bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Highly Efficient Orange Emission in Tin (IV)‐Based Metal Halides with Outstanding Anti‐Water Stability Through Antimony Doping and Reasonable Structural Modulation
Authors: Ke Bao , Peng Hui , Wei Qilin , Yang Chengzhi , Li Xueping , Huang Weiguo , Du Zhentao , Zhao Jialong , Zou Bingsuo
Published: November 2023

Recently, 0D metal halides have attracted widespread interest because of their diverse structures and rich luminescence properties. Nevertheless, the controllable synthesis of metal halide clusters with the ideal configuration using chemical methods remains a great challenge. In addition, the relationship between the coordination configuration and the optical properties of 0D metal halides is not well understood. In this study, two homologous Sb3+‐doped 0D Sn (IV)‐based metal halides with different coordination configurations are developed by inserting a single organic ligand, tetrabutylphosphonium chloride (TBPCl), into a SnCl4 lattice, resulting in different optical properties. Under photoexcitation, Sb3+‐doped (TBP)SnCl5·DMF shows a negligible luminescence from the organic cation of TBP+, while Sb3+‐doped (TBP)2SnCl6 shows a bright orange emission band at 650 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 99%. The above two compounds show quite different optical properties, which should be due to the too‐large lattice distortion of Sb3+‐doped (TBP)SnCl5·DMF, and the DMF will cause the efficient non‐radiation relaxation. In particular, Sb3+‐doped (TBP)2SnCl6 exhibits remarkable anti‐water stability, which shows stability in water for 48 h without structural degradation, and the luminous intensity remains at a high level. Combined with its excellent optical properties and impressive stability, Sb3+‐doped (TBP)2SnCl6 is used in white‐light‐emitting diodes (WLED).
Terahertz Plasmon Polaritons in Large Area Bi2Se3 Topological Insulators
Authors: Pistore Valentino , Viti Leonardo , Schiattarella Chiara , Riccardi Elisa , Knox Craig S. , Yagmur Ahmet , Burton Joel J. , Sasaki Satoshi , Davies A. Giles , Linfield Edmund H. , Freeman Joshua R. , Vitiello Miriam S.
Published: November 2023

Assessing the nature of topological quantum materials, and in particular probing the existence of topological surface states, is a very challenging task. Terahertz (THz) frequency scattering near‐field optical microscopy has emerged as an effective technique to investigate the presence of massless surface carriers by locally probing collective surface excitations, i.e., plasmon polaritons, whose dispersion critically depends on the density and nature of surface carriers. Here, thin (14–19 nm) films of Bi2Se3 are experimentally investigated through a combination of x‐ray diffraction, Hall‐bar magneto‐transport, and near‐field detectorless optical holography at THz frequencies, from 2 to 4.3 THz. The dispersion of surface plasmon polaritons are determined for different Bi2Se3 film thicknesses, proving the presence of massless surface carriers. The results open intriguing opportunities in THz nano‐plasmonics and topological nano‐photonics including the development of superlenses and metasurfaces, making use of plasmon polaritons.
Visible Transparent Wideband Microwave Meta‐Absorber with Designable Digital Infrared Camouflage
Authors: Cui Yina , Wang Jun , Sun Huiting , Zhu Ying , Zhu Ruichao , Liu Tonghao , Wang Xiaofeng , Xu Cuilian , Wang Jiafu , Qu Shaobo
Published: November 2023

Stealth performance plays an increasingly important role in the evaluation of aircraft performance, while achieving excellent stealth performance in multiple frequency bands simultaneously remains a crucial challenge. Herein, a visible transparent wideband microwave absorber with infrared camouflage function is theoretically presented and experimentally demonstrated. The sample is composed of two radar absorption layers (RALs) and an infrared shielding layer (IRSL). In addition, the magnetic resonance model and the ohmic loss model are employed to strengthen the absorption of the designed RALs >90% in a broadband frequency range of 7–23 GHz with a relative bandwidth of 106.7%, and an average visible transmittance of ≈60%. Furthermore, IRSL is achieved by a designable digital frequency selective surface (FSS), which promotes a compatible design between infrared camouflaged emissivity and microwave absorption. These peculiar properties not only verify the feasibility of the proposed strategy for achieving suitable artificially designed IR digital camouflage patterns to meet various thermal camouflage environments, but also have promising application prospects in multispectral stealth. The additional visible light transparent feature makes it useful in compatible camouflage‐stealth facilities when requiring observing and operating in optical windows.
Transient Non‐Collinear Magnetic State for All‐Optical Magnetization Switching
Authors: Parchenko Sergii , Frej Antoni , Ueda Hiroki , Carley Robert , Mercadier Laurent , Gerasimova Natalia , Mercurio Giuseppe , Schlappa Justine , Yaroslavtsev Alexander , Agarwal Naman , Gort Rafael , Scherz Andreas , Zvezdin Anatoly , Stupakiewicz Andrzej , Staub Urs
Published: November 2023

Resonant absorption of a photon by bound electrons in a solid can promote an electron to another orbital state or transfer it to a neighboring atomic site. Such a transition in a magnetically ordered material could affect the magnetic order. While this process is an obvious road map for optical control of magnetization, experimental demonstration of such a process remains challenging. Exciting a significant fraction of magnetic ions requires a very intense incoming light beam, as orbital resonances are often weak compared to above‐band‐gap excitations. In the latter case, a sizeable reduction of the magnetization occurs as the absorbed energy increases the spin temperature, masking the non‐thermal optical effects. Here, using ultrafast X‐ray spectroscopy, this work is able to resolve changes in the magnetization state induced by resonant absorption of infrared photons in Co‐doped yttrium iron garnet, with negligible thermal effects. This work finds that the optical excitation of the Co ions affects the two distinct magnetic Fe sublattices differently, resulting in a transient non‐collinear magnetic state. The present results indicate that the all‐optical magnetization switching (AOS) most likely occurs due to the creation of a transient, non‐collinear magnetic state followed by coherent spin rotations of the Fe moments.
Atomic Layer Deposition—A Versatile Toolbox for Designing/Engineering Electrodes for Advanced Supercapacitors
Authors: Ansari Mohd Zahid , Hussain Iftikhar , Mohapatra Debananda , Ansari Sajid Ali , Rahighi Reza , Nandi Dip K , Song Wooseok , Kim Soo‐Hyun
Published: November 2023

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has become the most widely used thin‐film deposition technique in various fields due to its unique advantages, such as self‐terminating growth, precise thickness control, and excellent deposition quality. In the energy storage domain, ALD has shown great potential for supercapacitors (SCs) by enabling the construction and surface engineering of novel electrode materials. This review aims to present a comprehensive outlook on the development, achievements, and design of advanced electrodes involving the application of ALD for realizing high‐performance SCs to date, as organized in several sections of this paper. Specifically, this review focuses on understanding the influence of ALD parameters on the electrochemical performance and discusses the ALD of nanostructured electrochemically active electrode materials on various templates for SCs.

It examines the influence of ALD parameters on electrochemical performance and highlights ALD's role in passivating electrodes and creating 3D nanoarchitectures. The relationship between synthesis procedures and SC properties is analyzed to guide future research in preparing materials for various applications. Finally, it is concluded by suggesting the directions and scope of future research and development to further leverage the unique advantages of ALD for fabricating new materials and harness the unexplored opportunities in the fabrication of advanced‐generation SCs.
LncRNAs‐circRNAs as Rising Epigenetic Binary Superstars in Regulating Lipid Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancers
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Jiao Benzheng , Zhao Hongguang , Liang Xinyue , Jin Fengyan , Liu Xiaodong , Hu Ji‐Fan
Published: November 2023

As one of novel hallmarks of cancer, lipid metabolic reprogramming has recently been becoming fascinating and widely studied. Lipid metabolic reprogramming in cancer is shown to support carcinogenesis, progression, distal metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance by generating ATP, biosynthesizing macromolecules, and maintaining appropriate redox status. Notably, increasing evidence confirms that lipid metabolic reprogramming is under the control of dysregulated non‐coding RNAs in cancer, especially lncRNAs and circRNAs. This review highlights the present research findings on the aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and circRNAs involved in the lipid metabolic reprogramming of cancer. Emphasis is placed on their regulatory targets in lipid metabolic reprogramming and associated mechanisms, including the clinical relevance in cancer through lipid metabolism modulation. Such insights will be pivotal in identifying new theranostic targets and treatment strategies for cancer patients afflicted with lipid metabolic reprogramming.
Decoding Macrophage Subtypes to Engineer Modulating Hydrogels for the Alleviation of Intervertebral Disk Degeneration
Authors: Zhao Da‐Wang , Cheng Qian , Geng Huimin , Liu Jinbo , Zhang Yuanqiang , Cui Jiwei , Liu Chao , Cheng Lei
Published: November 2023

A major pathological basis for low back pain is intervertebral disk degeneration, which is primarily caused by the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells due to imbalances in extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism and catabolism. The phenotype of macrophages in the local immune microenvironment greatly influences the balance of ECM metabolism. Therefore, the control over the macrophage phenotype of the ECM is promising to repair intervertebral disk degeneration. Herein, the preparation of an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel is reported by embedding epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate‐coated hydroxyapatite nanorods in O‐carboxymethyl chitosan cross‐linked with aldehyde hyaluronic acid that is capable of modulating the phenotype of macrophages. The bioactive components play a primary role in repairing the nucleus pulposus, where the hydroxyapatite nanorods can promote anabolism in the ECM through the nucleopulpogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate can decrease catabolism in the ECM in nucleus pulposus by inducing M2 macrophage polarization, which exists in normal intervertebral disks and can alleviate degeneration. The nanocomposite hydrogel system shows promise for the minimally invasive and effective treatment of intervertebral disk degeneration by controlling anabolism and catabolism in the ECM and inhibiting the IL17 signaling pathway (M1‐related pathway) in vitro and in vivo.
Rechargeable Aqueous Zinc–Halogen Batteries: Fundamental Mechanisms, Research Issues, and Future Perspectives
Authors: She Liaona , Cheng Hao , Yuan Ziyan , Shen Zeyu , Wu Qian , Zhong Wei , Zhang Shichao , Zhang Bing , Liu Chengwu , Zhang Mingchang , Pan Hongge , Lu Yingying
Published: November 2023

Aqueous zinc–halogen batteries (AZHBs) have emerged as promising candidates for energy storage applications due to their high security features and low cost. However, several challenges including natural subliming, sluggish reaction kinetics, and shuttle effect of halogens, as well as dendrite growth of the zinc (Zn) anode, have hindered their large‐scale commercialization. In this review, first the fundamental mechanisms and scientific issues associated with AZHBs are summarized. Then the research issues and progresses related to the cathode, separator, anode, and electrolyte are discussed. Additionally, emerging research opportunities in this field is explored. Finally, ideas and prospects for the future development of AZHBs are presented. The objective of this review is to stimulate further exploration, foster the advancement of AZHBs, and contribute to the diversified development of electrochemical energy storage.
Molecular phylogeography and historical demography of a widespread herbaceous species from eastern North America, Podophyllum peltatum
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Yap Zhao‐Yan , Wan Penglei , Chen Kuangqi , Folk Ryan A. , Damrel Dixie Z. , Barger Wayne , Diamond Alvin , Horn Charles , Landry Garrie P. , Samarakoon Tharanga , Harvey Stephanie , Morgan David R. , Qiu Yingxiong , Li Pan
Published: November 2023

Premise

Glacial/interglacial cycles and topographic complexity are both considered to have shaped today's diverse phylogeographic patterns of taxa from unglaciated eastern North America (ENA). However, few studies have focused on the phylogeography and population dynamics of wide‐ranging ENA herbaceous species occurring in forest understory habitat. We examined the phylogeographic pattern and evolutionary history of Podophyllum peltatum L., a widely distributed herb inhabiting deciduous forests of ENA.

Methods

Using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci, we investigated the population structure and genetic diversity of the species. Molecular dating, demographic history analyses, and ecological niche modeling were also performed to illustrate the phylogeographic patterns.

Results

Our cpDNA results identified three main groups that are largely congruent with boundaries along the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, two major geographic barriers in ENA. Populations located to the east of the Appalachians and along the central Appalachians exhibited relatively higher levels of genetic diversity. Extant lineages may have diverged during the late Miocene, and range expansions of different groups may have happened during the Pleistocene glacial/interglacial cycles.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that geographic barriers may have started to facilitate the population divergence in P. peltatum before the Pleistocene. Persistence in multiple refugia, including areas around the central Appalachians during the Quaternary glacial period, and subsequent expansions under hospitable climatic condition, especially westward expansion, are likely responsible for the species’ contemporary genetic structure and phylogeographic pattern.
Taxonomic insights from floral scents of western North American sessile‐flowered Trillium
Authors: Wayman Kjirsten A. , Reilly Matthew J. , Petlewski Alaina R.
Published: November 2023

Premise

Chemical composition of floral volatiles can be an important complement to morphological characters in describing and identifying species. Four of the five species of western sessile‐flowered Trillium are challenging to distinguish morphologically due to wide intraspecific variation and overlapping characters among taxa. Characterizing their floral volatile compositions could aid future taxonomic, ecological, and evolutionary studies of Trillium and related taxa. We addressed two major questions: How do western sessile Trillium taxa vary in floral chemistry? Can floral scent be used to distinguish species?

Methods

We collected petals from 600 individuals at 42 wild populations of four sessile Trillium species across California, Oregon, and Washington. Volatile organic compounds from the petals were extracted using solid‐phase microextraction, and the volatiles were identified and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The utility of floral scent composition in distinguishing species was tested using nonmetric multidimensional scaling and random forest analysis.

Results

Floral volatiles of the white‐petaled T. albidum were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes and showed considerable geographic variation that paralleled morphological variation. The maroon‐petaled T. angustipetalum and T. kurabayashii produced floral scents characterized by aliphatic esters, but each had a distinct chemical composition. Petal color of Trillium chloropetalum is highly variable, as were its scent compositions, which were blends of volatiles from both white‐petaled and maroon‐petaled congeneric taxa.

Conclusions

Differences in floral scent compositions are consistent with current taxonomy of the western sessile Trillium group. In cases where species delimitations are difficult based on morphology, floral scent composition provides taxonomic insight and suggests a potential hybrid origin for T. chloropetalum.
A novel KNL1 intronic splicing variant likely destabilizes the KMN complex, causing primary microcephaly
Authors: Fellows Bridget J. , Tolezano Giovanna Cantini , Pires Sara Ferreira , Ruegg Mischa S. G. , Knapp Karen M. , Krepischi Ana Cristina Victorino , Bicknell Louise S.
Published: November 2023

Primary microcephaly (MCPH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by head circumference of at least two standard deviations below the mean. Biallelic variants in the kinetochore gene KNL1 is a known cause of MCPH4. KNL1 is the central component of the KNL1–MIS12–NSL1 (KMN) network, which acts as the signaling hub of the kinetochore and is required for correct chromosomal segregation during mitosis. We identified biallelic KNL1 variants in two siblings from a non‐consanguineous family with microcephaly and intellectual disability. The two siblings carry a frameshift variant predicted to prematurely truncate the transcript and undergo nonsense mediated decay, and an intronic single nucleotide variant (SNV) predicted to disrupt splicing. An in vitro splicing assay and qPCR from blood‐derived RNA confirmed that the intronic variant skips exon 23, significantly reducing levels of the canonical transcript. Protein modeling confirmed that absence of exon 23, an inframe exon, would disrupt a key interaction within the KMN network and likely destabilize the kinetochore signaling hub, disrupting mitosis. Therefore, this splicing variant is pathogenic and, in trans with a frameshift variant, causes the MCPH phenotype associated with KLN1. This finding furthers the association of splicing variants as a common pathogenic variant class for KNL1.
Smart Nanomedicine Targeting Endocytosis Mediated by Cancer Cell Surface Neuraminidase‐1
Authors: Murakami Ken , Kambe Daiki , Yokoi Yasuhiro , Wakui Hajime , Hayakawa Shun , Hirane Nozomi , Koide Ryosuke , Otaki Michiru , Nagahori Noriko , Nishimura Shin-Ichiro
Published: November 2023

Human neuraminidase‐1 (NEU1) plays a much more profound function in human cancers than previously considered. It is demonstrated that cancer cell surface NEU1 is a desired gatekeeper for an innovative anticancer therapeutic nanomedicine enabling active drug‐targeting delivery by specific endocytosis into the cytoplasm. Nanosome, an antiadhesive nanoparticular shuttle, carrying multiple suicide substrates for NEU1 confers potent and universal inhibitory effects on the proliferation of human cancer cells, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (HepG2, IC50 = 13.5 nM), lung cancer (A549, IC50 = 9.57 nM), and colon cancer (HT‐29, IC50 = 11.1 nM), in which irreversible inactivation of cell surface NEU1 is essential for the intracellular trafficking and subsequent lysosomal membrane permeabilization by nanosomal aggregation due to the formation of “sialidase corona” through irreversible inactivation of NEU1–NEU4 residing in lysosome. Nanomedicine targeting membrane‐tethered NEU1 allows efficient delivery of hydrophobic sorafenib (Nexavar), a RAF family kinase inhibitor for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and unresectable HCC at the recommended dose of 400 mg orally twice daily, into endolysosome, resulting in a potent and sustainable inhibition (IC50 = 3.1–6.2 nM at 24–96 h after coincubation) against HepG2 cell growth.
Azonia‐Naphthalene: A Cationic Hydrophilic Building Block for Stable N‐Type Organic Mixed Ionic‐Electronic Conductors**
Authors: Huang Zhen , Li Peiyun , Lei Yuqiu , Deng Xin‐Yu , Chen Yu‐Nan , Tian Shuangyan , Pan Xiran , Lei Xun , Song Cheng , Zheng Yuting , Wang Jie‐Yu , Zhang Zhi , Lei Ting
Published: November 2023

Conjugated polymers that can efficiently transport both ionic and electronic charges have broad applications in next‐generation optoelectronic, bioelectronic, and energy storage devices. To date, almost all the conjugated polymers have hydrophobic backbones, which impedes efficient ion diffusion/transport in aqueous media. Here, we design and synthesize a novel hydrophilic polymer building block, 4a‐azonia‐naphthalene (AN), drawing inspiration from biological systems. Because of the strong electron‐withdrawing ability of AN, the AN‐based polymers show typical n‐type charge transport behaviors. We find that cationic aromatics exhibit strong cation‐π interactions, leading to smaller π–π stacking distance, interesting ion diffusion behavior, and good morphology stability. Additionally, AN enhances the hydrophilicity and ionic‐electronic coupling of the polymer, which can help to improve ion diffusion/injection speed, and operational stability of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The integration of cationic building blocks will undoubtedly enrich the material library for high‐performance n‐type conjugated polymers.
Chemical dealcoholation of MgCl2·EtOH adduct by Al compounds and its effect on the performance of Ziegler–Natta catalysts
Authors: Bazvand Reza , Bahri‐Laleh Naeimeh , Abedini Hossein , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Poater Albert
Published: November 2023

MgCl2·nEtOH adducts play a major role in the industrial production of polyethylenes. Their chemical dealcoholation, usually accomplished during the catalyst synthesis step, has had a pronounced impact on the microstructure of the final Ziegler–Natta pre‐catalysts and the properties of the resulting polymers. Due to the industrial and academic importance of this issue, different aluminum‐based compounds including triethylaluminum (TEAL), triisobutylaluminum (TIBA), and ethylaluminumdichloride (EADC) were used in this research in the chemical dealcoholation of a MgCl2·1.5EtOH adduct, to provide the target catalysts. According to the analytical results, the catalysts synthesized using aluminum compounds (especially TEAL and EADC) generally had a more fractured structure, a smaller particle size and a vast surface area. Aluminum precursors bind to the catalyst structure together with TiCl4, which is manifested from their higher adsorption energies obtained by DFT calculations, and the presence of Al atom in the elemental analysis. Varying the chemical structure and physical properties of the catalysts, established using Al compounds, caused significant variation in the ethylene polymerization kinetic curves, their related rate constants, and the flow characteristic of the final polymers. The overall results outstandingly affirm that by appropriate choice of the Lewis acid compound, during the chemical dealcoholation of the adduct, various Ziegler–Natta catalysts can be achieved for different polyethylene grades.
Adsorption of uranium (VI) from aqueous solutions using boron nitride/polyindole composite adsorbent
Authors: Emre Deniz , Zorer Özlem Selçuk , Bilici Ali , Budak Erhan , Yilmaz Selehattin , Kilic Necla Caliskan , Sogut Eda Gokirmak
Published: November 2023

Turbostratic boron nitride (tBN) surface is modified with polyindole (PIn) by a facile polymerization technique and the uranyl adsorption efficiency of this mesoporous hybrid is investigated. The successful surface modification is confirmed by FT‐IR, Raman, XRD, TEM, SEM, EDX, EDS mapping XPS, BET, and zeta potential techniques. The batch experiments are performed in various temperatures (T), contact times (t), pH, and initial solution concentrations (C0) to evaluate its adsorption performance. The optimum adsorption performance is achieved at pH = 5.0–5.5, T = 307 K, t = 10 min, C0 = 18 mg L−1. These experimental results are evaluated using Freundlich, Redlich–Peterson, and Langmuir isotherm models, which presents equivalent regression coefficients. Maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of the nanoadsorbent (tBN/PIn), determined by the Langmuir isotherm, is 315.29 mg g−1. The adsorption kinetics of uranyl ions on tBN/PIn are in harmony with the pseudo‐second order model. tBN/PIn nanoadsorbent provides high adsorption efficiency even at exceptionally low UO22+ concentration range (4–40 mg L−1) and low adsorbent mass (0.005 g). XPS analysis results show that 0.05% of uranium is adsorbed on tBN/PIn via mainly U‐O coordination. The results of present study demonstrate that tBN/PIn can a potential adsorbent for removing uranium from aqueous solutions.
Degradation kinetics of epoxidized soybean oil composites filled with sisal fiber
Authors: Severo Amanda , Barreto Vinícius , Nicácio Pedro , Souza Matheus , Luna Carlos , Fook Marcus , Silva Ingridy , Dantas Lorena , Ries Andreas , Wellen Renate
Published: November 2023

Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) composites were cured with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MTHPA) and 2,4,6‐tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (DEH 35) as a catalyst, sisal fibers were added at 10% and 30% of percent per weight. Composites curing was monitored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whereas the thermal stability and the degradation kinetics were investigated using thermogravimetry (TG). ESO/MTHPA/DEH35/S10 and ESO/MTHPA/DEH35/S30 composites displayed curing temperatures approximately 100°C lower related to ESO/MTHPA/DEH35, as well as higher degree of conversion. Sisal addition improved the thermal stability, shifting the weight loss shifting the weight loss onset to higher temperature (from 82 to 120°C). Thermal degradation energy was determined using Friedman, Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose and Ozawa‐Flynn‐Wall models. Sisal significantly increased , especially in the intermediate phase (α = 0.2 and 0.8). The degradation kinetics was investigated by TG, and the degradation mechanisms modeled using Kamal‐Sourour, Sestack‐Berggren, and 1st order (F1), showed excellent fit, with R2 > 0.99. Acquired results demonstrate that sisal fiber addition benefited the curing process and increased the thermal stability of ESO composites.
The oldest known rhynchocephalian reptile from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) of Germany and its phylogenetic position among Lepidosauromorpha
Authors: Sues Hans‐Dieter , Schoch Rainer R.
Published: November 2023

Skeletal remains of a small lepidosaurian reptile from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian: Longobardian) Erfurt Formation, exposed in a commercial limestone quarry near Vellberg (Germany), represent the oldest rhynchocephalian known to date. The new taxon, Wirtembergia hauboldae, is diagnosed by the following combination of features: Premaxilla with four teeth, first being largest and decreasing in size from first to fourth. Jugal with tiny, spur‐like posterior process. Lateral surface of dentary strongly convex dorsoventrally for much of length of bone, bearing distinct longitudinal ridge and sculpturing in large specimens. Coronoid eminence of dentary low, subrectangular, and with dorsoventrally concave lateral surface in larger specimens. Dentition with pleurodont anterior and acrodont posterior teeth. Posterior (=additional) teeth with (in side view) triangular, at mid‐crown level labiolingually somewhat flattened crowns, and with oval bases. Phylogenetic analysis recovered the new rhynchocephalian as the earliest‐diverging member of its clade known to date.
Synthesis and molecular docking simulation of new benzimidazole–thiazole hybrids as cholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Dawood Dina H. , Srour Aladdin M. , Omar Mohamed A. , Farghaly Thoraya A. , El‐Shiekh Riham A.
Published: November 2023

Dementia is a cognitive disturbance that is generally correlated with central nervous system diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease. The limited number of medications available is insufficient to improve the lifestyle of the patients suffering from this disease. Thus, new benzimidazole–thiazole hybrids (3–10) were designed and synthesized as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory agents. The in vitro evaluation displayed that the derivatives 4b, 4d, 5b, 6a, 7a, and 8b demonstrated dual inhibitory efficiency against both AChE with IC50 ranging from 4.55 to 8.62 µM and BChE with IC50 ranging from 3.50 to 8.32 µM. By analyzing the Lineweaver–Burk plot, an uncompetitive form of inhibition was determined for the highly active compound 4d, revealing its inhibition type. The human telomerase reverse transcriptase‐immortalized retinal pigment epithelial cell line was used to ensure the safety of the most potent cholinesterase inhibitors. Furthermore, compounds 4b, 4d, 5b, 6a, 7a, and 8b were evaluated for their neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, as well as their ability to suppress COX‐2. The results demonstrated that compounds 4d, 5b, and 8b presented significant neuroprotection efficiency against H2O2‐induced damage in SH‐SY5Y cells with % cell viability of 67.42 ± 7.90%, 62.51 ± 6.71%, and 72.61 ± 8.10%, respectively, while the tested candidates did not reveal significant antioxidant activity. Otherwise, compounds 4b, 6a, 7a, and 8b displayed outstanding COX‐2 inhibition effects with IC50 ranging from 0.050 to 0.080 μM relative to celecoxib (IC50 = 0.050 µM). In addition, molecular docking was carried out for the potent benzimidazole–thiazole hybrids with the active sites of both AChE (PDB ID: 4EY7) and BChE (PDB code: 1P0P). The tested candidates fit well in the active sites of both portions, with docking scores ranging from −8.65 to −6.64 kcal/mol (for AChE) and −8.71 to −7.73 kcal/mol (for BChE). In silico results show that the synthesized benzimidazole–thiazole hybrids have good physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties with no Lipinski rule violations. The preceding results exhibited that compound 4d could be used as a new template for developing more significant cholinesterase inhibitors in the future.
Alkylation and Arylation at Boron in NHC‐Stabilized Phosphaborenes
Authors: Li Jiancheng , Mei Yanbo , Wang Xin‐Feng , Liu Liu Leo
Published: November 2023

Phosphaborenes, featuring a phosphorus‐boron multiple bond, remain a relatively untapped area in chemical research due to the limited synthetic methods. Introducing leaving groups as substituents to the phosphorus or boron can pave the way for enhanced functionalization and modification. In this study, we present the synthesis of phosphaborenes featuring an N‐heterocyclic boryl group on phosphorus and halogen substituent on boron, with stabilization provided by an N‐heterocyclic carbene. Straightforward alkylation/arylation of these phosphaborenes is achieved by substituting the halogen with benzyl and aryl groups at the boron terminus. Our approach offers an efficient route to produce a diverse array of phosphaborene structures.
Mechanochemical Reactivity of a 1,2,4‐Triazoline‐3,5‐dione‐Anthracene Diels‐Alder Adduct
Authors: Chang Hao‐Chun , Liang Min‐Chieh , Luc Van‐Sieu , Davis Chelsea , Chang Chia‐Chih
Published: November 2023

Force‐responsive molecules that produce fluorescent moieties under stress provide a means for stress‐sensing and material damage assessment. In this work, we report a mechanophore based on Diels‐Alder adduct TAD‐An of 4,4′‐(4,4′‐diphenylmethylene)‐bis‐(1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione) and initiator‐substituted anthracene that can undergo retro‐Diels‐Alder (rDA) reaction by pulsed ultrasonication and compressive activation in bulk materials. The influence of having C−N versus C−C bonds at the sites of bond scission is elucidated by comparing the relative mechanical strength of TAD‐An to another Diels‐Alder adduct MAL‐An obtained from maleimide and anthracene. The susceptibility to undergo rDa reaction correlates well with bond energy, such that C−N bond containing TAD‐An degrades faster C−C bond containing MAL‐An because C−N bond is weaker than C−C bond. Specifically, the results from polymer degradation kinetics under pulsed ultrasonication shows that polymer containing TAD‐An has a rate constant of 1.59×10−5 min−1, while MAL‐An (C−C bond) has a rate constant of 1.40×10−5 min−1. Incorporation of TAD‐An in a crosslinked polymer network demonstrates the feasibility to utilize TAD‐An as an alternative force‐responsive probe to visualize mechanical damage where fluorescence can be “turned‐on” due to force‐accelerated retro‐Diels‐Alder reaction.
Supported liquid extraction combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the quantitative analysis of a TLR7 agonist imiquimod LFX453 in plasma at low picograms per milliliter: Method validation and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in minipig
Authors: Heudi Olivier , Winter Serge
Published: November 2023

Sample preparation is essential for low‐level compound determination. In the present work, supported liquid extraction (SLE) was used as sample preparation for the low‐level determination of a new TLR7 agonist imiquimod compound, LFX453. Samples were extracted on ISOLUTE® SLE 96‐well plates using tert‐butyl‐methyl ether followed by evaporation and dry residue reconstitution with 150 μl of a mixture of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile–water (50/50, v/v). Samples were eluted using a flow rate of 0.750 ml/min on a C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (B). Tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze the samples in positive mode. The method run time was 6.5 min, and the low limit of quantification was 1.00 pg/ml with 0.100 ml of minipig plasma. Intra‐run and inter‐run precision and accuracy were within the acceptance criteria at four concentration levels over a concentration ranging from 1.00 to 200 pg/ml. There was no matrix effect and recovery, three freeze–thaw cycles and incurred samples reanalysis were validated. The method was successfully applied for measuring LFX453 in minipig plasma after application on minipig skin.
Do prosocial‐certified companies walk the talk? An analysis of B Corps' contributions to Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Boni Leonardo , Chiodo Veronica , Gerli Francesco , Toschi Laura
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the contribution of the B Corp movement in Europe to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compared with non‐B Corps. B Corp certification aims to identify organisations that utilise business as ‘a force for good’, but there is limited empirical evidence on how effectively certified organisations translate their prosocial claims into measurable SDG contributions. We address this through cluster analysis, comparing 313 B Corp‐certified and 1506 non‐certified European companies by way of the SDG Action Manager tool. Our findings reveal three clusters of B Corp‐certified organisations with varying contribution levels across all SDGs, indicating that the certification does not consistently identify organisations with significant SDG impacts. Non‐certified companies, meanwhile, do not exhibit distinct patterns. These results raise doubts about whether the B Corp category identifies a distinctive prototype member that can define clear prosocial norms and practices. The paper contributes to understanding B Corp organisations' narratives by providing insights into their empirical performance compared with non‐certified organisations. It also offers potential explanations for these discrepancies and proposes strategies to strengthen B Corp certification bodies in alignment with the SDGs, while acknowledging the presence of intra‐category variations.
Evaluating a helpline for post‐secondary students: Caller distress, ability to face concern and satisfaction with helpline
Authors: Erbach Madison , Danseco Evangeline , Schutte Valerie
Published: November 2023

Background

Helplines for post‐secondary students have emerged in the last decade to address the growing mental health needs and increasing help‐seeking of this population in ways that are responsive to their needs and preferences. However, there is no publicly available evidence of the effectiveness of helplines for post‐secondary students.

Aims

This study evaluated the outcomes of Good2Talk, a helpline for post‐secondary students in Ontario, Canada, that offers professional counselling and information and referral services related to mental health, addictions and well‐being.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, purposive sampling was used to recruit post‐secondary students who contacted Good2Talk between March 2016 and March 2020. Data were collected using post‐call questionnaires. Paired samples t‐tests and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data from 619 post‐secondary students.

Results

Participants reported significant decreases in distress and increases in their ability to face their concern after contacting the helpline. Feeling understood and low pre‐call distress were significant predictors of low post‐call distress. Confidence in their abilities and having a better plan were significant predictors of high post‐call ability to face their concern. Age, gender and number of previous calls to the helpline were not significant predictors of positive outcomes. Most participants reported that they would recontact the helpline and recommend the helpline to a peer.

Conclusion

The study indicates that counselling and information and referral services can be effective in reducing distress and increasing post‐secondary students' abilities to address their mental health concerns.
The effect of lactic acid in association with steam in reducing microorganisms in hard red winter wheat
Authors: Musa Shpresa , Stratton Jayne , Rose Devin J. , Manthena Vamsi , Bianchini Andréia
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives

Even though wheat‐based products are a low‐moisture food, and most of the finished products are thermally processed, there have been several reported outbreaks associated with wheat flour. The objective of this study was (a) to evaluate the effect of steam alone or in combination with lactic acid, to reduce the natural microbial load of hard red winter wheat, and (b) to evaluate the impact of these interventions on the functional properties of hard wheat flour.

Findings

Hard red winter wheat was treated by adding acid to the tempering water, steaming the kernels, or adding a combination of both. Samples were placed on sieves (bed depth 0.5 and 1.0 cm) for those treatments where steam was included and then treated in a steam table until grain temperature achieved 80°C and 85°C. After treatment was applied, wheat was allowed to temper to 15.5% moisture. The combination of acid and steam achieved the highest overall microbial reductions, with 4.0, 4.1, and 4.3 log CFU/g, for APC, Eb, and coliforms, respectively. When flour functionality was evaluated, the interventions applied resulted in some minor differences for individual parameters associated with pasting properties, baking performance, and bread image analysis.

Conclusions

The addition of lactic acid and steam effectively enhanced the microbiological quality of hard wheat and the consequent flour, with no compromise in its functional properties.

Significance and Novelty

This research addresses the food safety concern of microbial contamination in wheat flour and introduces a novel method involving lactic acid and steam treatment to significantly reduce microbial loads without compromising the flour's functional properties.
Experimental designs for controlling the correlation of estimators in two‐parameter models
Authors: Benitez Edgar , López‐Fidalgo Jesús
Published: November 2023

The state of the art related to parameter correlation in two‐parameter models has been reviewed in this paper. The apparent contradictions between the different authors regarding the ability of D‐optimality to simultaneously reduce the correlation and the area of the confidence ellipse in two‐parameter models were analyzed. Two main approaches were found: (1) those who consider that the optimality criteria simultaneously control the precision and correlation of the parameter estimators and (2) those that consider a combination of criteria to achieve the same objective. An analytical criterion combining in its structure both the optimality of the precision of the estimators of the parameters and the reduction of the correlation between their estimators is provided. The criterion was tested both in a simple linear regression model, considering all possible design spaces, and in a nonlinear model with strong correlation of the estimators of the parameters (Michaelis–Menten) to show its performance. This criterion showed a superior behavior to all the strategies and criteria to control at the same time the precision and the correlation.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Biphenyl‐Bridged ϵ‐Sultams by Organocatalytic Mannich Reactions of Cyclic N‐Sulfonylimines with Unactivated Ketones
Authors: Du Ying , Li Qian , Wang Tao , Wang You‐Qing
Published: November 2023

A highly enantioselective Mannich reaction of biphenyl‐bridged seven‐membered cyclic N‐sulfonylimines with methyl alkyl ketones is disclosed in this study. The reaction was performed under organocatalysis by using a quinine‐derived primary amine as the catalyst in combination with a Brønsted acid as the co‐catalyst. High yields (up to 89 %) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee) were observed. For methyl alkyl ketones containing a larger alkyl substituent, specific regioselective addition to the C=N bond is favored at the methyl group. On the contrary, ketones containing a smaller alkyl substituent or hydroxyacetone substrates gave major syn selective Mannich products at the methylene group.
2‐Pyridone Formation: An Efficient Method for the Solid‐Phase Synthesis of Homodimers
Authors: Abboud Skander A. , Kodadek Thomas
Published: November 2023

This study presents an efficient method for on‐resin dimer generation through self‐condensation of 3,3‐dimethoxypropionic acid‐modified molecules, resulting in 2‐pyridones. The approach demonstrated remarkable versatility by producing homodimers of peptides, peptoids, and non‐peptidic ligands. Its ease of application, broad utility, and mild reaction conditions not only hold significance for peptide and peptoid research but also offer potential for the on‐resin development of a wide range of bivalent ligands.
Ablation versus medical therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation: An updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Kheshti Fatemeh , Abdollahifard Saeed , Hosseinpour Alireza , Bazrafshan Mehdi , Attar Armin
Published: November 2023

To investigate the effect of ablation compared to medical therapy on clinical outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched using ablation, medical treatment, AF, and related words. The effect of ablation and medical therapy was sought to be gathered on stroke or transitional ischemic attack, mortality, hospitalization, recurrence of AF, progression of AF, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Analyses were performed using R software. 31 studies (the results of 27 randomized controlled trials), compromising an overall 6965 patients (Ablation, n = 3643; Medical treatment, n = 3322) were reviewed in our study, revealed that catheter ablation would result in substantial benefits for patients with AF without significant difference in serious adverse events compared to medical management (Risk Ratio: 0.92, [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.64−1.33]). Catheter ablation in patients with AF significantly resulted in a 29% reduction in all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.71, [95% CI, 0.57−0.88]), a 57% reduction in hospitalization (RR: 0.43, [95% CI, 0.27−0.67]), a 53% reduction in AF recurrence (RR: 0.47, [95% CI, 0.36−0.61]), and a dramatic reduction, 89%, in progression of paroxysmal to persistent AF (RR: 0.11, [95% CI, 0.02−0.65]); also associated with a remarkable improvement in their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (Mean Difference, MD: 6.84%, [95% CI, 3.27−10.42]) compared to medical therapy. Our study showed that ablation may be superior to medical therapy in patients with AF regarding AF recurrence, mortality, LVEF improvement, hospitalization, and AF progression outcomes.
Topography of visual and somatosensory inputs to the pontine nuclei in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Gaede Andrea H. , Gutiérrez‐Ibáñez Cristián , Wu Pei‐Hsuan , Pilon Madison C. , Altshuler Douglas L. , Wylie Douglas R.
Published: November 2023

Birds have a comprehensive network of sensorimotor projections extending from the forebrain and midbrain to the cerebellum via the pontine nuclei, but the organization of these circuits in the pons is not thoroughly described. Inputs to the pontine nuclei include two retinorecipient areas, nucleus lentiformis mesencephali (LM) and nucleus of the basal optic root (nBOR), which are important structures for analyzing optic flow. Other crucial regions for visuomotor control include the retinorecipient ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (GLv), and optic tectum (TeO). These visual areas, together with the somatosensory area of the anterior (rostral) Wulst, which is homologous to the primary somatosensory cortex in mammals, project to the medial and lateral pontine nuclei (PM, PL). In this study, we used injections of fluorescent tracers to study the organization of these visual and somatosensory inputs to the pontine nuclei in zebra finches. We found a topographic organization of inputs to PM and PL. The PM has a lateral subdivision that predominantly receives projections from the ipsilateral anterior Wulst. The medial PM receives bands of inputs from the ipsilateral GLv and the nucleus laminaris precommisulis, located medial to LM. We also found that the lateral PL receives a strong ipsilateral projection from TeO, while the medial PL and region between the PM and PL receive less prominent projections from nBOR, bilaterally. We discuss these results in the context of the organization of pontine inputs to the cerebellum and possible functional implications of diverse somato‐motor and visuomotor inputs and parcellation in the pontine nuclei.
Sodium Alginate/Zwitterionic Polymer Gel Electrolyte for Integrated All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Zhaoxia , Wang Haoran , Wang Kai
Published: November 2023

All‐solid‐state stretchable supercapacitors (SSSCs) have attracted widespread attention in the wearable and medical fields because of their nontoxic, safe, and environmentally friendly characteristics. In this paper, a dual network hydrogel polymer was synthesized by a one‐pot method, which was constructed from sodium alginate (SA) and zwitterion copolymer of acrylamide (AM) and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA). The dual network hydrogel polymerSAm/P(AM‐co‐SBMA (SASm for short) were immersed in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte to obtain gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs). Stretchable electrodes were synthesized on the matrix of SASm gels. Non‐integrated all‐solid‐state stretchable supercapacitors (non‐integrated SSSCs), integrated all‐solid‐state supercapacitors (SSCs) and integrated SSSCs were all assembled into the ‘sandwich’ structure. The elongation of the integrated SSSC is the best and reaches 280 %, and its areal capacitance is 1.96 mF/cm2 under a current destiny of 50 μA/cm2, and the capacitance still remains 95 % of the initial value after 10000 charge and discharge cycles, and its energy density is 5.8×10−2 μWh/cm2 at a power density of 2.9×10−2 mW/cm2. This integrated SSSC has excellent cycling stability while maintaining good tensile properties.