bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Resilience of Biofilms toward Environmental Perturbations Mediated by Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Zhang Qiuting , Nguyen Danh , Tai Jung‐Shen B. , Xu XJ , Nijjer Japinder , Huang Xin , Li Ying , Yan Jing
Published: March 2022

Biofilms are surface‐associated communities of bacterial cells embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM). Biofilm cells can survive and thrive in various dynamic environments causing tenacious problems in healthcare and industry. From a materials science point of view, biofilms can be considered as soft, viscoelastic materials, and exhibit remarkable mechanical resilience. How biofilms achieve such resilience toward various environmental perturbations remain unclear, although ECM has been generally considered to play a key role. Here,Vibrio cholerae(Vc) is used as a model organism to investigate biofilm mechanics in the nonlinear rheological regime by systematically examining the role of each constituent matrix component. Combining mutagenesis, rheological measurements, and molecular dynamics simulations, the mechanical behaviors of various mutant biofilms and their distinct mechanical phenotypes including mechanics‐guided morphologies, nonlinear viscoelastic behavior, and recovery from large shear forces and heating are investigated. The results show that the ECM polymeric network protects the embedded cells from environmental challenges by providing mechanical resilience in response to large mechanical perturbation. The findings provide physical insights into the structure–property relationship of biofilms, which can be potentially employed to design biofilm removal strategies or, more forward‐looking, engineer biofilms as beneficial, functional soft materials in dynamic environments.
Realization of Coexisting Charge Density Wave and Quantum Spin/Anomalous Hall State in Monolayer NbTe2
Authors: Zhang Kang , Zou Nianlong , Ren Yanru , Wu Jizheng , Si Chen , Duan Wenhui
Published: March 2022

The combination of nontrivial topology and charge density wave (CDW) has been proposed as a powerful resource for realizing novel quantum phenomena such as axion electrodynamics and the anomalous Hall effect. Hence, topological materials with CDW states attract great interest, yet they are still very rare, particularly in the 2D limit. Here, it is predicted that monolayer NbTe2 in its high‐symmetry 1T phase stabilized by anharmonicity at room temperature exhibits nontrivial topology sensitive to electronic interactions: it changes from a quantum spin Hall (QSH) state to a quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) state when the Hubbard potential U exceeds a critical value. At low temperature, a 4 × 4 CDW order emerges and coexists with the nontrivial topology. Meanwhile, the critical U increases because CDW reduces density of states at Fermi level. More interestingly, in contrast to the high‐symmetry structure that actually is a topologically nontrivial metal, the CDW structure shows an insulating nontrivial gap either in the QSH or the QAH phase, indicating CDW is an effective means to modulate the topological state for developing new functions and devices. These discoveries establish NbTe2 as a promising candidate to explore exotic quantum states at the confluence of nontrivial topology, electronic correlation, and CDW.
Exceeding 50 mW RMS‐Output Magneto‐Mechano‐Electric Generator by Hybridizing Piezoelectric and Electromagnetic Induction Effects
Authors: Kwak Min Sub , Peddigari Mahesh , Lee Ha Young , Min Yuho , Park Kwi‐Il , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Yoon Woon‐Ha , Ryu Jungho , Yi Sam Nyung , Jang Jongmoon , Hwang Geon‐Tae
Published: March 2022

A magneto‐mechano‐electric (MME) generator with root mean square (RMS) output exceeding 50 mW is demonstrated by integration of a piezoelectric Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PMN‐PZT) single crystal and an electromagnetic induction structure to convert a gentle alternating current magnetic field into electricity to operate a high‐power consumption multi‐functional Internet of Things (IoT) environmental monitoring system. The 2nd resonance bending mode at the cantilever‐type hybrid MME generator enabled much higher output power than the conventional 1st resonance mode, which is theoretically investigated by a finite element analysis. The hybridized MME generator can generate a total RMS output power of 60 mW since the output power of the piezoelectric and electromagnetic induction parts is 26.7 and 33.3 mW, respectively, by a magnetic field of 7 Oe at the 2nd harmonic bending mode. The hybrid MME generator is employed to irradiate a red laser as well as to fully charge a commercial 280 mAh LiFePO4 battery. Finally, a self‐powered multi‐functional IoT environment monitoring system is constructed by integrating the hybrid MME generator, a power management circuit, and a wireless multiple sensing modules. The remarkable output power from the hybridized MME generator enabled the continuous sensing of nine types of ambient information and subsequent transmission of the measured data to a smartphone.
Advanced Ultralow‐Concentration Electrolyte for Wide‐Temperature and High‐Voltage Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Zhang Haiyang , Xu Jingjing , Pan Anran , Zhang Fengrui , Wang Lei , Han Ran , Hu Jianchen , Liu Meinan , Wu Xiaodong
Published: March 2022

High‐voltage Li‐metal batteries (LMBs) are regarded as next‐generation high‐energy‐density storage devices to apply to extensive fields such as electric vehicles, space explorations, subsea operations, and grid‐scale storages. Unfortunately, their practical applications are restricted by some defects of commercial carbonate electrolytes including flammability, low oxidation stability, narrow temperature operation window, and Li dendrites growth. Herein, a novel ultralow‐concentration electrolyte (ULCE, 0.1 m) is fabricated by dissolving lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate in N‐methyl‐N‐methoxyethyl‐pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([MEMP][TFSI]) ionic liquid and 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropylether. This advanced ULCE exhibits impressive merits including low cost, non‐flammability, wide operation temperature (−100 to +70 °C), and high electrochemical window (5.75 V). Meanwhile, it helps to suppress Li dendrite growth due to the combined effect of the cation shielding by MEMP+ cations and robust solid electrolyte interphase formed by the preferential decomposition of DFOB− and TFSI− anions. The LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622)/Li cell with ULCE shows outstanding performance under a high voltage of 4.5 V and a wide temperature range from −60 to 70 °C. This work provides a distinctive sight to design advanced electrolyte for lower cost, safe, and wide‐temperature high‐energy‐density LMBs.
pH‐Controlled Switch over Coadsorption and Separation for Mixed Cs+ and Sr2+ by an Acid‐Resistant Potassium Thioantimonate
Authors: Zhao Yi‐Ming , Cheng Lin , Wang Kai‐Yao , Hao Xin , Wang Juan , Zhu Jia‐Ying , Sun Meng , Wang Cheng
Published: March 2022

Switchable coadsorption and separation for elimination/partitioning of Cs+ and Sr2+ is achieved by pH‐controlled ion exchange using a potassium thioantimonate K2Sb4S7·2H2O (SbS‐1K) with fantastic pH durability from diluted NaOH (pH 12) to concentrated HCl (3 m). At pH 6, SbS‐1K exhibits ultrafast adsorption kinetics (R ≈ 90% in 2 min for Cs+ and 20 min for Sr2+) and high removal rates (R ≈ 98–99%) at equilibrium for both Cs+ and Sr2+. At pH 2, the Sr2+ adsorption is inhibited by H+ with a great loss in RSr to 11.18%, whereas the RCs remains at 96.99%, contributing to a top‐ranked separation factor SFCs/Sr of 256. The SbS‐1K‐filled ion exchange column can be switched between the eliminating (RCs > 99.91%; RSr > 98.19%) and separating (RCs > 98.99%; RSr ≈ 0±3%) modes for treating continuous flow with a variation from pH 6 to pH 2 or vice versa. The SbS‐1K/PTFE membrane exhibits coadsorption and separation effects for filtration of low concentrated mixed Cs+ and Sr2+ solution (1 ppm for each), even at an ultrafast vacuum filtration speed (30 mL min–1). Combined with easy synthesis and high β/γ irradiation resistance, SbS‐1K represents a new‐concept bifunctional exchanger with discriminating intelligence for equipment innovation.
Enhanced Light Absorption in All‐Polymer Biomimetic Photonic Structures by Near‐Zero‐Index Organic Matter
Authors: Castillo Miguel A. , Estévez‐Varela C. , Wardley William P. , Serna R. , Pastoriza‐Santos I. , Núñez‐Sánchez S. , Lopez‐Garcia Martin
Published: March 2022

Natural photosynthetic photonic nanostructures can show sophisticated light–matter interactions including enhanced light absorption by slow light even for highly pigmented systems. Beyond fundamental biology aspects, these natural nanostructures are very attractive as blueprints for advanced photonic devices. But the soft‐matter biomimetic implementations of such nanostructures is challenging due to the low refractive index contrast of most organic photonic structures. Excitonic organic materials with near‐zero index (NZI) optical properties allow overcoming these bottlenecks. Here, it is demonstrated that the combination of NZI thin films with photonic multilayers like the ones found in nature enables broadband tunable strong reflectance as well as slow light absorption enhancement and tailored photoluminescence properties in the full VIS spectrum. Moreover, it is shown that this complex optical response is tunable, paving the way toward the development of active devices based on all‐polymer and near‐zero index materials photonic structures.
Blocking Cancer–Nerve Crosstalk for Treatment of Metastatic Bone Cancer Pain
Authors: Chu Xu , Zhuang Hongjun , Liu Yanyan , Li Jinjin , Wang Ya , Jiang Yaqin , Zhang Huilin , Zhao Peiran , Chen Yang , Jiang Xingwu , Wu Yelin , Bu Wenbo
Published: March 2022

The tumor microenvironment is a complex milieu where neurons constitute an important non‐neoplastic cell type. From “cancer neuroscience,” the crosstalk between tumors and neurons favors the rapid growth of both, making the cancer–nerve interaction a reciprocally beneficial process. Thus, cancer–nerve crosstalk may provide new targets for therapeutic intervention against cancer and cancer‐related symptoms. We proposed a nerve–cancer crosstalk blocking strategy for metastatic bone cancer pain treatment, achieved by Mg/Al layered‐double‐hydroxide nanoshells (Mg/Al‐LDH) with AZ‐23 loaded inside and alendronate decorated outside. The pain‐causing H+ is rapidly eliminated by the LDH, with neurogenesis inhibited by the antagonist AZ‐23. As positive feedback, the decreased pain reverses the nerve‐to‐cancer Ca2+ crosstalk‐related cell cycle, dramatically inhibiting tumor growth. All experiments confirm the improved pain threshold and enhanced tumor inhibition. The study may inspire multidisciplinary researchers to focus on cancer–nerve crosstalk for treating cancer and accompanied neuropathic diseases.
Activating a Semiconductor–Liquid Junction via Laser‐Derived Dual Interfacial Layers for Boosted Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Jian Jie , Wang Shiyuan , Ye Qian , Li Fan , Su Guirong , Liu Wei , Qu Changzhen , Liu Feng , Li Can , Jia Lichao , Novikov Andrei A. , Vinokurov Vladimir A. , Harvey Daniel H. S. , Shchukin Dmitry , Friedrich Dennis , van de Krol Roel , Wang Hongqiang
Published: March 2022

The semiconductor–liquid junction (SCLJ), the dominant place in photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalysis, determines the interfacial activity and stability of photoelectrodes, whcih directly affects the viability of PEC hydrogen generation. Though efforts dedicated in past decades, a challenge remains regarding creating a synchronously active and stable SCLJ, owing to the technical hurdles of simultaneously overlaying the two advantages. The present work demonstrates that creating an SCLJ with a unique configuration of the dual interfacial layers can yield BiVO4 photoanodes with synchronously boosted photoelectrochemical activity and operational stability, with values located at the top in the records of such photoelectrodes. The bespoke dual interfacial layers, accessed via grafting laser‐generated carbon dots with phenolic hydroxyl groups (LGCDs‐PHGs), are experimentally verified effective, not only in generating the uniform layer of LGCDs with covalent anchoring for inhibited photocorrosion, but also in activating, respectively, the charge separation and transfer in each layer for boosted charge‐carrier kinetics, resulting in FeNiOOH–LGCDs‐PHGs–MBVO photoanodes with a dual configuration with the photocurrent density of 6.08 mA cm−2 @ 1.23 VRHE, and operational stability up to 120 h @ 1.23 VRHE. Further work exploring LGCDs‐PHGs from catecholic molecules warrants the proposed strategy as being a universal alternative for addressing the interfacial charge‐carrier kinetics and operational stability of semiconductor photoelectrodes.
Radio Frequency Sensing‐Based In Situ Temperature Measurements during Magnetic Resonance Imaging Interventional Procedures
Authors: Bilgin Mehmet Berk , Tiryaki Mehmet Efe , Lazovic Jelena , Sitti Metin
Published: March 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐tuned radio‐frequency (RF) sensors are used as a radiation‐free alternative for tracking minimally invasive medical tool positions. However, in situ temperature sensing capabilities of the MRI‐tuned RF sensors have not been thoroughly investigated yet. A self‐resonating RF sensor capable of remote in situ temperature sensing during real‐time interventional MRI is presented. The proposed RF sensor design relies on the temperature‐dependent permittivity to tune or detune the resonant frequency. The sensor is tuned to match the resonant frequency of a 7 Tesla MRI (298 MHz) at body temperature, enabling a hyperintense signal in MR images. As temperature increases, the sensor detunes due to the change in the relative permittivity, and the hyperintense signal disappears in the MR image, serving as a direct visual indicator of the temperature change in real‐time. In addition, the localized signal can be used for 3D position tracking of interventional medical devices. Using a 7 Tesla preclinical MRI, in vitro characterization and ex vivo feasibility of the proposed temperature sensing method are demonstrated in the clinically relevant temperature range of 36–42 °C with an accuracy of ±0.6 °C. Such RF sensors can provide safer operations in future MRI interventional procedures.
The Importance of the Macroscopic Geometry in Gas‐Phase Photocatalysis
Authors: Matter Fabian , Niederberger Markus
Published: March 2022

Photocatalysis has the potential to make a major technological contribution to solving pressing environmental and energy problems. There are many strategies for improving photocatalysts, such as tuning the composition to optimize visible light absorption, charge separation, and surface chemistry, ensuring high crystallinity, and controlling particle size and shape to increase overall surface area and exploit the reactivity of individual crystal facets. These processes mainly affect the nanoscale and are therefore summarized as nanostructuring. In comparison, microstructuring is performed on a larger size scale and is mainly concerned with particle assembly and thin film preparation. Interestingly, most structuring efforts stop at this point, and there are very few examples of geometry optimization on a millimeter or even centimeter scale. However, the recent work on nanoparticle‐based aerogel monoliths has shown that this size range also offers great potential for improving the photocatalytic performance of materials, especially when the macroscopic geometry of the monolith is matched to the design of the photoreactor. This review article is dedicated to this aspect and addresses some issues and open questions that arise when working with macroscopically large photocatalysts. Guidelines are provided that could help develop novel and efficient photocatalysts with a truly 3D architecture.
Variation in cloud immersion, not precipitation, drives leaf trait plasticity and water relations in vascular epiphytes during an extreme drought
Authors: Ferguson Briana N. , Gotsch Sybil G. , Williams Cameron B. , Wilson Hannah , Barnes Caitlin N. , Dawson Todd E. , Nadkarni Nalini M.
Published: March 2022

Premise

Epiphytes are abundant in ecosystems such as tropical montane cloud forests where low‐lying clouds are often in contact with vegetation. Climate projections for these regions include more variability in rainfall and an increase in cloud base heights, which would lead to drier conditions in the soil and atmosphere. While recent studies have examined the effects of drought on epiphytic water relations, the influence that atmospheric moisture has, either alone or in combination with drought, on the health and performance of epiphyte communities remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a 10‐week drought experiment on seven vascular epiphyte species in two shadehouses, one with warmer and drier conditions and another that was cooler and more humid. We measured water relations across control and drought‐treatment groups and assessed functional traits of leaves produced during drought conditions to evaluate trait plasticity.

Results

Epiphytes exposed to drought and drier atmospheric conditions had a significant reduction in stomatal conductance and leaf water potential and an increase in leaf dry matter. Nonsucculent epiphytes from the drier shadehouse had the greatest shifts in functional traits, whereas succulent epiphytes released stored leaf water to maintain water status.

Conclusions

Individuals in the drier shadehouse had a substantial reduction in performance, whereas drought‐treated individuals that experienced cloud immersion displayed minimal changes in water status. Our results indicate that projected increases in the cloud base height will reduce growth and performance of epiphytic communities and that nonsucculent epiphytes may be particularly vulnerable.
Pollen in water of unstable salinity: Evolution and function of dynamic apertures in monocot aquatics
Authors: Severova Elena E. , Rudall Paula J. , Macfarlane Terry D. , Krasnova Elena D. , Sokoloff Dmitry D.
Published: March 2022

Premise

The sporoderm of seed‐plant pollen grains typically has apertures in which the outer sporopollenin‐bearing layer is relatively sparse. The apertures allow regulation of the internal volume of the pollen grain during desiccation and rehydration (harmomegathy) and also serve as sites of pollen germination. A small fraction of angiosperms undergo pollination in water or at the water surface, where desiccation is unlikely. Their pollen grains commonly lack apertures, though with some notable exceptions. We tested a hypothesis that in some angiosperm aquatics that inhabit water of unstable salinity, the pollen apertures accommodate osmotic effects that occur during pollination in such conditions.

Methods

Pollen grains of the tepaloid clade of the monocot order Alismatales, which contains ecologically diverse aquatic and marshy plants, were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We used Ruppia as a model to test pollen grain response in water of various salinities. Pollen aperture evolution was also analyzed using molecular tree topologies.

Results

Phylogenetic optimizations demonstrated an evolutionary loss and two subsequent regains of the aperturate condition in the tepaloid clade of Alismatales. Both of the taxa that have reverted to aperturate pollen (Ruppia, Ruppiaceae; Althenia, Potamogetonaceae) are adapted to changeable water salinity. Direct experiments with Ruppia showed that the pollen apertures have a role in a harmomegathic response to differences in water salinity.

Conclusions

Our results showed that the inferred regain of pollen apertures represents an adaptation to changeable water salinity. We invoke a loss‐and‐regain scenario, prompting questions that are testable using developmental genetics and plant physiology.
BRPF1‐associated syndrome: A patient with congenital ptosis, neurological findings, and normal intellectual development
Authors: Souza Josiane , do Valle Daniel Almeida , Santos Mara Lucia Schmidt Ferreira , Colomé Fernanda Bonilla , Teive Helio Afonso Ghizoni , da Silva Freitas Renato , Herai Roberto Hirochi
Published: March 2022

In 2017, Mattiolli et al. and Yan et al. described a series of patients with clinical findings essentially characterized by intellectual disabilities, ptosis, hypotonia, epilepsy, and weakness. They also found in these patients distinct heterozygous mutations in the BRPF1 gene, which plays a role in epigenetic regulation by promoting histone acetylation. The disease is known as Intellectual Developmental Disorder with Dysmorphic Facies and Ptosis (IDDDFP, OMIM #617333). Later, another 20 patients were also described by distinct reports, suggesting IDDDFP could be a more frequent cause of intellectual disability as it was thought before. Here, we describe a patient with normal intellectual development who had congenital ptosis, hypotonia, muscular weakness, atlanto‐axial malformation, and pyramidal at the neurological examination. The patient has a rare nonsense variant on exon 3 of BRPF1 gene. We also describe a phenotypic amplification for conditions related to deficiency in histone modifications.
A novel pathogenic variant at the C‐terminal propeptide cleavage site of COL1A1, causing osteogenesis imperfecta with intrafamilial variability
Authors: Lang Steven H. , Gallo Ryan A. , Forghani Irman
Published: March 2022

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare connective tissue disorder with clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The cardinal features of OI are bone fragility and low bone mineral density (BMD). Pathogenic variants in COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes, which encode the proα‐1(I) and proα‐2(I) chains of Type 1 collagen, are the most common causes of OI. Mutations disrupting the carboxy‐terminal propeptide cleavage site of the proα‐1(I) and proα‐2(I) chains have recently been reported as rare causes of OI with paradoxically normal to high BMD. This report describes a father and daughter with OI who are heterozygous for a novel likely pathogenic variant at the carboxy‐terminal propeptide cleavage site of COL1A1 (NM_000088.4): c.3656A>G; (p.Asp1219Gly). We describe their intrafamilial phenotypic variability and overlapping features with other COL1A1‐related disorders.
The roles of eosinophils and interleukin‐5 in the pathophysiology of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Gevaert Philippe , Han Joseph K. , Smith Steven G. , Sousa Ana R. , Howarth Peter H. , Yancey Steven W. , Chan Robert , Bachert Claus
Published: March 2022

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is generally associated with eosinophilic tissue infiltration linked to type 2 inflammation and characterized by elevated levels of interleukin (IL)‐5 and other type 2 inflammatory mediators. Although distinct and overlapping contributions of eosinophils and IL‐5 to CRSwNP pathology are still being explored, they are both known to play an important role in NP inflammation. Eosinophils secrete numerous type 2 inflammatory mediators including granule proteins, enzymes, cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, lipids, and oxidative products. IL‐5 is critical for the differentiation, migration, activation, and survival of eosinophils but is also implicated in the biological functions of mast cells, basophils, innate lymphoid cells, B cells, and epithelial cells. Results from clinical trials of therapeutics that target type 2 inflammatory mediators (including but not limited to anti‐IL‐5, anti‐immunoglobulin‐E, and anti‐IL‐4/13) may provide further evidence of how eosinophils and IL‐5 contribute to CRSwNP. Finally, the association between eosinophilia/elevated IL‐5 and greater rates of NP recurrence after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) suggests that these mediators may have utility as biomarkers of NP recurrence in diagnosing and assessing the severity of CRSwNP. This review provides an overview of eosinophil and IL‐5 biology and explores the literature regarding the role of these mediators in CRSwNP pathogenesis and NP recurrence following ESS. Based on current published evidence, we suggest that although eosinophils play a key role in CRSwNP pathophysiology, IL‐5, a cytokine that activates these cells, also represents a pertinent and effective treatment target in patients with CRSwNP.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Third Vaccine Immune Response in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated with Ocrelizumab
Authors: Brill Livnat , Raposo Catarina , Rechtman Ariel , Zveik Omri , Levin Netta , Oiknine‐Djian Esther , Wolf Dana G. , Vaknin‐Dembinsky Adi
Published: March 2022

The introduction of a third‐dose vaccination along with new variants of concern raises questions regarding serology and T‐cell responses in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) treated with B‐cell depletion who develop attenuated humoral response to vaccines. The aim of this study was to longitudinally evaluate humoral and cellular response to SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine in ocrelizumab‐treated pwMS before and following a third vaccine dose. Following the third vaccine dose, patients who are low or nonresponders following initial vaccination did not increase antibody titers. In healthy controls and ocrelizumab‐treated pwMS, cellular response decreased 6 months after initial vaccination and increased significantly after the third dose. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:796–800
Highly Stable and Reactive Platinum Single Atoms on Oxygen Plasma‐Functionalized CeO2 Surfaces: Nanostructuring and Peroxo Effects
Authors: Wan Weiming , Geiger Julian , Berdunov Nikolay , Lopez Luna Mauricio , Chee See Wee , Daelman Nathan , López Núria , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: March 2022

Atomically dispersed precious metals on oxide supports have recently become increasingly interesting catalytic materials. Nonetheless, their non‐trivial preparation and limited thermal and environmental stability constitutes an issue for their potential applications. Here we demonstrate that an oxygen plasma pre‐treatment of the ceria (CeO2) surface serves to anchor Pt single atoms, making them active and resistant towards sintering in the CO oxidation reaction. Through a combination of experimental results obtained on well‐defined CeO2 films and theory, we show that the O2 plasma causes surface nanostructuring and the formation of surface peroxo (O22−) species, favoring the uniform and dense distribution of isolated strongly bonded Pt2+ atoms. The promotional effect of the plasma treatment was further demonstrated on powder Pt/CeO2 catalysts. We believe that plasma functionalization can be applied to other metal/oxide systems to achieve tunable and stable catalysts with a high density of active sites.
Transforming Dyes into Fluorophores: Exciton‐Induced Emission with Chain‐like Oligo‐BODIPY Superstructures
Authors: Patalag Lukas J. , Hoche Joscha , Mitric Roland , Werz Daniel B. , Feringa Ben L.
Published: March 2022

Herein we present a systematic study demonstrating to which extent exciton formation can amplify fluorescence based on a series of ethylene‐bridged oligo‐BODIPYs. A set of non‐ and weakly fluorescent BODIPY motifs was selected and transformed into discrete, chain‐like oligomers by linkage via a flexible ethylene tether. The prepared superstructures constitute excitonically active entities with non‐conjugated, Coulomb‐coupled oscillators. The non‐radiative deactivation channels of Internal Conversion (IC), also combined with an upstream reductive Photoelectron Transfer (rPET) and Intersystem Crossing (ISC) were addressed at the monomeric state and the evolution of fluorescence and (non‐)radiative decay rates studied along the oligomeric series. We demonstrate that a “masked” fluorescence can be fully reactivated irrespective of the imposed conformational rigidity. This work challenges the paradigm that a collective fluorescence enhancement is limited to sterically induced motional restrictions.
Coordination‐Controlled Nickel‐Catalyzed Benzylic Allylation of Unactivated Electron‐Deficient Heterocycles
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Wang Jin , Robertson Zoe R. , Newhouse Timothy R.
Published: March 2022

Heterocycles are widespread in pharmaceuticals but methods for their transition metal‐catalyzed functionalization remain limited. This report describes a general, mild, and effective nickel‐catalyzed benzylic allylation and benzylation of 14 types of heterocyclic aromatic compounds, including pyridines, pyrazines, pyrimidines, pyridazines, triazines, benzimidazoles, oxazoles, thiazoles, as well as 3,3‐dimethyl‐indoles. The exquisite selectivity for benzylic sites at the 2‐position is hypothesized to be controlled by coordination of a heterocyclic nitrogen to Zn(TMP)2 subverting generally presumed pKa’s of benzylic protons. Furthermore, the broad range of heterocyclic substrates, the diversity of electrophiles, and excellent functional group compatibility suggest its future application to synthesis of complex molecules and library diversification in drug discovery.
Tandem Macrolactone Synthesis: Total Synthesis of (−)‐Exiguolide by a Macrocyclization/Transannular Pyran Cyclization Strategy
Authors: Mizukami Daichi , Iio Kei , Oda Mami , Onodera Yu , Fuwa Haruhiko
Published: March 2022

Tetrahydropyran‐containing macrolactones were synthesized by integrating Meyer–Schuster rearrangement, macrocyclic ring‐closing metathesis, and transannular oxa‐Michael addition under gold and ruthenium catalysis. Single‐step access to a variety of 14‐ to 20‐membered macrolactones containing a tetrahydropyran ring was possible from readily available linear precursors in good yields and with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivity. A 13‐step synthesis of (−)‐exiguolide, an anticancer marine macrolide, showcased the feasibility of our tandem reaction sequence for macrolactone synthesis and also demonstrated the power of transannular reactions for rapid assembly of the tetrahydropyran rings of the target natural product.
Perylene‐Based Linear Nonalternant Nanoribbons with Bright Emission and Ambipolar Redox Behavior
Authors: Wang Yanpei , Huang Yulin , Huang Tingting , Zhang Jun , Luo Teng , Ni Yong , Li Bo , Xie Sheng , Zeng Zebing
Published: March 2022

Here we report stepwise solution‐synthesis of linear nonalternant nanoribbons (NNRs), featuring pentagonal ringsperi‐fused onto the repeating perylene unit. The X‐ray single‐crystal structures demonstrated their π‐backbones as a twisted ribbon, with the longest crystalline length of the nanoribbon up to 3.9 nm.NNRsexhibited an orange to deep‐red photoluminescence even under the room light, with absolute ΦFup to 82 %, most likely due to ring‐strain induced molecular stiffness. Benefiting from the enlarged size and the antiaromatic character of pentagons, all ofNNRspossessed ambipolar redox properties, especially for longer nanoribbons showing multiple reversible reductions and oxidations. In addition, experimental and theoretical results indicated a ground state open‐shell singlet diradicaloid for the dication of longerNNRs. Our studies reveal the intriguing nonalternant structures and physical properties of this type of nanoribbons, involving the striking effects of the multiple annulated pentagons, and also provide fundamental insights into their electronic structures.
1, 2‐trans‐Stereoselective 7‐O‐Glycosylation of Flavonoids with Unprotected Pyranoses by Mitsunobu Reaction
Authors: Shi Hailong , Yang Jian , Cheng Yao , Yang Jinlian , Lu Xiaoxia , Ma Xiaofeng
Published: March 2022

The glycosylation of protecting‐group‐free pyranoses with flavonoids to generate flavonoid O‐glycosides under Mitsunobu conditions was reported. The methodology allows to prepare a wide range of natural 7‐flavonoid O‐glycosides and their derivatives from commercially available chemicals in good to excellent yields with exclusive 1,2‐trans‐stereoselectivity regardless the anomeric configuration of employed pyranoses. The highly regioselective glycosylation was also achieved among different types of hydroxyl groups on the glycosyl acceptors.
Upper confidence bound integrated genetic algorithm‐optimized long short‐term memory network for click‐through rate prediction
Authors: Souissi Bilel , Ghorbel Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Data on online advertising is rising rapidly due to the fast development of science and technology. Click‐through rate (CTR) prediction has become a critical task regarding the digital advertising industry and a key element in increasing advertising profits and user experience. Therefore, this article describes the problem of CTR prediction as a function of sequence classification tasks. Then, we proposed a novel optimization strategy to solve the high‐dimensional problem and find a subset of relevant variables to ensure high performance of our model and maximize the number of clicks. Here, we introduced a feature selection and hyper‐parameter optimization approach using genetic algorithms (GA) and the upper confidence bound (UCB) model to optimize micro‐targeting technology, along with the long short‐term memory (LSTM) network‐based CTR prediction model. The efficiency of the proposed UCB‐LSTM‐GA model and two hybrid models, namely LSTM‐GA and LSTM‐PSO, is evaluated by comparing them to each other and to other machine‐learning‐based classification methods, including LSTM using a UCB algorithm (UCB‐LSTM), High‐order Attentive Factorization Machine (HoAFM), genetic algorithm‐artificial neural network (GA‐ANN), and a feature interaction graph neural network model (Fi‐GNN). Our solution achieved as high as 87%, 89%, and 92% for respectively accuracy, precision, and recall, using the popular python tools with real Avazu datasets.
Water Quality Modeling in Distribution Systems
Authors: Chenevey Ben
Published: March 2022

Key Takeaways

Water quality modeling is an effective way for utilities to anticipate changes in a water distribution system and make necessary treatment modifications.

Different types of modeling have different characteristics, uses, limitations, and advantages.

Advanced water quality models are powerful and versatile enough that they can be applied to other areas of water utility operation.
Power of Partnerships: Public Health and Water Systems Protect Community Health Together
Authors: Robb Kate , Via Steve , McDonald Ambria , Kerner Bridget , Wright Sarah , DeJarnett Natasha , Bhattacharyya Sanjib , Dettmer Karen , Adams Hunter , Nix Daniel , Latshaw Megan Weil
Published: March 2022

Key Takeaways

Water systems can positively influence public well‐being by teaming up with health agencies.

Two case studies are presented that show how this collaborative work can happen at a local level.

In the United States, the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions open the way for stronger communications across the water and public health sectors.
Protecting Against Water Rate Challenges With the Equivalent of Bear Spray
Authors: Wittern Matt , Gaur Sanjay
Published: March 2022

Key Takeaways

A California water utility was sued over its water budget–based rate structure designed to help customers conserve the state's most precious resource.

The case was followed closely by many in the industry looking for ways to endure the ever‐present threat of water scarcity.

The utility successfully defended itself and shares lessons learned for other water agencies facing rate challenges.
When do people rely more on unique versus common attributes? The effect of power distance belief on preference for alignable versus nonalignable attributes
Authors: Lee Hyejin , Cho Hyewon
Published: March 2022

This research examines the relationship between power distance belief (PDB)—the extent to which people accept and endorse hierarchy and inequality—and consumers' preferences for alignable (vs. nonalignable) attributes when making a choice. Through four experiments, we find that high PDB individuals are more likely to rely on alignable attributes, while low PDB individuals are more likely to rely on nonalignable attributes. We further propose and demonstrate that cognitive flexibility underlies this effect such that high (vs. low) PDB individuals have lower cognitive flexibility, which, in turn, increases their reliance on alignable attributes when making a choice. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Synthesis of Functionalized δ‐Hydroxy‐β‐keto Esters and Evaluation of Their Anti‐inflammatory Properties
Authors: Grosse Michel , Günther Kerstin , Jordan Paul M. , Roman Dávid , Werz Oliver , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: March 2022

δ‐Hydroxy‐β‐keto esters and δ,β‐dihydroxy esters are characteristic structural motifs of statin‐type natural products and drug candidates. Here, we describe the synthesis of functionalized δ‐hydroxy‐β‐keto esters in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities using Chan's diene and modified Mukaiyama‐aldol reaction conditions. Diastereoselective reduction of δ,β‐dihydroxy esters afforded the respective syn‐ and anti‐diols, and saponification yielded the corresponding acids. All products were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory properties, which uncovered a surprising structure‐activity relationship.
Closure of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leakage via fistula at the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus using a bone pile
Authors: Takabayashi Kosuke , Gotoh Shuho , Yamasaki Maeho , Takizawa Katsumi
Published: March 2022

This report describes a case of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak through a narrow canal‐like fistula in the lateral wall of the sphenoid sinus, which was managed through rigid reconstruction. Rigid reconstruction of the skull base was performed by fitting a pile‐shaped bone into the fistula like the pile‐driving technique.
Bochdalek hernia with liver herniation
Authors: Kanatani Mao , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Kusabiraki Kimiho , Masaki Yasuaki , Tsuda Takeshi , Abo Hitoshi
Published: March 2022

Bochdalek hernia with liver herniation is rare and mimics a pulmonary mass. This case was hospitalized for masses found in the lower field of the right lung on a chest radiograph. The patient was diagnosed with Bochdalek hernia with liver herniation with three‐dimensional images created from thoracoabdominal‐enhanced computed tomography.
Severe pancytopenia caused by trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and an impaired renal function: A case report
Authors: Shibutani Masatsune , Okazaki Yuki , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Nagahara Hisashi , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Iseki Yasuhito , Maeda Kiyoshi , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: March 2022

Although the incidence of hematological toxicity due to Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) treatment is high, the incidence of severe adverse events has been reported to be relatively low. However, it should be noted that patients with renal impairment are prone to severe hematological adverse events.
Unravelling Anion Solvation in Water‐Alcohol Mixtures by Single Entity Electrochemistry
Authors: Saw En Ning , Kanokkanchana Kannasoot , Amin Hatem M. A. , Tschulik Kristina
Published: March 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Dr. Kristina Tschulik from the Ruhr University Bochum (Germany). The cover picture illustrates how the different solvent shells forming in water/alcohol solvent mixtures can be probed by single particle electrochemistry thanks to the resulting difference in diffusion speeds of the solvated ions. This effect is reflected in the time needed for the full oxidation of a single nanoparticle arriving at a microelectrode, which is limited by the halide ion transport towards the nanoparticle under suitable conditions. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202101435.
Volumetric intersections: Modularization approaches for freeform prefab concrete construction
Authors: Stieler David , Schwinn Tobias , Menges Achim
Published: March 2022

The pursuit for more load‐adapted, individualized, and at the same time precise building geometries is driving innovation in digital fabrication with concrete towards greater formal freedom and higher degrees of prefabrication. This article reviews the opportunities of using three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed formwork in the context of pre‐fabricated concrete construction. It identifies the geometric specificities future planning tools need to address to incorporate the steps of modularization and fabrication into automatized planning processes from design to production. By reviewing the state‐of‐the‐art fabrication methods for nonstandard concrete geometries, we highlight possible applications and challenges for additive formwork and introduce a volumetric modeling approach to modularize surface and mesh‐based 3D design models into solid segments that can form the basis for further formwork planning.
Die Physik der Gurke
Authors: Maleki Armin , Zarate Aaron
Published: March 2022

An einer Gurke können Gefahren und Auswirkungen, die vom Haushaltsstrom ausgehen, sehr anschaulich demonstriert werden. Mit demselben Versuchsaufbau lassen sich aber auch physikalische Gesetzmäßigkeiten zeigen.
Adrenal gland cytology reporting: a multi‐institutional proposal for a standardized reporting system
Authors: Trabzonlu Levent , Jager Lucy , Tabibi Seena , Compton Margaret L. , Weiss Vivian L. , Kanber Yonca , Robila Valentina , Antic Tatjana , Maleki Zahra , Morency Elizabeth , Barkan Güliz A.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

With the development of new technologies and the changing patient profiles, cytopathology departments receive increasing numbers of adrenal gland cytology specimens. In this study, the authors analyzed archival adrenal gland cytology cases and attempted to implement a diagnostic reporting system.

DESIGN

Retrospective electronic medical record search was performed for adrenal gland cytology specimens in seven tertiary care centers. The cytology diagnoses were grouped in 7 categories: nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, benign adrenal cortical elements (BACE), primary neoplasm of noncortical origin (NONC), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), suspicious for malignancy (SM), and malignant (MAL). If available, histopathology results of concurrent and/or follow‐up biopsies and/or resections were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 473 adrenal gland cytology cases were included. BACE cases comprised 21.8%, whereas MAL cases were 57.5% of all cases. For BACE and MAL categories, there were 100% and 98.9% correlation, respectively, in the cases with histopathology follow‐up. Six of 10 NONC cases had histopathology diagnoses and there were 3 pheochromocytomas and 3 schwannomas. Twenty‐one AUS cases had histology follow‐up and 10 (47.6%) of them were malignant. Six cases of SM had histopathology follow‐up, and all of them were malignant on the follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors propose a 7‐tier diagnostic scheme for adrenal gland cytology. The risk of malignancy was 98.9% in MAL cases (87/88) in the cohort. The only case with discordance was reported as “adrenal cortical adenoma with marked atypia”' on resection. There was no difference between endoscopic ultrasound‐guided and percutaneous methods. Further studies are needed to validate and make this approach universal.;
Organic Polymers Combining Boron Cluster and Triazine: An Ultra‐efficient Adsorption Separator toward Cationic Dyes
Authors: Yang Ziqiong , Chen Hao , Huang Bihong , Huang Miluo , Ding Qiong , Zhang Haibo
Published: March 2022

Although organic polymer/framework materials have demonstrated outstanding potential for application as dye scavenger in hydrology system, challenges on adsorption capacity limited their industrial utilization in the fields such as sewage treatment and environmental safety. Herein, we synthesized boron cluster organic polymers (BOPs) by grafting four triazine derivative molecules onto a boron cluster (B12H122−) in aqueous phase through an ion‐exchange process. Remarkably, the resulting BOPs have a maximum adsorption capacity of 2053 mg g−1 and 1033 mg g−1, respectively, for rhodamine B (RB) and methylene blue (MB) from the aqueous phase. Even in RB/MB mixtures, BOPs exhibited a selective separation capacity via simply adjusting the pH values. The high stability, striking recyclability and excellent selectivity further indicated the promise of this adsorption separator for potential applications in dye removal and separation.
Regional differences in treatment and outcome for myeloma patients in Sweden: A population based Swedish myeloma register study
Authors: Wålinder Göran , Genell Anna , Juliusson Gunnar , Svensson Ronald , Santamaria Antonio Izarra , Crafoord Jacob , Carlson Kristina , Knut‐Bojanowska Dorota , Veskovski Ljupco , Lauri Birgitta , Lund Johan , Turesson Ingemar , Hansson Markus , Blimark Cecilie Hveding , Nahi Hareth
Published: March 2022

Background

We wanted to evaluate if health care for multiple myeloma (MM) patients is equal in different regions of Sweden.

Aim

To study differences in survival for MM depending on health care region and early use of modern treatment.

Methods and results

Data from the Swedish Myeloma Register from patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2017 was used. Cohorts were defined by the six healthcare regions (labeled A–F) in Sweden and modern initial treatment was defined as including certain drug combinations. To adjust for time to treatment bias, survival analyses were performed also for patients alive 6 months after diagnosis. In all treated MM patients (n = 5326), we observed a superior overall survival (OS) for region A compared to all other regions (p < .01 for all respectively). After adjusting for time to treatment there was also a superior survival in the region with highest use of modern initial treatment (region A) compared to the regions defined in the study as having intermediate and low use (p < .01 for both). In patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) a superior survival was observed for region A compared to all regions besides region B. Similar results were seen when adjusting for a time to treatment bias. In patients not receiving ASCT, 75 years or older and adjusted for time to treatment bias, a difference was noted only between region A and E (log rank p = .04, HR 1.2, CI 1.00–1.44, p = .06). In multivariate analyses including age, international staging system stage and time period of diagnosis, differences in survival remained for patients receiving ASCT between region A versus C, D, E and F (p = .01, p < .01, p < .01, p = .03).

Conclusion

We observed a superior survival in region A for patients receiving ASCT. Explanations may be higher usage of modern initial treatment or regional residual confounding. For patients not receiving ASCT, 75 years or older, differences in survival could be adjusted for.
Preorganized Homochiral Pyrrole‐Based Receptors that Display Enantioselective Anion Binding
Authors: Karges Johannes , Cohen Seth M.
Published: March 2022

Herein, a new scaffold for anion recognition based on a tripodal tris(pyrrolamide) motif is presented. The receptors were able to bind to a variety of anions with high affinity. Using density functional theory methods, the three‐dimensional geometry of the receptor‐anion complex was calculated. These calculations show that the receptors bind anions via a preorganized cavity of amide and pyrrole hydrogen bond donor groups. Based on these findings, homochiral tris(pyrrolamide) receptors were prepared, which produced 1.6‐fold greater affinity for (S)‐(+)‐mandelate over (R)‐(−)‐mandelate, demonstrating the ability to differentiate between these enantiomeric anions. The interaction of (S)‐(+)‐mandelate and (R)‐(−)‐mandelate within the homochiral receptor was examined by solution NMR spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. These findings indicate that the preorganized positioning of the pyrrole groups and subsequent sterics allows to differentiate between the stereoisomeric anions.