bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rebirth of Aspirin Synthesis By‐Product: Prickly Poly(salicylic acid) Nanoparticles as Self‐Anticancer Drug Carrier
Authors: You Xinru , Wang Liying , Wang Li , Wu Jun
Published: June 2021

As a great drug, aspirin has been used to treat many important diseases. To expand the biomedical applications of the aspirin material family, in this report, the authors polymerized salicylic acid (functional part of aspirin) into poly (salicylic acid) (PSA), which was once a by‐product during aspirin synthesis. PSA can be formulated into sub‐100 nm prickly nanoparticles (NPs) via a nanoprecipitation self‐assembly procedure. The PSA NPs are found to be nontoxic to normal cells and cancer cells, but can inhibit tumor growth in the CT26 mouse model. The anticancer drug can be effectively loaded into PSA NPs and the drug‐loaded PSA NPs show ultra‐high blood vessel penetration, tumor penetration, and tumor accumulation due to the special prickly nanostructure. With these combined advantages, including the self‐therapeutic effects, high biosafety, and high tumor accumulation performance, drug‐loaded PSA NPs achieved a significant tumor inhibition efficacy without causing any side effects. Therefore, a new poly (salicylic acid) NP platform is successfully developed from a byproduct of aspirin synthesis, expanding the biomedical applications of aspirin‐related materials.
Layer‐by‐Layer Assembly‐Based Electrocatalytic Fibril Electrodes Enabling Extremely Low Overpotentials and Stable Operation at 1 A cm−2 in Water‐Splitting Reaction
Authors: Ko Younji , Park Jinho , Mo Jeongmin , Lee Seokmin , Song Yongkwon , Ko Yongmin , Lee Hoyoung , Kim Yongju , Huh June , Lee Seung Woo , Cho Jinhan
Published: June 2021

For the practical use of water electrolyzers using non‐noble metal catalysts, it is crucial to minimize the overpotentials for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Here, cotton‐based, highly porous electrocatalytic electrodes are introduced with extremely low overpotentials and fast reaction kinetics using metal nanoparticle assembly‐driven electroplating. Hydrophobic metal nanoparticles are layer‐by‐layer assembled with small‐molecule linkers onto cotton fibrils to form the conductive seeds for effective electroplating of non‐noble metal electrocatalysts. This approach converts insulating cottons to highly electrocatalytic textiles while maintaining their intrinsic 3D porous structure with extremely large surface area without metal agglomerations. To prepare hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrodes, Ni is first electroplated onto the conductive cotton textile (HER electrode), and NiFe is subsequently electroplated onto the Ni–electroplated textile (OER electrode). The resulting HER and OER electrodes exhibit remarkably low overpotentials of 12 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and 214 mV at 50 mA cm−2, respectively. The two‐electrode water electrolyzer exhibits a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.39 V. Additionally, the operational stability of the device is well maintained even at an extremely high current density of 1 A cm−2 for at least 100 h.
Ultra‐Deep‐Blue Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Emitters: Achieving Nearly 16% EQE in Solution‐Processed Nondoped and Doped OLEDs with CIEy < 0.1
Authors: Kim Hyung Jong , Kang Hyunchul , Jeong Ji‐Eun , Park Su Hong , Koh Chang Woo , Kim Chai Won , Woo Han Young , Cho Min Ju , Park Sungnam , Choi Dong Hoon
Published: June 2021

Ultra‐deep‐blue aggregation‐induced delayed fluorescence (AIDF) emitters (TB‐tCz and TB‐tPCz) bearing organoboron‐based cores as acceptors and 3,6‐substituted carbazoles as donors are presented. The thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) properties of the two emitters are confirmed by theoretical calculations and time‐resolved photoluminescence experiments. TB‐tCz and TB‐tPCz exhibit fast reverse intersystem crossing rate constants owing to efficient spin–orbit coupling between the singlet and triplet states. When applied in solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), the TB‐tCz‐ and TB‐tPCz‐based nondoped devices exhibit ultra‐deep‐blue emissions of 416–428 nm and high color purity owing to their narrow bandwidths of 42.2–44.4 nm, corresponding to the Commission International de l´Eclairage color coordinates of (x = 0.16–0.17, y = 0.05–0.06). They show a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 8.21% and 15.8%, respectively, exhibiting an unprecedented high performance in solution‐processed deep‐blue TADF‐OLEDs. Furthermore, both emitters exhibit excellent device performances (EQEmax = 14.1–15.9%) and color purity in solution‐processed doped OLEDs. The current study provides an AIDF emitter design strategy to implement high‐efficiency deep‐blue OLEDs in the future.
Eco‐Friendly and Highly Efficient Light‐Emission Ferroelectric Scintillators by Precise Molecular Design
Authors: Li Jun‐Yi , Wang Chang‐Feng , Wu Haodi , Liu Lang , Xu Qiu‐Ling , Ye Si‐Yu , Tong Liang , Chen Xiang , Gao Qiang , Hou Yun‐Long , Wang Fang‐Ming , Tang Jiang , Chen Li‐Zhuang , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2021

Hybrid manganese halide has attracted much attention in the field of environment friendly ferroelectric and photo‐responsive multifunctional materials. Here, the highly efficient photoluminescent inorganic framework MnBr42− is utilized to conceive and synthesize a series of hybrid manganese bromide compounds [RQ]2MnBr4 by introducing precisely designed quasi‐spherical cations [RQ]+ (R = H, Me, Et, FEt, Q = quinuclidine). The accurate and effective modification of cations not only achieves the satisfactory ferroelectricity, but also enhances the photoluminescence quantum yield from 38.7% to 83.65%. Moreover, [FEtQ]2MnBr4 shows a highly efficient X‐ray scintillator performance, including a large range of linear response to X‐ray dose rate from 0.3 to 414.2 μGyair s−1, a high light yield of 34 438 photons per MeV, and a low detection limit of 258 nGyair s−1. This work provides an efficient strategy for the preparation of hybrid manganese halide ferroelectrics with highly efficient light‐emission and X‐ray detection.
Water‐Repellent Ionic Liquid Skinny Gels Customized for Aqueous Zn‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Lee Donggue , Kim Hong‐I , Kim Won‐Yeong , Cho Seok‐Kyu , Baek Kyungeun , Jeong Kihun , Ahn David B. , Park Sodam , Kang Seok Ju , Lee Sang‐Young
Published: June 2021

Despite the enormous potential of aqueous zinc (Zn)‐ion batteries as a cost‐competitive and safer power source, their practical applications have been plagued by the chemical/electrochemical instability of Zn anodes with aqueous electrolytes. Here, ionic liquid (IL) skinny gels are reported as a new class of water‐repellent ion‐conducting protective layers customized for Zn anodes. The IL skinny gel (thickness ≈500 nm), consisting of hydrophobic IL solvent, Zn salts, and thiol‐ene polymer compliant skeleton, prevents the access of water molecules to Zn anodes while allowing Zn2+ conduction for redox reactions. The IL‐gel‐skinned Zn anode enables sustainable Zn plating/stripping cyclability under 90% depth of discharge (DODZn) without suffering from water‐triggered interfacial parasitic reactions. Driven by these advantageous effects, a Zn‐ion full cell (IL‐gel‐skinned Zn‐anode||aqueous‐electrolyte‐containing MnO2 cathode) exhibits high charge/discharge cycling performance (capacity retention ≈95.7% after 600 cycles) that lies beyond those achievable with conventional aqueous Zn‐ion battery technologies.
Clean and Affordable Hydrogen Fuel from Alkaline Water Splitting: Past, Recent Progress, and Future Prospects
Authors: Yu Zi‐You , Duan Yu , Feng Xing‐Yu , Yu Xingxing , Gao Min‐Rui , Yu Shu‐Hong
Published: June 2021

Hydrogen economy has emerged as a very promising alternative to the current hydrocarbon economy, which involves the process of harvesting renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and then further utilization of clean hydrogen fuel. The production of hydrogen by water electrolysis is an essential prerequisite of the hydrogen economy with zero carbon emission. Among various water electrolysis technologies, alkaline water splitting has been commercialized for more than 100 years, representing the most mature and economic technology. Here, the historic development of water electrolysis is overviewed, and several critical electrochemical parameters are discussed. After that, advanced nonprecious metal electrocatalysts that emerged recently for negotiating the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are discussed, including transition metal oxides, (oxy)hydroxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, and nitrides for the OER, as well as transition metal alloys, chalcogenides, phosphides, and carbides for the HER. In this section, particular attention is paid to the catalyst synthesis, activity and stability challenges, performance improvement, and industry‐relevant developments. Some recent works about scaled‐up catalyst synthesis, novel electrode designs, and alkaline seawater electrolysis are also spotlighted. Finally, an outlook on future challenges and opportunities for alkaline water splitting is offered, and potential future directions are speculated.
Metal Sulfide Photocatalysts for Lignocellulose Valorization
Authors: Wu Xuejiao , Xie Shunji , Zhang Haikun , Zhang Qinghong , Sels Bert F. , Wang Ye
Published: June 2021

Transition metal sulfides are an extraordinarily vital class of semiconductors with a wide range of applications in the photocatalytic field. A great number of recent advances in photocatalytic transformations of lignocellulosic biomass, the largest renewable carbon resource, into high‐quality fuels and value‐added chemicals has been achieved over metal sulfide semiconductors. Herein, the progress and breakthroughs in metal‐sulfide‐based photocatalytic systems for lignocellulose valorization with an emphasis on selective depolymerization of lignin and oxidative coupling of some important bioplatforms are highligted. The key issues that control reaction pathways and mechanisms are carefully examined. The functions of metal sulfides in the elementary reactions, including CO‐bond cleavage, selective oxidations, CC coupling, and CH activation, are discussed to offer insights to guide the rational design of active and selective photocatalysts for sustainable chemistry. The prospects of sulfide photocatalysts in biomass valorization are also analyzed and briefly discussed.
Photoelectrochemical Water‐Splitting Using CuO‐Based Electrodes for Hydrogen Production: A Review
Authors: Siavash Moakhar Roozbeh , Hosseini‐Hosseinabad Seyed Morteza , Masudy‐Panah Saeid , Seza Ashkan , Jalali Mahsa , Fallah‐Arani Hesam , Dabir Fatemeh , Gholipour Somayeh , Abdi Yaser , Bagheri‐Hariri Mohiedin , Riahi‐Noori Nastaran , Lim Yee‐Fun , Hagfeldt Anders , Saliba Michael
Published: June 2021

The cost‐effective, robust, and efficient electrocatalysts for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water‐splitting has been extensively studied over the past decade to address a solution for the energy crisis. The interesting physicochemical properties of CuO have introduced this promising photocathodic material among the few photocatalysts with a narrow bandgap. This photocatalyst has a high activity for the PEC hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under simulated sunlight irradiation. Here, the recent advancements of CuO‐based photoelectrodes, including undoped CuO, doped CuO, and CuO composites, in the PEC water‐splitting field, are comprehensively studied. Moreover, the synthesis methods, characterization, and fundamental factors of each classification are discussed in detail. Apart from the exclusive characteristics of CuO‐based photoelectrodes, the PEC properties of CuO/2D materials, as groups of the growing nanocomposites in photocurrent‐generating devices, are discussed in separate sections. Regarding the particular attention paid to the CuO heterostructure photocathodes, the PEC water splitting application is reviewed and the properties of each group such as electronic structures, defects, bandgap, and hierarchical structures are critically assessed.
Electroactive Biomaterials and Systems for Cell Fate Determination and Tissue Regeneration: Design and Applications
Authors: Liu Zhirong , Wan Xingyi , Wang Zhong Lin , Li Linlin
Published: June 2021

During natural tissue regeneration, tissue microenvironment and stem cell niche including cell–cell interaction, soluble factors, and extracellular matrix (ECM) provide a train of biochemical and biophysical cues for modulation of cell behaviors and tissue functions. Design of functional biomaterials to mimic the tissue/cell microenvironment have great potentials for tissue regeneration applications. Recently, electroactive biomaterials have drawn increasing attentions not only as scaffolds for cell adhesion and structural support, but also as modulators to regulate cell/tissue behaviors and function, especially for electrically excitable cells and tissues. More importantly, electrostimulation can further modulate a myriad of biological processes, from cell cycle, migration, proliferation and differentiation to neural conduction, muscle contraction, embryogenesis, and tissue regeneration. In this review, endogenous bioelectricity and piezoelectricity are introduced. Then, design rationale of electroactive biomaterials is discussed for imitating dynamic cell microenvironment, as well as their mediated electrostimulation and the applying pathways. Recent advances in electroactive biomaterials are systematically overviewed for modulation of stem cell fate and tissue regeneration, mainly including nerve regeneration, bone tissue engineering, and cardiac tissue engineering. Finally, the significance for simulating the native tissue microenvironment is emphasized and the open challenges and future perspectives of electroactive biomaterials are concluded.
Synthesis and Bioapplications of Ag2S Quantum Dots with Near‐Infrared Fluorescence
Authors: Ding Caiping , Huang Youju , Shen Zheyu , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2021

Quantum dots (QDs) with near‐infrared fluorescence (NIR) are an emerging class of QDs with unique capabilities owing to the deeper tissue penetrability of NIR light compared with visible light. NIR light also effectively overcomes organism autofluorescence, making NIR QDs particularly attractive in biological imaging applications for disease diagnosis. Considering latest developments, Ag2S QDs are a rising star among NIR QDs due to their excellent NIR fluorescence properties and biocompatibility. This review presents the various methods to synthesize NIR Ag2S QDs, and systematically discusses their applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and theranostics. Major challenges and future perspectives concerning the synthesis and bioapplications of NIR Ag2S QDs are discussed.
Poly(ionic liquid)s Containing Alkoxy Chains and Bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide Anions as Highly Adhesive Materials
Authors: Zhang Jun , Chen Zhanying , Zhang Yan , Dong Shengyi , Chen Yufang , Zhang Shiguo
Published: June 2021

Adhesive materials have wide applications in diverse fields, but the development of a novel and multipurpose adhesive is a great challenge. This study demonstrates that conventional poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) can be designed as highly efficient adhesives by simply introducing alkoxy moieties into the cationic backbone of PILs containing bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (TFSI−) anions. The incorporated flexible alkoxy chain not only reduces the glass transition temperature of PILs but also endows these materials with strong hydrogen bonding interactions, which, together with the unique electrostatic interaction of the PILs, simultaneously contributes to a high cohesive energy and interfacial adhesive energy. Consequently, these alkoxy PILs are highly adhesive on various substrates such as glass, ceramic, stainless steel, aluminum, and polymers, in contrast to the nonadhesive behavior of conventional PILs. Photosensitive or electronically conductive composite adhesives are fabricated by virtue of the compatibility between ionic liquids and carbon nanotubes or silver nanofibers. Interestingly, the PIL‐2‐TFSI adhesive possesses a unique and reversible response to electric fields and achieves up to 35% improvement in adhesive strength.
Nanographene–Osmapentalyne Complexes as a Cathode Interlayer in Organic Solar Cells Enhance Efficiency over 18%
Authors: Liu Longzhu , Chen Shiyan , Qu Yangyang , Gao Xiang , Han Liang , Lin Zhiwei , Yang Liulin , Wang Wei , Zheng Nan , Liang Yongye , Tan Yuanzhi , Xia Haiping , He Feng
Published: June 2021

Interface engineering is a critical method by which to efficiently enhance the photovoltaic performance of nonfullerene solar cells (NFSC). Herein, a series of metal–nanographene‐containing large transition metal involving dπ–pπ conjugated systems by way of the addition reactions of osmapentalynes and p‐diethynyl‐hexabenzocoronenes is reported. Conjugated extensions are engineered to optimize the π‐conjugation of these metal–nanographene molecules, which serve as alcohol‐soluble cathode interlayer (CIL) materials. Upon extension of the π‐conjugation, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PM6:BTP‐eC9‐based NFSCs increases from 16% to over 18%, giving the highest recorded PCE. It is deduced by X‐ray crystallographic analysis, interfacial contact methods, morphology characterization, and carrier dynamics that modification of hexabenzocoronenes‐styryl can effectively improve the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) and fill factor of organic solar cells (OSCs), mainly due to the strong and ordered charge transfer, more matching energy level alignments, better interfacial contacts between the active layer and the electrodes, and regulated morphology. Consequently, the carrier transport is largely facilitated, and the carrier recombination is simultaneously impeded. These new CIL materials are broadly able to enhance the photovoltaic properties of OSCs in other systems, which provides a promising potential to serve as CILs for higher‐quality OSCs.
Oxygen Vacancy Engineering in Na3V2(PO4)3 for Boosting Sodium Storage Kinetics
Authors: Jiang Minxia , Xu Dan , Yang Baifeng , Zhang Chaozhen , Cao Minhua
Published: June 2021

Improving Na‐ion diffusion kinetics is an effective strategy to boost the sodium storage performance of electrode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, an oxygen vacancy engineering is reported to evidently enhance Na‐ion diffusion kinetics of Na3V2(PO4)3 and accordingly boost sodium storage performance. Na3V2(PO4)3/C with different molar contents of Cu doping (0%, 2.5%, 4%, 5%, and 6%) are synthesized using a simple sol–gel method followed by an annealing treatment. The experimental results show that Cu2+ successfully replaces the V3+ sites of Na3V2(PO4)3 and that does not change its phase composition. The introduction of Cu2+ not only results in the formation of V4+ to maintain charge balance, leading to a shorter VO bond, but also promotes the generation of oxygen vacancies and accordingly facilitates Na‐ion diffusion kinetics. As expected, the optimal sample displays a stable capacity of 111.4 mA h g−1 with capacity retention of 90.4% over 300 cycles at 1 C and a high rate capacity of 83.8 mA h g−1 at 20 C. The studies demonstrate that the Cu doping is favorable for the electrochemical enhancement of Na3V2(PO4)3, which provides a promising prospect for Na3V2(PO4)3 as a cathode for SIBs.
One‐Pot Bio‐Assisted Synthesis of Stable Ag–AgCl System Using Jellyfish‐Based Scaffold for Plasmonic Photocatalysis Applications
Authors: Gavriely Shira , Hadibrata Wisnu , Nudelman Roman , Aydin Koray , Richter Shachar
Published: June 2021

Plasmonic assisted photocatalysis has emerged in the past decade as an efficient, high‐performance methodology. Such a system is often composed of the dispersal of noble metal nanoparticles on a semiconductor. In this architecture, the application of light at the plasmon frequency allows the separation of charge at the Schottky interface between the metal and the semiconductor, which can be further used for efficient catalysis. Here, a one‐pot green bio‐synthesis of Ag antibacterial nanoparticles attached to AgCl crystals while embedded in a jellyfish‐based eco‐friendly scaffold, is reported. The synthesis utilizes the chemical reduction properties of mucin protein found in the Jellyfish biomass, and thus the resulting Ag@AgCl system is firmly bound to the scaffold, making this membrane very stable. The system's photocatalytic activity is investigated by decomposing methyl orange and full electromagnetic simulations.
Toward a Better Regeneration through Implant‐Mediated Immunomodulation: Harnessing the Immune Responses
Authors: Zhang Ben , Su Yingchao , Zhou Juncen , Zheng Yufeng , Zhu Donghui
Published: June 2021

Tissue repair/regeneration, after implantation or injury, involves comprehensive physiological processes wherein immune responses play a crucial role to enable tissue restoration, amidst the immune cells early‐stage response to tissue damages. These cells break down extracellular matrix, clear debris, and secret cytokines to orchestrate regeneration. However, the immune response can also lead to abnormal tissue healing or scar formation if not well directed. This review first introduces the general immune response post injury, with focus on the major immune cells including neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells. Next, a variety of implant‐mediated immunomodulation strategies to regulate immune response through physical, chemical, and biological cues are discussed. At last, various scaffold‐facilitated regenerations of different tissue types, such as, bone, cartilage, blood vessel, and nerve system, by harnessing the immunomodulation are presented. Therefore, the most recent data in biomaterials and immunomodulation is presented here in a bid to shape expert perspectives, inspire researchers to go in new directions, and drive development of future strategies focusing on targeted, sequential, and dynamic immunomodulation elicited by implants.
Uncovering Phase Change Memory Energy Limits by Sub‐Nanosecond Probing of Power Dissipation Dynamics
Authors: Stern Keren , Wainstein Nicolás , Keller Yair , Neumann Christopher M. , Pop Eric , Kvatinsky Shahar , Yalon Eilam
Published: June 2021

Phase change memory (PCM) is one of the leading candidates for neuromorphic hardware and has recently matured as a storage class memory. Yet, energy and power consumption remain key challenges for this technology because part of the PCM device must be self‐heated to its melting temperature during reset. Here, it is shown that this reset energy can be reduced by nearly two orders of magnitude by minimizing the pulse width. A high‐speed measurement setup is utilized to probe the energy consumption in PCM cells with varying pulse width (0.3–40 nanoseconds) and uncover the power dissipation dynamics. A key finding is that the switching power (P) remains unchanged for pulses wider than a short thermal time constant of the PCM (τth < 1 ns in 50 nm diameter device), resulting in a decrease of energy (E = P × τ) as the pulse width τ is reduced in that range. Thermal confinement during short pulses is achieved by limiting the heat diffusion time. The improved programming scheme reduces reset energy density below 0.1 nJ µm−2, over an order of magnitude lower than state‐of‐the‐art PCM, potentially changing the roadmap of future data storage technology and paving the way toward energy‐efficient neuromorphic hardware.
Perspective on Carbon Anode Materials for K+ Storage: Balancing the Intercalation‐Controlled and Surface‐Driven Behavior
Authors: Yang Jiaying , Zhai Yixuan , Zhang Xiuhai , Zhang En , Wang Hongqiang , Liu Xingrui , Xu Fei , Kaskel Stefan
Published: June 2021

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have emerged as a compelling complement to existing lithium‐ion batteries for large‐scale energy storage applications, due to the resource‐abundance of potassium, the low standard redox potential and high conductivity of K+‐based electrolytes. Rapid progress has been made in identifying suitable carbon anode materials to address the sluggish kinetics and huge volume variation problems caused by large‐size K+. However, most research into carbon materials has focused on structural design and performance optimization of one or several parameters, rather than considering the holistic performance especially for realistic applications. This perspective examines recent efforts to enhance the carbon anode performance in terms of initial Coulombic efficiency, capacity, rate capability, and cycle life. The balancing of the intercalation and surface‐driven capacitive mechanisms while designing carbon structures is emphasized, after which the compatibility with electrolyte and the cell assembly technologies should be considered under practical conditions. It is anticipated that this work will engender further intensive research that can be better aligned toward practical implementation of carbon materials for K+ storage.
An evaluation of biological soil health indicators in four long‐term continuous agroecosystems in Canada
Authors: Pérez‐Guzmán Lumarie , Phillips Lori A. , Seuradge Brent J. , Agomoh Ikechukwu , Drury Craig F. , Acosta‐Martínez Verónica
Published: June 2021

The soil microbial community (SMC) and soil organic matter (SOM) are inherently related and are sensitive to land‐use changes. Microorganisms regulate essential soil functions that are key to SOM dynamics, whereas SOM dynamics define the SMC. To expand our understanding of soil health, we evaluated biological and SOM indicators in long‐term (18‐yr) continuous silage corn (Zea mays L.), continuous soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and perennial grass ecosystems in Ontario, Canada. The SMC was evaluated via ester‐linked fatty acid methyl ester (EL‐FAME) and amplicon sequencing. Soil organic matter was evaluated via a new combined enzyme assay that provides a single biogeochemical cycling value for C, N, P, and S cycling activity (CNPS), as well as loss‐on‐ignition, permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), and total C and N. Overall, soil health indicators followed the trend of grasses > corn > soybean. Grass systems had up to 8.1 times more arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, increased fungal/bacteria ratios (via EL‐FAME), and higher microbial diversity (via sequencing). The POXC was highly variable within treatments and did not significantly differ between systems. The novel CNPS activity assay, however, was highly sensitive to management (up to 2.2 and 3.2 times higher under grasses than corn and soybean, respectively) and was positively correlated (ρ > .92) to SOM, total C, and total N. Following the “more is better” model, where higher values of the measured parameters indicate a healthier soil, our study showed decreased soil health under monocultures, especially soybean, and highlights the need to implement sustainable agriculture practices that maintain soil health.
Adaptation and forage productivity of cool‐season grasses in the central USA
Authors: Vogel Kenneth P. , Mitchell Rob
Published: June 2021

Cool‐season grass species (18) and cultivars (85) were evaluated for use in seeded grasslands in the tallgrass prairie and shortgrass steppe ecoregions of the central United States at the test locations of Ithaca and Sidney, NE, respectively. Both native and introduced grasses were evaluated in sward trails. Significant differences existed among species and cultivars for all traits evaluated except for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) among cultivars within species at Sidney. The grasses that had the best establishment, persistence, and forage yields in the Ithaca trial were introduced wheatgrass (Thinopyrum) and bromegrass (Bromus) species. At the Sidney location, the best species using the same criteria were wheatgrasses (Thinopyrum, Agropryon, Pascopyrum, and Elymus spp.) and wildryes (Psathyrostachys). The only native grasses that were marginally competitive with the introduced grasses were western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii (Rydb.) A. Löve] and thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus macrourus (Turcz.) Tzvelev] at the Sidney location and western wheatgrass at Ithaca. The study was the largest cool‐season forage grass multispecies and cultivar sward evaluation to date in these two major land areas. The superior species and cultivars that were identified represent the best cool‐season grasses available for restoring marginal croplands to grazed grasslands in these two major land areas.
Electrochemically precipitated struvite effects on extractable nutrients compared with other fertilizer‐phosphorus sources
Authors: Anderson Ryder , Brye Kristofor , Kekedy‐Nagy Laszlo , Greenlee Lauren , Gbur Edward , Roberts Trenton
Published: June 2021

Recovery of struvite, or magnesium ammonium phosphate (MgNH4PO4 · 6H2O), from wastewater streams may provide an alternative to traditional P fertilizers. Little research has assessed the behavior of struvite relative to other commercially available, fertilizer‐P sources in historically row‐cropped soils in the United States. The objective of this study was to evaluate total extractable P and other nutrients from electrochemically (ECST) and chemically precipitated struvite (CPST) compared with triple superphosphate (TSP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and rock phosphate (RP) in a moist‐soil incubation without plants using varying soil textures (loam, silt loam, and silty clay loam). A uniform application rate of 24.5 kg total P ha–1 was used for each fertilizer‐P source. Soil sampling occurred six times over a 9‐mo period (0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 mo) to examine the change in soil pH and water‐soluble (WS) and Mehlich‐3‐extractable nutrient concentrations (P, Ca, Mg, and Fe) from their initial levels over time. After 0.5 mo, WS‐P concentrations increased the most in the ECST treatment (41.6 mg kg–1), which did not differ from that of DAP. Throughout the remaining 8.5 mo of incubation, WS‐P concentrations generally decreased in most treatments but were still greater than the initial level by 9 mo and were often similar among ECST, CPST, MAP, DAP, and TSP treatments. Comparable WS‐P concentrations among ECST and MAP, DAP, and TSP under soil conditions near field capacity (∼0.2 g g–1) support struvite's potential as a sustainable fertilizer‐P source, thus warranting further investigation of the plant response to struvite use as an alternative fertilizer‐P source.
Hybrid Block Copolymer Synthesis by Merging Photoiniferter and Organocatalytic Ring‐Opening Polymerizations
Authors: Xia Yening , Scheutz Georg M. , Easterling Charles P. , Zhao Junpeng , Sumerlin Brent S.
Published: June 2021

Access to block copolymers from monomers that do not polymerize via a common mechanism requires initiation from a multifunctional species that allows orthogonal polymerization chemistries. We disclose a strategy to provide well‐defined polyacrylamido‐b‐polyether block copolymers by a one‐pot combination of photoiniferter polymerization and organocatalytic ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) using a hydroxy‐functionalized trithiocarbonate photoiniferter as the dual initiator at ambient temperature. Our results reveal good compatibility between the two polymerization systems and highlight that they can be performed in arbitrary order or simultaneously with good retention of the thiocarbonylthio functionality. We also demonstrate selective temporal control over the photoiniferter polymerization during concurrent ROP. We harnessed the efficiency of combining these polymerization systems to provide tailor‐made block copolymers from chemically distinct monomers.
Intrinsically Disordered Osteopontin Fragment Orders During Interfacial Calcium Oxalate Mineralization
Authors: Lu Hao , Ng David Yuen Wah , Lieberwirth Ingo , Weidner Tobias , Bonn Mischa
Published: June 2021

Calcium oxalate (CaC2O4) is the major component of kidney stone. The acidic osteopontin (OPN) protein in human urine can effectively inhibit the growth of CaC2O4 crystals, thereby acting as a potent stone preventer. Previous studies in bulk solution all attest to the importance of binding and recognition of OPN at the CaC2O4 mineral surface, yet molecular level insights into the active interface during CaC2O4 mineralization are still lacking. Here, we probe the structure of the central OPN fragment and its interaction with Ca2+ and CaC2O4 at the water–air interface using surface‐specific non‐linear vibrational spectroscopy. While OPN peptides remain largely disordered in solution, our results reveal that the bidentate binding of Ca2+ ions refold the interfacial peptides into well‐ordered and assembled β‐turn motifs. One critical intermediate directs mineralization by releasing structural freedom of backbone and binding side chains. These insights into the mineral interface are crucial for understanding the pathological development of kidney stones and possibly relevant for calcium oxalate biomineralization in general.
Tuning of shear thickening behavior and elastic strength of polyvinylidene fluoride via doping of ZnO‐graphene
Authors: Goswami Mit Rita , Singh Prayas , Chamoli Pankaj , Bhardwaj Sumit , Raina Kuldeep Kumar , Shukla Ravi Kumar
Published: June 2021

ZnO rice like nonarchitects are grafted on the graphene carbon core via a rapid microwave synthesis route. The prepared grafted systems are characterized via XRD, SEM, RAMAN, and XPS to examined the structural and morphological parameters. Zinc oxide grafted graphene sheets (ZnO‐G) are further doped in β‐phase of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to prepare the polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) via mixed solvent approach (THF/DMF). β‐phase confirmation of PVDF PNCs is done by FTIR studies. It is observed that ZnO‐G filler enhances the β‐phase content in the PNCs. Non‐doped PVDF and PNCs are further studied for rheological behavior under the shear rate of 1–100 s−1. Doping of ZnO‐G dopant to the PVDF matrix changes its discontinuous shear thickening (DST) behavior to continues shear thickening behavior (CST). Hydrocluster formation and their interaction with the dopant could be the reason for this striking DST to CST behavioral change. Strain amplitude sweep (10−3% ‐10%) oscillatory test reveals that the PNCs shows extended linear viscoelastic region with high elastic modulus and lower viscous modulus. Effective shear thickening behavior and strong elastic strength of these PNCs present their candidature for various fields including mechanical and soft body armor applications.
Optimization and characterization of lemon essential oil entrapped from chitosan/cellulose nanocrystals microcapsules
Authors: Jiang Tianyan , Wang Cong , Liu Wanyi , Li Yuhang , Luan Yunhao , Liu Pengtao
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to prepare lemon essential oil (LEO) microcapsules by ionic gelation method using chitosan (CS) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as the wall material. The influence of the concentration of CS and CNC and the pH of CS solution on the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of microcapsules was studied. Taking the EE as an indicator, and according to the single‐factor test results, a three‐factor three‐level response surface methodology was designed. The best process conditions of CS/CNC‐LEO microcapsules to get the maximum EE of 89.98% were as follows: pH of CS was 3.44, and the concentration of CS, CNC were 2, 3.52 g/L. The microcapsules prepared under these conditions were smooth and rounded spherical. The diameters of unembedded and embedded LEO microcapsules ranged from 541.2–732.9 to 1014.5–1528.7 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to analyze the characteristics of the microcapsules. There were two periods in vitro release studies of CS/CNC‐LEO microcapsules: sudden release and slow release of essential oils.
Stress‐strain curves for polyurethane elastomers: A statistical assessment of constitutive models
Authors: Ding Fang , Liu Tingli , Zhang Huan , Liu Lunyang , Li Yunqi
Published: June 2021

Polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) are broadening applications attributed to their highly tunable mechanical properties, and the stress–strain curve is one of the most important characters. Theoretically, dozens of constitutive models have been developed to interpret the stress–strain curve for rubber‐like materials but their applicability on PUEs is still suspicious, which results in the selection of models and the initialization of model parameters need expertise experience. We performed a statistical assessment of 25 constitutive models (10 physical and 15 phenomenological) based on a comprehensive dataset with 529 stress–strain curves for PUEs. The average coefficients of determination for the whole curve can be improved from 0.676 for the phantom model (1 parameter) to 0.990 for the Bechir model (6 parameters), and the percentage of well‐fitted curves increases from 6% to 92%. Constitutive models with both the first‐ and the second‐invariant, in logarithmic or exponential expression for strain perform better.
Olfactory epithelium and ontogeny of the nasal chambers in the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus)
Authors: Farnkopf Ian C. , George John Craig , Kishida Takushi , Hillmann Daniel J. , Suydam Robert S. , Thewissen J. G. M.
Published: June 2021

In a species of baleen whale, we identify olfactory epithelium that suggests a functional sense of smell and document the ontogeny of the surrounding olfactory anatomy. Whales must surface to breathe, thereby providing an opportunity to detect airborne odorants. Although many toothed whales (odontocetes) lack olfactory anatomy, baleen whales (mysticetes) have retained theirs. Here, we investigate fetal and postnatal specimens of bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). Computed tomography (CT) reveals the presence of nasal passages and nasal chambers with simple ethmoturbinates through ontogeny. Additionally, we describe the dorsal nasal meatuses and olfactory bulb chambers. The cribriform plate has foramina that communicate with the nasal chambers. We show this anatomy within the context of the whole prenatal and postnatal skull. We document the tunnel for the ethmoidal nerve (ethmoid foramen) and the rostrolateral recess of the nasal chamber, which appears postnatally. Bilateral symmetry was apparent in the postnatal nasal chambers. No such symmetry was found prenatally, possibly due to tissue deformation. No nasal air sacs were found in fetal development. Olfactory epithelium, identified histologically, covers at least part of the ethmoturbinates. We identify olfactory epithelium using six explicit criteria of mammalian olfactory epithelium. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of olfactory marker protein (OMP), which is only found in mature olfactory sensory neurons. Although it seems that these neurons are scarce in bowhead whales compared to typical terrestrial mammals, our results suggest that bowhead whales have a functional sense of smell, which they may use to find prey.
Nurse‐led one stop hematuria clinic: Outcomes from 2,714 patients
Authors: Madaan Anika , Kuusk Teele , Hamdoon Musaab , Elliott Angela , Pearce Dianne , Madaan Sanjeev
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Objective of this study is to report the results of nurse led hematuria clinic service outcome of 2,714 patients.

Subjects and methods

We conducted a retrospective, single center review of 2714 patients with visible and nonvisible hematuria managed by a well‐trained nurse specialist in a rapid access clinic (RAC) between 2014 and 2020. All patients received a full review, flexible cystoscopy performed by a nurse, and ultrasound of urinary tracts. After investigations, patients were reassured and discharged or referred for rigid cystoscopy, TURBT, and CT urography.

Results

In total, 2714 patients attended the RAC between October 2014 and March 2020. Of these, 1684 (62%) were males and 1030 (38%) females. The median age of patients was 68.3 (IQR 58‐79). Of the 1030 females, 500 (48.5%) presented with nonvisible hematuria (NVH), and 530 (51.5%) presented with visible hematuria (VH). The median age was 66 (IQR 56‐76). The number of females diagnosed with any form of malignancy was 72 (7% of all females). Of the 1684 males, 288 (17.1%) presented with NVH, and 1396 (82.9%) presented with VH. The median age was 72 (IQR 59‐81). The number of males diagnosed with some form of malignancy was 258 (15.3% of all males). Overall, 1926 patients presented with VH and 788 patients presented with NVH. After investigations, 290 patients (15.1%) with VH and 40 (5.1%) patients with NVH had some form of malignancy. The highest number of malignancies found in VH was bladder cancer (n = 222, 11.5%), followed by prostate (n = 28, 1%), renal (n = 23, 0.8%), UT urothelial (n = 17, 0.6%), gynaecological (n = 7, 0.3%), and gastrointestinal (n = 5, 0.2%) cancer. The highest number of pathologies found in NVH was infection (n = 44, 5.6%). Cancer detection rate for symptomatic NVH was more than double that of asymptomatic NVH, 6.5% versus 3.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Overall, 15.1% with VH and 5.1% with NVH present with malignancy. Nurse‐led rapid access hematuria clinic and flexible cystoscopy investigation by trained nurse is safe and feasible.
Preoperative histogram parameters of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI as a potential imaging biomarker for assessing the expression of Ki‐67 in prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Li Zhiping , Gao Chen , Shen Jianliang , Chen Mingtao , Liu Yufeng , Cao Zhijian , Pang Peipei , Cui Feng , Xu Maosheng
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To investigate whether preoperative histogram parameters of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) can assess the expression of Ki‐67 in prostate cancer (PCa).

Materials and methods

A consecutive series of 76 patients with pathology‐proven PCa who underwent routine DCE‐MRI scans were retrospectively recruited. Quantitative parameters including the volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate contrast (Kep), extracellular‐extravascular volume fraction (Ve), and plasma volume (Vp) by outlining the three‐dimensional volume of interest (VOI) of all lesions were processed. Then, the histogram analyses of these quantitative parameters were performed. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of these parameters and Ki‐67 expression of PCa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was adopted to evaluate the efficacy of these quantitative histogram parameters in identifying high Ki‐67 expression from low Ki‐67 expression of PCa.

Results

Eighty‐eight PCa lesions were enrolled in this study, including 31 lesions with high Ki‐67 expression and 57 lesions with low Ki‐67 expression. The median, mean, 75th percentile, and 90th percentile derived from Ktrans and Kep had a moderately positive correlation with Ki‐67 expression (r = 0.361–0.450, p < 0.05), in which both the median and mean of Ktrans had the highest positive correlation (r = 0.450, p < 0.05). The diagnostic efficacy of the Ktrans median, mean, 75th percentile, and 90th percentile, along with the Kep‐based median and mean was assessed by the ROC curve. The area under the curve (AUC) of the mean for Ktrans was the highest (0.826). When the cut‐off of the mean for Ktrans was ≥0.47/min, its Youden index, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.625, 0.871, and 0.754, respectively. The AUC of the median of Kep was the lowest (0.772).

Conclusion

The histogram of DCE‐MRI quantitative parameters is correlated with Ki‐67 expression, which has the potential to noninvasively assess the expression of Ki‐67 with patients of PCa.
Indocyanine green is a sensitive adjunct in the identification and surgical management of local and metastatic hepatoblastoma
Authors: Lake Charissa M. , Bondoc Alexander J. , Dasgupta Roshni , Jenkins Todd M. , Towbin Alexander J. , Smith Ethan A. , Alonso Maria H. , Geller James I. , Tiao Gregory M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary pediatric liver malignancy. Indocyanine green (ICG) has been described as an adjunct to resection in small series. Its utility remains undefined in larger cohorts.

Methods

Records for 29 patients diagnosed with hepatoblastoma who received ICG prior to surgical resection from 2017 to 2020 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was correlation between intraoperative ICG‐avidity and histologic presence of hepatoblastoma. A secondary outcome included the histologic margin designation for resected liver specimens.

Results

ICG sensitivity was 91% for 120 resected thoracic specimens from 21 patients. Specificity was 57%. In 10% of operations, HB‐positive specimens were resected solely on ICG‐avidity. In an additional 40% of cases, ICG assisted in localizing a preoperatively diagnosed lesion. ICG sensitivity during thoracotomy and thoracoscopic surgery was 95 and 74%, respectively; primary and relapsed disease demonstrated sensitivity of 94 and 73%, respectively. Sensitivity was 92% for 25 resected liver specimens from nine patients with all parenchymal margins grossly negative for disease. Four multifocal lesions were identified with two resected solely by ICG‐avidity.

Conclusions

ICG is a sensitive adjunct for identifying local and metastatic hepatoblastoma, including lesions not visualized on preoperative imaging, and delineating margins during liver resection. False positives limit specificity; however, there were no adverse outcomes from additional resections. We noted that thoracoscopic surgery can be completed safely in patients with less significant disease burden, and conversion to thoracotomy, if necessary, is straightforward.
Effects of Apigenin on the Expression of LOX‐1, Bcl‐2, and Bax in Hyperlipidemia Rats
Authors: Xu Qian , Li Yan‐Chao , Du Chao , Wang Li‐Na , Xiao Yan‐Hong
Published: June 2021

We aimed to investigate the impact of apigenin on LOX‐1, Bcl‐2, and Bax expression in hyperlipidemia rats and explore the possible molecular pathological mechanism of apigenin in improving hyperlipidemia and preventing atherosclerosis. In hyperlipidemia models, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) and the LOX‐1 protein expression were apparently increased (P<0.01), while the high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) levels and the ratio of Bcl‐2/Bax were reduced significantly (P<0.01) in comparison with the standard control group. After the treatment of apigenin, the levels of TC, TG, LDL‐c, and the LOX‐1 protein expression were noticeably decreased (P<0.01), while the levels of HDL‐c and the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio were increased (P<0.01). The intima was thickened and had protrusions in the hyperlipidemia model group compared to the normal control group. In comparison with the atherosclerosis model group, the degree of aortic lesions in the low‐dose, middle‐dose, high‐dose groups was alleviated. Apigenin can reduce the level of blood lipid, improve hyperlipidemia, and prevent atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemia rats. The molecular mechanism may be related to inhibiting LOX‐1 gene expression and increasing the Bcl‐2/Bax ratio.