bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“One‐Click Restart” Recycling of Metal‐Free Perovskite X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Li Haojin , Li Telun , Ma Chuang , Liu Xinmei , Lang Lei , Yang Tinghuan , Song Xin , Cui Qingyue , Yang Zhou , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) , Zhao Kui
Published: April 2024

Halide perovskites have shown great potential in X‐ray detection due to outstanding optoelectronic properties. However, finding a cost‐effective and environmentally sustainable method for handling end‐of‐life devices has remained challenging. Here, a “One‐Click Restart” eco‐friendly recycling strategy is introduced for end‐of‐life perovskite X‐ray detectors. This method, utilizing water, allows for the recapture and reuse of both perovskite and conductor materials. The process is straightforward and environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment, purification, additional additives or catalysts, and complex equipment. A sustainable device cycle is developed by reconstructing flexible perovskite membranes for wearable electronics from recycled materials. Large‐scale, flexible membranes made from metal‐free perovskite DABCO‐N2H5‐I3 (DABCO = N‐N′‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octonium) achieve remarkably impressive average sensitivity of 6204 ± 268 µC Gyair−1 cm−2 and a low detection limit of 102.3 nGyair s−1, which makes highly effective for X‐ray imaging. The sensitivity of recycled flexible devices not only matches that of single‐crystal devices made with fresh materials but also ranks as the highest among all metal‐free perovskite X‐ray detectors. “One‐Click Restart” applies to scalable flexible devices derived from aged single‐crystal counterparts, offering significant cost, time, and energy savings compared to their single‐crystal equivalents. Such advantages significantly boost future market competitiveness.
Alumina Ceramic Textiles as Novel Bacteria‐Capturing Wound Dressings
Authors: Dutta Deepanjalee , Almeida Renato S. M. , Karim Md Nurul , Brüggemann Dorothea , Rezwan Kurosch , Maas Michael
Published: April 2024

Although antimicrobial dressings have proven to be crucial in the treatment of wounds, they may give rise to antibiotic‐resistant strains or result in the release of endotoxins after bacterial death, which in turn inhibits wound healing. This study highlights the efficacy of a novel alumina ceramic textile as dressing that utilizes the principles of bacteria capture from the wound bed and inhibition of bacterial infiltration into the wound bed to reduce the bacterial burden and to inhibit the spread of infection, without the involvement of active antimicrobial substances or functional nanoparticles. The alumina textiles are compared to commercial dressings like the non‐woven mesh Cutimed Sorbact and gauzes from LEINA WERKE and performed significantly better in capturing bacteria. They are found to be effective against both Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Gram‐positive Bacillus subtilis and show promising results in the presence of simulated wound fluid and in artificial wound bed tests from which they can be easily lifted without leaving behind any visible residues. In summary, the alumina textiles exhibit a highly efficient bacterial binding activity, possibly due to the intrinsic material properties of their hierarchical structure including the tricot knit mesh, small fiber diameters, pronounced fiber surface microtopography, and high specific surface area.
Wearable Piezoelectric Sensors Based on BaTiO3 Films for Sarcopenia Recognition
Authors: Han Shulang , Zeng Qinghao , Liang Ying , Xiao Qing , Chen Yu , Yan Fei , Xiong Yan , Yue Jirong , Tian Xiaobao
Published: April 2024

Sarcopenia recognition is very crucial in the early diagnosis of sarcopenia. However, the commonly used screening methods are limited by real‐time property, portability, and convenient usability at home. Herein, an electrospun BaTiO3 film is proposed and a piezoelectric sensor with silver electrodes and polyimide substrates is fabricated. The sensor exhibits high piezoelectricity (74.2 pC N−1), sensitivity, linearity, low detection limit (0.2 mN), and significant bending ability (bending angle can exceed 90°), maintaining stable output after more than 20 000 cycles during a week. Due to its excellent performance, the piezoelectric sensor to the recognition of sarcopenia is applied and a wearable system to collect piezoelectric signals from the lower limb movements of the elderly is developed. By selecting features from these signals, eight kinds of machine learning models are employed and their performances in recognizing sarcopenia are compared in both male and female groups. The results indicate that the artificial neural network (ANN) model has the highest performance, with accuracies of 92.9% in males and 98.1% in females. This piezoelectric sensor, combined with a wireless communication module, is expected to provide crucial evidence for sarcopenia detection, offering a new, convenient, and household screening solution for early diagnosis and prevention of sarcopenia.
Synthesis of Alkynylsilanes: A Review of the State of the Art
Authors: Kuciński Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

This contribution offers a comprehensive overview of methods for forging sp C−Si bonds. Over time, alkynylsilanes (silylacetylenes), once considered mere byproducts of hydrosilylation processes, have become essential building blocks in organic synthesis. This literature review traces the evolution of their synthesis, from traditional methodologies relying on organolithium and organomagnesium compounds to more advanced cross‐coupling reactions involving hydro‐ and carbosilanes. Focused primarily on the past 25 years (2000–2024), it also extensively references significant historical breakthroughs. By analyzing synthetic methodologies, the review not only offers a comprehensive survey of the current state of knowledge but also identifies areas for improvement. Furthermore, to emphasize the importance of 1‐alkynylsilanes (1‐silyl‐1‐alkynes), selected applications of these compounds are highlighted, confirming their significant potential in organic synthesis.
Artificial Q‐Grader: Machine Learning‐Enabled Intelligent Olfactory and Gustatory Sensing System
Authors: Jang Moonjeong , Bae Garam , Kwon Yeong Min , Cho Jae Hee , Lee Do Hyung , Kang Saewon , Yim Soonmin , Myung Sung , Lim Jongsun , Lee Sun Sook , Song Wooseok , An Ki‐Seok
Published: April 2024

Portable and personalized artificial intelligence (AI)‐driven sensors mimicking human olfactory and gustatory systems have immense potential for the large‐scale deployment and autonomous monitoring systems of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In this study, an artificial Q‐grader comprising surface‐engineered zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films is developed as the artificial nose, tongue, and AI‐based statistical data analysis as the artificial brain for identifying both aroma and flavor chemicals in coffee beans. A poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)/ZnO thin film transistor (TFT)‐based liquid sensor is the artificial tongue, and an Au, Ag, or Pd nanoparticles/ZnO nanohybrid gas sensor is the artificial nose. In order to classify the flavor of coffee beans (acetic acid (sourness), ethyl butyrate and 2‐furanmethanol (sweetness), caffeine (bitterness)) and the origin of coffee beans (Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia‐decaffeine), rational combination of TFT transfer and dynamic response curves capture the liquids and gases‐dependent electrical transport behavior and principal component analysis (PCA)‐assisted machine learning (ML) is implemented. A PCA‐assisted ML model distinguished the four target flavors with >92% prediction accuracy. ML‐based regression model predicts the flavor chemical concentrations with >99% accuracy. Also, the classification model successfully distinguished four different types of coffee‐bean with 100% accuracy.
Remediation of Metal Oxide Nanotoxicity with a Functional Amyloid
Authors: Wang Yue , Liang Xiufang , Andrikopoulos Nicholas , Tang Huayuan , He Fei , Yin Xiang , Li Yuhuan , Ding Feng , Peng Guotao , Mortimer Monika , Ke Pu Chun
Published: April 2024

Understanding the environmental health and safety of nanomaterials (NanoEHS) is essential for the sustained development of nanotechnology. Although extensive research over the past two decades has elucidated the phenomena, mechanisms, and implications of nanomaterials in cellular and organismal models, the active remediation of the adverse biological and environmental effects of nanomaterials remains largely unexplored. Inspired by recent developments in functional amyloids for biomedical and environmental engineering, this work shows their new utility as metallothionein mimics in the strategically important area of NanoEHS. Specifically, metal ions released from CuO and ZnO nanoparticles are sequestered through cysteine coordination and electrostatic interactions with beta‐lactoglobulin (bLg) amyloid, as revealed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulations. The toxicity of the metal oxide nanoparticles is subsequently mitigated by functional amyloids, as validated by cell viability and apoptosis assays in vitro and murine survival and biomarker assays in vivo. As bLg amyloid fibrils can be readily produced from whey in large quantities at a low cost, the study offers a crucial strategy for remediating the biological and environmental footprints of transition metal oxide nanomaterials.
Massively Reconstructing Hydrogen Bonding Network and Coordination Structure Enabled by a Natural Multifunctional Co‐Solvent for Practical Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Yuanze , Zhang Qian , Zhang Pengfei , Jia Xu , Song Hongjiang , Zhong Shengkui , Liu Jie
Published: April 2024

The practical application of aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) is hindered by the crazy Zn dendrites growth and the H2O‐induced side reactions, which rapidly consume the Zn anode and H2O molecules, especially under the lean electrolyte and Zn anode. Herein, a natural disaccharide, d‐trehalose (DT), is exploited as a novel multifunctional co‐solvent to address the above issues. Molecular dynamics simulations and spectral characterizations demonstrate that DT with abundant polar −OH groups can form strong interactions with Zn2+ ions and H2O molecules, and thus massively reconstruct the coordination structure of Zn2+ ions and the hydrogen bonding network of the electrolyte. Especially, the strong H‐bonds between DT and H2O molecules can not only effectively suppress the H2O activity but also prevent the rearrangement of H2O molecules at low temperature. Consequently, the AZIBs using DT30 electrolyte can show high cycling stability even under lean electrolyte (E/C ratio = 2.95 µL mAh−1), low N/P ratio (3.4), and low temperature (−12 °C). As a proof‐of‐concept, a Zn||LiFePO4 pack with LiFePO4 loading as high as 506.49 mg can be achieved. Therefore, DT as an eco‐friendly multifunctional co‐solvent provides a sustainable and effective strategy for the practical application of AZIBs.
Dirac Cones and Room Temperature Polariton Lasing Evidenced in an Organic Honeycomb Lattice
Authors: Betzold Simon , Düreth Johannes , Dusel Marco , Emmerling Monika , Bieganowska Antonina , Ohmer Jürgen , Fischer Utz , Höfling Sven , Klembt Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Artificial 1D and 2D lattices have emerged as a powerful platform for the emulation of lattice Hamiltonians, the fundamental study of collective many‐body effects, and phenomena arising from non‐trivial topology. Exciton‐polaritons, bosonic part‐light and part‐matter quasiparticles, combine pronounced nonlinearities with the possibility of on‐chip implementation. In this context, organic semiconductors embedded in microcavities have proven to be versatile candidates to study nonlinear many‐body physics and bosonic condensation, and in contrast to most inorganic systems, they allow the use at ambient conditions since they host ultra‐stable Frenkel excitons. A well‐controlled, high‐quality optical lattice is implemented that accommodates light‐matter quasiparticles. The realized polariton graphene presents with excellent cavity quality factors, showing distinct signatures of Dirac cone and flatband dispersions as well as polariton lasing at room temperature. This is realized by filling coupled dielectric microcavities with the fluorescent protein mCherry. The emergence of a coherent polariton condensate at ambient conditions are demonstrated, taking advantage of coupling conditions as precise and controllable as in state‐of‐the‐art inorganic semiconductor‐based systems, without the limitations of e.g. lattice matching in epitaxial growth. This progress allows straightforward extension to more complex systems, such as the study of topological phenomena in 2D lattices including topological lasers and non‐Hermitian optics.
Electron Donating Functional Polymer Dielectrics to Reduce the Threshold Voltage of n‐Type Organic Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Ronnasi Bahar , King Benjamin , Brixi Samantha , Swaraj Sufal , Niskanen Jukka , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: April 2024

Low‐cost and high‐performance electronics based on synthetically simple materials are required to fuel the deployment of smart packaging and wearable electronics. Metal phthalocyanines (MPcs) are promising semiconductors for use in n‐type organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) but often require high operating voltages. The first silicon phthalocyanine‐based OTFT with a polymer dielectric is reported as an alternative to traditional metal oxide dielectrics. Incorporating poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the dielectric successfully reduces the threshold voltage (VT) of bispentafluorophenoxy SiPc (F10‐SiPc) from 14.9V to 7.3V while retaining high mobility. Further reduction in VT is obtained by using copolymers and blends of PMMA and dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)‐containing polymers, where a higher molar fraction of DMAEMA leads to a consistent drop in VT to ‐0.7 V. The electron‐donating groups of the tertiary amines in the DMAEMA show clear interfacial doping of the semiconductor, reducing the voltage required to populate the dielectric/semiconductor interface with charge carriers and turn on the device. Blending trace amounts of DMAEMA‐containing copolymers with PMMA proves to be an effective strategy for reducing the VT while keeping the charge mobility high, unlike when using pure copolymers with elevated DMAEMA content. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF‐SIMS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrate that the DMAEMA‐containing copolymer is floating to the surface of the PMMA blend at the dielectric–semiconductor interface, which explains the reduced VT. Synchrotron scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM) demonstrates that PMMA promotes a more edge‐on orientation of F10‐SiPc films, compared to the more face‐on orientation when deposited on the DMAEMA containing copolymer. This study demonstrates a straightforward process for designing dielectric polymers and their blends for the reduction in VT for n‐type OTFTs.
Advancing Post‐Secondary Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Conditions through Interfacial Modification Strategies
Authors: Nam Myeong Gyun , Jeong Seong Woo , Yoo Pil Jin
Published: April 2024

In response to the growing global demand for portable electronics and electric vehicles, there is an escalating interest in developing advanced battery technologies with superior energy density. Research efforts are focused on unveiling post‐lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) that outperform the performance of current LIBs through the use of innovative active electrode materials. Yet, these technological advancements face significant hurdles, primarily due to intricate interfacial issues within battery components. In laboratory‐scale studies, these challenges often lead to the utilization of excess electrolytes, which complicates the precise evaluation of battery performance. This review emphasizes the significance of designing future batteries that operate effectively under lean electrolyte usage conditions. It discusses essential principles, obstacles, and diverse strategies for interfacial modification, including in situ growth, coating of supportive layers, and embedding of active substances in pre‐structured templates. Furthermore, it compiles and examines data on the lean electrolyte conditions achieved in various battery systems, contrasting their energy densities with those of commercially established batteries. Ultimately, the potential of future batteries to achieve or even exceed the energy densities of existing commercial batteries is assessed, thereby offering a strategic roadmap for the progression of next‐generation battery technologies.
Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the elderly (2023)
Authors: Fangxu Liu , Wenbin Li , Pan Zhang , Dan Chen , Xi Wu , Xue Xu , Jihua Shi , Qingfeng Luo , Le Xu , Songbai Zheng ,   Chinese Geriatrics Society
Published: April 2024

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the elderly is characterized by atypical symptoms, relatively severe esophageal injury, and more complications, and when GERD is treated, it is also necessary to fully consider the general health condition of the elderly patients. This consensus summarized the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis and treatment characteristics of GERD in the elderly, and provided relevant recommendations, providing guidance for medical personnel to correctly understand and standardize the diagnosis and treatment of GERD in the elderly.
Progressive reduction of nuclear receptor Nr4a1 mediates age‐dependent cognitive decline
Authors: Chen Jiang , Zhang Zhi , Liu Ying , Huang Lili , Liu Yi , Yang Dan , Bao Xinyu , Liu Pinyi , Ge Yuhan , Li Qingqing , Shu Xin , Xu Lushan , Shi Yun Stone , Zhu Xiaolei , Xu Yun
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION

Cognitive decline progresses with age, and Nr4a1 has been shown to participate in memory functions. However, the relationship between age‐related Nr4a1 reduction and cognitive decline is undefined.

METHODS

Nr4a1 expressions were evaluated by quantitative PCR and immunochemical approaches. The cognition of mice was examined by multiple behavioral tests. Patch‐clamp experiments were conducted to investigate the synaptic function.

RESULTS

NR4A1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells decreased with age in humans. In the mouse brain, age‐dependent Nr4a1 reduction occurred in the hippocampal CA1. Deleting Nr4a1 in CA1 pyramidal neurons (PyrNs) led to the impairment of cognition and excitatory synaptic function. Mechanistically, Nr4a1 enhanced TrkB expression via binding to its promoter. Blocking TrkB compromised the cognitive amelioration with Nr4a1‐overexpression in CA1 PyrNs.

DISCUSSION

Our results elucidate the mechanism of Nr4a1‐dependent TrkB regulation in cognition and synaptic function, indicating that Nr4a1 is a target for the treatment of cognitive decline.

Highlights

Nr4a1 is reduced in PBMCs and CA1 PyrNs with aging.

Nr4a1 ablation in CA1 PyrNs impaired cognition and excitatory synaptic function.

Nr4a1 overexpression in CA1 PyrNs ameliorated cognitive impairment of aged mice.

Nr4a1 bound to TrkB promoter to enhance transcription.

Blocking TrkB function compromised Nr4a1‐induced cognitive improvement.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence Induced by Hydrogen‐Bonding Networks in a One‐Dimensional Hybrid Manganese(II) Chloride
Authors: Li Jing , Luo Qiulian , Wei Jianwu , Zhou Liya , Chen Peican , Luo Binbin , Chen Yibo , Pang Qi , Zhang Jin Zhong
Published: April 2024

Chiral hybrid metal halides hold great potential as circularly polarized luminescence light sources. Herein, we have obtained two enantiomeric pairs of one‐dimensional hybrid chiral manganese(II) chloride single crystals, R/S‐(3‐methyl piperidine)MnCl3 (R/S‐1) and R/S‐(3‐hydroxy piperidine)MnCl3 (R/S‐2), crystallizing in the non‐centrosymmetric space group P212121. In comparison to R/S‐1, R/S‐2 single crystals not only show red emission with near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and high resistance to thermal quenching but also exhibit circularly polarized luminescence with an asymmetry factor (glum) of 2.5×10−3, which can be attributed to the enhanced crystal rigidity resulting from the hydrogen bonding networks between R/S‐(3‐hydroxy piperidine) cations and [MnCl6]4− chains. The circularly polarized luminescence activities originate from the asymmetric [MnCl6]4− luminophores induced by N−H⋅⋅⋅Cl hydrogen bonding with R/S‐(3‐hydroxy piperidine). Moreover, these samples demonstrate great application potential in circularly polarized light‐emitting diodes and X‐ray scintillators. This work shows a highly efficient photoluminescent Mn‐based halide and offers a strategy for designing multifunctional chiral metal halides.
Efficient Tandem Copper‐Catalyzed Click Synthesis of Multisugar‐Modified Oligonucleotides
Authors: Tölke Annika J. , Gaisbauer Julia F. , Gärtner Yasmin V. , Steigenberger Barbara , Holovan Anna , Streshnev Filip , Schneider Sabine , Müller Markus , Carell Thomas
Published: April 2024

Nucleic acids in the form of siRNA, antisense oligonucleotides or mRNA are currently explored as new promising modalities in the pharmaceutical industry. Particularly, the success of mRNA‐vaccines against SARS‐CoV‐2, along with the successful development of the first sugar‐modified siRNA therapeutics has inspired the field. The development of nucleic acid therapeutics requires efficient chemistry to link oligonucleotides to chemical structures that can improve stability, boost cellular uptake, or enable specific targeting. For the siRNA therapeutics currently in use, modification of the 3′‐end of the oligonucleotides with triple‐N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)3 was shown to be of significance. This modification is currently achieved through cumbersome multistep synthesis and subsequent loading onto the solid support material. Herein, we report the development of a bifunctional click‐reactive linker that allows the modification of oligonucleotides in a tandem click reaction with multiple sugars, regardless of the position within the oligonucleotide, with remarkable efficiency and in a one‐pot reaction.
Synthesis and characterization of novel D‐mannitol based hydrogel: Swelling and adsorption behavior of heavy metal ion studies
Authors: Chaurasiya Arbind , Pande Poorn Prakash , Shankar Ravi , Kushwaha Nandita , Kumar Praveen , Dey Kajal Kumar , Chaurasiya Anil
Published: April 2024

A highly efficient hydrogel derived from D‐Mannitol xanthate has been successfully synthesized using a free‐radical solution copolymerization technique. An equimolar mixture of acrylonitrile (AN) and acrylic acid (AA) has been reacted with D‐Mannitol xanthate (DMX) under inert atmosphere. Three distinct grades of D‐Mannitol xanthate‐based hydrogels viz. DMXHGs‐1, DMXHGs‐2, and DMXHGs‐3, were prepared. Extensive analyses were conducted on the hydrogels using various methods such as UV, FT‐IR, SEM, XRD, GPC, TGA and ΔpHPZC. The maximum swelling ratio of DMXHGs‐3 was found to be 52122%, 50434% and 48576% for 24 h with water retention ratio of 80.98%, 78.64% and 79.22% for 30 h in distilled, tap and gray water respectively. These findings indicate the DMXHGs‐3 hydrogel has remarkable swelling and water retention capacity. Comprehensive investigations were carried out to evaluate the hydrogel's remarkable adsorption capacity to act as an adsorbent for effectively removing hazardous metal ions. The highest removal percentages of 95.5% and 94.4% and maximum adsorption capacities of 523.56 mg g−1 and 462.96 mg g−1 were observed with DMXHGs‐3 hydrogel for Cu2+ and Co2+ ions, respectively. Metal ion removal experiments were conducted by varying several parameters including dosage, pH, temperature, concentration, and time. The quantification of Cu2+ and Co2+ was accomplished using UV–visible spectroscopy. Present studies demonstrate the suitability of D‐mannitol xanthate‐based hydrogels for the efficient removal of toxic metal ions from wastewater.
Successful preparation of a biopolymeric nanocarrier enables controlled release of antinociceptive monoterpene for local pain management after transdermal barrier permeation
Authors: de Araujo Andrade Tatianny , de Jesus Jemmyson Romário , de Sousa Pereira Marcos Vinícius , de Tarso Garcia Paulo , Pimentel Falcão Maria Alice , Banderó Walker Cristiani Isabel , Abrahão Frank Luiza , Russo Serafini Mairim
Published: April 2024

Developing effective and targeted drug delivery systems is crucial in searching for improved pain management strategies. Here, it is shown the preparation of a nanocarrier using chitosan hydrogel, and polymeric nanocapsules loaded with linalool for enhancing transdermal permeation and targeted delivery of this antinociceptive monoterpene for the pain treatment. Extensive characterization was conducted to evaluate the properties of the nanocarrier, and several in vitro studies were performed to investigate the release kinetics of linalool from the nanocarrier and its permeation through the layers of the skin. As results, the prepared polymeric nanocarrier exhibited an average size of 160 ± 9 nm, with a polydispersion index of 0.12 ± 0.01. The kinetic study revealed that the nanocarrier effectively controlled and prolonged the release of linalool, following a pseudo‐second order model (R2 = 0.98). To evaluate the permeation of the nanocarrier through the transdermal barrier, swine ear skin was employed. The nanocarrier efficiently penetrated the transdermal barrier and successfully delivered linalool to the skin layers. Additionally, an in vivo toxicity study indicated no toxicity for the nanocarrier at the tested concentrations (<0.950 μg mL−1). The release kinetics showed a controlled and sustained release of the linalool, suggesting its potential for prolonged therapeutic effects.
To move or to be promoted: Examining the effect of promotions and academic mobility on professors' productivity and impact
Authors: Wu Chaojiang , Yan Erjia , Ni Chaoqun , He Jiangen
Published: April 2024

Promotions and academic mobility are trajectory‐altering events in a researcher's career. This paper compiles a unique large data set and investigates publication and citation differences between two groups of researchers: the ones who are mobile and their counterparts who stay at a university with a promotion. This paper finds that mobile researchers often have a lesser productivity increase than their post‐promotion counterparts. The difference is largely driven by male professors in physical science and clinical health fields moving from more research‐intensive to less research‐intensive institutions. In contrast, the citational impact differences between the two groups are largely minimal.
Na/N Co‐doped Seaweed Biochar Composite for Efficient Removal of Aqueous Pb(II) and Cu(II)
Authors: Fu Meiyuan , Ma Qianhui , Luo Yun , Feng Wen , Wang Xianghui
Published: April 2024

Pollution from harmful heavy metal ions such as Pb(II) and Cu(II) is causing serious environmental and health problems. In this study, Sodium and nitrogen co‐doped porous carbon material (Na/NABc) was successfully prepared from seaweed, sodium hydroxide, and dicyandiamide. The experimental results showed that Na/NABc is an excellent adsorbent for the effective removal of Pb(II) and Cu(II) from water bodies. Specifically, 99.8% of Pb(II) and 64.6% Cu(II) (100 mg/L) were removed within 12 h using 10 mg Na/NABc(10%) at 25 °C. The adsorption of Pb(II) and Cu(II) in aqueous solution by Na/NABc(10%) was efficient and rapid in the first stage. The theoretical maximum removal capacities of Na/NABc for Pb(II) and Cu(II) were 959.6 and 299.1 mg/g, respectively. Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions were adsorbed quickly in the first 60 min, and the kinetics data were generally consistent with a pseudo‐second‐order model. Na/NABc(10%) had a large distribution coefficient for Pb(II) (8.38 L/mg) and Cu(II) (1.17 L/mg). The possible mechanisms were precipitation, Ion exchange, and surface complexation. The removal rate can reach about 70% after five cycles, and the release of sodium meets the standard. The results of this study demonstrate the potential applicability of Na/NABc(10%) for adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solution.
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Frustrated Lewis Pairs for the Activation and Transformation of CO2
Authors: Du Tao , Zhang Peng , Jiao Zhen , Zhou Jiancheng , Ding Yuxiao
Published: April 2024

Due to the serious ecological problems caused by the high CO2 content in the atmosphere, reducing atmospheric CO2 has attracted widespread attention from academia and governments. Among the many ways to mitigate CO2 concentration, the capture and comprehensive utilization of CO2 through chemical methods have obvious advantages, whose key is to develop suitable adsorbents and catalysts. Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) are known to bind CO2 through the interaction between unquenched Lewis acid sites/Lewis base sites with the O/C of CO2, simultaneously achieving CO2 capture and activation, which render FLP better potential for CO2 utilization. However, how to construct efficient FLP targeted for CO2 utilization and the mechanism of CO2 activation have not been systematically reported. This review firstly provides a comprehensive summary of the recent advances in the field of CO2 capture, activation, and transformation with the help of FLP, including the construction of homogeneous and heterogeneous FLPs, their interaction with CO2, reaction activity, and mechanism study. We also illustrated the challenges and opportunities faced in this field to shed light on the prospective research.
Quantifying the influence of the Madden–Julian oscillation on rainfall extremes during the northeast monsoon season of the Philippines
Authors: Olaguera Lyndon Mark P. , Manalo John A. , Bathan Alwin , Matsumoto Jun
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) on the extreme rainfall events across 11 eastern coastal stations during the northeast monsoon season (November to March) over the Philippines from 1979 to 2019. The contribution of synoptic systems to these extreme rainfall events such as tropical cyclones (TCs), low‐pressure systems (LPS), cold surges (CS), and other disturbances as they coincide with a strong and active MJO were quantified. The results show that the probability of extreme rainfall occurrence increases first to as much as 20% in the southernmost stations in Phase 4. Then, it increases to more than 60% in central‐eastern stations in Phase 6. The extreme rainfall events were then classified into: MJO‐only, TC‐MJO, TC‐nonMJO, LPS‐MJO, LPS‐nonMJO, CS‐MJO, CS‐nonMJO, and others. The percentage contribution of MJO only, TC‐MJO, LPS‐MJO, and CS‐MJO to the total extreme rainfall events ranges from 9% to 16%, 0% to 3%, 2% to 4%, 1% to 9%, respectively. The relationship between MJO and flooding events in the Philippines was also examined. About 28 flood events or 266 flooding days were identified during the analysis period, wherein 50% of these events coincidentally occurred during strong and active phases of MJO.
The effects of hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) in ameliorating spinal cord injury mediated by Nrf2
Authors: Yang Hongzhi , Hu Bin , Wang Xichun , Chen Wenjie , Zhou Huanbin
Published: April 2024

Excessive inflammatory response and oxidative stress (OS) play an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Balance of inflammation and prevention of OS have been considered an effective strategy for the treatment of SCI. Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1), also known as cartilage link protein, has displayed a wide range of biological and physiological functions in different types of tissues and cells. However, whether HAPLN1 regulates inflammation and OS during SCI is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether HAPLN1 can have a protective effect on SCI. In this study, both in vitro and in vivo SCI models were established. Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining assays were used. Western blotting and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were employed to assess the expression of proteins. Our results demonstrate that the administration of HAPLN1 promoted the recovery of motor neurons after SCI by increasing the Basso mouse scale score, increasing the numbers of motor neurons, and preventing apoptosis of spinal cord cells. Additionally, HAPLN1 mitigated OS in spinal cord tissue after SCI by increasing the content of superoxide dismutase SOD and the activity of glutathione peroxidase but reducing the levels of malondialdehyde. Importantly, we found that HAPLN1 stimulated the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway and stimulated the expression of heme oxygenase‐1 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinone oxidoreductase‐1, which mediated the attenuation of HAPLN1 in activation of the NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome by reducing the levels of NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), caspase‐1, and interleukin‐1β. Correspondingly, in vitro experiments show that the presence of HAPLN1 suppressed the NLRP3 inflammasome and prevented cell injury against H2O2 in PC12 cells. These effects were mediated by the Nrf2/ARE pathway, and inhibition of Nrf2 with ML385 abolished the beneficial effects of HAPLN1. Based on these findings, we conclude that HAPLN1 inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome through the stimulation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, thereby suppressing neuroinflammation, enhancing motor neuronal survival, and improving the recovery of nerve function after SCI.
Isoquinoline‐based intrinsic fluorescence assessment of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent, Roxadustat (FG‐4592), in tablets: applications to content uniformity and human plasma evaluation
Authors: Batakoushy Hany A. , Hafez Hani M. , Soliman Marwa M. , Mohamed Tahany F. , Ahmed Amal B. , El Hamd Mohamed A.
Published: April 2024

In the present study, a first validated and green spectrofluorimetric approach for its assessment and evaluation in different matrices was investigated. After using an excitation wavelength of 345 nm, Roxadustat (ROX) demonstrates a highly native fluorescence at an emission of 410 nm. The influences of experimental factors such as pH, diluting solvents, and different organized media were tested, and the most appropriate solvent choice was ethanol. It was confirmed that there was a linear relationship between the concentration of ROX and the relative fluorescence intensity in the range 60.0–1000.0 ng ml−1,with the limit of detection and limit of quantitation, respectively, being 17.0 and 53.0 ng ml−1. The mean recoveries % [±standard deviation (SD),n = 5] for pharmaceutical preparations were 100.11% ± 2.24%, whereas for plasma samples, they were 100.08 ± 1.08% (±SD,n = 5). The results obtained after the application of four greenness criteria, Analytical Eco‐Scale metric, NEMI, GAPI, and AGREE metric, confirmed its eco‐friendliness. In addition, the whiteness meter (RGB12) confirmed its level of sustainability. The International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) criteria were used to verify the developed method through the study in both spiked plasma samples and content uniformity evaluation. An appropriate standard for various applications in industry and quality control laboratories was developed.
Climate risk and opportunity exposure and firm value: An international investigation
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Luo Le , Tang Qingliang
Published: April 2024

While previous studies mainly focus on the valuation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate risk exposure, climate opportunity exposure is less frequently visited in the current literature. We use an international sample from 23 countries that have participated in the CDP. By categorizing climate risks/opportunities into physical, regulatory and other, the study suggests that investors have an asymmetrical valuation for different categories of risks and opportunities. Specifically, investors value climate regulatory risk and other (market‐based) climate risks negatively, but not similarly for recognized climate opportunities. Finally, our findings confirm industry matters for investors' valuation decisions by altering their perceptions of the significance of climate risks and opportunities.
Forensic neuropsychological assessment
Authors: Marcopulos Bernice A. , Kaufmann Paul , Patel Anisha C.
Published: April 2024

With its firm establishment as a neuropsychology subspecialty, forensic neuropsychological assessment is integral to many criminal and civil forensic evaluations. In addition to evaluating cognitive deficits, forensic neuropsychologists can provide reliable information regarding symptom magnification, malingering, and other neurocognitive and psychological issues that may impact the outcome of a particular legal case. This article is an overview and introduction to neuropsychological assessment in the forensic mental health context. Major issues impacting the current practice of forensic neuropsychology are summarized, and several examples from case law are highlighted.
Outcomes after fertility‐sparing surgery of early‐stage ovarian cancer: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Lee Chia‐Yi , Chiang Chun‐Ju , Tai Yi‐Jou , Hsu Heng‐Cheng , Chen Yu‐Li , Chiang Ying‐Cheng , Wu Chia‐Ying , Lee Wen‐Chung , Hwa Hsiao‐Lin , Cheng Wen‐Fang
Published: April 2024

Background

Fertility‐sparing surgery (FSS) is an alternative choice of young patients who have not completed their family planning and still have fertility needs. The aims of this study were to compare the outcomes of early‐stage epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients undergoing FSS and radical comprehensive staging surgery (RCS), and the suitability of FSS.

Methods

A total of 1297 patients aged between 20 and 44 years with newly diagnosed early‐stage EOC were recruited from the Taiwan Cancer Registry database between 2009 and 2017. Site‐specific surgery codes were used to distinguish patients in FSS group or RCS group. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier method with log‐rank test and Cox regression model.

Results

There were 401 and 896 patients in FSS and RCS group. Patients in FSS group were with younger age and mostly had Stage I disease. In contrast, patients in RCS group were older. There were more Stage II, high‐grade (Grade 3) disease, and adjuvant chemotherapy in RCS group. Stage and tumor grade were two independent factors correlating with CSS and the type of surgery showed no effect on CSS (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.66–1.77, p = 0.73) in multivariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, the clear cell carcinoma group who underwent FSS demonstrated better CSS compared to those in the RCS group (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.06–0.82, p = 0.04). A total of 17 women who underwent FSS developed second malignancies of the uterine corpus or contralateral ovary.

Conclusion

FSS can be a safe alternative procedure in selected young patients of Stage I EOC who have fertility desire. Endometrial biopsy before or during FSS and regular surveillance to detect recurrence are mandatory for ovarian cancer patients undergoing FSS.
Design, Synthesis, Docking Studies and Molecular Dynamics Simulation of New 1,3,5‐Triazine Derivatives as Anticancer Agents Selectively Targeting Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (Capan‐1)
Authors: Asghar Shazia , Hameed Shahid , Al‐Masoudi Najim A , Saeed Bahjat , Shtaiwi Amneh
Published: April 2024

On the basis of remarkable anticancer profile of s‐triazine nucleus, a new series of 2‐methoxy‐4‐(3‐morpholino‐5‐(arylamino)phenoxy)benzaldehyde derivatives 11 a–u was prepared and evaluated for in vitro antiproliferative activity against eight diverse human cancer cell lines (Capan‐1, HCT‐116, LN229, NCI‐H460, DND‐41, HL‐60, K562 and Z138). Compounds 11 o, 11 r and 11 s were the most potent anticancer agents on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Capan‐1) cell line with IC50 value of 1.4, 5.1 and 5.3 μM, respectively, while compounds 11 f, 11 g, 11 k, 11 l and 11 n displayed selective activity against the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Capan‐1) cell line with IC50 values of 7.3–11.5 μM. These results indicate that derivative 11 o may serve as a promising lead compound for the ongoing development of novel antiproliferative agents. The docking studies were conducted to predict the interactions of derivative 11 o with putative protein targets in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (Capan‐1) cell line, specifically the prenyl‐binding protein PDEδ. Furthermore, the analysis of the molecular dynamics simulation results demonstrated that complex 11 o promoted a higher stability to the prenyl‐binding protein PDEδ.
Protective Effects of Tunisian Orange Co‐Product Extract and Oleuropein‐Hesperidin Combination on Bleomycin‐Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Mariem Ben Abdallah , Sana Bahri , Afef Nahdi , Mona Mlika , Linda Hadjkacem , Saloua Jameleddine , Nourhene Boudhrioua
Published: April 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial pneumonia that leads to acute lung damage, deterioration of lung function, and increased mortality risk. In this study, we investigated the effects of the orange coproduct extract (OCE) and the combination of pure hesperidin and oleuropein (HO) on an experimental model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin (BLM) in Wistar rats. Rats were divided into six groups: the control group (G1), the BLM group (G2), three groups (G3, G4, G5) receiving a single dose of BLM combined with OCE extract at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, and group 6 (G6) receiving a single dose of BLM combined with HO: both pure major phenolic compounds of OCE (hesperidin at 50 mg/kg) and olive leaves (oleuropein at 2.5 mg/kg). Oxidative stress in lung tissues was investigated using catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) assays and the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. Treatment with OCE and HO normalized the disturbance in oxidative markers′ levels and showed a significant reduction in fibrosis score with no renal or hepatic toxic effects. In conclusion, OCE and HO exhibit antifibrotic effects on a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis.
A novel method for enrichment of Morganella morganii in fecal samples using designed culture medium
Authors: Jalandra Rekha , Dalal Nishu , Mohan Anand , Solanki Pratima Rathi , Kumar Anil
Published: April 2024

Morganella morganii is a gram negative, facultative anaerobic rod‐shaped bacterium, commonly found in environment and in the intestine of human, mammals, and reptiles as a part of their gut microbiome. M. morganii can cause Gram‐negative folliculitis, black nail infection, acute retiform purpura, fetal demise, and subdural empyema. The increasing frequency of M. morganii infections generate the need for efficient methods to enrich the presence of M. morganii in clinical samples to make its detection easier. Culturomics aims to grow and maximize the number of culturable bacteria. Different methods are followed to maximize the growth of minority population of bacteria by disrupting the growth of bacteria which are present in higher concentration. This article presents a method for selective enriching the M. morganii in human fecal samples. This method includes prior incubation of fecal microbiota in an anaerobic environment, adding supplement like fecal water to give dormant bacteria a break to become active to grow to threshold concentration, and an enrichment stage which provides the additional opportunity of growing to M. morganii on the selective medium. This method also provides an ingenuous way for augmenting the growth of fecal M. morganii species.
Microkinetic Model as a Crucial Tool for Understanding Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Rama Raquel J. , Nova Ainara , Nicasio M. Carmen
Published: April 2024

Microkinetic modeling is a computational tool that allows simulating the evolution of the concentration of catalytically relevant species with time, providing a description of the catalytic system closer to the experimental. Microkinetic models have been mainly applied in organometallic catalysis as a means for validating mechanistic proposals by comparing experimental and computed rates and concentrations at a given time. However, this tool becomes very useful when studying complicated reaction mechanisms, aiding in identifying the catalyst resting state, optimizing reaction conditions, or improving the catalyst design. In this Concept, we focus on these applications of microkinetic modeling through the discussion of some selected examples. In addition, we also point out some of the challenges and limitations we may face when building microkinetic models, which may explain why they are still underused.
Elucidating the Binding Mode of Sulfur‐ and Selenium‐Based Cationic Chalcogen‐Bond Donors
Authors: Akbaba Sercan , Steinke Tim , Vogel Lukas , Engelage Elric , Erdelyi Mate , Huber Stefan M.
Published: April 2024

For a comparison of the interaction modes of various chalcogen‐bond donors, 2‐chalcogeno‐imidazolium salts have been designed, synthesized, and studied by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, solution NMR and DFT as well as for their ability to act as activators in an SN1‐type substitution reaction. Their interaction modes in solution were elucidated based on NMR diffusion and chemical shift perturbation experiments, which were supported by DFT‐calculations. Our finding is that going from lighter to the heavier chalcogens, hydrogen bonding plays a less, while chalcogen bonding an increasingly important role for the coordination of anions. Anion‐π interactions also show importance, especially for the sulfur and selenium derivatives.
Unidentical Twins: Geometrically Similar but Chemically Distinct Metal‐Free Sites in Boron Oxide for Methane Oxidation to HCHO, CO and CO2
Authors: Rawal Parveen , Gupta Puneet
Published: April 2024

Metal‐free boron‐based catalysts such as boron oxide (B2O3) and boron nitride (h‐BN) are promising catalysts for methane oxidation to HCHO and CO. The B2O3 catalyst contains various probable boron sites (B1 to B6), which may be responsible for methane oxidation. In this work, we utilized density functional theory to compare two relevant geometrically identical boron sites (B2 and B4) for their reactivities. The two sites are explored in‐detail for the conversion of methane to formaldehyde (M2F), carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The B4 site activates the methane C−H bond easily as compared to the B2 site. In M2F conversion, the rate‐determining step for the B2 site is the co‐activation of dioxygen and methane, whereas over the B4 site, formaldehyde formation is the rate‐determining step. The computationally‐determined RDS for the B4 site coincides well with the reported experiments. It is further revealed that this site also prefers the formation of CO over CO2, which is in‐line with the experiments in literature. It is also shown through orbital analysis that methanol formation does not occur during methane oxidation. We employed descriptors such as condensed Fukui functions and global electrophilicity index to chemically distinct these twin sites.
How to Measure the Greenness of Chemicals? A Case Study on Butadiene Production Applying Green Metrics and Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Maga Daniel , Röttgen Janek , Blömer Jan , Wu Zhengxuan , Greuel Marc , Hiebel Markus , Zeidler‐Fandrich Barbara , Eilebrecht Sebastian
Published: April 2024

The greenness of naphtha‐ and bioethanol‐based butadiene was compared using green metrics (GM) and life cycle assessment (LCA). GM provide predominantly qualitative results, showing advantages for bioethanol‐based butadiene. LCA indicates benefits of bioethanol‐based butadiene in terms of global warming and fossil resource consumption, but drawbacks in acidification, eutrophication, radiation, land use, ozone depletion, particulate matter, ozone formation, metal depletion, and freshwater consumption. When comparing both assessment approaches used, LCA offers a more comprehensive environmental assessment while GM is limited to a smaller section of the value chain but address additional aspects such as safety of chemicals.