bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Petromyzontidae‐Biomimetic Multimodal Microneedles‐Integrated Bioelectronic Catheters for Theranostic Endoscopic Surgery
Authors: Huang Shuang , He Mengyi , Yao Chuanjie , Huang Xinshuo , Ma Deyuan , Huang Qiqi , Yang Jingbo , Liu Fanmao , Wen Xingqiao , Wang Ji , Chen Huijiuan , Xie Xi
Published: January 2023

Current catheter devices in minimally invasive surgery still possess limited functional options, lacking multimodal integration of both sensing and therapy. Catheter devices usually operate outside the tissue, incapable to detect intra‐tissue biochemical information for accurate localization and assessment of lesions during surgery. Inspired by the feature and functions of Petromyzontidae, here a multimodal core‐shell microneedles‐integrated bioelectronic catheter (MNIBC) for tissue‐penetrating theranostics in endoscopic surgery is developed. The microneedle (MN) device possesses individually addressable functionality at single‐MN tip resolution, enabling multiplex functions (a total of 11 functions distributed in three types of catheters) including biochemical sensing, myoelectric modulation, electroporation, and drug delivery in a submucosal environment. The MNIBC is prepared through hybrid fabrication and dimensionality reduction strategies, where the MN electrodes are functionalized with an MXene‐carbon nanotube (MXene‐CNT)‐based electron mediator, addressing the challenge of reduced electrode sensitivity on ultra‐small MN tip. The functionalities of MNIBC are demonstrated both ex vivo and in vivo on anesthetized rabbits via laparoscopy, simulated cystoscopy, and laparotomy. The MNIBC can effectively detect intra‐tissue biochemical signals in the bladder, and offers localized electroporation and intra‐tissue drug delivery for precise treatments of lesions. The versatile features of the MNIBC present a highly advanced platform for precise surgeries.
Nanovaccines Displaying the Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin in an Inverted Orientation Elicit an Enhanced Stalk‐Directed Antibody Response
Authors: Frey Steven J. , Carreño Juan Manuel , Bielak Dominika , Arsiwala Ammar , Altomare Clara G. , Varner Chad , Rosen‐Cheriyan Tania , Bajic Goran , Krammer Florian , Kane Ravi S.
Published: January 2023

Despite the availability of licensed vaccines, influenza causes considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current influenza vaccines elicit an immune response that primarily targets the head domain of the viral glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA). Influenza viruses, however, readily evade this response by acquiring mutations in the head domain. While vaccines that target the more conserved HA stalk may circumvent this problem, low levels of antistalk antibodies are elicited by vaccination, possibly due to the poor accessibility of the stalk domain to B cell receptors. In this work, it is demonstrated that nanoparticles presenting HA in an inverted orientation generate tenfold higher antistalk antibody titers after a prime immunization and fivefold higher antistalk titers after a boost than nanoparticles displaying HA in its regular orientation. Moreover, nanoparticles presenting HA in an inverted orientation elicit a broader antistalk response that reduces mouse weight loss and improves survival after challenge to a greater extent than nanoparticles displaying HA in a regular orientation. Refocusing the antibody response toward conserved epitopes by controlling antigen orientation may enable the design of broadly protective nanovaccines targeting influenza viruses and other pathogens with pandemic potential.
Synthetic Plant Cuticle Coating as a Biomimetic Moisture Barrier Membrane for Structurally Colored Cellulose Films
Authors: Anusuyadevi Prasaanth Ravi , Singha Shuvra , Banerjee Debashree , Jonsson Magnus P , Hedenqvist Mikael S. , Svagan Anna J.
Published: January 2023

Photonic films based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are sustainable candidates for sensors, structurally colored radiative cooling, and iridescent coatings. Such CNC‐based films possess a helicoidal nanoarchitecture, which gives selective reflection with the polarization of the incident light. However, due to the hygroscopic nature of CNCs, the structural colored material changes and may be irreversibly damaged at high relative humidity. Thus, moisture protection is essential in such settings. In this work, hygroscopic CNC‐based films are protected with a bioinspired synthetic plant cuticle; a strategy already adopted by real plants. The protective cuticle layers altered the reflected colors to some extent, but more importantly, they significantly reduced the water vapor permeance by more than two orders of magnitude, from 2.1 × 107 (pristine CNC/GLU film) to 12.3 × 104 g µm m−2 day−1 atm−1 (protected CNC/GLU film). This expands significantly the time window of operation for CNC/GLU films at high relative humidity.
Optical Reflectance of Composites with Aligned Engineered Microplatelets
Authors: Poloni Erik , Galinski Henning , Bouville Florian , Wilts Bodo , Braginsky Leonid , Bless David , Shklover Valery , Sicher Alba , Studart André R.
Published: January 2023

The reflection of light from distributed microplatelets is an effective approach to creating color and controlling the optical properties in paints, security features, and optical filters. However, predictive tools for the design and manufacturing of such composite materials are limited due to the complex light–matter interactions that determine their optical response. Here, the optical reflectance of individual reflective microplatelets and of polymer‐based composites containing these engineered platelets as an aligned, dispersed phase are experimentally studied and analytically calculated. Transfer‐matrix calculations are used to interpret the effect of the platelet architecture, the number of platelets, and their size distribution on the experimentally measured reflectance of composites prepared using a previously established magnetic alignment technique. It is demonstrated that the reflectance of the composites can be understood as the averaged response of an array of Fabry–Pérot resonators, in which the microplatelets act as semi‐transparent flat reflectors and the polymer as cavity medium. By using an analytical model and computer simulations to describe the interaction of light with platelets embedded in a polymer matrix, this work provides useful tools for the design and fabrication of composites with tailored optical reflectance.
Two‐Step Magnetic‐Pulling Chemical Vapor Deposition Growth of CdS1−xSex Lateral Nanoribbon Heterostructures for High‐Performance Photodetectors
Authors: Shen Xia , Lv Qihang , Yang Qian , Fan Jie , Song Xiaohang , Guo Pengfei , Li Pu , Ho Johnny C. , Yu Kin Man
Published: January 2023

Bandgap integration in a single semiconductor nanostructure is an important task for their applications in photonics and photoelectronics. Herein a two‐step growth of CdS
x
Se1−x
alloy nanoribbon heterostructures along the lateral direction by an improved two‐step magnetic‐pulling chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method is reported. Microstructural characterizations further demonstrate that these ribbons are formed by two separate components along the lateral direction of the nanoribbons, including CdS0.76Se0.24 at the central region and CdS0.44Se0.56 at both lateral sides, respectively. Under a laser excitation, photoluminescence spectrum and 2D emission mapping at the junctions show two different emission bands at 555 and 603 nm, which show agreement with the structural characterization results. More importantly, under 355 nm laser illumination, room‐temperature dual‐wavelength lasing with peak center at 542.3 and 605.2 nm is realized using these sandwich‐like nanoribbons. Additionally, photodetectors based on these achieved nanoribbons are fulfilled with great performance of high responsivity (2.4 × 104 A W−1), high external quantum efficiency of 2.9 × 105%, fast response speed (rise ≈25 ms, decay ≈21 ms), and high I
on/I
off ratio (106). These structures may offer an interesting system for exploring new applications in multifunctional nanophotonic and optoelectronic devices, such as high‐performance detectors, miniature tunable lasers, and high‐density color displays.
Broadband and Energy‐Concentrated Absorber Based on Hemispherical‐Embedded Structure
Authors: Wu Zhe , Liang Zhongzhu , Shi Xiaoyan , Yang Fuming , Dai Rui , Hou Enzhu , Sun Wenwen , Qin Zheng , Xin Wei , Xu Haiyang
Published: January 2023

Spatially concentrated absorption is able to form local hotspots and helps to generate hot electrons with higher energy than free electrons, which can be used to improve the performance of hot electron devices. Herein, a broadband, wide‐angle, and highly concentrated metamaterial absorber operating in near‐infrared and midinfrared bands is proposed. The absorptivity of the proposed absorber exceeds 90% in the wavelength range of 2.0–5.4 μm, and the average absorptivity at 2.0–5.4 μm reaches 93.5%. Moreover, the absorber can highly concentrate the energy of the incident light on a point on the bottom surface of the device; the area with concentrated energy only accounts for 1.4% of the total area of the bottom, thus forming a hotspot. Meanwhile, the absorber can still maintain an average absorptivity of more than 85% when the incident light angle of various polarization directions reaches 60°. These characteristics enable the device to provide a solution to improve the performance of hot electrons, energy collection, and imaging devices.
Machine Learning Enabled Image Analysis of Time‐Temperature Sensing Colloidal Arrays
Authors: Schöttle Marius , Tran Thomas , Oberhofer Harald , Retsch Markus
Published: January 2023

Smart, responsive materials are required in various advanced applications ranging from anti‐counterfeiting to autonomous sensing. Colloidal crystals are a versatile material class for optically based sensing applications owing to their photonic stopband. A careful combination of materials synthesis and colloidal mesostructure rendered such systems helpful in responding to stimuli such as gases, humidity, or temperature. Here, an approach is demonstrated to simultaneously and independently measure the time and temperature solely based on the inherent material properties of complex colloidal crystal mixtures. An array of colloidal crystals, each featuring unique film formation kinetics, is fabricated. Combined with machine learning‐enabled image analysis, the colloidal crystal arrays can autonomously record isothermal heating events — readout proceeds by acquiring photographs of the applied sensor using a standard smartphone camera. The concept shows how the progressing use of machine learning in materials science has the potential to allow non‐classical forms of data acquisition and evaluation. This can provide novel insights into multiparameter systems and simplify applications of novel materials.
ETV4 Mediated Tumor‐Associated Neutrophil Infiltration Facilitates Lymphangiogenesis and Lymphatic Metastasis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Liu Sen , Wang Hongjin , Xiao Kanghua , Lu Junlin , Chen Siting , Huang Ming , Xie Ruihui , Lin Tianxin , Chen Xu
Published: January 2023

As a key step of tumor lymphatic metastasis, lymphangiogenesis is regulated by VEGFC‐VEGFR3 signaling pathway mediated by immune cells, mainly macrophages, in the tumor microenvironment. However, little is known whether tumor associated neutrophils are involved in lymphangiogenesis. Here, it is found that TANs infiltration is increased in LN‐metastatic BCa and is associated with poor prognosis. Neutrophil depletion results in significant reduction in popliteal LN metastasis and lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, transcription factor ETV4 enhances BCa cells‐derived CXCL1/8 to recruit TANs, leading to the increase of VEGFA and MMP9 from TANs, and then facilitating lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis of BCa. Moreover, phosphorylation of ETV4 at tyrosine 392 by tyrosine kinase PTK6 increases nuclear translocation of ETV4 and is essential for its function in BCa. Overall, the findings reveal a novel mechanism of how tumor cells regulate TANs‐induced lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis and identify ETV4 as a therapeutic target of LN metastasis in BCa.
Current State of Cold Atmospheric Plasma and Cancer‐Immunity Cycle: Therapeutic Relevance and Overcoming Clinical Limitations Using Hydrogels
Authors: Živanić Milica , Espona‐Noguera Albert , Lin Abraham , Canal Cristina
Published: January 2023

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a partially ionized gas that gains attention as a well‐tolerated cancer treatment that can enhance anti‐tumor immune responses, which are important for durable therapeutic effects. This review offers a comprehensive and critical summary on the current understanding of mechanisms in which CAP can assist anti‐tumor immunity: induction of immunogenic cell death, oxidative post‐translational modifications of the tumor and its microenvironment, epigenetic regulation of aberrant gene expression, and enhancement of immune cell functions. This should provide a rationale for the effective and meaningful clinical implementation of CAP. As discussed here, despite its potential, CAP faces different clinical limitations associated with the current CAP treatment modalities: direct exposure of cancerous cells to plasma, and indirect treatment through injection of plasma‐treated liquids in the tumor. To this end, a novel modality is proposed: plasma‐treated hydrogels (PTHs) that can not only help overcome some of the clinical limitations but also offer a convenient platform for combining CAP with existing drugs to improve therapeutic responses and contribute to the clinical translation of CAP. Finally, by integrating expertise in biomaterials and plasma medicine, practical considerations and prospective for the development of PTHs are offered.
Photoinduced Absorption Spectroscopy of Photoelectrocatalytic Methylene Blue Oxidation on Titania and Hematite: The Thermodynamic and Kinetic Impacts on Reaction Pathways
Authors: Guo Xinyue , Ma Zixuan , Yuan Yuling , Kang Yan , Xu Hong , Mao Zhiping , Ma Yimeng
Published: January 2023

Photoelectrochemical oxidation of methylene blue is investigated, with particular focus on the difference in kinetics and thermodynamics of decoloration and mineralization employing photoinduced absorption spectroscopy. Hematite and titania photoanodes are used for the comparison of both reactions, which is determined to be associated with the depth of the valence band (3.2 vs 2.5 V for titania and hematite, respectively). Methylene blue is mineralized by the titania photoanode, however it is only oxidized to small fragments by hematite. Such difference is related to the valence band potential that provides the thermodynamic driving force for photogenerated holes in both materials. In addition, the kinetic competition of water oxidation is found to occur on titania by controlling the pH of the electrolyte. In the pH 14 electrolyte, mineralization of methylene blue is suppressed due to the faster and dominant kinetics of water oxidation, in contrast to the complete mineralization in the near neutral electrolyte where water oxidation kinetics are modest. These results clearly address the importance considering both thermodynamic and kinetic challenges of methylene blue oxidation, which has been thought to be an easy molecule to oxidize, as the model reaction in the application of photo(electro)catalysis using metal oxides.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Non‐Symmetrical Ureas from CO2
Authors: Labiche Alexandre , Norlöff Maylis , Feuillastre Sophie , Taran Frederic , Audisio Davide
Published: January 2023

We report on a continuous flow synthetic process of non‐symmetrical ureas, based on the implementation of a Staudinger/aza‐Wittig reaction sequence. This flow technology allows obtaining the key urea functional group directly from the fundamental C1 building block CO2. A library of 26 derivatives, including alkyl/alkyl, alkyl/aryl and aryl/aryl ureas could be synthesised. In addition, the method was also suitable for the synthesis of S‐thiocarbamates. The potential for large‐scale reaction implementation and a first application to continuous flow 13C‐isotope labeling are shown.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Water Splitting and CO2Reduction
Authors: Sun Kang , Qian Yunyang , Jiang Hai‐Long
Published: January 2023

Photocatalytic water splitting and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction provide promising solutions to global energy and environmental issues. In recent years, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of crystalline porous solids featuring well‐defined and tailorable structures as well as high surface areas, have captured great interest toward photocatalytic water splitting and CO2reduction. In this review, the semiconductor‐like behavior of MOFs is first discussed. We then summarize the recent advances in photocatalytic water splitting and CO2reduction over MOF‐based materials and focus on the unique advantage of MOFs for clarifying the structure‐property relationship in photocatalysis. In addition, some representative characterization techniques have been presented to unveil the photocatalytic kinetics and reaction intermediates in MOF‐based systems. Finally, the challenges, and perspectives for future directions are proposed.
Record Ultralarge‐Pores, Low Density Three‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework for Controlled Drug Delivery**
Authors: Zhao Yu , Das Saikat , Sekine Taishu , Mabuchi Haruna , Irie Tsukasa , Sakai Jin , Wen Dan , Zhu Weidong , Ben Teng , Negishi Yuichi
Published: January 2023

The unique structural characteristics of three‐dimensional (3D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) like high surface areas, interconnected pore system and readily accessible active sites render them promising platforms for a wide set of functional applications. Albeit promising, the reticular construction of 3D COFs with large pores is a very demanding task owing to the formation of interpenetrated frameworks. Herein we report the designed synthesis of a 3D non‐interpenetrated stp net COF, namely TUS‐64, with the largest pore size of all 3D COFs (47 Å) and record‐low density (0.106 g cm−3) by reticulating a 6‐connected triptycene‐based linker with a 4‐connected porphyrin‐based linker. Characterized with a highly interconnected mesoporous scaffold and good stability, TUS‐64 shows efficient drug loading and controlled release for five different drugs in simulated body fluid environment, demonstrating the competency of TUS‐64 as drug nanocarriers.
Reversible Single Electron Redox Steps Convert Polycycles with a C3P3 Core to a Planar Triphosphinine
Authors: Coburger Peter , Schweinzer Clara , Li Zhongshu , Grützmacher Hansjörg
Published: January 2023

Reaction of the imidazolium‐stabilized diphosphete‐diide IDP with trityl phosphaalkyne affords a mixture which contains the molecules 1 a and 1 b with a central C3P3 core, which formally carries a two‐fold negative charge. In order to avoid the formation of an antiaromatic 8π electron system within a conjugated dianionic six‐membered [C3P3]2− ring, 1 a adopts a bicyclic [3.1.0] and 1 b a tricyclic [2.2.0.0] structure which are in a dynamic equilibrium. 1 a, b can be reversibly oxidized to a triphosphinine dication [5]2+ with a central flat aromatic six‐membered C3P3 ring. This two‐electron redox reaction occurs in two single‐electron transfer steps via the 7π‐radical cation [4]⋅+, which could also be isolated and fully characterized. The profound reversible structural change observed for the two‐electron redox couple [5]2+/1 a, b is in sharp contrast to the C6H6/[C6H6]2− couple, which undergoes only a modest structural deformation.
Predicting Highly Enantioselective Catalysts Using Tunable Fragment Descriptors**
Authors: Tsuji Nobuya , Sidorov Pavel , Zhu Chendan , Nagata Yuuya , Gimadiev Timur , Varnek Alexandre , List Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Catalyst optimization processes typically rely on inductive and qualitative assumptions of chemists based on screening data. While machine learning models using molecular properties or calculated 3D structures enable quantitative data evaluation, costly quantum chemical calculations are often required. In contrast, readily available binary fingerprint descriptors are time‐ and cost‐efficient, but their predictive performance remains insufficient. Here, we describe a machine learning model based on fragment descriptors, which are fine‐tuned for asymmetric catalysis and represent cyclic or polyaromatic hydrocarbons, enabling robust and efficient virtual screening. Using training data with only moderate selectivities, we designed theoretically and validated experimentally new catalysts showing higher selectivities in a challenging asymmetric tetrahydropyran synthesis.
Designing Water Utility Cooperative Agreements: Lessons Learned in North Carolina
Authors: Gorelick David E. , Gold David F. , Reed Patrick M. , Characklis Gregory W.
Published: January 2023

Key Takeaways

Cooperation among water utilities expands opportunities to provide an affordable, reliable water supply, both now and in the long term.

Computational modeling of utility partnerships can explore the potential benefits (and pitfalls) of cooperative infrastructure development.

Analysis of agreements for shared treatment plant development in North Carolina provides a framework for design and evaluation of cooperation in other utility contexts.
Oriented‐Etched Graphite for Low‐Temperature Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Jiang , Wang Xuanding , Hu Bingqing , Ding Jianning , Zhang Zhongqiang , Ge Shanhai
Published: January 2023

As an environmentally friendly energy storage media, lithium‐ion batteries have been extensively used and investigated. However, fast‐charging and low‐temperature tolerance are still huge challenges for the graphite‐based batteries. To alleviate the poor rate performance caused by long diffusion path and the risk of lithium dendrite growth at high rate or low temperature charging, graphite with penetrated macropores is fabricated here, combined with ether‐based electrolyte with low solvation energy, the smooth migration of Li+/Li at the electrolyte‐electrode interface and interior of the graphite is ensured. The product graphite exhibits excellent rate and low‐temperature performance, evidenced by 352.9 mAh g−1 capacity delivered at 2 C‐rate and −30 °C. In addition, benefited from the intact preservation of the pristine graphite structure, it exhibits ∼85 % initial charge‐discharge efficiency and long cycle life (∼94.2 % capacity retention after 500 cycles). This synergic strategy makes the product graphite very efficient in the fast charging/discharging and low temperature occasions.
Sprengabbruch der Salzbachtalbrücken
Authors: Rapps Clarissa , Kina Jens , Fehling Ekkehard , Gündel Max
Published: January 2023

Während des geplanten konventionellen Rückbaus der Salzbachtalbrücken, zweier Autobahnbrücken der BAB A 66 im Wiesbadener Stadtteil Biebrich, versagte am 18. Juni 2021 ein Rollenlager des Südüberbaus. Der Überbau senkte sich auf einen Pfeiler und drückte ihn zur Seite; ferner entstanden Risse im Überbau. Da die Standsicherheit nicht mehr gewährleistet war, wurden die Brücken sowie die darunter verlaufende Mainzer Straße und die Taunus‐Eisenbahn Richtung Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof gesperrt. Um möglichst schnell die daraus resultierenden erheblichen Verkehrsbehinderungen zu beseitigen, wurde kurzfristig ein Sprengabbruch beider Brücken geplant und durchgeführt. Aufgrund der beengten Platzverhältnisse und schützenswerter Infrastruktur in unmittelbarer Nähe der Abbruchobjekte sah das Konzept vor, zunächst die Südbrücke mittels Vertikalkollaps zu sprengen und anschließend die Nordbrücke mittels Kippkollaps auf die Südbrücke niederzulegen. Die Sprengung der Salzbachtalbrücken erfolgte am 6. November 2021 mit 204 kg Sprengstoff. Alle Pfeiler der Südbrücke knickten planmäßig in Richtung Westen aus, sodass der Überbau exakt senkrecht abstürzte. Die Nordbrücke folgte 3 Sekunden später und kippte planmäßig nach Süden. In diesem Beitrag werden die Historie des ursprünglich geplanten konventionellen Rückbaus, die Havarie sowie die Sprengabbruchplanung und ‐durchführung der Brücken erörtert.
Distalization using efficient attachment protocol in clear aligner therapy—A case report
Authors: Sabouni Waddah , Muthuswamy Pandian Srirengalakshmi , Vaid Nikhilesh R. , Adel Samar M.
Published: January 2023

To describe an esthetic orthodontic treatment using aligners in an adult patient with dental class II malocclusion associated with crowding. A 25‐year‐old female patient with skeletal class I, bilateral class II relation, increased overjet and overbite and crowding in both arches presented for orthodontic treatment. The patient refused conventional fixed multibracket treatment in favor of aligners. Pre‐ and post‐treatment records are presented. Treatment objectives were achieved in 10 months, and the patient was satisfied with the functional and esthetic outcomes. Combining aligners with appropriate attachment location and geometry is an efficacious means of resolving orthodontic issues such as class II malocclusion in a time frame comparable to that of conventional fixed orthodontics. Staging in distalization increases the predictability of movement. Furthermore, this system is associated with optimal oral hygiene and excellent esthetics.
Intramolecular 1,2 C−H Addition of o‐Methyl Groups to Form Unique Ruthenium Pincer Tuck‐in Complexes
Authors: Culver Damien B. , Boncella James M.
Published: January 2023

New RPNHP ligands containing 2,4‐xylyl (4mXPNHP) and mesityl (MesPNHP) groups on the phosphorus atoms were synthesized. 4mXPNHP reacts with [(cymene)RuCl2]2 followed by PMe3 to produce κ3‐4mXPNHPRu(PMe3)Cl2. MesPNHP reacts with [(cymene)RuCl2]2 to produce monomeric κ3‐MesPNHPRuCl2 that reacts with CO forming κ3‐MesPNHPRu(CO)Cl2. Surprisingly, dehydrohalogenation of these complexes results in the activation of ortho methyl groups of the pincer ligands, rather than formation of κ3‐RPNPRuLCl complexes. This results from transient κ3‐RPNPRuLCl formation followed by 1,2‐addition of an ortho C−H bond across the Ru‐amide bond. The transient amide complex of κ4‐4mXPNHPRu(PMe3)Cl was trapped with CO forming κ3‐4mXPNPRu(PMe3)(CO)Cl. In contrast, κ4‐MesPNHPRu(CO)Cl does not react with ligands to trap the expected amide complex of reverse C−H addition. Instead, CO and PMe3 displace the chloride ligand forming cationic complexes. In both cases, hemi‐lability of the pincer ligand was observed spectroscopically. The new complexes serve as precursors to moderately active catalysts for the acceptorless dehydrogenative coupling of n‐butanol.
Influence of the Distance between Two Catalysts for CO2 to Dimethyl Ether Tandem Reaction
Authors: Javed Mudassar , Brösigke Georg , Schomäcker Reinhard , Repke Jens-Uwe
Published: January 2023

Tandem reactions, with their great potential for reduction of capital and operational costs, reaction time, and byproducts are becoming more prominent. Among possible tandem reaction systems for direct conversion of CO2 to green fuel, dimethyl ether synthesis via methanol route is of vital importance. However, there are several parameters which must be considered for the combination of two catalysts to achieve promising performance, of those, the distance between the two catalysts is a crucial one. This distance can affect the overall performance of the tandem system by causing external mass transfer limitations or the poisoning of the catalysts. This work presents a systematic study on the influence of the distance between the two catalysts for the CO2 to dimethyl ether tandem system.
Electrochemical Synthesis and Analytical Characterization of Hybrid Zinc/Calcium Antimicrobial Nano‐Oxides for Cultural Heritage Applications
Authors: Izzi Margherita , Chiara Sportelli Maria , Anna Picca Rosaria , Cioffi Nicola
Published: January 2023

The present study proposes the one‐step synthesis of Zn/Ca hybrid nano‐oxides combining an electrochemical route to ZnO nanostructures (NSs) with the wet chemical production of Ca(OH)2 NSs. ZnO is a known antimicrobial and Ca(OH)2 has consolidating properties, both appealing for stone artwork preservation in the field of cultural heritage. Two concentrations of the electrolytic bath (NaOH 0.1 and 0.4 M) were studied resulting in distinct final nanomaterials (Zn−Ca0.1 and Zn−Ca0.4). Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies, and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that Zn−Ca0.1 consisted of lamellar calcium hydroxyzincate NSs, whereas Zn−Ca0.4 showed hexagonal Ca(OH)2 (∼500 nm) and ZnO (∼50 nm) NSs. Nanocoatings prepared with Zn−Ca0.1 exhibited a Zn2+ release increasing up to 1 μmol cm−2 in 24 h. Instead, Zn−Ca0.4‐based nanocoatings released a constant value of about 0.35 μmol/cm2. Both types of nanocoatings showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis after 48 h and hydrophilic behavior over 28 days.
Photoactive Organo‐Sulfur Polymers for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Tufts Noah Q. , Chiu Nan Chieh , Musa Emmanuel Nyela , Gallagher Trenton C. , Fast Dylan B. , Stylianou Kyriakos C.
Published: January 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis of photoactive polymeric organo‐sulfur (POS) materials. These polymers absorb light in the ultraviolet/visible and near‐infrared region of the solar spectrum, and upon irradiation, they reduce water to hydrogen (H2). The decoration of POS materials with nitrile (−CN) groups is found to be the critical factor for enhanced interactions with the co‐catalyst, Ni2P, leading to greater H2 evolution rates compared to the nitrile‐free POS material.
The Biologically Inspired Abilities of Metallosupramolecular Architectures
Authors: Pearcy Aston C. , Crowley James D.
Published: January 2023

Natural machinery such as proteins and enzymes can bind substrates and perform intricate functions on these molecules. This behaviour is mediated by highly ordered but conformationally flexible structures dictated through favourable intra‐ and intermolecular interactions. Metallosupramolecular architectures (MSAs) function as synthetic machinery that are responsive to their environment, and display similar, but less impressive, abilities to their biological counterparts. Natural and synthetic systems share the properties of molecular recognition and catalysis facilitated through the often complex structures of these architectures. This article outlines efforts to use metallosupramolecular structures to mimic the properties of biological enzymes and machines using important recent examples from the field.
The Mechanochemical Fries Rearrangement: Manipulating Isomer Ratios in the Synthesis of p‐Hydroxyacetophenone at Different Scales**
Authors: Baier Daniel M. , Rensch Tilo , Bergheim Konrad , Pietryga Viktoria , Grätz Sven , Borchardt Lars
Published: January 2023

Herein, the first mechanochemical Fries rearrangement for the industrially important synthesis of para‐hydroxyacetophenone, inside a ball mill and a twin‐screw extruder, is presented. Our approach leads to a yield of 62 % in as little as 90 minutes while liquid‐assisted grinding can shift the isomer ratio resulting in an excess of the desired para‐product. The multigram scale‐up by extrusion leads to 61 % yield in only three minutes while completely avoiding solvents. The extrusion temperature can even further be reduced by combining extrusion with a subsequent ageing step.
Zinc Substituted Myoglobin−Albumin Fusion Protein: A Photosensitizer for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yamada Taiga , Morita Yoshitsugu , Takada Ryoya , Funamoto Mizuki , Okamoto Wataru , Kohno Mitsutomo , Komatsu Teruyuki
Published: January 2023

Myoglobin combined with human serum albumin (Mb‐HSA) can be produced using yeast Pichia pastoris as a host strain, with secretion into the culture medium. This Mb‐HSA fusion protein possesses identical O2 binding affinity to that of naked Mb. The Mb unit is reconstituted with a zinc(II) protoporphyrin IX, yielding (zinc substituted Mb)‐HSA, ZnMb‐HSA. The photophysical property and singlet O2 generation ability of ZnMb‐HSA are equivalent to those of ZnMb. In vitro cell experiments revealed that ZnMb‐HSA acts as a superior photosensitizer for photodynamic cancer therapy. It is noteworthy that ZnMb‐HSA shows long circulation lifetime in vivo.
Glia Cell Morphology Analysis Using the Fiji GliaMorph Toolkit
Authors: Kugler Elisabeth , Breitenbach Eva‐Maria , MacDonald Ryan
Published: January 2023

Glial cells are the support cells of the nervous system. Glial cells typically have elaborate morphologies that facilitate close contacts with neighboring neurons, synapses, and the vasculature. In the retina, Müller glia (MG) are the principal glial cell type that supports neuronal function by providing a myriad of supportive functions via intricate cell morphologies and precise contacts. Thus, complex glial morphology is critical for glial function, but remains challenging to resolve at a sub‐cellular level or reproducibly quantify in complex tissues. To address this issue, we developed GliaMorph as a Fiji‐based macro toolkit that allows 3D glial cell morphology analysis in the developing and mature retina. As GliaMorph is implemented in a modular fashion, here we present guides to (a) setup of GliaMorph, (b) data understanding in 3D, including z‐axis intensity decay and signal‐to‐noise ratio, (c) pre‐processing data to enhance image quality, (d) performing and examining image segmentation, and (e) 3D quantification of MG features, including apicobasal texture analysis. To allow easier application, GliaMorph tools are supported with graphical user interfaces where appropriate, and example data are publicly available to facilitate adoption. Further, GliaMorph can be modified to meet users’ morphological analysis needs for other glial or neuronal shapes. Finally, this article provides users with an in‐depth understanding of data requirements and the workflow of GliaMorph. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Download and installation of GliaMorph components including example data

Basic Protocol 2: Understanding data properties and quality 3D—essential for subsequent analysis and capturing data property issues early

Basic Protocol 3: Pre‐processing AiryScan microscopy data for analysis

Alternate Protocol: Pre‐processing confocal microscopy data for analysis

Basic Protocol 4: Segmentation of glial cells

Basic Protocol 5: 3D quantification of glial cell morphology
Disordered Au Nanoclusters for Efficient Ammonia Electrosynthesis
Authors: Peng Xianyun , Zhang Rui , Mi Yuying , Wang Hsiao‐Tsu , Huang Yu‐Cheng , Han Lili , Head Ashley R. , Pao Chih‐Wen , Liu Xijun , Dong Chung‐Li , Liu Qian , Zhang Shusheng , Pong Way‐Faung , Luo Jun , Xin Huolin L.
Published: January 2023

The electrochemical nitrogen (N2) reduction reaction (N2RR) under mild conditions is a promising and environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional Haber‐Bosch process with high energy consumption and greenhouse emission for the synthesis of ammonia (NH3), but high‐yielding production is rendered challenging by the strong nonpolar N≡N bond in N2 molecules, which hinders their dissociation or activation. In this study, disordered Au nanoclusters anchored on two‐dimensional ultrathin Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets are explored as highly active and selective electrocatalysts for efficient N2‐to‐NH3 conversion, exhibiting exceptional activity with an NH3 yield rate of 88.3±1.7 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 and a faradaic efficiency of 9.3±0.4 %. A combination of in situ near‐ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and operando X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy is employed to unveil the uniqueness of this catalyst for N2RR. The disordered structure is found to serve as the active site for N2 chemisorption and activation during the N2RR process.
The value of charrettes for organizational progress
Authors: Freebairn‐Smith Laura
Published: January 2023

In the first seven columns of “Management Matters,” I have covered:
Create inclusive content with accessibility tools
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: January 2023

When you create social media graphics, downloadable lead magnets, new academic program pages for your website, and email newsletters, are you keeping accessibility in mind? I certainly hope so. It's not only required by federal law for many colleges and universities, but it's simply the right thing to do — and will most likely lead to a better experience for all.
How college leaders can implement successful changes
Authors: D'Orio Wayne
Published: January 2023

The number of important issues facing college administrators seems to be growing exponentially. On any given day, a college leader could be dealing with declining enrollment, the pending Supreme Court decision that will erase or reshape affirmative action, the struggle to educate students affected by the last two‐plus years of the pandemic, and a free speech battle that's just a professor's comment away from igniting.
Thyroblastoma: A DICER1‐associated embryonal neoplasm and fine needle aspiration diagnostic criteria
Authors: Jitpasutham Tikamporn , Faquin William C. , Torous Vanda F. , Nosé Vania
Published: January 2023

Thyroblastoma is a rare, aggressive embryonal thyroid neoplasm associated with DICER1 mutation. It usually presents as a rapidly growing thyroid mass diffusely infiltrating the thyroid lobes and extending into perithyroidal tissue. Most thyroblastomas were initially diagnosed as malignant teratoma or carcinosarcoma. The cytologic features of thyroblastoma have not been well documented. Here, we present the cytological findings of a case of thyroblastoma in a 19‐year‐old female with a dominant solid left thyroid nodule. A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass revealed a highly cellular aspirate composed of crowded, atypical, high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio epithelial cells, arranged in a variety of architectural patterns including rosette‐like microfollicular, solid, and morular. In addition, the background contains a minor population of atypical mesenchymal cells. The cytologic differential diagnosis of thyroblastoma includes primary thyroid neoplasms such as adenomatous nodule, follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma as well as metastatic carcinoma.
Effects of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring in adult type 1 diabetes patients with suboptimal glycaemic control: A multi‐centre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yan Jinhua , Zhou Yongwen , Zheng Xueying , Zheng Mao , Lu Jing , Luo Sihui , Yang Daizhi , Deng Hongrong , Xu Wen , Bi Yan , Bao Wei , Weng Jianping
Published: January 2023

Aims

To investigate whether intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring without alarms (intermittently scanned CGM (isCGM)) improves glycaemic control over capillary blood glucose monitoring (BGM) among adult type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients with suboptimal control.

Materials and Methods

Adults with T1DM and HbA1c between 7% and 10% were 1:1 randomized to use isCGM or BGM for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c levels after intervention. The secondary outcomes were the changes in sensor‐derived metrics.

Results

A total of 104 adults with T1DM (34.2 ± 12.2 years; M/F, 38/66) were randomized to the isCGM group (n = 54) and the BGM group (n = 50). After 24 weeks, HbA1c significantly decreased in the isCGM group (8.1 ± 0.7% to 7.5 ± 1.0%) and the BGM group (8.0 ± 0.8% to 7.7 ± 1.0%) with between‐group differences of 0.3% (95% coefficient intervals, 0.0%–0.6%; P = 0.04). The percentage of HbA1c reduction over 1.0% and 1.5% was significantly higher in the isCGM group with adjusted odds ratios of 2.5 (95% CI: 1.1–5.5; P = 0.03) and 3.2 (95% CI: 1.1–9.0; P = 0.03). Mean time‐in‐range 70–180 mg/dl (TIR) in the isCGM group significantly increased (from 58.5 ± 13.0% to 63.0 ± 12.6%), whereas mean TIR was similar in the BGM group (from 58.0 ± 14.6% to 57.5 ± 14.5%). Time spent in hyperglycemia reduced more in the isCGM group and time spent in hypoglycemia did not change significantly in both groups.

Conclusions

Among adult T1DM patients with suboptimal glycaemic control, compared with BGM, isCGM use resulted in a statistically significant improvement in glycaemic control after 24‐week intervention.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier (NCT03522870)
Synthesis of 1,3‐cis‐Fused Tricyclic System through Regio‐ and Stereoselective Epoxidation and Ring‐Rearrangement Metathesis: Access To Basic Core of Presilphiperfolanols
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Reddy Keesari Ramakrishna , Ravikumar Ongolu
Published: January 2023

Here, we report a new synthetic approach to a highly strained 1,3‐fused cis‐cis‐cis‐5/5/6 tricyclic system that appeared among the presilphiperfolanol analogues. The cis‐fusion of six‐membered ring to a diquinane moiety is accomplished by substrate‐controlled regio‐ and stereoselective epoxidation, and ring‐rearrangement metathesis (RRM) sequence. In this regard, both early‐, and late‐stage epoxidation and RRM reactions were studied. The target compound, cis‐cis‐cis‐5/5/6 tricyclic ketone with an α,β‐oxirane ring can serve as a key building block to produce various presilphiperfolanol analogues. The cis‐cis‐cis‐5/5/6‐tricyclic‐α,β‐epoxyketone can also act as masked enone and therefore useful for various chemical transformations in organic synthesis. The short synthetic sequence disclosed here may be useful to design various biologically important molecules. The newly reported molecules are well‐characterized by NMR, HRMS, and IR spectral data.
Incidence of trigeminal neuralgia: A population‐based study in Central Sweden
Authors: Svedung Wettervik Teodor , Snel Daniel , Kristiansson Per , Ericson Hans , Abu Hamdeh Sami
Published: January 2023

Background

The primary aim of this observational study was to determine the incidence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in a county in central Sweden. The secondary aim was to investigate TN characteristics including the affected side and nerve branches.

Methods

Patients that received the ICD‐10 diagnostic codes TN (G50.0), atypical facial pain (G50.1) and other/unspecified disorder of the trigeminal nerve (G50.8 and G50.9) in Uppsala County, between 2009 and 2017, were eligible for inclusion. Case ascertainment was conducted by the authors by review of the medical records.

Results

The incidence of TN was estimated to be 5.5 (95% confidence interval 4.7–6.4) per 100,000 person‐years. The incidence increased with age, from 0.1 in 0‐ to 19‐year‐olds to 23.1 per 100,000 person‐years in 80+‐year‐olds. Females exhibited a higher incidence at 7.3 than males at 3.7 per 100,000 person‐years. Most of the trigeminal neuralgia cases were diagnosed in the Neurology department (47%). Trigeminal neuralgia was most frequently right sided (59%) and limited to one cranial nerve V‐branch, of which V2 was the most common.

Conclusions

Trigeminal neuralgia incidence was estimated to be 5.5 per 100,000 person‐years. The incidence was higher for females and increased with older age.

Significance

There is limited knowledge about the true incidence of trigeminal neuralgia. This manuscript provides an estimate of 5.5 cases per 100,000 person‐years, by using a thorough case ascertainment methodology.
Prediction model of regional economic development potential based on data mining technology
Authors: Yang Jiayan
Published: January 2023

Due to the differences between regions, the regional economy is also affected by the development of the real economy and the environment in a specific region. Thus, it is necessary to predict the development potential of the regional economy to ensure the smooth operation of the economy. The continuous upgrading of technology enables the country to grasp the development trend of the regional economy more accurately than ever before. However, the existing prediction techniques still have large errors. Therefore, this paper constructed a prediction model based on data mining technology to predict the development potential of the regional economy to enhance the accuracy of predictive models. The experiments showed that the prediction accuracy of the prediction model constructed in this paper could reach 96.78%, which could provide an accurate reference for the development of the regional economy to ensure the stable development of the regional economy, and has important application value.
High‐entropy stabilized oxides derived via a low‐temperature template route for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Raza Hassan , Cheng Junye , Lin Cong , Majumder Soumyadip , Zheng Guangping , Chen Guohua
Published: January 2023

It is a long‐standing issue that the sluggish polysulfide conversion and adverse shuttling effects impede the development of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries with high energy density and cycling stability, which necessitate the exploration of new electrocatalysts to facilitate the practical applications of Li‐S batteries. Herein, a single‐phase high‐entropy stabilized oxide (Ni0.2Co0.2Cu0.2Mg0.2Zn0.2)O (HEO850) is successfully prepared through a novel low‐temperature annealing strategy from a self‐sacrificing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) template and then integrated into the sulfur host, where it functions as both the catalytic converter and chemical inhibitor towards the shuttle species. Furthermore, the synergistic contribution of randomly dispersed metal elements and the exposure of affluent active sites enable the chemical encapsulation of soluble polysulfides and accelerate conversion kinetics. The HEO850/S/KB cathode (KB: ketjen black; sulfur content: 70 wt.%) delivers a substantially higher initial specific discharge capacity of ~1244 mAh g−1 in comparison to MEO/S/KB (MEO: medium entropy oxide; ~980 mAh g−1), LEO/S/KB (LEO: low entropy oxide; ~908 mAh g−1), and routine S/KB cathodes (~966 mAh g−1), which is well retained at ~784 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles at 0.5 C with a low capacity decay rate of ~0.043% per cycle. Moreover, when the HEO850/S/KB cathode is processed with a high areal sulfur loading (~4.4 mg cm−2), the resulting Li‐S battery also performs well, with a high initial specific capacity of ~1044 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 85% capacity retention after 100 cycles. This study highlights the potential application of HEOs in enhancing the performance of Li‐S batteries and provides a novel strategy in synthesizing the HEOs at a relatively low annealing temperature for various energy conversion and storage applications.

image
Eurocode‐8‐conforming seismic design and behaviour factor of high‐post‐yield stiffness concentrically‐braced steel frames
Authors: Hassan Mahmoud , Vasdravellis George , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

A seismic‐resistant steel frame with energy‐dissipating, chevron‐type braces is proposed. The braces are equipped with replaceable hourglass‐shaped pins made of duplex stainless steel. Under design seismic loading, energy is dissipated through inelastic deformations confined in the replaceable pins while the other members remain essentially elastic. As a result, the frame exhibits high post‐yield stiffness due to the inherent properties of the stainless‐steel pins. A Eurocode‐8‐based design methodology is adopted for the frame and assessed following the Eurocode‐8‐compatible INNOSEIS approach. Specifically, the overstrength factor is evaluated through nonlinear pushover analysis while the behaviour factor is assessed through incremental dynamic analysis considering high and medium seismicity site‐specific ground motion suites. The determined behaviour factor satisfies the global collapse prevention and life safety objectives while also keeping the maximum residual inter‐storey drifts below 1/300 to permit an easy substitution of the damaged pins after the design level earthquake.