bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution‐Processed Organic Solar Cells with High Open‐Circuit Voltage of 1.3 V and Low Non‐Radiative Voltage Loss of 0.16 V
Authors: An Ning , Cai Yunhao , Wu Hongbo , Tang Ailing , Zhang Kangning , Hao Xiaotao , Ma Zaifei , Guo Qiang , Ryu Hwa Sook , Woo Han Young , Sun Yanming , Zhou Erjun
Published: August 2020

Compared with inorganic or perovskite solar cells, the relatively large non‐radiative recombination voltage losses (ΔVnon‐rad) in organic solar cells (OSCs) limit the improvement of the open‐circuit voltage (Voc). Herein, OSCs are fabricated by adopting two pairs of D–π–A polymers (PBT1‐C/PBT1‐C‐2Cl and PBDB‐T/PBDB‐T‐2Cl) as electron donors and a wide‐bandgap molecule BTA3 as the electron acceptor. In these blends, a charge‐transfer state energy (ECT) as high as 1.70–1.76 eV is achieved, leading to small energetic differences between the singlet excited states and charge‐transfer states (ΔECT ≈ 0.1 eV). In addition, after introducing chlorine atoms into the π‐bridge or the side chain of benzodithiophene (BDT) unit, electroluminescence external quantum efficiencies as high as 1.9 × 10−3 and 1.0 × 10−3 are realized in OSCs based on PBTI‐C‐2Cl and PBDB‐T‐2Cl, respectively. Their corresponding ΔVnon‐rad are 0.16 and 0.17 V, which are lower than those of OSCs based on the analog polymers without a chlorine atom (0.21 and 0.24 V for PBT1‐C and PBDB‐T, respectively), resulting in high Voc of 1.3 V. The ΔVnon‐rad of 0.16 V and Voc of 1.3 V achieved in PBT1‐C‐2Cl:BTA3 OSCs are thought to represent the best values for solution‐processed OSCs reported in the literature so far.
A Large‐Scale Array of Ordered Graphene‐Sandwiched Chambers for Quantitative Liquid‐Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Lim Kitaek , Bae Yuna , Jeon Sungho , Kim Kihwan , Kim Byung Hyo , Kim Joodeok , Kang Sungsu , Heo Taeyeong , Park Jungwon , Lee Won Chul
Published: August 2020

Liquid‐phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offers a real‐time microscopic observation of the nanometer scale for understanding the underlying mechanisms of the growth, etching, and interactions of colloidal nanoparticles. Despite such unique capability and potential application in diverse fields of analytical chemistry, liquid‐phase TEM studies rely on information obtained from the limited number of observed events. In this work, a novel liquid cell with a large‐scale array of highly ordered nanochambers is constructed by sandwiching an anodic aluminum oxide membrane between graphene sheets. TEM analysis of colloidal gold nanoparticles dispersed in the liquid is conducted, employing the fabricated nanochamber array, to demonstrate the potential of the nanochamber array in quantitative liquid‐phase TEM. The independent TEM observations in the multiple nanochambers confirm that the monomer attachment and coalescence processes universally govern the overall growth of nanoparticles, although individual nanoparticles follow different growth trajectories.
Reduced Graphene Oxide and Nanoparticles Incorporated Durable Electroconductive Silk Fabrics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shovon , Macintyre Chandini Raina , Bahl Prateek , Kumar Uttam , Wen Xinyue , Aguey‐Zinsou Kondo‐Francois , Chughtai Abrar Ahmad , Joshi Rakesh
Published: August 2020

Graphene derivatives have the capability of forming chemical bonding with fabrics and show the potential to be used in smart textiles. However, the challenge is to fabricate highly conductive multifunctional fabric with good washing durability. Herein, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and silver (Ag)/copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs)‐coated durable electroconductive silk fabric is fabricated by facile dip and dry method using 3‐glycidyloxypropyl trimethoxy silane as coupling agent (CA). Results show that RGO and NPs‐coated fabrics not only demonstrate low surface resistance but also excellent electrothermal property, UV shielding, enhanced thermal stability, and outstanding hydrophobicity consistently in the following order: pure silk < silk‐RGO < silk‐CA‐RGO < silk‐CA‐RGO‐Ag < silk‐CA‐RGO‐Cu. The addition of CA and NPs is found to have a significant impact on performance and washing durability. Cu incorporated samples (silk‐CA‐RGO‐Cu) show a very low value of surface resistance (3.15 kΩ sq−1) and even after washing 20 times, the resistance (6.76 kΩ sq−1) is observed to be lower than unwashed non‐Cu incorporated samples. Moreover, silk‐CA‐RGO‐Cu also has the highest UV resistance, Joule heating, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability among all samples, which makes it well suited for numerous potential applications including protective clothing, health monitoring, motion sensing, and sports clothing.
Antisolvents in Perovskite Solar Cells: Importance, Issues, and Alternatives
Authors: Ghosh Subrata , Mishra Snehangshu , Singh Trilok
Published: August 2020

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells are emerging as potential solar energy harvesting tools and can be a tough competitor to already matured solar cell technologies. The success of perovskite solar cells is attributed to superior optoelectronic properties of perovskites, feasible synthesis process, and low fabrication cost. Though perovskite solar cells confront perovskite film quality related issues, such as rough surface, pinholes (which result in poor device performance) at the initial stages, many techniques have been developed to improve the perovskite film quality. Among these developed techniques, the antisolvent treatment method is certainly one of the most successful techniques till date. Antisolvent treatment increases the nucleus density during film formation to produce uniform and pinhole‐free perovskite film, which facilitates improved solar cell efficiency, low hysteresis, and stability. Interestingly, many of the best efficiency perovskite solar cells till date have been produced by the antisolvent treatment. This review discusses the fundamentals of antisolvent treatment, various aspects of antisolvent application on perovskite film, different issues with antisolvent usage, and alternatives techniques for perovskite film quality improvement.
In Situ Investigation of Adhesion Mechanisms on Complex Microstructured Biological Surfaces
Authors: Kumar Charchit , Favier Damien , Speck Thomas , Le Houérou Vincent
Published: August 2020

Recently, plant surfaces have attracted attention given their fascinating functionalities, particularly adhesive properties, which largely result from their diverse surface structuring. This paper contributes to the adhesion mechanics investigation on complex biological surface morphologies. Elastomeric replica of three different plant leaves, comprising morphologies at a broad scale (0.5–100 µm), with distinct shapes and complexity, and of a smooth surface are studied in contact with an adhesive probe. To perform precise adhesion measurements, an ultra‐nanoindenter is modified based on the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) mechanics and equipped with an in situ real‐contact visualization system. The adhesion force on all surfaces is systematically investigated regarding the preload conditions. The results are analyzed in the light of Hertzian and JKR theories, and underlying morphology‐specific mechanisms are identified. A close examination of contact image–force reveals attachment–detachment mechanisms, arising from different preloads and topographies. A significant influence of preload on adhesion is observed on the surface with fine microstructuring and complex morphology, no specific influence is recorded for the remaining two. An overall comparison demonstrates a significant reduction in adhesion on coarse cone‐shape patterns and complex microstructures. The specific adhesion mechanisms arising from biological morphologies may offer assistance to design bioinspired interfaces.
Solution‐Grown Organic and Perovskite X‐Ray Detectors: A New Paradigm for the Direct Detection of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Basiricò Laura , Ciavatti Andrea , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: August 2020

The recent years witnessed an unprecedented enhancement in improved functionality materials and in the sophistication of solution‐based device fabrication techniques. Such significant advancements lead to unexpected and effective opportunities for the utilization of solution‐grown organic materials and perovskites in the detection of ionizing radiation. This review presents an updated overview of the recently reported top performing and more innovative organic/perovskite‐based X‐ray detectors, providing a comparison and a critical discussion on the different materials’ properties and performance. Solution‐growth methods that allow to obtain detector grade electronic materials are discussed, focusing on the growth both of single crystals and of thin/thick films and foreseeing the implementation of large‐area, organic/hybrid‐, and perovskite‐based radiation detectors. Insights into the X‐ray detection mechanisms are provided, detailing the fundamental processes involved in the charge collection and in the photoconductive gain model, together with the typical figures of merit that describe radiation detector performance.
Synthesis of Polycyclic Furan and Chromene Derivatives via Cascade Reactions Enabled by Cleavage of Multiple C(sp3)−F Bonds
Authors: Xie Ting , Zhang Chen , Zhang Si‐Xuan , Rao Weidong , Xu Haiyan , Shen Zhi‐Liang , Chu Xue‐Qiang
Published: August 2020

The strong and unreactive C−F bond makes polyfluorocarbons extremely long‐lived and potentially toxic. A successive selective and controllable C(sp3)−F functionalization of polyfluoroalkylated ketones with S‐ and O‐nucleophiles to enable efficient synthesis of pharmaceutically important fluorine‐ and sulfur‐containing polycyclic furan and chromene derivatives under transition metal‐free conditions is demonstrated here. The combination of C−S/C−O coupling, aromatization, and cyclization cascade contribute to the accurate four/five C(sp3)−F bond cleavage at two different sites of perfluoroalkyl chain. The formation of reactive quinoid intermediates and the necessity of using TBAB (tetrabutylammonium bromide) as additive and Cs2CO3 as base were identified by detailed mechanistic studies.

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Synthesis of 1,4‐Dicarbonyl Compounds by Visible‐Light‐Mediated Cross‐Coupling Reactions of α‐Chlorocarbonyls and Enol Acetates
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wang Rui‐Guo , Song Hong‐Jian , Liu Yu‐Xiu , Wang Qing‐Min
Published: August 2020

Herein, we report a protocol for visible‐light‐mediated radical coupling reactions of α‐chloroketones and enol acetates to afford 1,4‐dicarbonyl compounds, which are important precursors and intermediates in organic synthesis. The reaction involves photoredox‐catalyzed activation of the α‐chloroketone upon photoelectron transfer, carbon–chlorine bond cleavage, and coupling of the resulting radical with the carbon–carbon double bond of the enol acetate. This mild protocol has a wide substrate scope and moderate to good yields.

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α‐Amino Acids Mediated C−C Double Bonds Cleavage in Diastereoselective Synthesis of Aza‐Spirocyclic Pyrazolones
Authors: Awasthi Annapurna , Yadav Pushpendra , Kumar Virendra , Tiwari Dharmendra Kumar
Published: August 2020

An efficient and reagent‐free synthesis of highly functionalized aza‐spirocyclic pyrazolones are achieved from easily available α‐amino acids and alkylidene pyrazolones by means of amination, C−C‐double bonds cleavage, and decarboxylative annulation process. These highly diastereoselective reactions are promoted simply by α‐amino acids and involve in situ generated azomethine ylides as reactive intermediates. This newly developed protocol involves the formation of three new bonds (one C−N and two C−C) and four new contiguous stereo‐centers including a quaternary carbon center in a single pot cascade process.

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A Dual‐Excitation Decoding Strategy Based on NIR Hybrid Nanocomposites for High‐Accuracy Thermal Sensing
Authors: Yu Shaohua , Xu Jin , Shang Xiaoying , Zheng Wei , Huang Ping , Li Renfu , Tu Datao , Chen Xueyuan
Published: August 2020

Optical thermal sensing holds great promise for disease theranostics. However, traditional ratiometric thermometry methods, in which intensity ratio of two nonoverlapping emissions is defined as the thermosensitive parameter, may have a limited accuracy in temperature read‐out due to the deleterious interference from wavelength‐ and temperature‐dependent photon attenuation in tissue. To overcome this limitation, a dual‐excitation decoding strategy based on NIR hybrid nanocomposites comprising self‐assembled quantum dots (QDs) and Nd3+ doped fluoride nanocrystals (NCs) is proposed for thermal sensing. Upon excitation at 808 nm, the intensity ratio of two emissions at identical wavelength (1057 nm) from QDs and NCs, respectively, is defined as the thermometric parameter R. By employing another 830 nm laser beam following the same optical path as 808 nm laser to exclusively excite QDs, the two overlapping emissions can be easily decoded. The acquired R proves to be inert to the detection depth in tissue, with a minimized temperature reading error of ≈2.3 °C at 35 °C (at a depth of ≈1.1 mm), while the traditional thermometry mode based on the nonoverlapping 1025 and 863 nm emissions may exhibit a large error of ≈43.0 °C. The insights provided by this work pave the way toward high‐accuracy deep‐tissue biosensing.
In search of agri‐food quality for wine: Is it enough to join a geographical indication?
Authors: López‐Bayón Susana , Fernández‐Barcala Marta , González‐Díaz Manuel
Published: August 2020

This study examines whether geographical indications (GIs) truly enhance producer quality, which is a main regulatory justification for the GIs’ existence. We compare the quality of wine producers with and without GIs and test for the effectiveness of GIs based on (a) the strictness of GIs’ production standards and (b) GIs’ organizational characteristics as a collective brand. We argue that GIs encourage producer quality because they attenuate free‐riding problems, provide incentives to invest and facilitate knowledge sharing. Focusing on the Spanish wine industry, the results reveal that except for wineries with the lowest GI category (i.e., protected geographical indication), GI wineries show higher quality than non‐GI wineries. We also observe that more stringent categories increase quality but at a decreasing rate. Regarding the influence of organizational features, we found that collective action problems seem to be relevant. First, above a certain threshold, the number of producers affiliated with a GI decreases the wine producer's average quality (i.e., it shows an inverted U‐shaped relationship with quality). Second, GIs covering very large geographic areas are found to be less effective. [EconLit Citations: L15, Q12, Q18].
Course of matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and pulmonary oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by oral ingestion of large doses of oxadiazon/butachlor emulsion: a case report
Authors: Takahashi Gaku , Yokofuji Hisashi , Terayama Mari , Yoshinao Daisuke , Fujino Yasuhisa , Inoue Yoshihiro , Endo Shigeatsu
Published: August 2020

Background

We treated a patient who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome following ingestion of oxadiazon/butachlor emulsion. In this case, we continuously measured matrix metalloproteinase‐1 level, an enzyme that reduces the extracellular matrix in the lungs, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1.

Case Presentation

A 50‐year‐old woman attempted suicide by ingesting approximately 300 mL of oxadiazon/butachlor emulsion. Respiratory disorders were observed upon admission, therefore tracheal intubation was performed, followed by artificial respiratory management (ventilator support). After that, her condition became complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome, but it improved with intensive care management. Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 level showed a course opposite to the partial pressure of arterial oxygen/percentage of inspired oxygen ratio, whereas the matrix metalloproteinase‐1/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 ratio changed in parallel with the partial pressure of arterial oxygen/percentage of inspired oxygen ratio.

Conclusion

The relationship between matrix metalloproteinase‐1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 was presumed to be important for the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The Role of Metal–Organic Frameworks in Electronic Sensors
Authors: Zhang Lin‐Tao , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: August 2020

MOFs have a highly ordered self‐assembled nanostructure, high surface area, nanoporosity with tunable size and shape, reliable host–guest interactions, and responsiveness to physical and chemical stimuli which can be exploited to address critical issues in sensor applications. On the one hand, the nanoscale pore size of MOFs ranging from less than 1 nm to ≈ 10 nm not only allows the diffusion of small molecules into the pores or through the MOF layer, but also excludes other larger molecules depending on the size, shape, and conformation of MOFs. On the other hand, MOFs with flexible structure exhibit a dynamic response to external stimuli, including guest molecules, temperature, pressure, pH, and light. Due to the unsaturated coordination metal sites and active functional groups, the interaction between certain analytes and active sites results in high selectivity. In this review, we summarize the latest studies on MOF‐based electronic sensors in terms of the function of MOFs, discuss challenges, and suggest perspectives.
Rhizolutin, a Novel 7/10/6‐Tricyclic Dilactone, Dissociates Misfolded Protein Aggregates and Reduces Apoptosis/Inflammation Associated with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Kwon Yun , Shin Jisu , Nam Kwangho , An Joon Soo , Yang Seung‐Hoon , Hong Seong‐Heon , Bae Munhyung , Moon Kyuho , Cho Yakdol , Woo Jiwan , Park Keunwan , Kim Kyeonghwan , Shin Jongheon , Kim Byung‐Yong , Kim YoungSoo , Oh Dong‐Chan
Published: August 2020

Rhizolutin (1) was discovered as a natural product of ginseng‐rhizospheric Streptomyces sp. WON17. Its structure features an unprecedented 7/10/6‐tricyclic dilactone carbon skeleton composed of dimethylcyclodecatriene flanked by a 7‐membered and a 6‐membered lactone ring based on spectroscopic analysis. During an unbiased screening of natural product libraries, this novel compound was found to dissociate amyloid‐β (Aβ) plaques and tau tangles, which are key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Rhizolutin treatment of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice with AD significantly dissociated hippocampal plaques. In vitro, rhizolutin substantially decreased Aβ‐induced apoptosis and inflammation in neuronal and glial cells. Our findings introduce a unique chemical entity that targets Aβ and tau concurrently by mimicking misfolded protein clearance mechanisms of immunotherapy, which is prominently investigated in clinical trials.
Radikal‐basierte Synthese und Modifikation von Aminosäuren
Authors: Aguilar Troyano Francisco José , Merkens Kay , Anwar Khadijah , Gómez‐Suárez Adrián
Published: August 2020

Aminosäuren (AS) sind wichtige Strukturmotive mit vielfältigen Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der organischen Synthese, der Biochemie und den Materialwissenschaften. In jüngster Zeit hat mit der Entwicklung milderer und vielseitigerer Verfahren der Einsatz von radikalchemischen Methoden für die Synthese und Modifikation von AS größere Aufmerksamkeit gewonnen, da sie einen schnellen Zugang zu einer Vielzahl neuartiger unnatürlicher AS (UAS) mit einer breiten Palette von Strukturmotiven ermöglichen. In diesem Kurzaufsatz geben wir einen umfassenden Überblick über die Fortschritte, die in diesem Bereich in den letzten zehn Jahren erzielt wurden und konzentrieren uns dabei auf Methoden für die De‐novo‐Synthese von α‐,β‐ und γ‐AS sowie auf die selektive Derivatisierung kanonischer und nichtkanonischer AS.
Trapping Transient RNA Complexes by Chemically Reversible Acylation
Authors: Velema Willem A. , Park Hyun Shin , Kadina Anastasia , Orbai Lucian , Kool Eric T.
Published: August 2020

RNA‐RNA interactions are essential for biology, but they can be difficult to study due to their transient nature. While crosslinking strategies can in principle be used to trap such interactions, virtually all existing strategies for crosslinking are poorly reversible, chemically modifying the RNA and hindering molecular analysis. We describe a soluble crosslinker design (BINARI) that reacts with RNA through acylation. We show that it efficiently crosslinks noncovalent RNA complexes with mimimal sequence bias and establish that the crosslink can be reversed by phosphine reduction of azide trigger groups, thereby liberating the individual RNA components for further analysis. The utility of the new approach is demonstrated by reversible protection against nuclease degradation and trapping transient RNA complexes of E. coli DsrA‐rpoS derived bulge‐loop interactions, which underlines the potential of BINARI crosslinkers to probe RNA regulatory networks.
Sub‐10 nm Aggregation‐Induced Emission Quantum Dots Assembled by Microfluidics for Enhanced Tumor Targeting and Reduced Retention in the Liver
Authors: Li Xuanyu , Zha Menglei , Li Yaxi , Ni Jen‐Shyang , Min Tianliang , Kang Tianyi , Yang Guang , Tang Hao , Li Kai , Jiang Xingyu
Published: August 2020

A robust platform is developed to assemble sub‐10 nm organic aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) particles using four different AIE luminogens (AIEgens) with emissions from green to the second near‐infrared window (NIR‐II). They are called AIE quantum dots (QDs) to distinguish from typical AIE dots which are larger than 25 nm. Compared with AIE dots that are larger than 25 nm, AIE QDs allow more efficient cellular uptake and imaging without surface modification of any membrane‐penetrating peptides or other targeting molecules. NIR‐II AIEgens, which have nearly no background fluorescence from organisms, are used to demonstrate that AIE QDs can achieve high contrast at the tumor as small as 80 mm3 and evade the liver more efficiently than AIE dots. AIE QDs hold a good promise for sensitive and precise diagnosis of the latent solid tumor in clinical medicine with much lower off‐targeting to the liver than AIE dots.
Molecular Engineering of Azobenzene‐Based Anolytes Towards High‐Capacity Aqueous Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Zu Xihong , Zhang Leyuan , Qian Yumin , Zhang Changkun , Yu Guihua
Published: August 2020

Aqueous redox flow batteries (RFBs) are promising alternatives for large‐scale energy storage. However, new organic redox‐active molecules with good chemical stability and high solubility are still desired for high‐performance aqueous RFBs due to their low crossover capability and high abundance. We report azobenzene‐based molecules with hydrophilic groups as new active materials for aqueous RFBs by utilizing the reversible redox activity of azo groups. By rationally tailoring the molecular structure of azobenzene, the solubility is favorably improved from near zero to 2 M due to the highly charged asymmetric structure formed in alkaline environment. DFT simulations suggest that the concentrated solution stability can be enhanced by adding hydrotropic agent to form intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The demonstrated RFB exhibits long cycling stability with a capacity retention of 99.95 % per cycle over 500 cycles. It presents a viable chemical design route towards advanced aqueous RFBs.
TTF‐Annulated Silicon Phthalocyanine Oligomers and Their External‐Stimuli‐Responsive Orientational Ordering
Authors: Shiina Yuta , Kage Yuto , Furukawa Ko , Wang Heng , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Furuta Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Nagao , Shimizu Soji
Published: August 2020

Orientational control of functional molecules is essential to create complex functionalities as seen in nature; however, such artificial systems have remained challenge. Herein, we have succeeded in controlling rotational isomerism of μ‐oxo silicon phthalocyanine (SiPc) oligomers to achieve an external‐stimuli‐responsive orientational ordering using intermolecular interactions of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF). In this system, three modes of orientations, free rotation, eclipsed conformation, and staggered conformation, were interconverted in response to the oxidation states of TTF, which varied interactions from association due to formation of mixed‐valence TTF dimer to dissociation due to electrostatic repulsion between TTF dications. Furthermore, a stable performance of oligomers as a cathode material in a Li‐ion battery proved that the one‐dimensionally stacked, rotatable structure of SiPc oligomers is useful to control the orientation of functional molecules toward molecular electronics.
The effects of sulfides and sulfur/phosphorus‐containing compounds on coke formation during thermal cracking of light naphtha
Authors: Ding Xudong , Wang Zhiyuan , Wang Boyan , Xing Zhihong
Published: August 2020

In this study, coke deposits during thermal cracking of light naphtha in the presence of sulfur‐ and sulfur/phosphorous‐containing compounds with different addition methods were investigated from the points of morphology and structure. Sulfur/phosphorous‐containing compounds were applied by continuous addition, pretreatment, and pretreatment followed by continuous addition. As for continuous addition, the amount of coke was decreased with increasing the mass concentration of sulfides in short‐term cracking periods. Catalytic coke was inhibited because of passivating the metal by sulfides at the initial stage of coking process. When phosphides were combined with the mixture of sulfides, the coke formation was further decreased as the synergistic effects of adsorption of sulfur and phosphorous onto the metal led to the decreased activity of metal surface. In the case of pretreatment with sulfur/phosphorous, the reduction in coke formation at the initial stage of cracking process was due to the adsorption of S/P‐containing radicals on the oxide film. In further cracking operation, an enrichment of Fe and Ni in the oxide layer from the pretreatment process leads to the appearance of coke filaments in coke layers. The combined addition method, the surface pretreatment with dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)/triphenyl phosphite (TPPI) followed by continuous addition of sulfides/TPPI in the feed, shows the best coking inhibition performance. The inhibition rate is up to 88.8% and 78.5% respectively when the cracking time is 1 and 3 h. The combined application strengthened the coverage of catalytic activity sites by sulfur/phosphorous‐containing radicals. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the structural characteristics of coke deposit at the applied conditions were mainly amorphous coke. Variant coke filaments were also observed at the conditions of pretreatment and pretreatment followed by continuous addition. The analyses of Raman spectra indicated that the application methods decreased the graphitization degree of coke deposited and increased the structure defects of the coke matrix. During naphtha cracking, sulfur/phosphorous‐containing compounds reduced dehydrogenation and condensation by which hydrocarbons were degraded to coke.
Population genetics of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) in central Massachusetts and implications for conservation
Authors: Farrington Stefanie J. , King Richard W. , Baker John A. , Gibbons John G.
Published: August 2020

The freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera is an ecologically important globally endangered species, yet little is known about its biodiversity and population genetics in North American populations. This study focused on M. margaritifera from six locations within two stream systems in central and eastern Massachusetts, USA, to understand the historical impact of damming and habitat fragmentation on local population structure and genetic diversity.

Approximately 300 informative single nucleotide polymorphisms were generated from 59 individuals across six geographical locations, using the restriction‐site‐associated DNA sequencing approach. Genotypes were also gleaned from publicly available RNA sequencing data of 23 French M. margaritifera samples.

Predictions of population structure using discriminant analysis of principal components and fastStructure both indicate the existence of a single genetic population in central and eastern Massachusetts, and a clear separation from French individuals. This observation is further supported by frequency‐based calculations of population genetics, which indicate near‐complete admixture and a high number of migrants between Massachusetts sites.

These results suggest that the effects of habitat fragmentation from damming in the past century have not radiated through the Massachusetts population of M. margaritifera, potentially because of the long lifespan and generation time of the species. However, the Massachusetts population has similar levels of genetic diversity to the endangered populations in Europe, and these factors should be considered by conservationists when creating conservation and management plans.

The findings of this study suggest that populations in North America are reasonably healthy and diverse and that, as one population, the study area represents one conservation unit. This indicates that dam removal, habitat restoration, and captive breeding programmes may be viable options to increase the small population numbers and retain a substantial portion of genetic diversity without sacrificing local adaptation.
Uniform synchronization for chaotic systems via event‐triggered aperiodic intermittent control
Authors: Yang Meng , Liu Bin , Liu Tao , Liu Dong‐Nan
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the uniform synchronization for chaotic systems via event‐triggered aperiodic intermittent control (E‐APIC). A synchronization scheme via E‐APIC is proposed for master‐slave chaotic systems. Based on the error state and three indices of threshold‐value, check‐period, and control‐free index, E‐APIC is designed and the synchronization is achieved by such an E‐APIC. Also, a simplified E‐APIC is derived by letting the control‐free index trend to zero. With respect to the uncertainties, the simplified E‐APIC is strengthened to be robust for the uniform synchronization. Moreover, in order to compare with the synchronization schemes via periodic intermittent control (PIC), time‐based aperiodic intermittent control (T‐APIC), and event‐triggered impulsive control (ETIC), criteria of synchronization via PIC and T‐APIC and the scheme of ETIC are given respectively. And by using the same control width, the theoretical results on rate of control (RoC) and number of control (NoC) are derived respectively and show that E‐APIC has less RoC and NoC than both PIC and T‐APIC. The chaotic Chua's system is used to test the uniform synchronization via PIC, T‐APIC, E‐APIC, and ETIC. The numerical simulations show that E‐APIC has better performances on aspects of NoC, RoC, cost, and average non‐control width than PIC, T‐APIC, and ETIC.
Investigation of Path‐Dependent Degradation in Lithium‐Ion Batteries**
Authors: Raj Trishna , Wang Andrew A. , Monroe Charles W. , Howey David A.
Published: August 2020

Models that predict battery lifetime require knowledge of the causes of degradation and operating conditions that accelerate it. Batteries experience two ageing modes: calendar ageing at rest and cyclic ageing during the passage of current. Existing empirical ageing models treat these as independent, but degradation may be sensitive to their order and periodicity – a phenomenon that has been called “path dependence”. This experimental study of path dependence probes whether interactions between ageing conditions can impact a battery's state of health. Groups of graphite/NCA 18650 lithium‐ion cells were exposed to load profiles consisting of similar proportions of calendar and cyclic ageing applied in various orders. Load profiles at higher C‐rates exhibited path dependence, which differential voltage analysis correlates with increased anode degradation. These results suggest that more accurate ageing models should include the possible coupling between calendar and cyclic ageing modes.
An Investigation Into the Effects of Long‐Term 50‐Hz Power‐Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on Hematogram, Blood Chemistry, Fibrosis, and Oxidant Stress Status in the Liver and the Kidney From Sprague–Dawley Rats
Authors: Zhang Yemao , Wang Jin , Liu Xingfa , Ding Lijian , Wu Xiong , He Mengying , Hou Huiying , Ruan Guoran , Lai Jinsheng , Chen Chen
Published: August 2020

Power‐frequency electromagnetic fields (PF‐EMFs) at 50 Hz are potential health risk factors. This study aimed to explore the effects of long‐term exposure to 50‐Hz PF‐EMFs on general physiological conditions in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. During a 24‐week exposure period, the body mass and water and food intake of the animals were recorded regularly. The hematologic parameters were detected every 12 weeks, and blood chemistry analyses were performed every 4 weeks. After sacrifice, morphology was identified by hematoxylin–eosin, Masson, and immunohistochemical staining. Fibrosis‐related gene expression and oxidative stress status were also detected. Compared with the control group, exposure to 30, 100, or 500 μT PF‐EMF did not exert any effect on body mass, food intake, or water intake. Similarly, no significant differences were found in hematologic parameters or blood chemistry analyses among these groups. Furthermore, morphological assays showed that exposure to PF‐EMFs had no influence on the structure of the liver or kidney. Finally, fibrosis‐related gene expression and oxidative stress status were unaltered by PF‐EMF exposure. The present study indicates that 24 weeks of exposure to PF‐EMFs at intensities of 30, 100, or 500 μT might not affect hemograms, blood chemistry, fibrosis, or oxidative stress in the liver or kidney in SD rats. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society
Thermoluminescence study of CaNa2(SO4)2 phosphor doped with Eu3+ and synthesized by combustion method
Authors: Bargat S.R. , Parauha Yatish R. , Mishra G.C. , Dhoble S.J.
Published: August 2020

In the present study, the thermoluminescence (TL) properties of an Eu3+‐doped CaNa2(SO4)2 phosphor were studied. The Eu3+‐doped CaNa2(SO4)2 phosphor was synthesized using the combustion method. The samples were well crystallized in the monoclinic phase. The TL glow curve of the Eu3+‐doped CaNa2(SO4)2 phosphor showed a single prominent peak at around 210°C with showed linearity on increasing exposure. The response curve of the synthesized phosphor showed linearity in the range 500–7000 Gy. Trapping parameters of synthesized phosphors such as activation energy, frequency factor, and order of kinetics were calculated in the study. These trapping parameters were determined by different methods such as Chen’s peak method, the initial rise method, and Ilich’s method. Each characteristic of these outcomes demonstrated that the synthesized Eu3+‐doped CaNa2(SO4)2 phosphor had outstanding TL properties and might be valuable for TL dosimetry application.
Impact on postoperative complications of changes in skeletal muscle mass during neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastro-oesophageal cancer
Authors: Boer R B , Jones K I , Ash S , Boxel G I , Gillies R S , O'Donnell T , Ruurda J P , Sgromo B , Silva M A , Maynard N D
Published: August 2020

Background

Risk assessment is relevant to predict postoperative outcomes in patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer. This cohort study aimed to assess body composition changes during neoadjuvant chemotherapy and investigate their association with postoperative complications.

Methods

Consecutive patients with gastro-oesophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery with curative intent between 2016 and 2019 were identified from a specific database and included in the study. CT images before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were used to assess the skeletal muscle index, sarcopenia, and subcutaneous and visceral fat index.

Results

In a cohort of 199 patients, the mean skeletal muscle index decreased during neoadjuvant therapy (from 51·187 to 49·19 cm2/m2; P < 0·001) and the rate of sarcopenia increased (from 42·2 to 54·3 per cent; P < 0·001). A skeletal muscle index decrease greater than 5 per cent was not associated with an increased risk of total postoperative complications (odds ratio 0·91, 95 per cent c.i. 0·52 to 1·59; P = 0·736) or severe complications (odds ratio 0·66, 0·29 to 1·53; P = 0·329).

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle index decreased during neoadjuvant therapy but was not associated with postoperative complications.
Comparison between the effects of elective nodal irradiation and involved‐field irradiation on long‐term survival in thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled study in China
Authors: Lyu Jiahua , Yisikandaer Abulimiti , Li Tao , Zhang Xiaozhi , Wang Xiaohu , Tian Zhongge , Chen Long , Lu Bing , Chen Hong , Yang Jie , Wang Qifeng , Zhang Jinnrong , Ma Youguo , Liu Rui , Liu Ruifeng , Hage Aiguri , Lang Jinyi
Published: August 2020

Background

This study's initial results revealed significant decreases in treatment‐related esophagitis and pneumonitis cases in patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with involved‐field irradiation (IFI), compared to elective nodal irradiation (ENI). This report outlines the long‐term trial results, specifically; overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS), and locoregional progression‐free survival (LRFS).

Materials and Methods

Stage II–III thoracic ESCC patients were assigned randomly, in a 1:1 ratio, into either the ENI or IFI arm. Radiation therapy was delivered once a day in 1.8‐2.0 Gy fractions to a total dose of 60.0‐66.0 Gy to the gross tumor volume and 50.0‐54.0 Gy to the clinical target volume. The primary endpoints were acute treatment‐related esophagitis and pneumonitis. The results for the primary endpoints were previously published in 2018. In this article, we analyzed the secondary endpoints including PFS, LRFS, MFS, and OS.

Results

Between April 2012 and October 2016, 228 patients from nine participating centers in China were enrolled into this study and randomly assigned to two treatment groups. For ENI and IFI groups, respectively, the results showed similarity and were as follows: median PFS (20.3 months vs 21.4 months), OS (32.5 months vs 34.9 months), MFS (28.2 months vs 26.0 months), and LRFS (25.0 months vs 26.6 months). In particular, respective OS rates in the ENI and IFI groups were 84.6% and 82.5% after 1 year, 45.1% and 48.7% after 3 years, and 29.8% and 30.7% at 5 years. PFS rates after 1, 3, and 5 years were 58.9%, 34.2%, and 26.9%, respectively, in the ENI arm compared to 64.4%, 30.8%, and 27.7%, respectively, in the IFI arm. Multivariate analysis identified clinical stage and tumor responses as independent predictors of OS. Meanwhile, tumor location, cStage, and tumor response were identified as independent factors influencing PFS.

Conclusion

IFI was associated with similar survival as ENI in patients with thoracic ESCC, suggesting that IFI is an acceptable treatment method for thoracic ESCC.
Leave or stay? The role of self‐construal on luxury brand attitudes and purchase intentions in response to brand rejection
Authors: Liu Xian , Loken Barbara , Wang Liangyan
Published: August 2020

Marketing managers of luxury brands often use exclusionary marketing tactics that can lead consumers to feel rejected by those brands. In our research, we examine whether consumers with independent self‐construals are more likely than those with interdependent self‐construals to downgrade their evaluations of a luxury brand when feeling rejected by it. Results of three studies support this hypothesis. Using a manipulation of brand rejection with hypothetical future scenarios, study 1 provides evidence that consumers with a higher chronic independent (versus interdependent) self‐construal are more likely to lower their brand attitudes and purchase intentions of a desirable luxury brand that rejects them. Study 2 replicates the moderating effect of self‐construal at a cultural level, comparing Chinese and American respondents. Study 3 again compares self‐construals at a cultural level, but manipulates brand rejection by asking respondents to recall a prior rejection experience. Importantly, Study 3 reveals a mediating influence of self‐brand connection. That is, independents, when recalling an experience of luxury brand rejection, were more likely than interdependents to report a decrease in their feelings of connectedness to the rejecting brand, which in turn resulted in lower attitudes toward the brand and lower purchase intentions. Our findings provide luxury brand marketers with insights for both niche branding strategy design and cross‐cultural customer relationship management.
Evaluation of STAT3 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides' synergistic effects on radiation and/or chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer cell line
Authors: Johari Behrooz , Rahmati Mohammad , Nasehi Leila , Mortazavi Yousef , Faghfoori Mohammad Hasan , Rezaeejam Hamed
Published: August 2020

Resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy has been a major problem of conventional cancer therapies, which consequently leads to cancer relapse and cancer‐related death. It is known that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in therapy resistance and CSC‐based targeted therapies have been considered as a powerful tool for cancer treatment. In the current study, we investigated the synergistic effects of suppressing signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) function by decoy ODNs on X‐irradiation (XI) and methotrexate (MTX) exposure as a combinational therapy in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Lipofectamine 2000® was used as a transfecting agent and the cells treated with Scramble ODNs (SCR) and decoy ODNs were subjected to irradiation with 2 Gy at single/fractionated (XI group) doses, different concentration of MTX group, and X‐irradiation‐methotrexate (XI/MTX group). Synergistic effects of STAT3 SCR and decoy ODNs on cells were investigated by cell viability (MTT), cell cycle profile, apoptosis rate, migration, and invasion assays. Statistical analysis of obtained data showed that STAT3 decoy ODNs significantly decreased the cell viability, arrested the growth at G0/G1 phase, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced migrated and invaded cells through transwell membrane, in XI, MTX, and XI/MTX exposed groups. Since STAT3 is a master transcription factor in breast cancer cells stemness, aggressiveness, TNBC's heterogeneity, and therapy resistance; therefore, inhibition of this transcription factor by decoy ODNs could increase antitumor efficiencies of XI and MTX exposure strategies. Accordingly, this method could have the potential to increase the efficiency of combination therapies.
Percutaneous coronary interventions on vein graft bifurcation lesions presenting as an acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Feghaly Julien , Muskula Preetham , Kumar Sundeep , Helmy Tarek
Published: August 2020

Interventions on graft bifurcation lesions are uncommon, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We described three cases of graft bifurcation intervention where we tailored our approach based on lesion characteristics, anatomy, and angulation to achieve excellent angiographic and clinical outcomes. In case 1, shared ostia of saphenous vein graft (SVG) to Diagonal (D) and Radial graft to Obtuse Marginal (OM) was severely stenosed. We prioritized the radial arterial graft as it is known to have a longer patency rate over a totally occluded SVG of an undetermined period. We performed provisional stenting of the ostium of the radial artery and balloon angioplasty of the SVG ostium, while stenting the body of the SVG. In case 2 (bifurcation lesion at the anastomosis of SVG to D1 and sequential jump graft to OM), we utilized a V stenting strategy after an embolization protection device (EPD) was deployed in the branch with a suitable landing zone. Kissing balloon dilatation of both the branches was performed both pre‐ and poststenting. In case 3 (bifurcation lesion at SVG to OM and Sequential “T” graft to diagonal), there was >90% angulation between both the grafts. We used “T” stenting strategy in this case. At 2‐year follow‐up, patients had no major adverse cardiovascular events since and remained symptom free.
Morphological stabilization and regression of carotid plaque following therapy with evolocumab in a high‐risk patient
Authors: Aranzulla Tiziana Claudia , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Lipid‐lowering therapy is a mainstay for the management of coronary and carotid disease. Actually, progression of atherosclerosis and adverse events are reduced in proportion to the achieved levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C). A 67‐year‐old patient underwent two hospitalizations 6 months apart due to acute coronary syndromes. In the first, PCI with drug‐eluting stents (DES) was performed to treat ulcerated stenoses in the left anterior descending artery. In the second, lipid‐rich critical disease was found on the right coronary artery and treated with PCI + DES. Later, carotid duplex ultra‐sonography (DU) was done due to some episodes of dizziness. It showed an 80% critical stenosis (peak systolic velocity, PSV 239 cm/s) of the left internal carotid artery (LICA) with high‐risk features (hypoechogenic and irregular plaque with “fluffy” components). In consideration of the plaque morphology and the unmet LDL‐C targets, evolocumab was added to the ongoing statin therapy. In the following months, we observed a parallel trend between carotid plaque regression and LDL‐C lowering. Initial plaque remodeling was seen after 5 months: the atheroma appeared fibrotic, with no more fluffy components. At 10 months, in conjunction with the achievement of LDL‐C goal (23 mg/dl), a fibrocalcific atheroma was observed; PSV, after an initial rise, fell to 229 cm/s. No further cardiovascular event occurred at 46 months. Last DUS showed a 60% fibrocalcific mid LICA stenosis with PSV of 180 cm/s. Our experience highlights the important role of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in promoting remodeling and hopefully regression of atherosclerotic plaques.
CheKiPEUQ Intro 2: Harnessing Uncertainties from Data Sets, Bayesian Design of Experiments in Chemical Kinetics**
Authors: Walker Eric A. , Ravisankar Kishore , Savara Aditya
Published: August 2020

When choosing experimental conditions, Bayesian statistical tools can predict the experimental choices which will yield the highest information gain. Experimental choices could be temperature, pressure, reaction time, number of measurements, reactor volume, etc.. Three example analyses are presented here, each using the software Chemical Kinetics Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Quantification (CheKiPEUQ). Information gain is a measure of reduction of uncertainty in a model's parameters. The three chemical system examples presented each illustrate Bayesian Design of Experiments using information gain. In the first chemical example, temperature selection impacts the information gain for the free energy of reaction in a two‐component equilibrium reaction. In the second example, temperature and pressure are explored for a competitive adsorption Langmuir replacement reaction system. The third example is a catalytic membrane reactor which is a culmination of the previous examples. The catalytic membrane reactor has a complex and nonlinear response in the observables which is solved by numerical evaluation. In the three examples, the experimental conditions are treated as design variables for maximizing information gain.