bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Intrinsically Nonflammable Electrolyte for Prominent‐Safety Lithium Metal Batteries with High Energy Density and Cycling Stability
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Han Ran , Zhang Haiyang , Huang Dan , Zhang Fengrui , Fu Daosong , Liu Yang , Wei Yumeng , Song Haiqi , Shen Yanbin , Xu Jingjing , Zheng Jieyun , Wu Xiaodong , Li Hong
Published: March 2023

Nex‐generation high‐energy‐density storage battery, assembled with lithium (Li)‐metal anode and nickel‐rich cathode, puts forward urgent demand for advanced electrolytes that simultaneously possess high security, wide electrochemical window, and good compatibility with electrode materials. Herein an intrinsically nonflammable electrolyte is designed by using 1 M lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) in triethyl phosphate (TEP) and N‐methyl‐N‐propyl‐pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [Pyr13][TFSI] ionic liquid (IL) solvents. The introduction of IL can bring plentiful organic cations and anions, which provides a cation shielding effect and regulates the Li+ solvation structure with plentiful Li+‐DFOB− and Li+‐TFSI− complexes. The unique Li+ solvation structure can induce stable anion‐derived electrolyte/electrode interphases, which effectively inhibit Li dendrite growth and suppress side reactions between TEP and electrodes. Therefore, the LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 (NCM90)/Li coin cell with this electrolyte can deliver stable cycling even under 4.5 V and 60 °C. Moreover, a Li‐metal battery with thick NCM90 cathode (≈ 15 mg cm−2) and thin Li‐metal anode (≈ 50 µm) (N/P ≈ 3), also reveals stable cycling performance under 4.4 V. And a 2.2 Ah NCM90/Li pouch cell can simultaneously possess prominent safety with stably passing the nail penetration test, and high gravimetric energy density of 470 Wh kg−1 at 4.4 V.
Alkoxy‐ and Alkyl‐Side‐Chain‐Functionalized Terpolymer Acceptors for All‐Polymer Photovoltaics Delivering High Open‐Circuit Voltages and Efficiencies
Authors: Lin Yu‐Che , Chen Chung‐Hao , Tsai Bing‐Shiun , Hsueh Ting‐Fang , Tsao Cheng‐Si , Tan Shaun , Chang Bin , Chang Yu‐Ning , Chu Ting‐Yi , Tsai Ching‐En , Chen Cheng‐Sheng , Yang Yang , Wei Kung‐Hwa
Published: March 2023

A new terpolymer acceptor is presented, comprising various ratios of the same dithienothienopyrrolobenzothiadiazole (BTP) core with different side chains—alkoxy side chains (BTPO‐IC) and alkyl side chains (BTP‐IC)—and thiophene units, for use in all‐polymer organic photovoltaics. Devices incorporating binary blends of this terpolymer and the polymer PM6 as the active layer displayed open‐circuit voltages (VOC) that increase linearly upon increasing the molar ratio of BTPO‐IC. For example, the optimized device incorporating PM6:PY‐0.2OBO (i.e., with 20 mol% of BTPO‐IC) (1:1.2 wt.%) blend, with the smallest domain sizes but largest coherence length and combined face‐on and edge‐on orientation fractions among all blends, have a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.7% (VOC = 0.97 V; JSC = 25.2 mA cm−2; FF = 0.68), whereas the device containing a similar blend ratio of the PM6:PY‐OD:PY‐OBO ternary blend (1:0.96:0.24 wt.%) displayed a PCE of 8.6% (VOC = 0.969 V; JSC = 18.7 mA cm−2; FF = 0.48). The device with PM6:PY‐0.2OBO displays better thermal stability than the devices with PM6: PY‐OD or PY‐OBO. Thus, employing terpolymer acceptors with differently functionalized side‐chain units can be an effective approach for simultaneously optimizing the aggregation domain and enhancing the PCEs and thermal stabilities of all‐polymer devices.
Ultrathin ionic COF Membrane via Polyelectrolyte‐Mediated Assembly for Efficient CO2 Separation
Authors: Wang Shaoyu , Yang Yuhan , Liang Xu , Ren Yanxiong , Ma Hanze , Zhu Ziting , Wang Jianyu , Zeng Shichen , Song Shuqing , Wang Xuerui , Han You , He Guangwei , Jiang Zhongyi
Published: March 2023

Fabricating ultrathin covalent organic framework (COF) membranes toward high‐permeance molecular separations is highly desired yet challenging. Herein, a polyelectrolyte‐mediated assembly (PMA) strategy is developed to fabricate ultrathin ionic COF membrane for efficient CO2 separation. The PMA strategy allows a facile control over the assembly mode between polyethyleneimine (PEI) and TpPa‐SO3H, yielding PEI‐bridged ultra‐large COF nanosheets which are readily processed into COF membranes with thickness down to 8 nm. The resulting COF membranes exhibit a high CO2 permeances of 1371 GPU and CO2/N2 selectivity of 33 for stimulated flue gas. This PMA strategy may open up a new avenue to fabricating ultrathin 2D material membranes for diverse applications.
Synergistic Effects of Phase Transition and Electron‐Spin Regulation on the Electrocatalysis Performance of Ternary Nitride
Authors: Ban Jinjin , Xu Hongjie , Cao Guoqin , Fan Yameng , Pang Wei Kong , Shao Guosheng , Hu Junhua
Published: March 2023

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) have great potential use in energy storage and conversion owing to tunable electronic and bonding characteristics. Novel iron rich nitrides nanoparticles anchored on the N‐doped porous carbon, named as (CoxFe1–x)3N@NPC (0 ≤ x < 0.5) are designed here. The synergistic effects of phase transition and electron‐spin regulation on oxygen electrocatalysis are testified. A core–shell structure of (CoxFe1–x)3N with high dispersibility is induced by an intermediate phase transition process, which significantly suppresses coarsening of the metallic nitrides. The Co incorporation regulates d‐band electrons spin polarization. The t2g5eg1 of FeII with the ideal eg electron filling boosts intrinsic activity. (Co0.17Fe0.83)3N@NPC with optimal cobalt content holds electronic configuration with moderate eg electron filling (t2g5eg1), which balances the adsorption of *O2 and the hydrogenation of *OH, improving bifunctional catalytic performances. Both liquid and solid‐state zinc–air batteries assembled based (Co0.17Fe0.83)3N@NPC cathodes substantially deliver higher peak power density and remarkable energy density.
Near Infrared Self‐Powered Organic Photodetectors with a Record Responsivity Enabled by Low Trap Density
Authors: Liu Tianhua , Jia Zhenrong , Song Yu , Yu Na , Lin Qijie , Li Congqi , Jia Yixiao , Chen Hao , Wang Song , Wei Yanan , Lin Yuze , Huang Fei , Tang Zheng , Li Yongfang , Meng Lei , Huang Hui
Published: March 2023

High‐performance IR organic photodetectors (OPDs) are of great significance for wireless optical communication, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, and wearable electronics. However, high dark current and low responsivity (R) hinder their future commercial application. Herein, fullerene and non‐fullerene acceptors‐based OPDs are fabricated to understand the relationship between the trap density and photo‐responsivity. Impressively, the non‐fullerene system (Poly([2,6′‐4,8‐di(5‐ethylhexylthienyl)benzo[1,2‐b;3,3‐b]dithiophene]{3‐fluoro‐2[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b]thiophenediyl}) (PCE10):BTPV‐4F‐eC9) based OPDs exhibits a record R‐value of 0.56 A W−1 at 900 nm in no gain photodiode‐type OPDs, which results in a high detectivity over 1013 Jones in 400–1030 nm at room temperature. Mechanistic studies show that the low trap density plays critical role in reducing the trap‐assisted recombination and density of thermally generated carriers, thus improving the responsivity and reducing the dark current of the device. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of high‐performance self‐powered near‐infrared OPDs.
Engineered Macrophages‐Based uPA‐Scavenger Load Gemcitabine to Prompt Robust Treating Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Rao Zhiping , Lu Chuanchuan , Fan Hongyu , Du Fuyu , Zhu Yutong , Xia Yuqiong , Wang Zhiming , Ning Pengbo
Published: March 2023

The majority of cancer patients die of metastasis rather than primary tumors, and most patients may have already completed the cryptic metastatic process at the time of diagnosis, making them intractable for therapeutic intervention. The urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) system is proved to drive cancer metastasis. However, current blocking agents such as uPA inhibitors or antibodies are far from satisfactory due to poor pharmacokinetics and especially have to face multiplex mechanisms of metastasis. Herein, an effective strategy is proposed to develop a uPA‐scavenger macrophage (uPAR‐MΦ), followed by loading chemotherapeutics with nanoparticles (GEM@PLGA) to confront cancer metastasis. Interestingly, significant elimination of uPA by uPAR‐MΦ is demonstrated by transwell analysis on tumor cells in vitro and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay detection in peripheral blood of mice with metastatic tumors, contributing to significant inhibition of migration of tumor cells and occurrence of metastatic tumor lesions in mice. Moreover, uPAR‐MΦ loaded with GEM@PLGA shows a robust antimetastasis effect and significantly prolonged survival in 4T1‐tumor‐bearing mice models. This work provides a novel living drug platform for realizing a potent treatment strategy to patients suffering from cancer metastasis, which can be further expanded to handle other tumor metastasis markers mediating cancer metastasis.
Confined Ionic‐Liquid‐Mediated Cation Diffusion through Layered Membranes for High‐Performance Osmotic Energy Conversion
Authors: Hu Yuhao , Xiao Hongyan , Fu Lin , Liu Pei , Wu Yadong , Chen Weipeng , Qian Yongchao , Zhou Shengyang , Kong Xiang‐yu , Zhang Zhen , Jiang Lei , Wen Liping
Published: March 2023

Ion‐selective membranes act as the core components in osmotic energy harvesting, but remain with deficiencies such as low ion selectivity and a tendency to swell. 2D nanofluidic membranes as competitive candidates are still subjected to limited mass transport brought by insufficient wetting and poor stability in water. Here, an ionic‐liquid‐infused graphene oxide (GO@IL) membrane with ultrafast ion transport ability is reported, and how the confined ionic liquid mediates selective cation diffusion is revealed. The infusion of ionic liquids endows the 2D membrane with excellent mechanical strength, anti‐swelling properties, and good stability in aqueous electrolytes. Importantly, immiscible ionic liquids also provide a medium, allowing partial dehydration for ultrafast ion transport. Through molecular dynamics simulation and finite element modeling, that GO nanosheets induce ionic liquids to rearrange, bringing in additional space charges, which can be coupled with GO synergistically, is proved. By mixing 0.5/0.01 m NaCl solution, the power density can achieve a record value of ≈6.7 W m−2, outperforming state‐of‐art GO‐based membranes. This work opens up a new route for boosting nanofluidic energy conversion because of the diversity of the ILs and 2D materials.
Recent Development of Self‐Supported Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts for Industrial Electrolyzer
Authors: Cai Qian , Hong Wenting , Jian Chuanyong , He Xu , Liu Wei
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen (H2) energy is presumed to be the most promising alternative to replacing traditional fossil fuels to achieve the global mission of carbon neutrality. Electrocatalytic water splitting driven by green electricity has been regarded as an ideal method for large‐scale green hydrogen production with a minimal CO2 footprint. However, most of the reported electrocatalysts still suffer from large overpotentials and severe activity degradation at high current density (>1000 mA cm−2). Therefore, a comprehensive review to summarize the representative alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts with large current densities is essential to guide the fabrication of promising industrial electrocatalysts. In this review, starting from the fundamental of water electrolysis, the design principles to acquire alkaline electrocatalysts with large current density and high stability are elaborated. The critical factors for achieving high‐performance electrocatalysts to meet industrial H2 production are proposed. Additionally, the key processes for preparing self‐supported electrodes are clarified. Afterward, the recently advanced self‐supported transition metal‐based electrocatalysts with high current density for alkaline HER are systematically summarized. Finally, personal perspective on future opportunities and challenges is highlighted. It is hoped this review can guide the rational design of self‐supported high‐current density electrocatalysts for future commercial H2 production.
Synthese und photophysikalische Eigenschaften monometallischer C^C* Platin(II)‐Formamidinatkomplexe mit sterisch anspruchsvollen Liganden
Authors: Wurl Felix , Stipurin Sergej , Kollar Joshua Immanuel , Strassner Thomas
Published: March 2023

Eine neuartige – bisher als unzugänglich angesehene – Klasse von zyklometallierten Platin(II)‐Komplexen wurde durch eine verbesserte Syntheseroute unter Verwendung von Liganden, die durch Dichtefunktionaltheorieberechnungen vorhergesagt wurden, hergestellt. Basierend auf einem gezielten quantenchemischen Screening wurden drei Modellliganden mit unterschiedlichem sterischem Anspruch ausgewählt und eine Serie von sechs photolumineszenten Platin(II)‐Formamidinatkomplexen mit C^C* zyklometallierten Liganden hergestellt. Der Ligand mit dem geringsten sterischen Anspruch führte zu einem bimetallischen Komplex in zwei isomeren Formen, die voneinander getrennt und durch die entsprechenden Kristallstrukturen bestätigt werden konnten. Wie durch die quantenchemischen Rechnungen vorhergesagt, lieferten die sterisch stärker gehinderten Amidinatliganden die monometallischen Komplexe. Aufgrund des Verlusts der Metall‐Metall‐Wechselwirkungen zeigen diese Komplexe eine signifikante hypsochrome Verschiebung der Emissionswellenlänge. In Abhängigkeit vom zyklometallierten Ligand zeigt diese neue Klasse von Platin(II)‐Emittern grün‐blaue bis rein blaue Phosphoreszenz mit Quantenausbeuten von bis zu 87 % und kurzen Abklingzeiten.
Optochemical Control of mRNA Translation in Eukaryotes
Authors: Weissenboeck Florian P. , Schepers Helena , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: March 2023

A major stage in the expression of genes is the translation of messenger RNA (mRNA), and the regulation of this process is essential for protein production in cells. How tightly controlled gene expression can be spatially and temporally, is particularly evident in polar cells and embryonic development. We need tools to dissect these complex processes, if we wish to understand the underlying links, especially the difficulties brought on by malfunction. External bioorthogonal triggers are very helpful in this area, if they let us precisely control where and when a process is started. Equipping nucleic acids with light‐responsive groups has proven to be an effective approach to examine the dynamic regulatory route of mRNA translation in living cells. In this review, we present an overview of the most recent methods for optochemically controlling translation, focusing on cis‐acting technologies.
X‐Ray‐triggered Carbon Monoxide and Manganese Dioxide Generation based on Scintillating Nanoparticles for Cascade Cancer Radiosensitization
Authors: Du Zhen , Wang Xin , Zhang Xiao , Gu Zhanjun , Fu Xiaoyi , Gan Shaoju , Fu Ting , Xie Sitao , Tan Weihong
Published: March 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous signaling molecule with broad therapeutic effects. Here, a multifunctional X‐ray‐triggered carbon monoxide (CO) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) generation nanoplatform based on metal carbonyl and scintillating nanoparticles (SCNPs) is reported. Attributed to the radioluminescent characteristic of SCNPs, UV‐responsive Mn2(CO)10 is not only indirectly activated to release CO by X‐ray but can also be degraded into MnO2. A high dose of CO can be used as a glycolytic inhibitor for tumor suppression; it will also sensitize tumor cells to radiotherapy. Meanwhile MnO2, as the photolytic byproduct of Mn2(CO)10, has both glutathione (GSH) depletion and Fenton‐like Mn2+ delivery properties to produce highly toxic hydroxyl radical (⋅OH) in tumors. Thus, this strategy can realize X‐ray‐activated CO release, GSH depletion, and ⋅OH generation for cascade cancer radiosensitization. Furthermore, X‐ray‐activated Mn2+ in vivo demonstrates an MRI contrast effect, making it a potential theranostic nanoplatform.
Comparison of the performances of different drying enhancers for waterborne polyvinyl alcohol films
Authors: Ahuja Sanjeev
Published: March 2023

Waterborne polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films show lower environmental impact but render high residual solvent on account of hydrophilicity of PVA and low volatility of water. Plasticizers have shown high potential to act as drying enhancers in some recent studies. Plasticizers triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG400) with their favorable chemical structures and relatively low molar masses are promising options. Their performances in drying waterborne PVA films are compared with the plasticizers used in earlier works, at different initial wet film thicknesses, polymer contents, enhancer contents, and enhancer molar masses. Films were solvent casted by drying PVA‐water solutions in a substrate. TPP causes maximum lowering of the residual solvent and does this at high drying rate corresponding to low initial wet film thickness and PVA content. The least value of residual solvent is 0.20% at optimum TPP loading. The next best residual solvent results of 0.21% and 0.59% are, respectively, exhibited by PEG400 and PEG6000, but at low drying rate for high wet film thickness, for both the enhancers; however, at high drying rate for low wet film thickness anomalous skinning increased the residual solvent. At 0.51%, Capstone FS‐63 also gives good results and at high drying rate. Their relative performances are correlated to the viscosity of cast solutions, glass transition temperature of films (DSC), and chemical structures of the polymer and enhancers. TPP thus proved to be most effective. SEM showed dense films and disappearance of defects with optimum loading of TPP, and TGA/DTG showed thermally stable coatings. In spite of the higher cost of TPP it can have useful specialized applications that exploit its excellent flame retardance features.
Rheological and mechanical properties, heat resistance and hydrolytic degradation of poly(butylene succinate‐co‐adipate)/stereocomplex polylactide blends
Authors: Liu Chengkai , Han Zhengyi , Yan Xiangyu , Yu Jinshuo , Zhang Qiao , Wang Dongmei , Zhao Yan , Zhang Huiliang
Published: March 2023

In this study, equimolar amounts of poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(d‐lactide acid) (PDLA) were melt‐blended with PBSA, to obtain a novel and environmentally friendly PBSA/sc‐PLA blend, through in situ formation of stereo‐complex poly(lactic acid) (sc‐PLA). Differential scanning calorimetry and wide‐angle X‐ray diffractometry confirmed the formation of sc‐PLA in PBSA matrix. The sc‐PLA was uniformly dispersed in PBSA matrix. Up to 20 wt% sc‐PLA concentration, the PBSA/sc‐PLA blends showed solid‐like flow behavior in the low‐frequency region. Moreover, sc‐PLA could reinforce the PBSA matrix. The Young's modulus, yield strength, and storage modulus of PBSA/sc‐PLA blend increased with increase in sc‐PLA content. In addition, the heat deflection temperatures of PBSA/sc‐PLA blends increased on incorporation of sc‐PLA, thus enhancing the heat resistance. Compared with neat PBSA, the hydrolytic degradation of PBSA/sc‐PLA blends was improved. This work provides an effective strategy to obtain high performance PBSA materials and expand the application scope of PBSA.
Metformin and thymoquinone co‐treatment enhance 5‐fluorouracil cytotoxicity by suppressing the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α pathway and increasing oxidative stress in colon cancer cells
Authors: Farrash Wesam F. , Aslam Akhmed , Almaimani Riyad , Minshawi Faisal , Almasmoum Hussain , Alsaegh Aiman , Iqbal Mohammad S. , Tabassum Aisha , Elzubier Mohamed E. , El‐Readi Mahmoud Z. , Mahbub Amani A. , Idris Shakir , Refaat Bassem
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the chemotherapeutic effects of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), metformin (Met), and/or thymoquinone (TQ) single/dual/triple therapies in the HT29, SW480 and SW620 colon cancer (CRC) cell lines. Cell cycle/apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The gene and protein expression of apoptosis (PCNA/survivin/BAX/Cytochrome‐C/Caspase‐3) and cell cycle (CCND1/CCND3/p21/p27) molecules, the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α oncogenic pathway, and glycolysis regulatory enzymes were measured by quantitative‐PCR and Western blot. Markers of oxidative stress were also measured by colorimetric assays. Although all treatments induced anti‐cancer effects related to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, the triple therapy showed the highest pro‐apoptotic actions that coincided with the lowest expression of CCND1/CCND3/PCNA/survivin and the maximal increases in p21/p27/BAX/Cytochrome‐C/Caspase‐3 in all cell lines. The triple therapy also revealed the best suppression of the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α pathway by increasing its endogenous inhibitors (PTEN/AMPKα) in all cell lines. Moreover, the lowest expression of lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase‐1 with the highest expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase were seen with the triple therapy, which also showed the highest increases in oxidative stress markers (ROS/RNS/MDA/protein carbonyl groups) alongside the lowest antioxidant levels (GSH/CAT) in all cell lines. In conclusion, this is the first study to reveal enhanced anti‐cancer effects for metformin/thymoquinone in CRC that were superior to all monotherapies and the other dual therapies. However, the triple therapy approach showed the best tumoricidal actions related to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all cell lines, possibly by enhancing oxidative glycolysis and augmenting oxidative stress through stronger modulation of the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α oncogenic network.
Biochemical and biophysical characterization of the nucleic acid binding properties of the RNA/DNA binding protein EWS
Authors: Selig Emily E. , Bhura Roohi , White Matthew R. , Akula Shivani , Hoffman Renee D. , Tovar Carmel N. , Xu Xiaoping , Booth Rachell E. , Libich David S.
Published: March 2023

EWS is a member of the FET family of RNA/DNA binding proteins that regulate crucial phases of nucleic acid metabolism. EWS comprises an N‐terminal low‐complexity domain (LCD) and a C‐terminal RNA‐binding domain (RBD). The RBD is further divided into three RG‐rich regions, which flank an RNA‐recognition motif (RRM) and a zinc finger (ZnF) domain. Recently, EWS was shown to regulate R‐loops in Ewing sarcoma, a pediatric bone and soft‐tissue cancer in which a chromosomal translocation fuses the N‐terminal LCD of EWS to the C‐terminal DNA binding domain of the transcription factor FLI1. Though EWS was shown to directly bind R‐loops, the binding mechanism was not elucidated. In the current study, the RBD of EWS was divided into several constructs, which were subsequently assayed for binding to various nucleic acid structures expected to form at R‐loops, including RNA stem‐loops, DNA G‐quadruplexes, and RNA:DNA hybrids. EWS interacted with all three nucleic acid structures with varying affinities and multiple domains contributed to binding each substrate. The RRM and RG2 region appear to bind nucleic acids promiscuously while the ZnF displayed more selectivity for single‐stranded structures. With these results, the structural underpinnings of EWS recognition and binding of R‐loops and other nucleic acid structures is better understood.
Soft skills play key role in successful leadership
Authors: Williams Melva K.
Published: March 2023

Higher education administrators are often asking about the secrets of good leadership. This question is the most important in moving the needle toward student success. The only way we can improve student learning outcomes is to place our energies toward professional development and ensure that our staff members are pushing the limits of their respective roles.
A study of highly activated hydrogen evolution reaction performance in acidic media by 2D heterostructure of N and S doped graphene on MoOx
Authors: Aydin Kubra , Woo Seongwon , Kanade Vinit Kaluram , Choi Seulgi , Ahn Chisung , Lim Byungkwon , Kim Taesung
Published: March 2023

Herein, a layer of molybdenum oxide (MoOx), a transition metal oxide (TMO), which has outstanding catalytic properties in combination with a carbon‐based thin film, is modified to improve the hydrogen production performance and protect the MoOx in acidic media. A thin film of graphene is transferred onto the MoOx layer, after which the graphene structure is doped with N and S atoms at room temperature using a plasma doping method to modify the electronic structure and intrinsic properties of the material. The oxygen functional groups in graphene increase the interfacial interactions and electrical contacts between graphene and MoOx. The appearance of surface defects such as oxygen vacancies can result in vacancies in MoOx. This improves the electrical conductivity and electrochemically accessible surface area. Increasing the number of defects in graphene by adding dopants can significantly affect the chemical reaction at the interfaces and improve the electrochemical performance. These defects in graphene play a crucial role in the adsorption of H+ ions on the graphene surface and their transport to the MoOx layer underneath. This enables MoOx to participate in the reaction with the doped graphene. N‐ and S‐doped graphene (NSGr) on MoOx is active in acidic media and performs well in terms of hydrogen production. The initial overpotential value of 359 mV for the current density of −10 mA/cm2 is lowered to 228 mV after activation.
Phase‐Dependent Long Persistent Phosphorescence in Coumarin‐Phosphine‐Based Coinage Metal Complexes
Authors: Naina Vanitha R. , Singh Akhil K. , Rauthe Pascal , Lebedkin Sergei , Gamer Michael T. , Kappes Manfred M. , Unterreiner Andreas‐Neil , Roesky Peter W.
Published: March 2023

A coumarin functionalized aminodiphosphine has been introduced as a bidentate ligand in coinage metal chemistry. Mono‐, di‐, and trimetallic copper and silver complexes were synthesized with this ligand. The hybrid character of the ligand led to compounds with rich luminescence properties. These include coumarin‐based blue fluorescence, observed as a sole emission in solution at room temperature, and green phosphorescence, which is efficient at low temperatures and dominates the spectra of the metal complexes. In the rigid environment of frozen solutions, the green phosphorescence shows an unusually long (for metal complexes) decay on the seconds timescale in high quantum yield. In addition, a red phosphorescence, which may be assigned to the triplet state localized in the phosphine‐M3Cl2(M=Cu, Ag), is observed for the trinuclear complexes at low temperature. Neither the second‐long phosphorescence nor the red emission is observed for the coumarin ligand, thus they must be a result of the coordination to coinage metal clusters. The excited states in these compounds were also investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations.
Primary osteosarcoma of the ribs: A report from the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group
Authors: Bodmer Nicole , Hecker‐Nolting Stefanie , Friedel Godehard , Blattmann Claudia , Kager Leo , Kessler Torsten , Kevric Matthias , Kühne Thomas , Mettmann Vanessa , Müller‐Abt Peter , Sorg Benjamin , Theobald Matthias , Bielack Stefan S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Primary rib osteosarcoma has not been investigated extensively, and clinical characteristics and optimal therapeutic strategies have not been defined. The authors used the database of the Cooperative Osteosarcoma Study Group (COSS) to analyze this tumor‐site in depth.

Methods

The COSS database was searched for treatment‐naive, high‐grade osteosarcomas of the rib. Affected patients were analyzed for demographic and tumor‐related factors, treatments, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 44 patients (23 males, 21 females; median age, 23 years [range, 6–59]) were identified. Primary metastases were detected in six of 44 (14%) patients. Surgery was performed in 40 of 44 (91%) patients and rendered 35 of 44 (80%) patients macroscopically disease‐free. Chemotherapy was known to have been administered in 43 of 44 (98%) patients and radiotherapy in seven of 42 (17%) (no data for two patients). A good response to chemotherapy was only noted in five (33%) of those 15 evaluable patients who had received any preoperative chemotherapy. After a median follow‐up of 2.49 (0.22–40.35) years for all patients and 6.61 (0.25–40.35) years for 26 survivors (21 of these in first complete remission), 5‐year actuarial overall and event‐free survival were 53.0% (8.5%) and 42.2% (8.1%), respectively. Incomplete tumor surgery was the most notable negative prognostic factor. Osteoblastic histology and a poor response to chemotherapy may have contributed.

Conclusion

This large series provides evidence that patients with costal primaries are older than the average osteosarcoma patient, but appear to share the similar tumor biology and—if treated according to standard protocols—prognostic factors with tumors of other sites. Early, preoperative diagnosis and permanent, definitive local control remain major challenges and should contribute to improved outcomes.
An improved method to sub‐module voltage balancing in modular multilevel converters with two voltage sensors
Authors: Bagheri Hashkavayi Mohammad , Barakati S. Masoud , Torabi S. Hamed , Barahouei Vahid
Published: March 2023

The modular multilevel converter (MMC) is an innovative structure that has expanded the usage of multilevel converters (MLCs) in the electrical industry. Since the MMC initially required a large number of sensors to manage the capacitor voltages, various studies have been done to reduce their number to improve the converter's reliability and reduce construction costs. In this paper's proposed method, merely two voltage sensors are used to balance the converter's capacitor voltages, and voltages are estimated using the exponentially weighted recursive least square (RLS) method in each sampling time. Also, the estimated voltages are sorted according to the capacitor current sign determined by the voltage sensors, and the current sensors are entirely eliminated. Furthermore, three cases for compensating the capacitor estimated voltages are presented, and the last case proposes the sub‐module force algorithm (SFA) for system protection. The efficacy of the proposed method has been assessed via simulation and experimental implementations.
Expanding the scope of health disparities research in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Kravchenko Julia , Yashkin Arseniy , Doraiswamy P. Murali , Hill Carl V. ,   Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia Health Disparities Collaborative Group
Published: March 2023

Topics discussed at the “Leveraging Existing Data and Analytic Methods for Health Disparities Research Related to Aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias” workshop, held by Duke University and the Alzheimer's Association with support from the National Institute on Aging, are summarized.  Ways in which existing data resources paired with innovative applications of both novel and well‐known methodologies can be used to identify the effects of multi‐level societal, community, and individual determinants of race/ethnicity, sex, and geography‐related health disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia are proposed.  Current literature on the population analyses of these health disparities is summarized with a focus on identifying existing gaps in knowledge, and ways to mitigate these gaps using data/method combinations are discussed at the workshop.  Substantive and methodological directions of future research capable of advancing health disparities research related to aging are formulated.
Regioselective Alkynylation of Allylic Phosphates with Alkynyl Copper Reagents
Authors: Mamada Shunki , Ogawa Narihito
Published: March 2023

We developed an alkynylation of allylic phosphates with acetylenes in the presence of copper and magnesium salts. The reaction proceeded regioselectively to afford the corresponding 1,4‐enynes. Furthermore, the functional group tolerance of this reaction was established. As an application, the 1,4‐enyne intermediate involved in the synthesis of 13R,19S,20S‐trihydroxydocosapentaenoic acid could be efficiently synthesized.
Hinterland environments of the Late Jurassic northern Weald Basin, England
Authors: Barshep Dinfa Vincent , Worden Richard Henry
Published: March 2023

Reconstructing provenance in sandstones can be challenging, especially when the hinterland palaeogeology is unknown due to burial, diagenesis or weathering of the original outcrops. As sedimentary processes alter the distribution of minerals in the depositional environment, the use of multiple provenance methods reduces uncertainties, because, together, they can account for depositionally‐controlled textural and mineralogical re‐distribution in a basin. Here, we have applied petrography, X‐ray fluorescence geochemistry and sedimentology to understand the provenance of shallow marine Corallian sandstones with the aim of deducing the palaeogeology, palaeoenvironment and sediment distribution within the northern parts of the Upper Jurassic Weald Basin, onshore UK. The Corallian sandstones had a mixed mafic‐felsic (intermediate), metasedimentary recycled orogen source. The hinterland experienced significant physical and chemical weathering under humid conditions. Corallian sandstones were relatively more chemically mature up‐dip and more texturally mature down‐dip. Chemically unstable grains and heavy minerals were relatively concentrated down‐dip. Heterogeneous, sedimentologically‐controlled mineral distribution patterns highlight potential errors which may be made in deriving source‐area maturity. This study is significant as it illustrates the combined roles of provenance and deposition in controlling primary mineral distribution that then influenced the style of burial diagenesis. The work presented here emphasizes the importance of a multi‐proxy approach to improve provenance analysis.
Navigating the COVID‐19 pandemic together: Discussions between persons with early‐stage dementia and their adult children
Authors: Ali Talha , Mroz Emily L. , Valeika Sarah , Mendez Erika N. , Cohen Andrew B. , Monin Joan K.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Studies have separately examined the health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on persons with dementia and their caregivers. Less attention has been paid to the social and emotional impacts of the pandemic in this population or how these individuals are mutually coping with the pandemic. Guided by the social citizenship theory, this qualitative study sought to characterize how persons with dementia and their adult children are coping during this time with a focus on the strengths demonstrated by persons with dementia.

Methods

Participants were 43 dyads of individuals aged 55 and older with early‐stage dementia and their adult children. Discussions between parent‐child dyads were recorded. Using reflexive thematic analysis, themes related to social and emotional impacts of the pandemic and coping strategies were identified.

Results

Adult children shared with their parents how the pandemic resulted in reduced social engagement and challenging work arrangements. Dyads described how the pandemic positively impacted their relationship, allowing some of them to spend more time together. In coping with the pandemic, adult children provided instrumental support to their parents and parents reciprocated with emotional support. Participants also coped by making meaning of their situation during discussions.

Conclusions

Findings characterize the resilience of persons with dementia and the mutuality of the relationship between both members of the care partner dyad, as both parents and adult children offered support to one another. Facilitating dyadic discussions may be a cost‐effective way to sustain social connections and offer ongoing coping support through the pandemic or other challenging circumstances.
Distributed caching strategy for hot news propagation based on data engineering processing
Authors: Duan Lanlan
Published: March 2023

In order to improve the performance of the hot news collection and propagation of hotspot news, we aim at improving the performance and solve the opinion collection and propagation bottleneck by analyzing the demand and framework of current hot news supported systems. Then, a corresponding opinion collection and propagation optimization framework and strategy are proposed with a distributed hotspot caching system is designed and implemented. On the basis of the existing distributed search engine, a cache server is added between the overall hotspot query processing server and each cluster sub‐query processing server, so that we can improve the caching and searching efficiency greatly. The experimental results show that after using the proposed distributed caching system and strategy for hot news propagation, the processing capacity of the hot news system has been greatly enhanced.
Silicon nanowire array overcomes chemotherapeutic resistance by inducing the differentiation of breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Liu Sisi , Zhang Wei , Peng Haotong , Zhang Miao , Li Yaping , Guo Qi , Wang Wenjing , Huang Na , Liu LiYan , Liu Dandan
Published: March 2023

Currently, traditional cancer treatment strategies are greatly challenged by the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are root cause of chemotherapy resistance. Differentiation therapy presents a novel therapeutic strategy for CSC‐targeted therapy. However, there are very few studies on the induction of CSCs differentiation so far. Silicon nanowire array (SiNWA) with many unique properties is considered to be an excellent material for various applications ranging from biotechnology to biomedical applications. In this study, we report the SiNWA differentiates MCF‐7‐derived breast CSCs (BCSCs) into non‐CSCs by modulating the morphology of cells. In vitro, the differentiated BCSCs lose the stemness properties and thus become sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs, eventually leading to the death of BCSCs. Therefore, this work suggests a potential approach for overcoming chemotherapeutic resistance.
Rubric development and peer review for predoctoral dental education
Authors: Kennedy Erinne N. , Champion Kathryn , Niessen Linda C.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This article outlines a process and template for developing rubrics that can be shared across predoctoral dental education programs.

Methods

The rubrics were developed using a peer‐review process for incorporating clinical skills and professional behaviors required for predoctoral dental students in their development of competent independent practice.

Results

This article shares the process, templates, and rubrics that were developed for a new predoctoral dental program. These rubrics can be implemented across various educational settings including didactic curriculum, preclinical, clinical, and extra‐mural educational experiences. Successful rubric implementation requires the identification of a software and its key features.

Conclusion

These rubrics are presented with the intent to share among dental education institutions looking to identify novel ways for longitudinal student assessment. These rubrics also offer the opportunity for collaborative use among various dental schools.
The impact of statin therapy on in‐hospital prognosis and endothelial function of patients at high‐to‐very high cardiovascular risk admitted for COVID‐19
Authors: Bianconi Vanessa , Mannarino Massimo R. , Cosentini Elena , Figorilli Filippo , Colangelo Cecilia , Cellini Giulia , Braca Marco , Lombardini Rita , Paltriccia Rita , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Pirro Matteo
Published: March 2023

Statins may protect against adverse outcomes from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) through their pleiotropic effects. Endothelial dysfunction seems to be implicated in the pathophysiology of COVID‐19, and can be attenuated by statins. This study assessed the role of preadmission statin therapy and its interaction with endothelial function, measured using flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) at hospital admission, in predicting in‐hospital outcomes among patients with COVID‐19 having high‐to‐very high cardiovascular (CV) risk. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 having high‐to‐very high CV risk, including a subgroup of patients who underwent FMD assessment. Among 342 patients, 119 (35%) were treated with statins at study baseline. Preadmission statin therapy was independently associated with a 75% risk reduction of intensive care unit admission/in‐hospital death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.252, 95% confidence interval 0.122−0.521, p < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients with an FMD assessment (245 patients, 40% statin‐treated), preadmission statin therapy was independently associated with higher FMD values (β = 0.159, p = 0.013). However, preadmission statin therapy × FMD interaction was not associated with in‐hospital outcomes (F = 0.002, pinteraction = 0.960). Preadmission statin therapy is associated with better in‐hospital outcomes among patients with COVID‐19 having high‐to‐very high CV risk, independent of the endothelium‐protective effects of these drugs.
A Multivariable Model Based on Ultrasound Imaging Features of Gastrocnemius Muscle to Identify Patients With Sarcopenia
Authors: Xu Xuanshou , Chen Yuansen , Cai Wenwen , Huang Jing , Yao Xiaohong , Zhao Qin , Li Hong , Liang Weixiang , Zhang Heng
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Low skeletal muscle mass, strength, or somatic function are used to diagnose sarcopenia; however, effective assessment methods are still lacking. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of ultrasound in identifying patients with sarcopenia.

Methods

This study included 167 patients, 78 with sarcopenia and 89 healthy participants, from two hospitals. We evaluated clinical factors and five ultrasound imaging features, of which three ultrasound imaging features were used to create the model. In both the training and validation datasets, the sarcopenia detection performances of chosen ultrasonic characteristics and the constructed model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The predictive performance was evaluated by area under the ROC (AUROC), calibration, and decision curves.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in muscle thickness (MT) of gastrocnemius medialis muscle (GM), flaky myosteatosis echo (FE), pennation angle (PA), average shear wave velocity (SWV) in the relaxed state (RASWV), and average SWV in the passive stretched state (PASWV) between sarcopenic and normal subjects. PA, RASWV, and PASWV were effective predictors of sarcopenia. The AUROC (95% confidence interval) for these three parameters were 0.930 (0.882–0.978), 0.865 (0.791–0.940), and 0.849 (0.770–0.928), respectively, in the training set, and 0.873 (0.777–0.969), 0.936 (0.878–0.993), and 0.826 (0.716–0.935), respectively, in the validation set. The combined model had better detection power. Finally, the calibration curve showed that the combined model had good prediction accuracy.

Conclusion

Our model can be used to identify sarcopenia in primary medical institutions, which is valuable for the early recognition and management of sarcopenia patients.
Superhydrophobic Self‐Cleaning Membranes Made by Electrospinning
Authors: Naef Noah U. , Seeger Stefan
Published: March 2023

A superhydrophobic and photocatalytic composite fiber material is developed using polystyrene polydimethylsiloxane and graphitic nitride and then thoroughly characterized. SEM is used to determine the nanostructure of the fiber material, and the contact and sliding angles are measured to test the obtained fibers for their hydrophobicity. The degradation of methylene blue is used to monitor the photocatalytic activity of the created materials. This serves to create a self‐cleaning surface where hydrophilic pollutants are repelled from the surface due to the low sliding angle; the lower‐surface‐tension pollutants resist wetting the surface and can be thoroughly washed off; and photocatalytical oxidation can degrade pollutants that fully wet the fabric, allowing the surface to recover.
Retrosynthetic and Synthetic Reaction Prediction Model Based on Sequence‐to‐Sequence with Attention for Polymer Designs
Authors: Taniwaki Hiroaki , Kaneko Hiromasa
Published: March 2023

Polymer designs, especially monomer designs, can be performed with machine learning and artificial intelligence using a polymer dataset, however, it is meaningless if the designed monomer structures cannot be synthesized and the polymer compound cannot be polymerized. In this study, a retrosynthesis prediction model based on sequence‐to‐sequence (Seq2Seq) with attention is developed, which is originally used in language transformation, to predict reactants from monomer structures corresponding to polymers. In addition, Seq2Seq with an attention‐based synthetic reaction prediction model that predicts monomer structures from reactants is also developed to propose monomer structures with free bonds for polymer design. Through case studies using an actual polymer dataset, it is confirmed that appropriate polymer designs can be achieved by using the proposed method, including the generation of valid monomer structures, the selection of the monomer structures with promising polymer properties, and the prediction of reactants for the monomer structures.
An integrated analysis of Dynamin 1 Like: A new potential prognostic indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Shuxian , Gong Hanjuan , Xie Hailun , Huangfu Zhimin , Tang Yi , Xiao Ming , Li Ming , Li Qingshu , Wang Yalan
Published: March 2023

Dynamin 1 Like (DNM1L), a member of dynamin superfamily capable of mediating mitochondrial outer membrane division, plays a key role in the progression of different types of tumors. However, the prognostic value, clinical significance of DNM1L and its specific mechanism involved in tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been investigated clearly. In this study, we found that the expression of DNM1L were significantly higher in HCC tissues than adjacent/normal liver tissues based on multiple data sets obtained from TCGA, GEO and ONCOMINE database, also its protein expression form Drp1 is significantly higher in HCC tissues than adjacent tissues, and is related to the degree of differentiation. Kaplan–Meier curves suggested that high DNM1L expression prominently correlated with poorer overall survival, progression‐free survival, relapse‐free survival and disease‐specific survival. Multivariate analysis showed that higher DNM1L expression was independent prognostic factors of shorter overall survival and disease‐free survival. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and Gene set enrichment analysis analysis combined with validation experiments revealed the regulatory role of DNM1L on key molecules in the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome p450 pathway, and DNM1L may also affects invasion and metastasis capability of HCC by mediating extracellular matrix ‐receptor interaction pathway. Moreover, analysis showed that higher DNM1L, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP1A2 expression were associated with the resistance to sorafenib therapy. TIMER and CIBERSORT analysis indicated that the increase of DNM1L expression may affect the infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, the above results indicated that DNM1L could be able to serve as a promising independent predictor and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Study examines shift to virtual BH care pre‐ and post‐COVID
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

The rapid shift to virtual behavioral health care during the COVID‐19 pandemic did not adversely affect care quality, according to researchers at Kaiser Permanente (KP) Mid‐Atlantic Permanente Research Institute in Rockville, Maryland. Researchers examined shifts within virtual health care‐related practices in behavioral health departments from January 2019 to June 2021 in three regions of an integrated health care system.