bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution‐Processable Nickel Oxide Hole Transport Layer for a Polymer Donor with a Deep HOMO Level
Authors: Tran Hong Nhan , Lee Heunjeong , Park Chan Beom , Krishna Narra Vamsi , Wibowo Febrian Tri Adhi , Jang Sung‐Yeon , Kim Jin Young , Cho Shinuk
Published: August 2022

The photoactive layer of non‐fullerene organic solar cells (OSCs) generally consists of a low band‐gap acceptor and conjugated polymer with a deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) because the hole transfer from the acceptor to the donor as well as the electron transfer from the donor polymer to the acceptor is very important to achieve better performance. Therefore, energy level matching between the HOMO of the donor polymer and the work‐function (WF) of the hole transport layer is required. Since the intrinsic p‐type NiO has a lower WF value, the efficiency of NiO‐based PBDB‐T‐2F:Y6 OSCs is somewhat suppressed. In this work, the energy barrier between the NiO (5.1 eV) and HOMO of PBDB‐T‐2F (5.6 eV) by modifying the NiO surface using a 4‐(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid (PTF‐BOA) dipole layer (NiO‐PTF‐BOA) is successfully eliminated. The carboxyl group of PTF‐BOA is bonded with Ni atoms on the NiO surface, while the CF3 group attracts electrons, thus resulting in a partial negative charge on the CF3 side. This PTF‐BOA dipole layer induces the vacuum level upshift thus enhancing the work function of NiO‐PTF‐BOA to 5.5 eV. The PBDB‐T‐2F:Y6 OSCs with NiO‐PTF‐BOA exhibit an efficiency of 16.36%, which is the highest reported efficiency for NiO‐based OSCs.
Food‐Based Capacitive Sensors Using a Dynamic Permittivity Change with Hydrogels Responsive to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Fukada Kenta , Tajima Takuro , Seyama Michiko
Published: August 2022

Recent advances in ingestible electronics have elucidated the chemical composition of the gastrointestinal tract. Most devices are typically assembled from nondegradable materials, which require surgery for removal in cases of retention. Thus, edible electronic components based on naturally derived materials have been developed. However, a disease‐specific digestible sensor is difficult to construct due to the limited ingredients available. Here, a food‐based capacitive sensor using large dielectric constant changes with excellent selectivity is proposed. The sensor uses a combination of an interlayer of an enzyme‐containing degradable hydrogel, an insulator of food‐based slippery liquid‐infused porous surfaces, and Au/gelatin electrodes. In the enzymatic reaction, generated micro‐bubbles change the permittivity of the capacitor dynamically. Compared to most approaches for capacitive sensors using swelling/shrinking of the interlayer, this simple method excels in a large permittivity change with selectivity associated with the enzymatic reaction. This sensor is potentially applicable to various gaseous reactions, such as redox reactions, weak acid release reactions, and thermal decomposition. The capacitive component works in the contact‐free device as the resonator or sensor. Therefore, this study would open the way to human‐friendly material‐based wireless chemical sensors in healthcare or environmental domains.
High Brightness, Highly Directional Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes as Light Sources for Future Light‐Amplifying Prosthetics in the Optogenetic Management of Vision Loss
Authors: Hillebrandt Sabina , Keum Changmin , Deng Yali , Chavas Joël , Galle Charlie , Hardin Thomas , Galluppi Francesco , Gather Malte C.
Published: August 2022

Optogenetic control of retinal cells transduced with light‐sensitive channelrhodopsins can enable restoration of visual perception in patients with vision loss. However, a light intensity orders of magnitude higher than ambient light conditions is required to achieve robust cell activation. Relatively bulky wearable light amplifiers are currently used to deliver sufficient photon flux (>1016 photons/cm2/s in a ±10° emission cone) at a suitable wavelength (e.g., 600 nm for channelrhodopsin ChrimsonR). Here, ultrahigh brightness organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with highly directional emission are developed, with the ultimate aim of providing high‐resolution optogenetic control of thousands of retinal cells in parallel from a compact device. The  orange‐emitting phosphorescent OLEDs use doped charge transport layers, generate narrowband emission peaking at 600 nm, and achieve a luminance of 684 000 cd m–2 at 15 V forward bias. In addition, tandem‐stack OLEDs with a luminance of 1 152 000 cd m–2 and doubled quantum efficiency are demonstrated, which greatly reduces electrical and thermal stress in these devices. At the photon flux required to trigger robust neuron firing in genetically modified retinal cells and when using heat sinking and realistic duty cycles (20% at 12.5 Hz), the tandem‐stack OLEDs therefore show a greatly improved half‐brightness lifetime of 800 h.
Sea‐Urchin‐MnO2 for Broadband Optical Modulator
Authors: Han Yueheng , Li Xiaohui , Chen Enci , An Mingqi , Song Zhuoying , Huang Xiangzhen , Liu Xinfeng , Wang Yishan , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2022

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is considered to be one of the nanomaterials with enormous value in research and application because of its high theoretical specific capacitance, large specific surface area and porosity, excellent electron transfer ability, and excellent light absorption ability. However, exploring superior nonlinear absorption of MnO2 in the broadband spectrum is still the key challenge to harvesting their greatest potential. In this paper, the optical modulator based on MnO2 is fabricated, and its nonlinear optical performance is measured. The results indicate that the modulation depth is 4.4% and the saturable intensity is 32.8 MW cm−2 at 1.5 µm region. What's more fascinating is that the modulator based on MnO2 is integrated into Er‐doped and Tm‐doped fiber resonators to successfully demonstrate its broadband mode‐locking operations. The coexistence of harmonic bound state pulse and conventional soliton pulse, as well as dual‐wavelength solitons, have been obtained in a communication window and conventional soliton in a 2 µm‐band can be also achieved. This demonstrates that MnO2 serves as a broadband optical modulator, which makes MnO2 more competitive in the future ultrafast photonics and helps to expand the frontier of photonic technology.
Trip13 Depletion in Liver Cancer Induces a Lipogenic Response Contributing to Plin2‐Dependent Mitotic Cell Death
Authors: Rios Garcia Marcos , Meissburger Bettina , Chan Jessica , de Guia Roldan M. , Mattijssen Frits , Roessler Stephanie , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Raschzok Nathanael , Riols Fabien , Tokarz Janina , Giroud Maude , Gil Lozano Manuel , Hartleben Goetz , Nawroth Peter , Haid Mark , López Miguel , Herzig Stephan , Berriel Diaz Mauricio
Published: August 2022

Aberrant energy metabolism and cell cycle regulation both critically contribute to malignant cell growth and both processes represent targets for anticancer therapy. It is shown here that depletion of the AAA+‐ATPase thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 13 (Trip13) results in mitotic cell death through a combined mechanism linking lipid metabolism to aberrant mitosis. Diminished Trip13 levels in hepatocellular carcinoma cells result in insulin‐receptor‐/Akt‐pathway‐dependent accumulation of lipid droplets, which act as functional acentriolar microtubule organizing centers disturbing mitotic spindle polarity. Specifically, the lipid‐droplet‐coating protein perilipin 2 (Plin2) is required for multipolar spindle formation, induction of DNA damage, and mitotic cell death. Plin2 expression in different tumor cells confers susceptibility to cell death induced by Trip13 depletion as well as treatment with paclitaxel, a spindle‐interfering drug commonly used against different cancers. Thus, assessment of Plin2 levels enables the stratification of tumor responsiveness to mitosis‐targeting drugs, including clinically approved paclitaxel and Trip13 inhibitors currently under development.
Metabolism‐Based Molecular Subtyping Endows Effective Ketogenic Therapy in p53‐Mutant Colon Cancer
Authors: Tang Meng , Xu Hui , Huang Hongyan , Kuang Hao , Wang Chenxi , Li Qinqin , Zhang Xin , Ge Yizhong , Song Mengmeng , Zhang Xi , Wang Ziwen , Ma Chaobing , Kang Jinlin , Zhang Wanfang , Wang You , Zhang Bo , Zhang Xiaowei , Chen Yongbing , Cong Minghua , Melino Gerry , Wang Xiaobin , Zhou Fuxiang , Sun Qiang , Shi Hanping
Published: August 2022

Although targeting cancer metabolism is a promising therapeutic strategy, clinical success depends on accurate molecular and metabolic subtyping. Here, this study reports two metabolism‐based molecular subtypes associated with the ketogenic treatment of colon cancer: glycolytic (glycolysis+/ketolysis−) and ketolytic (glycolysis+/ketolysis+), which are manifested by distinct profiles of metabolic enzymes and mitochondrial dysfunction, and by different responses to ketone‐containing interventions in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the glycolytic subtype is able to be transformed into the ketolytic subtype in p53‐mutated tumors upon glucose limitation, rendering resistance to ketogenic therapy associated with upregulation of ketolytic enzymes, such as OXCT1 by mutant p53. The allosteric activator of mutant p53 effectively blocks the rewired molecular expression and the reprogrammed metabolism, leading to the suppression of tumor growth. The findings highlight the utility of metabolic subtyping to guide ketogenic therapy in colon cancer and identify mutant p53 as a synthetic lethality target for ketogenic treatment.
New Deferric Amine Compounds Efficiently Chelate Excess Iron to Treat Iron Overload Disorders and to Prevent Ferroptosis
Authors: Feng Wenya , Xiao Yuanjing , Zhao Chuanfang , Zhang Zhanming , Liu Wei , Ma Juan , Ganz Tomas , Zhang Junliang , Liu Sijin
Published: August 2022

Excess iron accumulation occurs in organs of patients with certain genetic disorders or after repeated transfusions. No physiological mechanism is available to excrete excess iron and iron overload to promote lipid peroxidation to induce ferroptosis, thus iron chelation becomes critical for preventing ion toxicity in these patients. To date, several iron chelators have been approved for iron chelation therapy, such as deferiprone and deferoxamine, but the current iron chelators suffer from significant limitations. In this context, new agents are continuously sought. Here, a library of new deferric amine compounds (DFAs) with adjustable skeleton and flexibility is synthesized by adopting the beneficial properties of conventional chelators. After careful evaluations, compound DFA1 is found to have greater efficacy in binding iron through two molecular oxygens in the phenolic hydroxyl group and the nitrogen atom in the amine with a 2:1 stoichiometry. This compound remarkably ameliorates iron overload in diverse murine models through both oral and intravenous administration, including hemochromatosis, high iron diet‐induced, and iron dextran‐stimulated iron accumulation. Strikingly, this compound is found to suppress iron‐induced ferroptosis by modulating the intracellular signaling that drives lipid peroxidation. This study opens a new approach for the development of iron chelators to treat iron overload.
Ultra‐Thin Flexible Encapsulating Materials for Soft Bio‐Integrated Electronics
Authors: Sang Mingyu , Kim Kyubeen , Shin Jongwoon , Yu Ki Jun
Published: August 2022

Recently, bioelectronic devices extensively researched and developed through the convergence of flexible biocompatible materials and electronics design that enables  more precise diagnostics and therapeutics in human health care and opens up the potential to expand into various fields, such as clinical medicine and biomedical research. To establish an accurate and stable bidirectional bio‐interface, protection against the external environment and high mechanical deformation is essential for wearable bioelectronic devices. In the case of implantable bioelectronics, special encapsulation materials and optimized mechanical designs and configurations that provide electronic stability and functionality are required for accommodating various organ properties, lifespans, and functions in the biofluid environment. Here, this study introduces recent developments of ultra‐thin encapsulations with novel materials that can preserve or even improve the electrical performance of wearable and implantable bio‐integrated electronics by supporting safety and stability for protection from destruction and contamination as well as optimizing the use of bioelectronic systems in physiological environments. In addition, a summary of the materials, methods, and characteristics of the most widely used encapsulation technologies is introduced, thereby providing a strategic selection of appropriate choices of recently developed flexible bioelectronics.
Biofilms: Formation, Research Models, Potential Targets, and Methods for Prevention and Treatment
Authors: Su Yajuan , Yrastorza Jaime T. , Matis Mitchell , Cusick Jenna , Zhao Siwei , Wang Guangshun , Xie Jingwei
Published: August 2022

Due to the continuous rise in biofilm‐related infections, biofilms seriously threaten human health. The formation of biofilms makes conventional antibiotics ineffective and dampens immune clearance. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of biofilm formation and develop novel strategies to treat biofilms more effectively. This review article begins with an introduction to biofilm formation in various clinical scenarios and their corresponding therapy. Established biofilm models used in research are then summarized. The potential targets which may assist in the development of new strategies for combating biofilms are further discussed. The novel technologies developed recently for the prevention and treatment of biofilms including antimicrobial surface coatings, physical removal of biofilms, development of new antimicrobial molecules, and delivery of antimicrobial agents are subsequently presented. Finally, directions for future studies are pointed out.
Largely Enhanced Output of the Non‐Contact Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator via a Charge Excitation Based on a High Insulation Strategy
Authors: Lei Rui , Li Shuyao , Shi Yuxiang , Yang Peng , Tao Xinglin , Zhai Hua , Wang Zhong Lin , Chen Xiangyu
Published: August 2022

The non‐contact triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) based on floating plane motion can achieve a very low interface abrasion and high durability. However, the output performance of non‐contact TENG is still less than 72 µC m−2, due to the decay of tribo‐induced charges in air. Here, this work proposes two different charge excitation strategies for non‐contact mode TENG by elevating the electric insulation strength to avoid air breakdown, while both the external charge excitation and the self‐excitation system are developed. A double dielectric layer capacitance model is also established to analyze the change of charge density. A maximum output charge density of 260.15 µC m−2 is obtained using the external charge excitation with 6 kV excitation voltage. In addition, the self‐excitation strategy with non‐contact mode and more compact system is also demonstrated and an output charge density of 212.5 µC m−2 is achieved with the help of developed voltage multiple circuit, which is 2.97 times of the reported highest record for non‐contact TENG. The charge‐excited TENG via high electric insulation strategy realized in this work provides a promising way for boosting the output performance of TENGs.
Synthesis of CTA and DNAN Using Flow Chemistry
Authors: Mittal Ankit Kumar , Prakash Gaurav , Pathak Pramod , Maiti Debabrata
Published: August 2022

This paper describes a flow chemistry approach for synthesising two high‐energy molecules, cyanuric triazide (CTA) and 2,4‐dinitroanisole (DNAN), and scaling them up to multi‐gram scale using an automated flow reactor system. The flow chemistry approach offers high degree of safety and easy to scale compared to conventional syntheses. The development of two processes: a. CTA via azidation of cyanuric chloride; b. DNAN via methoxylation of 2,4‐dinitrichlorobenzene (2,4‐DNCB) on an automated commercially available flow reactor system is described. High yield (>95%) was achieved in both the processes. Very short reaction times (30 seconds) were applied. The process parameters were optimized using the automated flow chemistry system. The optimized process was scaled to multi gram scale (>30 g/hr). The method can be considered fit for the safe production of CTA and DNAN at multi gram scale in laboratory.
Highly Active and Efficient Cu@SiO2 Catalyst: Enabled Nucleophilic and Electrophilic Activation of Active Methylene Compounds
Authors: Naikwadi Dhanaji R. , Bankar Balasaheb D. , Kachgunde Hanuman G. , Biradar Ankush V.
Published: August 2022

The utility of copper is strikingly afforded due to the variable oxidation state being widely used in various organic reactions. The copper‐catalyzed C−C bond formation with active methylene compounds are a straightforward approach with widespread uses in synthetic organic chemistry. A significantly lower amount of Cu‐supported SiO2 catalyst was synthesized through sol‐gel method. The microscopy analysis reveals the formation of spherical morphology and the uniform distribution of Cu nanoparticles of 2.5 nm size. Furthermore, copper was found in Cu+2 state by XPS analysis. The NH3‐TPD analysis estimated the 0.092 mmol/g acidic sites. The synthesized multifunctional catalyst was used for gabapentin intermediates through a series of active methylene compounds through tandem organic reactions. The catalyst gave excellent conversion (99%) and selectivity (99%) of the desired product. The catalyst was found to be highly stable and recycled for six cycles without losing any activity and selectivity to the reaction product.
[Ph4P]+[Cu(CF2H)2]−: A Powerful Difluoromethylating Reagent Inspired by Mechanistic Investigation
Authors: Zhao Haiwei , Leng Xuebing B. , Zhang Wei , Shen Qilong
Published: August 2022

The quest of the active species in copper‐mediated difluoromethylation of aryl halides led to the discovery of a powerful difluoromethylating reagent [Ph4P]+[Cu(CF2H)2]−2. Complex2was able to difluoromethylate a variety of electrophiles including electron‐deficient and electron‐rich aryl iodides, heteroaryl iodides, activated heteroaryl bromides, chloride and aryl bromides with a directing group, as well as other electrophiles such as alkenyl iodide, benzyl bromides, allyl bromides, alkyl iodide, allyl carbonates and acid chloride. In addition, in the presence of an oxidant, complex2reacted with various lithiumnbutyl arylboronic acid pinacol esters, alkyne and heteroarene. Moreover, complex2could transmetalate the difluoromethyl reagent to other metals such as [Ph4P]+[CuCl2]−and [(DPPF)PdCl2].
Quanteninterferenz in gemischtvalenten Komplexen: Modifikation elektronischer Kopplung durch Substituenteneffekte
Authors: Harrison Daniel P. , Grotjahn Robin , Naher Masnun , Ghazvini Seyed M. B. H. , Mazzucato Daniel M. , Korb Marcus , Moggach Stephen A. , Lambert Colin , Kaupp Martin , Low Paul J.
Published: August 2022

In 2‐ und 5‐Position einer Phenylenbrücke eines schwach koppelnden gemischtvalenten [{Cp*(dppe)RuC≡C}2(μ‐1,3‐C6H4)]+ Komplexes hat ein OMe‐Substituent nur geringen Einfluss auf dessen Elektronenstruktur. In 4‐Position hingegen erhöht dieser die elektronische Delokalisation im Grundzustand sowie die Intensität des IVCT‐Überganges. Schwingungsfrequenzen und TDDFT‐Berechnungen (LH20t‐D3(BJ), def2‐SVP, COSMO (CH2Cl2)) an ([{Cp*(dppe)RuC≡C}2(μ‐1,3‐C6H3‐n‐OMe)]+ (n = 2, 4, 5) Modellen zeigen eine exzellente Übereinstimmung mit experimentellen Ergebnissen. Die stärkere Kopplung im Grundzustand geht auf eine veränderte Zusammensetzung des β‐HOSO zurück, verursacht durch den 4‐OMe Substituenten und dessen ortho‐ oder para‐Stellung zu jedem der Metallfragmente. Die Intensität des IVCT‐Überganges erhöht sich mit stärkerer β‐HOSO‐ und β‐LUSO‐Überlappung. Die relativen Phasen von β‐HOSO und β‐LUSO im 4‐OMe‐substituierten Komplex sind in Einklang mit den Vorhersagen über konstruktive Quanteninterferenz, basierend auf molekularen Schaltkreisregeln.
Electron‐Deficient Benzo[de]isoquinolino[1,8‐gh]quinoline Diamide π‐Electron Systems
Authors: Yu Craig P. , Yamamoto Akito , Kumagai Shohei , Takeya Jun , Okamoto Toshihiro
Published: August 2022

Synthetically versatile electron‐deficient π‐electron systems are urgently needed for organic electronics, yet their design and synthesis are challenging due to the low reactivity from large electron affinities. In this work, we report a benzo[de]isoquinolino[1,8‐gh]quinoline diamide (BQQDA) π‐electron system. The electron‐rich condensed amide as opposed to the generally‐employed imide provides a suitable electronic feature for chemical versatility to tailor the BQQDA π‐electron system for various electronic applications. We demonstrate an effective synthetic method to furnish the target BQQDA parent structure, and highly selective functionalization can be performed on bay positions of the π‐skeleton. In addition, thionation of BQQDA can be accomplished under mild conditions. Fine‐tuning of fundamental properties and supramolecular packing motifs are achieved via chemical modifications, and the cyanated BQQDA organic semiconductor demonstrates a high air‐stable electron‐carrier mobility.
Synthesis of Atropisomeric Hydrazides by One‐Pot Sequential Enantio‐ and Diastereoselective Catalysis
Authors: Portolani Chiara , Centonze Giovanni , Luciani Sara , Pellegrini Andrea , Righi Paolo , Mazzanti Andrea , Ciogli Alessia , Sorato Andrea , Bencivenni Giorgio
Published: August 2022

The first catalytic enantioselective and diastereoselective synthesis of atropisomeric hydrazides was achieved using a sequential catalysis protocol. This strategy is based on a one‐pot sequence of two organocatalytic cycles featuring the enamine amination of branched aldehydes followed by nitrogen alkylation under phase‐transfer conditions. The resulting axially chiral hydrazides were obtained directly from commercially available reagents in high yields and with good stereocontrol. The permutation of organocatalysts allowed easy access to all stereoisomers, enabling a stereodivergent approach to enantioenriched atropisomeric hydrazides.
Quantum Interference in Mixed‐Valence Complexes: Tuning Electronic Coupling Through Substituent Effects
Authors: Harrison Daniel P. , Grotjahn Robin , Naher Masnun , Ghazvini Seyed M. B. H. , Mazzucato Daniel M. , Korb Marcus , Moggach Stephen A. , Lambert Colin , Kaupp Martin , Low Paul J.
Published: August 2022

Whilst 2‐ or 5‐OMe groups on the bridging phenylene ring in [{Cp*(dppe)RuC≡C}2(μ‐1,3‐C6H4)]+ have little influence on the electronic structure of this weakly coupled mixed‐valence complex, a 4‐OMe substituent enhances ground state electron delocalization, and increases the intensity of the IVCT transition. Vibrational frequency and TDDFT calculations (LH20t‐D3(BJ), def2‐SVP, COSMO (CH2Cl2)) on ([{Cp*(dppe)RuC≡C}2(μ‐1,3‐C6H3‐n‐OMe)]+ (n=2, 4, 5) models are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The stronger ground state coupling is attributed to the change in composition of the β‐HOSO brought about by the 4‐OMe group, which is ortho or para to each of the metal fragments. The intensity of the IVCT transition increases with the greater overlap of the β‐HOSO and β‐LUSO, whilst the relative phases of the β‐HOSO and β‐LUSO in the 4‐OMe substituted complex are consistent with predictions of constructive quantum interference from molecular circuit rules.
Development of high‐performance partially biobased thermoset polyester using renewable building blocks from isosorbide, 1,3‐propanediol, and fumaric acid
Authors: Hofmann Mateus , Garrido Mário , Machado Marina , Correia João R , Bordado João C
Published: August 2022

Research on biobased thermoset resins has been overlooked when compared with the rapid progress on biobased thermoplastics. The objective of this work was to develop unsaturated polyester prepolymers based on building blocks derived from renewable raw materials, namely, biobased isosorbide, 1,3‐propanediol, and fumaric acid, with petroleum‐derived phthalic anhydride. The prepolymers developed herein behaved as low‐molecular weight macromolecules (oligoesters), with Mn varying between 1.2 and 1.5 kDa, but achieved a high bio‐content of up to 87.1 wt%. The prepolymers were incorporated into reactive diluents comprising a blend of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and styrene, formulated to be eco‐friendlier and less toxic than typical styrene‐only incorporation approach, thus resulting in resins with viscosities between 750 and 950 cP. These resins are suitable for use in various fiber‐reinforced polymer production techniques, such as manual lamination, vacuum infusion, and pultrusion, having the benefit of presenting over 50 wt% of bio‐content in some formulations. Moreover, the crosslinked polyester resins (thermosets) exhibit comparable mechanical and thermomechanical behavior to their petrochemical‐based counterparts, with modulus of elasticity and tensile strength of up to 3.9 GPa and 62.1 MPa, respectively, and glass transition temperatures of up to 106°C, making them greener alternatives for high‐performance structural applications.
The added value and differentiation among ESG investment strategies in stock markets
Authors: Meira Erick , Cunha Felipe Arias Fogliano de Souza , Orsato Renato J. , Miralles‐Quirós María Mar , Miralles‐Quirós José Luis
Published: August 2022

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment strategies have garnered increasing attention in stock markets worldwide. The number of related funds and their money inflow, for instance, have more than doubled over the past 3 years. Yet, one fundamental question remains unanswered in the specialized literature: has there been any added value and statistical differentiation among ESG strategies in stock markets? We contribute to this discussion by assessing a range of ESG investment strategies across the globe. Daily closing prices of ESG best practices indices are collected for the period between 2011 and 2021, along with proxies for the market portfolio and the risk‐free rate. Empirical assessments are then conducted using classic and modern portfolio metrics as well as nonparametric tests. The results indicate a considerable degree of differentiation of the governance factor in every region studied, while the environmental and social agendas have remained considerably intertwined, with their theoretical portfolios showing similar risk–return profiles and high levels of correlation. The relative performance of ESG factors across regions has also varied considerably, with most developed economies prioritizing the environmental and social agenda for investments, and the governance factor providing better risk‐adjusted returns in emerging markets and in the Unites States. Implications and an agenda for future research are further discussed.
Bias reported by family caregivers in support received when assisting patients with cancer‐related decision‐making
Authors: Dionne‐Odom J. Nicholas , Ornstein Katherine A. , Azuero Andres , Harrell Erin R. , Gazaway Shena , Watts Kristen Allen , Ejem Deborah , Bechthold Avery C. , Lee Kyungmi , Puga Frank , Miller‐Sonet Ellen , Williams Grant R. , Kent Erin E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Family caregivers play an increasing role in cancer treatment decision‐making. We examined bias reported by family caregivers in the support they and their patient received from their healthcare team when making these decisions, including associations with distress.

Methods

Analysis of 2021 national survey data of family caregivers of patients with cancer (N = 2703). Bias experienced in decision support was assessed with the item: “Have you felt that the support you and the person with cancer have received for making cancer‐related decisions by your doctor or healthcare team has been negatively affected by any of the following?” Check‐all‐that‐apply response options included: age, race, language, education, political affiliation, body weight, insurance type or lack of insurance, income, religion, sexual orientation, and gender/sex. Chi‐square and regression analyses assessed associations between bias and caregiver distress (GAD‐2, PHQ‐2).

Results

Of 2703 caregiver respondents, 47.4% (n = 1281) reported experiencing ≥1 bias(es) when receiving decision support for making cancer‐related decisions. Bias was more prevalent among younger caregivers, males, transwomen/men or gender non‐conforming caregivers, racial/ethnic minorities, and those providing care over a longer time period. The odds of having high anxiety (GAD‐2 scores ≥ 3) were 2.1 times higher for caregivers experiencing one type of bias (adjusted OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6–2.8) and 4.2 times higher for caregivers experiencing ≥2 biases (adjusted OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.4–5.3) compared to none. Similar results were found for high depression scores (PHQ‐2 scores ≥ 3).

Conclusions

Nearly half of caregivers involved in their care recipients' cancer‐related decisions report bias in decision support received from the healthcare team. Experiencing bias was strongly associated with high psychological distress.
Synthesis of Interconnected Hollow Carbon Nanospheres with Controllable In Situ N‐Doping Level for Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Hu , Liu Yongchuan , Lin Changxin , Zhang Yining
Published: August 2022

Nitrogen‐doped hollow carbon spheres (HCSs) are regarded as ideal supercapacitors electrode materials due to their excellent electrochemical properties. However, studies of nitrogen doping at different levels based on precise structure control are rarely reported so far. Herein, we controllably prepared hollow carbon nanospheres with carbon walls connected by a hard template method and used the difference in the number of nitrogen‐containing functional groups in the precursor to control the nitrogen doping amount of carbon nanospheres. Interestingly, with the N‐doped content increasing, the specific capacitance of supercapacitors shows accordingly upward tendency by the better electrode interface environment. Compared to the control group (lower amount nitrogen‐doping), the highest N‐contained HCSs (NIHCSs‐2) shows the best electrochemical performance (256 F g−1) in supercapacitors. The excellent electrochemical behaviour of NIHCSs‐2 demonstrates that hollow carbon nanospheres with high nitrogen content have great potential in electrochemical energy storage device applications.
Surface chemistry engineering of layered oxide cathodes for sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Li Jiayang , Hu Haiyan , Wang Jiazhao , Xiao Yao
Published: August 2022

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have attracted extensive attention to be applied in large‐scale energy storage due to their low cost and abundant storage resources. Among cathode materials for SIBs, layered oxide cathodes are considered one of the most promising candidates for practical application owing to their high theoretical capacities, simple synthesis routes, and environmental friendliness. However, poor air stability, complicated interfacial reaction, and irreversible phase translation of layered oxide cathodes pose problems for the long‐term cycle as well as rate performance. In this review, the recent achievements and progress in surface engineering chemistry strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of SIBs have been summarized including mechanical mixing, in‐situ coating methods, and designing unique interfacial structures. Moreover, inspired by previous studies, we propose an innovative concept of interface conversion reaction with bulk penetration doping integration, which is expected to deal with both interfacial and intrinsic issues synchronously through heat treatment. It could not only eliminate residual sodium compounds on the surface and improve air stability but also suppress the dissolution and the migration of transition metal and the phase transformation. The insights that came up in this review can be considered as a guide for surface engineering on layered oxide cathode for SIBs.
Image tampering detection in image forensics using earthworm‐rider optimization
Authors: Cristin Rajan , Premnath Sasi Padma , Ananth John Patrick
Published: August 2022

This article introduces a novel earthworm‐rider optimization algorithm (EW‐ROA), by integrating the earthworm algorithm in the rider optimization algorithm for the detection of the tampered regions optimally. Initially, the individual binary maps are generated using the image blocks of the input image are fed to five forensic tools, and then they are concatenated into a single binary map. The features are extracted from the binary map moreover they are feed to classifier for the detection of the tampered image via the deep belief neural network, which is trained using the proposed earthworm‐rider optimization algorithm. The proposed system attains a highest accuracy of 0.9402, sensitivity of 0.98, and specificity of 0.98 that shows the superiority of the proposed system in effective tampering detection.
A compact highly isolated two‐ and four‐port ultrawideband Multiple Input and Multiple Output antenna with Wireless LAN and X‐band notch characteristics based on Defected Ground Structure
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Ali Tanweer , Pai Manohara M. M.
Published: August 2022

A novel two‐ and four‐port antenna structure are proposed to achieve improved isolation and operate in the ultrawideband (UWB) frequency range. The projected designs comprise a hybrid circular and rectangular embedded UWB antenna with a partial ground plane. The alteration of the radiating and ground planes modifies the current flow and aids in realizing a broader bandwidth. The dual‐band notches are created on UWB using slot and stubs. The U‐shape slot on the feedline neutralizes the current flow at 5.2 GHz, and a pair of symmetrical H‐shape stubs across the feedline couples the current flow from the feedline to stubs at 7.4 GHz frequency, and negligible current reaches the radiator. The dual‐band notch UWB antenna is reproduced to create two‐port and four‐port MIMO antennas with a less than quarter wavelength spacing. Using a deficient ground structure, better isolation between the interelements is achieved. The projected two‐ and four‐port design has overall physical geometry of 0.2λ × 0.4λ × 0.02λ and 0.5λ × 0.4λ × 0.02λ and provides a measured impedance bandwidth between 3.3–12.8 and 3.1–12 GHz, respectively. The distinctive feature of both antenna designs is incorporating simple and effective defective ground structures as decoupling structures in the ground plane to generate better than 25 dB isolation across the operational spectrum. The current between the interelement is suppressed via the ground plane, leading to mutual coupling reduction. In addition, complete MIMO diversity parameters and time‐domain characteristics are explored, and the findings show that the proposed designs are appropriate for wireless applications.
Versatile use of Carmofur: A comprehensive review of its chemistry and pharmacology
Authors: Islam Mohammad Mohiminul , Mirza Shama P.
Published: August 2022

Carmofur, 1‐hexylcarbamoyl‐5‐fluorouracil (HCFU) is an antineoplastic drug, which has been in clinics in Japan since 1981 for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Subsequently, it was also introduced in China, Korea, and Finland. Besides colorectal cancer, it has also shown antitumor activity in other cancers such as breast, head and neck, pancreatic, gastrointestinal, and solid brain tumors. A prodrug of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), carmofur has shown better gastrointestinal stability and superior antiproliferative activity compared to its active counterpart 5‐FU. Recently, carmofur has gained attention as an acid ceramidase inhibitor and as a potential lead compound against several noncancerous diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019, Krabbe disease, acute lung injury, Parkinson's disease, dementia, childhood ependymoma etc. Carmofur has also been reported to have antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, no comprehensive review is available on this drug. Herein, we summarized the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacology of carmofur based on the literature published between January 1976 and March 2022 as identified from PubMed and Google Scholar search engines.
Construction of 3,3'‐Bicarbazoles and Indolocarbazoles by Using Visible Light
Authors: El Ain María Alexia , Puiatti Marcelo , Budén María Eugenia
Published: August 2022

A synthetic and mechanistic study of novel iterative double cyclization intramolecular SRN1 reactions from diarylamines bearing two aryl halide moieties was carried out. This cyclization affords symmetric and unsymmetric 3,3'‐bicarbazoles and indolocarbazoles compounds in regular to very good yields. The synthetic strategy employed for their preparation was a Buchwald‐Hartwig arylation of anilines followed by an intramolecular SRN1 reaction, in the presence of base and visible light, at room temperature. The mechanism is non‐trivial and it was studied using spectroscopy and computational calculations, employing the DFT method, with B3LYP and M06‐2X functionals and 6‐31+G*, def2SVP and def2TZVP as bases and radicals are proposed as intermediates.
Pyrazine Alkylation with Aldehydes and Haloalkanes Using N,N’‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazine Derivatives
Authors: Tsurugi Hayato , Matsuno Minami , Kawakami Tomomi , Mashima Kazushi
Published: August 2022

N,N’‐Bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐dihydropyrazines are useful starting materials for synthesizing alkylpyrazines upon combination with aldehydes and tetra(n‐butyl)ammonium fluoride. Various aryl, heteroaryl, and alkyl aldehydes are utilized as sources of the alkyl substituents; reactions with electron‐rich aldehydes afford the corresponding alkylpyrazines in good yields. The overall reaction sequence was clarified by DFT calculations; in this reaction, activation of the N‐trimethylsilyl moiety by fluoride, forming the electron‐rich silicate intermediate Int‐1, is the key step for the subsequent C−C bond formation with aldehydes, and the following 1,3‐proton transfer from Int‐3 to Int‐4 is the rate‐determining step. In addition, treatment of N,N’‐bis(trimethylsilyl)‐2,5‐dimethyl‐1,4‐dihydropyrazines (1 a) with electron‐deficient alkyl halides under fluoride‐free conditions affords the corresponding alkylated pyrazines.
Size‐resolved counting of circulating tumor cells on pinched flow‐based microfluidic cytometry
Authors: Xia Ling , Zhou Wanjun , Huang Jianying , Dong Jianwei , Xiao Xiaohua , Li Gongke
Published: August 2022

Precise cell detecting and counting is meaningful in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) analysis. In this work, a simple cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microflow cytometer device was developed for size‐resolved CTCs counting. The proposed device is constructed by a counting channel and a pinched injection unit having three channels. Through injection flow rate control, microspheres/cells can be focused into the centerline of the counting channel. Polystyrene microspheres of 3, 9, 15, and 20 µm were used for the microspheres focusing characterization. After coupling to laser‐induced fluorescence detection technique, the proposed device was used for polystyrene microspheres counting and sizing. A count accuracy up to 97.6% was obtained for microspheres. Moreover, the proposed microflow cytometer was applied to CTCs detecting and counting. To mimic blood sample containing CTCs and CTCs mixture with different subtypes, an MDA‐MB‐231 (human breast cell line) spiked red blood cells sample and a mixture of MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 (human breast cell line) sample were prepared, respectively, and then analyzed by the developed pinched flow‐based microfluidic cytometry. The simple fabricated and easy operating COC microflow cytometer exhibits the potential in the point‐of‐care clinical application.
Fragility and vulnerability analysis of deteriorating ordinary bridges using simulated ground‐motion sequences
Authors: Otárola Kenneth , Fayaz Jawad , Galasso Carmine
Published: August 2022

Highway bridges are critical components of the lifeline transport infrastructure in urban areas. They are designed with the expectation of not sustaining significant structural/non‐structural damage after major earthquake‐induced ground shaking. However, in the current structural performance‐based assessment practice, the effects of a pre‐damaged state during ground‐motion sequences are often neglected. Additionally, environmentally induced deterioration mechanisms (e.g., steel rebar corrosion) may exacerbate the consequences of such ground‐motion sequences on the seismic structural performance during the bridge design lifetime; yet such effects are commonly overlooked. This study proposes a computational methodology to derive state‐dependent fragility and vulnerability relationships (i.e., explicitly depending on the damage state achieved by the bridge structure during a first shock) for bridge structures subjected to chloride‐induced corrosion deterioration and ground‐motion sequences. The methodology is demonstrated for a case‐study ordinary bridge structure (representing a typical bridge vulnerability class in southern California) under seismic sequences assembled from the CyberShake 15.12 (hybrid) simulated ground‐motion database. In the proposed approach, parameterised (i.e., dependent on the corrosion deterioration level) vector‐valued probabilistic seismic demand models are developed for the bridge components (i.e., columns and shear keys). These models, calibrated through sequential cloud‐based nonlinear time‐history analyses, relate the dissipated hysteretic energy in the ground‐motion sequence to a deformation‐based engineering demand parameter induced by the first shock and a ground‐motion intensity measure of the second shock for a given corrosion deterioration level. Fragility relationships are first derived for a single ground motion at the component‐level; state‐dependent fragility relationships are then derived by considering the additional damage induced by a second ground motion within the simulated sequence (structure‐specific damage states are considered). Furthermore, a component‐based simulation approach accounting for the correlations across the components’ response is utilised to derive fragility relationships at the system level (i.e., for the bridge structure). Finally, appropriate damage‐to‐loss models for ordinary bridges are used to derive state‐dependent vulnerability relationships. The results demonstrate the significant impact of earthquake‐induced ground‐motion sequences and environmentally‐induced corrosion deterioration, emphasising the necessity of accounting for this multi‐hazard threat in the structural performance‐based assessment of bridges. Relative variations up to 120% can be found in the system‐level state‐dependent fragility median values comparing the results for the bridge in pristine and deteriorated conditions.
Global burden of HPV‐attributable squamous cell carcinoma of the anus in 2020, according to sex and HIV status: A worldwide analysis
Authors: Deshmukh Ashish A. , Damgacioglu Haluk , Georges Damien , Sonawane Kalyani , Ferlay Jacques , Bray Freddie , Clifford Gary M.
Published: August 2022

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is caused by HPV, and is elevated in persons living with HIV (PLWHIV). We aimed to estimate sex‐ and HIV‐stratified SCCA burden at a country, regional and global level. Using anal cancer incidence estimates from 185 countries available through GLOBOCAN 2020, and region/country‐specific proportions of SCCA vs non‐SCCA from the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5) Volume XI database, we estimated country‐ and sex‐specific SCCA incidence. Proportions of SCCA diagnosed in PLWHIV, and attributable to HIV, were calculated using estimates of HIV prevalence (UNAIDS 2019) and relative risk applied to SCCA incidence. Of 30 416 SCCA estimated globally in 2020, two‐thirds occurred in women (19 792) and one‐third among men (10 624). Fifty‐three percent of male SCCA and 65% of female SCCA occurred in countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI). Twenty‐one percent of the global male SCCA burden occurred in PLWHIV (n = 2203), largely concentrated in North America, Europe and Africa. While, only 3% of global female SCCA burden (n = 561) occurred in PLWHIV, mainly in Africa. The global age‐standardized incidence rate of HIV‐negative SCCA was higher in women (0.55 cases per 100 000) than men (0.28), whereas HIV‐positive SCCA was higher in men (0.07) than women (0.02). HIV prevalence reached >40% in 22 countries for male SCCA and in 10 countries for female SCCA, mostly in Africa. Understanding global SCCA burden by HIV status can inform SCCA prevention programs (through HPV vaccination, screening and HIV control) and help raise awareness to combat the disease.
Definition of Normal Vertebral Morphometry Using NHANES‐II Radiographs
Authors: Hipp John A. , Grieco Trevor F. , Newman Patrick , Reitman Charles A.
Published: August 2022

A robust definition of normal vertebral morphometry is required to confidently identify abnormalities such as fractures. The Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES‐II) collected a nationwide probability sample to document the health status of the United States. Over 10,000 lateral cervical spine and 7,000 lateral lumbar spine X‐rays were collected. Demographic, anthropometric, health, and medical history data were also collected. The coordinates of the vertebral body corners were obtained for each lumbar and cervical vertebra using previously validated, automated technology consisting of a pipeline of neural networks and coded logic. These landmarks were used to calculate six vertebral body morphometry metrics. Descriptive statistics were generated and used to identify and trim outliers from the data. Descriptive statistics were tabulated using the trimmed data for use in quantifying deviation from average for each metric. The dependency of these metrics on sex, age, race, nation of origin, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) was also assessed. There was low variation in vertebral morphometry after accounting for vertebrae (eg, L1, L2), and the R2 was high for ANOVAs. Excluding outliers, age, sex, race, nation of origin, height, weight, and BMI were statistically significant for most of the variables, though the F‐statistic was very small compared to that for vertebral level. Excluding all variables except vertebra changed the ANOVA R2 very little. Reference data were generated that could be used to produce standardized metrics in units of SD from mean. This allows for easy identification of abnormalities resulting from vertebral fractures, atypical vertebral body morphometries, and other congenital or degenerative conditions. Standardized metrics also remove the effect of vertebral level, facilitating easy interpretation and enabling data for all vertebrae to be pooled in research studies. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Involvement of microRNAs and their potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic role in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yilong , Liu Fan , Ma Chunyang , Cheng Qiong
Published: August 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 85%–90% of primary liver cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression by targeting the 3′UTR of mRNA. Abnormal expression and regulation of miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and progression of HCC, and miRNAs can also play a role in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC as oncogenes or tumor suppressors.

Methods

In the past decades, a large number of studies have shown that miRNAs play an essential regulatory role in HCC and have potential as biomarkers for HCC. We reviewed the literature to summarize these studies.

Results

By reviewing the literature, we retrospected the roles of miRNAs in the development, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HCC, and put forward prospects for the further research on miRNAs in the precision treatment of HCC.

Conclusion

MicroRNAs are important regulators and biomarkers in the occurrence, progression, outcome, and treatment of HCC, and can provide new targets and strategies for improving the therapeutic effect of HCC.