bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regenerative Potential of Hydrogels for Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Lessons from Ischemic Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Authors: Thomas Josephine M. , Louca Irene , Bolan Faye , Sava Oana‐Roxana , Allan Stuart M. , Lawrence Catherine B. , Pinteaux Emmanuel
Published: July 2021

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a deadly and debilitating type of stroke, caused by the rupture of cerebral blood vessels. To date, there are no restorative interventions approved for use in ICH patients, highlighting a critical unmet need. ICH shares some pathological features with other acute brain injuries such as ischemic stroke (IS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), including the loss of brain tissue, disruption of the blood–brain barrier, and activation of a potent inflammatory response. New biomaterials such as hydrogels have been recently investigated for their therapeutic benefit in both experimental IS and TBI, owing to their provision of architectural support for damaged brain tissue and ability to deliver cellular and molecular therapies. Conversely, research on the use of hydrogels for ICH therapy is still in its infancy, with very few published reports investigating their therapeutic potential. Here, the published use of hydrogels in experimental ICH is commented upon and how approaches reported in the IS and TBI fields may be applied to ICH research to inform the design of future therapies is described. Unique aspects of ICH that are distinct from IS and TBI that should be considered when translating biomaterial‐based therapies between disease models are also highlighted.
Design of Protein‐Based Liquefied Cell‐Laden Capsules with Bioinspired Adhesion for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Gomes Maria C. , Costa Dora C. S. , Oliveira Cláudia S. , Mano João F.
Published: July 2021

Platforms with liquid cores are extensively explored as cell delivery vehicles for cell‐based therapies and tissue engineering. However, the recurrence of synthetic materials can impair its translation into the clinic. Inspired by the adhesive proteins secreted by mussels, liquefied capsule is developed using gelatin modified with hydroxypyridinones (Gel‐HOPO), a catechol analogue with oxidant‐resistant properties. The protein‐based liquefied macrocapsule permitted the compartmentalization of living cells by an approachable and non‐time‐consuming methodology resorting to i) superhydrophobic surfaces as a processing platform of hydrogel beads, ii) gelation of gelatin at temperatures < 25 °C, iii) iron coordination of the hydroxypyridinone (HOPO) moieties at physiological pH, and iv) core liquefaction at 37 °C. With the design of a proteolytically degradable shell, the possibility of encapsulating human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hASC) with and without the presence of polycaprolactone microparticles (μPCL) is evaluated. Showing prevalence toward adhesion to the inner shell wall, hASC formed a monolayer evidencing the biocompatibility and adequate mechanical properties of these platforms for proliferation, diminishing the need for μPCL as a supporting substrate. This new protein‐based liquefied platform can provide biofactories devices of both fundamental and practical importance for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine or in other biotechnology fields.
Nanodots Derived from Layered Materials: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Zhai Wei , Xiong Tengfei , He Zhen , Lu Shiyao , Lai Zhuangchai , He Qiyuan , Tan Chaoliang , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2021

Layered 2D materials, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal oxides, black phosphorus, graphitic carbon nitride, hexagonal boron nitride, and MXenes, have attracted intensive attention over the past decades owing to their unique properties and wide applications in electronics, catalysis, energy storage, biomedicine, etc. Further reducing the lateral size of layered 2D materials down to less than 10 nm allows for preparing a new class of nanostructures, namely, nanodots derived from layered materials. Nanodots derived from layered materials not only can exhibit the intriguing properties of nanodots due to the size confinement originating from the ultrasmall size, but also can inherit some unique properties of ultrathin layered 2D materials, making them promising candidates in a wide range of applications, especially in biomedicine and catalysis. Here, a comprehensive summary on the materials categories, advantages, synthesis methods, and potential applications of these nanodots derived from layered materials is provided. Finally, personal insights about the challenges and future directions in this promising research field are also given.
Comprehensive Understanding of the Thriving Ambient Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Xue , Hu Guangzhi , Chen Gao‐Feng , Zhang Haibo , Zhang Shusheng , Wang Haihui
Published: July 2021

The electrochemical method of combining N2 and H2O to produce ammonia (i.e., the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction [E‐NRR]) continues to draw attention as it is both environmentally friendly and well suited for a progressively distributed farm economy. Despite the multitude of recent works on the E‐NRR, further progress in this field faces a bottleneck. On the one hand, despite the extensive exploration and trial‐and‐error evaluation of E‐NRR catalysts, no study has stood out to become the stage protagonist. On the other hand, the current level of ammonia production (microgram‐scale) is an almost insurmountable obstacle for its qualitative and quantitative determination, hindering the discrimination between true activity and contamination. Herein i) the popular theory and mechanism of the NRR are introduced; ii) a comprehensive summary of the recent progress in the field of the E‐NRR and related catalysts is provided; iii) the operational procedures of the E‐NRR are addressed, including the acquisition of key metrics, the challenges faced, and the most suitable solutions; iv) the guiding principles and standardized recommendations for the E‐NRR are emphasized and future research directions and prospects are provided.
Conductive Polymer‐Based Bioelectronic Platforms toward Sustainable and Biointegrated Devices: A Journey from Skin to Brain across Human Body Interfaces
Authors: Bettucci Ottavia , Matrone Giovanni Maria , Santoro Francesca
Published: July 2021

Over the last few years, organic bioelectronics has experienced an exponential growth with applications encompassing platforms for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, implantable, and wearable sensors. Although reducing the physical and mechanical mismatch with the human tissues allows to increase the coupling efficiency, several challenges are still open in terms of matching biological curvature, size, and interface stiffness. In this context, the replacement of bulky with more flexible and conformable devices is required, implying the transition from inorganic conventional electronics to organic electronics. Indeed, the advent of organic materials in bioelectronics, due to the indisputable benefits related to biocompatibility, flexibility, and electrical properties, has granted superior coupling properties with human tissues increasing the performances of both sensing and stimulation platforms. In this review the ease of functionalization and patterning of conductive polymers (CPs) will be analyzed as a strategy that enables the fabrication of platforms with high structural flexibility ranging from the macro to the micro/nano‐scales, leading to the increase of devices sensitivity. Drawing from the concept of biomimicry, the human body tissues interfaces will be explored through an ideal journey starting from organic platforms for epidermal sensing and stimulation. Then, devices capable of establishing a dynamic coupling with the heart will be reviewed and finally, following the circulatory system and crossing the blood‐brain barrier, the brain will be reached and novel sensing and computing implants advances that pave the way to the possibility to emulate as well as to interact with the neural functions will be analyzed.
Arc‐Shaped Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Rolling Structure for Harvesting Low‐Frequency Water Wave Energy
Authors: Ren Jie , Gao Cunjin , An Jie , Liu Quanxiao , Wang Jigang , Jiang Tao , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: July 2021

Ocean occupies about 71% of the global surface area and contains 97% of the total water on the earth. Ocean waves are regarded as one of the most promising renewable energy sources, but it is quite difficult to harvest such low‐quality and low‐frequency energy due to the technology limitations of traditional electromagnetic generators. In this work, a type of arc‐shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (AS‐TENG) with internal rolling structure is designed to harvest low‐frequency water wave energy. The freestanding roller with flexible surfaces can scroll freely with low friction along the arched track under external triggering, generating induced current between the complementary electrodes. The arc‐shaped design facilitates the high‐density integrating of multiple TENG units and effective packaging for potential large‐scope applications. One AS‐TENG can deliver an output power density of 5.47 W m−3 under regular triggering, while a power density of 2.34 W m−3 is achieved for an AS‐TENG array under real water wave triggering of 1.2 Hz. Moreover, through harvesting water wave energy by the AS‐TENG array, self‐powered temperature sensing and wireless transmission systems have been successfully constructed. This work demonstrates huge application prospects of the AS‐TENGs toward large‐scale ocean blue energy harvesting and environmental monitoring.
Fabrication of Photonic Resonators in Bulk 4H‐SiC
Authors: Cranwell Schaeper Otto , Fröch Johannes E. , Kim Sejeong , Mu Zhao , Toth Milos , Gao Weibo , Aharonovich Igor
Published: July 2021

The design and engineering of photonic architectures, suitable to enhance, collect and guide light on chip is needed for applications in quantum photonics and quantum optomechanics. In this work, a Faraday cage‐based oblique angle etch method is applied to fabricate various functional photonic devices from 4H Silicon Carbide (SiC)—a material that has attracted attention in recent years, due to its potential in optomechanics, nonlinear optics, and quantum information. The processing conditions are detailed and the geometrical and optical characteristics of the fabricated devices are thoroughly addressed. Employing photoluminescence measurements high‐quality factors are demonstrated for suspended microring resonators of up to 3500 in the visible range. Such devices will be applicable in the future to augment the properties of SiC in integrated on chip quantum photonics.
MOF‐Nanocomposite Mixed‐Matrix Membrane for Dual‐Luminescence Ratiometric Temperature Sensing
Authors: Ding Yanyun , Lu Yantong , Yu Kuangli , Wang Shuo , Zhao Dian , Chen Banglin
Published: July 2021

Accurate measurement of temperature is crucial in many branches of medicine, science, and engineering, and often requires temperature sensors that are noninvasive, of high accuracy, and can spatially resolve thermal fluctuations at the nanoscale. Here a new type of flexible and tailorable mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) is introduced, which feature dual‐emitting metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based nanocomposites embedded in polymer matrix, and its potential use in luminescence temperature sensing is evaluated. The as‐prepared “Cdots&RB@ZIF‐82‐MMM” inherits the luminescence properties of the incorporated Cdots&RB@zeolitic‐imidazolate‐framework (ZIF)‐82 nanocomposite and possesses the luminescence of both the blue‐emitting carbon dots (Cdots) and the green‐emitting rhodamine B (RB). Since the fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the two guest emitters is thermally correlated, the thermometric parameter (IC/IRB) of the Cdots&RB@ZIF‐82‐MMM has excellent linear response in the physiological temperature range, with favorable relative sensitivity, spectral repeatability, and structural stability. The new ratiometric membranous thermometers proposed here should initiate further interest in luminescent MOF/polymer hybrids and their diverse sensing applications.
Miniaturized Backward Coupler Realized by the Circuit‐Based Planar Hyperbolic Waveguide
Authors: Guo Zhiwei , Song Juan , Jiang Haitao , Chen Hong
Published: July 2021

Planar waveguides limit the transmission of electromagnetic waves in a specific direction and have a wide range of applications in filters, sensors, and energy‐transfer devices. However, given the increasing demand for planar‐integrated photonics, new waveguides are required with excellent characteristics such as more functionality, greater efficiency, and smaller size. Herein, the experimental results for a planar microwave‐regime waveguide fabricated from circuit‐based magnetic hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) are reported. HMM is a special type of anisotropic metamaterial, whose isofrequency contour (IFC) takes the form of an open hyperboloid. Because of the open‐dispersion IFCs, HMMs support propagating high‐k modes with large effective refractive indices, which allow planar hyperbolic waveguides to be miniaturized. Especially, as opposed to the traditional dielectric slab waveguide, the group velocity and phase velocity in hyperbolic waveguides are oriented in opposite directions—a characteristic that is exploited to realize the backward propagation of electromagnetic waves. Based on this property, a backward coupler based on the hyperbolic waveguide is designed and experimented with. Herein, the significant potential of circuit‐based platforms for the experimental study of the propagation and coupling of guided modes is not only revealed but also the use of HMMs for numerous integrated functional devices is promoted.
Ionic Liquid Stabilizing High‐Efficiency Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Guixiang , Su Zhenhuang , Li Meng , Yang Feng , Aldamasy Mahmoud H. , Pascual Jorge , Yang Fengjiu , Liu Hairui , Zuo Weiwei , Di Girolamo Diego , Iqbal Zafar , Nasti Giuseppe , Dallmann André , Gao Xingyu , Wang Zhaokui , Saliba Michael , Abate Antonio
Published: July 2021

Tin halide perovskites attract incremental attention to deliver lead‐free perovskite solar cells. Nevertheless, disordered crystal growth and low defect formation energy, related to Sn(II) oxidation to Sn(IV), limit the efficiency and stability of solar cells. Engineering the processing from perovskite precursor solution preparation to film crystallization is crucial to tackle these issues and enable the full photovoltaic potential of tin halide perovskites. Herein, the ionic liquid n‐butylammonium acetate (BAAc) is used to tune the tin coordination with specific O…Sn chelating bonds and NH…X hydrogen bonds. The coordination between BAAc and tin enables modulation of the crystallization of the perovskite in a thin film. The resulting BAAc‐containing perovskite films are more compact and have a preferential crystal orientation. Moreover, a lower amount of Sn(IV) and related chemical defects are found for the BAAc‐containing perovskites. Tin halide perovskite solar cells processed with BAAc show a power conversion efficiency of over 10%. This value is retained after storing the devices for over 1000 h in nitrogen. This work paves the way toward a more controlled tin‐based perovskite crystallization for stable and efficient lead‐free perovskite photovoltaics.
Interaction of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization on yield and input use efficiency of sesame cultivars
Authors: Saboury Ali , Gholamhoseini Majid , Bazrafshan Forrod , Habibzadeh Farhad , Amiri Bahram
Published: July 2021

The effect of irrigation regimes and nitrogen (N) rates and their interactions on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) yield is not completely evaluated; hence, the current study was conducted to investigate effects of these factors on sesame yield, N fertilizer use efficiency (NFUE), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), and seed oil content. The experiment was carried out in a semiarid region of Iran during 2016 and 2017 growing seasons outlined in a randomized complete‐block design with a split factorial arrangement of treatments with three replicates. The main plots were allocated to the deficit and full irrigation regimes. Factorial combination of three N levels (0, 60, and 120 kg N ha−1) and three sesame cultivars (Oltan, Dashtestan, and Naz) were assigned to the subplots. When averaged over the years and cultivars, the results showed that the enhancement of applied N (0–120 kg N ha−1) increased sesame seed yield by 81% with full irrigation and by 51% with deficit irrigation. Maximum IWUE was found in Oltan treated with 120 kg N ha−1 under full irrigation (0.26 kg m−3), while the minimum value was found in Naz treated with 0 kg N ha−1 under deficit irrigation (0.05 kg m−3). The mean comparisons of NFUE showed that in the 60 kg N ha−1 treatment, each kilogram of applied N led to the production of 13.8 and 4.5 kg seed ha−1 with full and deficit irrigation, respectively. In contrast, in the 120 kg N ha−1 treatment, each kilogram of applied N resulted in the production of 7.6 and 2.1 kg seed ha−1 in the full and deficit irrigation regimes, respectively. In general, the optimal rates of N depended on the sesame cultivar and varied for different regimes of irrigation. Managing N fertilizer levels to meet sesame demands based on the amount of water applied and the type of cultivar not only prevented a negative environmental effect, but also increased yield and conserved agricultural inputs for sesame grown in arid and semiarid regions.
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Hawaii: Levels and sources of serum vitamin D in older adults
Authors: Oshiro Caryn E , Hillier Teresa A. , Edmonds Grant , Peterson Missy , Hill Patrick L. , Hampson Sarah
Published: July 2021

Objective

To examine the major sources of vitamin D [25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)] and evaluate their collective role on rates of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency among older adults.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels and sources of vitamin D (self‐reported and objectively validated sun exposure, supplementation, food including fortified sources). Study subjects were part of the Hawaii Longitudinal Study of Personality and Health who completed a clinic visit between 55 and 65 years (M = 59.6) and food frequency questionnaire, and provided serum to assay 25(OH)D (n = 223).

Results

Although mean serum 25(OH)D levels were overall sufficient (34.3 ng/ml, [SD = 10.9]), over one‐third of participants (38%) had vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (<30 ng/ml). Asians were the most likely to be insufficient and Filipinos were the least likely (43% vs. 11%, respectively). Overall, supplement use and sun exposure were both associated with higher 25(OH)D levels and lower risk of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Moreover, Vitamin D sources varied by race/ethnic groups. In multivariate models, higher body mass index, being Asian or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, low supplement use, and low sun exposure were associated with higher risk for vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency (<30 ng/ml).

Conclusions

Over 1/3 of the older adult sample was vitamin D deficient/insufficient, despite most of the participants living in a tropical climate with year‐round access to sun as a vitamin D source. Sun exposure and supplement use, but not food intake, explained differences in vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in this population.
Delivering a new diagnosis of Down syndrome: Parent experience
Authors: Lehman April , Leach Mark , Santoro Stephanie L.
Published: July 2021

Down syndrome is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities. In 2014, in conjunction with the passing of House Bill 552, the Ohio Department of Health released a Down syndrome fact sheet to be given to parents at time of diagnosis to answer basic questions regarding the diagnosis. Our survey helps us to understand parental experience in receiving a new Down syndrome diagnosis including information provided. An electronic survey was created and distributed to members of established Down syndrome parent groups in Ohio. Questions assessed the parental experience at the time of receiving a Down syndrome. We also looked at parent perceptions after the implementation of a Down syndrome fact sheet. Responses were collected regarding experience at the time of diagnosis and broadly categorized into a trichotomy of positive experience (>5), neutral experience (=5), and negative experience (<5). Parents report an overall negative experience when receiving a new diagnosis of Down syndrome (mean of 4 on scale of 0–10), which did not increase after 2014 (p >0.05). Eighty‐five percent of parents with children born in 2014 or after report that they did not receive the Ohio Department of Health Down syndrome fact sheet. Legislation regarding a diagnosis of Down syndrome exists in 20 states with significant variability, readability of those fact sheets. Legislation requiring accurate information be given to families was not always followed, and printed literature alone did not correlate with improved parent experience; additional efforts are necessary to ensure that the experience receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome is not a negative one.
Functional analysis of novel genetic variants of NKX2‐5 associated with nonsyndromic congenital heart disease
Authors: Dixit Ritu , Narasimhan Chitra , Balekundri Vijayalakshmi I. , Agrawal Damyanti , Kumar Ashok , Mohapatra Bhagyalaxmi
Published: July 2021

NKX2‐5, a master cardiac regulatory transcription factor was the first known genetic cause of congenital heart diseases (CHDs). To further investigate its role in CHD pathogenesis, we performed mutational screening of 285 CHD probands and 200 healthy controls. Five coding sequence variants were identified in six CHD cases (2.1%), including three in the N‐terminal region (p.A61G, p.R95L, and p.E131K) and one each in homeodomain (HD) (p.A148E) and tyrosine‐rich domain (p.P247A). Variant‐p.A148E showed tertiary structure changes and differential DNA binding affinity of mutant compared to wild type. Two N‐terminal variants—p.A61G and p.E131K along with HD variant p.A148E demonstrated significantly reduced transcriptional activity of Nppa and Actc1 promoters in dual luciferase promoter assay supported by their reduced expression in qRT‐PCR. Nonetheless, variant p.R95L affected the synergy of NKX2‐5 with serum response factor and TBX5 leading to significantly decreased Actc1 promoter activity depicting a distinctive role of this region. The aberrant expression of other target genes—Irx4, Mef2c, Bmp10, Myh6, Myh7, and Myocd is also observed in response to NKX2‐5 variants, possibly due to the defective gene regulatory network. Severely impaired downstream promoter activities and abnormal expression of target genes due to N‐terminal variants supports the emerging role of this region during cardiac‐developmental pathways.
Targeted tDCS Mitigates Dual‐Task Costs to Gait and Balance in Older Adults
Authors: Zhou Junhong , Manor Brad , Yu Wanting , Lo On‐Yee , Gouskova Natalia , Salvador Ricardo , Katz Racheli , Cornejo Thumm Pablo , Brozgol Marina , Ruffini Giulio , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Lipsitz Lewis A. , Hausdorff Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2021

Objective

Among older adults, the ability to stand or walk while performing cognitive tasks (ie, dual‐tasking) requires coordinated activation of several brain networks. In this multicenter, double‐blinded, randomized, and sham‐controlled study, we examined the effects of modulating the excitability of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L‐DLPFC) and the primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) on dual‐task performance “costs” to standing and walking.

Methods

Fifty‐seven older adults without overt illness or disease completed 4 separate study visits during which they received 20 minutes of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) optimized to facilitate the excitability of the L‐DLPFC and SM1 simultaneously, or each region separately, or neither region (sham). Before and immediately after stimulation, participants completed a dual‐task paradigm in which they were asked to stand and walk with and without concurrent performance of a serial‐subtraction task.

Results

tDCS simultaneously targeting the L‐DLPFC and SM1, as well as tDCS targeting the L‐DLPFC alone, mitigated dual‐task costs to standing and walking to a greater extent than tDCS targeting SM1 alone or sham (p < 0.02). Blinding efficacy was excellent and participant subjective belief in the type of stimulation received (real or sham) did not contribute to the observed functional benefits of tDCS.

Interpretation

These results demonstrate that in older adults, dual‐task decrements may be amenable to change and implicate L‐DPFC excitability as a modifiable component of the control system that enables dual‐task standing and walking. tDCS may be used to improve resilience and the ability of older results to walk and stand under challenging conditions, potentially enhancing everyday functioning and reducing fall risks. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:428–439
Enantioselective Synthesis of Pyridines with All‐Carbon Quaternary Carbon Centers via Cobalt‐Catalyzed Desymmetric [2+2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Li Ke , Wei Linsheng , Sun Minghe , Li Bing , Liu Min , Li Changkun
Published: July 2021

A Co‐catalyzed enantioselective desymmetric [2+2+2] cycloaddition for synthesis of pyridines with all‐carbon quaternary carbon centers has been developed. The regio‐ and enantioselectivities are controlled by the inherent nature of terminal alkynes and the substituents on the bisoxazolinephosphine ligands. Pyridines with 5‐substitutents could be obtained with >20:1 regioselectivity and up to 94 % ee when terminal alkyl, alkenyl or silyl alkynes and DTBM/Ph‐based NPN* ligand L6 were used. Terminal aryl alkynes and Ph/Bn‐based ligand L4 leads to formation of pyridines with 6‐substitutents in up to 99 % ee.
Macrolactonization Reactions Driven by a Pentafluorobenzoyl Group**
Authors: Force Guillaume , Perfetto Anna , Mayer Robert J. , Ciofini Ilaria , Lebœuf David
Published: July 2021

Macrolactones constitute a privileged class of natural and synthetic products with a broad range of applications in the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical industry. Despite all the progress made towards their synthesis, notably fromseco‐acids, a macrolactonization promoter system that is effective, selective, flexible, readily available, and, insofar as possible, compatible with manifold functional groups is still lacking. Herein, we describe a strategy that relies on the formation of a mixed anhydride incorporating a pentafluorophenyl group which, due to its high electronic activation enables a convenient access to macrolactones, macrodiolides and esters with a broad versatility. Kinetic studies and DFT computations were performed to rationalize the reactivity of the pentafluorophenyl group in macrolactonization reactions.
Metal–Organic Frameworks: Molecules or Semiconductors in Photocatalysis?
Authors: Kolobov Nikita , Goesten Maarten G. , Gascon Jorge
Published: July 2021

In the realm of solids, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer unique possibilities for the rational engineering of tailored physical properties. These derive from the modular, molecular make‐up of MOFs, which allows for the selection and modification of the organic and inorganic building units that construct them. The adaptable properties make MOFs interesting materials for photocatalysis, an area of increasing significance. But the molecular and porous nature of MOFs leaves the field, in some areas, juxtapositioned between semiconductor physics and homogeneous photocatalysis. While descriptors from both fields are applied in tandem, the gap between theory and experiment has widened in some areas, and arguably needs fixing. Here we review where MOFs have been shown to be similar to conventional semiconductors in photocatalysis, and where they have been shown to be more like infinite molecules in solution. We do this from the perspective of band theory, which in the context of photocatalysis, covers both the molecular and nonmolecular principles of relevance.
Red‐Light‐Mediated Photoredox Catalysis Enables Self‐Reporting Nitric Oxide Release for Efficient Antibacterial Treatment
Authors: Shen Zhiqiang , Zheng Shaoqiu , Xiao Shiyan , Shen Ruan , Liu Shiyong , Hu Jinming
Published: July 2021

Nitric oxide (NO) serves as a key regulator of many physiological processes and as a potent therapeutic agent. The local delivery of NO is important to achieve target therapeutic outcomes due to the toxicity of NO at high concentrations. Although light stimulus represents a non‐invasive tool with spatiotemporal precision to mediate NO release, many photoresponsive NO‐releasing molecules can only respond to ultraviolet (UV) or near‐UV visible light with low penetration and high phototoxicity. We report that coumarin‐based NO donors with maximal absorbances at 328 nm can be activated under (deep) red‐light (630 or 700 nm) irradiation in the presence of palladium(II) tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin, enabling stoichiometric and self‐reporting NO release with a photolysis quantum yield of 8 % via photoredox catalysis. This NO‐releasing platform with ciprofloxacin loading can eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in vitro and treat cutaneous abscesses in vivo.
Unravelling the Hydration Barrier of Lignin Oleate Nanoparticles for Acid‐ and Base‐Catalyzed Functionalization in Dispersion State
Authors: Moreno Adrian , Liu Jinrong , Gueret Robin , Hadi Seyed Ehsan , Bergström Lennart , Slabon Adam , Sipponen Mika H.
Published: July 2021

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are promising renewable nanomaterials with applications ranging from biomedicine to water purification. However, the instability of LNPs under acidic and basic conditions severely limits their functionalization for improved performance. Here, we show that controlling the degree of esterification can significantly improve the stability of lignin oleate nanoparticles (OLNPs) in acidic and basic aqueous dispersions. The high stability of OLNPs is attributed to the alkyl chains accumulated in the shell of the particle, which delays protonation/deprotonation of carboxylic acid and phenolic hydroxyl groups. Owing to the enhanced stability, acid‐ and base‐catalyzed functionalization of OLNPs at pH 2.0 and pH 12.0 via oxirane ring‐opening reactions were successfully performed. We also demonstrated these new functionalized particles as efficient pH‐switchable dye adsorbents and anticorrosive particulate coatings.
Nickel‐Catalyzed, Reductive C(sp3)−Si Cross‐Coupling of α‐Cyano Alkyl Electrophiles and Chlorosilanes
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Oestreich Martin
Published: July 2021

A nickel/zinc‐catalyzed cross‐electrophile coupling of alkyl electrophiles activated by an α‐cyano group and chlorosilanes is reported. Elemental zinc is the stoichiometric reductant in this reductive coupling process. By this, a C(sp3)−Si bond can be formed starting from two electrophilic reactants whereas previous methods rely on the combination of carbon nucleophiles and silicon electrophiles or vice versa.
Formation kinetics of radiolytic lipid products in model food–lipid systems with gamma irradiation
Authors: Taghvaei Mostafa , Tonyali Bade , Sommers Christopher , Ceric Olgica , Linghu Ziyi , Smith Joseph Scott , Yucel Umut
Published: July 2021

Irradiation processes can change the lipid composition of foods. The major lipid radiolysis products are known to be 2‐alkylcyclobutanones and hydrocarbons, the formation kinetics of which is determined by the chemical nature of the inherent lipids. This information can be used to evaluate the irradiation history of lipid‐rich foods. A solid‐phase microextraction (SPME)‐assisted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique was used to study the formation of volatile hydrocarbons and 2‐dodecylcyclobutanone (2‐DCB), a cyclobutanone formed from the esters of palmitic acid, in irradiated (0–50 kGy) tripalmitin and chicken fat. Thirty‐three volatile compounds (hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones) increased with irradiation dose to varying extents. Six major lipid radiolysis products were selected to analyze their formation kinetics: tridecane, 1‐tetradecene, tetradecane, 1‐pentadecene, pentadecane, and 2‐DCB. The concentration of the selected compounds increased linearly with irradiation dose following zeroth‐order kinetics, except for tridecane and tetradecane in tripalmitin, formation of which followed first‐order kinetics. The formation rate of hydrocarbons was higher in tripalmitin than in chicken fat (5× higher for pentadecane), while 2‐DCB formed faster (3.5×) in chicken fat than in tripalmitin. This difference was related to the diversity in the natural fatty acid composition of chicken fat as compared to the homogeneous structure of tripalmitin. The results of this study indicate that the concentrations of palmitic acid radiolysis products linearly increase with irradiation dose in general to offer potential to back‐trace irradiation dose in lipid‐rich foods.
Bacterial cellulose/PANi mat for Cr(VI) removal at acidic pH
Authors: Jahan Kousar , Kumar Nitesh , Verma Vivek
Published: July 2021

Remediation of hexavalent chromium ‐ Cr(VI) at acidic pH using polyaniline coated bacterial cellulose porous mat (BC/PANi) is presented and the possible mechanism is discussed. The efficacy of BC/PANi mats in remediation of Cr(VI) was studied by varying pH (pH 1, 2, 3, and 5) and initial Cr(VI) concentrations (250–1000 ppm) of the solution. The BC/PANi (50 mg) mat was able to completely reduce 2000 ppm Cr(VI) into Cr(III) in a 20 ml solution at pH ~ 1 in 24 h. An increasing chromium removal efficiency was observed with decreasing solution pH; reaching a maximum removal capacity of ~920 mg/g at pH 1. The proposed mechanism of negatively charged Cr(VI) ions removal by BC/PANi mat is adsorption and simultaneous reduction into Cr(III), followed by desorption of Cr(III) from the mat. The role of temperature and co‐existing anions like sulphate, nitrate and chloride found in industrial sludge were also investigated for removal efficiency of Cr(VI) at acidic pH ~ 1. The adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) on polyaniline surface followed a pseudo‐second‐order model with reduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) as rate‐limiting step. The reduced Cr(III) from the media was further recovered by neutralizing the pH of the solution.
Novel silicon‐contained lignin‐based carbon fibers derived from bamboo pulping black liquor with improved electrochemical performance for supercapacitors
Authors: Xu Yongjian , Chen Shenglin , Zhu Meng , Liu Yan
Published: July 2021

Carbon fibers (CFs) are a promising candidate as electrode materials for flexible supercapacitors given its light weight and moderate cost. In this study, the lignin used was partially separated from kraft bamboo pulping black liquor and the higher molecular weight fraction, unavoidably contains a small amount of silicon compounds, so named silicon‐contained lignin. Novel CFs were prepared using commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and the lignin by electrospinning and further carbonization. Even in the presence of silicon compounds, the fibrous morphology of precursor fibers was significantly good, and the CFs with uniform fiber diameter and high specific surface area up to 182 m2/g were obtained with an increase in silicon‐contained lignin. The CFs fabricated from silicon‐contained lignin and commercial PAN had higher specific capacitance (22.20 mF/cm2at 10 mA/cm2) and superb cycling stability (94.21%) than that from silicon‐free lignin or pure PAN separately.
A new adaptive deep neural network controller based on sparse auto‐encoder for the antilock bracking system systems subject to high constraints
Authors: Ait Abbas Hamou
Published: July 2021

We contribute in the current paper to extend the universal function approximation property of deep learning hybrid strategy to design both : (a) adaptive deep neural network observer to estimate derivatives of the tracking error dynamics (b) and robust deep neural network (DNN) output feedback control scheme (OFCS) that will overcome successfully effects of both parametric variations and modeling errors. First, the designed controller employs OFCS to linearize the partially known antilock bracking (ABS) dynamics, and then, the dynamic compensator is involved to stabilize the linearized system. However, conventional controllers suffer from limitations due to the presence of these high uncertainties. Therefore, we aim to demonstrate for the first time in the control area the feasibility of applying deep learning algorithm based on sparse auto‐encoder as an approximator for neglected dynamics and uncertain parameters of the ABS. The estimated states are used as inputs to the neural network (NN) and in the adaptation laws as an error signal. Simulations of the proposed control algorithm based adaptive DNN observer are conducted then compared to bang–bang controller, PI controller, and adaptive controller‐based single hidden layer‐neural network with only one‐neuron in hidden layers (SHL(1N)NN) to demonstrate its practical potential. Furthermore, both feasibility and efficiency of involving deep learning algorithm (DLA) in the control area have been successfully confirmed through robustness test.
Social anxiety symptoms in autism spectrum disorder and social anxiety disorder: Considering the reliability of self‐report instruments in adult cohorts
Authors: Boulton Kelsie A. , Guastella Adam J.
Published: July 2021

Adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at elevated risk for social anxiety disorder (SAD). Limited information exists on the reliability of social anxiety instruments with these adults and their performance when compared to individuals with SAD without ASD. This study examines psychometric properties of self‐report social anxiety instruments in autistic adults without intellectual disability, compared to adults with SAD. Additionally, we compared instrument scores between a subgroup of autistic adults with a dual diagnosis of SAD (ASD + SAD) and adults with SAD only. Adults diagnosed with SAD (N = 316) or ASD (N = 102) were recruited from the Brain and Mind Centre in New South Wales, Australia. Sixty autistic participants also received a diagnosis of SAD (ASD + SAD). Participants completed the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale–self‐report, the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, the Social Phobia Scale, and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale. All instruments showed excellent internal consistency in autistic adults. The instruments showed evidence of convergent validity, and the strength of relationships between measures were equivalent between ASD and SAD groups. For all instruments, performance of these instruments in autistic adults with a SAD diagnosis was very similar to performance in adults diagnosed with SAD but without ASD. Findings support the use of these instruments for identifying social anxiety symptoms in autistic adults without intellectual disability and have utility for mental health clinical services.

Lay Summary

Autistic adults often experience social anxiety. We examined the use of four social anxiety questionnaires in autistic adults, compared to adults with SAD. We found similar results between autistic adults and adults with SAD, suggesting that these questionnaires can be useful for measuring social anxiety symptoms in autistic adults. These findings have implications for clinical services, as they show that these instruments are reliable when used with autistic adults.
Macroparticle‐enhanced cultivation of Lentzea aerocolonigenes: Variation of mechanical stress and combination with lecithin supplementation for a significantly increased rebeccamycin production
Authors: Schrinner Kathrin , Schrader Marcel , Niebusch Jana , Althof Kristin , Schwarzer Friederike A. , Nowka Paul‐Frederik , Dinius Anna , Kwade Arno , Krull Rainer
Published: July 2021

The actinomycete Lentzea aerocolonigenes produces the antitumor antibiotic rebeccamycin. In previous studies the rebeccamycin production was significantly increased by the addition of glass beads during cultivation in different diameters between 0.5 and 2 mm and the induced mechanical stress by the glass beads was proposed to be responsible for the increased production. Thus, this study was conducted to be a systematic investigation of different parameters for macroparticle addition, such as bead diameter, concentration, and density (glass and ceramic) as well as shaking frequency, for a better understanding of the particle‐induced stress on L. aerocolonigenes. The induced stress for optimal rebeccamycin production can be estimated by a combination of stress energy and stress frequency.

In addition, the macroparticle‐enhanced cultivation of L. aerocolonigenes was combined with soy lecithin addition to further increase the rebeccamycin concentration. With 100 g L−1 glass beads in a diameter of 969 µm and 5 g L−1 soy lecithin a concentration of 388 mg L−1 rebeccamycin was reached after 10 days of cultivation, which corresponds to the highest rebeccamycin concentrations achieved in shake flask cultivations of L. aerocolonigenes stated in literature so far.
Engineering elastic sealants based on gelatin and elastin‐like polypeptides for endovascular anastomosis
Authors: Unal Gokberk , Jones Jesse , Baghdasarian Sevana , Kaneko Naoki , Shirzaei Sani Ehsan , Lee Sohyung , Gholizadeh Shima , Tateshima Satoshi , Annabi Nasim
Published: July 2021

Cerebrovascular ischemia from intracranial atherosclerosis remains difficult to treat. Although current revascularization procedures, including intraluminal stents and extracranial to intracranial bypass, have shown some benefit, they suffer from perioperative and postoperative morbidity. To address these limitations, here we developed a novel approach that involves gluing of arteries and subsequent transmural anastomosis from the healthy donor into the ischemic recipient. This approach required an elastic vascular sealant with distinct mechanical properties and adhesion to facilitate anastomosis. We engineered two hydrogel‐based glues: an elastic composite hydrogel based on methacryloyl elastin‐like polypeptide (mELP) combined with gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and a stiff glue based on pure GelMA. Two formulations with distinct mechanical characteristics were necessary to achieve stable anastomosis. The elastic GelMA/mELP composite glue attained desirable mechanical properties (elastic modulus: 288 ± 19 kPa, extensibility: 34.5 ± 13.4%) and adhesion (shear strength: 26.7 ± 5.4 kPa) to the blood vessel, while the pure GelMA glue exhibited superior adhesion (shear strength: 49.4 ± 7.0 kPa) at the cost of increased stiffness (elastic modulus: 581 ± 51 kPa) and reduced extensibility (13.6 ± 2.5%). The in vitro biocompatibility tests confirmed that the glues were not cytotoxic and were biodegradable. In addition, an ex vivo porcine anastomosis model showed high arterial burst pressure resistance of 34.0 ± 7.5 kPa, which is well over normal (16 kPa), elevated (17.3 kPa), and hypertensive crisis (24 kPa) systolic blood pressures in humans. Finally, an in vivo swine model was used to assess the feasibility of using the newly developed two‐glue system for an endovascular anastomosis. X‐ray imaging confirmed that the anastomosis was made successfully without postoperative bleeding complications and the procedure was well tolerated. In the future, more studies are required to evaluate the performance of the developed sealants under various temperature and humidity ranges.
The mediating role of national identification, binding foundations and perceived threat on the relationship between need for cognitive closure and prejudice against migrants in Malta
Authors: Bianco Fleur , Kosic Ankica , Pierro Antonio
Published: July 2021

What mitigates the relationship between need for cognitive closure and prejudice against migrants? Addressing this question, we explored how national identification, endorsing binding moral foundations and the perception of threat mediate the relationship between need for cognitive closure and prejudice against migrants in Malta. It was hypothesized that individuals with a high need for cognitive closure are more prone to identify with being Maltese and more probable to endorse binding moral foundations and perceive high threat from migrants, leading to a more prejudiced attitude towards migrants living in Malta. Two hundred and twenty‐two individuals participated in this quantitative study. Results from this study showed that national identification, binding moral foundations and perceived threat mediate the relationship between need for cognitive closure and prejudice against migrants. The implications of the findings for theories about how need for cognitive closure contributes to increased prejudiced attitude in native population is discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Pseudotsuga menziesii (Pinaceae): Volatile Profiles, Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicological Evaluation of Its Essential Oil
Authors: Mitić Zorica S. , Stojanović‐Radić Zorica , Cvetković Vladimir J. , Jovanović Snežana Č. , Dimitrijević Marina , Ickovski Jovana D. , Jovanović Nikola , Mihajilov‐Krstev Tatjana , Stojanović Gordana S.
Published: July 2021

The present article investigates the chemical composition of volatiles of essential oil (EO) and headspace (HS) fraction, as well as biological activities of EO obtained from needles with twigs of Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii cultivated in Serbia. The major class of compounds was monoterpene hydrocarbons with α‐terpinolene, sabinene and β‐pinene (EO), and sabinene, α‐terpinolene and β‐pinene (HS) as the dominant volatiles. Tested EO exhibited mostly low antimicrobial potential against investigated strains (ATCC and respiratory isolates), where MICs ranged 1.25–20.00 mg/mL. Nevertheless, based on presented results, where antimicrobial testing was done for the first time on human respiratory system isolates, there is a potential of this EO to be used as an adjuvant in the treatment of human respiratory infections, especially those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Candida albicans strains. Regarding toxicological evaluation, EO showed moderate toxicity in Artemia salina toxicity bioassay (LC50=347.41, after 24 h) as well as week toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster with the ability only to moderately delay larval and pupal development.
Protein Domain Specific Covalent Inhibition of Human DNA Polymerase β
Authors: Yuhas Shelby C. , Majumdar Ananya , Greenberg Marc M.
Published: July 2021

DNA polymerase β (Pol β) is a frequently overexpressed and/or mutated bifunctional repair enzyme. Pol β possesses polymerase and lyase active sites, that are employed in two steps of base excision repair. Pol β is an attractive therapeutic target for which there is a need for inhibitors. Two mechanistically inspired covalent inhibitors (1, IC50=21.0 μM; 9, IC50=18.7 μM) that modify lysine residues in different Pol β active sites are characterized. Despite modifying lysine residues in different active sites, 1 and 9 inactivate the polymerase and lyase activities of Pol β. Fluorescence anisotropy experiments indicate that they do so by preventing DNA binding. Inhibitors 1 and 9 provide the basis for a general approach to preparing domain selective inhibitors of bifunctional polymerases. Such molecules could prove to be useful tools for studying the role of wild type and mutant forms of Pol β and other polymerases in DNA repair.
Biohydrogen Production from Aquatic Plant and Algae Biomass by Enterobacter cloacae Strain DT‐1
Authors: Sarma Mrinal Kumar , Ramkumar N. , Subudhi Sanjukta
Published: July 2021

Process parameters were optimized for enzyme (textile‐grade enzymes) hydrolysis of Azolla, water hyacinth, and algae biomass for recovery of maximum sugar to be used as feed for biohydrogen production by Enterobacter cloacae strain DT‐1. Under optimum temperature and pH, the hydrogen yield in mole per mole of sugar from enzyme‐hydrolyzed water hyacinth biomass, Azolla biomass, and Spirulina and Scenedesmus biomass was determined with regard to cellulase, hemicellulase, amylase, pectinase, and xylanase. The maximum hydrogen yield was observed with hemicellulase‐treated Spirulina, Azolla, and Scenedesmus biomass.