bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoinduced Asymmetric Alkene Aminohetarylation with Chiral Sulfoximine Reagents
Authors: Cao Zhu , Sun Yuqian , Chen Yasu , Zhu Chen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGiven the pivotal role of β‐(het)arylethylamine moiety in bioactive molecules, the direct amino(het)arylation of alkenes occupies a privileged position in the construction of (het)arylethylamine derivatives. Herein we devise chiral sulfoximines as novel bifunctional reagents which exhibit remarkable efficiency in the challenging asymmetric alkene aminohetarylation reaction, particularly in terms of reactivity and stereo‐control. The chiral reagents can be conveniently accessed in gram scale, and efficiently generate N‐centered radicals under mild photochemical conditions. The transformation proceeds through enantioselective 1,4‐hetaryl migration, ensuring precise chirality transfer from sulfur‐ to carbon‐centers, rendering wide applicability to both aromatic and aliphatic alkenes. Furthermore, the method is straightforward to operate and does not require transition metals or photosensitizers, making it an attractive and practical option.
Long‐Term and Continuous Plasmonic Oligonucleotide Monitoring Enabled by Regeneration Approach
Authors: Saateh Abtin , Ansaryan Saeid , Gao Jiarui , de Miranda Livio Oliveira , Zijlstra Peter , Altug Hatice 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe demand for continuous monitoring of biochemical markers for diagnostic purposes is increasing as it overcomes the limitations of traditional intermittent measurements. This study introduces a method for long‐term, continuous plasmonic biosensing of oligonucleotides with high temporal resolution. Our method is based on a regeneration‐based reversibility approach that ensures rapid reversibility in less than 1 minute, allowing the sensor to fully reset after each measurement. We investigated label‐free and AuNP enhancements for different dynamic ranges and sensitivities, achieving a limit of detection down to pM levels. We developed a regeneration‐based reversibility approach for continuous biosensing, optimizing buffer conditions using the Taguchi method to achieve rapid, consistent reversibility, ensuring reliable performance for long‐term monitoring. We detected oligonucleotides in buffered and complex solutions, including undiluted and unfiltered human serum, for up to 100 sampling cycles in a day. Moreover, we showed the long‐term stability of the sensor for monitoring capabilities in buffered solutions and human serum, with minimal signal value drift and excellent sensor reversibility for up to 9 days. Our method opens the door to new prospects in continuous biosensing by providing insights beyond intermittent measurements for numerous analytical and diagnostic applications.
25.71 %‐Efficiency FACsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells Enabled by A Thiourea‐based Isomer
Authors: Li Yong , Duan Yuwei , Feng Jiangshan , Sun Yiqiao , Wang Ke , Li Hongxiang , Wang Huaxin , Zang Zhigang , Zhou Hui , Xu Dongfang , Wu Meizi , Li Yongzhe , Xie Zhuang , Liu Zexia , Huang Jingyu , Yao Yao , Peng Qiang , Fan Qunping , Yuan Ningyi , Ding Jianning , Liu Shengzhong , Liu Zhike 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVarious isomers have been developed to regulate the morphology and reduce defects in state‐of‐the‐art perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To insight the structure‐function‐effect correlations for the isomerization of thiourea derivatives on the performance of the PSCs, we developed two thiourea derivatives [(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)amino]thiourea (AT) and N‐(3,5‐dichlorophenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide (HB). Supported by experimental and calculated results, it was found that AT can bind with undercoordinated Pb2+ defect through synergistic interaction between N1 and C=S group with a defect formation energy of 1.818 eV, which is much higher than that from the synergistic interaction between two −NH− groups in HB and perovskite (1.015 eV). Moreover, the stronger interaction between AT and Pb2+ regulates the crystallization process of perovskite film to obtain a high‐quality perovskite film with high crystallinity, large grain size, and low defect density. Consequently, the AT‐treated FACsPbI3 device engenders an efficiency of 25.71 % (certified as 24.66 %), which is greatly higher than control (23.74 %) and HB‐treated FACsPbI3 devices (25.05 %). The resultant device exhibits a remarkable stability for maintaining 91.0 % and 95.2 % of its initial efficiency after aging 2000 h in air condition or tracking at maximum power point for 1000 h, respectively.
Rewritable Surface‐Grafted Polymer Brushes with Dynamic Covalent Linkages
Authors: Cui Feichen , Zhang Yipeng , Sui Yang , Chen Hongwen , Helms Brett A. , Yan Jiajun 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSurface grafting of polymer brushes drastically modifies surface properties, including wettability, compatibility, responsiveness, etc. A broad variety of functionalities can be introduced to the surface via different types of polymers. Bringing together properties of two or more types of polymer brushes to one surface opens up even more possibilities in brush‐modified materials. However, while it is generally feasible to introduce several chemical compositions along the brushes via copolymerization, it is challenging to vary the types of polymer brushes along a surface. Although previous studies have demonstrated binary brushes via orthogonal polymerization techniques or partial deactivation/regrafting, they commonly limit the number of polymer types to two. Here, we propose a strategy to introduce dynamic covalent diketoenamine linkages at the root of polymer brushes. The grafting density could be precisely tuned during surface functionalization. The surface‐anchored polymer brushes were cleaved by the addition of small molecule amines. New polymer brushes can be regrafted from the surface following refunctionalization of exposed sites. The maneuverability allows tuning of the types and densities of the polymer brushes, pointing the way to the preparation of a new generation of well‐defined brush‐modified materials with mixed grafts, with potential applications in the design of smart materials and surfaces.
Sulfate Derivatives with Heteroleptic Tetrahedra: New Deep‐Ultraviolet Birefringent Materials in which Weak Interactions Modulate Functional Module Ordering
Authors: Zhou Huan , Cheng Meng , Chu Dongdong , Liu Xu , An Ran , Pan Shilie , Yang Zhihua 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDeep‐ultraviolet (UV) birefringent materials are urgently needed to facilitate light polarization in deep‐UV lithography. Maximizing anisotropy by regulating the alignment of functional modules is essential for improving the linear optical performance of birefringent materials. In this work, we proposed a strategy to design deep‐UV birefringent materials that achieve functional module ordering via weak interactions. Following this strategy, four compounds CN4H7SO3CF3, CN4H7SO3CH3, C(NH2)3SO3CH3, and C(NH2)3SO3CF3 were identified as high‐performance candidates for deep‐UV birefringent materials. The millimeter‐sized crystals of CN4H7SO3CF3, CN4H7SO3CH3, and C(NH2)3SO3CH3 were grown, and the transmittance spectra show that their cutoff edges are below 200 nm. CN4H7SO3CF3 exhibits the largest birefringence (0.149 @ 546 nm, 0.395 @ 200 nm) in the deep‐UV region among reported sulfates and sulfate derivatives. It reveals that the hydrogen bond can modulate the module ordering of the heteroleptic tetrahedra and planar π‐conjugated cations, thus greatly enhancing the birefringence. Our study not only discovers new deep‐UV birefringent materials but also provides an upgraded strategy for optimizing optical anisotropy to achieve efficient birefringence.
Homogeneous Catalysts for Hydrogenative PHIP Used in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Huynh Mai T. , Kovacs Zoltan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAt present, two competing hyperpolarization (HP) techniques, dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and parahydrogen (para‐H2) induced polarization (PHIP), can generate sufficiently high liquid state 13C signal enhancement for in vivo studies. PHIP utilizes the singlet spin state of para‐H2 to create non‐equilibrium spin populations. In hydrogenative PHIP, para‐H2 is irreversibly added to unsaturated precursors, typically in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst. The hydrogenation catalyst plays a crucial role in converting the singlet spin order of para‐H2 into detectable nuclear polarization. Currently, rhodium(I) bisphosphine complexes are the most widely employed catalysts for PHIP, capable of catalyzing the addition of para‐H2 to unsaturated precursors in organic solvents or aqueous media, depending on the ligand. Chiral catalysts enable the stereoselective production of hyperpolarized substrates. Ruthenium(II) piano stool complexes are capable of trans addition and are used to generate hyperpolarized fumarate. However, these catalysts systems are not optimal, and the greatest source of nuclear spin polarization loss is attributed to the mixing of singlet and triplet states of the protons derived from the para‐H2 during the hydrogenation process. Hence, future efforts should focus on enhancing the efficiency and kinetics of these catalysts.
Dendritic, Water‐Soluble, and Nonaggregated Axially Substituted Silicon Phthalocyanine as Potential Endometrial Anticancer Agent
Authors: Keles Turgut , Seyhan Gökçe , Biyiklioglu Zekeriya , Kolci Kübra , Reis Rengin , Barut Burak 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTIn this work, dendritic, water‐soluble, and nonaggregated axially substituted silicon phthalocyanines (EA‐TD‐Si and EA‐TD‐SiQ) were synthesized and characterized. Then, the supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA damage properties of EA‐TD‐Si and EA‐TD‐SiQ were examined using agarose gel electrophoresis without light irradiation. In addition, the cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of EA‐TD‐Si and EA‐TD‐SiQ on human endometrium adenocarcinoma (HEC‐1B) cells were investigated using an MTT assay. The results indicated that EA‐TD‐SiQ had high photodamage properties via singlet oxygen depending on the light dose, while EA‐TD‐Si did not show any DNA damage without light. In addition, EA‐TD‐SiQ had higher phototoxic effects than EA‐TD‐Si on HEC‐1B cells according to the MTT assay. These results revealed the potential of EA‐TD‐SiQ to be used as a PDT agent in endometrial cancer.
Effect of fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of a biodegradable composite made from lyocell‐fiber reinforced polybutylene adipate terephthalate
Authors: Cordin Michael , Bechtold Thomas , Ngo Trinh‐Tung , Pham Tung 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPolymer waste in the environment is a more and more serious problem for nature. Therefore, the industry is increasingly interested in the use of materials that are biodegradable. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) belongs to the group of biodegradable polymers, but this polymer often does not have the desired properties for many uses. Therefore, this polymer is often mixed with other biodegradable polymers to form blends with suitable properties. An alternative is, to change the polymer's properties with the addition of fibers. The aim of the present work is to use lyocell fibers to improve the mechanical properties of PBAT. Lyocell is an eco‐friendly cellulose fiber that is biodegradable. The lyocell fibers were embedded into a PBAT matrix in the form of a woven fabric, with different orientations of the fabric warp yarns to the long axis of composites. Consequently, composites with a warp yarn orientation of 0°, ±22.5°, ±45°, ±67.5°, and 90° were prepared. The mechanical properties were characterized by quasi‐static tensile testing and also by dynamic mechanical analysis. The elastic modulus as a function of warp yarn orientation was modeled with the modified rule‐of‐mixture theory and with the theory of elasticity.
Water and Sewer Price and Affordability Trends in the United States, 2017–2023
Authors: Teodoro Manuel P. , Thiele Ryan 
Published: August 2024

Key TakeawaysBiennial data from 2017 to 2023 show that water and sewer prices increased substantially, from an average combined monthly price of $79.39 in 2017 to $95.02 in 2023 at 6,200 gallons per month for single‐family residential customers.Water rate structures became more regressive during that time, with utilities collecting an increasing share of revenue through fixed charges and less revenue through volumetric charges.Average low‐income affordability in the United States has worsened over the past six years, mainly driven by extreme unaffordability in a small minority of utilities.
Closing US Drinking Water Quality Gaps: The Role of Comprehensive Assessment
Authors: Pierce Gregory , Harrison Grace , Schlichting Lena , Landes Laura 
Published: August 2024

Key TakeawaysCommunity water systems (CWSs) underpin the US water supply network; the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) made historic investments to improve CWS regulatory compliance.Recognizing the need for a nationwide assessment of regulatory compliance to inform BIL funding priorities, two policy organization partners released a “Roadmap” report.The Roadmap projects the needs of such a local system assessment at a national scale and offers solutions; its layered, feasible, and effective recommendations support equitable water access.
Scenario Planning for Water System Emergency Response Strategy
Authors: Knepper Susan 
Published: August 2024

Key TakeawaysWith water mains dating back to the 1920s in Livonia, Mich., the city's water system faces an increasing risk of failures with each passing year.The City of Livonia seized the opportunity to develop an enhanced emergency response plan based on America's Water Infrastructure Act, established in 2018.An engineering consultant developed an interactive emergency response plan dashboard to guide the city through numerous system failure scenarios.
Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr1.75Nb0.25O12 Nanofiber Fillers Reinforced PVDF‐HFP‐Based Bilayer Composite Solid‐State Electrolytes
Authors: Chen Minghua , Liu Wannian , Wu Yixin , Liu Yulong , Wang Yang , Chen Zhen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractComposite solid‐state electrolytes (CSEs) combining the advantages of polymer and ceramic electrolytes, are regarded as highly promising candidates for solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). However, selecting appropriate polymer and ceramic materials, along with an effective combination method, is crucial in determining the performance of CSEs. To address the challenges of lithium dendrite inhibition and compatibility with cathodes simultaneously, herein, we have constructed a bilayer CSE based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP). Al/Nb co‐doped Li6.25Al0.25La3Zr1.75Nb0.25O12 (LALZNO) nanofibers prepared by an electrostatic spinning technique, are incorporated as fillers to create high‐throughput Li+ transport pathways and enhance the overall performance of the CSE. Furthermore, polypropylene carbonate is introduced on the anode side of the CSE to enhance the wettability of lithium metal/CSE interface, thus improving the stability of lithium upon cycling. On the cathode side, succinonitrile is added to inhibit the crystallization of PVDF‐HFP and facilitate the fast Li+ transport. Consequently, the Li||Li cells demonstrate stable plating‐stripping performance at 0.1 mA cm−2 for >520 h. In addition, the Li||LiFePO4 full cells show improved cycling and rate performance. This work validates the effectiveness of developing bilayer CSEs and showcases their potential application in SSLMBs.
Metal‐Organic Framework Materials as Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Rechargeable Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Fangqing , Lu Xiaoyi , Shi Chenglong , Sun Zhipeng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRechargeable Zn‐air batteries offer the advantages of environmental friendliness, safety, low prices and high energy density, and are highly valued. However, the major challenge faced by rechargeable Zn‐air batteries nowadays is the low energy efficiency due to the slow reaction kinetics of electrocatalyst at the air cathode. Bifunctional catalysts are key to the development of Zn‐air batteries by improving their overall performance and long‐term cycling stability. Metal‐organic framework (MOF) materials have shown great benefits as oxygen electrocatalysts in promoting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This paper reviews the recent advances of three kinds of MOF materials as bifunctional catalysts for rechargeable Zn‐air batteries. Additionally, this paper also discusses the synthetic design strategy of MOF composite derivatives, and concludes by suggesting the application of MOF materials in the field of rechargeable Zn‐air batteries.
Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy prior to nephrectomy in advanced renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective pilot study
Authors: Kiyota Sho , Yoshida Takashi , Nakamoto Takahiro , Jino Eri , Mishima Takao , Kinoshita Hidefumi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects 10%–20% of patients annually, often with metastases present. This study evaluated the impact of systemic therapy before nephrectomy in patients with unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Patients receiving upfront immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combination therapy showed significantly improved progression‐free survival (PFS) compared to nephrectomy alone (2‐year PFS: 62.3% vs. 17.4%; p = 0.036), while upfront tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy did not (2‐year PFS: 18.2% vs. 12.3%; p = 0.545). Surgery‐related outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. ICI therapy maintained tumour reduction rates better than TKI therapy. The study highlights the potential benefits of ICI combination therapy over TKI therapy in advanced RCC, suggesting further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Dietary limonene promotes gastrointestinal barrier function via upregulating tight/adherens junction proteins through cannabinoid receptor type‐1 antagonistic mechanism and alters cellular metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Senthil Kumar K. J. , Gokila Vani M. , Dakpa Gyaltsen , Wang Sheng‐Yang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLimonene, a dietary monocyclic monoterpene commonly found in citrus fruits and various aromatic plants, has garnered increasing interest as a gastrointestinal protectant. This study aimed to assess the effects of limonene on intestinal epithelial barrier function and investigate the involvement of cannabinoid receptor type‐1 (CB1R) in vitro. Additionally, the study focused on examining the metabolomic changes induced by limonene in the intestinal epithelial cells (Caco‐2). Initial analysis of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) revealed that both l‐limonene and d‐limonene, isomers of limonene, led to a dose‐ and time‐dependent increase in TEER in normal cells and those inflamed by pro‐inflammatory cytokines mixture (CytoMix). Furthermore, both types of limonene reduced CytoMix‐induced paracellular permeability, as demonstrated by a decrease in Lucifer yellow flux. Moreover, d‐limonene and l‐limonene treatment increased the expression of tight junction molecules (TJs) such as occludin, claudin‐1, and ZO‐1, at both the transcriptional and translational levels. d‐Limonene upregulates E‐cadherin, a molecule involved in adherens junctions (AJs). Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that d‐limonene and l‐limonene treatment significantly inhibited CB1R at the protein, while the mRNA level remained unchanged. Notably, the inhibitory effect of d‐limonene on CB1R was remarkably similar to that of pharmacological CB1R antagonists, such as rimonabant and ORG27569. d‐limonene also alters Caco‐2 cell metabolites. A substantial reduction in β‐glucose and 2‐succinamate was detected, suggesting limonene may impact intestinal epithelial cells' glucose uptake and glutamate metabolism. These findings suggest that d‐limonene's CB1R antagonistic property could effectively aid in the recovery of intestinal barrier damage, marking it a promising gastrointestinal protectant.
Sustainable procurement practices and female entrepreneurs: Insights from a developing country
Authors: Atarah Bede Akorige , Mustapha Abdul‐Razak , Nyaaba Peter , Damoah Obi Berko O. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSustainable procurement has become a very important aspect of business, with a lot of emphasis on the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the society in which firms operate. At the same time, female entrepreneurship has attained a very prominent position in various economies, especially those of developing countries, providing a lot of employment to many and contributing significantly to the growth of those countries. However, the contribution of female entrepreneurs to sustainability through their procurement practices has received minimal research especially in the developing country context, leaving us with little or no knowledge at all regarding the sustainable procurement practices of female entrepreneurs in developing economies. This study fills this knowledge gap by qualitatively investigating the dynamics of the adoption of sustainable procurement practices by female entrepreneurs in Ghana. We found that female entrepreneurs in these contexts adopt environment‐related sustainable procurement practices, diversity‐related sustainable procurement practices, safety‐related sustainable procurement practices, and the sustainable procurement practices of purchasing from local and small suppliers. The adoption and implementation of these practices however are not motivated by female entrepreneurs' quest to be sustainable, but their desire to save cost and make profits. Policy implications are also discussed.
The impact of board composition on ESG performance: Comparing results from symmetrical and asymmetrical approaches
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , Behm Ana Julia Batistella , do Prado Nágela Bianca , Mazzioni Sady 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe research aims to examine the impact of board composition on the ESG performance of Latin American companies. 390 companies located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, between 2016 and 2021, were analyzed. The board size, gender diversity, independence of the members and the duality of the executive director and chairman of the board were used as characteristics of the board of directors. Through symmetrical (panel data regression) and asymmetrical (fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis) approaches, the findings showed that larger, more diverse and more independent boards contribute positively to higher ESG performance. The presence of duality in the position of executive director and chairman of the board of directors was not a relevant driver, both for ESG performance and for its dimensions in isolation. This study has important theoretical, managerial and governmental implications.
MHCI trafficking signal‐based mRNA vaccines strengthening immune protection against RNA viruses
Authors: Zhang Yupei , Zhai Songhui , Qin Shugang , Chen Yuting , Chen Kepan , Huang Zhiying , Lan Xing , Luo Yaoyao , Li Guohong , Li Hao , He Xi , Chen Meiwan , Zhang Zhongwei , Peng Xingchen , Jiang Xin , Huang Hai , Song Xiangrong 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe major histocompatibility complex class I (MHCI) trafficking signal (MITD) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the efficacy of mRNA vaccines. However, there was a lack of research investigating its efficacy in enhancing immune responses to RNA virus infections. Here, we have developed an innovative strategy for the formulation of mRNA vaccines. This approach involved the integration of MITD into the mRNA sequence encoding the virus antigen. Mechanistically, MITD‐based mRNA vaccines can strengthen immune protection by mimicking the dynamic trafficking properties of MHCI molecule and thus expand the memory specific B and T cells. The model MITD‐based mRNA vaccines encoding binding receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of SARS‐CoV‐2 were indeed found to achieve protective duration, optimal storage stability, broad efficacy, and high safety.