bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monkeypox and Monkey Fever: Basic Understanding for Better Community Participation in Disease Control
Authors: Pillai Sarika Baburajan , Jagannathan Selvaraj , Jeyachandran Akshay , Pariyapurath Naseera Kannanthodi , Pachamuthu Rahul Gandhi , Bharathi Venkatachalam , Jagadibabu Sumitha , Channappa Shivandappa Kukkaler , Premkumar Ananda Arona , Kannaiyan Moorthy , Sakthivel Sivakumar
Published: October 2022

Currently, Monkeypox is a threatening viral disease terminology around the world that worries the global community after the Coronavirus pandemic. Beyond the woods of central Africa, where cases were first discovered, the geographic distribution of monkeypox cases has extended to other parts of the world including India, where cases have been imported. Under these circumstances, public confusion is noticed between Monkeypox and Monkey fever across southern parts of India. Monkeypox and Monkey fever (Kyasanur Forest Disease) are categorized as potential emerging or re-emerging Zoonotic diseases of humans and are fundamentally having clear-cut differentiation in their causative agent, clinical symptoms, and pathogenesis. Hence, it is important to clarify and eliminate the confusions which would have tremendous and dangerous public health impacts. As defined by the Global Burden of Disease Study, Emerging Infections (EIs) are those that have recently appeared in a population or previously existed but are now gaining in prevalence or geographic spread rapidly. A disease emerges from the interactions between rapidly evolving infectious agents and the environmental changes and changes in human behavior that provide these agents with favorable ecological niches. This review attempts to differentiate between the two emerging infections - Monkeypox and Monkey fever which are affecting a significant group of the population worldwide and provides a comparative picture of both diseases towards developing adequate awareness among the public and expects to complement the community-based future control measures.
Role of Intercropping in Sustainable Insect-Pest Management: A Review
Authors: Mir Mohd Salim , Saxena Amal , Kanth Raihana Habib , Raja Waseem , Dar Khursheed Ahmad , Mahdi S. S. , Bhat Tauseef Ahmad , Naikoo Nasir Bashir , Nazir Aijaz , Amin Zakir , Mansoor Tajamul , Myint May Zar , Khan Mohammad Rafiq , Mohammad Idrees , Mir Suhail Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Reduced soil fertility and rising pest and disease pressures are contributing to the already serious problem of global food insecurity. Monoculture is the most labour and resource-intensive form of crop production around the globe. Unfortunately, monocultures are more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and weeds, so the expansion of this system is accompanied by a host of biological issues. Negative effects on the environment, human health, and ecosystem stability are all associated with monocropping because it relies so heavily on the use of chemical plant protection products of all generations of pesticides. Although crop production strategies are important for overall enhancement in production, the intercropping can help farmers in attaining raised economic returns by taking multiple crops in a single season. Intercropping is an alternative strategy for improved resource use efficiency, environmental safety, and sustainable pest management without the use of chemical pesticides that can help mitigate these risks. Intercropping (two or more crop species coexisting) is a cultural practice in pest management that reduces insect pests by increasing ecosystem diversity. Intercropping and planting crops that kill or repel pests, attract natural enemies, or have antibacterial effects can reduce disease and pest damage and pesticide use. Intercropping, where crops grow between main crops, reduces the likelihood of pest infestation. Intercropping is a potential pest management practice because it diversifies crops in an agro-ecosystem to reduce insect populations and attacks. Intercropping relies on a deep understanding of insect ecology and crop traits. Intercropping can be used alone or in combination with host-plant resistance and biological control. Intercropping ensures crop yield stability, protects against crop failure, improves soil fertility, increases soil conservation, and reduces pesticide use, minimizing agriculture's environmental impact. The aim is to define the role and importance of intercropping as a strategy in crop pest management and as a boost for crop production vis-à-vis soil fertility.
The Prevalence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Uropathogenic Escherichia coli from Mouau Female Hostel Students
Authors: Amanze Emmanuel K. , Ochomma Ogechukwu B. , Udensi Chukwuma G. , Christian Chizurum P. , Dike Chioma S. , Okakpu Joseph C. , Nwokafor Chibuzo V.
Published: October 2022

Aim: The study is aimed at determining the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and production of Extended-spectrum Βeta-Lactamase (ESBLs) among Escherichia coli isolates from urine samples.

Methods: A total of 35 samples of early morning mid-stream urine samples of about 10-15 ml were collected from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) female hostel students; using sterile plastic containers. Each urine sample was inoculated on MacConkey Agar (MCA). Isolates were identified based on morphological features, Gram staining, and biochemical characterization. The antibiotic susceptibility test was done by the Kirby Bauer Disc diffusion method on Muller Hinton agar. ESBL detection was done as per Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines, using the double disc synergy test method.

Results: The study reviewed a total of 12 isolates of Escherichia coli of which is (34.29%) of which were obtained from urine samples. The susceptibility test results showed that most isolates were susceptible to Ofloxacin with 83.3% susceptibility, followed by Levofloxacin (66.7%), whereas gentamicin, nalidixic acid, cefuroxime, and cefotaxime exhibited a susceptibility rate of 33.3%. On the other hand, the highest resistance rate was to imipenem (96.7%), followed by Amoxicillin and ampiclox with 83.3%, while the least percentage resistance was observed in Ofloxacin with (8.3%) and Levofloxacin with (16.7%). Extended-spectrum Βeta-Lactamase (ESBLs) production among E. coli isolates was detected in 25.0% of the potential ESBL producers. The result of the multiple antibiotic resistance index showed that the isolate (E20) was significantly higher than other isolates with p<0.05, whereas E3, E7, E10 and E12 had same resistance pattern.

Conclusion: So drug resistance due to ESBL production is a severe threat in UTIs, narrowing down the choice of antibiotics for treatment. So, there is a need to introduce routine screening for ESBL production for all uropathogenic Escherichia coli, causing urinary tract infections.
PERAN GURU DALAM MEMBINA MINAT BACA MURID KELAS 1 SEKOLAH DASAR DI KELAS SAINS
Authors: Budiman Viola Jazzya
Published: October 2022

Keberhasilan dalam belajar sangat bergatung pada minat membaca. Dalam hal ini guru berperan penting dalam proses membina anak untuk memiliki minat membaca. Selain itu, guru juga diharuskan untuk dapat mengetahui kesulitan yang dihadapi murid dalam membaca. Penulis mencoba mengangkat sebuah topik tentang membina minat baca mata pelajaran sains murid, dikarenakan apakah dengan adanya teknologi yang semakin maju ini murid masih memiliki minat dalam membaca. Hal ini juga erat dengan pelaksana kegiatan pendidikan Kristen yaitu guru, dalam hal ini dikhususkan kepada guru Kristen. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran guru dalam membina minat baca murid kelas satu sekolah dasar pada kelas Sains. Jenis penelitian ini termasuk penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dimana metode mengumpulkan data melalui observasi dan wawancara mendalam. Subyek penelitian ini adalah guru kelas satu di sebuah sekolah dasar Kristen di Surabaya. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa peran guru berbeda untuk masing-masing murid sesuai dengan kebutuhan murid. Peran guru yang paling dominan dilakukan adalah guru sebagai fasilitator.
PERAN WALI KELAS DALAM MEMBINA KARAKTER KRISTIANI MURID
Authors: Zega Panenta Nenta , Yoedo Yuli Christiana
Published: October 2022

Penelitian kualitatif ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peranan wali kelas dalam membina karakter kristiani Murid. Teori yang digunakan adalah teori tentang peran wali kelas sebagai pembimbing, teladan dan motivator bagi murid. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah wali kelas 4 di SD “Y”. Data penelitian didapatkan dari hasil observasi dan wawancara berupa tindakan dan perkataan wali kelas. Dalam pembinaan karakter, wali kelas merancang kegiatan homeroom dan melakukan perannya sebagai pembimbing, teladan dan motivator untuk membina karakter keberanian, kedisiplinan dan kejujuran murid. Karakter keberanian murid ini berkaitan dengan keberanian dalam memimpin pujian, doa dan membagikan firman Tuhan. Kedisiplinan dan kejujuran murid berkaitan dengan bagaimana murid menerapkan kesepakatan homeroom. Dalam pembinaan karakter ini, wali kelas menjadikan firman Tuhan sebagai landasan pembinaan karakter murid sesuai dengan visi dan misi yang telah ditentukan sekolah. Kesimpulannya adalah, wali kelas berperan sebagai pembimbing, teladan dan motivator untuk melakukan pembinaan karakter kepada murid sehingga murid memiliki karakter Kristiani sesuai dengan kehendak Tuhan.
Design process of the Japanese pavilion in Venice Biennale (1956) by Takamasa Yoshizaka
Authors: Tomioka Yoshito , Tabata Chikako , Ojika Tomoya
Published: October 2022

The objectives of this study were to reconstruct the design process of the Japanese pavilion in Venice Biennale, Italy (1956) designed by Takamasa Yoshizaka and to reveal the architect's formal manipulations and underlying strategic design thinking. The study materials are the original design sketches held in the National Archives of Modern Architecture, Tokyo, Japan. Initially, the chronological order of the design sketches was established by inspecting their dates and analyzing their formal similarities. The transformability (variations or changes of architectural form presented in a certain state of design) was analyzed and interpreted through a series of “studies” (partial problem‐solving processes). Finally, the architect's formal manipulations were reconstructed and presented and his relevant design intentions were revealed.
Statistical process control to monitor use of a web‐based autoplanning tool
Authors: Mehrens Hunter , Douglas Raphael , Gronberg Mary , Nealon Kelly , Zhang Joy , Court Laurence
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate the use of statistical process control (SPC) for quality assurance of an integrated web‐based autoplanning tool, Radiation Planning Assistant (RPA).

Methods

Automatically generated plans were downloaded and imported into two treatment planning systems (TPSs), RayStation and Eclipse, in which they were recalculated using fixed monitor units. The recalculated plans were then uploaded back to the RPA, and the mean dose differences for each contour between the original RPA and the TPSs plans were calculated. SPC was used to characterize the RPA plans in terms of two comparisons: RayStation TPS versus RPA and Eclipse TPS versus RPA for three anatomical sites, and variations in the machine parameters dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) and multileaf collimator transmission factor (MLC‐TF) for two algorithms (Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm [AAA]) and Acuros in the Eclipse TPS. Overall, SPC was used to monitor the process of the RPA, while clinics would still perform their routine patient‐specific QA.

Results

For RayStation, the average mean percent dose differences across all contours were 0.65% ± 1.05%, −2.09% ± 0.56%, and 0.28% ± 0.98% and average control limit ranges were 1.89% ± 1.32%, 2.16% ± 1.31%, and 2.65% ± 1.89% for the head and neck, cervix, and chest wall, respectively. In contrast, Eclipse's average mean percent dose differences across all contours were −0.62% ± 0.34%, 0.32% ± 0.23%, and −0.91% ± 0.98%, while average control limit ranges were 1.09% ± 0.77%, 3.69% ± 2.67%, 2.73% ± 1.86%, respectively. Averaging all contours and removing outliers, a 0% dose difference corresponded with a DLG value of 0.202 ± 0.019 cm and MLC‐TF value of 0.020 ± 0.001 for Acuros and a DLG value of 0.135 ± 0.031 cm and MLC‐TF value of 0.015 ± 0.001 for AAA.

Conclusions

Differences in mean dose and control limits between RPA and two separately commissioned TPSs were determined. With varying control limits and means, SPC provides a flexible and useful process quality assurance tool for monitoring a complex automated system such as the RPA.
Treatment planning with a 2.5 MV photon beam for radiation therapy
Authors: Khaledi Navid , Hayes Chris , Belshaw Louise , Grattan Mark , Khan Rao , Gräfe James L.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The shallow depth of maximum dose and higher dose fall‐off gradient of a 2.5 MV beam along the central axis that is available for imaging on linear accelerators is investigated for treatment of shallow tumors and sparing the organs at risk (OARs) beyond it. In addition, the 2.5 MV beam has an energy bridging the gap between kilo‐voltage (kV) and mega‐voltage (MV) beams for applications of dose enhancement with high atomic number (Z) nanoparticles.

Methods

We have commissioned and utilized a MATLAB‐based, open‐source treatment planning software (TPS), matRad, for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dose calculations. Treatment plans for prostate, liver, and head and neck (H&N), nasal cavity, two orbit cases, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) were performed and compared to a conventional 6 MV beam. Additional Monte Carlo calculations were also used for benchmarking the central axis dose.

Results

Both beams had similar planning target volume (PTV) dose coverage for all cases. However, the 2.5 MV beam deposited 6%–19% less integral doses to the nasal cavity, orbit, and GBM cases than 6 MV photons. The mean dose to the heart in the liver plan was 10.5% lower for 2.5 MV beam. The difference between the doses to OARs of H&N for two beams was under 3%. Brain mean dose, brainstem, and optic chiasm max doses were, respectively, 7.5%–14.9%, 2.2%–8.1%, and 2.5%–19.0% lower for the 2.5 MV beam in the nasal cavity, orbit, and GBM plans.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the 2.5 MV beam can produce clinically relevant treatment plans, motivating future efforts for design of single‐energy LINACs. Such a machine will be capable of producing beams at this energy beneficial for low‐ and middle‐income countries, and investigations on dose enhancement from high‐Z nanoparticles.
An In Vitro Engineered Osteochondral Model as Tool to Study Osteoarthritis Environment
Authors: Scalzone Annachiara , Cerqueni Giorgia , Wang Xiao‐Nong , Ferreira‐Duarte Ana , Dalgarno Kenny , Mattioli‐Belmonte Monica , Gentile Piergiorgio
Published: October 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint degenerative pathology characterized by mechanical and inflammatory damages affecting synovium, articular cartilage (AC), and subchondral bone (SB). Several in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models are developed to study OA, but to date the identification of specific pharmacological targets seems to be hindered by the lack of models with predictive capabilities. This study reports the development of a biomimetic in vitro model of AC and SB interface. Gellan gum methacrylated and chondroitin sulfate/dopamine hydrogels are used for the AC portion, whereas polylactic acid functionalized with gelatin and nanohydroxyapatite for the SB. The physiological behavior of immortalized stem cells (Y201s) and Y201s differentiated in chondrocytes (Y201‐Cs), respectively, for the SB and AC, is demonstrated over 21 days of culture in vitro in healthy and pathological conditions, whilst modeling the onset of cytokines‐induced OA. The key metrics are: lower glycosaminoglycans production and increased calcification given by a higher Collagen X content, in the AC deep layer; higher expression of pro‐angiogenic factor (vegf) and decreased expression of osteogenic markers (coll1, spp1, runx2) in the SB. This novel approach provides a new tool for studying the development and progression of OA.
Electrochemical Ionic Synapses: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Huang Mantao , Schwacke Miranda , Onen Murat , del Alamo Jesús , Li Ju , Yildiz Bilge
Published: October 2022

Artificial neural networks based on crossbar arrays of analog programmable resistors can address the high energy challenge of conventional hardware in artificial intelligence applications. However, state‐of‐the‐art two‐terminal resistive switching devices based on conductive filament formation suffer from high variability and poor controllability. Electrochemical ionic synapses are three‐terminal devices that operate by electrochemical and dynamic insertion/extraction of ions that control the electronic conductivity of a channel in a single solid‐solution phase. They are promising candidates for programmable resistors in crossbar arrays because they have shown uniform and deterministic control of electronic conductivity based on ion doping, with very low energy consumption. Here, the desirable specifications of these programmable resistors are presented. Then, an overview of the current progress of devices based on Li+, O2−, and H+ ions and material systems is provided. Achieving nanosecond speed, low operation voltage (≈1 V), low energy consumption, with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor compatibility all simultaneously remains a challenge. Toward this goal, a physical model of the device is constructed to provide guidelines for the desired material properties to overcome the remaining challenges. Finally, an outlook is provided, including strategies to advance materials toward the desirable properties and the future opportunities for electrochemical ionic synapses.
High Sensitivity Spin Defects in hBN Created by High‐Energy He Beam Irradiation
Authors: Liang Haidong , Chen Yuan , Yang Chengyuan , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Eda Goki , Bettiol Andrew A.
Published: October 2022

Recently the negatively charged boron vacancies () in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have been shown as spin defects that have great potential in quantum sensing. However, so far the sensitivity is limited by either photoluminescence (PL) intensity or the optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) contrast, and linewidth. In this work, the generation of these spin defects is demonstrated using high‐energy helium ion beams, and ODMR measurements with different laser and microwave powers are performed. The spin defects generated by high‐energy helium ions exhibit a high PL intensity and ODMR contrast while keeping a small linewidth, hence a good sensitivity. By comparing different fluences of helium irradiations, an optimal fluence is determined which is sufficient in creating spin defects without damaging the overall crystal lattice structure. With this optimal fluence, a high signal‐to‐noise ratio ODMR spectrum can be obtained with an accurate measurement of zero‐field splitting frequency, and a best sensitivity as . Moreover, with a focused beam, such spin defects can be created deterministically with nanometer precision.
Magnetically Engineered Conductivity of Soft Liquid Metal Composites for Robotic, Wearable Electronic, and Medical Applications
Authors: Hoang Trung Thien , Phan Phuoc Thien , Thai Mai Thanh , Davies James , Nguyen Chi Cong , Phan Hoang-Phuong , Lovell Nigel Hamilton , Do Thanh Nho
Published: October 2022

Stretchable composites comprising liquid metal (LM) inclusions and silicone elastomers (LME composites) are of great interest for soft electronics and wearable devices. LME composites consisting of highly deformable materials and low conductive filler ratios offer high stretchability and good strain‐tolerant conductance, while not compromising the functionality of their host systems. Despite advances, actively achieving electrical conductivity for LME composites with a low ratio of fillers is challenging, especially in highly deformable elastomers. Herein, a new fabrication strategy that turns nonconductive LME composites with highly deformable elastomers into conductive ones using a small amount of magnetic Ni‐doped LM is introduced. By actively manipulating conductive fillers with an external magnetic field, electrically conductive traces can sustainably be achieved at any desired location. Experimental results show that conductive traces have high conductivity of 2.55 × 105 S m−1, high stretchability (>450%), good strain‐tolerant conductance (R/R0 ≈ 1.56 at 250% strain), and especially a tensile modulus as low as 60.1 kPa at a very low loading ratio (9.7% by volume). The noncontacting magnetic fabrication also enables the creation of diverse configurations in 1D, 2D, and 3D, offering a broad range of potential applications from robotics, stretchable electronics, wearable devices, smart garments to biomedical systems.
Recurrent FOXP4 nonsense variant in two unrelated patients: Association with neurodevelopmental disease and congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Del Viso Florencia , Zhou Dihong , Thiffault Isabelle , Lawson Caitlin , Cross Laura , Jenkins Janda , Rush Eric , Saunders Carol
Published: October 2022

De novo variants in FOXP4 were recently associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by speech and language delay, growth abnormalities, hypotonia, and variable congenital abnormalities, including congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cervical spine abnormalities, strabismus, cryptorchidism, and ptosis. The variant spectrum in this small cohort was limited to de novo missense except for one frameshift, the inheritance of which was unknown. Variants tested in vitro exhibited reduced repressor transcriptional activity, indicating loss of function is the likely mechanism of disease, but only one frameshift variant was reported. Here, we report four affected individuals from two unrelated families heterozygous for a nonsense variant, c.1893C > G, p.Tyr631*, in FOXP4. The phenotype of the affected children includes developmental delay, feeding difficulties in infancy, and similar facial features. In both cases, the variant was inherited from a parent with mild or even subclinical features. Interestingly, one patient presented with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, as reported in two other FOXP4 patients. This report implicates FOXP4 truncating variants in human disease and highlights the wide phenotypic spectrum and variable expressivity.
Characteristics of patients with hip fractures and comorbid fall‐related injuries in the emergency department
Authors: Ishizawa Ryo , Nakanishi Nobuto , Keibun Liu , Sonoo Tomohiro , Nakamura Kensuke , Goto Tadahiro
Published: October 2022

Aim

Hip fracture is one of the most common fall‐related injuries in the elderly population. Although falls may cause multiple types of injuries, no study has investigated the details of fall‐related injuries accompanied by hip fractures. This study aimed to characterize the features of such injuries.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study using data from four tertiary emergency departments in Japan. We identified patients diagnosed with hip fracture including femoral neck fracture, trochanter fracture, or subtrochanteric fracture from May 12, 2014 to July 12, 2021. Among patients with hip fracture, we included those with fall‐related hip fracture. We excluded patients ages <40 years old and whose fall was high energy onset, defined as fall from more than three steps or 1 m.

Results

Among 326 emergency departments patients diagnosed with fall‐related hip fracture, 288 patients were eligible for the analysis. Seventeen patients (6%) had injuries in addition to hip fractures. The most frequent injury was upper limb injury (e.g., distal radial fracture; n = 5, 30%), followed by head injury (e.g., subdural hematoma; n = 4, 24%), chest injury (e.g., pneumothorax; n = 2, 12%), and trunk injury (vertebral compression fracture; n = 2, 12%). There were no significantly different clinical characteristics between patients with hip injuries and those without.

Conclusion

A total of 6% of patients diagnosed with hip fracture had other fall‐related injuries. The most frequent were upper limb injury and head injury. Our findings underscore the importance of whole‐body assessment in patients with fall‐related hip fracture in the emergency department.
Synthese und Anwendung von Alkalimetallantimoniden – ein neuer Ansatz in der Antimonchemie
Authors: Dollberg Kevin , Schneider Selina , Richter Roman‐Malte , Dunaj Tobias , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: October 2022

Alkalimetalldihydrogenantimonide [M(L)xSbH2], kurz: Alkalimetallantimonide (M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs; 1: L=pmdta; 2: L=Kronenether), wurden aus Stiban und n‐Butyllithium, M(hmds) (hmds=Hexamethyldisilazan) bzw. MOtBu hergestellt. Wir haben einen allgemein anwendbaren Syntheseweg für diese Verbindungen entwickelt und die erhaltenen Verbindungen auf ihre Stabilität in Abhängigkeit vom verwendeten Alkalimetall und stabilisierenden Additiv untersucht, wobei die Verwendung geeigneter Kronenether ihre Isolierung und Charakterisierung bei Raumtemperatur ermöglichte. Darüber hinaus war das 1,4‐Dioxan‐Addukt [Na(dioxan)xSbH2] die geeignete Ausgangsverbindung für die Synthese des ersten primären Silylstibans (Me3Si)3SiSbH2 (3), welches NMR‐ und IR‐spektroskopisch charakterisiert wurde. Die Reaktion von 3 mit (Dipp2NacNac)Ga (Dipp2NacNac=HC{C(Me)N(Dipp)}2; Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) führte zur Bildung von (Dipp2NacNac)GaH(SbHSi(SiMe3)3) (4), das durch Röntgenbeugung am Einkristall charakterisiert werden konnte.
Fabricating Industry‐Compatible Olefin‐Linked COF Resins for Oxoanion Pollutant Scavenging
Authors: Zhang Penghui , Wang Zhifang , Wang Sa , Wang Jian , Liu Jinjin , Wang Ting , Chen Yao , Cheng Peng , Zhang Zhenjie
Published: October 2022

Large‐scale and low‐cost synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to meet the demands of industrial application remains formidably challenge. Here we report using 2,4,6‐collidine as monomer to produce a series of highly crystalline olefin‐linked COFs by a melt polymerization method. This method enables the kilogram‐scale fabrication of self‐shaped monolithic robust foams. The afforded COFs possess extremely low cost (<50 USD/kg), superior to all the reported COFs. Furthermore, using one‐pot or post‐modification methods can conveniently transform neutral COFs to ionic COFs, which can be applied as highly efficient ion‐exchange sorbents for scavenging oxoanion pollutants. Remarkably, the superior adsorption capacity of a model oxoanion (ReO4−) is the highest among crystalline porous materials reported so far. This work not only expands the scopes of olefin‐linked COFs but also enlightens the route for the industrial production of crystalline ion exchange sorbents.
Unraveling the Catalyst‐Solvent Interactions in Lean‐Electrolyte Sulfur Reduction Electrocatalysis for Li−S Batteries
Authors: Li Huan , Meng Rongwei , Guo Yong , Ye Chao , Kong Debin , Johannessen Bernt , Jaroniec Mietek , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: October 2022

Efficient catalyst design is important for lean‐electrolyte sulfur reduction in Li−S batteries. However, most of the reported catalysts were focused on catalyst‐polysulfide interactions, and generally exhibit high activity only with a large excess of electrolyte. Herein, we proposed a general rule to boost lean‐electrolyte sulfur reduction by controlling the catalyst‐solvent interactions. As evidenced by synchrotron‐based analysis, in situ spectroscopy and theoretical computations, strong catalyst‐solvent interaction greatly enhances the lean‐electrolyte catalytic activity and battery stability. Benefitting from the strong interaction between solvent and cobalt catalyst, the Li−S battery achieves stable cycling with only 0.22 % capacity decay per cycle with a low electrolyte/sulfur mass ratio of 4.2. The lean‐electrolyte battery delivers 79 % capacity retention compared with the battery with flooded electrolyte, which is the highest among the reported lean‐electrolyte Li−S batteries.
Catalytic dehydrogenation of natural terpenes via CuPd alloy nanoparticles generated on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Yalın Ahsen Sare , Sündü Buse , Özer Melek Sermin , Mekkaoui Ayoub Abdelkader , El Houssame Soufiane , Metin Önder
Published: October 2022

A facile wet‐chemical protocol for the synthesis of bimetallic CuPd alloy nanoparticles (NPs) anchored on mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (m‐gCN), serving as both stabilizer and support material, was presented herein. The presented protocol allowed to synthesize nearly monodisperse CuPd alloy NPs with an average particle size of 3.9 ± 0.9 nm without use of any additional surfactants and to prepare CuPd/m‐gCN nanocatalysts with different Cu/Pd compositions (Cu25Pd75/m‐gCN, Cu35Pd65/m‐gCN, Cu16Pd74/m‐gCN, Cu32Pd68/m‐gCN, Cu10Pd90/m‐gCN, and Cu50Pd50/m‐gCN). After the detailed characterization of CuPd/m‐gCN nanocatalysts, they were utilized as catalysts in the dehydrogenation of terpenes. Among all tested nanocatalysts, Cu50Pd50/m‐gCN showed the highest activity in terms of the product yields within the same reaction time. Various parameters influencing the catalytic activity of Cu50Pd50/m‐gCN were studied using himachalene as a model substrate and the optimum conditions were determined. Under the optimized reaction conditions, the catalytic application of Cu50Pd50/m‐gCN nanocatalysts was extended to nine different terpenes and the corresponding products were obtained in high conversion yields (>90%) under mild conditions. A reusability test showed that Cu50Pd50/m‐gCN nanocatalysts can be re‐used up to four cycles without significant loss in their initial activity.
Fabrication and testing of mixed matrix membranes of UiO‐66‐NH2 in cellulose acetate for CO2 separation from model biogas
Authors: Tanvidkar Priya , Jonnalagedda Aditya , Kuncharam Bhanu Vardhan Reddy
Published: October 2022

Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) of UiO‐66‐NH2 nanoparticles dispersed in Cellulose Acetate (CA) were prepared with filler loading of 2–20 wt%. MMMs were tested for the upgradation of model biogas (60%–40%) mixture of CH4/CO2 at a feed pressure of 2 bar and 1.5 bar. Detailed characterization of MMMs was performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to investigate the physical and thermal properties. MMMs formed are defects‐free, voids‐free, and without polymer rigidification, indicating a better filler polymer interface. MMMs showed improved CO2 permeability while retaining the CO2/CH4 selectivity. The 10 wt.% UiO‐66‐NH2/CA MMM showed optimum gas separation performance with CO2 permeability of 11 Barrer and CO2/CH4 selectivity of 10. The UiO‐66‐NH2/CA MMMs performed better when compared to the pure CA membrane. The experimental permeability and selectivity data were compared with the predicted data using Maxwell, Lewis–Nielsen, Higuchi, and Bruggeman's model.
Two‐Dimensional MXene as a Nanofluidic Anolyte Additive for Enhancing Performance of Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Vala Mizrak Ali , Ehring Jonathan C. , Shekhirev Mikhail , Lord Robert W. , Aküzüm Bilen , Singh Pushpendra , Gogotsi Yury , Kumbur E. Caglan
Published: October 2022

In this work, Ti3C2TxMXene was investigated as a nanofluidic anolyte additive in vanadium redox flow batteries to improve the sluggish kinetics of V2+/V3+redox reaction. Numerous electrochemical tests under flow and static conditions were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of MXenes for VRFB applications. Pressure drop tests and morphology analysis were also conducted to better understand the hydraulic effects of MXene addition into the anolyte. The nanofluidic anolytes with the concentration of 0.10 and 0.15 wt% showed the best electrochemical performance, although the former induced less aggravated hydraulic effects within a reasonable pressure drop range. At a current density of 200 mA cm−2, the nanofluidic analyte containing 0.10 wt% MXene was able to utilize 67 % of the theoretical capacity. Contrarily, with the pristine anolyte, only 10 % of the theoretical capacity could be utilized due to excessive losses. Moreover, the energy efficiency up to 74 % is observed for the nanofluidic electrolyte, which is an increase of 25 % compared to the pristine anolyte. Primarily, the enhanced battery performance was attributed to the improved electrocatalytic activity towards the anodic V2+/V3+redox reaction. Furthermore, a dynamic, web‐like, flowing electrode network is shown to increase the mass transport capacity of porous carbon felt electrodes by creating additional, abundant, and electrochemically active surfaces within the pores.
Intestinal absorption pathways of lisinopril: Mechanistic investigations
Authors: Elewa Sarah H. , Osman Mohamed A. , Essa Ebtessam A. , Sultan Amal A.
Published: October 2022

Lisinopril is an antihypertensive drug with poor intestinal permeability. Enhancement of intestinal absorption depends on a clear understanding of the permeation pathways and absorption mechanisms. Unfortunately, these are not fully elucidated for lisinopril. Accordingly, the aim was to determine lisinopril permeation pathways and obstacles limiting membrane transport with subsequent nomination of appropriate permeation enhancers. This employed an in situ rabbit intestinal perfusion technique, which revealed site‐dependent absorptive clearance (PeA/L) from a lisinopril simple solution (5 μg/ml), with paracellular absorption playing a role. Regional drug permeability ranked as colon> duodenum> jejunum> ileum opposing intestinal expression rank of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) efflux transporters. Duodenal and jejunal perfusion of a higher lisinopril concentration (50 μg/ml) reflected saturable absorption, suggesting carrier‐mediated transport. The effect of piperine and verapamil as P‐gp inhibitors on intestinal absorption of lisinopril was investigated. Coperfusion with either piperine or verapamil significantly enhanced lisinopril absorption, with enhancement being dominant in the ileum segment. This supported the contribution of P‐gp transporters to poor lisinopril permeability. On the other hand, coperfusion of lisinopril with zinc acetate dihydrate significantly multiplied lisinopril PeA/L by 2.3‐ and 6.6‐fold in duodenum and ileum segments, respectively, through magnifying intestinal water flux. The study explored the barriers limiting lisinopril intestinal absorption. Moreover, the study exposed clinically relevant lisinopril interactions with common coadministered cargos that should be considered for an appropriate lisinopril regimen. However, this requires further in vivo verification.
Extrusion cooking of food‐to‐food fortified wholegrain sorghum‐based porridges enhances Caco‐2 ferritin formation
Authors: Lubaale John , Taylor John R. N. , Emmambux Mohammad Naushad , Duodu Kwaku G.
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

Iron deficiency is still a major public health concern in sub‐Saharan Africa, and this is in part due to a monotonous diet of cereals often low in bioavailable minerals and high in mineral bioavailability inhibitors, notably phytate and polyphenols. Sorghum is a major food crop across the semi‐arid tropics in Africa because of its tolerance to high temperature and low rainfall. Extrusion cooking is a process that applies high heat, pressure, and shear to raw food materials to produce ready‐to‐eat products. The application of high heat, pressure, and shear can destroy anti‐nutrients in plant foods and hence enhance the bioavailability of minerals. Food‐to‐food fortification (FtFF) is a strategy where micronutrient‐rich food combinations are used to promote the bioavailability of essential micronutrients by increasing the content of micronutrient bioavailability enhancers. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of extrusion cooking of wholegrain sorghum‐based porridges fortified with baobab fruit powder and moringa leaf powder on iron bioaccessibility.

Findings

Although extrusion reduced bioaccessible iron content (BIC) and percentage bioaccessible iron (PBI), it enhanced ferritin‐formation in Caco‐2 cells (by 38%) compared to conventional cooking, most probably because extrusion reduced contents of phenolics and phytate, hence freeing more iron. Fortification with baobab increased PBI by 14%–34% whether extruded or conventionally cooked, probably due to its organic acids. Fortification with moringa reduced BIC and PBI (by 30% and 71%, respectively) whether extruded or conventionally‐cooked, probably due to its high calcium and phytate contents.

Conclusion

Extrusion cooking has the potential to help alleviate iron deficiency in sorghum‐based foods because it reduces the content of anti‐nutrients.

Significance and Novelty

This study highlights the potential of extrusion cooking coupled with fortification with tropical foodstuffs high in organic acids to improve iron bioavailability in wholegrain‐based starchy staple foods.
Enantioselective C−H Bond Functionalization Involving Arene Ruthenium(II) Catalysis
Authors: Liang Hao , Wang Jun
Published: October 2022

Thep‐Cymene ruthenium(II) complex is one of the most widely used catalysts in C−H activation. However, enantioselective C−H activation promoted by arene ruthenium(II) complexes has not been realized until recently. The revealed strategies include intramolecular nitrene C−H insertion, the use of chiral transient directing groups, chiral carboxylic acid, relay catalysis, and chiral arene ligands. In this minireview, these advances are summarized and discussed in the hope of spurring further developments.
Substituent Effects in Iron Porphyrin Catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction**
Authors: Heppe Nils , Gallenkamp Charlotte , Paul Stephen , Segura‐Salas Nicole , von Rhein Niklas , Kaiser Bernhard , Jaegermann Wolfram , Jafari Atefeh , Sergueev Ilya , Krewald Vera , Kramm Ulrike I.
Published: October 2022

For a future hydrogen economy, non‐precious metal catalysts for the water splitting reactions are needed that can be implemented on a global scale. Metal‐nitrogen‐carbon (MNC) catalysts with active sites constituting a metal center with fourfold coordination of nitrogen (MN4) show promising performance, but an optimization rooted in structure‐property relationships has been hampered by their low structural definition. Porphyrin model complexes are studied to transfer insights from well‐defined molecules to MNC systems. This work combines experiment and theory to evaluate the influence of porphyrin substituents on the electronic and electrocatalytic properties of MN4 centers with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in aqueous electrolyte. We found that the choice of substituent affects their utilization on the carbon support and their electrocatalytic performance. We propose an HER mechanism for supported iron porphyrin complexes involving a [FeII(P⋅)]− radical anion intermediate, in which a porphinic nitrogen atom acts as an internal base. While this work focuses on the HER, the limited influence of a simultaneous interaction with the support and an aqueous electrolyte will likely be transferrable to other catalytic applications.
Recent Status and Developments of Vacancies Modulation in the ABO3 Perovskites for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Mi Jinxing , Chen Jianjun , Chen Xiaoping , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Junhua
Published: October 2022

Perovskite oxides (ABO3) have attracted comprehensive interest for wide range of functional applications (especially for chemical catalysis) due to their high design flexibility, controllable vacancies sites creation, abundant chemical properties, and stable crystal structure. Herein, the previous research and potential development of ABO3 through adjusting the vacancy at different sites (A‐site, B‐site, and O‐site) to enhance catalytic performance are systematically analyzed and generalized. Briefly, the ABO3 with different vacancies sites prepared by multifarious direct and indirect methods, accompanied with the improved physical‐chemical properties, endow them with distinct and intensified development of catalysis application. In addition, the impressive optimization proved by the vacancies sites adjustment over the ABO3 is studied to continuously facilitate the advance in some common catalysis reactions, further expanding to other optimized functional applications. At last, the constructive suggestions for fine regulation and analysis of vacancies sites over ABO3 are also put forward.
Propeller, Linear, Cruciform and Stellate Spiro‐bicarbazolium Salts
Authors: Lu Mengsi , Xu Jun , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S.
Published: October 2022

A general synthetic approach to halogenated tetraaryl‐ammonium salts has been developed and illustrated crystallographically. Bromide ammonium salts used as common synthetic intermediates together with Suzuki coupling of these bromides to a family of boronic acids provided a simplified strategy for arylation. Resolution of the C2 subset of spiro‐bicarbazolium derivatives led to the first examples of enantiopure spiro‐bicarbazoliums and the assignment of their absolute configuration by comparison of computational and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. An ECD comparison with Prelog's spirobifluorenes is provided. The absolute configuration of the meta‐bromide spiro‐bicarbazolium salt was confirmed by anomalous scattering. Cruciform and stellate tetra‐substituted salts provide a test of the limits of the methodology, and their structures suggest them to be candidates for MOF building blocks.
Anion‐Driven Programmable Chiral Self‐Sorting in Metal‐Organic Cages and Structural Transformations between Heterochiral and Homochiral Cages
Authors: Ghorai Sandipan , Natarajan Ramalingam
Published: October 2022

When a racemic mixture of chiral building blocks self‐assembles to form discrete molecular or supramolecular cages, the system can adopt either social or narcissistic chiral self‐sorting. However, control over such chiral self‐sorting is hard to achieve with a desired choice of outcome. Herein, we report anion templated high‐fidelity chiral self‐sorting during the coordination‐driven self‐assembly of [Pd2L4] metal‐organic cages, with a racemic mixture of an axially chiral ligand. Upon varying the counter‐anions, the outcome of the choice of chiral self‐sorting, whether social or narcissistic, leading to kinetically favored heterochiral or thermodynamically favored homochiral cages, can be controlled through specific anion encapsulation. Non‐encapsulating anion afforded a mixture of all possible diastereomers. Anion exchange enabled structural transformations between the diastereomers and the conversion of the mixture of diastereomers into homochiral diastereomers.
Xylitol production by different yeasts: Kinetic study and biosynthesis from cashew apple bagasse hydrolysate
Authors: de Albuquerque Tiago Lima , Lucindo Gomes Sandy Danielle , da Silva Junior Ivanildo José , Gonçalves Luciana Rocha Barros , Rocha Maria Valderez Ponte
Published: October 2022

Xylitol is a polyol with sweetening and anti‐cariogenic properties and is highly relevant to the food and pharmaceutical industries. This work evaluates xylitol production by three yeasts (Candida tropicalis, Kluyveromyces marxianus CCA510, and Kluyveromyces marxianus ATCC 36907) from different carbon sources: D‐xylose (medium xylose [MX]) and D‐xylose plus D‐glucose (medium xylose and glucose [MXG]). The potential of xylitol production from hemicellulose hydrolysate of cashew bagasse was evaluated. In MX medium, K. marxianus CCA510 was the strain that produced higher xylitol concentration (17.04 g · L−1). However, K. marxianus ATCC 36907 and C. tropicalis produced 13.22 and 9.54 g · L−1, respectively. On the other hand, in MXG medium, probably due to the presence of glucose as a carbon source, lower xylitol production was observed for all microorganisms: the CCA510 strain produced 13.30 g · L−1 of xylitol, while C. tropicalis and ATCC 36907 produced 11.42 and 0.64 g · L−1, respectively. Additionally, the production of ethanol as a secondary product was also noted. According to the results of the kinetic study, xylitol formation is associated with the growth and consumption of substrate (xylose), which is a typical behaviour of a primary metabolite for the three yeasts. Furthermore, the strain K. marxianus CCA510 was able to produce xylitol from cashew apple bagasse hydrolysate (CABH), evidencing its potential for use in bioprocesses related to biorefinery. In view of the results reported here, it was possible to clarify in detail the kinetics of xylitol production by the yeast strains evaluated, which had the ability to produce xylitol from CABH, providing added value to this agro‐industrial residue.
In silico designing and expression of novel recombinant construct containing the variable part of CD44 extracellular domain for prediagnostic breast cancer
Authors: Gheybi Elaheh , Asoodeh Ahmad , Amani Jafar
Published: October 2022

Background

CD44, as a tumor‐associated marker, can be used to detect stem cells in breast cancer. While CD44 is expressed in normal epithelial cells, carcinoma cells overexpress CD44.

Aims

In the current study, we designed a recombinant protein that included the variable component of the CD44 (CD44v) extracellular domain to apply in clinical diagnosis of breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 100 CD44v amino‐acid residues were determined, and the structure was examined using bioinformatics tools. The construct was inserted into the PET28a vector and transformed in E. coli BL21(DE3). A nearly 12 kDa fusion protein was obtained by Ni‐NTA affinity metal chromatography. Recombinant CD44v was examined by Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays.

Results

The findings revealed that the structure of rCD44v was stable, and its antigenic domain was exposed. The recombinant CD44v was confirmed by western blotting, and the presence of antibodies against recombinant CD44v protein in the patient's serum was detected by the ELISA. Our data demonstrated a link between CD44v serum levels and the prevalence of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Assessments of antiCD44v antibodies with rCD44v could be a useful tool for identifying breast cancer in its early stages, which can lead to better outcomes.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Biomarkers of an Amorphous Solid Dispersion of Genistein, a Radioprotectant, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Serebrenik Artur A. , Verduyn Carin W. , Kaytor Michael D.
Published: October 2022

A pharmaceutical formulation of genistein, produced as an amorphous solid dispersion by hot melt extrusion (genistein HME), has been developed that can be administered prophylactically to improve outcomes and survival following radiation exposure. Here, genistein HME was evaluated in a phase 1, open‐label, single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple single dose (MSD) study enrolling 34 healthy volunteers. In the SAD study, participants were administered a single dose (500, 1000, 2000, or 3000 mg) and in the MSD study, participants were administered a single daily dose for six consecutive days (3000 mg/day). The overall adverse event profile and pharmacokinetics of genistein HME were determined. Additionally, biomarkers of genistein HME were evaluated by profiling whole blood for changes in gene expression by RNA sequencing. Genistein HME was found to be safe at doses up to 3000 mg. Most toxicities were mild to moderate gastrointestinal events, and no dose‐limiting toxicities were reported. The maximum tolerated dose was not determined and the no observable adverse effect level was 500 mg. Genistein HME bioavailability greatly increased between the 2000 mg and 3000 mg doses. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the majority of drug‐related changes in gene expression occurred 8–12 hours after the sixth dose in the MSD study. Based on these results, the putative effective dose in humans is 3000 mg.