , Lu Xin , Santos‐Cottin David , Mukherjee Dibya Kanti , Mohelský Ivan , Le Mardelé Florian , Novák Jiří , Novak Mario , Sankar Raman , Krupko Yuriy , Piot Benjamin A. , Lee Wei‐Li , Akrap Ana , Potemski Marek , Goerbig Mark O. , Orlita Milan
Published: June 2022

Optical response of crystalline solids is to a large extent driven by excitations that promote electrons among individual bands. This allows one to apply optical and magneto‐optical methods to determine experimentally the energy band gap —a fundamental property crucial to our understanding of any solid—with a great precision. Here it is shown that such conventional methods, applied with great success to many materials in the past, do not work in topological Dirac semimetals with a dispersive nodal line. There, the optically deduced band gap depends on how the magnetic field is oriented with respect to the crystal axes. Such highly unusual behavior is explained in terms of band‐gap renormalization driven by Lorentz boosts which results from the Lorentz‐covariant form of the Dirac Hamiltonian relevant for the nodal line at low energies.
Self‐Induced Phase Locking of Terahertz Frequency Combs in a Phase‐Sensitive Hyperspectral Near‐Field Nanoscope
Authors: Pistore Valentino , Pogna Eva Arianna Aurelia , Viti Leonardo , Li Lianhe , Davies A. Giles , Linfield Edmund H. , Vitiello Miriam Serena
Published: June 2022

Chip‐scale, electrically‐pumped terahertz (THz) frequency‐combs (FCs) rely on nonlinear four‐wave‐mixing processes, and have a nontrivial phase relationship between the evenly spaced set of emitted modes. Simultaneous monitoring and manipulation of the intermode phase coherence, without any external seeding or active modulation, is a very demanding task for which there has hitherto been no technological solution. Here, a self‐mixing intermode‐beatnote spectroscopy system is demonstrated, based on THz quantum cascade laser FCs, in which light is back‐scattered from the tip of a scanning near‐field optical‐microscope (SNOM) and the intracavity reinjection monitored. This enables to exploit the sensitivity of FC phase‐coherence to optical feedback and, for the first time, manipulate the amplitude, linewidth and frequency of the intermode THz FC beatnote using the feedback itself. Stable phase‐locked regimes are used to construct a FC‐based hyperspectral, THz s‐SNOM nanoscope. This nanoscope provides 160 nm spatial resolution, coherent detection of multiple phase‐locked modes, and mapping of the THz optical response of nanoscale materials up to 3.5 THz, with noise‐equivalent‐power (NEP) ≈400 pW √Hz−1. This technique can be applied to the entire infrared range, opening up a new approach to hyper‐spectral near‐field imaging with wide‐scale applications in the study of plasmonics and quantum science, inter alia.
Chemical Factory‐Guaranteed Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy for Orthotopic Liver Cancer
Authors: Tang Zhongmin , Wu Shiman , Zhao Peiran , Wang Han , Ni Dalong , Li Huiyan , Jiang Xingwu , Wu Yelin , Meng Yun , Yao Zhenwei , Cai Weibo , Bu Wenbo
Published: June 2022

In the field of nanomedicine, there is a tendency of matching designed nanomaterials with a suitable type of orthotopic cancer model, not just a casual subcutaneous one. Under this condition, knowing the specific features of the chosen cancer model is the priority, then introducing a proper therapy strategy using designed nanomaterials. Here, the Fenton chemistry is combined with zinc peroxide nanoparticles in the treatment of orthotopic liver cancer which has a “chemical factory” including that liver is the main place for iron storage, metabolism, and also the main metabolic sites for the majority of ingested substances, guaranteeing customized and enhanced chemodynamic therapy and normal liver cells protection as well. The good results in vitro and in vivo can set an inspiring example for exploring and utilizing suitable nanomaterials in corresponding cancer models, ensuring well‐fitness of nanomaterials for disease and satisfactory therapeutic effect.
The Nucleus Bypasses Obstacles by Deforming Like a Drop with Surface Tension Mediated by Lamin A/C
Authors: Katiyar Aditya , Zhang Jian , Antani Jyot D. , Yu Yifan , Scott Kelsey L. , Lele Pushkar P. , Reinhart‐King Cynthia A. , Sniadecki Nathan J. , Roux Kyle J. , Dickinson Richard B. , Lele Tanmay P.
Published: June 2022

Migrating cells must deform their stiff cell nucleus to move through pores and fibers in tissue. Lamin A/C is known to hinder cell migration by limiting nuclear deformation and passage through confining channels, but its role in nuclear deformation and passage through fibrous environments is less clear. Cell and nuclear migration through discrete, closely spaced, slender obstacles which mimic the mechanical properties of collagen fibers are studied. Nuclei bypass slender obstacles while preserving their overall morphology by deforming around them with deep local invaginations of little resisting force. The obstacles do not impede the nuclear trajectory and do not cause rupture of the nuclear envelope. Nuclei likewise deform around single collagen fibers in cells migrating in 3D collagen gels. In contrast to its limiting role in nuclear passage through confining channels, lamin A/C facilitates nuclear deformation and passage through fibrous environments; nuclei in lamin‐null (Lmna−/−) cells lose their overall morphology and become entangled on the obstacles. Analogous to surface tension‐mediated deformation of a liquid drop, lamin A/C imparts a surface tension on the nucleus that allows nuclear invaginations with little mechanical resistance, preventing nuclear entanglement and allowing nuclear passage through fibrous environments.
An Injectable Epigenetic Autophagic Modulatory Hydrogel for Boosting Umbilical Cord Blood NK Cell Therapy Prevents Postsurgical Relapse of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Gong Yihang , Chen Wenjie , Chen Xiuxing , He Yizhan , Jiang Hua , Zhang Xijian , Pan Lijie , Ni Beibei , Yang Fan , Xu Yan , Zhang Qi , Zhou Lei , Cheng Yusheng
Published: June 2022

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits resistance to conventional treatments due to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), causing postsurgical relapse and a dismal prognosis. Umbilical cord blood natural killer (UCB‐NK) cell‐based immunotherapy represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, its therapeutic efficacy is greatly restrained by downregulation of the NK cell activation ligand MHC class I‐related chain A/B (MICA/B) and autophagy‐mediated degradation of NK cell‐derived granzyme B (GZMB) in CSCs. Herein, it is demonstrated that suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) epigenetically downregulates let‐7e‐5p and miR‐615‐3p to increase MICA/B expression and that 3‐methyl adenine (3MA) inhibits autophagy‐mediated GZMB degradation, thereby sensitizing breast CSCs to UCB‐NK cells. Then, an injectable hydrogel is designed to codeliver SAHA and 3MA to enhance UCB‐NK cell infusion efficacy in TNBC. The hydrogel precursors can be smoothly injected into the tumor resection bed and form a stable gel in situ, allowing for a pH‐sensitive sustained release of SAHA and 3MA. Moreover, UCB‐NK cell infusion in combination with the hydrogel efficiently controls postsurgical relapse of TNBC. In addition, the hydrogel exhibits good hemostasis and wound‐healing functions. Therefore, the work provides proof of concept that an injectable epigenetic autophagic modulatory hydrogel augments UCB‐NK cell therapy to combat postsurgical relapse of TNBC.
Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Uranium Extraction from Seawater over an Amidoxime‐Functionalized In–N–C Catalyst
Authors: Liu Xiaolu , Xie Yinghui , Hao Mengjie , Chen Zhongshan , Yang Hui , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Ma Shengqian , Wang Xiangke
Published: June 2022

Seawater contains uranium at a concentration of ≈3.3 ppb, thus representing a rich and sustainable nuclear fuel source. Herein, an adsorption–electrocatalytic platform is developed for uranium extraction from seawater, comprising atomically dispersed indium anchored on hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon capsules functionalized with flexible amidoxime moieties (In–Nx–C–R, where R denotes amidoxime groups). In–Nx–C–R exhibits excellent uranyl capture properties, enabling a uranium removal rate of 6.35 mg g−1 in 24 h, representing one of the best uranium extractants reported to date. Importantly, In–Nx–C–R demonstrates exceptional selectivity for uranium extraction relative to vanadium in seawater (8.75 times more selective for the former). X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) reveals that the amidoxime groups serve as uranyl chelating sites, thus allowing selective adsorption over other ions. XAS and in situ Raman results directly indicate that the absorbed uranyl can be electrocatalytically reduced to an unstable U(V) intermediate, then re‐oxidizes to U(VI) in the form of insoluble Na2O(UO3·H2O)x for collection, through reversible single electron transfer processes involving InNx sites. These results provide detailed mechanistic understanding of the uranium extraction process at a molecular level. This work provides a roadmap for the adsorption–electrocatalytic extraction of uranium from seawater, adding to the growing suite of technologies for harvesting valuable metals from the earth's oceans.
Selective Nitridation Crafted a High‐Density, Carbon‐Free Heterostructure Host with Built‐In Electric Field for Enhanced Energy Density Li–S Batteries
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Wei Yunhong , Wang Guochuan , Pu Yiran , Yuan Li , Liu Can , Wang Qian , Zhang Yun , Wu Hao
Published: June 2022

To achieve both high gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, it is essential yet challenging to develop low‐porosity dense electrodes along with diminishment of the electrolyte and other lightweight inactive components. Herein, a compact TiO2@VN heterostructure with high true density (5.01 g cm–3) is proposed crafted by ingenious selective nitridation, serving as carbon‐free dual‐capable hosts for both sulfur and lithium. As a heavy S host, the interface‐engineered heterostructure integrates adsorptive TiO2 with high conductive VN and concurrently yields a built‐in electric field for charge‐redistribution at the TiO2/VN interfaces with enlarged active locations for trapping‐migration‐conversion of polysulfides. Thus‐fabricated TiO2@VN–S composite harnessing high tap‐density favors constructing dense cathodes (≈1.7 g cm–3) with low porosity (<30 vol%), exhibiting dual‐boosted cathode‐level peak volumetric‐/gravimetric‐energy‐densities nearly 1700 Wh L−1cathode/1000 Wh kg−1cathode at sulfur loading of 4.2 mg cm−2 and prominent areal capacity (6.7 mAh cm−2) at 7.6 mg cm−2 with reduced electrolyte (<10 µL mg−1sulfur). Particular lithiophilicity of the TiO2@VN is demonstrated as Li host to uniformly tune Li nucleation with restrained dendrite growth, consequently bestowing the assembled full‐cell with high electrode‐level volumetric/gravimetric‐energy‐density beyond 950 Wh L−1cathode+anode/560 Wh kg−1cathode+anode at 3.6 mg cm−2 sulfur loading alongside limited lithium excess (≈50%).
Exciton Transfer at Heterointerfaces of MoS2 Monolayers and Fluorescent Molecular Aggregates
Authors: Kwon Soyeong , Jeong Dong Yeun , Hong Chengyun , Oh Saejin , Song Jungeun , Choi Soo Ho , Kim Ki Kang , Yoon Seokhyun , Choi Taeyoung , Yee Ki‐Ju , Kim Ji‐Hee , You Youngmin , Kim Dong‐Wook
Published: June 2022

Integration of distinct materials to form heterostructures enables the proposal of new functional devices based on emergent physical phenomena beyond the properties of the constituent materials. The optical responses and electrical transport characteristics of heterostructures depend on the charge and exciton transfer (CT and ET) at the interfaces, determined by the interfacial energy level alignment. In this work, heterostructures consisting of aggregates of fluorescent molecules (DY1) and 2D semiconductor MoS2 monolayers are fabricated. Photoluminescence spectra of DY1/MoS2 show quenching of the DY1 emission and enhancement of the MoS2 emission, indicating a strong electronic interaction between these two materials. Nanoscopic mappings of the light‐induced contact potential difference changes rule out the CT process at the interface. Using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, the rapid interfacial ET process from DY1 aggregates to MoS2 and a fourfold extension of the exciton lifetime in MoS2 are elucidated. These results suggest that the integration of 2D inorganic semiconductors with fluorescent molecules can provide versatile approaches to engineer the physical characteristics of materials for both fundamental studies and novel optoelectronic device applications.
Conformationally Confined Emissive Cationic Macrocycle with Photocontrolled Organelle‐Specific Translocation
Authors: Dong Xiaoyun , Dai Xianyin , Li Guorong , Zhang Ying‐Ming , Xu Xiufang , Liu Yu
Published: June 2022

The optimization of molecular conformation and aggregation modes is of great significance in creation of new luminescent materials for biochemical research and medical diagnostics. Herein, a highly emissive macrocycle (1) is reported, which is constructed by the cyclization reaction of triphenylamine with benzyl bromide and exhibits very distinctive photophysical performance both in aqueous solution and the solid state. Structural analysis reveals that the 1 can form self‐interpenetrated complex and emit bright yellow fluorescence in the crystal lattice. The distorted yet symmetrical structure can endow 1 with unique two‐photon absorption property upon excitation by near‐infrared light. Also, 1 can be utilized as an efficient photosensitizer to produce singlet oxygen (1O2) both in inanimate milieu and under cellular environment. More intriguingly, due to the strong association of 1 with negatively charged biomacromolecules, organelle‐specific migration is achieved from lysosome to nucleus during the 1O2‐induced cell apoptosis process. To be envisaged, this conformationally confined cationic macrocycle with photocontrolled lysosome‐to‐nucleus translocation may provide a feasible approach for in situ identifying different biospecies and monitoring physiological events at subcellular level.
Alloying Motif Confined in Intercalative Frameworks toward Rapid Li‐Ion Storage
Authors: Lin Xueyu , Dong Chenlong , Zhao Siwei , Peng Baixin , Zhou Ce , Wang Ruiqi , Huang Fuqiang
Published: June 2022

High‐capacity alloying‐type anodes suffer poor rate capability due to their great volume expansion, while high‐rate intercalation‐type anodes are troubled with low theoretical capacity. Herein, a novel mechanism of alloying in the intercalative frameworks is proposed to confer both high‐capacity and high‐rate performances on anodes. Taking the indium‐vanadium oxide (IVO) as a typical system, alloying‐typed In is dispersed in the stable intercalative V2O3 to form a solid solution. The alloying‐typed In element provides high lithium storage capacity, while the robust, Li‐conductive V−O frameworks effectively alleviate the volume expansion and aggregation of In. Benefiting from the above merits, the anode exhibits a high specific capacity of 1364 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 and an extraordinary cyclic performance of 814 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 after 600 cycles (124.9 mA h g−1 after 10 000 cycles at 50 A g−1). The superior electrochemical rate capability of (In,V)2O3 solid solution anode rivals that of the reported alloying anode materials. This strategy can be extended for fabricating other alloying/intercalation hybrid anodes, such as (Sn,V)O2 and (Sn,Ti)O2, which demonstrates the universality of confining alloying motifs in intercalative frameworks for rapid and high‐capacity lithium storage.
One‐Step Formation of Low Work‐Function, Transparent and Conductive MgFxOy Electron Extraction for Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Li Junjun , Guo Cong , Bai Yu , Liu Wenzhu , Chen Yang , He Jialong , Li Dongdong , Yang Xinbo , Qiu Qingqing , Chen Tao , Yu Junsheng , Huang Yuelong , Yu Jian
Published: June 2022

The development of high‐performance dopant‐free silicon solar cells is severely bottlenecked by opaque electron selective contact. In this paper, high transmittance (80.5% on glass) and low work function (2.92 eV) lithium fluoride (LiFx)/MgFxOy electron contact stack by tailoring the composition of MgFxOy hybrid film is reported. This hybrid structure exhibits a high conductivity (2978.4 S cm−1) and a low contact resistivity (2.0 mΩ cm2). The element profile of LiFx/MgFxOy contact is measured and the reaction kinetics is analyzed. As a proof‐of‐concept, this electron selective contact is applied for dopant‐free silicon solar cells. An impressive efficiency of 21.3% is achieved on dopant‐free monofacial solar cell with molybdenum oxide (MoOx)/zinc‐doped indium oxide (IZO) hole contact. An efficiency bifaciality of 71% is obtained for dopant‐free bifacial solar cell with full‐area LiFx/MgFxOy/ITO (tin‐doped indium oxide) transparent electron contact. It is the highest efficiency bifaciality so far for dopant‐free bifacial solar cells to the best knowledge. Both cell configurations with LiFx/MgFxOy contacts show excellent environment stability. The cell efficiency maintains more than 95% of its initial value after keeping in air for 1500 h. This work provides a new idea to achieve transparent electron contact, showing a great potential for high‐efficiency and low‐cost optoelectronic devices.
Soil chemical properties and wheat yields under different tillage and nitrogen rates in eastern Oregon
Authors: Awale Rakesh , Singh Surendra , Machado Stephen
Published: June 2022

Tillage and nitrogen (N) application influence soil‐chemical properties and crop productivity. In a long‐term (76‐yr) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–fallow system in northeast Oregon, we assessed the effects of tillage (subsurface‐sweep, sweep; offset‐disk, disk; and moldboard plow, plow) and N application rates (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1) on soil organic matter (SOM), soil‐chemical properties in 0‐to‐30‐cm soil profile, and wheat yields. Sweep and disk exhibited more pronounced vertical gradient in soil chemical properties within the 0‐to‐30‐cm soil profile than plow due to shallow soil mixing. Across N rates, at 0‐to‐10‐cm depth, sweep and disk had lower pH (0.60), calcium (Ca; 0.32 g kg−1), magnesium (Mg; 83 mg kg−1), and estimated cation exchange capacity (CECe; 1.8 cmol kg−1), but higher SOM (9 g kg−1) and aluminum (Al; 26 mg kg−1) than plow. Below 10 cm, plow had lower pH (0.67–0.83), Ca (0.29–0.31 g kg−1), and CECe (1.7–1.8 cmol kg−1), but higher Al (13–16 mg kg−1) than disk and/or sweep. Across tillage treatments and depths, pH, Ca, Mg, and CECe generally decreased, whereas phosphorus, potassium, and Al increased with increasing N rates. Wheat yields increased by 14% from N application but did not differ between 90 and 180 kg N ha−1. Sweep and disk produced 9% less wheat yield than plow. Long‐term N application and grain removal of basic cations resulted in surface soil acidification under sweep and disk, which if not remedied, can decrease wheat productivity in this region.
Investigating liquid‐fronts during spontaneous imbibition of liquids in industrial wicks. Part II: Validation by DNS
Authors: F. Zarandi M. Amin , Pillai Krishna M. , Hasan Abul Borkot Md Rafiqul
Published: June 2022

To validate the experimental results of Part‐1, we conducted a two‐phase flow simulation of imbibition of a wetting liquid through 2D microstructures made of ellipses of varying aspect ratios. The flow simulation in the particulate microstructures, characterized by low (ellipse) aspect ratio, produced somewhat even micro‐fronts, thus replicating the sharp fronts at the visual (macroscopic) scale observed in Part‐1. Whereas simulations in the fibrous microstructures produced highly uneven micro‐fronts, suggesting the formation of semi‐sharp or diffuse visual fronts. Increasing the porosity from 50% to 70% resulted in solid‐phase clustering and led to further increase in the unevenness of micro‐fronts, pointing to purely diffuse visual fronts. The evolution of the saturation plots along the flow direction, obtained from area‐averaging of fluid‐distribution plots, pointed to diffusing of sharp fronts with time. The predictions matched our previous experimental and numerical observations, that is, the particulate media create sharp fronts while the fibrous media create semi‐sharp/diffuse fronts.
Blinatumomab is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with B‐cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia and positive measurable residual disease at a threshold of 10−4 and higher
Authors: Jabbour Elias J. , Short Nicholas J. , Jain Nitin , Jammal Nadya , Jorgensen Jeffrey , Wang Sa , Wang Xuemei , Ohanian Maro , Alvarado Yesid , Kadia Tapan , Sasaki Koji , Garris Rebecca , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Ravandi Farhad , Kantarjian Hagop M.
Published: June 2022

The presence of measurable residual disease (MRD) is the strongest predictor of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We conducted a prospective, single‐arm, phase II study in adults with B‐cell ALL with MRD ≥1 × 10−4 after ≥3 months from the start of frontline therapy or one month from any salvage therapy. Blinatumomab was administered at a standard dosing of 28 micrograms daily as a continuous infusion for up to five cycles and up to four additional maintenance cycles. Thirty‐seven patients with a median age of 43 years (range, 22–84 years) were treated. Twenty‐seven patients (73%) were treated in first complete remission (CR) and 10 patients (27%) in second CR and beyond. Eighteen patients (49%) had Philadelphia‐chromosome positive ALL and received concomitant tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Twenty‐three patients (62%) had a baseline MRD ≥10−3. A median of three cycles (range, 1–9 cycles) were administered. Overall, 27 patients (73%) achieved MRD‐negative remission. With a median follow‐up of 31 months (range, 5–70 months), the estimated 3‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS) rate was 63% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43%–77%) and overall survival (OS) rate 67% (95% CI, 46%–81%). These rates were 51% (95% CI, 27%–70%) and 61% (95% CI, 36%–78%) in patients with baseline MRD ≥1 × 10−3, and 83% (95% CI, 45%–95%) and 77% (95% CI, 32%–95%) in patients with baseline MRD <10−3 respectively. The rates of adverse events were consistent with previous studies of blinatumomab. In summary, blinatumomab induced MRD negativity in most patients and resulted in high rates of RFS and OS. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02458014. Funding was provided by Amgen Inc.
Axial Chirality and Antiviral Activity Evaluation of Arylnaphthalene Lignan Glycosides from Justicia procumbens
Authors: Zhao Yang , Yi Tsang Nga , Xu Xin‐Ya , Zhao Chen‐Liang , Ku Chuen‐Fai , Li Wan‐Fei , Zhu Yu , Liu Kang‐Lun , Rong Lijun , Zhang Hong‐Jie
Published: June 2022

One of the structural uniqueness of arylnaphthalene lignans (ANLs) is their potential atropoisomerism, which may result in bioactivity discrepancy. However, the stable ANL atropisomers rarely exist in nature. In the course of our phytochemical study of Justicia procumbens, we isolated nine ANL glycosides (1–9) with four of them (1–4) being identified as new stable atropisomers. Their absolute configurations were determined based on the analysis of the circular dichroism (CD) and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data. The ANL compounds were evaluated for their antiviral potential as entry inhibitors against the infections of H5N1 influenza virus, vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) with 5 being the most potent one with IC50 values ranging from 0.0063–1.13 μM. The atropisomers did not display significant antiviral activity, indicating that a free rotation of the biphenyl aryl‐aryl bond could play a significant role in the antiviral activity of ANL compounds.
Temperature‐controlled radiofrequency neurolysis for treatment of chronic rhinitis: 12‐month outcomes after treatment in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Takashima Masayoshi , Stolovitzky Jose Pablo , Ow Randall A. , Silvers Stacey L. , Bikhazi Nadim B. , Johnson Curtis D.
Published: June 2022

Background

Temperature‐controlled radiofrequency (TCRF) neurolysis of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) area for the treatment of chronic rhinitis was previously reported as superior to a sham‐control procedure at 3 months postprocedure in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The primary endpoint was a responder rate of ≥30% improvement (decrease) for 24‐hour reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS) compared with baseline. Herein, 12‐month outcomes after active treatment are reported.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter, patient‐blinded RCT, patients in the index active treatment arm were unblinded at 3 months and followed through 12 months. At 3 months, eligible patients from the sham‐control arm of the study were invited to crossover to active treatment. Eligibility criteria included rTNSS ≥6, with moderate‐severe rhinorrhea and mild‐severe congestion. The TCRF stylus was applied bilaterally to nonoverlapping areas in the region of the PNN.

Results

Patients in the index active treatment arm (n = 77) had a mean baseline rTNSS of 8.3 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.9‐8.7). At 12 months, the responder rate was 80.6% (n = 67) (95% CI, 69.1%‐89.2%). At 12 months, the mean change in rTNSS was −4.8 (95% CI, −5.5 to −4.1; p < 0.001), a 57.8% improvement. The available initial rTNSS‐based outcomes in the crossover active treatment arm (n = 27) were following the same course as the index treatment arm. No serious adverse events and 8 adverse events related to the device/procedure were reported in the trial to date.

Conclusion

TCRF neurolysis of the PNN area is safe and the symptom burden improvement that was superior to a sham procedure at 3 months was sustained through 12 months.
Risk Factors and Incidence of Epilepsy after Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pease Matthew , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Puccio Ava , Nwachuku Enyinna , Castellano James F. , Okonkwo David O. , Elmer Jonathan
Published: June 2022

We determined the incidence of post‐traumatic epilepsy after severe traumatic brain injury. Of 392 patients surviving to discharge, cumulative incidence of post‐traumatic epilepsy was 25% at 5 years and 32% at 15 years, an increase compared with historical reports. Among patients with one late seizure (>7 days post‐trauma), the risk of seizure recurrence was 62% after 1 year and 82% at 10 years. Competing hazards regression identified age, decompressive hemicraniectomy, and intracranial infection as independent predictors of post‐traumatic epilepsy. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury and a single late post‐traumatic seizure will likely require long‐term antiseizure medicines. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:663–669
Intravenous Thrombolysis with Tenecteplase for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Christogiannis Christos , Faouzi Belahsen , Mavridis Dimitris , Dixit Anand K. , Palaiodimou Lina , Khurana Dheeraj , Petruzzellis Marco , Psychogios Klearchos , Macleod Mary Joan , Ahmed Niaz
Published: June 2022

Objective

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with tenecteplase has been associated with better clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with confirmed large vessel occlusions compared to IVT with alteplase. However, the utility of tenecteplase for the treatment of all AIS patients eligible for IVT has not been established.

Methods

We compared the safety and efficacy of tenecteplase versus alteplase in AIS patients by analyzing propensity score matched data from 20 centers participating in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke–International Stroke Thrombolysis Register. Patients receiving IVT with tenecteplase were matched with up to 3 patients receiving alteplase from the same center. The primary outcome of interest was the distribution of 3‐month functional outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the rates of patients with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) in the first 24 hours, excellent (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score = 0–1) or good (mRS score = 0–2) functional outcome, and all‐cause mortality at 3 months.

Results

A total of 331 tenecteplase‐treated AIS patients were matched to 797 patients treated with alteplase (median age = 70 years, 43.9% women, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score = 11, interquartile range = 6–17). Patients treated with tenecteplase had better 3‐month functional outcomes (common odds ratio [OR] = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–2.00) with higher odds of good functional outcome (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.45–2.77) and a lower likelihood of all‐cause mortality (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.27–0.67) at 3 months, compared to alteplase‐treated patients. No difference was found in the likelihood of the 3‐month excellent functional outcomes (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 0.96–1.78) and 24‐hour SICH (1.0% vs 1.3%, OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.20–2.64).

Interpretation

IVT with tenecteplase was associated with better 3‐month clinical outcomes compared to IVT with alteplase in AIS patients, with no increased risk of symptomatic intracranial bleeding. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:349–357
Prediction of leg muscle activities from arm muscle activities in arm and leg cycling
Authors: Radeleczki Balazs , Mravcsik Mariann , Bozheim Lilla , Laczko Jozsef
Published: June 2022

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) driven leg cycling is usually controlled by previously established stimulation patterns. We investigated the potential utilization of a particular computational method for controlling electrical stimulation of lower limb muscles by real‐time electromyography (EMG) signals of arm muscles during hybrid arm and leg cycling. In hybrid arm and leg cycling, arm cranking is performed voluntarily, while leg cycling is driven by FES. In this study, we investigate arm and leg cycling movements of able‐bodied persons when both arm and leg cycling is performed voluntarily without FES. We present a neural network‐based model in which the input of the neural network is given by a time series of upper limb muscle activities (EMG), and the output provides potential lower limb muscle activities. The particular neural network was a nonlinear autoregressive exogen (NARX) neural network. The measured EMG signals of the lower limb muscles were compared to the signals that were predicted by the neural network. The neural network was trained with data recorded from four participants. Our preliminary results show notable differences between the predicted and the experimentally measured lower limb muscle activities. The prediction was good only for 60% of the movement time. We conclude that—while including arm cycling in the movement—simpler control modalities or further consideration of applying machine‐learning techniques has to be taken into account to improve voluntary upper limb‐controlled FES assisted leg cycling.
Emissivität von Zink‐Aluminiumüberzügen unter Brandlast und Wirkung auf den Feuerwiderstand
Authors: Pinger Thomas , Mensinger Martin , Firan Maria‐Mirabela
Published: June 2022

In jüngerer Vergangenheit wurde bei klassisch feuerverzinkten Stahlbauteilen eine reduzierte Emissivität unter Brandbelastung nachgewiesen, die sich im Zuge der Heißbemessung gemäß DIN EN 1993‐1‐2 als vorteilhaft gegenüber einem ungeschützten Bauteil erweist. Im Zuge weiterführender Untersuchungen wurde nun die Emissivität von modernen Zink‐Aluminiumüberzügen, die sich durch eine in Abhängigkeit vom Aluminiumgehalt von den standardmäßigen Überzügen abweichende Schichtcharakteristik auszeichnen, anhand von Kleinteilproben bestimmt, wobei verschiedene Konfigurationen abgeprüft wurden. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich über alle Varianten, dass ZnAl‐Überzüge eine gegenüber Reinzink‐ bzw. quasireinen Zinküberzügen nochmals verbesserte, insbesondere bei höheren Temperaturen reduzierte Emissivität aufweisen. Bei Anwendung derselben zeigt sich die positive Wirkung auf den Feuerwiderstand von mit ZnAl‐Schmelzen verzinkten Stahlkomponenten in Form einer verzögerten Aufwärmung und damit einer im Zuge der Heißbemessung ermittelten höheren Tragfähigkeit unter Brandbelastung bzw. das Potenzial zur Reduzierung des Stahlprofilquerschnitts und damit zur Ressourceneinsparung in einer relevanten Größenordnung.
The psychometric properties of the of the Persian version of the Screen for adult anxiety related disorders (SCAARED) in patients with anxiety disorders
Authors: Farani Abbas Ramezani , Khabaz Seyed Ali , Nabavi Maryam , Didehvar Roaya , Masuomian Samira , Zahiriyan Mitra
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Screen for adult anxiety related disorders (SCAARED) in Tehran.

Method

The present study was a descriptive‐survey method and a cross‐sectional method. The present research population consists of patients referring to hospitals and psychiatric clinics in Tehran, as well as male and female students in Tehran. The sample of the present study included 300 participants (150 patients with a diagnosis of anxiety disorders and 150 non‐clinical samples), who were selected by random sampling method. Inclusion criteria included age 18 to 50, minimum diploma, lack of mental retardation, and lack of acute physical illnesses such as cancer or severe pain. The participants, after completing the demographic questionnaire and conducting a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 Disorders–Clinical Version (SCID‐5‐CV), completed the SCAARED and the Personal Wellbeing Index—Adults (PWI‐A). Finally, face and content validity and construct validity, test–retest reliability, Cronbach's alpha, and factor analysis were used.

Results

The results of the present study confirmed the face validity and content of the present scale. A review of Cronbach's standardized alpha showed that SCAARED has a reliability of 0.966, and therefore, the Persian version of these questionnaires is a reliable tool. Also, the results showed a correlation between the two implementations of the questionnaire; in addition to the strong correlation at the level (p < .01) between the factors of the questionnaire and the factors with the total score, there was a strong correlation between the first and second implementation in four factors and the overall score. Therefore, it can be concluded that the SCAARED has good test–retest reliability. Also, there is a positive correlation between the factors and the overall score of the SCAARED with anxiety disorders based on Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 Disorders (p < .01), which indicates the favorable convergent validity of the SCAARED questionnaire. There is a negative correlation between the factors and the overall score of the SCAARED with the PWI‐A at the level (p < .01), which indicates the favorable divergent validity of the SCAARED, and the results of exploratory factor analysis of the questionnaire were confirmed.

Conclusion

The Persian version of the SCAARED is a tool with appropriate validity and reliability.
Managing and accounting for corporate biodiversity contributions. Mapping the field
Authors: Schaltegger Stefan , Gibassier Delphine , Maas Karen
Published: June 2022

Biodiversity loss has been assessed by natural scientists as the key sustainability problem where planetary boundaries are exceeded most dramatically. In contrast to these findings, surveys among companies find that biodiversity receives least priority among all sustainability issues. This raises the question about barriers for corporate biodiversity management, available accounting and management approaches and the role of research to overcome these barriers as well as to motivate managers and enable change. This conceptual paper maps biodiversity management as an emerging research field and highlights the importance of management accounting to support effective corporate biodiversity management. We propose a framework for managers to assess what their impact is on biodiversity and what the impact is of biodiversity on their businesses. The framework helps managers to identify how their businesses are impacted by biodiversity and how they can contribute to stopping biodiversity loss and to regenerating biodiversity. The paper discusses key levers for corporate biodiversity contributions and deducts conclusions for research and practice.
Enhancing active ageing in later life: Can community networks enhance elderly health behaviours? Insights from a bracketing qualitative method
Authors: Satsanasupint Panarat , Daovisan Hanvedes , Phukrongpet Pimporn
Published: June 2022

Active ageing has become a policy concept that serves as an important response to the positive outcome of health behaviours, productivity, security, and life course. The objective of this article is to explore how community networks can enhance elderly health behaviours for active ageing in later life. A bracketing qualitative method was used incorporating a snowball sampling of 20 participants in Northeast Thailand. Data were collected using in‐depth interviews and were audio‐recorded for verbatim transcription. Data were subject to phenomenological analysis (data‐gathering, data‐storing, and explication of the data). Bracketing qualitative findings demonstrated that community networks (strong network ties, relations, participation, support, interactions, and connections) tend to enhance elderly health behaviours (living arrangements, daily living activities, and self‐rated health). The article suggests that community networks may be an important element to enhance elderly health behaviours of active ageing in later life. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Synthesis of Thiophene/Furan‐Artemisinin Hybrid Molecules
Authors: Ozok‐Arici Omruye , Kavak Emrah , Kivrak Arif
Published: June 2022

Natural products with semi‐synthetic molecules displays higher biological activities, and creates new biological properties for the treatment of diseases. Although, natural products like artemisinin have been used as a traditional medicine over thousands of years, structure and biological properties of many natural products were investigated in the 20th century. Design and synthesis of new biologically active compounds including natural products have very critical roles to find novel drug candidates. Herein, novel thiophene/furan bridge artemisinin derivatives were synthesized by starting from artemisinin. Firstly, benzothiophene derivatives are synthesized, then Steglich esterification reactions give the new artemisinin hybrid molecules with moderate to high yields.
Synthesis and in Vivo Evaluation of Triphenylphosphonium Conjugated Trimetazidine with Enhanced Cardioprotection and Ability to Restore Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Ou E , Xu Chao , Jia Qi , Xu Xiaojia , Chen Zhenyu , Liu Jiansong , Zhang Hanyuan , Xu Geng , Zhao Yu
Published: June 2022

Trimetazidine exhibits great therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases and mitochondria‐mediated cardioprotection by trimetazidine has been widely reported. In this study, to enhance its cardioprotection, the triphenylphosphonium‐based modification of trimetazidine was conducted to deliver it specifically to mitochondria. Fifteen triphenylphosphonium (TPP) conjugated trimetazidine analogs were designed and synthesized. Their protective effects were evaluated in vivo using a tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BHP) induced zebrafish injury model. Structure‐activity relationship correlations revealed the best way to couple the TPP moiety to trimetazidine, and led to a new conjugate (18a) with enhanced therapeutic properties. Compared to trimetazidine, 18a effectively protects against heart injury in the zebrafish model at a much lower concentration. Further study in t‐BHP treated zebrafish and H9c2 cells demonstrated that 18a protects against cardiomyocyte death and damage by inhibiting excessive production of ROS, maintaining mitochondrial morphology, and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction. Consequently, 18a can be regarded as a potential therapeutic agent for cardioprotection.