bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Estimation of Metformin, Saxagliptin and Dapagliflozin in Marketed Formulations
Authors: Suman Shweta Shivshankar , Chaubey Ruchi
Published: February 2022

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and/or decreased production, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. It is rapidly spreading around the world and has become a leading cause of mortality in recent years. The basic goal of T2DM treatment is to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. It is a difficult undertaking to develop a single analytical method for estimating individual drugs from a multidrug combination. A novel, simple, precise, accurate, repeatable, and effective UV spectrophotometric approach is developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of a ternary combination of metformin (MET), saxagliptin (SXG), and dapagliflozin (DAG) (DGF). The FDA recently authorised bulk forms and mixed in tablet dosage forms for use in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus using the simultaneous equation approach. Methanol: water (80:20 v/v) was used to make the standard and sample solutions. MET, SXG, and DGF had maximum values of 232.0, 212.0, and 272.0nm, respectively. The calibration curves for MET, SXG, and DGF are linear in the concentration ranges of 10-50g/mL, 1-5g/mL, and 5-25g/mL, respectively. According to ICH rules, the results of the simultaneous equation technique analysis were examined and validated for various parameters.
Antibacterial Screening and Analysis of Streptomyces coelicolor Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Gheni Aqeel Ismael , Hasan Ayad H.
Published: February 2022

Aims: The widespread usage of commercially accessible antibacterial agents has resulted in the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens worldwide. Streptomycetes produce a variety of antibacterial secondary metabolites and the study, as a result, will look into the antibacterial potential of Streptomyces coelicolor against some pathogenic bacteria.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was based at the department of Medical Microbiology, Science and Health research center, Faculty of science and health, Koya University. between April, 2019 and December, 2020.

Methodology: The Streptomyces coelicolor strains in this study were verified phenotypically via tryptone soya agar in addition to their genotype using three different sets of primers. Afterwards, Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was utilised to purify actinorhodin from the crude extract of S. coelicolor secondary metabolites. The antibacterial activities of the actinorhodin and the crude extract have further been tested against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19165), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25218), and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028). Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) techniques were both used to serve this purpose.

Results: A significant activity of the organic solvent extract was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes using the disc diffusion method with diameter zone inhibition of (9-20 mm) and (11-23 mm), respectively. Actinorhodin, on the other hand, showed a reasonable wider effect against them with diameter zone inhibition of (10-24 mm) against S. aureus and (10-27 mm) against S. pyogenes. Comparatively, the MIC test showed akin results by inhibiting S. aureus and S. pyogenes at a MIC value of 16 µg/ml using crude extract. Whereas actinorhodin expressed greater inhibitory activities against S. aureus, S. pyogenes and S. typhi with MICs of (8, 16 and 32 µg/ml), respectively.

Conclusion: The capability of suggested actinorhodin from the L646 strain to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes growth with a MIC value of 8 g/ml was a remarkable finding obtained by studying Streptomyces coelicolor secondary metabolites.
Frequency of Renal Involvement in Patients of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Dayo Abdul Rashid , Tunio Yar Muhammad , Memon Shahzad , Aamer Nasrullah , Dass Rajesh Jamna , Farhad Ruqayya
Published: February 2022

Objective: To determine the frequency of renal involvement in patients of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College Teaching Hospital Sukkur, Pakistan, during six months after the approval of synopsis from October 30, 2018 to April 29, 2019. All the SLE patients fulfilling the clinical and laboratory criteria of the American Rheumatism Association, aged between 18 to 40 years and of either gender, who visited above stated study setting were included. Well-versed written consent was obtained after explaining the risks, procedure, and benefits of this study. Proven cases of Systemic Lupus erythematosus were assessed for renal involvement indicated by proteinuria >0.5 gm/24 hrs. or cellular casts (tubular, red, and granular cells) or serum creatinine >1.3 mg/dl. The study data was recorded electronically using proforma.

Results: Mean of patients’ age was 29.11±5.80 years. Mean ± SD of serum urea, serum creatinine, and serum albumin was 48.58±18.61, 1.28±0.43 and 3.44±0.42 mg/dL respectively. Mean of urine protein was 1448.88±1278.76 mg. Out of 95 patients, 37 were males and 58 were females. Renal involvement was noted in 34 (35.8%) patients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, renal involvement is very prevalent in people with systemic lupus erythematosus. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients should get a kidney biopsy as early as clinical indications of nephritis appear in order to expedite treatment decisions and reduce the risk of irreparable kidney damage caused by inflammation.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Performance: Study on the Effectiveness of Training among Nurses in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Karachi
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Raja . , Badil . , Gulsher . , Ali Junaid , Kumar Arjan
Published: February 2022

Nurses are the integral part of health care delivery system and play a vital role in critical areas. Nurses are required to respond quickly and effectively in the situation of cardiac arrest and the success of cardiopulmonary resuscitation depends upon their competence. Nurses’ knowledge, preparedness and skills in regard to cardiopulmonary resuscitation have to be at advanced level. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of advanced cardiovascular life support training among nurses at a tertiary care hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental (pre and post) study was employed.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was accomplished at Dr. Ruth K.M Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi for the period of ten months from December 2018 to September 2019.

Methodology: Sample size was calculated through PASS version 11.0 with proportion formula, calculated sample size was 180 nurses. Nurses’ responses regarding advanced cardiovascular life support were assessed by validated and structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS version 21. The mean score of pre-test and post-test of advanced cardiovascular life support training were computed by using paired t-test. p-value ≤0.05 were considered as level of significance.

Results: The pre mean of advanced cardiac life support score was 19.28±5.29. While, after training mean score of advanced cardiac life support score was 22.38±4.0. It is also statistically significant (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Successful resuscitation in patients with cardiac emergencies necessitates early credit of condition, prompt activation of responders, timely and effective basic life support and timed defibrillation when needed. Formal basic life support and advanced cardiovascular life support trainings are essential for nurses to enhance their skills that lead to improve victim survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The key role of ergothioneine in label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra of biofluids: a retrospective re‐assessment of the literature
Authors: Fornasaro Stefano , Sergo Valter , Bonifacio Alois
Published: February 2022

Label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has recently gained attention in the field of liquid biopsy as a rapid and relatively inexpensive technique that could significantly ease clinical diagnosis and prognosis by investigating a biofluid sample with a laser. Indeed, SERS spectra provide information about a set of metabolites present in the analysed biofluid, thereby offering biochemical insight into specific health conditions. Ergothioneine plays a key role since it is one of the few metabolites in biofluids that are detectable by label‐free SERS. In the past decade, many studies characterizing biofluids or other biological samples have unknowingly linked this amino acid with crucial metabolic processes, including inflammation, in a plethora of diseases. However, since the SERS spectrum of ergothioneine has been reported only recently, most past studies inadvertently assigned what are now recognized as the spectral features of this compound to other molecules. The purpose of the present review is to summarize and re‐evaluate these studies in the light of the recent SERS characterization of ergothioneine so as to better recognize the role of ergothioneine in many clinical conditions.
Fabrication of Water‐ and Ice‐Repellent Surfaces on Additive‐Manufactured Components Using Laser‐Based Microstructuring Methods
Authors: Kuisat Florian , Ränke Fabian , Baumann Robert , Lasagni Fernando , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: February 2022

Laser patterning techniques have shown in the last decades to be capable of producing functional surfaces on a large variety of materials. A particular challenge for these techniques is the treatment of additively manufactured parts with high roughness levels. The presented study reports on the surface modification of additive‐manufactured components of Ti64 and Al–Mg–Sc (Scalmalloy), with the aim of implementing water‐ and ice‐repellent properties. Different laser‐based microstructuring techniques, using nanosecond and picosecond pulses, are combined to create multiscale textures with feature sizes between ≈800 nm and 21 μm. The wettability could be set to static water contact angles between 141° and 153° for Ti64 and Al–Mg–Sc, respectively. In addition, surface free energy is analyzed for different surface conditions.
From Fully Strained to Relaxed: Epitaxial Ferroelectric Al1‐xScxN for III‐N Technology
Authors: Schönweger Georg , Petraru Adrian , Islam Md Redwanul , Wolff Niklas , Haas Benedikt , Hammud Adnan , Koch Christoph , Kienle Lorenz , Kohlstedt Hermann , Fichtner Simon
Published: February 2022

The recent emergence of wurtzite‐type nitride ferroelectrics such as Al1‐xScxN has paved the way for the introduction of all‐epitaxial, all‐wurtzite‐type ferroelectric III‐N semiconductor heterostructures. This paper presents the first in‐depth structural and electrical characterization of such an epitaxial heterostructure by investigating sputter deposited Al1‐xScxN solid solutions with x between 0.19 and 0.28 grown over doped n‐GaN. The results of detailed structural investigations on the strain state and the initial unit‐cell polarity with the peculiarities observed in the ferroelectric response are correlated. Among these, a Sc‐content dependent splitting of the ferroelectric displacement current into separate peaks, which can be correlated with the presence of multiple strain states in the Al1‐xScxN films is discussed. Unlike in previously reported studies on ferroelectric Al1‐xScxN, all films thicker than 30 nm grown on the metal (M)‐polar GaN template feature an initial multidomain state. The results support that regions with opposed polarities in as‐grown films do not result as a direct consequence of the in‐plane strain distribution, but are rather mediated by the competition between M‐polar epitaxial growth on an M‐polar template and a deposition process that favors nitrogen (N)‐polar growth.
Implanting Single Zn Atoms Coupled with Metallic Co Nanoparticles into Porous Carbon Nanosheets Grafted with Carbon Nanotubes for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Ruirui , Wu Renbing , Yan Xiaoxiao , Liu Da , Guo Peifang , Li Wei , Pan Hongge
Published: February 2022

The electrochemical performance of lithium‐sulfur (Li‐S) batteries is severely hindered by the sluggish sulfur redox kinetics and the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). Herein, an integrated composite catalyst consisting of Co nanoparticles and single‐atom (SA) Zn co‐implanted in nitrogen‐doped porous carbon nanosheets grafted with carbon nanotubes (Co/SA‐Zn@N‐C/CNTs) is rationally developed toward this challenge. Experimental and theoretical investigations indicate that the synergistically dual active sites of Co and atomic Zn‐N4 moieties with an optimal charge redistribution not only strongly confine the LiPSs but also effectively catalyze its conversion reactions by lowering the energy barrier from Li2S2 to Li2S while the N‐doped porous carbon‐grafted CNTs enables a large surface area for more active site exposure and provides a fast electron/ion pathway. Benefiting from synergies, Li‐S batteries equipped with the Co/SA‐Zn@N‐C/CNTs‐based sulfur cathode exhibit a high reversible capacity of 1302 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and a low capacity fading rate of 0.033% per cycle over 800 cycles at 1 C. Moreover, a high areal capacity of 4.5 mAh cm−2 at 0.2 C with the sulfur loading of 5.1 mg cm−2 can be achieved. The present work may provide new insight into the design of high‐performance sulfur‐based cathodes for Li‐S batteries.
A Multi‐Responsive MXene‐Based Actuator with Integrated Sensing Function
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Liu Hai , Yuan Li , Tian Xuemin , Xue Xianyang , Li Tongkuai , Yin Luqiao , Zhang Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Soft actuators have demonstrated promising applications in artificial muscles, bionic robotics, smart apparatus, and beyond. Nevertheless, most of the current soft actuators only present actuating features without any real‐time sensory feedbacks, which may prohibit the timely correction of actuation error leading to the damage of the systems and target objects especially in some interactive applications. Here, a multi‐responsive actuator with self‐sensing function is enabled by a bilayer structure composing of MXene coated‐paper and polyethylene. This actuator can be triggered by multi‐stimuli and performs large deformation with low power consumption but high response speed because of the remarkable photothermal and hygroscopic performance of MXene. Meanwhile, this actuator can detect its own deformation with an amplified sensing signal on the basis of the synergetic strain‐ and stimulus‐resistance response of the MXene coated‐paper. It is demonstrated that this actuator can not only serve as a multi‐responsive switch to monitor the environmental temperature and humidity, but also as a smart gripper. This multi‐responsive actuator with self‐sensing function provides a potential application in the field of soft robotics, intelligent switch, and bionic prosthesis.
Flexible Temperature Sensors Constructed with Fiber Materials
Authors: Cai Junyi , Du Mingjuan , Li Zhaoling
Published: February 2022

Accurate and real‐time detection of human body temperature changes is crucial to understand thermal homeostasis, to access complex health conditions, and to further build a smart healthcare system. Recent years have seen temperature sensors open up many potential applications in electronic skin, artificial intelligence, and next‐generation smart robots. Currently, traditional mercury and infrared thermometers are extensively used for human body temperature detection. However, they still suffer from rigid appearance, slow response, insufficient sensitivity, low accuracy, and potential harm risk to the users. Therefore, it is highly desired to develop more breathable, deformable, and economically available functional materials to construct the flexible high performance temperature sensors. Alternatively, fiber materials have attracted more attention owing to their soft, flexible, deformable, and porous features. This review summarizes a comprehensive research advancement in the field of flexible temperature sensors constructed with fiber materials. Temperature sensing mechanisms, functional constructing materials, performance characterizations, practical applications, and fiber‐based temperature sensors with different structural designs are systematically introduced at great length. Research outlook and prospects will be presented to inspire the potential readers.
Generation and Culture of Cardiac Microtissues in a Microfluidic Chip with a Reversible Open Top Enables Electrical Pacing, Dynamic Drug Dosing and Endothelial Cell Co‐Culture
Authors: Vivas Aisen , IJspeert Camilo , Pan Jesper Yue , Vermeul Kim , van den Berg Albert , Passier Robert , Keller Stephan Sylvest , van der Meer Andries D.
Published: February 2022

Cardiovascular disease morbidity has increased worldwide. Organs‐on‐chips and human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies aid to overcome some of the limitations in cardiac in vitro models. Here, a bi‐compartmental, monolithic heart‐on‐chip device that facilitates porous membrane integration in a single fabrication step is presented. Moreover, the device includes open‐top compartments that allow facile co‐culture of hPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes and human adult cardiac fibroblast into geometrically defined cardiac microtissues. The device can be reversibly closed with a glass seal or a lid with fully customized 3D‐printed pyrolytic carbon electrodes allowing electrical stimulation of cardiac microtissues. A subjacent microfluidic channel allowed localized and dynamic drug administration to the cardiac microtissues, as demonstrated by a chronotropic response to isoprenaline. Moreover, the microfluidic channel can also be populated with human induced pluripotent stem‐derived endothelial cells allowing co‐culture of heterotypic cardiac cells in one device. Overall, this study demonstrates a novel heart‐on‐chip model that systematically integrates an open‐top device with a 3D printed carbon electrode for electrical pacing and culture of cardiac tissues while enabling active perfusion and dynamic drug dosing. Advances in the engineering of human heart‐on‐chip models represent an important step towards making organ‐on‐a‐chip technology a routine aspect of preclinical cardiac drug development.
Chemical Doping of the Organic Semiconductor C8‐BTBT‐C8 Using an Aqueous Iodine Solution for Device Mobility Enhancement
Authors: Li Jinghai , Babuji Adara , Temiño Inés , Salzillo Tommaso , D'Amico Francesco , Pfattner Raphael , Ocal Carmen , Barrena Esther , Mas‐Torrent Marta
Published: February 2022

The performance of organic field‐effect transistors is still severely limited by factors such as contact resistance and charge trapping. Chemical doping is considered to be a promising key enabler for improving device performance, although there is a limited number of established doping protocols as well as a lack of understanding of the doping mechanisms. Here, a very simple doping methodology based on exposing an organic semiconductor thin film to an aqueous iodine solution is reported. The doped devices exhibit enhanced device mobility, which becomes channel‐length independent, a decreased threshold voltage and a reduction in the density of interfacial traps. The device OFF current is not altered, which is in agreement with the spectroscopic data that points out that no charge transfer processes are occurring. Kelvin probe force microscopy characterization of the devices under operando conditions unambiguously proves that an important reduction of the contact resistance takes place after their exposition to the iodine solution, reaching almost ohmic contact.
Microneedle‐Directed Drug Delivery to Tumor‐Draining Lymph Node for Synergistic Combination Chemoimmunotherapy for Metastatic Cancer
Authors: Jung Jaeback , Lim Su Yeon , Kim Dahwun , Lyu Siyan , Whang Ouibo , Park Chaeeun , Kim Byung Deok , Lee Min Sang , Jeong Ji Hoon
Published: February 2022

Chemoimmunotherapy based on the combination of anticancer agents and immune modulators is considered as a promising anticancer therapeutic approach that leads to tumor cell death and tumor‐specific immune responses, suppressing the growth of metastatic tumors in distal sites. However, the undesirable systemic immune responses and cytotoxicity caused by chemoimmunotherapy should be reduced prior to clinical translation. This study aimed to design an amphiphilic triblock copolymer‐based dissolving microneedle (MN), which can generate nanomicelles (PTX/R848@NMC) containing a poorly water‐soluble anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX), and an immune modulator, resiquimod (R848). The combination of PTX and R848 synergistically induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) in melanoma cells (B16F10) at reduced PTX concentrations without compromising the viability and functions of dendritic cells (DCs). After cutaneous application of MN to tumor‐bearing mice, the PTX/R848@NMC generated from the dissolution of MN can migrate to tumor‐draining lymph nodes, resulting in the death of metastatic tumor cells and the activation and maturation of DCs. Tumor‐specific immune responses can effectively suppress the growth of primary and metastatic secondary tumors.
Regulation of Neural Differentiation of ADMSCs using Graphene‐Mediated Wireless‐Localized Electrical Signals Driven by Electromagnetic Induction
Authors: Guo Zhijie , Sun Chunhui , Yang Hongru , Gao Haoyang , Liang Na , Wang Jian , Hu Shuang , Ren Na , Pang Jinbo , Wang Jingang , Meng Ning , Han Lin , Liu Hong
Published: February 2022

Although adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) isolated from patients’ fat are considered as the most important autologous stem cells for tissue repair, significant difficulties in the neural differentiation of ADMSCs still impede stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, a wireless‐electrical stimulation method is proposed to direct the neural differentiation of ADMSCs based on the electromagnetic effect using a graphene film as a conductive scaffold. By placing a rotating magnet on the top of a culture system without any inducer, the ADMSCs cultured on graphene differentiate into functional neurons within 15 days. As a conductive biodegradable nanomaterial, graphene film acts as a wireless electrical signal generator driven by the electromagnetic induction, and millivolt‐level voltage generated in situ provokes ADMSCs to differentiate into neurons, proved by morphological variation, extremely high levels of neuron‐specific genes, and proteins. Most importantly, Ca2+intracellular influx is observed in these ADMSC‐derived neurons once exposure to neurotransmitters, indicating that these cells are functional neurons. This research enhances stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases using autologous ADMSCs and overcomes the lack of neural stem cells. This nanostructure‐mediated physical‐signal simulation method is inexpensive, safe, and localized, and has a significant impact on neural regeneration.
Strong Oxide‐Support Interaction over IrO2/V2O5 for Efficient pH‐Universal Water Splitting
Authors: Zheng Xiaozhong , Qin Minkai , Ma Shuangxiu , Chen Yuzhuo , Ning Honghui , Yang Rui , Mao Shanjun , Wang Yong
Published: February 2022

Constructing strong oxide‐support interaction (SOSI) is compelling for modulating the atomic configurations and electronic structures of supported catalysts. Herein, ultrafine iridium oxide nanoclusters (≈1 nm) are anchored on vanadium oxide support (IrO2/V2O5) via SOSI. The as made catalyst, with a unique distorted IrO2 structure, is discovered to significantly boost the performance for pH‐universal oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Based on experimental results and theoretical calculations, the distorted IrO2 active sites with flexible redox states in IrO2/V2O5 server as electrophilic centers balance the adsorption of oxo‐intermediates and effectively facilitate the process of OO coupling, eventually propelling the fast turnover of water oxidation. As a result, IrO2/V2O5 demonstrates not only ultralow overpotentials at 10 mA cm−2 (266 mV, pH = 0; 329 mV, pH = 7; 283 mV, pH = 14) for OER, but also high‐performance overall water electrolysis over a broad pH range, with a potential of mere 1.50 V (pH = 0), 1.65 V (pH = 7) or 1.49 V (pH = 14) at 10 mA cm−2. In addition, SOSI can simultaneously secure the distorted active sites and thus remarkably improving the catalytic stability, making it a promising strategy to develop high‐performance catalytic systems.
2D MXene: A Potential Candidate for Photovoltaic Cells? A Critical Review
Authors: Saeed Muhammad Ahsan , Shahzad Asif , Rasool Kashif , Mateen Fahad , Oh Jae‐Min , Shim Jae Won
Published: February 2022

The 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides (2D MXenes) are a versatile class of 2D materials for photovoltaic (PV) systems. The numerous advantages of MXenes, including their excellent metallic conductivity, high optical transmittance, solution processability, tunable work‐function, and hydrophilicity, make them suitable for deployment in PV technology. This comprehensive review focuses on the synthesis methodologies and properties of MXenes and MXene‐based materials for PV systems. Titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx), a well‐known member of the MXene family, has been studied in many PV applications. Herein, the effectiveness of Ti3C2Tx as an additive in different types of PV cells, and the synergetic impact of Ti3C2Tx as an interfacial material on the photovoltaic performance of PV cells, are systematically examined. Subsequently, the utilization of Ti3C2Tx as a transparent conductive electrode, and its influence on the stability of the PV cells, are discussed. This review also considers problems that emerged from previous studies, and provides guidelines for the further exploration of Ti3C2Tx and other members of the 2D MXene family in PV technology. This timely study is expected to provide comprehensive understanding of the current status of MXenes, and to set the direction for the future development in 2D material design and processing for PVs.
Identification of a New Cholesterol‐Binding Site within the IFN‐γ Receptor that is Required for Signal Transduction
Authors: Morana Ornella , Nieto‐Garai Jon Ander , Björkholm Patrik , Bernardino de la Serna Jorge , Terrones Oihana , Arboleya Aroa , Ciceri Dalila , Rojo‐Bartolomé Iratxe , Blouin Cédric M. , Lamaze Christophe , Lorizate Maier , Contreras Francesc‐Xabier
Published: February 2022

The cytokine interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) is a master regulator of innate and adaptive immunity involved in a broad array of human diseases that range from atherosclerosis to cancer. IFN‐γ exerts it signaling action by binding to a specific cell surface receptor, the IFN‐γ receptor (IFN‐γR), whose activation critically depends on its partition into lipid nanodomains. However, little is known about the impact of specific lipids on IFN‐γR signal transduction activity. Here, a new conserved cholesterol (chol) binding motif localized within its single transmembrane domain is identified. Through direct binding, chol drives the partition of IFN‐γR2 chains into plasma membrane lipid nanodomains, orchestrating IFN‐γR oligomerization and transmembrane signaling. Bioinformatics studies show that the signature sequence stands for a conserved chol‐binding motif presented in many mammalian membrane proteins. The discovery of chol as the molecular switch governing IFN‐γR transmembrane signaling represents a significant advance for understanding the mechanism of lipid selectivity by membrane proteins, but also for figuring out the role of lipids in modulating cell surface receptor function. Finally, this study suggests that inhibition of the chol‐IFNγR2 interaction may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for various IFN‐γ‐dependent diseases.
Oxalate Pushes Efficiency of CsPb0.7Sn0.3IBr2 Based All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells to over 14%
Authors: Zhang Weihai , Liu Heng , Qi Xingnan , Yu Yinye , Zhou Yecheng , Xia Yu , Cui Jieshun , Shi Yueqing , Chen Rui , Wang Hsing‐Lin
Published: February 2022

All‐inorganic CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have recently gained growing attention as a promising template to solve the thermal instability of organic–inorganic PSCs. However, the relatively low device efficiency hinders its further development. Herein, highly efficient and stable CsPb0.7Sn0.3IBr2 compositional perovskite‐based inorganic PSCs are fabricated by introducing appropriate amount of multifunctional zinc oxalate (ZnOX). In addition to offset Pb and Sn vacancies through Zn2+ ions incorporation, the oxalate group can strongly interact with undercoordinated metal ions to regulate film crystallization, delivering perovskite film with low defect density, high crystallinity, and superior electronic properties. Correspondingly, the resulting device delivers a champion efficiency of 14.1%, which presents the highest reported efficiency for bromine‐rich inorganic PSCs thus far. More importantly, chemically reducing oxalate group can effectively suppress the notorious oxidation of Sn2+, leading to significant enhancement on air stability.
Numerical Device Model for Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes Based on Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence
Authors: van der Zee Bas , Li Yungui , Wetzelaer Gert‐Jan A. H. , Blom Paul W. M.
Published: February 2022

In organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), non‐emissive triplet excitons are converted to emissive singlet excitons via reverse intersystem crossing (rISC). To model the operation of TADF‐based OLEDs, quantification of the triplet population is therefore a prerequisite. A numerical drift‐diffusion model is presented for TADF OLEDs that next to singlet and triplet generation also includes the positional dependence of intersystem crossing, rISC and triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA). As experimental model system, a single‐layer OLED is used based on the TADF emitter 9,10‐bis(4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)−2,6‐dimethylphenyl)−9,10‐diboraanthracene that possesses nearly trap‐free transport and a high photoluminescence quantum yield. The model accurately describes the voltage dependence of the current density and external quantum efficiency (EQE), both as a function of temperature and active layer thickness. The model reveals that the steep increase in EQE at low voltage originates from emissive trap states, whereas the efficiency decrease at high voltage is dominated by TTA, with a temperature independent rate constant of 7 ± 3 × 10–18 m3 s–1. The model allows us to quantitatively disentangle the various contributions of direct and trap‐assisted recombination as well as recombination following rISC to the EQE, providing a useful tool for further optimization of TADF OLEDs.
Band Engineering Induced Conducting 2H‐Phase MoS2 by PdSRe Sites Modification for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Luo Zhaoyan , Li Junjie , Li Yongliang , Wu Duojie , Zhang Lei , Ren Xiangzhong , He Chuanxin , Zhang Qianling , Gu Meng , Sun Xueliang
Published: February 2022

The electronic band structure of MoS2 exerts far‐ranging effects on the applications of these materials, ranging from chemical catalysis, electronic, and magnetic behaviors. However, the underlying relationship between the electronic band structure and activity is largely unknown in heterogeneous catalysis including the hydrogen evolution reaction, partly due to the lack of a controllable methodology to achieve desirable electronic band structures in the 2H‐phase MoS2. Herein it is demonstrated that dual dopants can engineer the band structure of MoS2 by substituting into the adjacent Mo sites. Specifically, these constructed PdRe dimers bridged by sulfur (PdSRe sites) introduce conducting electronic states around the Fermi level to increase the metallic characteristics of MoS2, resulting in metallic‐like behavior, which is initially semiconducting. Furthermore, the efficacy of inducing a phase conversion from 2H to metallic 1T is higher for codoping with dual dopants as compared to that for the use of a single dopant, thereby generating more intrinsically active PdS*Mo sites to further increase active sites density. Ultimately, this leads to the MoS2 catalyst showing a low overpotential of 46 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and a high exchange current density of 1.524 mA cm−2, along with superior operating durability.
Understanding SNAP use patterns among older adults
Authors: Giordono Leanne , Rothwell David W. , Grutzmacher Stephanie , Edwards Mark
Published: February 2022

Participation rates by older adults in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have increased since 2010 but remain lower than other groups despite high food insecurity. This study examines patterns of SNAP participation among older adults aged 51–69 years. Using longitudinal SNAP administrative data from Oregon (2014–2018), we find that older adults with long‐term SNAP receipt (>55 months) represent the majority of this group at any given time, suggesting that lower participation rates likely reflect challenges of take‐up, rather than persistence. But younger cohorts (ages 51–59) experience lower persistence than older cohorts (ages 60–69), suggesting that approaching retirement presents a distinct set of challenges.
Legume cover crop type and termination method effects on labile soil carbon and nitrogen and aggregation
Authors: Bloszies Sean A. , Reberg‐Horton S. Chris , Heitman Joshua L. , Woodley Alex L. , Grossman Julie M. , Hu Shuijin
Published: February 2022

Growers use cover crops to provide nutrients for crops and build soil organic matter (SOM). Termination methods may alter the effects of cover crops on soil labile C and N. We examined how two cover crops and three termination methods affected soil microbes, soil aggregates, and C and N pools in an organic grain system. We compared crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) (CC), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) (HV), and a control together with disking, mowing, or a roller‐crimper for effects on hot‐water‐extractable carbohydrates, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), potentially mineralizable C and N, and aggregation (quantified by mean weight diameter [MWD]). Disking comprised flail mowing plots and then cultivating. Roller‐crimping occurred via a roller with blades. Vetch soil contained 14% higher MBC than no cover crop pretermination, possibly because of enhanced rhizodeposition. Planting CC resulted in 44% higher MBC than no cover crop a week after termination, likely due to its higher biomass C/N ratio. Disking decreased MWD relative to flail mowing in no cover crop soils at 4 wk after termination across both years at 0‐to‐5‐cm depth. In addition, MWD was lower under CC than under no cover crop for both the flail mowed and roller‐crimped treatments at 4 wk after termination across both years from 0 to 5 cm. This is possibly due to enhanced desiccation of the soil in bare plots after termination. Our results indicate that quantity and quality of biomass of different legume species, rather than termination methods, dominated effects on labile C.
Towards artificial intelligence at scale in the chemical industry
Authors: Chiang Leo H. , Braun Birgit , Wang Zhenyu , Castillo Ivan
Published: February 2022

In the Industry 4.0 era, the chemical industry is embracing broad adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods. This article provides a holistic view of how the industry is transforming digitally towards AI at scale. First, a historical perspective on how the industry used AI to aid humans in better decision‐making is shown. Then state‐of‐the‐art AI research addressing industrial needs on reliability and safety, process optimization, supply chain, material discovery, and reaction engineering is highlighted. Finally, a vision of the plant of the future is illustrated with critical components of AI‐ready culture, model life cycle management, and renewed role of humans in chemical manufacturing.
Benchmark study of reinforcement learning in controlling and optimizing batch processes
Authors: Zhu Wenbo , Castillo Ivan , Wang Zhenyu , Rendall Ricardo , Chiang Leo H. , Hayot Philippe , Romagnoli Jose A.
Published: February 2022

In this article, multiple reinforcement learning (RL) methods such as value‐based, policy‐based, and actor‐critic algorithms are investigated for typical control tasks found in the chemical industries. Through a critical assessment of these novel techniques, their main advantages are highlighted, but also the challenges that still need to be resolved are discussed. Two batch control tasks are used as benchmarks, namely, production maximization, and setpoint control. Using these testing environments, a direct comparison of different RL approaches is presented, which could guide the algorithm selection in future RL applications for batch process control. Furthermore, the results obtained with a traditional control method, model predictive control (MPC), are shown to provide a baseline for comparison with RL algorithms. The results show that RL has significant applicability in various control tasks and has comparable control performance to traditional methods but with a lower online computational cost. A batch bioreactor simulation and a simulation of an industrial polyol process are used for illustration purposes.
Severe pancreatic injury with total disruption of main pancreatic duct successfully managed by multi‐stage endoscopic therapy: a case report
Authors: Ito Kei , Endo Akira , Kobayashi Masanori , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: February 2022

Background

The management of pancreatic injury is not well‐established. Recently, endoscopic therapy has been reported as a treatment option for main pancreatic duct disruption.

Case Presentation

A 68‐year‐old man presented to our hospital and was diagnosed with severe traumatic pancreatic injury that developed 2 days prior. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed main pancreatic duct disruption. Although initial stenting to the distal main pancreatic duct was not achieved because of the widespread intermediate fluid collection, an endoscopic naso‐pancreatic drainage tube was successfully inserted into via the main duodenal papilla. After drainage, the endoscopic naso‐pancreatic drainage tube was replaced with an endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage tube, and a stent was successfully placed into the distal main pancreatic duct via the minor papilla.

Conclusion

We report a case of severe pancreatic injury managed using multi‐stage endoscopic therapy that could be a possible treatment strategy for pancreatic injury with total main pancreatic duct disruption.
Potassium Aluminyl Promoted Carbonylation of Ethene
Authors: Evans Matthew J. , Neale Samuel E. , Anker Mathew D. , McMullin Claire L. , Coles Martyn P.
Published: February 2022

The potassium aluminyl [K{Al(NONDipp)}]2([NONDipp]2−=[O{SiMe2NDipp}2]2−, Dipp=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) activates ethene towards carbonylation with CO under mild conditions. An isolated bis‐aluminacyclopropane compound reacted with CO via carbonylation of an Al−C bond, followed by an intramolecular hydrogen shift to form K2[Al(NONDipp)(μ‐CH2CH=CO‐1κ2C1,3‐2κO)Al(NONDipp)Et]. Restricting the chemistry to a mono‐aluminium system allowed isolation of [Al(NONDipp)(CH2CH2CO‐κ2C1,3)]−, which undergoes thermal isomerisation to form the [Al(NONDipp)(CH2CH=CHO‐κ2C,O)]−anion. DFT calculations highlight the stabilising influence of incorporated benzene at multiple steps in the reaction pathways.
The Protein‐Templated Synthesis of Enzyme‐Generated Aptamers
Authors: Vacacela Julio , Schaap‐Johansen Anna‐Lisa , Manikova Patricia , Marcatili Paolo , Prado Marta , Sun Yi , Ashley Jon
Published: February 2022

Inspired by the chemical synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers, we demonstrated for the first time, the protein‐target mediated synthesis of enzyme‐generated aptamers (EGAs). We prepared pre‐polymerisation mixtures containing different ratios of nucleotides, an initiator sequence and protein template and incubated each mixture with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT). Upon purification and rebinding of the EGAs against the target, we observed an enhancement in binding of templated‐EGAs towards the target compared to a non‐templated control. These results demonstrate the presence of two primary mechanisms for the formation of EGAs, namely, the binding of random sequences to the target as observed in systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and the dynamic competition between TdT enzyme and the target protein for binding of EGAs during synthesis. The latter mechanism serves to increase the stringency of EGA‐based screening and represents a new way to develop aptamers that relies on rational design.
Ferroelectric Lithography in Single‐Component Organic Enantiomorphic Ferroelectrics
Authors: Zhang Han‐Yue , Jiang Huan‐Huan , Zhang Yao , Zhang Nan , Xiong Ren‐Gen
Published: February 2022

Organic ferroelectrics are flexible, lightweight, and bio‐friendly, promising for bio‐harmonized electronic devices, while their ferroelectric lithography remains relatively unexplored. Here, by introducing homochirality and ZE photoisomerization, we obtained a pair of organic enantiomorphic ferroelectrics, di(benzylamino)‐substituted derivatives of muconic acids, the first ferroelectrics in the muconic family. Their ferroelectric and chiral features were confirmed by the polarization–electric field hysteresis loops and circular dichroism spectra, respectively. Piezoresponse force microscopy measurements demonstrate that the desired domain structure can be precisely achieved by applying a local electric field on a predefined pattern in their thin films. Moreover, thermogravimetric analyses reveal that their ferroelectricity can persist up to above 550 K. The precise pattern lithography and excellent thermal stability make them competitive candidates for ferroelectric lithography.
Bioinspired Total Synthesis of (+)‐Euphorikanin A
Authors: Chen Zhuang , Zhao Kuan , Jia Yanxing
Published: February 2022

We have achieved a bioinspired total synthesis of (+)‐euphorikanin A, which possesses an intriguing and complex 5/6/7/3‐fused tetracyclic skeleton bearing a bridged [3.2.1]‐γ‐lactone moiety. Key transformations include stereoselective alkylation and aldol condensation to install the main stereocenters, an intramolecular nucleophile‐catalyzed aldol lactonization of carboxylic acid–ketone to assemble the five‐membered ring, a McMurry coupling to construct the seven‐membered ring, and a biomimetic benzilic acid type rearrangement to form the bridged [3.2.1]‐γ‐lactone moiety.
Biocatalytic Asymmetric Construction of Secondary and Tertiary Fluorides from β‐Fluoro‐α‐Ketoacids**
Authors: Fang Jason , Turner Laura E. , Chang Michelle C. Y.
Published: February 2022

Fluorine is a critical element for the design of bioactive compounds, driving advances in selective and sustainable fluorination. However, stereogenic tertiary fluorides pose a synthetic challenge and are thus present in only a few approved drugs (fluticasone, solithromycin, and sofosbuvir). The aldol reaction of fluorinated donors provides an atom‐economical approach to asymmetric C−F motifs via C−C bond formation. We report that the type II pyruvate aldolase HpcH and engineered variants perform addition of β‐fluoro‐α‐ketoacids (including fluoropyruvate, β‐fluoro‐α‐ketobutyrate, and β‐fluoro‐α‐ketovalerate) to diverse aldehydes. The reactivity of HpcH towards these fluoro‐donors grants access to enantiopure secondary or tertiary fluorides. In addition to representing the first synthesis of tertiary fluorides via biocatalytic carboligation, the afforded products could improve the diversity of fluorinated building blocks and enable the synthesis of fluorinated drug analogs.
Uncertainty, shock and anger: Recent loss experiences of first‐wave COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy
Authors: Cipolletta Sabrina , Entilli Lorenza , Filisetti Sara
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to explore qualitatively bereavement experiences of family members who have lost a significant other to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in relation to mourners' needs and resources. Twenty individuals bereaved by the first wave of COVID‐19 from the most heavily impacted Italian region were interviewed via video call between 1 and 3 months after their loss. Through a thematic analysis, four main themes were identified: reconstructions of the loss experience, responses to grief, resources and looking forward. The suddenness of the death and lack of farewell by means of a funeral prevented participants from realizing the loss and undertaking a meaning‐making process. When anger was the main reaction to the loss, mourners focussed all their attention on denouncing medical and government institutions. Acceptance occurred particularly in those who found a way to share their grief and use it as a turning point. Participants relied mainly on informal support offered virtually, but mourners may have sought out in‐person comfort in the long term. The results of this study propose new insights for COVID‐19 bereavement support and trace the path for health promotion within a community shook by a communal grief experience. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement
Changes at the National Labor Relations Board could lead to more organized labor on campus
Authors: Caldwell Trevor R.
Published: February 2022

President Joe Biden made strong support for organized labor a central part of his 2020 presidential campaign and has made good on that commitment from day one of his presidency. In the hours and days following his inauguration, the President implemented a flurry of personnel and policy changes at the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency charged with protecting the rights of private sector employees under the National Labor Relations Act.
Structure Optimization of the Toxic Conformation Model of Amyloid β42 by Intramolecular Disulfide Bond Formation
Authors: Matsushima Yuka , Irie Yumi , Kageyama Yusuke , Bellier Jean‐Pierre , Tooyama Ikuo , Maki Takahito , Kume Toshiaki , Yanagita Ryo C. , Irie Kazuhiro
Published: February 2022

Amyloid β (Aβ) oligomers play a critical role in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Recently, we reported that a conformation‐restricted Aβ42 with an intramolecular disulfide bond through cysteine residues at positions 17/28 formed stable oligomers with potent cytotoxicity. To further optimize this compound as a toxic conformer model, we synthesized three analogues with a combination of cysteine and homocysteine at positions 17/28. The analogues with Cys‐Cys, Cys‐homoCys, or homoCys‐Cys, but not the homoCys‐homoCys analogue, exhibited potent cytotoxicity against SH‐SY5Y and THP‐1 cells even at 10 nM. In contrast, the cytotoxicity of conformation‐restricted analogues at positions 16/29 or 18/27 was significantly weaker than that of wild‐type Aβ42. Furthermore, thioflavin‐T assay, non‐denaturing gel electrophoresis, and morphological studies suggested that the majority of these conformation‐restricted analogues exists in an oligomeric state in cell culture medium, indicating that the toxic conformation of Aβ42, rather than the oligomeric state, is essential to induce cytotoxicity.
Fetal heart rate tracing interpretation in cases of fetal heart block: A case series
Authors: Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jatavan Phudit , Tongsong Theera
Published: February 2022

Simple assessment of FHR baseline variability can differentiate second‐degree heart block (SHB) from complete heart block (CHB). In cases of SHB, antepartum NST can be reliably used for fetal surveillance. Intrapartum assessment of FHR variability and accelerations is useful to select cases for safe vaginal delivery.
Tracheobronchial aspergillosis presenting with black mucus plugs and tracheal ulcers
Authors: Mishima Yuka , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Oi Keiji , Gu Yoshiaki , Arai Hirokuni
Published: February 2022

Tracheobronchial aspergillosis is a rare but lethal disease with characteristic findings of tracheal plaques and ulcers. It requires appropriate airway management for possible tracheal obstruction with the black mucus plug.