bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal Halide Perovskite Arrays: From Construction to Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Han Xun , Wu Wenqiang , Chen Hao , Peng Dengfeng , Qiu Li , Yan Peiguang , Pan Caofeng
Published: September 2020

Inorganic semiconductor arrays revolutionize many areas of electronics, optoelectronics with the properties of multifunctionality and large‐scale integration. Metal halide perovskites are emerging as candidates for next‐generation optoelectronic devices due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, ease of processing, and compatibility with flexible substrates. To date, a series of patterning technologies have been applied to perovskites to realize array configurations and nano/microstructured surfaces to further improve device performances. Herein, various construction methods for perovskite crystal or thin film arrays are summarized. The optoelectronic applications of the perovskite arrays are also discussed, in particular, for photodetectors, light‐emitting diodes, lasers, and nanogratings.
Anode Photovoltage Compensation‐Enabled Synergistic CO2 Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction on a Flower‐Like Graphene‐Decorated Cu Foam Cathode
Authors: Zhang Meng , Xuan Xiaoxu , Wang Wenlong , Ma Chunyuan , Lin Zhiqun
Published: September 2020

An interconnected and hierarchically structured electrode composed of a Cu nanoparticle‐modified flower‐like reduced graphene oxide‐decorated copper foam (Cu NP/f‐RGO/CF) is crafted and exploited for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reduction of CO2 in a TiO2 nanotube photoanode‐driven PEC cell. Anode photovoltage compensation confers a more negative cathode potential for CO2 reduction, thus leading to a synergistic effect between photocatalysis (PC) and electrocatalysis (EC). CO2 reduction rate under PEC condition is 5.4× higher than that of the simple sum under PC and EC processes. The well‐defined flower structure of RGO in the CF scaffold effectively prevents its self‐agglomeration, which increases its adsorption towards CO2 with improved electron‐transfer kinetics due to the 3D interconnected structure with abundant electron transfer pathways. DFT calculations further reveal the absorption and activation of CO2 on Cu NP/f‐RGO capitalize on the CC bond with RGO and OCu bond with Cu NPs, thereby leading to a bended and stretched structure. The enhanced CO2 adsorptivity and activation on the hierarchical Cu NP/f‐RGO/CF electrode significantly improve CO2 reduction and facilitate the conversion of C1 products to high‐order products. This research highlights the great prospect of anode photovoltage compensation enables synergistic photoelectrocatalysis and 3D hierarchical electrode for CO2 drastic reduction into high‐order products.
Fluorescent Diagnostic Probes in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Zhou Jin , Jangili Paramesh , Son Subin , Ji Myung Sun , Won Miae , Kim Jong Seung
Published: September 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases are debilitating disorders that feature progressive and selective loss of function or structure of anatomically or physiologically associated neuronal systems. Both chronic and acute neurodegenerative diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality along with the death of neurons in different areas of the brain; moreover, there are few or no effective curative therapy options for treating these disorders. There is an urgent need to diagnose neurodegenerative disease as early as possible, and to distinguish between different disorders with overlapping symptoms that will help to decide the best clinical treatment. Recently, in neurodegenerative disease research, fluorescent‐probe‐mediated biomarker visualization techniques have been gaining increasing attention for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. A survey of fluorescent probes for sensing and imaging biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases is provided. These imaging probes are categorized based on the different potential biomarkers of various neurodegenerative diseases, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Guides to develop new sensing strategies, recognition mechanisms, as well as the ideal features to further improve neurodegenerative disease fluorescence imaging are also explored.
Strain‐Sensitive Magnetization Reversal of a van der Waals Magnet
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Cong , Liang Shi‐Jun , Ma Zecheng , Xu Kang , Liu Xiaowei , Zhang Lili , Admasu Alemayehu S. , Cheong Sang‐Wook , Wang Lizheng , Chen Moyu , Liu Zenglin , Cheng Bin , Ji Wei , Miao Feng
Published: September 2020

By virtue of the layered structure, van der Waals (vdW) magnets are sensitive to the lattice deformation controlled by the external strain, providing an ideal platform to explore the one‐step magnetization reversal that is still conceptual in conventional magnets due to the limited strain‐tuning range of the coercive field. In this study, a uniaxial tensile strain is applied to thin flakes of the vdW magnet Fe3GeTe2 (FGT), and a dramatic increase of the coercive field (Hc) by more than 150% with an applied strain of 0.32% is observed. Moreover, the change of the transition temperatures between the different magnetic phases under strain is investigated, and the phase diagram of FGT in the strain–temperature plane is obtained. Comparing the phase diagram with theoretical results, the strain‐tunable magnetism is attributed to the sensitive change of magnetic anisotropy energy. Remarkably, strain allows an ultrasensitive magnetization reversal to be achieved, which may promote the development of novel straintronic device applications.
Bio‐Photonic Waveguide of a DNA‐Hybrid Semiconductor Prismatic Hexagon
Authors: Kim Seokho , Cui Chunzhi , Huang Jingyuan , Noh Heeso , Park Dong Hyuk , Ahn Dong June
Published: September 2020

A successful identification of DNA–DNA recognition, based on the waveguide effect of a 1D hybrid prismatic hexagon crystal interfacing of DNA with an organic semiconductor is achieved. This bio‐hybrid 1D crystal simultaneously discerns the complementary case at its one end against a 1‐mer mismatch in 27‐mer nucleic acid sequence at the other end. The loss coefficient value of this waveguide is estimated to be 0.159 µm−1 for the perfect match, which is a stark discrepancy compared to 0.244 µm−1 for the 1‐mer mismatch, implying waveguide performance with a higher efficiency. These results demonstrate successfully that multiple biological interactions can be realized by the optical waveguide of the single 1D bio‐hybrid‐crystal and will push this class of materials into bio‐related applications.
Nanonetwork Composite Coating for Sensing and Corrosion Inhibition
Authors: Salaluk Suttiruk , Auepattana‐Aumrung Krisada , Thongchaivetcharat Kusuma , Lv Li‐Ping , Wang Yong , Viyanit Ekkarut , Crespy Daniel
Published: September 2020

A nanonetwork composite coating is prepared for serving as both pH sensor and reservoir for the delivery of functional payload. The composite coating consists in nanofibers containing encapsulated pH‐responsive dye and corrosion inhibitor. The nanofibers are then incorporated in a hydrophobic polymer. While the nanofibers remained intact, they provide additional adhesion strength to the metal substrate. Sensing ability and releasing of active payload are demonstrated by immersing in an artificial corrosive environment and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The composite coating can detect the early onset of corrosion and hinders efficiently corrosion compared with passive coatings. This concept paves the way for creating smart coatings that can hinder corrosion progress and allow for an early detection of corrosion before irreversible damages on metallic structures.
Nanosponge TS‐1: A Fully Crystalline Hierarchical Epoxidation Catalyst
Authors: Přech Jan , Kim Jaeheon , Mazur Michal , Ryoo Ryong , Čejka Jiří
Published: September 2020

Epoxide production by organic synthesis raises environmental and safety issues, especially for industrially relevant substrates larger than C4, which lack effective catalysts for direct epoxidation. However, titanosilicates activate hydrogen peroxide for the epoxidation of CC double bonds. For such purposes, active site accessibility must nevertheless be tuned for each substrate. Accordingly, this paper reports on the preparation, characterization and catalytic properties of an MFI titanosilicate nanosponge (nsTS‐1). nsTS‐1 is prepared by post‐synthesis titanium impregnation of a pure silica MFI nanosponge, producing a fully crystalline and highly open catalyst with a total pore volume of 0.77 cm3 g−1. Due to the high external surface of the nanolayered domains, Ti forms isolated framework‐attached Ti sites rather than extra‐framework TiO2. As a result, the structure of nsTS‐1 is more defined and uniform than the structure of other layered titanosilicate catalysts (e.g., silica–titania pillared TS‐1). Catalytic tests show: i) that nsTS‐1 efficiently catalyzes the epoxidation of cyclic olefins and terpenes and ii) cyclooctene and linalool conversion linearly increases with the external surface area and mesopore volume of the catalyst. Overall, the presented findings enable to tailor effective catalysts for direct epoxidation, thereby potentially reducing costs and waste in the production of large epoxides.
Two‐Step Sol–Gel Synthetic Strategy for Highly Dispersed Eu2+ Luminescence Centers for Tuning Emission
Authors: Shang Mengmeng , Wang Jindi , Dang Peipei , Lian Hongzhou , Lin Jun
Published: September 2020

The improvement of photoluminescence (PL) properties for phosphors that significantly impact the performance of white light emitting diodes (WLEDs), especially color rendition and luminous efficiency, is an extremely important challenge. Herein, an effective two‐step sol–gel synthetic strategy is developed to realize the regulation of PL spectra of Eu2+ in Ca9MnNa(PO4)7 (CMNP) crystal lattice to yield the white light emission in a single‐phase phosphor. The thermal stability of this CMNP‐based phosphor is improved as compared with the phosphor using a solid‐state method. The origin of the enhanced Eu2+ emission is investigated, and a thorough evaluation of the WLED fabricated using the white emitting phosphor demonstrated the two‐step sol–gel synthetic strategy is an effective way to adjust luminescence performance and provide another strategy to regulate PL spectra of luminescence materials in addition to the crystal field strategy based on ion substitution.
Polymeric Nanoparticles with ROS‐Responsive Prodrug and Platinum Nanozyme for Enhanced Chemophotodynamic Therapy of Colon Cancer
Authors: Hao Ying , Chen Yuwen , He Xinlong , Yu Yongyang , Han Ruxia , Li Yang , Yang Chengli , Hu Danrong , Qian Zhiyong
Published: September 2020

The combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has promising potential in the synergistic treatment of cancer. However, chemotherapy and photodynamic synergistic therapy are impeded by uncontrolled chemotherapeutics release behavior, targeting deficiencies, and hypoxia‐associated poor PDT efficacy in solid tumors. Here, a platinum nanozyme (PtNP) loaded reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive prodrug nanoparticle (CPT‐TK‐HPPH/Pt NP) is created to overcome these limitations. The ROS‐responsive prodrug consists of a thioketal bond linked with camptothecin (CPT) and photosensitizer‐2‐(1‐hexyloxyethyl)‐2‐devinyl pyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH). The PtNP in CPT‐TK‐HPPH/Pt NP can efficiently catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into oxygen to relieve hypoxia. The production of oxygen can satisfy the consumption of HPPH under 660 nm laser irradiation to attain the on‐demand release of CPT and ensure enhanced photodynamic therapy. As a tumor diagnosis agent, the results of photoacoustic imaging and fluorescence imaging for CPT‐TK‐HPPH/Pt NP exhibit desirable long circulation and enhanced in vivo targeting. CPT‐TK‐HPPH/Pt NPs effectively inhibit tumor proliferation and growth in vitro and in vivo. CPT‐TK‐HPPH/Pt NP, with its excellent ROS‐responsive drug release behavior and enhanced PDT efficiency can serve as a new cancer theranostic agent, and will further promote the research of chemophotodynamic synergistic cancer therapy.
Machine Learning‐Driven Bioelectronics for Closed‐Loop Control of Cells
Authors: Selberg John , Jafari Mohammad , Mathews Juanita , Jia Manping , Pansodtee Pattawong , Dechiraju Harika , Wu Chunxiao , Cordero Sergio , Flora Alexander , Yonas Nebyu , Jannetty Sophia , Diberardinis Miranda , Teodorescu Mircea , Levin Michael , Gomez Marcella , Rolandi Marco
Published: September 2020

From the simplest unicellular organisms to complex animals, feedback control based on sensing and actuation is a staple of self‐regulation in biological processes and is a key to life itself. Malfunctioning of this control loop can often lead to disease or death. Bioelectronic devices that interface electronics with biological systems can be used for sensing and actuation of biological processes and have potential for novel therapeutic applications. Due to the complexity of biological systems and the challenge of affecting their innate self‐regulation, closing the loop between sensing and actuation with bioelectronics is difficult to achieve. Herein, bioelectronic proton‐conducting devices are integrated with fluorescence sensing using machine learning to provide closed‐loop control of bioelectronic actuation in living cells. Proton‐conducting bioelectronic devices control pH in a microfluidic system that houses pluripotent mammalian stem cells. This pH control affects the membrane voltage (Vmem) of the cells that is measured using genetically encoded fluorescent Vmem reporters. In this fashion, proof‐of‐concept real‐time control of Vmem toward a desired set‐point is demonstrated. Given the importance of Vmem in cell function, differentiation, and proliferation, this proof‐of‐concept opens up many possibilities in bioelectronic closed‐loop control of cell systems.
Life history variation in an invasive plant is associated with climate and recent colonization of a specialist herbivore
Authors: Duncan Sophie S. , Williams Jennifer L.
Published: September 2020

PREMISE

Spatial variation in selective pressures can lead to intraspecific variation in life history, favoring some life histories and constraining others depending on the vulnerability of life stages. We examined how spatial variation in herbivory and climate influences flowering size and the occurrence of semelparity (reproducing once) versus iteroparity (reproducing multiple times) in the introduced range of an invasive plant, houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale). Houndstongue is a short‐lived, semelparous perennial in its native range. In its introduced range, we previously documented increased rates of iteroparity and a higher median threshold flowering size compared to the native range. We hypothesized that the recent introduction of a specialist biocontrol insect (a root‐boring weevil, Mogulones crucifer) would decrease threshold flowering size and reduce the proportion of iteroparous plants because M. crucifer preferentially attacks large individuals and may reduce overwinter survival.

METHODS

We surveyed 24 sites across the northwestern United States to quantify the frequency of semelparity versus iteroparity and to estimate weevil abundance and used demographic data collected from six sites to estimate median threshold flowering size.

RESULTS

We found that sites with greater winter precipitation and no weevils had a greater proportion of iteroparous plants. Sites with higher weevil attack had a lower median threshold flowering size.

CONCLUSIONS

The variation in frequency of flowering and threshold flowering size that we documented in North American houndstongue populations, and the relationships between this variation and herbivory and climate, provide evidence for how selective pressures covary with the life histories of invasive plants.
A novel splice variant expands the LAMC3‐associated cortical phenotype to frontal only polymicrogyria and adult‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Kasper Burkhard S. , Kraus Cornelia , Schwarz Michael , Rösch Julie , Thiel Christian T. , Reis André , Zweier Christiane
Published: September 2020

Bi‐allelic loss‐of‐function variants in LAMC3, encoding extracellular matrix protein laminin gamma 3, represent a rare cause of occipital polymicrogyria with epilepsy, developmental delay and cognitive impairment. So far, only five families have been reported. We now identified a novel, homozygous splice variant in LAMC3 in an individual with an unusual manifestation of cortical malformation. She presented with polymicrogyria in the frontal but not the occipital lobes, with adult‐onset seizures and normal psychomotor development and cognition. Additionally, ictal asystole, requiring implantation of a pacemaker, and nonepileptic seizures occurred. This case expands the spectrum of LAMC3‐associated cortical malformation phenotypes to frontal only polymicrogyria and adult‐onset of epilepsy.
Progress in the Total Synthesis of Natural Products Embodying Diverse Furofuranone Motifs: A New Millennium Update
Authors: Bhat Bilal A. , Rashid Showkat , Mehta Goverdhan
Published: September 2020

Complex, functionally embellished natural products embodying diverse, oxygen rich furofuranone fragments like furo[3,4‐c]furanone, furo[2,3‐b]furanone, furo[3,4‐b]furan‐2(3H)‐one, furo[3,4‐b]furan‐4(2H)‐one and furo[3,4‐b]furan‐6(4H)‐one as the key motif and displaying wide range of biological activities such as anti‐cancer, anti‐HIV, anti‐microbial activities, etc., continue to draw considerable traction towards targeted synthesis, methodolgical developments as well as medicinal chemistry guided efforts. The challenging and tempting combination of complexity laden architecture and varied bioactivity profile, among the variegated furofuranone natural products has led to intense synthetic activity in the arena in recent years and culminated in the total synthesis of structurally diverse family of bioactive metabolites such as gracilioethers, syringolides, degraded spongianes etc. While comprehensively recounting the attainments in the total syntheses of furofuranone natural products in the past two decades (in the 21st century), this review attempts to identify the key tactics deployed in each synthetic campaign. This topical review aims at drawing and sustaining the interest of synthetic chemistry community in undertaking further creative pursuits towards this rich and enticing family of natural products while concurrently exploring the utility driven diversity space around them.
Applying dental microwear texture analysis to the living: Challenges and prospects
Authors: Correia Maria Ana , Foley Robert , Mirazón Lahr Marta
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The food that people and animals consume leaves microscopic traces on teeth in predictable ways, and analyses of these markings—known as dental microwear analyses—allow us to reverse engineer the characteristics of diet. However, the microwear features of modern human diets are most often interpreted through the lens of ethnographic records. Given the subtle variation within human diets when compared to other species, we need better models of how foods and processing techniques produce marks on teeth. Here, we report on the second study to target the occlusal surface microwear of living human populations, and the first to target populations other than foragers.

Methods

We collected 150 dental impressions from five Kenyan communities: El Molo, Turkana (Kerio), Luhya (Webuye), Luhya (Port Victoria), and Luo (Port Victoria), representing a range of subsistence strategies and associated staple diets—fishing, pastoralism, and agriculture. Our results suggest that the occlusal microwear of these groups records differences in diet. However, biofilm obscured most of the molds obtained despite the steps taken to remove it, resulting in only 38 usable surfaces.

Results

Due to the biofilm problem and final sample size, the analysis did not have enough power to demonstrate the differences observed statistically. The results and problems encountered are here explained.

Conclusions

Considering that in vivo studies of dental microwear texture analysis have the potential to increase our understanding of the association between patterns of dental microwear and complex, mixed human diets, resolution of the current pitfalls of the technique is critical.
Network Localization of Alien Limb in Patients with Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Tetreault Aaron M. , Phan Tony , Petersen Kalen J. , Claassen Daniel O. , Neth Byran J. , Graff‐Radford Jonathan , Albrecht Franziska , Fliessbach Klaus , Schneider Anja , Synofzik Matthis , Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Otto Markus , Schroeter Matthias L. , Darby Richard Ryan ,   for the 4 Repeat Tau Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2020

Objective

Perirolandic atrophy occurs in corticobasal syndrome (CBS) but is not specific versus progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). There is heterogeneity in the locations of atrophy outside the perirolandic cortex and it remains unknown why atrophy in different locations would cause the same CBS‐specific symptoms. In prior work, we used a wiring diagram of the brain called the human connectome to localize lesion‐induced disorders to symptom‐specific brain networks. Here, we use a similar technique termed “atrophy network mapping” to localize single‐subject atrophy maps to symptom‐specific brain networks.

Methods

Single‐subject atrophy maps were generated by comparing cortical thickness in patients with CBS versus controls. Next, we performed seed‐based functional connectivity using a large normative connectome to determine brain regions functionally connected to each patient's atrophied locations.

Results

Patients with CBS had perirolandic atrophy versus controls at the group level, but locations of atrophy in CBS were heterogeneous outside of the perirolandic cortex at the single‐subject level (mean spatial correlation = 0.04). In contrast, atrophy occurred in locations functionally connected to the perirolandic cortex in all patients with CBS (spatial correlation = 0.66). Compared with PSP, patients with CBS had atrophy connected to a network of higher‐order sensorimotor regions beyond perirolandic cortex, matching a CBS atrophy network from a recent meta‐analysis. Finally, atrophy network mapping identified a symptom‐specific network for alien limb, matching a lesion‐induced alien limb network and a network associated with agency in healthy subjects.

Interpretation

We identified a syndrome‐specific network for CBS and symptom‐specific network for alien limb using single‐subject atrophy maps and the human connectome. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:1118–1131
The Relative Thermodynamic Stability of Diamond and Graphite
Authors: White Mary Anne , Kahwaji Samer , Freitas Vera L. S. , Siewert Riko , Weatherby Joseph A. , Ribeiro da Silva Maria D. M. C. , Verevkin Sergey P. , Johnson Erin R. , Zwanziger Josef W.
Published: September 2020

Recent density‐functional theory (DFT) calculations raised the possibility that diamond could be degenerate with graphite at very low temperatures. Through high‐accuracy calorimetric experiments closing gaps in available data, we reinvestigate the relative thermodynamic stability of diamond and graphite. For T<400 K, graphite is always more stable than diamond at ambient pressure. At low temperatures, the stability is enthalpically driven, and entropy terms add to the stability at higher temperatures. We also carried out DFT calculations: B86bPBE‐25X‐XDM//B86bPBE‐XDM and PBE0‐XDM//PBE‐XDM results overlap with the experimental −TΔS results and bracket the experimental values of ΔH and ΔG, displaced by only about 2× the experimental uncertainty. Revised values of the standard thermodynamic functions for diamond are ΔfHo=−2150±150 J mol−1, ΔfSo=3.44±0.03 J K−1 mol−1 and ΔfGo=−3170±150 J mol−1.
Expeditious Total Synthesis of Hemiasterlin through a Convergent Multicomponent Strategy and Its Use in Targeted Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Charoenpattarapreeda Jiraborrirak , Walsh Stephen J. , Carroll Jason S. , Spring David R.
Published: September 2020

Hemiasterlin is an antimitotic marine natural product with reported sub‐nanomolar potency against several cancer cell lines. Herein, we describe an expeditious total synthesis of hemiasterlin featuring a four‐component Ugi reaction (Ugi‐4CR) as the key step. The convergent synthetic strategy enabled rapid access to taltobulin (HTI‐286), a similarly potent synthetic analogue. This short synthetic sequence enabled investigation of both hemiasterlin and taltobulin as cytotoxic payloads in antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). These novel ADCs displayed sub‐nanomolar cytotoxicity against HER2‐expressing cancer cells, while showing no activity against antigen‐negative cells. This study demonstrates an improved synthetic route to a highly valuable natural product, facilitating further investigation of hemiasterlin and its analogues as potential payloads in targeted therapeutics.
Molekulare Zinkhydridkationen [ZnH]+: Synthese, Struktur und CO2‐Hydrosilylierungskatalyse
Authors: Ritter Florian , Spaniol Thomas P. , Douair Iskander , Maron Laurent , Okuda Jun
Published: September 2020

Durch Protonolyse von [ZnH2]n mit der konjugierten Brønsted‐Säure der Amine TMEDA (N,N,N′,N′‐Tetramethylethan‐1,2‐diamin) und TEEDA (N,N,N′,N′‐Tetraethylethan‐1,2‐diamin) kann das Zinkhydridkation [(L2)ZnH]+, entweder als monomeres THF‐Addukt [(L2)ZnH(thf)]+[BArF4]− (L2=TMEDA; BArF4−=[B(3,5‐(CF3)2‐C6H3)4]−) oder als Dimer [{(L2)Zn)}2(μ‐H)2]2+[BArF4]−2 (L2=TEEDA), synthetisiert werden. Im Gegensatz zu [ZnH2]n sind die kationischen Zinkhydride thermisch stabil und in THF löslich. Weiterhin ist [(L2)ZnH]+ in der Lage, zwei‐ und dreikernige Addukte des für sich allein instabilen neutralen [(L2)ZnH2] zu bilden. Alle Hydrid‐haltigen Kationen reagieren rasch mit CO2 und führen zu entsprechenden Formiatkomplexen. Weiterhin katalysiert [(TMEDA)ZnH]+[BArF4]− die Hydrosilylierung von CO2 mit tertiären Hydrosilanen schrittweise zu Formoxysilan, Methylformiat und Methoxysilan. Überraschenderweise wird eine Zink‐katalysierte Umesterung von Methoxysilan mit Formoxysilan zu Methylformiat beobachtet, das letztlich in Methoxysilan umgewandelt wird.
Host Differential Sensitization toward Color/Lifetime‐Tuned Lanthanide Coordination Polymers for Optical Multiplexing
Authors: Ou Yiyi , Zhou Weijie , Zhu Zece , Ma Fengkai , Zhou Rongfu , Su Fang , Zheng Lirong , Ma Li , Liang Hongbin
Published: September 2020

Optical multiplexing based on luminescent materials with tunable color/lifetime has potential applications in information storage and security. However, the available tunable luminescent materials reported so far still suffer from several drawbacks of low efficiency or poor stability, thus restraining their further applications. Herein, we demonstrate a strategy to develop efficient and stable lanthanide coordination polymers (LCPs) with tunable luminescence as a new option for optical multiplexing. Their multicolor emission from green to red and naked‐eye‐sensitive green emission with tunable lifetime (from ca. 300 to ca. 600 μs) can be controlled by host differential sensitization and energy transfer between lanthanide ions. The quantum efficiencies of developed samples range from around 20 % to 46 % and the luminescence intensity/lifetime appear quite stable in polar solvents up to ten weeks. Furthermore, with the aid of inkjet printing and concepts of luminescence lifetime imaging and time‐gated imaging, we illustrate their promising applications of information storage and security in spatial and temporal domains.
Die Bildung nukleophiler Allylborane aus molekularem Wasserstoff und Allenen katalysiert durch ein Pyridonatboran, das die Reaktivität eines frustrierten Lewis‐Paares zeigt
Authors: Hasenbeck Max , Ahles Sebastian , Averdunk Arthur , Becker Jonathan , Gellrich Urs
Published: September 2020

Wir berichten über die In‐situ‐Darstellung von nukleophilen Allylboranen aus H2 und Allenen durch ein Pyridonatboran, das die Reaktivität eines frustrierten Lewis‐Paares zeigt. Experimentelle und computerchemische Untersuchungen zeigen, dass der kovalent gebundene Pyridonatsubstituent durch die H2‐Aktivierung zu einem dativ gebundenen Pyridonliganden wird. Die Dissoziation des somit gebildeten Pyridon‐Boran‐Komplexes setzt Piers′ Boran frei, was die Hydroborierung eines Allens ermöglicht. Die auf diesem Weg gebildeten Allylborane sind reaktiv gegenüber Nitrilen. Eine katalytische Methode zur Bildung von Allyboranen aus H2 und Allenen und der Allylierung von Nitrilen wurde entwickelt. Diese katalytische Reaktion ist ein konzeptionell neuer Ansatz zur Nutzung von molekularem Wasserstoff in der organischen Synthese.
Optical properties, structural, and DFT studies of Pd(II) complexes with 1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazol‐5‐thiol, X‐ray crystal structure of [Pd(κ1‐S‐ptt)2(κ2‐dppe)] complex
Authors: Al‐Janabi Ahmed S.M. , Al‐Samra Usama'a A.Y. , Othman Eman A. , Yousef T.A.
Published: September 2020

Seven tetrazole‐thione complexes, [Pd2(κ2‐ptt)4](1), trans‐[Pd(k1‐S‐ptt)2(PPh3)2] (2), trans‐[Pd(k1‐S‐ptt)2(SPPh3)2] (3), trans‐[Pd(k1‐S‐ptt)2(OPPh3)2] (4), [Pd(k1‐N‐ptt)2(k2‐dppe)] (5a), [Pd(k1‐S‐ptt)2(k2‐dppe)] (5b), [Pd(k1‐S‐ptt)2(k2‐dppeS2)] (6), and [Pd(k1‐S‐ptt)2(k2‐dppeO2)] (7), were prepared from 1‐phenyl‐1H‐tetrazole‐5‐thiol (Hptt), with substituted phosphines. These complexes were investigated by CHNS analysis; infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1H and 31P), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy; and single‐crystal X‐ray data for 5b. In Complex 1, the ptt− ligand adopted μ2‐ k‐N, k‐S bridging mode to afford a dimeric complex, whereas in Complexes 2–4, 6, and 7, the ptt− was covalently coordinated via sulfur atom of the thiol group as a solo product. In contrast, in Complex 5, the ptt− ligand was bonded in a monodentate fashion through a deprotonated tetrazole ring nitrogen atom in isomer 5a or via a thiolato sulfur atom in isomer 5b. These linkage isomers were clearly shown in the 31P‐{1H} NMR. To explain the adoption of the ligand binding modes in Complexes 5a and 5b, geometry optimization calculations were carried out on two isomers. Very small differences of all molecular parameters were found between 5a and 5b isomers. This confirms the reason for obtaining two isomers. Also, theoretical studies are made for all compounds, and excellent agreement is obtained with experimental data. The direct band gap (Eg) values are equal to 2.88, 2.85, and 2.45 eV for Complexes 1, 2, and 4, respectively, revealing a semiconductor nature. The inhibition activity of Complexes 1–3, 5, and 8 were evaluated versus the growth of four types of bacteria in vitro. The complexes showed a good activity compared with free ligand and a standard antibiotic.
Print base decorative paper with high‐dimensional stability by chemical fiber modification: An experimental and analytical approach
Authors: Barletta Massimiliano , Gisario Annamaria , Mohammadzadeh Amin
Published: September 2020

The main structural component of wood fibers is cellulose, which, being highly hydrophilic, interacts with water. Cellulose‐based paper has, therefore, the same affinity with water. However, for most products such as decorative paper, this is more of a disadvantage, where water uptake both as liquid and from humid air not only weakens the paper by breaking hydrogen bonds but also alters its dimension and stability over time. The dimensional stability (ability of the paper to retain the size as its moisture content changes) is a critical parameter when the paper is submitted to printing, copying, and converting operations. Humidity can cause sheet wrinkling or warping, thus compromising the processability and the results achievable. The modification of fibers with chemical additives can be a way to improve the performance of paper against water and water vapor uptake. For this reason, several tests of horizontal diffusion of solvents were carried out to evaluate the change in uptake of as‐is paper and of papers modified by several different chemical treatments. Solvent uptake tests were performed to assess the interaction of chemically treated and untreated papers with water, dichloromethane, and ethanol. Diffusion mechanisms of the solvents flow within the fiber networks and their movement through the porous solids were analyzed. The chemical treatments of the fiber with silane, siloxane, and polyelectrolyte multilayer were found to considerably influence both solvent contact angles and absorption times of the papers, thus affecting the rate of solvent (more interestingly, of the water) diffusion into the fiber wall. By comparing all the treated and untreated samples, the contact angles with the solvents decreased by performing siloxane, oligo‐siloxane, and silane treatments. More specifically, the diffusivity rates of water decreased because of the disappearance of a fraction of the hydrophilic sites and the onset of higher crystallinity regions on the paper sheets.
The effect of pre‐curing UV‐irradiation on the crosslinking of silicone rubber
Authors: Gallo Marta , Rinaldi Renaud G.
Published: September 2020

A recent work made use of selective pre‐curing UV‐irradiation and its effect on the kinetics of reaction of heat‐cure silicone elastomers to spatially tune its viscoelastic properties and design architected solid membranes. The present study adds to the possibility of controlling the local properties of spatially graded materials by exploring the effect of key processing parameters such as the UV dose and the silicone mix thickness on the vulcanization kinetics. Dynamic Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurements have been performed showing that, over the conditions explored, the higher the UV dose, the slower the kinetics reaction. Additionally, complete crosslinking was always reached. Companion modeling effort using the Kissinger reaction model is attempted and the effects of processing parameters on the apparent activation energy are discussed. This work is a crucial first step towards the control of the processing settings needed to design architected silicone rubber membranes with spatially controlled mechanical property gradients obtained from a unique macromolecular network.
Evaluation of microstructure, thermal, and mechanical properties of the green lignin‐based polyurethane/hydrophobic silica nanocomposite foam
Authors: Mohammadpour Raziye , Sadeghi Gity Mir Mohamad
Published: September 2020

In the present study, lignin‐based polyurethane foam (LPUF) and hydrophobic silica LPUF (SLPUF) were synthesized using different concentrations of silica nanoparticles (SNP). The effect of SNP on the structure and properties of SLPUF samples was investigated and compared with LPUF through the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and compressive tests. The FT‐IR results showed changes in the H bonding interactions between the structures of SLPUF samples. Moreover, the SEM results indicated a decrease in the cell size of SLPUF samples. Incorporation of SNP improved the thermal stability of SLPUF samples while the compressive strength of SLPUF samples decreased in comparison with LPUF. Furthermore, the DMTA results revealed a decrease in the glass transition temperature from 90°C (LPUF) to around 52°C (SLPUF samples). This means that applying the hydrophobic SNP changes the foam type from a rigid foam to soft one. Therefore, significant changes were observed in the physical–chemical properties of the SLPUF samples compared to the LPUF.
Mechanical nondiscoloring and antistretching photonic crystal films based on Zn2+ coordination and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Authors: Wang Xueyu , Qi Yong , Zhang Shufen , Niu Wenbin , Ma Wei , Wu Suli , Tang Bingtao
Published: September 2020

Mechanical nondiscoloring and antistretching photonic crystal (PC) films, especially those with stable structure colors during deformation, have great potential applications in wearable display devices, decoration, and packaging. Here, PC films with antistretching and invariant structural colors during deformation were prepared, by combining Zn2+ coordinated elastic material and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with polystyrene@silica (PS@SiO2) colloidal crystals. The PC films release energy by forming local fractures at a microscopic level during the straining process but the lattice spacing and effective refractive index of the local array do not change. According to the Bragg law, the structure color remains unchanged. The introduction of HPMC gave the PC films excellent tensile properties, and the maximum tensile strength reached 10 MPa. And after 100 times of stretching, bending and compression cycles, the structural color remained unchanged.
Photo‐curing 3D printing robust elastomers with ultralow viscosity resin
Authors: Chen Fuping , Li Ruiqi , Sun Jingxian , Lu Guoqiang , Wang Jin , Wu Bing , Li Jingfang , Nie Jun , Zhu Xiaoqun
Published: September 2020

Photosensitive resins with ultralow viscosity suitable for the silicone‐based elastomers by 3D printing were reported. Based on the facile one‐pot strategy which involved photo‐polymerization of hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and sol–gel transition process of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), silicone‐based elastomers with tunable mechanical properties could be obtained by adjusting the ratio of HEA and MTMS as needed. Due to the physically cross‐linked network formed by hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl group of polyhydroxypropyl acrylate (PHEA) and the chemically cross‐linked network formed by MTMS, the stress and strain of printed elastomers reached 3.75 MPa and 205% respectively demonstrating its performance has reached the average level of already reported photo‐curable elastomers. The photosensitive resins with high curing rate and low viscosity are suitable for 3D printing technique.
Association of Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Systemic Sclerosis With Marked Improvement in Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Maltez Nancy , Puyade Mathieu , Wang Mianbo , Lansiaux Pauline , Marjanovic Zora , Charles Catney , Steele Russell , Baron Murray , Colmegna Ines , Hudson Marie , Farge Dominique ,   the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group and the MATHEC‐SFGMTC Network
Published: September 2020

Objective

To quantify the magnitude, domains, and duration of change in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as compared to SSc patients with similar characteristics who did not undergo autologous HSCT.

Methods

The study was designed as a retrospective study comparing SSc patients who underwent autologous HSCT and SSc patients who met the criteria for transplantation but were treated with conventional care. Outcomes included scores on the 36‐item Short Form (SF‐36) health survey and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and its disease‐specific symptom scales. Differences in scores between the groups were compared using linear models, adjusting for baseline scores and inverse probability of treatment and censoring weights.

Results

In total, 41 SSc patients who underwent autologous HSCT and 65 SSc patients treated with conventional care were compared. In marginal linear weighted models, the SF‐36 physical component summary score was a mean ± SEM 7.02 ± 1.94 points higher at the first annual visit (P = 0.001) and 14.40 ± 6.16 points higher at the seventh annual visit (P = 0.03) in patients treated with autologous HSCT compared to the conventional care group. HAQ scores were significantly better in the autologous HSCT group compared to the conventional care group during follow‐up (mean ± SEM difference from baseline −0.57 ± 0.13 [P < 0.001] at the first annual visit and −0.94 ± 0.49 [P = 0.07] at the seventh annual visit). There were no differences in the SF‐36 mental component summary scores between the 2 groups either at baseline or during follow‐up.

Conclusion

This study provides robust complementary HRQoL data, including overall and event‐free survival data, to expand on the standard repertoire of biomedical variables, thus potentially supporting the physical benefits of autologous HSCT in patients with SSc.
Future developments in biosensors for field‐ready SARS‐CoV‐2 virus diagnostics
Authors: Fani Mona , Zandi Milad , Soltani Saber , Abbasi Samaneh
Published: September 2020

According to the evidence, the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) is caused by a zoonotic pathogen named respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). This virus can spread through personal contact, respiratory droplets, and also through airborne transmission. A rapid, low‐cost, and effective biosensor platform is essential to diagnose patients with COVID‐19 infection, predominantly the asymptomatic individuals, and prevent the spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2 via transmission routes. The objective of this review is to provide a comparative view among current diagnostic methods, focusing on recently suggested biosensors for the detection of SARS‐CoV2 in clinical samples. A capable SARS‐CoV‐2 biosensor can be designed by the holistic insights of various biosensor studies.
Analysis of Charge Carrier Transport Toward Optimized Cathode Composites for All‐Solid‐State Li−S Batteries
Authors: Dewald Georg F. , Ohno Saneyuki , Hering Joachim G. C. , Janek Jürgen , Zeier Wolfgang G.
Published: September 2020

A high theoretical energy density makes lithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries promising candidates for energy storage systems of the post‐lithium‐ion generation. As the performance of Li−S cells with liquid electrolytes is impaired by the solubility of reaction intermediates, solid‐state cell concepts represent an auspicious approach for future electrochemical energy storage. However, the kinetics of Li−S solid‐state batteries and high charge/discharge rate still remain major challenges, and in‐depth knowledge of the charge carrier transport in solid‐state composite sulfur cathodes is still missing. In this work, the charge transport and cyclability of composite cathodes consisting of sulfur, Li6PS5Cl and carbon, with varying volume fractions of ion‐ and electron‐conducting phases is investigated. The limiting thresholds of charge transport are elucidated by comparing the battery performance with effective transport properties of the cathode composite. Although both the effective electronic and ionic conductivities indicate high tortuosity factors, ionic transport is identified as a critical bottleneck. This work underscores the importance of quantitative transport analysis as a tool for cathode optimization.
Doxorubicin‐Loaded Physalis Mottle Virus Particles Function as a pH‐Responsive Prodrug Enabling Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hu He , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: September 2020

The controlled release of drugs using nanoparticle‐based delivery vehicles is a promising strategy to improve the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy. A simple, scalable, and reproducible strategy is developed to synthesize a drug delivery system (DDS) by loading 6‐maleimidocaproyl‐hydrazone doxorubicin (DOX‐EMCH) into the empty core of virus‐like particles (VLPs) derived from Physalis mottle virus (PhMV) via a combination of chemical conjugation to cysteine residues and π–π stacking interactions with the anchored doxorubicin molecule. The DOX‐EMCH prodrug features an acid‐sensitive hydrazine linker that triggers the release of doxorubicin in the slightly acidic extracellular tumor microenvironment or acidic endosomal or lysosomal compartments following cellular uptake. The VLP external surface is coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to prevent non‐specific uptake and improve biocompatibility. The DOX‐PhMV‐PEG particles are stable in vitro and show greater efficacy in vivo compared to free doxorubicin in a breast tumor mouse model (using MDA‐MB‐231 cells and nude mice): 92% of the tumor‐bearing mice treated with DOX‐PhMV‐PEG are completely cured compared to 27% of those treated with free doxorubicin under the same conditions, representing a 3.4‐fold improvement. These results lay a foundation for the further development of this biological drug delivery system for a new generation of chemotherapy products.
Knockout of the caspase 8‐associated protein 2 gene improves recombinant protein expression in HEK293 cells through up‐regulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A gene
Authors: Abaandou Laura , Sharma Ashish K. , Shiloach Joseph
Published: September 2020

Cell lines used in bioproduction are routinely engineered to improve their production efficiency. Numerous strategies, such as random mutagenesis, RNA interference screens, and transcriptome analyses have been employed to identify effective engineering targets. A genome‐wide small interfering RNA screen previously identified the CASP8AP2 gene as a potential engineering target for improved expression of recombinant protein in the HEK293 cell line. Here, we validate the CASP8AP2 gene as an engineering target in HEK293 cells by knocking it out using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and assessing the effect of its knockout on recombinant protein expression, cell growth, cell viability, and overall gene expression. HEK293 cells lacking CASP8AP2 showed a seven‐fold increase in specific expression of recombinant luciferase and a 2.5‐fold increase in specific expression of recombinant SEAP, without significantly affecting cell growth and viability. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the deregulation of the cell cycle, specifically the upregulation of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) gene, contributed to the improvement in recombinant protein expression in CASP8AP2 deficient cells. The results validate the CASP8AP2 gene is a viable engineering target for improved recombinant protein expression in the HEK293 cell line.
Collagen in the media: An analysis of news published between 2016 and 2018
Authors: Arauzo Miguel Garcia , Antón Álvaro , Villarroel José Domingo
Published: September 2020

This study examines 102 news items related to collagen as a dietary supplement, written in Spanish and published over a period of 2 years, in both digital and print media. The objective of this study is to evaluate the scientific rigor and consistency of the news information included in the sample. Errors and incorrect uses relative to the current scientific knowledge were identified in the analyzed information, and these errors were classified according to the criteria extracted from previous research. The evidence gathered shows a relevant frequency of errors in the information examined. The results are discussed in light of the role that the media plays in the transmission of beliefs regarding the value of collagen supplements.
Faced with one’s fear: Attentional bias in anorexia nervosa and healthy individuals upon confrontation with an obese body stimulus in an eye‐tracking paradigm
Authors: Hartmann AndreaSabrina , Borgers Tiana , Thomas Jennifer Joanne , Giabbiconi Claire‐Marie , Vocks Silja
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Cognitive biases, particularly attentional biases, have been shown to be central to anorexia nervosa (AN). This study looked at attention deployment when consecutively viewing an obese and own body stimulus that both might represent feared stimuli in AN.

Methods

Individuals with AN (n = 26) and mentally healthy controls (MHCs; n = 16) viewed a picture of themselves and a standardized computer‐generated obese body in random order for 4,000 ms each and then rated the attractiveness of the body parts of both stimuli. We compared dwell times on subjectively unattractive versus attractive body parts, and body parts that show weight status and gain most strongly (stomach, hips, thighs) versus least strongly.

Results

For both stimuli, participants focused longer on the subjectively unattractive body parts (p < .01 and .001), with an even stronger attentional bias in individuals with AN regarding the obese stimulus (p < .05). Both groups also gazed longer at body parts indicative of weight status or gain (both stimuli p < .001), with no group differences.

Conclusions

The attentional bias to one's own subjectively unattractive body parts might represent a mechanism maintaining body image disturbance in women in general. This attentional bias is even stronger when women with AN are confronted with an obese stimulus, highlighting a potential mental preoccupation with being fat or weight gain and a behavior distinct for the disorder.