bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monochorionic Twinning in Bioengineered Human Embryo Models
Authors: Luijkx Dorian G. , Ak Asli , Guo Ge , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , Giselbrecht Stefan , Vrij Erik J.
Published: April 2024

Monochorionic twinning of human embryos increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. The rarity of such twinning events, combined with ethical constraints in human embryo research, makes investigating the mechanisms behind twinning practically infeasible. As a result, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the origins and early phenotypic presentation of monochorionic twin embryos. In this study, a microthermoformed‐based microwell screening platform is used to identify conditions that efficiently induce monochorionic twins in human stem cell‐based blastocyst models, termed “twin blastoids”. These twin blastoids contain a cystic GATA3+ trophectoderm‐like epithelium encasing two distinct inner cell masses (ICMs). Morphological and morphokinetic analyses reveal that twinning occurs during the cavitation phase via splitting of the OCT4+ pluripotent core. Notably, each ICM in twin blastoids contains its own NR2F2+ polar trophectoderm‐like region, ready for implantation. This is functionally tested in a microfluidic chip‐based implantation assay with epithelial endometrium cells. Under defined flow regimes, twin blastoids show increased adhesion capacity compared to singleton blastoids, suggestive of increased implantation potential. In conclusion, the development of technology enabling large‐scale formation of twin blastoids, coupled with high‐sensitivity readout capabilities, presents an unprecedented opportunity for systematically exploring monochorionic twin formation and its impact on embryonic development.
Noncontact Microfluidics of Highly Viscous Liquids for Accurate Self‐Splitting and Pipetting
Authors: Han Xiao , Tan Shengda , Wang Qi , Zuo Xiaobiao , Heng Liping , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2024

Accurate dosing for various liquids, especially for highly viscous liquids, is fundamental in wide‐ranging from molecular crosslinking to material processing. Despite droppers or pipettes being widely used as pipetting devices, they are powerless for quantificationally splitting and dosing highly viscous liquids (>100 mPa s) like polymer liquids due to the intertwined macromolecular chains and strong cohesion energy. Here, a highly transparent photopyroelectric slippery (PS) platform is provided to achieve noncontact self‐splitting for liquids with viscosity as high as 15 000 mPa s, just with the assistance of sunlight and a cooling source to provide a local temperature difference (ΔT). Moreover, to guarantee the accuracy for pipetting liquids (>80%), the ultrathin MXene film (within a thickness of 20 nm) is self‐assembled as the photo‐thermal layers, overcoming the trade‐off between transparency and photothermal property. Compared with traditional pipetting strategies (≈1.3% accuracy for pipetting polymer liquids), this accurate microfluidic chip shows great potential in adhesive systems (bonding strength, twice than using the droppers or pipettes).
Graphene Oxide‐Assisted Molecular Crystal Co‐Assembly for Large‐Scale Freestanding 2D Photoresponse Heterostructures with Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Yinxiang , Dong Xuemei , Chen Chen , He Zixi , Pan Keyuan , Sun Hongchao , Xu Min , Li Zifan , Wu Yueyue , Liu Juqing
Published: April 2024

2D van der Waals heterostructures (2D vdWHs) have been gaining significant attention in neuromorphic electronics. However, the facile synthesis of large‐scale, high‐quality freestanding 2D vdWHs remains challenge, particularly for organic counterparts due to susceptible nucleation behaviors and weak intermolecular interactions. Here, the study reports a graphene oxide (GO)‐assisted molecular crystal co‐assembly method for one‐step growth of centimeter‐scale freestanding heterostructures. This co‐assembly involves the simultaneous assembling of organic and GO precursors at the liquid–liquid interface, where the amphiphilic nature of GO nanosheets facilitates the diffusion of organic molecules and 2D nucleation of organic crystals, and the nanosheets also become enriched to grow a quasi‐solid film for the bilayer formation. Owing to integrated photosensitive and charge‐trapping properties as well as type II band structure, this heterostructure exhibits exceptional photonic synaptic behaviors, with a paired‐pulse facilitation index of 141% and image recognition of 91%.
Tapered Optical Fiber Enabled Distributed Sensors with High Spatial Resolution by Deep Learning
Authors: Hou Lei , Jiang Ting , Yu Ting , Cao Chuan , Tu Xitao , Zhang Ji , Pan Jing , Wang Shipeng , Zhou Ning , Yao Ni , Zhang Lei
Published: April 2024

Distributed optical fiber sensing (DOFS) systems are valuable tools for monitoring various physical parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure, strain). DOFS systems, however, remain a challenge for achieving high spatial resolution in narrow spaces due to the bulky external demodulation techniques. Herein, by taking advantage of spatial inhomogeneity‐induced higher‐order modes, a tapered optical fiber‐based distributed sensor is developed to monitor the contact position and force by deep learning simultaneously. The sensor achieves the position and force prediction resolutions of 7.6 µm and 0.02 N, respectively, over the 5.6 mm length by developing a multi‐scale convolutional neural network with a long short‐term memory model to decode the output signals. Furthermore, the sensor can identify position and force in a 2D plane, exhibiting excellent distributed sensing capabilities. The results may pave the way toward high‐performance distributed sensors for applications from healthcare, robotics to human–machine interfaces.
Stable All‐Fluorescence White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with High Efficiency and High CRI
Authors: Xie Xin , Hu Xiaoxiao , Qin Yuanyuan , Shen Shaogang , Dong Xiangyu , Pang Zhi , Lv Xinyi , Song Xiaofeng , Wang Pengfei , Wang Ying , Liu Guanhao
Published: April 2024

White organic light‐emitting diodes (WOLEDs) have been regarded as the candidates for next‐generation flat‐panel displays and solid‐state lighting due to their low cost. However, it is still challenging to achieve two‐component WOLEDs with high efficiency, high color index (CRI), and long lifetime. Here, high‐performance all‐fluorescence WOLEDs based on a blue fluorescent emitter and an orange thermally activated delayed fluorescent (TADF) emitter are demonstrated. The optimized all‐fluorescence WOLED with two EMLs presents the maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE), current efficiency (CE), and power efficiency (PE) of 23.4%, 40.2 cd A−1, and 33.2 lm W−1, corresponding to a maximum CRI value of 83.1 and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinate of (0.30, 0.31). To further improve the device stability, the all‐fluorescence WOLEDs with three EMLs and tandem structure are constructed, respectively. Under the premise of ensuring efficiency, in going from the two‐EMLs to the three‐EMLs and the tandem structure, the LT50 (time to 50% of the initial luminance) of all‐fluorescence WOLEDs increase from 601 to 714 h and 1622 h at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2. These strategies and results present new insight into the design of all‐fluorescence WOLEDs with high efficiency, high CRI, and extended lifetime.
20‐year depressive symptoms, dementia, and structural neuropathology in older women
Authors: Petkus Andrew J. , Wang Xinhui , Younan Diana , Salminen Lauren E. , Resnick Susan M. , Rapp Stephen R. , Espeland Mark A. , Gatz Margaret , Widaman Keith F. , Casanova Ramon , Chui Helena , Barnard Ryan T. , Gaussoin Sarah A. , Goveas Joseph S. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Henderson Victor W. , Sachs Bonnie C. , Saldana Santiago , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Shumaker Sally A. , Chen Jiu‐Chiuan
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

The course of depressive symptoms and dementia risk is unclear, as are potential structural neuropathological common causes.

METHODS

Utilizing joint latent class mixture models, we identified longitudinal trajectories of annually assessed depressive symptoms and dementia risk over 21 years in 957 older women (baseline age 72.7 years old) from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study. In a subsample of 569 women who underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging, we examined whether estimates of cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease (AD)‐related neurodegeneration were associated with identified trajectories.

RESULTS

Five trajectories of depressive symptoms and dementia risk were identified. Compared to women with minimal symptoms, women who reported mild and stable and emerging depressive symptoms were at the highest risk of developing dementia and had more cerebrovascular disease and AD‐related neurodegeneration.

DISCUSSION

There are heterogeneous profiles of depressive symptoms and dementia risk. Common neuropathological factors may contribute to both depression and dementia.

Highlights

The progression of depressive symptoms and concurrent dementia risk is heterogeneous.

Emerging depressive symptoms may be a prodromal symptom of dementia.

Cerebrovascular disease and AD are potentially shared neuropathological factors.
Penetrating cardiac injury caused by multiple rib fractures following high‐energy trauma: Usefulness of the exploratory video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Tetsumoto Keisuke , Takayama Masakazu , Koyama Tadaaki , Kayawake Hidenao , Saito Masao , Nakamura Ken , Takahashi Yutaka , Hamakawa Hiroshi
Published: April 2024

Background

Penetrating cardiac injuries are usually fatal and associated with poor survival rates.

Case Presentation

A 69‐year‐old man was injured in a motor vehicle accident and suffered from left hemothorax and multiple rib fractures near the heart. A comprehensive assessment raised suspicions of lacerated pericardium and myocardial injury. Consequently, a thoracoscopy was performed 9 h after injury. A penetrating cardiac injury was detected and surgically treated via video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on postoperative day 16.

Conclusion

Exploratory video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery may play a key role in the primary diagnosis of patients with high‐energy chest traumas with cardiac injury and simultaneously allow for the appropriate surgical interventions.
Analysis of comprehensive biomolecules in critically ill patients via bioinformatics technologies
Authors: Matsumoto Hisatake , Ogura Hiroshi , Oda Jun
Published: April 2024

Each patient with a critical illness such as sepsis and severe trauma has a different genetic background, comorbidities, age, and sex. Moreover, pathophysiology changes dynamically over time even in the same patient. Therefore, individualized treatment is necessary to account for heterogeneity in patient backgrounds. Recently, the analysis of comprehensive biomolecular information using clinical specimens has revealed novel molecular pathological classifications called subtypes. In addition, comprehensive biomolecular information using clinical specimens has enabled reverse translational research, which is a data‐driven approach to the identification of drug target molecules. The development of these methods is expected to visualize the heterogeneity of patient backgrounds and lead to personalized therapy.
Boryl Radical as a Catalyst in Enabling Intra‐ and Intermolecular Cascade Radical Cyclization Reactions: Construction of Polycyclic Molecules
Authors: Wang Jie , Lin Phang Yee , Yu You‐Jie , Liu Nan‐Nan , Xie Qiang , Zhang Feng‐Lian , Jin Ji‐Kang , Wang Yi‐Feng
Published: April 2024

Cascade radical cyclization constitutes an atom‐ and step‐economic route for rapid assembly of polycyclic molecular skeletons. Although an array of redox‐active metal catalysts has recently shown robust applications in enabling various catalytic cascade radical processes, the use of free organic radical as the catalyst, which is capable of triggering strategically distinct cascades, has rarely been developed. Here, we disclosed that the benzimidazolium‐based N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐boryl radical is capable of catalyzing cascade cyclization reactions in both intra‐ and intermolecular pathways, assembling [5,5] fused bicyclic and [6,6,6] fused tricyclic molecules, respectively. The catalytic reactions start with the chemo‐ and regioselective addition of the boryl radical catalyst to a tethered alkene or alkyne moiety, followed by either an intramolecular formal [3+2] or an intermolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition process to construct bicyclo[3.3.0]octane or tetrahydrophenanthridine skeletons, respectively. Eventually, a β‐elimination occurs to release the boryl radical catalyst, completing a catalytic cycle. High to excellent diastereoselectivity is achieved in both catalytic reactions under substrate control.
Mechanistic Approach Toward the C4‐Selective Amination of Pyridines via Nucleophilic Substitution of Hydrogen
Authors: Choi Hoonchul , Ham Won Seok , van Bonn Pit , Zhang Jianbo , Kim Dongwook , Chang Sukbok
Published: April 2024

The development of site‐selective functionalization of N‐heteroarenes is highly desirable in streamlined synthesis. In this context, direct amination of pyridines stands as an important synthetic methodology, with particular emphasis on accessing 4‐aminopyridines, a versatile pharmacophore in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we report a reaction manifold for the C4‐selective amination of pyridines by employing nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen (SNH). Through 4‐pyridyl pyridinium salt intermediates, 4‐aminopyridine products are obtained in reaction with aqueous ammonia without intermediate isolation. The notable regioselectivity was achieved by the electronic tuning of the external pyridine reagents along with the maximization of polarizability in the proton elimination stage. Further mechanistic investigations provided a guiding principle for the selective C−H pyridination of additional N‐heteroarenes, presenting a strategic avenue for installation of diverse functional groups.
Oversaturating Liquid Interfaces with Nanoparticle‐Surfactants
Authors: Wu Xuefei , Xue Han , Fink Zachary , Helms Brett A. , Ashby Paul D. , Omar Ahmad K. , Russell Thomas P.
Published: April 2024

Assemblies of nanoparticles at liquid interfaces hold promise as dynamic “active” systems when there are convenient methods to drive the system out of equilibrium via crowding. To this end, we show that oversaturated assemblies of charged nanoparticles can be realized and held in that state with an external electric field. Upon removal of the field, strong interparticle repulsive forces cause a high in‐plane electrostatic pressure that is released in an explosive emulsification. We quantify the packing of the assembly as it is driven into the oversaturated state under an applied electric field. Physiochemical conditions substantially affect the intensity of the induced explosive emulsification, underscoring the crucial role of interparticle electrostatic repulsion.
Synthesis of ZSM‐5 Zeolite Nanosheets with Tunable Silanol Nest Contents across an Ultra‐wide pH Range and Their Catalytic Validation
Authors: Li He , Yu Jiayu , Du Ke , Li Wanyi , Ding Ling , Chen Wei , Xie Songhai , Zhang Yahong , Tang Yi
Published: April 2024

Zeolite synthesis under acidic conditions has always presented a challenge. In this study, we successfully prepared series of ZSM‐5 zeolite nanosheets (Z‐5‐SCA‐X) over a broad pH range (4 to 13) without the need for additional supplements. This achievement was realized through aggregation crystallization of ZSM‐5 zeolite subcrystal (Z‐5‐SC) with highly short‐range ordering and ultrasmall size extracted from the synthetic system of ZSM‐5 zeolite. Furthermore, the crystallization behavior of Z‐5‐SC was investigated, revealing its non‐classical crystallization process under mildly alkaline and acidic conditions (pH<10), and the combination of classical and non‐classical processes under strongly alkaline conditions (pH≥10). What's particularly intriguing is that, the silanol nest content in the resultant Z‐5‐SCA‐X samples appears to be dependent on the pH values during the Z‐5‐SC crystallization process rather than its crystallinity. Finally, the results of the furfuryl alcohol etherification reaction demonstrate that reducing the concentration of silanol nests significantly enhances the catalytic performance of the Z‐5‐SCA‐X zeolite. The ability to synthesize zeolite in neutral and acidic environments without the additional mineralizing agents not only broadens the current view of traditional zeolite synthesis but also provides a new approach to control the silanol nest content of zeolite catalysts.
Regiodivergent Hydrosilylation of Polar Enynes to Synthesize Site‐Specific Silyl‐Substituted Dienes
Authors: Wang Zi‐Lu , Wang Ying , Sun Yu‐Chen , Zhao Jin‐Bo , Xu Yun‐He
Published: April 2024

Herein, we present catalyst‐regulated switchable site‐selective hydrosilylation of enynes, which are suitable for a wide range of alkyl and aryl substituted polar enynes and exhibit excellent functional group compatibility. Under the optimized conditions, silyl groups can be precisely installed at various positions of 1,3‐dienes. While α‐ and γ‐silylation products were obtained under platinum‐catalytic systems, β‐silylation products were delivered with [Cp*RuCl]4 as catalyst. This process lead to the formation of 1,3‐dienoates with diverse substitutions, which would pose challenges with other methodologies.
Zn(II), Mn(III), and Co(III) complexes of Schiff base derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1‐naphthaldehyde: Synthesis, spectral surveys, single crystal structure studies, Hirshfeld surface analysis, density functional theory calculation, molecular electrostatic potential, and molecular docking evaluations
Authors: Parvarinezhad Sakineh , Ramezanipoor Sahar , Kubicki Maciej , Salehi Mehdi
Published: April 2024

A new series of transition metal complexes of bidentate Schiff base compound derived from 2‐hydroxy‐1‐(2‐methoxyethylimino)‐naphthalene (HL) were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and UV–vis spectroscopies. X‐ray single crystal structures of Zn(II), Mn(III), and Co(III) complexes (1–4) have also been determined, and it was indicated that these Zn(II) and Co(III) complexes (1, 4) are in an octahedral geometry. Whereas, it was found that the Zn complex (2) is in quite a regular tetrahedral environment. Also, the Mn center in complex (3) is ligated by two azomethine nitrogen atoms, two ligand oxygen atoms, and one Cl atom of metal salt forming five coordinated tetragonal pyramid geometry around the Mn atoms. The cyclic voltammetry of the complexes specifies an irreversible redox behavior for all complexes (1–4). Next, DFT/B3LYP theoretical method was used to determine the optimal geometrical configurations and comparison between experimental and theoretical data, as well as for calculations of molecular electrostatic potential, highest‐occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)‐lowest‐unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy values of selected compounds. The study of non‐covalent interactions was done by Hirshfeld surface analysis using CrystalExplorer program. Furthermore, molecular docking inspection was carried out to study the binding affinity of the tested complexes towards protein B‐cell lymphorna (PDB ID: 4LXD). Using the results obtained from the molecular docking and the summarized interaction of the binding processes, these structures show the validity of effective inhibition against liver cancer.
High‐potent trifunctional polybenzoxazines coatings for superhydrophobic cotton fabrics and mild steel corrosion protection applications
Authors: Srinivasan Harinei , Arumugam Hariharan , Krishnasamy Balaji , Mani Kailasam Saravana , Muthukaruppan Alagar
Published: April 2024

New trifunctional polybenzoxazines were developed and utilized as a high‐potent coating material for superhydrophobic cotton fabrics and mild steel corrosion protection applications. New trifunctional benzoxazines resin have been synthesized using trihydroxytriphenylmethane (TTM) with dimethylaminopropylamine (dmapa), 1‐(3‐aminopropyl)imidazole (ipa) and aminoethoxyethanol (aee) as amine sources with paraformaldehyde through Mannich condensation. The structural confirmation of synthesized benzoxazines was ascertained by spectral studies. The ring opening polymerization of TTM‐Bzs was studied using DSC analysis. All the three TTM‐Bz monomers show curing temperature lower than 210°C. The thermo‐stability and water contact angle (WCA) of polybenzoxazines were studied using thermogravimetric analysis and goniometer, respectively. Among the TTM‐PBz studied, the poly(dmapa) exhibit better thermo‐stability and hydrophobic behavior when compared to rest of the synthesized polybenzoxazines. Poly(TTM‐dmapa)‐coated cotton fabric exhibits the superhydrophobic behavior and mild steel (MS)‐coated specimen possesses the higher charge transfer resistance value of 3.47 × 107 Ω cm2. It was also inferred that all the TTM‐PBz‐coated MS specimens exhibit higher corrosion protection behavior as well as good thermo‐stability and hydrophobic nature. Further, the obtained results suggested that these materials can be suitably exploited for hydrophobic anticorrosion applications with improved performance and enhanced longevity.
Enhancing interface adhesion between waterjet‐produced rubber powders and natural rubber by wet‐mixing method
Authors: Guo Lei , Liu Gongxu , Bai Lichen , Hao Kuanfa , Zhao Jinyang , Liu Kexin , Jian Xingao , Chai Hailin , Liu Fumin , Xu Yuan , Liu Haichao
Published: April 2024

The addition of rubber powder (RP) to natural rubber (NR) matrix using the dry mixing method leads to uneven distribution and poor interface bonding while the wet mixing method is not feasible due to the hydrophobic nature of the RP surface. To address this issue, we developed a method for producing RP with weakened hydrophobicity on the surface by high‐pressure waterjet and successfully achieved even distribution of the waterjet‐produced rubber powders (WPRPs) in NR and strong interface adhesion between WPRPs and NR by the wet mixing method. The properties of NR/WPRP composites were tested and characterized carefully. When adding 6 phr of 140‐mesh WPRPs in the NR matrix, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the NR/WPRP composites were 30.2 MPa and 627.2%, respectively, which were 4% and 7% higher than NR without WPRPs. Moreover, the anti‐abrasion property of the NR/WPRP composite was also strengthened by the addition of WPRPs. Our findings demonstrate that recycling waste rubber through a reasonable recycling method can not only reduce material waste and alleviate environmental pollution but also enhance the performance of the raw rubber, which offers significant economic benefits.
Comparing mass transfer and reaction rate kinetics in starch hydrolysis during food digestion
Authors: Sun Yongmei , Zhou Zelin , Zhong Chao , Lei Zexin , Langrish Timothy A. G.
Published: April 2024

This study demonstrates evidence that the mass transfer process of an enzyme (a biocatalyst) is the rate‐limiting step in the starch hydrolysis reaction during food digestion. The significance of this work has been to compare the reaction rate of starch hydrolysis by salivary enzymes with the mass transfer rate of rate‐limiting enzymes. This research has applied mass transfer and reaction engineering theory in a quantitative study of starch hydrolysis, and a dimensionless group, the Damköhler number (Da), has been calculated based on glucose measurements from a beaker and stirrer system. The values of the Da number in this study (0.3–19) indicate that both the time constant for mass transfer and the time constant for reaction are significant parameters. Scanning electron microscopy images emphasize that compression (simulated mastication) helps to break the plant cell wall of starch. Mass‐transfer resistance needs to be considered during food digestion studies. The Da numbers are significantly affected by both compression forces (internal mass‐transfer coefficients) and stirrer speeds (external mass‐transfer coefficients) in this beaker and stirrer system.
Piperlongumine and its derivatives against cancer: A recent update and future prospective
Authors: Swain Shasank S. , Sahoo Sanjeeb K.
Published: April 2024

Piperlongumine, or piplartine (PL), is a bioactive alkaloid isolated from Piper longum L. and a potent phytoconstituent in Indian Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine with a lot of therapeutic benefits. Apart from all of its biological activities, it demonstrates multimodal anticancer activity by targeting various cancer‐associated pathways and being less toxic to normal cells. According to their structure–activity relationship (SAR), the trimethylphenyl ring (cinnamoyl core) and 5,6‐dihydropyridin‐2‐(1H)‐one (piperdine core) are responsible for the potent anticancer activity. However, it has poor intrinsic properties (low aqueous solubility, poor bioavailability, etc.). As a result, pharmaceutical researchers have been trying to optimise or modify the structure of PL to improve the drug‐likeness profiles. The present review selected 26 eligible research articles on PL derivatives published between 2012 and 2023, followed by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) format. We have thoroughly summarised the anticancer potency, mode of action, SAR and drug chemistry of the proposed PL‐derivatives against different cancer cells. Overall, SAR analyses with respect to anticancer potency and drug‐ability revealed that substitution of methoxy to hydroxyl, attachment of ligustrazine and 4‐hydroxycoumarin heterocyclic rings in place of phenyl rings, and attachment of heterocyclic rings like indole at the C7‐C8 olefin position in native PL can help to improve anticancer activity, aqueous solubility, cell permeability, and bioavailability, making them potential leads. Hopefully, the large‐scale collection and critical drug‐chemistry analyses will be helpful to pharmaceutical and academic researchers in developing potential, less‐toxic and cost‐effective PL‐derivatives that can be used against different cancers.
Accept or challenge? Exploring the experiences of pre‐service teachers from minoritised groups
Authors: Vickers‐Hulse Karan , Whitehouse Sarah
Published: April 2024

The shortage of teachers from Black, Asian and minoritised groups is well documented. Over the past decade, a body of research has confirmed that discrimination and inequality is a factor in the recruitment of teachers from Black, Asian and minoritised groups in England. Drawing on findings from the 2017 Runnymede Trust Report, which highlighted Bristol's lack of racial diversity within the teaching community, this paper explores the experiences of a group of pre‐service teachers on university teacher education routes who are minoritised within the general teaching population. The identified lack of diversity in the teacher workforce extends beyond race to other aspects of identity and representation in the classroom and is mirrored in teacher education. A series of focus group interviews were conducted across a 9‐month period. Results are presented as vignettes to capture the voice of minoritised participants. The findings have implications for the recruitment and retention of a diverse teacher workforce, as well as highlighting the need to ensure a sense of belonging for all pre‐service teachers entering the teaching community. This paper proposes a model relating to the analysis of critical incidents, which aims to inform future research into how pre‐service teachers respond to critical incidents regarding their identity. This model seeks to clarify tensions in the diverse lived experiences of pre‐service teachers and helps to explore the importance of context.
Mapping the signaling environment between sustainability‐focused entrepreneurship and investment inputs: A topic modeling approach
Authors: Yang Nan , Dousios Dimitrios , Korfiatis Nikolaos , Chalvatzis Konstantinos
Published: April 2024

The need for climate action has increased attention to sustainability‐focused entrepreneurship. In this context, entrepreneurial firms play a fundamental role in developing high‐technology solutions for decarbonization but face funding gaps due to the liabilities of newness and smallness. Despite the importance of signaling in entrepreneurship, little is known about what and how to effectively signal to attract investor interest in small ventures that develop sustainable technologies. To address this gap, the present study is anchored in signaling theory and suggests a topic modeling solution to identify signals presented in company self‐descriptions and areas of activity, alongside their investment inputs. Using data extracted from Crunchbase, a corpus of 5099 self‐descriptions of small sustainable technology ventures over a period of 10 years, this study provides novel insights into the signaling environment of sustainability‐focused entrepreneurship. The study's findings have implications for the sustainability ecosystem, namely, start‐ups, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises, investors, and policymakers.
Blockchain technology in circular economy: Unpacking the potential issues and critical echoes through data triangulation and natural language processing
Authors: Shrivastav Santosh Kumar , Bag Surajit
Published: April 2024

This study aims to identify the current status, potential issues and critical echoes in the integration of blockchain within circular economy (CE) practices. This study utilizes multiple data sources and synthesizes 91 published articles, and over 11,182 social media documents. Word‐embedding‐based clustering technique is employed to derive topics and themes on the use of blockchain in CE. The result of the study demonstrates that industries seek to implement blockchain for CE practices to automate processes for higher efficiency. However, issues revolving around blockchain governance and ethics, the impact of global trade facilitation, the skills required to implement blockchain, and sustainable reverse logistics within CE practices are major concerns. Additionally, acheiving a good return on investment while using blockchain for CE practices is another factor of concern for decision‐makers. This is the first study of its kind to discover topics, themes, potential issues, and critical echoes of integrating blockchain in CE through data triangulation. The results of this study are relevant to managers and policymakers, providing insights into leveraging up‐to‐date developments to address challenges in integrating blockchain within CE practices.
Transforming Pharmaceutical Synthesis with Sein‐E‐B Nanocomposite Photocatalyst through 1,4‐NAD(P)H Cofactor Regeneration and C‐N Bond Activation
Authors: Shukla Ravindra K. , Yadav Rajesh K. , Gole Vitthal L. , Singhal Rajat , Shahin Rehana , Mishra Shaifali , Singh Satyam , Sharma Kanchan , Baeg Jin‐Ook , El‐Hiti Gamal A. , Kumar Yadav Krishna , Kumar Gupta Navneet
Published: April 2024

The need for sunlight chemical renewal and contemporary organic transformation has fostered the advancement of environmentally friendly photocatalytic techniques. For the first time, we report on the novel crafting of a bright future with selenium‐infused Eosin‐B (Sein‐E‐B) nanocomposite photocatalysts in this work. The Sein‐E‐B nanocomposite materials were created using a hydrothermal process for solar chemical regeneration and organic transformation under visible light. The synthesized samples were subjected to UV‐DRS‐visible spectroscopy, FT‐IR, SEM, EDX, EIS and XRD analysis. The energy band gap of the Sein‐E‐B nanocomposite photocatalyst was measured using UV‐DRS, and the result was around 2.06 eV. to investigate the generated Sein‐E‐B catalytic activity as a nanocomposite for 1,4‐NADH/NADPH re‐formation and C−N bond activation. This novel photocatalyst offers a promising alternative for the regeneration of solar chemicals and C−N bond creation between pyrrole and aryl halides.
Four Undescribed Stilbenoid Derivatives from the Aerial Parts of Dendrobium officinale with their α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Hai Yen Pham , Thuy Hang Dan Thi , Huu Tai Bui , Thi Cuc Nguyen , Thanh Huong Phan Thi , Thi Dung Duong , Thi Trang Do , Van Hung Nguyen , Van Hieu Tran , Van Cuong Pham , Dinh Hoang Vu , Van Kiem Phan
Published: April 2024

In this study, four undescribed bibenzyl derivatives (1–4), together with seven known compounds (5–11) were isolated from the aerial parts of Dendrobium officinale. Their chemical structures were determined to be (7’S,8’S) ‐9′′‐acetyldendrocandin U (1), (7’S,8’S) ‐4′‐methoxydendrocandin T (2), (7’R,8’S) ‐dendrocandin B (3), (1S,2R) ‐5′′′‐methoxydendrofindlaphenol C (4) by analyzing of the spectroscopic data including HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D‐, and 2D‐NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of compounds 1–4 were determined by the electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1–3, 5, 10 and 11 inhibited α‐glucosidase with the IC50 values ranging from 56.3 to 165.3 μM, compounds 1–3, 5, 7–10 inhibited α‐amylase with the IC50 values ranging from 65.2 to 177.6 μM.
One‐year initial efficacy and safety outcomes of the premounted dry‐pericardium Vienna self‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve system: A first‐in‐human VIVA feasibility study
Authors: Briedis Kasparas , Rumbinaite Egle , Aldujeli Ali , Briede Kamilija , Jurenas Martynas , Jakuska Povilas , Jankauskas Antanas , Ceponiene Indre , Lenkutis Tadas , Plisiene Jurgita , Benetis Rimantas , Zaliunas Remigijus
Published: April 2024

Background

The dry‐pericardium Vienna transcatheter aortic valve system is repositionable and retrievable, already premounted on the delivery system, eliminating the need for assembly and crimping of the device before valve implantation.

Methods

The VIVA first‐in‐human feasibility study, a prospective, nonrandomized, single‐center trial, evaluated the Vienna aortic valve in 10 patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, who were at intermediate or high surgical risk. This study, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04861805), focused on the safety, feasibility, clinical and hemodynamic performance of the Vienna system up to 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

The mean patient age was 79 ± 5 years, 60% male. Valve sizes used: 26 mm (10%), 29 mm (30%), 31 mm (60%). Key hemodynamic improvements were significant: mean aortic valve pressure gradient (mmHg) decreased from 48.7 to 8.1, aortic valve area (cm2) increased from 0.75 to 1.91, and maximum jet velocity through the aortic valve (m/s) decreased from 4.41 to 1.95 (p < 0.0001). No moderate/severe paravalvular leakage was observed, and computed tomography scans revealed no evidence of hypo‐attenuated leaflet thickening. The study recorded one life‐threatening bleeding event, two cases requiring postprocedural pacemaker implantation, and three ischemic events, with only one causing lasting neurological impairment. Importantly, there were no cases of cardiovascular mortality and only one noncardiovascular death, which was confirmed as unrelated to the device.

Conclusions

The study indicates the Vienna valve as a potential option for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, designed to streamline the procedure and potentially lower healthcare costs by reducing resource and equipment needs, also procedural errors. Further research is essential to thoroughly evaluate its safety and efficacy.
Highly Efficient and Thermally Durable Luminescence of 1D Eu3+ Coordination Polymers with Arsenic Bridging Ligands
Authors: Shimoji Haruki , Aoyama Yuto , Inage Kota , Nakamura Masashi , Yanagihara Takumi , Yuhara Kazuhiro , Kitagawa Yuichi , Hasegawa Yasuchika , Ito Shunichiro , Tanaka Kazuo , Imoto Hiroaki , Naka Kensuke
Published: April 2024

In this work, bisarsine oxides were evaluated as novel bridging ligands, aiming to develop practical and efficient luminescent lanthanide coordination polymers. We have synthesized one‐dimensional (1D) Eu3+ coordination polymers that incorporate bisarsine oxide bridging ligands and hexafluoroacetylacetonate anions. These polymers exhibited a denser packing of chains compared to analogous polymers bridged with bisphosphine oxides. The coordination polymers demonstrated exceptional thermal stability and substantial emission quantum yields. Additionally, the bisarsine oxides induced a pronounced polarization effect, facilitating a sensitive electric dipole transition that yields considerably narrow band red emission. Remarkably, the Eu3+ coordination polymers with bisarsine oxides maintained intense emission even at 550 K. A distinctive feature of these polymers is their heating‐induced emission enhancement observed when the temperature was increased from 300 K to 400 K.
Luminescent Supramolecular Metallogels: Drug Loading and Eu(III) as Structural Probe
Authors: Freire Rafael V. M. , Coelho Dhiego M. A. , Maciel Larissa G. , Jesus Larissa T. , Freire Ricardo O. , dos Anjos Janaína V. , Junior Severino A.
Published: April 2024

Supramolecular metallogels combine the rheological properties of gels with the color, magnetism, and other properties of metal ions. Lanthanide ions such as Eu(III) can be valuable components of metallogels due to their fascinating luminescence. In this work, we combine Eu(III) and iminodiacetic acid (IDA) into luminescent hydrogels. We investigate the tailoring of the rheological properties of these gels by changes in their metal:ligand ratio. Further, we use the highly sensitive Eu(III) luminescence to obtain information about the chemical structure of the materials. In special, we take advantage of computational calculations to employ an indirect method for structural elucidation, in which the simulated luminescent properties of candidate structures are matched to the experimental data. With this strategy, we can propose molecular structures for different EuIDA gels. We also explore the usage of these gels for the loading of bioactive molecules such as OXA, observing that its aldose reductase activity remains present in the gel. We envision that the findings from this work could inspire the development of luminescent hydrogels with tunable rheology for applications such as 3D printing and imaging‐guided drug delivery platforms. Finally, Eu(III) emission‐based structural elucidation could be a powerful tool in the characterization of advanced materials.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed 1,2‐cis‐Diboration of 1,3‐Butadiynes
Authors: Li Weipeng , Ricker Robert , Lok Chan Ka , Fung Lau Pak , Buchbinder Nicklas W. , Krebs Johannes , Friedrich Alexandra , Lin Zhenyang , Santos Webster L. , Radius Udo , Marder Todd B.
Published: April 2024

Trialkyl phosphines PMe3 and PEt3 catalyze the 1,2‐cis‐diboration of 1,3‐butadiynes to give 1,2‐diboryl enynes. The products were utilized to synthesize 1,1,2,4‐tetraaryl enynes using a Suzuki‐Miyaura protocol and can readily undergo proto‐deborylation.
Blue‐ and Red‐Shifting C−H⋯O Hydrogen Bonds of Cyclic Ethers with Haloforms: Effect of Ring‐Size and Consistency with Bent's Rule
Authors: Paul Bijan K.
Published: April 2024

A DFT‐based computational study is carried out to delve into the interplay between hyperconjugation and rehybridization effects underlying the formation of blue‐ or red‐shifting H‐bonds (HBs) in 1 : 1 complexes of cyclic ethers (HB acceptor) of varying ring‐size with haloforms, CHF3 and CHCl3 (HB donor). The calculations reveal that with decreasing angular strain (increasing ring‐size) of the cyclic ethers, the extent of blue‐shift increases for 1 : 1 complexes with CHF3, while a reverse sequence is observed with CHCl3, eventually leading to a red‐shifting HB in the oxepane : CHCl3 complex. It is noted that the trend in the shift of C−H stretching fundamental is not mirrored by the C−H bond length or interaction energies for both the systems studied, that is, the low sensitivity of the changes on the strain on the O‐atom of HB acceptor (cyclic ethers) is to be emphasized.
Tungsten Oxide Dispersed on Silica as Robust and Readily Available Oxo/Imido Heterometathesis Catalyst
Authors: Bushkov Nikolai S. , Rumyantsev Andrey V. , Zhizhin Anton A. , Strelkova Tatyana V. , Novikov Roman A. , Gutsul Evgenii I. , Takazova Rina U. , Kitaeva Dinara K. , Ustynyuk Nikolai A. , Zhizhko Pavel A. , Zarubin Dmitry N.
Published: April 2024

Continuing our investigation of catalytic oxo/imido heterometathesis as novel water‐free method for C=N bond construction, we report here the application of classical transition metal oxides dispersed on silica (MOx/SiO2, M=V, Mo, W) as cheap, robust and readily available alternative to the catalysts prepared via Surface Organometallic Chemistry (SOMC). The oxide materials demonstrated activity in heterometathetical imidation of ketones, WO3/SiO2 being the most efficient. We also describe a new well‐defined supported W imido complex (≡SiO)W(=NMes)2(Me2Pyr) (Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2, Me2Pyr=2,5‐dimethylpyrrolyl) and characterize it with SOMC protocols, which allowed us to identify the position of W on the oxo/imido heterometathesis activity scale (Mo<W<Ta) and showed that W in fact provides an optimal balance between activity and stability. Noteworthy, the performance of WO3/SiO2 was only slightly inferior to that of the SOMC analog enabling the efficient synthesis of a broad range of ketimines hardly accessible by classical methods, in most cases W being a competitive and robust alternative to the most active albeit highly sensitive Ti imido systems. Combined with the availability of the catalyst, this facilitates a more widespread application of heterometathesis methodology in organic synthesis including potential larger scale applications.
Transparent Conductive Titanium and Fluorine Co‐doped Zinc Oxide Films
Authors: Ramzan Iqra , Borowiec Joanna , Parkin Ivan P. , Carmalt Claire J.
Published: April 2024

Aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) was used to deposit highly transparent and conductive titanium or fluorine‐doped and titanium‐fluorine co‐doped ZnO thin films on glass substrate at 450 °C. All films were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), UV‐Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM), and four‐point probe. The films were 600–680 nm thick, crystalline, and highly transparent (80–87 %). The co‐doped film consisted of 0.70 at % titanium and 1 at % fluorine, and displayed a charger carrier mobility, charge carrier concentration, and a minimum resistivity of 8.4 cm2 V−1 s−1, 3.97×1020 cm−3, and 1.69×10−3 Ω cm, respectively. A band gap of 3.6 eV was observed for the co‐doped film. Compared to the undoped and singly doped films, the co‐doped film displayed a notably higher structure morphology (more homogenous grains with well‐defined boundaries) suitable for transparent conducting oxide applications.
Influence of Cerium Oxide Abrasive Particle Morphologies on Polishing Performance
Authors: Ni Zifeng , Fan Qiang , Chen Guomei , Dai Mengjiao , Chen Zongyu , Bian Da , Qian Shanhua
Published: April 2024

In this study, two morphologies of cerium oxide (CeO2) abrasive particles, octahedral and spheroidal, are synthesized by solvothermal method using cerium nitrate hexahydrate (Ce(NO3)3‐6H2O) as raw material. Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to characterize the composition and morphology of CeO2 abrasive particles. The synthesized CeO2 is used for chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of the Si surface of 6H‐SiC wafers, and the surface morphology of the polished wafers are observed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). After polishing with octahedral and spheroidal abrasive particles, the surface roughness of the wafers are 0.327 and 0.287 nm, and the material removal rates (MRR) are 870 and 742 nm h−1, respectively. Calculations comparing the ultraviolet absorption spectra and bandgap energies of the two types of abrasive particles as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal that the synthesized octahedral CeO2 particles possessed stronger surface chemical activity and material removal performance.
Phase separations of strongly coupled fine particles and fine particle mixtures in plasmas
Authors: Totsuji Hiroo
Published: April 2024

Phase separations in strongly coupled fine particles in plasmas are discussed and two‐component mixtures are simulated by molecular dynamics with the background plasma being treated as continuum. The system size of laboratory experiments is assumed and separations into phases with a common electron density of the background plasma are analyzed. Since the charge on fine particles increases approximately in proportion to the size, we expect the larger component with stronger coupling condensates from the mixture. Results expressed in terms of strengths of Coulomb coupling and screening of the larger component seem to be mostly similar to the one‐component case, at least in cases where the ratio of fine particle sizes is 2, and the mixing ratio is in the range from 0.25 to 0.75.
A direct analysis method using sheath flow probe electrospray ionisation‐mass spectrometry (sfPESI‐MS) to detect drug residues from fingerprint forensic gel lifts
Authors: Kim Ayoung , Kelly Paul F. , Turner Matthew A. , Reynolds James C.
Published: April 2024

Latent fingerprints at crime scenes are frequently recovered using forensic gel‐lifters, which can help to preserve the crime scene and to enhance visualisation of traces such as blood or paint. In addition to providing fingerprint ridge detail, additional chemical information can also be recovered from gel lifts that may prove pertinent to an investigation. However, while DNA and metal ions have been shown to be able to be detected in gel‐lifted fingerprints, the determination of other types of chemical information such as the presence of drugs in gel‐lifted prints has not been previously shown. This study demonstrates the application of an ambient ionisation method, sheath flow probe electrospray ionisation‐mass spectrometry (sfPESI‐MS), to the direct analysis of gel‐lifted fingerprints. A model drug compound (zolpidem) is successfully detected from gel‐lifted prints from three different surface types: glass, metal, and paper. The surface activity‐based separation associated with probe electrospray approaches is shown to resolve zolpidem ions from background phthalate species, significantly enhancing the response obtained from the gel‐lifter. A depletion series experiment shows that the drug residue can be detected with up to 100% efficiency after eight consecutive contacts; however, detection efficiency drops to 20% after 30 contacts. The developed approach has potential application to analysis of historical gel‐lifters to obtain additional chemical information.