Modeling the temporal evolution of plastic film microplastics in soil using a backpropagation neural network.

Plastic films are a crucial aspect of agricultural production in China, as well as a key source of microplastics in farmland. However, research into the environmental behavior of microplastics derived from polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable plastic films such as polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) is limited by inadequate knowledge of their evolution and fate in soil. Therefore, we conducted controlled soil incubation experiments using new and aged microplastics derived from prepared PE and PBAT plastic films to determine their temporal evolution characteristics in soil.

Zn-Mediated Fragmentation of -Alkoxyphthalimides Enabling the Synthesis of -Difluoroalkenes.

Zn-mediated generation of alkoxyl radicals from -alkoxyphthalimides emerged as an efficient approach for forming diverse and valuable alkyl radicals through β-scission or a hydrogen atom transfer process. The alkyl radical species can be further trapped by α-trifluoromethyl alkenes to construct a series of -difluoroalkenes.

Polyoxometalate solution passivation enabling dendrite-free and high-performance zinc anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Zinc metal anodes in aqueous electrolytes commonly face challenges such as dendrite growth and undesirable side reactions, limiting their application in the field of aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) for energy storage. Drawing inspiration from industrial practices involving molybdenum salt solutions for metal modification, a polyoxometalate solution was formulated as a passivation solution for zinc anodes (referred to as MO solution). The formed passivation layer, referred to as the MO layer, exhibited a uniform and protective nature with a thickness of approximately 10 μm.

Persulfate promoted carbamoylation of -arylacrylamides and -arylcinnamamides with 4-carbamoyl-Hantzsch esters.

Carbamoyl-Hantzsch esters were used as carbamoyl radical precursors for oxidative carbamoylation of -arylacrylamides and -arylcinnamamides in the presence of inexpensive persulfates. This protocol can be applied to a broad range of substrates with various functional groups, providing a variety of 3,3-disubstituted oxindoles and 3,4-disubstituted dihydroquinolin-2(1)-ones in moderate to good yields an intermolecular addition/cyclization process.

Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Recombinant Human Neuregulin-1 in Healthy Chinese Subjects.

Background: We investigated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous recombinant human Neuregulin-1 (rhNRG-1), a DNA recombinant protein for the treatment of chronic heart failure, in healthy Chinese volunteers following single and multiple dose administration.

Methods And Results: To evaluate the safety and tolerance after single-dosing escalation, 28 subjects were divided into six groups (0.2, 0.

Cross-dehydrogenative Coupling of N-Aryl Tetrahydroisoquinolines Catalyzed by an Anthraquinone-containing Polymeric Photosensitizer.

This work reports the photocatalytic application of an anthraquinone-containing polymeric photosensitizer (AQ-PHEMA) in the visible light-induced cross-dehydrogenative-coupling of N-aryl tetrahydroisoquinolines with several nucleophiles, including nitromethane, 1-methyl-2-alkyl ketone and dialkyl (aryl) phosphine oxide. The results revealed that the reaction could be catalyzed by AQ-PHEMA efficiently to afford a series of 1-substituted-2-aryl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines in good to excellent yields with nice substrate tolerance under aerobic conditions at room temperature. The practical application potential was also showcased by a gram-scale synthesis.

Mn(III)-Mediated Radical Cyclization of -Alkenyl Aromatic Isocyanides with Boronic Acids: Access to N-Unprotected 2-Aryl-3-cyanoindoles.

The synthesis of N-unprotected 2-aryl-3-cyanoindoles was realized via the Mn(III)-mediated radical cascade cyclization of -alkenyl aromatic isocyanides with boronic acids. A possible mechanism involving a sequential intermolecular radical addition, intramolecular cyclization, and cleavage of the C-C bond under mild reaction conditions is proposed. Mechanism studies show that HO or O might provide the oxygen source for the elimination of benzaldehyde.

Photoredox Generation of N-Centered Hydrazonyl Radicals Enables the Construction of Dihydropyrazole-Fused -Difluoroalkenes.

An efficient visible-light-promoted N-radical-mediated tandem radical cyclization/defluorinated alkylation of β,γ-unsaturated hydrazones, and α-trifluoromethyl alkenes is described. This protocol provides a general and effective route to synthesize various dihydropyrazole-fused -difluoroalkenes at moderate to excellent yields under redox-neutral, metal-free, and mild conditions.

Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed C-C/C-N Coupling of 2-Arylquinazolinones with Vinylene Carbonate: Access to Fused Quinazolinones.

In this work, ruthenium(II)-catalyzed C-C/C-N annulation of 2-arylquinazolinones with vinylene carbonate is reported to synthesize fused quinazolinones. This catalytic system tolerates a wide range of substrates with excellent functional-group compatibility. In this transformation, the vinylene carbonate acts as an ethynol surrogate without any external oxidant involved.

Synthesis of -Difluoroalkenes via Zn-Mediated Decarboxylative/Defluorinative Cross-Coupling.

An efficient and mild Zn-mediated decarboxylative/defluorinative alkylation of α-trifluoromethyl alkenes using -hydroxyphthalimide esters as radical precursors was developed. Several α-trifluoromethyl alkenes were readily coupled to a wide range of primary, secondary, and tertiary radicals, affording the desired -difluoroethylenes in moderate to excellent yields. This reaction protocol was also successfully applied to the construction of complex molecules such as the bioactive natural dehydroabietic acid and glycosyl groups bearing the -difluoroethylene moiety.

Synthesis of pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazoline derivatives through the copper-catalyzed domino reaction of o-alkenyl aromatic isocyanides with diazo compounds.

A novel copper-catalyzed domino reaction between o-alkenyl aromatic isocyanides and diazo compounds has been developed under mild reaction conditions. Various o-alkenyl aromatic isocyanides were prepared from readily available reactants. The reaction provides a general and efficient method for the synthesis of pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines by the formation of two rings and three new bonds in a single step from readily available acyclic starting materials.

Plastic pollution in croplands threatens long-term food security.

Plastic pollution is a global concern given its prevalence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Studies have been conducted on the distribution and impact of plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, but little is known on terrestrial ecosystems. Plastic mulch has been widely used to increase crop yields worldwide, yet the impact of plastic residues in cropland soils to soil health and crop production in the long term remained unclear.

Synthesis of Monofluoroalkenes through Visible-Light-Promoted Defluorinative Alkylation of -Difluoroalkenes with 4-Alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines.

In this study, a facile and efficient method to synthesize monofluoroalkenes by photoredox catalytic defluorinative alkylation of -difluoroalkenes with 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines under mild conditions (room temperature) is described. This novel strategy is applicable for a broad range of -difluoroalkene substrates with good functional group tolerance and a variety of 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (including primary, secondary, and even tertiary alkyl radicals). Moreover, it also allows the challenging radical coupling with glycosyl-based 4-alkyl-1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) to synthesize monofluoroalkenylated saccharides.

High-Performance Ag-Cu Nanoalloy Catalyst for the Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Ammonia.

High-performance Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by a solventless mix-bake-wash method and tested for NH-SCO. The prepared AgCu catalyst with a perfect Ag-Cu alloy structure exhibited better (200 °C, the temperature at which 100% NH conversion was obtained), higher reaction rates, and lower compared to that with ordinary bimetallic Ag-Cu (AgCuO). The characterization data revealed much smaller Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles of the AgCu catalyst and more Ag/Cu metallic species on the surface, which can increase the amount of chemisorbed surface oxygen (O) and enhance NH adsorption and activation in the low-temperature range, therefore leading to a much higher NH-SCO activity.

Copper/Bpin-Catalyzed Difluoroalkylation of Methylenecyclopropanes with Bromodifluorinated Acetates and Acetamides: One-Pot Synthesis of CF-Containing Dihydronaphthalene Derivatives.

Novel copper/Bpin-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of methylenecyclopropanes with bromodifluorinated acetates and acetamides via a tandem radical process involving ring-opening/intramolecular cyclization has been reported. This protocol is not only tolerated to a diverse range of substrates but also applicable to the synthesis of useful difluoromethylated compounds. Moreover, the reaction could be performed on a gram scale with a high yield, which opens up the possibility for practical applications.

Lightweight Splint Design for Individualized Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture.

A systematic design approach is proposed for medical splints for individualized treatment of the distal radius fracture. An initial split structural model is first constructed by 3D scanning of an injured limb. Based on the biomechanical theory and clinical experiences, the topology optimization method is applied to design the splint structure.

Anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice.

The anti-inflammatory activities of fucoxanthin, a marine carotenoid derived from the macroalgae and microalgae, have been demonstrated in the previous studies. However, the effect of fucoxanthin on ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease, was still unclear. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of fucoxanthin on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

Rhodium(III)-Catalyzed Meta-Selective C-H Alkenylation of Phenol Derivatives.

Rhodium(III)-catalyzed remote meta-selective-C-H alkenylation of phenol derivatives has been developed using a traceless organosilicon template as the directing group. This transformation proceeds smoothly with good yields and high meta-selectivities toward a series of phenol and alkene substrates. In addition, this protocol provides an effective strategy for late-stage transformations of various meta-alkenylated aromatic compounds.

A meta-selective-C-H alkenylation of phenol-derivatives employing a traceless organosilicon template.

A traceless organosilicon template-directed meta-selective-C-H alkenylation of phenols was realized with good yields and high selectivities. The template was readily removable through F-promoted O-Si cleavage under extremely mild conditions or recyclable through a p-TSA catalyzed process. The product was successfully applied in the preparation of a series of meta-alkenylated aromatic compounds.

Controlled Growth of Metal-Organic Frameworks on Polymer Brushes.

Polymer brushes are for the first time used to induce the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The semi-fixed polymer chains provide a confined environment, which allows a mild growth of MOFs in between polymer chains to give surface-attached spherical MOF nanoparticles, in contrast to the larger MOF cubes/plates formed simultaneously in solution. Polymer brushes bearing carboxylate acid functionalities are indispensable for the formation of surface bound MOFs, while no MOF nanoparticles are observed on neutral polymer brushes.

Carboxylation of terminal alkynes with CO2 using novel silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes.

Four novel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) silver complexes, , have been synthesized and characterized. The single X-ray crystal diffraction data indicate a dinuclear solid-state structure for and and a mononuclear structure for and . These complexes have been successfully used as efficient catalysts for the C-H activating carboxylation of terminal alkynes with CO2.

Hydrolysis of cellulose catalyzed by quaternary ammonium perrhenates in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.

Quaternary ammonium perrhenates were applied as catalyst to promote the hydrolysis of cellulose in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl). The quaternary ammonium perrhenates displayed good catalytic performance for cellulose hydrolysis. Water was also proven to be effective to promote cellulose hydrolysis.

Methyltrioxorhenium-catalyzed highly selective dihydroxylation of 1,2-allenylic diphenyl phosphine oxides.

For the first time, methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) has been applied as a catalyst for the dihydroxylation of allenes in the presence of hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The regioselectivities turn out to be well controlled, affording β-carbonyl-γ-hydroxyl diphenyl phosphine oxides as the only product. The axial chirality of optically active allenes can also be nicely transferred to the chirality center of the products.