bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrafast Dynamics of Bloch Surface Wave Polaritons in Large‐Area 2D Semiconductor Monolayers at Room Temperature
Authors: Liu Bin , Michail Evripidis , He Guiying , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Forrest Stephen R.
Published: June 2024

The dynamics of strongly coupled polariton systems integrated with 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is key to enabling efficient coherent processes and achieving high‐performance TMD‐based polaritonic devices, such as ultralow‐threshold polariton lasers and ultrafast optical switches. However, there has been a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the excited state dynamics in TMD‐based polariton systems. In this work, ultrafast pump‐probe optical spectroscopy is used to investigate the room temperature dynamics of the polariton systems consisting of TMD monolayer excitons strongly coupled with Bloch surface waves (BSWs) supported by all‐dielectric photonic structures. The transient response is found for both above‐exciton energy pumping and polariton‐resonant pumping. The excited state population and ultrafast coherent coupling of the exciton reservoir and lower polariton (LP) branch are observed for resonant pumping. Moreover, it is found that the transient response of the LP first decays on a short‐time scale of 0.15–0.25 ps compared to the calculated intrinsic lifetime of 0.11–0.20 ps, and is followed by a longer decay (>100 ps) due to the dynamical evolution of the exciton reservoir. The results provide a fundamental understanding of the dynamics of TMD‐based polariton systems while showing the potential for achieving efficient coherent optical processes for device applications.
Synthesis and Emission Dynamics of Sub‐3 nm Upconversion Nanoparticles
Authors: Amouroux Baptiste , Eftekhari Ali , Roux Clément , Micheau Jean‐Claude , Roblin Pierre , Pasturel Mathieu , Gauffre Fabienne , Würth Christian , Resch‐Genger Ute , Sliwa Michel , Bouchet Aude , Coudret Christophe
Published: June 2024

Reducing the size of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) down to a few nm yields luminescent materials containing a very small number of emitters. Considering the bottom limit of one activator per particle ultrasmall UCNPs offer an unprecedented platform to study the contributions of the different energy transfers at play in upconversion luminescence. Maintaining detectable emission despite the limited number of emitting ions and the high surface‐to‐volume ratio requires suitable particle architectures. Na(Gd‐Yb)F4:Tm3+ emissive sub‐3 nm diameter β‐phase UCNPs are prepared using a gadolinium‐rich composition in situ mixing of the precursors and a microwave high‐temperature cycling sequence allowing precise control of the particle size and dispersity. These cores are coated with a NaGdF4 inert shell to minimize the deleterious influence of surface quenching (SQ). Time‐resolved luminescence measurements combining standard NIR excitation of the Yb3+ sensitizer and direct UV excitation of the Tm3+ activator are performed to quantify cross relaxation and surface quenching processes. The fine tuning of the number of activators per particle via an optimized synthesis pathway along with the use of an appropriate excitation scheme enabled to provide an accurate analysis of the different mechanisms at play in these model nanoparticles and to characterize the structure of the core‐shell architecture.
Nucleophilic Cyanation of Enones and Imines with Formamide as the Cyano Source
Authors: Luo Lei , Dai Hong , Yang Ming‐Qing , Yang Luo
Published: June 2024

A convenient cyano source for the nucleophilic 1,4‐addition to enones and 1,2‐addition to imines has been developed, by generating the cyano unit in situ. via the TCT‐assisted dehydration of formamide. This protocol distinguishes itself by transition‐metal/ligand free conditions, compatibility with 1,4‐/1,2‐addition, readily available substrates and versatile synthetic utilities of the cyanated products.
Construction of High‐Performance Anode of Potassium‐Ion Batteries by Stripping Covalent Triazine Frameworks with Molten Salt
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Fu Xuwang , Qiu Jiacheng , Wang Chao , Wang Li , Feng Jianmin , Dong Lei , Long Conglai , Wang Xiaowei , Li Dejun
Published: June 2024

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) are promising battery electrodes owing to their designable functional groups, tunable pore sizes, and exceptional stability. However, their practical use is limited because of the difficulty in establishing stable ion adsorption/desorption sites. In this study, a melt‐salt‐stripping process utilizing molten trichloro iron (FeCl3) is used to delaminate the layer‐stacked structure of fluorinated covalent triazine framework (FCTF) and generate iron‐based ion storage active sites. This process increases the interlayer spacing and uniformly deposits iron‐containing materials, enhancing electron and ion transport. The resultant melt‐FeCl3‐stripped FCTF (Fe@FCTF) shows excellent performance as a potassium ion battery with a high capacity of 447 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 257 mAh g−1 at 1.6 A g−1 and good cycling stability. Notably, molten‐salt stripping is also effective in improving the CTF's Na+ and Li+ storage properties. A stepwise reaction mechanism of K/Na/Li chelation with C═N functional groups is proposed and verified by in situ X‐ray diffraction testing (XRD), ex‐situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and theoretical calculations, illustrating that pyrazines and iron coordination groups play the main roles in reacting with K+/Na+/Li+ cations. These results conclude that the Fe@FCTF is a suitable anode material for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
CRISPR/Pepper‐tDeg: A Live Imaging System Enables Non‐Repetitive Genomic Locus Analysis with One Single‐Guide RNA
Authors: Chen Meng , Huang Xing , Shi Yakun , Wang Wen , Huang Zhan , Tong Yanli , Zou Xiaoyong , Xu Yuzhi , Dai Zong
Published: June 2024

CRISPR‐based genomic‐imaging systems have been utilized for spatiotemporal imaging of the repetitive genomic loci in living cells, but they are still challenged by limited signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at a non‐repetitive genomic locus. Here, an efficient genomic‐imaging system is proposed, termed CRISPR/Pepper‐tDeg, by engineering the CRISPR sgRNA scaffolds with the degron‐binding Pepper aptamers for binding fluorogenic proteins fused with Tat peptide derived degron domain (tDeg). The target‐dependent stability switches of both sgRNA and fluorogenic protein allow this system to image repetitive telomeres sensitively with a 5‐fold higher SNR than conventional CRISPR/MS2‐MCP system using “always‐on” fluorescent protein tag. Subsequently, CRISPR/Pepper‐tDeg is applied to simultaneously label and track two different genomic loci, telomeres and centromeres, in living cells by combining two systems. Given a further improved SNR by the split fluorescent protein design, CRISPR/Pepper‐tDeg system is extended to non‐repetitive sequence imaging using only one sgRNA with two aptamer insertions. Neither complex sgRNA design nor difficult plasmid construction is required, greatly reducing the technical barriers to define spatiotemporal organization and dynamics of both repetitive and non‐repetitive genomic loci in living cells, and thus demonstrating the large application potential of this genomic‐imaging system in biological research, clinical diagnosis and therapy.
Intestinal NSD2 Aggravates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Through Histone Modifications
Authors: Zhang Yijia , Qiao Yuan , Li Zecheng , Liu Donghai , Jin Qi , Guo Jing , Li Xin , Chen Long , Liu Lihong , Peng Liang
Published: June 2024

Mounting clinical evidence suggests that a comprised intestinal barrier contributes to the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); nevertheless, the precise mechanism remains elusive. This study unveils a significant upregulation of nuclear receptor‐binding SET domain protein 2 (NSD2) in the intestines of obese humans and mice subjected to a high‐fat cholesterol diet (HFCD). Intestine‐specific NSD2 knockout attenuated the progression of intestinal barrier impairment and NASH, whereas NSD2 overexpression exacerbated this progression. Mechanistically, NSD2 directly regulates the transcriptional activation of Ern1 by demethylating histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2), thus activating the ERN1–JNK axis to intensify intestinal barrier impairment and subsequently foster NASH progression. These findings elucidate the crucial role of NSD2‐mediated H3K36me2 in intestinal barrier impairment, suggesting that targeting intestinal NSD2 can represent a novel therapeutic approach for NASH.
Optoelectronic Synapse Behaviors in Tb3+ and Al3+ Co‐Doped CaSnO3 with Long‐Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Wi Sangwon , Jeong Minjae , Lee Kwanchul , Lee Yunsang
Published: June 2024

Neuromorphic computation draws inspiration from the remarkable features of the human brain including low energy consumption, parallelism, adaptivity, cognitive functions, and learning ability. These qualities hold the promise of unlocking groundbreaking computational techniques that surpass the limitations of traditional computing systems. This paper reports a remarkable photo‐synaptic behavior in the field of rare earth ion‐doped luminescent oxides by using long‐persistent luminescence (LPL). This system utilizes electron trap states to regulate the synaptic behavior, operating through a fundamentally different mechanism from that of electronic‐based synaptic devices. To realize this strategy, Tb3+ doped CaSnO3, which shows a significant LPL property under UV‐light excitation, is prepared. The luminescent system shows key neuromorphic characteristics such as paired‐pulse facilitation, pulse‐number/timing dependent potentiation, and pulse‐number/timing dependent short‐ to long‐term plasticity transition, which are required for realizing synaptic devices. This feature expands the way for advanced neuromorphic technologies employing light stimuli.
High‐Precision Photoacoustic Neural Modulation Uses a Non‐Thermal Mechanism
Authors: Chen Guo , Yu Feiyuan , Shi Linli , Marar Carolyn , Du Zhiyi , Jia Danchen , Cheng Ji‐Xin , Yang Chen
Published: June 2024

Neuromodulation is a powerful tool for fundamental studies in neuroscience and potential treatments of neurological disorders. Both photoacoustic (PA) and photothermal (PT) effects are harnessed for non‐genetic high‐precision neural stimulation. Using a fiber‐based device excitable by a nanosecond pulsed laser and a continuous wave laser for PA and PT stimulation, respectively, PA and PT neuromodulation is systematically investigated at the single neuron level. These results show that to achieve the same level of neuron activation recorded by Ca2+ imaging, the laser energy needed for PA stimulation is 1/40 of that needed for PT stimulation. The threshold energy for PA stimulation is found to be further reduced in neurons overexpressing mechano‐sensitive channels, indicating direct involvement of mechano‐sensitive channels in PA stimulation. Electrophysiology study of single neurons upon PA and PT stimulation is performed by patch clamp recordings. Electrophysiological features induced by PA are distinct from those by PT, confirming that PA and PT stimulation operate through different mechanisms. These insights offer a foundation for the rational design of more efficient and safer non‐genetic neural modulation approaches.
Portable Aptasensor Based on Parallel Rolling Circle Amplification for Tumor‐Derived Exosomes Liquid Biopsy
Authors: He Yaqin , Zeng Xianghu , Xiong Ying , Shen Congcong , Huang Ke , Chen Piaopiao
Published: June 2024

Here, a separation‐free and label‐free portable aptasensor is developed for rapid and sensitive analysis of tumor‐derived exosomes (TEXs). It integrated a parallel rolling circle amplification (RCA) reaction, selective binding of metal ions or small molecules to nucleic acid‐specific conformations, and a low‐cost, highly sensitive handheld fluorometer. Lung cancer, for example, is targeted with two typical biomarkers (mucin 1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1)) on its exosomes. The affinity of aptamers to the targets modulated the amount of RCA products (T‐Hg2+‐T and cytosine (C)‐rich single‐stranded DNA), which in turn affected the fluorescence intensity of quantum dots (QDs) and methylene blue (MB). The results revealed that the limit of detection (LOD) of the handheld fluorometer for cell‐derived exosomes can be as low as 30 particles mL−1. Moreover, its specificity, sensitivity, and area under the curve (AUC) are 93% (14/15), 92% (23/25), and 0.956, as determined by the analysis of 40 clinical samples. Retesting 16 of these samples with the handheld fluorometer yielded strong concordance between the fluorometer results and those acquired from clinical computed tomography (CT) and pathology.
3D Ferroelectric Phase Field Simulations of Polycrystalline Multi‐Phase Hafnia and Zirconia Based Ultra‐Thin Films
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Hoffmann Michael , Nonaka Andy , Salahuddin Sayeef , Yao Zhi (Jackie)
Published: June 2024

HfO2– and ZrO2–based ferroelectric thin films have emerged as promising candidates for the gate oxides of next‐generation electronic devices. Recent work has experimentally demonstrated that a tetragonal/orthorhombic (t/o‐) phase mixture with partially in‐plane polarization can lead to negative capacitance (NC) stabilization. However, there is a discrepancy between experiments and the theoretical understanding of domain formation and domain wall motion in these multi‐phase, polycrystalline materials. Furthermore, the effect of anisotropic domain wall coupling on NC has not been studied so far. Here, 3D phase field simulations of HfO2– and ZrO2–based mixed‐phase ultra‐thin films on silicon are applied to understand the necessary and beneficial conditions for NC stabilization. It is found that smaller ferroelectric grains and a larger angle of the polar axis with respect to the out‐of‐plane direction enhances the NC effect. Furthermore, it is shown that theoretically predicted negative domain wall coupling even along only one axis prevents NC stabilization. Therefore, it is concluded that topological domain walls play a critical role in experimentally observed NC phenomena in HfO2– and ZrO2–based ferroelectrics.
Evaluation of Imprint and Multi‐Level Dynamics in Ferroelectric Capacitors
Authors: Vecchi Sara , Puglisi Francesco Maria , Appelt Pascal , Guido Roberto , Wang Xuetao , Slesazeck Stefan , Mikolajick Thomas , Lancaster Suzanne
Published: June 2024

Fluorite‐structured ferroelectrics are one of the most promising material systems for emerging memory technologies. However, when integrated into electronic devices, these materials exhibit strong imprint effects that can lead to a failure during writing or retention operations. To improve the performance and reliability of these devices, it is cardinal to understand the physical mechanisms underlying the imprint during operation. In this work, the comparison of First‐Order Reversal Curves measurements with a new gradual switching experimental approach named “Unipolar Reversal Curves” is used to analyze both the fluid imprint and the time‐dependent imprint effects within a 10 nm‐thick Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 capacitor. Interestingly, the application of delay times (ranging from 100 µs up to 10 s) between the partial switching pulses of a Unipolar Reversal Curve sequence enables analysis of the connection between the two aforementioned imprint types. Based on these results, the study finally reports a unified physical interpretation of imprint in the context of a charge injection model, which explains both types of imprint and sheds light on the dynamics of multi‐level polarization switching in ferroelectrics.
Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes for High‐Voltage and High‐Safety Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chengkun , Zheng Hongfei , Lin Liang , Wen Jiansen , Zhang Shiyu , Hu Xinchao , Zhou Dongwei , Sa Baisheng , Wang Laisen , Lin Jie , Xie Qingshui , Peng Dong‐Liang , Lu Jun
Published: June 2024

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSE) exhibit great promise in enhancing the safety of Li metal batteries by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes. However, the practical application of SSE is hampered mainly due to the poor electrode–electrolyte interface, low ion conductivity, and inferior electrochemical stability. Herein, superior nonflammable solid polymer electrolytes are elaborately designed by in situ encapsulating succinonitrile (SN)‐based deep eutectic solvent (DES) into the ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) matrix (DES‐ETPTA). Benefiting from strong polarity and high anti‐oxidation capability, as‐prepared DES‐ETPTA electrolyte shows high ionic conductivity (9.55 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C), high Li+ transference number (0.68), and good electrochemical stability. As a result, the assembled LiFePO4 || Li full cells based on the designed DES‐ETPTA electrolyte deliver a high reversible capacity and capacity retention at −10 °C and room temperature. Furthermore, considering the compatibility with high‐voltage layered oxide cathode, the electrochemical stability of the ETPTA is further improved through the decoration of cyanoacrylate (CA) with strong electron‐withdrawing characteristic of C≡N. Consequently, the constructed 4.5 V LiCoO2 || Li full cells using DES‐ETPTA‐CA electrolyte deliver a high reversible capacity of 144 mAh g−1 and a superior retention rate of 93% after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. This work paves a new pathway to design high‐safety and high‐voltage solid polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries.
Optimizing nitrogen management to enhance irrigated sugar beet yield and quality
Authors: Ghimire Deepak , Maharjan Bijesh
Published: June 2024

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) accounts for 55% of the total sugar production in the United States. Optimizing fertilizer nitrogen (N) management is pivotal for its economical and sustainable production and is challenging. Three‐year field experiments (2020–2022) were conducted in western Nebraska to evaluate the effects of fertilizer N rates on beet root yield, sugar concentration, sugar loss to molasses (SLM), estimated recoverable sugar (ERS), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Treatments included 0%, 50%, 80%, 100%, and 125% of recommended N based on the current University of Nebraska‐Lincoln recommendation. Fertilizer application increased the root yield, ERS, and SLM but decreased sugar concentration in most cases compared to the control treatment. Beet NUE decreased with increasing total available N. Linear‐plateau regression models fitted to root yield and ERS response curves showed that the agronomic optimum N rates (AONRs) were 179 and 166 kg N ha−1 for root yield of 68.86 Mg ha−1 and ERS of 11.95 Mg ha−1, respectively. The findings showed that the root yield‐based model required 35% less N rate than the current UNL beet N algorithm, and the ERS‐based model required 13 kg N ha−1 less N rate than the root yield‐based model. Because of the trade‐off effect of total available N on root yield and quality, the ERS‐based N recommendation can be a potential strategy to optimize N management for economic and environmentally sustainable sugar beet production.
Joint contractures is a recurrent clinical feature of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorder due to FOXP1 likely gene disruptive variants
Authors: Peduto Cristina , Cappuccio Gerarda , Zeuli Roberta , Zanobio Mariateresa , Torella Annalaura , Alkuraya Fowzan S. , Joss Shelagh , Daolio Cecilia , Spinelli Alessandro Mauro , Zampieri Stefania ,   TUDP Study Group, Nigro Vincenzo , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: June 2024

Haploinsufficiency of FOXP1 gene is responsible for a neurodevelopmental disorder presenting with intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hypotonia, mild dysmorphic features, and multiple congenital anomalies. Joint contractures are not listed as a major feature of FOXP1‐related disorder. We report five unrelated individuals, each harboring likely gene disruptive de novo FOXP1 variants or whole gene microdeletion, who showed multiple joint contractures affecting at least two proximal and/or distal joints. Consistent with the phenotype of FOXP1‐related disorder, all five patients showed developmental delay with moderate‐to‐severe speech delay, ID, ASD, and facial dysmorphic features. FOXP1 is implicated in neuronal differentiation and in organizing motor axon projections, thus providing a potential developmental basis for the joint contractures. The combination of joint contractures and neurodevelopmental disorders supports the clinical suspicion of FOXP1‐related phenotype.
Loss of Inpp5d has disease‐relevant and sex‐specific effects on glial transcriptomes
Authors: Dabin Luke C. , Kersey Holly , Kim Byungwook , Acri Dominic J. , Sharify Daniel , Lee‐Gosselin Audrey , Lasagna‐Reeves Cristian A. , Oblak Adrian L. , Lamb Bruce T. , Kim Jungsu
Published: June 2024

INTRODUCTION

Inpp5d is genetically associated with Alzheimer's disease risk. Loss of Inpp5d alters amyloid pathology in models of amyloidosis. Inpp5d is expressed predominantly in microglia but its function in brain is poorly understood.

METHODS

We performed single‐cell RNA sequencing to study the effect of Inpp5d loss on wild‐type mouse brain transcriptomes.

RESULTS

Loss of Inpp5d has sex‐specific effects on the brain transcriptome. Affected genes are enriched for multiple neurodegeneration terms. Network analyses reveal a gene co‐expression module centered around Inpp5d in female mice. Inpp5d loss alters Pleotrophin (PTN), Prosaposin (PSAP), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) signaling probability between cell types.

DISCUSSION

Our data suggest that the normal function of Inpp5d is entangled with mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration. We report the effect of Inpp5d loss without pathology and show that this has dramatic effects on gene expression. Our study provides a critical reference for researchers of neurodegeneration, allowing separation of disease‐specific changes mediated by Inpp5d in disease from baseline effects of Inpp5d loss.

Highlights

Loss of Inpp5d has different effects in male and female mice.

Genes dysregulated by Inpp5d loss relate to neurodegeneration.

Total loss of Inpp5d in female mice collapses a conserved gene co‐expression module.

Loss of microglial Inpp5d affects the transcriptome of other cell types.
Polymer Free Volume‐Controlled Molecular Clock and Emitter for Multicolored Transient Data Display in Advanced Photonic Cryptography
Authors: Zhang Xiaocheng , Yang Rumeng , Dong Yu , Zhang Chuang , Feng Shiyu , Huang Weiguo
Published: June 2024

The booming demand on data security has aroused great interest for developing smart materials with temporal display feature and dynamic multicolor fluorescence. However, it remains challenging to implement both features on most responsive molecules. Herein, we construct a polymer free volume‐controlled “molecular clock and emitter” via covalently embedding a multi‐stimuli responsive molecular switch (i.e., spiropyran) into a polymer network (i.e., poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)) with programmable crosslink density and free volume. By the aminolysis of pentafluorophenyl ester with different amount of diamine crosslinkers, pPFPA‐co‐SP networks with controllable crosslink densities are generated, which have different confinement effects on the rate constant of SP/MC isomerization, thus leading to time‐dependent photochromism. In addition, PTF1, a fluorescent probe that is sensitive to polymer rigidity, is introduced to further endow pPFPA‐co‐SP system with phototunable dynamic full‐color emission. Therefore, relying on their synergistical responses to the rigidity of the polymer network, we have successfully developed a versatile molecular clock and emitter via an “one stone two birds” manner, which shows time‐dependent data display along with dynamic multicolor fluorescence switching, providing great potential for advanced encryption and anticounterfeiting with a high security level.
Site‐Selective Activation and Stereospecific Functionalization of Bis(boronic Esters) Derived from 2‐Alkenes: Construction of Propionates and Other 1,2‐Difunctional Motifs
Authors: Xu Ningxin , Holmgren John L. , Morken James P.
Published: June 2024

Non‐directed regioselective activation of bis(boronic esters), followed by functionalization, is reported. A bulky activator is shown to selectively activate the less hindered boronic ester enabling it to undergo stereospecific cross‐coupling to a variety of electrophiles. This steric‐based regioselectivity provides a simple and efficient method to prepare highly functionalized, enantiomerically enriched products starting from simple alkenes.
Value‐Added Upcycling of PET to 1,4‐Cyclohexanedimethanol by a Hydrogenation/Hydrogenolysis Relay Catalysis
Authors: Sun Zehui , Wang Kaizhi , Lin Qiang , Guo Wendi , Chen Mugeng , Chen Chen , Zhang Chi , Fei Jiachen , Zhu Yifeng , Li Jinbing , Liu Yongmei , He Heyong , Cao Yong
Published: June 2024

We present an innovative process for directly transforming poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), a polymer extensively used in food and beverage packaging, into trans‐isomer‐enriched 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), a key ingredient in advanced specialty polymers. Our approach leverages a dual‐catalyst system featuring palladium on reduced graphene oxide (Pd/r‐GO) and oxalate‐gel‐derived copper‐zinc oxide (og‐CuZn), utilizing hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis relay catalysis. This method efficiently transforms PET into polyethylene‐1,4‐cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PECHD), which is then converted into CHDM with an impressive overall yield of 95 % in a two‐stage process. Our process effectively handles various post‐consumer PET plastics, converting them into CHDM with yields between 78 % and 89 % across different substrates. Additionally, we demonstrate the applicability and scalability of this approach through a temperature‐programmed three‐stage relay process on a 10‐gram scale, which results in purified CHDM with an isolated yield of 87 % and a notably higher trans/cis ratio of up to 4.09/1, far exceeding that of commercially available CHDM. This research not only provides a viable route for repurposing PET waste but also enhances the control of selectivity patterns in multistage relay catalysis.
Ultra‐deep and fast oxidative desulfurization by IL‐POM immobilized on bar‐shaped green fiber toward the high efficiency
Authors: Li Zhuang‐Zhuang , Wu Jia‐Qi , Xue Li‐Li , Dong Zhao‐Qi , Li Si‐Wen , Wang Wei , Li Rong‐Xi , Zhao Jian‐She
Published: June 2024

The Keggin‐type P‐Mo‐W polyoxometalate‐based ionic liquids ([VimAm]Br‐POM, POM is PMo6W6O40) were facilely supported on the green fiber (CA) to obtain a kind of bar‐shaped catalyst. The [VimAm]Br‐POM@CA showed an outstanding oxidative desulfurization performance for model oil and real oils with H2O2 as oxidant, mainly due to the dual role of the [VimAm]Br‐POM with the high activity and its excellent dispersion on CA. The dibenzothiophene (DBT) in model oil could be almost completely removed with [VimAm]Br‐POM@CA‐2 in 60 min at 60 °C without adding other extractants, in which [VimAm]Br acts as this role. Meanwhile, the influences of reaction temperature, molar ratio of H2O2/S, catalyst dosage, and different sulfur‐containing compounds were also investigated. Interestingly, the pretty low activation energy (0.1875 kJ/mol) has been achieved, and no significant loss of activity even after being reused for 5 cycles. The combination of IL‐POM and CA is an efficient strategy to obtain a newly kind desulfurization catalyst, with remarkable results on catalytic efficiency and reuse ability at the same time.
Anatomical correlates for the newly discovered meningeal layer in the existing literature: A systematic review
Authors: Kumar Ashutosh , Kumar Rajesh , Narayan Ravi K. , Nath Banshi , Datusalia Ashok K. , Rastogi Ashok K. , Jha Rakesh K. , Kumar Pankaj , Pareek Vikas , Prasoon Pranav , Faiq Muneeb A. , Agrawal Prabhat , Prasad Surya Nandan , Kumari Chiman , Asghar Adil
Published: June 2024

The existence of a previously unrecognized subarachnoid lymphatic‐like membrane (SLYM) was reported in a recent study. SLYM is described as an intermediate leptomeningeal layer between the arachnoid and pia mater in mouse and human brains, which divides the subarachnoid space (SAS) into two functional compartments. Being a macroscopic structure, having missed detection in previous studies is surprising. We systematically reviewed the published reports in animals and humans to explore whether prior descriptions of this meningeal layer were reported in some way. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases using combinations of MeSH terms and keywords with Boolean operators from inception until 31 December 2023. We found at least eight studies that provided structural evidence of an intermediate leptomeningeal layer in the brain or spinal cord. However, unequivocal descriptions for this layer all along the central nervous system were scarce. Obscure names like the epipial, intermediate meningeal, outer pial layers, or intermediate lamella were used to describe it. Its microscopic/ultrastructural details closely resemble the recently reported SLYM. We further examined the counterarguments in current literature that are skeptical of the existence of this layer. The potential physiological and clinical implications of this new meningeal layer are significant, underscoring the urgent need for further exploration of its structural and functional details.
Probabilistischer Nachweis einer Spannbetonbrücke – Teil 1
Authors: Özlü Caner , Küttenbaum Stefan , Kainz Christian , Braml Thomas , Taffe Alexander
Published: June 2024

Der Erhalt der bestehenden Verkehrsinfrastruktur ist eine große Herausforderung, da die Bauwerke fortwährend altern, die Verkehrsbeanspruchung zunehmend steigt und deren umfassender Ersatz mit Blick auf begrenzte Budgets und Ressourcen nicht möglich ist. An Bestandsbauten können tatsächliche Materialkennwerte, Geometrien oder Einwirkungen objektspezifisch erfasst werden. Die Nachrechnung von Bestandsbrücken erfolgt in Deutschland gemäß Nachrechnungsrichtlinie nach Stufen 1 und 2 mit dem semiprobabilistischen Teilsicherheitskonzept. Nur im Ausnahmefall wird eine messbasierte Bewertung oder eine wissenschaftliche Betrachtung gemäß Stufen 3 und 4 durchgeführt. Die Einbeziehung zusätzlicher Informationen aus der Zustandserfassung bietet jedoch viele Vorteile für eine realitätsnahe Bewertung. In probabilistischen Berechnungsmethoden können solche Kenntnisse direkt in der Berechnung berücksichtigt werden. Ziel dieses zweiteiligen Beitrags ist die Vorstellung der Potenziale und Vorteile bei der direkten Berücksichtigung der Ergebnisse von zerstörungsfreien Prüfverfahren bei der Zustandsbewertung von Brückenbauwerken. Das Konzept wird an einer Spannbetonbrücke vorgestellt. Der erste Teil befasst sich mit den Möglichkeiten zur Überführung der Eingangswerte der üblichen semiprobabilistischen Berechnung in stochastische Modelle. Ausgehend von der semiprobabilistischen Nachrechnung nach derzeitigem Regelwerk wird die probabilistische Modellierung aller relevanten Basisvariablen für die Grenzzustände der Tragfähigkeit Biegung, Querkraft und Torsion ausgeführt.
Reaching for net zero: The impact of an innovative university‐led business support programme on carbon management strategy and practices of small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Mazhar Muhammad Usman , Domingues Ana Rita , Yakar‐Pritchard Gamze , Bull Richard , Ling Kate
Published: June 2024

Small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) are at the heart of the economy, representing the majority of businesses in the United Kingdom and the European Union, and employ a high percentage of people. With this positive impact comes an environmental footprint. SMEs account for around half (43–53%) of the greenhouse gas emissions, yet typically, they lack the support that larger organisations have in‐house and are often hard to reach in terms of engagement, policy and practical interventions. SMEs face a range of barriers to implementing carbon management and are still a misunderstood sector both in their approach to carbon management and how best to provide business support for change. This research addresses that challenge by investigating the impact of an innovative university‐led business support programme to help SMEs develop a carbon management strategy and practices. The research adopted a quantitative approach with a pre‐ and post‐intervention survey to gather data from 101 SMEs in the context of the Sustainability in Enterprise (SiE) programme at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom. The study shows that universities have an important role, and the SiE programme had a significant impact on SMEs' transition to net zero through policy and strategy development, resource monitoring, carbon footprinting, target setting and carbon management maturity. The research highlights the importance of business support for SMEs, specifically in carbon management, while segmenting based on size and sector to meet ambitious local, national and global net zero targets.
Organic food consumption: A bibliometric–content analysis
Authors: Pant Satish Chandra , Saxena Raka , Pant Devesh Kumar , Singh Ritambhara
Published: June 2024

The growing trend towards organic food consumption (OFC) due to health, environmental, and other concerns necessitates the need for systematic research in this area. Analyzing 783 articles listed in the Scopus database from 1991 to 2022, this systematic study was conducted with the most updated guidelines laid by avid and prominent researchers in the field of bibliometrics to review the evolution of trends and themes in OFC globally. The study synthesized the existing research on OFC and identified gaps in knowledge using performance analysis, science mapping, and content analysis. Purchase intentions, health consciousness, attitudes to OFC, the theory of planned behavior (TPB), green marketing, and environmental concerns emerged as the growing concepts across the themes and clusters in the recent period. Importantly, based on the analyzed literature, the study also maps out possible research topics for future research that could help improve the research trajectory in the OFC field. Overall, the study provides helpful resources for researchers, particularly new scholars, in the field of OFC.
Cardiovascular outcomes of complex bifurcation lesions following double kissing crush or nano‐crush techniques: The multicenter EVOLUTE‐CRUSH V study
Authors: Çizgici Ahmet Yaşar , Güner Ahmet , Alizade Elnur , Çetin İlyas , Serin Ebru , Doğan Abdullah , Gökçe Kaan , Serter Berkay , Çiloğlu Koray , Kahraman Serkan , Uysal Hande , Çörekçioğlu Büşra , Demirci Gökhan , Tanık Veysel Ozan , Aktürk Faruk , Keskin Kudret , Püşüroğlu Hamdi , Akman Cemalettin , Yıldız Mustafa , Ertürk Mehmet , Uzun Fatih
Published: June 2024

Background

Double kissing crush (DKC) and nano‐crush (NC) techniques are frequently used, but the comparison for both techniques is still lacking. The goal of this multicenter study was to retrospectively assess the midterm clinical results of DKC and NC stenting in patients with complex bifurcation lesions (CBLs).

Methods

A total of 324 consecutive patients [male: 245 (75.6%), mean age: 60.73 ± 10.21 years] who underwent bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention between January 2019 and May 2023 were included. The primary endpoint defined as the major cardiovascular events (MACE) included cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TVMI), or clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was performed to reduce treatment selection bias. This is the first report comparing the clinical outcomes of DKC and NC stenting in patients with CBL.

Results

The initial revascularization strategy was DKC in 216 (66.7%) cases and NC in 108 (33.3%) patients. SYNTAX scores [25.5 ± 6.73 vs. 23.32 ± 6.22, p = 0.005] were notably higher in the NC group than the DKC group. The procedure time (76.98 ± 25.1 vs. 57.5 ± 22.99 min, p = 0.001) was notably higher in the DKC group. The incidence of MACE (18.5 vs. 9.7%, p = 0.025), clinically driven TLR (14.8 vs. 6%, p = 0.009), and TVMI (10.2 vs. 4.2%, p = 0.048) were notably higher in the NC group than in the DKC group. The midterm MACE rate in the overall population notably differed between the NC group and the DKC group (adjusted HR (IPW): 2.712, [95% CI: 1.407−5.228], p = 0.003).

Conclusion

In patients with CBLs, applying the DKC technique for bifurcation treatment had better ischemia‐driven outcomes than the NC technique.
g‐C3N4 Based Composite Materials for Photo‐Fenton Reaction in Water Remediation: A Review of Synthesis Methods, Mechanism and Applications
Authors: Bai Yuan , Zheng Haoyu , Shen Xintong , Hu Kexin , Huang Weiting , Liu Jie
Published: June 2024

Organic pollutants in water pose significant challenges for water treatment due to their harmful effects and resistance to conventional methods. The rapid increase in industrial wastewater discharge has heightened the need for effective pollutant degradation techniques. Photo‐Fenton technology, an advanced oxidation process, has gained attention for its ability to degrade a wide range of organic contaminants in water. Developing high‐performance photo‐Fenton catalysts is therefore crucial. Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) stands out in this field due to its suitable energy band structure, stable properties, and simple synthesis process. However, its application is limited by a low specific surface area, narrow light absorption, and high recombination rate of photogenerated carriers. This review provides a concise overview of current research on g‐C3N4 in photo‐Fenton technology, covering synthesis methods, modifications, and the mechanisms enhancing its photo‐Fenton activity. It also highlights key factors affecting g‐C3N4’s effectiveness in photo‐Fenton reactions and discusses recent advancements in its applications. The review concludes with an analysis of existing challenges and potential future directions for g‐C3N4‐based photo‐Fenton catalysts, offering theoretical insights to advance their industrial use in wastewater treatment.
Stereoselective Crystallization of Chiral Pharmaceuticals Aided by Cellulose Derivatives through Helical Pattern Matching
Authors: Wang Zhaoxu , Ye Xichong , Chen Yifu , Liu Yingze , Xie Siyu , Tao Yi , Zhang Jie , Wan Xinhua
Published: June 2024

Stereoselective inhibition aided by “tailor‐made” polymeric additives is an efficient approach to obtain enantiopure compounds through conglomerate crystallization. The chemical and configurational match between the side groups of polymers and the molecules of undesired enantiomer is considered to be a necessary condition for successful stereoseparation. Whereas in this contribution, we present an effective resolution of chiral pharmaceuticals by using cellulose acetates as the additives, which stereoselectively reside on the specific crystal faces of one enantiomer and inhibit its crystal nucleation and growth through helical pattern and supramolecular interaction complementarity. An investigation of nimodipine serves as a case study to highlight the novelty of this strategy wherein R‐crystals exhibiting an impressive enantiomeric excess value of 97 % can be attained by employing a mere 0.01 wt % cellulose acetate. Guaifenesin and phenyl lactic acid are also well‐resolved by utilizing this methodology. Our work not only brings about a brand‐new design strategy for “tailor‐made” additives, but will also promote the further exploration of the endless potential for utilizing natural biomolecules in chiral recognition and resolution.
Stereochemically Active Lone Pairs Stabilizing Intrinsic Vacancy Defects in Thermoelectric InTe
Authors: Støckler Kristoffer Andreas Holm , Zhang Jiawei , Brummerstedt Iversen Bo
Published: June 2024

Harvesting waste heat efficiently with thermoelectric energy conversion requires materials with low thermal conductivity. Recently, it was demonstrated how dynamic lone pair expression in thermoelectric InTe is responsible for giant anharmonicity leading to a very low lattice thermal conductivity. InTe also contains correlated disorder of intrinsic defects due to vacancies, and this contributes to additional lowering of the thermal conductivity. Here we use the three‐dimensional difference pair distribution function (3D‐ΔPDF) to analyze 25 K single crystal diffuse X‐ray scattering from InTe to unravel the local defect structure, and propose a microscopic structural model. Extended off‐centering of In+ ions induced by vacancies allows for the local expression of stereochemically active lone pairs. The associated electronic stabilization is proposed to be a driving force for the formation of In+ vacancy defects in InTe.
Tuning Tumor Targeting and Ratiometric Photoacoustic Imaging by Fine‐Tuning Torsion Angle for Colorectal Liver Metastasis Diagnosis
Authors: Xu Jinyuan , Lv Zhangkang , Wang Liping , Wu Xingqing , Tan Bisui , Shen Xing‐Can , Chen Hua
Published: June 2024

Photoacoustic (PA) tomography is an emerging biomedical imaging technology for precision cancer medicine. Conventional small‐molecule PA probes usually exhibit a single PA signal and poor tumor targeting that lack the imaging reliability. Here, we introduce a series of cyanine/hemicyanine interconversion dyes (denoted Cy‐HCy) for PA/fluorescent dual‐mode probe development that features optimized ratiometric PA imaging and tunable tumor‐targeting ability for precise diagnosis and resection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Importantly, Cy‐HCy can be presented in cyanine (inherent tumor targeting and long NIR PA wavelength) and hemicyanine (poor tumor targeting and short NIR PA wavelength) by fine‐tuning torsion angle and the ingenious transformation between cyanine and hemicyanine through regulation optically tunable group endows the NIR ratiometric PA and tunable tumor‐targeting properties. To demonstrate the applicability of Cy‐HCy dyes, we designed the first small‐molecule tumor‐targeting and NIR ratiometric PA probe Cy‐HCy‐H2S for precise CRC liver metastasis diagnosis, activated by H2S (a CRC biomarker). Using this probe, we not only visualized the subcutaneous tumor and liver metastatic cancers in CRC mouse models but also realized PA and fluorescence image‐guided tumor excision. We expect that Cy‐HCy will be generalized for creating a wide variety of inherently tumor‐targeting NIR ratiometric PA probes in oncological research and practice.
Synthesis and Carbonic Anhydrase I, II, IX, and XII Inhibition Studies with a Series of Cyclic Sulfonyl Guanidines
Authors: Abdoli Morteza , Bonardi Alessandro , Supuran Claudiu T. , Žalubovskis Raivis
Published: June 2024

A series of thirteen cyclic sulfonyl guanidines were prepared and evaluated against tumor‐associated human (h) carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) isoforms hCA IX and hCA XII, as well as against off‐target cytosolic isoforms hCA I and hCA II. The compounds reported here were generally inactive against both off‐target isoforms (KI>100 μM), while all of them moderately inhibited both target isoforms hCA IX and XII in the submicromolar to micromolar ranges in which KI values spanned from 0.57 to 8.4 μM against hCA IX and from 0.34 to 9.7 against hCA XII. Due to the notable selectivity of the title compounds toward isoforms hCA IX and XII, they can be considered as useful scaffolds for further chemical optimization to develop new highly selective antitumor agents.
N‐Benzyl piperidine Fragment in Drug Discovery
Authors: Sharma Ankita , Sharma Mohit , Bharate Sandip B.
Published: June 2024

The N‐benzyl piperidine (N‐BP) structural motif is commonly employed in drug discovery due to its structural flexibility and three‐dimensional nature. Medicinal chemists frequently utilize the N‐BP motif as a versatile tool to fine‐tune both efficacy and physicochemical properties in drug development. It provides crucial cation‐π interactions with the target protein and also serves as a platform for optimizing stereochemical aspects of potency and toxicity. This motif is found in numerous approved drugs and clinical/preclinical candidates. This review focuses on the applications of the N‐BP motif in drug discovery campaigns, emphasizing its role in imparting medicinally relevant properties. The review also provides an overview of approved drugs, the clinical and preclinical pipeline, and discusses its utility for specific therapeutic targets and indications, along with potential challenges.
Benzofuran‐2‐Carboxamide Derivatives as Immunomodulatory Agents Blocking the CCL20‐Induced Chemotaxis and Colon Cancer Growth
Authors: Barbieri Francesca , Grazia Martina Maria , Giorgio Carmine , Linda Chiara Maria , Allodi Marika , Durante Joseph , Bertoni Simona , Radi Marco
Published: June 2024

The correlation between the CCL20/CCR6 axis and autoimmune and non‐autoimmune disorders is widely recognized. Inhibition of the CCL20‐dependent cell migration represents therefore a promising approach for the treatment of many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer. We report herein our efforts to explore the biologically relevant chemical space around the benzofuran scaffold of MR120, a modulator of the CCL20/CCR6 axis previously discovered by our group. A functional screening allowed us to identify C4 and C5‐substituted derivatives as the most effective inhibitors of the CCL20‐induced chemotaxis of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Moreover, selected compounds (16 e and 24 b) also proved to potently inhibit the growth of different colon cancer cell lines, with cytotoxic/cytostatic and antiproliferative activity.
A single‐centre study evaluating a geriatric screening tool in oncology phase I trial patients
Authors: Van Zyl Mary , Barell Anne , Cooley Bridget , Hanwell Janet , Parlak Josie , Banerji Udai , De Bono Johann , Sharp Adam , Lopez Juanita , Battisti Nicolo Matteo Luca , Minchom Anna
Published: June 2024

Background

Though cancer is more prevalent in the older population, this patient group are underrepresented in phase I oncology trials.

Aims

We evaluated the use of a geriatric screening tool (SAOP3) in patients of 70 years of age or older who attended a Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, with the aim of assessing the feasibility of the tool and identifying potential unmet needs in this patient group.

Methods

Twenty‐two patients over the age of 70 completed the SAOP3 questionnaire. Geriatric impairments and needs were analysed with descriptive statistics. Qualitative responses were grouped in themes using structured thematic analysis.

Results

All of patients triggered at least 1 geriatric domain, most commonly mobility. Six core themes were identified as being important to the patient including family, friends and positivity. On cognition assessment over 20% of patients triggered as requiring further cognitive assessment. The group had a relatively high screen fail risk.

Conclusion

In conclusion, routine geriatric screening withSAOP3 was feasible and identified areas of patient need. Results highlight the prevalence of psychological distress and cognitive impairment. Geriatric screening offers an opportunity for prehabilitation prior to trial and support during trial participation to optimise safety and improve trial access.