bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dense open metal sites in a microporous metal–organic framework for deep desulfurization with record‐high sulfur dioxide storage density
Authors: Zhu Zhenliang , Wu Ke , Liu Xing , Zhang Peixin , Chen Shixia , Chen Jingwen , Deng Qiang , Zeng Zheling , Deng Shuguang , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

Dry desulfurization employing porous adsorbents is industrially preferred but efficient capture of sulfur dioxide (SO2) at the ultralow concentration (i.e., 2000 ppm) is exceptionally challenging. Metal–organic frameworks with open metal sites (OMSs) can provide sufficient interactions with SO2, which, in turn, will degrade or compromise the structural robustness. Herein, we reported Cu‐ATC that contains dense oppositely positioned Cu OMSs for efficient trace SO2 removal. Explicitly, Cu‐ATC adsorbs a benchmark amount of SO2 (5.3 mmol g−1) at 0.01 bar with a record‐high SO2 storage density of 2.23 g cm−3 at ambient conditions. The critical role of OMSs has been confirmed by the partially desolvated sample with declined uptakes and adsorption enthalpy. The desulfurization performances have been validated by multicycle breakthrough experiments even with mimic flue‐gas and water vapor. Computational simulations identify the adsorption sites at the molecular level. Combined with the high stability under various conditions, Cu‐ATC is a potent candidate for industrial implementation.
Ultra‐High Gauge Factor Strain Sensor with Wide‐Range Stretchability
Authors: Kumaresan Yogeenth , Mishra Shashank , Ozioko Oliver , Chirila Radu , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: June 2022

Strain sensors with wide‐range stretchability, good sensitivity, high gauge factor, and reliability are needed for several applications. Herein, stretchable strain sensors capable of operating over multi‐strain range and having an excellent gauge factor are presented. The systematic study, carried out with different combinations of elastomer, conductive filler, and graphene–carbon paste (GCP), revealed that the sensors exhibit excellent stretchability when only filler particles are present in the elastomer, and they exhibit high sensitivity when filler particles are mixed with GCP. The molecular dynamics simulations show that the addition of GCP to the elastomer‐filler composite helps to attain an excellent sensor response with wide range stretchability. Thus, sensors’ response can be tuned by using selected material composition. Accordingly, the strain sensor with 50 wt% GCP reveals 500% stretchability and a maximum gauge factor of 504. Likewise, 150 wt% GCP loading lead to sensors with 45% stretchability and an unprecedented gauge factor of 1 834 140. The capability to detect the small‐ to large‐scale strains makes the presented sensors attractive for monitoring the movements of body parts–which range from small movements during facial expression to large movement experienced by the limb joints.
Working hours, sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector: A scoping review of the research
Authors: Allison Penelope , Tiesman Hope M. , Wong Imelda S. , Bernzweig David , James Lois , James Stephen M. , Navarro Kathleen M. , Patterson P. Daniel
Published: June 2022

Background

The public safety sector includes law enforcement officers (LEO), corrections officers (CO), firefighter service (FF), wildland firefighting (WFF), and emergency medical services (EMS), as defined in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Across these occupations, shiftwork, long‐duration shifts, and excessive overtime are common. Our objective was to identify research gaps related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue among these workers.

Methods

We used a scoping review study design that included searches of MEDLINE, Embase, CAB Abstracts, Global Health, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, Agricultural and Environmental Science Collection, ProQuest Central, Cochrane Library, Safety Lit, Homeland Security Digital Library, and Sociological Abstracts using a range of occupational search terms and terms related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue.

Results

Out of 3415 articles returned from our database search, 202 met all inclusion criteria. Six common outcomes related to working hours, sleep, and fatigue emerged: sleep, fatigue, work performance, injury, psychosocial stress, and chronic disease. Nearly two‐thirds (59%,n = 120) of the studies were observational, of which 64% (n = 77) were cross sectional and 9% were (n = 11) longitudinal; 14% (n = 30) of the studies were reviews; and 19% (n = 39) were experimental or quasi‐experimental studies. Only 25 of the 202 articles described mitigation strategies or interventions. FFs, LEOs, EMS, and WFFs were the most studied, followed by COs.

Conclusions

In general, more longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to enrich the knowledge base on the consequences of long working hours, poor sleep, and fatigue in the public safety sector. Few experimental studies have tested novel approaches to fatigue mitigation in diverse sectors of public safety. This gap in research limits the decisions that may be made by employers to address fatigue as a threat to public‐safety worker health and safety.
Synthesis of Dimethyl Carbonate via Transesterification of Ethylene Carbonate and Methanol using Recyclable Li/NaY Zeolite
Authors: Yang Meng , Li Hong‐Ru , He Liang‐Nian
Published: June 2022

In this work, the novel solid base Li/NaY was prepared via the solid state reaction between NaY zeolite and Li2CO3 at high temperature. When applied to the dimethyl carbonate (DMC) preparation through transesterification of ethylene carbonate (EC) and methanol, up to 89% yield of DMC with 99% selectivity can be accessed. The characterization results reveal the as‐synthesized Li/NaY possesses higher basicity than NaY. Furthermore, the Lewis acidity of the Li/NaY material is also enhanced due to the incorporation of lithium. Therefore, the Li/NaY can act as a dual functional catalyst in the transesterification reaction, thus leading to high efficiency. Notably, this catalyst can be easily recovered and reused for at least six times without obvious activity loss. This work provides a green synthetic route to DMC production and also sheds light on the development of solid basic catalysts.
New hominin dental remains from the Drimolen Main Quarry, South Africa (1999–2008)
Authors: Leece Angeline B. , Martin Jesse M. , Herries Andy I. R. , Riga Alessandro , Menter Colin G. , Moggi‐Cecchi Jacopo
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Twenty‐four dental specimens from the Drimolen Main Quarry (DMQ) are described. This increases the number of DMQ Paranthropus robustus specimens from 48 to 63 and DMQ Homo specimens from 8 to 12. This allows reassessment of the proposed differences between the DMQ P. robustus assemblage and that of Swartkrans. Analysis conducted assesses intraspecific and inter‐locality variation.

Materials and Methods

We examined the P. robustus and early Homo assemblages from South Africa. Morphology was observed using a hand lens and a binocular microscope. Mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements were taken using plastic‐tipped calipers. Summary statistics were generated and patterns of variability in P. robustus were assessed through box plots and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

Comparison between the expanded DMQ and Swartkrans P. robustus assemblages demonstrates overlap in size. Ten dental variables show statistically significant differences.

Discussion

The expanded P. robustus sample allowed us to re‐examine previous analyses of differences in tooth size between the samples. While analyses presented here show a high degree of overlap in the MD and BL dimensions of the two assemblages, significant differences were found in the mean values of these variables in the postcanine maxillary teeth—consistent with previous analyses. Two current hypotheses may explain this pattern: 1) dental size increase through the P. robustus lineage or 2) different sample composition between the two sites. Small sample sizes for all permanent dental classes in the DMQ assemblage represents a limitation on this analysis and interpretations thereof. Any addition to the DMQ or the Swartkrans samples may alter these results.
Decreased Frontal Gamma Activity in Alzheimer Disease Patients
Authors: Casula Elias P. , Pellicciari Maria C. , Bonnì Sonia , Borghi Ilaria , Maiella Michele , Assogna Martina , Minei Marilena , Motta Caterina , D'Acunto Alessia , Porrazzini Francesco , Pezzopane Valentina , Mencarelli Lucia , Roncaioli Andrea , Rocchi Lorenzo , Spampinato Danny A. , Caltagirone Carlo , Santarnecchi Emiliano , Martorana Alessandro , Koch Giacomo
Published: June 2022

Objective

In Alzheimer disease (AD) animal models, synaptic dysfunction has recently been linked to a disorder of high‐frequency neuronal activity. In patients, a clear relation between AD and oscillatory activity remains elusive. Here, we attempt to shed light on this relation by using a novel approach combining transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalography (TMS‐EEG) to probe oscillatory activity in specific hubs of the frontoparietal network in a sample of 60 mild‐to‐moderate AD patients.

Methods

Sixty mild‐to‐moderate AD patients and 21 age‐matched healthy volunteers (HVs) underwent 3 TMS‐EEG sessions to assess cortical oscillations over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the precuneus, and the left posterior parietal cortex. To investigate the relations between oscillatory activity, cortical plasticity, and cognitive decline, AD patients underwent a TMS‐based neurophysiological characterization and a cognitive evaluation at baseline. The latter was repeated after 24 weeks to monitor clinical evolution.

Results

AD patients showed a significant reduction of frontal gamma activity as compared to age‐matched HVs. In addition, AD patients with a more prominent decrease of frontal gamma activity showed a stronger impairment of long‐term potentiation–like plasticity and a more pronounced cognitive decline at subsequent follow‐up evaluation at 24 weeks.

Interpretation

Our data provide novel evidence that frontal lobe gamma activity is dampened in AD patients. The current results point to the TMS‐EEG approach as a promising technique to measure individual frontal gamma activity in patients with AD. This index could represent a useful biomarker to predict disease progression and to evaluate response to novel pharmacological therapies. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:464–475
BTDAzo: A Photoswitchable TRPC5 Channel Activator**
Authors: Müller Markus , Niemeyer Konstantin , Urban Nicole , Ojha Navin K. , Zufall Frank , Leinders‐Zufall Trese , Schaefer Michael , Thorn‐Seshold Oliver
Published: June 2022

Photoswitchable reagents can be powerful tools for high‐precision biological control. TRPC5 is a Ca2+‐permeable cation channel with distinct tissue‐specific roles, from synaptic function to hormone regulation. Reagents giving spatiotemporally‐resolved control over TRPC5 activity may be key to understanding and harnessing its biology. Here we develop the first photoswitchable TRPC5‐modulator, BTDAzo, to address this goal. BTDAzo can photocontrol TRPC5 currents in cell culture, as well as controlling endogenous TRPC5‐based neuronal Ca2+ responses in mouse brain slices. BTDAzos are also the first reported azo‐benzothiadiazines, an accessible and conveniently derivatised azoheteroarene with strong two‐colour photoswitching. BTDAzo′s ability to control TRPC5 across relevant channel biology settings makes it suitable for a range of dynamically reversible photoswitching studies in TRP channel biology, with the aim to decipher the various biological roles of this centrally important ion channel.
Protozeolite‐Seeded Synthesis of Single‐Crystalline Hierarchical Zeolites with Facet‐Shaped Mesopores and Their Catalytic Application in Methanol‐to‐Propylene Conversion
Authors: Liu Yinghao , Zhang Qiang , Li Junyan , Wang Xingxing , Terasaki Osamu , Xu Jun , Yu Jihong
Published: June 2022

Hierarchical zeolites integrating intrinsic micropores with secondary meso‐ and/or macropores afford superior catalytic properties for enhanced mass transportation and more accessible active sites. The mesopores generated by using mesoporogens or framework etching are usually irregular with abundant defective sites and low hydrothermal stability. Here, using protozeolite nanoparticles as seeds, we succeeded in the synthesis of single‐crystalline hierarchical ZSM‐5 zeolites with hexagonal mesopores faceted by complete microporous frameworks. The protozeolites played a key role in the formation of faceted mesopores achieved via intraparticle ripening process. Thanks to the unique texture properties and more accessible acid sites at the open location, the as‐prepared zeolites exhibited remarkedly long lifetime (18 h) and high propylene selectivity (52.7 %) with propylene/ethylene ratio of 3.64 in the methanol‐to‐propylene reaction (WHSV=12.5 h−1) compared to the counterparts.
Metal‐Free Semiconductor‐Based Bio‐Nano Hybrids for Sustainable CO2‐to‐CH4Conversion with High Quantum Yield
Authors: Hu Andong , Ye Jie , Ren Guoping , Qi Yaping , Chen Yiping , Zhou Shungui
Published: June 2022

Bio‐nano hybrids with methanogens and nano‐semiconductors provide an innovative strategy for solar‐driven CO2‐to‐CH4conversion; however, the efficiency mismatch between electron production and utilisation results in low quantum yield and CH4selectivity. Herein, we report the integration of metal‐free polymeric carbon nitrides (CNx) decorated with cyanamide (NCN) groups andMethanosarcina barkeri(M. b). The self‐assembledM. b‐NCNCNxexhibited a quantum yield of 50.3 % with 92.3 % CH4selectivity under illumination, which outperforms other reported bio‐nano hybrid systems and photocatalytic systems for CO2reduction. This excellent performance was attributed to the distinct capacitance and conductive effects ofNCNCNx, which promoted electron storage and redistribution at the biotic–abiotic interface to alleviate recombination losses and side reaction. This study provides new design guidelines for bio‐nano hybrids for the sustainable photocatalytic reduction of CO2into fuels.
Evaluating satellite and in situ monitoring technologies for leak detection and response
Authors: Stanford Benjamin D. , Pochiraju Susheera , Yokoyama Tori , Maari Peace , Grijalva Lynn , Bukhari Zia
Published: June 2022

The California Energy Commission funded a study to evaluate two technologies to assess their usefulness as an early leak detection tool for alerting field teams and to better understand the impact on energy savings through managing water loss. Specifically, the latest in advanced correlating continuous acoustic monitoring and satellite imagery leak detection technologies were examined over a period of 12 months in the Duarte system of California with 4.9 mgd production capacity and representing several pressure zones in the service area. A key conclusion was that both technologies improved the effectiveness of locating subsurface leaks that would have been invisible to the casual observer, and both were potential candidates for future applications. When implemented together in this study, the two technologies found leaks that would have resulted in between 57–170 mil gal of lost water during the study period. This equates to 140–419 MWh of energy savings in California, amounting to cost savings of at least $100,000 for the Duarte system alone during the 12‐month study period.
Inhibition of α‐glucosidase by Cyclocarya paliurus based on HPLC fingerprinting integrated with molecular docking and molecular dynamics
Authors: Chai Shan‐Shan , Cai Jia‐Han , Luo Jia‐Hui , Zhao Bi‐Xin , Wu Zhi‐Min , Liu Xiao‐Tong , Tian Hui , Zeng Yu
Published: June 2022

Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) extracts have been shown to lower sugar and lipid levels in blood, but the material basis is not clear. We analyzed CP aqueous extracts using high‐performance liquid chromatography “fingerprinting”, checked their pharmacological parameters using virtual screening, and undertook molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Also, the inhibitory effects of CP components upon α‐glucosidase in vitro were evaluated. Fingerprinting and virtual screening showed that the aqueous extract of CP contained the active components protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid and rutin, which were safe and had no side effects in vivo. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that chlorogenic acid and rutin might have a potent inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase. An enzyme‐activity assay in vitro showed that the half‐maximal inhibitory values of chlorogenic acid and rutin were 398.9 and 351.8 μg/ml, respectively. Chlorogenic acid and rutin had an inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase. Cyclocarya paliurus could be developed as a natural α‐glucosidase inhibitor.
Crowd navigation in an unknown and complex environment based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Sun Libo , Qu Yuke , Qin Wenhu
Published: June 2022

We propose a virtual crowd navigation approach based on deep reinforcement learning to improve the adaptability of virtual crowds in an unknown and complex environment. To address the problem of local optimum or slow iteration or even failure to converge due to sparse rewards in complex environments, we integrate the curiosity‐driven mechanism, the key navigation points acquisition and the failure path penalty method in addition to combining long short‐term memory networks, dynamic obstacle collision prediction with proximal policy optimization algorithms, which realizes the crowd navigation in a complex environment. The experimental results show that the proposed approach can simulate the motions of virtual crowds in various dynamic and complex scenarios without the environment modeling. The use of continuous action space also ensures that the movement trajectories of the virtual crowds are more realistic and natural. Furthermore, our approach can provide analysis and demonstration tools for a variety of independent collaborations such as competition and cooperation of group intelligence in an open and dynamic environment.
Functional narrative animation as visual feedback for interactions in 3D visualization
Authors: Li Tiemeng , Zhu Yangyang
Published: June 2022

Visual feedback can help users understand the function, state, and outcome of a system during the pre‐, mid‐, and post‐interaction phases. Current visual feedback in 3D visualization scenarios takes less account of information transfer in terms of appearance design and dynamic behavior, which results in visual feedback being presented in a more engineered form and conveying simple information. For these issues, we proposed the concept and method of functional narrative animation as visual feedback for interactions in 3D visualization. We also provided a set of Unity‐based animation library and a plugin tool for configuring the animations. Finally, through user experiments and interviews, we analyzed the role of functional narrative animation as in the interactive visual feedback for 3D visualizations and make corresponding design recommendations.
Muscle‐driven virtual human motion generation approach based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Qin Wenhu , Tao Ran , Sun Libo , Dong Kaiyue
Published: June 2022

We propose a muscle‐driven motion generation approach to realize virtual human motion with user interaction and higher fidelity, which can address the problem that the joint‐driven fails to reflect the motion process of the human body. First, a simplified virtual human musculoskeletal model is built based on human biomechanics. Then, a hierarchical policy learning framework is constructed including motion tracking layer, SPD controller and muscle control layer. The motion tracking layer is responsible for mimicking reference motion and completing control command, using proximal policy optimization to train the policy; the muscle control layer is aimed to minimize muscle energy consumption and train the policy based on supervised learning; the SPD controller acts as a link between the two layers. At the same time, we integrate the curriculum learning to improve the efficiency and success rate of policy training. Simulation experiments show that the proposed approach can use motion capture data and pose estimation data as reference motions to generate better and more adaptable motions. Furthermore, the virtual human has the ability to respond to the user control command during the motion, and can complete the target task successfully.
Tailored Phenyl Esters Inhibit ClpXP and Attenuate Staphylococcus aureus α‐Hemolysin Secretion
Authors: Schwarz Markus , Hübner Ines , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: June 2022

Novel strategies against multidrug‐resistant bacteria are urgently needed in order to overcome the current silent pandemic. Manipulation of toxin production in pathogenic species serves as a promising approach to attenuate virulence and prevent infections. In many bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Listeria monocyotgenes, serine protease ClpXP is a key contributor to virulence and thus represents a prime target for antimicrobial drug discovery. The limited stability of previous electrophilic warheads has prevented a sustained effect of virulence attenuation in bacterial culture. Here, we systematically tailor the stability and inhibitory potency of phenyl ester ClpXP inhibitors by steric shielding of the ester bond and fine‐tuning the phenol leaving group. Out of 17 derivatives, two (MAS‐19 and MAS‐30) inhibited S. aureus ClpP peptidase and ClpXP protease activities by >60 % at 1 μM. Furthermore, the novel inhibitors did not exhibit pronounced cytotoxicity against human and bacterial cells. Unlike the first generation phenylester AV170, these molecules attenuated S. aureus virulence markedly and displayed increased stability in aqueous buffer compared to the previous benchmark AV170.
Recent advancements in the development of multigrain bread
Authors: Mir Shabir Ahmad , Farooq Saqib , Shah Manzoor Ahmad , Sofi Sajad Ahmad , Dar B. N. , Sunooj Kappat V. , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

Multigrain bread is bread prepared from multiple flours of different cereals. This review aims to assess the technological and nutritional properties of multigrain doughs and bread and discuss challenges and opportunities.

Finding

Increased consumer awareness of healthy nutrition urges the demand for beneficial health foods in the market. The primary aim of developing multigrain bread is to take care of the expanding demand for a healthy diet concerning the economy and exploit minor cereals. Multigrain bread includes grains such as wheat, rice, barley, oat, maize, rye, pseudocereals, and pulses and allows the development of products with enhanced nutritional profiles. Combining flours with differences in composition significantly affects the water absorption behavior and ultimately leads to a difference in dough handling and nutritional properties. Bread prepared from multigrain is nutritionally superior to 100% wheat‐based bread. Sometimes the development of multigrain products is a technological challenge as various grains are used, different in composition and nature, which affects the color, texture, and sensory attributes.

Conclusion

Consumer preference for multigrain bread increases due to its high nutritional profile and potential health benefits.
The optimized biocatalytic synthesis of (S)‐methyl 2‐chlorobutanoate by Acinetobacter sp. lipase
Authors: Lu Yuele , Zhan Rong , Song Beibei , Zhou Yaoyao , Zhu Linjiang , Chen Hanchi , Chen Xiaolong
Published: June 2022

Epilepsy is a chronic disease caused by sudden abnormal discharge of brain neurons, leading to transient brain dysfunction. Levetiracetam, developed by the UCB company in Belgium, is an effective drug for the treatment of epilepsy. (S)‐Methyl 2‐chlorobutanoate is an important chiral building block of levetiracetam, which has attracted a great deal of attention. In this study, a strain of lipase‐produced Acinetobacter sp. zjutfet‐1 was screened from soil samples. At optimized conditions for fermentation and biocatalysis, the bacterial lipase exhibited high catalytic activity for hydrolysis and stereoselectivity toward racemic methyl 2‐chlorobutanoate. When the enzymatic reaction was carried out in 6% of racemic substrate, the enantiomeric excess (e.e.s) reached more than 95%, with a yield of over 86%. Therefore, this lipase can efficiently resolve racemic methyl 2‐chlorobutanoate and obtain (S)‐methyl 2‐chlorobutanoate, which presents great potential in the industrial production of levetiracetam.
Kreativitätsschub für die Verfahrenstechnik
Authors: Dittmeyer Roland , Kiener Christoph , Klahn Christoph , Schulze Volker
Published: June 2022

No abstract.
Peach Gum‐Derived S,N Co‐Doped Nanoporous Carbon Coupled with Layered Double (Ni, Fe) Hydroxide for Efficient Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Luyuan , Zhu Jingwen , Zhu Sijie , Lu Liujie , Zhu Ping , Zhao Xinsheng , Liu Sa
Published: June 2022

Low‐cost and high activity bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts are at the heart of developing advanced rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs), but the challenges are great. Herein, a highly efficient hybrid catalyst, consisting of S, N co‐doped nanoporous carbon (SNC) coupled within‐situgrowth layered double (Ni, Fe) hydroxide (LDH), was derived from the biomass peach gum by a series of treatments, including hydrothermal carbonization, alkali activation, S/N co‐doping and metal‐coprecipitation process. Benefiting from the coexistence of active sites for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the hybrid (NiFe‐LDH/SNC) reveals excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activity with a small ΔEof 794 mV. Furthermore, as the cathode bifunctional catalyst for ZAB, the battery with NiFe‐LDH/SNC displays a large open‐circuit voltage of 1.36 V, a high power density/specific capacity of 100 mW cm−2/816 mAh gZn−1, and superior cycling durability up to 500 h at a charge/recharge current density of 2 mA cm−2, indicating its great application potential in the rechargeable metal‐air batteries.
Deleterious Effects of Halides and Solvents used in Electronic Device Fabrication on the Integrity of Copper Iodide Thin‐Films**
Authors: Smith Emily , Venkataraman D.
Published: June 2022

Copper iodide (CuI) is a promising material for use as hole‐transport layers in electronic devices due to their solution processability and efficient hole conductivity. CuI has a rich chemistry with halide salts and solvents to which it may be exposed during device fabrication. Thus, care must be taken during device fabrication when CuI is used. We present a study using CuI as a hole transport layer in a p‐i‐n perovskite photovoltaic architecture. We studied how each of the components present in the perovskite precursor solution impacts the integrity of CuI films using power x‐ray diffraction, UV‐vis spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy. Based on these studies, we show that DMSO, mixtures of γ‐butyrolactone:DMSO (v/v 7 : 3) and DMF:DMSO (v/v 8 : 2), and iodide ions can dissolve the CuI layer. We also how that by coating a layer of copper(II) acetate and utilizing the known Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox chemistry with iodide ions, we can preserve CuI in the presence of halide salts and solvents.
5‐(Chloromethyl)Furfural as a Potential Source for Continuous Hydrogenation of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)Furfural to 2,5‐Bis(Hydroxymethyl)Furan
Authors: Park Dongwoon , Lee Soohyeon , Kim Jinsung , Yeong Ryu Ga , Suh Young‐Woong
Published: June 2022

5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural (CMF) is cheaper than sugars, because it can be obtained from biomass waste. Herein, the stepwise conversion of CMF to 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) via 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF) was demonstrated for the first time. The purified CMF was hydrolyzed in continuous mode followed by extraction with ethyl acetate (EA), resulting in a HMF yield of 70 mol%. The following factors were assessed during continuous hydrogenation of the produced HMF: the presence of EA in the reaction solvent, HMF concentrations of up to 10 wt% in the feed, the mass production of mesoporous Cu‐Al2O3 (meso‐CuA‐kg), the shaping of meso‐CuA‐kg into cylindrical pellets, and the setup of the catalytic reactor. Through these efforts, the hydrogenation of HMF over meso‐CuA‐kg could be sustained for 100 h under the above optimized conditions, affording BHMF in 98 % yield. The approach described in this study can greatly contribute to the value‐added transformation of CMF into HMF and BHMF.
Superior Photodynamic Therapy of Colon Cancer Cells by Selenophene‐BODIPY‐Loaded Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Ozvural Sertcelik Kubra Nur , Karaman Osman , Almammadov Toghrul , Gunbas Gorkem , Kolemen Safacan , Yagci Acar Havva , Onbasli Kubra
Published: June 2022

Development of targeted nanoparticles as carriers to deliver photosensitizers to cancer cells is highly beneficial for ensuring the expected therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy. Herein, polyacrylic acid (PAA) coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), conjugated with endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting Cetuximab (Cet) were loaded with a BODIPY‐based (BOD‐Se‐I) photosensitizer (Cet‐PAA@SPION/BOD‐Se‐I) to achieve enhanced and selective photodynamic therapy on colon cancer cells. In vitro studies showed that Cet‐PAA@SPION/BOD‐Se‐I improved phototoxicity dramatically compared to free BOD‐Se‐I on the HT29 cell line due to high uptake of the photosensitizer via endothelial growth factor receptor. Most importantly, the developed nano‐agent completely eliminated the phototoxicity of BOD‐Se‐I on the healthy L929 cell line.
Cost‐effective Purification of Membrane Proteins using a Dual‐detergent Strategy
Authors: Brahma Rupasree , Raghuraman H.
Published: June 2022

Understanding the mechanisms of membrane protein function is critical for biomedical research and drug discovery as membrane proteins constitute ∼30% of the proteins encoded by the genomes of both lower and higher organisms and are targets for two‐thirds of approved drugs worldwide. Significant progress has been made in engineering host expression systems for large‐scale production of membrane proteins and in determining their three‐dimensional high‐resolution structures. Despite these efforts, the study of membrane proteins at the atomic level is challenging due to poor expression and extraction, low yields of functional protein, and the complexity and heterogeneity of source membranes. Structural and spectroscopic studies of any membrane protein require that the protein be extracted from its native membranes into a membrane‐mimetic stable environment, which is often achieved by the use of detergents. Unfortunately, there is no magic detergent that can extract all membrane proteins and successful extraction often requires a thorough screen of detergents. Furthermore, membrane protein purification in general and the detergents used are very expensive, which puts a financial constraint on sophisticated membrane protein studies. To overcome this hurdle, a dual‐detergent strategy has recently been developed and successfully applied to purify various classes of pure, stable, and functionally relevant membrane proteins in a cost‐effective manner. This strategy uses an inexpensive detergent for solubilization of the desired protein from membranes and a second detergent during protein purification. In the Basic Protocol, we describe the dual‐detergent strategy to significantly reduce the overall purification cost of a bacterial membrane protein using the magnesium ion channel MgtE as an example. Support Protocols are also provided for selecting a suitable E. coli strain for protein expression and the optimal detergent(s) for membrane protein solubilization. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Expression, membrane solubilization, and cost‐effective purification of MgtE

Support Protocol 1: Selecting a suitable E. coli strain for optimal protein expression

Support Protocol 2: Identification of suitable detergents for membrane protein solubilization
Implant‐abutment emergence angle and profile in relation to peri‐implantitis: A systematic review
Authors: Soulami Sara , Slot Dagmar E. , van der Weijden Fridus
Published: June 2022

Statement

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze literature regarding the relationship between the implant‐abutment emergence angle (EA) and implant emergence profile (EP) and the prevalence of peri‐implantitis.

Methods

PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies from initiation up to April 2022. Studies describing the EA and EP in association with peri‐implantitis were considered eligible for this review and selected for inclusion in this review if implant groups with wide and narrow EA and different EP types were described.

Results

Searches in PubMed and the Cochrane Library led to 1116 unique titles and the inclusion of three studies. These concerned 168–349 implants. Two studies presented the mean prevalence of peri‐implantitis which was 16.7% and 24.8% at the implant level. Both studies showed a significant relationship between peri‐implantitis in bone‐level implant groups with an EA above 30° compared to implants with an EA below 30°. A third study presented marginal bone loss which tended to be smaller when the EA was around 20°–40°. In one of the three included studies, the prevalence of peri‐implantitis was significantly higher if implants had a convex EP compared to a concave or straight EP. Another study showed a significantly higher prevalence of peri‐implantitis in implants with a convex EP compared to other EP types, if combined with an EA above 30°.

Conclusions

Three eligible studies were found. Reported associations should therefore be considered with caution. Synthesis suggests an association between a larger EA (>30°) and a higher prevalence of peri‐implantitis or marginal bone loss compared to a smaller EA (<30°). A convex EP may also be associated with a higher prevalence of peri‐implantitis. However, causality remains a question.
Bifunctional Solid‐State Copolymer Electrolyte with Stabilized Interphase for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Battery in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Wang Dongyun , Jin Biyu , Ren Yongyuan , Han Xiao , Li Fanqun , Li Yuanyuan , Zhan Xiaoli , Zhang Qinghua
Published: June 2022

Solid‐state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are expected to guarantee safe and durable operations of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, inspired by the salutary poly(vinyl ethylene carbonate) (PVEC) component in the solid electrolyte interphase, cross‐linking vinyl ethylene carbonate and ionic liquid copolymers were synthesized by in‐situ polymerization to serve as polymer electrolyte for LMBs. On one hand, due to rich ester bonds of PVEC, Li+ could transfer by coupling/decoupling with oxygen atoms. On the other hand, the imidazole ring of ionic liquid could facilitate the dissociation of lithium salt to promote the free movement of Li+. The bifunctional component synergistically increased the ionic conductivity of the SPE to 1.97×10−4 S cm−1 at 25 °C. Meanwhile, it also showed a wide electrochemical window, superior mechanical properties, outstanding non‐combustibility, and excellent interfacial compatibility. The bifunctional copolymer‐based LiFePO4 batteries could normally operate at 0 to 60 °C, making them a promising candidate for wide‐temperature‐rang LMBs.
Causation of cornflake artifacts: Possible association of poor dehydration with drying before mounting in Papanicolaou stain
Authors: Okayama Kaori , Ishii Yasuyoshi , Fujii Masahiko , Oda Mizue , Okodo Mitsuaki
Published: June 2022

Cornflake artifacts are artifacts that commonly occur while the mounted medium starts to evaporate before coverslipping. This study aimed to determine factors contributing to the occurrence of these artifacts in Papanicolaou (Pap) smears. Residual specimens were used after cytology to microscopically evaluate various effects on cornflake artifacts. Four SurePath™ liquid cytology (LBC) cell specimens, diagnosed as negative for intraepithelial lesions or malignancy (NILM), were used. Each LBC smear was subjected to Pap staining under four different conditions (A, without air‐drying; B, air‐drying after dehydration; C, air‐drying after xylene immersion; and D, air‐drying after dehydration and xylene immersion) using two methods: conventional and poor dehydration. Cornflake artifacts were not observed in A and B in Pap staining. By contrast, cornflake artifacts were observed in conventional and poor dehydration methods when dried after xylene immersion. When comparing the four conditions, smears B and D, which were both air‐dried after dehydration, had fewer cornflake artifacts than smear C, which was air‐dried only after xylene. Therefore, the remaining water in the cells due to poor dehydration during xylene immersion is found to result in the development of cornflake artifacts. The present study revealed that cornflake artifacts in Pap smears are caused by poor dehydration in addition to drying before mounting.
Examination of the impact of myblu electronic nicotine delivery system e‐liquid nicotine strength on self‐reported measures of dependence
Authors: Fearon Ian M. , Seltzer Ryan G. N. , Houser Trisha L. , Tope Andrew , Cahours Xavier , Verron Thomas , Malt Layla , Nahde Thomas , O'Connell Grant , Nides Mitchell
Published: June 2022

Background

Greater nicotine delivery is associated with higher nicotine concentrations in electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) liquids. However, there is a current debate as to whether this leads to increased dependence and mitigates ENDS public health potential.

Methods

Self‐reported dependence among users of myblu ENDS containing different nicotine concentrations was examined with data from a multiwave cross‐sectional survey of US young adults and adults. Questions examined responses related to dependence measures and participants' most often used myblu ENDS nicotine concentration (low: 0%, 1% and 1.2%; medium: 2%, 2.4% and 2.5%; or high: 3.6% and 4%).

Results

A global general linear model using nicotine concentration, age and days myblu that was used in the past 30 revealed a significant difference in PROMIS scores among nicotine concentration groups (F = 4.07, p = 0.02). However, pairwise comparisons to examine which specific groups differed significantly from others showed no significant differences. Logistic regression demonstrated that strong past 30‐day cravings to use myblu among participants using high or medium nicotine concentrations were not significantly different from those using a low concentration (ORs 0.66 [0.42, 1.03], p = 0.07 and 0.95 [0.49, 1.82], p = 0.98, respectively). Time to daily first use for high or medium nicotine concentration users was not significantly different from those using a low concentration (ORs 0.89 [0.70, 1.14], p = 0.35 and 0.84 [0.57, 1.25], p = 0.40, respectively).

Conclusions

Use of myblu ENDS with different nicotine concentrations is not associated with differing levels of dependence. Our findings contradict the notion that high ENDS e‐liquid nicotine levels generate increased dependence.
A model of wild bee populations accounting for spatial heterogeneity and climate‐induced temporal variability of food resources at the landscape level
Authors: Blasi Maria , Clough Yann , Jönsson Anna Maria , Sahlin Ullrika
Published: June 2022

The viability of wild bee populations and the pollination services that they provide are driven by the availability of food resources during their activity period and within the surroundings of their nesting sites. Changes in climate and land use influence the availability of these resources and are major threats to declining bee populations. Because wild bees may be vulnerable to interactions between these threats, spatially explicit models of population dynamics that capture how bee populations jointly respond to land use at a landscape scale and weather are needed. Here, we developed a spatially and temporally explicit theoretical model of wild bee populations aiming for a middle ground between the existing mapping of visitation rates using foraging equations and more refined agent‐based modeling. The model is developed forBombussp. and captures within‐season colony dynamics. The model describes mechanistically foraging at the colony level and temporal population dynamics for an average colony at the landscape level. Stages in population dynamics are temperature‐dependent triggered by a theoretical generalized seasonal progression, which can be informed by growing degree days. The purpose of the LandscapePhenoBee model is to evaluate the impact of system changes and within‐season variability in resources on bee population sizes and crop visitation rates. In a simulation study, we used the model to evaluate the impact of the shortage of food resources in the landscape arising from extreme drought events in different types of landscapes (ranging from different proportions of semi‐natural habitats and early and late flowering crops) on bumblebee populations.
Experimental insect suppression causes loss of induced, but not constitutive, resistance in Solanum carolinense
Authors: Coverdale Tyler C. , Agrawal Anurag A.
Published: June 2022

Spatiotemporal variation in herbivory is a major driver of intraspecific variation in plant defense. Comparatively little is known, however, about how changes in herbivory regime affect the balance of constitutive and induced resistance, which are often considered alternative defensive strategies. Here, we investigated how nearly a decade of insect herbivore suppression affected constitutive and induced resistance in horsenettle (Solanum carolinense), a widespread herbaceous perennial. We allowed replicated horsenettle populations to respond to the presence or absence of herbivores by applying insecticide to all plants in half of 16 field plots. Horsenettle density rapidly increased in response to insecticide treatment, and this effect persisted for at least 4 years after the cessation of herbivore suppression. We subsequently grew half‐sibling families from seeds collected during and shortly after insecticide treatment in a common garden and found strong effects of insect suppression on induced resistance. Feeding trials in field mesocosms with false Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa juncta), a common specialist herbivore, revealed that multiyear herbivore suppression drove rapid attenuation of induced resistance: offspring of plants from insect‐suppression plots exhibited a near‐complete loss of induced resistance to beetles, whereas those from control plots incurred ~70% less damage after experimental induction. Plants from insect‐suppression plots also had ~40% greater constitutive resistance compared with those from control plots, although this difference was not statistically significant. We nonetheless detected a strong trade‐off between constitutive and induced resistance across families. In contrast, the constitutive expression of trypsin inhibitors (TI), an important chemical defense trait in horsenettle, was reduced by 20% in the offspring of plants from insect‐suppression plots relative to those from control plots. However, TIs were induced to an equal extent whether or not insect herbivores had been historically suppressed. Although several defense and performance traits (prickle density, TI concentration, resistance against false Colorado potato beetles and flea beetles, biomass, and seed mass) varied markedly across families, no traits exhibited significant pairwise correlations. Overall, our results indicate that, whereas the divergent responses of multiple defense traits to insect suppression led to comparatively small changes in overall constitutive resistance, they significantly reduced induced resistance against false Colorado potato beetle.
PAD2 immunization induces ACPA in wild‐type and HLA‐DR4 humanized mice
Authors: Hemon Marie F. , Lambert Nathalie C. , Roudier Jean , Auger Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with HLA‐DRB1 alleles expressing the "shared epitope." RA is usually preceded by the emergence of anti‐citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPAs). ACPAs recognize citrulline residues on numerous proteins. Conversion of arginine into citrulline is performed by enzymes called peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs). We have previously demonstrated that C3H mice immunized with PADs can produce ACPAs by a hapten‐carrier mechanism.

Here, we address the influence of HLA‐DR alleles in this model in mice expressing RA‐associated HLA‐DRB1*04:01 (KO/KI*04:01), HLA‐DRB1*04:04 (KO/KI*04:04), or non‐RA‐associated HLA‐DRB1*04:02 (KO/KI*04:02) after murine PAD2 immunization.

Immunization with mPAD2 triggers production of ACPAs in wild‐type (WT) and HLA‐DR4 C57BL/6 mice. Both I‐Ab and HLA‐DR are involved in the activation of mPAD2‐specific T lymphocytes. Among HLA‐DR4 mice, mice expressing RA‐associated HLA‐DRB1*04:01 are the best responders to mPAD2 and the best anti‐citrullinated peptide antibody producers.
Impact of loading rate during hybrid simulation on seismic response of steel structures
Authors: Huang Xu , Tabkhi Amir Reza , Sadeghian Vahid , Kwon Oh‐Sung
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the influence of loading rates on the seismic response of steel structures. A series of coupon tests under typical earthquake‐induced loading rates are carried out. In addition to the conventional monotonic tension test, the specimens are also tested under a discontinuous loading protocol that is analogous to the ramp‐and‐hold scheme employed in the pseudo‐dynamic hybrid simulations. The test results are used to develop a uniaxial steel material model to account for the strain rate effect and stress relaxation. The material model facilitates the reuse of existing steel hysteresis models and can be used to model different structural components, such as columns, beams, braces, etc. The material model is then used for a parametric study to evaluate the impact of various loading rates on the global seismic response of a single degree of freedom structural system with different structural periods, and types and intensities of ground motions. It is found that the impact of loading rates is more significant for structures with a period of 0.5 s or less and it thus requires a fast control of the physical specimen in pseudo‐dynamic hybrid testing. In addition, the material model is applied to a five‐storey buckling restrained braced frame (BRBF) building with a structural period of 1.2 s. It is found that the earthquake‐induced loading rates have a minor impact on the global response of the structure.
The myths and misconceptions of change for STEM reform: From fixing students to fixing institutions
Authors: Robinson Tykeia N.
Published: June 2022

A common critique of current programs and initiatives designed to address and eradicate persistent racial disparities in undergraduate STEM education is the focus on student outcomes as an indicator of project performance. This chapter will explore the existing literature on STEM reform through the lens of organizational change highlighting the unique ways that current practice falls short of the radical change necessary for eradicating structural barriers to inclusion in STEM education. Key concepts of organizational learning, organizational change, and institutional capacity building will be presented to inform the subsequent synthesis of the myths and misconceptions of organizational change that will follow. The myths and misconceptions of designing and implementing institutional change are presented with corresponding truths of sustaining and institutionalizing organizational change and transformation.