bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations in the pliant and light chain-binding regions of the lever arm of human β-cardiac myosin have divergent effects on myosin function
Authors: Morck Makenna M , Bhowmik Debanjan , Pathak Divya , Dawood Aminah , Spudich James , Ruppel Kathleen M
Published: June 2022

Mutations in the lever arm of β-cardiac myosin are a frequent cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease characterized by hypercontractility and eventual hypertrophy of the left ventricle. Here, we studied five such mutations: three in the pliant region of the lever arm (D778V, L781P, and S782N) and two in the light chain-binding region (A797T and F834L). We investigated their effects on both motor function and myosin subfragment 2 (S2) tail-based autoinhibition. The pliant region mutations had varying effects on the motor function of a myosin construct lacking the S2 tail: overall, D778V increased power output, L781P reduced power output, and S782N had little effect on power output, while all three reduced the external force sensitivity of the actin detachment rate. With a myosin containing the motor domain and the proximal S2 tail, the pliant region mutations also attenuated autoinhibition in the presence of filamentous actin but had no impact in the absence of actin. By contrast, the light chain-binding region mutations had little effect on motor activity but produced marked reductions in autoinhibition in both the presence and absence of actin. Thus, mutations in the lever arm of β-cardiac myosin have divergent allosteric effects on myosin function, depending on whether they are in the pliant or light chain-binding regions.
The effect of age and sexual maturation on thermal preferences of honey bee drones
Authors: Czekońska Krystyna , Łopuch Sylwia
Published: June 2022

The thermal preferences of Apis mellifera carnica drones (male individuals) are poorly understood, though their reproductive quality affects the quality of the inseminated queen and the whole honey bee colony. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the thermal preferences of individual drones according to their age and sexual maturity. Drones at the ages of 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 days were tested. The drones were placed on a platform in a temperature gradient in the range 20 °C and 46 °C. The thermal preferences of the drones were measured with the use of a thermal-imaging camera. Drones significantly differed with their choice of a preferred temperature. The one-day-old and the 25-day-old drones preferred the lowest temperatures. A slightly higher temperature was preferred by the 5-day-old drones, and the highest temperature was chosen by the drones at the ages of 10, 15, and 20 days. The changes in the thermal preferences of drones correspond to physiological changes occurring with age and connected with the rate of sexual maturation.
Nest characteristics and composition of the colonial nesting Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus in South Korea
Authors: Kang Ki-Ho , Nam Ki-Baek , Kim Ji-Sub , Yoo Jeong-Chil
Published: June 2022

Bird nests are crucial for reproductive success since they serve as structures to hold the eggs and nestlings safely. Therefore, the structural characteristics of bird nests have optimally evolved to maximize reproductive success, which are known to be affected by various factors. We gathered information on the nest characteristics such as nest structure and constituent materials in the colonial breeding Azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyanus) and investigated the relationship between ecologically relevant factors and the size and mass of the nests. The Azure-winged magpie nest can be deconstructed into an outer nest and an inner cup, and the type and mass of materials used for the construction of each part varies. Compared to the inner cup, the outer nest, which constitutes the overall shape of the nest, is composed of relatively harder materials, such as branches and soil. In contrast, the inner cup, which is the part where birds directly incubate eggs and raise nestlings, is composed of more flexible and softer materials, such as fiber and moss. We found that there was no relationship between nest characteristics and ecologically relevant factors. However, as the breeding season progressed, the volume of the inner cup decreased with increasing ambient temperatures. Our results show that Azure-winged magpies use differing materials for structurally distinct parts of the nests during construction. The results also indirectly suggest that the choice regarding the amount of insulating materials relative to changing temperatures during the breeding season may be one of the more significant adaptive strategies in the nest-building behaviors of Azure-winged magpies.
Underwater vessel noise in a commercial and tourist bay complex in the Mexican Central Pacific
Authors: Rosales-Chapula David A , Ortega-Ortiz Christian D , Llamas-González Myriam , Olivos-Ortiz Aramis , Torres-Orozco Ernesto , Leon-Lopez Braulio , Romero-Vivas Eduardo
Published: June 2022

Noise generated by ship traffic is increasing around the world. Hence, there is need to effectively evaluate anthropogenic noise levels in marine habitats. In this study, the noise contribution of ships in the Santiago–Manzanillo bay complex, on the Pacific coast of central Mexico, was assessed. The semienclosed bay complex is one of the most important commercial ports in Mexico, and it is an area with high biological richness and tourism demand, including demand by the informal humpback whale watching industry. Bottom-fixed recording systems were deployed at the entrance to the bay, near the commercial port (Manzanillo Bay), and within the tourist area (Santiago Bay). Monthly acoustic records were obtained from September 2015 to August 2016. Boat categories confirmed by visual sightings were associated with their acoustic signals. According to the diagnostic frequency range, vessel noise was classified into noise coming from large ships (50–220 Hz) or from small vessels (290–500 Hz). Large ships were always detected at both stations, while, as expected, small vessels were more common in tourist areas. Vessel noise in the entire area ranged from 130 to 170 dB (RMS re 1 μPa) and was present up to a median of 81.8% of the time throughout the year, with higher prevalence from 1200 to 1600 hours. Marine traffic activities were constant in the area, but frequency content and sound pressure levels were not equally distributed across the bay. Therefore, it is important to consider the possible differential impacts on marine fauna inhabiting the area.
THE EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SELF-EFFICACY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SMALL BUSINESSES IN ALGERIA: A CASE STUDY IN SKIKDA
Authors: MESSIKH Ayoub
Published: June 2022

The main purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) as one of the dimensions of entrepreneurial spirit on the performance of Small Enterprises (PSEs) in Skikda, Algeria. Based on a self-administered survey questionnaire, data were collected from a random sample of 136 small enterprises (owners) in Skikda. The study adopted both descriptive and regression analyses to estimate the impact of entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23). The findings demonstrate that self-efficacy significantly affects the performance of small enterprises in Skikda. Where 27.7% of changes in the level of small business performance are the result of changes in entrepreneurial self-efficacy, which is considered a mediocre effect, which can be explained by the presence of other factors affecting the performance of these enterprises. However, the presence of this positive impact calls for focusing on raising the self-efficacy of Algerian entrepreneurs.
A Case Study on Demographic Attributes of the Agriculture Postgraduate Students of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Vishwakarma Jyoti , Doharey R. K. , Meena N. R. , Singh Rishi Kumar
Published: June 2022

Students’ behaviour is substantially impacted by their personality attributes. Demographic status of students has a significant influence in shaping up on their personality. So, to understand one's behaviour, one must first learn about their demographic characteristics. This study intends to investigate to study about the main factors of socioeconomic level and characteristic traits, such as social and academic engagement, life satisfaction, demographic features, socioeconomic level and characteristic traits of the agricultural postgraduate students of Uttar Pradesh. A total of responses of 283 students from 6 universities having a curriculum for agriculture degrees, were collected. A systematic questionnaire was designed and sent to collect information through a google form. Frequency distributions, mean, percentage, quantile and Cumulative Square Root techniques were used to analyse the data.
Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Module for Management of Pod Borer in Chickpea
Authors: Yadav N. K. , Devi Sarita , Tiwari Dinesh , Pandey N. K.
Published: June 2022

A On Farm Trial (OFT) on Assessment of Integrated Pest Management module for management of pod borer in chickpea was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lalitpur. The practices such as cultural and mechanical, biological and need based chemical practices were followed in IPM plot.  The IPM practices deep summer ploughing, use of pheromone traps @ 5 traps / ha for Monitoring purpose, Bird perches @ 50/ ha, HaNPV @ 250 LE/ha and Emamectin benzoate @ 220 gm/ha gave average yield 19.85 q/ha as compared to farmers practices i.e 14.5 q/ha. The per cent increase in yield over control was 35.91 and 37.83 during 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. The net return was Rs. 73120/-, Rs. 76260/- and Rs. 46550/-, Rs. 47320/- in IPM plot and Non IPM plot during 2020-21 and 2021-22, respectively. The average benefit cost ratio was 3.1 and 1.8 in IPM plot and Non IPM plot, respectively.
Antisalmonella Potency of Varying Extracts of Garcinia kola
Authors: Opuogulaya R. , Ekiyor H. T. , Girah D. N. , Eyi G. , Ekanem M. F. , Elleh M. B.
Published: June 2022

Plants are a source of first-line treatment for most humans, particularly in Africa and offer nutrition for most terrestrial ecosystems. The world's attention have been called repeatedly to the therapeutic marvels of plants, one of which is Garcinia kola. This study aims to determine the antisalmonella efficacy of several Garcinia kola leaf and seed extracts. Extracts of leaves, seeds, and seed/leaf were obtained using methanol and ethanol as extraction solvents. Inoculated Salmonella typhi were observed for 24 hours using the well diffusion method to determine zones of inhibition. All extracts were found to be effective against S. typhi. 100/50 mg/ml methanol leave extract produced a 14/12mm zone of inhibition, whereas 100/50 mg/ml methanol seed extract produced a 13/11mm zone of inhibition. 100/50 mg/ml ethanol leave extract showed a 17/10mm inhibition zone, while 100/50 mg/ml ethanol seed extract showed a 16/14mm inhibition zone. The inhibition zone of methanol seed/leaf extract of 100/50 mg/ml was 17/12mm, while the inhibition zone of ethanol seed/leaf extract was 19/14mm. While all concentrations of plant extracts were effective against S. typhi, greater concentrations created larger zones of inhibition and the plant extracts outperformed the control. Seed/leaf extracts outperformed seed extract and leaf extract in most cases. The results showed that ethanol was a better extraction liquid and that the leaf extracts were more potent; however, this is not true in all cases. To stimulate local mitigation of illnesses caused by Salmonella typhi, more research on the antisalmonella effectiveness of Garcinia kola seed and leaf extracts should be done.
Analysis of Environmental Health Conditions in Obio-Akpo Local Government Area, Rivers State
Authors: Falilat Azeez
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Environmental health encompasses the assessment and control of the environmental factors that can potentially affect health and is targeted towards preventing diseases and creating health-supportive environment. Although, the environmental health indicators are made up of intermediate and impact indicators; these indicators are most routinely used for monitoring the three most common environmental health problems faced in developing countries, which includes Malaria, ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection) and Diarrhoea. This study shows the interrelationship between environmental health condition and WASH diseases (Cholera, Typhoid fever, and Diarrheal).

Materials and Methods: A pre-test on analysis of Environmental Health condition in Obio-Akpo LGA, multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting a total of 50 respondent who were women, questionnaires were used to elicit data from the respondents and the data was analysed using descriptive statistics, prevalence and correlation.

Results: The women in the study area indicated their willingness to participate in the survey when compared to the men, with the women having 50(100%) and the men 0(0%) participation. It was common among the respondents that 37(74%) wash their hands with soap and water while others 13(26%) wash their hands at times with soap and water, and at times they just rinse their hands with water. The diseases related to WASH that occurred in the past 12months among the respondents were 6(12%) had Cholera, Diarrhoea occurred in 10(20%) of the respondents, Typhoid malaria occurred in 13(26%) of the respondents, also Skin Infection and COVID-19 were 1(2%) each. While 19(38%) of the respondents had none of the diseases related to WASH in the past 12 months. The type of toilet facilities had a negative relationship to the prevalence of diseases with a 0.01 level of significance.

Discussion: There was prevalence of WASH disease among the respondents and it was above average, it is recommended that the government and non-governmental organisations should provide water in homes and public spaces due to the strong correlation between hand washing and prevalence of diseases.
The Relationship between Sexual Dysfunctions and Depression in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Gaffer Sara Salah , Seleem Mohammad Abdel -Hakeem , Saba Tarek Mohamed El , Badawy Adel Abdel-Kareem
Published: June 2022

Aims: To evaluate SD in depressed married premenopausal women and to study mood in married women with primary sexual complain.

Study Design: Cross-sectional case control research.

Place and Duration of Study: Neuropsychiatry and Obstetrics and Gynecology departments at Tanta University Hospital. The study was conducted from April 2019 to the end of March 2020.

Methodology: This research involved 300 females. Subjects were allocated into three equal groups: group 1(females with major depressive disorders who met DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major depressive disorders and were drug naïve, group 2: females with primary sexual complain and/or disorders and group 3: normal healthy female did not have history of medical or psychiatric diseases. All cases were subjected to psychiatric interview by Arabic version of MINI, Arabic version of the female sexual index, Hamilton depression scale, Hamilton anxiety scale, quality of life (QOL) assessment and modified Fahmy and Sherbini scale for socioeconomic study.

Results: There was positive significant correlations between female sexual index and Hamilton depression and anxiety score (p <0.001, p=0.012 respectively). There were negative significant correlations between female sexual index and physical, Psychological, social domains and total score of modified Fahmy& Sherbiny scale (p=0.073, 0.039, 0.003, 0.009) respectively.

Conclusion: Severity of depression is correlated to severity of SD among female cases with major depressive disorder. QOL is affected significantly by depression and by presence of sexual complaints and/or disorders among women as high incidence of SD in women with probable depression and is linked with significantly worse QOL.
Application of Goal Programing for Financial Management of a Listed Industrial Goods Firm in Nigeria
Authors: Nyor Ngutor , Daniel Bamidele B. , Nyor Agnes I. , Evans Patience O. , Abubakar U. Y.
Published: June 2022

In today’s competitive business environment, companies are faced with a lot of problems such as setting goals, planning how these goals can be achieved, organization and control of how the available scarce resources can be used to satisfy the aim and objectives of the company. Every decision made determine if the company will maintain, increase or lose its market share in today’s competitive market. Thus, there is need for mathematical modeling tools to help in making the right decision. Although we have different mathematical techniques that can be used, Goal Programing technique is chosen in this study since it enables the decision to strive toward multiple objectives, thereby enable optimum use of resources. This paper is aimed at demonstrating the use of goal programing for financial management of a listed Industrial Goods Firm in Nigeria. The result shows that two out of the five formulated goals were met. The least expected total of revenue, expenses, asset and employer benefit should be 10.61 billion naira annually if the company wants to meet the asset and expenses goal.
New Fantastic Curves Discovered from Rectangular Hyperbola
Authors: Wang Xingbo , Han Mengxuan
Published: June 2022

By means of constructing on the hyperbola xy = N a triangle whose shape is changed under the rule that one vertex is fixed at the vertex of the hyperbola, one vertex is moving on the hyperbola and the two laterals with respect to the fixed and the moving vertices respectively keep their directions unchanged, it is discovered that the loci of the triangle's centroid and orthocenter are respectively a hyperbola and a line, the locus of the circumcenter is a new cubic algebraic curve, and those of the incenter and ex-centers are planar curves that have not been reported before. All the loci of the centers form a fantastic graph like a ying insect. Meanwhile, the discovered hyperbola and curves are merely N-dependant and can be used to estimate the distribution of y divided by x with respect to xy = N.
Exploring Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Performance among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) In Nigeria
Authors: Akpan Anietie Peter , Okwudu Andrew Amuamuziam
Published: June 2022

This research is designed to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The study was carried out in the South-South Geopolitical Region of Nigeria. The proxies for EO were innovativeness, risk-taking, proactiveness, autonomy and competitive aggressiveness. This study used a survey research approach and a sample size of 1308 SMEs was selected. Copies of an adopted questionnaire were administered to the respondents who were owners/managers of the selected SMEs using the stratified random sampling method. Pearson's correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. The result of the research revealed that entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has significant influence on performance of SMEs in Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that SMEs' owners/managers should use the EO dimensions that best suit their firm's strategic emphasis, taking into account aspects such as the organization's age and/or size, industry influence, and the specific setting in which the firm works.
Ocimum gratissimum as a Remedy to Chemical Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Ajani Rotimi Sunday , Obasa Gabriel Kehinde
Published: June 2022

Objective: Drug induced liver injury is one of the sequelae of adverse drug reactions. We studied the efficacy of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum at ameliorating carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury.

Methodology: The study utilized five groups with six animals each. Liver injury was induced in groups L I (Liver injury), LDE (Low dose extract), MDE (Medium dose extract) and HDE (High dose extract) while group CN served as control. Groups LDE, MDE and HDE respectively had 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of the O.gratissimum aqueous extract daily for twenty one days.Blood samples were thereafter collected for biochemical analyses, the animals sacrificed and harvested livers processed for histopathological evaluation.

Results: The mean liver weight of LI was markedly elevated while its total protein level was significantly the least. Extract of O.gratissimum was able to counter the elevated levels of aspartate transaminase and amino transaminase occasioned by the induced liver injury.

High dose of O.gratissimum extract restored the activity of glutathione peroxidase hitherto depressed by carbon tetrachloride toxicity. Catalase and super oxide dismutase activities of all the three extract groups were significantly elevated in reference to the LI group. Lipid peroxidation was significantly minimized in the extract groups. The hepatic architecture was well preserved in all the extract groups.

Conclusion: Aqueous extract of O.gratissimum reversed chemical (carbon tetrachloride) induced liver injury via biochemical and structural mechanisms.
The Effect of Early Supplier Involvement on Firm Performance through Teamwork and New Product Development
Authors: Oktapia Alvenia , Siagian Hotlan , Tarigan Zeplin Jiwa Husada
Published: June 2022

Manufacturing companies in Indonesia experienced the most severe growth due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19). The effect of the pandemic resulted in companies reducing production capacity by reducing the use of utilities owned by the company. This study examines the effect of early supplier involvement on firm performance through teamwork and new product development. This research surveyed 55 companies from 104 manufacturing companies with more than 100 employees in East Java, Indonesia. The data collection used a questionnaire designed with a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis used SmartPLS version 3.0 to assess the measurement model and examine the hypothesis. This study developed nine hypotheses, which indicated that eight hypotheses were supported, and one hypothesis was rejected. Early supplier involvement affects teamwork, new product development, and firm performance. Furthermore, teamwork affects new product development and firm performance. Moreover, new product development affects firm performance. In addition, early supplier involvement indirectly affects firm performance through new product development and teamwork, respectively and simultaneously. These findings provide an insight for manufacturing management to consider early supplier involvement in developping new products and enhancing firm performance. This research will enrich the supply chain management theory, focusing on product development as the competitiveness of companies that are changing rapidly.
The Multidimensional Burden of Atopic Dermatitis Among Adults
Authors: Elsawi Rawaan , Dainty Katie , Smith Begolka Wendy , Barta Kelly , Butler Lisa , Capozza Korey , Eftekhari Sanaz , Tullos Kathryn Z. , Wu Wei , Drucker Aaron M.
Published: June 2022

Importance

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is long term and burdensome. Studies investigating disease burden in adults are limited in scope with gaps in understanding of the adult patient lived experience.

Objective

To describe the multidimensional burden of AD among mainly US adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This survey study for an externally led patient-focused drug development meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration on adult patients with AD was conducted between August 1, 2019, and October 11, 2019. Data were analyzed betwean March 26, 2021, and June 29, 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

We used multivariable ordinal regression to assess associations between demographic and clinical variables and patient-reported overall AD impact scores (ordinal scale from 1 [no impact] to 5 [significant impact]).

Results

Among 1065 survey respondents, 114 (11%) were aged 18 to 24 years, 235 (22%) were 25 to 34 years, 242 (23%) were 35 to 50 years, 288 (27%) were 51 to 64 years, and 186 (17%) were aged 65 years or older; 881 (83%) were women. Four hundred eighty-nine (46%) participants reported low-moderate AD impact scores (2-3), 544 (51%) reported high-significant impact scores (4-5), whereas 32 (3%) reported no association of AD with disease burden (impact score, 1). Variables strongly associated with overall impact scores were current AD severity (moderate: OR, 4.13; 95% CI, 2.94-5.79; severe: OR, 13.63; 95% CI, 8.65-21.50 vs mild), and time spent managing AD (11-20 hours: OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.77-4.03, ≥21 hours: OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.22-8.85, vs <5 hours).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study, AD severity and time spent managing symptoms showed the strongest associations with disease burden. This analysis highlights the multidimensional burden of AD in adults and emphasizes the need for more effective treatment strategies that reduce the time patients spend managing their AD.
Personalized Volumetric Tissue Generation by Enhancing Multiscale Mass Transport through 3D Printed Scaffolds in Perfused Bioreactors
Authors: Forrestal David P , Allenby Mark C , Simpson Benjamin , Klein Travis J , Woodruff Maria A
Published: June 2022

Engineered tissues provide an alternative to graft material, circumventing the use of donor tissue such as autografts or allografts and non‐physiological synthetic implants. However, their lack of vasculature limits the growth of volumetric tissue more than several millimeters thick which limits their success post‐implantation. Perfused bioreactors enhance nutrient mass transport inside lab‐grown tissue but remain poorly customizable to support the culture of personalized implants. Here, a multiscale framework of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), additive manufacturing, and a perfusion bioreactor system are presented to engineer personalized volumetric tissue in the laboratory. First, microscale 3D printed scaffold pore geometries are designed and 3D printed to characterize media perfusion through CFD and experimental fluid testing rigs. Then, perfusion bioreactors are custom‐designed to combine 3D printed scaffolds with flow‐focusing inserts in patient‐specific shapes as simulated using macroscale CFD. Finally, these computationally optimized bioreactor‐scaffold assemblies are additively manufactured and cultured with pre‐osteoblast cells for 7, 20, and 24 days to achieve tissue growth in the shape of human calcaneus bones of 13 mL volume and 1 cm thickness. This framework enables an intelligent model‐based design of 3D printed scaffolds and perfusion bioreactors which enhances nutrient transport for long‐term volumetric tissue growth in personalized implant shapes. The novel methods described here are readily applicable for use with different cell types, biomaterials, and scaffold microstructures to research therapeutic solutions for a wide range of tissues.
Breathable and Stretchable Dressings for Accelerating Healing of Infected Wounds
Authors: Wang Le , Zheng Wenfu , Hou Qinghong , Zhong Leni , Li Qizhen , Jiang Xingyu
Published: June 2022

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria‐infected wounds are challenging issues that threaten human health. Herein, L‐thioproline (T) and Boc‐capped L‐thioproline (BT)‐decorated gold nanoparticles (TBT‐GNPs) with potent antibacterial activity against MDR bacteria are reported. The TBT‐GNPs are composited with bacterial cellulose to form wound dressings which show excellent antimicrobial performance both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, this dressing is both breathable and stretchable which is favorable for gas exchange to accelerate the wound healing. This work is insightful for developing multifunctional dressings to satisfy the clinical requirements.
Identifying the Correlation between Structural Parameters and Anisotropic Magnetic Properties in IMnV Semiconductors: A Possible Room‐Temperature Magnetism
Authors: Yoo Byung Il , Lee Nahyun , Lamichhane Bipin , Bang Joonho , Song Hyun Yong , Park Byung Cheol , Lee Kyu Hyoung , Kim Seong‐Gon , Kim Sung Wng
Published: June 2022

Layer‐structured materials are of central importance in a wide range of research fields owing to their unique properties originating from their two dimensionality and anisotropy. Herein, quasi‐2D layer‐structured IMnV (I: alkali metals and V: pnictogen elements) compounds are investigated, which are potential antiferromagnetic (AFM) semiconductors. Single crystals of IMnV compounds are successfully grown using the self‐flux method and their electronic and magnetic properties are analyzed in correlation with structural parameters. Combined with theoretical calculations, the structural analysis indicates that the variation in the bonding angle between VMnV is responsible for the change in the orbital hybridization of Mn and V, predominantly affecting their anisotropic semiconducting properties. Anisotropy in the magnetic properties is also found, where AFM ordering is expected to occur in the in‐plane direction, as supported by spin–structure calculations. Furthermore, a possible ferromagnetic (FM) transition is discussed in relation to the vacancy defects. This study provides a candidate material group for AFM and FM spintronics and a basis for exploring magnetic semiconductors in quasi‐2D layer‐structured systems.
Enzyme‐Inspired Microenvironment Engineering of a Single‐Molecular Heterojunction for Promoting Concerted Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Han Shu‐Guo , Zhang Min , Fu Zhi‐Hua , Zheng Lirong , Ma Dong‐Dong , Wu Xin‐Tao , Zhu Qi‐Long
Published: June 2022

Challenges remain in the development of novel multifunctional electrocatalysts and their industrial operation on low‐electricity pair‐electrocatalysis platforms for the carbon cycle. Herein, an enzyme‐inspired single‐molecular heterojunction electrocatalyst ((NHx)16‐NiPc/CNTs) with specific atomic nickel centers and amino‐rich local microenvironments for industrial‐level electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) and further energy‐saving integrated CO2 electrolysis is designed and developed. (NHx)16‐NiPc/CNTs exhibit unprecedented catalytic performance with industry‐compatible current densities, ≈100% Faradaic efficiency and remarkable stability for CO2‐to‐CO conversion, outperforming most reported catalysts. In addition to the enhanced CO2 capture by chemisorption, the sturdy deuterium kinetic isotope effect and proton inventory studies sufficiently reveal that such distinctive local microenvironments provide an effective proton ferry effect for improving local alkalinity and proton transfer and creating local interactions to stabilize the intermediate, ultimately enabling the high‐efficiency operation of eCO2RR. Further, by using (NHx)16‐NiPc/CNTs as a bifunctional electrocatalyst in a flow cell, a low‐electricity overall CO2 electrolysis system coupling cathodic eCO2RR with anodic oxidation reaction is developed to achieve concurrent feed gas production and sulfur recovery, simultaneously decreasing the energy input. This work paves the new way in exploring molecular electrocatalysts and electrolysis systems with techno‐economic feasibility.
Rational Design of Nature Molybdenite with La2O3 Catalysts for Improved Energy‐Storage Behaviors
Authors: Yang Chunye , Lin Siyuan , Zhao Wenqing , Dong Yu , Qi Yueheng , Yuan Shaohui , Zeng Zihao , Wang Li , Yang Yue , Ge Peng
Published: June 2022

Natural molybdenite (MoS2) displays large interlayer distance and rich electrochemical activities, but suffers from the complex preparation process with serious pollution. MoS2, as the low‐cost resources, have captured numerous attentions as first‐hand energy‐storage materials. However, they are still limited by the shuttling of polysulfide and side reactions. Through the in situ solution deposition and thermochemical methods, molybdenite@La2O3 is successfully prepared with the formation of MoSLa bonds in the interfaces. La2O3, as the important catalyst, is uniformly distributed on the surface of molybdenite, which serves vital roles in the redox reversibility. Owing to the fascinating architecture, the as‐obtained samples deliver a considerable capacity of 803.1 mA h g−1, with high coulombic efficiency of 86.32%. After 500 cycles, the capacity increases up to ≈1200 mA h g−1. Even at 5.0 A g−1, its capacity can be remained ≈550 mA h g−1after 100 cycles. Assisted by the detailed kinetic behaviors, the improved energy‐storage capability mainly comes from the enhancements of pseudocapacitive behaviors. Moreover, benefiting from the detailed resistance analysis, the existing of La2O3 can induce the evolution of redox reactions stability. Thus, the work is expected to provide effective modified strategy for natural molybdenite in energy‐storage systems.
Functional Nanomaterials from Waste and Low‐Value Natural Products: A Technological Approach Level
Authors: Levchenko Igor , Mandhakini Mohandas , Prasad Karthika , Bazaka Olha , Ivanova Elena P. , Jacob Mohan V. , Baranov Oleg , Riccardi Claudia , Roman H. Eduardo , Xu Shuyan , Bazaka Kateryna
Published: June 2022

Low‐ and negative‐value (waste) products represent a valuable resource. Its use as a source for the fabrication of high value materials represents a lucrative pathway to increasing sustainability and decreasing the economic cost of various industries. Thermochemical methods for the valorization of biowaste and low‐value natural products are simple and cheap yet sufficiently efficient to deliver significant economic benefits. Plasma‐based methods represent another family of technologies for waste‐to‐value conversion. The nanostructure nucleation and growth in plasmas involve a complex set of physical and chemical processes that occur in bulk plasma and on surfaces. The choice between these two types of technology assumes a complex optimization that takes into account several factors including the cost of precursors; initial outlay and operating cost of equipment; the cost of labor; the cost of production engineering including the research and development efforts for designing the industrial technology, which is typically higher for the plasma‐based systems, and so on. In this article a technology level comparison of thermochemical and plasma‐based techniques for the valorization of raw and waste biomass, where the intent is to use the resulting products for environmental remediation, energy storage, optoelectronics, and biomedical applications, is presented.
In Situ Green Preparation of Highly Stable CsPbBr3–Polyimide Films for Flexible Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhang Guoxing , Jiang Dongliang , Jiang Xiaojie , Liang Bohao , Chen Yan , Chen Yeqing , Zeng Qingguang , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

Inorganic lead halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) with superior optical and electronic properties are regarded as excellent materials for various optoelectronic devices. However, their instability significantly hinders their practical applications. Herein, composite films of CsPbBr3 QDs and polyimide (CsPbBr3@PI) are prepared using an in situ green synthesis method without other ligands and anti‐solvents. This strategy allows the formation of CsPbBr3 QDs and polymerization of polyimide monomers to occur simultaneously, which encapsulates the CsPbBr3 QDs with a protective PI layer. The CsPbBr3@PI film has narrowband green emission and excellent stability against air, water, and light. The emission intensity of a CsPbBr3@PI film is maintained at 93% and 90% of the initial intensity after exposure to air for 43 days and immersion in water for 14 days, respectively. In addition, the water contact angle is 105°, indicating that the film has good hydrophobicity. Surprisingly, the film is not broken after repeated bending (1 250 times), and its emission intensity is almost unchanged, which illustrates that the film has excellent flexibility. The good performance of the obtained CsPbBr3@PI films indicates their potential as a backlight source for flexible liquid crystal display applications.
On the drag coefficient of flat and non‐flat solid particles of irregular shapes: An experimental validation study
Authors: Roostaee Amin , Faghani Ali , Vaezi Mahdi
Published: June 2022

The very wide varieties of geometries of irregular particles makes it difficult to study their motion also propose a simple and general equation to estimate their drag coefficient (CD). The goal of this research is to (1) experimentally validate the general CD correlation previously proposed by the authors of this article as a simple tool to estimate the CD of spherical to highly irregular particles over a wide ranges of Re from 0.001 to 300,000, and (2) examine and expand the reference model particles proposed by the authors to represent a wide range of irregular shapes (60 non‐flat and 36 flat). A comparison between the CD experimentally measured using reference model particles over a range of Re from 9 to 2481 and the CD estimated using general CD correlation, also comparing with CD correlations by others, demonstrated the accuracy and simplicity of the proposed general CD correlation.
Exact Mobility Edges and Topological Anderson Insulating Phase in a Slowly Varying Quasiperiodic Model
Authors: Lu Zhanpeng , Xu Zhihao , Zhang Yunbo
Published: June 2022

The relationship of topology and disorder in a 1D Su–Schrieffer–Heeger chain subjected to a slowly varying quasi‐periodic modulation is uncovered. By numerically calculating the disorder‐averaged winding number and analytically studying the localization length of the zero modes, the topological phase diagram is obtained, which implies that the topological Anderson insulator (TAI) can be induced by a slowly varying quasi‐periodic modulation. Moreover, unlike the localization properties in the TAI phase caused by random disorder, mobility edges can enter into the TAI region identified by the fractal dimension, the inverse participation ratio, and the spatial distributions of the wave functions, the boundaries of which coincide with the analytical results presented here.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of All‐Carbon Aromatic Rings
Authors: Ding Yi‐Xuan , Zhu Zhou‐Hao , Chen Mu‐Wang , Yu Chang‐Bin , Zhou Yong‐Gui
Published: June 2022

Compared with heteroarenes, homogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation of all‐carbon aromatic rings is a longstanding challenge in organic synthesis due to the strong aromaticity and difficult enantioselective control. Herein, we report the rhodium/diphosphine‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of all‐carbon aromatic rings, affording a series of axially chiral cyclic compounds with high enantioselectivity through desymmetrization or kinetic resolution. In addition, the central‐chiral cyclic compounds were also obtained by asymmetric hydrogenation of phenanthrenes bearing a directing group. The key to success is the introduction of chiral diphosphine ligands with steric hindrance and strong electron‐donating properties. The axially chiral monophosphine ligands could be obtained by simple conversion of the hydrogenation products bearing the phosphine atom.
Diversification of Aryl Sulfonyl Compounds through Ligand‐Controlledmeta‐ andpara‐C−H Borylation
Authors: Wang Yajun , Chang Wenju , Qin Shengmeng , Ang Han , Ma Jiawei , Lu Shuo , Liang Yong
Published: June 2022

Aryl sulfones and aryl sulfonamides are of great importance in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Althoughortho‐C−H functionalization of aryl sulfonyl compounds has been extensively explored, the functionalization of remotemeta‐andpara‐C−H bonds is very rare. Herein, we report a tunablemeta‐andpara‐selective C−H borylation of aryl sulfonyl compounds enabled by computationally designed ligands and iridium catalyst. This method is capable of accommodating a broad range of substrates under mild reaction conditions. Gram‐scale preparation can be achieved with iridium catalyst loading as low as 0.1 mol%. As the introduced boronate group can be easily converted into many other groups, our method provides a general solution to installing functional groups at eithermeta‐ orpara‐position of aryl sulfones and aryl sulfonamides with good to excellent selectivity.
Self‐Regulated Pathway‐Dependent Chirality Control of Silver Nanoclusters
Authors: Nakashima Takuya , Tanibe Riku , Yoshida Hiroto , Ehara Masahiro , Kuzuhara Miwa , Kawai Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2022

Imparting chirality affords additive values, functions and responsiveness in molecular systems including nanoscale materials. Here, we report pathway‐dependent chirality control in silver nanoclusters (NCs). The use of enantiomeric ligand, α‐dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), for the synthesis of Ag NCs leads to the preferential formation of one‐handed chiral Ag29(DHLA)12 NCs with intrinsic chirality in the exterior shell composed of a silver‐dithiolate framework. Small Lewis base molecules such as pyridine bind to silver atoms in the shell of NC as a guest. The guest binding reverses the relative stability between the right‐ and left‐handed NCs upon a steric interaction with the chiral ligand DHLA in the exterior shell in a kinetic manner, leading to unprecedented chirality inversion in the synthesis of NCs. This mechanism is further extended to the self‐regulation or self‐replication of chirality through interNC interactions dependent on the concentration in the synthesis of NCs.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Benzylic Addition Reactions of Alkylarenes to Michael Acceptors
Authors: Li Yuntong , Wu Wen‐Qiang , Zhu Hui , Kang Qi‐Kai , Xu Lun , Shi Hang
Published: June 2022

The use of alkylarenes as nucleophile precursors in benzylic addition is challenging because the benzylic hydrogen atoms of these compounds are inert to deprotonation. Herein, we report Rh‐catalyzed benzylic addition of alkylarenes to Michael acceptors for the formation of C(sp3)−C(sp3) bonds. The catalyst is proposed to activate the aromatic ring via η6‐coordination, dramatically facilitating deprotonation of the unactivated benzylic C−H bond and addition of the resulting carbanion to the α,β‐unsaturated double bond in the absence of bases. Notably, this byproduct‐free method provides an access to all‐carbon quaternary centers through the development of ligands.
Echelsbacher Brücke – Ersatzneubau unter Einbeziehung des denkmalgeschützten Bestandsbogens
Authors: Pahl Gerhard , Wilfer Stefan
Published: June 2022

Die Echelsbacher Brücke verbindet die Gemeinden Bad Bayersoien und Rottenbuch. Das Bauwerk überführt die B 23 über die ca. 180 m breite Ammerschlucht in einer Höhe von ca. 76 m. Aufgrund der topografischen Situation vor den Ammergauer Alpen besitzt das Bauwerk eine enorme Bedeutung in der südwestlichen Region Oberbayerns. Die 1928 errichtete Brücke in Melan‐Spangenberg‐Bauweise war seinerzeit die weitestgespannte Melan‐Bogenbrücke der Welt. Die erhöhte Verkehrsbelastung, aber auch die vorhandenen Schäden an der filigranen Betonkonstruktion, ließen eine wirtschaftliche Instandsetzung auf das erforderliche Lastniveau nicht zu. Ein Ersatzneubau mit Erhalt der denkmalgeschützten Bogenkonstruktion war notwendig. Die vielfältigen Herausforderungen des Denkmalschutzes, des Natur‐ und des Artenschutzes bestimmten die Planung und Bauausführung. Die Echelsbacher Brücke mit dem schlanken abgesetzten Gewölbebogen, der die Bestandsbögen schützend überspannt, stellt eine moderne Interpretation des bestehenden Tragwerks dar und ist unverwechselbar und einzigartig.
Development, validation, and clinical application of a rapid UPLC–MS/MS method for detection of colchicine in human whole blood and urine
Authors: Bi Chongwen , Gao Ying , Li Chunlin , Gao Yuyang , Wang Kaiwen , He Yifan , Li Zhengxiang , Yuan Hengjie
Published: June 2022

A rapid, simple, and economical method has been developed to determine colchicine in both human whole blood and urine using UPLC–MS/MS. Colchicine and isotope‐labeled internal standard were extracted from the matrix by liquid–liquid extraction with saturated borax and ethyl acetate, and separated by a reversed‐phase chromatography C18 column. Gradient elution was carried out using acetonitrile and water spiked with 0.01% formic acid. Multiple reaction monitoring was performed at positive ion mode. The quantitative transitions were m/z 400.27 → 310.28 for colchicine and m/z 406.16 → 313.18 for colchicine‐D6. The method has good linearity in the range of 0.5–200 ng/mL for blood and 2–2000 ng/mL for urine. The sensitivity, accuracy, and matrix effect were all in line with the guidelines of Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. The extraction recovery was above 63.94%. The samples were stable under various storage conditions. Six deuterium‐substituted isotopic internal standard was used to demonstrate a different mode of colchicine cleavage from the existing literature. This method has been successfully used in the diagnosis of patients with colchicine poisoning. Blood is recommended as the optimal sample compared with urine.
Application of polymersomes in membrane protein study and drug discovery: Progress, strategies, and perspectives
Authors: Lo Chih Hung , Zeng Jialiu
Published: June 2022

Membrane proteins (MPs) play key roles in cellular signaling pathways and are responsible for intercellular and intracellular interactions. Dysfunctional MPs are directly related to the pathogenesis of various diseases, and they have been exploited as one of the most sought‐after targets in the pharmaceutical industry. However, working with MPs is difficult given that their amphiphilic nature requires protection from biological membrane or membrane mimetics. Polymersomes are bilayered nano‐vesicles made of self‐assembled block copolymers that have been widely used as cell membrane mimetics for MP reconstitution and in engineering of artificial cells. This review highlights the prevailing trend in the application of polymersomes in MP study and drug discovery. We begin with a review on the techniques for synthesis and characterization of polymersomes as well as methods of MP insertion to form proteopolymersomes. Next, we review the structural and functional analysis of the different types of MPs reconstituted in polymersomes, including membrane transport proteins, MP complexes, and membrane receptors. We then summarize the factors affecting reconstitution efficiency and the quality of reconstituted MPs for structural and functional studies. Additionally, we discuss the potential in using proteopolymersomes as platforms for high‐throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery to identify modulators of MPs. We conclude by providing future perspectives and recommendations on advancing the study of MPs and drug development using proteopolymersomes.
Synthesis, in Vitro Cholinesterase Inhibition, Molecular Docking, DFT, and ADME Studies of Novel 1,3,4‐Oxadiazole‐2‐Thiol Derivatives
Authors: Tariq Sidra , Mutahir Sadaf , Khan Muhammad Asim , Mutahir Zeeshan , Hussain Safdar , Ashraf Muhammad , Bao Xiaofang , Zhou Baojing , Stark Christian B. W. , Khan Islam Ullah
Published: June 2022

A series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol derivatives bearing various alkyl or aryl moieties were designed, synthesized, and characterized using modern spectroscopic methods to yield 17 compounds (6a–6q) that were screened for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes in the search for ′lead′ compounds for Alzheimer's disease treatment (AD). The compounds 6q, 6p, 6k, 6o, and 6l showed inhibitory capability against AChE and BChE, with IC50 values ranging from 11.73±0.49 to 27.36±0.29 μM for AChE and 21.83±0.39 to 39.43±0.44 μM for BChE, inhibiting both enzymes within a limited range. The SAR ascertained that the substitution of the aromatic moiety had a profound effect on the AChE and BChE inhibitory potential as compared to the aliphatic substitutions which were supported by the molecular docking studies. The drug‐likeness of the most synthesized compounds was confirmed by in silico ADME investigations. These results were additionally supplemented by the molecular orbital analysis (HOMO‐LUMO) and electrostatic potential maps got from DFT calculations. ESP maps expose that on all structures, there are two potential binding sites conquered by the most positive and most negative districts.