bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bitumen‐Like Polymers Prepared via Inverse Vulcanization with Shear Stiffening and Self‐Healing Abilities for Multifunctional Applications
Authors: Hou Ke‐Xin , Zhao Pei‐Chen , Duan Lei , Fan Minjie , Zheng Pengfei , Li Cheng‐Hui 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBitumen, which is widely used in various applications, is facing the challenge of being unsustainable. Many strategies are proposed to recycle or replace bitumen. However, most of them can not address the unsustainability of bitumen from the roots. On the other hand, sulfur exists widely on the earth as a kind of industrial waste despite its extensive applications. Herein, a series of bitumen‐like polymers from elemental sulfur is obtained through an inverse vulcanization reaction. The sulfur‐containing polymers exhibit self‐healing, non‐toxic, and adjustable properties depending on the working environment. Based on these features, the applications of sulfur‐containing polymers in self‐healing waterproof sealants, impact‐resistance or shock‐absorption devices, and non‐Newtonian speed bumps are demonstrated. With the method of synthesizing multifunctional bitumen‐like polymers from sulfur wastes, a feasible way is provided to solve simultaneously the challenging problem of bitumen's unsustainability as well as sulfur's utilization, with the advantages including easy massed‐fabrication, non‐toxicity, extremely low cost (≈2 cents per gram) and environment friendliness.
Synergistic Approach to Combat Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer: B7‐H4 Checkpoint‐Based Photodynamic Nanodrug Coupled with Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Regulation
Authors: Jiang Zeyu , Chen Xiangwu , Lin Yang , Li Qian , Nie Xinxin , Xu Guixiang , Yu Cancan , Zhang Xinke , Luan Yuxia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, which often results in distant metastasis and dismal prognosis. Unfortunately, current treatments for TNBC are not effective due to its resistance to immunotherapy. Recent studies indicate that B7‐H4 immune checkpoint overexpression and inflammation‐initiated neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are closely associated with the poor immunotherapy outcome of TNBC. This study finds that a B7‐H4 checkpoint‐based photodynamic nanodrug combined with NETs regulation enables a potent therapeutic outcome of TNBC. The nanodrug induces antitumor immunity via photodynamic therapy, enabling a cascade reinforcement of B7‐H4 target‐based therapeutic outcomes. By combining DNase I with the B7‐H4 checkpoint‐based photodynamic nanodrug, the DNase I potentiates the immunotherapeutic efficacy by disrupting NETs barrier between tumor cells and T cells, cascade reinforcing the antitumor immune response and antimetastasis efficacy. This combination therapy demonstrates a powerful ability in suppressing TNBC growth and metastasis, offering a robust approach for treating immune‐cold TNBC while addressing its resistance to immunotherapy.
Mesoporous Single Crystal NiS2 Microparticles with FeS Clusters Decorated on the Pore Walls for Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Rong Ju , Lin Yunxiang , Yang Yongqiang , Zhu Huaze , Yu Xiaohua , Kang Xiangdong , Chen Chunlin , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Liu Gang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAbundant active sites and their easy accessibility in a stable and conductive structure are of great importance for efficient electrocatalysts. In principle, activated mesoporous single‐crystal microparticles can meet these desired requirements. Here, the Fe‐doped NiS2 mesoporous single crystal microparticles decorated with FeS clusters on the pore walls (FeS@MSC‐NiS2:Fe) are constructed via a pre‐decorated and sequentially seeded mesoporous silica template. Throughout the external and internal surfaces, the Fe‐doped NiS2 modulated by the adjacent FeS clusters induces favorable charge distributions and promotes the crucial formation of the active Fe/Ni (oxy)hydroxide. Combined with the spatial enrichment effect of the intermediates in the holey space and the boosted charge transfer within the continuous single‐crystalline framework, the dually regulated FeS@MSC‐NiS2:Fe as ideal integral microreactors show efficient performances in oxygen evolution reaction. In electrochemical tests, the particulate FeS@MSC‐NiS2:Fe requires an overpotential of only 236 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and displays fast reaction kinetics with a Tafel slope of 32.4 mV dec−1. This study provides an important strategy to construct electrocatalysts with highly active sites and good accessibility.
Novel Natural Carrier‐Free Self‐Assembled Nanoparticles for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis by Balancing Immune Microenvironment and Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Gao Shan , Zheng Haocheng , Xu Shujing , Kong Jingwei , Gao Feng , Wang Zhijia , Li Yuan , Dai Ziqi , Jiang Xinqi , Ding Xia , Lei Haimin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the colon and rectum, with current treatment methods being unable to meet the clinical needs of ulcerative colitis patients. Although nanomedicines are recognized as promising anti‐inflammatory medicines, their clinical application is limited by their high cost and unpredictable safety risks. This study reveals that two natural phytochemicals, berberine (BBR) and hesperetin (HST), self‐assemble directly to form binary carrier‐free multi‐functional spherical nanoparticles (BBR‐HST NPs) through noncovalent bonds involving electrostatic interactions, π–π stacking, and hydrogen bonding. Because of their synergistic anti‐inflammatory activity, berberine–hesperetin nanoparticles (BBR‐HST NPs) exhibit significantly better therapeutic effects on UC and inhibitory effects on inflammation than BBR and HST at the same dose by regulating the immune microenvironment and repairing the damaged intestinal barrier. Furthermore, BBR‐HST NPs exhibit good biocompatibility and biosafety. Thus, this study proves the potential of novel natural anti‐inflammatory nanoparticles as therapeutic agents for UC, which could promote the progress of drug development for UC and eventually benefit patients who suffering from it.
A Targeted Exosome Therapeutic Confers Both CfDNA Scavenging and Macrophage Polarization for Ameliorating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Zhe , Zhang Chuanjie , Meng Jiaqi , Jiao Zhouguang , Bao Weier , Tian He , Wu Chao , Chai Wei , Li Rui , Liu Zheng , Ma Guanghui , Mei Xifan , Wei Wei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOnly a minority of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients achieve disease remission, so the exploration of additional pathogenic factors and the development of new therapeutics are needed. Here, strong correlations among the cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) level and the inflammatory response in clinical synovial fluid samples and RA disease activity are discovered. The important role of cfDNA in disease development in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) murine model is also demonstrated. Building on these findings, a novel therapeutic based on anti‐inflammatory (M2) macrophage‐derived exosomes as chassis, that are modified with both oligolysine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐cleavable polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the membrane, is developed. After intravenous injection, PEG‐enabled prolonged circulation and C─C motif chemokine ligand‐directed accumulation together result in enrichment at inflamed joints. Following subsequent MMP cleavage, the positively charged oligolysine is exposed for cfDNA scavenging, while exosomes induce M2 polarization. By using a classical CIA murine model and a newly established CIA canine model, it is demonstrated that the rationally designed exosome therapeutic substantially suppresses inflammation in joints and provides strong chondroprotection and osteoprotection, revealing its potential for effective CIA amelioration.
Electrically Tunable Topological Notch Filter for THz Integrated Photonics
Authors: Gupta Manoj , Kumar Abhishek , Singh Ranjan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractElectromagnetic filtering is essential for emerging integrated photonic technologies and widely adaptable processing of high‐bandwidth signals. The conventional electro‐optic modulator‐based photonic approach for signal filtering at microwave frequencies cannot be implemented at terahertz (THz) frequencies due to the unavailability of the THz signal‐driven optical modulator. Here, an electrically tunable on‐chip THz photonic notch filter based on the topologically protected valley hall waveguide‐cavity platform is demonstrated. The device shows a significantly large notch suppression depth of more than 20 dB with a return loss of 13 dB in the entire tuning range of notch frequency. The feedback control circuit enables precise control of the notch frequency shift with a minimum step size of 7 MHz. This work extends the application of topological photonic crystals in developing THz‐integrated photonic devices for transformative technologies, including sixth‐generation (6G) communication and high‐resolution spectral sensing.
Introgression and persistence of cultivar alleles in wild carrot (Daucus carota) populations in the United States
Authors: Hernández Fernando , Palmieri Luciano , Brunet Johanne 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPremiseCultivated species and their wild relatives often hybridize in the wild, and the hybrids can survive and reproduce in some environments. However, it is unclear whether cultivar alleles are permanently incorporated into the wild genomes or whether they are purged by natural selection. This question is key to accurately assessing the risk of escape and spread of cultivar genes into wild populations.MethodsWe used genomic data and population genomic methods to study hybridization and introgression between cultivated and wild carrot (Daucus carota) in the United States. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained via genotyping by sequencing for 450 wild individuals from 29 wild georeferenced populations in seven states and 144 cultivars from the United States, Europe, and Asia.ResultsCultivated and wild carrot formed two genetically differentiated groups, and evidence of crop–wild admixture was detected in several but not all wild carrot populations in the United States. Two regions were identified where cultivar alleles were present in wild carrots: California and Nantucket Island (Massachusetts). Surprisingly, there was no evidence of introgression in some populations with a long‐known history of sympatry with the crop, suggesting that post‐hybridization barriers might prevent introgression in some areas.ConclusionsOur results provide support for the introgression and long‐term persistence of cultivar alleles in wild carrots populations. We thus anticipate that the release of genetically engineered (GE) cultivars would lead to the introduction and spread of GE alleles in wild carrot populations.
Regioselective Carbozincation and Further Functionalization of Allenamides Catalyzed by an N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)‐Copper Complex
Authors: Takimoto Masanori , Hou Zhaomin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn efficient protocol for the carbozincation of allenamides with dialkylzinc reagents catalyzed by an NHC−Cu complex has been developed. This protocol could provide alkenylzinc species introducing the alkyl group to γ‐position and the zinc component to β‐position of the allenamides in a regio‐ and stereoselective manner. The resulting alkenylzinc species can undergo further C−C bond‐forming reactions, such as allylation, arylation, and benzoylation, affording a variety of β,β‐disubstituted enamides with well‐controlled configurations of the two substituents. Moreover, the chiral allenamide synthesized via this method can be converted to a chiral aminocyclopropane derivative. In view of the high regio‐ and stereoselectivity and the convenient one‐pot procedure, this sequential transformation protocol offers a potentially useful method for synthesizing multi‐substituted enamides, which are important compounds in synthetic organic chemistry.
Acid‐Catalyzed Alkylation of NH‐1,2,3‐Triazoles with Alcohols
Authors: Chen Xuyang , Yi Zhenwu , Wang Can , Chen Yunfeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAn efficient method for the synthesis of N‐alkylated 1,2,3‐triazoles from NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles and alcohols was developed by utilizing Lewis or Brønsted acid as a catalyst. The reaction demonstrates mild reaction conditions, straightforward operation, and 92–97 % overall yield. Allylic alcohols and triphenyl methanol together with 1,1‐diphenylethan‐1‐ol gave single N2‐substituted products, while the regioselectivities of the reactions for aryl‐substituted secondary alcohols, including diarylmethanols, 1‐phenylethanol, were controlled by the electronic effect and spatial hindrance of the NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles. Furthermore, tert‐butanol always gave low regioselectivites for different NH‐1,2,3‐triazoles.
First‐Row d6 Metal Complex Enables Photon Upconversion and Initiates Blue Light‐Dependent Polymerization with Red Light
Authors: Wang Cui , Wegeberg Christina , Wenger Oliver S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPhotosensitizers for sensitized triplet‐triplet annihilation upconversion (sTTA‐UC) often rely on precious heavy metals, whereas coordination complexes based on abundant first‐row transition metals are less common. This is mainly because long‐lived triplet excited states are more difficult to obtain for 3d metals, particularly when the d‐subshell is only partially filled. Here, we report the first example of sTTA‐UC based on a 3d6 metal photosensitizer yielding an upconversion performance competitive with precious metal‐based analogues. Using a newly developed Cr0 photosensitizer featuring equally good photophysical properties as an OsII benchmark complex in combination with an acetylene‐decorated anthracene annihilator, red‐to‐blue upconversion is achievable. The upconversion efficiency under optimized conditions is 1.8 %, and the excitation power density threshold to reach the strong annihilation limit is 5.9 W/cm2. These performance factors, along with high photostability, permit the initiation of acrylamide polymerization by red light, based on radiative energy transfer between delayed annihilator fluorescence and a blue light absorbing photo‐initiator. Our study provides the proof‐of‐concept for photon upconversion with elusive first‐row analogues of widely employed precious d6 metal photosensitizers, and for their application in photochemical reactions triggered by excitation wavelengths close to near‐infrared.
Merging the Isonitrile‐Tetrazine (4+1) Cycloaddition and the Ugi Four‐Component Reaction into a Single Multicomponent Process
Authors: Méndez Yanira , Vasco Aldrin V. , Ivey Galway , Dias Ana Laura , Gierth Peter , Sousa Bárbara B. , Navo Claudio D. , Torres‐Mozas Angel , Rodrigues Tiago , Jiménez‐Osés Gonzalo , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMulticomponent reactions are of utmost importance at generating a unique, wide, and complex chemical space. Herein we describe a novel multicomponent approach based on the combination of the isonitrile‐tetrazine (4+1) cycloaddition and the Ugi four‐component reaction to generate pyrazole amide derivatives. The scope of the reaction as well as mechanistic insights governing the 4H‐pyrazol‐4‐imine tautomerization are provided. This multicomponent process provides access to a new chemical space of pyrazole amide derivatives and offers a tool for peptide modification and stapling.
Improvement in strain‐induced crystallization and physicochemical property of natural rubber by protease treatment
Authors: Xing Yihao , Yang Yi , Song Weixiao , Wang Zixuan , Li Xiaolin , Wu Xiaohui , Zhang Liqun 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNatural rubber (NR) distinguishes itself from a synthetic one in that it contains non‐rubber components and is subject to strain‐induced crystallization (SIC). Non‐rubber components may have a great influence on the physicochemical properties and SIC behavior of NR. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This work uses protease to treat the non‐rubber components so as to control their content. The mechanical properties, dynamic properties, and crystallization kinetics of the resulting NR are compared. The protease treatment shortens the solidification time of latex. Thus, a higher phospholipid content is retained. A higher protease content yields better mechanical and dynamic properties. Protease‐treated NR shows a SIC behavior at lower strain and a higher crystallinity at the same strain. This indicates that phospholipids have a greater impact on the properties than proteins, namely they better speed up vulcanization and SIC.
A preliminary study of minimal left atrial appendage occlusion using Watchman under the guidance of fluoroscopy
Authors: Ruan Zhong‐bao , Li Wei , Jin Kai , Ding Xiang‐wei , Chen Ge‐cai , Zhu Jun‐guo , Ren Yi , Zhu Li 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundLeft atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has been considered an alternative treatment to prevent embolic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, it carries a risk of general anesthesia or esophageal injury if guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).AimsWe aimed to investigate the feasibility and safety of minimal LAAO (MLAAO) using Watchman under fluoroscopy guidance alone in patients with NVAF.MethodsA total of 249 consecutive patients with NVAF who underwent LAAO using the WATCHMAN device were divided into two groups: the Standard LAAO (SLAAO) group and the MLAAO group. Procedural characteristics and follow‐up results were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the rate of successful device implantation (p > 0.05). Fluoroscopy time, radiation exposure dose, and contrast medium usage in the MLAAO group were higher than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The procedure time and hospitalization duration were significantly lower in the MLAAO group than those in the SLAAO group (p < 0.001). The occluder compression ratio, measured with fluoroscopy, was lower than that measured with TEE (17.63 ± 3.75% vs. 21.69 ± 4.26%, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed between the SLAAO group and the MLAAO group (p < 0.05) in terms of oropharyngeal/esophageal injury, hypotension, and dysphagia. At 3 months after LAAO, the MLAAO group had a higher incidence of residual flow within 1−5 mm compared to the SLAAO group, although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionMLAAO guided by fluoroscopy, instead of TEE, without general anesthesia simplifies the operational process and may be considered safe, effective, and feasible, especially for individuals who are unable to tolerate or unwilling to undergo TEE or general anesthesia.
Effect of milling degree on volatile profiles of cooked rice determined by electronic nose and HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS
Authors: Wang Zongwei , Zhang Yiman , Yang Xiao , Wang Ziyuan , Xu Tongcheng , Liu Jie , Wang Jing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesVolatile components are mainly distributed in the rice bran layer; thus, rice with different milling levels exhibit different volatile profiles, which affects the aroma of rice and cooked rice. Seven diverse rice varieties were investigated to explore the effect of milling degree on volatile profiles of cooked rice, odor activity value (OAV) was applied to identify key aroma compounds, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) was applied to determine important marker compounds that may affect aroma.FindingsThe volatile profiles of cooked rice with different milling times were different according to the result of electronic nose. A total of 82 volatiles were identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The number and total content of volatile compounds in most samples decreased with increasing milling time. The number of key aroma compounds (OAV > 1) in most samples also showed a decreasing trend with increasing milling time. PLS‐DA model successfully discriminated the differential volatile compounds in cooked rice samples with different milling times. Tridecane, 6‐methyl‐5‐heptene‐2‐one, nonanal, decanal, 2‐butyl‐2‐octenal, pentadecanal, 2,4‐decadienal, anethole, geranylacetone, 1‐dodecanol, 2‐pentadecanone, 2‐methoxy‐4‐vinylphenol, and indole were identified as 13 marker aroma‐active compounds.ConclusionsThe effect of milling degree on the volatile profiles of cooked rice was closely related to the rice varieties. Longer milling time was not in favor of the aroma of cooked rice. Milling degree mainly affected the nutty, citrus, fruity, waxy, herbal, fatty, celery, smoky, and floral aromas of cooked rice.Significance and NoveltyThe study provided important information for understanding the impacts of milling degree on volatile compounds and aroma properties of cooked rice. This is of great significance for advocating moderate processing of rice and regulating the aroma quality of cooked rice.
Renal aspergillosis after COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis: A case report
Authors: Ghasemian Roya , Vahedi Larijani Lale , Rasouli Kimia , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Tavakol Chanour , Heydari Keyvan , Zalpoor Hamidreza , Hoseini Aref 
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical MessageRenal aspergillosis is a rare condition and this case the first case of Renal aspergillosis reported after COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis. Renal symptoms should arise clinical suspicion to renal involvement that happened as a result of hematogenous spreading of pulmonary aspergillosis.AbstractSecondary fungal infections are among the most significant complications that can arise after COVID‐19 and have the potential to lead to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. As COVID‐19 primarily involves the airway, the majority of fungal infections reported have been related to the respiratory system. However, renal aspergillosis that we have reported is a rare condition that also can occur. A 67‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital and admitted as a COVID‐19 patient. After the initial recovery, he experienced a recurrence of fever accompanied by a productive cough. The histopathological studies were conducted on the sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage samples, which revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus. We treated the patient with voriconazole and the patient was discharged after a period of time. However, after approximately 6 months, he returned to the hospital with a fever and abdominal pain. We started a fever workup. Two new hypoechoic abscess‐like masses were spotted in the right kidney in the ultrasonography (U/S) and the direct molecular studies of the biopsy sample obtained under U/S guidance identified Aspergillus flavus. Although renal aspergillosis is a rare condition, it should not be overlooked, especially in patients with severe COVID‐19 and pulmonary aspergillosis, as these conditions can lead to renal aspergillosis, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain with fever. Therefore, it is necessary to perform radiological and histopathological studies when renal aspergillosis is suspected.