bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlocking‐Governed Ultra‐Strong and Highly Conductive MXene Fibers Through Fluidics‐Assisted Thermal Drawing
Authors: Zhou Tianzhu , Cao Can , Yuan Shixing , Wang Zhe , Zhu Qi , Zhang Hao , Yan Jia , Liu Fan , Xiong Ting , Cheng Qunfeng , Wei Lei
Published: September 2023

High‐performance MXene fibers are always of significant interest for flexible textile‐based devices. However, achieving high mechanical property and electrical conductivity remains challenging due to the uncontrolled loose microstructures of MXene (Ti3C2Tx and Ti3CNTx) nanosheets. Herein, high‐performance MXene fibers directly obtained through fluidics‐assisted thermal drawing are demonstrated. Tablet interlocks are formed at the interface layer between the outer cyclic olefin copolymer and inner MXene nanosheets due to the thermal drawing induced stresses, resulting in thousands of meters long macroscopic compact MXene fibers with ultra‐high tensile strength, toughness, and outstanding electrical conductivity. Further, large‐scale woven textiles constructed by these fibers offer exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding performance with excellent durability and stability. Such an effective and sustainable approach can be applied to produce functional fibers for applications in both daily life and aerospace.
Charge Selective Contacts to Metal Halide Perovskites Studied with Photoelectron Spectroscopy: X‐Ray, Ultraviolet, and Visible Light Induced Energy Level Realignment
Authors: Zu Fengshuo , Shin Dongguen , Gutierrez‐Partida Emilio , Stolterfoht Martin , Amsalem Patrick , Koch Norbert
Published: September 2023

The electronic properties of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are crucial for achieving the full potential of MHPs‐based optoelectronic devices, and they are extensively studied by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES). However, there are numerous complexities during PES measurements, which can result in inconsistent experimental data or even misinterpretation of results. Here, it is demonstrated that in the presence of charge selective junctions with MHPs, significant electronic energy level realignment can occur during PES measurements due to the sample excitation with high‐energy photons used in PES, amounting up to over 0.8 eV in the present case. This is caused by unbalanced charge carrier accumulation within the perovskite due to the charge‐selective interface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy further reveals that photoexcitation due to bremsstrahlung, as produced in commonly employed twin‐anode lab‐sources, can readily produce sizable photoinduced shifts of core levels of MHPs films, whereas monochromatized X‐ray lab‐sources (irradiation flux reduced by >50 times by eliminating the bremsstrahlung) induce negligible shifts within the range of presently applied anode powers. The data and measurement conditions presented here are intended to enable others to obtain reliable MHP electronic property information from PES measurements.
A Thermocatalytic Ceramic Membrane by Perovskite Incorporation in the Alumina Framework
Authors: Østergaard Martin Bonderup , Veis Andreas , Deganello Francesca , Boffa Vittorio , Jørgensen Mads Koustrup
Published: September 2023

Access to clean water is limited by the increasing amount of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), since current methods fail to remove POPs completely. Therefore, new treatment technologies of surface water and wastewater are needed. In this study, two treatment methods are combined in one step, i.e., membrane filtration and thermocatalytic chemical oxidation of POPs. A perovskite‐type catalyst with formula Sr0.85Ce0.15FeO3‐δ (SCF) is incorporated into an alumina membrane using a simple two‐step heat treatment to minimize any chemical reaction of the catalytic active perovskite with alumina. First, a sintering process under inert atmosphere, then, a heat‐treatment under oxidative conditions to oxidize the iron species in the perovskite structure. The well‐known thermocatalytic properties of SCF make the membrane thermocatalytic and thus able to degrade pollutants under dark conditions without addition of oxidants. The SCF content in the membrane is varied between 0 and 15 wt% to explore the change in membrane properties. Results demonstrate that the thermocatalytic membranes have great potential for continuous membrane filtration and simultaneous degradation of POPs. When considering methyl orange, up to 100% removal is obtained at room temperature, whereas up to 93% of bisphenol A is removed at temperatures approaching 60 °C.
Lead‐Free CsCu2I3 Halides with 1D Crystal Structure for UV Photodetection
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Lv Jianan , Hu Lian , Li Xin , Yuan Meimei , Zhong Jiasong , Xu Minxuan , Shi Yueqin , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2023

Copper halide semiconductors are attracting extensive attention due to their nontoxic composition and excellent optoelectronic properties. Most so far are prepared via solution methods; however, grain boundaries and defects existing in those products hinder their further practical applications in solid‐state devices. In this work, CsCu2I3 halides with 1D crystal structure are initially prepared by a vapor phase deposition method. The large Stokes shift coupling with a long photoluminescence decay time (112 ns) suggests the existence of a self‐trapped exciton process in these CsCu2I3 nanowires, responsible for the yellow light emission emerging at 570 nm. UV photodetectors based on individual CsCu2I3 nanowires that are constructed via an etching‐free dry transfer route reveal a responsivity of 122 mA W−1 and rise/decay times of 203/223 ms (310 nm, 5 V bias), comparable to or better than those congeneric UV sensors made of other lead‐free halides. These CsCu2I3 nanowire‐based photodetectors also reveal good stability in the atmosphere (RH = 60–70%, 17 °C), benefitting from their fourfold coordination environment of Cu(I) atoms in the 1D crystal structure. These results imply the technical potential of manufacturing low‐dimensional lead‐free halide semiconductors for next‐generation green optoelectronics.
MicroMagnify: A Multiplexed Expansion Microscopy Method for Pathogens and Infected Tissues
Authors: Cheng Zhangyu , Stefani Caroline , Skillman Thomas , Klimas Aleksandra , Lee Aramchan , DiBernardo Emma F. , Brown Karina Mueller , Milman Tatyana , Wang Yuhong , Gallagher Brendan R. , Lagree Katherine , Jena Bhanu P. , Pulido Jose S. , Filler Scott G. , Mitchell Aaron P. , Hiller N. Luisa , Lacy‐Hulbert Adam , Zhao Yongxin
Published: September 2023

Super‐resolution optical imaging tools are crucial in microbiology to understand the complex structures and behavior of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. However, the capabilities of these tools, particularly when it comes to imaging pathogens and infected tissues, remain limited. MicroMagnify (µMagnify) is developed, a nanoscale multiplexed imaging method for pathogens and infected tissues that are derived from an expansion microscopy technique with a universal biomolecular anchor. The combination of heat denaturation and enzyme cocktails essential is found for robust cell wall digestion and expansion of microbial cells and infected tissues without distortion. µMagnify efficiently retains biomolecules suitable for high‐plex fluorescence imaging with nanoscale precision. It demonstrates up to eightfold expansion with µMagnify on a broad range of pathogen‐containing specimens, including bacterial and fungal biofilms, infected culture cells, fungus‐infected mouse tone, and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded human cornea infected by various pathogens. Additionally, an associated virtual reality tool is developed to facilitate the visualization and navigation of complex 3D images generated by this method in an immersive environment allowing collaborative exploration among researchers worldwide. µMagnify is a valuable imaging platform for studying how microbes interact with their host systems and enables the development of new diagnosis strategies against infectious diseases.
Unlocking Ultra‐High Performance in Immersed Solar Water Splitting with Optimised Energetics
Authors: Butson Joshua D. , Sharma Astha , Tournet Julie , Wang Yuan , Tatavarti Rao , Zhao Chuan , Jagadish Chennupati , Tan Hark Hoe , Karuturi Siva
Published: September 2023

This research introduces a pioneering approach to solar water splitting technology, utilizing an innovative, highly efficient immersed system. The system incorporates a flexible array of electrochemical and photoelectrochemical cells, powered by high‐performance III‐V triple‐junction cells. Remarkably, this method significantly boosts the solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency, reaching a record 20.7% under 1 sun illumination, employing earth‐abundant catalysts operating at ambient temperature. These findings highlight extensive scope for further optimization, including minimizing optical transmission losses, mitigating shading effects, and reducing the overpotential of the electrochemical cells, thereby augmenting the STH efficiency to an estimated 28%. Through a comprehensive techno‐economic analysis, a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of 8.3 USD kg−1 is estimated, forecasting the potential for a reduction to a competitive 1.8 USD kg−1 with improved efficiency, increased capacity factors, and decreased production costs. A sensitivity analysis emphasizes the significant influence of factors such as III‐V cell cost, electrolyzer membrane cost and capacity factor on the LCOH. Overall, this study signifies crucial progress toward a highly efficient and economically viable solar water splitting solution, promising a sustainable route for hydrogen production.
The Impact of Multifunctional Ambipolar Polymer Integration on the Performance and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Soo‐Kwan , Kim Jinseck , Choi Seongmin , Yong Taeyeong , Park Jin Young , Lee Gyudong , Han Sanghun , You Hyung Ryul , Ko Seonkyung , Park Gyuri , Ahn Hyungju , Yang Jiwoong , Kim Younghoon , Kim Bumjoon J. , Choi Jongmin
Published: September 2023

Effective passivation of grain boundaries in perovskite solar cells is essential for achieving high device performance and stability. However, traditional polymer‐based passivation strategies can introduce challenges, including increased series resistance, disruption of charge transport, and insufficient passivation coverage. In this study, a novel approach is proposed that integrates a multifunctional ambipolar polymer into perovskite solar cells to address these issues. The ambipolar polymer is successfully incorporated into both the perovskite film and the hole transport layer (HTL), enabling comprehensive restoration of defect sites within the perovskite active layer. Moreover, this approach yields additional advantages for perovskite devices, such as enabling bidirectional charge transport, limiting pinhole formation at the HTL, reducing lithium‐ion migration from the HTL to the perovskite, and minimizing both the band offset and surface energy difference between the perovskite film and HTL interface. With these benefits, the ambipolar polymer integrated device achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 24.0%. Remarkably, it also exhibits enhanced long‐term stability, preserving 92% of its initial PCE after 2000 h under ambient conditions, and 80% of its initial PCE after 432 h under harsh conditions (at 85 °C and 85 ± 5% RH).
Aqueous Zinc‐Iodine Batteries: From Electrochemistry to Energy Storage Mechanism
Authors: Chen Hui , Li Xiang , Fang Keqing , Wang Haiyan , Ning Jiqiang , Hu Yong
Published: September 2023

As one of the most appealing energy storage technologies, aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries still suffer severe problems such as low energy density, slow iodine conversion kinetics, and polyiodide shuttle. This review summarizes the recent development of Zn─I2 batteries with a focus on the electrochemistry of iodine conversion and the underlying working mechanism. Starting from the fundamentals of Zn─I2 batteries, the electrochemistry of iodine conversion and zinc anode, as well as the scientific problems existing in Zn─I2 batteries are introduced. The concrete strategies dealing with cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator challenges confronting Zn─I2 batteries are elaborated as well. To deepen the understanding of the electrochemistry of Zn─I2 batteries, the recent important findings of the underlying working mechanism of different Zn─I2 batteries are summarized in detail. Finally, some guidelines and directions for Zn─I2 batteries are also provided. This review is expected to deepen the understanding of Zn─I2 battery electrochemistry and promote their practical applications in the future.
Mulching with oilseed rape improving soil moisture and fertility and apple yield in orchard in semi‐arid region
Authors: Wang Chunli , Cao Chenhui , Qiang Cheng , Wang Jianping , Wang Zhouli , Zhang Zhi , Chen Wenjie , Yang Jianli
Published: September 2023

This study was aimed to alleviate water deficiency and improve soil fertility in orchards in a semi‐arid region. The Brassica napus L. winter varieties (including the varieties V6 and V7) (V6 and V7 belong to the Brassica napus L. winter variety 1721‐1B, and Qin‐you‐7) generally had higher aboveground biological yield, lower root yield, and main root length compared to the Brassica campestris L. winter or spring varieties. By mulching root area of apple tree with aboveground part of these rape varieties in later autumn, the water contents in 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm soil were enhanced or changed at following March and positively correlated with the mulching‐plant biomass. Similarly, under treatments of the V6‐I and V7‐I (V6‐I and V7‐I belong to mulching root area of apple tree with aboveground part of the variety V6 and V7) (the variety V6 and V7 mulching), and the V6‐II and V7‐II (V6‐II and V7‐II belong to mulching root area of apple tree with aboveground part of the V6 and V7 + 5% soil), the average water content in 0–150 cm soil was significantly increased by about 12%, 8%, 18%, and 15% at following spring, respectively; meanwhile, the treatment V6‐II and V7‐II induced significant increase in water contents in 0–25, 25–50, 50–75, 75–100, 100–125, and 125–150 cm soil profile; these treatments were conducted over 2 years; the available K, total N, and organic matter in 0–20 cm soil was significantly increased by 39.3%–151.8%, 10.0%–17.9%, and 22.7%–34.2%, the apple tree growth was promoted, and the fruit yield per plant was significantly enhanced by 16.9%–95.5%. In conclusion, the Brassica napus L. winter variety mulching, especially the mulching with the aboveground part of the Brassica napus L. winter variety + 5% soil, showed significant effect in improving soil moisture, soil fertility, and fruit yield in orchards in semi‐arid regions.
The effect of organizational ambidexterity on sustainable performance: A structural equation analysis applied to the Spanish wine industry
Authors: Martínez‐Falcó Javier , Marco‐Lajara Bartolomé , Zaragoza‐Sáez Patrocinio , Sánchez‐García Eduardo
Published: September 2023

This research analyzes how organizational ambidexterity (OA) affects sustainable performance in the Spanish wine industry, as well as the catalytic role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and knowledge management infrastructure (KMI) on these variables. For this purpose, a theoretical model is elaborated based on the literature review carried out, which is contrasted following a quantitative approach by means of structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) with primary data collected from 202 Spanish wineries between September 2021 and January 2022. The research results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between OA and sustainable performance. Likewise, OA partially mediates the CSR‐sustainable performance and KMI‐sustainable performance relationship. Thus, the present research contributes to the literature in several ways. First, to the best of our knowledge, there are no previous studies that have analyzed the effect of OA on sustainable performance in the wine context, which represents an opportunity to advance scientific knowledge. Second, to our knowledge, there is no previous scientific production that has analyzed what may be the triggers of OA. Third, the proposed theoretical model has not been addressed previously, so that, through the research, a new way of understanding the improvement in the economic, social and environmental performance of wineries is formulated [EconLit Citations: L66, 03, M1].
The role of intraspecific crop–weed hybridization in the evolution of weediness and invasiveness: Cultivated and weedy radish (Raphanus sativus) as a case study
Authors: Vercellino Román B. , Hernández Fernando , Presotto Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Premise

The phenotype of hybrids between a crop and its wild or weed counterpart is usually intermediate and maladapted compared to that of their parents; however, hybridization has sometimes been associated with increased fitness, potentially leading to enhanced weediness and invasiveness. Since the ecological context and maternal genetic effects may affect hybrid fitness, they could influence the evolutionary outcomes of hybridization. Here, we evaluated the performance of first‐generation crop–weed hybrids of Raphanus sativus and their parents in two contrasting ecological conditions.

Methods

Using experimental hybridization and outdoor common garden experiments, we assessed differences in time to flowering, survival to maturity, plant biomass, and reproductive components between bidirectional crop–weed hybrids and their parents in agrestal (wheat cultivation, fertilization, weeding) and ruderal (human‐disturbed, uncultivated area) conditions over 2 years.

Results

Crop, weeds, and bidirectional hybrids overlapped at least partially during the flowering period, indicating a high probability of gene flow. Hybrids survived to maturity at rates at least as successful as their parents and had higher plant biomass and fecundity, which resulted in higher fitness compared to their parents in both environments, without any differences associated with the direction of the hybridization.

Conclusions

Intraspecific crop–weed hybridization, regardless of the cross direction, has the potential to promote weediness in weedy R. sativus in agrestal and ruderal environments, increasing the chances for introgression of crop alleles into weed populations. This is the first report of intraspecific crop–weed hybridization in R. sativus.
Proteomics‐Based Discovery of First‐in‐Class Chemical Probes for Programmed Cell Death Protein 2 (PDCD2)
Authors: Ji Wenzhi , Byun Woong Sub , Lu Wenchao , Zhu Xijun , Donovan Katherine A. , Dwyer Brendan G. , Che Jianwei , Yuan Linjie , Abulaiti Xianmixinuer , Corsello Steven M. , Fischer Eric S. , Zhang Tinghu , Gray Nathanael S.
Published: September 2023

Chemical probes are essential tools for understanding biological systems and for credentialing potential biomedical targets. Programmed cell death 2 (PDCD2) is a member of the B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) family of proteins, which are critical regulators of apoptosis. Here we report the discovery and characterization of 10 e, a first‐in‐class small molecule degrader of PDCD2. We discovered this PDCD2 degrader by serendipity using a chemical proteomics approach, in contrast to the conventional approach for making bivalent degraders starting from a known binding ligand targeting the protein of interest. Using 10 e as a pharmacological probe, we demonstrate that PDCD2 functions as a critical regulator of cell growth by modulating the progression of the cell cycle in T lymphoblasts. Our work provides a useful pharmacological probe for investigating PDCD2 function and highlights the use of chemical proteomics to discover selective small molecule degraders of unanticipated targets.
Co‐encapsulating Cofactor and Enzymes in Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Multienzyme Cascade Reactions with Cofactor Recycling
Authors: Liu Si , Sun Yan
Published: September 2023

Use of hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) for enzyme immobilization faces challenges in the improvement of enzyme activity recovery and the assembly of cofactor‐dependent multienzyme systems. Herein, we report a polyelectrolyte‐assisted encapsulation approach (PAEA) that enables two cascades with four oxidoreductases and two nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) (NAD(P)H) cofactors co‐encapsulated in BioHOF‐1 with excellent cargo loading and over 100 % cascade activity. The key role of the polyelectrolyte is to coat enzymes and tether NAD(P)H, thus interacting with HOF monomers in place of enzymes, avoiding the destruction of enzymes by HOF monomers. The versatility and efficiency of PAEA are further illustrated by an HOF‐101‐based bio‐nanoreactor. Moreover, the immobilization by PAEA makes enzymes and NAD(P)H display excellent stability and recyclability. This study has demonstrated a facile and versatile PAEA for fabricating cofactor‐dependent multienzyme cascade nanoreactors with HOFs.
Absolute CO2/Xenon Separation in Ultramicropore MOF for Anesthetic Gases Regeneration
Authors: Zeng Jiahui , Fu Yu , Wu Yue , Wang Shanshan , Zhang Wenxiang , Ma Heping
Published: September 2023

Xe is an ideal anesthetic gas, but it has not been widely used in practice due to its high cost and low output. Closed‐circuit Xe recovery and recycling is an economically viable method to ensure adequate supply in medical use. Herein, we design an innovative way to recover Xe by using a stable fluorinated metal‐organic framework (MOF) NbOFFIVE‐1‐Ni to eliminate CO2 from moist exhaled anesthetic gases. Unlike other Xe recovery MOFs with low Xe/CO2 selectivity (less than 10), NbOFFIVE‐1‐Ni could achieve absolute molecular sieve separation of CO2/Xe with excellent CO2 selectivity (825). Mixed‐gas breakthrough experiments assert the potential of NbOFFIVE‐1‐Ni as a molecular sieve adsorbent for the effective and energy‐efficient removal of carbon dioxide with 99.16 % Xe recovery. Absolute CO2/Xe separation in NbOFFIVE‐1‐Ni makes closed‐circuit Xe recovery and recycling can be easily realized, demonstrating the potential of NbOFFIVE‐1‐Ni for important anesthetic gas regeneration under ambient conditions.
Robust water‐stable poly (ethersulfone)/poly (ethyleneimine) nanofibrous membranes for nitrate adsorption
Authors: Khanmohammadi Khoshui Sedigheh , Hosseini Ravandi Seyed Abdolkarim , Karimi Mohammad , Talebi Zahra
Published: September 2023

Nanofibrous media or electrospun webs are widely used as affinity membranes due to their extraordinary properties. In this study, the micro‐nano structure PES/PEI membrane was fabricated by electrospinning. The stability of the membrane during adsorption and washing is very important for affinity membranes. The fabricated web was insolubilized through an optimized crosslinking reaction by glutaraldehyde. Effect of crosslinking time and concentration on adsorption efficiency of adsorbent for nitrate studied using batch experiments. The morphology of the nanofibrous web before and after crosslinking was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used for studying the change in functional groups of PES/PEI composite. Results show that 90 min of crosslinking reaction by immersion method in 0.71% glutaraldehyde in water/acetone medium could successfully insolubilize the polyethyleneimine and change the smooth surface of the nanofibrous web to a rough state with nano spherules. The kinetics studies show that nitrate adsorption by PES/PEI composite follows a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm was also investigated using Langmuir and Freundlich models. Results show that the adsorption of nitrate on PES/PEI follows the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 53.47 mg/g which is considered a high value comparing other studies.
Preparation and properties of UV curable room temperature repair bio‐based poly(siloxane‐urethane) coating
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Yuqing , Li Peiyao , Wang Ruotong , Ma Binghao , Zeng Fanglei , Zhang Qitu , Dai Hongyan , Li Ning
Published: September 2023

In order to improve the problems of traditional self‐healing polyurethane coating, such as harsh curing and repair conditions, poor hydrophobicity, thermal stability and human affinity, the prepolymer was synthesized by bio‐based polyol castor oil (CO), self‐made alkyl aryl modified silicone polyol (SiOH) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dimethylglyoxime (DOU) was used as chain extender containing dynamic imine bond, methacrylic acid 2‐(tert‐butylamino)ethyl ester (MABE) was used as a capping agent containing acrylate and high steric hindrance amino structure, and a UV curable room temperature repair bio‐based poly(siloxane‐urethane) coating (PUESi) was prepared by stepwise polymerization. In this article, the effect of the amount of DOU on the properties of PUESi was studied. The results showed that PUESi with different dosages of DOU could achieve self‐healing at room temperature. The maximum repair efficiency of full cut could reach 91.8%, and the scratch repair efficiency could reach 99.3%; The contact angle meter and synchronous thermal analyzer proved that the introduction of SiOH significantly improved the hydrophobicity, oil repellency and thermal stability of PUESi. The water contact angle increased from 78° to 104°, the oil contact angle increased from 63° to 91°, and the 5% thermal decomposition temperature increased from 179 to 196°C. The coating has broad application prospects in the fields such as antifouling and anticorrosion, building material protection, and automotive instruments.
Study on the stability of high solid content polyether‐ether‐ketone aqueous suspension
Authors: Qian Yiling , Wan Tianyun , Ma Huihuang , Qin Shizheng , Wang Yi , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

Carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) composite is found extensive application in various industries. Efforts have been made to enhance the interfacial binding between the resin and fibers. Herein, we report a green CF surface modification suspension coating method that could resist high process temperature by optimizing the stability of the aqueous suspension, which contains PEEK resin particles and a mixture of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyethylene glycol monostearate (stPEG). The optimized suspension (PEEK: SDS mass ratio= 5:1) that can meet around 500°C process requirement was then used to improve the physical interfacial binding between CF and PEEK. Based on the suspension colloidal stability, the process was optimized by tensile tests of the CF/PEEK monofilaments. The results show that the colloidal stability of the PEEK aqueous suspension with a total solid content of 20 wt.% containing stPEG‐SDS (stPEG: SDS mass ratio= 1:2) surfactant blend (PEEK: stPEG‐SDS mass ratio= 5:1) reached the optimum at a stirring rate of 750 rpm. The maximum tensile strength of the CF/PEEK monofilaments reached ~4.968 GPa at a coating diameter of 8.54 μm. This PEEK aqueous suspension provides a non‐toxic, environmentally friendly and high temperature resistant aqueous material to produce high‐performance fiber reinforced PEEK composites.
Disinfection efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed water on marine plankton
Authors: Kurahashi Midori , Suzuki Masaki , Naka Angelica
Published: September 2023

Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) is a highly safe sterilizing water that consists of an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). It exhibits high sterilizing power even at low concentrations of HOCl. In this study, we evaluated the effect of SAEW on marine plankton to understand its impact on marine environments and consider its possible application on ballast water treatment or aquaculture. Experiments conducted on plankton communities obtained from Tokyo Bay showed an approximately 65% reduction in the S‐size plankton population (≥10 and <50 μm) at an available chlorine concentration of 0.5 mg/L, whereas an approximately 50% reduction of the L‐size plankton population (≥50 μm) was observed at an available chlorine concentration of 2 mg/L. We also verified the sterilization effect of SAEW against two types of single‐species plankton: Chaetoceros densum as S‐size plankton and Tigriopus japonicus as L‐size plankton. Results showed 100% population decrease for C. densum and T. japonicus at available chlorine concentrations of 3.5 and 11 mg/L, respectively.
Greater interpersonal distance in adults with autism
Authors: Fusaro Martina , Fanti Valentina , Chakrabarti Bhismadev
Published: September 2023

Social interactions are often shaped by the space we prefer to maintain between us and others, that is, interpersonal distance. Being too distant or too close to a stranger can often be perceived as odd, and lead to atypical social interactions. This calibration of appropriate interpersonal distance thus constitutes an important social skill. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, hereafter autism) often experience difficulties with this skill, and anecdotal accounts suggest atypical interpersonal distances in their social interactions. In the current study, we systematically measured interpersonal distance in individuals with autism using immersive virtual reality (IVR) to recreate a naturalistic interaction with a full body avatar of a similar age. Participants observed their own virtual body in first‐person perspective, and the other avatar in two tasks: in the first task, they approached the other avatar (active), in the second one they were approached by the other avatar (passive). Two groups of neurotypical and autistic adults, performed both tasks. Autistic adults showed greater interpersonal distance when compared to non‐autistic adults. Additionally, the difference between the passive and active conditions was smaller for non‐autistic compared to autistic adults. Across the full sample, greater interpersonal distance was associated with higher autism‐related traits. This study provides systematic evidence for greater interpersonal distance in autistic adults using a paradigm with high ecological validity and can be useful in informing the design of appropriate environmental adjustments for shared spaces.
Many truths, many knowledges, many forms of reason: Understanding middle‐school student approaches to sources of information on the internet
Authors: Scholes Laura , McDonald Sarah , Stahl Garth , Comber Barbara
Published: September 2023

Sourcing information related to socio‐scientific issues requires sophisticated literacies to read and evaluate conflicting accounts often signified by disagreement among experts, multiple solutions or misinformation. Much of the previous work exploring how young people approach conflicting information has tended to focus on students in the secondary and tertiary years, often taking an epistemic approach to analysis, rather than a literacies lens. At the heart of such endeavours, however, is the need for sophisticated reading skills accelerated by shifts to digital platforms to source information. Given the limited empirical studies in the field of literacy that articulate how middle school students approach sources of information, this study investigates 45 middle school students’ (13–14 years of age) self‐reported strategies for investigating health risks associated with mobile phone use. We asked the students to imagine that a close friend was worried about the health risks of using their mobile phone and had asked them for advice. Students were then prompted to describe how they would search for information about the issue and how they would know if the information was reliable. Our analysis identified three dominant themes in the interview data, namely: (i) mistrust of the internet—people can be reliable sources; (ii) reliable sourcing requires consensus across sources; and (iii) criteria help to determine a reliable source. An interesting finding was the level of scepticism of the internet expressed by students. We draw on examples from the students’ interview dialogue to illustrate the themes and engage in discourse related to their approaches including implications for teaching in English classrooms.
Categorisations of care: Exploring representations of care leavers in higher education through critical praxis
Authors: Bunn Matthew , Fuller Emily
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we explore the critical praxis approach of an equity initiative with students who have left care. We contend that ‘praxis’ (International Studies in Widening Participation, 2018, 5: 10–20) – understood here as the close, dialogic and iterative relationship between research and practice, can be a powerful tool for approaching ordinarily rigid equity categorisations as a means for interrogating their conceptual efficacy while simultaneously creating more exploratory approaches to equity populations and initiatives. We examine how unproblematised notions of care leavers migrate between fields and institutions, arguing for a more robust and rigorous interrogation of the salience of the concept of a care leaver as it is integrated into the field of higher education. We contend that rigid definitions of care that narrowly define people only through their relationship to formalised state‐legitimated forms of welfare intervention risk making ‘absent’ (Epistemologies of the south: Justice against Epistemicide, 2014; Routledge) the substantial population of people nearby this experience of care. This includes people who have escaped official definitions as policies change, circumstances that are similar or identical to people placed in care that have not been included in the official definition of care, or the overlapping and intersecting conditions of marginality that often shape the conditions for being removed into state care. Critical praxis is offered here as providing the basis for allowing the category of ‘care leaver’ or ‘care experienced’ to become an in‐road for expanding practice initiatives and research understandings to further dimensions of marginalisation and social vulnerability.
JARID2 coordinates with the NuRD complex to facilitate breast tumorigenesis through response to adipocyte‐derived leptin
Authors: Liu Wei , Zeng Yi , Hao Xinhui , Wang Xin , Liu Jiaxiang , Gao Tianyang , Wang Mengdi , Zhang Jingyao , Huo Miaomiao , Hu Ting , Ma Tianyu , Zhang Die , Teng Xu , Yu Hefen , Zhang Min , Yuan Baowen , Huang Wei , Yang Yunkai , Wang Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Proteins containing the Jumonji C (JmjC) domain participated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect are still poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the role of Jumonji and the AT‐rich interaction domain‐containing 2 (JARID2) — a JmjC family protein — in breast cancer, as well as its latent association with obesity.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, and other databases were used to analyze the expression of JARID2 in breast cancer cells. Growth curve, 5‐ethynyl‐2‐deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, and cell invasion experiments were used to detect whether JARID2 affected breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Spheroidization‐based experiments and xenotumor transplantation in NOD/SCID mice were used to examine the association between JARID2 and breast cancer stemness. RNA‐sequencing, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were used to identify the cell processes in which JARID2 participates. Immunoaffinity purification and silver staining mass spectrometry were conducted to search for proteins that might interact with JARID2. The results were further verified using co‐immunoprecipitation and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) pull‐down experiments. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, we sought the target genes that JARID2 and metastasis‐associated protein 1 (MTA1) jointly regulated; the results were validated by ChIP‐PCR, quantitative ChIP (qChIP) and ChIP‐reChIP assays. A coculture experiment was used to explore the interactions between breast cancer cells and adipocytes.

Results

In this study, we found that JARID2 was highly expressed in multiple types of cancer including breast cancer. JARID2 promoted glycolysis, lipid metabolism, proliferation, invasion, and stemness of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, JARID2 physically interacted with the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, transcriptionally repressing a series of tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA2 DNA repair associated (BRCA2), RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1), and inositol polyphosphate‐4‐phosphatase type II B (INPP4B). Additionally, JARID2 expression was regulated by the obesity‐associated adipokine leptin via Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway in the breast cancer microenvironment. Analysis of various online databases also indicated that JARID2/MTA1 was associated with a poor prognosis of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that JARID2 promoted breast tumorigenesis and development, confirming JARID2 as a target for cancer treatment.
Intratumoral CD103+CD8+ T cells predict response to neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ren Siqi , Lan Tianjun , Wu Fan , Chen Suling , Jiang Xue , Huo Chuying , Li Zitian , Xie Shule , Wu Donghui , Wang Ruixin , Li Yanyan , Qiu Lin , Huang Guoxin , Li Shurui , Wang Xiaojuan , Cen Meifeng , Cai Tingting , Lin Zhaoyu , Li Jinsong , Li Bowen
Published: September 2023

Background

Immune cell heterogenicity is known to determine the therapeutic response to cancer progression. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NACI) has shown clinical benefits in some patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but the underlying mechanism behind this clinical response is unknown. The efficacy of NACI needs to be potentiated by identifying accurate biomarkers to predict clinical responses. Here, we attempted to identify molecules predicting NACI response in advanced HNSCC.

Methods

We performed combined single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and multiplex immunofluorescence (mIHC) staining with tumor samples derived from NACI‐treated HNSCC patients to identify a new tumor‐infiltrating cell (TIL) subtype, CD103+CD8+ TILs, associated with clinical response, while both in vitro and in vivo assays were carried out to determine its antitumor efficiency. The regulatory mechanism of the CD103+CD8+ TILs population was examined by performing cell‐cell interaction analysis of the scRNA‐seq data and spatial analysis of the mIHC images.

Results

We established intratumoral CD103+CD8+ TILs density as a determinant of NACI efficacy in cancers. Our scRNA‐seq results indicated that the population of CD103+CD8+ TILs was dramatically increased in the responders of NACI‐treated HNSCC patients, while mIHC analysis confirmed the correlation between intratumoral CD103+CD8+ TILs density and NACI efficacy in HNSCC patients. Further receiver operating characteristic curve analysis defined this TIL subset as a potent marker to predict patient response to NACI. Functional assays showed that CD103+CD8+ TILs were tumor‐reactive T cells, while programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) blockade enhanced CD103+CD8+ TILs cytotoxicity against tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, targeting the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2‐positive (TREM2+) macrophages might enhance the population of CD103+CD8+ TILs and facilitate antitumor immunity during NACI treatment.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the impact of intratumoral CD103+CD8+ TILs density on NACI efficacy in different cancers, while the efforts to elevate its population warrant further clinical investigation.
The phyllodes menace—Variation in course, therapy, and appearance of phyllodes tumors in a case series of three patients
Authors: Schiltz Daniel , Sokolow Alexander Jan , Minck Natalya , Schreml Stephan , Moser Lutz , von Fritschen Uwe
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Early and complete surgical resection is the most important therapeutic and diagnostic measure. Adjuvant radiation is suggested for malign phyllode tumors, phyllode tumors larger than 10 cm or those with a low distance to the resection margins.

Phyllodes tumors are rare fibroepithelial tumors of the breast. Histologically, they are usually classified as benign, borderline or malignant, though these classifications do not necessarily reflect the clinical course of the disease. These tumors may stay undetected for years, or show sudden and rapid progression. There is currently no consistent therapy recommendation based upon histological findings, the localization of the tumor and/or whether it is recurrent. Using the examples of three patients, we show how courses and therapy may differ widely, and discuss this in the context of the current state of the literature.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Phenothiazinone as Fluorophore and Its Application in Bioimaging
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Yue‐Xi , Ji Su‐Hui , Zhou Jian‐Min , Li Ren‐Hao , Cai Yun‐Rui
Published: September 2023

Phenothiazinone is a promising yet underutilized fluorophore, possibly due to the lack of a general accessibility. This study reports a robust and scalable TEMPO‐mediated electrochemical method to access a variety of phenothiazinones from 2‐aminothiophenols and quinones. The electrosynthesis proceeds in a simple cell architecture under mild condition, and notably carbon–halogen bond in quinones remains compared to conventional methods, enabling orthogonal downstream functionalization. Mechanistic studies corroborate that TEMPO exerts a protective effect in avoiding product decomposition at the cathode. In particular, benzophenothiazinones show intriguing luminescence in both solid and solution state, and thus their photophysical properties are scrutinized in detail. Further bio‐imaging of the lipid droplets in living cells highlights the considerable promise of benzophenothiazinones as fluorescent dye in the biomedical fields.
Assembling Molecular Clips To Build π‐Stacks
Authors: Lee Hyun , Lee Dongwhan
Published: September 2023

Nature utilizes an intimate stacking of aromatic motifs to construct functional structures, as demonstrated in protein folding and polynucleotide assembly. However, organized π‐stacks of artificial molecules are difficult to build, primarily due to the weak, non‐directional, and context‐sensitive nature of van der Waals forces. To overcome these challenges, chemists have invented ingenious architectural designs to construct π‐stacked supramolecular assemblies using clip‐like molecules. This Concept article focuses on molecular clips that enable precise spatial control over assembly patterns, beyond the scope of simple host–guest chemistry. Different design strategies are analyzed and compared that leverage non‐covalent interactions to create multi‐layer π‐stacks. Particular emphasis is placed on the choice of spine units as they play a crucial role in controlling the (i) spacing, (ii) orientation, and (iii) conformational pre‐organization of linked aromatics to achieve long‐range spatial ordering.
Time to quit using quit time as a lung cancer screening eligibility criterion
Authors: Tammemägi Martin Carl
Published: September 2023

Multiple lines of reasoning and evidence, including those provided in the study by Meza and colleagues in this issue, have converged to indicate that using the ≤15 quit‐years rule for determining lung cancer screening eligibility should be abandoned.
Posttransplant cyclophosphamide versus antithymocyte globulin in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from matched unrelated donors: A study from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Giebel Sebastian , Labopin Myriam , Salmenniemi Urpu , Socié Gerard , Bondarenko Sergey , Blaise Didier , Kröger Nicolaus , Vydra Jan , Grassi Anna , Bonifazi Francesca , Czerw Tomasz , Anagnostopoulos Achilles , Lioure Bruno , Ruggeri Annalisa , Savani Bipin , Spyridonidis Alexandros , Sanz Jaime , Peric Zinaida , Nagler Arnon , Ciceri Fabio , Mohty Mohamad
Published: September 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to compare two immunosuppressive strategies, based on the use of either rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) or posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY), as a prophylaxis of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first complete remission who underwent hematopoietic cells transplantation from matched unrelated donors.

Methods

Overall, 117 and 779 adult patients who received PTCY and ATG, respectively, between the years 2015 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study. The median patient age was 40 and 43 years in the PTCY and ATG groups, respectively, and 37% and 35% of patients, respectively, had Philadelphia chromosome‐positive ALL.

Results

In univariate analysis, the cumulative incidence of acute and chronic GVHD did not differ significantly between the study groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 years was reduced in the PTCY group (18% vs. 25%; p = .046) without a significant impact on nonrelapse mortality (11% vs. 16% in the ATG group; p = .29). The rates of leukemia‐free survival (LFS) and overall survival were 71% versus 59%, respectively (p = .01), and 82% versus 74%, respectively (p = .08). In multivariate analysis, the receipt of ATG compared with PTCY was associated with a reduced risk of extensive chronic GVHD (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.3–0.98; p = .04) and an increased risk of low LFS (hazard ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.45; p = .045).

Conclusions

The receipt of ATG compared with PTCY, despite the reduced risk of extensive chronic GVHD, is associated with inferior LFS in adults with ALL who undergo hematopoietic cell transplantation from 10/10 human leukocyte antigen‐matched unrelated donors. These findings warrant verification in prospective trials.
Efficacy and safety of tixagevimab‐cilgavimab versus SARS‐CoV‐2 breakthrough infection in the hematological conditions
Authors: Duminuco Andrea , Nardo Antonella , Orofino Alessandra , Giunta Giuliana , Conticello Concetta , Del Fabro Vittorio , Chiarenza Annalisa , Parisi Marina S. , Figuera Amalia , Leotta Salvatore , Milone Giuseppe , Cupri Alessandra , Cambria Daniela , Di Raimondo Francesco , Romano Alessandra , Palumbo Giuseppe A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Managing SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in frail and immunosuppressed patients still represents an open challenge, but, starting from the phase 3 PROVENT study, prophylaxis with tixagevimab‐cilgavimab has improved the approach in this category of patients, guaranteeing a better outcome and inferior mortality. Real‐life data in a heterogeneous cohort are few.

Methods

The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefit of prophylaxis with tixagevimab‐cilgavimab in a cohort of 202 patients affected by different hematological diseases (lymphoproliferative, myeloproliferative, autoimmune, patients recently receiving a bone marrow transplant), active (with ongoing treatment), or in watch‐and‐wait strategy, followed in our center, during a median follow‐up of 249 (45‐325) days.

Results

An incidence of 44 breakthrough infections (21.8%) is reported, with no treatment‐related adverse effects. Age ≥70 years, ongoing treatment (above all with monoclonal antibodies), baseline lymphoproliferative disorders, and prior virus exposure are identified as risk factors related to subsequent infection (p < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence is higher in low/nonresponse to prior vaccination (p = .002). Patients treated with tixagevimab‐cilgavimab had a mild course of the infection and a reduction of the duration compared with preprophylaxis infection (11 vs. 15 days, p < .001). The concurrent treatment with anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibodies and B–non‐Hodgkin lymphoma still confers a higher duration of infection despite prophylaxis. No deaths attributable to the infection occurred.

Conclusion

Prophylaxis treatment seems to be a valid and safe strategy, although not preventing breakthrough infection, but the severe complications associated with the infection and the possible delays in administering lifesaving therapies from long positivity.