bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corneal confocal microscopy to detect early immune‐mediated small nerve fibre loss in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Thimm Andreas , Carpinteiro Alexander , Oubari Sara , Papathanasiou Maria , Kessler Lukas , Rischpler Christoph , Malik Rayaz Ahmed , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Rassaf Tienush , Herrmann Ken , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Stettner Mark , Hagenacker Tim
Published: April 2022

Objective

Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a life‐threatening disorder characterised by extracellular deposition of amyloid leading to dysfunction of multiple organs. Peripheral nerve involvement, particularly small fibre neuropathy, may be associated with poorer survival. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid and non‐invasive imaging technique to quantify corneal small nerve fibres and immune cells in vivo. We aimed to evaluate CCM as a tool for early diagnosis of peripheral nerve involvement in AL amyloidosis.

Methods

CCM and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were undertaken in 21 newly diagnosed, treatment‐naïve AL amyloidosis patients and 21 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Corneal nerve fibre density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density and fibre length, and cell infiltrates were quantified in the sub‐basal layer of the cornea.

Results

There was a significant reduction in CNFD and nerve fibre length, even without large fibre affection and an increase in cell density, particularly around corneal nerve fibres in patients with AL amyloidosis compared to controls. Additionally, cell infiltration correlated with reduced nerve fibre density in patients with AL amyloidosis, but reduced CNFD did not correlate with laboratory parameters of organ dysfunction.

Interpretation

Our study is the first to show that CCM allows rapid non‐invasive identification of early small nerve fibre damage associated with immune cell infiltration in patients with AL amyloidosis. CCM detects peripheral nerve involvement more sensitively than NCS.
Effects of Heat Treatment on Fatigue Properties of Double Vacuum Smelting High‐Carbon Chromium‐Bearing Steel
Authors: Xie Zhiming , Wang Peng , Wang Bin , Zhang Peng , Bai Xin , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: April 2022

Herein, the tensile and fatigue properties of double vacuum smelting GCr15‐bearing steel under different heat treatments are studied. With the increase in ultimate tensile strength, the fatigue strength of double vacuum smelting GCr15‐bearing steel first increases and then reduces, and the origin of fatigue failure changes from specimen surface to internal inclusion. For the specimen with fatigue cracks initiated from the surface, the fatigue strength would increase as the tensile strength enhances, while for the specimen with fatigue cracks initiated from the internal inclusion, the fatigue strength reduces with the increment in tensile strength. It should be an effective method to obtain both excellent fatigue strength and enough tensile strength by heat treatment in the temperature range below temper brittleness and reducing tensile strength. These findings may be helpful for the antifatigue design of GCr15‐bearing steel through heat treatment control in the future.
Regulation of Crystallinity and Vertical Phase Separation Enables High‐Efficiency Thick Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Lifu , Hu Lei , Wang Xinkang , Mao Houdong , Zeng Li , Tan Licheng , Zhuang Xiaodong , Chen Yiwang
Published: April 2022

Thick film organic solar cells have great potential for preparing large‐area devices in the future. However, unsuitable vertical donor/acceptor distribution, poor crystallinity of materials, and voltage losses remain unclear, limiting the performance of thick film devices. Here, a target ternary strategy by introducing a nematic liquid crystalline small molecule donor BTR‐Cl into the PM6:Y6 host system is used to reduce the performance degradation caused by the increase of active layer thickness. By incorporating 10% BTR‐Cl into the blend film, the voltage loss is minimized in both thin and thick ternary devices. Moreover, the power conversion efficiency of the ternary device is maintained at 15.28% compared to 12.94% of binary devices with an active layer thickness of 300 nm. It is benefited from the optimized crystallization behavior and more suitable vertical phase distribution driven by differences in miscibility between components. While ensuring sufficient phase separation, the charge transport is improved, it also prompts the balance of charge transport and reduces the non‐radiative recombination. This work demonstrates that the use of the third component to enhance the crystallization of the active layer and improve the vertical phase distribution is an effective method to build thick films for future large‐scale printing techniques.
Prediction and Design of Nanozymes using Explainable Machine Learning
Authors: Wei Yonghua , Wu Jin , Wu Yixuan , Liu Hongjiang , Meng Fanqiang , Liu Qiqi , Midgley Adam C. , Zhang Xiangyun , Qi Tianyi , Kang Helong , Chen Rui , Kong Deling , Zhuang Jie , Yan Xiyun , Huang Xinglu
Published: April 2022

An abundant number of nanomaterials have been discovered to possess enzyme‐like catalytic activity, termed nanozymes. It is identified that a variety of internal and external factors influence the catalytic activity of nanozymes. However, there is a lack of essential methodologies to uncover the hidden mechanisms between nanozyme features and enzyme‐like activity. Here, a data‐driven approach is demonstrated that utilizes machine‐learning algorithms to understand particle–property relationships, allowing for classification and quantitative predictions of enzyme‐like activity exhibited by nanozymes. High consistency between predicted outputs and the observations is confirmed by accuracy (90.6%) andR2(up to 0.80). Furthermore, sensitive analysis of the models reveals the central roles of transition metals in determining nanozyme activity. As an example, the models are successfully applied to predict or design desirable nanozymes by uncovering the hidden relationship between different periods of transition metals and their enzyme‐like performance. This study offers a promising strategy to develop nanozymes with desirable catalytic activity and demonstrates the potential of machine learning within the field of material science.
A Self‐Assembled 3D Penetrating Nanonetwork for High‐Performance Intrinsically Stretchable Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Yanwei , Zhu Mingliang , Sun Jianzhe , Shi Wenkang , Zhao Zhiyuan , Wei Xiaofang , Huang Xin , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi
Published: April 2022

The emergence of wearable technology can significantly benefit from electronic displays fabricated using intrinsically stretchable (is‐) materials. Typically, an improvement in the stretchability of conventional light‐emitting polymers is accompanied by a decrease in charge transportability, thus resulting in a significant decrease in device efficiency. In this study, a self‐assembled 3D penetrating nanonetwork is developed to achieve increased stretchability and mobility simultaneously, based on high‐molecular‐weight phenylenevinylene (L‐SY‐PPV) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The mobility of L‐SY‐PPV/PAN increases by 5–6 times and the stretchability increases from 20% (pristine L‐SY‐PPV film) to 100%. A high current efficiency (CE) of 8.13 cd A−1 is observed in polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs) fabricated using 40% stretched L‐SY‐PPV/PAN. Furthermore, using a polyethyleneimine ethoxylated (PEIE), an 1,10‐phenanthroline monohydrate (pBphen), and a reduced Triton X‐100 (TR) chelated Zn‐based is‐ electron‐injection layer of Zn‐PEIE‐pBphen‐TR, an is‐PLED is realized with a turn‐on voltage of 6.5 V and a high CE of 2.35 cd A−1. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of using the self‐assembled 3D penetrating nanonetwork for the fabrication of is‐PLEDs.
Engineering DNA‐Guided Hydroxyapatite Bulk Materials with High Stiffness and Outstanding Antimicrobial Ability for Dental Inlay Applications
Authors: Zhou Yusai , Deng Jingjing , Zhang Yi , Li Cong , Wei Zheng , Shen Jianlei , Li Jingjing , Wang Fan , Han Bing , Chen Dong , Fan Chunhai , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai , Wei Yan
Published: April 2022

Programmable base pair interactions at the nanoscale make DNA an attractive scaffold for forming hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanostructures. However, engineering macroscale HAP mineralization guided by DNA molecules remains challenging. To overcome this issue, a facile strategy is developed for the fabrication of ultrastiff DNA–HAP bulk composites. The electrostatic complexation of DNA and a surfactant with a quaternary ammonium salt group enables the formation of long‐range ordered scaffolds using electrospinning. The growth of 1D and 2D HAP minerals is thus realized by this DNA template at a macroscale. Remarkably, the as‐prepared DNA–HAP composites exhibit an ultrahigh Young's modulus of ≈25 GPa, which is comparable to natural HAP and superior to most artificial mineralized composites. Furthermore, a new type of dental inlay with outstanding antibacterial properties is developed using the stiff DNA–HAP. The encapsulated quaternary ammonium group within the dense HAP endows the composite with long‐lasting and local antibacterial activity. Therefore, this new type of super‐stiff biomaterial holds great potential for oral prosthetic applications.
Stability and Efficiency Enhancement of Perovskite Solar Cells Using Phenyltriethylammonium Iodide
Authors: Palei Srikanta , Kim Hyungwoo , Seo Ji Hoon , Singh Devendra , Seo Kwanyong
Published: April 2022

Controlling the perovskite film surface is key to improving both the stability and photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells. In particular, surface defects on the perovskite films, which are fundamental issues, must be passivated. This work presents a 2D organic material phenyltriethylammonium iodide (PTEAI) to passivate a 3D (FAPbI3)1−x(MAPbBr3)x perovskite film surface. PTEAI forms a well‐matched conformal layer on the perovskite film, protecting the film surface from moisture by preventing the escape of organic ions from the film. The N+ cations and I− anions in PTEAI form bonds with the locally charged perovskite surface, reducing the surface defect density as well as the impeding non‐radiative recombination while enhancing carrier lifetimes. These PTEAI features facilitate significant enhancements in both the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF) of the perovskite solar cells. As a result, the champion PTEAI‐based perovskite solar cell exhibits the highest power conversion efficiency of 20.2% compared with 18.8% by the pristine device. Additionally, the PTEAI‐treated device retains 92% of its initial efficiency after being stored in ambient air at room temperature and a relative humidity of 40–60% for 500 h without encapsulation.
Design of a DNA‐Based Double Network Hydrogel for Electronic Skin Applications
Authors: Tang Li , Wu Shaoji , Xu Yue , Li Youwei , Dai Bailin , Yang Caixia , Liu Aifeng , Tang Jianxin , Gong Liang
Published: April 2022

Electronic skin (e‐skin) is widely studied for its ability to detect physiological information and provide feedback through electrical signals. Biocompatible stimulus‐responsive DNA‐based hydrogels exhibit high sensitivity, which makes them outstanding candidates for biomedical applications. However, several disadvantages, such as weak mechanical properties, expensive manufacturing costs, cumbersome double chain design, and difficulty obtaining bulk size, seriously limit their practical application. Based on the double network (DN) strategy, a universal, low‐cost, and high‐toughness deoxyribonucleic acid/poly(N‐hydroxyethyl acrylamide) (DNA/pHEAA) DN hydrogel is designed. The transparent hydrogel shows tensile stress/strain of 0.96 ± 0.043 MPa/2537.55 ± 23.24%, rapid self‐recovery ability (peak stress/energy dissipation recovery rate of 99.72%/95.38% after 30 s resting), excellent fatigue resistance (peak stress/energy dissipation retention rate of 91.08%/81.05% after 100 loading‐unloading cycles with strain of 50%), reversible adhesive ability (≈45 KPa), and good biocompatibility. Thus, the DNA/pHEAA DN hydrogel can be used as an e‐skin. Sensing signals are displayed on a smartphone as images sent through wireless technology; the images change with the collected signals, achieving motion detection. The universal and low‐cost design of stimulus‐responsive DNA‐based hydrogels with high toughness, excellent self‐recovery, and anti‐fatigue performance is expected to promote their application in the biomedical field.
One‐Step Soft Templated Selective Milling‐Based Circuit Patterning for Eco‐Friendly and High‐Throughput Manufacturing of Flexible Electronics
Authors: Huang Bingkang , Chai Zhiping , Zhu Jiaqi , Wu Zhigang
Published: April 2022

Over the past decades, the booming development of flexible electronics in various fields, e.g., Internet of Things and epidermal electronics, requires the support of a reliable manufacturing approach, where circuit patterning is the core. Although the existing circuit patterning methods represented by photochemical etching and direct printing process have shown good performance, they still cannot satisfy today's demands on environmental friendliness and cost‐efficiency concurrently. Here, by regulating the milling force distribution on the flexible workpiece with a grooved soft template, this work presents a milling‐based patterning technique that is compatible with roll‐to‐roll technology, to achieve continuous selective removal of conductive material in one step and hence directly pattern electrical circuits on aluminum clad laminates. Without introducing any chemicals, this new approach generates no emission but recyclable aluminum scraps. Moreover, the process shows a considerable processing speed of 30 m min−1, and costs only commercial aluminum clad laminates. Examples of device fabrication include a radio frequency identification tag and a temperature sensor. Ultimately, this work can bring an eco‐friendly, economic and high‐throughput approach to flexible electronics manufacturing.
Nanogenerators‐Based Self‐Powered Sensors
Authors: Mondal Rajib , Hasan Md Al Mahadi , Zhang Renyun , Olin Håkan , Yang Ya
Published: April 2022

With the rapid technological development, self‐powered sensor systems that are capable of operating without an external power supply are becoming more and more crucial in the field of sensing and detection. One of the major drawbacks of a typical sensor is the necessity of an external power supply or batteries, which makes sensor systems more complex and less handy for mobile devices. In the last decade's improvement of triboelectric, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and thermoelectric nanogenerators and their performance in electrical output and mechanical stability, it becomes widely used in the field of self‐power sensing systems for healthcare, mechanical and environmental applications. Here in this review, the various types of nanogenerators working principles is first discussed, the output performance is analyzed, and then their recent progress in the application of self‐powered sensor systems, including biomedical and healthcare, wearable devices, physical applications, robotics, environmental monitoring, and smart cities, is highlighted. Except for the practical application of self‐powered sensors, a future outlook of the self‐powered sensor systems is prognosticated.
Low‐Powered E‐Switching Block Copolymer Structural Color Display with Organohydrogel Humidity Controller
Authors: Lee Chang Eun , Park Tae Hyun , Mun Seungsoo , Jung Youngdoo , Lee Seokyeong , Jang Jihye , Ryu Du Yeol , Park Cheolmin
Published: April 2022

Soft‐solid photonic crystals (PCs) based on periodically ordered block copolymer (BCP) nanostructures demonstrate stimuli‐adaptive structural colors (SCs) and desirable mechanical properties suitable for reflective‐mode electric‐switching (E‐switching) displays. However, the low electrochemical stability and humidity‐dependent E‐switching performance of hygroscopic ionic salts, often employed for E‐field‐adaptive structural alteration, limit their applications. In this study, a low‐powered capacitive E‐switching BCP SC display with an organohydrogel (OH) humidity controller is proposed, where a bilayer of a BCP and a polymer blend with hygroscopic E‐field‐adaptive ionic salts is sandwiched between Au electrodes. The display reliably exhibits reversible full‐color E‐switching (100 on/off cycles) at operating voltages of +2.5 to −2 V within the ionic salts’ electrochemical window at ≈50% humidity. A patchable and reusable OH serves as a water reservoir (with optimized geometries and dimensions) to improve the display's humidity tolerance, providing a target humidity (≈50%). The proposed display performs at ambient humidity lower than 60% for over 10 days because of the long water retention and mechanical integrity properties of OH. Additionally, the topologically micropatterned BCP PC allows lateral diffusion of ionic salts through the sides of the patterned domain under E‐field, facilitating E‐switching speeds of ≈30 s.
Altering the Reflection Phase for Nano‐Polaritons: A Case Study of Hyperbolic Surface Polaritons in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Chen Mingyuan , Sanders Stephen , Shen Jialiang , Li Jiahan , Harris Eli , Chen Cheng‐Chien , Ma Qiong , H. Edgar James , Manjavacas Alejandro , Dai Siyuan
Published: April 2022

Polaritons—confined light–matter waves—in van der Waals (vdW) materials are a research frontier in light–matter interactions with demonstrated advances in nanophotonics. Reflection, as a fundamental phenomenon involving waves, is particularly important for vdW polaritons, predominantly because it enables the investigation of polariton standing waves using the scanning probe technique. While previous works demonstrate a rigid phase ≈π/4 for the polariton reflection, herein is reported the altering of the polariton reflection phase by varying the geometry of polaritonic microstructures for the case study of hyperbolic surface polaritons (HSPs) in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN). Specifically, it is demonstrated that the polariton reflection phase can be systematically altered by varying the corner angle of the hBN microstructures, and that it experiences a π jump around a specific angle. This behavior, which is a consequence of the mathematical nature of the reflection coefficient, is therefore expected in other physical phenomena.
Electronic and Magnetic Properties of The Graphene/RE/Ni(111) (RE: La, Yb) Intercalation‐Like Interfaces: A DFT Analysis
Authors: Guo Qilin , Ovcharenko Roman , Paulus Beate , Dedkov Yuriy , Voloshina Elena
Published: April 2022

The effect of the rare‐earth (RE) metals (La and Yb) intercalation on the electronic and magnetic properties of the graphene/Ni(111) interface is studied using state‐of‐the‐art density functional theory calculations. In both systems, the intercalation of RE leads to the dramatic decrease of the magnetic moments of the Ni‐interface atoms and to the negligible moments of C‐atoms in a graphene layer, compared to the parent graphene/Ni(111) system. At the same time, the significant ‐doping of graphene together with a band‐gap opening is observed in both cases of the RE intercalation with a position of the graphene Dirac point reaching  eV. Also the large density of states is found in the vicinity of the Fermi level () along the direction for the graphene‐derived states which can be attributed to the joint effect of the intercalated RE and interface Ni atoms. These factors – increased density of states at and absence of magnetism of C‐atoms in a graphene layer – indicate the possibility of the observation of the superconductive state in graphene in the considered RE‐based systems, which is important for the understanding of these and other electronics effects in the graphene‐based systems.
Nurr1 Modulation Mediates Neuroprotective Effects of Statins
Authors: Willems Sabine , Marschner Julian A. , Kilu Whitney , Faudone Giuseppe , Busch Romy , Duensing‐Kropp Silke , Heering Jan , Merk Daniel
Published: April 2022

The ligand‐sensing transcription factor Nurr1 emerges as a promising therapeutic target for neurodegenerative pathologies but Nurr1 ligands for functional studies and therapeutic validation are lacking. Here pronounced Nurr1 modulation by statins for which clinically relevant neuroprotective effects are demonstrated, is reported. Several statins directly affect Nurr1 activity in cellular and cell‐free settings with low micromolar to sub‐micromolar potencies. Simvastatin as example exhibits anti‐inflammatory effects in astrocytes, which are abrogated by Nurr1 knockdown. Differential gene expression analysis in native and Nurr1‐silenced cells reveals strong proinflammatory effects of Nurr1 knockdown while simvastatin treatment induces several neuroprotective mechanisms via Nurr1 involving changes in inflammatory, metabolic and cell cycle gene expression. Further in vitro evaluation confirms reduced inflammatory response, improved glucose metabolism, and cell cycle inhibition of simvastatin‐treated neuronal cells. These findings suggest Nurr1 involvement in the well‐documented but mechanistically elusive neuroprotection by statins.
On the derivation of graphically inspired feasibility constraints for distillation network synthesis
Authors: Ryu Joonjae , Maravelias Christos T.
Published: April 2022

We propose the integration of simplified graphically inspired feasibility constraints into optimization‐based models for distillation network synthesis. The approach facilitates the use of surrogate, potentially data‐based, distillation column models while considering feasibility in a computationally efficient manner. The proposed approach can aid the formulation of efficient approaches for preliminary distillation network synthesis.
Biallelic variants in CENPF causing a phenotype distinct from Strømme syndrome
Authors: Cappuccio Gerarda , Brillante Simona , Tammaro Roberta , Pinelli Michele , De Bernardi Margherita Lucia , Gensini Maria Grazia , Bijlsma Emilia K. , Koopmann Tamara T. , Hoffer Mariette J. V. , McDonald Kimberly , Hendon Laura G. , Douzgou Sofia , Deshpande Charulata , D'Arrigo Stefano , Torella Annalaura , Nigro Vincenzo , Franco Brunella , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: April 2022

abstract

Biallelic loss‐of‐function (LoF) variants in CENPF gene are responsible for Strømme syndrome, a condition presenting with intestinal atresia, anterior ocular chamber anomalies, and microcephaly. Through an international collaboration, four individuals (three males and one female) carrying CENPF biallelic variants, including two missense variants in homozygous state and four LoF variants, were identified by exome sequencing. All individuals had variable degree of developmental delay/intellectual disability and microcephaly (ranging from −2.9 SDS to −5.6 SDS) and a recognizable pattern of dysmorphic facial features including inverted‐V shaped interrupted eyebrows, epicanthal fold, depressed nasal bridge, and pointed chin. Although one of the cases had duodenal atresia, all four individuals did not have the combination of internal organ malformations of Strømme syndrome (intestinal atresia and anterior eye segment abnormalities). Immunofluorescence analysis on skin fibroblasts on one of the four cases with the antibody for ARL13B that decorates primary cilia revealed shorter primary cilia that are consistent with a ciliary defect. This case‐series of individuals with biallelic CENPF variants suggests the spectrum of clinical manifestations of the disorder that may be related to CENPF variants is broad and can include phenotypes lacking the cardinal features of Strømme syndrome.
A smart manufacturing strategy for multiparametric model predictive control in air separation systems
Authors: Kenefake Dustin , Pappas Iosif , Avraamidou Styliani , Beykal Burcu , Ganesh Hari S. , Cao Yanan , Wang Yajun , Otashu Joannah , Leyland Simon , Flores‐Cerrillo Jesus , Pistikopoulos Efstratios N.
Published: April 2022

Recent trends in digitization and automation of information systems have led to the Industry 4.0 revolution in manufacturing systems. With the emergence of integrated “smart” systems that communicate through the cloud, collecting and manipulating the system data became a key yet, challenging component for developing optimal control strategies for these complex systems. In this work, we propose a strategy to address this problem with the case study on an air separation unit (ASU). Our approach involves developing an ASU's controllers via high‐fidelity modeling, studies in data‐driven reduced‐order models, and providing implementable control policies for the high‐fidelity model. Connecting the high‐fidelity model to a smart manufacturing platform allows integration into other smart manufacturing tools and applications. Since the high‐fidelity model is computationally challenging for online optimization tasks, such as model predictive control, surrogate models are generated that represent the high‐fidelity model's behavior. The derived reduced‐order models are then embedded into a model predictive control formulation for the optimal control of the whole process through multiparametric programming. A multiparametric approach based on solving a small portion of the multiparametric program is proposed to reduce the computational overhead. We then close the loop by deploying the developed controllers on the high‐fidelity model for tuning with prospects of employing them on the real industrial plant.
Graphdiyne: A New Carbon Allotrope for Electrochemiluminescence
Authors: Gao Nan , Zeng Hui , Wang Xiaofang , Zhang Yue , Zhang Shuai , Cui Ruwen , Zhang Meining , Mao Lanqun
Published: April 2022

Graphdiyne (GDY), a well‐known 2D carbon allotrope, demonstrates increasing fantastic performance in various fields owing to its outstanding electronic properties. Owing to its unique properties, electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technology is one powerful tool for understanding fundamental questions and for ultrasensitive sensing and imaging. Here, we firstly find that GDY without any functionalization or treatment shows a strong ECL emission with potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) as coreactant, which is totally different with other carbon allotropes. Mechanistic study indicates that the ECL emission of GDY is generated by the surface state transition. Interestingly, ECL is generated at 705 nm in the near infrared region with an ECL efficiency of 424 % compared to that of Ru(bpy)3Cl2/K2S2O8. The study demonstrates a new character of GDY in ECL investigation and sets the stage for the development of GDY for emerging applications, including imaging and light‐emitting devices.
Understanding the physical and thermodynamic properties of monoethanolamine‐ionic liquids for solvent screening in CO2 capture process
Authors: Perumal Muthumari , Jayaraman Dhanalakshmi
Published: April 2022

The physical properties such as density, surface tension, and viscosity of monoethanolamine (MEA)‐ionic liquids (ILs) solvent mixtures were studied experimentally in this work. The ILs namely, tetrabutylammonium acetate TBAAc, tetrabutylammonium bromide TBABr, and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide TBAOH were used. All the above parameters were measured at atmospheric pressure and various temperatures from 283 to 313 K with a 10 K interval. From the measured experimental data, thermodynamic properties such as thermal expansion, excess molar volume, viscosity deviation, and excess Gibbs free energy were also calculated. The physical and thermodynamic properties are more important to understand the solvent behavior during solvent screening in solvent‐based CO2 capture process. The 30 wt% solvent mixture composition was prepared as 28, 25, and 20 wt% MEA mixed with 2, 5, and 10 wt% ILs. Furthermore, a single empirical model was developed from the measured experimental data and the results are correlated. A good agreement was obtained between correlated and experimental data.
Investigating the degradation of PET utilizing NHC‐based catalysts and effective reuse of the degradation product as an additive with polyurethane adhesive material
Authors: Gayathri Varnakumar , Sheyara R. Tata Birla , Devassy Neenu , Samanta Debasis
Published: April 2022

Herein we have reported the effective use of palladium‐based systems which contain modified N‐Heterocyclic carbene (NHC) tagged with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) moiety as an organometallic catalyst. This report involves a comparative study between two catalysts, PNIPAM‐NHC‐Pd (II) complex (catalyst A) and PNIPAM‐NHC‐Pd (0) nanoparticles (catalyst B), to participate in the degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) into its monomer, bis(2‐hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET) through glycolysis with ethylene glycol (EG). Glycolysis of the PET was carried out at different temperatures (170, 175, 180, 185, and 190°C) and times (6 and 24 h) where optimum results were obtained while glycolysis was performed at 180°C for 24 h using catalyst B. The investigation of the glycolysis product through NMR, ATR‐IR, TGA, and DSC proved the formation of BHET as the main product. To ensure the effective recycling of the PET and further value additions, the obtained glycolysis product, BHET was further transformed into its dibenzoylated derivative, bis(2‐([4‐Butoxy benzoyl]oxy)ethyl) terephthalate (BBET) by successive benzoylation using 4‐butoxybenzoyl chloride. The obtained BBET was used as an additive along with the commercial polyurethane‐based adhesive (CPU), and its effect on the properties of CPU was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies.
A flexible strain sensor based on conductive TPU/CNTs‐Gr composites
Authors: Zhang Yajie , Li Chenchen , Zhou Bangze , He Haotian , Zhou Yanfen , Jiang Liang , Zhou Feng‐Lei , Chen Shaojuan
Published: April 2022

A flexible strain sensor with excellent mechanical and electrical properties was fabricated by depositing carboxylated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (Gr) onto thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibrous membranes. The deposition efficiency and fastness of CNTs and Gr particles on TPU nanofibrous membranes were improved by vacuum assisted deposition and ultrasonication. Furthermore, a flexible strain sensor with excellent sensing performance was obtained by optimizing the optimal hybrid ratio between CNTs and Gr. Electromechanical experiments showed that the strain sensor had a wide working range of 172% with a high‐gauge factor of approximately 217 for TPU/5CNTs5Gr composite. Moreover, the TPU/5CNTs5Gr composite also exhibited good durability in 10,000 tensile loading‐unloading cycles, and had superior sensing performance when monitoring the bending motions of human finger, elbow and knee.
Performance comparison of carbon fiber reinforced polyaryletherketone and epoxy composites: Mechanical properties, failure modes, cryo‐thermal behavior, and finite element analysis
Authors: Sarath Kumar Painkal , Jayanarayanan Karingamanna , Balachandran Meera
Published: April 2022

High‐performance thermoplastic composites are gaining attention as potential replacement for thermoset composites in high‐end structural applications owing to their superior fracture toughness and recyclability. In this study, polyaryletherketone (PAEK) and carbon fabric (CF) reinforced PAEK are compared with epoxy and epoxy‐CF composites. PAEK‐CF composites are prepared by film stacking method followed by compression molding while hand lay‐up technique was used for epoxy‐CF composites. PAEK and PAEK‐CF composites possess superior tensile properties, flexural strength and fracture toughness compared to those prepared from epoxy. The incorporation of CF improved the wear resistance in both PAEK and epoxy and PAEK‐CF exhibited the lowest wear rate. The investigation of interlaminar shear strength of the composites was conducted and the highest value observed for PAEK‐CF composite. Wear and fracture surface analysis suggested ductile failure for PAEK and PAEK‐CF composites and brittle failure in epoxy composites, as indicated by interfacial bonding/debonding and fiber pullout, at the fracture surface. Cryo‐thermal cycling effects on the tensile properties, fracture toughness and fracture surface morphology of the composites are studied. The failure behavior obtained from experimental studies was corroborated with finite element method‐based simulation models of fracture toughness response in single edge notch bend test using Abaqus/Explicit.
Effect of cellulose nanocrystals on the properties of the photoactive aloe emodin poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) packaging film
Authors: Le Truong D. , Phasupan Pimonpan , Thu Vu Thi , Bora Tanujjal , Nguyen Loc T.
Published: April 2022

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in photoactive packaging materials, which inactivate bacteria via the photoactivation of light‐sensitive compounds. One of the existing challenges is the reduced stability and efficacy of these materials due to light exposure. In this study, the effect of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) loading on the antimicrobial, barrier, and mechanical properties of the photoactive poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) packaging film has been investigated. The film (CNC‐AE‐PHBV) is composed of aloe emodin (AE) and PHBV at the ratio of 540.48 µg g−1, and CNC. The weight percentage of CNC loading relative to PHBV is varied from 0.5% to 2.0% (w/w). The results show that CNC mitigates the photodegradation of AE in the polymeric matrix and the highest protection is obtained at 0.5% of CNC loading. CNC also augments the hydrophilicity of CNC‐AE‐PHBV films, indicated by the decrease of water contact angle (78°–71.0°). These effects could have led to the increased retention of photodynamic efficacy against Escherichia coli (~4.5 log cycles) of the CNC‐AE‐PHBV films after repeated light irradiation. Nevertheless, no improvement in the barrier as well as mechanical properties of the films has been observed. The findings evidence the important enhancement effect of CNC on the efficacy of photoactive polymer, which can be further explored for developing future antimicrobial packages.
Ube2N is present and functions within listeria Actin‐rich structures and lamellipodia: A localization and pharmacological inhibition study
Authors: Chua Michael Dominic , Mineva Gabriela Miroslavova , Guttman Julian Andrew
Published: April 2022

The actin cytoskeleton forms much of the structure needed for the intracellular motility of an assortment of microbes as well as entire cells. The co‐factor to the ubiquitin conjugating enzyme Ube2N (Ube2V1) has been implicated in both cancer cell metastasis and lysine‐63 ubiquitylation of β actin. As this protein complexes with Ube2N, we sought to investigate whether Ube2N itself was involved in actin‐based events occurring during the Listeria monocytogenes infections as well as within motile whole cells. Through examination of L. monocytogenes actin clouds, comet tails and membrane protrusions as well as lamellipodia in migrating cells, we show that Ube2N is recruited to actin‐rich structures. When pharmacologically inhibited we demonstrate that Ube2N is crucial for the function of actin‐rich structures when associated with the plasma membrane.
Synthetic Modifications of Histones and Their Functional Evaluation
Authors: Toyobe Moe , Yakushiji Fumika
Published: April 2022

Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation. Unraveling the roles of each epigenetic mark can provide new insights into their biological mechanisms. On the other hand, it is generally difficult to prepare homogeneously‐modified histones/nucleosomes to investigate their specific functions. Therefore, synthetic approaches to acquire precisely mimicked histones/nucleosomes are in great demand, and further development of this research field is anticipated. In this review, synthetic strategies to modify histones/nucleosomes, including cysteine modifications, transformations of dehydroalanine residues and lysine acylation using a catalyst system, are cited. In addition, the functional evaluation of synthetically modified histones/nucleosomes is described.
Multi‐spectroscopic, thermodynamic and molecular docking studies to investigate the interaction of eplerenone with human serum albumin
Authors: Belal Fathalla , Mabrouk Mokhtar , Hammad Sherin , Barseem Aya , Ahmed Hytham
Published: April 2022

The binding of small molecular drugs with human serum albumin (HSA) has a crucial influence on their pharmacokinetics. The binding interaction between the antihypertensive eplerenone (EPL) and HSA was investigated using multi‐spectroscopic techniques for the first time. These techniques include ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), native fluorescence spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking approach. The fluorescence spectroscopic study showed that EPL quenched HSA inherent fluorescence. The mechanism for quenching of HSA by EPL has been determined to be static in nature and confirmed by UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The modified Stern–Volmer equation was used to estimate the binding constant (Kb) as well as the number of bindings (n). The results indicated that the binding occurs at a single site (Kb = 2.238 × 103 L mol−1at 298 K). The enthalpy and entropy changes (∆H and ∆S) were 58.061 and 0.258 K J mol−1, respectively, illustrating that the principal intermolecular interactions stabilizing the EPL–HSA system are hydrophobic forces. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that EPL binding to HSA occurred around the tyrosine (Tyr) residue and this agreed with the molecular docking study. The Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis confirmed the static quenching mechanism. The esterase enzyme activity of HSA was also evaluated showing its decrease in the presence of EPL. Furthermore, docking analysis and site‐specific markers experiment revealed that EPL binds with HSA at subdomain IB (site III).
New steps in acute coronary syndrome and antihyperlipidemic treatment: Determination of statins and metabolites by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yaglioglu Havva , Eryavuz Onmaz Duygu , Abusoglu Sedat , Erdem Kenan , Sivrikaya Abdullah , Abusoglu Gulsum , Unlu Ali
Published: April 2022

Our aim in this study was to develop a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the measurement of atorvastatin, rosuvastatin and their major metabolites, and furthermore to evaluate patients’ adherence to statin therapy and to investigate the effect of statin therapy on various hematological and biochemical parameters. A simple protein precipitation was performed for the extraction of analytes and the extracted samples were injected directly. The levels of drugs and their metabolites were measured by the validated method in a total of 210 patients diagnosed with unstable angina pectoris (USAP), ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non‐ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Various biochemical and hematological parameters were measured. The linearity ranges for atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were 1.22–2,500 and 0.97–2000 ng/ml, respectively. The inter‐assay coefficient of variation for all analytes was ≤ 6%. In patients diagnosed with USAP, STEMI and NSTEMI, treatment compliance rates were 22.1, 23.5 and 41.2% for atorvastatin and 36.1, 40.2 and 67.1% for rosuvastatin, respectively. An economical, simple and reliable measurement method has been developed. Our findings support the poor patient compliance with statin therapy in the included population. It was observed that 6 months of statin treatment caused slight changes in biochemical and hematological parameters.
Environmental, Social and Governance investing: Does rating matter?
Authors: Pacelli Vincenzo , Pampurini Francesca , Quaranta Anna Grazia
Published: April 2022

In the last decade, the demand for sustainable and social investments has improved. The mutual funds industry has responded to market needs by offering a number of investment products focused on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) companies. The aim of this article is to understand if an ESG score can actually be considered a valid criterion that portfolio managers could adopt, along with traditional risk–return optimisation, in selecting asset portfolios. The paper analyses the link between the performance and the ESG score of different sectoral portfolios (one for each sector of the Global Industry Classification Standard), entirely composed of ESG assets, in the search for a clear and strong positive correlation that could suggest an overall advantage to focus on an ex ante choice of assets with high ESG scores.
Modification of C‐segment of CfaDnaE split intein for improving clean‐in‐place in chromatography process
Authors: Xia Hai‐Feng , Luo Jiu‐Pei , Yu Shi‐Rui , Zhou Ting‐Jun
Published: April 2022

This research focuses on the construction of an affinity purification system based on Cfa DnaE split intein. Cfa DnaE intein is an artificially constructed intein with the advantages of a fast cleavage reaction and good stability. In a previous study, a purification system that uses Cfa intein as a tag was constructed, the separation of the target protein and the tag during the purification process was completed, and the purity of the purified target protein reached 98.21%. Guided by molecular docking results, we identified flexible regions in the split intein and inserted several glycines into the protein to decrease the stability of the Cfa IC, thereby improving the regenerability of the IN media. Inserting 6 glycines between amino acids 14 and 15 of IC improved the regeneration rate of IC‐GFP on the column to approximately 96%.
Identification of MAEL as a promoter for the drug resistance model of iPSCs derived from T‐ALL
Authors: Chen Xuemei , Wen Feiqiu , Li Zhu , Li Weiran , Zhou Meiling , Sun Xizhuo , Zhao Pan , Zou Chang , Liu Tao
Published: April 2022

Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of the drug‐resistant and highly recurrent refractory T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). Primary tumor cell‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have become very useful tumor models for cancer research including drug sensitivity tests. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism underlying drug resistance in T‐ALL using the T‐ALL‐derived iPSCs (T‐iPSCs) model. T‐ALL cells were transformed using iPSC reprogramming factors (Sox‐2, Klf4, Oct4, and Myc) via nonintegrating Sendai virus. T‐iPSCs with the Notch1 mutation were then identified through genomic sequencing. Furthermore, T‐iPSCs resistant to 80 μM LY411575, a γ‐secretase and Notch signal inhibitor, were also established. We found a significant difference in the expression of drug resistance‐related genes between the drug‐resistant T‐iPSCs and drug‐sensitive groups. Among the 27 genes, six most differently expressed genes (DEGs) based on Log2FC >5 were identified. Knockdown analyses using RNA interference (RNAi) revealed that MAEL is the most important gene associated with drug resistance in T‐ALL cells. Also, MAEL knockdown downregulated expression of MRP and LRP in drug‐resistant T‐iPSCs. Interestingly, this phenomenon partially restored the sensitivity of the cells to LY411575. Furthermore, overexpression of the MAEL gene enhanced drug resistance against LY411575. Conclusively, MAEL promotes LY411575 resistance in T‐ALL cells increasing the expression of MRP and LRP genes.
A sulfur self‐doped multifunctional biochar catalyst for overall water splitting and a supercapacitor from Camellia japonica flowers
Authors: Xia Chengkai , Surendran Subramani , Ji Seulgi , Kim Dohun , Chae Yujin , Kim Jaekyum , Je Minyeong , Han Mi‐Kyung , Choe Woo‐Seok , Choi Chang Hyuck , Choi Heechae , Kim Jung Kyu , Sim Uk
Published: April 2022

A versatile use of a sulfur self‐doped biochar derived from Camellia japonica (camellia) flowers is demonstrated as a multifunctional catalyst for overall water splitting and a supercapacitor. The native sulfur content in the camellia flower facilitates in situ self‐doping of sulfur, which highly activates the camellia‐driven biochar (SA‐Came) as a multifunctional catalyst with the enhanced electron‐transfer ability and long‐term durability. For water splitting, an SA‐Came‐based electrode is highly stable and shows reaction activities in both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions, with overpotentials of 154 and 362 mV at 10 mA cm−2, respectively. For supercapacitors, SA‐Came achieves a specific capacitance of 125.42 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 and high cyclic stability in a three‐electrode system in a 1 M KOH electrolyte. It demonstrated a high energy density of 34.54 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1600 W kg−1 as a symmetric hybrid supercapacitor device with a wide working potential range of 0–1.6 V.
Efficient methods for the synthesis of chiral 2‐oxazolidinones as pharmaceutical building blocks
Authors: Okuno Ken , Nishiyori Ryuichi , Abe Koki , Mori Taiki , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: April 2022

Although the wide variety of heterocyclic compounds is common knowledge, chiral 2‐oxazolidinones are recognized as some of the most important heterocycles in medicinal chemistry. Many important pharmaceutical molecules have been constructed based on the chiral 2‐oxazolidinone backbone. Therefore, the development of even more efficient catalytic methods for the synthesis of chiral 2‐oxazolidinones remains a very important pursuit in the field of synthetic organic chemistry. This review summarizes the coupling reactions of epoxides and isocyanates for the preparation of 2‐oxazolidinones. Both metal catalysts and organocatalysts promote these reactions. Optically pure 2‐oxazolidinones are prepared from optically pure epoxide substrates via these catalytic methods. A synthetic example of a commercially available pharmaceutical compound utilizing this method is also introduced.
Modelling of binary fluidization of coal and ash and validation using radioactive particle tracking and densitometry
Authors: Roy Sangram , Roy Shantanu
Published: April 2022

Binary fluidization finds wide application in a variety of gas–solid catalytic and non‐catalytic industrial fluidization systems. In the present study, a three‐dimensional transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was used to model the binary fluidization of coal and ash in a laboratory‐scale cold flow fluidized bed. In parallel, phase velocity measurements using radioactive particle tracking (RPT) and gamma‐ray densitometry were performed, which provided a rich database for validation of the CFD model. RPT being a time‐resolved Lagrangian technique, it was possible to extract velocity fluctuations and their correlations in addition to the mean velocity profiles. The latter provided additional validation for the CFD model, in addition to the typical validation that is done with time‐averaged profiles of phase velocity and volume fraction. The robust validation procedure opens up the possibility of expanding this model to a pilot plant‐scale fluidized bed.
Initial power measurements for a family of novel vertical‐wheel bioreactors
Authors: Croughan Matthew S. , Giroux Daniel , Agbojo Omokhowa M. , McCain Erica , Starkweather Nathan , Guerra Samantha , Hashimura Yas , Lee Brian , Jung Sunghoon
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this investigation was to develop an initial set of Power number versus Reynolds number results for a family of vertical‐wheel bioreactors. These bioreactors are increasingly being used for the manufacture of cells for cell therapy but have not been characterized according to this approach. A novel gravimetric method to measure power was used, and the validity of this method was assessed by measuring power for a standard stirred tank bioreactor with a Rushton impeller. The results of the gravimetric method were found to closely match those derived from traditional methods. The validated method was then used to measure the power draw and develop an initial set of Power number versus Reynolds number results for a family of vertical‐wheel bioreactors.