bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise Engineering of a Se/Te Nanochaperone for Reinvigorating Cancer Radio‐Immunotherapy
Authors: Chang Yanzhou , Huang Jiarun , Shi Sujiang , Xu Ligeng , Lin Hao , Chen Tianfeng
Published: May 2023

Facilely synthesized nanoradiosensitizers with well‐controlled structure and multifunctionality are greatly desired to address the challenges of cancer radiotherapy. In this work, a universal method is developed for synthesizing chalcogen‐based TeSe nano‐heterojunctions (NHJs) with rod‐, spindle‐, or dumbbell‐like morphologies by engineering the surfactant and added selenite. Interestingly, dumbbell‐shaped TeSe NHJs (TeSe NDs) as chaperone exhibit better radio‐sensitizing activities than the other two nanostructural shapes. Meanwhile, TeSe NDs can serve as cytotoxic chemodrugs that degrade to highly toxic metabolites in acidic environment and deplete GSH within tumor to facilitate radiotherapy. More importantly, the combination of TeSe NDs with radiotherapy significantly decreases regulatory T cells and M2‐phenotype tumor‐associated macrophage infiltrations within tumors to reshape the immunosuppressive microenvironment and induce robust T lymphocytes‐mediated antitumor immunity, resulting in great abscopal effects on combating distant tumor progression. This study provides a universal method for preparing NHJ with well‐controlled structure and developing nanoradiosensitizers to overcome the clinical challenges of cancer radiotherapy.
Ultrafast‐Programmable 2D Homojunctions Based on van der Waals Heterostructures on a Silicon Substrate
Authors: Wang Hao , Bao Lihong , Guzman Roger , Wu Kang , Wang Aiwei , Liu Li , Wu Liangmei , Chen Jiancui , Huan Qing , Zhou Wu , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Gao Hong‐Jun
Published: May 2023

The development of electrically ultrafast‐programmable semiconductor homojunctions can lead to transformative multifunctional electronic devices. However, silicon‐based homojunctions are not programmable so that alternative materials need to be explored. Here 2D, multi‐functional, lateral homojunctions made of van der Waals heterostructures with a semi‐floating‐gate configuration on a p++ Si substrate feature atomically sharp interfaces and can be electrostatically programmed in nanoseconds, more than seven orders of magnitude faster than other 2D‐based homojunctions. By applying voltage pulses with different polarities, lateral p−n, n+−n and other types of homojunctions can be formed, varied, and reversed. The p−n homojunctions possess a high rectification ratio of up to ≈105 and can be dynamically switched between four distinct conduction states with the current spanning over nine orders of magnitude, enabling them to function as logic rectifiers, memories, and multi‐valued logic inverters. Built on a p++ Si substrate, which acts as the control gate, the devices are compatible with Si technology.
Solid–Liquid Crystal Biphasic Ferroelectrics with Tunable Biferroelectricity
Authors: Liu Jun‐Chao , Ai Yong , Liu Qin , Zeng Yi‐Piao , Chen Xiao‐Gang , Lv Hui‐Peng , Xiong Ren‐Gen , Liao Wei‐Qiang
Published: May 2023

Ferroelectricity has been separately found in numerous solid and liquid crystal materials since its first discovery in 1920. However, a single material with biferroelectricity existing in both solid and liquid crystal phases is very rare, and the regulation of biferroelectricity has never been studied. Here, solid–liquid crystal biphasic ferroelectrics, cholestanyl 4‐X‐benzoate (4X‐CB, X = Cl, Br, and I), which exhibits biferroelectricity in both the solid and liquid crystal phases, is presented. It is noted that the ferroelectric liquid crystal phase of 4X‐CB is a cholesteric one, distinct from the ordinary chiral smectic ferroelectric liquid crystal phase. Moreover, 4X‐CB shows solid–solid and solid–liquid crystal phase transitions, of which the transition temperatures gradually increase from Cl to Br to I substitution. The spontaneous polarization (Ps) of 4X‐CB in both solid and liquid crystal phases can also be regulated by different halogen substitutions, where the 4Br‐CB has the optimal Ps because of the larger molecular dipole moment. To the authors’ knowledge, 4X‐CB is the first ferroelectric with tunable biferroelectricity, which offers a feasible case for the performance optimization of solid–liquid crystal biphasic ferroelectrics.
Understanding and Suppressing Non‐Radiative Recombination Losses in Non‐Fullerene Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Quan , Vandewal Koen
Published: May 2023

Organic solar cells benefit from non‐fullerene acceptors (NFA) due to their high absorption coefficients, tunable frontier energy levels, and optical gaps, as well as their relatively high luminescence quantum efficiencies as compared to fullerenes. Those merits result in high yields of charge generation at a low or negligible energetic offset at the donor/NFA heterojunction, with efficiencies over 19% achieved for single‐junction devices. Pushing this value significantly over 20% requires an increase in open‐circuit voltage, which is currently still well below the thermodynamic limit. This can only be achieved by reducing non‐radiative recombination, and hereby increasing the electroluminescence quantum efficiency of the photo‐active layer. Here, current understanding of the origin of non‐radiative decay, as well as an accurate quantification of the associated voltage losses are summarized. Promising strategies for suppressing these losses are highlighted, with focus on new material design, optimization of donor–acceptor combination, and blend morphology. This review aims at guiding researchers in their quest to find future solar harvesting donor–acceptor blends, which combine a high yield of exciton dissociation with a high yield of radiative free carrier recombination and low voltage losses, hereby closing the efficiency gap with inorganic and perovskite photovoltaics.
A Portable Self‐Powered Turbine Spirometer for Rehabilitation Monitoring on COVID‐19
Authors: Liu Minghao , Tan Puchuan , Xue Jiangtao , Liu Zhuo , Ouyang Han , Jiang Dongjie , Xi Yuan , Sun Wei , Wang Yiqian , Gai Yansong , Shi Bojing , Zou Yang , Li Zhou
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients may experience persistent impairment of the lungs after recovery and discharge, which can cause a decline in pulmonary function. Therefore, regular pulmonary function tests are essential for COVID‐19 recovered patients, and portable, home‐based pulmonary function test devices are of great significance during the pandemic. Herein, a portable self‐powered turbine spirometer (PSTS) is designed for respiratory flow measurement and assessment of pulmonary function with high accuracy, humidity resistance, good durability, and low cost. The respiratory airflow can directly drive PSTS to produce a sinusoidal signal with a signal‐to‐noise of 40.64 dB. By utilizing the long short‐term memory (LSTM) model, the flow is successfully predicted, and the “lag‐before‐start” and “spin‐after‐stop” defects of the turbine spirometer are eliminated effectively. For pulmonary function tests, the flow‐volume loop curve can be obtained from PSTS, and pulmonary function parameters such as inspiratory capacity (IC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first 1 s (FEV1) can be calculated. The accuracy of IC is over 95%, and others can reach over 97%. A portable smart pulmonary function assessment system is further developed and used to test the pulmonary function of COVID‐19 patients one month after symptom onset, demonstrating potential for assessing rehabilitation trends and long‐term follow‐up of COVID‐19 recovered patients.
Epitaxial Growth of III‐Vs on On‐Axis Si: Breaking the Symmetry for Antiphase Domains Control and Burying
Authors: Gilbert Audrey , Ramonda Michel , Cerutti Laurent , Cornet Charles , Patriarche Gilles , Tournié Éric , Rodriguez Jean‐baptiste
Published: May 2023

This work reports on the precise control of III‐V semiconductors’ antiphase domain formation and evolution during the epitaxial growth on an “on‐axis” Si (001) substrate with a very low but controlled miscut. Especially, it is shown how, starting from a Si surface having a regular array of terraces, the crystal polarity of thin GaAs epilayers grown by molecular‐beam epitaxy is defined through the Si surface topology, leading to a quasi‐periodic 1D pattern of antiphase domains in the GaAs layer. Furthermore, this work demonstrates how this configuration breaks the symmetry between the two different III‐V phases, without any step‐flow‐induced asymmetry. Following this strategy, an early burying of antiphase domains is demonstrated in GaAs epitaxially grown on a low‐miscut Si substrate. This study generalizes previous models describing antiphase domain formation and evolution and establishes the important growth parameters for the development of high crystal quality III‐V semiconductor devices monolithically integrated on low‐miscut silicon substrates.
Copper‐Enabled Photo‐Sulfonylation of Aryl Halides Using Alkylsulfinates
Authors: Mdluli Velabo , Lehnherr Dan , Lam Yu‐hong , Ji Yining , Newman Justin A. , Kim Jungchul
Published: May 2023

A photochemical synthetic method to access sulfones from aryl halides and sodium alkylsulfinates in the presence of CuCl is reported. Regio‐ and chemoselectivity for the sulfonylation is observed for polyhalogenated arenes. Mechanistic studies indicate that a copper sulfinate reagent is formed in situ from CuCl and sodium sulfinate based on NMR experiments. Potential reaction intermediates, including excited state aryl halides are studied using density functional theory calculations and reveal energetically accessible non‐planar triplet geometries.
Force Sensing and Feedback System Based on Novel Triaxial Force Capacitive Sensor for Minimally Invasive Surgical Robot
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wu Zhi‐Yong , Li Han‐Yang , Wang Feng‐Xia , Zeng Zhang‐Bing , Hou Cheng , Gan Min‐Feng , Liu Hui‐Cong , Chen Tao , Sun Li‐Ning
Published: May 2023

Minimally invasive surgery has attracted great attention due to small trauma, light pain, and quick recovery. Currently, most minimally invasive surgical robots lack the ability to force sense, resulting in high risks. Herein, a novel minimally invasive surgical force sensing and feedback system for minimally invasive surgical robot is proposed based on a flexible triaxial force capacitive sensor array. The capacitive force sensors utilize a microstructure electrode and orthogonal triangular pyramid microstructure to tackle the trade‐off between high sensitivity and wide‐detection range, showing 0–3 N detection range for normal force and high sensitivity of 69.19% N−1. Furthermore, the triaxial capacitive force sensors are integrated into the end‐effector of the minimally invasive surgical robot to form the minimally invasive surgical force sensing system. The system can show real‐time position of gripping or touching action, and the magnitude of triaxial force on the display surface. Importantly, the sensing force can further control the movement of the clamp, thus forming a novel force sensing and feedback system. The force sensing and feedback system of this minimally invasive surgical robot lays the foundation for its application in minimally invasive surgery andis expected to improve the safety and success of robotic‐assisted minimally invasive surgery.
NLRP3‐Dependent Crosstalk between Pyroptotic Macrophage and Senescent Cell Orchestrates Trauma‐Induced Heterotopic Ossification During Aberrant Wound Healing
Authors: Li Juehong , Wang Xin , Yao Zhixiao , Yuan Feng , Liu Hang , Sun Zhenyu , Yuan Zhengqiang , Luo Gang , Yao Xiangyun , Cui Haomin , Tu Bing , Sun Ziyang , Fan Cunyi
Published: May 2023

Heterotopic ossification (HO) represents an unwanted ossific wound healing response to the soft tissue injury which caused catastrophic limb dysfunction. Recent studies established the involvement of inflammation and cellular senescence in the tissue healing process, though their role in HO still remained to be clarified. Here, a novel crosstalk where the pyroptotic macrophages aroused tendon‐derived stem cells (TDSCs) senescence is revealed to encourage osteogenic healing during trauma‐induced HO formation. Macrophage pyroptosis blockade reduces the senescent cell burden and HO formation in NLRP3 knockout mice. Pyroptosis‐driven IL‐1β and extracellular vesicles (EVs) secretion from macrophages are determined to motivate TDSCs senescence and resultant osteogenesis. Mechanistically, pyroptosis in macrophages enhances the exosomal release of high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1), which directly bounds TLR9 in TDSCs to trigger morbid signaling. NF‐κB signaling is confirmed to be the converging downstream pathway of TDSCs in response to HMGB1‐containing EVs and IL‐1β. This study adds insights into aberrant regeneration‐based theory for HO formation and boosts therapeutic strategy development.
Effect of Al Concentration on Ferroelectric Properties in HfAlOx‐Based Ferroelectric Tunnel Junction Devices for Neuroinspired Applications
Authors: Kim Jihyung , Kim Dahye , Min Kyung Kyu , Kraatz Matthias , Han Taeyoung , Kim Sungjun
Published: May 2023

Since HfOx‐based ferroelectric tunnel junctions (FTJs) are attractive compared to perovskite‐based FTJs and other emerging memory devices, they are being actively studied recently. They have advantages such as a simple metal–insulator–metal structure, complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility, non‐destructive operation, and low power consumption. Moreover, doped HfOx‐based FTJs are in the spotlight in terms of neuromorphic engineering as a way of advancing from the von Neumann structure. In particular, Al dopant is effective for inducing ferroelectric properties due to its smaller radius than that of Hf. The optimal concentration of Al varies depending on the device materials and the annealing conditions during deposition. Therefore, in‐depth research is required for neuromorphic applications. Herein, the properties of FTJ devices according to Al doping concentrations are analyzed. Subsequently, using the device with the highest remanent polarization, neuromorphic applications are implemented, including spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity (STDP), paired‐pulse facilitation (PPF), long‐term potentiation, and depression. The characteristics in different frequency regions are also studied to satisfy the demand for fast switching. Finally, the FTJ device is used as a physical reservoir in reservoir computing for efficient processing of time‐dependent inputs.
Comprehensive profiling of clinical JAK inhibitors in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Kong Tim , Yu LaYow , Laranjeira Angelo B. A. , Fisher Daniel A. C. , He Fan , Cox Maggie J. , Oh Stephen T.
Published: May 2023

Small molecule inhibitors targeting JAK2 provide symptomatic benefits for myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients and are among first‐line therapeutic agents. However, despite all having potent capacity to suppress JAK–STAT signaling, they demonstrate distinct clinical profiles suggesting contributory effects in targeting other ancillary pathways. Here, we performed comprehensive profiling on four JAK2 inhibitors either FDA‐approved (ruxolitinib, fedratinib, and pacritinib) or undergoing phase 3 studies (momelotinib) to better outline mechanistic and therapeutic efficacy. Across JAK2‐mutant in vitro models, all four inhibitors demonstrated similar anti‐proliferative phenotypes, whereas pacritinib yielded greatest potency on suppressing colony formation in primary samples, while momelotinib exhibited unique erythroid colony formation sparing. All inhibitors reduced leukemic engraftment, disease burden, and extended survival across patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) models, with strongest effects elicited by pacritinib. Through RNA‐sequencing and gene set enrichment analyses, differential suppressive degrees of JAK–STAT and inflammatory response signatures were revealed, which we validated with signaling and cytokine suspension mass cytometry across primary samples. Lastly, we assessed the capacity of JAK2 inhibitors to modulate iron regulation, uncovering potent suppression of hepcidin and SMAD signaling by pacritinib. These comparative findings provide insight into the differential and beneficial effects of ancillary targeting beyond JAK2 and may help guide the use of specific inhibitors in personalized therapy.
Preparation of Vinylic Lithium Reagents from Silyl Enolates of Alkyl Aryl Ketones Using Lithium Arenide
Authors: Zhang Ziwei , Takahashi Fumiya , Kurogi Takashi , Yorimitsu Hideki
Published: May 2023

The preparation of vinylic lithium reagents from vinylic halides is a common practice in organic synthesis. However, the preparation of vinylic halides is not always straightforward. In this study, we propose the use of silyl enolates of alkyl aryl ketones as a readily available and efficient alternative for generating vinylic lithium species. Treatment of triisopropylsilyl enolates of alkyl aryl ketones with lithium naphthalenide or lithium 4,4’‐di‐t‐butylbiphenylide affords the corresponding vinylic lithium species. This preparation represents a reductive transformation of electron‐rich silyl enolates, which had remained unexplored. This process provides an alternative to the Shapiro reaction and has great potential for various applications in organic synthesis.
Examining the role of race and quality of home health agencies in delayed initiation of home health services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)
Authors: Karmarkar Amol M. , Roy Indrakshi , Rivera‐Hernandez Maricruz , Shaibi Stefany , Baldwin Julie A. , Lane Taylor , Kean Jacob , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2023

INTRODUCTION

We examined differences in the timeliness of the initiation of home health care by race and the quality of home health agencies (HHA) among patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD).

METHODS

Medicare claims and home health assessment data were used for the study cohort: individuals aged ≥65 years with ADRD, and discharged from the hospital. Home health latency was defined as patients receiving home health care after 2 days following hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Of 251,887 patients with ADRD, 57% received home health within 2 days following hospital discharge. Black patients were significantly more likely to experience home health latency (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.19) compared to White patients. Home health latency was significantly higher for Black patients in low‐rating HHA (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.22–1.37) compared to White patients in high‐rating HHA.

DISCUSSION

Black patients are more likely to experience a delay in home health care initiation than White patients.
Identification of optimal reference genes in golden Syrian hamster with ethanol‐ and palmitoleic acid‐induced acute pancreatitis using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Miao Jinxin , Kang Le , Lan Tianfeng , Wang Jianyao , Wu Siqing , Jia Yifan , Xue Xia , Guo Haoran , Wang Pengju , Li Yan
Published: May 2023

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe disorder that leads to high morbidity and mortality. Appropriate reference genes are important for gene analysis in AP. This study sought to study the expression stability of several reference genes in the golden Syrian hamster, a model of AP.

Methods

AP was induced in golden Syrian hamster by intraperitoneal injection of ethanol (1.35 g/kg) and palmitoleic acid (2 mg/kg). The expression of candidate genes, including Actb, Gapdh, Eef2, Ywhaz, Rps18, Hprt1, Tubb, Rpl13a, Nono, and B2m, in hamster pancreas at different time points (1, 3, 6, 9, and 24 h) posttreatment was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression stability of these genes was calculated using BestKeeper, Comprehensive Delta CT, NormFinder, and geNorm algorithms and RefFinder software.

Results

Our results show that the expression of these reference genes fluctuated during AP, of which Ywhaz and Gapdh were the most stable genes, whereas Tubb, Eef2, and Actb were the least stable genes. Furthermore, these genes were used to normalize the expression of TNF‐α messenger ribonucleic acid in inflamed pancreas.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Ywhaz and Gapdh were suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in AP induced in Syrian hamster.
Highly Stereoselective Diels–Alder Reactions Catalyzed by Diboronate Complexes**
Authors: Li Yuan‐He , Zhang Su‐Lei , Lu Yong , Xiao Bo , Sun Tian‐Yu , Xu Qian‐Qian , Chen Jia‐Hua , Yang Zhen
Published: May 2023

A highly enantioselective catalytic system for exo‐Diels–Alder reactions was developed based on the newly discovered bispyrrolidine diboronates (BPDB). Activated by various Lewis or Brønsted acids, BPDB can catalyze highly stereoselective asymmetric exo‐Diels–Alder reactions of monocarbonyl‐based dienophiles. When 1,2‐dicarbonyl‐based dienophiles are used, the catalyst can sterically distinguish between the two binding sites, which leads to highly regioselective asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions. BPDB can be prepared as crystalline solids on a large scale and are stable under ambient condition. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis of the structure for acid‐activated BPDB indicated that its activation involves cleavage of a labile B←N bond.
Thiol‐Aldehyde Polycondensation for Bio‐based Adaptable and Degradable Phenolic Polymers
Authors: Jin Yu , Hu Chengcheng , Wang Jie , Ding Yongliang , Shi Junjie , Wang Zhongkai , Xu Shichao , Yuan Liang
Published: May 2023

Designing sustainable materials with tunable mechanical properties, intrinsic degradability, and recyclability from renewable biomass through a mild process has become vital in polymer science. Traditional phenolic resins are generally considered to be not degradable or recyclable. Here we report the design and synthesis of linear and network structured phenolic polymers using facile polycondensation between natural aldehyde‐bearing phenolic compounds and polymercaptans. Linear phenolic products are amorphous with Tg between −9 °C and 12 °C. Cross‐linked networks from vanillin and its di‐aldehyde derivative exhibited excellent mechanical strength between 6–64 MPa. The connecting dithioacetals are associatively adaptable strong bonds and susceptible to degradation in oxidative conditions to regenerate vanillin. These results highlight the potential of biobased sustainable phenolic polymers with recyclability and selective degradation, as a complement to the traditional phenol‐formaldehyde resins.
Redox‐Bipolare Polyimid Zweidimensionale Covalent Organic Framework Kathoden für langlebige Aluminum‐Akkumulatoren
Authors: Liu Yannan , Lu Yiyue , Hossain Khan Arafat , Wang Gang , Wang Yong , Morag Ahiud , Wang Zhiyong , Chen Guangbo , Huang Shengyun , Chandrasekhar Naisa , Sabaghi Davood , Li Dongqi , Zhang Panpan , Ma Dongling , Brunner Eike , Yu Minghao , Feng Xinliang
Published: May 2023

Neuartige Aluminium‐Akkumulatoren (AlAKs) stellen eine nachhaltige Option für Energiespeichertechnologien der nächsten Generation mit niedrigen Kosten und beispielhafter Sicherheit dar. Die Entwicklung von AlAKs wird jedoch durch die begrenzte Verfügbarkeit von Hochleistungs‐Kathodenmaterialien eingeschränkt. In diesem Artikel beschreiben wir zwei Polyimid‐ basierte zweidimensionale Covalent‐Organic‐Framework‐ (2D COF) Elektrodenmaterialien mit redox‐bipolarer Fähigkeit in AlAKs. Die optimierte 2D‐COF‐Elektrode erreicht eine hohe spezifische Kapazität von 132 mAh g−1. Die Elektrode weist eine langfristige Zyklenstabilität auf (mit einem vernachlässigbaren Kapazitätsabfall von ≈0.0007 % pro Zyklus) und übertrifft damit frühere Ergebnisse organischer AlAK‐Kathoden. Unsere 2D‐COFs beinhalten n‐Type‐Imide und p‐Type‐Triazine als aktive Zentren im periodisch‐porösen Polymerskelett. Anhand umfänglicher Charakterisierungen erklären wir die ungewöhnliche Faradische Reaktion der 2D‐COF‐Elektrode, bei der AlCl2+‐ und AlCl4− Dualionen als Ladungsträger beteiligt sind. Diese Arbeit ebnet den Weg zu neuartigen organischen Kathodenmaterialien in AlAKs.
Analysis of the Dynamics of the Human Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor Reveals Insights into the Energy Landscape of the Molecule
Authors: Smith Albert A. , Pacull Emelyne M. , Stecher Sabrina , Hildebrand Peter W. , Vogel Alexander , Huster Daniel
Published: May 2023

G protein‐coupled receptors initiate signal transduction in response to ligand binding. Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), the focus of this study, binds the 28 residue peptide ghrelin. While structures of GHSR in different states of activation are available, dynamics within each state have not been investigated in depth. We analyze long molecular dynamics simulation trajectories using “detectors” to compare dynamics of the apo and ghrelin‐bound states yielding timescale‐specific amplitudes of motion. We identify differences in dynamics between apo and ghrelin‐bound GHSR in the extracellular loop 2 and transmembrane helices 5–7. NMR of the GHSR histidine residues reveals chemical shift differences in these regions. We evaluate timescale specific correlation of motions between residues of ghrelin and GHSR, where binding yields a high degree of correlation for the first 8 ghrelin residues, but less correlation for the helical end. Finally, we investigate the traverse of GHSR over a rugged energy landscape via principal component analysis.
Gold‐Catalyzed Formal [4+2] Cycloaddition as Access to Antitumor‐Active Spirocyclic Oxindoles from Alkynes and Isatin‐Derived Ketimines
Authors: Liu Yaowen , Dietl Martin C. , Heckershoff Robin , Han Chunyu , Shi Hongwei , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank , Caligiuri Isabella , Asif Kanwal , Adeel Muhammad , Scattolin Thomas , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: May 2023

Due to its excellent bioactivity profile, which is increasingly utilized in pharmaceutical and synthetic chemistry, spirooxindole is an important core scaffold. We herein describe an efficient method for the construction of highly functionalized new spirooxindolocarbamates via a gold‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction of terminal alkynes or ynamides with isatin‐derived ketimines. This protocol has a good functional group compatibility, uses readily available starting materials, mild reaction conditions, low catalyst loadings and no additives. It enables the transformation of various functionalized alkyne groups into cyclic carbamates. Gram‐scale synthesis was achieved and DFT calculations verify the feasibility of the mechanistic proposal. Some of the target products exhibit good to excellent antiproliferative activity on human tumor cell lines. In addition, one of the most active compounds displayed a remarkable selectivity towards tumor cells over normal ones.
Amplified Chirality Transfer to Aromatic Molecules through Non‐specific Inclusion by Amorphous, Hyperbranched Poly(fluorenevinylene) Derivatives
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Pietropaolo Adriana , Fortino Mariagrazia , Bando Masayoshi , Maeda Katsuhiro , Nishimura Tatsuya , Shimoda Shuhei , Sato Hiroyasu , Naga Naofumi , Nakano Tamaki
Published: May 2023

Optically active, hyperbranched, poly(fluorene‐2,4,7‐triylethene‐1,2‐diyl) [poly(fluorenevinylene)] derivatives bearing a neomenthyl group and a pentyl group at the 9‐position of the fluorene backbone at various ratios acted as a chirality donor (host polymers) efficiently included naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene, 9‐phenylanthracene, and 9,10‐diphenyanthracene as a chirality acceptor (guest molecules) in their interior space in film as well as in solution, with the guest molecules exhibiting intense circular dichroism through chirality transfer with chirality amplification. The efficiency of the chirality transfer was much higher with higher‐molar‐mass polymers than lower‐molar‐mass ones as well as with hyperbranched polymers compared to the analogous linear ones. The hyperbranched polymers include the small molecules in their complex structure without any specific interactions at various stoichiometries. The included molecules may have ordered intermolecular arrangement that may be somewhat similar to those of liquid crystals. Naphthalene, anthracene, and pyrene included in the polymer exhibited efficient circularly polarized luminescence, where the chirality was remarkably amplified in excited states, and anthracene exhibited especially high anisotropies in the emission on the order of 10−2.
Construction of Zinc‐based Anodes for Electrolytic Zinc‐MnO2 Batteries with High Discharge Voltage and Good Durability
Authors: Yang Lexuan , Meng Lijun , Ji Xu , Cheng Shuang
Published: May 2023

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐MnO2 batteries have attracted great attention owing to their advantages on safety, power density, and cost. In strong acidic environment, the capacity of MnO2‐based cathode can reach 616 mAh g−1 through a two‐electrons‐transfer process of Mn2+↔MnO2. However, in acidic environment, Zn corrosion, dendrites, and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on the anode are rather serious, resulting in low Columbic efficiency (CE) and poor durability. Towards these issues, ZnO with dual‐protection, including C and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating (ZnO@C‐PVA), is developed as initial anode material herein. Compared with bare CC, ZnO, and ZnO@C, reversibility of the ZnO@C‐PVA electrode is largely enhanced. CE of an electrolytic full system using ZnO@C‐PVA as anode and bare carbon cloth (CC) as cathode can be as high as 90 % at 5 mA cm−2, and discharge voltage is up to 1.85 V (mid‐value), which can be maintained for 1,600 cycles, indicating rather good stability. It is believed that the existence of initial ZnO can tune the local pH around the anode, resulting in the decrease of HER and the enhancement of Zn plating. Besides, corrosion and Zn dendrites also can be inhibited effectively by the PVA layer.
Workplace support for newly qualified doctors and secondary school teachers: A comparative analysis
Authors: Foster‐Collins Helen , Mattick Karen , Baumfield Vivienne
Published: May 2023

Doctors and teachers in their first year of practice face steep learning curves and increased stress, which can induce poor mental health, burnout and attrition. Informal workplace support from colleagues can help smooth transitions and aid professional development. A three‐phase comparative research design was used to explore who provides informal workplace support to early‐career professionals, types of support and influencing factors. Phase 1 was a systematic secondary analysis of interviews and audio diaries from 52 UK doctors in their first year of foundation training (F1s). Phase 2 involved new narrative interviews with 11 newly qualified teachers (NQTs) from English secondary schools. Phase 3 was a comparative analysis to produce a model of workplace support. Given barriers to accessing senior doctors, F1 doctors drew upon nurses, pharmacists, microbiologists, peers/near‐peers and allied healthcare professionals for support. NQTs gained support from allocated mentors and seniors within subject departments, as well as teaching assistants, allied support staff and wider professional networks. Support types for both professions included information and advice on practice, orientation to local settings, collaborative development activities, observation and feedback, and socioemotional support. Influencing factors included variable departmental cultures, limited opportunities for informal contact, sometimes negative inter‐group perceptions and the agentic responses of novices. The resulting workplace model of support could underpin future research and evaluations of support in similar ‘hot‐action’ environments. In medicine and teaching, greater utilisation of near‐peers and allied staff, improved role understanding and communication, increased informal contact and sharing successful strategies across professions could enhance supportive relationships.
Three‐dimensional co‐culture model employing silica nonwoven fabrics to enhance cell‐to‐cell communication of paracrine signaling between hepatocytes and fibroblasts
Authors: Ishikawa Shohei , Iijima Kazutoshi , Sasaki Kohei , Kawabe Masaaki , Osawa Shigehito , Otsuka Hidenori
Published: May 2023

The realization that soluble factors secreted by heterotypic cells play an importanta role in paracrine signaling, which facilitates intercellular communication, enabled the development of physiologically relevant co‐culture models for drug screening and the engineering of tissues, such as hepatic tissues. The most crucial issues confronting the use of conventional membrane inserts in segregated co‐culture models that are used to study paracrine signaling between heterotypic cells have been identified as long‐term viability and retention of cell‐specific functions, especially when isolated primary cells are used. Herein, we present an in vitro segregated co‐culture model consisting of a well plate incubated with rat primary hepatocytes and normal human dermal fibroblasts which were segregated using a membrane insert with silica nonwoven fabric (SNF) on it. SNF, which mimics a physiological environment much more effectively than a two‐dimensional (2D) one, promotes cell differentiation and resultant paracrine signaling in a manner that is not possible in a conventional 2D culture, owing to high mechanical strength generated by its inorganic materials and interconnected network structure. In segregated co‐cultures, SNF clearly enhanced the functions of hepatocytes and fibroblasts, thereby showing its potential as a measure of paracrine signaling. These results may advance the understanding of the role played by paracrine signaling in cell‐to‐cell communication and provide novel insights into the applications of drug metabolism, tissue repair, and regeneration.
A “magic world” for children: Design and development of a serious game to improve spatial ability
Authors: Guo Wenchen , Li Shucheng , Zhang Zixun , Chen Zhirui , Chang KuoHsiang , Wang Su
Published: May 2023

Research has shown that spatial perception is not only one of the essential abilities for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), but is also closely related to the quality of human existence. However, for a variety of reasons, many students' spatial skills are less than ideal. In recent years, various video games are showing great potential as low‐cost but effective training tools to improve the educational level and cognitive skills. This paper presented a novel serious strategy game named Magic World. The game was designed to enhance children's spatial perception and motivation by using narrative, virtual contexts, and game mechanics that incorporate educational content with entertainment as a powerful extra‐curricular aid. A pilot study and evaluation experiment were conducted with primary school students (N = 68) and the results showed that the training had a measurable positive impact on students' spatial ability. In addition, user experience surveys of the game showed that Magic World was considered a fun, challenging, and popular game for children.
Congenital bilateral clinical anophthalmia and brachygnathia superior in a fighting bull calf
Authors: Seva Juan , Sanes José Manuel , Bueno Juan Manuel , De Jódar Carlos , Soler Marta , Bayón Alejandro , Párraga‐Ros Ester
Published: May 2023

This study describes a case of a 20‐day‐old male fighting bull with bilateral clinical anophthalmia and brachygnathia superior whose dam was 12.5 years old and was mistakenly dewormed with ivermectin intramuscularly in the first third of gestation in a livestock farm. A macroscopic examination of the carcass was performed, with a special focus on the ocular components. Eyeball remains were found in both orbits and a histopathological examination was performed on them. Antibodies by serological study against bovine herpes virus‐1, respiratory syncytial virus and bovine viral diarrhea virus for both the cow and the calf were not detected. The calf had small orbits and inside them a white and brown mass of soft consistency. Microscopically, abundant muscular and adipose tissue was observed, alongside nervous structures and vestiges of ocular structures with stratified epithelium and abundant connective tissue with glands. No evidence that this congenital bilateral anophthalmia had infectious or hereditary origin was found. By contrast, the malformation could be related to the treatment with ivermectin during the first month of gestation.
Stepwise Stimuli‐Responsive, Multicolor‐Chromic Perylene Bisimide/Polyvinyl Alcohol Co‐assembly System for Information Encryption
Authors: Feng Yechang , Ma Zetong , Zhong Shilong , Wang Cheng , Chen Xudong
Published: May 2023

The issue of information security has become a concern in all aspects of daily life, prompting the development of encryption technologies. Therein, optical encryption using color/graphical patterns holds great potential. However, current approaches generally rely on monochromic change upon one or more stimuli, limiting their further application in advanced confidential encryption. Herein, we propose a delicate strategy based on a co‐assembly system of perylene bisimides (PBI)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that demonstrates stepwise stimuli response and multicolor changes. The color of the supramolecular system changes from red to purple under the stimulus of UV light, and to orange when exposed to water. The multidimensional chromic response is achieved by an evolution process including the generation, packing rearrangement and quenching of PBI radical anions/dianions. With the virtues of photo‐ and hydrochromism, this novel co‐assembly system was successfully employed for advanced anticounterfeiting and versatile information encryption applications.
From Framework to Layers Driven by Pressure – The Monophyllo‐Oxonitridophosphate β‐MgSrP3N5O2and Comparison to its α‐Polymorph
Authors: Pritzl Reinhard M. , Prinz Nina , Strobel Philipp , Schmidt Peter J. , Johrendt Dirk , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: May 2023

Oxonitridophosphates exhibit the potential for broad structural diversity, making them promising host‐compounds in phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diode applications. The novel monophyllo‐oxonitridophosphate β‐MgSrP3N5O2was obtained by using the high‐pressure multianvil technique. The crystal structure was solved and refined based on single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data and confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction. β‐MgSrP3N5O2crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupCmme(no. 67,a=8.8109(6),b=12.8096(6),c=4.9065(3) Å,Z=4) and has a structure related to that of Ba2CuSi2O7. DFT calculations were performed to investigate the phase transition from α‐ to β‐MgSrP3N5O2and to confirm the latter as the corresponding high‐pressure polymorph. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of Eu2+doped samples of both polymorphs were investigated and discussed, showing blue and cyan emission, respectively (α‐MgSrP3N5O2;λmax=438 nm,fwhm=46 nm/2396 cm−1; β‐MgSrP3N5O2;λmax=502 nm,fwhm=42 nm/1670 cm−1).
Room‐Temperature Solid‐State Polymer Electrolyte in Li‐LiFePO4, Li‐S and Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Marangon Vittorio , Minnetti Luca , Barcaro Edoardo , Hassoun Jusef
Published: May 2023

A solid polymer electrolyte has been developed and employed in lithium‐metal batteries of relevant interest. The material includes crystalline poly(ethylene glycol)dimethyl ether (PEGDME), LiTFSI and LiNO3 salts, and a SiO2 ceramic filler. The electrolyte shows ionic conductivity more than 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and approaching 10−3 S cm−1 at 60 °C, a Li+‐transference number exceeding 0.3, electrochemical stability from 0 to 4.4 V vs. Li+/Li, lithium stripping/deposition overvoltage below 0.08 V, and electrode/electrolyte interphase resistance of 400 Ω. Thermogravimetry indicates that the electrolyte stands up to 200 °C without significant weight loss, while FTIR spectroscopy suggests that the LiTFSI conducting salt dissolves in the polymer. The electrolyte is used in solid‐state cells with various cathodes, including LiFePO4 olivine exploiting the Li‐insertion, sulfur–carbon composite operating through Li conversion, and an oxygen electrode in which reduction and evolution reactions (i. e., ORR/OER) evolve on a carbon‐coated gas diffusion layer (GDL). The cells operate reversibly at room temperature with a capacity of 140 mA h g−1 at 3.4 V for LiFePO4, 400 mA h g−1 at 2 V for sulfur electrode, and 500 mA h g−1 at 2.5 V for oxygen. The results suggest that the electrolyte could be applied in room‐temperature solid polymer cells.
Stability and Reversible Oxidation of Sub‐Nanometric Cu5 Metal Clusters: Integrated Experimental Study and Theoretical Modeling**
Authors: Buceta David , Huseyinova Shahana , Cuerva Miguel , Lozano Héctor , Giovanetti Lisandro J. , Ramallo‐López José M. , López‐Caballero Patricia , Zanchet Alexandre , Mitrushchenkov Alexander O. , Hauser Andreas W. , Barone Giampaolo , Huck‐Iriart Cristián , Escudero Carlos , Hernández‐Garrido Juan Carlos , Calvino José Juan , López‐Haro Miguel , de Lara‐Castells María Pilar , Requejo Félix G. , López‐Quintela M. Arturo
Published: May 2023

Sub‐nanometer metal clusters have special physical and chemical properties, significantly different from those of nanoparticles. However, there is a major concern about their thermal stability and susceptibility to oxidation. In situ X‐ray Absorption spectroscopy and Near Ambient Pressure X‐ray Photoelectron spectroscopy results reveal that supported Cu5 clusters are resistant to irreversible oxidation at least up to 773 K, even in the presence of 0.15 mbar of oxygen. These experimental findings can be formally described by a theoretical model which combines dispersion‐corrected DFT and first principles thermochemistry revealing that most of the adsorbed O2 molecules are transformed into superoxo and peroxo species by an interplay of collective charge transfer within the network of Cu atoms and large amplitude “breathing” motions. A chemical phase diagram for Cu oxidation states of the Cu5‐oxygen system is presented, clearly different from the already known bulk and nano‐structured chemistry of Cu.
Assessment of quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients attending oncology unit of aTeaching Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Nazmul , Atreya Alok , Nepal Samata , Uddin Kazi Jashim , Kaiser Md. Rashed , Menezes Ritesh G. , Lasrado Savita , Abdullah‐Al‐Noman Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Background

The quality of life (QoL) of a cancer patient is their perception of their physical, functional, psychological, and social well‐being. QoL is one of the most important factors to consider when treating someone with cancer and during follow‐up. The aim of this study was to understand the state of QoL among cancer patients in Bangladesh and to determine the factors that affect it.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 210 cancer patients who attended the oncology unit of Delta Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka during the period between 1 May 2022 and 31 August 2022. Data were collected using the Bengali version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) questionnaire.

Results

The study reported a high number of female cancer patients (67.6%), who were married, Muslims by religion, and non‐residents of Dhaka. Breast cancer was more common among women (31.43%), while lung and upper respiratory tract cancer was more prevalent among men (19.05%). The majority of the patients (86.19%) were diagnosed with cancer in the past year. The overall mean score for functional scales was higher for physical functioning (54.92) whereas it was lower for social functioning (38.89). The highest score on the symptom scale was for financial problems (63.02), while the lowest was for diarrhea (33.01). The overall QoL score of cancer patients in the study was 47.98 and it was lower for males (45.71) compared to females (49.10).

Conclusions

The overall QoL was poor among Bangladeshi cancer patients compared to those in developed countries. A low QoL score was observed for social and emotional functions. Financial difficulty was the main reason behind the lower QoL score on the symptom scale.
A virtuous circle brought about by corporate social responsibility – A study of the dynamic relationship between social capital, social responsibility and corporate value
Authors: Mengke Zhang , Yan Huang , Yifan Jin
Published: May 2023

Corporate social responsibility plays an important role in promoting national harmony and high‐quality development. And social capital is the foundation of corporate survival and enhancing value is the goal of corporate survival. The interaction between social responsibility, social capital and corporate value and the degree of influence is an issue waiting to be studied. This paper takes listed companies from 2010 to 2020 as the research object, and empirically examines the dynamic interrelationship and degree of influence between the three on time series by constructing the PVAR model to include the three in the same analytical framework. The study shows that: (1) There is a virtuous circle mechanism of “social responsibility‐social capital‐corporate value”. (2) CSR and social responsibility are mutually causal, and social responsibility and corporate value are mutually causal, while social capital can only enhance corporate value in one direction. (3) Although the interaction between the three variables gradually decreases and tends to zero over time, it still has a strong lag, and the effect generated in the current period can lag at least 10 periods. The research results enrich the dynamic relationship between social capital, social responsibility and corporate value, and provide strategic references for corporate value enhancement.
mAKAPβ signalosome: A potential target for cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Golatkar Vaishnavi , Bhatt Lokesh K.
Published: May 2023

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is the result of a prolonged increase in the workload of the heart that activates various signaling pathways such as MAPK pathway, PKA‐dependent cAMP signaling, and CaN‐NFAT signaling pathway which further activates genes for cardiac remodeling. Various signalosomes are present in the heart that regulates the signaling of physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy. mAKAPβ is one such scaffold protein that regulates signaling pathways involved in promoting cardiac hypertrophy. It is present in the outer nuclear envelope of the cardiomyocytes, which provides specificity of the target toward the heart. In addition, nuclear translocation of signaling components and transcription factors such as MEF2D, NFATc, and HIF‐1α is facilitated due to the localization of mAKAPβ near the nuclear envelope. These factors are required for activation of genes promoting cardiac remodeling. Downregulation of mAKAPβ improves cardiac function and attenuates cardiac hypertrophy which in turn prevents the development of heart failure. Unlike earlier therapies for heart failure, knockout or silencing of mAKAPβ is not associated with side effects because of its high specificity in the striated myocytes. Downregulating expression of mAKAPβ is a favorable therapeutic approach toward attenuating cardiac hypertrophy and hence preventing heart failure. This review discusses mAKAPβ signalosome as a potential target for cardiac hypertrophy intervention.