bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating Risk Perceptions Through Batik Art
Authors: Ng Reuben , Indran Nicole , Suarez Pablo
Published: July 2023

This Arts and Medicine essay describes creation of a batik art installation titled Risktalk, illustrating trends in mentions of public health and non-health risk-related topics in popular written media from 1810 to 2009.
Analysis of Social Media Use, Mental Health, and Gender Identity Among US Youths
Authors: Coyne Sarah M. , Weinstein Emily , Sheppard J. Andan , James Spencer , Gale Megan , Van Alfen Megan , Ririe Nora , Monson Cameron , Ashby Sarah , Weston Allison , Banks Kennedy
Published: July 2023

Importance

Mental health among children and adolescents is a critical public health issue, and transgender and gender nonbinary youths are at an even greater risk. Social media has been consistently associated with youth mental health, but little is known about how gender identity interacts with this association.

Objective

To use a risk and resilience approach to examine the association between social media use and mental health among transgender, gender nonbinary, and cisgender youths.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study analyzed data collected from an online survey between May and August 2021. Participants included a random sample of US youths; eligibility requirements included being aged 10 to 17 years and residing in the US. Statistical analysis was performed from February to April 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Social media use (time, type of use, favorite site, social comparisons, mindfulness, taking intentional breaks, cleaning and curating feeds, problematic use, and media literacy programs at their school) and mental health (depression, emotional problems, conduct problems, and body image) as main outcomes.

Results

Participants included 1231 youths aged 10 to 17 years from a national quota sample from the United States; 675 (54.8%) identified as cisgender female, 479 (38.9%) as cisgender male, and 77 (6.3%) as transgender, gender nonbinary, or other; 4 (0.3%) identified as American Indian or Alaska Native, 111 (9.0%) as Asian, 185 (15.0%) as Black, 186 (15.1%) as Hispanic or Latinx, 1 (0.1%) as Pacific Islander, 703 (57.1%) as White, and 41 (3.3%) as mixed and/or another race or ethnicity. Gender identity moderated both the strength and the direction of multiple associations between social media practices and mental health: active social media use (eg, emotional problems: B = 1.82; 95% CI, 0.16 to 3.49; P = .03), cleaning and/or curating social media feeds (eg, depression: B = −0.91; 95% CI, −1.98 to −0.09; P = .03), and taking intentional breaks (eg, depression: B = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.92; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of gender identity, social media, and mental health, gender identity was associated with youths’ experiences of social media in ways that may have distinct implications for mental health. These results suggest that research about social media effects on youths should attend to gender identity; directing children and adolescents to spend less time on social media may backfire for those transgender and gender nonbinary youths who are intentional about creating safe spaces on social media that may not exist in their offline world.
Disparities in Breast Cancer Characteristics Among Syrian Migrants and Jordanian Women in the Jordan Cancer Registry from 2010 to 2016
Authors: Hazra Aditi , Ullrich Andreas , Nimri Omar
Published: July 2023

This case series analyzes breast cancer characteristics of women diagnosed with breast ancer in the Jordan Cancer Registry by Syrian migrant status to determine inequities.
Association Between Thrombectomy and Functional Outcomes in Pediatric Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke From Large Vessel Occlusion
Authors: Bhatia Kartik D. , Chowdhury Samyami , Andrews Ian , Goetti Robert , Webster Richard , Troedson Christopher , Dale Russell C. , Muthusami Prakash , Parra-Farinas Carmen , Dlamini Nomazulu , Moharir Mahendra , Miteff Christina , Miteff Ferdinand , Worthington John , Tastula Kylie , Ang Timothy , Briest Romain , Pulcine Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Importance

Pediatric large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke has a poor natural history. However, uptake of mechanical thrombectomy is hindered by a lack of clinical trial data in children. A randomized clinical trial is not feasible due to small sample sizes and absence of equipoise.

Objective

To evaluate whether pediatric patients with acute LVO stroke who undergo thrombectomy have better clinical outcomes than matched patients managed conservatively.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This matched case-control study used pooled stroke registry data from 5 tertiary referral hospitals in Australia and Canada from January 2011 to April 2022. Patients were aged 1 month to younger than 18 years with acute LVO stroke. Pooled data identified 31 thrombectomy patients and 46 control patients. Five patients undergoing thrombectomy with basilar artery occlusion were excluded due to insufficient controls. Using a hierarchal matching system (site of occlusion, age group, side of occlusion, and sex), deidentified consensus matching of patients and controls was undertaken while blinded to clinical outcome. Data were analyzed from July to November 2022.

Exposure

In the case cohort, mechanical thrombectomy was undertaken for management of acute LVO stroke. The control cohort received medical treatment only.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the functional clinical status 3 months following stroke, measured by the pediatric modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Clinical outcomes were compared between groups using ordinal regression analysis.

Results

Of 52 included patients, 31 (60%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 10.3 (4.4) years. Matching was achieved for 26 children undergoing thrombectomy with 26 controls. There was no significant difference between groups for site or side of occlusion, age, sex, etiology, thrombolysis status, baseline Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score, or time since last seen well to presentation. Patients undergoing thrombectomy had superior clinical outcomes than control patients at 3 months on the pediatric mRS (odds ratio, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.32-10.67; P = .01). These superior outcomes were maintained at final follow-up (odds ratio, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.25-10.68; P = .02).

Conclusions and Relevance

In the absence of a randomized clinical trial, this case-control study demonstrates better clinical outcomes with thrombectomy than medical management alone for pediatric patients aged 2 to 18 years with anterior circulation LVO stroke.
Defective Photocathode: Fundamentals, Construction, and Catalytic Energy Conversion
Authors: Li Yuanrui , Li Shutao , Huang Hongwei
Published: July 2023

The development of a long‐term and sustainable energy economy is one of the most significant technological challenges facing humanity. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology is considered as the most attractive route for converting solar energy into chemical energy. However, the slow reaction kinetics of PEC oxidation and reduction greatly hinder its practical application. To address this issue, engineering photoelectrodes with various defects can significantly improve their catalytic performance, which can not only regulate catalyst electronic structure but also promote charge transfer/separation by serving as an active/adsorption/energy storage site. Herein, the defect engineering strategies for photoelectrodes are systematically summarized, focusing on the latest progress in defective photocathode for energy conversion. First, an overview of defect types, basic principles of photocathode, and the positive role of defects in the photocathode are provided. Second, the construction strategies and characterization methods of defective photocathode are summarized. Then, the progress of typical energy conversion applications, including hydrogen production, CO2 reduction, and nitrogen reduction over defective photocathode, is reviewed, highlighting the crucial role of defects in high catalytic performance. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of defective photocathode are discussed, aiming to bring new opportunities for the development of photocathode through defect engineering.
2D Ferroic Materials for Nonvolatile Memory Applications
Authors: Wang Hao , Wen Yao , Zeng Hui , Xiong Ziren , Tu Yangyuan , Zhu Hao , Cheng Ruiqing , Yin Lei , Jiang Jian , Zhai Baoxing , Liu Chuansheng , Shan Chongxin , He Jun
Published: July 2023

The emerging nonvolatile memory technologies based on ferroic materials are promising for producing high‐speed, low‐power, and high‐density memory in the field of integrated circuits. Long‐range ferroic orders observed in 2D materials have triggered extensive research interest in 2D magnets, 2D ferroelectrics, 2D multiferroics, and their device applications. Devices based on 2D ferroic materials and heterostructures with an atomically smooth interface and ultrathin thickness have exhibited impressive properties and significant potential for developing advanced nonvolatile memory. In this context, a systematic review of emergent 2D ferroic materials is conducted here, emphasizing their recent research on nonvolatile memory applications, with a view to proposing brighter prospects for 2D magnetic materials, 2D ferroelectric materials, 2D multiferroic materials, and their relevant devices.
Pickering Water‐in‐Oil Emulsions Stabilized Solely by Fat Crystals
Authors: Tenorio‐Garcia Elizabeth , Araiza‐Calahorra Andrea , Rappolt Michael , Simone Elena , Sarkar Anwesha
Published: July 2023

Water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions have attracted heightened attention because of the ever‐increasing interest in using non‐calorific water to replace calorie‐dense fat in food. However, designing clean‐label and ultra‐stable W/O emulsions is a longstanding challenge in colloid science. Herein, a novel, facile approach is introduced to designing cocoa butter (CB)‐based crystals to stabilize Pickering W/O emulsions. Results using a combination of small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and microscopy across length scales reveal that the fat crystals formed in an oleogel of CB with vegetable oil offer high stability to water droplets (up to 60% (v/v)) against coalescence and phase inversion, over storage for 7 months. Such extraordinary stability is attributed to the nanoplatelet‐like CB crystals of βV polymorph located at the water–oil interface and to the inter‐droplet fat crystal network formation, interlocking the water droplets. The increment in water volume fraction endows gel‐like properties with the water droplets acting as “active fillers.” These newly designed Pickering W/O emulsions stabilized solely by fat crystals with unusual rigidity offer great promise for fabricating advanced functional materials in food, pharmaceutics, and cosmetic applications, where long‐term stabilization of water droplets using sustainable particles is a necessity.
First‐Principles Study of Twin Boundaries and Stacking Faults in β‐Ga2O3
Authors: Wang Mengen , Mu Sai , Speck James S. , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: July 2023

This study uses density functional theory calculations to explore the energetics and electronic structures of planar defects in monoclinic β‐Ga2O3, including twin boundaries (TBs) and stacking faults (SFs). TBs on the (001)A, (001)B, (100)A, (100)B, and (−102) planes are examined; it is found that (100)A has a very low formation energy (0.01 Jm‐2), consistent with its observation in a number of experiments. For SFs, SFs on the (100) plane have much lower energy (0.03 Jm‐2) than SFs formed on the (010) and (001) planes. Growth on a (100) surface is thus expected to result in more planar‐defect formation, again consistent with experimental observations. In spite of their higher energies, TBs and SFs on planes other than (100) have been experimentally observed in epitaxial layers. Their origins are explained in terms of coalescence of different growth regions when the growth direction changes, or when low‐energy TBs on the growing surface lead to domains with different twinning orientation.
Characterizing Mineral Ellipsoids in New Bone Formation at the Interface of Ti6Al4V Porous Implants
Authors: Deering Joseph , Chen Jianyu , Mahmoud Dalia , Tang Tengteng , Lin Yujing , Fang Qiyin , Wohl Gregory R. , Elbestawi Mohamed , Grandfield Kathryn
Published: July 2023

The hierarchy of newly formed bone contains elements of disorder within an ordered multiscale structure, spanning from the macroscale to below the nanoscale. With mineralized structures presenting in the shape of ellipsoids in mature and mineralizing tissue, this work characterizes the heterogeneity in the mineral ellipsoid packing at the interface of porous titanium implants. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy and plasma‐focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy, mineral ellipsoids are characterized at the implant interface in both 2D and 3D. Heterogeneous in their size and shape within the newly formed bone tissue, ellipsoids are observed with alternating orientations corresponding to unique lamellar packets within 23 µm of the titanium implant interface—although this motif is not universal, and a mineral‐dense zone can also appear at the implant interface. Short‐order ellipsoid orientation shifts are also present in the 3D probe of the implant interface, where a ≈90° misorientation angle between neighboring packets of mineral ellipsoids (and an intervening organic layer) resolves with increasing distance from the titanium. Combined with local patches of woven‐to‐lamellar transition, the early heterogeneity and transformation of peri‐implant bone structure is a quintessential step in the development of a functional connection between implant and bone.
Morphology‐Directed Light Emission from Fluorescent Janus Colloids for Programmable Chemical‐To‐Optical Signal Transduction
Authors: Frank Bradley D. , Nagelberg Sara , Baryzewska Agata W. , Simón Marqués Pablo , Antonietti Markus , Kolle Mathias , Zeininger Lukas
Published: July 2023

Materials capable of dynamically and reversibly altering their emission are relevant for numerous optical applications. Here, the anisotropic morphology‐directed light emission from fluorescent Janus emulsion droplets, an intrinsically chemo‐responsive material platform, is investigated. Informed by experimental observations of morphology‐dependent optical confinement of internally emitted light within the higher refractive index phases, ray‐tracing is used to predict and fine‐tune the droplets’ optical properties and their ability to concentrate light. Theoretical prediction and closely matching experimental results show that the collection of incident light and the confinement of emitted light in the internal droplet phase due to total internal reflection both contribute to the droplets’ anisotropic light emission profile. A novel ratiometric dual‐angle fluorescence detection approach that exploits the gravitational alignment of the droplets is implemented to quantify the morphology‐dependent large‐scale chemically‐induced modulation of the anisotropic emission of droplet layers. Relevant emulsion design parameters are systematically examined to enhance the signal‐to‐noise ratio, and a second emitter is co‐compartmentalized inside the droplets to amplify the anisotropic light confinement via an absorption–emission cascade. Preferential excitation of dyes in proximity to the internal droplet interface enhances the collected light intensity, demonstrating that dye‐loaded Janus emulsion droplets function as stimuli‐responsive, tunable, fluorescent optical elements.
Exciton Fine Structure in 2D Perovskites: The Out‐of‐Plane Excitonic State
Authors: Posmyk Katarzyna , Dyksik Mateusz , Surrente Alessandro , Maude Duncan K. , Zawadzka Natalia , Babiński Adam , Molas Maciej R. , Paritmongkol Watcharaphol , Mączka Mirosław , Tisdale William A. , Plochocka Paulina , Baranowski Michał
Published: July 2023

2D Ruddlesden‐Popper metal‐halide perovskites feature particularly strong excitonic effects, making them a fascinating playground for studying exciton physics. A complete understanding of the properties of this quasi‐particle is crucial to fully exploit the tremendous potential of 2D perovskites (2DP) in light emission applications. Despite intense investigations, some of the exciton properties remain elusive to date, for example, the energy‐ordering of the exciton states within the so‐called fine structure manifold. Using optical spectroscopy, it demonstrates that in the archetypical 2DP (PEA)2PbI4, in contradiction to theoretical predictions, the energy of the bright out‐of‐plane exciton state is higher than that of two in‐plane states. Having elucidated the order of exciton fine structure, it determines the g‐factor of the dark exciton transition, together with the values of the electron and hole g‐factors in the direction parallel to the c‐axis of the crystal. In this way, it provides for the first time, a complete picture of the exciton fine structure in (PEA)2PbI4 2DP.
Ultrafast Laser‐Induced Plasmonic Modulation of Optical Properties of Dielectrics at High Resolution
Authors: Zhu Han , Chu Lingrui , Liu Weijie , Juodkazis Saulius , Chen Feng
Published: July 2023

The size‐ and shape‐dependent localized surface plasmon properties of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) enable nanoscale‐enhanced near‐field applications in a wide range of fields, including spectroscopy, nonlinear optics, and sensing. Orderly assembled NPs can construct plasmonic metamaterials for light manipulation at a subwavelength scale, exhibiting new collective properties in resonant modes regulated by plasmon coupling between their fundamental components. Despite the recognition of its significant advantages in photonics integration, plasmonic‐based tailored optical responses for practical applications have remained elusive due to limitations in scaling up processes, as neither etching nor assembly can design and fabricate embedded plasmonic devices into functional devices/structures. Here, the assembly of plasmonic NPs is demonstrated by ultrafast laser‐induced writing‐on‐demand inside solids, tailoring their distribution and sizes. By controlling the laser scanning speed, the in situ redistribution of NPs is observed. Plasmon mediated local energy deposition is considered as the main mechanism driving nano‐patterning at a subwavelength range. A direct nano‐printing is realized by utilizing the resonant optical response of laser‐modified NP structures/patterns. This work paves the way for directly induced NP composite structures inside transparent materials at a well‐defined and controlled depth for plasmonic applications.
Donor–Acceptor Molecules with Locked sp3 Carbon Link for Highly Efficient Near Ultraviolet Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Geng Sinuo , Liu Zhangshan , Li Huihui , Zhong Ziting , Feng Xin Jiang , Zhao Zujin , Lu Hua
Published: July 2023

To achieve high‐performance near ultraviolet (NUV) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), highly stable and fluorescent emitters with good triplet utility are essential. The challenge in making such molecules stems from the fact that a wide bandgap and strong luminescence are two conflicting requirements. Herein, a new strategy is proposed for NUV emitters featuring donor–acceptor moieties linked by a rigid sp3 carbon atom to weaken the conjugation and reduce nonradiative processes. The resultant emitters exhibit excellent NUV luminescence, high thermal and electrochemical stabilities, and hybridized local and charge‐transfer excited‐state characteristics. A nondoped device emits NUV light (414 nm, Commission Internationale de L'eclairage coordinates [CIEx,y] = 0.157, 0.058) with a maximum luminance, current efficiency, and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7979 cd m−2, 2.53 cd A−1, and 6.60%, respectively. The device also shows a small efficiency roll‐off of 6.8% at 1000 cd m−2. A doped device acquires a high efficiency and color purity with a maximum EQE of 7.64%, CIEx,y of (0.158, 0.049), and emission peak of 406 nm, representing one of the best values among NUV OLEDs. This research provides an effective method to achieve high‐performance NUV OLEDs and also offers flexibility in material design.
Pulse‐Modulation Controllable Monolithic Full‐Color Semipolar GaN‐based Light Emitting Diodes
Authors: Lee Gun‐Woo , Oh Jae‐Hyeok , Lee Sung‐Nam
Published: July 2023

Monolithic multi‐color light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) offer numerous advantages as multi‐functional lighting sources. However, the achievement of full‐color monolithic LEDs spanning from red to blue wavelengths is limited by the InN‐GaN material system. To overcome this limitation, this work demonstrates a new approach using hexagonal epitaxial lateral overgrowth to reduce the density of crystal defects and form micro‐surface structures. By utilizing arrowhead‐like surfaces in semipolar GaN films, indium incorporation can be controlled, leading to larger band‐filling effects and enabling full‐color red, green, and blue emissions from a single LED. Nonetheless, the red emission in monolithic full‐color LEDs is weaker than the blue emission due to the band‐filling induced blueshift that occurs with increasing current injection. To address this issue, pulse amplitude modulation and pulse width modulation modes are introduced to control the emission intensity from red to blue wavelengths. As a result, the study achieves a monolithic trichromatic white LED with color coordinates of (0.2985, 0.3948) and a color temperature of ≈6700 K by simultaneously emitting red, green, and blue LEDs with the same emission intensities. This achievement holds great promise for the development of high‐performance full‐color LEDs for multifunctional lighting sources that can span red, green, and blue wavelengths.
Electrophysiological In Vitro Study of Long‐Range Signal Transmission by Astrocytic Networks
Authors: Hastings Nataly , Yu Yi‐Lin , Huang Botian , Middya Sagnik , Inaoka Misaki , Erkamp Nadia A. , Mason Roger J. , Carnicer‐Lombarte Alejandro , Rahman Saifur , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Bance Manohar , Malliaras George G. , Kotter Mark R. N.
Published: July 2023

Astrocytes are diverse brain cells that form large networks communicating via gap junctions and chemical transmitters. Despite recent advances, the functions of astrocytic networks in information processing in the brain are not fully understood. In culture, brain slices, and in vivo, astrocytes, and neurons grow in tight association, making it challenging to establish whether signals that spread within astrocytic networks communicate with neuronal groups at distant sites, or whether astrocytes solely respond to their local environments. A multi‐electrode array (MEA)‐based device called AstroMEA is designed to separate neuronal and astrocytic networks, thus allowing to study the transfer of chemical and/or electrical signals transmitted via astrocytic networks capable of changing neuronal electrical behavior. AstroMEA demonstrates that cortical astrocytic networks can induce a significant upregulation in the firing frequency of neurons in response to a theta‐burst charge‐balanced biphasic current stimulation (5 pulses of 100 Hz × 10 with 200 ms intervals, 2 s total duration) of a separate neuronal‐astrocytic group in the absence of direct neuronal contact. This result corroborates the view of astrocytic networks as a parallel mechanism of signal transmission in the brain that is separate from the neuronal connectome. Translationally, it highlights the importance of astrocytic network protection as a treatment target.
Inaugurating High‐Throughput Profiling of Extracellular Vesicles for Earlier Ovarian Cancer Detection
Authors: Jo Ala , Green Allen , Medina Jamie E. , Iyer Sonia , Ohman Anders W. , McCarthy Eric T. , Reinhardt Ferenc , Gerton Thomas , Demehin Daniel , Mishra Ranjan , Kolin David L. , Zheng Hui , Cheon Jinwoo , Crum Christopher P. , Weinberg Robert A. , Rueda Bo R. , Castro Cesar M. , Dinulescu Daniela M. , Lee Hakho
Published: July 2023

Detecting early cancer through liquid biopsy is challenging due to the lack of specific biomarkers for early lesions and potentially low levels of these markers. The current study systematically develops an extracellular‐vesicle (EV)‐based test for early detection, specifically focusing on high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). The marker selection is based on emerging insights into HGSOC pathogenesis, notably that it arises from precursor lesions within the fallopian tube. This work thus establishes murine fallopian tube (mFT) cells with oncogenic mutations and performs proteomic analyses on mFT‐derived EVs. The identified markers are then evaluated with an orthotopic HGSOC animal model. In serially‐drawn blood of tumor‐bearing mice, mFT‐EV markers increase with tumor initiation, supporting their potential use in early cancer detection. A pilot clinical study (n = 51) further narrows EV markers to five candidates, EpCAM, CD24, VCAN, HE4, and TNC. The combined expression of these markers distinguishes HGSOC from non‐cancer with 89% sensitivity and 93% specificity. The same markers are also effective in classifying three groups (non‐cancer, early‐stage HGSOC, and late‐stage HGSOC). The developed approach, for the first time inaugurated in fallopian tube‐derived EVs, could be a minimally invasive tool to monitor women at high risk of ovarian cancer for timely intervention.
The Role of Transition Metals on Chemo‐Mechanical Instabilities in Prussian Blue Analogues For K‐Ion Batteries: The Case Study on KNHCF Versus KMHCF
Authors: Li Zheng , Ozdogru Bertan , Bal Batuhan , Bowden Mark , Choi Austin , Zhang Yizhi , Wang Haiyan , Murugesan Vijayakumar , Pol Vilas G. , Çapraz Ömer Özgür
Published: July 2023

Prussian blue analogues (PBAs) cathodes can host diverse monovalent and multivalent metal ions due to their tunable structure. However, their electrochemical performance suffers from poor cycle life associated with chemo‐mechanical instabilities. This study investigates the driving forces behind chemo‐mechanical instabilities in Ni‐ and Mn‐based PBAs cathodes for K‐ion batteries by combining electrochemical analysis, digital image correlation, and spectroscopy techniques. Capacity retention in Ni‐based PBA is 96% whereas it is 91.5% for Mn‐based PBA after 100 cycles at C/5 rate. During charge, the potassium nickel hexacyanoferrate (KNHCF) electrode experiences a positive strain generation whereas the potassium manganese hexacyanoferrate (KMHCF) electrode undergoes initially positive strain generation followed by a reduction in strains at a higher state of charge. Overall, both cathodes undergo similar reversible electrochemical strains in each charge–discharge cycle. There is ~0.80% irreversible strain generation in both cathodes after 5 cycles. XPS studies indicated richer organic layer compounds in the cathode‐electrolyte interface (CEI) layer formed on KMHCF cathodes compared to the KNHCF ones. Faster capacity fades in Mn‐based PBA, compared to Ni‐based ones, is attributed to the formation of richer organic compounds in CEI layers, rather than mechanical deformations. Understanding the driving forces behind instabilities provides a guideline to develop material‐based strategies for better electrochemical performance.
Materials Space‐Tectonics: Atomic‐level Compositional and Spatial Control Methodologies for Synthesis of Future Materials
Authors: Eguchi Miharu , Han Minsu , Asakura Yusuke , Hill Jonathan P. , Henzie Joel , Ariga Katsuhiko , Rowan Alan E. , Chaikittisilp Watcharop , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: July 2023

Reactions occurring at surfaces and interfaces necessitate the creation of well‐designed surface and interfacial structures. To achieve a combination of bulk material (i.e., framework) and void spaces, a meticulous process of “nano‐architecting” of the available space is necessary. Conventional porous materials such as mesoporous silica, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks lack advanced cooperative functionalities owing to their largely monotonous pore geometries and limited conductivities. To overcome these limitations and develop functional structures with surface‐specific functions, the novel materials space‐tectonics methodology has been proposed for future materials synthesis. This review summarizes recent examples of materials synthesis based on designing building blocks (i.e., tectons) and their hybridization, along with practical guidelines for implementing materials syntheses and state‐of‐the‐art examples of practical applications. Lastly, the potential integration of materials space‐tectonics with emerging technologies, such as materials informatics, is discussed.
Pore Modulation of Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks for Efficient Separation of Propylene
Authors: Cai Youlie , Gao Junkuo , Li Jing‐Hong , Liu Puxu , Zheng Yanchun , Zhou Wei , Wu Hui , Li Libo , Lin Rui‐Biao , Chen Banglin
Published: July 2023

Developing hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) that combine functional sites, size control, and storage capability for targeting gas molecule capture is a novel and challenging venture. However, there is a lack of effective strategies to tune the hydrogen‐bonded network to achieve high‐performance HOFs. Here, a series of HOFs termed as HOF‐ZSTU‐M (M=1, 2, and 3) with different pore structures are obtained by introducing structure‐directing agents (SDAs) into the hydrogen‐bonding network of tetrakis (4‐carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP). These HOFs have distinct space configurations with pore channels ranging from discrete to continuous multi‐dimensional. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) analysis reveals a rare diversity of hydrogen‐bonding models dominated by SDAs. HOF‐ZSTU‐2, which forms a strong layered hydrogen‐bonding network with ammonium (NH4+) through multiple carboxyl groups, has a suitable 1D “pearl‐chain” channel for the selective capture of propylene (C3H6). At 298 K and 1 bar, the C3H6 storage density of HOF‐ZSTU‐2 reaches 0.6 kg L−1, representing one of the best C3H6 storage materials, while offering a propylene/propane (C3H6/C3H8) selectivity of 12.2. Theoretical calculations and in situ SCXRD provide a detailed analysis of the binding strength of C3H6 at different locations in the pearl‐chain channel. Dynamic breakthrough tests confirm that HOF‐ZSTU‐2 can effectively separate C3H6 from multi‐mixtures.
Highly Efficient Biomass Upgrading by a Ni−Cu Electrocatalyst Featuring Passivation of Water Oxidation Activity
Authors: Chen Dexin , Ding Yunxuan , Cao Xing , Wang Linqin , Lee Husileng , Lin Gaoxin , Li Wenlong , Ding Guoheng , Sun Licheng
Published: July 2023

Electricity‐driven organo‐oxidations have shown an increasing potential recently. However, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the primary competitive reaction, especially under high current densities, which leads to low Faradaic efficiency (FE) of the product and catalyst detachment from the electrode. Here, we report a bimetallic Ni−Cu electrocatalyst supported on Ni foam (Ni−Cu/NF) to passivate the OER process while the oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is significantly enhanced. A current density of 1000 mA cm−2 can be achieved at 1.50 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, and both FE and yield keep close to 100 % over a wide range of potentials. Both experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that Cu doping impedes the OH* deprotonation to O* and hereby OER process is greatly passivated. Those instructive results provide a new approach to realizing highly efficient biomass upgrading by regulating the OER activity.
Green pathway to the synthesis of some spirooxindole derivatives using NGO/PMA as a new and effective solid acid catalyst
Authors: Palizi Narjes , Moradi Leila
Published: July 2023

Heteropoly acids as nontoxic, dual Lewis–Brønsted acids with high thermal stability can develop acid‐catalyzed reactions. Combining these catalysts with other materials is of great interest to enhance their efficiency and capability. Despite all the outstanding properties of heteropoly acids, their solubility in water and most organic solvents limits their application. So, in presented research, immobilization of phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) on prepared N‐doped graphene oxide (NGO/PMA) was done to synthesize a solid acid, green and effective catalyst for the multicomponent synthesis of three kinds of spirooxindole structures. The preparation of new NGO‐based solid acid catalyst was performed through a three‐step method and identified by FTIR, TEM, mapping elemental analysis, SEM, EDX, and XRD techniques. Reusability of the catalyst, short reaction times (1:20–2 h), green condition, and easy workup as well as high yield of products (90–95%) are some merits of this research.
Beating heart cells: Using cultured cardiomyocytes to study cellular structure and contractility in laboratory exercises
Authors: Asmus Stephen E. , Wells Collin K. , Montalvo Hanna M.
Published: July 2023

Heart muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, exhibit intrinsic contractility in vitro. We found that commercially‐available mammalian cardiomyocytes serve as an excellent model system for studying the cytoskeleton and cellular contractility, fundamental topics in undergraduate cell and molecular biology courses. Embryonic rat cardiomyocytes were plated on cell culture dishes or glass coverslips and visualized using an inverted phase‐contrast microscope. The cardiomyocytes began contracting within 1–2 days after plating and continued to contract for many weeks, allowing their use in multiple laboratory sessions. Following background reading and instruction, students fixed and triple‐stained the cardiomyocytes to examine the relative distributions of actin filaments and microtubules and the position of nuclei. Analysis and image capture with fluorescence microscopy provided striking examples of highly organized cytoskeletal elements. Students then designed experiments in which cardiomyocyte intrinsic contractility was explored. Changes in contraction rates were examined after treatment with signaling molecules, such as epinephrine. The addition of epinephrine to the culture medium, within a usable concentration window, increased the rate of contraction. These adaptable exercises provide undergraduate cell and molecular biology students with the exciting opportunity to study cardiomyocytes using standard cell culture and microscopy techniques.
Risk of metastasis in BRCA2 carriers diagnosed with triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Moreno Marcelo , Oliveira Júlia Salles , Brianese Rafael Canfield , de Castro Douglas Guedes , Sanches Solange Moraes , Torrezan Giovana Tardin , Santiago Karina Miranda , De Brot Marina , Cordeiro de Lima Vladmir Claudio , Baroni Alves Makdissi Fabiana , Casali Da Rocha Jose Claudio , Calsavara Vinicius Fernando , Carraro Dirce Maria
Published: July 2023

Background

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the neoplasia most associated with BRCA1 germline pathogenic variants (PV) and is more likely to develop metastases than the other breast cancer (BC) subtypes, mainly in the lungs and the central nervous system (CNS). Recently, BRCA2 carriers were shown to have a higher risk for developing CNS metastases. However, the patterns of recurrence and metastases of BRCA2 carriers with TNBC are unknown.

Methods

TNBC patient data attending the A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, from 1998 through 2020, were verified either by medical records or by BRCA1/2 genetic testing carried out. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to the data to assess the independent factors for bone and CNS metastases. Adjustment was done using all independent variables with p < 0.2 in the univariable Cox model to describe the relationship between the independent variables until time of death.

Results

A total of 388 TNBC patients were evaluated. We identified PV in BRCA1/2 genes in 21% (82/388), being 17.7% (69/388) in BRCA1 and only 3.3% (13/388) in BRCA2. A total of 120 patients (31%) developed distant metastases. Bone or CNS metastases were observed in 40% and 60% of BRCA2 PV carriers (p = 0.155), respectively. The BRCA2 carriers tended to have a higher likelihood of developing bone metastases (OR, 4.06; 95% CI, 0.82–20.01; p = 0.085), when compared to BRCA1 carriers (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.12–2.87; p = 0.528). BRCA2 carriers had an OR of 1.75 (95% CI, 0.33–9.14; p = 0.503) for CNS metastasis development, while BRCA1 carriers had an OR of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.23–2.23; p = 0.574).

Conclusions

Patients with TNBC and PV in the BRCA2 gene had higher frequencies of secondary bone involvement and CNS in the course of the disease. However, the BRCA2 PV did not represent an independent outcome predictor of metastases and overall survival. Efforts to increase the number of BRCA2 carriers among TNBC patients are crucial for determining their risk of developing bone and CNS metastases compared to BRCA2 noncarriers.
Functional role of SAP18 protein: From transcriptional repression to splicing regulation
Authors: Kumari Sweta , Rehman Ayushi , Chandra Pratap , Singh Kusum K.
Published: July 2023

Sin3 associated protein 18 (SAP18) is an evolutionary conserved protein, originally discovered in a complex with the transcriptional regulatory protein, Sin3. Subsequent investigations revealed SAP18 as an integral splicing component of the exon junction complex (EJC)‐associated apoptosis‐and splicing‐associated protein (ASAP)/PNN‐RNPS1‐SAP18 (PSAP) complex. In association with Sin3, SAP18 contributes toward transcriptional repression of genes implicated in embryonic development, stress response, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication, and tumorigenesis. As a part of EJC, SAP18 mediates alternative splicing events and suppresses the cryptic splice sites present within flanking regions of exon–exon junctions. In this review, we provide a thorough discussion on SAP18, focussing on its conserved dual role in transcriptional regulation and messenger RNA splicing. Recent research on the involvement of SAP18 in the emergence of cancer and human disorders has also been highlighted. The potential of SAP18 as a therapeutic target is also discussed in these recent studies, particularly related to malignancies of the myeloid lineage.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Selective α‐Alkylation of β‐Naphthols using Primary Alcohols: Elucidating the Influence of Base and Water
Authors: Vijaya Sankar Raman , Mathew Abra , Pradhan Subham , Kuniyil Rositha , Gunanathan Chidambaram
Published: July 2023

Functionalized arenes and arenols have diverse applications in chemical synthesis and material chemistry. Selective functionalization of arenols is a topic of prime interest. In particular, direct alkylation of arenols using alcohols is a challenging task. In this report, a ruthenium pincer catalyzed direct α‐alkylation of β‐naphthol using primary alcohols as alkylating reagents is reported. Notably, aryl and heteroaryl methanols and linear and branched aliphatic alcohols underwent selective alkylation reactions, in which water is the only byproduct. Notably, catalytically derived α‐alkyl‐β‐naphthol products displayed high absorbance, emissive properties, and quantum yields (up to 93.2 %). Dearomative bromination on α‐alkyl‐β‐naphthol is demonstrated as a synthetic application. Mechanistic studies indicate that the reaction involves an aldehyde intermediate. DFT studies support this finding and further reveal that a stoichiometric amount of base is required to make the aldol condensation as well as elementary steps required for regeneration of catalytically active species. In situ‐generated water molecule from the aldol condensation reaction plays an important role in the regeneration of an active catalyst.
Disulfide‐Driven Pore Functionalization of Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Moore Jennifer M. , Crom Audrey B. , Feldblyum Jeremy I. , Genna Douglas T.
Published: July 2023

Post‐synthetic modification (PSM) imparts additional functionality to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that is often difficult to access using solvothermal synthesis. As such, expanding the repertory of PSM reactions available to the practitioner is of increased importance for the generation of materials tailored for desired applications. Herein, a method is described for the protecting group‐free installation of diverse functional groups within the pores of a MIL‐53(Al) analogue via disulfide bond formation. The majority of the reactions proceed with thiol‐to‐disulfide conversions ranging from high to nearly quantitative. The disulfide bonds are stable in various solvents and can be cleaved in the presence of a reducing agent.
Der Aufstieg von Kohlendioxid als erneuerbare Kohlenstoffquelle
Authors: Raschka Achim , Ruiz Pauline
Published: July 2023

Der neue Bericht über die Nutzung von CO2 für Chemikalien, synthetischen Kraftstoffen, Polymeren, Proteinen und Mineralien des Nova‐Instituts gibt einen tiefen und umfassender Einblick in die Technologien, Trends und den dynamisch wachsenden Markt der nachhaltigen CO2‐Abscheidung und ‐Nutzung.
Altreifen als Rohstoffquelle
Authors: Buder Patrick , Diercks Jan
Published: July 2023

Altreifen durchlaufen zahlreiche Recycling‐Prozesse. Unterschieden wird zwischen werkstofflichem Recycling (Sortieren, Separieren und Granulieren), rohstofflichem Recycling (z.B. Pyrolyse‐Verfahren) und dem chemischen Recycling als finaler Veredelungsschritt der Pyrolyse. Mit dem Verfahren von RCB Nanotechnologies lässt sich hochreiner Ruß (recovered Carbon Black) aus dem Kautschuk wiedergewinnen.
Investigating the possibility of PCCP mortar coating leaching and the impact on drinking water quality
Authors: Hassi Sara , Menu Bruce , Javanmardi Ahad , Lai Zhichao , Huang Fuyun
Published: July 2023

The objective of this article was to investigate the potential for the dissolution and leaching of certain chemical elements from the protective mortar coatings of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) into drinking water in the event of leakage and how this might affect the overall quality of the water delivered to consumers. The mortars as linings are also typically used for renovation of old pipes. Samples from three frequently used mortar coating mixtures underwent immersion in water after 28 days of curing and were monitored for 430 days. The water was tested for pH levels and the presence of aluminum, chromium, lead, and iron, in accordance with the standards set for human consumption in Moroccan and other countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, as well as organizations such as the European Union and World Health Organization. The results indicate that the highest levels of aluminum, iron, chromium, and lead leaching occurred after the initial contact with water, gradually declining over time. Furthermore, the inclusion of silica fume and fly ash in the coating increases the potential for chemical element leaching. Additionally, preinstallation pipeline washing demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing the leaching of chemical elements into drinking water in the event of leakages. The overall results suggest that the likelihood of contamination of drinking water by leaching of chemical elements from the mortar coating in case of a leakage appears to be negligible under the studied conditions.
From Lignins to Renewable Aromatic Vitrimers based on Vinylogous Urethane
Authors: Sougrati Lisa , Duval Antoine , Avérous Luc
Published: July 2023

During the two last decades, covalent adaptable networks (CANs) have proven to be an important new class of polymer materials combining the main advantages of thermoplastics and thermosets. For instance, materials can undergo reprocessing cycles by incorporating dynamic covalent bonds within a cross‐linked network. Due to their versatility, renewable resources can be easily integrated into these innovative systems to develop sustainable materials, which can be related to the context of the recent development of a circular bioeconomy. Lignins, the main renewable sources of aromatic structures, are major candidates in the design of novel and biobased stimuli‐responsive materials such as vitrimers due to their high functionality and specific chemical architectures. In the aim of developing recyclable lignin‐based vinylogous urethane (VU) networks, an innovative strategy was elaborated in which lignin was first modified into liquid polyols and then into polyacetoacetates. Resulting macromonomers were integrated into aromatic VU networks and fully characterized through thermal, mechanical, and rheological experiments. Viscoelastic behaviors of the different aromatic vitrimers exhibited fast stress‐relaxations (e. g., 39 s at 130 °C) allowing easy and fast mechanical reprocessing. A thermomechanical recycling study was successfully performed. Then, the developed strategy enabled the fabrication of healable biobased aromatic vitrimers with tunable structures and properties.
Average bit error probability performance of intelligent reflecting surface‐aided wireless communications over Hoyt fading
Authors: Kumar Bhagat Sanjeet , Dixit Dharmendra , Ranjan Sahu Pravas
Published: July 2023

In this article, the performance of a wireless communication system with an intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) panel installed between the transmitter and receiver is studied. The channel is considered to be the Hoyt faded and additive white Gaussian noise. Closed‐form expressions for average bit error probability (ABEP) for both coherent Gray‐coded rectangular quadrature amplitude modulation and non‐coherent modulation schemes are presented. We apply the moment‐generating function‐based method for the derivation. In addition, asymptotic ABEP expressions are also obtained. Using asymptotic ABEP expressions, we obtained diversity order which is a function of the number of IRS elements. The effect of the number of IRS elements and fading parameters on the ABEP is studied. The ABEP performance improves with an increase in the number of reflecting elements but degrades with an increase in the fading severity. The accuracy of each analytical ABEP expression is verified by the simulation of the system considered herewith.
Endogenous glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 as alternative for GLP‐1 receptor agonists: Could this work and how?
Authors: Smits Mark M. , Holst Jens J.
Published: July 2023

In recent years, we have witnessed the many beneficial effects of glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1 receptor agonists, including the reduction in cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, and the reduction of body weight in those with obesity. Increasing evidence suggests that these agents differ considerably from endogenous GLP‐1 when it comes to their routes of action, although their clinical effects appear to be the same. Given the limitations of the GLP‐1 receptor agonists, could it be useful to develop agents which stimulate GLP‐1 release? Here we will discuss the differences and similarities between GLP‐1 receptor agonists and endogenous GLP‐1, and will detail how endogenous GLP‐1—when stimulated appropriately—could have clinically relevant effects.