bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar‐Triggered Engineered 2D‐Materials for Environmental Remediation: Status and Future Insights
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Raza Ali , Ahmad Syed Ossama Ali , Ashfaq Atif , Akbar Muhammad Usama , Imran Muhammad , Dilpazir Sobia , Khan Maaz , Khan Qasim , Maqbool Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Modern‐day society requires advanced technologies based on renewable and sustainable energy resources to face the challenges regarding environmental remediation. Solar‐inspired photocatalytic applications for water purification, hydrogen and oxygen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen fixation, and removal of bacterial species seem to be unique solutions based on green and efficient technologies. Considering the unique electronic features and larger surface area, 2D photocatalysts have been broadly explored for the above‐mentioned applications in the past few years. However, their photocatalytic potential has not been optimized yet to the adequate level of practical and commercial applications. Among many strategies available, surface and interface engineering and the hybridization of different materials have revealed pronounced potential to boost the photocatalytic potential of 2D materials. This feature review recapitulates recent advancements in engineered materials that are 2D for various photocatalysis applications for environmental remediation. Various surface and interface engineering technologies are briefly discussed, like anion–cation vacancies, pits, distortions, associated vacancies, etc., along with rules and parameters. In addition, several hybridization approaches, like 0D/2D, 1D/2D, 2D/2D, and 3D/2D hybridization, etc., are also deeply investigated. Lastly, the application of these engineered 2D materials for various photocatalytic applications, challenges, and future perspectives is extensively explored.
Green Light Photoelectrocatalysis with Sulfur‐Doped Carbon Nitride: Using Triazole‐Purpald for Enhanced Benzylamine Oxidation and Oxygen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Jerigova Maria , Markushyna Yevheniia , Teixeira Ivo F. , Badamdorj Bolortuya , Isaacs Mark , Cruz Daniel , Lauermann Iver , Muñoz‐Márquez Miguel Ángel , Tarakina Nadezda V. , López‐Salas Nieves , Savateev Oleksandr , Jimenéz‐Calvo Pablo
Published: February 2023

Materials dictate carbon neutral industrial chemical processes. Visible‐light photoelectrocatalysts from abundant resources will play a key role in exploiting solar irradiation. Anionic doping via pre‐organization of precursors and further co‐polymerization creates tuneable semiconductors. Triazole derivative‐purpald, an unexplored precursor with sulfur (S) container, combined in different initial ratios with melamine during one solid‐state polycondensation with two thermal steps yields hybrid S‐doped carbon nitrides (C3N4). The series of S‐doped/C3N4‐based materials show enhanced optical, electronic, structural, textural, and morphological properties and exhibit higher performance in organic benzylamine photooxidation, oxygen evolution, and similar energy storage (capacitor brief investigation). 50M‐50P exhibits the highest photooxidation conversion (84 ± 3%) of benzylamine to imine at 535 nm – green light for 48 h, due to a discrete shoulder (≈700) nm, high sulfur content, preservation of crystal size, new intraband energy states, structural defects by layer distortion, and 10–16 nm pores with arbitrary depth. This work innovates by studying the concomitant relationships between: 1) the precursor decomposition while C3N4 is formed, 2) the insertion of S impurities, 3) the S‐doped C3N4 property‐activity relationships, and 4) combinatorial surface, bulk, structural, optical, and electronic characterization analysis. This work contributes to the development of disordered long‐visible‐light photocatalysts for solar energy conversion and storage.
Multiplex Identification of Post‐Translational Modifications at Point‐of‐Care by Deep Learning‐Assisted Hydrogel Sensors
Authors: Qin Junjie , Guo Jia , Tang Guanghui , Li Lin , Yao Shao Q.
Published: February 2023

Multiplex detection of protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs), especially at point‐of‐care, is of great significance in cancer diagnosis. Herein, we report a machine learning‐assisted photonic crystal hydrogel (PCH) sensor for multiplex detection of PTMs. With closely‐related PCH sensors microfabricated on a single chip, our design achieved not only rapid screening of PTMs at specific protein sites by using only naked eyes/cellphone, but also the feasibility of real‐time monitoring of phosphorylation reactions. By taking advantage of multiplex sensor chips and a neural network algorithm, accurate prediction of PTMs by both their types and concentrations was enabled. This approach was ultimately used to detect and differentiate up/down regulation of different phosphorylation sites within the same protein in live mammalian cells. Our developed method thus holds potential for POC identification of various PTMs in early‐stage diagnosis of protein‐related diseases.
Sulfone‐Embedded Heterocyclic Narrowband Emitters with Strengthened Molecular Rigidity and Suppressed High‐Frequency Vibronic Coupling
Authors: Jiang Simin , Yu Yue , Li Deli , Chen Zijian , He Yanmei , Li Mengke , Yang Guo‐Xi , Qiu Weidong , Yang Zhihai , Gan Yiyang , Lin Jianying , Ma Yuguang , Su Shi‐Jian
Published: February 2023

Sulfone‐embedded heterocyclics are of great interest in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), however, exploring highly efficient narrowband emitters based on sulfone‐embedded heterocyclics remains challenging. Herein, five emitters with different sulfur valence state and molecular rigidity, namely tP, tCPD, 2tCPD, tPD and tPT, are thoroughly analysed. With restricted twisting of flexible peripheral phenyl by strengthening molecular rigidity, molecular emission spectra can be enormously narrowed. Further, introducing the sulfone group with bending vibration in low‐frequency region that suppresses high‐frequency vibration, sharp narrow full‐widths at half‐maximum of 28 and 25 nm are achieved for 2tCPD and tPD, respectively. Maximum external quantum efficiencies of 22.0 % and 27.1 % are successfully realized for 2tCPD‐ and tPD‐based OLED devices. These results offer a novel design strategy for constructing narrowband emitters by introducing sulfone group into a rigid molecular framework.
Design, Synthesis, and Application of a Water‐soluble Photocage for Aqueous Cyclopentadiene‐based Diels‐Alder Photoclick Chemistry in Hydrogels
Authors: Bailey Sophia J. , Hopkins Erik , Rael Kiara D. , Hashmi Arsalan , Urueña Juan Manuel , Wilson Maxwell Z. , Read de Alaniz Javier
Published: February 2023

Spatiotemporally functionalized hydrogels have exciting applications in tissue engineering, but their preparation often relies on radical‐based strategies that can be deleterious in biological settings. Herein, the computationally guided design, synthesis, and application of a water‐soluble cyclopentadienone‐norbornadiene (CPD‐NBD) adduct is disclosed as a diene photocage for radical‐free Diels‐Alder photopatterning. We show that this scalable CPD‐NBD derivative is readily incorporated into hydrogel formulations, providing gels that can be patterned with dienophiles upon 365 nm uncaging of cyclopentadiene. Patterning is first visualized through conjugation of cyanine dyes, then biological utility is highlighted by patterning peptides to direct cellular adhesion. Finally, the ease of use and versatility of this CPD‐NBD derivative is demonstrated by direct incorporation into a commercial 3D printing resin to enable the photopatterning of structurally complex, printed hydrogels.
Molecularly Imprinted Nanobeacons Redirect Innate Immune Killing towards Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Guan Peixin , Guo Zhanchen , Xu Shuxin , Lu Haifeng , Wang Lisheng , Gu Zikuan , Liu Zhen
Published: February 2023

Harnessing innate immunity is an appealing strategy for cancer treatment. Herein, we report a new strategy called molecularly imprinted nanobeacons (MINBs) for redirecting innate immune killing towards triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). The MINBs were molecularly imprinted nanoparticles with the N‐epitope of glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB) as the template and grafted with plentiful fluorescein moieties as the hapten. The MINBs could tag the TNBC cells via binding with GPNMB and thereby provide navigation for recruiting hapten‐specific antibodies. The gathered antibodies could further trigger effective Fc‐domain‐mediated immune killing towards the tagged cancer cells. In vivo experiments showed that the TNBC growth was significantly inhibited after MINBs treatment by intravenous injection as compared with control groups. This study not only opens a new access for redirecting innate immunity towards TNBC but also paves the way for innate immunity‐based therapy of other diseases.
A Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for OER and ORR based on a Cobalt(II) Triazole Pyridine Bis‐[Cobalt(III) Corrole] Complex
Authors: Aljabour Abdalaziz , Awada Houssein , Song Luyang , Sun He , Offenthaler Simon , Yari Farzaneh , Bechmann Matthias , Scharber Markus Clark , Schöfberger Wolfgang
Published: February 2023

As alternative energy sources are essential to reach a climate‐neutral economy, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as futuristic energy carrier gains enormous awareness. However, seeking for stable and electrochemically selective H2O2 ORR electrocatalyst is yet a challenge, making the design of—ideally—bifunctional catalysts extremely important and outmost of interest. In this study, we explore the application of a trimetallic cobalt(II) triazole pyridine bis‐[cobalt(III) corrole] complex CoIITP[CoIIIC]2 3 in OER and ORR catalysis due to its remarkable physicochemical properties, fast charge transfer kinetics, electrochemical reversibility, and durability. With nearly 100 % selective catalytic activity towards the two‐electron transfer generated H2O2, an ORR onset potential of 0.8 V vs RHE and a cycling stability of 50 000 cycles are detected. Similarly, promising results are obtained when applied in OER catalysis. A relatively low overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 of 412 mV, Faraday efficiency 98 % for oxygen, an outstanding Tafel slope of 64 mV dec−1 combined with superior stability.
High fire stability cement composite cementitious material based on semi‐dry gas desulfurized ash/blast furnace slag system: The synergistic effect of nano‐TiO2 and nano‐SiO2
Authors: Yu Xian‐kun , Xu Xiu‐ping , Yang Xiao‐jun , Zhang Hao , Gao Tian‐ci
Published: February 2023

Cement is an important way to digest industrial waste. Semi‐dry gas desulfurized ash (SGDA) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) as solid waste both have pozzolanic activity as well as small particle size and continuous particle size distribution, which allow their use as cement mixtures. In the present work, a cement matrix with 60% Portland cement, 20% SGDA, and 20% GBFS, including 3% nano‐TiO2 and 2% nano‐SiO2 as dopants, was produced via cement slurry mixing process. The obtained matrix was found to have the better 3‐ and 28‐day age compressive strength (by 104% and 116%, respectively) as compared with the pure Portland cement; the mortar compressive strength is also improved. The imaging and mineralogical analysis revealed that the nanomodified cement matrix had a more compact structure along with a well‐developed crystal form and the uniform micropore distribution. Furthermore, the doped cement mixture exhibited good fire resistance: Even after exposure to simulated fire conditions for 2.5 h at 450°C, the compressive strength of the composite was 98.27% of its initial value (57 MPa) and the microstructure remained undestroyed. The findings of this study open up new prospects for collaborative use of SGDA and GBFS as solid waste along with nano‐TiO2 and nano‐SiO2 as dopants, therefore providing outstanding fire stability of related composites.
Theoretical design and discovery of two‐dimensional materials for next‐generation flexible piezotronics and energy conversion
Authors: Sachdeva Parrydeep Kaur , Bera Chandan
Published: February 2023

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials are at the epicenter of the current nanotechnology research for its intriguing properties. It has the advantage of high flexibility, high surface to volume ratio, robust mechanical strength and are stackable in contrary to bulk materials. Piezoelectric effect is exploited in 2D layered nanomaterials with broken inversion symmetry and non‐zero band gap for applications in energy harvesting and energy conversion. Density functional theory (DFT) is a powerful tool to predict the piezoelectric properties of 2D materials. This mini review emphasizes the importance and discusses the challenges of different methods within DFT‐based framework to compute piezoelectric properties. Recent simulation works of piezoelectric engineering in novel 2D semiconductors for in‐plane and out‐of‐plane piezoelectricity are reviewed. Various controlling parameters and techniques for piezoelectric effect are also discussed. Theoretical predictions pave the path for experimental exploration of 2D materials exhibiting strong piezoelectric properties and to replace the commercially used lead‐based toxic materials in future devices.
Digitales Bauen auf der Baustelle – Einsatzszenarien und Optimierungspotenzial
Authors: Farhat Rokhshid
Published: February 2023

Das Thema digitales Bauen bzw. Building Information Modeling (BIM) bietet enormes Potenzial, Prozesse rund um das Planen, Bauen und Betreiben zu optimieren und somit effizienter bzw. wirtschaftlicher zu arbeiten. Während der Fokus häufig auf der Beschleunigung und Verbesserung von Planungs‐ und Genehmigungsprozessen liegt, können auch die Abläufe auf der Baustelle während der Bauausführungsphase verbessert werden. Bei STRABAG wird bereits heute eine Vielzahl von Arbeiten auf der Baustelle durch digitale Methoden und Werkzeuge unterstützt und somit der Bauablauf und die Qualität der Bauwerke verbessert. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden Praxisbeispiele für den Einsatz digitaler Methoden im Verkehrswegebau aufgezeigt, ihr Einfluss auf den Bauablauf erörtert und notwendige Voraussetzungen für einen effizienten Einsatz digitaler Methoden erläutert. Im Speziellen soll das Thema Bauteiltracking im Kanalbau fokussiert werden. Im Kanalbau müssen Rohre und Schächte bestellt, produziert, geliefert und montiert werden. Dabei sind v. a. Schachtunterteile Individualbauteile, die auf Grundlage der vorliegenden Planung gefertigt werden müssen. Der Bestell‐, Liefer‐ und Montageprozess dieser Bauteile ist nicht nur zeitaufwendig, sondern erfordert ein hohes Maß an logistischer Vorplanung. Um diese Schritte zu vereinfachen, wurde das digitale Bauteiltracking entwickelt, wodurch es gelungen ist, den Kanalbau effizienter und wirtschaftlicher zu gestalten.
Multiple‐length scale investigation of Pt/C degradation by identical‐location transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Kwag Jimin , Kim Sungin , Kang Sungsu , Park Jungwon
Published: February 2023

Pt‐based electrocatalysts on the cathode side of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) generally undergo severe degradation, which contributes to the short life span of PEMFCs. Thus, it is crucial to understand the structural degradation of Pt‐based electrocatalysts. Here, various degradation mechanisms of individual Pt nanoparticles supported on Vulcan carbon during load‐cycle accelerated stress tests were investigated and quantified by identical‐location transmission electron microscopy (IL‐TEM). The atomic‐scale IL‐STEM imaging revealed the formation of Pt single atoms on the carbon support, which resulted from the dissolution of nanoparticles, and the following pathway change in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was analyzed by rotating ring‐disk electrode tests. Our study provides new insight for understanding the relationship between the decline in the ORR activity and the formation of Pt atomic species resulting from the electrochemical degradation of Pt/C.
HaloTag‐Based Reporters for Fluorescence Imaging and Biosensing
Authors: Cook Alexander , Walterspiel Franziska , Deo Claire
Published: February 2023

Visualizing the structure and dynamics of biomolecules is critical to understand biological function, and requires methods to fluorescently label targets of interest in their cellular context. Self‐labelling proteins, which combine a genetically encoded tag with a small‐molecule fluorophore, have attracted considerable attention for this purpose, as they can overcome limitations of fluorescent proteins. Among them, the HaloTag protein is the most broadly used, showing fast specific labelling with a small, easy to functionalize and cell‐permeant ligand. Synthetic chemistry and protein engineering have provided a portfolio of powerful imaging tools exploiting HaloTag, along with general methods to optimize and adapt them to specific applications. Here, we provide an overview of fluorescent reporters based on the HaloTag protein for imaging and biosensing, highlighting engineering strategies and general applications.
Challenging case of severe acute asthma in a mechanically ventilated patient managed with sevoflurane
Authors: Munusamy Satheesh , Monfared Seyedeh Saba Nabavi , Iqbal Phool , Abdussalam Ahmed Lutfe Mohamad
Published: February 2023

Acute severe bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by hyperresponsiveness of the airways leading to bronchoconstriction. We present a case of refractory life‐threatening bronchial asthma that was managed with sevoflurane gas along with the standard treatment and achieved stability and clinical improvement through its bronchodilator and anesthetic effect.
Control of Selectivity in Homogeneous Catalysis through Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Mahmudov Kamran T. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: February 2023

The regio‐, site‐, stereo‐ or chemoselective homogeneous catalytic transformations are extremely important for the growth/success of the current chemical industry. Based on empirical, theoretical or intuitive knowledge, several synthetic strategies, such as ligand design, transient directing group, metal node alternation, metal‐ligand cooperation, pore decoration, biomimetic, have already been developed for the selective functionalization of organic substrates. In comparison to the other tactics, the use of noncovalent interactions for the control of selectivity in catalytic transformations of organic compounds may avoid multi‐steps, reduce time of synthetic procedure, decrease cost of operation, and increase reactivity of catalyst. In fact, enzymes achieve a high selectivity through noncovalent interactions in biochemical processes in Nature. Guided by the impressive performance of enzymes in biosynthesis and biodegradation reactions, various types of synthetic metal complex or organocatalysts have already been developed, in which the catalyst‐substrate noncovalent interactions have a pivotal impact on the distinctive stabilization of the transition states or intermediates, directing selectivity and improving efficiency of homogeneous catalytic reactions. Herein, we highlight several recent and relevant examples of selectivity directing/driving function of noncovalent interactions in the transformation of organic substrate(s) catalyzed by both organocatalysts and metal complex catalysts.
Combinatorial Coordination Self‐Assembly for Organopalladium Cages with Fine‐Tuned Structure and Function
Authors: Tian Chong‐Bin , Sun Qing‐Fu
Published: February 2023

Discrete organopalladium coordination cages have shown great potential in applications ranging from molecular recognition and sensing, drug delivery to enzymatic catalysis. While many of the known organopalladium cages are homoleptic structures with regular polyhedral shapes and symmetric inner cavities, heteroleptic cages with complex architectures and new functions coming from their anisotropic cavities have received an increasing attention recently. In this concept article, we discuss a powerful combinatorial coordination self‐assembly strategy toward the construction of a family of organopalladium cages, including both homoleptic and heteroleptic ones, from a given library of ligands. Within such a cage family, the heteroleptic cages often feature systematically fine‐tuned structures and emergent properties, distinct from their parent homoleptic counterparts. We hope the concepts and examples provided in this article can offer some rational guidance for the design of new coordination cages toward advanced functions.
On modelling of surface tension of CMC‐α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles by fuzzy‐hybrid approach: A comparison study
Authors: Gonce Kocken Hale , Insel Mert Akin , Temelcan Gizem , Karakuş Selcan , Albayrak Inci
Published: February 2023

Surface tension is one of the most important rheological parameters of nanoliquids. It influences the thermophysical and mass transfer properties of nanostructures. Accurate estimation of the surface tension from operating variables is critical for determining optimal production processes. However, the challenges of producing nanoparticles and measuring their properties introduce experimental errors in the data used for mathematical modelling. Crisp regression approaches provide adequate representation of the data, but they do not provide information about the experimental uncertainty. In this study, a fuzzy‐hybrid approach is proposed for mathematical modelling of surface tension of carboxymethyl cellulose/chitosan‐α‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Then, the proposed model is compared with a crisp model from a previous study. Error analysis is conducted to validate the constructed fuzzy model. It is observed that the fuzzy‐hybrid modelling approach has yielded significantly lower error values (a 60%–90% improvement in all error metrics on average), and thus, it is superior to the crisp approach. This study contributes to the subject of modelling rheological properties. It is shown that the fuzzy‐hybrid approach has impressive potential to be utilized for modelling the rheological properties of nanostructures.
How Doping Affects the Activity of the Aluminum Oxide Support
Authors: Yan Linghui , Qian Chao , Zhou Shaodong
Published: February 2023

The performance of heteronuclear clusters [AlXO3]+ (X=Al, AlO4, AlMg2O2, AlZnO, AlAu2, Mg, Y, VO, NbO, TaO) in activating methane has been explored by a combination of high–level quantum calculations with reported and supplementary gas‐phase experiments. With different dopants in [AlXO3]+, the mechanism, reactivity and selectivity towards methane activation varies accordingly. The classic HAT competes with PCET, depending on the composition of intramolecular interactions. Although the existence of terminal oxygen radical is beneficial for classic HAT, the Alt−C interaction in the [AlXO3]+ clusters as enhanced by the strongly electronegative doping groups (X=Al, AlZnO, Mg, Zn, VO, NbO, TaO) favors the PCET process, facilitating C−H bond breaking. In addition, with different dopants, the destiny of the split methyl group varies accordingly. While strong interaction between Alt and CH3 results in the formation of the Alt−C bond, dopants with variable valance may promote the formation of deep‐oxidation products like formaldehyde. It has been discussed in detail how to regulate the activity and selectivity of the active center of the catalyst via rational doping.
Expression of stay‐green drought tolerance in dhurrin‐free sorghum
Authors: Gruss Shelby M. , Souza Augusto , Yang Yang , Dahlberg Jeff , Tuinstra Mitchell R.
Published: February 2023

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench) is naturally adapted to water‐limited environments. Dhurrin is a secondary metabolite that is proposed to play a key role in the expression of stay‐green drought tolerance of sorghum. In this study, a genetic mutation in CYP79A1, the first enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway of dhurrin, was used to study the role of dhurrin accumulation in stay‐green drought tolerance of sorghum. The cyp79a1 mutation inhibits the production of dhurrin. Near‐isogenic lines (NILs), near‐isogenic backcross (NIBC) populations, and near‐isogenic hybrids (NIHs) were evaluated for variation in stay‐green drought tolerance in controlled environments and field trials. Chlorophyll concentration (CC) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were measured to quantify variation in stay‐green among genotypes. Comparisons of NILs of Tx623 bmr6 and NIBC progeny from the stay‐green donor Tx642 indicated differences in CC and NDVI between plants in the drought and irrigated treatments but no significant differences between NILs and NIBC within treatments (p < 0.05). Analyses of NIHs in a controlled environment and field trials demonstrated similar patterns although there was one set of NIHs that exhibited variation in the field trials. The NIHs carrying the cyp79a1 mutation exhibited reduced CC in comparison to the wild‐type plants in the drought treatments (p < 0.05). These studies indicated that dhurrin production may contribute to the expression of stay‐green, but the effects are generally small and genotype specific.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 2D‐2D WO3/g‐C3N4 Photocatalyst in Reverse Microemulsion System via Supercritical CO2 for Enhanced Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Tang Shaoru , Ma Yanan , Wang Haimeng , Liang Yuxuan , Xu Xiaoyang , Zhang Dingyu , Cao Beiming , Wang Qian , Li Wei
Published: February 2023

Construction of Z‐scheme photocatalyst is an effective approach for using solar energy to produce hydrogen during water splitting. Herein, 2D/2D WO3/g‐C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst was synthesized by a convenient and green method including exfoliation and heterojunction procedures, in the reverse microemulsion system via supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The resultant W/CN‐10.3 composite exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activities towards the hydrogen evolution during water splitting with a hydrogen evolution rate of 688.51 μmol g−1 h−1, which was more than 16 times higher than bulk g‐C3N4 with the same loading amount of Pt as cocatalyst. Due to its effective separation of photogenerated carriers and prolonged lifetime, more photoexcited electrons with high reduction ability could contribute to the production of H2. Possible formation mechanism of 2D‐2D WO3/g‐C3N4 nanosheets via scCO2 in the reverse microemulsion system by the one‐pot method has been proposed. This work provides an efficient and green strategy to synthesize 2D‐2D heterojunction for the utilization in solar‐to‐fuel conversion.
A low output ripple and high security on‐chip voltage regulation based on Fourier transform
Authors: Cheng Jiafeng , Liu Wenrui , Sun Nengyuan , Peng Zhaokang , Sun Caiban , Wang Chunyang , Bi Yijian , Wen Yiming , Zhang Hongliu , Zhang Pengcheng , Yu Weize
Published: February 2023

In modern integrated circuits (ICs), integrating workload‐agnostic multiphase switched‐capacitor (SC) voltage converters on‐chip is an effective way to reduce the transient response time, improve the security, and boost the power efficiency. However, a stochastic and unbalanced active sequence within the multiphase SC converter may undermine the corresponding output voltage ripple significantly. In this paper, a novel algorithm that is based on Fourier transform is capable of efficiently mitigating the amplitude of output ripple without compromising its security drastically. To achieve this objective, firstly, the output ripple of a single‐phase SC converter needs to be approximated with a Fourier expansion. Then the relationship between the output ripple and active phase sequence of a multiphase SC converter can be modeled precisely under the assistance of Fourier transform. After maximizing the randomness of the active sequences of the multiphase SC converter under different workload conditions and filtering a certain number of phase sequences with unsatisfied output ripples, the optimum control algorithm is generated. As shown in the result, the amplitude of output ripple of a multiphase SC converter can be reduced by 69.5% with negligible security loss and less than 29% power and area overhead under the 55 nm process design kits (PDK).
Highly Selective and Practical Iron‐Catalyzed Formal Hydrogenation of Epoxides to Primary Alcohols Using Formic Acid
Authors: Yao Yi‐Xuan , Zhang Hong‐Wei , Lu Chang‐Bo , Shang Hong‐Yan , Tian Yuan‐Yu
Published: February 2023

A highly selective, efficient and practical method for synthesizing primary alcohols was presented. By using cheap Fe(BF4)2 ⋅ 6H2O and /tris[2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl]phosphine (L1) as catalysts with formic acid as hydrogen source, a variety of primary alcohols bearing versatile functional groups could be obtained from both alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted epoxides under mild conditions.
Ionic Liquid Crystalline Calixarene with Photo‐Switchable Proton Conduction
Authors: Concellón Alberto , Marín Iván , Barberá Joaquín , Marcos Mercedes , Serrano José L.
Published: February 2023

We have developed a new strategy for the preparation of a light‐responsive ionic liquid crystal (LC) that shows photo‐switchable proton conduction. The ionic LC consists of a bowl‐shaped calix[4]arene core ionically functionalized with azobenzene moieties. The non‐covalent architectures were obtained by the formation of ionic salts between the carboxylic acid group of an azo‐derivative and the terminal amine groups of a calixarene core. The presence of ionic salts results in a hierarchical self‐assembly process that extends to the formation of a nanostructured lamellar LC arrangement (smectic A phase). In this LC phase, the ionic LC calixarene is able to display proton conductive properties, since the ionic nanosegregated areas (formed by the ionic pairs) generate the continuous channels that favor proton transport. The optical and photo‐responsive properties were studied by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, demonstrating that the azobenzene moieties of the ionic LC undergo reversible (E)‐to‐(Z) isomerization by irradiation with UV light. Interestingly, this (E)‐to‐(Z) photoisomerization results in a decrease of the proton conductivity values since the bent‐shaped (Z)‐isomer disrupts the lamellar LC phase. This isomerization process is totally reversible and leads to an ionic LC material with unique photo‐switchable proton conductive properties.
Fetal neurosonography in pregnant women recovering from COVID‐19 disease
Authors: Akgün Aktas Betül , Kaya Ecem , Laleli Koc Bergen , Turgut Ezgi , Tanacan Atakan , Sahin Dilek
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of severe acute respiratory virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) on fetal neurodevelopment in pregnant women.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 54 pregnant women at least 4 weeks after the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 58 controls. In the third trimester, the depths of the fetal insula, Sylvian, parieto‐occipital, and calcarine fissures, the length of cavum septum pellucidum (CSP), and the thickness of the corpus callosum (CC) were measured. Sylvian fissure operculization and cortical development were graded. The correlation analysis between fetal cortical development and Sylvian fissure operculization was performed with the Pearson test.

Results

The calcarine fissure depth and CC thickness were reduced in the study group (P < 0.001, P = 0.004). The fetal CSP length and ratio were increased in the study group (P = 0.016, P = 0.039). Approximately half of the study group fetuses had grade 4 or less Sylvian fissure operculization. The study group had a significantly higher rate of fetuses with grade 2 (31.5% vs. 13.8%) and significantly lower rate of fetuses with grade 4 cortical development (14.8% vs. 31.0%), compared with the controls. There was a moderate negative significant correlation between pregnant women recovering from COVID‐19 and fetal cortical development and Sylvian fissure operculization (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

This is the first study to investigate fetal cortical development in pregnant women recovering from COVID‐19. The results indicate that COVID‐19 disease may affect fetal neurodevelopment.
Dual process in parent–adolescent moral socialization: The moderating role of maternal warmth and involvement
Authors: Kil Hali , Gath Megan , Grusec Joan E.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

It has been argued that moral identity can be conceptualized as implicit and automatic or explicit and controlled dualities of cognitive information processing. In this study, we examined whether socialization in the moral domain may also exhibit a dual process. We further tested whether parenting that is warm and involved may play a moderating role in moral socialization. We assessed relations between mothers' implicit and explicit moral identity, warmth and involvement, and the prosocial behavior and moral values of their adolescent children.

Methods

Participants were 105 mother–adolescent dyads from Canada, with adolescents between 12 and 15 years of age and 47% girls. Mothers' implicit moral identity was measured using the Implicit Association Test (IAT), adolescents' prosocial behavior was measured using a donation task, and the remaining mother and adolescent measures were self‐reported. Data were cross‐sectional.

Results

We found that mothers' implicit moral identity was associated with adolescents' greater generosity during the prosocial behavior task, but only when mothers were warm and involved. Mothers' explicit moral identity was associated with adolescents' more prosocial values.

Conclusions

Moral socialization may occur through dual processes, and as an automatic process may only take place when mothers are also high in warmth and involvement, setting the conditions for adolescents' understanding and acceptance of the moral values being taught and ultimately their automatic morally relevant behaviors. Adolescents' explicit moral values, on the other hand, may be aligned with more controlled, reflective socialization processes.
3D printable phantom for mimicking electrical properties of dermal tissue
Authors: Kuzemchak Blake C. , Choe Robert H. , Sherry Mary , Porter Emily , Fisher John P.
Published: February 2023

Skin cancer is one of the most ubiquitous forms of cancer that is often overdiagnosed or missed by traditional diagnostic techniques. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a technology that aims to take advantage of the variations in electrical properties of tissue to identify ectopic formations. It is difficult to develop BIS technologies without obtaining tumor tissue samples. One solution is to use a “tissue phantom,” a synthetic structure that mimics the properties of tissue. Current solutions using natural biomaterials, such as gelatin, have not been able to create complex tissue geometries that are vital to honing BIS diagnostics. However, semi‐synthetic polymers, such has gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), offer the benefits of possessing similar electrical properties to their respective source biomaterial while being 3D printable. In this work, we first measured the impedance of porcine dermal tissue. We then applied these impedance measurements to create an electrically accurate tissue phantom using a photocurable hydrogel, GelMA, and varying concentrations of NaCl, aluminum powder, and titanium dioxide powder.
In‐silico structural characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Nucleoside diphosphate kinase: A novel antiapoptotic protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Singh Suchitra , Yadav Piyush Kumar , Singh Ajay Kumar
Published: February 2023

The Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDK) protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) plays a crucial role in immune evasion and inhibition of apoptosis in host cells and has the potential to cause cancer. However, its structure has not yet been characterized. We used an in‐silico approach to determine the 3D structure of the P. gingivalis NDK. Furthermore, structural characterization and functional annotation were performed using computational approaches. The 3D structure of NDK was predicted through homology modeling. The structural domains predicted for the model protein belong to the NDK family. Structural alignment of prokaryotic and eukaryotic NDKs with the model protein revealed the conservation of the domain region. Structure‐based phylogenetic analysis depicted a significant evolutionary relationship between the model protein and the prokaryotic NDK. Functional annotation of the model confirmed structural homology, exhibiting similar enzymatic functions as NDK, including ATP binding and nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity. Furthermore, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation technique stabilized the model structure and provides a thermo‐stable protein structure that can be used as a therapeutic target for further studies.
Chaperone‐mediated autophagy degrade Dicer to promote breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Su Chih‐Ming , Hsu Tung‐Wei , Chen Hsin‐An , Wang Wan‐Yu , Huang Chih‐Yang , Hung Chih‐Chiang , Yeh Ming‐Hsin , Su Yen‐Hao , Huang Ming‐Te , Liao Po‐Hsiang
Published: February 2023

Metastasis in breast cancer usually lead to the majority of deaths on clinical patients. Accordingly, diagnosis of metastasis at the early stage in breast cancer is important to improve the prognosis. We observed that Dicer protein levels are significant decrease in highly invasive breast cancer cells and usually correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Following, we aim to clarify the molecular regulatory mechanism of this phenomenon in breast cancer to provide a new therapeutic target. In this study, we obtained that Dicer expression correlated with metastasis and invasion without affect cell stability in breast cancer cells. Importantly, we identified the regulatory mechanism of Dicer protein degradation, the chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA)‐mediated degradation that is major mechanism to decrease Dicer protein expression and lead to cancer metastasis. We discovered that heat shock cognate 71‐kDa protein (Hsc70) which as a CMA‐related factor interacts with the CMA‐targeting motif I333A/K334A on Dicer to promote degradation through CMA. Taken together, our findings hint that Dicer highly correlated with cancer metastasis, we reveal the tumor‐promoting effect of CMA‐mediated Dicer degradation in breast cancer.
A glycosylation signature for predicting the progression and immunotherapeutic response of prostate cancer
Authors: Sun Kailun , Feng Zhaoyan , Fan Chanyuan , Min Xiangde , Zhang Peipei , Xia Liming
Published: February 2023

Background

Glycosylation has been proposed as a new cancer hallmark. However, focusing on specific glycans or glycoproteins may lose much data relevant to glycosylation alterations. The present study aimed to first comprehensively investigate the expression and mutation profiles of glycosylation‐related genes (GRgenes) in prostate cancer (PCa) and then develop a glycosylation signature and explore its role in predicting the progression and immunotherapeutic response of PCa.

Methods

Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas database, we comprehensively screened potential prognostic GRgenes and analyzed their expression and mutation profiles in PCa. Through consensus clustering analysis, the study cohort was classified to investigate the effect of glycosylation patterns on the prognosis of PCa. Next, we developed a glycosylation signature (i.e., the glycosylation score [Gly_score]) using the differentially expressed genes between glycosylation pattern groups and evaluated its role in predicting the progression and immunotherapeutic response of PCa.

Results

We identified two distinct glycosylation patterns in PCa and found that GRgene expression patterns rather than mutations are associated with the prognosis of PCa. The high Gly_score group had significantly shorter progression‐free survival, lower PD‐L1 levels, less infiltration of immune cells and lower immunophenoscores than the low Gly_score group. When the patients were grouped according to both the Gly_score and PD‐L1 level, patients with a combination of low Gly_score and low PD‐L1 expression had the best survival outcomes.

Conclusions

In the present study, for the first time, we developed a glycosylation signature and demonstrated that the proposed glycosylation signature is a promising tool for predicting the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of PCa.
Epidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 2 in the Middle East and North Africa: Systematic review, meta‐analyses, and meta‐regressions
Authors: Harfouche Manale , Alareeki Asalah , Osman Aisha M. M. , Alaama Ahmed S. , Hermez Joumana G. , Abu‐Raddad Laith J.
Published: February 2023

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection is a prevalent, sexually transmitted infection with poorly characterized prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study characterized HSV‐2 epidemiology in MENA. HSV‐2 reports were systematically reviewed as guided by the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook and findings were reported following PRISMA guidelines. Random‐effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions were performed to estimate pooled mean outcome measures and to assess predictors of HSV‐2 antibody prevalence (seroprevalence), trends in seroprevalence, and between‐study heterogeneity. In total, sixty‐one overall (133 stratified) HSV‐2 seroprevalence measures and two overall (four stratified) proportion measures of HSV‐2 detection in laboratory‐confirmed genital herpes were extracted from 37 relevant publications. Pooled mean seroprevalence was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6%–6.8%) among general populations, 13.3% (95% CI: 8.6%–18.7%) among intermediate‐risk populations, 20.6% (95% CI: 5.3%–42.3%) among female sex workers, and 18.3% (95% CI: 3.9%–39.4%) among male sex workers. Compared to Fertile Crescent countries, seroprevalence was 3.39‐fold (95% CI: 1.86–6.20) and 3.90‐fold (95% CI: 1.78–8.57) higher in Maghreb and Horn of Africa countries, respectively. Compared to studies published before 2010, seroprevalence was 1.73‐fold (95% CI: 1.00–2.99) higher in studies published after 2015. Pooled mean proportion of HSV‐2 detection in genital herpes was 73.8% (95% CI: 42.2%–95.9%). In conclusion, MENA has a lower HSV‐2 seroprevalence than other world regions. Yet, 1 in 20 adults is chronically infected, despite conservative prevailing sexual norms. Seroprevalence may also be increasing, unlike other world regions. Findings support the need for expansion of surveillance and monitoring of HSV‐2 infection in MENA.
Frequency evaluation and molecular characterization of HHV‐6 and HHV‐7 among children under 5 years with fever and skin rash
Authors: Keshavarz Mohsen , Ghasemi Somayeh , Arjeini Yaser , Namdari Haideh , Maleki Hassan , Mousavi Neda , Mokhtari‐Azad Talat , Rezaei Farhad
Published: February 2023

Skin rash is one of the most common complications during childhood. Viral agents play an essential role in the development of such symptoms. Present study aims to determine the prevalence and genetic variability of Human Herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV‐6 and HHV‐7) infections and their subtypes in children under 5 years of age with skin rash and negative for rubella and measles. We used serum and throat swap samples from 196 children with skin rash and fever. ELISA and IFA tests were performed to detect antibodies against HHV6/7. Sequencing was performed using Sanger sequencing, and BioEdit and MEGA10 software were used for sequence analysis. According to the results, 66% and 40% of cases were positive for HHV‐6 IgM and HHV‐7 IgM, respectively. According to the molecular analysis, HHV‐6 Nested‐PCR was positive in 18% of cases, however, HHV‐7 Nested‐PCR was positive in 7.7% of cases. On the other hand, HHV‐6 IgG and HHV‐7 IgG were positive in 91% and 55% of study cases, respectively. For HHV‐6, we found some genetic variabilities resulting in antigenic changes compared to reference strains. HHV‐7 isolates showed no genetic differentiation and had a stable gene sequence. Based on the results, the detection of some cases of HHV6/7 primary infection and the presence of specific symptoms of roseola in the study population needs continuous evaluation of HHV6/7 frequency and distribution, also genetic variabilities of HHV6. This can pave the way for investigating HHV6 immune evasion and vaccine research and studying the relationship between viral genetic variations and other factors like disease severity. Furthermore, it is necessary to determine the relation between HHV6 genetic changes and latent infection to be considered in possible future vaccines and antiviral drug development.
Evolutionary game equilibrium in the downstream carbon market: Evidence from the household size in China
Authors: Qi Xiaoyuan , Han Ying , Jin Baoling
Published: February 2023

Carbon trading downstream, as a key strategy for decreasing carbon emissions, has the potential to hasten the entire society's decarbonization. Taking the government, household, and carbon trading management center as stakeholders, this paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model, examines and stimulates evolutionary stability strategies, and then proposes some policy implications. Findings show that the downstream carbon market faces a complex evolutionary process. The promotion of the policy can be split into two periods: policy promotion and policy stability implementation. And proper household size management is a crucial and effective strategy to encourage downstream carbon trading programs and emission reduction.
Well‐posedness and exponential decay for the Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with time‐dependent memory kernel
Authors: Tu Zhiyu , Liu Wenjun
Published: February 2023

We are interested in the well‐posedness and exponential decay of Moore–Gibson–Thompson equation with memory

Here, the main feature is that the memory kernel
depends on time. By using the linear semigroup theory, we prove that the above system is global well‐posedness. In addition, the exponential decay of the related energy is shown to occur, provided that the memory kernel is controlled by a negative exponential.
Health‐related experiences of adults with chronic cough: Empirical research mixed methods
Authors: Weiner Michael , Weaver Jessica , Gowan Tayler , Baird Sean A. , Huffman Monica , Dexter Paul , Bali Vishal , Schelfhout Jonathan , Griffith Ashley , Pell Jacob , Doshi Ishita , Talib Tasneem
Published: February 2023

Aim

To describe adults' health‐related experiences with chronic cough.

Design

Survey and interviews.

Methods

Participants completed questionnaires and interviews, to explore chronic cough's impact and management.

Data Sources

Patients aged 18–85 years with at least three cough‐related encounters within 56–120 days.

Results

Forty‐one patients were surveyed. Mean cough severity was 4.5 (scale 0–9). Chronic cough‐related problems included embarrassment (66%), fatigue (56%), and anxiety or depression (49%). Testing was judged insufficient by 44%. Only 28% were satisfied with treatment; 20% reported abandoning treatment due to ineffectiveness. Interview themes (N = 30) included frustration with diagnostic uncertainty, and feelings of therapeutic futility. Some reported psychological distress. Work and socializing were commonly disrupted.

Conclusion

Diagnostic uncertainty, perceived limitations of testing, and treatment failures suggest needs for better approaches to evaluating and treating chronic cough. Special attention to identifying and addressing mental health issues appears warranted.