bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Branched Copolymer Surfactants as Versatile Templates for Responsive Emulsifiers with Bespoke Temperature‐Triggered Emulsion‐Breaking or Gelation
Authors: Rajbanshi Abhishek , Alves da Silva Marcelo , Haslett Niamh , Cranwell Philippa , Cunningham Neil , Mahmoudi Najet , Murnane Darragh , Pavlova Ewa , Slouf Miroslav , Dreiss Cecile , Cook Michael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIt has been found that the thermoresponsive behavior of emulsions stabilized by block copolymer surfactants (BCSs) can induce either gelation or emulsion break‐up with mild temperature changes. A hydrophilic, steric‐stabilizing component of the BCS, polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA), is crucial to control the thermoresponsive behavior of the emulsions: longer PEG chains (950 g mol−1) lead to thermoregulation, whereas shorter PEGM chains (500 or 300 g mol−1) lead to emulsion break‐up upon mild heating. Additionally, the relative abundance of PEGMA to the thermoresponsive component in the BCS controls the gelation temperature of BCS‐stabilized emulsions. Small‐angle neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy reveal that the BCS forms oblate ellipsoids which grow anisotropically with temperature. In samples that form a gel, there is evidence that these nano‐objects form supra‐colloidal structures, which are responsible for the gel mesophase formation. An optimal BCS can form emulsions that transition from a liquid to gel state when warmed above 32 °C. This makes the system ideal for in situ gelation upon contact with the body. Overall, this study highlights the great potential of BCSs in generating thermoresponsive emulsions for drug delivery and other healthcare applications.
Micro‐ and Nano‐Structured Bacteria Growth Media for Planar Bio‐Photonics
Authors: Caligiuri Vincenzo , Leone Francesca , Favale Olga , De Santo Maria , Bruno Mauro Daniel Luigi , Mileti Olga , Pane Alfredo , Patra Aniket , Petti Lucia , Guzman‐Puyol Susana , Heredia‐Guerrero José Alejandro , Krahne Roman , Baldino Noemi , Bartolino Roberto , Galluccio Michele , Annesi Ferdinanda , De Luca Antonio 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBio‐inspired and biodegradable quantum optics scenarios constitute a pathway toward environmentally friendly front‐end technologies. Such an inspiring perspective necessitates the replacement of classic gain materials with a biological counterpart like photoluminescent bacteria. It is easy to imagine that, in this case, a planar and cell‐viable substitute of classic bulk solid‐states resonators can be highly beneficial. In this paper a micro‐ and nano‐photonic structuration of both a standard and a functionalized version of a typical bacterial growth medium (Luria‐Bertani Agar – LBA) is successfully realized. Three structures belonging to the categories of photonic crystals are replicated, such as quasi‐crystals and meta‐surfaces, demonstrating how the proposed media can be used as templates for high‐end photonic applications. The optical quality of the replicated structures is confirmed by far‐field diffraction measurements. The structured growth media allow for a broad control of the surface wettability by accessing a so‐called Wenzel state, in which the original hydrophilicity of a material is increased due to the photonic structuration. Finally, the suitability of the nano‐structured LBA as a plasmonic platform is evidenced. The proposed micro‐and nano‐structured photonic growth media constitute the first, fundamental step toward quantum optical frameworks from biological media.
Flavivirus Concentrates Host ER in Main Replication Compartments to Facilitate Replication
Authors: Ci Yali , Han Kai , Kong Jie , Huang Shuhan , Yang Yang , Qin Cheng‐Feng , Shi Lei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFlavivirus remodels the host endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to generate replication compartments (RCs) as the fundamental structures to accommodate viral replication. Here, a centralized replication mode of flavivirus is reported, i.e., flavivirus concentrates host ER in perinuclear main replication compartments (MRCs) for efficient replication. Superresolution live‐cell imaging demonstrated that flavivirus MRCs formed via a series of events, including multisite ER clustering, growth and merging of ER clusters, directional movement, and convergence in the perinuclear region. The dynamic activities of viral RCs are driven by nonstructural (NS) proteins and are independent of microtubules and actin. Moreover, disrupting MRCs formation by small molecule compounds inhibited flavivirus replication. Overall, the findings reveal unprecedented insight into dynamic ER reorganization by flavivirus and identify a new inhibition strategy.
Lipophilic Nucleoside Triphosphate Prodrugs of Anti‐HIV Active Nucleoside Analogs as Potential Antiviral Compounds
Authors: Jia Xiao , Schols Dominique , Meier Chris 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNucleoside analogs require three phosphorylation steps catalyzed by cellular kinases to give their triphosphorylated metabolites. Herein, the synthesis of two types of triphosphate prodrugs of different nucleoside analogs is disclosed. Triphosphates comprising: i) a γ‐phosphate or γ‐phosphonate bearing a bioreversible acyloxybenzyl group and a long alkyl group and ii) γ‐dialkyl phosphate/phosphonate modified nucleoside triphosphate analogs. Almost selective conversion of the former TriPPPro‐compounds into the corresponding γ‐alkylated nucleoside triphosphate derivatives is demonstrated in CEM/0 cell extracts that proved to be stable toward further hydrolysis. The latter γ‐dialkylated triphosphate derivatives lead to the slow formation of the corresponding NDPs. Both types of TriPPPro‐compounds are highly potent in wild‐type CEM/0 cells and more importantly, they exhibit even better activities against HIV‐2 replication in CEM/TK− cell cultures. A finding of major importance is that, in primer extension assays, γ‐phosphate‐modified‐NTPs, γ‐mono‐alkylated‐triphosphates, and NDPs prove to be substrates for HIV‐RT but not for cellular DNA‐polymerases α,γ.
Biotic influences on drift behaviour of larval white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
Authors: Coulter Angie , McAdam D. Steven O. , Richardson John S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDrift by larval white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) results in an ontological habitat shift during early life that may be influenced by changes in the trade‐off between mortality risk and growth potential. Despite the importance of early life history to recruitment and conservation, for many species, including white sturgeon, we have a limited understanding of the mechanistic drivers of drift. We tested if two biotic factors, conspecific density and timing of food availability during the yolksac larvae stage, influenced the timing of drift behaviour. We evaluated larval drift timing for yolksac larvae reared in laboratory mesocosms at two densities (10 or 20 larvae) and three feeding initiation times (before exogenous feeding, at the initiation of exogenous feeding, or starvation). We found that drift occurred at 13 days post‐hatch (dph) overall, 2 days after the shift from the yolksac stage to the feeding stage (11 dph at 14°C). The timing of food availability in the fed treatments did not affect the timing of larval drift, nor did the density of conspecifics. Starvation delayed drift timing by 2 days, to15 dph. This delay of drift from a habitat with no food availability may disadvantage starving larvae and reduce growth potential.
Selective Functionalizations of Cycloalkene‐Fused β‐Lactams and their Transformations into Densely‐Substituted Three‐Dimensional Molecular Entities
Authors: Nonn Melinda , Kiss Loránd 
Published: October 2023

AbstractHighly‐functionalized, three‐dimensional molecules have had an increasing impact in synthetic organic chemistry and pharmaceutical research over the past decades. Their syntheses and the development of novel synthetic approaches towards versatile, small molecules with chemical and structural diversity have generated great interest. We have designed various selective and stereocontrolled methodologies for the functionalization of cycloalkene‐fused β‐lactams with a common C−C bond, as three‐dimensional, functionalized scaffolds, involving the transformation of their ring olefin bond. The synthetic methodologies developed to access various pharmacologically interesting derivatives with multiple chiral centers might be valuable protocols for the preparation of other classes of organic compounds as well.
Microwave‐Responsive Flexible Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Materials Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Polymer
Authors: Zhang Yongfeng , Zhang Wei , Xia Junming , Xiong Chenchen , Li Gengchen , Li Xiaodong , Sun Peng , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Dong Yuping 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe development of flexible, room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials remains challenging owing to the quenching of their unstable triplet excitons via molecular motion. Therefore, a polymer matrix with Tg higher than room temperature is required to prevent polymer segment movement. In this study, a RTP material was developed by incorporating a 4‐biphenylboronic acid (BPBA) phosphor into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix (Tg=−27.1 °C), which exhibits a remarkable UV‐light‐dependent oxygen consumption phosphorescence with a lifetime of 1275.7 ms. The adjustable RTP performance is influenced by the crystallinity and polymorph (α, β, and γ phases) fraction of PVDF, therefore, the low Tg of the PVDF matrix enables the polymeric segmental motion upon microwave irradiation. Consequently, a reduction in the crystallinity and an increase in the α phase fraction in PVDF film induces RTP after 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation. These findings open up new avenues for constructing crystalline and phase‐dependent RTP materials while demonstrating a promising approach toward microwave detection.
A Self‐Assembled Capsule for Propylene/Propane Separation
Authors: Zhou Chuang‐Wei , Wang Xue‐Zhi , Xie Mo , Xia Ri‐Qin , Luo Dong , Lian Zhao‐Xia , Ning Guo‐Hong , Lu Weigang , Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Li Dan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe development of energy‐saving technology for the efficient separation of olefin and paraffin is highly important for the chemical industry. Herein, we report a self‐assembled Fe4L6 capsule containing a hydrophobic cavity, which can be used to encapsulate and separate propylene/propane. The successful encapsulation of propylene and propane by the Fe4L6 cage in a water solution was documented by NMR spectroscopy. The binding constants K for the Fe4L6 cage toward propylene and propane were determined to be (5.0±0.1)×103 M−1 and (2.1±0.7)×104 M−1 in D2O at 25 °C, respectively. Experiments and theoretical studies revealed that the cage exhibited multiple weak interactions with propylene and propane. The polymer‐grade propylene (>99.5 %) can be obtained from a mixture of propylene and propane by using the Fe4L6 cage as a separation material in a U‐shaped glass tube. This work provides a new strategy for the separation of olefin/paraffin.
Unraveling the Solvent Effect on Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase Formation for Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Shiyang , Weng Suting , Li Xinpeng , Liu Yue , Huang Xiangling , Jie Yulin , Pan Yuxue , Zhou Hongmin , Jiao Shuhong , Li Qi , Wang Xuefeng , Cheng Tao , Cao Ruiguo , Xu Dongsheng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEther‐based electrolytes are considered as an ideal electrolyte system for sodium metal batteries (SMBs) due to their superior compatibility with the sodium metal anode (SMA). However, the selection principle of ether solvents and the impact on solid electrolyte interphase formation are still unclear. Herein, we systematically compare the chain ether‐based electrolyte and understand the relationship between the solvation structure and the interphasial properties. The linear ether solvent molecules with different terminal group lengths demonstrate remarkably distinct solvation effects, thus leading to different electrochemical performance as well as deposition morphologies for SMBs. Computational calculations and comprehensive characterizations indicate that the terminal group length significantly regulates the electrolyte solvation structure and consequently influences the interfacial reaction mechanism of electrolytes on SMA. Cryogenic electron microscopy clearly reveals the difference in solid electrolyte interphase in various ether‐based electrolytes. As a result, the 1,2‐diethoxyethane‐based electrolyte enables a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %, which also realizes the stable cycling of Na||Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell with a mass loading of ≈9 mg cm−2 over 500 cycles.
A Gene‐Editable Palladium‐Based Bioorthogonal Nanoplatform Facilitates Macrophage Phagocytosis for Tumor Therapy
Authors: Feng Shujun , Zhang Yu , Gao Yanfeng , Liu Yuta , Wang Yanyi , Han Xin , Zhang Tao , Song Yujun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMacrophage phagocytosis of tumor cells has emerged as an attractive strategy for tumor therapy. Nevertheless, immunosuppressive M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment and the high expression of anti‐phagocytic signals from tumor cells impede therapeutic efficacy. To address these issues and improve the management of malignant tumors, in this study we developed a gene‐editable palladium‐based bioorthogonal nanoplatform, consisting of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system‐linked Pd nanoclusters, and a hyaluronic acid surface layer (HBPdC). This HBPdC nanoplatform exhibited satisfactory tumor‐targeting efficiency and triggered Fenton‐like reactions in the tumor microenvironment to generate reactive oxygen species for chemodynamic therapy and macrophage M1 polarization, which directly eliminated tumor cells, and stimulated the antitumor response of macrophages. HBPdC could reprogram tumor cells through gene editing to reduce the expression of CD47 and adipocyte plasma membrane‐associated protein, thereby promoting their recognition and phagocytosis by macrophages. Moreover, HBPdC induced the activation of sequestered prodrugs via bioorthogonal catalysis, enabling chemotherapy and thereby enhancing tumor cell death. Importantly, the Pd nanoclusters of HBPdC were sufficiently cleared through basic metabolic pathways, confirming their biocompatibility and biosafety. Therefore, by promoting macrophage phagocytosis, the HBPdC system developed herein represents a highly promising antitumor toolset for cancer therapy applications.
Dimensional and Optoelectronic Tuning of Lead‐free Perovskite Cs3Bi2I9−nBrn Single Crystals for Enhanced Hard X‐ray Detection
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhang Guodong , Hua Yunqiu , Cui Fucai , Sun Xue , Liu Jiaxin , Liu Hongjie , Bi Yanxiao , Yue Zhongjie , Zhai Zhongjun , Xia Haibing , Tao Xutang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInorganic Bi‐based perovskites have shown great potential in X‐ray detection for their large absorption to X‐rays, diverse low‐dimensional structures, and eco‐friendliness without toxic metals. However, they suffer from poor carrier transport properties compared to Pb‐based perovskites. Here, we propose a mixed‐halogen strategy to tune the structural dimensions and optoelectronic properties of Cs3Bi2I9−nBrn (0≤n≤9). Ten centimeter‐sized single crystals are successfully grown by the Bridgman technique. Upon doping bromine to zero‐dimensional Cs3Bi2I9, the crystal transforms into a two‐dimensional structure as the bromine content reaches Cs3Bi2I8Br. Correspondingly, the optoelectronic properties are adjusted. Among these crystals, Cs3Bi2I8Br exhibits negligible ion migration, moderate resistivity, and the best carrier transport capability. The sensitivities in 100 keV hard X‐ray detection are 1.33×104 and 1.74×104 μC Gyair−1 cm−2 at room temperature and 75 °C, respectively, which are the highest among all reported bismuth perovskites. Moreover, the lowest detection limit of 28.6 nGyair s−1 and ultralow dark current drift of 9.12×10−9 nA cm−1 s−1 V−1 are obtained owing to the high ionic activation energy. Our work demonstrates that Br incorporation is an effective strategy to enhance the X‐ray detection performance by tuning the dimensional and optoelectronic properties.
Piezoelectric properties of noncovalently functionalized 2D nanomaterials incorporated poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites
Authors: Adaval Akanksha , Khurana Vaibhav , Bhatt Bharat B. , Singh Shiva , Gupta Dipti , Maji Pradip K. , Aslam Mohammed , Turney Terence W. , Simon George P. , Bhattacharyya Arup R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe report here for the first time the role of noncovalently functionalized 2D nanomaterials on the ferroelectric and piezoelectric behavior of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanocomposites. Graphene oxide (GO), expanded graphite (EG) and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) were noncovalently modified via Li‐salt of 6‐amino hexanoic acid (Li‐AHA), denoted as m‐GO, m‐EG and m‐BN, in order to de‐agglomerate and de‐stack them, which were subsequently incorporated into the PVDF matrix via solution mixing, followed by compression molding. Simultaneously, PVDF nanocomposites with unmodified 0.08 wt% of 2D nanomaterials were also prepared using the same methodology. PVDF/m‐BN nanocomposite showed a higher extent of polar phase (~36%) associated with PVDF phase as compared to PVDF/m‐GO and PVDF/m‐EG nanocomposites. Further, the highest permittivity (~58 at 10−1 Hz) was achieved in PVDF/m‐BN nanocomposite, which was also reflected in higher remnant polarization (~61 nC/cm2) and a significantly higher d33 value (~53 pm/V). Moreover, a higher output peak to peak voltage (~13 V) was obtained for the sensor device fabricated from PVDF/m‐BN nanocomposite. Thus, the role of Li‐AHA‐modified 2D nanomaterials in improving the morphology, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric characteristics of the PVDF nanocomposites was clearly established.
Neosetophomone B induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells via targeting of AKT/SKP2 signaling pathway
Authors: Kuttikrishnan Shilpa , Ahmad Fareed , Mateo Jericha M. , Prabhu Kirti S. , El‐Elimat Tamam , Oberlies Nicholas H. , Pearce Cedric J. , Akil Ammira S. Alshabeeb , Bhat Ajaz A. , Alali Feras Q. , Uddin Shahab 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy associated with malignant plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Despite the available treatments, drug resistance and adverse side effects pose significant challenges, underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. Natural products, like the fungal metabolite neosetophomone B (NSP‐B), have emerged as potential therapeutic agents due to their bioactive properties. Our study investigated NSP‐B's antitumor effects on MM cell lines (U266 and RPMI8226) and the involved molecular mechanisms. NSP‐B demonstrated significant growth inhibition and apoptotic induction, triggered by reduced AKT activation and downregulation of the inhibitors of apoptotic proteins and S‐phase kinase protein. This was accompanied by an upregulation of p21Kip1 and p27Cip1 and an elevated Bax/BCL2 ratio, culminating in caspase‐dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, NSP‐B also enhanced the cytotoxicity of bortezomib (BTZ), an existing MM treatment. Overall, our findings demonstrated that NSP‐B induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis, increases cell damage, and suppresses MM cell proliferation while improving the cytotoxic impact of BTZ. These findings suggest that NSP‐B can be used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat MM, highlighting its importance as a promising phytoconstituent in cancer therapy.
Enhanced Hydroxyl Adsorption in Ultrathin NiO/Cr2O3 In‐Plane Heterostructures for Efficient Alkaline Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Chen Ping , Niu Xueqing , Fan Yu , Gao Hongtao , Luo Xiliang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe exploration of advanced nickel‐based electrocatalysts for alkaline methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) holds immense promise for value‐added organic products coupled with hydrogen production, but still remain challenging. Herein, we construct ultrathin NiO/Cr2O3 in‐plane heterostructures to promote the alkaline MOR process. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal that NiO/Cr2O3 in‐plane heterostructures enable a favorable upshift of the d‐band center and enhanced adsorption of hydroxyl species, leading to accelerated generation of active NiO(OH)ads species. Furthermore, ultrathin in‐plane heterostructures endow the catalyst with good charge transfer ability and adsorption behavior of methanol molecules onto catalytic sites, contributing to the improvement of alkaline MOR kinetics. As a result, ultrathin NiO/Cr2O3 in‐plane heterostructures exhibit a remarkable MOR activity with a high current density of 221 mA cm−2 at 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl, which is 7.1‐fold larger than that of pure NiO nanosheets and comparable with other highly active catalysts reported so far. This work provides an effectual strategy to optimize the activity of nickel‐based catalysts and highlights the dominate efficacy of ultrathin in‐plane heterostructures in alkaline MOR.
Application of Seeded Membrane Distillation Crystallization for Zero Liquid Discharge
Authors: Flatscher Stefanie , Hlawitschka Mark W. , Samhaber Wolfgang M. , Hell Florian , Lahnsteiner Josef 
Published: October 2023

AbstractZero liquid discharge (ZLD) is a crucial requirement in industrial operations concerned with water scarcity and environmental protection. This study investigates the feasibility of using membrane distillation combined with crystallization (MDC) as a potential solution for ZLD. High‐saline NaCl solutions were used to evaluate the performance of a seeded MDC system, which demonstrated excellent recovery rates for both water (over 95 %) and salt (over 95.5 %). The presence of seeding crystals in the MDC system was found to inhibit membrane wetting. The MDC system achieved an average thermal efficiency of 61.5 %, showcasing its potential for long‐term processes. These results indicate that introducing seed crystals to the membrane's feed side enhances the MDC system's viability as a promising solution for ZLD. Additionally, the MDC system offers the prospect of high water and salt recovery, making it a sustainable approach to wastewater treatment and water reclamation.
Synthesis of Long‐Chain Oligomeric Donor and Acceptors via Direct Arylation for Organic Solar Cells†
Authors: Wu Yu , He Xin‐Yu , Huang Xu‐Min , Yang Ling‐Jun , Liu Peng , Chen Na , Li Chang‐Zhi , Liu Shi‐Yong 
Published: October 2023

Comprehensive SummaryThe rapid synthesis of structurally complicated electron donors & acceptors still remains a major challenge in organic solar cells (OSC). In this work, we developed a highly efficient strategy to access long‐chain oligomeric donor and acceptors for OSC applications. A series of cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and benzothiadiazole (BT)‐based π‐conjugated oligomers, i.e., three oligomeric acceptors (BTDT)n‐IC (n = 1—3) and one long‐chain oligomeric donor (BTDT)4‐RD, are facilely synthesized by an atom‐ and step‐economical, and labor‐saving direct C—H arylation (DACH) reaction (i.e., C—H/C—Br cross coupling). Note that (BTDT)4‐RD involving five CPDT, four BT and two rhodamine (RD) building blocks is the longest oligomeric donor in the fullerene‐free OSC devices ever reported. The dependence of the structure‐property‐performance correlation of (BTDT)n‐IC (n = 1—3) and (BTDT)4‐RD on the π‐conjugation lengths is thoroughly investigated by opto‐electrochemical measurements, bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OSC devices and microscopies. The (BTDT)1‐IC:PBDB‐T and (BTDT)4‐RD:Y6 BHJs achieve power conversion efficiencies of 9.14% and 4.51%, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that DACH reaction is a powerful tool to tune the opto‐electronic properties and device performances by regulating the lengths of π‐conjugated oligomers with varied numbers of repeating units.