bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ultrasound temperature imaging with infrared thermometry during radio frequency ablation
Authors: Geng Xiaonan , Zhou Zhuhuang , Li Qiang , Wu Shuicai , Wang Chiao-Yin , Liu Hao-Li , Chuang Ching-Cheng , Tsui Po-Hsiang
Published: March 2014

Radio frequency ablation (RFA) is a widely used alternative modality in the treatment of tumors. During RFA, temperature monitoring is essential to ensure accurate and appropriate thermal dosage. Ultrasound temperature imaging based on the detection of echo time-shift has been demonstrated to have good ability to monitor the temperature distribution. However, no study has proven that the region of ultrasound temperature imaging can correspond well to the practical temperature distribution in the tissue. In this study, we aim to combine ultrasound and infrared systems to clarify the correlation between ultrasound temperature imaging and the practical temperature distribution in a tissue. Five porcine livers (n = 5) were ablated using an RFA system and monitored with an ultrasound system to acquire raw backscattered data for temperature imaging. Meanwhile, an infrared imaging system was used to obtain the practical temperature map of the tissue. The results showed that the temperature distribution detected by ultrasound echo time-shift agreed with those obtained from the infrared image. When the tissue temperature was higher than 45 °C, ultrasound temperature imaging is difficult to describe the behavior of the heat transfer in a homogeneous medium. In this study, we used the experimental setup based on combining ultrasound and infrared systems to confirm the reliability and limitations of ultrasound temperature imaging in RFA monitoring. Such an experimental design may be considered as an indispensable platform for the development and optimization of ultrasound temperature imaging techniques in RFA monitoring.
Low nickel germanide contact resistances by carrier activation enhancement techniques for germanium CMOS application
Authors: Miyoshi Hidenori , Ueno Tetsuji , Hirota Yoshihiro , Yamanaka Junji , Arimoto Keisuke , Nakagawa Kiyokazu , Kaitsuka Takanobu
Published: March 2014

We fabricated and studied nickel germanide (NiGe) contacts on both n- and p-type germanium (Ge) substrates by applying the carrier activation enhancement (CAE) technique. We achieved a high electron concentration of 8.6 × 1019 cm−3 using a P/Sb co-implant and a record-high hole concentration of 8.4 × 1020 cm−3 using a Ge preamorphization implant and a boron implant. We used the circular transfer length method and two-dimensional DC simulation to determine the specific contact resistivity (ρc). Using the CAE technique, we obtained low ρc values of 6.4 × 10−7 Ω cm2 for the NiGe/n+-Ge contact and 4.0 × 10−8 Ω cm2 for the NiGe/p+-Ge contact. Theoretical calculation of ρc shows that, to achieve a ρc of 1 × 10−8 Ω cm2 as required by the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors for the year 2015, contacts on p+-Ge need contact process optimization, while contacts on n+-Ge need further CAE improvement and/or Schottky barrier height reduction.
Worldwide performance estimation of silicon-based photovoltaic modules using meteorological data
Authors: Kamei Aika , Yoshida Shota , Kataoka Naoya , Ueno Seiya , Minemoto Takashi
Published: March 2014

The worldwide yearly output performance of four types of silicon (Si)-based photovoltaic (PV) module was estimated on the basis of two types of data, i.e., world meteorological data at 24 locations and actual output performance data measured in Kusatsu City, Japan. To analyze these data, contour maps as a function of module temperature and solar spectral distribution were used. As a result, the output performance of multicrystalline Si (mc-Si) and amorphous Si (a-Si) PV modules depended on location. The mc-Si and a-Si PV modules showed high performance at high and low latitudes, respectively. This is because mc-Si and a-Si PV modules have strong temperature and solar spectral distribution dependences, respectively. On the other hand, tandem-type thin-film Si PV modules were relatively independent of the ambient environment.
Detection of acid moisture in photovoltaic modules using a dual wavelength pH-sensitive fluorescent dye
Authors: Asaka Takashi , Iwami Kentaro , Taguchi Atsushi , Umeda Norihiro , Masuda Atsushi
Published: March 2014

The formation of acetic acid via the penetration of moisture into ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) in photovoltaic (PV) modules is cited as the main reason for PV modules’ degradation. Currently, there is no effective method for detecting acetic moisture in PV modules. We proposed a simple method for detecting acid moisture in PV modules using a dual-wavelength pH-sensitive dye that measures pH by the ratio of the intensities of two peaks in the fluorescence spectra of the dye. We detected the pH change caused by acetic acid with the change in the intensity ratio of the fluorescence spectra of the dried dye. Furthermore, we observed that the dry fluorescent dye is heat resistant to withstand the lamination process for the manufacturing of PV modules, and has good long-term durability.
Parçacik sürü optimizasyon ve genetik algoritma ile hava muharebesi
Authors: Cimen Egemen Berki
Published: March 2014

The future of aircrafts is in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and any improvement in UAVs will play an important role, especially when it comes to intelligence and capabilities for air combat manoeuvring. The ultimate goal in such work is to bring computers to the level of a pilot’s intelligence capability in air combat. In order to achieve this goal, operations research is required. The present study is based on the fight or flight situation in air combat manoeuvring and aims to improve unmanned aircrafts and better understand the difficulties of modelling intelligence. Since the project’s focus is on the problem of path planning for moving targets and enemy situations, particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms are modelled and tested against each other in a dog fight scenario. Also, multiple targets and enemies’ scenarios are developed to compare them against each other. Moreover, imperfect information affect and dynamic environment are evaluated in this research and required actions and options are analysed. Overall, this research aims to show the importance of artificial intelligence, articulate the role of the operations research and assess the implementation of intelligence through certain heuristics.
The Extinction Solutions Index (ESI): A framework to measure solution efficiency to address biodiversity loss
Authors: Martin Rachel N. , Bunje Paul M. E. , Dehgan Alex O.
Published: July 2024

The field of conservation science has been described as a crisis‐ and solutions‐oriented discipline, with roots as a problem‐solving field. Despite this vision, current conservation research focuses on identifying and prioritizing high‐risk species and regions rather than urgently solving the causes of biodiversity loss. While understanding human impacts on biodiversity and documenting the decline and rarity of species has been the basis of conservation science and is necessary, it is not sufficient to achieve global conservation targets nor match the speed and scale of current biodiversity loss.

Rather, conservation science must shift to a multidisciplinary approach that identifies and quantitatively evaluates high‐impact solutions, providing evidence for which interventions will yield maximum benefits at scale. Adjacent sectors, like climate and international development, have created successful frameworks for ranking and evaluating solutions that conservation can incorporate and build upon.

This perspective introduces the Extinction Solutions Index (ESI), a framework designed to evaluate, compare and rank the most effective and efficient solutions to the biodiversity crisis. Inspired by Project Drawdown for climate solutions, the ESI aims to identify solutions across sectors and at different scopes of societal intervention—including those upstream of direct harm—and prioritize those with the highest‐impact on the extinction crisis.

Solution. This approach can (1) identify the universe of interventions in myriad sectors of society and the economy that can curtail the threats leading to extinction, (2) develop a quantitative method to identify the highest‐impact solutions to address biodiversity loss and (3) create a ranking architecture that integrates factors such as return on investment of solutions. The outcomes of the ESI will enable organizations, governments, businesses and funders to focus resources, activities and investment on the most impactful, scalable solutions.
CART: Carrier‐Based Actuatable and Reprogrammable Transport
Authors: Mandsberg Nikolaj K. , Serna Julian A. , Levkin Pavel A.
Published: July 2024

Remote manipulation of microcargo is essential for miniaturized automated experiments in fields such as biology, chemistry, and diagnostics, allowing efficient use of scarce, expensive, or hazardous materials. Current methods for manipulating microcargo are generally limited to droplets as cargo and rely on reduced substrate‐cargo friction and special substrate‐cargo interactions (electrowetting, anisotropic wetting, water‐repellency, etc.) to enable cargo mobility. This limits the versatility of substrate and cargo choice. Here, CART (Carrier‐based Actuatable and Reprogrammable Transport) is presented as a solution to these challenges. By introducing a carrier between the substrate and the cargo, CART physically separates them, eliminating the need to reduce substrate‐cargo friction and the need for substrate‐cargo matching. CART devices are easy to realize, tailor, and post‐functionalize. A photo‐polymerizable phase‐separating resin is used to 3D‐print porous carriers that are then infused with ferrofluid to make them magnetically responsive, enabling untethered cargo manipulation on both solid and liquid substrates. Using CART, various cargos can be remotely moved, rotated/mixed, inverted, and lifted, further facilitating interaction between two carriers for transferring, merging, and tunably splitting cargo. Overall, CART advances microcargo manipulation by decoupling cargo from the substrate and leveraging magnetic responsiveness for untethered, versatile control across different environments, opening up new actuation‐modalities.
Strong Tough Ionic Organohydrogels with Negative‐Thermopower via the Synergy of Coordination Interaction and Hofmeister Effect
Authors: Hu Qiaoman , Li Huan , Chen Xiaoling , Wang Yang , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun , Xu Kangming
Published: July 2024

Ionic thermoelectric (i‐TE) gels have attracted widespread attention in flexible electronics due to their flexibility, leakage‐free, low toxicity, and converting low‐grade waste heat into electricity. For practical application, it is strongly desirable to fabricate negative‐thermopower (n‐type) i‐TE gels with excellent mechanical performances, which is still a big challenge. Herein, a multi‐hierarchical network structure is proposed to simultaneously improve the TE and mechanical performance. Such structure including hierarchical hydrogen bonds, coordination bonds, and dense polymer chains is realized via the synergy of the coordination effect of polymer to cations and the Hofmeister effect of anions to polymer. As a result, the optimized gel exhibits not only negative thermopower up to −3.69 mV K−1 with a conductivity of 0.15 S m−1 at room temperature, but also outstanding tensile strength (>6.7 MPa), elongation at break (>1100%), and toughness (>43 MJ m−3), which is the toughest n‐type i‐TE gel reported to date. In addition, these n‐type i‐TE gels present good freeze tolerance (−58.53 °C) and dry resistance. Furthermore, the application potentials of the i‐TE device are proven in converting human thermal power into electricity. These findings provide a new way to obtain high‐performance n‐type i‐TE materials by synergistic anion and cation action on polymers.
Hygrosensitive Dynamic Covalent Organic Framework Films: Harnessing Molecular Rotors for Moisture‐Driven Actuation in Wearable Health Monitoring
Authors: Li Jingkun , Wan Yuqi , Jiang Guoyong , Ozaki Yukihiro , Pi Fuwei
Published: July 2024

Dynamic covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer a promising platform for bioinspired soft actuators, yet transitioning their typical microcrystalline or single crystalline morphology to a flexible film suitable for wearable technology applications still remains a grand challenge. Herein, aiming at this issue, this work synthesizes an innovative class of hygrosensitive COF films, denoted as JNU‐hygroCOF, with superior mechanical strength, chemical stability and tunable thickness from nanometer to micrometer scales through solution‐processable sol‐gel method. These JNU‐hygroCOF films display exceptional moisture‐driven actuation capabilities through modulating the intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which act as specific locks that open and close the molecular rotor of N─N bond responding to guest molecules, within the unique azine‐pyridine molecular skeleton. By integrating these new JNU‐hygroCOF films into a portable respiratory monitoring system, a proactive and preventive solution for diagnosing and managing respiratory disorders such as sleep apnea and asthma has been provided.
Synergistically Tuning Graphene Layer and Active Sites for Flexible Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Yu Mengmeng , Guo Feifei , Xu Li , Zhang Yan , Ni Wenhui , Wang Jun , Wei Yichen , Chen Xifan , Yang Jia , Li Hongbao , Wang Junying , Wang Junzhong
Published: July 2024

Fewer layer graphene principally has a higher surface area to support more catalytic sites for energy conversion, but it is still challenging to synthesize monolayer graphene without oxidation from graphite at a low cost. Here, a method for synergistically thinning graphene layers and constructing catalytic sites to create a superior bifunctional oxygen catalyst through vapor intercalation of multi‐layer graphene or its derivatives is described. The synthesized small sheet sizes of 1–2 layer graphene‐supported FeN4 and FeCo active sites exhibit superior reversible activity of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions with a low overall overpotential of 0.648 V. The sheet‐shaped catalyst is further used to fabricate flexible soft‐packed and wearable cable‐type quasi‐solid‐state zinc–air batteries, achieving high performances (>188 mW cm−2, >450 cycles) and enabling smartphone charging. DFT calculations reveal that fewer layer graphene coupled with atomic FeN4 and alloy FeCo sites enables lower Gibbs free energy for favorable OOH* intermediate adsorption/desorption benefiting superior oxygen redox process. This study introduces a strategy for scalable synthesis of 1–2 layer graphene from cheap microcrystalline graphite minerals for wearable and durable energy devices.
Unleashing Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Dry Eye: Targeting ROS and the cGAS‐STING Signaling Pathway with Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids
Authors: Yan Dan , Huang Caihong , Ouyang Weijie , Hu Jiaoyue , Liu Zuguo
Published: July 2024

Dry eye affects majority of the global population, causing significant discomfort or even visual impairment, of which inflammation plays a crucial role in the deterioration process. This highlights the need for effective and safe anti‐inflammatory treatments to achieve satisfactory therapeutic outcomes. This study focuses on the potential of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNA), a self‐assembled nucleic acid material, as a simple and rapid treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation‐induced disorders associated with dry eye. Mechanistically, tFNA is found to effectively alleviate dry eye damage by promoting corneal epithelial healing, restoring goblet cell function, and facilitating tear secretion recovery. Through RNA‐seq analysis, it is observed that tFNA treatment normalizes the expression levels of most genes. Further exploration of the mechanism reveals that tFNA reduces excessive production of reactive oxygen species and modulates the inflammatory microenvironment, especially through cGAS‐STING pathway thereby levels of inflammatory cytokines, including MMP9 and IL‐6, are reduced. Additionally, tFNA demonstrates excellent safety performance without causing damage to the eye. Importantly, this study represents a successful application of nanophase materials with nucleic acid biological features for the effective treatment of dry eye, highlighting the potential clinical use of tFNA in the treatment of dry eye.
NIR‐II AIE Luminogen‐Based Erythrocyte‐Like Nanoparticles with Granuloma‐Targeting and Self‐Oxygenation Characteristics for Combined Phototherapy of Tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Li Bin , Sun Yan , Ma Qiang , Feng Yi , Jia Yue , Wang Wei , Su Min , Liu Xueting , Shu Bowen , Zheng Jundun , Sang Shuo , Yan Yan , Wu Yanqiu , Zhang Yunlong , Gao Qiuxia , Li Peiran , Wang Jiamei , Ma Fei , Li Xiaoxue , Yan Dingyuan , Wang Dong , Zou Xiaoming , Liao Yuhui
Published: July 2024

Tuberculosis, a fatal infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), is difficult to treat with antibiotics due to drug resistance and short drug half‐life. Phototherapy represents a promising alternative to antibiotics in combating M.tb. Exploring an intelligent material allowing effective tuberculosis treatment is definitely appealing, yet a significantly challenging task. Herein, an all‐in‐one biomimetic therapeutic nanoparticle featured by aggregation‐induced second near‐infrared emission, granuloma‐targeting, and self‐oxygenation is constructed, which can serve for prominent fluorescence imaging‐navigated combined phototherapy toward tuberculosis. After camouflaging the biomimetic erythrocyte membrane, the nanoparticles show significantly prolonged blood circulation and increased selective accumulation in tuberculosis granuloma. Upon laser irradiation, the loading photosensitizer of aggregation‐induced emission photosensitizer elevates the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing M.tb damage and death. The delivery of oxygen to relieve the hypoxic granuloma microenvironment supports ROS generation during photodynamic therapy. Meanwhile, the photothermal agent, Prussian blue nanoparticles, plays the role of good photothermal killing effect on M.tb. Moreover, the growth and proliferation of granuloma and M.tb colonies are effectively inhibited in the nanoparticle‐treated tuberculous granuloma model mice, suggesting the combined therapeutic effects of enhancing photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy.
Homo‐Site Nucleation Growth of Twisted Bilayer MoS2 with Commensurate Angles
Authors: Zhou Jun , Huang Haojie , Zhao Zihan , Dou Zhenglong , Zhou Li , Zhang Tiantian , Huang Zhiheng , Feng Yibiao , Shi Dongxia , Liu Nan , Yang Jian , Nie J.C. , Wang Ququan , Dong Jichen , Liu Yunqi , Dou Ruifen , Xue Qikun
Published: July 2024

Moiré superlattices, composed of two layers of transition metal dichalcogenides with a relative twist angle, provide a novel platform for exploring the correlated electronic phases and excitonic physics. Here, a gas‐flow perturbation chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach is demonstrated to directly grow MoS2 bilayer with versatile twist angles. It is found that the formation of twisted bilayer MoS2 homostructures sensitively depends on the gas‐flow perturbation modes, correspondingly featuring the nucleation sites of the second layer at the same (homo‐site) as or at the different (hetero‐site) from that of the first layer. The commensurate twist angle of ≈22° in homo‐site nucleation strategy accounts for ≈16% among the broad range of twist angles due to its low formation energy, which is in consistence with the theoretical calculation. More importantly, moiré interlayer excitons with the enhanced photoluminescence (PL) intensity and the prolonged lifetime are evidenced in the twisted bilayer MoS2 with a commensurate angle of 22°, which is owing to the reason that the strong moiré potential facilitates the interlayer excitons to be trapped in the moiré superlattices. The work provides a feasible route to controllably built twisted MoS2 homostructures with strong moiré potential to investigate the correlated physics in twistronics systems.
Recent Developments in Selenylation of Alkynes
Authors: Xu Yuemei , Huang Dayun , Wu Jinjing , Wu Xiangmei
Published: July 2024

Alkynes are simple yet important organic feedstocks. The selenylation of alkynes is able to produce complex selenium‐containing compounds in a facile way. Although there are some reviews about the selenylation of alkynes, most of them focus on one specific reaction or what types of products that can be obtained. There is a lack of attention given to the various uses of different selenium reagents and their mechanisms. This review mainly focuses on recent advances (2013–2023) based on diverse selenium reagents. Mechanisms and how the added reagents work will be discussed. Different reaction types, including difunctionalization, Se‐annulation, spiro‐cyclization, C−Se coupling, click reaction will be recorded in this review. The regioselectivity can be achieved through various mechanisms, including radicals, seleniraniums or electrophilic cyclization. We hope it will do help for future research in this area.
Reconfigurability‐Encoded Hierarchical Rectifiers for Versatile 3D Liquid Manipulation
Authors: Miao Jiaqi , Tsang Alan C. H.
Published: July 2024

Manipulating small‐volume liquids is crucial in natural processes and industrial applications. However, most liquid manipulation technologies involve complex energy inputs or non‐adjustable wetting gradient surfaces. Here, a simple and adjustable 3D liquid manipulation paradigm is reported to control liquid behaviors by coupling liquid–air–solid interfacial energy with programmable magnetic fields. This paradigm centers around a hierarchical rectifier with magnetized microratchets, using Laplace pressure asymmetry to enable multimodal directional steering of various surface tension liquids (23–72 mN m−1). The scale‐dependent effect in microratchet design shows its superiority in handling small‐volume liquids across three orders of magnitude (100–103 µL). Under programmed magnetic fields, the rectifier can reconfigure its morphology to harness interfacial energy to exhibit richer liquid behaviors without dynamic real‐time control. Reconfigured rectifiers show improved rectification performance in the inertia‐dominant fluid regime, i.e., a remarkable 2000‐fold increase in the critical Weber number for pure ethanol. Moreover, the rectifier's switchable reconfigurations offer flexible control over liquid transport directions and spatiotemporally controllable 3D liquid manipulation reminiscent of inchworm motions. This scalable liquid manipulation paradigm promotes versatile engineering and biochemistry applications, e.g., portable liquid purity testing (screening resolution <1 mN m−1), logical open‐channel microfluidics, and automated chemical reaction platforms.
2D C‐Axis‐Aligned Crystalline In─S─O Transistors Processed from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xu Wangying , Lin Jierui , Li Yanwei , Xu Chuyu , Lan Shuqiong , Zhang Yu , Zhu Deliang
Published: July 2024

There is a growing interest in exploring nanometer‐thin 2D oxide semiconductor transistors for future scaled and multifunctional (e.g., ultraflexible and high transparency) devices. However, further development is hindered due to the degraded device performance with nanometer‐thin 2D oxide semiconductor channels and the use of costly vacuum‐based techniques. Here, 2D (2.7 nm thick) c‐axis‐aligned crystalline In─S─O channel material processed from aqueous solution is reported. The 2D In─S─O transistors based on Si/SiO2 substrates exhibit high mobility (µ) of 22.15 cm2 V−1 s−1, on/off current ratio (Ion/Ioff) of ≈107, and good bias stress stability. Detailed investigations show that this achievement is attributed to the highly c‐axis‐aligned crystalline structure, well‐designed In─S─O channel material, and atomically smooth surface. Furthermore, the 2D In─S─O channel is integrated with an aqueous sol‐gel‐derived 6 nm thick high‐k ZrO2 insulator. The all‐aqueous‐solution‐based quasi‐2D In─S─O/ZrO2 devices show high µ of 15.65 cm2 V─1 s─1, Ion/Ioff of ≈106, and low operating voltage of 1.5 V. This 2D c‐axis‐aligned crystalline wide‐bandgap oxide semiconductor channel material opens tremendous opportunities for multifunctional, ultra‐scaled and low‐cost electronics.
Essential updates 2022/2023: Recent advances in perioperative management of esophagectomy to improve operative outcomes
Authors: Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Booka Eisuke , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: July 2024

In the era of minimally invasive surgery, esophagectomy remains a highly invasive procedure with a high rate of postoperative complications. Preoperative risk assessment is essential for planning esophagectomy in patients with esophageal cancer, and it is crucial to implement evidence‐based perioperative management to mitigate these risks. Perioperative support from multidisciplinary teams has recently been reported to improve the perioperative nutritional status and long‐term survival of patients undergoing esophagectomy. Intraoperative management of anesthesia and fluid therapy also significantly affects short‐term outcomes after esophagectomy. In this narrative review, we outline the recent updates in the perioperative management of esophagectomy, focusing on preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative management, and perioperative support by multidisciplinary teams to improve operative outcomes.
Synthesis and Performance of Bithiophene Isoindigo Organic Semiconductors with Side‐Chain Functionality in Transistors
Authors: Wang Fayu , Li Hongjie , Huang Shuai , Zou Rong , Chang Gang , He Hanping
Published: July 2024

The isoindigo and its derivatives have rapidly garnered attention as widely employed electron‐deficient moieties, finding extensive applications in organic field‐effect transistors. In this study, four different isoindigo‐based organic semiconductor polymers were synthesized via a Stille coupling reaction of four isoindigo molecules with varying side chains serving as acceptors and bithiophene as donors. Furthermore, their optical, electrochemical, thermal stability, and other relevant properties were comprehensively evaluated. These polymers exhibited remarkable electrochemical and thermal stability attributed to their low LUMO energy level, which facilitates effective electrical contact between the semiconductor layer and the source/drain while ensuring excellent air stability for the semiconductor polymers. Additionally, solution‐gate field‐effect transistors prepared using these polymers achieved hole mobilities of 10−2 cm2 V−1 S−1 along with an Ion/Ioff ratio of 8.39×103, demonstrating exceptional field‐effect performance.
Ligand‐Directed Synthesis of a Self‐Organized Chloro‐Bridged Cubic Pd(II) Cage Showing Selective Encapsulation of Phenols
Authors: Sarkar Meghamala , Kushwaha Vikash , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: July 2024

The synthesis and guest recognition properties of a neutral Pd24‐cubic cage, [{Pd3(NiPr)3PO}8(μ2‐Cl)24] 1 are reported. The formation of the cubical assembly takes place by an exclusive one‐pot ligand‐assisted pathway directed by an oximido linker. The initial coordination of the oximido ligand pre‐organizes the [Pd3(NiPr)3PO]3+ polyhedral building units into a tetrameric intermediate, which then transforms into an oximido‐tethered tetrahedral assembly and to the cubical cage 1 in the presence of chloride ions. In the absence of the directing oximido linker, no cage formation was observed, and the Pd6‐precursor was found to undergo self‐condensation, giving rise to a new pentameric polyhedral cluster, [Pd5{(NiPr)3PO}2(OAc)2(OH)2] 2. The central cavity of the cube has been probed for guest encapsulation studies, which shows a high binding with phenolic guest molecules with association constants of the order of 104–105 M−1. The favorable formation of host–guest complexes was attributed to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the host and guest functional groups.
Reductive Elimination From Tetra‐Alkyl Cuprates [MenCu(CF3)4−n]− (n=0–4): Beyond Simple Oxidation States
Authors: Zimmer Bastian , Havenith Remco W. A. , Klein Johannes E. M. N. , Koszinowski Konrad
Published: July 2024

In recent years, the electronic structures of organocuprates in general and the complex [Cu(CF3)4]− in particular have attracted significant interest. A possible key indicator in this context is the reactivity of these species. Nonetheless, this aspect has received only limited attention. Here, we systematically study the series of tetra‐alkyl cuprates [MenCu(CF3)4−n]− and their unimolecular reactivity in the gas phase, which includes concerted formal reductive eliminations as well as radical losses. Through computational studies, we characterize the electronic structures of the complexes and show how these are connected to their reactivity. We find that all [MenCu(CF3)4−n]− ions feature inverted ligand fields and that the distinct reactivity patterns of the individual complexes arise from the interplay of different effects.
Developing a holistic and collaborative approach for the archaeology of Australian South Sea Islanders in Queensland
Authors: Miller Imelda , Youse Zia , Bickey Tomasina , Haddow Eve , Mate Geraldine , Zubrzycka Adele , Prangnell Jonathan , Fairbairn Andrew , Robinson Helena , Baumgartl Thomas , Flexner James L.
Published: July 2024

Australian South Sea Islanders are a distinctive cultural group comprising descendants of over 60000 labourers who came to Australia from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and elsewhere in the Western Pacific between 1863 and 1904. “Blackbirded” labourers were commonly referred to as victims of a slave trade, though many also came voluntarily to work in the sugar plantations of northern New South Wales and Queensland. The advent of racist exclusionary immigration policies introduced from 1901 further forced South Sea Islanders to the margins of colonial society. Yet many Australian South Sea Islanders would argue their untold history speaks to resilience and overcoming adversity. Australian South Sea Islanders have a distinctive cultural heritage, including material culture, oral traditions embedded in the landscape and connections to places – from sugar mills to domestic sites – revealed archaeologically. This heritage must be approached sensitively given its association with sometimes difficult histories but is crucial to understanding the contributions of Australian South Sea Islanders to Australian society, contemporary communities and identities, and historical and social significance across multiple scales. Collaborative research with Australian South Sea Islanders pushes the boundaries of “community archaeology” by taking a slow approach to research, reframing ethnographic objects and cultural landscapes, and producing an archaeology that can include many voices.
Teaching students with autism to solve mathematical story problems: A replication and extension
Authors: Zhou Liming , Wang Xin , Wang Lei , Hu Xiaoyi
Published: July 2024

Solving mathematical story problems has proven to be a challenge for primary school students with and without developmental disabilities. The present study replicates a behavior analytic study (Neef et al.) by teaching three autistic Chinese students in inclusive education classes to solve addition/subtraction story problems by acquiring an overt precurrent behavior chain. The intervention was effective for all participants by employing a multiple baseline design across behaviors. Additionally, the study extends Neef et al. by conducting maintenance, generalization, and social validity assessments, and expands the teaching format to distance learning (telehealth). The results and limitations are discussed based on Skinner's conceptualization of problem‐solving and its clinical application in teaching complex mathematical skills to students with developmental disabilities.
Isolation and Characterization of Compounds from Truffle Melanogaster broomenaus and their Bioactivities
Authors: Şavkıncı Gülay , Taş Küçükaydın Meltem , Kuş Çiğdem , Küçükaydın Selçuk , Emin Duru Mehmet , Öztürk Mehmet
Published: July 2024

Melanogaster broomeanus Berk. is a type of truffle common in pine, oak, and hazelnut forests and which naturally spreads in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, South‐West Anatolia in Turkey, is consumed as food and traded. Chemical investigation of M. broomenaus led to isolate of ten known compounds namely, brassicasterol (1), ergosterol (2), ergosterol peroxide (3), 5α, 6α‐epoxy ergosta‐7,22‐diene‐3β‐ol (4), trametenolic acid (5), maleic acid (6), fumaric acid (7), mannitol (8), kojibiose (9) and trehalose (10). Assessments of the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, anti‐urease, and cytotoxic properties of extracts and isolated compounds were carried out. Compound 5 showed the highest cytotoxic activity against H‐1299 with IC50: 23.78±0.98 μg/mL, while compound 2 demonstrated most potent cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 with IC50: 30.91±0.15 μg/ml. Also, compound 5 showed the highest antioxidant activity in all methods, particularly in DPPH and ABTS assays with IC50 values of 90.24±0.87, 75.41±0.10 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, compound 5 exhibited highest activity with 38.84±1.22 % and 44.58±0.96 % inhibitions against AChE and BChE, respectively, while compound 7 were found to be most potent inhibitory against urease with value of 55.20±0.45 % at 100 μg/mL concentration. These findings suggest that M. broomenaus, like numerous other edible mushrooms, is a steroid‐rich truffle and a potential source of steroids.
Ursolic Acid Conjugates: A New Frontier in Anticancer Drug Development
Authors: Bokhtia Riham , Pham Ashley , Gupta Kunj , Warang Shamta , Venugopal Natasha , Sakhuja Rajeev , Somanath Payaningal , Liu Fang , Jeon Yi , Guimaraes Guilherme , Bartlett Michael , Lokeshwar Bal , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Panda Siva S
Published: July 2024

New Ursolic Acid (UA) conjugates were synthesized using optimized synthetic protocols through the molecular hybridization approach at C‐3 and C‐28. This resulted in the targeted molecules being produced in good yields. Some of the synthesized conjugates showed significantly relevant bioactivity against mammalian cells and in animal models of cancers. Selected UA conjugates were tested against bladder and breast cancer cell lines. The conjugates showed moderate to significantly enhanced antiproliferative activities against Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC; MDA‐MB 231), which is an aggressive tumor making up about 10–15% of all breast cancers and bladder (T24 and 5637) cancer cell lines. These properties were superior to the parent UA. Among all the synthesized compounds, 18c and 18d have exhibited promising antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties against all tested cancer cell lines. However, 18d has proved to be exceptionally selective for cancer cell lines, showing more cytotoxicity towards them than normal epithelial cells (MCF‐12A). Compound 18d has demonstrated cytotoxicity against tumor cells, including those intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy drugs such as 2‐difluoro‐deoxy cytidine (Gemcitabine). The activity of the UA conjugates on tumor cells was mediated by multiple cytotoxic mechanisms, including drug‐induced cytotoxic autophagy and programmed cell death, indicating a novel possibility of combination therapy.
A Water‐Soluble Multifunctional Probe for Colorimetric Copper Sensing, Lysosome Labelling and Live‐Cell Imaging
Authors: Bonaccorso Carmela , Maria Cucci Lorena , Sanfilippo Vanessa , Munzone Cristina , Fortuna Cosimo G. , Satriano Cristina
Published: July 2024

We report a water‐soluble fluorescence and colorimetric copper probe (LysoBC1); this system can also serve for lysosome labeling and for the dynamic tracking of Cu2+ in living cells. The sensing mechanism takes advantage of the synergic action by the following three components: i) a lysosome targeting unit, ii) the spirolactam ring‐opening for the selective copper chelation and iii) the metal‐mediated hydrolysis of the rhodamine moiety for fluorescence enhancement. In aqueous environment the molecule acts as a fluorescent reversible pH sensor and as colorimetric probe for Cu2+ at physiological pH; the hydrolysis of the copper targeting unit resulted in a 50‐fold increase of the fluorescence intensity. Most importantly, in vitro cell analyses in undifferentiated (SH SY5Y) and differentiated (d‐SH SY5Y) neuroblastoma cells, LysoBC1 is able to selectively accumulate into lysosome while the copper binding ability allowed us to monitor intracellular copper accumulation into lysosome.
Bimetallic Ni‐Co Supported on Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes For Prox Reaction
Authors: de Souza Hebert Douglas Pereira , Toniolo Fabio Souza , Schmal Martin
Published: July 2024

Hydrogen is a key component for a successful energy transition on a large scale since it boasts remarkable energy efficiency. Currently, H2 is mainly obtained through steam reforming of natural gas or hydrocarbons and low‐carbon alcohols but contains approximately 2 % CO, a contaminant detrimental to H2 fuel cells. Herein, an N‐doped carbon nanotube was prepared via the soft nitriding method to support nickel and cobalt for the PROX‐CO as the main reaction for hydrogen purification. The most efficient condition was achieved when the reaction temperature reached 250 °C and the Ni and Co loading rate was 7.5 %. In this situation, the CO2 selectivity reached almost 33 %, and CO conversion was 61 %. Regarding CO conversion among bimetallic catalysts at 250 °C a minimal variation occurred and the catalyst 10Ni/N‐CNTs slightly outperformed (64.4 %). The effect of N‐doping on the carbon nanotube's structure was also revealed. Nitrogen atoms incorporated into the lattice of carbon nanotubes impart an electron‐donor character. Consequently, Co oxide reduction to the metallic phase occurred at significantly lower temperatures compared to other supports such as SiO2, Al2O3, and graphene. For the bimetallic catalysts, the strong metal‐support interaction facilitated obtaining different oxide and metallic phases at milder temperatures.
Electrochemical Gold Redox Catalysis
Authors: Kumar Anil , Bhattacharya Nandita , Patil Nitin T.
Published: July 2024

The high oxidation potential of Au(I)/Au(III) redox couple renders the development of gold‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions highly challenging. In the pursuit of Au(I)/Au(III) redox catalysis, various strategies, such as the use of stoichiometric oxidants, merged gold/photoredox systems, or ligand‐enabled approaches, have been adopted to achieve the oxidation of Au(I) to Au(III) complexes. Recently, electrochemical anodic oxidation‐based gold redox catalysis has emerged as a new technique to facilitate gold‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. This concept article provides a succinct overview of electrochemical gold redox catalysis, highlighting the challenges and potential future developments.
CoS2 Nanoparticles Embedded N‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes Hollow Polyhedron for Hydrogen Evolution and Al−S Batteries
Authors: Lin Yan , Cui Xiaojiao , Liu Pinxin , Wang Zihan , Zhang Xin , Yang Xin , Feng Chao , Pan Yuan
Published: July 2024

Electrode active materials are the foremost component for energy related electrocatalysis and storage. Rational design and controlled synthesis of hybrid nanostructures is essential to achieve high efficiency but still challenging. Herein, we reported the synthesis of CoS2 nanoparticles embedded in the hollow polyhedron of N‐doped carbon nanotubes (CoS2‐NCNHP), which shows improved electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) due to the strong synergy effect and the peculiar hollow polyhedral structure. It only needs 158 and 192 mV vs. RHE to arrive the current density to 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M KOH, and the activity can be kept for at least of 24 h with negligible loss. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations suggest more electrons with quickly round‐trip transferred rate in CoS2‐NCNHP can undergo the HER process, CoS2‐NCNHP surface shows optimal interaction with H*, and greatly accelerates the dissociation of H2O molecules. Moreover, CoS2‐NCNHP worked as cathode sulfur host material for aluminum‐sulfur (Al−S) batteries, it exhibits a remarkable increase in the discharge specific capacity, the specific discharge capacity of the battery in the first circle is 515.46 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, and the specific discharge capacity can still be maintained at 110 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, along with a notable reduction in battery polarization owning to the hollow structure enhanced sulfur utilization.
An Ultrasensitive Electrochemical Immunosensor for in Situ Detection of GABA in Plant Leaves
Authors: Wu Haotong , Wang Yueyue , Wei Qian , Luo Bin , Wang Cheng , Hou Peichen , Li Aixue
Published: July 2024

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved in the signal transduction and metabolism of various substances in plants. Its in vivo detection in plants is of great importance for understanding its physiological role. In this study, an ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor is developed for in vivo detecting GABA in plants based on screen printed electrode (SPE) electrode. Gold nanoparticles (Au NP) was electrodeposited on the SPE to improve the conductivity of the electrode. Nanocomposite of ferrocene‐Carboxylated graphene oxide‐carboxylated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Fc‐GO‐MWCNT) was fabricated on the electrode to improve the electrochemical properties of the sensor, and Fc was used to generate electrochemical signals. Then polydopamine (PDA) was electropolymerized on the electrode to improve the electrochemical activity of the sensor and increase the loading amount of GABA antibody. The as‐prepared immunosensor shows the widest detection range of 10 fM to 10 mM, and lowest detection limit of 1.9 fM (S/N=3) for GABA. This immunosensor was applied for in vivo detecting GABA in the cucumber leaves under salt stress. Our sensor is the first electrochemical immunosensor for in vivo detecting GABA in plant. It proposes a new strategy for the development of immunosensor for in vivo detection of biomolecules in plants.
In situ Reconstructured Alloy Nanosheets Heterojunction for Highly Selective Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Formate
Authors: Fu Yao , Zeng Binghuan , Wang Xin , Lai Longsheng , Wu Qifan , Leng Kangmin
Published: July 2024

Tin (Sn)‐based materials are expected to realize efficient CO2 electroreduction into formate. Herein, we constructed a heterojunction by depositing Cu on Cu‐doped SnS2 nanosheets. During the electrochemical reaction, this heterojunction evolves to a highly active phase of Cu2O@Cu6Sn5 while maintaining its two‐dimensional morphology. Specifically, a partial current density of 35 mA cm−2 with an impressive faradaic efficiency of 93 % for formate production was achieved over the evolved heterojunction. In situ and ex situ experiments elucidated the formation mechanism of the Cu₂O@Cu₆Sn₅ heterojunction. Cu₆Sn₅ nanosheets were formed via a stepwise desulfurization process, while Cu₂O was generated through its reaction with hydroxyl radicals. This evolved heterojunction with a high electrochemically active surface area synergistically stabilized the *OCHO intermediate, thereby significantly enhancing the selectivity and activity. Our findings provide insight into the structural evolution process and guide the development of selective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
Biological and Medicinal Chemistry Sector of The Royal Society of Chemistry: Promoting Chemistry Learning, Networking and Excellence for Baby Boomers through to Gen Alpha!
Authors: Bagal Sharan K. , Giblin Gerard M. P. , Hall Adrian , Jones Philip S.
Published: July 2024

The Biological and Medicinal Chemistry Sector (BMCS) is an important interest group within the UK's Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Operating through a committee of voluntary members, the main goal of the BMCS is to share knowledge within the sector, primarily by organizing high quality scientific meetings, with a particular focus on networking. Financial support and tailored scientific programmes encourage training and development across multiple generations, from school age through to retirement. Scientific excellence is recognised through several high‐profile awards.
Thresholding optimization of global navigation satellite system acquisition with constant false alarm rate detection using metaheuristic techniques
Authors: Hassani Mohamed Fouad , Toumi Abida , Benkrinah Sabra , Sbaa Salim
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the enhancement of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) adaptive acquisition using metaheuristic optimization techniques is proposed. The principal goal of this work is to optimize the cell averaging constant false alarm rate (CA‐CFAR) thresholding in Rayleigh fading channels. In GNSS acquisition, pilot and data blocks may have different thresholds. Thus, the optimization will focus on two scaling factors (
and
). Two fusion rules have been used here (“AND” and “OR”). Due to their performances in different optimization problems, metaheuristics have been chosen to be our tool for solving this kind of problem. Simulation results show that the optimized thresholds have an important influence on the performance of the acquisition system.
Unique endoscopic features of primary biliary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A case report with literature review (with video)
Authors: Nakamura Tomoya , Masaki Yoshiharu , Kameyama Naohiro , Kawakami Yujiro , Ishigami Keisuke , Takada Yumemi , Satoh Shuji , Sugawara Taro , Sugita Shintaro , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

A 67‐year‐old man visited our hospital complaining of dark‐colored urine and upper abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed stricture of the distal bile duct, and contrast‐enhanced computed tomography showed irregular thickening of the distal bile duct wall. However, no enlarged lymph nodes, pancreatic tumors, or other neoplastic lesions were apparent around the bile duct. Endoscopic ultrasonography and intraductal ultrasonography showed irregular thickening of the inner hypoechoic layer without the disappearance of the innermost thin hyperechoic layer. On the basis of these findings, we considered that the bile duct lesion was of non‐epithelial origin. Thus, we repeatedly performed bile duct biopsies from the same site under fluoroscopy to obtain a sample of the submucosal tissue. The pathological diagnosis was diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, and the patient received systemic chemotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone). After six courses of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone, positron emission tomography‐computed tomography showed the disappearance of 18‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the bile duct and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed improvement of the bile duct stricture. Endoscopic findings and repeated biopsies were useful in making the diagnosis of primary biliary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma.