bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Fabrication of Microscale Secretory Granules
Authors: López‐Laguna Hèctor , Parladé Eloi , Álamo Patricia , Sánchez Julieta M. , Voltà‐Durán Eric , Serna Naroa , Sánchez‐García Laura , Cano‐Garrido Olivia , Sánchez‐Chardi Alejandro , Villaverde Antonio , Mangues Ramón , Unzueta Ugutz , Vázquez Esther
Published: March 2021

Advanced medical treatments involving drug delivery require fully biocompatible materials with the ability to release functional drugs in a time‐prolonged way. Ideally, the delivered molecules should be self‐contained as chemically homogenous entities to prevent the use of potentially toxic scaffolds or hold matrices. In nature, peptidic hormones are self‐stored in protein‐only secretory granules formed by the reversible coordination of Zn2+ and histidine residues. Inspired by this concept, an in vitro transversal procedure is developed, analyzed, and comparatively applied for the fabrication of protein‐only secretory granules at the microscale. These materials can be produced from any polyhistidine‐tagged protein using physiological concentrations of Zn2+ as a potent and versatile glue‐like agent. The screening of granules formed by 12 engineered and nonengineered proteins at different Zn2+ concentrations revealed optimal fabrication conditions and the consequent release profiles. Moreover, the functional and structural properties of the delivered protein are fully validated using a drug‐targeting protein platform in a mouse model of human colorectal cancer. In summary, short histidine tags allow the packaging of structurally and functionally dissimilar polypeptides, which supports the proposed fabrication method as a powerful protocol extensible to diverse clinical scenarios in which slow protein drug delivery is required.
The Electrostatic Attraction and Catalytic Effect Enabled by Ionic–Covalent Organic Nanosheets on MXene for Separator Modification of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Pengyue , Lv Haowei , Li Zhonglin , Meng Xueping , Lin Zhang , Wang Ruihu , Li Xiaoju
Published: March 2021

It is of great significance to mediate the redox kinetics and shuttle effect of polysulfides in pursuit of high‐energy‐density and long‐life lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Herein, a new strategy is proposed based on the electrostatic attraction and catalytic effect of polysulfides for the modification of the polypropylene (PP) separator. Guanidinium‐based ionic–covalent organic nanosheets (iCON) on the surface of Ti3C2 is presented as a coating layer for the PP separator. The synergetic effects of Ti3C2 and iCON provide new platforms to suppress the shuttle effect of polysulfides, expedite the redox kinetics of sulfur species, and promote efficient conversion of the intercepted polysulfides. The functional separator endows carbon nanotube/sulfur cathodes with excellent electrochemical performance. The average capacity decay per cycle within 2000 cycles at 2 C is as low as 0.006%. The separator is even effective in the case of sulfur content of 90 wt% and sulfur loading of 7.6 mg cm−2; the reversible capacity, areal capacity, and volumetric capacity at 0.1 C are as high as 1186 mA h g−1, 9.01 mA h cm−2, and 1201 mA h cm−3, respectively. This work provides a promising approach toward separator modification for the development of high‐performance Li–S batteries.
Anomalous Motion of Charged Domain Walls and Associated Negative Capacitance in Copper–Chlorine Boracite
Authors: Guy Joseph G. M. , Cochard Charlotte , Aguado‐Puente Pablo , Soergel Elisabeth , Whatmore Roger W. , Conroy Michele , Moore Kalani , Courtney Eileen , Harvey Alan , Bangert Ursel , Kumar Amit , McQuaid Raymond G. P. , Gregg J. Marty
Published: March 2021

During switching, the microstructure of a ferroelectric normally adapts to align internal dipoles with external electric fields. Favorably oriented dipolar regions (domains) grow at the expense of those in unfavorable orientations and this is manifested in a predictable field‐induced motion of the walls that separate one domain from the next. Here, the discovery that specific charged 90°domain walls in copper–chlorine boracite move in the opposite direction to that expected, increasing the size of the domain in which polarization is anti‐aligned with the applied field, is reported. Polarization–field (P–E) hysteresis loops, inferred from optical imaging, show negative gradients and non‐transient negative capacitance, throughout the P–E cycle. Switching currents (generated by the relative motion between domain walls and sensing electrodes) confirm this, insofar as their signs are opposite to those expected conventionally. For any given bias, the integrated switching charge due to this anomalous wall motion is directly proportional to time, indicating that the magnitude of the negative capacitance component should be inversely related to frequency. This passes Jonscher's test for the misinterpretation of positive inductance and gives confidence that field‐induced motion of these specific charged domain walls generates a measurable negative capacitance contribution to the overall dielectric response.
MBene as a Theranostic Nanoplatform for Photocontrolled Intratumoral Retention and Drug Release
Authors: Chen Danyang , Jin Zhaokui , Zhao Bin , Wang Yingshuai , He Qianjun
Published: March 2021

Tumor‐targeted drug delivery by nanomaterials is important to improve tumor therapy efficacy and reduce toxic side effects, but its efficiency is quite limited. In this work, a new type of MBene, zirconium boride nanosheet (ZBN), as a versatile nanoplatform to realize near‐infrared (NIR)‐controlled intratumoral retention and drug release is developed. ZBN exhibits high NIR‐photothermal conversion efficiency (76.8%), surface modification with hyaluronic acid (HA) by polyol−borate esterfication endows ZBN‐HA with good dispersion, and the photopyrolysis of borate ester causes HA detachment and ZBN aggregation, enabling NIR‐controlled intratumoral retention to achieve high intratumoral accumulation. By virtue of surface borate esterfication, polyol chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin, DOX), and NO prodrug (β‐galactosyl‐diazeniumdiolate, Gal‐NO) can be efficiently and stably conjugated on the surface of ZBN‐HA (1.21 g DOX or 0.57 g Gal‐NO per gram ZBN) without visible drug leakage, and the photopyrolysis of borate ester enables NIR‐controlled drug release with high responsiveness and controllability. Combined chemothermal/gasothermal therapies based on ZBN‐HA/DOX and ZBN‐HA/NO nanomedicines eradicate primary tumors and interdict tumor metastasis by changing the tumor microenvironment and killing cancer cells in primary tumors. The developed NIR‐photothermal MBene is confirmed as a versatile nanoplatform capable of high‐efficacy tumor‐targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release.
An Ultrasoft Self‐Fused Supramolecular Polymer Hydrogel for Completely Preventing Postoperative Tissue Adhesion
Authors: Yu Jing , Wang Ke , Fan Chuanchuan , Zhao Xiaoye , Gao Jushan , Jing Wanghui , Zhang Xiaoping , Li Jia , Li Yuan , Yang Jianhai , Liu Wenguang
Published: March 2021

The intermolecular H‐bonding density heavily influences the gelation and rheological behavior of hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular polymer hydrogels, thus offering a delicate pathway to tailor their physicochemical properties for meeting a specific biomedical application. Herein, one methylene spacer between two amides in the side chain of N‐acryloyl glycinamide (NAGA) is introduced to generate a variant monomer, N‐acryloyl alaninamide (NAAA). Polymerization of NAAA in aqueous solution affords an unprecedented ultrasoft and highly swollen supramolecular polymer hydrogel due to weakened H‐bonds caused by an extra methylene spacer, which is verified by variable‐temperature Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and simulation calculation. Intriguingly, poly(N‐acryloyl alaninamide) (PNAAA) hydrogel can be tuned to form a transient network with a self‐fused and excellent antifouling capability that results from the weakened dual amide H‐bonding interactions and enhanced water‐amide H‐bonding interactions. This self‐fused PNAAA hydrogel can completely inhibit postoperative abdominal adhesion and recurrent adhesion after adhesiolysis in vivo. This transient hydrogel network allows for its disintegration and excretion from the body. The molecular mechanism studies reveal the signal pathway of PNAAA hydrogel in inhibiting inflammatory response and regulating fibrinolytic system balance. This self‐fused, antifouling ultrasoft supramolecular hydrogel is promising as a barrier biomaterial for completely preventing postoperative tissue adhesion.
Tunable Electrocatalytic Behavior of Sodiated MoS2 Active Sites toward Efficient Sulfur Redox Reactions in Room‐Temperature Na–S Batteries
Authors: Wang Yanxia , Lai Yangyang , Chu Jun , Yan Zichao , Wang Yun‐Xiao , Chou Shu‐Lei , Liu Hua‐Kun , Dou Shi Xue , Ai Xinping , Yang Hanxi , Cao Yuliang
Published: March 2021

Room‐temperature (RT) sodium–sulfur (Na–S) batteries hold great promise for large‐scale energy storage due to the advantages of high energy density, low cost, and resource abundance. The research progress on RT Na–S batteries, however, has been greatly hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the sulfur redox reactions. Herein, an elaborate multifunctional architecture, consisting of N‐doped carbon skeletons and tunable MoS2 sulfiphilic sites, is fabricated via a simple one‐pot reaction followed by in situ sulfurization. Beyond the physical confinement and chemical binding of polarized N‐doped carbonaceous microflowers, the MoS2 active sites play a key role in catalyzing polysulfide redox reactions, especially the conversion from long‐chain Na2Sn (4 ≤ n ≤ 8) to short‐chain Na2S2 and Na2S. Significantly, the electrocatalytic activity of MoS2 can be tunable via adjusting the discharge depth. It is remarkable that the sodiated MoS2 exhibits much stronger binding energy and electrocatalytic behavior compared to MoS2 sites, effectively enhancing the formation of the final Na2S product. Consequently, the S cathode achieves superior electrochemical performance in RT Na–S batteries, delivering a high capacity of 774.2 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, and an ultrahigh capacity retention with a capacity decay rate of only 0.0055% per cycle over 2800 cycles.
Chemiresistive Gas Sensors Based on Hollow Heterojunction: A Review
Authors: Liu Yanna , Xiao Song , Du Ke
Published: March 2021

Chemiresistive gas sensors are widely used in tens of thousands of applications, from health and safety to energy efficiency and emission control. Fabrication of highly effective sensing materials is of great significance for the practical applications in efficient gas detection. Among numerous sensing materials, semiconductor‐based sensing materials with hollow and heterojunction structures demonstrate distinct advantages such as high sensitivity, low operating temperature, and fast response/recovery. In this paper, the mechanism of gas sensing by chemiresistive sensors, as well as the mechanisms responsible for enhanced sensing performance in hollow structure and heterojunction are reviewed. Both single‐shelled and multi‐shelled hollow heterojunction materials applied in gas detection are presented. Then, the design and application of open hollow heterojunction in gas sensing are discussed. This review provides a deeper understanding of innovative works on the material design of high‐performance sensing materials for gas detection. It also summarizes the key technical challenges in material development and points out the perspectives for future studies on the next generating of chemiresistive gas sensing materials.
Enhanced Dye Degradation through Multi‐Particle Confinement in a Porous Silicon Substrate: A Highly Efficient, Low Band Gap Photocatalyst
Authors: Mir Sajjad Husain , Jennings Brian D. , Akinoglu Goekalp Engin , Selkirk Andrew , Gatensby Riley , Mokarian‐Tabari Parvaneh
Published: March 2021

A platform is introduced for fabrication of a reusable and highly efficient low band gap photocatalyst by confining gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the pores of a nanopatterned Si monolith (AuNSM). Due to their size, a maximum of two AuNPs can assemble in a single pore, thus preventing agglomerations. Their access to the analyte provides more active sites for redox reaction, leading to enhanced efficiency. While proximity of nanoparticles enhances coupling efficiency, confinement prevents rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers, a major factor contributing to low efficiency of photocatalytic materials. Degradation of methyl orange (MO) is used to determine the photocatalytic efficacy of AuNSM compared to 1) bare silicon and 2) AuNPs randomly dispersed on silicon. After 90 min of exposure to UV light (λ = 353 nm) in the AuNSM, the MO absorption is <1%, indicating near complete degradation, while it is still 85% and 70% for systems (1) and (2), respectively. Finite element method simulations of the confined structure suggest that the AuNPs act as a mediator/receptacle for photogenerated charges rather than a source of them at this wavelength and thus enhance the performance of the photocatalyst by creating more effective Schottky junctions—preventing recombination of electrons and holes—rather than by a localized surface plasmonic resonance effect.
Synthetic Platelet Microgels Containing Fibrin Knob B Mimetic Motifs Enhance Clotting Responses
Authors: Nandi Seema , Mihalko Emily , Nellenbach Kimberly , Castaneda Mario , Schneible John , Harp Mary , Deal Halston , Daniele Michael , Menegatti Stefano , Barker Thomas H. , Brown Ashley C.
Published: March 2021

Native platelets are crucial players in wound healing. Key to their role is the ability of their surface receptor GPIIb/IIIa to bind fibrin at injury sites, thereby promoting clotting. When platelet activity is impaired as a result of traumatic injury or certain diseases, uncontrolled bleeding can result. To aid clotting and tissue repair in cases of poor platelet activity, synthetic platelet‐like particles capable of promoting clotting and improving wound healing responses have been previously developed in the lab. These are constructed by functionalizing highly deformable hydrogel microparticles (microgels) with fibrin‐binding ligands including a fibrin‐specific whole antibody or a single‐domain variable fragment. To improve the translational potential of these clotting materials, the use of fibrin‐binding peptides as cost‐effective, robust, high‐specificity alternatives to antibodies are explored. Herein, the development and characterization of soft microgels decorated with the peptide AHRPYAAK that mimics fibrin knob “B” and targets fibrin hole “b” are presented. These “fibrin‐affine microgels with clotting yield” (FAMCY) are found to significantly increase clot density in vitro and decrease bleeding in a rodent trauma model in vivo. These results indicate that FAMCYs are capable of recapitulating the platelet‐mimetic properties of previous designs while utilizing a less costly, more translational design.
Functionalized Mouth‐Conformable Interfaces for pH Evaluation of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Matzeu Giusy , Naveh Gili R. S. , Agarwal Siddhart , Roshko Jeffery A. , Ostrovsky‐Snider Nicholas A. , Napier Bradley S. , Omenetto Fiorenzo G.
Published: March 2021

Oral health monitoring is highly desired, especially for in home use, however, current methods are not sensitive enough and technically convoluted for this purpose. This paper presents incorporation of bioactive materials and colorimetric chemical sensors into routinely used oral appliances transforming them into bioresponsive, conformable interfaces. Specifically, endodontic paper points and dental floss can be functionalized to locally sense and monitor pH variations within the oral cavity via color changes. Moreover, edible colorimetric indicators are developed and used to make sensing, edible devices in the form factor of candies that can dynamically and visually respond to acidity changes in saliva. These interfaces would enable early detection of caries (e.g., using dental floss and paper points) providing low‐cost point of care devices that respond in real‐time by detecting pH variations in biological fluids thus bringing monitoring to home settings .
Abuse‐Tolerant Electrolytes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Chen Zhiqi , Chao Yunfeng , Li Weihua , Wallace Gordon G. , Bussell Tim , Ding Jie , Wang Caiyun
Published: March 2021

Safety issues currently limit the development of advanced lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and this is exacerbated when they are misused or abused. The addition of small amounts of fillers or additives into common liquid electrolytes can greatly improve resistance to abuse without impairing electrochemical performance. This review discusses the recent progress in such abuse‐tolerant electrolytes. It covers electrolytes with shear thickening properties for tolerating mechanical abuse, electrolytes with redox shuttle additives for suppressing electrochemical abuse, and electrolytes with flame‐retardant additives for resisting thermal abuse. It aims to provide insights into the functioning of such electrolytes and the understanding of electrolyte composition‐property relationship. Future perspectives, challenges, and opportunities towards practical applications are also presented.
Consumer perceptions after long‐term use of alternative irrigation water: A field experiment inIsrael
Authors: Ellis Sean F. , Kecinski Maik , Messer Kent D. , Lipchin Clive
Published: March 2021

This study provides the first revealed preference estimates of Israelis' willingness to pay for produce irrigated with alternative water. Results show that Israelis prefer produce irrigated with conventional water over any type of alternative water and that their preferences for alternative water varies by type. These results indicate that there may be long‐run limits to how high consumer demand for alternative water can rise. Policymakers should be cognizant of these findings and gradually expose the public to the unavoidable future of widespread alternative water use. Increased public awareness of water scarcity and alternative water technology will encourage adoption when it is possible and necessary.
Dominating Role of Interfacial N–Ni Coordination in Spinel Nickel Ferrite/N‐Doped Graphene Hybrids for Boosting Reversible Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Qin Jia-Yi , Wang Si-kai , Zhou Sheng , Liu Tao , Yin Yue-hui , Yang Jing
Published: March 2021

Designing efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for reversible oxygen electrocatalysis (oxygen reduction reaction [ORR] and oxygen evolution reaction [OER]) reactions is highly desirable for rechargeable metal–air batteries. The hybrid electrocatalysts composed of transition metal oxides and N‐doped carbonaceous materials are promising bifunctional ORR/OER electrocatalysts, whose improved electrocatalytic activities can be attributed to the synergistic effect originated from the metal–N–C active sites. Herein, NiFe2O4/N‐doped graphene (NFO/NG) composites are prepared which own enhanced OER, especially superior ORR performance for the utilization of rechargeable Zn–air batteries. Significantly, it is also verified that the interfacial Ni–(pyridinic or pyrrolic) N–C species, rather than Fe–N–C, play key role infactors for promoting ORR/OER bifunctional electrocatalysis. The optimized catalyst displays remarkably reduced overpotential for both ORR and OER with an overall potential difference as low as 0.67 V. The assembled rechargeable Zn–air battery shows a high specific capacity (513.6 mA h gzn−1) and power density (173.6 mW cm−2), as well as a long‐term cycling stability.
The Pivotal Role of Hot Carriers in Plasmonic Catalysis of C−N Bond Forming Reaction of Amines
Authors: Swaminathan Swathi , Rao Vishal Govind , Bera Jitendra K. , Chandra Manabendra
Published: March 2021

Here, we demonstrate the simultaneous utilization of both the hot carriers (electrons and holes) in the photocatalytic transformation of benzylamine to N‐benzylidenebenzylamine and the scope of reaction has also been successfully demonstrated with catalytic oxidation of 4‐methoxybenzylamine. The wavelength‐dependent excitation of AuNP allows us to tune the potential energy of charge carriers relative to the redox potential of the reactants which leads to energetically favorable product formation on the nanoparticle surface. We capture the formation of reaction intermediates and products by using in situ Raman spectroscopy, complemented by NMR spectroscopy and GC‐MS. Based on the experimental substantiations, a plausible reaction mechanism has been proposed.
Polymorphism and Fast Potassium‐Ion Conduction in the T5 Supertetrahedral Phosphidosilicate KSi2P3
Authors: Haffner Arthur , Hatz Anna‐Katharina , Zeman Otto E. O. , Hoch Constantin , Lotsch Bettina V. , Johrendt Dirk
Published: March 2021

The all‐solid‐state battery (ASSB) is a promising candidate for electrochemical energy storage. In view of the limited availability of lithium, however, alternative systems based on earth‐abundant and inexpensive elements are urgently sought. Besides well‐studied sodium compounds, potassium‐based systems offer the advantage of low cost and a large electrochemical window, but are hardly explored. Here we report the synthesis and crystal structure of K‐ion conducting T5 KSi2P3 inspired by recent discoveries of fast ion conductors in alkaline phosphidosilicates. KSi2P3 is composed of SiP4 tetrahedra forming interpenetrating networks of large T5 supertetrahedra. The compound passes through a reconstructive phase transition from the known T3 to the new tetragonal T5 polymorph at 1020 °C with enantiotropic displacive phase transitions upon cooling at about 155 °C and 80 °C. The potassium ions are located in large channels between the T5 supertetrahedral networks and show facile movement through the structure. The bulk ionic conductivity is up to 2.6×10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C with an average activation energy of 0.20 eV. This is remarkably high for a potassium ion conductor at room temperature, and marks KSi2P3 as the first non‐oxide solid potassium ion conductor.
An International Collaborative Study on Trypsin Inhibitor Assay for Legumes, Cereals, and Related Products
Authors: Liu Keshun , Seegers Susan , Cao Wenming , Wanasundara Janitha , Chen Juxing , da Silva Alessandro Esteves , Ross Kristopher , Franco Alexandra Lozano , Vrijenhoek Theo , Bhowmik Pankaj , Li Yonghui , Wu Xin , Bloomer Scott
Published: March 2021

For determining trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) in soy products, the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS) Method Ba 12‐75 has been used. It measures differences in absorbance at 410 nm of bovine trypsin activity toward a synthetic substrate (Nα‐benzoyl‐DL‐arginine‐p‐nitroanilide) in the absence and presence of an inhibitor. Recently, a significantly improved method was developed (JAOCS, 2019, 96:635–645), featuring 5 mL of total assay volume, enzyme‐last sequence, and single inhibitor level in duplicate. It is proposed as the AOCS Method Ba 12a‐2020. As a part of the AOCS method approval process, a collaborative study involving 12 international laboratories was conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The study involved measuring TIA in 10 selected test samples plus a blind duplicate. They included soybeans, pulses, cereals, and their processed products (flours, concentrates, and isolates). After rigorous statistical treatment of the data, only three outliers were removed from the data of two samples. Repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) for the 11 samples ranged from 0.99% to 5.52%. Reproducibility RSD (RSDR) ranged from 7.07% to 22.92%, with seven samples having RSDR around 10% or less. The remaining four samples had very low TIA, and their RSDR values ranged from 13.34% to 22.92%. The study has demonstrated reliable performance of the proposed AOCS method. Several collaborators carried out additional experiments addressing some aspects of the method, leading to further refinements. The proposed method is undergoing evaluation by the AOCS Uniform Methods Committee for adoption as an Official Method for measuring TIA in various legume and grain products.
Preparation of anti‐migration transition layer and its application in cast‐in‐case solid rocket motors
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Weihai , Ren Rui , Zhang Zhaobo , Luo Yunjun
Published: March 2021

The polyester‐based transition layers were first synthesized with poly (diethylene glycol adipate), glycerin, and toluene diisocyanate. Then they were coated between the propellant and the liner to improve the bonding performance of the charge and inhibit the migration of the energetic plasticizer in the propellant. The effects of R value (the ratio of the quantity of isocyanate functions NCO with respect to the quantity of hydroxyl functions OH) on migration resistance and bonding performance were also studied. The overall performance was optimized at R = 1.5: after the transition layer was applied, the binding strength was greatly increased from 0.14 to 0.64 MPa, which had good application prospects. Meanwhile, due to the strong interactions between the polar ester groups and N‐butyl‐N‐nitratoethyl nitramine (NENA) in the transition layers, the portion of NENA migrating into liners were reduced from 7.6% to 6.0% (reduced by 21%), indicating that the introduction of polyester transition layers could significantly improve the anti‐migration effect. The activation energies of migration for NENA in the transition layers were about 66.3 ~ 94.3 kJ/mol, which were equivalent to the value of strong hydrogen bonding.
Ionic liquids enhanced performance of PVC gels actuator
Authors: Ali Imdad , Latif Abdul , Hussain Khalid , Shehzad Farooq Khurum , Ali Ahmed , Faisal Rehman , Xudong Li , Dias Otavio Augusto Titton , Weimin Yang , Haoyi Li
Published: March 2021

Stimulated devices are highly demanded for actuators and artificial muscles in the recent era but susceptible to low deformation at an applied voltage. In the present work, ionic liquids (ILs) based gel films were prepared from the polyvinyl chloride (PVC), dibutyl adipate (DBA), 1‐butyl, 3‐methimidazolium chloride, and 1‐pentyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate by a simple solvent evaporation method. The structural, morphological, optical, and mechanical properties of the composite PVC/ILs gel were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Large Angle X‐ray scattering (LAXS), UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron micrpscopy (SEM) and elemental mapping. We found that the displacement of plasticized PVC gels‐based actuator was 0.1 mm with the response time of 0.33 s at an induced voltage of 1000 V. The loading of 0.02% of IL (fluorides) with PVC gel showed maximum deformation of 0.16 mm with a relatively rapid response time of 0.2 s. These high deformation and response time values of IL fluoride‐based gels are dramatically higher than reported PVC gels. Likewise, the loading of IL fluorides in the PVC gel showed a high elongation value at the break of about 377%. This work suggests that the flexible gel based on IL fluorides and PVC could be a potential candidate for the fabrication of high‐performance artificial muscles and tunable soft actuators.
The influence of nano‐silica on the thermal conductivity of polyurethane foam
Authors: Do Thi Vi Vi , Le Van Hau Vo , Thai Ngoc Uyen Nguyen , Dai Hue Ngan , Grillet Anne‐Cécile , Thuc Chi Nhan Ha
Published: March 2021

This study reports the influence of nano‐silica particles (0.0–0.45 %wt) on properties of polyurethane foams (PUF) using monoglycerides, sorbitol, and glycerol as components of polyol. The morphology, density, mechanical, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity properties of samples were investigated in this study. When 0.35 %Wt of nano‐silica was used to reinforce PUF, the compression strength of PUF achieved the highest value (82.49 kPa). The thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the presence of nano‐silica can improve the thermal stability of PUF samples. Scanning electron microscopy studies indicated that PUF samples containing 0.3, 0.35, and 0.45 %Wt of nano‐silica had more uniform cell structures than pure PUF sample. Finally, the thermal conductivity of pure PUF and PUF/nano‐silica were measured at three different levels of humidity (33% RH, 57% RH and 75% RH) at 25°C. The lowest thermal conductivity value achieved was 0.034 W/mK.
Determination of the residual monomer concentration of ε‐caprolactam in polyamide‐6 using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy gas analysis
Authors: Kurt Samet , Maier Jonas , Horny Robert , Horn Siegfried , Koch Dietmar , Moosburger‐Will Judith
Published: March 2021

For the anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam to polyamide‐6 the residual monomer concentration in the final polymer is an important characteristic. To determine this residual ε‐caprolactam monomer concentration, a fast and fail‐safe method was developed, which couples thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) gas analysis. FTIR allows an identification of the types of gasses released during heat treatment. Calibration of the infrared absorbance of ε‐caprolactam and the corresponding mass loss in TGA allows a quantitative evaluation of the ε‐caprolactam monomer release. Low‐heating rates and powdery samples guarantee high‐precision measurements.
Influence of deposited amine‐functionalized Si‐MCM‐41 in polyacrylonitrile electrospun membranes applied for separation of water in oil emulsions
Authors: Ávila‐Ortega Alejandro , Avalos‐Hernández José Pablo , Trejo‐Tzab Rudy , Oliva Andrés Iván , Juárez‐Moreno Juan Antonio
Published: March 2021

Among several oil/water emulsion separation technologies, the utilization of nanoparticle‐decorated membranes with diverse functionalities has received considerable attention in recent years, particularly if the antifouling capacity can be improved. In this article, we propose a new membrane based on surface‐hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile electrospun membranes and/or decorated with amine‐functionalized Si‐MCM‐41 nanoparticles to be used as oil/water emulsion separation treatment and to determine their antifouling ability. X‐Ray photoelectron spectrometry, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and toluidine blue O assay, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements for oil under water and thermogravimetry were used for characterizing the membranes and an assay of permeability was developed to quantify the diffusion of oil molecules across the electrospun membrane. The electrospun and/or decorated membranes showed an underwater oleophobic wettability, which can separate oil‐in‐water emulsions with 87% separation efficiency, results of fouling experiments, evaluated in terms of rejection and flux recovery ratio, exhibited good antifouling ability, but the membrane decoration process did not lead to superior outcomes compared with undecorated membranes.
Recent Progress of Near‐Infrared Persistent Phosphors in Bio‐related and Emerging Applications
Authors: Wu Lixin , Tang Ying , Lu Fengniu , Yuan Zhiqin
Published: March 2021

Near‐infrared persistent phosphors (NIR‐PPs) are an emerging category of luminescent materials that can continuously emit NIR luminescence with super‐long decay time of minutes, hours, or even days after the excitation ceases. Their unique excitation‐free long‐lasting afterglow, together with the NIR emission, has not only attracted wide research interests in the areas of photochemistry, photophysics, spectroscopy, and materials science, but also stimulated advanced applications in biosensing, bioimaging, biomedicine, and therapy in the past decade. Beyond these bio‐related applications, the active research field triggers a number of novel applications recently. In this review, a brief outline of NIR‐PPs including the luminescence mechanism, main material systems, and how they were applied into various fields was depicted. Particular emphasis was put on the emerging applications outside the field of biology. Future perspectives in this exploration research area were also presented. We hope this review can help researchers grab the latest information in the fast‐growing field of NIR‐PPs.
Survival of infants born with esophageal atresia among 24 international birth defects surveillance programs
Authors: Bell Jane C. , Baynam Gareth , Bergman Jorieke E. H. , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Botto Lorenzo D. , Canfield Mark A. , Dastgiri Saeed , Gatt Miriam , Groisman Boris , Hurtado‐Villa Paula , Kallen Karin , Khoshnood Babak , Konrad Victoria , Landau Danielle , Lopez‐Camelo Jorge S. , Martinez Laura , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M. , Nance Amy E. , Nembhard Wendy , Pierini Anna , Rissmann Anke , Shan Xiaoyi , Sipek Antonin , Szabova Elena , Tagliabue Giovanna , Yevtushok Lyubov S. , Zarante Ignacio , Nassar Natasha
Published: March 2021

Background

Esophageal atresia (EA) affects around 2.3–2.6 per 10,000 births world‐wide. Infants born with this condition require surgical correction soon after birth. Most survival studies of infants with EA are locally or regionally based. We aimed to describe survival across multiple world regions.

Methods

We included infants diagnosed with EA between 1980 and 2015 from 24 birth defects surveillance programs that are members of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research. We calculated survival as the proportion of liveborn infants alive at 1 month, 1‐ and 5‐years, among all infants with EA, those with isolated EA, those with EA and additional anomalies or EA and a chromosomal anomaly or genetic syndrome. We also investigated trends in survival over the decades, 1980s–2010s.

Results

We included 6,466 liveborn infants with EA. Survival was 89.4% (95% CI 88.1–90.5) at 1‐month, 84.5% (95% CI 83.0–85.9) at 1‐year and 82.7% (95% CI 81.2–84.2) at 5‐years. One‐month survival for infants with isolated EA (97.1%) was higher than for infants with additional anomalies (89.7%) or infants with chromosomal or genetic syndrome diagnoses (57.3%) with little change at 1‐ and 5‐years. Survival at 1 month improved from the 1980s to the 2010s, by 6.5% for infants with isolated EA and by 21.5% for infants with EA and additional anomalies.

Conclusions

Almost all infants with isolated EA survived to 5 years. Mortality was higher for infants with EA and an additional anomaly, including chromosomal or genetic syndromes. Survival improved from the 1980s, particularly for those with additional anomalies.
Brain imaging features of children with Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Jie , Cao Ya‐Xian , Wu Hui‐Ying , Li He‐Hong
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aimed to summarize the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) features of the central nervous system (CNS) in children with Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome.

Methods

The imaging and clinical data of four children diagnosed with Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome by clinical and laboratory tests in the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center were gathered and analyzed retrospectively. The clinical manifestations and CNS imaging features of Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome were summarized based on our results and a literature review.

Results

Our results showed that delayed development, skin pigmentation, nail/toenail dystrophy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia are the most observed clinical presentations of Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome. Important findings on CNS imaging showed that all patients had cerebellar hypoplasia, delayed myelination, hydrocephalus, brain atrophy, and calcification. The gene mutations in all cases were consistent with those of dyskeratosis congenita, including TINF2 mutations in three cases and DKC1 mutations in one case.

Conclusion

Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome is a severe variant of dyskeratosis congenita. Both DKC1 and TINF2 mutations can lead to the phenotypes of Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome. In our study, CNS imaging revealed that cerebellar hypoplasia has an important diagnostic value for Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome while delayed myelination, calcification of the parenchyma, brain atrophy, and hydrocephalus are also important findings on CNS imaging. Combining imaging features with clinical and laboratory indicators can assist the diagnosis of Hoyeraal‐Hreidarsson syndrome.
Prognostic significance of poorly differentiated histology and impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in early squamous cell carcinoma of cervix uteri
Authors: Luo Hui , Yao Hongxia , Xu Xinxin , Li Zhen , Zhao Hongqin , Zhu Haiyan
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study is to determine whether the addition of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy after radical hysterectomy will improve the survival of low‐risk squamous cervical carcinoma with poor differentiation.

Methods

Patients with low‐risk squamous cervical cancer (FIGO IA2–IIA, absent high‐ and intermediate‐risk factors after pathological evaluation) were eligible for this study. As first, the prognostic relevance of G3 versus G1/G2 among patients with low‐risk squamous cervical cancer was analyzed, then, the oncological results of postoperative chemotherapy among low‐risk squamous cervical cancer with poor differentiation was explored.

Results

Totally, there were 367 low‐risk squamous cervical cancer patients, of whom 161 were poor‐differentiated (47 in the chemotherapy group and 114 in the nonchemotherapy group), with a median follow‐up time of 56 months. Patients with G3 displayed a significantly worse overall survival (p = 0.035), and a higher recurrence rate (p = 0.014) than patients with G1/G2. Compared with the nonchemotherapy group, the hazard ratios (95%CI) for recurrence‐free survival in the chemotherapy group was 0.24 (0.06–0.93), (p = 0.038). No difference in overall survival was observed between the chemotherapy group and the nonchemotherapy group.

Conclusions

The addition of cisplatin‐based chemotherapy following surgery significantly improved recurrence‐free survival for low‐risk, poor differentiation, and early stage squamous cervical cancer patients.
Overall survival, adverse events, and economic burden in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia receiving systemic therapy: Real‐world evidence from the medicare population
Authors: Goyal Ravi K. , Nagar Saurabh P. , Kabadi Shaum M. , Le Hannah , Davis Keith L. , Kaye James A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Information on overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is mostly available from clinical trials. We therefore conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study to assess OS, incidence of AEs, and economic burden in real‐world practice among Medicare patients treated for CLL.

Methods

Patients with CLL receiving ≥1 systemic therapy from 2013 to 2015 were selected from the Medicare claims database and followed from the start of first observed systemic therapy (index date) through December 2016 or death. OS for patients receiving each of the most commonly observed treatments was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. AEs were assessed among patients receiving these treatments across all observed lines of therapy. All‐cause direct medical costs were assessed from the Medicare system perspective.

Results

Among 7,965 eligible patients across all observed therapy lines, ibrutinib monotherapy (Ibr; n = 2,708), chlorambucil monotherapy (Clb; n = 1,620), and bendamustine/rituximab (BR; n = 1,485) were the most common treatments. For first observed therapy, 24‐month OS estimates for Ibr, Clb, and BR recipients were 69% (95% CI = 68%–71%), 68% (95% CI = 65%–71%), and 79% (95% CI = 77%–81%) respectively. The most frequently recorded AEs in patients receiving these treatments in any observed line of therapy were neutropenia, hypertension, anemia, and infection. For all patients, the mean monthly all‐cause cost during the follow‐up period was $8,974 (SD = $11,562); cost increased by the number of AEs, from $5,144 (SD = $5,409) among those with 1–2 AEs to $10,077 (SD = $12,542) among those with ≥6 AEs.

Conclusion

Over two‐thirds of patients survived at least 2 years after starting their first observed therapy for CLL. Our findings highlight considerable susceptibility to AEs and unmet medical need in Medicare patients with CLL treated in routine practice. Medicare incurred substantial economic burden following initiation of systemic therapy, and patients with greater numbers of AEs accounted disproportionately for the high overall cost of CLL management.
In transition: Supporting competency attainment in Black and Latinx students
Authors: Richardson Eric , Fisher Daniel , Oetjen Dawn , Oetjen Reid , Gordon Jean , Conklin Sheri , Knowles Emily
Published: March 2021

Minority students, particularly those of the Black and Latinx communities, face daunting challenges—confronted with the recent pandemic, ongoing inequality, and increased financial uncertainty due to job loss and rising unemployment. With recent shifts to skill‐based learning and remaining "work‐ready," competency‐based education (CBE) has never been more critical. CBE is outcome‐focused, student‐centered, and integrates instruction focusing on students mastering prerequisite content and skills to advance. However, many "in‐person" programs primarily structure delivery around lecture‐based delivery, often focus on the quantity of work versus behavioral outcomes, and fail to recognize the synergy of innovative delivery mechanisms. In a well‐designed online program/course, faculty can anchor course objectives to competencies, implement innovative assessments, leverage components of Connectivism, and utilize just‐in‐time learning to help their students excel. This writing focuses on best practices for implementing components of Connectivism and just‐in‐time learning for programs/courses shifting to online delivery.
Cutaneous arteritis with compartment syndrome: Case report and review of published works
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Muto Jun , Utsunomiya Ryo , Kitazawa Riko , Matsumoto Takuya , Sayama Koji
Published: March 2021

Cutaneous arteritis (CA) is a rare limited form of polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), which usually has a benign prognosis and requires less aggressive therapy. Here, we present a case of CA localized to both skin and muscle limited to the same area as skin lesions. We propose CA with muscle disorders as a severe subtype of CA and present a literature review of CA with muscle disorders, which may require treatment with intravenous pulse methylprednisolone, immunosuppressive therapy, and below‐the‐knee amputation. Our case presented here demonstrates a severe case of CA associated with compartment syndrome, leading to a highly elevated serum concentration of procalcitonin.
Acute myeloid leukemia: Treatment and research outlook for 2021 and the MD Anderson approach
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , Kadia Tapan M. , DiNardo Courtney D. , Welch Mary Alma , Ravandi Farhad
Published: March 2021

The unraveling of the pathophysiology of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has resulted in rapid translation of the information into clinical practice. After more than 40 years of slow progress in AML research, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved nine agents for different AML treatment indications since 2017. In this review, we detail the progress that has been made in the research and treatment of AML, citing key publications related to AML research and therapy in the English literature since 2000. The notable subsets of AML include acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), core‐binding factor AML (CBF‐AML), AML in younger patients fit for intensive chemotherapy, and AML in older/unfit patients (usually at the age cutoff of 60‐70 years). We also consider within each subset whether the AML is primary or secondary (therapy‐related, evolving from untreated or treated myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative neoplasm). In APL, therapy with all‐trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide results in estimated 10‐year survival rates of ≥80%. Treatment of CBF‐AML with fludarabine, high‐dose cytarabine, and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) results in estimated 10‐year survival rates of ≥75%. In younger/fit patients, the “3+7” regimen (3 days of daunorubicin + 7 days of cytarabine) produces less favorable results (estimated 5‐year survival rates of 35%; worse in real‐world experience); regimens that incorporate high‐dose cytarabine, adenosine nucleoside analogs, and GO are producing better results. Adding venetoclax, FLT3, and IDH inhibitors into these regimens has resulted in encouraging preliminary data. In older/unfit patients, low‐intensity therapy with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) and venetoclax is now the new standard of care. Better low‐intensity regimens incorporating cladribine, low‐dose cytarabine, and other targeted therapies (FLT3 and IDH inhibitors) are emerging. Maintenance therapy now has a definite role in the treatment of AML, and oral HMAs with potential treatment benefits are also available. In conclusion, AML therapy is evolving rapidly and treatment results are improving in all AML subsets as novel agents and strategies are incorporated into traditional AML chemotherapy.

LAY SUMMARY

Ongoing research in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is progressing rapidly.

Since 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved 10 drugs for different AML indications.

This review updates the research and treatment pathways for AML.
Pulmonary nodule detection based on 3D feature pyramid network with incorporated squeeze‐and‐excitation‐attention mechanism
Authors: Zhang Mengyi , Kong Zhaokai , Zhu Wenjun , Yan Fei , Xie Chao
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer is mainly caused by malignant lung nodules. Early detection and diagnosis of lung nodules can diagnose the disease in time and significantly improve the survival rate of the patients. With the rapid development of deep learning networks in the field of medical aid diagnosis, many deep networks have been applied to lung nodule detection. Statistical distribution shows that most of the lung nodule radii are too small to be well detected. Therefore, 3D feature pyramid network (FPN) for single‐stage pulmonary nodule detection is proposed to solve this problem by combining the 3D characteristics of computed tomography (CT) image data. In addition, the squeeze‐and‐excitation (SE)‐attention module is added to improve detection performance. The validity of the network is verified on the public pulmonary nodule dataset LUNA16. The competition performance metric (CPM) value reaches 0.8934. Compared with other pulmonary nodule detection networks, the detection performance of this network improved by 2%.
The forecasting of air transport passenger demands in Turkey by using novel meta‐heuristic algorithms
Authors: Korkmaz Ersin , Akgüngör Ali Payıdar
Published: March 2021

The imbalance between modes of transport in our country appears as the most important problem. Therefore, in air transportation, which has a significant increasing trend, estimating the passenger demand with directly related parameters and novel algorithms is important for Turkey. In this study, different prediction models were developed applying for the first time with five different meta‐heuristic algorithms which are Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA), Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (ABC), Crow Search Algorithm (CSA), Krill Herd Algorithm (KH), and the Butterfly Optimization Algorithm (BOA) to estimate Turkey's air transport demand. While developing the models, Fuel Price, Gross Domestic Product per Capita, Seat Capacity, and Annual Fuel Consumption were selected as the model parameters. Although each model developed using different approaches is applicable, quadratic and power models developed using CSA showed the highest performance. For this reason, future projections were based on these models. Air transport passenger demand was examined using two scenarios in a process until 2035. In the first scenario, according to model forms, Turkey's future air transport passenger demand will reach about 460 and 490 million passengers, respectively. In the second scenario, the number of passengers will reach approximately 375 and 660 million for quadratic and power models, respectively. The results of this study will contribute to the evaluation of the current investment plans and the development of strategic plans that will meet the demands. Additionally, they will help take necessary measures and introduce some necessary regulations to ensure the income and expense balance so that the efficiency of airline companies can be improved.