bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable Chemical Interface Confinement Reduction BiOBr to Bismuth Porous Nanosheets for Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide to Liquid Fuel
Authors: Fu Xianbiao , Wang Jia‐ao , Hu Xiaobing , He Kun , Tu Qing , Yue Qin , Kang Yijin
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) toward chemical and fuel production is a compelling component of the new energy system. Two‐dimensional bismuth with a particular surface has been identified as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for converting CO2 to formate. However, the development of a controllable synthetic strategy for possible large‐scale production of such Bi materials remains highly challenging. Herein, a scalable chemical interface confinement reduction method is proposed for topotactic transformation of BiOBr (001) nanosheets to metallic Bi (001) porous nanosheets (PNS). As expected, the Bi (001) PNS exhibits excellent electrochemical performance on CO2 reduction to formate, with Faradaic efficiency of 95.2% and formate partial current density of 72 mA cm−2. Density functional theory calculations suggest that Bi PNS selectively exposes (001) surfaces with small‐angle grain boundaries can significantly lower the free energy barrier for the formation of *OCHO, which are responsible for the high activity and selectivity toward CO2‐to‐formate conversion.
Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on a Rotational Magnetic Ball for Harvesting Transmission Line Magnetic Energy
Authors: Jin Xu , Yuan Zhihao , Shi Yapeng , Sun Yanggui , Li Ruonan , Chen Junhuan , Wang Longfei , Wu Zhiyi , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are attractive in powering sensors for smart power grids. Herein, a TENG based on a rotational magnetic ball is presented to harvest the magnetic energy of transmission lines. The magnetic ball rolls in a spherical shell under the alternating magnetic field generated by the transmission line. The centrifugal force produced during the rotation is used to drive a TENG unit (ten times the weight of the magnetic ball and shell) to generate electricity with the assistance of coil springs. The device can maintain the stability of the output performance under high current shocks; meanwhile, the open‐circuit voltage, output power, and operating frequency of a single TENG unit can reach 1.5 kV, 6.67 mW, and 20 Hz, respectively. Furthermore, a wireless alarm system for monitoring the temperature and dip angle of transmission lines is successfully driven by this device. This work demonstrates an efficient and nontraditional strategy for harvesting magnetic energy through TENG, which is applied to power‐distributed and self‐powered sensors for monitoring transmission lines.
Templated Growth and Passivation of Vertically Oriented Antimony Selenide Thin Films for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells in Substrate Configuration
Authors: Rijal Suman , Li Deng‐Bing , Awni Rasha A. , Xiao Chuanxiao , Bista Sandip S. , Jamarkattel Manoj K. , Heben Michael J. , Jiang Chun‐Sheng , Al‐Jassim Mowafak , Song Zhaoning , Yan Yanfa
Published: November 2021

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a promising low‐cost photovoltaic material with a 1D crystal structure. The grain orientation and defect passivation play a critical role in determining the performance of polycrystalline Sb2Se3 thin‐film solar cells. Here, a seed layer is introduced on a molybdenum (Mo) substrate to template the growth of a vertically oriented, columnar Sb2Se3 absorber layer by closed space sublimation. By controlling the grain orientation and compactness of the Sb2Se3 seeds, obtain high‐quality Sb2Se3 absorber layers with passive Sb2Se3/Mo interfaces is obtained, which in turn improve the transport of photoexcited charge carriers through the absorber layer and its interfaces. Post‐deposition annealing of absorber layers in ambient air is further utilized to passivate the defects in Sb2Se3 and enhance the quality of the front heterojunction. As a result of systematic processing optimization, Sb2Se3 planar heterojunction solar cells are fabricated in substrate configuration with a champion power conversion efficiency of 8.5%.
Homogeneous Na Deposition Enabling High‐Energy Na‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Xia Xianming , Du Cheng‐Feng , Zhong Shien , Jiang Yu , Yu Hong , Sun Wenping , Pan Hongge , Rui Xianhong , Yu Yan
Published: November 2021

Sodium (Na) metal as an anode is one of the ultimate choices for the high‐energy rechargeable batteries in virtue of its intrinsic high theoretical capacity (1166 mAh g−1) and low redox potential (−2.71V vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE)), as well as its low cost and broad sources. Nevertheless, the dendrite‐related hazards seriously block its practical application. Na dendrite formation mainly emanates from the uncontrolled Na deposition behavior. Therefore, it seems particularly important to employ appropriate strategies towards the homogeneous deposition of Na for the dendrite‐free metal anode. In this review, the challenge of regulating Na homogeneous deposition for dendrite‐free Na anodes is first discussed. Then, recent advances in the strategies of regulating the Na uniform deposition are summarized, including adjusting Na+ flux near the solid‐liquid interface and improving sodiophilicity on the biphase interface. Lastly, perspectives on further research and important factors toward the practical application of high‐energy‐density Na metal batteries are emphasized in detail.
Orbital Gating Driven by Giant Stark Effect in Tunneling Phototransistors
Authors: Kim Eunah , Hwang Geunwoo , Kim Dohyun , Won Dongyeun , Joo Yanggeun , Zheng Shoujun , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Moon Pilkyung , Kim Dong‐Wook , Sun Linfeng , Yang Heejun
Published: November 2021

Conventional gating in transistors uses electric fields through external dielectrics that require complex fabrication processes. Various optoelectronic devices deploy photogating by electric fields from trapped charges in neighbor nanoparticles or dielectrics under light illumination. Orbital gating driven by giant Stark effect is demonstrated in tunneling phototransistors based on 2H‐MoTe2 without using external gating bias or slow charge trapping dynamics in photogating. The original self‐gating by light illumination modulates the interlayer potential gradient by switching on and off the giant Stark effect where the dz2‐orbitals of molybdenum atoms play the dominant role. The orbital gating shifts the electronic bands of the top atomic layer of the MoTe2 by up to 100 meV, which is equivalent to modulation of a carrier density of 7.3 × 1011 cm–2 by electrical gating. Suppressing conventional photoconductivity, the orbital gating in tunneling phototransistors achieves low dark current, practical photoresponsivity (3357 AW–1), and fast switching time (0.5 ms) simultaneously.
Nanostructured Surfaces as Plasmonic Biosensors: A Review
Authors: Minopoli Antonio , Acunzo Adriano , Della Ventura Bartolomeo , Velotta Raffaele
Published: November 2021

Conventional laboratory techniques exhibit impressive sensing performance and still constitute an irreplaceable tool in bioanalytics. Nevertheless, high costs, time consumption, and need for well‐equipped laboratories and skilled personnel make highly desirable to explore novel strategies to carry out biochemical analyses. In this regard, biosensor‐based methods represent a promising approach to keep affordability and rapidity, thus they can inherently pave the way to point of care tests and high‐throughput analysis. Regrettably, most of them suffer from fabrication and biofunctionalization complexity, and poor sensitivities and reliability. Therefore, their adoption as a real alternative to the gold standards is still far from being achieved. However, the massive research on plasmonic nanostructures is revealing their potentialities in sensing field, since they own appealing performances resulting from the plasmon‐related effects and can be easily adapted to a large variety of applications. In this review, a summary of plasmonic biosensors recently devised is reported. Though many nanostructures fit for shared applications, for clarity they are classified into two main categories: i) biosensors whose sensing parameters are plasmon‐related observables (localized, coupled, lattice surface plasmon resonances) and ii) biosensors in which the nanostructure acts as amplifier for an external signal (surface‐enhanced Raman and infrared spectroscopies and plasmon‐enhanced fluorescence).
Giant Enhancement of Seebeck Coefficient by Deformation of Silicene Buckled Structure in Calcium‐Intercalated Layered Silicene Film
Authors: Terada Tsukasa , Uematsu Yuto , Ishibe Takafumi , Naruse Nobuyasu , Sato Kazunori , Nguyen Tien Quang , Kobayashi Eiichi , Nakano Hideyuki , Nakamura Yoshiaki
Published: November 2021

Layered silicene with deformed buckled structure attracts great interest as a next generation 2D Dirac thermoelectric material beyond conventional layered materials. However, the difficulty of modulating atomic positions in silicene prevents its realization. This study proposes a method to deform buckled structure in layered silicene by controlling the intercalated atoms, which can dramatically enhance its thermoelectric properties. Silicene buckled structure is deformed in epitaxial CaSi2 thin films, Ca‐intercalated layered silicenes, on Si(111) substrates, which is related to the composition of intercalated Ca. Therein, buckling height of silicene is changed. This CaSi2 film with deformed silicene exhibits not only metal‐like electrical conductivity but also three times larger Seebeck coefficient than the theoretically predicted value, resulting in ≈3000 times larger power factor (≈40 μW cm−1 K−2) than that of the reported CaSi2 film at room temperature. This result experimentally demonstrates that power factor can be greatly enhanced by deforming the silicene buckled structure.
Borane Catalyzed Selective Diazo Cross‐Coupling Towards Pyrazoles
Authors: Dasgupta Ayan , Pahar Sanjukta , Babaahmadi Rasool , Gierlichs Lukas , Yates Brian F. , Ariafard Alireza , Melen Rebecca L.
Published: November 2021

Decomposition of donor‐acceptor diazo compounds leads to the formation of reactive carbene intermediates. These can undergo a wide variety of carbene transfer reactions to yield synthetically useful products. Herein, we report a selective borane catalyzed cyclization reaction from the combination of two different diazo compounds to afford N‐substituted pyrazoles. The selective decomposition of the more reactive α‐aryl α‐diazoester and subsequent reaction with a vinyl diazoacetate produces N‐alkylated pyrazoles in a regioselective manner. Catalytic amounts of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (10 mol%) were employed to afford the pyrazole products (36 examples) in yields from 59 to 80%. Extensive DFT studies have been undertaken to interpret the mechanism for this reaction which was found to go through two tandem catalytic cycles, both catalyzed by B(C6F5)3.

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π‐Conjugation Induced Anchoring of Ferrocene on Graphdiyne Enable Shuttle‐Free Redox Mediation in Lithium‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Li Xudong , Han Guokang , Qian Zhengyi , Liu Qingsong , Qiang Zhuomin , Song Yajie , Huo Hua , Du Chunyu , Lou Shuaifeng , Yin Geping
Published: November 2021

Soluble redox mediators (RMs), an alternative to conventional solid catalysts, have been considered an effective countermeasure to ameliorate sluggish kinetics in the cathode of a lithium–oxygen battery recently. Nevertheless, the high mobility of RMs leads to serious redox shuttling, which induces an undesired lithium‐metal degeneration and RM decomposition during trade‐off catalysis against the sustainable operation of batteries. Here, a novel carbon family of graphdiyne matrix is first proposed to decouple the charge‐carrying redox property of ferrocene and the shuttle effects. It is demonstrated that a ferrocene‐anchored graphdiyne framework can function as stationary RM, not only preserving the redox‐mediating capability of ferrocene, but also promoting the local orientated three‐dimensional (3D) growth of Li2O2. As a result, the RM‐assisted catalysis in lithium–oxygen battery remains of remarkable efficiency and stability without the depletion of oxidized RMs or lithium degradation, resulting in a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance.
Enabling Selenium‐Rich SexSy Cathodes to Work in Carbonate‐Based Electrolytes
Authors: He Bin , Liu Dongdong , Cheng Zexiao , Miao Ziyun , Rao Zhixiang , Zhang Huangwei , Yuan Lixia , Li Zhen , Huang Yunhui
Published: November 2021

Lithium–sulfur/selenium batteries have attracted broad interest and achieved good performance using ether‐based electrolytes. However, when the ether‐based electrolytes are employed, Li–S/Se battery systems still have several inevitable drawbacks inhibiting their practical applications, such as intermediate product dissolution issues, and a dependency on a high content of electrolyte. Thus, it is urgent to pay attention to the electrochemical properties of SexSy cathodes in carbonate‐based electrolytes, which may avoid the above mentioned problems. In this work, a series of mesoporous carbon/SexSy (CMK‐3/SexSy) composites with covalent Se‐S bonds and different Se/S molar ratios are prepared and their working mechanism in carbonate‐based electrolytes is systematically investigated by combining experimental analysis and theoretical calculations. This work finds that the Se in the CMK‐3/SexSy cathode is beneficial for the transportation of Li+ ions and forms a thin cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) during the discharge–charge process. Furthermore, S substitution in Se8 molecules can enhance the specific capacity and lower the bond breaking and lithiation energies. The optimal CMK‐3/SexSy cathode delivers outstanding performance with a high reversible capacity of 609 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 over 300 cycles.
N‐efficient cotton genotype grown under low nitrogen shows relatively large root system, high biomass accumulation and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Qiang Dong , Xiangru Wang , Huiping Gui , Jing Niu , Leilei Li , Hengheng Zhang , Nianchang Pang , Xiling Zhang , Meizhen Song
Published: November 2021

A larger root system enhanced biomass accumulation, and high nitrogen (N) metabolism is an effective mechanism of plants in response to low N stress. How cotton plants balance N metabolism and enhanced biomass accumulation to support larger root systems under low N stress remains to be elucidated. This study deals with the changes in root development due to biomass accumulation and N metabolism in contrasting N‐efficient cotton genotypes (CCRI‐69, N‐efficient, and XLZ‐30, N‐inefficient) under low (0.2 mM) and normal (2 mM) N concentrations. The results showed that genotype CCRI‐69 produced a larger root system, high biomass accumulation, and N metabolism than XLZ‐30. The flourishing root system of CCRI‐69 was due to more allocation of sugars from shoot to root, especially under low N concentrations, to support efficient N uptake followed by high N metabolism and N use efficiency (NUE). In addition, CCRI‐69 produced more dry biomass, high photosynthetic activity, N‐related enzymatic activities, N uptake, and utilization under normal N concentration compared with XLZ‐30. Based on multivariate analysis, root morphological traits, sugar contents, and N‐assimilating enzymatic activities might be considered the key traits contributing to NUE and can also be used as potential indicators for genotypic evaluation. In the future, high N metabolism and allocation of more sugars under low N concentration could be studied at a molecular level to better understand the underlying molecular mechanism of NUE in cotton.
Characteristics and risk factors for thrombosis in POEMS syndrome: A retrospective evaluation of 230 patients
Authors: Mellors Patrick W. , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Go Ronald S. , Muchtar Eli , Gertz Morie A. , Kumar Shaji K. , Buadi Francis K. , Kapoor Prashant , Lacy Martha Q. , Dingli David , Hwa Yi , Fonder Amie , Hobbs Miriam , Hayman Suzanne , Warsame Rahma , Leung Nelson R. , Lin Yi , Gonsalves Wilson , Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Dispenzieri Angela
Published: November 2021

Thromboses are prevalent in POEMS syndrome, but few risk factors for POEMS‐associated thrombosis have been identified. The objective of this study is to identify novel risk factors for POEMS‐associated thrombosis. In this retrospective cohort of 230 POEMS patients, 27% developed thrombosis. Arterial events were slightly more common than venous. Stroke accounted for 26% of all thromboses and 53% of arterial events. There were differences in baseline features between the thrombosis group and the no thrombosis group, and these were driven by patients with arterial thrombosis. Risk factors for arterial thrombosis included thrombocytosis, elevated hemoglobin/hematocrit, extravascular volume overload, and splenomegaly. Hyperprolactinemia appeared to be a risk factor for venous thrombosis. The risk of thrombosis was most striking among men with elevated hemoglobin (32% vs. 5%, p < .001) and hematocrit (42% vs. 5%, p < .001) compared to men without. Most thromboses occurred prior to POEMS directed therapy, and most that occurred during therapy happened within 3 months of diagnosis. Twenty‐one percent of patients with thrombosis had recurrence. In recognition of high overall rates of thrombosis in this population, all patients with POEMS syndrome should receive prophylactic antiplatelet therapy, and clinicians should consider anticoagulation in patients with risk factors for POEMS‐associated thrombosis.
Azaphilones as Activation‐Free Primary‐Amine‐Specific Bioconjugation Reagents for Peptides, Proteins and Lipids
Authors: Yi Shandong , Wei Siyuan , Wu Qingsong , Wang Huan , Yao Zhu‐Jun
Published: November 2021

Residue‐selective bioconjugation methods for biomolecules are highly sought to expand the scope of their biological and medical applications. Inspired by the mechanism of the generation of natural vinylogous γ‐pyridones (vPDNs), we have developed a novel unique azaphilone‐based, activation‐free primary‐amine‐selective bioconjugation method for biomolecules. Our strategy allows facile functionalization of primary amine groups in peptides and proteins, including the clinically used therapeutic antibody trastuzumab, by generating a highly stable vPDN linkage. Excellent chemoselectivity toward primary amines also enables the azaphilone derivatives to specifically modify the lipid components of Gram‐positive bacteria while bypassing Gram‐negative bacteria and mammalian cells. The new method shows significant advantages including chemoselectivity, efficiency, flexibility and biocompatibility, and therefore provides a valuable addition to the current toolbox for biomolecule conjugation.
Controlling Syneresis of Hydrogels Using Organic Salts
Authors: Panja Santanu , Dietrich Bart , Adams Dave J.
Published: November 2021

Supramolecular hydrogels can spontaneously undergo syneresis through fibre–fibre interactions and expel significant amounts of water upon aging. In this process, the hydrophobicity of fibres which regulates the 3D‐rearrangement of the self‐assembled structures during syneresis is important. Here, we show that we can control the hydrophobic microenvironment of gels by incorporating organic salts into the co‐assembled gel fibres thereby enabling control of the macroscopic gel volume phase transition.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Melt‐Processable Supramolecular Soft Actuators
Authors: Lugger Sean J. D. , Mulder Dirk J. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J.
Published: November 2021

The application of reprocessable and reprogrammable soft actuators is limited by the synthetic strategies, 3D‐shaping capabilities, and small deformations. In this work, melt‐processable supramolecular soft actuators based on segmented copolymers containing thiourethane and liquid crystal segments have been prepared via sequential thiol addition reactions in a one‐pot approach using commercially available building blocks. The actuators demonstrated immediate, reversible response and weightlifting capabilities with large deformations up to 32 %. Through exploiting the supramolecular cross‐links, the material could be recycled and reprogrammed into 3D actuators and welded into an actuator assembly with different deformation modes. Our work offers a one‐pot synthesis and straightforward melt‐processable approach to prepare supramolecular soft actuators with large deformations that can be reprocessed and reprogrammed into arbitrary 3D shapes.
Recycled polyethylene/polycarbonate blends compatibilized with oxidized polyethylene/CaCO3
Authors: Ghosh Arun
Published: November 2021

Polyethylene (PE) and polycarbonate (PC) are not thermodynamically miscible, and they tend to be phase‐separated during melt‐processing, because of significant incompatibility in structures and properties. Interestingly, minerals such as CaCO3 are used in PE‐based supermarket bags for improving surface characteristics. In this study, recycled low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and PC resins are melt‐blended at 50/50 wt%, without and with oxidized polyethylene (OPE) as a compatibilizer. A parallel experiment is conducted with 50/50 blends of virgin LDPE and PC resins. Various characteristics such as tensile, viscoelastic, melt‐flow, and phase morphology of the materials are analyzed. The 50/50 blend of recycled LDPE/PC blend shows an average tensile strength of 15 MPa, which increases to 24 MPa on the addition of 5 wt% OPE, where total recycled content is 95 wt% including 15 wt% CaCO3. Notably, the presence of CaCO3‐based filler in recycled LDPE has a profound effect in improving the mechanical performance of the materials.
Cross‐linked cationic polyvinyl alcohol for improving mechanical strength of paper
Authors: Li Kaibin , Li Xiaorui , Wang Dan , Zhou Chunsheng , Shen Yiding
Published: November 2021

Cross‐linked cationic polyvinyl alcohol (CPVA) is obtained by solution polymerization using vinyl acetate (VAc) and N‐(isobutoxymethyl)acrylamide (IBMA) as main raw materials and free radical co‐polymerization using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DM) as modified monomers. The structure is characterized by HNMR. The effects of DM monomer on the properties of CPVA are investigated. It turns out that CPVA dispersion is a Bingham fluid with good stability. The particle size of CPVA reaches minimum and the value is 147.2 nm, which is in favor of infiltration into the paper. It is more suitable for the DM dosage ranging from 2% to 2.5% in light of the mechanical properties of CPVA film. The obtained CPVA is amorphous and the degree of crystallinity is decreased. When used as surface sizing agent for paper, the water absorption of the sizing paper reaches minimum and the folding resistance reaches maximum when DM is 2.5%. The maximum dry and wet tensile indexes of the paper are increased by 190.71% and 331.09%, respectively. SEM results shows that the larger pores between the paper fibers are filled and cross‐linked after CPVA sizing, which is beneficial to the improvement of paper strength.
Host plant adaptability and proteomic differences of diverse Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) lineages
Authors: Guo Jianqing , Hao Gang , Hatt Séverin , Wang Zhenying , Francis Frédéric
Published: November 2021

Corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) can feed on various cereal crops and transmit viruses that may cause serious economic losses. To test the impact of both host plant species and age on R. maidis, as well as the proteomic difference of diverse populations, we first investigated the survival and reproduction of six R. maidis populations (i.e., LF, HF, GZ, DY, BJ, and MS) via a direct observation method in the laboratory on 10 and 50 cm high maize seedlings, and 10 cm high barley seedlings. Then a proteomic approach was implemented to identify the differentially expressed proteins from both aphids and endosymbionts of BJ and MS populations. Results indicated that the BJ population performed significantly better than the others on both barley and 50 cm high maize seedlings, while no population could survive on 10 cm high maize seedlings. The proteomic results demonstrated that the expression levels of myosin heavy chain (muscle isoform X12) (spot 781) and peroxidase (spot 1383) were upregulated, while ATP‐dependent protease Hsp 100 (spot 2137) from Hamiltonella defensa and protein SYMBAF (spot 2703) from Serratia symbiotica were downregulated in the BJ population when compared to expression levels of the MS population. We hypothesize that the fatalness observed on 10 cm high maize seedlings may be caused by secondary metabolites that are synthesized by the seedlings and the MS population of R. maidis should be more stress‐resistant than the BJ population. Our results also provide insights for understanding the interaction between host plants and aphids.
Study on the asteroidal spin characteristics in the Hungaria region
Authors: Wang Yi‐Bo , Xu Yan
Published: November 2021

Hungaria region locates the inner edge of asteroidal main belt with the high orbital inclination and is surrounded by several resonances, in which more small asteroids (size less than 11 km) reside. We estimate the spin states for eight fast (rotation period ) rotators in this region based on the dense photometric data and discover that seven of them are in the retrograde spin state. By the analysis on the distributions of spin characteristics, 35 out of 59 Hungaria region members exhibit a tendency—their obliquities distribute in the range larger than , and especially, most of them clustering significantly in the interval of . Meanwhile, it is also noted that the Hungaria region asteroids with the fast spin (rotation period ) show more significant clustering characteristic.
Sex differences in age of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder: Preliminary evidence from Uganda
Authors: Bonney Emmanuel , Abbo Catherine , Ogara Collin , Villalobos Michele E. , Elison Jed T.
Published: November 2021

This study was performed to determine (a) the age at which autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is first diagnosed in Ugandan children receiving mental health services, (b) whether age at diagnosis varies by sex and clinical presentation, and (c) the average age of ASD diagnosis in children manifesting comorbid conditions. A retrospective chart review was performed and demographic as well as clinical data were collected from children with ASD diagnoses who attended two mental health clinics in Uganda between 2014 and 2019. Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data. Independent t‐test was also performed to determine differences in the mean age of diagnosis between males and females. Two hundred and thirty‐seven (156 males, 81 females) children with ASD were identified. The average age of ASD diagnosis was (6.9 ± 4.0) years. A statistically significant difference in age of ASD diagnosis was found between males and females (t = −2.106, p = 0.036), such that on average females received a diagnosis at least 1 year later than males. Of the 237 participants, 53.6% were identified with ASD only, 16.0% had ASD and ADHD, 10.5% were diagnosed with ASD and epilepsy, and 7.2% had a diagnosis of complex ASD. The results confirm delays in access to ASD diagnosis and suggest that females are more likely to receive a ASD diagnosis later than males within the Ugandan context. ASD awareness should be intensified to improve public or professional knowledge about ASD to enhance early identification in Uganda.
Mutation screening of multiple Pakistani MCPH families revealed novel and recurrent protein‐truncating mutations of ASPM
Authors: Hussain Sadam , Nawaz Amjad , Hamid Malaika , Ullah Waseem , Khan Iqbal Nawaz , Afshan Mehak , Rehman Adil , Nawaz Hamid , Halswick Julia , Rehman Shoaib‐ur , Ahmad Sohail , Muzammal Muhammad , Muhammad Noor , Jan Abid , Khan Saadullah , Windpassinger Christian , Khan Muzammil Ahmad
Published: November 2021

Autosomal primary microcephaly (MCPH) is a heterogenetic disorder that affects brain's cerebral cortex size and leads to a reduction in the cranial vault. Along with the hallmark feature of reduced head circumference, microcephalic patients also exhibit a variable degree of intellectual disability as well. Genetic studies have reported 28 MCPH genes, most of which produce microtubule‐associated proteins and are involved in cell division. Herein this study, 14 patients from seven Pashtun origin Pakistani families of primary microcephaly were analyzed. Mutation analysis was performed through targeted Sanger DNA sequencing on the basis of phenotype‐linked genetic makeup. Genetic analysis in one family found a novel pathogenic DNA change in the abnormal spindle microtubule assembly (ASPM) gene (NM_018136.4:c.3871dupGA), while the rest of the families revealed recurrent nonsense mutation c.3978G>A (p.Trp1326*) in the same gene. The novel reported frameshift insertion presumably truncates the protein p.(Lys1291Glyfs*14) and deletes the N‐terminus domains. Identification of novel ASPM‐truncating mutation expands the mutational spectrum of the ASPM gene, while mapping of recurrent mutation c.3978G>A (p.Trp1326*) will aid in establishing its founder effect in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) inhabitant population of Pakistan and should be suggestively screened for premarital counseling of MCPH susceptible families. Most of the recruited families are related to first‐degree consanguinity. Hence, all the family elders were counseled to avoid intrafamilial marriages.
Synergistic thermophilic co‐fermentation of food and lignocellulosic urban waste with steam explosion pretreatment for efficient hydrogen and carboxylic acid production
Authors: Allegue Luis D. , Puyol Daniel , Melero Juan Antonio
Published: November 2021

The EU's bioeconomy strategy has a strong commitment to the development of biotechnological approaches to convert municipal solid biowastes into value‐added products. In this context, the current study investigated the thermophilic co‐fermentation of pruning lignocellulosic and food wastes to co‐produce hydrogen and carboxylic acids. Steam explosion pretreatment considerably enhanced the chemical oxygen demand (COD) solubilization reaching values up to 80% even with high lignocellulosic waste content. Acidification yield in terms of COD was strongly dependent on thermal pretreatment, varying from 20–30% up to ca. 60% with thermal pretreatment of the mixed urban waste. Under the best tested conditions, thermophilic co‐fermentation produced up to 162 ± 5 mlH2 gCOD−1. This hydrogen production decreased notably with the increase in the lignocellulosic fraction in the feed, the effect being stronger in the absence of thermal treatment. The results clearly showed a positive synergy effect in the overall efficiency of acidogenic fermentation and the strong dependence of carboxylic acid distribution on the initial composition of the feed. Values up to 0.58 gCOD of carboxylic acids per gCOD added were achieved with thermal pretreatment of the mixed urban waste, resulting in 93% acidification. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Cell population‐based framework of genetic epidemiology in the single‐cell omics era
Authors: Okada Daigo , Zheng Cheng , Cheng Jian Hao , Yamada Ryo
Published: November 2021

Genetic epidemiology is a rapidly advancing field due to the recent availability of large amounts of omics data. In recent years, it has become possible to obtain omics information at the single‐cell level, so genetic epidemiological models need to be updated to integrate with single‐cell expression data. In this perspective paper, we propose a cell population‐based framework for genetic epidemiology in the single‐cell era. In this framework, genetic diversity influences phenotypic diversity through the diversity of cell population profiles, which are defined as high‐dimensional probability distributions of the state spaces of biomolecules of each omics layer. We discuss how biomolecular experimental measurement data can capture the different properties of this distribution. In particular, single‐cell data constitute a sample from this population distribution where only some coordinate values are observable. From a data analysis standpoint, we introduce methodology for feature extraction from cell population profiles. Finally, we discuss how this framework can be applied not only to genetic epidemiology but also to systems biology.
Does bisphenol A bioaccumulate on zebrafish? Determination of tissue bisphenol A level
Authors: Eser Burcu , Tural Rabia , Gunal Aysel Caglan , Sepici Dincel Aylin
Published: November 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high‐production‐volume industrial chemical mainly used in the production of polycarbonates and epoxy resins utilized in the manufacture of containers, bottles, toys, and medical devices. It has systemic effects as an endocrine disruptor even at low doses. To analyze its quantity in biological materials, sensitive and reproducible methods have to be used.

Different doses and duration (90 and 900 μg/L, 24 and 120 h, and 21 days) of BPA exposure to whole body zebrafish were analyzed after specific homogenization of tissue, and then a modified method HPLC was used. The mobile phase was acetonitrile and water using a gradient method of reversed‐phase C18 column, and excitation = 227 nm/emission = 313 nm. The calibration curve for BPA using HPLC‐fluorescence detection method was between a concentration range of 1 and 1000 ng/mL and linear, and r2 = 0.999.

The mean and standard error of mean values were 4.29 ± 1.05, 2.50 ± 0.92, and 2.53 ± 0.68 for control; 10.43 ± 2.61, 11.46 ± 3.24, and 8.55 ± 3.11 for BPA‐90 μg/L; and 17.78 ± 4.39, 21.55 ± 4.37, and 25.32 ± 3.25 for BPA‐900 μg/L (24 h, 120 h, and 21 days, respectively).

Although some statistical significance among dose/time was observed between two different dose‐treated groups, statistical significance was not found in dose/time results within the group. However, the positive result of BPA in the control group can be explained by low‐dose, chronic exposure or prevalence of endocrine‐disrupting chemicals.
Impact of underlying malignancy on emergency department utilization and outcomes
Authors: Qian Alexander S. , Qiao Edmund M. , Nalawade Vinit , Voora Rohith S. , Kotha Nikhil V. , Dameff Christian , Coyne Christopher J. , Murphy James D.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Cancer patients frequently utilize the emergency department (ED) for a variety of diagnoses both related to and unrelated to their cancer, yet ED outcomes for cancer patients are not well documented. This study sought to define risks and identify predictors for inpatient admission and hospital mortality among cancer patients presenting to the ED.

Patients and Methods

We utilized the National Emergency Department Sample to identify patients with and without a diagnosis of cancer presenting to the ED between January 2016 and December 2018. We used multivariable mixed‐effects logistic regression models to assess the influence of cancer on outcomes of hospital admission after the ED visit and hospital mortality for the whole patient cohort and individual presenting diagnoses.

Results

There were 340 million weighted ED visits, of which 8.3 million (2.3%) were associated with a cancer diagnosis. Compared to non‐cancer patients, patients with cancer had an increased risk of inpatient admission (64.7% vs. 14.8%; p < 0.0001) and hospital mortality (4.6% vs. 0.5%; p < 0.0001). For each of the top 15 presenting diagnoses, cancer patients had increased risks of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] range 2.0–13.2) or death (OR range 2.1–14.4). Although our dataset does not contain reliable estimation of stage, cancer site was the most robust individual predictor associated with the risk of hospitalization or death compared to other clinical or system‐related factors.

Conclusions

Cancer patients in the ED have high risks for hospital admission and death when compared to patients without cancer. Cancer patients represent a distinct population and may benefit from cancer‐specific risk stratification or focused interventions to improve outcomes.
Electrochemical Characterization of Redox Probes Confined in 3D Conducting Polymer Networks
Authors: Kuhlmann Jochen E. , Liu Sherri S. Y. , Dirnberger Klaus , Zharnikov Michael , Ludwigs Sabine
Published: November 2021

In this manuscript we present a versatile platform for introducing functional redox species into tailor‐made 3D redox polymer networks. Electrochemical characterization based on cyclic voltammetry is applied to verify the immobilization of the redox species within the conducting networks. Ultimately this strategy shall be extended to (photo)electrocatalytic applications which will profit from the conducting polymer matrix. Soluble precursor copolymers are synthesized via radical copolymerization of vinyltriphenylamine (VTPA) with chloromethylstyrene (CMS) in different ratios, whereas CMS is subsequently converted into azidomethylstyrene (AMS) to yield poly(VTPA‐co‐AMS) copolymers. Spin‐coating of poly(VTPA‐co‐AMS) on gold electrodes yields thin films which are converted into stable polymer network structures by electrochemical crosslinking of the polymer chains via their pendant triphenylamine groups to yield N,N,N′,N′‐tetraphenylbenzidine (TPB) crosslinking points. Finally, the resulting redox‐active, TPB‐crosslinked films are functionalized with ethynylferrocene (EFc) as a representative redox probe using a click reaction. Main experimental tools are polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy and scan rate dependent cyclic voltammetry. Especially the latter proves the successful conversion and the immobilization of redox probes in the polymer matrix. The results are compared with the reference system of azide‐terminated self‐assembled monolayers on gold substrates, allowing to distinguish between free and immobilized EFc species.
Coordination Cage‐Based Emulsifiers: Templated Formation of Metal Oxide Microcapsules Monitored by In Situ LC‐TEM
Authors: Saha Subhadeep , Chen Yen‐Ting , Ganta Sudhakar , Gilles Markus , Holzapfel Björn , Lill Pascal , Rehage Heinz , Gatsogiannis Christos , Clever Guido H.
Published: November 2021

Metallo‐supramolecular self‐assembly has yielded a plethora of discrete nanosystems, many of which show competence in capturing guests and catalyzing chemical reactions. However, the potential of low‐molecular bottom‐up self‐assemblies in the development of structured inorganic materials has rarely been methodically explored so far. Herein, we present a new type of metallo‐supramolecular surfactant with the ability to stabilize non‐aqueous emulsions for a significant period. The molecular design of the surfactant is based on a heteroleptic coordination cage (CGA‐3; CGA=Cage‐based Gemini Amphiphile), assembled from two pairs of organic building blocks, grouped around two Pd(II) cations. Shape‐complementarity between the differently functionalized components generates discrete amphiphiles with a tailor‐made polarity profile, able to stabilize non‐aqueous emulsions, such as hexadecane‐in‐DMSO. These emulsions were used as a medium for the synthesis of spherical metal oxide microcapsules (titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, and niobium oxide) from soluble, water‐sensitive alkoxide precursors by allowing a controlled dosage of water to the liquid‐liquid phase boundary. Synthesized materials were analyzed by a combination of electron microscopic techniques. In situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC‐TEM) was utilized for the first time to visualize the dynamics of the emulsion‐templated formation of hollow inorganic titanium oxide and zirconium oxide microspheres.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Fully‐Conjugated Chemically Stable Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework
Authors: Liu Hui , Han Yuxi , Zheng Xuhan , Zhao Jinyu , Man Yixiao , Sun Lishui , Zhao Yingjie
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with good chemical stability coupled with extended‐conjugation structures are highly preferable. Herein, a fully‐conjugated and chemically stable two‐dimensional COF was synthesized by a one‐pot, three‐components synthesis through a successful conversion of amine, aldehyde, and alkyne groups into the quinoline units as linkages with B(C6F5)3 serving as a Lewis acid catalyst, whilst 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) was employed as an oxidant. The obtained fully conjugated 2D COF shows excellent stability in acid or base.
Clinicopathological significance of MYL9 expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matsushita Katsunori , Kobayashi Shogo , Akita Hirofumi , Konno Masamitsu , Asai Ayumu , Noda Takehiro , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Asaoka Tadafumi , Gotoh Kunihito , Mori Masaki , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Ishii Hideshi
Published: November 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive malignancies, and often involves invasion and distant metastasis from the early tumor stages. Myosin II reportedly plays a key role in regulating tumor progression and metastasis.

Aims

We examined whether myosin regulatory light polypeptide 9 (MYL9) regulates cancer cell proliferation.

Methods and results

To investigate the expression pattern and clinical significance of MYL9 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, we performed immunohistochemical analysis of samples collected from 101 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The expression of MYL9 was investigated to evaluate its functional role and contribution to proliferation and apoptosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. The results showed that MYL9 was predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm and membrane of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Multivariate analysis indicated that MYL9 acted as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and distant metastasis‐free survival. MYL9 expression was strongly associated with malignancy in in vitro analyses, including proliferation and anti‐apoptotic activities.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that MYL9 is an independent prognostic factor of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. MYL9 is a crucial biomarker and potential therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
The Synthesis of Nucleoside 2′,3′‐Cyclic Monophosphate Analogs with Regio‐ and Stereospecificity
Authors: Nassir Molhm , Saady Abed , Cohen Natalie Pariene , Fischer Bilha
Published: November 2021

This article presents a new method for the rapid, stereoselective and regioselective synthesis of nucleoside 2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphorothioate and 2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphoroselenoate molecules. The method avoids the use of protection groups, chiral reagents, and chiral metal catalysts, as well as complicated chiral separations. This synthetic method has been applied successfully to all of the natural nucleosides. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of 2‐chloro‐1,3,2‐dithiophospholane (6)

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of 2‐cyanoethoxy‐thio‐dithiophospholane (8)

Basic Protocol 3: Preparation of 2‐cyanoethoxy‐seleno‐dithiophospholane (9)

Basic Protocol 4: Preparation of uridine‐2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphorothioate (Sp, exo; 1A)

Basic Protocol 5: Preparation of uridine‐2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphoroselenoate (Sp, exo; 11)

Basic Protocol 6: Preparation of adenosine‐2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphorothioate (Sp, exo; 12)

Basic Protocol 7: Preparation of thymidine‐2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphorothioate (Sp, exo; 13)

Basic Protocol 8: Preparation of cytosine‐2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphorothioate (Sp, exo; 14)

Basic Protocol 9: Preparation of guanosine‐2′,3′‐O,O‐phosphorothioate (Sp, exo; 15)
Copper Aluminum Layered Double Hydroxides with Different Compositions and Morphologies as Electrocatalysts for the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Reaction
Authors: Iwase Kazuyuki , Hirano Tomo , Honma Itaru
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) is a key technology to convert greenhouse gas CO2 to value‐added products, such as CO and formic acid (HCOOH). In the present study, two‐dimensional Cu‐ and Al‐based layered double hydroxides (Cu−Al/LDHs) were applied as CO2RR catalysts. The catalysts were synthesized using a simple co‐precipitation method employing sodium carbonate solutions with different pH and synthesis temperatures. The elemental ratio of Cu and Al, and sheet size were controlled. The most active Cu−Al/LDH showed a faradaic efficiency for CO generation of 42 % and one for formate generation of 22 % at the current density of 50 mA using a gas diffusion electrode system under galvanostatic conditions. Our result indicates that the sheet size of the LDH sheet is a critical parameter for determining CO2RR activity.
Immunoglobulin G4‐related disease accompanying a small intestinal ulcer: A case
Authors: Yoshidome Yuta , Mizoguchi Akinori , Narimatsu Kazuyuki , Takahashi Shun , Hirata Dai , Ono Shinji , Onoyama Yusuke , Suzuki Seiya , Horiuchi Tomoaki , Chiya Nanoka , Ikeyama Keisuke , Tahara Hiroyuki , Tomioka Akira , Ito Suguru , Tanemoto Rina , Nishii Shin , Inaba Kenichi , Sugihara Nao , Hanawa Yoshinori , Horiuchi Kazuki , Wada Akinori , Akita Yoshihiro , Higashiyama Masaaki , Komoto Shunsuke , Tomita Kengo , Yoshimatsu Shinya , Matsukuma Susumu , Hokari Ryota
Published: November 2021

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a systemic condition associated with fibroinflammatory lesions and is characterized by elevated serum IgG4 levels and IgG4‐positive cell infiltration into the affected tissues. It has been reported that IgG4‐RD affects a variety of organs but uncommonly affects the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, there are few cases of lesions in the small intestine, except for sclerosing mesenteritis, which were mostly diagnosed from surgical specimens. Herein, we describe the case of a 70‐year‐old man who initially presented with abdominal pain, headache, later cognitive decline, and gait disturbance caused by IgG4‐RD. Colonoscopy revealed irregular ulcers in the terminal ileum, and computed tomography of the head showed hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Numerous IgG4‐positive cells were detected in the ileal and dural biopsies. We diagnosed the patient with IgG4‐RD and started steroid pulse therapy. After initiation of treatment, the symptoms quickly improved. The patient was discharged from the hospital after starting oral prednisolone treatment (30 mg). The dosage was gradually reduced to 10 mg. A follow‐up colonoscopy revealed scarring of the ileal ulcers. This case may provide valuable information regarding the endoscopic findings of small intestinal lesions in IgG4‐RD.