bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coordination Microenvironment Regulation in Carbon−Based Atomically Dispersed Metal Catalysts for Clean Energy−Conversion
Authors: Cui Junjie , Yao Zhenjie , Zhu Boyuan , Tang Jiahao , Sun Jingwen , Xiong Pan , Fu Yongsheng , Zhang Wenyao , Zhu Junwu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEmerging atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADCs), especially carbon−based ADCs have arguably received enormous attention in diverse electrochemical energy conversion processes. Such catalysts have well−defined active centers, and their geometric and electronic structures depend greatly on their coordination microenvironments, which, in turn, govern the performances in the realm of electrocatalysis. In this review, it is focused on the state−of−the−art synthesis strategies for carbon−based ADCs, with particular emphasis on their microenvironment modulations. The advances in characterizing the microenvironment alongside understanding the synthetic pathway are outlined, and exemplified in electrochemical applications, including electrocatalytic H2 evolution, O2 evolution/reduction, CO2 reduction, and Li polysulfides conversion reactions. Rather than focusing on the catalysis metrics, this review delved deeply into the underly science and the associated reaction mechanisms of these catalysts in diverse electrochemical systems. The fundamental impacts of the microenvironments of the catalysts on electrocatalytic activities, selectivities, and stabilities are discussed. In the end, it is concluded by highlighting the current issues of the microenvironment engineering of these carbon−based ADCs and propose the prospects for future opportunities and challenges.
A Spherical Superhydrophobic Activated Carbon Catalyst for Biodiesel Production ‐Exploring Process Efficiency, Kinetics, Thermodynamics and Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Authors: Das Arpita , Guchhait Chandrakanta , Adhikari Bimalendu , Saikia Kankana , Shi Da , Li Hu , Rokhum Samuel Lalthazuala 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEngineering the wettability of functional materials holds significant interest, focusing on the need for superhydrophobic catalysts, crucial for their ability to prevent the poisoning of active sites by water, produced in situ or as a by‐product. Herein, for the first time, a superhydrophobic spherical activated carbon (SSAC@PhSO3H) is engineered as a catalyst via a novel synthetic approach and tailored in Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) biodiesel synthesis. With a large surface area (1461 m2 g−1), high acid density (6.26 mmol g−1), and water contact angle (163.4°), the catalyst demonstrates superior performance and remarkable water repellency, firmly establishing its superhydrophobic characteristics. Response Surface Methodology based on the Central Composite Design (RSM‐CCD) approach predicted a maximal biodiesel yield of 98.8% (80 °C, 5 wt%, 15:1 methanol to oil molar ratio (MOMR), and 40 min). Life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) estimates biodiesel production cost of 0.37 USD ($) per kg emphasizing high commercial viability. Compared with H2SO4‐sulfonated biochar, SSAC@PhSO3H retains its inherent activity (86.8 ± 0.4% yield in 10th run) and spherical morphology even after nine successive reaction cycles indicating high stability. Nevertheless, JCO biodiesel's fuel properties met European Norm, EN 14 212 and American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM D6757 standards, highlighting its potential for industrial biodiesel production.
Polarized Photodetectors Based on 2D 2H‐MoTe2/1T'‐MoTe2/MoSe2 Van Der Waals Heterojunction
Authors: Pan Yuting , Zhu Lianqing , Lu Lidan , Ou Jianzhen , Zhou Jianhong , An Chunhua , Dong Mingli 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe van der Waals heterojunction based on transition metal dichalcogenides has broad research value and application prospects as the basic material for advanced near‐infrared polarized photodetectors. a type II heterojunction based on the 2H‐MoTe2/1T′‐MoTe2/MoSe2 structure is reported for photovoltaic photodetectors. Notably, this device generates a self‐powered photocurrent, eliminating the need for an external bias or gate voltage. This device has the ability to detect polarized light, and its photocurrent anisotropy ratio is 55. The device performance is significantly amplified due to the proficient facilitation of electron‐hole separation through the type II band structure of MoSe2 at the bottom and 2H‐MoTe2 at the top, as well as enhanced exciton splitting by 1T′‐MoTe2 situated in the middle. Consequently, the device demonstrates exceptional proficiency, presenting a noteworthy response rate of 0.76 A W−1, a high detection rate of 3 × 109 Jones, an elevated EQE of 71%, and rapid rising and falling response speeds of 13 ms/10 ms respectively. Moreover, the device's anisotropy ratio of photocurrent highlights its sensitivity to polarized light, making it a promising candidate for applications in polarized photodetection. Overall, this innovative heterostructure opens new avenues for exploring and developing advanced optoelectronic devices based on 2D van der Waals materials.
Nano‐Titanium Oxide‐Coated Carbon Nanotubes for Photothermal Therapy in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xie Jun , Li Da , Niu Sen , Sheng Yufan , Shen Renhui , He Yiding , Xu Chenhao , Zhang Ye , Wang Tong , Xue Yuzheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) display good potential in tumor photothermal therapy (PTT). In this study, it is aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of nano‐titanium oxide‐coated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) against colorectal cancer (CRC). First, TiO2 nanosheets are modified on the surface of MCNTs to obtain nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs. Next, cell compatibility validation is conducted on nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs, and it is found that nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs are safe within a certain concentration range (0–200 µg mL⁻1). Interestingly, nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs display a good killing effect in CRC cells under near‐infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Subsequently, nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs markedly promote the proapoptotic effects of NIR laser irradiation and significantly inhibit the expression of cell cycle proteins CCNA1 and CCND1 in CRC cells under NIR laser irradiation, which indicates that nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs exert anti‐CRC effects under NIR laser irradiation by regulating cell apoptosis and cell cycle. Furthermore, nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs accelerate inhibitory effects on the AKT signaling pathway under NIR laser irradiation. Finally, a cell line‐derived xenograft model is established, and the results showed that nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs significantly exhibit superior tumor‐killing ability under NIR laser irradiation in vivo. Collectively, these results demonstrate that nano‐TiO2‐coated MCNTs with NIR laser irradiation may serve as an effective strategy for the treatment of CRC.
Nitric Oxide‐Activated Bioorthogonal Codelivery Nanoassembly for In Situ Synthesis of Photothermal Agent for Precise and Safe Anticancer Treatment
Authors: Li Bowen , Tian Jianwu , Wu Chongzhi , Li Zhiyao , Qiao Li , Xie Zongliang , Song Bo , Shan Yi , Chen Siqin , Tang Yufu , Ping Yuan , Liu Bin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe development of bioorthogonal activation in drug release represents a promising avenue for precise and safe anticancer treatment. However, two significant limitations currently hinder their clinical application: i) the necessity for separate administration of the drug precursor and its corresponding activator, leading to poor drug accumulation and potential side effects; ii) the reliance on exogenous metal or organic activators for triggering bioorthogonal activation, which often exhibit low efficiency and systemic toxicity when extending to living animals. To overcome these limitations, a nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated bioorthogonal codelivery nanoassembly, termed TTB‐NH2@PArg, which comprises a precursor molecular (TTB‐NH2) and amphipathic polyarginine (PArg) is developed. In TTB‐NH2@PArg, PArg serves as both self‐assembled nanocarrier for TTB‐NH2 and a NO generator. In tumor microenvironment (TME), the TME‐specific generation of NO acts as a gas activator, triggering in situ bioorthogonal bond formation that transforms TTB‐NH2 into TTB‐AZO. This tumor‐specific generation of TTB‐AZO not only serves as a potential photothermal agent for effective tumor inhibition but also induces fluorescence change that enables real‐time monitoring of bioorthogonal activation. This study presents a drug codelivery approach that enables precise and safe control of bioorthogonal activation for anticancer treatment, improving cancer therapy efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Self‐Powered Graphene/Black‐Ge Photodetectors Enhanced by Simultaneous Nanotexturing and Self‐Passivation
Authors: Park HyunJung , Mariyappan Thambidurai , Nguyen Hung Dinh , Rusli  , Dang Cuong , Kim Munho 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBlack germanium (Ge) exhibits exceptional light absorption, holding significant promise for optoelectronic applications. However, achieving self‐powered photodetection performance in black Ge is challenging due to its high surface recombination rate. Herein, this challenge is addressed by demonstrating self‐powered Graphene (Gr)/black‐Ge Schottky photodiodes, achieved through simultaneous nanotexturing and high‐quality self‐passivation. This approach involves utilizing reactive ion etching with Cl2 and BCl3 to achieve Cl‐passivated black Ge. Optical analysis reveals excellent optical characteristics in both Cl2‐treated and BCl3‐treated samples, including a high aspect ratio of 1.9 and a low reflectance of 1.5%. Notably, the Cl2‐treated black Ge exhibits a higher carrier lifetime of 20.4 µs compared to the 11.7 µs lifetime of the BCl3‐treated black Ge, attributed to the self‐passivation induced by Cl2 plasma, effectively mitigating defects. Surface composition analysis further confirms the substantial role of Cl in passivation. Significantly, these improved properties translate into notable advancements in device performance, including an enhancement in responsivity from 21 to 276 mA W−1 when compared to planar Gr/Ge devices. These findings underscore the potential of Cl2 RIE for developing high‐performance Ge‐based optoelectronic devices.
A Simple Risk Assesment Method for Continental Waters, Based on Screening Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Authors: Voznakova Alena , Marín Zenydia , Santaballa Juan Arturo , Canle Moisés 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWith the aim to build a simple alert system that may be of extended use, a screening for contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) is carried out in the Mero‐Barcés hydrographic watershed, in Cecebre, A Coruña, NW Spain, which feeds the reservoir that supplies drinking water to ≈400 000 inhabitants in the area. Water samples are collected for five years (2015–2019) at six different sampling points, to assess the presence and potential risk of CECs, including some widely used drugs: clofibric acid, paracetamol carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ofloxacin, ketoprofen, and sotalol; an alkaloid: caffeine; synthetic flavourings: galaxolide and tonalide; and a plasticiser: bisphenol A. The most abundant CECs occurring are ibuprofen (>2µg L−1), diclofenac, caffeine, and galaxolide. Samples of treated drinking water show a certain degree of CECs abatement. The presence of nonpolar substances, banned in the EU nowadays, is confirmed. A snapshot of sediments is sampled in 2018–2019, and PAHs and PCBs are quantified, the former being mainly of pyrogenic origin. Based on known properties of quantifiable substances, a traffic‐light system is developed for risk assessment of the state of continental waters, a strategy that may be useful for decission‐makers to implement environmental remediation policies
Urine Liquid Biopsies via Highly Integrated Digital PCR System for Accurate Detection of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yue , Xu Ming , Wu Zhihong , Yang Fan , Zhang Lu , Liu Yiquan , Lv Jiahao , Xiang Shuyue , Fan Beiyuan , Zhao Zijian , Li Yanzhao , Yu Yang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent urological tumor with high recurrence rates, requiring long‐term monitoring. Although cystoscopy is the primary diagnostic method, its invasiveness and cost hinder routine screening and follow‐up. This study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic tool utilizing newly developed on‐chip heating dPCR platform, which features integrated and rapid temperature control capabilities, for non‐invasive BC detection. The dPCR platform is improved by integrating a multi‐color detection system, enabling precise quantification of mutant allelic fraction (MAF) of TERT promoter mutations with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.29%. Diagnostic performance is enhanced by integrating the NRN1 methylation biomarker and employing machine learning to optimize biomarker weighting. Testing the model on urine samples from controls (n = 35) and BC patients (n = 41) yielded a sensitivity of 0.92, specificity of 0.94, and an AUC of 0.98, surpassing conventional cytology in sensitivity while maintaining comparable specificity. Furthermore, the model effectively differentiated between normal controls and different stages, achieving accuracies of 0.92, 0.71, and 0.79 for NC, stage I, and stage II+ respectively. These findings suggest the proposed dPCR assays could serve as a sensitive and non‐invasive approach for BC detection in clinical practice.
A Novel AMPK Inhibitor Sensitizes Pancreatic Cancer Cells to Ferroptosis Induction
Authors: Schneider Carolin , Hilbert Jorina , Genevaux Franziska , Höfer Stefanie , Krauß Lukas , Schicktanz Felix , Contreras Constanza Tapia , Jansari Shaishavi , Papargyriou Aristeidis , Richter Thorsten , Alfayomy Abdallah M. , Falcomatà Chiara , Schneeweis Christian , Orben Felix , Öllinger Ruppert , Wegwitz Florian , Boshnakovska Angela , Rehling Peter , Müller Denise , Ströbel Philipp , Ellenrieder Volker , Conradi Lena , Hessmann Elisabeth , Ghadimi Michael , Grade Marian , Wirth Matthias , Steiger Katja , Rad Roland , Kuster Bernhard , Sippl Wolfgang , Reichert Maximilian , Saur Dieter , Schneider Günter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCancer cells must develop strategies to adapt to the dynamically changing stresses caused by intrinsic or extrinsic processes, or therapeutic agents. Metabolic adaptability is crucial to mitigate such challenges. Considering metabolism as a central node of adaptability, it is focused on an energy sensor, the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). In a subtype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) elevated AMPK expression and phosphorylation is identified. Using drug repurposing that combined screening experiments and chemoproteomic affinity profiling, it is identified and characterized PF‐3758309, initially developed as an inhibitor of PAK4, as an AMPK inhibitor. PF‐3758309 shows activity in pre‐clinical PDAC models, including primary patient‐derived organoids. Genetic loss‐of‐function experiments showed that AMPK limits the induction of ferroptosis, and consequently, PF‐3758309 treatment restores the sensitivity toward ferroptosis inducers. The work established a chemical scaffold for the development of specific AMPK‐targeting compounds and deciphered the framework for the development of AMPK inhibitor‐based combination therapies tailored for PDAC.
β‐Galactosidase‐Triggered Photodynamic Elimination of Senescent Cells with a Boron Dipyrromethene‐Based Photosensitizer
Authors: Chu Jacky C. H. , Escriche‐Navarro Blanca , Xiong Junlong , García‐Fernández Alba , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Ng Dennis K. P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSenescence is a cellular response having physiological and reparative functions to preserve tissue homeostasis and suppress tumor growth. However, the accumulation of senescent cells would cause deleterious effects that lead to age‐related dysfunctions and cancer progression. Hence, selective detection and elimination of senescent cells are crucial yet remain a challenge. A β‐galactosidase (β‐gal)‐activated boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐based photosensitizer (compound 1) is reported here that can selectively detect and eradicate senescent cells. It contains a galactose moiety connected to a pyridinium BODIPY via a self‐immolative nitrophenylene linker, of which the photoactivity is effectively quenched. Upon interactions with the senescence‐associated β‐gal, it undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis followed by self‐immolation, leading to the release of an activated BODIPY moiety by which the fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation are restored. The ability of 1 to detect and eliminate senescent cells is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, using SK‐Mel‐103 tumor‐bearing mice treated with senescence‐inducing therapy. The results demonstrate that 1 can be selectively activated in senescent cells to trigger a robust senolytic effect upon irradiation. This study breaks new ground in the design and application of new senolytic agents based on photodynamic therapy.
Synergistic Copper‐Aminocatalysis for Direct Tertiary α‐Alkylation of Ketones with Electron‐Deficient Alkanes
Authors: Shan Qi‐Chao , Wu You‐Wei , Chen Mu‐Xiang , Zhao Xuefei , Loh Teck‐Peng , Hu Xu‐Hong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this study, a novel approach for the tertiary α‐alkylation of ketones using alkanes with electron‐deficient C─H bonds is presented, employing a synergistic catalytic system combining inexpensive copper salts with aminocatalysis. This methodology addresses the limitations of traditional alkylation methods, such as the need for strong metallic bases, regioselectivity issues, and the risk of over alkylation, by providing a high reactivity and chemoselectivity without the necessity for pre‐functionalized substrates. The dual catalytic strategy enables the direct functionalization of C(sp3)─H bonds, demonstrating remarkable selectivity in the presence of conventional C(sp3)─H bonds that are adjacent to heteroatoms or π systems, which are typically susceptible to single‐electron transfer processes. The findings contribute to the advancement of alkylation techniques, offering a practical and efficient route for the construction of C(sp3)─C(sp3) bonds, and paving the way for further developments in the synthesis of complex organic molecules.
Negative Differential Resistance in Single‐Molecule Junctions Based on Heteroepitaxial Spherical Au/Pt Nanogap Electrodes
Authors: Yin Dongbao , Furushima Miku , Tsuchihata Eiji , Izawa Seiichiro , Ono Tomoya , Shintani Ryo , Majima Yutaka 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSingle‐molecule junctions exploit the internal structure of molecular orbitals to construct a new class of functional quantum devices. The demonstration of negative differential resistance (NDR) in single‐molecule junctions is direct evidence of quantum mechanical tunneling through a molecular orbital. Here, a pronounced NDR effect is reported with a peak‐to‐valley ratio of 30.1 on a single‐molecule junction of π‐conjugated quinoidal‐fused oligosilole derivatives, Si2 × 2, embedded between the unique electroless gold‐plated heteroepitaxial spherical Au/Pt nanogap electrodes. This NDR feature persists in a consecutive endurance test of 180 current traces. the thermally stable NDR effects in the Si2 × 2 single‐molecule junctions between 9 and 300 K are demonstrated. The density functional theory calculations under electric fields indicate that the NDR effect can be ascribed to the bias‐dependent resonant tunneling transport via the polarized HOMO, which has asymmetrically changed electrode coupling with increased bias voltages. The results confirm a promising electrical platform for constructing functional quantum devices at the single‐molecule level.
Carrier Separation Boosts Thermoelectric Performance of Flexible n‐Type Ag2Se‐Based Films
Authors: Hu Qin‐Xue , Liu Wei‐Di , Zhang Li , Gao Han , Wang De‐Zhuang , Wu Ting , Shi Xiao‐Lei , Li Meng , Liu Qing‐Feng , Yang Yan‐Ling , Chen Zhi‐Gang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOwing to promising room‐temperature thermoelectric properties, n‐type Ag2Se has been considered as an alternative for Bi2Te3. Herein, a carrier separation strategy is realized by compositing an insulating electron donor, polyethyleneimine (PEI), with the n‐type Ag2Se. Inhomogeneous distribution of PEI can attract the minority carriers (holes) in the n‐type Ag2Se matrix, while the separated minority carriers can avoid significant scattering of the main carriers based on coulomb repulsion, leading to record‐high carrier mobility of 1551.99 cm2 V−1 s−1 and an improved S2σ of 22.39 µW m−1 K−2 at 300 K for 6 mol% PEI/Ag2Se composite film. Moreover, with PEI acting as a binder, the resistance of 6 mol% PEI/Ag2Se composite film only increases by 6.5% after bending 1000 cycles at the radius of 6 mm, showing high stability. The assembled flexible device based on 6 mol% PEI/Ag2Se composite films exhibits an excellent power density of 73.93 W m−2 at a temperature difference of 50 K, showing potential applications in powering generation for wearable electronics.
Roxadustat versus placebo for patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome: MATTERHORN phase 3, double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mittelman Moshe , Henry David H. , Glaspy John A. , Tombak Anil , Harrup Rosemary , Kim Inho , Mądry Krzysztof , Grabowska Barbara , Lee Tyson , Modelska Katharina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS), response to first‐line therapy is limited and transient. The MATTERHORN randomized, double‐blind, phase 3 trial evaluated roxadustat versus placebo for patients with transfusion‐dependent, lower‐risk MDS. Eligible patients had very low‐, low‐, or intermediate‐risk MDS with or without prior erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent treatment, and a transfusion burden of 1–4 packed red blood cell (pRBC) units every 8 weeks (Q8W). Patients were randomized (3:2) to oral roxadustat (2.5 mg/kg) or placebo, both three times weekly, with best supportive care. Primary efficacy endpoint was transfusion independence (TI) for ≥56 days within 28 weeks (TI responders). MATTERHORN was terminated due to interim analysis outcomes not meeting statistical significance. In total, 272 patients were screened, and 140 patients were enrolled (82, roxadustat, and 58, placebo). At final analysis, 38/80 (47.5%) patients and 19/57 (33.3%) in the roxadustat and placebo arms, respectively, were TI responders (p = .217). A greater percentage of patients in the roxadustat arm with a transfusion burden of ≥2 pRBC units Q4W were TI responders (36.1%; 13/36) compared with the placebo arm (11.5%; 3/26; p‐nominal = .047). The seven on‐study deaths (4, roxadustat, and 3, placebo) were considered unrelated to treatment. Three roxadustat patients progressed to acute myeloid leukemia. Despite MATTERHORN not meeting its primary endpoint, a numerically higher TI rate was achieved with roxadustat treatment compared with placebo. Further analyses are needed to confirm the MDS patient subgroups deriving clinical benefit from this novel treatment.